iStock/Thinkstock(BRUSSELS) -- Forty-one passengers were removed from a Brussels Airlines flight before it took off from Brussels on Saturday, because the passengers were being "unruly" and "aggressive" toward members of the crew, a spokeswoman for the airline told ABC News. The flight took off without the passengers, at least some of whom "had been drinking," en route to Alicante, Spain, according to Kim Daenen, a Brussels Airlines spokeswoman. "During taxiing, there were a few passengers who were being unruly and also aggressive toward our crew," Daenen said. All of the passengers were part of the same group, which had all been booked together on the flight, SN3771, she said. "The captain asked for them to stay calm," but they didn't listen, she said. So before taking off, she said, "the captain decided to go back to the gate. ... We had to think of the comfort of the other passengers." She would not give any more details about the passengers, such as what type of group they were or what nationality they were. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 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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 Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email sunnews@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Krisher-McKay Realtors dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves for the 10th annual West Chambers County Chamber of Commerce Diva Night held at the Tower Club at Royal Purple Raceway on Thursday. Inmate stabs inmate According to reports at around 4.32 am Anthony Joseph, 26, was reportedly attacked in his cell by another inmate following a heated argument. It is alleged that the killer used an improvised sharpened weapon and violently stabbed Joseph several times. Other inmates alerted prison guards who rushed to the cell and alerted the prisons doctor where Joseph was found to have suffered severe blood loss. He was taken to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope where he was pronounced dead in arrival. The suspect was then detained by prison guards and was expected to be handed over to Arouca police yesterday. A team of Homicide Officers from the Region 2 Homicide Bureau visited the prison and statements are to be recorded from several eye witnesses. President of the Prison Officers Association (POA), Ceron Richards, told Sunday Newsday yesterday in a telephone interview that he could not confirm the incident but he would not surprised. It is not uncommon to see stabbings in the prison. It is overcrowded and congested. It is not uncommon to see inmates perpetrate violence against each other, he said. Richards pointed out that these incidents happen especially at Remand and the institution is a hot bed for such attacks Something has to be done, he stressed. He said Remand at Golden Grove has been in dire need of attention and now that the oil dollar has dropped it spells volumes for its attention in the future. He pointed out that when the oil dollar was high the State did not use part of the money to fix Remand or build a new purpose-built facility which is what the POA has been asking for. Richards said the necessary resources have not been put into Remand and predicted that without this these types of incidents will continue to happen. Remand is a hot bed, a volcano waiting to erupt, he cautioned. Attempts to contact Commissioner of Prisons Sterling Stewart yesterday were unsuccessful. 4th drive-by victim dies According to reports Roger Plaza, who is in his early 30s, died in the early hours of yesterday morning at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) after he was shot on November 5 in a drive-by shooting. Roger Plaza, his father Frank Joseph, brother Kevin Plaza, 20, and friend Ricardo Singh, 38, were at John Lane, DAbadie around 3.30 pm, when the driver of an unregistered, gray wagon drove into the street and pulled up alongside the group. Police said two men armed with automatic weapons exited the vehicle and opened fire on the group. The men, police said, tried to run away but were pursued by the gunmen. Neighbours reported hearing as many as 50 gunshots. Joseph, Kevin Plaza and Singh were all killed while Roger Plaza was taken to the EW MSC in a critical condition Jamaican arrested in Tobago The Immigration Department was contacted concerning an illegal immigrant, a 38-year-old labourer of Westmorland, Jamaica who resides at Old Road, Lambeau who was arrested. Among those also arrested were a 53-year-old handyman of Providence Road, Scarborough. His arrest was related to a recent report of larceny of a dwelling house in the Scarborough area. A 25-year-old labourer of Crapaud Village, Speyside was arrested based on an outstanding warrant for malicious wounding and dangerous driving in the Roxborough district. A 29-year-old labourer of La Horquetta, Arima in Trinidad currently residing at King Street, Delaford, was arrested in relation to a recent report of robbery with aggravation which occurred in Crown Point. The exercise was coordinated by Snr Supt Joanne Archie and was led by Sgt Piggot with a party of officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. The police also executed a dangerous drug search warrant at a home located on Golden Grove Road, Canaan but found nothing mentioned on the warrant. Based on information, police went to Store Bay Beach Facility where they found in a beach hut four small packets of marijuana weighing 3.5 kilogrammes. No one was arrested. Meanwhile, in a similar anti- crime exercise, last Friday, a raid and road block took place in Crown Point. It was coordinated by Snr Supt Archie and headed by Ag Inspector Noreiga along with officers from the Crown Point CID and Crown Point Police Station. During this exercise, 13 stop and search forms were completed, six fixed penalty notices were issued; two for failing to wear seatbelts, one for defective tyres, one for defective ID plates, one for defective fittings and one for driving with no horn. 4 nabbed after Debe robbery Their escape was shortlived as police intercepted the getaway car in Chaguanas and recovered all of the stolen items. Police also seized a Pietro Beretta pistol fitted with a magazine containing seven live rounds of .40 calibre ammunition which they believe was used during the robbery. The driver of the silver Nissan B 15 car, identified as a 52-year-old man of Lower Hillside, San Fernando, and his younger accomplices, aged 34, 22 and 20, all of Picton Road, Laventille were detained and are expected to be charged. Ten cartoons of cigarettes and six cell phones which were also recovered. According to a police report, at about 2.10 pm on Friday, Lystra Persad was in her supermarket at Ramai Trace, Debe when two men, one with a firearm, entered and announced a hold-up. They fled in the waiting vehicle. Sgt Mohammed along with PCs Khan, Rajnath of the Chaguanas CID responded to a report. Twenty minutes later the vehicle was spotted by officers of the Highway Patrol Division proceeding north along the Solomon Hochoy Highway and was intercepted in the vicinity of the Chase Village Flyover. The vehicle was searched and the loaded weapon and stolen items retrieved. Once charged, the men will appear before a magistrate in the Chaguanas Court tomorrow. PNM UNDER FIRE With just over one week to go before the hotly-contested poll, the ruling party yesterday revealed a candidate has become a target of vile threats, while an activist got shot moments before the start of a political meeting in Chaguanas on Friday night. Even smaller parties seem to be feeling the pressures of an increasingly divisive electoral race with the Movement for Justice claiming their posters have been vandalised. During a hastily-arranged news conference, yesterday, at Balisier House, Port-of-Spain, PNM public relations officer Stuart Young disclosed newcomer Roald Ramkissoon, the partys candidate for the electoral district of St James West, in the Port-of-Spain City Corporation, had received two very, very unfortunate anonymous threats in his mailbox within the past few days. These threats are crafted in the most vile and awful type language, really nasty language, he told reporters, declaring the party condemned the action in the strongest possible terms. Saying the matter has since been reported to the St James Police Station, Young urged the national community to join the PNM in full condemnation of this type of language and behaviour. Young, who is also the Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, said the letters inferred serious harm to Ramkissoons family and also made highly disparaging remarks about other party members. Young issued a stern warning to the perpetrator. Whoever is behind the incidents we call upon you to immediately cease and desist because this is really unacceptable behaviour in a Trinidadian, multifaceted, multicultural, multi-racial society, he said. Young added that the letters promoted racism which has no place whatsoever in T&T and the PNM does not ever encourage any type of exclusionary behaviour... The PNM PRO said the party had offered 137 candidates for the election, 90 of whom are newcomers. The minister said the party had managed to attract many young professionals, who have expressed an interest in service and public life. In a separate incident, which also is engaging the attention of police, Young updated reporters on the status of the investigation into a matter involving a PNM supporter, Rooplal Rampersad, 37, of Chin Chin Road, Cunupia, who was shot at during a motorcade in Chaguanas on Friday night. There was an episode taking place in the Chaguanas area yesterday, just minutes before 7 pm within a motorcade in Chaguanas leading into a public meeting for the Peoples National Movement where one of the drivers of a music truck was struck with a projectile and when there was further investigation it seems as though he was struck with a pellet from an air gun, he said. So, it was not a high-powered firearm or any other type of firearm but rather an air rifle was used. Again, Young regarded the issue as unacceptable. We have always run a very, very peaceful campaigns, he said, adding he hoped the incident was an isolated one that goes no further and does not gather any ground over the next week as we go to a Local Government Election, he said. The minister reported that the driver of the vehicle was in good condition. He went to the health facility and was looked at and was given the all-clear, he said. A police report indicates Rampersad, who officers said is a farmer (and gave his address as Soogrim Trace), was atop a truck when he was sruck in his arm by a bullet at around 6.50 pm. The truck was proceeding along Southern Main Road when Rampersad, felt a burning sensation on his left lower arm. He was taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility where he received medical attention. WPC Lalbeharry is continuing inquiries into the matter. On reports that Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal urged supporters, during a meeting in Rio Claro on Thursday night, to throw roti at PNM leader and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, in the wake of his allegation that the former Peoples Partnership administration had spent some $340,000 on roti for a Divali function at the Diplomatic Centre in October 2014, Young said: I stand here today with the whole community, I am sure behind me, condemning that type of behaviour and I would hope those in his party because there are a lot of sensible people in his party, would put aside party politics and call upon Dr Moonilal to retract that statement. That is a vile statement that is an inciting of violence and that is something that is to be condemned at the highest level, he added And also surfacing yesterday is a report of vandalism from the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), which is calling for an end to the defacing of their banners in Point Fortin. Speaking during a walkabout in Point Fortin, MSJ political leader, David Abdulah, said, No amount of intimidation, no amount of efforts to try to get us off the scene will succeed. He further said people are tired of champagne and roti politics, long time politics, misleading politics. The MSJ is contesting seats in the Point Fortin and the Arima regional corporations in next weeks local poll. Linx fees too high Customers using Linx honestly feel they can come in and purchase anything for $1.20, but most places do not because whenever you swipe your Linx card, the bank charges the merchant 75 cents for every Linx transaction. We could sell a pencil for $1.50 of which we make a 25-30 cents on a pencil, are you going to take a Linx that would cost you 75 cents? Its a no win situation, Jadoo told Sunday Newsday last Friday. Jadoo said customers would come in to purchase a $10 telephone card using Linx, however, his profit was jus 25 cents, a profit of 2.5 per cent. It is unfair and unjust. The banks can say anything that they so desire because they are still making their 75 cents. You can lose how much, that does not concern them. When I go to the United States and use my credit card, I have to pay the bank charges, why dont we reverse the same thing here? Instead of the merchant who has to pay so much money, why does not the customer pay the charge of 75 cents. You use your card, you pay, Why must I pay when you use your card? Jadoo asked. He predicted that soon many merchants would start returning their Linx machines. The banks are seeking their interest. They dont care if you lose and I find that is very unfair and unjust. That is why gas stations do not want to accept Linx because the banks are looking to make a profit and to hell with everybody else, Jadoo said.. A lot of people have gotten rid of Linx because of the cost factor. Let the customer pay for the service charge, same as the bank. They want to pay you half of a per cent interest in the bank, and they are charging you nine and a half per cent, tell me where the equity is in that, he added. A bank source said Linx fees would depend on the type of merchant and the bank. The fee would vary from the type of merchant and their business and the risk associated with that business. It is a convenience for consumers but what you dont see is what is connecting that terminal to everything. There are servers, wires, transmission. What the consumer and the merchant is not seeing is the infrastructure that transmits that signal to be processed, the source said. The source noted that it was illegal for merchants to demand that customers pay for purchases that were over $20 with their Linx. That is not part of the agreement, there is no minimum for Linx. You can buy something for a dollar and use Linx. However, you cant force a merchant to sell you his goods, the source said. President of the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT), Anya M Schnoor, said in most developed and developing countries there was a push to reduce the use of cash which was costly to move, store and comes with security concerns. She said the LINX network has existed in TT for a number of years and provided a safe and secure and channel for clients and merchants to make and receive payments. The cost to build and maintain this system and to ensure it remains up to date with all the necessary fraud and other technology enhancements comes with a cost and as such the cost of 75c per transaction we believe is more than reasonable. The system performs the same functions regardless of the size of the transaction, Schnoor said in an email message. In terms of individual business owners making decisions regarding limits on LINX transactions, this is not a legal issue as far as I am aware. BATT would however encourage the continued use of the LINX platform as we continue our drive to digitize and improve the service we provide to all our customers, Schnoor said. El Do East, Bon Air Primary win science competition The Trinidad schools won for their application of scientific knowledge and technological solutions to improve the conditions of their schools and community in the Improving Innovation Capacities in the Caribbean (INVOCAB) competition. INVOCAB is a three-year project of the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Scientific Research Council in Jamaica, and is funded by the European Union. Sixteen primary and secondary schools in TT and Jamaica participated in the initiative. El Dorado East Secondary and Bon Air Government Primary schools were awarded first place last Friday in a ceremony at the Teaching and Learning Complex, UWI, St Augustine. Four primary schools and four secondary schools benefited from the project. Among primary schools, Malabar Government Primary took the prize for Most Creative Project; while St Dominic Savio RC was awarded Most Enthusiastic School; with the Gladiator Award going to Santa Rosa Government Primary; and Best Group Hospitality going to Bon Air Government Primary. In the main awards, Bon Air Government Primary won for their presentation, Energy Rescue. Second place went to Santa Rosa Government Primary with their project Grow My School. Malabar Government Primary placed third with their project Mango Time. Among secondary schools, San Juan North Secondary received the prize for Most Creative Project; while St Augustine Secondary was awarded Most Enthusiastic School; with the Gladiator Award going to St Josephs College; and Best Group Hospitality going to El Dorado East Secondary. In the main awards category, El Dorado East Secondary took first place with with St Augustine Secondary placing and San Juan North Secondary taking third place. Scrap dealer killed in blast in Manipur Manipur,National,Terrorism,Crime/Disaster/Accident, Sun, 20 Nov 2016 IANS Imphal, Nov 20 (IANS) A scrap dealer from Bihar was killed on Sunday as a bomb planted in athe middle of a road in Imphal city area exploded, the state police said. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. Bimal Rai was fatally hit when the powerful remote-controlled bomb exploded around 8 a.m. at Singjamei. "A powerful bomb is suspected to have been planted in the middle of the Trans-Asian Highway number 1 early morning. It was detonated by a remote control. The scrap dealer was sitting in his shop nearby when the blast occurred," a police official at the spot said. The state police are investigating the blast and have registered a case. --IANS il/tsb/vt Vijayan reshuffles cabinet, inducts Moni Kerala,National,Politics,Business/Economy, Sun, 20 Nov 2016 IANS Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 20 (IANS) In a surprise move, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who completes six months in office next week, on Sunday inducted trade union leader M.M. Moni into the cabinet as the Electricity Minister. The swearing in of Moni is expected to take place very soon. A first time legislator and a state Secretariat member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, Moni told the media that he was happy to have been given more responsibilities and would do his best. Ever since the resignation of Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan, the number two in the Vijayan cabinet, after he allegedly appointed relatives in the government, the portfolio was handled by Vijayan. The fresh decision came at the end of three days of party meetings of the CPI-M. The portfolios of two other ministers were also shifted. Kadanapally Surendran, who was the Electricity Minister, will now get the Cooperation and Youth Affairs portfolio, which was held by A.C. Moideen, who becomes the new Industries Minister. --IANS sg/mr Forex sales plummeted over 50% due to demonetisation: Money changers West Bengal,National,Business/Economy, Sun, 20 Nov 2016 IANS Kolkata, Nov 20 (IANS) Demonetisation of high-value notes has led to an over 50 per cent downslide in the average overall forex sales following a sharp crunch of foreign currencies in the market, money changers said. Across cities, stores and offices of money changers have remained shut over the past few days as they have a "dearth of cash funds to buy foreign currencies" and "not enough cash to pay buyers of Indian currencies". People wishing to travel abroad are at their wits' end over buying foreign currencies. In fact, money changers, who have become "risk averse" to a large extent in volatile market conditions, are trading conservatively. As one dealer explained, "on an average 60-65 percent of the total transactions are cash driven" and in some cases, cash transactions could be "about 75-80 percent". According to the money changers, major forex dealers have almost completely halted bulk deals between them and other dealers. "We conducted a survey of about 15 money changers to gauge the market sentiment. We found overall sales of foreign exchange have reduced by 50-75 percent on an average," Abdul Hadi Shaikh, CEO of Fxkart.com, an online aggregator of authorised foreign exchange dealers, told IANS. "Full-fledged money changers (FFMCs), who are relatively small forex license holders, are not buying foreign currencies from larger license holders like authorised dealers category II (AD IIs). Confirmed requests for foreign exchange from travel agents are getting abruptly cancelled," he added. Money changers are now hard put to run their daily operations with the cap in weekly withdrawals from banks, though the government has now increased the limit from Rs 20,000 to Rs 24,000. "Purchase of foreign currencies has been completely stopped and as a result, there is a crunch in supply of foreign currencies. The supply (of foreign currencies) has slumped by more than 30 percent. It is becoming a huge problem affecting travel plans of international passengers. "We don't have adequate cash to buy foreign currencies. Since cash withdrawal is limited to Rs 24, 000 a week, we are not able to cater to buyers of Indian currencies as well as sellers of rupees. For business of money changing, cash is an important component," Bhaskar Rao, Executive Director of Bangalore-based Orient Exchange, told IANS. "Walk-in retail foreign exchange transactions happening now are purely need-based and transactions are of bare minimum volume. Corporate demand is also negligible. Only urgent and must-to-travel-deals are coming through," Harendra Chaudhuri, head of Delhi- based Zenith Forex, told IANS. He echoed Rao, saying money changers were unable to procure foreign currencies from banks due to either the rush at the banks or because they are not in a position to buy from forex markets due to the shortage of cash. There have not been any changes in the RBI guidelines with respect to the buying and selling of forex against rupees in cash. According to the guidelines, foreign exchange for travel abroad can be purchased from an authorised person against rupee payment in cash below Rs.50,000. However, if the sale of foreign exchange is for an amount equivalent to Rs 50,000 and above, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/banker's cheque or pay order or, demand draft or debit card or credit card or prepaid card only. Beside the cash shortfall, exchange rates are on the upside. Before the demonetisation, the rate was about Rs 66-67 to a dollar. Now people need to pay over Rs 70 for a dollar. "Rates of foreign currency notes are on a very higher side. In some markets, the US dollar is selling at a premium of 3-5 percent over the inter-bank benchmark rates (IBR)," Shaikh said. Because of certain volatility, money changers have been reluctant to trade in the market to avert risk of revenue loss and so are keeping their stores closed. The RBI is also getting stricter about exchanges against physical rupee currency. "The RBI and enforcement agencies are keeping a strict vigil on us to thwart any attempts by people to exchange demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes against dollars and take the money out of the country. Enforcement agencies keep a strict watch. "With the crackdown against black money, the RBI has become strict in terms of how the currencies are being exchanged and is seeking daily reports," Shaikh said. Moreover, foreign exchange dealers do not enjoy any exemption for accepting the demonetisied notes. Thus roadside shops that used to have cash business are the worst sufferers, Chaudhuri said. "The plight of relatives of persons who are working abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries, is pathetic. Workers used to make remittances through the money transfer scheme. Now, we are not able to pay cash to relatives of those who work abroad. This segment is hard hit," Rao added. (Bappaditya Chatterjee can be contacted at bappaditya.c@ians.in) --IANS bdc/ssp/vm/sac When will children become a political priority, asks Kailash Satyarthi (IANS Interview) (Nov 20 is Delhi,National,Features,Human Interest/Society, Sun, 20 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) Notwithstanding the suffering of the common people, Kailash Satyarthi supports the governments demonetisation move as it will help curb trafficking, but the Nobel laureate and child-rights crusader asserts that unless and until children become a political priority, India will continue to be dogged by the evils of child labour and child trafficking. And endeavouring to ignite a social movement are his two initiatives: "Laureates & Leaders for Children" and "100 Million for 100 Million". The Laureates & Leaders for Children summit, to be held in December at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, has attracted over a dozen Nobel laureates and global leaders, including the Dalai Lama, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee , Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who will raise their collective voices against violence and discrimination against children. They will brainstorm and commit to action in their respective fields to accelerate progress and achieve breakthroughs to benefit children, by signing a declaration. The summit will also witness the launching of the "100 million for 100 million" campaign, which aims to mobilize, over the next five years, 100 million youth and children for 100 million underprivileged children across the world to end child labour, child slavery and violence against children and promote the right of every child to be safe, free and educated. Having been at the forefront of the global movement to end child slavery for four decades now, Satyarthi is also aghast at the "paltry" government spending on children, who make up more than 40 per cent of India's population. "We don't have progressive laws on child labour; our government spends a paltry four percent of its budget on children and we have a massive prevalence of child trafficking. All this will not change unless and until children become our political priority." "Trafficking is a thriving trade running into several lakh crores of rupees, a majority of which is black money. Yes, the demonetisation drive is causing sufferings to the people, but at the same time it has hurt the traffickers badly," Satyarthi told IANS in an interview. "But the fact remains that children are not our political or even social priority. So it is not surprising that we have one of the highest numbers of malnourished children, child labour and trafficking," he says. Pointing to the fact that child labour immensely contributes towards black money, Satyarthi blamed the latest law dealing with child labour for actually promoting the evil. "A child labourer is paid nearly one-fifth of what an adult gets and this allows an employer to save around Rs 200 on every child that he employs. While in their books they show they have hired adults, but in reality they employ children and in this way a lot of black money is generated." "You cannot have a law that permits child labour," he said, referring to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which has cut down the list of hazardous occupations for children from 83 to include just mining, explosives and what is mentioned in the Factories Act." "We are fighting against this new law. It is imperative that the list of hazardous occupations is increased from the current three that it has now proscribed," said Satyrathi, asserting the several rounds of talks with the government have been fruitful and he was confident of the list being amended. He also lamented the lack of coordination and cooperation between various government departments. "There are a host of ministries involved but they hardly sit together and coordinate which eventually trickles down to the local level. The different departments are so fragmented that often the cause that they are fighting for gets lost." "In case of a rescue of a girl, say from trafficking, we have to deal with as many as nine different departments, including the Home Ministry, the Child Welfare Department, the Labour Ministry and the like. The lack of coordination between them often makes our job difficult," he said. The way forward, he says, depends only on a massive social movement. "We need to have a massive social movement, only then you can generate the political will necessary to improve the life of our children," Satyarthi concluded. (Anurag Dey can be contacted at anurag.d@ians.in) --IANS and/vm/ky/sac Two police officers killed in explosion Somalia,Terrorism, Mon, 21 Nov 2016 IANS Mogadishu, Nov 21 (IANS) At least two police officers were killed and two others injured in a bomb explosion at a checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday. Government spokesman Abdifitah Omar Halane said the incident was caused by an explosive device planted near the checkpoint manned by traffic police officers, Xinhua news agency reported. "We think the blast was a landmine which terrorists planted near the checkpoint mid last night," Halane said, adding that an investigation is underway. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack, but militants from Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab frequently carry out attacks on government and civilian targets in the country. Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia are conducting security operations in Benadir region, where Mogadishu is located, ahead of presidential election slated for November 30. --IANS sku/ It's been quite a year. And I make no predictions about the one to come. I do know that it will -- at least where we are -- start ou... Ethiopias Prime Minister Haile Mariam Dessalegn has voiced support for Moroccos return to the African Union as of the next summit of the pan-African organization. Ethiopias support for Moroccos return to the African institutional family was articulated in a joint statement issued following King Mohammed VIs landmark visit to Ethiopia, the first since his accession to the Throne. Haile Mariam Dessalegn has expressed the full commitment of Ethiopia to achieving the values and principles of the African Union. In this regards, Ethiopia expressed its support for Moroccos decision to return to the African Union as of the next summit, the joint statement wrapping up King Mohammed VI visit to Addis Ababa said. The statement adds that the Ethiopian Prime Minister has commended Moroccos contribution to stability and development in Africa and hailed Mohammed VIs vision aiming at strengthening south-south cooperation in the continent through actions that scale up prosperity in Africa. The same source says that the visit was an opportunity to exchange views on a set of regional and international issues and stress the need for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. King Mohammed VI welcomed the opening of Ethiopias embassy in Rabat and thanked the Ethiopian leadership and people for the warm welcome. The King also extended an invitation to the Ethiopian Prime Minister to visit Morocco. Several agreements were sealed during the Kings visit. They include agreements on protecting investments, an agreement to avoid double taxation and tax evasion in addition to other accords in the fields of economy, science, technology and culture along with agreements providing for cooperation on air transport, water, irrigation and tourism. The landmark agreement during the visit was the deal to set up a giant fertilizer plant worth $3.7 bln as part of a joint Moroccan-Ethiopian venture. The deal shows the shared South-South cooperation vision by the two parties according to which Africas natural resources should be geared towards African development and shared prosperity, says the joint statement. After a fruitful visit to Ethiopia, King Mohammed VI arrived in Madagascar, the land where his grandfather, late King Mohammed V, was exiled by the French protectorate in the early fifties of the past century. The visit is part of Moroccos Africa foreign policy which aims at establishing a south-south cooperation model underpinned by solidarity and co-development. In Madagascars capital Antananarivo, the second leg of an African tour that will also take the King to Nigeria, the King was received by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who had attended the just concluded UN climate summit in Marrakech COP22. The Monarch is accompanied by a high level delegation, including senior Royal Advisors, Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar, Islamic Affairs and Endowment Minister Ahmed Toufiq, Economy and Finance Minister Mohammed Boussaid and Agriculture and fisheries Minister Aziz Akhannouch, among others. During his stay in Madagascar, the King will visit the city of Antsirabe where his late grandfather and the Royal family where exiled by French authorities in 1954. The King will also lay the foundations of a hospital as well as a vocational training centre that can accommodate thousand beneficiaries, the Malagashy presidency said in a statement. During the visit, King Mohammed VI, along with 34 other Heads of state, will attend the 16th summit of the Francophonie which will take place on November 22-27 in Antananarivo. The visit will add fresh impetus to Moroccos legitimate right to regain its natural place in Africas institutional family, the African Union. Canberra will soon have an embassy in Rabat in order to strengthen ties with the Kingdom, said Julie Bishop Australias Foreign Minister in Marrakech. Bishop made the announcement during a press briefing following talks with her Moroccan peer Salaheddine Mezouar, on the side lines of COP22. We hope that the opening of the embassy will usher a new era of Australian-Moroccan cooperation, she said, adding that her country is looking forward to scaling up economic ties with Morocco notably in the field of renewable energies. An average number of 30,000 Australians annually visit Marrakech, she said noting that the opening of an Embassy in Morocco will beef up the number of Australian tourists visiting the Kingdom. The Australian Minister, who congratulated Morocco for COP22 success, deplored that her country will close its embassy in Algiers due to security reasons. Morocco opened its embassy in Canberra in 2005 in a move to strengthen economic and political ties between the two countries. Photo: Devendra Jain/Twitter An image of the meeting that was shared on social media. Last week, President-Elect Donald Trump took a break from his White House transition efforts to meet with three of his Indian business partners, raising yet more conflict-of-interest concerns regarding the relationship between the for-the-people Trump Administration and the for-profit Trump Organization. The Economic Times reports that Trump met Atul Chordia, Sagar Chordia, and Kalpesh Mehta at Trump Tower on Tuesday, after the trio flew to New York to congratulate Trump on his election victory. The three businessmen are building a Trump-branded apartment complex in western India, one of five luxury development projects underway in the country that have licensed the Trump name. According to the New York Times, Trump Organization spokesperson Breanna Butler says that it was not a formal business meeting, but Sagar Chordia told the paper that expanding Indias business dealings with the Trump family did in fact come up during the visit; neither Butler or Trump campaign spokesperson Hope Hicks would comment on whether official business was discussed. Either way, that the president-elect was meeting with business partners at all provides yet another example of the conflicts of interest made possible by Trump becoming president. The meeting calls into question whether or not President Trump will continue to be involved in Trump Organization business while occupying the White House, despite his assurances to the contrary. As former Senate Ethics Committee lawyer Robert L. Walker opined to the New York Times, [Trumps] role as president-elect should dictate that someone else handles business matters. An advertisement for one of the Trump-branded developments in India. Photo: Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images All told, the Trump-branded development projects in India have a gross value of about $1.5 billion, according to Mehta, who represents the Trump Organizations interests in the country. Three more Indian projects should launch next year, Mehta has told the Indian media; he has previously said he felt elation over the new business opportunities a Trump presidency would create. In addition, India is only one piece of the potentially entangled foreign puzzle since the president-elects company also has partnerships for Trump-branded properties in Canada, Turkey, Brazil, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, and the Philippines, where one of Trumps business partners was recently named the countrys envoy to Washington, D.C., for trade and investment. Also last week, the new Trump International Hotel in D.C. hosted around 100 foreign diplomats to encourage them to do business with the hotel, and at least one report indicates that the Trump family is thinking about using the hotel to host foreign dignitaries instead of the traditionally used Blair House, which is owned and run by the government. In addition, Ivanka Trump attended her fathers first meeting with another head of State, Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, at Trump Tower last week, which drew wide criticism, including from State Department officials. The Trump Organization has insisted that Trump will have no involvement in the day-to-day business of the company while president, and that the structure that is ultimately selected will comply with all applicable rules and regulations. Trump has vowed that he will pass the management of his business onto his adult children using a so-called blind trust. A true blind trust, however, would mean that the company would be managed by an independent third party. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not a Trump Organization restructuring has or will take place, Trump has already named his children to the executive committee of his transition team, further muddling any potential separation between business and politics. Photos of Trump with Real Estate Partners from India are disappearing from view. No worries. We grabbed them. https://t.co/VlcCyldC05 pic.twitter.com/nBdOHXkned Eric Lipton (@EricLiptonNYT) November 20, 2016 Trumps pick for White House Chief of Staff, Reince Priebus, was pressed by CNNs Jake Tapper on Sunday on the issue. After referring to the stories about the D.C. hotel and Trump Tower meetings, Tapper asked, Is it seriously the position of the Trump transition team that this is not a huge cauldron of potential conflicts of interest? Obviously we will comply with all of those laws and we will have our White House counsel review all of these things, Priebus responded. We will have every i dotted and every t crossed, and I can assure the American people that there wouldnt be any wrongdoing or any sort of undue influence over any decision-making. Tapper then asked Priebus if he was worried that the Trump Administration would face the same pay-to-play accusations that Priebus himself had made against a potential Clinton White House during the campaign. Weve been at this for a few days, said Priebus, I mean, this is ridiculous. Lets just kind of take a deep breath. Vice-President-Elect Mike Pence offered similar assurances to CBSs John Dickerson on Sundays Face the Nation, insisting that all laws will be strictly adhered to, and that hes very confident that the president-elect and his extraordinary talented family are going to work with the best legal minds in this country and create the proper separation from their business enterprise during his duties as president. Pence declined, however, to say whether or not the Trump Organization would disclose its foreign ties. But when considering the actual laws and regulations that the Trump Organization and transition team are vowing to adhere to, it remains unclear what legal consequences Trump could even face if he or his children continue to run the Trump Organization while he is president. According to the Congressional Research Service, there arent any legal requirements for a president to relinquish their assets or financial interests on account of a potential conflict of interest, and holding Trump accountable to the U.S. Constitutions Emoluments Clause, which bans the president from accepting foreign gifts, is no legal slam dunk either if its even enforceable. Thus, political controversy and negative media coverage may end up being the only real consequences, should the Trumps continue to conduct business from the White House. As the past year has illustrated, those pressures may not have much of an impact on Trump or his inner circles worldview. This post has been updated to include Mike Pences comments on the matter. Photo: Vitalii Gulay/Getty Images/iStockphoto Its nice to think of modern medicine, like modern war, as high-tech, almost impersonal. Our medications are engineered on a molecular level. Keyhole surgery, computerized imaging, and robotics promise magical, almost noninvasive modes of health maintenance. So why are doctors using leeches again? The medicinal leech has three jaws and a hundred teeth. With them it saws into the skin and injects anesthetics to avoid disturbing its meal, chemicals that dilate the blood vessels to get a better flow of the good stuff, and anticoagulants to stop the blood from clotting and impeding its feast. Then it starts to suck. A leech can take in up to ten times its own body weight in human blood. Nightmarish, right? The therapeutic use of leeches has a long history. It is recorded in ancient Indian and Greek handbooks of medicine. In medieval and early-modern European medicine, patients were bled for a wide variety of supposed imbalances to the bodily humors. Do you have a red skin from fever? Too much blood: leech. Acting flighty? Youre probably too sanguine, which means you have too much blood: leech. (For their remarkably regular recourse to bleeding, doctors themselves were often called leeches.) The 19th century saw a Europe-wide craze for leeching, following the theory of a Napoleonic doctor who held that all illness resulted from inflammation of the intestines: starvation and bleeding, he believed, would purge the body of the toxic effects. Leeches were considered the ideal treatment for everything from nymphomania to tuberculosis. The United States imported millions of leeches from Germany because American leeches were not as good at sucking blood. But eventually chemistry and biology prevailed, and by the beginning of the 20th century, leeches had been consigned to the disgusting history of unscientific medicine. Then, in 1985, a dog bit off the right ear of a 5-year-old boy from the Boston suburbs. The boys physician, a plastic surgeon named Joseph Upton, reattached the ear, but it began to turn black and die: blood could get into it but not out again, because of clotting in the veins. Blood-thinning agents didnt help, nor did lancing the ear. Luckily, however, Upton remembered an article he had once read about the therapeutic effects of leeches on congested tissue. Photo: AFP/AFP/Getty Images He contacted a company, Biopharm, that grew and sold leeches. (It had been set up only a couple of years earlier by zoologist Roy T. Sawyer, who had written a definitive three-volume study of the biology and behavior of leeches, and who suspected they were due a medical comeback because of all those interesting chemicals in their saliva.) Biopharm was in Wales, so 30 leeches were flown across the Atlantic to Boston. Joseph Upton attached two to the boys congested ear, and in minutes it began to recover its healthy color. After a couple of days the organ was fine, and Upton became the first doctor to have successfully reattached the ear of a child using microsurgery. Plus a couple of vampiric slugs. Uptons rediscovery had in fact been predated by others; remember, after all, that hed seen an article on the subject. Two plastic surgeons in Yugoslavia had announced the positive results of their experimentation with leeches to treat vein congestion in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery in 1960, though they concluded that other methods should be sought. In 1972 a French surgeon, Jacques Baudet, successfully used leeches to prevent postoperative blood clotting, and his techniques were imitated in France and the U.K. Baudets work was described in the New York Times in 1981, and Upton may have remembered this report, if not the earlier medical articles, four years later when faced with a childs ear turning black. In any case, the third time being lucky it was Uptons sensational success that made the headlines and ushered in the real leech renaissance. Leeches became widely used in the United States, and in 2004 the FDA approved leeches as a medical device, enabling new leech-farming companies from other countries to enter the market. Today leeches are frequently used in reattachment operations, skin grafts, and reconstructive plastic surgery, since they are so good at keeping the patients blood flowing in the damaged area, which helps the veins to knit together again. The active anticoagulant in leech saliva, a protein named hirudin, can be produced separately, and Biopharm has isolated and resynthesized many other active and useful compounds from the medicinal leech and other species including the terrifying giant Amazon leech, which is the length of your forearm and stabs its prey with a six-inch needle proboscis. But the humble old medicinal leech still has a winning combination of effects, plus it is cheap and automatically reproduces itself. Perhaps even more surprisingly, leeches also relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis when applied to the knees, because of anti-inflammatory and other compounds in their saliva that are still not fully understood. The use of leeches has fewer side effects than the standard treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and they are more effective in relieving pain and stiffness than the best topically applied medication. And so one traditional use of leeches, in Ayurvedic medicine and other systems to relieve pain and inflammation had it right all along. As it happened, Joseph Upton had previous experience in resurrecting disgusting medical practices from the past. He had served as an army doctor posted in Augusta, Georgia, during the Vietnam War, when many returning soldiers had badly infected wounds. Upton knew that Civil War doctors had used maggots they feed only on dead flesh and so are effective at debriding (cleaning out) unviable tissue from wounds. He took a chance and used maggots on his soldiers with great success, until the brass heard about it and threatened him with a court-martial. Years later, when Upton had his idea to save the boys ear, he remembered that experience and decided not to tell his superiors that he planned to use leeches. He just went ahead and did it. Sometimes, a rethinker has to break the rules. Excerpted from Steven Pooles Rethink: The Surprising History of New Ideas, out from Scribner November 15. shut. the. fuck. up Reply Thread Link BAR BADOS Reply Parent Thread Link Lmfao Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol he wasnt even there? haha Reply Thread Link Oh My god..... They just keep going. Reply Thread Link Idek ha and E street band or whatever. Tl;dr: fuck off Reply Thread Link Oh okay Reply Parent Thread Link I hope Bruce is ashamed to be associated with this guy Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Pence has literally said LGBTQ+ people are unemployable. Then he shows up at their JOB, and they're the rude ones? Nope. Reply Thread Link Can I have a source on this? As well as a source of him being pro gay conversion therapy? Reply Parent Thread Link http://www.dailydot.com/irl/mike-pence-homophobic-articles-indiana-policy-review/ http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/sex/news/a48305/mike-pence-anti-lgbt-articles/ http://www.out.com/news-opinion/2016/9/01/mike-pence-wrote-article-urging-employers-not-hire-gay-people And the article itself: Sure thing!And the article itself: http://www.pfaw.org/sites/default/files/images/4336_001.pdf?_ga=1.234380446.161301739.1469202878 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link fucking thank you pence has earned zero respect. zero. Reply Parent Thread Link basically. tired of this "but if we're mean to him we're being just as bad as him~" nonsense. Reply Parent Thread Link hope Bruce drops him like a hot potato Reply Thread Link He's the bandana guy. He won't. Reply Parent Thread Link No. Fuck this "tolerate my intolerance" bs. Sit down. Lol at "Lincoln was killed at the theater" tho. Reply Thread Link Yes, Ann! And John Legend needs to have a conversation with his friend Kanye. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't agree with Maher's sentiment that that there's too much political correctness, but he's right about middle, class white men and women. Even the college educated ones don't understand racism, sexism and privilege. When you try to explain those concepts two things happen 1) They get angry and call you elitist and out of touch 2) If they do kind of understand, they still don't get it because their feelings about the economy this election were more important than social issues that do not effect them. I grew up in one of the most conservative counties in Minnesota and I live in North Dakota. These people don't care about civil rights and minorities. They have a minority complex in our country that has increasingly become more globalized. I work in higher education and I'm afraid that there are many factions of America that no amount of education is going to help the Dems. :\ Reply Parent Thread Link lol right? it's like these assholes never took a grade 10 english class and learned about shakespeare and all his shade in his plays Reply Parent Thread Link it's so ridic seeing them up and down Twitter crying about pence being bullied in a hostile environment and then scroll down to see these same idiots calling ppl whiny libtards and telling them to go run to their safe spaces. like this comment thread https://twitter.com/geeksomniac/status/800185360181362688 and the ppl he's defending are the first ones to make fun of the concept of safe spaces to being with.it's so ridic seeing them up and down Twitter crying about pence being bullied in a hostile environment and then scroll down to see these same idiots calling ppl whiny libtards and telling them to go run to their safe spaces.like this comment thread Reply Parent Thread Link Dammit I accidentally replied to the troll instead of the other person, and the troll thought I was supporting him LOL. I had to delete my tweet. Is that your account? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link The theatre has never been a safe place of politeness. You summed up everything I wanted to say so succinctly! Reply Parent Thread Link MTE. Theater has been political since the fucking ancient Greeks were writing plays. ART IS A POLITICAL ACT. I'm blaming this failure to understand that on our shitty education system and current obsession over STEM fields. This is why us motherfuckers need the arts and humanities. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I did not know that! Thanks for the interesting and relevant info! Reply Parent Thread Link This reminds me when I went to go see Avenue Q, it was right after Obama was elected and they had the 'George Bush was only for now' and had to stop for forever as the audience cheered. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link mte, like what kind of revisionist goggles is this guy wearing lmao Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly! It's so terrifying to see how many theatre fans are acting as if the Hamilton cast was out of line for discussing politics in the theatre. If we can't even use this medium for political debate, what medium can we use? It's very alarming to see how many people want others to stop being politically engaged because it's 'impolite' or whatever. Reply Parent Thread Link I wish I could reblog this. Reply Parent Thread Link I get what you mean by saying that theatre is a form of political protest and I agree with that. I just want to know if it is actually customary for actors to single out politicians who attend specific stagings of their shows with a message that is specifically directed at them (as opposed to say a general critique directed to a politician, who may or may not be part of the show, that is already part of the play)? I know that such specific/directed comments happens in stand up comedy usually and I wonder how it squares off with scripted acts. Just being curious. Reply Parent Thread Link Daveed, go in !! Reply Thread Link Flawless gif use. Reply Parent Thread Link I love how Trump spent the last year pandering to people who don't believe in being PC and make fun of those who want safe spaces, then goes and whines on twitter about how a theater should be a safe space. Shut the fuck up you toupeed orangoutang Reply Thread Link http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Trump-Supporter-Shouts-Profanities-And-Interrupts-HAMILTON-In-Chicago-20161120 anyone see this? Reply Thread Link Clearly some people need to do some research before they go into the theater... Reply Parent Thread Expand Link LOL what kind of moron gets kicked out of something they spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I hope someone doesn't do this when I go see the play next week ugh Reply Parent Thread Link Jesus, does the idiot not understand that Hamilton was written years before the election? They're not mentioning immigrants as a response to Trump's win, ffs. Reply Parent Thread Link Does he think the show was written like last week in direct response to the election? What a fucking idiot. It must sting that the concepts are so relevant now and he just couldn't handle it. Reply Parent Thread Link They are such children, I swear, just like their president elect. Reply Parent Thread Link What a fucking moron Reply Parent Thread Link ugh, what a fuckhead Reply Parent Thread Link how edgy of him Reply Parent Thread Link Stevie is right. It wasn't appropriate on their part. Reply Thread Link Don't feed the troll sis. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Azelia Banks, is that you? Reply Parent Thread Link I can't be silent on this. I watched the video. The cast was respectful and honest. Quit whining, grow a spine, and suck it up, kid. https://t.co/1tkCrQNzpn Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) November 19, 2016 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link this idiot thinks human rights should be won not asked for... nah asshole it's called rights because it's a given not something that we need to fight for but of course straight, white useless man who never fought for anything, tell people who have actually had to fight for basic human rights how to feel and what to do Reply Thread Link I'm going to miss her on Scream Queens Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Best part of Scream Queens. Reply Parent Thread Link This week we had the questionable pleasure of reading about Saudi Arabias Oil Minister pointing a finger at President-elect Donald Trump for his threats to suspend Saudi crude oil imports as part of its ambition to make the country energy independent. Khalid Falihs words were rich in references to free trade and healthy international trade, but he might as well have spared his breath. The U.S., for the time being, is not in a position to suspend Saudi Arabian oil imports, and its all because of U.S. refineries. Most U.S. refineries need a mix of light and heavy crude to function properly. Shale oil is light. The heavy crude that has to be added to it to produce fuels and lubricants comes from Canada at a rate of 3.8 million bpd, Saudi Arabia at 1.14 million bpd, and a spattering of other countries at much lower daily rates. The peculiarity of refineries is that they cant operate at half their capacity, as geoscientist and petroleum engineer Tad Patzek noted back in 2014, when the price slide began. They need to operate at close to 100 percent constantly, save for two sessions of seasonal maintenance a year. In other words, refineries are constantly hungry for not just local light crude, but heavier blends as well, and these almost invariably come from abroad, be it Canada, Saudi Arabia, or Venezuela. From this perspective, complete energy independence is impossible: if imports from Saudi Arabia are suspended, the U.S. Gulf Coast refineries will need to bring in heavy crude from another source. As Reuters commentator John Kemp notes, it too will have to come from abroad, whether thats from Iraq, Iran, or. even Russia. Eliminating imports is also a tough sell because of the political influence wielded by Big Oil. Exxon, Chevron, and their same-size rivals on the U.S. market are all international companies, which in the refining context, means they can feed their American refineries with heavy crude from West Siberia, if theyd like. These major international oil companies would not look kindly on any import ban. Related: Saudis Announce OPEC Output Ceiling: 32.5 Million Bpd Further, as Kemp reminds us, both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are members of the World Trade Organization, both bound to uphold free trade. It was very likely that Falih was referring to this fact in his cautionary note to Donald Trump. On top of this, the crude that America imports from Saudi Arabia turns into fuels and other oil products that are then exported globally. It is ill-advised to trample your friends exports when they enable yours, albeit partially. The U.S., according to the EIA, consumes around 19.4 million barrels of crude daily, most of it in the form of oil products. Exports of crude are for now still restricted, but this may change in the next four years. One of Trumps closest advisers, Harold Hamm, spearheads the pro-export lobby. Thats a whole new conundrum for the President-elect: crude oil exports would certainly help shale boomers and other independents, but will deepen Americas reliance on imports, too, making the energy independence perspective more distant. By Irina Slav for Oilpice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: This past Sunday, an earthquake hit Oklahoma with a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale. Earthquakes of this magnitude have the potential to cause severe damage to their surroundings, such as schools and other buildings, some of which were closed on Monday following the event in order to make necessary safety assessments. Fortunately, the quake caused no damage to the oil pipelines near the city of Cushing, but some gas leaks have been observed. Oklahomas regulators required all of their oil and gas pipelines to shut down following the disruption. The Oklahoma oil is currently storing around 58,5 million barrels of oil. The hub is connected to nearly every corner of the United States, providing WTI crude to the energy market. If there are more serious earthquakes in the future, this could prove highly detrimental to the supply chain. Oklahoma experienced a similar earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 back in September of this year, leading to related actions taken. A pattern has begun in Oklahoma pertaining to earthquakes and will likely continue. This could cause long-term issues for oil majors in the region if disruptions are to reoccur this frequently. Earthquakes began occurring in Oklahoma in 2009, the same year fracking initiated in the state. The United States Geological Survey agency (USGS) believes these to be induced quakes caused by the continuous fracking. Dirty water used to excavate shale oil is pumped back deep into the earths crust to avoid more costly manners of disposal. The USGS believes several dozens of these water disposal wells have surely been the cause of these tremors. Regulators are moving to close the use of these wells, having shut down 37 wells within the vicinity following September thirds quake. Related: Oil Slides As U.S. Rig Count Surges Most In 16 Months For individuals living in this quake filled region of Oklahoma, they should look into insurance policies to financially protect themselves against home damages. The USGS states there have been over 500 induced earthquakes this year alone, all of which greater than a 3 on the Richter scale. Phillips 66 errs on the side of caution following several earthquakes this past year. They shut down and check their assets regularly to ensure safety. Over the weekend, their stock jumped $1.33 and climbed an additional $3 on Wednesday. Magellan Midstream Partners LP, Kinder Morgan Inc., and Enbridge Inc. all shut down operations as well. All of these companies have grown more than $1 per share aside from Magellan, which has been in a steady decline. Investors should be on the lookout for a pattern between these firms and the earthquakes throughout the state. Immediately following the earthquake, crude oil futures on the West Texas Instrument benchmark jumped $0.38. The earthquake shutting down the pipelines signals there could be less supply entering the market thus raising the price. Investors should always be aware of earthquakes and other natural disasters because of their notoriety for disrupting oil production and distribution. Speculators should pay close attention to the seismic activity in the Midwest and no crude oil futures will react. By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The surprise victory of Donald Trump in the November 8 U.S. presidential election is still being processed by news outlets and industry analysts worldwide. But while the outlook for oil and gas has widely been positiveTrump has repeatedly vowed to cut environmental regulations, open up federal land for drilling and sign off on pipeline projectsthe impact of his presidency on American natural gas, and the LNG industry in particular, is a little harder to gauge. While many Trump policy proposals remain vague and ill-defined, it seems certain that his administration will encourage increased U.S. natural gas production, both onshore and offshore. A key analyst for GlobalData has predicted Trump will open up new leases for shale and oil drilling in Alaska while also confirming the divisive KeyStone XL pipeline. It seems likely that Trump will confirm the North Dakota Access pipeline, currently held up by strong protests, thus kick-starting production in the Bakken. Trump holds personal investments in Energy Transfers Partners and Phillips 66, both sponsors of the project. This, together with the greater crude piped in from Alberta, will improve the supply side of crude oil. GlobalData pointed out, however, that the likely emphasis of Trumps policies on domestic, rather than international considerations could end up complicating the overall impact of these developments. His vow to carry out a trade war with China, as well as his calls for heavy tariffs on imported goods and for US energy independence, could limit US access to export markets and reduce the competitiveness of US energy products. Thats where things get complicated for LNG. Federal clearance is needed to approve additional LNG export terminals, and an expansion in American LNG export capacity would need at least some cooperation from the federal government. Charif Souki, former head of Cheniere Energy, spoke in Paris last week, saying that President Trumps protectionist policies wont get in the way of business. Soukis Tellurian Investments is planning a new LNG export plant in Louisiana, Driftwood LNG, with construction set to begin in 2018. The plan will have a capacity of 26 million metric tons per year. Related: Expert Commentary: Why OPEC Has To Make A Deal Happen As of October 2016, the U.S. government has confirmed a number of LNG import and export terminals, mostly in the Gulf of Mexico, while Canada has approved four of its own in British Columbia and Nova Scotia. Should all approved terminals be constructed, total North American LNG export capacity will increase dramatically. Other oil and gas experts believed the impact of Trumps policies may be minimal; they noted that rhetoric on the campaign trail wasnt always a great indicator of actual policy plans. Certainly Trumps confusion over what LNG is doesnt generate confidence. But if Trump is serious about putting America first and concentrates on domestic demand rather than exports, it could be an obstacle to those like Souki who see a future for the U.S. as a major energy exporter. Trumps aggressive stance regarding Mexico, a major partner in the American energy industry, could complicate U.S. natural gas exports south of the border. In 2016 U.S. natural gas imports to Mexico exceeded Mexican domestic production, and this trend will likely continue in years to come. Trumps vows to build a wall along the Mexican-American border, limit immigration and generally re-evaluate U.S. polices towards Mexico could seriously impede further natural gas exports. Related: Does A Link Remain Between Inflation And Oil Prices? Others are more confident. A recent contributor to the Houston Chronicle noted that LNG would benefit from the slowly emerging revolution in global natural gas prices, which are now more free-flowing and transparent than in the past, when spot prices would vary widely and profits rested on long-term contracts. As global prices fell, U.S. gas production ramped up and opportunities emerged in Europe, which has been dependent on Russian natural gas for years. Even with the increase in the global natural gas trade, LNG represents only about 10 percent of the market, and will likely rise to 15 percent by 2020. But that optimism could be misplaced. American LNG exports to Europe have yet to materialize, Russian gas remains competitive, and with Trumps apparently close relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin acting as a stop to any strategically-focused U.S. energy initiatives, the likelihood of U.S. export ambitions to Europe being realized seems remote. Moreover, heavy investment has created the possibility of an LNG supply glut for the foreseeable future. On Wednesday the EIA released a report indicating record high levels of natural gas inventories, a sign that supply is out-pacing demand. The IEA, meanwhile, predicts global natural gas demand to outstrip demand for other fossil fuels; while the Trump Administration will have an impact on U.S. energy policy, the IEA doesnt anticipate the change in U.S. government to alter major shifts in global energy use. Governments come and go around the worldWe will wait for real policies to be announced and put in place, said the IEA statement. LNG enthusiasts like Souki and major players like Cheniere, which has invested billions in LNG export terminals, will keep banking on growth in global natural gas demand to keep their businesses afloat. President Trump may embark on isolationist, America first energy policies that prove detrimental to energy exports. Then again, he may not. And even if he does, market conditions and global trends could continue shaping the natural gas landscape. The contributions of the new American president and his administration could end up being rather limited. By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From RT When Vladimir Putin took the podium to address the delegates in attendance at the 70th UN General Assembly in New York on September 28, 2015 the sense that we were about to witness a seminal moment in history was inescapable. And so it proved. The speech the Russian leader proceeded to deliver to the delegates in attendance, along with an expectant world via the international media, was tantamount to announcing the birth of a multipolar world, one in which Washington would no longer enjoy the uncontested primacy and hegemony it had since the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. In a trenchant indictment, Putin reminded the delegates of the responsibility of Washington and its allies in destabilizing the Middle East since 9/11, and how their actions had unleashed chaos and crises to the point where it now threatened to reduce the entire region to a state of permanent anarchy. The most powerful moment in the speech came when he looked up from his notes and out to the assembled international delegates, whereupon, directly addressing the US government and political establishment, he said, "Do you realize what you have done?" It was a j'accuse delivered in the form of a simple question, penetrating the walls of propaganda that had been erected to conceal the truth of US exceptionalism. Russia was no longer a second tier power, Putin's address confirmed, reduced to the role of bystander while Washington's writ ran wherever it saw fit. And no longer was it, as unofficial representative of the emerging powers otherwise known as BRIC, prepared to accept a world in which the US, supported by its European allies, treated international law and the principle of national sovereignty as a gift to be bestowed or removed as it deemed fit rather than a universal and inalienable right. The response of the Obama administration to the Russian president's address was predictably bullish and dismissive, refusing to budge from a position of attributing responsibility for the crisis and conflict in eastern Ukraine to "Putin's aggression," while when it came to the conflict in Syria opining that "When a dictator slaughters tens of thousands of his own people, that is not just a matter of one nation's internal affairs. It breeds human suffering on an order of magnitude that affects us all." There was no disagreement to be had when it came to the scale of the carnage and human suffering cited by the US president in Syria. How could there be when it was of such magnitude it refuted the assertion that humanity's presence on the planet charted an ever-upward climb of progress and development? A refugee crisis of biblical proportions had swallowed up thousands of men, women, and children in the Mediterranean, as a flotilla of unseaworthy craft of all shapes and sizes made the desperate to attempt to ferry them to Europe, resulting in their deaths. It came as a sad and tragic bookend to the fatuous boasts of Bush, Blair, and their neocon and interventionist acolytes on liberating the Arab word from tyranny as the bombs and missiles started falling on Iraq in March 2003. The disagreement and discord between Moscow and Washington came, as it had throughout, over where ultimate responsibility for the carnage in Syria and its attendant fallout in the form of a growing refugee crisis and the proliferation of terrorism across the world lay. The US government and its European and regional allies extended themselves in blaming Russia and Assad, even though neither was responsible for the destabilization of the region starting with the war in Iraq in 2003, which heralded its inexorable slide into the arms of sectarian hatred and enmity and ultimately unleashing the forces of hell as religious extremism managed to ride the coattails of the Arab Spring in 2011. The build-up of Russian military equipment in Syria was near complete by the time Vladimir Putin delivered his UN address. The deployment had been conducted with impressive speed, taking Western governments and military analysts by surprise. This was not the ramshackle Russian military that lacked advanced equipment and communications capability during the brief Georgian conflict of 2008. Seven years of intensive upgrading, training and re-organization had borne fruit with Russia demonstrating the ability to project considerable military strength thousands of miles beyond its borders; this despite the challenges involved due not only to the distance but also the fact they were projecting said power into the middle of a conflict zone. Equally impressive was the preparations that were made in the form of extending existing Syrian airbases in and around Latakia in order to be able to facilitate Russian aircraft and equipment, and also the establishment of a joint intelligence center in Iraq with the Iraqis, Syrians, and Iranians. As for the military hardware involved, going forward it would include some of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world -- the SU34 and SU35 -- and the S300 and S400 anti aircraft defense systems, acknowledged as the most advanced of any currently in existence. The consequences of success or failure made Moscow's decision to undertake such an intervention a high stakes gamble, especially with the shadow of the Afghan quagmire of the 1980s looming ever large over Russia's military and political leadership. Just as the US had experienced its Vietnam Syndrome and was now in the throes of an Iraq Syndrome, Moscow had experienced the fallout of its extended and ultimately failed Afghanistan mission in the form of a fear of finding itself drawn into anything like it again. Just over a year on from Putin's address to the UN, and ISIS is on the way to being defeated, Syria's survival as a non-sectarian secular state is assured, and a new US president, pledging to reset relations with Moscow, has just been elected. How the world has changed. SEARCHING For SOLIDARITY In TRUMPLAND by Lydia Howell Awakening to election results on 11/9 echoed feelings of 9/11: a sickening spasm of fear, that momentarily paralyzed...and, yet, on neither day was I surprised. One immutable universal law is actions have consequences. First, white people---regardless of party affiliation---have a huge responsibility to face racism and in this moment loudly oppose the hate crimes perpetrated under the banner TRUMP WON. Second, Face reality. The Clinton campaign and the DNC failed and should be held responsible for Trump's victory. The Democratic Party and its loyalists are floundering in shock because they refused to recognize that populism defined this election: the progressive populism of Bernie Sanders and the authoritarian populism of Donald Trump--challenging the political establishment. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) selected Hillary Clinton as their preferred candidate in 2015 (and possibly earlier), collaborating with her campaign and Corporate Media to rig primaries against Sanders. The DNC/Clinton machine wanted a "Pied Piper" Republican opponent, (naming Ben Carson, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump) who they thought would insure her victory. DNC allies in Corporate Media obliged and gave Trump over $2 billion in free air-time during the primaries---and almost totally ignored Bernie Sanders, broadcasting empty stages "waiting for Trump", rather than air Sanders' big rallies happening at the same time. The Clinton campaign exemplified entitled elites, technocrats and the Corporate Establishment; a multi-cultural patina and a drum-beat of fear (Trump), was supposed to get "the Obama coalition" to the polls. Fear has been the biggest Democratic sales technique for decades and Clinton ads primarily relied on fear. But, when little has changed in people's actual lives (or has gotten worse), fear had less punch than the chance to punch back with the ultimate Screw-You (outsider) candidate. May 2016 polls showed Bernie Sanders---soundly beating Trump: by 15 per cent or more. I have criticisms of the Sanders' campaign: failure to fully integrate race into his economic inequality arguments and avoidance of foreign policy. But, in this populist upsurge, it was obvious that only another "outsider" candidate (Sanders) could trump Trump. The DNC/Clinton machine denied voters that choice; some Democratic-leaning voters rebelled by staying home, voting third party or even for Trump. Was a white backlash part of Trump's victory? Of course, it was, from Trump's political debut of "birtherism" against President Obama to the ongoing demonization of Muslims and Latino immigrates to labeling Black Lives Matter a "terrorist" group. The hate crimes against people of color and Muslims started as soon as election results were known. Part of what's fueling hate is certainly the racism rooted in American history, scapegoating "the Other" for problems created by ruling elites. It's the long-term flimflam in a society that ignores class as much as it denies contemporary racism. Underneath both the American class system and the institutional racism (and sexism) that reinforce it, is the idea of the Zero-Sum Game: a scarcity model of fewer and fewer resources for everyday people----scraps tossed from the banquet table of the 1per cent (and their top 10 per cent allies) that the rest of us fight over. Racism is the oldest tool used to divide and conquer us. Nothing I want to say here is intended to minimize that reality. My aim is to urge thinking in complexity, to increase the solidarity that's crucial, for building broader movement necessary to address challenges before us. President-Elect Trump is the result of 35-plus years of escalating economic exclusion, perpetrated by both corporate-sponsored political parties. Michael Moore called Trump "the human Molotov cocktail thrown at the establishment" in his new film "Trumpland" (still worth viewing, in spite of his absurd Pollyanna view of Hillary Clinton). So many of us of all ethnicities are forgotten and Trump was, for the white working-class and falling middle-class, an echo of how Dr, King described riots: "the sound of the unheard." The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), started in 1985, helped fuel white backlash by abandoning the white, working-class---especially the unionized working-class. The DLC goal was to make the party "more business friendly"-----lessons well learned by Bill and Hillary Clinton in Arkansas. In her years on the Board of Wal-Mart (1985-1991), Hillary Clinton never championed those exploited workers (70% women). That retail behemoth has raced across rural America eating up Main Street businesses. Unions seem to be mostly a source of campaign contributions and GOTV volunteers. From "free trade" NAFTA to dismantling the New Deal social safety net ("welfare reform" collaboration with Newt Gingrich) , de-regulating Big Banks and Wall Street, the Clintons and other Corporate Democrats with Republicans, created the housing crisis and economic melt-down of 2008-9. The 1990s criminal justice infrastructure of ever-expanding prisons (for "excess labor", largely of color), escalated "war on drugs" created legal templates for the domestic side of "the war on terrorism" with "conspiracy" charges outweighing actual evidence; those labeled felons penalized after release. Too many have inaccurately laid all blame for these bipartisan economic and social disasters on the Republicans. President Obama continued the protection of Wall Street, Big Banks, Big Pharma, insurance companies and Big Oil. As 12 MILLION families had their homes foreclosed, not one banker was jailed for mortgage fraud and only about 500,000 families were helped to keep their homes. Living-wage jobs continued to be outsourced or automated while Obama's Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)---also pushed by Hillary Clinton--promised more of the same. Nothing was done to restore the social safety net or address a deepening "affordable" housing crisis. 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 Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, The next NDC government will ensure that it eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and meet the health needs of adolescents and youth by 2017. In the NDC 2016 Manifesto made available to the Ghana News Agency, the party also outlines plans to prioritise and implement the National Strategic Plan 2016-2020 on HIV/AIDS and work towards achieving the 90-90-90 fast-track targets which will ensure that 90 per cent of People Living with HIV know their status, 90 per cent of People Living with HIV are on Antiretroviral treatment and 90 per cent on immune suppression. The priorities shall include strengthening of strategic information and health systems, community empowerment to scale up HIV testing, treatment and targeted behaviour change among others, it said. The next NDC government also promises to reduce the incidence of malaria by 50 per cent including reduction cases of maternal and neonatal deaths by further 50 per cent and creation of more spaces for maternal and neonatal care in existing health facilities. The publication of the manifesto 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 project 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 provide voice for the youth, vulnerable groups, opinion leaders and the broader spectrum of the society as well as contribute to the achievement of peaceful polls. Another objective of the project is to create a platform to dissect the manifestos of all political parties and provide in-depth analysis of each thematic area to the electorate to enable them to make an informed judgment. The manifesto among others also gave assurance to diversifying the sources of funding for the National Health Insurance Scheme by allocating an approved percentage of the ABFA from Ghanas Petroleum Revenue. It also promises to motivate health workers by rewarding conditions of service that respond to changing trends in healthcare and increment of supply and fair distribution of health personnel across the country. According to the Manifesto, the next NDC government would: Complete ongoing regional hospitals in the Ashanti and Upper West regions as well as complete construction of regional hospitals in Upper East, Eastern and Western regions and undertake a comprehensive upgrade of the Tema General Hospital. Putting citizens first, it said it would establish a National Infectious Disease Centre which would mainstream mental healthcare into the health delivery system and ensure adequate resourcing and infrastructural development. Continue to implement policies on the integration of Traditional Medicine into the mainstream healthcare delivery system in compliance with the provisions of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000, Act 575, it added. It also assures to establish the School of Traditional Medicine at Keta in addition to the School of Pharmacy as a satellite campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences. The Manifesto also promises to upgrade existing health facilities located in Sogakope, Anomabo, Half-Assini, Nkawkaw, Kintampo and Techiman into Accident and Trauma Centres. Other towns targeted for the upgrading health facilities include Wa, Hohoe, Gambia No. 2 and Buipe. It said: It will scale up the implementation of e-Health systems piloted in Korle-bu, Wa and Zebila hospitals to all secondary and tertiary hospitals, adding that it would protect patient privacy by ensuring strict compliance with data protection laws of the country of medical records. 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 Star Micro-insurance Services Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has signed an agreement to provide an Insurance Scheme for fishers across the country. The product, first of its kind in Ghana, protects fishers against perils of the sea. The policy covers natural or accidental death of fishers as well as their fishing gear\s. The Minister of Fisheries Hon. Sherry Ayittey as part of her visits to the fishing communities has been highlighting of the challenges that fishers go through in line of work and encourages all fishers to take the opportunity to insure themselves and their families. The product after the 6 month pilot phase has since been implemented nationwide and will continue for the next two years. The enrollment is ongoing at the following landing beaches; Adina, Denu, Abeliakope, Sepenukope, Akligokope, Hedranawo, Dzegakope, Abgadzikope, Woe, Horvi, Vodza, Kedzikope etc in the Ketu South and Keta District. Aplabaya, Azizanya, Totope, Ocansekope, Otorkpe etc in the Ada West and Dangme East District respectively. Tema Newtown, Nungua, Teshie, La, Chorkor Bortianor and other landing beaches in Greater Accra. Nyanyano, Senya Breku, Fetteh Wenniba, Apam, Ankaful, Elmina, Axim, Half Assini, Shama in the Central and Western Region respectively. According to the Project manager, Mr. Jesse Justice Asante Fordjour and his team said, the insurance package is making more impact in the lives of our fishers; and the enrollment is estimated to cover about 70% by the end of November, 2016 in fishing communities in Central, Western, and those along the Volta Lake such as Yeji, Bupe, Yape and many more. This project when completed will provide an insurance coverage for over 200,000 fishers across the country. 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 My name is Papa Kwesi Nduom, born at Elmina in the Central Region specifically, from Teterkessim. My grandparents are from and lived in Elmina, Senya Breku, Gomoa Dago and Tarkwa. My parents were both primary school teachers. I am where I am today by the Grace of God and through the diligence of my parents and hard work. I am a Roman Catholic. I respect other religions but mine is Christianity. My life has been guided by my faith, family values and public service. I know that many Ghanaians believe that it is God who determines who should lead this nation. Therefore, before I go any further, I wish to pray to God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth to touch the hearts and minds of all Ghanaians, give them life, good health as I continue to pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Angels and Saints to make it possible for the people to vote for me Papa Kwesi Nduom on December 7th 2016 to become the next President of the Republic of Ghana. I am pleased to have this opportunity given to me and the Progressive People's Party (PPP) by the GBC and its collaborators to tell the people of Ghana what the nation and all of its people will gain by voting into office a PPP Administration led by me, Papa Kwesi Nduom and our Parliamentary Candidates. My presentation is based on the PPP Policy Document which was officially launched during our Convention on Saturday, July 16, 2016 and the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. The Party I lead, the Progressive People's Party is a forward looking, inclusive political party dedicated to making our nation Ghana great and strong and all of its people prosperous. We believe in 'Ghana First, Everyone Else Second'. We are a people made poor by bad governance practices and a leadership prepared to accept less than what our God-given, abundant natural resources must provide. To be direct, Ghanaians have wasted their votes on leadership who have disappointed them. On December 7th, the people have another chance to vote for inclusiveness, unity, competence, practical experience and incorruptible leadership by voting for Papa Kwesi Nduom. That will be a vote which will bring many, many blessings to our nation. A few weeks ago, we created a Presidential Policy Team (PPT) to prepare now so that we are ready to work for Ghana from day one. When Ghanaians get to meet or members and experience their competence, they will agree with us wholeheartedly the fact that this party, PPP, has available, qualified and experienced men and women - bankers, teachers, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs etc - we will offer as part of an inclusive team to take charge of Ghana in January 2017 and make it a better nation for all its citizens. Our focus unique in Ghanaian politics- job creation through competent, incorruptible leadership. No political party in Ghana, not the NDC or the NPP has been so bold and clear about its focus. As written in our Policy Document, "... the PPP seeks the opportunity to implement an efficient Agenda for Accelerated Change that is built on Incorruptible Leadership, Education, Healthcare and Jobs. "We believe in Ghanaian excellence. We believe in Ghanaian prosperity. We believe in all of the Ghanaian people. Our pact with you is that, once elected, we will fight for dramatically accelerated developmental progress. We will fight to move Ghana away from the maintenance of mediocrity, the culture of indiscipline, the constant failure of leadership, the cruelty of resource mismanagement and the tragedy of low expectations for developing African nations such as Ghana." The PPP is asking for your votes so that we can create an inclusive, united Ghanaian society TEAM GHANA. It is this new national unity that will reinvent Ghana. We, promise to build one solid Team Ghana by re-inventing our Ghanaian selves, our attitudes and our way of life. The PPP has emerged with the courage to stand up and say we are not just here to give empty promises to win power. All the presidential candidates are talking about job creation but there is only one DOER when it comes to jobs, jobs, jobs.... Edwumawura, Papa Kwesi Nduom 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 Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and CEO of Facebook, waves during a speech at the CEO summit during the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged world leaders meeting in Peru on Saturday to help get more people online to improve global living standards while separately announcing new measures to cut down on fake news stories on the social network that some suggest could have helped sway the U.S. presidential election. The Facebook founder took on the role of an evangelist for "connectivity" as he spoke at an Asian-Pacific trade summit, lamenting that half the world has no access to the online world and is being deprived of its economic potential as well as advances in science, education and medicine. He urged leaders to work with his company and others to close that gap. "If we can connect the 4 billion people who aren't connected we can lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty," Zuckerberg said as he addressed business and government leaders at the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. But as he was promoting the benefits of the online world in the speech, he took to his Facebook page to address one of the downsides of the internet: the rapid dissemination of bogus news stories on social networks. Zuckerberg said in a post late Friday that his company was taking measures to curb what he said was a "relatively small" percentage of deliberately false stories. The measures include developing new tools to detect and classify "misinformation" and to make it easier for users to report the material. Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and CEO of Facebook, speaks at the CEO summit during the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) He said the company also is looking into the possibility of working with established fact-checking organizations to evaluate content and into the feasibility of warning labels for stories flagged as false. Critics have complained that a surge of fake news stories on Facebook may have swayed some voters to back President-elect Donald Trump. The company said on Monday that it was clarifying its advertising policy to emphasize that it won't display adsthus cutting revenuefor sites that run information that is "illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news." That followed a similar step by Google, which acknowledged that it had let a false article about the election results slip into its list of recommended news stories. "The bottom line is: we take misinformation seriously," the Facebook CEO said in his post. "Our goal is to connect people with the stories they find most meaningful, and we know people want accurate information. Zuckerberg's comments came after President Barack Obama, who is also attending the APEC summit, and others have been sharply critical of the spread of fake news online. In a news conference Thursday in Berlin, Obama called bogus stories disseminated on Facebook and other social media platforms a threat to democracy. The president decried "an age where there's so much active misinformation and it's packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television." Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and CEO of Facebook, speaks at the CEO summit during the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) Zuckerberg called the problem "complex, both technically and philosophically." It is also sensitive issue for a company that does not want to censor content such as legitimate political satire that some people find offensive. Facebook sees itself not as a traditional publisher, but as a facilitator of global communication. It was that lofty vision of the company that was on display as Zuckerberg spoke at the APEC forum. He described Facebook efforts in artificial intelligence programs that could lead to advancements in medicine and education, as well as a high-altitude solar-powered drone, still in the development stage, to provide online access to places with none. He also described a program to work with local operators around the world to provide free basic internet. "We can't afford to leave anyone behind," he said. The Facebook CEO said that investment in such infrastructure is necessary to address the gap between rich and poor that has become a source of rising anxiety. "As we are learning this year in election after election, even if globalization might grow the overall pie of prosperity, it also creates inequality," he said. "It helps some people and it hurts others." Soldiers guard the military airport during the arrival of leaders that will participate in the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) Investing in "connectivity," he said, can address some of the consequences of globalization. "We can disconnect, risk less prosperity and hope jobs that are lost come back. Or we can connect more, try to do more great things, try to work on even greater prosperity and then work to aggressively share that prosperity with everyone." 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. UCF scientist Jayan Thomas has made a breakthrough that would essentially turn jackets and other clothing into wearable, solar-powered batteries that never need to be plugged in. It could one day revolutionize wearable technology, helping everyone from soldiers who now carry heavy loads of batteries to a texting-addicted teen who could charge his smartphone by simply slipping it in a pocket. Credit: UCF Marty McFly's self-lacing Nikes in Back to the Future Part II inspired a UCF scientist who has developed filaments that harvest and store the sun's energyand can be woven into textiles. The breakthrough would essentially turn jackets and other clothing into wearable, solar-powered batteries that never need to be plugged in. It could one day revolutionize wearable technology, helping everyone from soldiers who now carry heavy loads of batteries to a texting-addicted teen who could charge his smartphone by simply slipping it in a pocket. "That movie was the motivation," Associate Professor Jayan Thomas, a nanotechnology scientist at the University of Central Florida's NanoScience Technology Center, said of the film released in 1989. "If you can develop self-charging clothes or textiles, you can realize those cinematic fantasies - that's the cool thing." The research was published Nov. 11 in the academic journal Nature Communications. Thomas already has been lauded for earlier ground-breaking research. Last year, he received an R&D 100 Award - given to the top inventions of the year worldwide - for his development of a cable that can not only transmit energy like a normal cable but also store energy like a battery. He's also working on semi-transparent solar cells that can be applied to windows, allowing some light to pass through while also harvesting solar power. His new work builds on that research. "The idea came to me: We make energy-storage devices and we make solar cells in the labs. Why not combine these two devices together?" Thomas said. The proof-of-concept shows that the filaments could be laced throughout jackets or other outwear to harvest and store energy to power phones, personal health sensors and other tech gadgets. It's an advancement that overcomes the main shortcoming of solar cells: the energy they produce must flow into the power grid or be stored in a battery that limits their portability. Credit: UCF Thomas, who holds joint appointments in the College of Optics & Photonics and the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, set out to do just that. Taking it further, he envisioned technology that could enable wearable tech. His research team developed filaments in the form of copper ribbons that are thin, flexible and lightweight. The ribbons have a solar cell on one side and energy-storing layers on the other. Though more comfortable with advanced nanotechnology, Thomas and his team then bought a small, tabletop loom. After another UCF scientists taught them to use it, they wove the ribbons into a square of yarn. The proof-of-concept shows that the filaments could be laced throughout jackets or other outwear to harvest and store energy to power phones, personal health sensors and other tech gadgets. It's an advancement that overcomes the main shortcoming of solar cells: The energy they produce must flow into the power grid or be stored in a battery that limits their portability. "A major application could be with our military," Thomas said. "When you think about our soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan, they're walking in the sun. Some of them are carrying more than 30 pounds of batteries on their bodies. It is hard for the military to deliver batteries to these soldiers in this hostile environment. A garment like this can harvest and store energy at the same time if sunlight is available." There are a host of other potential uses, including electric cars that could generate and store energy whenever they're in the sun. "That's the future. What we've done is demonstrate that it can be made," Thomas said. "It's going to be very useful for the general public and the military and many other applications." This image obtained from NASA TV shows the Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft approaching the International Space Station on November 19, 2016 Russia's Soyuz spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday, carrying a European, a Russian and an American astronaut for a six-month mission at the orbiting outpost. "Capture confirmed," said a NASA commentator as the spacecraft docked at the ISS at 4:58 pm (2158 GMT), US space agency live television images showed. The trioFrenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and American astronaut Peggy Whitsonlaunched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Thursday. Pesquet, 38, a rookie astronaut and amateur saxophone player, is the first French national to be sent to the ISS by the European Space Agency since 2008. Novitskiy, 45, a Russian Air Force pilot and decade-long veteran of the space agency Roscosmos, is making his second trip to the ISS. Whitson, 56, is an experienced veteran and biochemistry expert who will break records with this space mission, including the title of the most days in space by a US astronaut. She is scheduled to surpass NASA astronaut Jeff Williams's 534 days on April 24. In February, Whitson will become the first woman to command the space station twice. She previously commanded the station in 2007, when she became the first woman to hold this post, NASA said. Their arrival means the staff at the orbiting outpost goes back up to six. The Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft is seen launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome with Expedition 50 crewmembers NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy of Roscosmos, and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Already staffing the ISS are Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergey Ryzhikov, and American Shane Kimbrough. But even after a two-day journey in cramped quarters, the three new arrivals were not allowed to exit the spacecraft right away. More than two and a half hours of checks were needed to make sure the seal was airtight between the station and Soyuz. When the hatches finally opened at 7:40 pm (0040 GMT Sunday) the crew was all smiles as they floated into the space stationfirst Novitskiy, then Pesquet and finally Whitsonand exchanged hugs with their crewmates. "Watching you, we could not be more proud," said NASA administrator Charles Bolden, speaking to the crew from Earth. Russia's Soyuz capsules offer the only way for global astronauts to reach the space station since the American space shuttle program was retired in 2011. Astronauts pay more than $71 million per seat for a ride on the Soyuz, which carries three people at a time. Private industries including SpaceX and Boeing are designing spacecraft to once again ferry astronauts from US soil. Their first flights are not expected until late next year or in 2018. Humans have lived continuously at the space station for more than 15 years. More than 200 people from 18 countries have visited the microgravity laboratory that circles Earth at a distance of about 250 miles (400 kilometers), NASA said. 2016 AFP 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. Something changed for Jerry Thex when he saw a Sept. 3 video of Dakota Access Pipeline security using dogs to drive protesters off private land. He got frustrated. Another video on Nov. 2 showed police in riot gear firing rubber bullets and pepper spray at protesters, who were approaching the shoreline during a water demonstration in Cantapeta Creek north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. I couldnt even finish the videos the other day, said Thex, a Northern Cheyenne tribal member. He left for Standing Rock in September and again in October, each time bringing a flatbed trailer stacked with logs. He pays for the trips himself, putting a little money away when he can. Thex works as an administrator at the Heritage Living Center in Ashland. Hes also on the board of commissioners for the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority and volunteers for the Ashland Fire Department. The more I watched (the videos), the more I felt like something reached out, grabbed me and pulled me over to North Dakota, Thex said. Thex, who was in the U.S. Army Reserve for eight years, wondered if any of the officers at Standing Rock had been in the military. He said he felt ashamed of how police were treating civilians while people in the military like him put their lives on the line for those same civilians. After his military service, Thex got a job as an ironworker, then a roustabout for the Tongue River Lumber Co., and finally a utility worker at the Colstrip power plant. He understands the police and pipeline laborers have a job to do to support themselves and their families. You don't have to stay and work there, either, if you have that kind of skill, Thex said. You could work somewhere else. On Nov. 4, Thex made the trip to Standing Rock again, bringing winter jackets, cases of water, canned goods, drawstring bags full of toiletries and more logs for the camps round-the-clock kitchens. Wood use has become a top priority for protesters planning to camp into next year. Frosty mornings at Oceti Sakowin Camp, the largest of the five camps, prove North Dakotas winter is just around the corner. Tribal elders have begun to tell campers to share fire space and save more wood for when snow covers the ground. The last two times Thex brought logs to camp, they were immediately unloaded, chopped and distributed to different areas of camp. Each trip takes more than six hours of driving on a two-lane stretch of highway into rural North Dakota. Thex spends a lot of that time thinking. I get kind of emotional when I think about it, Thex said. The situation in Standing Rock mirrors the same old story dating back to the 1800s when tribes were still fighting for their land, he said. However, in his lifetime he has never seen a gathering of tribes like this before. In September, Thex took his 11-year-old son, Jerry, to Standing Rock. I said, Son, you may never ever see something like this again where all these tribes come together like this, Thex said. Hundreds of flags representing different tribes trace the borders of the camp and go down the main road. Thex has met people from Alaska to New York and even one woman from Kenya. I think Native Americans are fed up now, Thex said. They are tired of being pushed around, tired of not being heard, and this is going to be their story. Thex said he is a part of that story by being behind the scenes and helping. Although Thex wants to go to the front line to protest, he said he has too much at stake back home. He's a father of six. His way of standing with Standing Rock is to bring the logs and let people know he is there for them. Every time he pulls his truck out of camp and returns to Montana he feels guilty. His desire to help is more intense after every visit. Rumble strips on the sides of interstate and four-lane highways have been around for decades. But I've wondered for a while about what was behind the new trend of rumble strips in the center line of many roads around the state and Northeast. It's clear that they are designed to alert drivers that they are drifting into the oncoming lane. But when you accidentally nudge one, or cross one to pass another vehicle, the noise has to be pretty annoying for residents living nearby. In New Hampshire, the trend has created some backlash, and this article in the Union-Leader newspaper shows state transportation officials have been removing them because of complaints. I haven't heard any complaints locally, but I wonder about how much outreach is done by DOT staff in New York and Vermont when putting these in place. -- Don Lehman I made it back home from Florida after being there for several days. My mothers ashes were placed behind a tile in a columbarium at her church. Representatives of the wider family were there for a memorial service and for visiting. While I attended all planned events, I also did what I promised myself I would do. I spent time in the Everglades and the adjoining Miccosukee Reservation, and the Great Cyprus Swamp. In the back of my mind, I realized that I wanted to be in the Great Cyprus Swamp before they begin to drill, baby drill. I dont think it will be destroyed unless there is a major oil spill, but it will be changed. It will not be as remote or wild if there are a whole lot of new roads, oil rigs and trucks. Most people look at an environment like that and see a flat prairie of saw grass with clumps of trees going on endlessly. I know, though, how it teams with life of all kinds. I have gone to a few of its remote places. They are all unique and all wonderful. How thats possible, I am not sure. But thats how it is.This trip we stayed near the well-traveled southern road to Florida Bay, and north near the Tamiami Trail. Anyway, I saw so many birds. Just a few of them: pied-billed grebe, northern shoveler, American wigeon, American coot, dunlin, long- and short-billed dowitcher, willet, great blue heron, white heron, egrets, green heron, black-crowned night heron, double-crested cormorant, American bittern, gulls, bald eagle, hawks, and then all manner of smaller birds like doves, woodpeckers, and perching birds including warblers such as a pine warbler. I saw all those birds in relatively short driving trips with a few stops to walk on well-traveled, short tourist trails. I also saw tons of my friends the trees and plants. I will not go into naming them now. Suffice it to say south Florida probably has the most diverse flora and fauna in the continental United States. (Someday I hope to spend time in Hawaii.) I think on the Miccosukee Reservation we were farthest away from cars and highways and people. There was no smell of humanitys residues in the air, and maybe I have lost some acuity, but I heard no machines, no cars, no motorcycles and no airplanes. The air was glorious and clean the smell of the Everglades, one of the great oxygen-producing wildernesses within the lower 48. After months of stress, it was a very good thing to return to that natural environment that was a backdrop for my childhood, and a great influence on the development of my personality. When I got back, the first person I visited outside of my family was my friend, the simple North Country Shopkeeper, to tell him just a little about my trip. Hes a tree hugger in his soul like I am. (Though I must point out to you tough guys that we both cut down our share of trees. So dont go insulting us. Were tough guys, too.) While I was there I bought three more of his Pocket Naturalist Guides from my growing collection, because I am so fired up. My trip south reminded me how much I love this still-natural place I live in here, and reminded me how giving and peaceful real nature is. In August the Oceti Sakowin Camp had around 40 people in it, said Spud MedicineHorse. You could meet people and probably remember everyones name, he said. Now, the camp is home to about 1,500 people from all over the country. Some describe it as a heart, pumping people in and out on a daily basis. MedicineHorse, a member of the Crow tribe, has never seen anything like it. To see what it has grown into now is absolutely amazing." Although MedicineHorse visits Crow Agency several times a year, he has lived in Fort Yates on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation most of his life. He recalls hearing about the Dakota Access Pipeline in April. But everything started to escalate in August, he said. Thats when MedicineHorse decided he would stay at the camp, and hes been there ever since. When hes not at camp, he works as a ranch hand to support himself. MedicineHorse rides, breaks and trains horses. Hes also one of many protesters who ride on horseback during the demonstrations. Talon Voice, 19, a ranch hand from Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota, also rides in the demonstrations. He was one of four horsemen who were involved in a Sept. 3 clash with police, DAPL security and their dogs. A dog bit Voices horse in the back of the leg. It was an experience I will never forget, Voice said. Both men said there are agitators who incite violence during the peaceful protests. The people who bring violence, guns and all that stuff dont think about the long haul, MedicineHorse said. "(Standing Rock residents) are the ones that have to live here, and we are the ones that have to put up with the outcome. Seven generations ago, his ancestors fought the same fight. He said he believes its the younger generation's turn to do the same by getting involved in peaceful prayer and spreading the word. I love my people with all my heart, MedicineHorse said. But we dont need that (violence) here right now. We are supposed to be in peaceful prayer. With their families living downstream from where the pipeline is scheduled to be constructed, MedicineHorse and Voice have no intention of leaving. Abby Tucker worked at The Post-Star from the beginning of 2003 to the end of 2005, and during those three years, in addition to several journalism awards, she picked up an orange kitten she called Cheetoh. More than a decade later, Cheetoh has grown into an overlarge pet who terrorized one of Tuckers babysitters and sinks his fangs into her houseguests. Tucker has grown into a nationally celebrated science writer who is now a correspondent for Smithsonian magazine and has just published a book, The Lion in the Living Room. The book came out last month from Simon & Schuster and has already made the New York Times monthly bestseller list and collected admiring reviews. The book is about cats housecats which, despite the two years of research and numerous interviews she put into writing it, Tucker still has a hard time saying without a laugh. I truly had the hope of using cats as a crucible to talk about hard-core scientific subjects, she said. But just to say that sounds kind of insane. Tucker was known at The Post-Star for turning in stories that were nothing like what editors had envisioned, such as the poignant piece about the funeral home that had taken to lining caskets with camouflage fabric for hunters funerals or the story about shorts being sold by Poopies restaurant that was so jammed with wordplay it could have doubled as a puzzle, challenging readers to count the double-entendres. Buyers of her book attracted by the kitten on the cover and anticipating a celebration of the quirky and mesmerizing ways of housecats are in for a similar surprise. Tuckers exploration goes deeper, ranges wider and looks into darker corners than cat-lovers or anyone else would be likely to expect. In nine chapters, each of which could stand alone as a magazine piece, Tucker explores aspects of the rise, spread and global dominance of housecats, which, as she says, now stand as the apex predators of a man-made world. The book is grounded not in sentimentality, like a lot of animal books, but in science, and some of its meatiest sections explore how and why housecats were domesticated (and to what extent they really have been) and how they have flourished when most other cats, from lions to lynx, are barely hanging on. Many best-selling science books are by scientists who have taught themselves to write. Tucker is a writer who has informed herself on the science, and her book is full of funny observations and wordplay. She skips through academic landscapes that could be dull in less clever hands and hops into the next chapter before anyone can get bored. One of the most entertaining chapters is the last, which looks at cats invasion of the internet through LOLCats memes and cat videos that populate our social media feeds by the billion. Here, as in the book itself, Tucker takes a quirky, seemingly trivial subject and teases out its significance. Curiosity informs this book, from Tuckers journey to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles to Key Largo, where she visited a wildlife sanctuary for Key Largo wood rats. The wood rats, like many creatures around the world, are under threat from the depredations of housecats, which, despite their long association with humans, have never strayed from their identity as hunters. That brings us to a central mystery Tucker returns to several times in her book: Why do we bother with cats? What benefit do we get from housing and feeding them? Several answers are advanced and discarded in The Lion in the Living Room. In the end, Tucker sees the absence of a rational explanation for our support of these miniature hypercarnivores as a good thing. It says something good about us. Its not a reciprocal relationship. We dont necessarily get anything tangible out of it, she said. The book does offer tangible benefits to the reader, however a chance to explore, through the unlikely vessel of the housecat issues of the natural consequences of a human-dominated world. 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. SARATOGA SPRINGS Ancient storytellers shared mystical tales of sacred and storied horses. And as such legendary accounts spread from generation to generation, listeners were transported on the wings of flying horses and half-human centaurs. According to legend, the Hopi Indians, who were so drawn to the power and mysticism of horses, spread cotton scarves and kilts along the ground for Spaniard Antonio de Espejos horses to pass. Tibetans and other Eastern religions believe that the horse is the link to the human soul. And the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who is escorted by three birds from the Otherworld, is believed to hold the keys to unlock the gates of heaven, restore the dead to life and heal all sadness and pain. And even in recent times, the legendary feats of such horses as War Admiral, Secretariat, Sea Biscuit and American Pharaoh have touched hearts in such a way that they seem to make dreams possible. For Georgie Nugent and Gisele Gurley, horses have always been a life balm. As the two women, who were separated 41 years ago, could only dream of getting a moments embrace with the other, their mutual connection to horses has kept them unwittingly together. And for most of the past four decades, they have been traveling within the same horse world, their paths often crisscrossing within miles of each other. Gurley, whose father was an electrical engineer, has worked as a horse hot walker at Kentuckys Keeneland racetrack in Lexington for many years. Nugent, an electrical engineer, has lived two furlongs from Saratoga Race Course for many years and is on the board of New York Racing Association. In 2015, Nugent was at Keeneland for the Breeders Cup, barely 10 miles from Gurleys Versailles, Kentucky home. And while there, Nugent went to a Breeders Cup party that Gurleys friends had all also attended. A few years earlier, Gurley was supposed to work at the Saratoga track, but the horse trainer she was working for changed the plan at the last minute. Gurley is licensed to work racetracks in nine states and has been to all but Saratoga. Nugent travels to the same tracks for races and to tour horse barns. In perhaps a most serendipitous moment a few years back, the two women posted Facebook profile pictures that, when placed side-by-side, are near mirror reflections of the other, each leaning forward and kissing a horses nose. This cord, that unknowingly connected the two, wound mysteriously through their lives as if preparing them for a reunion four decades in the making. Georgeanna Nugent, more comfortably known as Georgie, was born in Binghamton, New York. She is 41. Gisele Gurley was born in Switzerland. She is 60. Gurley is Nugents biological mother. Tracing the DNA Nugent was adopted as an infant by Virginia and George Nugent of Vestal, New York. She grew up jumping and showing horses. And while she said her adoptive mom and dad are wonderful, she always wondered about her birth mother. Why do I have brown eyes? Why do I have chicken legs? Does she think about me? But it wasnt until her son, Ripley Lynch, now 14, was born that she realized he was the first person she knew who was related to her by blood. I started searching back then, but not seriously, she said during an interview at her Saratoga home on Tuesday night. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a heart condition that was highly genetic and he had to have heart ablation surgery. Then in 2015, Ripley was diagnosed with another serious medical condition and Nugent said doctors were asking about an updated family medical history and she had to say, I dont know. That spurred the mother of two (she also has a daughter, Maginn Lynch) to find out about her biological family. But New York adoption laws are very restrictive and adoption records are sealed. My adoptive Mom went to the adoption agency. I called the Department of Health and we were told that we would have to petition the court and go through a lengthy process, she said, referring to the New York law that says someone who was adopted cannot have their original birth certificate without a court order. I thought, What do I do? Do I hire a private investigator? At this point, I didnt even know if my child was going to survive. So Nugent had to find a faster way to her past. I saw a commercial for ancestry.com DNA, she said. According to ancestry.com, the test is relatively new and called an autosomal DNA test. They send a kit with a test tube that must be filled with saliva. About a month later, the results are sent back to the individual. Basically, your entire genome is questioned at more than 700,000 markers that are your genetic code. Nugents results came back with a few clues to her family tree: 50 percent was western European; 15 percent Irish; 11 percent from Great Britain; 6 percent Siberian Peninsula; 4 percent Asian; and 2 percent Italian. I was connected to over 100 third and fourth cousins who had also taken the test, she said. So I started tracking it. I knew that my parents were 21 and 19 and that my mother was born in Switzerland and that she probably was not living in the U.S. I started seeing trends and noticed three lines that led to the same family. Nugent continued. I did this every night and I had a whole road map across the kitchen, she said. Eventually, I found my biological father in February 2016. But because she was still not sure, she kept researching and finally, on May 18, Nugents friend, Gloria Ford, called the man to say she was helping a friend find her biological parents and wondered if he had a girlfriend from Switzerland back in the 1970s. And the man said he did, but a huge fight separated them and he never saw her again. He had no idea Gurley was pregnant or that he had a child from their several months-long encounter. He was awestruck, Nugent said. He called me about two hours later. The father and daughter met at a New York park. Like Nugent, he is an electrical engineer. But because he has been married for more than three decades and has several other children, he said it was not the right time to tell his family. Still, she said he is a good and gentle man. We met and just talked, Nugent said. It was wonderful. And perhaps best of all, she now had her mothers name. The search continued. I looked her up on Facebook, she said. Finally, Nugent found a family business and a phone number for her biological half-sister Amelia. I called her and said, this is an old New York friend, and she gave me my mothers phone number. On May 20, Georgie Nugent sat on her front porch steps, facing the Saratoga racetrack, and called her mother for the first time. I waited for that call for 40 years, Gurley said by phone on Thursday. Ive thought about her every day of my life since then. Weve talked every day since, Nugent said. Reunion This past Labor Day weekend, mother and daughter were finally reunited in person after waiting and dreaming and kissing horses for so many years. It was a reunion of instant embraces, sobs and an arm-wrapping hug that seemed to never end. But in a fitting culmination to the years of being around racetracks, their tight hugs were momentarily interrupted when the racetracks buglers Call to Post was projected over the speakers in the Kentucky airport. Did you hear the post time called? Gurley asked, laughing and referring to the cellphone video of their first reunion. Shes such an incredible woman, Gurley said. Im waiting for the next moment we can be together. Gurley said she hopes to come north soon and will be setting up a barn in Saratoga this summer. The two are uncannily similar with so many of the same physical traits, mannerisms and behaviors. We have lived almost identical lives, Gurley said. And she freely talks about what happened so many years ago. I was 19 and I didnt know what to do, she said. Im so grateful. I dont regret what I did one bit. She had such a good life. Regarding Ripleys medical history, much to his doctors relief, there was no genetic predisposition. There was no history on either side, Nugent said, adding that she was respecting her sons privacy by not revealing the details. We still have to monitor him. Like mothers and daughters often do, Nugent and Gurley got to sit in Gurleys Kentucky kitchen and just talk, laugh and be together. Its like we have always been together, Nugent said. Gurley echoed her daughters sentiment. It didnt feel like I had been away from her for so long. It didnt feel like we had just met. And much like the Celtic horse goddess is said to heal all sadness and pain, the joining of Georgie Nugent and Gisele Gurley through their ever-present connection to horses has done the same. I am at peace now, Nugent said. Hundreds of participants ran into the cold waters of Lake George on Saturday to raise money for Special Olympics New York. Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities, and the goal for the event was to raise $100,000 for the organization. Click here to see the gallery. Millions of Americans woke up the morning after the presidential election and Googled presidential election results. When you Google or search for a subject, you get an In the news feed from Google that shows you three related news stories. The top story was from the 70news website, reporting not only that Donald Trump captured more than 270 electoral votes to win the presidency, but that he also led in the popular vote by 700,000. The Google news report has become so much a part of our daily electronic lives, most of us would never question its validity, even if we had never heard of the news outlet 70news. But Donald Trump had not won the popular vote. Hillary Clinton was leading Wednesday morning, and continued to lead a week later with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report saying her lead was over 1 million. It made many question the accuracy of many legitimate news organizations. The 70news report was not a mistake; it was information from a fake news website with a dubious reputation. It is something I have cautioned readers about for a number of years. But in this instance, the news rattled the corporate officials at Facebook and Google to such a degree they both announced a policy not to allow their advertising on sites that misrepresent, misstate or conceal information. And there are a lot of them. This is a breakthrough that could have far-reaching implications for finally addressing the proliferation of misinformation that is rampant on sites such as Facebook, where many people say they now get their news. Buzzfeed reported Thursday that the top 20 fake election stories generated nearly 9 million shares, comments and reactions on Facebook in the weeks before the election. Whats even more startling is that the traffic on the hoax websites eclipsed real news traffic. At Merrimack College in Massachusetts, a young college professor released a list on her Facebook page of 130 websites she viewed as problematic, because she considers them to be false, misleading, clickbaity and satirical news sources. Melissa Zimdars said she wasnt trying to cause trouble, she just wanted a starting point for her freshman mass communications class to review and study the reliability of news reports on social media sites. We all could benefit from such a class. By Wednesday evening, her list had been shared nearly 25,000 times. She later classified the offending websites into four categories, including news websites that are fake, false or regularly misleading that are shared on Facebook and social media. She classified the 70news site in that category. It is important information that every citizen should keep taped to their home computer screen. If you look closely, you could easily spot some of the imposters. For instance, ABCnews.com.co is a fake news site trying to make itself legitimate by piggybacking on ABCNews.go.com, only the real TV network doesnt have the co at the end of its address. Then there is Policalo trying to pass itself off as Politico. The most controversial part of her list was including Breitbart News, whose executive chairman, Stephen Bannon, was just selected as a key adviser in the Trump White House. Zimdars rated Breitbart as a website that often used clickbaity headlines over stories that often had misleading or unreliable information. The media war that is brewing may be over who is doing the real journalism and who is not. We just completed a presidential race in which one candidate was tagged with the nickname Lyin Hillary. Politifact reviewed 293 of her statements during the campaign and found that 76 of them were false, mostly false or a pants on fire lie. Thats a little over 1 in 4. Politifact also reviewed 334 statements by Donald Trump during the campaign and found that 233 of his statements were false, mostly false or a pants on fire lie. Nearly 7 in 10. Considering that information, it may never be more important for citizens to know if the sources of their news are legitimate or not. Ken Tingley is the editor of The Post-Star and may be reached via email at tingley@poststar.com. His blog, The Front Page, discusses issues about newspapers and journalism. You can also follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kentingley. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Cory Bryson, 32, has known about the Dakota Access Pipeline since 2013. He attended public hearings in 2014, when he spoke with landowners, residents, legal staff and representatives of Energy Transfer Partners, the parent company building the pipeline. He recalls there would be a minimum of 50 people at each meeting none of whom represented the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. He said they didnt show up to the hearings in Mandan, Killdeer, Williston and Bismarck or the open house. Bryson has worked on projects of this size before. Hes been through the process. To Bryson, this was just another ordinary project. Three years later, Bryson told a different story. Although hes seen opposition to certain projects, he said he's never seen it taken to this level. Bryson knows the pipeline industry, he's worked in it since he was 23, and his father was a pipeliner for 32 years. Born and raised in Mandan, N.D. Bryson continues to live there with his wife and three kids. He works as a business representative for the Laborers International Union Local 563 in Bismarck. He represents workers across all industries and labor unions. He enforces contracts and looks out for the safety of workers. So does Rob Dekrey, a labor steward for the pipeline company and Bryson's co-worker. Dekrey describes his job as being a voice for the laborers. He makes sure they are treated fairly and that work is carried out properly. Together both men represent 750 laborers from Minnesota and North Dakota working on the pipeline. Bryson said he remembers the first protest. It was in early July. About 200 people gathered on Highway 1806. Local police showed up, not in riot gear. There was no aggression, he said, but police were mingled with protesters. Some even shook hands. But it almost seems overnight it turned into a war, Bryson said. And workers were thrown into the middle of it. It turned into a war against the workers themselves instead of a fight between tribal council and the courts with the company (Energy Transfer Partners), Bryson said. The amount of money lost for workers due to halting parts of pipeline construction is well into six digits, he said. For some, workweeks went from 85 hours to as few as 24. It was a big paycheck cut on some of these guys, Dekrey said. People started to grow more frustrated and more angry at what was going on because obviously this is how they support their families and this is their way of life. Some people have left the project, and part of Dekrey's job has been trying to get people to stay. He doesn't blame those who wanted to leave, but said he still has a job to do. Workers' safety has become a top priority for the two men as some have been threatened by protesters. Dekrey spends a lot of his time monitoring construction sites, making sure his laborers can work and he doesnt see dust flying down the road toward them. While Bryson respects protesting "unions do it all the time," he said he strongly disagrees with the tactics some protesters have used to get their message across. Ive had a laborer get beat up at a gas station in the morning when he was on his way to work, he said. Hes also received threats himself. Hes been followed in his car by vehicles with out-of-state license plates. People have taken pictures of Bryson and Dekrey in public. Once, protesters threatened to burn Bryson and his family in their home. A lot of the violence is coming from people who are from out of state bringing their own agendas, Bryson said. Hes seen protests go from protecting the water to anti-oil, anti-pipeline, anti-fracking and anti-police. Too many groups are involved, he said. When this is all over, they are going to go back home or find another job to protest, Bryson said. However, the people who live in Standing Rock have to stay, and the two communities will have to fix their relationship. That will take a while based on everything thats happened, he said. Were neighbors. Lets talk about how we can move on and fix the relationships we have locally with the tribe, Bryson said. We dont want enemies out of this. Bryson said he has reached out twice to Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II for a meeting on how to work better with tribes in the future and fight for more regulation. The men have yet to meet. On Nov. 6, Joyce McLellan made more than $2,000 in cash sales after a march by roughly 400 Dakota Access Pipeline protesters down Main Street in Mandan, N.D. It was the most shes ever sold during a shift at Barneys Tesoro gas station. McLellan, a Mandan resident for 30 years, supports the peaceful protests and said it's been good for business. What I saw was absolutely beautiful and brought tears to my eyes, McLellan said, describing the march. I wanted to participate in it. The march was led by a group of people holding a banner that read Love, Prayer, Forgiveness. Eventually they formed a human chain around members of the Morton County Sheriffs Department. March leaders spoke to those gathered and prayed. As protesters made their way back to camp, many stopped to buy snacks, fill up on gas and use the bathrooms. McLellan greeted each one with the same smile and friendliness. Later that night, McLellan learned there was a clash between protesters and police during the forgiveness march. Despite a 30-day agreement made by governments and tribal leaders to halt construction and protests, hundreds of protesters had crossed the Cannonball River in an attempt to climb Turtle Island where tribal elders say several burial sites are located. Police gathered at the hill's ridge line. Tribal elders demanded protesters head back to camp in respect of the agreement. How can you work on a peaceful protest while the other half of it is being violent? McLellan said, shaking her head. The elders have a say in this, and we need to respect what theyre saying. The violent outbursts of some have left a lasting impression on McLellan and the community. She said police cars now escort school buses to surrounding schools. One experience made McLellan afraid to come to work. One day several people wearing masks and handkerchiefs over their faces came into her store. When McLellan asked the people to remove them, they refused. It scared and intimidated me because it was just me in the store, McLellan said. This is a gas station. Im not on the protest line. McLellan said she wants the protests to be done. She wants people to leave. Honestly, we had a choice to have it rerouted, McLellan said. We had a chance to say something, but people kept their mouths shut, and now its too late. McLellan said she wasnt aware of the pipeline until the protests started. According to an NPR interview with Public Service Chairwoman Julie Fedorchak, the North Dakota Public Service Commission held 30 hours of public hearings before the pipeline was approved. Ten minutes into the premiere Saturday of the documentary film, Survival Through Art, and Ben Steele had the audience laughing. That was the goal of filmmaker Jan Thompson, who said she wrapped editing on the film just six days ago, rushing to get it done for Steeles 99th birthday party. Steele died in September and wasnt at the premier as planned, but many members of the audience would say he was there in spirit. More than 200 people from California, Arizona, Illinois, Montana and Ohio attended the premier at Montana State University Billings. The hour-long film opens with Michael and Elizabeth Norman, the authors of the book, Tears in the Darkness, which brought Steele international attention. Steeles fans came from all walks of life cowboys, actors, artists, students, and everyday good folks like Steele considered himself. That early laughter broke the ice, just like Steele had a habit of doing. The audience had already heard Steele talk in the film about surviving the Bataan Death March and the brutal treatment he endured as a prisoner of war during World War II. He talked of men pleading for their lives and the narrator, actor Alec Baldwin, spoke of the prisoners being stripped of their humanity. Then Steel got the audience laughing. I got the last rites three times, he said, then gave his signature chuckle. His great nephew, Dan White, who flew to Billings from Phoenix to see the premiere, complimented Steeles ability to get through hardship with humor and Thompson's ability to capture that in the film. I remember thinking, We dont have many people left like Ben. White said. The Greatest Generation is dying off and I hope the younger generation, my generation, can learn to be more like them. The film showcased Steels humor, but also his integrity and authenticity. A main point in the documentary was that Steele felt obligated to document the atrocities against POWs that occurred during the war. He began drawing with charcoal from the fire on the cement floor of his prison hospital, then the other prisoners began sneaking him paper and pencil stubs. At first, Steele drew only horses and cowboys and then began drawing portraits of his captors and fellow prisoners. Unlike Steele, who was working in a coal mine 80 miles from Hiroshima when the bomb went off and eventually got home to Montana, none of those drawings made it out of Japan. So Steele said he dreamed of those drawings and created them from memory for the rest of his life. A woman once remarked to Steele how hard it was to look at his gruesome paintings and drawings of men being bayoneted or scrambling for a scrap of food. Steeles reply: I lived through it, you should be able to look at the pictures. Even in his darkest moments, Steele used humor in his drawings and in life. In the film, he shows a drawing of a prisoner doing slave labor in a Japanese coal mine. You can't help but notice that there's a hole in the prisoners pants with his butt poking out. Steele said they wore battery packs on their backs that powered their headlamps. Because the batteries were old and leaked battery acid, they burned through the prisoners pants and their asses were all hanging out. Steeles cousin, Judy Steele, praised Thompson for depicting so many students in the film. One of the things you got really well was how a teacher reaches students," Judy Steele said. "You even showed students that he never had and Bens impact on them. The film features interviews with high school students in New York who read "Tears in the Darkness," and an interview with Ohio history teacher, Chip Wendt, who said, I find veterans are concerned about what is being taught in school. Dan White commented, Its teachers like that that give me hope for the future. They had earlier undergone a show of force and parade their vehicles on the principal streets of Accra. Addressing the personnel after the drills, the Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor, assured that the nation's security agencies are ready for the elections. He urged the security personnel to "embrace this election with all the determination, commitment, impartiality, fairness, firmness and determination. "We have done so in the past to the admiration of the people of this country." According to Citifmonline.com, a visibly upset Alfred Woyome entered the studio just when panellists on Citi FMs News Analysis Programme The Big Issue, the Executive Director of IMANI Ghana; Franklin Cudjoe, a member of the NPP and Legal Practitioner; John Kumah, and member of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Richard Amoah were sharing their varied opinions on the judgement debt and his alleged role in the saga. Citi FM said it interviewed Woyome about a press conference he had organised before he stormed the studio an hour later, ruling out claims of bias. The station's CCTV footage captured the embattled businessman and his aides invading the stations premises and pointing fingers at some of the workers there. The aide attempted to smash the Operations Managers camera claiming he was taking photos of his misbehaviour, according to Citifmonline.com. The incident happen minutes after veteran journalist, Kweku Baako had advise him against further public actions on the GH51.2 million judgement debt fraudulently paid to him. "I dont know if his lawyers have been listening to him, but if I were them I would have advised him to shut up. It is better so that everybody can focus on what is happening now," Kwaku Baako said on Newsfile. He said the habit will not be tolerated any longer. Hon. Agyapong has however apologised for the insults he rained on the IGP. The IGP said they will go after any individual or groups whose utterances poses a threat to the security of this country. This will apply to those who rain unwarranted insults on the leadership of the security agencies in a bid to run them down, discredit and ridicule personalities through the media, he said. Mr Kudalor said the security agencies welcome constructive criticisms but will not tolerate vulgar insults from individuals and groups in the name of politics and freedom of speech. These irresponsible utterances must stop, he stressed. Akufo-Addo said the president has no campaign message for the three northern regions hence he has resorted to "divisive" and "tribal" politics. With the signs clearly spelt on the wall that he (President Mahama) has lost the Presidency, he has begun using divisive language in his campaign. He is in the North telling the people that because he is from the North, the people should vote for him. This is sad, he said while addressing thousands of residents at Akim Oda on Saturday, November 19, 2016, on the last day of his tour of the Eastern Region. Akufo-Addo's comments follow president Mahama's statement that I pity Northerners who are calling for change, adding the NPP hates the people from the North, stressing that they will use you and dump you. Akufo-Addo added that it was sad and shocking that our President will prefer not to use language that brings people together, but is rather using language that will divide us. I will not come before you and tell you to vote for me because I am from the Eastern Region or from Okyeman. I will never do that. The policies I have outlined over the course of my campaign should be the basis of your voting for me. If this country is to progress, we need unity amongst us. We must understand that we are first and foremost Ghanaians, and should not allow people to set tribe against tribe, all in the name of politics and elections, Akufo-Addo stress. Akufo-Addo also questioned Mahama's commitment toward alleviating poverty in the north. You (President Mahama) say you are from the North, and are asking people to vote for you on that basis. However, it is under your tenure of office that the people of the North have been further impoverished. The levels of poverty in the North are truly unprecedented. Monies from SADA have been squandered, monies which were to be used to develop the North have vanished, he said. According to Nana Akufo-Addo, when asked to account for the SADA monies, we are told that it was used for the rearing of guinea fowls. And when asked where the guinea fowls are, we have been told that they have flown to Burkina Faso. Is this your track record as a President from the Northern Region? It is under your tenure of office that Northerners have been robbed. Referring specifically to the construction of the Kwame Nkurmah Interchange,Dr. Bawumia noted that the NPP with GHC20 billion was able to institute several social intervention programmes, undertake major transformational projects in all sectors and in all parts of the country as well also build eight interchanges in eight years. Speaking at the St. John Bosco College of Education in Navrongo on Thursday, Dr. Bawumia wondered how a government which had had over GHC248 billion in resources could be in such a jubilant mood over one interchange they had put up also in eight years. Can you imagine, with GHC248 billion, they have collapsed the economy, they have created hardships, they have created high unemployment, our Northern schools cannot get feeding grants in the senior high schools and we have major challenges in this economy and today they want us to be happy because they have built an Interchange at Kwame Nkrumah Circle. With GHC248 billion, they have been able to build only one interchange in eight years. With only GHC20 billion, the NPP built eight interchanges in eight years so they cannot try and hoodwink us by saying they have constructed Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, he said. READ MORE:Campaign rallies halted in Ashanti Region Dr Bawumia also said the cost of the new flyover costs almost ten times what was spent on the Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange. The Tetteh-Quarshie Interchange was constructed for around US$9 million while the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange was constructed for 75million Euros (around 82 million dollars), he noted. The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange costs almost 10 times what the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange cost and we are definitely not impressed because it is not enough , he indicated. --Bawumia being partisan-- But the Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu says Bawumia is only playing out a partisan motive by seeking to downplay the newly constructed Kwame Nkrumah Interchange. On Election Day, security officers are to provide security cover for movement of election officials and materials, the EC stated in Guide to Voters, manual made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. The EC explained that: At least a security person is required to maintain order at a polling station and work under the directives of the presiding officer who is the ultimate authority at the polling station. It is the duty of the security officers to escort election materials to the polling stations, maintain law and order during polling, counting and escort results and other electrical materials to the collation centre. The security officer is also required to ensure that all election materials are safe and secure. To this end, they must escort or guard the materials, where necessary. According to the EC, it is also the responsibility of the security officer to maintain law and order at a collation centre. The security officers are also mandated to ensure that the queue of voters is orderly, take all necessary measures to prevent violence or any activity that threatens the safe conduct of the election. The Security Officer is to carry out lawful instructions from the presiding officer or returning officer or a senior officer of the Electoral Commission in relation to the arrest of persons who violate the law, stand at the end of the queue, if any, at 17:00 hours to ensure that no person enters the queue after close of polls. The EC explained that, it is the responsibility of security personnel to keep special voting Ballot Boxes and their contents which are deposited with them, safe till after the close of voting on Election Day. Security Officers are also to ensure that candidates, political party members, observers and voters in general, have the right to equal security with respect to lives and property. The Commission warned security personnel not to take part in actual administration of the elections. Security Officers are forbidden from checking the ID cards of the voters, take part in the counting of the votes, harass or intimidate any candidate or voters, assist any person to vote or tell any voter who to vote for and do anything that would suggest that they favour a particular party or candidate, the EC stated. The GNA Tracks Election 2016 project 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. The surest way to fill your deer tag is by sitting on your butt. While Americans are generally good at this, Im a master. When somebody says, Be a man and take a stand, I sit. My bottom-to-the-ground techniques have evolved for decades. Ive brought books to pass the time; more recently a Kindle. Ive even incorporated spiritual concepts originating in India. But the basics of stand hunting have not changed in my half century of experience. Scouting and verification by sight or sign is required to find prime locations where whitetails move. These can be feeding areas, cover edges, trail crossings, travel lanes and pinch points. Careful attention must be given to wind direction and shooting lanes perhaps some pruning is required. Time must be devoted for getting to the stand early, staying late, hanging out there and watching. Do all of that and sooner or later, boom: venison in the freezer. Montana's deer and elk general season runs through Nov. 27. Heres how to take a stand in your favor. Strive to hunker against a tree or near a log or stump that can be used as a break against the weather, a bit of cover for your movements and a rest for the rifle when you get a shooting opportunity. Shooting sticks can be a helpful addition. The perfect stand is situated with the wind in your face, or at least not at your back. From there, the key is to be comfortable, quiet and still. Movement gives the edge to the wily bucks. If they detect you before you notice them, its usually game over. By taking a stand, a hunter increases the odds that a deer will be the first to reveal itself by snapping a twig, turning a head or slipping into view. Wearing hunter orange as required by Washington and Montana law is not a handicap. This was confirmed to me again recently as I hunted elk in the Blue Mountains. I was sitting by a big Douglas fir in a canyon with good open views overlooking a series of contouring game trails. Movement below and to the right of me prompted an ultraslow raising of the rifle to my shoulder. As I braced rock-solid against the tree, the first of several cow and calf elk came into view just 15 yards away. The elks head filled my scope at 4X. She paused and raised her nose in the air as if sensing something was awry, but seemed to reassure herself. The elk walked past me within 10 yards and stopped again. I was in full view wearing my camo-hunter-orange jacket and cap. She looked my direction again and then slowly continued walking away as others followed below, undisturbed. Fluorescent orange camo clothing is not a deterrent to success. The keys to being undetected on a ground stand include breaking your silhouette with a tree, brush or blind, avoiding a shining face against the sun and remaining quiet, still and downwind. In the two hours after shooting time in the morning and again before shooting time ends, be at full alert. No distractions. No checking for a cellphone signal. This is prime time for game movement. My head moves back and forth like an oscillating desk fan in ultra-slow motion. Of course, a buck can show up any time of day. It might be spooked by another hunter or chasing a doe during the rutting activity that should be peaking this week. Sometimes a hunter can benefit by moving to different sittings spots to address deer movements that vary during the course of a day as well as to get the blood flowing and stay warm. But generally, less movement is better. Thats ground stand hunting 101. Master-level skills include techniques to cope with the discomfort and boredom of sitting. Bring something to read, but nothing too absorbing. I read at a pace of a few sentences before a brief pause to look for game. Repeat. Nature watching can be entertaining, especially if squirrels or woodpeckers are working the area. Ive had boredom busters such as wild turkeys, coyotes, black bears and moose stroll by my deer stands without noticing a hint of danger. Nibbling is helpful. Challenge yourself to make a sliver of beef jerky last as long as possible. Avoid crunchy snacks. From the extreme quiet of a deer stand, nuts or chips are distracting like a buck busting through the brush of our brain. Make lists. Opportunities for long stretches of quiet thinking time are rare in a modern world. I always carry a notebook and pen to take advantage of the sit-down time to jot down thoughts, such as Things to do after the hunt: waterproof boots, buy new scope cover, pay property tax, write column on deer stand hunting, replace outdated (2004) Clif bar in hunting daypack Stretching and isometrics are other productive uses of your free time in a stand. Think of it as Deer Stand Yoga and make the exercise a physical, mental and spiritual practice, or whatever. Youll have to modify yoga positions to accommodate calf-high boots with Vibram soles and two layers of long johns you might be wearing under rain-shedding, micro fleece-lined pants. In other words, you dont have a prayer of assuming the Full Lotus Position. If youre like me me, you probably wouldnt come close if you tried it fabric-free and buck naked in a hot tub. So lower the bar. For starters, perched on the 2- by 2-foot insulating sitting pad that every stand hunter should pack, try to touch your toes. If you find youre as limber as day-old roadkill, just try to grab your knees. Its the state of mind youre seeking while keeping an eye out for deer. Slowly move into a sitting stretch in perfect harmony with the environment and basics of deer stand hunting. Feel the burn. Hold it. Remain perfectly still as you unwind those hamstrings, suck the candy coating off an M&M and scan ahead for movement until a chickadee assumes youre a stump and lands on your cap. Ummmm. Youve attained enlightenment, and a fine-tuned recipe for tagging a buck. He was therefore at a loss as to why President Mahamas only message in the run-up to the December 7 elections was about infrastructural development, and not about the policy initiatives that have been put in place to improve on the wellbeing of the citizenry Their message is that in the last 8 years, they have been able to construct roads, school buildings and hospitals. It is a good thing. But, let me ask you one question. Have you seen any government, in Ghanas history, which has never constructed roads, schools or hospitals? Alan asked, to which the answer from the thousands gathered at Akim Swedru was a loud No! In spite of the NDCs singular message of infrastructural development, Ghanaians, Alan Kyerematen noted, are saying that their living conditions are worse off. Ghanaians are saying they cannot make ends meet; they cannot afford to live in these hard times. This is, clearly, a sign that the NDC has failed. Ghanaians are saying they want Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP. The former Trade Minister was addressing a rally at Akim Swedru in the Eastern Region on Saturday, November 19, 2016, the last day of Nana Akufo-Addos tour of the Region. Job creation is Akufo-Addos focus Alan Kyerematen told residents of Akim Swedru that the creation of jobs to solve the countrys crippling unemployment crisis will be the number one focus of an Akufo-Addo government, God-willing, from January 2017, assuring that we, in the NPP, have the formula for job creation. He noted that in addition to rapid infrastructural development for every part of the country, Nana Akufo-Addos message everywhere he goes is that he is coming to create jobs for all Ghanaians. The creation of jobs is what Ghanaians must look at before voting. The 1-District-1-Factory policy, he stated, will be one of the programmes for the creation of thousands of jobs for the teeming masses of unemployed Ghanaian youth across the country. If we have 216 factories in this country, it would mean that some of the items imported from outside of the country will be manufactured right here in Ghana. When we produce these items here, it would mean the appreciation and strengthening of the Ghana cedi. If theres a factory in every district, why would our young men and women leave their respective homes for non-existent jobs in the city centres? he asked. READ MORE:Mahama mobbed by nurses at Nandom In addition to the 1-District-1-Factory, Alan Kyerematen noted that the creation of an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish will be a priority area for the government of Nana Akufo-Addo. With many Ghanaians engaged in their own private businesses, the NPP will make sure that there is availability of capital, at significantly lower lending rates, for the growth of businesses. 90% of jobs currently created in Ghana are through small businesses. The NPP is coming to assist the private sector, so they can create more jobs for the people, he assured. Alan Kyerematen further revealed that to complement the 1-District-1-Factory policy and the strengthening of the private sector, Nana Akufo-Addos government is going to make sure that strategic anchor industries are created to provide more jobs for Ghanaians. These industries will include iron and steel, cement, bauxite and aluminum, petrochemical industry, vehicle assembly and the manufacture of machine parts and equipment. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! The Chairman of the task force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, while parading the suspect on Sunday, said he was apprehended based on a complaint from one Mr Nurudeen Duroti, who resides at No 34, Olumo St., Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos. Egbeyemi said that the complainant reported to his office that he was served a Quit Notice issued on a paper with Lagos State Task Force letter head. The chairman said that after the agency carefully investigated the document on which the Quit Notice was served, it was discovered to be a fake one. He said that a thorough search was later carried out on the residence of the suspect at 48, Shita St., Dopemu, Agege where the agency recovered packs of neatly printed fake Lagos State Government documents. We are advising the public to be wary of some dubious elements within the society who specialise in impersonating and duping people with fake Lagos State Ministries, Departments and Agencies letter head documents. And we are reminding residents facing any form of victimisation or harassment by any suspected landlord/landlady to always visit the Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. This is where matters between landlords and tenants, mutual disputes, employer and employee, among others, are being mediated and settled, he said. Egbeyemi said the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, had directed that the suspect be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Meanwhile, Fan Milk Industry on Sunday donated 1000 units of security reflective vests to the task force to enhance law enforcement in the state. Egbeyemi, while receiving the vests, thanked the management of Fan Milk Industry for supporting the agency. He said that the agency would continue to enforce the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws on street trading and traders displaying their wares indiscriminately on roads and walkways. The Lagos State Road Traffic Laws, 2012 is still being enforced on commercial drivers and private car owners who obstruct free flow of traffic or drive against traffic across the state. We also call on Fan Milk operators not to constitute environmental nuisance across the state by parking their bicycles indiscriminately, thereby causing obstructions on our roads. Ensuring security requires collaborative efforts by all, and we are calling on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to support the agency in the area of security apparatus as government alone cannot do it, Egbeyemi said. Earlier, Mr Hans Pedersen, Managing Director of the industry, said the company donated the vests after they identified occupational hazards as one of the main issues during any of the agencys operations and enforcement. Neither the age of the boy nor what he stole is consequential. Should he be lynched? Lots of people are of the opinion that the dastardly act was uncalled for and reflects how backward a nation Nigeria is. But its easy to shout and spit when you are not a victim or related to a victim. If your loved one is killed for his mobile phone, would you still condemn those that carry out these extra-judicial killings? Should murderers, rapists and terrorists enjoy more rights than their victims? ALSO READ: The Nigerian Police is not a friend Norwegian mass murderer Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people in July 2011 and was sentenced to a maximum of 21 years in prison. This year he sued the Norwegian government for exposing him to inhuman and degrading treatment. He won. How does locking someone up for life equate to murdering 77 people or even one person for that matter? How does this discourage someone whos thinking of going on a killing spree? Where are the stats that suggest that being humane to cold-blooded killers has made the world a better place? Have we now become too civilised to kill cold-blooded murderers because it tramples on their human rights? Instead, they are locked up and celebrated. Books are written on them, big news agencies grant them interviews, Hollywood honours them with movies and groupies send them nudes, seeking sex and some proposing marriage. All the while, the families of the victims are taxed to feed and clothe them in prison. This is how terrorism grew to become what it is today. When it should have been stopped, the West was busy playing the we are civilised card. Should Nigerians live by the standards of the Western nations? Why are developing nations so much in a hurry to be like America, that they copy and paste everything without first thinking it through? A 20th century nation cannot live by 21st-century laws. Just look at the Middle East. In just five years after the celebrated Arab Spring, hundreds of thousands have died and millions of refugees have been created. A region which had lived by laws over 500 years old literally jumped overnight to this century and the result is chaos. Now Libyans openly admit that life under Gaddafi was better. America was once like Nigeria. They have gone through the phases we are currently going through. And they lived by laws made to suit every phase of their development. When they outgrew a law because theyve advanced past that phase they changed it. Lets not be in a hurry to be more civilised than our nation can handle. Sentences are meant to be deterrents. They are meant to dissuade would-be perpetrators of crime from doing so. The more dangerous the crime the tougher the punishment associated with it should be. Street lynching should be frowned upon, even though we all know how active our police force is. Innocent people have been killed because someone tagged them a thief. I believe the death penalty is essential and should be carried out promptly after a judge orders it. Only in cases of manslaughter should a person be imprisoned. By not respecting the victims' rights the murderer forfeited theirs. The distractions, frustrations and uncertainties caused by the strikes are actually painful, but I can assure you that the school and the students are always the better for it, Piwuna told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Sunday in Jos. NAN reports that local strikes have become very common in the university and had often led to the loss of complete academic sessions. Currently, the 2015/2016 session, that should have terminated in July 2016, has been programmed to end in April 2017, owing to another bout of lecturers strike that lasted several months. Students of the school are, however, already apprehensive that even the reviewed academic calendar may suffer yet another review, in view of the interruption caused by ASUUs on-going one-week nationwide warning strike that started on Wednesday, Nov. 16. But Piwuna, whose chapter had consistently shut down the university over a myriad of issues with management, claimed that the school owed most of its developmental strides to such strikes. Our strikes have ensured the building of new hostels at the Naraguta Campus and the renovation of many others for the comfort and safety of the students. The strikes have also forced management to equip laboratories and also secured hazard allowances for those working in them. We have also fought and forced management to build many lecture halls which boosted the teaching and learning atmosphere in the school, he said. Piwuna said that ASUU had also demonstrated its commitment to boosting quality learning by building a lecture hall with a capacity for 1,000 students. He described the strikes as natural and responsible reactions to a system that had relegated education to the background, and declared that the union shall remain on its feet until education was given the deserved attention. Piwuna also reacted to statistics showing that the school had lost its mass appeal among candidates seeking univeristy admission, owing to its academic instability. I am aware of the reluctance to come to UniJos, but what I want the candidates to know is that the school is better than it was 10 years ago; I challenge them to ask more questions so as to know the gains from the pains of such strikes. I also want the general public to know that we are not undermining the system; that we are only fighting to add value to it and make it better by forcing government to live up to its responsibilities. He rejected suggestions that ASUU was insensitive and usually selfish as it hardly consider the plight of the students when shutting down the schools. It is wrong to suggest that we hardly weigh the consequences of our actions. We always weigh the consequence of every step because we are also affected by the closures. A quarter of our members are equally students pursuing Masters or PhD degrees. We also have wives, children or relations that are students. So we are also affected, but we only make sacrifices so that the right thing will be done, explained. He expressed regret that governments and university managements hardly take the lecturers serious until they embarked on strikes, and called for attitudinal change from those in authority. On the major disagreement of the lecturers with the universitys management, he identified the payment of Earned Academic Allowance as one area yet unresolved. In 2013, the Federal Government released N30 billion to be shared to the universities out of which University of Jos got N1.161 billion, but the management refused to use the template approved for the sharing of the money and opted to pay even those not entitled to it. We also fought and secured hazard allowances for those working in laboratories and handling chemicals, but when the money came to the university, it shared to everyone, leaving very little to those it was meant for. He however commended the present management that came on board few months ago, noting that the Vice Chancellor, Prof Istifanus Maimako had started well by meeting with ASUU to work out improved conditions for staff and minimise the number of workers leaving the institution. Piwuna also commended Maimakos humility, especially his insistence on wide consultations before taking decisions, saying that such gesture would boost mutual confidence and enhance industrial harmony. In a recent report by Punch Newspaper, the United States Department of Justice has denied having any record that indicates that Atiku has a pending lawsuit in the US. It was also reported that a spokesperson for the US DOJ, Peter Carr said, Thank you for reaching out to us. I have checked the public court records, and they do not show cases filed against a defendant named Atiku Abubakar. On the allegations about being wanted in the U.S. in connection with any issue of money laundering, Carr replied: "Visa issues are confidential under section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your question is specifically about entry not about visas per se I would refer you to the US Customs and Border Protection." ALSO READ:El Rufai says Atiku is a liar According to a report by Daily Trust, three gunmen had abducted Hirse, who was in company of his friend in the front of the residence of President Muhammadu Buhari's powerful nephew, Alhaji Mamman Daura, in Kaduna. It was also reported that Hirse had gone to pay condolence visit to the family of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki and stopped at Daura's home to pay him a visit when he was abducted by the gunmen. The gunmen had reportedly coerced the ex-minister into entering their vehicle and when people approached them, one of the gunmen had fired his fun in the air to scare off the people around. The chairman, Ad-Hoc committee on Land matters in the Lagos State House of Assembly disclosed that since land is like oil in Lagos, the legislative had to protect the life and interest of the buyers in the metropolis. Explaining further, Fafunmi said: The law on land grabbers is one of the rules we have to deal with the recklessness of land grabbers in the state. You will agree with me that ownership of lands are tied to companies or government all over the world. There is no free land anywhere. There are lots of miscreants who encroach into peoples land and forcefully displace them of their properties without anybody checking on them. The Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency I representative at the Lagos Assembly also described the activities of the land grabbers as barbaric and worthy of a suitable punishment. It is very barbaric and that made us to enact the law and as you can see that immediately we passed the bill into laws in Lagos, other states in the country also followed our footstep. Land is like oil to us in Lagos, and because of that we have to protect the life and interest of the buyers. A lot of people have lost their lives and life savings because of land grabbers. Because we have a very good and understanding governor, he set up a section under the ministry of Justice to take up the land cases. If you have all the necessary document of your land, any land grabber that encroach on your land will definitely go to jail. Before the advent of this law, people will sell land that does not belong to them and nothing will happen, Fafunmi said. In a quiet ceremony on Saturday night in Billings, more than 50 people gathered in a West End church to mourn the violence and death in the world's transgender community, and to hope that a more receptive and understanding future awaits those they honored. At 73-years-old, Tricia Decker just may represent a part of that future. The Red Lodge resident said the Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at Grace United Methodist Church in some ways marked a full-circle journey of education and understanding she has undertaken in the last year, after living for decades with what she described as misinformed stereotypes about transgender people. "I just thought it was an attention-getting thing," Decker said, adding that she had some vague notions that being transgender was related to drugs and sex. An advocate and board member for Red Lodge's Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Decker said that an informational session on the transgender community DSVS hosted last October was eye-opening. After finding out that rates of attempted suicide in the transgender community far surpass national averages, Decker said she felt like she needed to know more, despite how daunting the task seemed. "It was totally foreign to me," Decker said. "I had all these stereotypes." Organized by Not In Our Town Billings and the Montana Gender Alliance, the event on Saturday night included an educational element that attempted to broach some basic concepts about the transgender community in an effort to prevent future violence and harm. Rhiannon Schiller, a member of the Montana Gender Alliance, gave an informational talk with a slideshow. At the beginning, Schiller asked the audience to imagine she was holding a folded blue piece of paper. The audience would agree that the paper is blue, Schiller said, before asking them to imagine if when unfolded, the paper was pink inside. Schiller used this as a metaphor for personal identity and how with some transgender individuals, physical appearance may not match interior identity. Schiller suggested that first asking for a name and then asking for a person's preferred gender pronoun, was a good way to clear the air with a transgender person instead of stumbling through questions about appearance, sexual preference and gender that can be emotionally harmful to some. Overall though, Schiller emphasized that intention is of great importance in such interactions. "It's always important to approach with love and an open mind," she said. After prayer, brief speeches and Schiller's talk, the event reached its emotional peak, with a memorial for those killed in the last year as a result of their transgender identity. Dozens of candles were lit onstage, as a video played on a TV above. On screen was an image of a candle, framed on either side by changing slides featuring faces, names and causes of death thatin a representation of lives lost and violence committeddescribed stabbings, beatings, shootings and more. It was the fifth year that Marty Elizabeth Ortiz organized the event and she said the list of the dead which she took from www.tdor.info, seems to be growing longer. Whether or not that's a result of increased violence or increased reporting and acknowledgment of violence motivated by someone's transgender identity, Ortiz couldn't say. Still, Ortiz noticed something else about this year's event that seemed heartening to her: attendance was up. "It's always a powerful event," she said. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Zubairu Muazu, recently made this known. Muazu told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) in Minna shortly after addressing the policemen, that the area had become increasingly notorious for cattle rustling and kidnapping. We must flush out all those behind cattle rustling and other criminal activities for prosecution, he said. Earlier, the commissioner challenged the mobile police personnel to exhibit professionalism in the course of the operation. You must ensure total implementation of the operational order designed to end the activities of cattle rustling, kidnapping and any form of security threat in Shiroro and the entire state in general, I urge you to demonstrate high sense of professionalism that will pave way for peaceful coexistence to enable residents move on with their legitimate businesses, he said. Muazu added that the personnel must be civil and courteous in dealing with residents and in protecting lives and property. He explained that the deployment was part of well articulated security measures to guarantee the safety of the people across the state. The Force Public Relations Officer, Dan Awunah, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday. Awunah said seven of the victims were members of the communities where the hoodlums attacked. He said the Police Mobile Force and the Counter-terrorism Unit had been deployed to the area to restore law and order. The Member representing Zurmi West in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Moriki, told NAN that the incident occurred at Dole, Tudun Bugaje and Kwangwami communities in Zurmi Local Government Area. According to him, 25 people have been killed, while many others were injured during the attack. So far, we have the record of 25 people who were killed during the attack, while many others injured have been taken to hospital for treatment, Moriki said. NAN reports that the bandits attacked the villages on Saturday night after carrying out similar attacks in some communities at neighboring Shinkafi Local Government Area, the previous day. The lawmaker commended security agencies in the state over measures so far taken to restore peace and stability in the area, but urged them to do more. He appealed to the people of the area to remain calm as the state government in collaboration with security agencies, was making efforts to restore peace and stability in the area. ALSO READ: 35 reportedly killed, 40 abducted in fresh attacks He also urged them to continue to pray and seek Gods intervention in the insecurity challenges facing the state and the country. In a recent chat with Pulse, Adeosun disclosed that reflation of the economy by the FG will create more job opportunities and encourage the Nigerian businesses to favourably compete with international counterparts. She said: We are trying to reflate the economy and get it back on the period of growth. And the strategy we are adopting is to inject more money and funds into the economy particularly in the area of capital projects. This is because we believe that in doing this we will do two things in the short term. One is job creation, better roads and bridges, improvement in power supply and more importantly unlock the productivity of the Nigerian economy by creating infrastructure which we know at the moment is missing, she said. Continuing, Adeosun said: The latter is really the reason why Nigerian businesses are not competitive against their foreign counterparts. We believe that if we invest in the right things we will be able to unlock the growth of our economy in the right direction and get us out of our current situation. Adeosun also appealed to Nigerians to help in the restructuring of the nations battered economy by patronizing Nigeria made product. According to Punch Newspaper, the police under the Special Investigation Panel have reportedly submitted another report on the investigations. It was reported that the report, which has been received by the the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, has indicted the Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The report also revealed that the Special Investigation Panel, headed by the retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, explained that Salisu Maikasuwa, a former Clerk to the National Assembly, could not have committed the alleged offence without the connivance of the two principal officers. A source that spoke to Punch said: The SIP, through painstaking efforts, was able to identify who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, to senators-elect and it also obtained the complete Hansard of June 9 and 24, 2015, which indicated what transpired on the floor of the Senate as well as other relevant evidence. These were issues the former probe did not resolve. It is now up to the government to decide whether Saraki and Ekweremadu should be re-arraigned or only Maikasuwa and Efeturi would carry the can. ALSO READ: FG drops forgery charges against Senate President, Deputy Baba-Ahmed made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] in Kaduna on Sunday. According to him, the problems affecting the party have been left to linger for too long and must be settled in the next few months, if the party hopes to retain power in 2019. Even if you can forgive some of the crisis and blame it on in experience, you cannot forgive the fact that we have tolerated this crisis for too long. They have persisted, and that is not something we should excuse, we should not also excuse the existence of massive problems in states and at the national level. Those who have the responsibility of fixing the APC as a political platform are not fixing it. It is what we are seeing now; a large number of powerful people within APC are walking away from it, thinking that it is beyond redemption. That is unfortunate and I think it is a major set back for the party. The APC must reinvent itself and rediscovere its mission to lead this country, not through a one term presidency or governance, but to actually build a different Nigeria that will meet the yearnings of our children and beyond. Baba-Ahmed stressed that the internal crisis had also affected governance, thereby, making it imperative for the President to quickly intervene and resolve all contending issues within the party. Of course when a party is in a problem like this, a number of things happen; governance suffers because you are constantly having your attention diverted by the partys problems. Secondly, in political terms, four years of an administration is only like two years or two and half years. In a years time, we will not be talking about governing this country, we will be talking about campaign for 2019. And if this party doesnt fix itself at the national level, doesnt fix all the problems it has in the states, it is unlikely to come back to Nigerians with the confidence it came to us in 2014 /2015, to say give us another mandate. If we are not careful the only thing of value and credibility that we can say to Nigerians that is still relatively intact in the APC will be President Buhari. And President Buhari more than anybody else, knows that his personality and character alone cannot win him an election. He needs a political platform that can mobilize people to support him, and right now, that political platform is disintegrating. ALSO READ: APC chieftain urges President to drop non performing ministers He needs to do something about it, he needs to allow the party to work together, he needs to ask a lot of people to fix the problems of the party. Baba-Ahmed expressed the belief that the problems of the APC were surmountable if the leadership work hard to fix all the underlying issues. I am not one of the people who thinks the future is outside APC, I believe that APC can be salvaged. However, I am not complacent to say it can just be fixed like that, alot of hardwork has to go into it, a lot of sacrifices must be made. What I think is useful is that, in the next three to six months a lot of people that we suspect are already packing their things to get out of APC, would do so. That would give the party an opportunity to know who is left, and then we can just go back to rediscovering the essence of the APC and then possibly to re-engineer the party with the popular base. Baba-Ahmed gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Sunday. He also urged the President to quickly push through, policies that would reduce current high level of poverty in the country. If you go by the opinion of a lot of Nigerians, some of the ministers are just filling up space. There is a case to be made for the argument that the president should critically assess his ministers and remove those that he believes have not performed as well as they should. Replace them with people who will bring greater energy, greater vibe and greater imagination in managing scarcity and high expectations in the context in which we live. Baba-Ahmed said the level of poverty in Nigeria require urgent solution, adding that government should continue to mobilise resources to tackle the problem. What the government can do is what I think it is doing, trying to come up with policies that in the short time, can alleviate the crushing poverty. There are a lot of people who feed only once a day, there is a lot of hunger, frustration and bitterness. If we have N500 billion in the presidency now waiting to be disbursed, one would like to see an imaginative and productive use of that money, so that it reaches people that need it to feed, pay school fees, pay medical bills, rent and to go to places where they can earn a living. Government must mobilize resources directly and make sure that it gets to the people. In the longer term, we need bold and imaginative policies that should reposition and restructure the economy, to reduce dependence on oil. On the performance of President Buhari, the former APC state chairman said one year is long enough to assess people and too short to actually pass judgment. He however said a lot had been achieved by the President in some key areas, but that there was room for improvement. I will say yes, he has done well in the area of fighting security, he has done well in terms of signaling his intention to fight corruption, and has many challenges in managing economic recession. He can do a lot better in terms of the quality of people he works with, the quality of his policies and his ability to work with a political platform to engineer and sustain public confidence. The chieftain, who was a retired federal permanent secretary, called for caution on the desirability or otherwise of obtaining about $30 billion loan by the Federal Government for infrastructure development. I dont think that there is anything wrong in getting the loan, however, I do think that we should draw appropriate lessons from the past. We borrowed money in the past and we paid a huge amount of interest and we havent seen the benefit directly from those loans that we repaid. I think that this particular loan has to be scrutinized, has to be rigorously interrogated by the National Assembly, and if they are convinced, then we should go ahead and get it. What is important is that the President needs to improve the manner he engages Nigerians in explaining to them why he needs to borrow $30 billion dollars, what are the benefits, what are the possible draw backs. Because this money, as I said before, is been borrowed for our children not for ourselves, it is important that we dont leave them a legacy of huge debt. He further advised that more efforts be put to enhance the management of the nations economy. In a recent interview with Daily Trust, Galadima said the ruling party is only claiming to be in power but it is actually being controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party. He said: The APC has been raped aground, and it is only claiming to be in government because it is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that is actually controlling power. Continuing, Galadima, who worked with President Buhari in the 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 general elections, said he's certain the President won't run on any other platform aside APC if he intends to go for a second term. Definitely, I know that General Muhammadu Buhari will not want to run on the platform of any party because he has already cast aspersion on party politics and politicians. So we would try to find out on what platform he would contest if he wants to be president in 2019. On what vehicle he would ride, but definitely not on a political party, he said. ALSO READ: Cracks deepen as APC leader shuns campaign rally Tinubu and his loyalists failed to show up at the campaign rally of APC governorship candidate in Ondo State,Rotimi Akeredolu, on Saturday, November 19, 2016. There'll be no prizes for guessing why the Jagaban of Borgu (as Tinubu is fondly called) shunned the last campaign rally of his party just before Ondo voters choose their next Governor on November 26: Tinubu's candidate during the Ondo APC primary contest was Olusegun Abraham. However, Abraham lost out and Tinubu was none the happier. The Jagaban penned a furious open letter in the wake of the primary contest. The letter was addressed to APC Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. Tinubu accused the Chairman of rigging the primary election to benefit Akeredolu. Tinubu also called on Oyegun to resign for "conspiring with others to sabotage justice and democracy in Ondo". The APC leader alleged that "as party chairman, Oyegun was supposed to protect our internal processes and be an impartial arbiter, a person in whom all had confidence. Instead, he donned the garment of a confident man, duping the the party, and in one fell blow. "He has robbed APC members in Ondo State of the chance to pick in a fair manner , who they believe is the best candidate. "As such, he has broken faith with the party and probably has broken a few laws. The consequences of what he has done are more expansive than a man of his scope can fathom. There is a powerful and sinister arm at work to compel a man of Oyeguns age to steal the decision of the party in a manner so crude that it would embarrass even the commonest thief". "To rescue the party", Tinubu wrote, "Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the same time. If Tinubu is to choose between John Oyegun and progress toward a better Nigeria, the choice has already been made". Oyegun paid scant attention to Tinubu's tirade. The party Chairman stuck with his choice of Akerodolu even as other aggrieved contestants like Olusola Oke, Abraham and Ajayi Boroffice, kicked and railed. Other disgruntled candidates made a beeline for the party's exit doors. After Tinubu's first absence from Akeredolu's campaign rally, sources close to Jagaban confided in Pulse that the former Governor of Lagos State will be backing Oke for the governorship election instead of the candidate chosen by his party. Oke left the APC for the AD in a bid to realise his governorship ambition. By some accounts, his campaign has done so well, he stands as good a chance as any to run with the election. Tinubu has kept mum as events have unfolded; preferring to keeps his cards to his chest. But shunning this weekend's campaign rally in Akure has left no one in doubt about where Tinubu's loyalty lies, a few more days before Ondo decides. President Muhammadu Buhari was however in Akure to lend support to Akeredolu. In showing up at the rally, Buhari sought to draw a contrast with Tinubu; and described the primary contest which threw up Akeredolu as "transparent". "We thank the party for conducting a transparent primary election which produced the candidate, the President said, while holding aloft Akeredolu's hand. I can assure you, on Saturday we are going to win...God willing". Also notable in their absences from the stump in Akure, were Governors of Lagos, Osun and Oyo States-- Akinwunmi Ambode, Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi, respectively. All three South West Governors are Tinubu surrogates and disciples. Abayomi Adesanya, who is the Publicity Secretary of the APC in Ondo State, said there was no need to draw any conclusions from the absences of party chieftains at the rally. If we have the President here, we have all the party leaders already, said Adesanya. If we have the President, the Vice President, the national leader and all the 23 Governors in Akure at once, then we will ground the entire country. Nothing will work and the country will be at a standstill if we have everybody here. However, Tinubu disciples in the social media space, have been making a strong case for Oke instead of Akeredolu. It is yet another indication that The Jagaban has been showing his hand--and without regard for subtlety. The big ceremony was held at the Commencement Hall of the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Adamawa State, and was attended by some of society's elite, including former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor Tambuwal of Sokoto State, among others. The bride, Rukaiya is one of the children born to Atiku by his second of five wives, and is based in New York while her groom, Aminu Sani Bello is the son of Sani Bello, one of Nigeria's topmost businessmen, a retired Army colonel and the founder of Sani Bello Foundation. Both the bride and groom were gorgeously dressed in white. The bride, in a lovely dress which held firm from bust to knee before flaring into the abundant train flowing behind her, and the groom dressed somewhat simply, but no less dashing in a white garment sewn in Hausa native attire style. The bride's father, Atiku Abubakar, seemingly overcome by emotion, tweeted after the wedding of his delight to be witnessing his daughter's wedding given how his own father died before he became old enough to marry. We can only imagine the amount of joy and pride the elder statesman must be feeling seeing many of his 27 children doing just fine. Merkel made this known on Sunday, November 20, 2016 while speaking at the headquarters of her centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In a report by BBC, the German Chancellor confirmed earlier reports that she would stand again for the position of party leader as well as for chancellor of Germany. While the general elections are expected to take place in Germany in 2017, BBC reports further showed that Merkel's poll ratings have slipped since the height of her popularity. ALSO READ: German chancellor expected to announce bid for fourth term Sunday Merkel is being challenged by the populist right-wing AfD party. However, she is reported to have retained a wide support even after suffering an embarrassing regional election defeat in early months of 2016. Nicolette Hahn Niman, a lawyer, author and rancher from Bolinas, Calif., jokes that she passionately argues for good grazing and animal husbandry practices because her cattle needed a good lawyer. Hahn Niman, who operates BN Ranch with her husband Bill, was keynote speaker Saturday for the 45th annual conference of the Northern Plains Resource Council. Some of her friends were surprised when the vegetarian married a rancher, but she said she's stuck with the dining discipline throughout their marriage. "I also know a vegetarian butcher," she said with a laugh. "We are a very small group. What you choose to eat is a personal choice." Hahn Niman is the author of two books, including "Defending Beef," which makes the case for sustainable beef production. There is a growing assumption that ranching is inherently a negative for the environment, she said, citing studies that indicate producing a pound of beef requires thousands of gallons of water. The real number is about 440 gallons, she said, when one doesnt include the contribution of green water the water found in the grass that animals graze. That water shouldnt be counted because water in grass is beneficial to the whole ecosystem," she said, and is mostly returned to the system anyway. While grass, which covers at least 40 percent of Earths landmass, is vital to the planets health, so is whats going on beneath the surface, Hahn Niman said. About 90 percent of grass is below the surface, and theres all kinds of important things going on down there, including creating an optimal subterranean environment for microorganisms and nutrients," she said. "That diversity is incredibly important. Hahn Niman spent part of her hour-long talk debunking what she called common cattle myths: that overgrazing has destroyed the American West, beef consumption causes heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and that its also a leading cause of climate change. While some reports say that more than half of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of American agriculture, Hahn Niman pegs that at 10 percent or less, with cattle producing about 2 percent. A Penn State University study showed that pre-settlement ruminants thousands of years ago actually emitted more methane than their modern-day bovine counterparts do. I believe both those numbers can be dramatically reduced by sequestering carbon in well-managed grasslands, she said. During a question-and-answer session following her talk, Hahn Niman was asked how ranchers can make a sustainable living in a world where cheap production by subsidizing grain production, for example is encouraged. We are not operating in a free market system now, she said. We must have a system where a rancher can do the right practices and make a living out of it. The meat company she and her husband operate has gathered like-minded people to provide meat to retailers and restaurants," she said. "We provide the customer awareness about what theyre getting. Americans once spent 30 percent of their income on food, she said. Today that portion is 9 percent. A good first step from the Trump administration would be making it easier for people to get their food to market, she said. I dont think we should support farming that produces environmental devastation. Asked about best practices, Hahn Niman said that one thing shes learned in 13 years of ranching is that good practices are incredibly site specific. We have to make careful decisions about how every piece of land is grazed or not grazed. Resting the land, she said, is a very important piece" of an overall strategy. With well-managed grazing, you have life and more water, she said, even during the historic drought that still plagues California agricultural producers. Where you take grazing away, you have death. You need density, and you need movement. The victims, including four children, were killed overnight when helicopters dropped indiscriminate barrels packed with explosives on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Sakhour in eastern Aleppo, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights added. The toll raised to 54 the number of civilians killed by regime airstrikes and artillery in eastern Aleppo over the past 24 hours, the watchdog said. The Syrian government has intensified its attacks on eastern Aleppo since Tuesday in an attempt to dislodge opposition fighters from the area. Some local activists said that this weeks regime attacks were supported by airpower from its allied Russians, a claim that Moscow has denied. An estimated 300,000 people are under a government siege on the eastern part of Aleppo, where residents report declining or disrupted supplies of basic necessities, including food, water, electricity and medicine. Officials had originally put the death toll at 73 following the massive blast on Thursday in Tete province, in the country's remote western region near Malawi. By Friday morning, officials had counted 56 bodies in mortuaries as searching continued and three days of national mourning were announced. "In the accident, 108 people were injured, 96 of whom are still being kept in for treatment at Tete Provincial Hospital," government spokesman Mouzinho Saide said at a press conference in Maputo. "The cabinet has created a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances, causes and responsibilities for this accident." Authorities suggested that residents may have been taking petrol after the vehicle had crashed or been abandoned by drivers who fled when they feared it could explode. Photographs from the hospital in Tete showed badly burned children arriving for emergency care. "Of the people brought in, we have two pregnant women, 17 children, and a total of 45 severe injuries, with cases of third-degree burns," Jose Mendonca, Tete provincial government spokesman, told reporters late Thursday. Syphoning fuel? Hospital staffing has been reinforced to help deal with the large numbers of injured. "We do not yet have a definitive idea about the original source of the fire," said Mendonca. One local journalist told AFP the truck had crashed on Wednesday and exploded on Thursday afternoon as scores of people tried to syphon off fuel. The government in Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, recently increased the price of fuel after the value of the local currency -- the metical -- fell sharply. The metical has collapsed by 70 percent against the US dollar this year after falling 36 percent in 2015. Duterte, who has publicly expressed his admiration for the Russian leader, said the Cold War had stood between their two countries as the Philippines, a former US colony, was historically identified with the West. But that has changed now that he is president. Since taking office in June, the foul-mouthed Duterte has upended the Philippines' historical military alliance with the United States, repeatedly saying he was shifting toward China and Russia as he embarks on an independent foreign policy. "It was good (while) it lasted," Duterte told Putin of what he has called his "separation" from the United States. "Of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy," he said during their 45-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Peruvian capital Lima. "And they seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is what is wrong with America and the others. They've been waging wars in so many places -- in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq for one single reason that there was a weapon of mass destruction, and there was none." Duterte also said the United States "forced" the Philippines to contribute soldiers in its wars in Vietnam and Iraq. When Manila pulled out non-combat troops that were part of the US-led coalition against Saddam Hussein in Iraq in 2004 following threats to behead a kidnapped Filipino worker there, Washington "made it hard for us," Duterte told Putin in a video shot by the Philippine presidential palace broadcast team. "These are the things I see which is not a good idea," Duterte said in English. He also said the Philippines longed to be part of Europe. "We've been longing to be part also of -- despite the distance -- we have been longing to be part of Europe, especially in commerce and trade around the world." Guns, women and Putin Duterte, who has cultivated an image as a no-nonsense leader, said last month that "my favorite hero is Putin." He has also said that he and Putin seem to share a passion for guns and women. Favorite targets for his abusive verbal tirades are US President Barack Obama, UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the European Union. All three have expressed concern over Duterte's iron-fisted policy against drugs, which they said violated human rights and due process. Duterte missed the gala dinner at the APEC summit Saturday evening, sending a message to the hosts that he was sick. Lighting the way to McAfee Pass a waning moon led 21 locals the 10.7 miles that climb almost 3,000 feet to the top of the Silver Peak Range on their way from Fish Lake Valley to the Old School Saloon terminus 34 miles away in Silver Peak for the 22nd annual Silver Peak or Bust hike. What really happened to Johnny Gosch? Was the 12-year-old newspaper carrier abducted in 1982 and abused as part of a pedophile ring? Did he really visit his mother, Noreen, some years ago? The case has involved several people who claim to be part of it, including one man who claimed to be the missing boy and another who alleges he was part of the abduction. But no arrests have ever been made in connection with Johnny's disappearance. Filmmaker David Beilinson, of New York, doesnt have all the answers. In his film Who Took Johnny? (available on DVD, Netflix, Amazon and iTunes) he addresses many of the questions people continue to ask about the unusual circumstances around the boy's disappearance. Beilinsons fascination with the case began many years ago, when his production company, Rumur Inc., made a film called Horns and Halos for HBO. A writer told Beilinson and his crew about an alleged child-prostitution network that might be linked to the disappearance of Gosch, a newspaper carrier from West Des Moines. After learning more about Johnny's case, we became intrigued, and cautiously began to pursue a film about it, Beilinson said. Were documentary filmmakers. Were not really journalists, Beilinson said. We approach our movies much as a fictional narrative filmmaker would. In Noreens story, youve got this mother fighting for her son, trying to find her son a very universal story anybody can relate to. Noreen is a strong, charismatic, confident person who, because of Johnnys case and the notoriety, became an activist on the level of John Walsh, Beilinson said. Walsh is the human rights and victim's advocate who created "America's Most Wanted" after the kidnapping and murder of his son, Adam, in 1981. Noreen flies in the face of what youd think of a stereotypical Midwestern woman, he said. She presents a lot of theories including the possibility of a child-sex/pornography ring that are too hard to believe for some people, Beilinson said. In 2011, We thought this is the 30th anniversary (of Johnnys disappearance), one of the most important missing-person cases in the countrys history, Beilinson said. We ended up pitching it to MSNBC, and they decided to do a special for the 30th anniversary. The filmmakers secured the rights from MSNBC to make a directors-cut documentary that is much longer than what was broadcast. There are a bunch of unanswered questions in the case, Beilinson said. The first thing you have to ask the audience to decide is: Did he run away, or was he abducted? Its still considered a missing-persons case, not a crime. But Beilinson thinks Johnny was abducted in fact, the film includes witnesses who are certain that is what happened. Its clear that someone was sort of stalking him or surrounding him, Beilinson said. There seemed to be no motive in his life that would make him want to run away. The other questions that remain unanswered are whether Johnny was abducted by a lone person or through an organized incident. To me, it speaks to something that was more organized, Beilinsen said. Not everything has to be true for the story to be true, Beilinson said. In this case, you can believe that Johnny was abducted by an organized ring but maybe the pictures arent him, for example. You could believe that (the man who claims he assisted in the abduction) was involved, but that doesnt mean that Noreen wasnt telling the truth. Did Johnny actually visit Noreen, telling her he had been brainwashed and asking her not to call anyone or he would be killed? To me, it makes sense, Beilenson said. Noreen seems like a very confident, thoughtful person. One of the reasons some people think shes saying that is to keep the story in the media, he said. Noreen discussed the visit publicly two years after she said it happened. If she were lying, why would you keep a lie a secret for two years? Beilinson asked. You dont keep a lie a secret. You tell the lie. ALTOONA, Iowa Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says he has not been offered a position in President-elect Donald Trumps administration, but the governor also says that may soon change and that he will not rule out accepting an offer. Speculation by political observers and media has suggested Branstad, who has two years remaining on his sixth term as governor, may be asked by Trump to serve as U.S. ambassador to China. Speaking to reporters just before his annual birthday party and fundraiser Saturday evening at Adventureland Park in Altoona, Branstad said he has not yet been asked to serve in Trumps administration. But he also said he may soon talk to the Trump team and would not rule out taking a new job. Im not ruling anything out, but you know my focus has always been on Iowa, Branstad said. This is something a lot of people are speculating about, but its not something that has been discussed with the people that have the responsibility. But my focus is always on Iowa. I love this job. I want to do anything I can to serve the people of Iowa. And I think weve got a great opportunity now with the election results. Coincidentally, Saturday night was Branstads first public appearance in Iowa since returning from a trade trip to China and other Asian countries. The trip was planned before the election. Branstad said he has an economic development trip to New York planned, during which he may talk to the Trump team. I will be going to New York on an economic development trip weve had planned for some time. I may get an opportunity to meet at that time with the transition team, Branstad said. Im not ruling anything out, but Im focused on the people of Iowa. Branstad was a fervent Trump supporter throughout the presidential campaign, even when other Republicans backed off as Trump made controversial statements and news reports revealed unflattering comments from his past. And Branstads son Eric was the Trump campaigns state director in Iowa. Trump praised Gov. Branstad during his final campaign appearance in Iowa, the Sunday before the election, in Sioux City. Terry came to my office, and he was talking to me about trade, and I think theres nobody who knows more about trade than him, Trump told the crowd in Sioux City. (Branstad) would be a prime candidate to take care of China. He has done so well for the people of Iowa. Nobody knows it better. Matt Strawn, a former state Republican Party chairman, said Branstad would make a strong representative for the country in any role, should the Trump administration call. Hes one of the most decorated public servants in America, Strawn said of Branstad, who is the longest-serving governor in the countrys history. So I think the Trump administration would be fortunate to have him in any capacity. Should Branstad remain in the governors office for the remainder of his term, he would enjoy complete Republican control of the states agenda after Republicans in the election gained control of the Iowa Senate. Im a pretty happy guy (because of the election results). Its a great birthday, Branstad said Saturday night. Im really focused on what we want to accomplish with a Republican-controlled Legislature. MISSOULA, Mont. The daughters of Dale Eugene Ragan wish to invite you to join us in remembrance of our father at a celebration of his life. Let us gather to share stories about this man's long, productive, remarkable life. The celebration will be Saturday, Nov. 26, at Jane's Place, CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, located at the southernmost entry of the building, 563-386-7477. Hours are noon-4 p.m. A light lunch will be served. Dale was born Jan. 15, 1927, to Homer and Florence (Simpson) Ragan in Burke, South Dakota. He died peacefully of natural causes on Friday, Nov. 11, in Hamilton, Montana. Like many of his generation, he served with honor in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Davenport and began to build skills as a pipefitter. In 1958, he joined with his brothers Bud, Bob and Larry to form Ragan Company (Ragan Mechanical). Even though Dale officially retired in 1983, the business is still successful after 58 years. Dale took pride in his dedication to work. His goal was to always conduct business with integrity. In 1952, Dale married Maudie Dutch Yoakum. Together they raised seven daughters. Along the way, Dale and Dutch had a strong, positive influence on many young girls and women through fast-pitch softball. So dedicated to these young softball players, they built a softball diamond in the backyard for practices. Many will remember the teaching legacy of hard work, winning and sportsmanship that characterized those years of softball (Go Whoppers!). Dale and Dutch were also the parent sponsors of the Central High School Class of 1965. Young people were always welcome at the Ragan house. The big sky of Montana was a shared dream of Dale and Dutch. In 1979, they moved to the Nine Mile Valley outside of Missoula, Montana. In June 1980, our beloved mother died at the age of 52. After her death, Dale remained at the ranch, enjoying hunting, horses and working in his shop. In 1986, Dale married Kathy Olson, who preceded him in death in 2013. In 1996, Dale and Kathy moved into the city of Missoula where he continued to earn his reputation for hard work with the renovation of several homes there. When he took a break from work, he loved to watch "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza and listen to Paul Harvey." Dale is survived by his seven daughters, Karen Sue (Scott) Hobbs, Kathleen (Dick) Mueller, Kalleen (Tom) Ragan-Pepper, Krisan (Mark) Steiger, Kelly Burger, Joan (Tom) Kallay and Julie Linville; his brothers, Larry and Bob; and sister, Sharon. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren who will enjoy hearing stories about Grandpa Dale for many years to come. His mother and father; sisters, Gladys and Amy; brother, Eldon (Bud); son-in-law, Brian Linville; and grandson, Marcus Mueller, preceded him in death. If you are considering a memorial donation, may we suggest: VALOR, a part of Humility of Mary that serves homeless vets (1016 W. 5th St., Davenport, Iowa 52802, 563-345-6191) or King's Harvest Pet Rescue located at 2504 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport. UP Labor of love. Community Leadership and Development Inc. announced plans to renovate the old Labor Temple Hall at 24 S. 29th St., and remodel it into efficiency apartments that will be rented at below-market rates. The proposed $2.8 million project would provide sorely needed affordable housing. UP Montanan honored. Eloise Cobell, a Blackfeet rancher who founded the Native American Bank and led a 15-year legal battle to recover Indian Trust funds mismanaged by the federal government, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Cobell died in 2010, just as the lawsuit was being settled to reimburse Native Americans nationwide for financial losses. President Barack Obama will present the nations highest civilian honor to Cobells family Tuesday at the White House. UP Fast cash. Funds generated by the 2016 Montana Womens Run will provide $101,000 in grants to local organizations serving women. The recipients are: The YWCA, Billings Clinic Foundation, Billings Family YMCA, and womens cross country and track programs at Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University Billings. UP Dental donors. Twenty Billings dentists provided cleanings, fillings and extractions free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday for the Ninth District Dental Societys annual Giving Back clinic. Three years ago when Republicans were battling President Obama over the debt ceiling and a government shutdown, the president said, "You don't like a particular policy or a particular president? Then argue for your position. Go out there and win an election." That is what Republicans did on Nov. 8. In addition to winning the presidential election, Republicans also maintained majorities in the House and Senate and now have 33 governorships and 32 state legislatures under GOP control. It was a consequential repudiation of the far-left policies of the Democratic Party. To paraphrase Mr. Obama: Republicans won, Democrats lost, now deal with it. Democrats are having a hard time dealing with it and so instead of examining why they and their policies were so roundly rejected, they have decided to take a familiar path. They are smearing newly named White House counselor and chief strategist Stephen Bannon, the executive chairman of Breitbart News, as an anti-Semite and bigot with little or no evidence, other than guilt by association for incendiary articles posted on Breitbart.com when he was chairman. In other overreaction to the election results, some despondent lefties have announced their intention to continue violating the law when it comes to illegal aliens. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who can't control the shooting gallery his city has become, has said Chicago will continue to be a sanctuary city for any and all people who broke federal immigration laws. He joins the mayors of New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and more than two dozen other cities and towns who have made similar declarations, thus violating federal law and their oaths of office to defend the federal and state constitutions, which state that lawmakers, not mayors (or presidents, or judges) are the ones who pass laws. Washington, D.C., radio talk show host Chris Plante has a good idea to counter this lawlessness. On his program Tuesday, Plante said that if an illegal immigrant in a sanctuary city commits a crime, especially murder, the mayor of that city should be prosecuted by the Justice Department as an accessory. The Trump administration should also announce it will withhold federal funds for any city that harbors people who broke immigration laws to get here. Billionaire globalist George Soros met in Washington this week with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to plot strategy for how to stop Trump. Here's how a story in Politico put it: "George Soros and other rich liberals who spent tens of millions of dollars trying to elect Hillary Clinton are gathering in Washington for a three-day, closed-door meeting to retool the big-money left to fight back against Donald Trump." That was wasted money given the outcome. In business, if your strategy isn't working, you change the strategy. In liberal politics, it's like a cult. You believe despite any and all evidence that proves your beliefs wrong. The left and angry Democrats believe and behave as if government is their property and when Republicans win they are stealing merchandise that doesn't belong to them. In their efforts to kneecap Trump before he takes office, they will again rely on the big media as their ally. Except it didn't work during the campaign and it won't work now because the public's trust in news organizations is at a record low. The danger for Democrats and the left is that the very same "angry white voters" they alienated during the campaign might be driven even further away, if they won't even allow Trump to take office and have the traditional honeymoon period to see if his ideas can be implemented and whether they work. That can only mean more Republican victories in the future. Deal with it! Rep. Bobby Kaufmann probably feels really good right now. Hes getting a lot of attention from the national media for what he calls the suck it up, buttercup bill. Iowa's public four-year universities say no such money has been spent. Kaufmann told The Associated Press, "I've seen four or five schools in other states that are establishing 'cry zones' where they're staffed by state grief counselors and kids can come cry out their sensitivity to the election results. I find this whole hysteria to be incredibly annoying. People have the right to be hysterical ... on their own time." This is one of the first bills to surface since Republicans won control of the Iowa Senate and picked up two seats in the House, marking the first session since 1998 that Republicans have had control of both chambers and held the governors office. With that much control, its a chance for instant momentum toward the partys goals. On Wednesday, Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said the priorities for the coming session would be setting education funding and giving schools more flexibility, enacting a reliable state budget and improving water quality. How does a frivolous bill designed to defund universities for student behavior advance that agenda? One of the many messages from this election is that voters have anxiety about the economy and are looking to elected officials for job creation and tax relief. How does a bill written to address one lawmakers annoyance with dissent help improve the lives of Iowans? Ineffective legislation takes time and money. Why should taxpayer money be used to draft and administer Kaufmanns misguided vanity bill, which punishes students for using the rights given to them under the First Amendment? Post-election protest is part of a free and open society. One side loses. The losing side grieves and speaks out. To legislate reaction, a reaction that happens every four years without fail, is not only embarrassing it sets a dangerous precedent. Weve seen a similar precedent set in Putins Russia as he has systematically cracked down on protests. Shortly after his inauguration, Russia saw a series of laws that made it harder for Russians to assemble or protest. In 2015, Leon Aron, a Russia scholar at the American Enterprise Institute told PBS Frontline, (Putin) is a lawyer. So he generally tends to avoid these crude, typically authoritarian, thuggish methods He tries to do it as a slow strangulation through a series of laws. Less than a month after Putins inauguration, Russia passed a bill raising the fines for taking part in unauthorized protests to $9,000, according to a 2015 PBS report. Spontaneous protest has been virtually outlawed, Amnesty International reported. Kaufmanns bill might seem harmless. It might seem that standing it side by side with Putins crackdown is overwrought. But the methods are the same. Putting a funny name on a bill that punishes dissent is not funny. It is not harmless. We elect Republicans because they promise smaller government. Instead, days after the election, we see Kaufmann use his position to expand government overreach, regulating the actions of students through the pockets of the university. When has the role of Iowas famously common sense government been to legislate opinion, or, in this case, fears and tears? Frankly, we find the suck it up, buttercup bill to be hysterical and Kaufmann should be hysterical on his own time. One of the Black Hills longest-running and most successful restaurants, The Elk Creek Steakhouse in Piedmont, is under new ownership. Sturgis realtor Bob Bertolotto said the new owner is Matt Downie, who took over operation from Dave McCracken. Im 76. Its time, said McCracken, who bought Elk Creek from its founder, the Gunderson family, in 2002. Older people sometimes get set in their ways, Dave said. Younger minds work better. Elk Creek built and maintained its reputation with quality certified angus steaks and a nightly prime rib special. The highly visible location along the I-90 corridor between Rapid City and Sturgis help draw hungry travelers as well as loyal local customers. I think your service and quality of food and being consistent is the key, McCracken said. McCracken said he and his wife, Joy, plan to take it easy and perhaps do some traveling. Attempts to reach Downie for comment were unsuccessful. Big Time Pizza move Last week, I reported on Big Time Pizza moving from Keystone to Hot Springs. Co-owner Mary Davis said Big Time Pizza got its start in Spearfish before moving to Keystone 15 years ago. Now their former location in the Roosevelt Inn is being converted to more handicapped-access rooms for the hotel, she said. Their new location at 310 S. Chicago St. in Hot Springs will allow for more space and expanded hours. Its a lot bigger than what we had, and well be open all year, maybe except for Christmas, Mary Davis said. There will likely be an expansion of the menu beyond pizza and oven-roasted sub sandwiches, including their signature Quad pizza, an innovation from Marys husband and co-owner, Robert, in 2003, putting all four family favorite toppings on one medium- or large-size crust. The kids like single-ingredient cheese, with pepperoni for the teenagers. Moms like veggies and Dads like the all meat, Mary said. The Davis are aiming for a Dec. 1 re-opening in Hot Springs, she said. New tenants at Sola Salon Sola Salon, right next door to the Journal at 501Main St., has recently added several new tenants, according to owners Richard and Lydia VanHorn. The Sola Salon Studios franchise has more than 300 locations offering leased space for 6,000 beauty and cosmetology professionals under the motto Be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The new tenants are: Ronnie Weir and Whiter Brighter Smiles is in studios 23 and 14, offers professional home kits that will whiten up to eight different times. Weir also offers in-office whitening sessions. Call 605-209-0931 for more information. Michele Maier has opened Hair Razors (605-673-1189) in Studio 3. Cricket Rick opened Slice by Cricket (701-202-2356) in Studio 12. Dani Kuhl has opened Skin Candy (605-787-0343), offers eyelash extensions, dermal anchors and piercings, waxing and skin care in Studio 13. Beau Cerney, owner of The Little Beautique, and Morgan Mateer, owner of All Dolled UP, have teamed up at Sola Salons and added Samantha Trujillo, owner of The Lacquer Lounge. Samantha offers manicures, pedicures and gel services. Call 605-858-4256 for more information. Sola Salon is also hosting an open house on Nov. 26 as part of Downtown Small Business Saturday and as a lead-up to the Festival of Lights Parade that night. Restaurant updates The ever-vibrant restaurant scene in Rapid City is seeing more comings and goings. Panera Bread opened Monday at Rushmore Crossing Shopping Center. Final landscaping touches remain, but the full parking lot and drive-through lane were evidence of brisk business from the get-go. The westside Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Mountain View Road has lost its lease and is closed. Those wanting their KFC fix are now directed to the eastside location on East North Street. The former Ciao restaurant in the Shops at Main Street Square has been replaced apparently on an interim basis by Chow For Now, a burger, sandwich and pizza eatery. The new Einstein Bagels/Caribou Coffee shop on Mount Rushmore Road is progressing with the building up and windows and doors being installed this week. Rapid City Chamber recognized The United States Chamber of Commerce this week awarded the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce with Accredited status, according to a news release. Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take six to nine months to complete. The 5-Star accreditation places the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce as one of the top 3 percent of Chambers in the United States, and the only 5-Star Accredited Chamber in South Dakota, said Linda Rabe, President and CEO of the Rapid City Chamber. Of the 7,022 chambers in the US, only 105 are 5-Star accredited, Rabe said. We are honored to be recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for our operations, programming and service to our members and community, she said. BHSU president receives award Tom Jackson Jr., president of Black Hills State University, received an inaugural Student Affairs Legacy Award recently from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Jackson served as vice president of student affairs at the University of Louisville from 2007-2014. While at the University of Louisville, Jackson helped develop a partnership with Cardinal Towne, an off-campus community designed for college living which changed the University from a commuter to a residential campus. Jackson helped stabilize and expand the International Service Learning Program. He was also instrumental in the development of the Student Recreation Center. In his two years as president at BHSU, Jackson has instituted new scholarship programs to provide funding for local students including the Northern Hills Scholarship, Early Jacket Scholarship, and the Presidents Medallion Scholarship which was created with generous donations generated from Jacksons inauguration. Teams compete at Knowledge Bowl meet The annual Black Hills Region Knowledge Bowl meet, featuring the nine teams with the best records from two West River divisions in both high school and middle school, was held Nov. 5 at Rapid City Stevens High School. Winning teams at the high school level were Rapid City Stevens (first place), Rapid City Christian (second place), and Sturgis Brown (third place). Winning teams at the middle school level were Spearfish (first place), Douglas (second place), and Rapid City Southwest (third place). Rapid City optometry student honored Corey Ommen, of Rapid City, was recently honored with the 2nd Year Basic Science Award at Southern College of Optometry. The award recognizes an optometry student demonstrating excellent promise in his or her studies. Free developmental screenings The Rapid City Area School District will offer free developmental screenings at Jefferson School for children ages 3 through 5. These developmental screenings check a child's development in the areas of language and articulation, concept development, hearing, vision, and motor skills. Information about their child's development is shared with parents, and parents will be provided with ideas to help enhance their children's development. Preschool children ages 3 though 5 will be screened Dec. 5 and 12. Parents who live in the Rapid City Area School District can make an appointment to have their children screened by calling 394-1813. A longtime employee of the Career Learning Center was recognized earlier this month by the Rapid City Council and mayor. Priscilla Noble was honored as part of the nationwide Extra Mile Day observance. Mayor Steve Allender declared Nov. 7 as "Priscilla Noble Day" in Rapid City, in honor of Noble and her 21-year career at the learning center. The proclamation was read during a City Council meeting and recognized Noble's "commitment to creating positive change and making a difference in Rapid City," according to a news release from the city. "As part of the Extra Mile Day recognition, we are pleased to honor Priscilla for her tireless work and commitment to her community, to volunteerism and to service to the public," said Allender. "She is definitely an Extra Mile Hero." Extra Mile Day recognizes individuals and organizations in local communities who create positive change by "going the extra mile" and making a difference. Noble has been with the Career Learning Center since 1995, providing support to a wide range of clients as they pursue a GED or advanced degree. Center Director Gloria Pluimer says Noble goes "the extra mile each and every day" and finds the good in each client. She also partners with community agencies to provide clients with clothes and personal items to get them ready for job interviews and employment. For seven years, she helped men and women retiring from military service transition to civilian work with job search skills. Students collect food, donations Just before Halloween, the Circle K International community service group from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology campus invited students to participate in a food drive for Feeding South Dakota called "Trick or Treat for Canned Goods." A news release says 37 people volunteered. Students dressed up in Halloween costumes and went door to door asking for canned food donations, trick-or-treat style. In less than three hours, the 37 volunteers collected 1,345 pounds of food and raised $35 for Feeding South Dakota. The teams that raised the most food per team member, and the individuals with the best costumes, won prizes donated by local businesses. Circle K International partnered with the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, which provided food, hot chocolate, coffee and volunteers. The group also partnered with a student activities club on campus called HAP'N for advertising. On Nov. 3, the Lambda Chi Alpha Pi-Mu fraternity chapter on campus partnered with the Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority to visit the neighborhoods that weren't reached the night of Trick or Treat for Canned Goods. Volunteers dropped off plastic bags with information slips inside in which people could leave donations. Bags were picked up Nov. 10. The event added another 200 pounds of food and $20, bringing the total for the four organizations involved in the service projects to 1,545 pounds of food and $55. BHSU exchange kicks off SPEARFISH | The 16th Annual Red Shirt Cultural Holiday Exchange at Black Hills State University is underway. Angel Tree gifts are available on trees in the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union and the E.Y. Berry Library on the BHSU campus. BHSU and Spearfish community members are encouraged to take an angel and place an unwrapped gift near the tree. Donors can also make monetary donations or give new clothing, games, books or school supplies. The dropoff deadline is Nov. 28. Dropoff sites include the student union, library and Center for American Indian Studies in Jonas Hall, Room 101, on the BHSU campus. In early December, BHSU students, faculty and staff will wrap the presents and spend the day in the Red Shirt classrooms, handing out the gifts. For more information, call Jace DeCory at 642-6295 or email Jace.DeCory@BHSU.edu. Care package drive underway South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is holding a care package drive for deployed military students and staff members. Mines has 130 veterans and active duty students, according to a release from the school. Items sought include: beef jerky, sunflower seeds, nonmelting candy, playing cards, ramen, popcorn, powdered drink mix, energy bars, energy drinks, gum, foot powder, baby wipes, socks, Mechanix gloves, snacks, magazines, puzzle books, calling cards, notes and hand warmers. Items may be brought to the lower level of the Surbeck Center through the end of November. Holiday meals for military members Active-duty E-1 through E-6 military families and the families of post-9/11 wounded, ill or injured of all ranks may register by Dec. 5 at operationhomefront.net to receive a free holiday meal from Operation Homefront, Walmart and Beam Suntory. According to a news release from Operation Homefront, the program will distribute 250 holiday meals to military families through its annual Holiday Meals for Military program. The distribution will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at La Quinta Inn & Suites on Elk Vale Road in Rapid City. Only those who register will be able to pick up a meal kit, which includes nonperishables and coupons for other items. To register, visit operationhomefront.net and click on the event. The links to events are at the bottom of the page. Students to collect groceries for local program The St. Thomas More Middle School Student Council will buy Thanksgiving Day meals for families who receive services through Catholic Social Services. A news release from the school says students will leave the middle school Monday morning to shop for the supplies, then deliver the groceries to Catholic Social Services. Funds have been donated by Behrens Wilson Funeral Home & Sylvan Learning of the Black Hills. Lifelong South Dakotan Dawn Anderson had been working at Coleman Co., a Black Hills gold jewelry manufacturer in Rapid City, for 28 years when disaster struck last summer. Oncologists discovered she was suffering from colorectal cancer and surgery was performed on the 48-year-old married mother of two grown children in September. But since then, the aggressive cancer has spread to her lungs, then to her neck, and finally to her brain. Although she remains optimistic, Anderson admits, Its terminal, and she has refused chemo treatments. But Andersons medical problems were compounded when she called her employer in October, informed them she wouldnt be returning to work, and inquired about accessing the six-figure nest-egg she had established in her retirement account so that she could maintain payments on her home, car, insurance, and cover other essentials. Only then did she learn that Coleman Co. had apparently failed to keep current on the payroll deductions she had made that were intended to repay a loan she had taken from her 401(k) retirement account, which precluded her from withdrawing any of the funds she had put away for a rainy day. And for Anderson, it continued to rain. My very last paycheck bounced, she said Friday from her Hill City home. Documents provided to the Journal by Anderson attest to her assertion that the $271.69 deducted from her paycheck every two weeks, perhaps for as long as three years, to service a retirement fund loan she essentially had made to herself, were never applied to her 401(k) account by her employer. It isn't clear where the contributions ended up. Anderson said she had since entered into a written agreement with Coleman Co. owner and Chief Executive Officer Dwight Sobczak Sr. requiring the company to directly reimburse what is owed her over the next few months. I got the first check on Nov. 14, just last week, Anderson said. It took that long to get them to fess up, but I knew they couldnt pay me because they dont have any money, so eventually I agreed that they could pay me over a four-month period. Employees scared, angry Andersons worries are shared by several other of Coleman Co.s 70 employees, a half-dozen of whom contacted the Journal in recent weeks to voice their concerns over how their 401(k) accounts had been administered. Fearing retribution if their names were published, the four current and two former workers spoke on condition of anonymity. All said they were worried that the company, whose Rapid City building is in foreclosure and undergoing an auction Monday, has not properly handled their retirement funds. I dont know how we can contribute through our payroll plan and not have that money go into our retirement plan, one longtime worker said. They never put that money into our accounts. Another decades-long employee who has since left the company said the discrepancies in what he contributed to his retirement plan and what actually was in those accounts spurred him to change jobs. These guys running the place were taking peoples 401(k) money, not paying insurance premiums, and bouncing checks, he said. They had employees hold their paychecks. It was payday again and the day before payday, my last check finally cleared from two weeks earlier." The former employee has no way of knowing for sure why contributions taken from his pay didn't make it into his retirement account. They were taking the money from payroll checks that was supposed to go to 401(k) accounts, and using that money, he added. Over eight months I got wind of it and I didnt watch my 401(k) statements, but when I did, I stopped doing my 401(k) contribution because it wasnt making it in there. In a brief phone conversation last week, Dwight Sobczak, who with his wife, Gloria, bought Coleman Co. in 1994, said his company was experiencing a tough business cycle, and acknowledged they are working to correct issues with employee contributions to retirement plans while undergoing a restructuring. We were having some timing issues with cash flow and we got behind on submittals, Sobczak said in a subsequent written statement issued to the Journal late Friday. There were some shortages that we intend to make whole as soon as possible. In addition, Sobczak, who serves as trustee of the companys retirement plan, said changes had been made in how his employees repaid loans taken against their 401(k)s. Instead of holding employees money to pay their 401(K) loans, the employees are writing their own checks to pay for their loans so we do not touch the money other (than) to mail the checks to the third-party administrator, he stated. Federal agency aware Colemans earlier practices caused several employees to consult with at least two local attorneys. When that didnt yield results or reimbursements, four employees contacted the U.S. Department of Labors Employee Benefits Security Administration in Kansas City and provided the agency with pay stubs showing withholdings and 401(k) statements showing that funds they assumed had been applied to their retirement plans never were recorded. Speaking on background last week, because he wasnt authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the EBSA, one federal worker familiar with the case said of the issues at Coleman: Its a terrible situation, no question about it. Contacted about reports that it had sent an EBSA investigator to Rapid City last March to examine the complaints leveled against Coleman Co., Department of Labor spokesman Scott Allen said if an investigation was still in progress, he likely would not be able to answer any of the Journals queries about the matter. Later that day, Allen issued a written statement from his Chicago office that said, The only thing I can confirm is that the Department of Labors EBSA is aware of the claims at Coleman Co. However, we cannot confirm or deny if there is an ongoing investigation." He added: I can tell you the Labor Department takes these types of complaints/allegations very seriously and will do all they can to ensure fiduciaries properly administer employee benefit plans according to law." Tom Hart, deputy secretary of the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, said last week that no complaints related to Coleman Co. had been received by the state agency and he referred all queries about retirement plans to the EBSA. Sheriffs sale At 10 a.m. Monday, on the steps of the Pennington County Courthouse, under order from the Seventh Circuit Court, the sheriffs office will conduct a sale of the Coleman Co.s manufacturing facility and outlet store at 5125 S. Highway 16 in Rapid City. According to legal notices published several times in the Journal over the past month, a foreclosure judgment order states that Dwight and Gloria Sobczak owe $1,236,922 on the buildings mortgage, including $1,048,218 in unpaid principal; accrued interest of $145,012; with interest accruing at $186 per day since Sept. 30; late charges of $23,244; and attorneys fees, sales tax and costs in the amount of $20,446. In response to Journal queries, Dwight Sobczak said that his company was in a period of transition and the sheriffs sale of the Coleman building was part of that restructuring. The building will be picked up by another bank, and there wont be any implications at all, Sobczak said. This is a good business and we are in a tough business cycle and we expect to be able to continue serving our employees, customers, the city of Rapid City, and South Dakota well into the future." He added, Our faith in our business continues and with Gods help, we will be here for another 40 years. BISMARCK, N.D. The Rev. John Floberg was on his way home from a national meeting of the Episcopal Church when he saw live video of protester Around 7 p.m. I had to cross the fire several times to move some hose. I remember being in awe of what I saw. Within the fire area, the wind was fanning the hot spots and the interiors and bolls of all the big trees were glowing bright reddish-orange and some were spouting flames. The ground itself was glowing in places from the peat burning. Smoke was everywhere. It was all very unearthly! Reminded me of exactly how Id picture Dantes Inferno! Rene Eustace journal, Miltona Fire, Michigan Oct. 14, 1976. Rene Eustace is one of those meticulous types that nearly anyone who has lived a life worth living wishes he could be. In tiny notebooks the size of a postcard, Eustace carefully preserved the memories each and every day of wildfire and the men and women he served with over the course four decades. Beyond that, he captured life on the front lines with photographs and on film. Last week, Eustace officially retired from his post with the Bitterroot National Forest after a 41-year career that began in the lookout tower at Medicine Point. Ask and hell tell you that he put in exactly 17,880.75 hours of overtime and flew 173 air patrol flights over the Bitterroot Forest searching for smoke. I estimate that I flew 60,550 miles over the forest, Eustace said. I got to see a lot of it. Snowmelt waterfalls plunging 500 feet to backcountry lakes still half frozen to scenes of raging fire sweeping over the landscape were some of what he saw. I saw amazing stuff from the air, he said. That part of my career was icing on the cake. The fire glowed on all fronts all night. On the ridge to our southwest there were occasional torch outs all night. Also, snags would drop with a good crash and would sometimes kick loose and move big rocks. Incredible Milky Way show too. Quite a night of visuals. . . Rock Creek Fire, July 25, 1988 Eustace didnt know a thing about the world of wildfire when he first travelled from his native California to Sula in the mid 1970s. By chance, he happened to meet the man serving fire management officer at the Sula District at Lost Trail ski area. I asked him if there were ever any openings in lookout towers, Eustace said. He told me there were some just about every year. I put in my application and the rest, as they say, is history. It became all I wanted to do. While at the lookout tower, he met firefighters and learned about their work. By 1976, he had joined their ranks. Over the course of the next few decades, Eustace would join one of the precursors of todays Hot Shot Crews and travel across the country and into Canada fighting fire. In the early days, there werent many firefighters with permanent positions. Their job would start in the spring and end when the fire season ended. The wages, of course, were a lot different back then, he said. I started as a GS-3 at $3.41 an hour, Eustace said. My two-week take home pay was $206. For that pay, he and his fellow firefighters would put their lives on the line. In 1994, Eustace and others of his Bitterroot-based crew were sadly reminded of just how dangerous their job was when Missoula smokejumper, Don Mackey, was one of 14 firefighters who died on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. It was the first time that anyone I knew had been killed, Eustace said. There was a lot of soul searching that went on after that and a lot of crew meetings. Everyone eventually decided we want to keep doing our job. Why do we do it (fight fire)? What keeps us coming back? . . . Whats the draw?. . .We do it because were good at it. We do it for that intense and indescribably delicious feeling of pride and accomplishment that only pulling off a first class, top notch dangerous job with skill and daring can give you. We do it for love of life. . . It is the best!! The cream of being alive and living. The incredible closeness between you and your brothers and sisters in fire, and the sights and sounds and swirling events around you that you share and experience are just beyond compare! . . . Three days after local firefighter Don Mackey died, July 9, 1994 In his career, Eustace has seen a lot of change. Perhaps the most striking has been the dramatic way wildfires behave as they roar across the landscape in ever larger blazes. In the 1970s, the biggest fire that anyone could remember happened at Sleeping Child in 1961. That fire burned about 30,000 acres. Everyone thought that was huge, he said. It was just unbelievable that could happen. People from all over the country had come here to deal with it. But none of that could have prepared anyone for 1988 and the fires in Yellowstone National Park. Eustace spent a total of 55 days that summer battling those blazes. We had never seen anything like it before, he remembered. Yellowstone was just amazing. You really had to keep your head on a swivel and make sure you didnt do anything stupid. Dry cold fronts would push the fire 20 to 25 miles in single day. None of the fire behavior models were working. It was a milestone year of what was to come, he said. It got to be part of it. Before he was done, Eustace had worked on 331 wildfires. He had worked on 27 of the 33 Fourth of July holidays between 1984 and 2016. All but 10 of his June 30 birthdays were celebrated somewhere in fire camps or fire related duties. In the final years of his career, Eustace was able to return to his roots and help the men and women who continue to man lookout towers on the Bitterroot Forest. September 19, 2016 journal entry on my last close up of Salmon Mountain Lookout of my career: . . . I made an out loud comment about what a wonderful 16 season adventure its been going to Salmon Mountain and that I was glad I was here today with the crew. . . This was a halcyon day for sure!!! A mellow, peaceful, joyful time in a beautiful place with friends. Im so thankful for this life I live!!!! Nearly a dozen veterans at Sapphire Lutheran Homes saw an aerial view of the earth on Friday as they were gifted with 30-minute airplane rides over the Bitterroot Valley. Were calling it honoring the veterans with a flight, said Dominic Farrenkopf, director of community life at Sapphire. Its a thank you for serving. It is really a neat little project. Farrenkopf said the active veterans group meets twice each month to share their stories and encourage one another. He said a volunteer of the group suggested the flights and made the arrangements with Choice Aviation at the Ravalli County Airport. Corvallis American Legion, Post 91, donated the cost of the rides. Doug Mason, representative, said the goal of the American Legion is to support veterans and this fits into the mission. We reach out the veterans and I think this event is very important to let veterans know they are thought of and encouraged, he said. It shows younger vets support older vets. We said lets get them up again and lets just pay for it. Veteran James Bigley, 90, served in the Navy in the South Pacific for two years and was a pilot. He said flying is great. Its the most fun and youve got to keep your eyes open when youre flying to see if anybody else is around you, he said. You have to be very careful. Ive flown over 12 different airplanes in my time. I got my license in 1942 and have over 3,000 hours of flight time. Bigley said he has not been in an airplane for over 30 years but still carries his pilot license in his wallet. This is a great day, that was well worth it, he said. Hank is a great pilot. Thank you. Heather Taylor and Mildred Williams, wives of veterans, took the flight together. They said they enjoyed the ride especially the view of Roaring Lion, Lake Como and the lookout. My son spent a summer in the lookout for the Forest Service and I wanted to see it, Williams said. We found Skalkaho. The valley was beautiful and the mountains were gorgeous, Taylor said. Les Kath served in the Army, 1945-46, and said he likes flying and feeling like a bird. It was fantastic, Kath said. It was great to see all the mountains. It was very nice and very enjoyable. It brought back memories of flying before. Ken Syms served in the US Marine Corps and as an Army Ranger 1973-1980. He spent hours on helicopters and trained to hover and as a door gunner. I love to fly, Syms said. My uncle flew in WWII and was a bush pilot in Alaska. I have loved airplanes from a very young age. This flight today couldnt have been better, it was an A plus. John Gurtner was all smiles after his flight. I sat on the wrong side for the pictures I wanted to take but the flight was great, he said. Its been a long time since Ive flown in a little airplane and it was okay. There was a bounce or two but you expect that going over forest. John Stuart served in the Air Force 1949-1952. I havent been up in quite a while, probably 15 years, he said. Flying is just great. I have always loved to fly and being in the Air Force I did fly a lot. I went to the airport when I was a kid with my dad and we would sit and watch airplanes. The best part of being in the air is seeing the beauty of the earth and we live in beautiful country. John Stuart said, It was spectacular seeing the valley from the air. All the way from St. Marys mountain to Lake Como. What a flight. Jerry Garvin said, I was really surprised to see how big the Roaring Lion Fire really was. The view from above was incredible. The rest of the week was cloudy, foggy and windy but Friday was clear. The smiles of all the veterans told the story they felt appreciated. Privacy Policy RealChoice is a BlogSpot blog. You get whatever privacy you get when you post on a blog. As Blogmistress of RealChoice, I do not collect information on my users or those who post comments. I will delete spam and offensive comments, and thoroughly cooperate with law enforcement, as I did in the case of Ted "Operation Counterstrike" Schulman, if people make terroristic threats on my blog. So fight nice, kids. Comments and links to reports on science, and its applications. Guwahati, November 20 : One person was killed and another injured in a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in Manipur on Sunday morning, police said. The IED went off at Chingamathak area in Imphal West district, few metres away from an Assam Rifles camp. Police said that the blast occurred at around 8 am. "The IED was planted by suspected militants," a top police official said. The deceased person is yet to be identified but stated to be a non-Manipuri. The injured person had rushed to nearest hospital. Top police and army officials had rushed to the area and launched operation to nab the militants who behind the blast. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuab Bhimdattanagar, Nepal: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that contentious issues related to the constitution amendment are being settled through the consensus. Political parties have agreed on many subjects for amendment of the constitution, Deuba claimed while peaking at a press meet organized by Nepal Press Union, Kanchanpur in Bhimdattanagar on Sunday. Nepali Congress president Deuba has said so in the mean time when political parties seem to have divided on key contentious issues of the constitution including federal structure of the country and the citizenship provision. During the function, he also claimed that local body election will be held immediately after amendment of the constitution. However, he did not mention about the deadline that the constitution would be amended to pave the way to hold the local body elections. In a different note, he said that there is no possibility to give executive post to naturalized citizen. This is merely a rumor spread by the media, Deuba said. On the issue of another key contentious issue of federal structure of the country, he said that there can be 10 provincial states under the federal structure. , our free weekday email newsletter. Like The Atlantic? Subscribe to the Daily , our free weekday email newsletter. What if china is going bad? Since early last year I have been asking people inside and outside China versions of this question. By bad I dont mean morally. Moral and ethical factors obviously matter in foreign policy, but Im talking about something different. Nor is the question mainly about economics, although for China the short-term stability and long-term improvement of jobs, wages, and living standards are fundamental to the governments survival. Under Chinas single-party Communist arrangement, sustained economic failure would naturally raise questions about the system as a whole, as it did in the Soviet Union. True, modern Chinas economic performance even during its slowdowns is like the Soviet Unions during its booms. But the absence of a political outlet for dissatisfaction is similar. Instead the question is whether something basic has changed in the direction of Chinas evolution, and whether the United States needs to reconsider its China policy. For the more than 40 years since the historic Nixon-Mao meetings of the early 1970s, that policy has been surprisingly stable. From one administration to the next, it has been built on these same elements: ever greater engagement with China; steady encouragement of its modernization and growth; forthright disagreement where the two countries economic interests or political values clash; and a calculation that Cold Warstyle hostility would be far more damaging than the difficult, imperfect partnership the two countries have maintained. Nor is the question mainly about economics, although for China the short-term stability and long-term improvement of jobs, wages, and living standards are fundamental to the governments survival. Under Chinas single-party Communist arrangement, sustained economic failure would naturally raise questions about the system as a whole, as it did in the Soviet Union. True, modern Chinas economic performance even during its slowdowns is like the Soviet Unions during its booms. But the absence of a political outlet for dissatisfaction is similar.Instead the question is whether something basic has changed in the direction of Chinas evolution, and whether the United States needs to reconsider its China policy. For the more than 40 years since the historic Nixon-Mao meetings of the early 1970s, that policy has been surprisingly stable. From one administration to the next, it has been built on these same elements: ever greater engagement with China; steady encouragement of its modernization and growth; forthright disagreement where the two countries economic interests or political values clash; and a calculation that Cold Warstyle hostility would be far more damaging than the difficult, imperfect partnership the two countries have maintained. That policy survived its greatest strain, the brutal Tiananmen Square crackdown of 1989. It survived Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization in 2001 and the enormous increase in Chinas trade surpluses with the United States and everywhere else thereafter. It survived the U.S. bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in 1999 (an act assumed to be intentional by every Chinese person Ive ever discussed it with), periodic presidential decisions to sell arms to Taiwan or meet with the Dalai Lama, and clashes over censorship and human rights. The eight presidents who have managed U.S. dealings with modern China, Nixon through Obama, have essentially drawn from the same playbook. The situation could be different for the ninth. The China of 2016 is much more controlled and repressive than the China of five years ago, or even 10. I was living there at both of those earlier timesin Shanghai in 2006 and in Beijing five years laterand have seen the change firsthand. Given the chaotic contradictions of modern China, what any one person sees can be an exception. What strikes me is the consistency of evidence showing a country that is cracking down, closing up, and lashing out in ways different from its course in the previous 30-plus years. The next president, then, will face that great cliche, a challenge that is also an opportunity. The challenge is several years of discouraging developments out of China: internal repression, external truculence, a seeming indifference to the partnership part of the U.S.-China relationship. The opportunity is to set out the terms of a new relationship at the very moment when it is most likely to command Chinas attention: at the start of a new administration. Dealing with China is inescapable. It is becoming more difficult, and might get harder still. The Voorhes You can tell which issues a new administration takes seriously and considers crucial to its political and substantive success. The president gives a major policy speech; big thinkers write essays; Cabinet departments roll out implementation plans; budget decisions follow. Thats the kind of effort I hope to see early next year. I can report that across the world of China scholars and policy veterans, people are already thinking hard about what should be in such a speech.Dealing with China is inescapable. It is becoming more difficult, and might get harder still. W hy does china need to be high on the new presidents priority list? Because an important assumption has changed. In both word and deed, U.S. presidents from Nixon onward have emphasized support for Chinas continued economic emergence, on the theory that a getting-richer China is better for all concerned than a staying-poor one, even if this means that the center of the world economy will move toward China. In one of his conversations with The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, Barack Obama said, Ive been very explicit in saying that we have more to fear from a weakened, threatened China than a successful, rising China. Underlying this strategic assessment was an assumption about the likely direction of Chinas development. This was not the simplistic faith that if China became richer, it would turn into a liberal democracy. No one knows whether or when that might occuror whether China will in fact keep prospering. Instead the assumption was that year by year, the distance between practices in China and those in other developed countries would shrink, and China would become easier rather than harder to deal with. More of its travelers and students and investors and families would have direct connections with the rest of the world. More of its people would have vacationed in France, studied in California, or used the internet outside China, and would come to expect similar latitude of choice at home. Time would be on the worlds side in deepening ties with Chinese institutions. In both word and deed, U.S. presidents from Nixon onward have emphasized support for Chinas continued economic emergence, on the theory that a getting-richer China is better for all concerned than a staying-poor one, even if this means that the center of the world economy will move toward China. In one of his conversations withs Jeffrey Goldberg, Barack Obama said, Ive been very explicit in saying that we have more to fear from a weakened, threatened China than a successful, rising China.Underlying this strategic assessment was an assumption about the likely direction of Chinas development. This was not the simplistic faith that if China became richer, it would turn into a liberal democracy. No one knows whether or when that might occuror whether China will in fact keep prospering. Instead the assumption was that year by year, the distance between practices in China and those in other developed countries would shrink, and China would become easier rather than harder to deal with. More of its travelers and students and investors and families would have direct connections with the rest of the world. More of its people would have vacationed in France, studied in California, or used the internet outside China, and would come to expect similar latitude of choice at home. Time would be on the worlds side in deepening ties with Chinese institutions. For a long period, the assumption held. Despite the ups and downs, the China of 2010 was undeniably richer and freer than the China of 2005, which was richer and freer than the China of 2000, and so on. But thats no longer true. Here are the areas that together indicate a turn: Communications. Chinas internet, always censored and firewalled, is now even more strictly separated from the rest of the worlds than ever before, and becoming more so. Chinas own internet companies (Baidu as a search engine rather than Google, WeChat for Twitter) are more heavily censored. Virtual private networks and other work-arounds, tolerated a decade agothe academic who invented Chinas Great Firewall system of censorship even bragged about the six VPNs he used to keep up on foreign developmentsare now under governmental assault. When you find a network that works, you dare not mention its name on social media or on a website that could alert the government to its existence. Its an endless cat-and-mouse, the founder of a California-based VPN company, which Im deliberately not identifying, recently told me. We figure out a new route or patch, and then they notice that people are using us and they figure out how to block it. Eventually they wear most users down. On a multiweek visit to China early last year, I switched among three VPNs and was able to reach most international sites using my hotel-room Wi-Fi. On a several-day visit last December, the hassle of making connections was not worth it, and I just did without Western news sources. Chinas print and broadcast media have always been state-controlled and pro-government. But a decade ago I heard from academics and party officials that reasonable criticism from the press actually had an important safety-valve function, as did online commentary, in alerting the government to emerging problem spots. The political climate is darkening. China is experiencing the most sustained domestic political crackdown since Tiananmen Square. Those days are gone. Every week or two the Chinese press carries warnings, more and more explicit, by President Xi Jinping and his colleagues that dissent is not permissible and the partys interests come first. Also this year, the government banned foreign-owned mediathat is, all media beyond its direct controlfrom publishing anything in China without government approval. It cracked down on several publications (notably the business magazine Caixin and the Guangzhou-based newspaper Southern Weekend) that for years had mastered the art of skirting government controls. This past February The Guardian ran a poignant piece about young journalists in China who had decided that there was no point in even trying to report on their societys challenges. Being a journalist has no meaning any more, a person identified as a thirtysomething editor from one of Chinas leading news organisations told The Guardians Tom Phillips. My greatest feeling is that in recent years the industrys freedoms have reached their lowest ebb in history. A few weeks earlier I had been in Shanghai meeting with a group of 20something, still-idealistic Chinese student reformers, talking about their long-term hopes. One student wanted to open legal-aid clinics for migrant workers; another, a muckraking-style news service about urban inequities; another, a center for womens rights. A few years earlier, I would have been excited to hear such plans. Now Im fearfuland expect that if those students end up realizing their dreams, they will be doing so in some other country. Repression of civil society. Throughout the Communist era, the Chinese state has suppressed the growth of any form of organization other than the party itself. Religious practice, for instance, is authorized for five officially approved faiths (Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism)but only state-authorized temples, mosques, and churches are allowed. So too for unions (all party-run), NGOs, and any other means through which people might associate. In the past five years, the screws have been tightened further on all these and other groups. Churches have been bulldozed across the country, allegedly as part of urban-development plans. Many of the countrys public defenders and public-interest lawyers are now in jail. So are prominent feminists and environmental organizers. The April 21 cover of The New York Review of Books this year billed an article by the Asia Societys Orville Schell, who has written about China since the 1960s, as The New Terror in China. In my lifetime I did not imagine I would see the day when China regressed back closer to its Maoist roots, Schell told me. I am fearing that now. Extraterritoriality. The recent repression is worse because Chinas officials are attempting to extend it beyond Chinas borders. Countries have always tried to use economic muscle to advance political or ideological ends. In Chinas case, the most obvious example is its ongoing economic punishment of Norway (notably a boycott of its salmon) for the Norwegian Nobel Committees insolence in selecting the still-imprisoned writer Liu Xiaobo as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize six years ago. But recently the Chinese government has jailed or harassed the relatives of activists and dissidents who have left the country, and put pressure on foreign companies and organizations to apply Chinas censorship standards beyond its borders. Two years ago, the U.S. firm LinkedIn was found to have censored critical posts about China from its worldwide network, even when the posts were written and intended to be read only by people outside Chinese territory. The agreement was a condition of LinkedIns operating in China. Twitter is still banned there, but in April it hired an engineer who once worked for Chinas military and security services as its managing director for China. In one of her first tweets, she wrote to CCTV, the carefully monitored state-run TV network, saying, Lets work together to tell great China story to the world! Failed reform. The most prominent part of Xi Jinpings program since he assumed control in November 2012 has been an anticorruption campaign, advertised as a prelude to cleaning up Chinas version of crony capitalism. Through most of its boom decades, China featured the form of efficient corruption also evident in Japan and South Korea during their postwar growth years. Some favored people got very richthe head of Japans then-ruling Liberal Democratic Party got into trouble when investigators found $50 million worth of gold and other assets in his housebut everyone else was doing well enough to mute complaints. As Chinas economy has slowed and news about elite-level fortunes has spread, perception of its corruption from within and without the country has shifted from necessary evil to existential threat. In my lifetime I did not imagine I would see the day when China regressed back closer to its Maoist roots. I am fearing that now. A trigger for the latest round of press controls was David Barbozas 2012 revelation in The New York Times that the family of then-Premier Wen Jiabao had billions of dollars in secret assets. Wens reputation at the time was as a kindly social conscience of China; that even his family was on the take suggested no part of the system was immune to rot. Scores of senior officials have been jailed, deposed, or subject to public denunciation for corruption charges, including the longtime director of state security and many senior officials in the Peoples Liberation Army. Tens of thousands of lower-level officials have been punished, and across the country millions have been scared. My anecdotal experience matches what Ive heard consistently from others: The Chinese public is so exasperated by inequality and corruption that they favor this part of Xis program. But so far it has been hard to distinguish this effort from a relentless cleaning-out of Xis political rivals. Day by day, life on the streets in the Chinese cities Ive recently visited seems as free-form and commerce-minded as ever. But national politics matter more than they have in many years, and the political climate is darkening. China is experiencing the most sustained domestic political crackdown since Tiananmen Square, Carl Minzner, an expert on Chinese law who teaches at Fordham Universitys law school, wrote this year. Almost everyone I spoke with agreed. Anti-foreignism. In April, the Chinese government put out an instructional video that would have been considered crudely propagandistic had it come from some military-information ministry at the height of World War II. It was called Dangerous Love, and it warned young Chinese women about falling for sweet talk from foreign students or professors. What if that handsome student is actually a spy?! The same month, Te-Ping Chen of The Wall Street Journal reported that public schools in China were introducing a game called Spot the Spy! designed to help children be alert to subversives within their ranks. I spoke with the head of a non-Chinese software company that has a 20-year record of sales to Chinese universities and local and provincial governments. He said customers began informing him last year that they were required to switch to Chinese suppliers. (When writing about the United States, I try never to use blind quotes. Precisely because of the increased repression Im describing here, I need to do so when writing about China.) This spring, the Chinese government blocked Apples iTunes movie and iBooks services and apps in China. Soon thereafter, Apple reported its first global revenue decline in 13 years, in part due to plummeting income from China, and saw its market capitalization drop by $40 billion. The Chinese governments motive in cracking down on Apple was probably political rather than crudely commercial. As an analysis in Varietypointed out, the rising popularity of streaming video on iPhones and other devices made the Apple sites important portholes for movies, documentaries, and other material from the outside world. But regardless of rationale, the effect was to damage Apple relative to its Chinese competitors (notably a smartphone company called Xiaomi), much as the politically motivated crackdown on Google damaged it relative to its main Chinese rival, Baidu. The effect has spread beyond technology. Every year, the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing surveys non-Chinese companies on the business climate within China. In the most recent survey, nearly half of the companies reported flat or falling revenues and toughening business conditions. Three-quarters of them said that foreign businesses are less welcome than before in China. The military. This is the most publicized aspect of a changed attitude from China. China has land borders with more than a dozen countries, and is connected by the East and South China Seas to half a dozen more. At the moment, it has territorial disputes with many of those countries, all of them on its maritime frontiers, because of its recent island building program and insistence on increased military, fishing, and mineral-exploitation rights in the region. In July, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, and against China, in a dispute over Chinas newly expansionary claims in the South China Sea. Since then, both sides seem to have backed away from ship-to-ship confrontations on the high seas, but underlying disagreements remain. They have managed to alienate or intimidate many once-friendly neighbors, thereby unnecessarily increasing tensions in the region, Orville Schell told me. The only exceptions are Putin and [Rodrigo] Duterte, the truculent new president of the Philippines. Video: What Does a Changing China Mean for the U.S.? I s it all xi jinping? It is convenient to link changes in Chinese policy to the shift in Chinese leadership, from the cautious, understated Hu Jintao to the flamboyant, personally dominant Xi Jinping. But by most accounts these changes were under way before Xis term began. It would be a mistake to view Chinas recent actions primarily as the product of an aggressive leader, Jeffrey Bader, the National Security Councils China expert during Obamas first term, wrote this year. The military build-up, the assertive behavior in the South and East China Sea the political repression and denial of basic rightsthese, in Baders view, predate Xis tenure and will postdate it too. Rather than being based purely on personalities, these changes are most often traced to the messagesboth emboldening and unsettlingthat the Chinese leadership took from the world financial collapse of 2008. It would be a mistake to view Chinas recent actions primarily as the product of an aggressive leader, Jeffrey Bader, the National Security Councils China expert during Obamas first term, wrote this year. The military build-up, the assertive behavior in the South and East China Sea the political repression and denial of basic rightsthese, in Baders view, predate Xis tenure and will postdate it too. Rather than being based purely on personalities, these changes are most often traced to the messagesboth emboldening and unsettlingthat the Chinese leadership took from the world financial collapse of 2008. The messages were that maybe Chinas moment had finally arrived. The financial crisis had started in America, after five years of a disastrous Middle Eastern warand just as the China of the Beijing Olympics was seeming shiny and unstoppable in every way. I was living in Beijing at the time and couldnt miss the tone in state media and from government officials that the rise and decline of empires was happening faster than anyone had foreseen. The crisis made the leadership much more confident and assertive abroadbut also more worried and nervous about what might happen to their own economy at home, a foreign academic, who didnt want to be named, told me. And the combination of being arrogant abroad and paranoid at home is about the least desirable combination of all, from the rest of the worlds perspective. The paradoxical combination of insecurity and aggressiveness is hardly confined to China. The United States has all too many examples in its own politics. But this paradox on a national-strategic scale for China matched what many people told me about Xi himself as a leader: The more uncertain he feels about Chinas diplomatic and economic position in the world, and the more grumbling he hears about his ongoing crackdown, the more decisively he is likely to act. Xi is a weak man who wants to look strong, a foreign businessman who has worked in China for many years told me. He is the son of a famous father [Xi Zhongxun, who fought alongside Mao as a guerrilla and became an important Communist leader] and wants to prove he is worthy of the name. As weve seen in other cultures, this can be a dangerous mix. Ten years ago, when I visited a defense-oriented think tank in Beijing, I was startled to see a gigantic wall map showing U.S.-affiliated encampments and weapons on every Chinese frontier except the one bordering Russia. I came to understand that the graphic prominence of the U.S. military reflected a fairly widespread suspicion that the United States wishes China ill, is threatened by its rise, and does not want to see China succeed. Almost no one I spoke with recently, however, foresaw a realistic danger of a shooting war between China and the United States or any of its alliesincluding the frequently discussed scenario of an unintentional naval or aerial encounter in the South China Sea. Through the past few years, in fact, U.S. military officials, led by the Navy, have engaged their Peoples Liberation Army counterparts in meetings, conferences, and exercises, precisely to lessen the risk of war by miscalculation. Naval forces are actually pretty good at de-escalating and steering out of one anothers way, a senior U.S. Navy officer told me. Oliver Munday The concern about a more internationally aggressive China involves not a reprise of the Soviet Union during the tensest Cold War years but rather a much bigger version of todays Russia. That is: an impediment rather than an asset in many of the economic and strategic projects the United States would like to advance. An example of kleptocracy and personalized rule. A power that sometimes seems to define its interests by leaning toward whatever will be troublesome for the United States. An actual adversary, not just a difficult partner. China is challenging in many ways now, and increasingly repressive, but things could get worse. And all of this is separate from the effect on Chinas own people, and on the limits it is placing on its academic, scientific, commercial, and cultural achievements by cutting itself off from the world. W hat is to be done? The next president will face a quandary often called the Thucydides Trap. This concept was popularized by the Harvard political scientist Graham Allison. Its premise is that through the 2,500 years since the Peloponnesian warfare that Thucydides chronicled, rising powers (like Athens then, or China now) and incumbent powers (like Sparta, or the United States) have usually ended up in a fight to the death, mainly because each cannot help playing on the worst fears of the other. When a rising power is threatening to displace a ruling power, standard crises that would otherwise be contained, like the assassination of an archduke in 1914, can initiate a cascade of reactions that, in turn, produce outcomes none of the parties would otherwise have chosen, Allison wrote in an essay for TheAtlantic.com last year. No sane American leader would choose confrontation with China. The next president has no rational choice but to keep trying to make the best of this relationship. The two countries cooperation on climate and energy is the main thing that gives the rest of the world even faint hope of progress. U.S.Chinese collaboration and compromise were essential to reaching the Paris accord on greenhouse gases last year, and the equally important Kigali agreement to ban the very damaging HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant chemicals in October. Without Chinas support (and Russias), the deal to control Irans nuclear program would not have been struck. The Chinese and U.S. economies are increasingly intertwined; U.S. universities depend on Chinese students who pay full freight; the culture of each country is enriched by its exposure to the other. Millions of people on each side, including my wife and me, enjoy, respect, and love people they have met and the encounters they have had in the other country. Because of bad air and suspect food, we were often sick while living in China, but the daily vividness of living there made us feel more fully alive. The United States will be less fully able to realize its national potential if it can no longer deal with China. But the terms of engagement may need to be changed. I personally, and many people who have spent their lives trying to understand China, felt worried about what seemed to be significant changes in its internal and external behavior, and uncertain about how the U.S. should respond, Susan Shirk, the head of the China policy center at UC San Diego, told me recently. Shirk and Orville Schell have put together a bipartisan Task Force on U.S. Policy Toward China, made up of nearly two dozen academics and veterans of recent Republican and Democratic administrations. It plans to submit a report to the new president, examining the options if China really is going bad. That groups work is still taking shape, and its members, like others who have dealt with the contradictions of modern China, naturally disagree on details and emphases. But after talking with a range of China veterans, I think some views are widely shared and suggest the elements of the next China policy. They include: Choosing battles carefully. The seas around China have been the theater for some of Chinas most dramatic recent muscle-flexing. But for reasons of geography, history, and national psychology, they may be the wrong place for highly publicized efforts to draw the line. Michael Pillsbury, a longtime analyst of the Chinese military who is generally viewed as a hawk, has suggested one reason. In a 2012 journal article called The Sixteen Fears: Chinas Strategic Psychology, Pillsbury argued that the very steps through which the United States might most naturally try to show resolve and presence in the region are ones most likely to bring out a hostile Chinese response. For instance, the first three items on his list were fear of an island blockade, fear of a loss of maritime resources, and fear of the choking off of sea lines of communication. (A list of comparable U.S. fears would begin with fear of a surprise attack, on the model of Pearl Harbor or 9/11, and then fear of national decline, dating back to the nations earliest days.) Thus, what the U.S. might intend as efforts to restore the preXi Jinping norm in the area could spring the Thucydides Trap and become a showdown about prestige, political values, and overall standing in the world. Xi is a weak man who wants to look strong As weve seen in other cultures, this can be a dangerous mix. I really think we are at risk of overcommitting ourselves in treating the South China Sea like the Cuban missile crisis, Susan Shirk told me. Its not the Cuban missile crisis. U.S. interests are limited, and we dont need to do things just to ensure credibility. Concerns for the moment, confidence in the long run. To most outsiders, the Chinese leaderships strategic choices in the Xi era seem rash, overreaching, and ultimately self-defeating. (Obviously China is not the only country ever to have miscalculated in this way.) Chinas current pattern of repression at home and aggression abroad may be doing the country so much damage that its own leaders will finally choose a different course. Domestically, the main threat to Chinas high-tech, high-culture ambitions is the increasing repression of the Xi Jinping years. Chinas universities will always be second-rate as long as they are limited to a China-only internet. Its investment climate will be limited as long as the government so obviously manipulates the financial markets. Their political model has absolutely no appeal, not even to their own people, Chas Freeman told me. Freeman was the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under the first President Bush, but 20 years earlier, as a young State Department officer, he had served as interpreter during Richard Nixons first meetings in Beijing. This is a sui generis system that no one is copying. Nearly everyone I spoke with agreed that Chinas oversteps have generated ill will far greater than the goodwill fostered by its foreign aid and Confucius Institutes, which are supposed to teach Chinese language and promote Chinese culture around the world. This assessment implies that U.S. attention should be focused on getting through an upcoming time of difficulty, which could last years or decades, without panicking that history now seems to favor the repressive Chinese model of governance. Its true that Chinas strategy is self-defeating, the national-intelligence director for a U.S.-allied country told me this spring. But I fear it wont be true enough, fast enough, to make the pain evident enough to the people who matter for them to change. For his country and for the U.S., he said, dealing with that lag in the Chinese feedback loop was the challenge. Steadily shaping Chinas choices. Near the end of my conversations, I would ask each person, Whats the best tool the United States could use to shift Chinas behavior? And each person would pause, and look out the window or take a sip of coffee, and then begin with something like Well, its complicated, because The complication is that the U.S. and China have become so intertwined economically, and so constructively collaborative in a range of scientific, environmental, academic, and even diplomatic spheres, that almost any measure that would punish China would necessarily also damage the United States and much of the rest of the world. Simplest example: When Donald Trump was asked in October how the U.S. should respond to various Chinese excesses, he said that if we cut off [the economic] relationship with China, China would go bust so fast. Of course so would everyone else, given Chinas integration into the U.S. manufacturing supply chains and its heavy investment in U.S. real-estate and financial markets. The reason the measures would backfire is not that China controls the United States, as many Americans fear. The problem is that the two economies are now part of one large whole. Similarly, lectures and public scolding of China have no record of ever changing its governments behavior; if anything, they make it worse. What may work, however, is a strategy one former Western-country ambassador to China described as shaping reality in a way that makes it unattractive for China to maintain its present course. The clearest recent example involves the Chinese militarys hacking of U.S. corporate secrets. A year ago, when Xi Jinping visited Washington (just after Pope Francis, who drew more press and crowds), President Obama is widely believed to have informed him that the United States had had enough on this front. Government-on-government spying and hacking? Sure, thats normal. But governmental spying on foreign companies, to help their domestic rivals, was different. And if it didnt stop, the U. S. government would find ways to make life more difficult for Chinese companies. Through use of Americas own formidable tools for cybermeddling? Through impediments to investments? Through shifts in visa policies for influential Chinese families and officials? Obama could leave the means to Xis imagination. It wasnt specific, it wasnt directly threatening, and it wasnt public, but Obamas talk was apparently effective. By most accounts, Chinese military hacking of U.S. corporations has decreased. The United States does not have in every realm the leverage its cyberagencies give it in electronic warfare. But it is still the stronger partner in the relationship, with a more advanced economy, an incomparably more powerful military, and a vastly superior network of alliances. And it can use those to shape the realities in which China chooses its future course. Things to consider: Contradiction is the lever of transcendence. ____ Everything which is inspired, heroic or saintly is derived from contemplation. ____ One--the smallest of numbers... That is the infinite. A number which increases thinks that it is getting nearer to infinity. It is getting further away from it. You have to stoop to rise. XXXXX --Simone Weil Shirley Contreras lives in Orcutt and writes for the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society. She can be contacted at 623-8193 or at shirleycontreras2@yahoo.com. Her book, The Good Years, a selection of stories shes written for the Santa Maria Times since 1991, is on sale at the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, 616 S. Broadway. RIVERTON, Wyo. A new application for smart phones and tablets translates words from English to Arapaho. The app can be downloaded for free from the Apple Store. An official release event was held to recognize the app's development and celebrate Arapaho elders, who also received accolades during a special dinner. The elders regularly met to develop the words and translations for the app, ultimately creating 24 categories. The app provides educational notes on the Arapaho culture, songs, pictures, traditional stories and overall way of life. The app was dedicated in the memory of Dorothy Gambler who passed in July of 2015. Several elected officials, school employees and community members were invited to the dinner, which was scheduled to fall on the first day that celebrates Native American Heritage Month across the United States. Master of ceremonies Roy Brown said the app represents an exciting time in the effort to sustain the Arapaho language. He praised the elders for all of the time and effort they put in to developing the app. Anyone, anywhere can download the app at no cost and be able to learn the language, he stressed. Gov. Matt Mead, who was invited to the event, praised the elders and the school district for spearheading the idea and developing a tool that will be available indefinitely. "Technology can help us learn," he said, adding that the app will prevent the tribe from losing a "great treasure." He plans to download the app and learn Arapaho, he told attendees, so he can be able to respond to tribal members when they talk to him in Arapaho. App development Arapahoe schools 21st century learning coordinator Teresa HisChase said planning for the app began in March of 2015. Students and staff have been asking about it since then. "The whole tribe has been waiting for this day," she said. After elders visited the Pine Ridge Reservation and took note of the language app for the tribes who live there, they returned to the board of trustees, shared their ideas and gained their support. "Each elder was valuable," she said. "It was a high honor to be working for them." Elders also enjoyed their time planning the translations because they used the time to also share stories that were passed down to them. "So much more was accomplished than just translating," HisChase said. She mentioned that the tribe's "flag song," usually played before events and ceremonies, is also translated in the app. The app not only teaches the language but celebrates it as a gift from the creator, HisChase added. Roughly 450 people attended the official release event. HisChase, Patrick Moss and Roy Brown were also commended for organizing meetings and overall planning and coordinating. HisChase said teachers will now be able to incorporate the use of the app in their classes to extend education on the Arapaho language. "So they will be exposed to the language frequently throughout each day," HisChase said. "We are expecting our teachers to use their creativity to help our students learn and create lessons out of each category." The app was developed by Thornton Media, Inc. Members of the school board, local Arapaho tribal members and district administration were also commended for taking part in the project. Elders who participated include Wayne C'Hair, Ray Underwood, Lydia Jenkins, Rupert Goggles, Owen Goggles, Ruth Big Lake, Caroline Bowers, Marion Scott, John Goggles, Alberta Goggles, Royce LoneBear, Willard Gould, J. Donn Little, Alberta Little, Leo LoneBear, Bessie LoneBear, Ruth Mary Goggles, Mary Ann Duran, William J. C'Hair, Robert HisChase, Sr., and Eugene Ridgely Jr. The 80s began the great years of Sunday morning cartoons, the 90s were a great cartoon year for kids, many tv series were on air with morning Sunday cartoons, like "Johnny Quest", "X-Men", "Phantom 2040", and the Japanese all time classic "Sailor Moon". With these great tv series it was understandable that there were some shows that got over looked such as "Carland Cross", a Belgian crime drama with a little Tin-Tin fantasy mystery from 1996. The show was based on the comic books from Belgium with same name, and only aired on tv from 1996 to 1997. It re-aired in Spain at 2000s. Story: Carland Cross, A very cold and methodical British private investigator from Baker Street in London, working alongside the police officials. He shares his investigations with his pupil, Andy White, the aristocrat fervent admirer Medwenna Simpson, and is often helped by the Superintendent Marmaduke Wingfield. Cross attempts to solve cases involving ancient ruins, forbidden regions, strange inexplicable murders, criminal Satanic curses, deserted cities and an array of unimaginable monsters. However his number one enemy Murdock is involved with all those cases, Murdock has a score to settle with England because of what Carland Cross did to his hand during the world war 1 in 1914 Overall: Although I can see why this show was overlooked in the 90s, Carland Cross is a great animated and fun adventure to follow. It's a good mix of Sherlock Holmes and Tin-Tin mysterious, but maybe it would have been better as a movie for more older audience instead of aiming it for kids, maybe? I reward this series with 6/10, and hopefully it gets a 2nd chance! It was a tiny arthouse theater in New York city, with only a handful of audiences, I first watched Lucile Hadzihalilovic's breathtaking film, Innocence, more than a decade ago. The allegorical, dreamy, hypnotic film made an indelible mark in my head. Her dark, gorgeous images imbued with hidden meanings recall the world of David Lynch, but not thetered to the usual macho noir trappings. I thought Hadzihalilovic was a major new talent and was very much looking forward to her next project, any project. 12 years have gone by without a peep (although she made a 12 minute short in 2012), and after finding out that she is a real life partner of one of cinema's major provocateur Gaspar Noe, I was very eager to see her new offering Evolution at this year's New Directors/New Films series. And it didn't disappoint. And I jumped at the opportunity to interview Hadzihalilovic when she was in town. Evolution opens in theaters Friday, Nov 25th in New York and Los Angeles, and on VOD ScreenAnarchy: Its a big honor to meet you. Im a big fan of Innocence. I think its an amazing film. Now some ten years later, you come up with something that is equally, if not more stunning. First of all, what took you so long to make another feature? Lucile Hadzihalilovic: It has been very difficult to finance it. I didnt expect such a difficulty. Because its a kind of genre film, I thought that it would be easier at first. In a way its less abstract than Innocence and so on. But in fact, it was the opposite. in France, the genre films are not well considered. And its not really a commercial one or a mainstream movie, and more like an arthouse film. To be financed as an arthouse film you have to go through the system- the commissions and such which would consider and greenlight such projects. But they couldnt get a consensus - some understood the project but others didnt. People in general were not too keen on children being in a horror movie. I thought in France or Spain, they would be quite used to putting children in horror movies. (laughs) So, it was much more complicated than I thought. Also I began to work with the first producer and thought we could get money by rewriting the script to make it more explicit or more digestible So we tried in many ways - adding more elements with my co-writer but we realized that it was a very dangerous way to go becauseI think the film should stay with your original vision and should not be compromised. So I realized that it wouldn't be made with this producer so I tried to find someone else. It was (producer) Sylvie Pialat who said, "We cant get any more money than this much. So we need to cut a lot from your script". So I did. So it was a project that was a lot bigger in concept but it shrank to what it is now but also back to the essential. I had to cut a lot out. It came back to maybe essence of what was the project in my mind in the first place. Its more about the subconscious and thats the original idea of the film anyway. I dont regret what I cut. And thats why it took a long time. Thats crazy. I would think after such an amazing film you wouldnt have any problems finding funding. Innocence didnt seem to help, like when people say, Innocence is ok but I dont understand this new project. I thought Innocence could show them what it was going to be. But they didnt seem to make that connection. I think people who are working in financing films or commissions are usually not the type of audiences for my films. I probably made many mistakes dealing with them, I dont know. (laughs) Speaking of connections between Innocence and Evolution. For me its pretty obvious. Evolution is an amazing companion piece to Innocence about fear and mystery of growing up. Was it conceived as a companion piece to begin with? It was not like, 'ok, now Im going to do the boys version'. Not at all. It was more of a small intimate story in the beginning between a boy and his mother in the hospital. It was only after that I developed an environment around them and I had this idea that it had to be on the seaside with the water, etc. And then it was a village and then an island and other women and children. So it grew like that. In the very beginning of the project I had an idea for it but then I got to do Innocence. I liked the organization of the village (where the girls lived). So only after that, I somewhat created that micro cosmos in Evolution. But it didnt come from this idea of creating a cosmos, it really came from the boy and his mother and the boys fears and expectations and all that. Your co-screenwriter, Alante- Alante cavaite, she is a director too. you know her films? I saw the trailer for The Summer of Sangaile. It looks beautiful. Yeah. It does. Its a beautiful film. Did you have Alante in mind to collaborate with? Ive known her for a long time. In the beginning she was a reader for different drafts of the film I went through, then I found out that she was a very good writer. And little by little she became more involved in the writing. Even though we do very different films, we have the same tendency and yearning for surreal, fantastical elements, not realistic portrait as much. Her cinema is also very physical and visual experience. So thats what we had in common. She helped me a lot to build up the structure out of this materials I accumulated over the years and to help me to find the story and to make the world in Evolution as current as possible. How was shooting in Lanzarote, Canary Island? And how did you find the place? Its an amazing looking place. When I was working on the script, I didnt know about Canary Island. But one of the producers knew a lot about Spain and knew the island. So thanks to him we found the place. We chose it for artistic reasons but also we could do it there for the money we had. It was a perfect combination. We did some scouting in different parts of the island. And I found this village in Lanzarote. There was another village in another island so I had to choose between the two of them, but Lanzarote was more simple and minimalistic. There is something very strong about the island. Its volcanic with its black sand and rocks so its very dramatic. But at the same time the white village is very familiar. Thats a real village then? Yeah. but it's not abandoned, really. People are not actively living there but they come for the weekend to relax. We didnt do almost nothing to decorate the village. We just added a bit of dirt sometimes on the doors and the windows. There were a lot of green and blue color but it was too pleasant, so we did change that a bit. We didnt have any time or money to do anything, so the village is pretty much like what you see on screen. Wow. thats crazy. It was even better than what I imagined it to be. Watching the film, the whole time I was thinking about the little wormy green gruel stuff the mother is feeding the boy. It looked very disturbing. Very healthy. (laughs) What was it made out of? Maybe you should ask the guy who was in charge of the props. But it was just pasta and seafood but we added some green food coloring. But he wanted to make it taste good for the boy. But I thought it would be better if it didnt have such good taste because its very hard for children to pretend. So I thought, 'ok, it should not be too delicious'. Innocence was shot on Super 16mm film. And this was shot on digital? Yes we shot it on digital camera. I wanted to shoot it on super 16 like Innocence but it was difficult. It wasnt really about money but it was time constraints. We had to do it very fast and we were on this island, so in order to develop the film and see the dailies, it wouldve taken a lot longer. We had a very little margin of error window because of time we could afford. So we decided to shoot digitally. I was afraid that it would be too flat and not dreamy enough, not only physically but mentally. But we tried to work on it to have more texture and added fog. We did a lot in post production to add more texture and grain. That was what we were always looking for, texture all the time - texture with the sun, texture with the set, on the actual image and material. We tried to get that 'ethereal but also concrete at the same time' feeling somehow. The whole film seemed it was intentionally underexposed. The film is physically dark. There was a lot of night scenes and inside the hospital scenes are very dark. So you did a lot of colorgrading and post work. We did a normal colorgrading. We did make color a little more intense but it was not like totally changing the image. The image was captured like that by Manuel Dacosse. How did you find Manuel to be your DP? Few years ago I watched the film he did called Amer which I loved. I loved the work he did on it. There were both exterior and interior scenes in that film with lots of different colors and so on. Then I saw Strange Colors of Your Bodys Tears, also the colors in it were amazing. And we did a short film (Nectar) together before this. With Evolution, we were really heading into the same direction. Hes very quick. It was quite difficult shooting in Lanzarote because it was very hot and shooting with water was quite challenging physically. But we understood each other very well. Its so gorgeously shot. I was very lucky to have him. And my set director, Laia Coll, who is great. She can do a lot of things with nothing. She was always happy and had a lot of great ideas. She and Manuel worked a lot together, especially in the hospital scenes. There were a lot of logistics to figure out because of the location with the set and the lights, but they worked together very well. Youve worked on many of Gaspar Noes films. It was long time ago. When we first started making films. We founded a film production company (Les Cinema de la Zone) together because we wanted to produce our own films. But it was more for short films. But after that we didnt produce our own films. Gaspar produced his last film (Love) himself but for mine, I didnt produced it with the company. I did a medium length film called Mimi: La Bouche de Jean-Pierre, long time ago and he worked on it and I worked on Carne. But then we stopped working together because it became a normal production company. Did he see the film? What does he think about it? Yeah yeah yeah. He thought it was very strange. (laughs) Well some thought it was strange and some people thought it was very familiar. I like that. I hope its not only strange but Id like to be touching as well. It's touching, it is very touching especially at the end. Its interesting about your take on the palpable male fears - fear of penetration and of pregnancy. I do fear those elements. Thats interesting. You said it was a bigger film. Was there more element to that of male fear? No it was more to do with elements that gives context to the situations, like more things about the women- who they are, that maybe they are all part of the experiments. And the people who are doing experiments Those elements wouldnt have changed the nature of the film, they wouldve simply make audience understand more as to whats going on. It was a funnel to create all this but then when the time came for me to cut, it seemed to me that those are not the heart of it. By cutting it I was going back to the emotional, the fear aspect of it. When I was first experiencing Evolution, I felt that I needed more explanations but now I talk to you about it, keeping all its mystery, I think its perfect. Dustin Chang is a freelance writer. His musings and opinions on everything cinema and beyond can be found at www.dustinchang.com And here it is: a big tough cardboard slipcase. Inside the slipcase are a hardcover artbook and a box with... boxes. All boxes taken out, and they're all slipcases themselves. Ehm... does that mean this set is basically the King of the slipcases? All contents taken out of their slipcases. We have three digipaks: the series on Blu-ray, the movie on DVD and Blu-ray, and the soundtrack CDs. All digipaks opened. That's a lot of discs! All slipcases, boxes and digipaks also have reverse artwork, so here is the entire set turned over. A note on one of the digipaks: The Vision of Escaflowne is rightfully known as having a great soundtrack, and this set contains the full three-disc CD music release from twenty years ago. This is an absolutely fantastic extra, and it's very cool to see it included in here! Here is the reason why the set has to use an oversized outer box: the big artbook. It's a hardcover one, and at 148 pages it's pretty damn nice. A peek inside the artbook reveals character sketches, posters, schematics for the mechs, landscape art... the works! The (back) end of another fine, fine special edition, a classic series treated right. Well done, Anime Limited! Expect it to be seriously overshadowed tomorrow though, when we cover Anime Limited's rather insane release of the original (not-Brotherhood) Fullmetal Alchemist! (Anime Limited goes crazy pimping, part II...)Glasgow-based distributor Anime Limited released three royally decorated Blu-ray boxes this week, and we're covering all of them. Yesterday saw the pretty wooden box of therelease, tomorrow we'll look at, but today we check outOne of the classic anime series of the nineties,is a great mish-mash of genres, starting as a teen school romance before plunging into fantasy, and evolving into hardcore science fiction. I mean, steam-punk flying dragon harnesses? Whoa!However, the mish-mash turned out great, helped by great characters, great design, excellent music, and prudent use of those newfangled-yet-pretty (at the time) cgi techniques. To this day, the series has a lot of fans. I must resist the urge to launch in a full-scale review here.But this is not a review. It is a look at the packaging job Anime Limited did on this, theirUltimate Edition box, which houses both the series and the 2000 movie it spawned. Here is a gallery of shots. Click on the edge of the pictures to scroll through them, or at the center of each to see a bigger version. 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). In 1938, North Dakota produced an abundance of milk and honey, but it was awash in a sea of red ink amounting to a $2.5 million deficit. This was largely because the prices farmers were receiving for their milk, honey and many other agricultural products were very low. Most North Dakota voters turned to a man named Moses to lead them in hopes for a brighter future. In the Nove. 8, 1938, election, John Moses, a Democrat from Hazen, defeated his Republican opponent, John Hagan, for the office of governor. William Langer, the incumbent governor, had surrendered his office to run for the U.S. Senate, and Moses won with promises of "cleaning house in North Dakota" and "restoring the government to the people." Besides the deficit, there were other challenges that Moses had to face before assuming office. North Dakota owed its creditors $23 million, many counties were bankrupt, 37 percent of the population was on relief, three-fourths of the farm loans were delinquent and a third of the school districts were dependent on state aid. Another problem was that the North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo had lost its accreditation. The Board of Administration was responsible for governing the state educational institutions, and most of the members were appointed by Langer. On July 29, 1937, the BOA had terminated the contracts of seven NDAC faculty members, and, consequently, two more professors resigned in protest. Largely as a result of these actions, NDAC was removed from the accredited list by the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities in April 1938. When Moses became governor in January 1939, he asked state officials to cut expenditures by 18 percent. Through this action and because of a decent growing season for farmers in 1939, the state's economy began to grow and he was hailed as a master statesman. Also, during Moses' first year in office, he overturned the decision of the BOA, and most of the dismissed personnel at NDAC were reinstated. The college was then readmitted to membership in the North Central Association. When Moses ran for re-election in 1940, his opponent was his lieutenant governor, Jack Patterson, a Republican. At the time, the lieutenant governor candidates of each party ran separate from the party's gubernatorial candidates. Up to 1940, all four times that a Democrat had been elected governor, the lieutenant governor was a Republican. When the election was held on Nov. 5, Moses defeated Patterson by 70,000 votes. At this time, war was raging in Europe, and Moses, along with the North Dakota U.S. Congressional delegation, opposed U.S. involvement in the war. Attitudes began to change in April 1940, when Germany invaded Norway. Moses, who spent the first 20 years of his life in Norway, appointed Henry Holt, a Grand Forks printer, as state chairman for the Norwegian relief drive. After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, Moses, along with the North Dakota members to Congress, supported a declaration of war against Japan and Germany. During the war, North Dakota ranked last in the nation for receiving war spending, despite the best efforts of Gov. Moses to attract war-time industries to locate in the state. However, the Moses' administration was a time of prosperity because rainfall was plentiful and there was a ready market for agricultural products. When Moses ran for a third term as governor in 1942, once again his Republican opponent was his lieutenant governor, and, this time, it was Oscar W. Hagen from Watford City. In the general election on Nov. 3, Moses defeated Hagen by a vote of 101,390 to 74,577, becoming the third governor in the state's history to be elected to three terms. At the end of his third term, Moses could be proud of his accomplishments. He reduced political influence in state administration, slashed government expenses, streamlined state accounting, balanced the budget and brought the state out of debt. In North Dakota, during the years Moses was governor, total personal income rose by more than 150 percent with per capita personal income rising from just over $300 to more than $1,000 in 1945. In 1944, Moses was persuaded to turn his sights on running for the U.S. Senate, where his opponent would be Gerald P. Nye, a former newspaper editor who was seeking his fourth term. When the primary election was held on June 27, the top three Republican candidates Nye, Lynn Stambaugh and Usher Burdick collectively received more than 100,000 votes, compared to just 14,650 votes for Moses, the only Democrat on the ballot. This low vote total did not deter Moses from running a brisk campaign as he crisscrossed the state giving speeches in English, Norwegian and German. The general election held on Nov. 7 pitted Moses against the two top Republican vote-getters in the primary, Nye and Stambaugh. Since the Republican votes were split, with Nye receiving 69,530 and Stambaugh 44,596, Moses was declared the winner with a total of 95,102 votes. On March 3, 1945, less than two months after taking his seat in the U.S. Senate, Moses died on the operating table during open heart surgery. I hope were not here for some sort of political wake, declared Madeleine Morgan as she burst into the room for another meeting of the Homeland Security Committee. Even though sunshine poured in through the south windows, the cavernous Bohemian Lodge Hall was freezing, guaranteeing a quick meeting. This is a transition meeting, announced Chairperson Ork Dorken as he banged his old Coke bottle on the wobbly table in front of him. We need to figure out if we can get anything from the new administration in Washington. I didnt vote so I shouldnt have to sit through this meeting, confessed Einar Stamstead, half rising from his chair. We are all in the same boat whether we voted or not, Madeleine lectured. She became quite civic-minded as a candidate for the legislature. Even though she lost, she decided to continue her campaign indefinitely. The new administration is going to be terrific for homeland security committees across America, Chief Security Officer Garvey Erfald predicted. He was just thrilled to his toes over the election even though he had gout. Security will be a big thing and we are likely to get federal money, he prophesized. Maybe we could get weapons, maybe even a Sherman tank. Havent you heard about trickledown politics? Old Sievert barked from the only stuffed chair in the room. By the time the big pigs divide the pearls, there wont be any to cast our way. Im waiting for them to change Social Security so we can invest the money ourselves, Josh Dvorchak hoped. Im going to invest in a new car. How are you going to live without Social Security? asked Little Jimmy, who was now majoring in economics online as his ninth try for a college major. He was the only person in town who knew what online meant. Orville Jordan, the retired railroad depot agent, thought it was taking courses by telegraph. Ill file for food stamps and fuel assistance, Josh figured. Maybe theyll abolish food stamps and fuel assistance, Madeleine cautioned. That would be for the common good, Einar Torvald observed as he pulled up the collar on his sheepskin coat. Einar didnt need food stamps. He would have to live to 140 to eat the 437 quarts of pickles he had accumulated over the last 17 years. And there would be more to can next summer. The business of this meeting is security, Garvey asserted. Lets get back on subject. The first thing terrorists will attack is our infrastructure. I didnt know towns our size had infrastructure, Dorsey Crank wondered aloud. Wheres our infrastructure? We got the footbridge across Danskes ditch to get to the town well, Josh noted. But nobody has used the town well since rural water came 30 years ago, protested Orville. The government wont know that, Garvey replied. Well get the money and decide later how to spend it. That doesnt sound ethical to me, moralized Madeleine. What does ethical have to do with it? queried Garvey. This is the government were dealing with. No, but itll be us who do the cheating, Madeleine retorted. "Besides, what if they catch us? The fear of getting caught keeps more people ethical than anything Jesus ever said, Holger observed cynically. He wasnt exactly an atheist because at his age he couldnt afford to take the chance. I move that Chairman Ork name a committee to find ethical security projects, Madeleine suggested. Its too cold to do details today. Without so much as a second, the electors pulled themselves together and headed out into the cold north wind. Garvey would have to wait to apply for his Sherman tank. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Since the election, the West Coast has been abuzz with talk of breaking away from Donald Trumps America a Calexit, or a linking of the nations most populous state with Oregon, Washington and British Columbia to form a Cascadia by the sea. Its a fantasy, of course, fueled by Trumps drubbing on the West Coast, where he got less than 10 percent of the vote in some cities. But it would also be a monumental mistake for the most prosperous and progressive part of the United States to even consider abandoning a country that could be dominated by the old Confederacy. A better idea is to reach out across a yawning class divide. People in the West could listen to their fellow Americans in the old industrial heartland. And people in struggling towns could learn something from the workable policies of the left coast. Difficult as that conversation may be, it could start with some white-on-white dialogue. In the fast-hardening concrete of postelection analysis, the presidential vote was seen as a whitelash, as Van Jones called it, against Barack Obamas presidency. No doubt, race played a big part in Trumps Electoral College win. But on Nov. 8, heavily white cities particularly in the West rejected Trump by huge margins. In Portland, Ore., often called the whitest city in America, Trump pulled barely 17 percent of the vote in the county covering most of the metro area, and even less in the city proper. In Seattle, which is nearly 70 percent white, Trump is on track to get only 8 percent of the vote. Denver, which is 63 percent white, didnt even give Trump one in five votes. And in San Francisco, with a black population of 6 percent, Trump finished in single digits. This fortress of the forward-looking is not all white, certainly; California, after all, has no ethnic majority. But for the sake of preventing a certain clueless conventional wisdom from taking hold, lets consider the other white people. This West Coast majority cares about climate change, tech and trade. They care about where their food comes from and want family-friendly policies that dont knock women out of their career trajectories. They arent afraid of raising taxes to make their cities more livable. They dont think lunatics should be able to buy assault rifles. And their issues were completely forgotten in the presidential campaign. California, which went Democratic by a nearly 2-1 margin, feels particularly left out. People in the state are beating drums to the spectral rhythms of the old Bear Flag Revolt, which briefly produced an independent California Republic in 1846. Instead, California should leverage its political clout with almost one-in-eight members of the House hailing from the Golden State to stop Trumps backward ideas. The biggest lesson from the West Coast is about job and wage growth. In September, 42 percent of all new jobs created in the country were in California. At the same time, Oregon posted a job creation rate that was double the national average. And earlier this year, Washington state was ranked No. 1 for combined job and wage growth. Trump claims hell put people to work building roads, bridges and airports, while lowering taxes on the rich. But there is a simple solution, adopted on Election Day throughout the West Coast: targeted tax increases. Voters approved of them because the money will be dedicated to new infrastructure expanded and ambitious light rail systems in Seattle and Los Angeles, for example. It was absurd and unpatriotic when Texans talked of secession rather than be led by Obama. Its equally absurd for Californians to talk of taking their Macs and walking out after Trumps barbarians move into the White House. The United States, without the innovative West Coast, would be a yesterday country. The just completed election has left many Americans questioning whether our process of selecting a president needs an overhaul. The primary season seemed endless and the two candidates it spawned were less than satisfying to many. Robert Wefald, in a guest opinion on Monday, argues the political parties need to dump the primaries and caucuses and get back to the parties selecting the presidential candidates. He points out that the conventions lack drama because the candidates have been determined by the primaries. He also argues the winning candidates have been flawed. Wefald favors having the parties select delegates to the conventions and having them choose a candidate. He sees this as a way to get better candidates and return excitement to the conventions. Hes right, the conventions are dull, with the highlights being the presidential acceptance speeches. Even the vice presidential candidates often are announced before the conventions begin. Theres not much reality TV left in the conventions. You have to go back to baby boomers to find voters who can remember cliff-hanger conventions. The Tribune Editorial Board doubts a change to a system dominated by the parties would meet with approval from everyone. Millennials would want a more direct voice in how presidential candidates are decided. In fact, all Americans have grown accustomed to the primary or caucus system. True, the primaries are messy, but democracies tend to be that way. A system dominated by the conventions brings visions of backroom (the smoke-filled rooms have vanished) deals being brokered by the power elite. That might not be the case, but its a concern that will be shared by many. This isnt to say the system cant be improved, it can. The parties decide how they select their candidates and they should review the process. Hillary Clinton was able to build her delegate lead by getting commitments from super delegates. The Democrats should revisit that process. The primary-caucus system has gotten too long and there have been some years when two-thirds of the way through the primaries a candidate or candidates have been decided. This means part of the nation didnt have a say on the nominee. Our system isnt perfect, but it works. We shouldnt be afraid to tinker with it because we always want to find and elect the best candidate. Unfortunately, we dont know if we did that until some time after the president has served. That shouldnt stop us from improving the system. Rabbi Y. Y. Jacobson, a 5 minute video that everyone should watch. Those who already understand will appreciate his explanation to those who... [If you did not see Part 1 click here to watch ] What will happen in the final war of "Gog and Magog" at the End of Days? Who are ... HT: AG "A soul like his does not descend in every generation, it descends once in many generations" Rav Shlomo Yehudah Be'eri... Rabbi Efraim Palvanov Where did all the water for the Great Flood come from, and is it scientifically possible? Was Noahs Ark a simple wood... Rabbi Aaron L Raskin [28 min video] After being isolated for two years from the pandemic, COVID-19, the year of Hakhel is like a breath of... This website is intended for U.S. visitors only. NEW YORK In the end, there are some things online shoppers want to touch and see in person. Blue Nile, a 17-year-old online jewelry company, is opening more showrooms after a trial run proved successful. Rent the Runway, a website that offers clothes for rental, launched a showroom in November at Neiman Marcus, with plans for more, as well as standalone locations. Why would online retailers take on the expense of overhead and store staff? And why would a department store risk seeing sales siphoned by rentals? In some cases, it's to attract a different kind of customer. And one executive says the showrooms, which are also being embraced by online companies like Warby Parker and Bonobos, typically cost less to operate than acquiring new customers by other means. Seattle-based Blue Nile, known for its varieties of loose diamonds and choice of settings, first experimented with small kiosks inside two Nordstrom stores. It closed those but opened its first standalone "webroom" at the Roosevelt Field mall in Long Island last year, and has since expanded to malls in well-to-do suburbs of New York and Washington, D.C. It opened in September in Portland, Oregon, and in November, it opens in Bellevue, Washington. It plans to eventually have dozens. The showrooms are appealing to Blue Nile's core customers, but offer more than the online site, said CEO Harvey S. Kanter. "Our webrooms are fresh, modern and bright. It is an experience." At about 300 square feet of selling space, the showrooms are much smaller than traditional jewelry stores. While the diamonds themselves are still only online, shoppers can see and touch the ring settings and other jewelry, and choose a ring that can be shipped to their homes as fast as overnight. Kanter said the rent and staff costs of the showroom are less than running advertising through Google to draw in customers. "Most people want to touch, feel and look before they make a purchase. They do like the tactile experience," said Brendan Witcher, an analyst at Forrester Research. More and more shoppers are researching online first and then buying at a store. This year, about $376 billion of the $3.4 trillion in overall retail sales will be done online. Of the overall figure, $1.3 billion is influenced by the web, and that's expected to rise to $1.6 billion by 2020, Forrester said. Bonobos, an online men's clothing store, will have 30 physical locations called Guideshops by the end of the year. Stylists offer advice about fit, and a customer's choices are shipped in a week or less. Andy Dunn, the founder and CEO of Bonobos, said earlier this year that instant gratification only works for food and essentials. "You don't eat your shirt," he said. Warby Parker, an eyewear company, now operates 40 retail locations where it showcases its frames and offers optical exams. Co-founder and co-CEO Neil Blumenthal says that having stores wasn't in the company's original business strategy. But, he said, "The way customers interact with brands is evolving quickly so we need to evolve quickly." Even Rent the Runway, which began in 2009 and has had 6 million customers, is using showrooms to make renting clothes more mainstream. It has six standalone locations so far, and starting Nov. 18, it occupies 2,500 square feet inside a Neiman Marcus in San Francisco. The showroom will be stocked with clothes from designers that the luxury department store already carries, complemented by items like shoes, handbags and cosmetics that Neiman Marcus hopes people will buy. The staff will include both Neiman Marcus and Rent The Runway employees. "We have learned our customer loves the physical environment," said Jennifer Hyman, a co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. The company tested a showroom at upscale retailer Henri Bendel in 2013. Executives from both Rent the Runway and Neiman Marcus said the partnership is a way to expand their differing customer bases. Rent the Runway's core customers are in their 20s and 30s, while Neiman Marcus's main customers are about 20 years older. Neiman Marcus isn't concerned about possibly losing sales by offering clothes for rent in its stores. Customers in the Rent the Runway area can browse through Neiman Marcus' other offerings on iPads if they don't like the selection of accessories in front of them, Neiman Marcus CEO Karen Katz said. They can order online there or have a sales associate bring items off the floor. Overall, Katz said she looks at it as a way to show potential customers the brands available at Neiman Marcus as they rent which she hopes they buy later. "Our primary goal is to better understand the young millennial fashion customer," she said. "Can we attract customers we never met before ... and introduce them to other categories?" Katz said a few more Rent the Runway showrooms are planned for next year, and the company will re-evaluate then. HETTINGER Tom Jacobsen has rare history hanging on a dimly lit wall in his sitting room, dating 130 years ago when Lakota Sioux were first handed colored pencils, watercolor paints and scraps of paper to express their culture. That paper was often torn from old ledger accounting books, and so the drawings are generically known now as ledger art. The 22 pieces on Jacobsens wall framed and protected inside conservation glass are the largest known collection in North Dakota. They represent a unique moment in history when the materials of white Indian agency agents and missionaries were used by Plains Indians to draw and paint ceremonial and everyday scenes, creating an ephemeral record on insubstantial paper. For Jacobsen, the ledger art also represents his family history. The drawings and paintings were collected by his great-aunt Mary C. Collins, a never-married Congregational missionary from Iowa, who lived and worked among the Sioux at Running Antelopes, later called Little Eagle village on the Grand River starting in 1884. She became known as Winona and Jacobsen said, when the Sioux came to the mission, she would hand them paper, pencils and paint and kept many of the drawings they made for her. Those were eventually passed along to Jacobsens grandmother, Ethel Jacobsen, who taught school at the Oahe Mission and at the Little Eagle Government Day School in the late 1880s. Her memories of those years are documented in the spring 1959 quarterly of the State Historical Societys North Dakota History journals. She passed the art along to Jacobsens father and, after his death in 1965, the siblings going through their fathers things handed Tom Jacobsen several boxes, knowing he had a special interest in the familys connection to the Sioux reservation. All these pictures were just in a manila envelope. Ive always loved early American history and the fact is, these (women) are our relatives. I was just trying to preserve them; I didnt know they would become valuable, Jacobsen said. He took a few representative pieces to the Antique Roadshow, when the antique appraisers were in Bismarck a few years ago. He learned they are valued between $7,000 and $15,000, though that number says nothing about their true value from a time when cultures were colliding and life for the Sioux was changing forever. These are priceless. These depictions of their own exploits are fascinating. It is pathetic what the government has done to them," he said. David Borlaug, who has gathered a substantial collection of Western art for the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Washburn, has had an opportunity to view Jacobsens ledger art collection. Its wonderful history. Not many of these are left; theyre rare, just because its paper, scrap paper, not intended for a long life, Borlaug said. The old ledger art has seen a recent rebirth, as well. Modern area artists, such as Butch Thunder Hawk and Monte Yellow Bird, are recasting the old form, using brilliant colors to create scenes and symbols on ledger art paper. This is bringing attention to an art form thats existed for 150 years and was only done before on petroglyphs, hides and teepees, said Borlaug, adding that Jacobsen is keenly aware of the historical relevance of his ledger art collection. Jacobsen said he is not ready for it to leave his family, though some of Mary C. Collins papers are part of South Dakotas historical collection. Theyre part of our life, he says. Jacobsen remains fascinated by the art and the many other artifacts and writings passed along from those Christian-teaching ancestors, who lived for years on the reservation and were well acquainted with men such as Sitting Bull, Gall, John Grass and others who were there in the years of the Ghost Dance, Sitting Bulls death and the battle of Wounded Knee. The ledger art occupies a central place in his home and his heritage. He cherishes the singular experience of having it so close and personal. I look at it every day, he said. SIOUX CITY | A ribbon cutting was held on Nov. 10 at the Boys and Girls Club of Sioux City to commemorate the newest partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and the Siouxland Optimist Club. This new club is a combination of members from both the former Morning Optimist Club and the Noon Optimist Club. They will meet at 7 a.m. every second and fourth Thursday at Perkins Restaurant, 5925 Gordon Drive. For more information, visit the Siouxland Optimist Facebook page. SIOUX CITY | Local law enforcement officials and Native American leaders will participate in a public meeting from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday in Sioux City. The meeting is in connection with the Memorial March to Honor Lost Children." This year's march, an event that remembers Native American children who have been taken from their families and communities and placed in the country's non-native child welfare system, will be held Wednesday morning in downtown Sioux City. NEW ORLEANS | William C. Deeds , provost at Morningside College, received the 2016 Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) on Nov. 5 in New Orleans. The award recognizes Deeds for his significant support of colleagues at independent colleges and universities, his role as a mentor to many new chief academic officers and the work he has done at the institutions at which he has served. NEW YORK Small and independent retailers are strategizing to try to make the most of an uncertain holiday season. The last three months of the year are critical for many retailers, who may get half their annual revenue during that time. But consumers who may be hesitant to splurge have led retailers to be increasingly creative about special promotions and discounts, and also prompted many to use technology to help determine what customers want. "We've had such a protracted, sluggish economy that I assume that's the way it's going to be," says Brian Reardon, owner of Monster Music, which sells musical instruments and provides music lessons in Levittown, New York. Reardon has found it harder to get more people to buy lessons while the store has 600 students, that's little changed over the past two years. To encourage prospective students or their parents to sign up, he gives away an acoustic guitar when they pay for six months of lessons that cost $600. Although overall spending at retailers across the country rose in September and November, it remains weak at many stores that get much of their revenue from the holidays. Sales at department stores fell more than 5 percent the first 10 months of the year, according to the Commerce Department. At electronics stores, they were off more than 3 percent, and they edged up just 0.4 percent at clothing stores. Forecasters generally have predicted retailers will see holiday sales increase a decent 3 percent to 4 percent. "They're going to have to provide some level of added value, innovation and quality," says Joe Brusuelas, chief economist with RSM US, a consulting firm whose clients include retailers. Traditional brick-and-mortal stores have lost business not only to the internet but also to consumers' growing preference for travel and other experiences over possessions, he says. Mark Aselstine's wine club and gift basket sales growth has been flat. So he's planning to give customers more options when they order from Uncorked Ventures; alongside the company's $150 baskets will be some priced $115, with cheaper shipping. The baskets can be preselected or customized. "The market quite honestly simply hasn't moved in our direction as much as we'd hoped over the past few years," says Aselstine, whose company is based in Berkeley, California. Some of his customers are looking for good bottles but at lower prices. He's seeing more interest in pinot noir from New Zealand, which costs half of what the California version does. Choices like that have brought down the price of baskets the company sells while two years ago the average price was $322, now it's $45 to $50 less. Even companies that seem like they might not have to worry during the holidays are offering deals. Jacques Torres, who sells his high-end chocolate and other food at nine locations in New York and online, has a special promotion with a sandwich, beverage and ice cream for $10 at his cafe in Grand Central Terminal. Torres, whose chocolates retail for nearly $40 a pound, has a lot of competition and rising expenses like rent and wages. "We never used to discount anything. Now we do, because we need the sales, we need the advertising, we need the buzz," he says. Still, retailers can't assume shoppers will opt for the cheapest gifts. Customers of Daddies Board Shop are eager to buy skateboards and snowboards with price tags that run into the hundreds of dollars, but are choosy about lower-priced staples, president Daron Horwitz says. "People are comfortable spending on things that are fun and different, and they spend less on the more-banal products like backpacks and shoes and shirts," says Horwitz, who sells through his store in Portland, Oregon, and its website. And strategy doesn't necessarily have to be about price. At Combatant Gentlemen, a clothing store in Santa Monica, California, with an online shop as well, CEO Vishaal Melwani uses technologies that track the paths that shoppers take on the website and as they walk through the physical store. That information has helped Melwani determine where to place the most popular merchandise; in the Santa Monica store, it has increased by 50 percent the number of transactions the store has had the past two months. Jordan Dollard's clothing store, Elsa Fine, caters to women in their 20s and 30s. She spent the last six months studying shoppers' habits, and realized she needs to buy different merchandise for the Charlotte, North Carolina, location, for its website and for pop-up shops she'll have this season. She found that an online shopper wants to quickly find staple items, while a visitor to the store is more likely to be buying a party dress and wants an experience that includes music and maybe something to drink. "We're in a time where walking into a store, picking out what you want and leaving is not enough anymore," Dollard says. If the recent presidential election has got you down, a little (fictional) dash of D.C. intrigue may be exactly what you need. Here's a look at some good reads: "Foreign Eclairs: A White House Chef Mystery" One of the things that Olivia "Ollie" Paras has come to realize is if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. Unfortunately, as the White House executive chef, that's not really an option. In "Foreign Eclairs: A White House Chef Mystery" (2016, Mass Market Paperback), suspense writer Julie Hyzy puts Paras through her paces in an action-packed story revolving around terrorists, security breaches and, of course, posh pastries served inside the West Wing. At this point, Ollie should be accustomed to a bit of political intrigue. After all she's already experienced it in "All the President's Menus" (2015); "Home of the Braised (2014); "Fonduing Fathers" (2013); "Affairs of Steak" (2012); "Buffalo West Wing" (2011); "Eggsecutive Orders" (2010); "Hail to the Chef" (2008); and "State of the Onion" (2008). "Cross the Line" For many writers, Washington, D.C. has become the perfect setting for crime fiction. Don't believe us? Ask best selling author James Patterson, who has made the D.C.-based former FBI agent and psychologist Alex Cross the protagonist in 24 books, including "Cross the Line," which is slated to be released on Monday. In "Cross the Line," a supposed case of road rage becomes much more sinister. Eventually, Cross needs to work his way through a long list of suspects as the nation's capital panics with a killer on the loose. "Murder, D.C." To be honest, it's surprising that Alex Cross has never crossed tracks with Sully Carter, the hard-boiled reporter created by Neely Tucker. In "Murder, D.C." (2016, Penguin Books), Carter digs into the murder of Billy Ellison, the son of a socially influential family who was found dead near a deadly drug haven near the Potomac River. SIOUX CITY -- A week after one of the most bitter, hard fought, partisan presidential elections in U.S. history, Briar Cliff University students gathered Thursday in a safe space to talk about how to work together and maintain a caring community amid a divided American society. "I've had a couple students, and others have had a few, just coming in with increased anxiety about the election and the aftermath of what this means for different groups among us," said Jeanette Tobin, director of counseling services at Briar Cliff University. "We really value communication, respect, diversity -- all those important things. We thought it might be a good opportunity to bring students and staff together and just have a discussion." Post-election anxiety is real. An online survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 52 percent of American adults reported that the 2016 election was a very or somewhat significant source of stress. Early on Nov. 9, suicide and crisis prevention hotlines reported significant increases in calls after Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States. "The election just highlighted issues we -- society in general -- already have," Tobin said. "People are already struggling in some ways with uncertainty. When a big thing like the election comes up, it kind of creates more fears." Benita Triplett, a wellness/employee assistance program counselor for UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's, said the results of the election alone could cause a person to experience anxiety, but she said it could also exacerbate symptoms in an individual who has a history of anxiety. She said she's heard some employees and/or students express frustration, disappointment and fear. "A lot of what's happening is we're fearing the unknown. We don't know what's going to happen. We're speculating, and then we're having anxiety and stress over something that could happen or might not happen," she said. During the election, Trump called for a "deportation force" to remove immigrants who are in the country illegally and talked of enacting a temporary ban on Muslim immigration. He also vowed to appoint highly conservative justices to the Supreme Court, who could potentially overturn a ruling in favor of same-sex marriage or Roe v. Wade -- the landmark decision that gives a woman the right to have an abortion. Karen Mackey, director of the Sioux City Human Rights Commission, said she hasn't fielded any calls from members of protected classes who are worried about what a Trump presidency might hold. She said that doesn't mean the concerns aren't there. "I have in my off-work setting heard from people who are very upset about how the election has gone. It isn't, 'Oh, the other side won. It's horrible!,' it's, 'Look at what this campaign was about and the things that were said and the way people were treated' -- that's the piece that people were disconcerted about," she said. "Elections happen. Sometimes your candidate wins and sometimes they don't -- that's just the reality. You work harder the next day." Setting the tone During the campaign, Trump insulted women and Latinos and mocked a disabled New York Times reporter. A report from the Southern Poverty Law Center suggests the presidential campaign has negatively affected children and classrooms. Of the nearly 2,000 K-12 teachers surveyed via email or through the organization's website, more than two-thirds reported that students mainly immigrants, children of immigrants and Muslims have expressed concerns or fears about what might happen to them or their families after the election. More than half of the teachers surveyed said they've seen an increase in uncivil political discourse, and more than one-third said they've observed an increase in anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant sentiment. Mackey worries that eventually people outside the targeted groups will become desensitized to offensive comments, passing them off as "just campaign rhetoric." "What I find problematic as a person of color is that people could hear all these things and say, 'That doesn't apply to me. That doesn't matter. It's OK that they said all these things,'" she said. Inflammatory language, emotional appeals and hot-headedness have a history in the Oval Office, according to Valerie Hennings, assistant professor of political science at Morningside College. John Adams had a temper and wasn't tolerant of media dissent. Andrew Jackson threatened opponents and got carried away in brawls and duels, while Hennings said Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon were known for their political rants and badgering the opposition. "Unlike Trump, with Johnson and Nixon, we didn't really find out their style until after they were president when it came out through historical papers, as well as through different studies of their presidencies," she said. "But we're finding a similar connection between what we've thus seen between Trump and how he has engaged his opponents and dissenters." Remaining engaged Families with different political views will soon gather at the dining room table to feast and celebrate Thanksgiving. Mackey said people need to focus on the holiday and put their relationships with others first. She said she's trying her best not to engage with people she strongly disagrees with politically on Facebook. "It's OK to disagree," she said. "We can have political disagreements. We don't have to be disagreeable with each other." If viewing your Facebook feed or consuming news is causing you stress and anxiety, Triplett said, it's time to take a break and do something else to distract yourself from the political upheaval. She said it's important to practice self-care and talk to others about your concerns. "It's putting things back into perspective and kind of just dealing with the here and now -- stay in the present moment," she said. "Stay involved or get involved in your community, like doing volunteer work or any type of interest that you might have that makes a difference." In the coming days and weeks, Tobin suggests people talk to others face to face about about their feelings instead of hiding behind computer screens. She said she sees this time in our country's history as an opportunity for growth. She encourages everyone to think about what they can do personally to better society. "We can still focus on ourselves and how we're going to improve ourselves and our society instead of focusing on the overall picture," she said. Hennings said it's OK to take a break after the election, but she said it's important for people to remain informed about and engaged in politics at the local, state and national levels. "This didn't all stop Nov. 9. Now the real test begins to see what our new president is going to do," she said. "Supporters as well as opponents of Donald Trump and others that have been elected need to remain active and engaged and by doing so, they'll ultimately be able to hold our officials accountable and that's what elections are about." DAKOTA CITY, Nebraska | Sophronia Smith served in an Iowa Civil War regiment from Pottawattamie County. She dressed as a man and carried a rifle, one of an estimated 400 women to aid the Union Army cause in that fashion. Once discovered she was a woman, Army officers ordered her off the front line. She ended up serving as a nurse in her late teens, getting to those injured in battle. Her husband, John Smith, had a leg blown off and died in the war. A grieving Sophronia returned to Iowa. The details come from Shirley Sides, a historian who focuses on the people and places in and around Dakota City, Nebraska, her home. Sides' interest and pursuit helped get a headstone in place for this Civil War veteran on Veterans Day some 88 years after her death. "They asked if the stone should say Civil War nurse," Sides said. "I said, 'Heck no! It darn well better say, 'Civil War veteran.'" It does. The stone, courtesy of Luken Memorials in Sioux City, was put into place on Veterans Day with a number of local veterans present and a descendant of Sophronia, who left Iowa and married John Hunt, a corporal who fought for the Union side before returning to Nebraska to homestead 3 miles east of Jackson following the conflict. Sophronia Hunt had eight children with John Hunt. She died at or around age 81. Sadly, only one of her children, a Mrs. Moog, of Seattle, Washington, was living at the time of her death. And that child didn't live nearby, so Sophronia was buried next to her husband, presumably in a gown she made in 1913 that would serve as a burial shroud. She didn't get a headstone, though. The obituary Sides unearthed comes from the Aug. 9, 1928, edition of the South Sioux City Eagle newspaper. It notes that young Sophronia's use of a manly disguise in the Civil War hid her identity for one month of fighting. "She carried a gun just as other soldiers did," Sides said with conviction. "But she didn't have a headstone all these years." Sides began to unravel this mystery after an appointment at the Dakota City Cemetery was delayed 35 minutes. Sides was there to help reset stones one chilly March morning when the headstone of John Hunt caught her eye. She knew members of Hunt's extended family and their long history as farmers near Dakota City. It bugged her that his wife's headstone was nowhere to be found. "I went to Dakota City Hall to get the records of the purchase of the burial lot and then the burial record itself," she said. She then located the obituary for Sophronia and tracked down burial records, one noting the purchase of two plots at Lot 27, Block 2, West Addition of the Dakota City Cemetery. The last line of the 1928 obituary notes that Sophronia was buried in the Dakota City Cemetery "besides (sic) her husband." It likely helped that Sides has a passion for history and an inclination to serve her community, as evidenced by her work as a member of the Dakota City Cemetery Board. "There was no marker to tell anyone of her heroic effort in the Civil War, or even where her body lies," she said. Sides changed all that by documenting all she had found and turning it over to Brigadier Gen. Judd Lyons, Nebraska Adjutant General. Members of the Dakota City American Legion turned out for a short headstone ceremony last Friday. Scott Morgan of nearby Allen, Nebraska, a descendant of Hunts, showed up in his military uniform as well. "And then we had a guy who was driving to Tyson pull in," Sides said. "It was a spur-of-the-moment thing for him. He was driving by, saw us gathered there and told us that this is how things should be!" Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get a dose of adorable in your inbox Receive local adoptable pets PLUS updates for pet lovers in your inbox every week! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy HETTINGER Two centuries ago, 30 million buffalo owned more than 1 million square miles of the Great Plains of America like no other beast. Vast herds left dust storms in their wake and appeared as a rumbling sea of black on a distant horizon. Within decades of the 1800s' westward expansion, the buffalo had been killed nearly to extinction for sport and for their hides and piles of bones and rotting carcasses were strewn across the prairie. This spring, in recognition of its place in American history, Congress named it the National Mammal, putting it alongside the bald eagle as a symbolic icon of the country. The buffalo is Americas story. But the final chapter belongs to Hettinger, a small town in southwestern North Dakota. For several key years in the 1880s before Hettinger existed the area was ground zero for the very last of the wild and noble buffalo. Come spring, that final chapter will become a self-guided history tour. For people willing to leave the asphalt and launch themselves into empty reaches of prairie that were once part of the Great Sioux Nation, the story unfolds in the scenery, in the imagination and in the history documented by local historian Francie Berg. Berg, along with the Dakota Buttes Visitors Council, has been writing the Hettinger-buffalo story for decades, but this newest work strings all the stories and locations into one small handbook. This tour is for those willing to take a chance at getting lost in search of the lost history of heartbreak. It could take a day or three, even longer, depending on how many of the 10 points of interest one seeks. The handbook, with detailed driving directions, encourages history-seekers to venture out on a bumpy two-track trail in government-owned pasture taking care not to get high-centered in the ruts, Berg cautions then crawl under a barbed wire fence. One stands, brushing off dirty knees to look, and there below is a lazy curve of the South Grand River, bordered by old gnarly cottonwood trees. Cant you just imagine Pete Dupree coming over those far hills with his buckboard wagon? Berg asks, pointing out to the southeast. It is here, or somewhere near, where Dupree came in 1880 or 1881 to rescue five buffalo calves back to the family land at the mouth of Cherry Creek. Berg conjures the scene from detailed knowledge of the methods for capturing calves and the likely reasons why Dupree, whose mother was a Lakota, understood there would be a day when the buffalo would be gone forever. They set out for the buffalo ranges and returned with five strong young buffalo calves and helped change history, Berg writes. Last stand Those calves were among the last 50,000 buffalo left on the Plains that had traveled back into a region entirely empty of buffalo for nearly two decades. It was there they made their last stand, and Duprees early rescue of a handful in the goal of saving a species is only a small part of the final chapter. Visitors can travel to the Slim Buttes area southwest of Hettinger in South Dakota, where a party of 40 Cheyenne River Lakota and Thomas Riggs, a missionary, undertook the Slim Buttes Winter Hunt of 1880-1881 a months-long excursion when they killed 2,000 buffalo and returned home with 500 prime hides. The handbook takes visitors to Hiddenwood east of Hettinger, where the Last Great Buffalo Hunt occurred in June 1882. About 2,000 Lakota men, women and children traveled 100 miles from Fort Yates for a hunt that allowed them to relive, one last time, the stories of courage and strength against the great bulls. A year later, perhaps 10,000 buffalo remained in the final herds and the tour takes in The Last Stand of the Buffalo in a national grasslands grazing pasture southeast of Hettinger. Gone in two days There, in 1883, Sitting Bull, a famous Sioux warrior from the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and 1,000 Sioux hunters, in two days time, slaughtered the entire herd of 1,200. That wound up the buffalo in the far west, only a stray bull being seen here and there afterwards, according to the handbook. Other sites of interest are a buffalo jump at the Shadehill Reservoir and the Dakota Buttes Museum, where a buffalo mount Prairie Thunder puts the wonderfully shaggy animal into perspective. Other sites are privately owned buffalo ranches and herds, including those maintained on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, and the Buffalo Museum in Jamestown. International appeal Berg is enthused about the tour and its potential for Hettinger and so is Sara Otte Coleman, director of North Dakota Tourism. The agency staff has been assisting Berg and the Dakota Buttes Visitors Council with marketing, helping string enough sites together to create the tour with interpretive signs that will explain each one. Otte Coleman said the tour dovetails other multistate western experiences that appeal especially to international visitors. Those visitors are really interested in buffalo and the story of the American West, she said. This fits very well. The tour handbook is in its final review, a website is being developed and, soon, the information will be ready for tourists. I would say its pretty close to ready to market for spring and summer travelers, Otte Coleman said. The buffalo trail will be a draw for tourists from afar, but it also should pull in some locals. Even those of us who live right here dont pay attention to the history and the stories, she said. Its just really interesting history, but it also gets people out in different areas. Soon enough, when the weather warms and green grass returns to the Prairie, the completed tour handbook will be available at the state tourism office and at the Dakota Buttes Museum at www.DakotaBuffalo-Tours.com. SIOUX CITY | In the wake of tension stemming from the surprise election of Donald Trump, the chaplain for Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools issued a directive to students, one that called for respect and understanding. It is understandable that there is now great uncertainty in our nation as to what new immigration policies our government will enact, the Rev. Shane Deman said in the letter. However, racial comments will not be tolerated here at Bishop Heelan. In an interview last week, Deman said some administrators at Heelan got word that there may be some negative feelings following the election, in which Trump won the presidency over Hillary Clinton. At schools across the country, there have been reports of pro-Trump students teasing or taunting classmates from immigrant backgrounds, as well as student-led protests against the president-elect, who has been criticized for his views on Hispanics, Muslims and women. No metro Sioux City school has publicly reported such post-election incidents. But school officials say they are taking steps to prevent any from happening. Deman said his statement was meant to reinforce and encourage students to live by the schools mission as a Christian school that welcomes students from all backgrounds. Heelan is a Christian-based school and promoting those values continues to be a priority, he said. We celebrate and enjoy a great ethnic diversity at Heelan. "If there were any fears about what may be going on with the (presidential) administration or any tensions that may be highlighted, we wanted to reemphasize the importance of dignity of each student here, he added. Dakota Valley superintendent Jerry Rassmussen said if any students within the district were feeling upset or unsure about the election results, the district has resources in place for outreach. Our counselors work diligently to get to know each and every student personally to ensure that our students know they have a safe, comfortable place to go with concerns, he said in a statement to the Journal. Our district has made a commitment to have a full-time counselor in each of our buildings for those very reasons. Katie Towler, principal at West Middle School in Sioux City, said her school's approach to address possible election-related stress within the school began before last Tuesday. The staff was advised to be mindful that students may react differently. She said after the election results came in, the goal was to educate students about what theyve heard and make sure they understand that not everyone shards the same mindset. It was one of those moments where we knew we had an obligation and a powerful responsibility to help our kids understand politics and what it means to America to voice our opinions and how to vote, she said. SIOUX CITY | Activities this week will lead up to Wednesday's 14th annual Memorial March to Honor Lost Children. Each year, in the days before Thanksgiving, hundreds gather in downtown Sioux City for the march, which remembers Native American children who have been taken from their families and communities to be placed in the country's non-native child welfare system. Monday, local law enforcement officials and Native American leaders will participate in a public meeting from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Four Directions Community Center, 613 Water St. Tuesday, advocates for Native American children will hold a free educational workshop at Briar Cliff University's Stark Student Center to examine the legal and social challenges facing today's Native American children. Participants will be eligible for free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) or Continuing Education Unit (CEU) hours. The workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The march itself will take place Wednesday in downtown Sioux City. It will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the War Eagle Monument, with the following prayer stops: 8:30 a.m.: Jackson Women and Children's Recovery Center, 3200 W. Fourth St. 9:30 a.m.: Siouxland Center for Active Generations, 313 Cook St. 10:30 a.m.: Sioux City Public Museum, 607 Fourth St. Noon: Woodbury County Courthouse, 620 Douglas St. 1 p.m. Four Directions Community Center, 613 Water St. (dinner will be served) Additional information on the march and the workshops can be found at briarcliff.edu/MarchForLostChildren. DES MOINES | The number of reported bullying incidents in Iowa public schools during the 2015-16 school year increased from the previous year. Now, educators are analyzing the data to determine what it means and how it should guide state and district policies. What wed really like to do is use what we know to help Iowa kids, state education board member Mike May said at a meeting last week. "And if we dont have the information we need to help Iowa kids, how do we get it and how do we implement that?" More than 1,700 bullying incidents were reported in Iowas public schools during the 2015-16 school year, according to state education department data. Thats up from the 1,490 reported in 2014-15. Educators now must determine whether bullying is on the rise in Iowas schools or officials are getting better at identifying and reporting bullying incidents. For now, educators are working with a limited data set; the state in 2012-13 dramatically changed the way it records bullying incidents, so it has only four school years worth of comparable data. Even within those four years, reporting has been inconsistent. In 2012-13, districts reported more than 2,500 bullying incidents; the following year, they reported fewer than 500. Youre seeing a picture of bullying and harassment around the state, (but) its not necessarily a full picture, Amy Williamson, school improvement bureau chief for the state education department, said last week while giving a presentation to the state education board. Williamson said she is hopeful the fact the number of reported incidents has stabilized over the past two years is an indication that future data will be more reliable as districts become more adept at the reporting process. We may be ... getting some leveling out (in the data), Williamson said. "Were excited to see what the next few years bring." Alan Heisterkamp, a former Sioux City educator and director of the new Center for Violence Protection at the University of Northern Iowa, said the rise in reported incidents is a good sign. The Northern Iowa center also houses the newly created Governors Office for Bullying Prevention, which has not yet received state funding. What I find encouraging is the number of reports going up. That might sound counter-intuitive, Heisterkamp said. I think thats (a sign of) more confidence in their ability to identify and do that process of the investigation. Heisterkamp said if schools foster a culture of bullying prevention, those reports should increase initially and then level off and ultimately go down over time. Most bullying victims in 2015-16 were targeted because of their physical attributes or their mental or physical abilities, according to the state data, while a significant share of incidents were categorized as other. Most incidents were reported as verbal or physical, and most occurred on school grounds; only a small number fewer than 400 were reported as having occurred via electronic communication. That number does not align with national statistics from the federal government; in 2011, 16 percent of high school students reported being bullied via electronic means in the previous year. Heisterkamp said incomplete reporting is a possibility as schools continue to learn how to identify and report bullying incidents. Already in Iowa, there have been examples where school districts have not been able to, for whatever reason, follow through with the report, Heisterkamp said. A lot of times, the issues are not reported for a variety of reasons. Heisterkamp said more data collection can help guide training and education programs as schools continue to combat bullying. He also said schools alone cannot shoulder the burden. This is an issue and a problem that cannot be fixed without reaching out, because this is not just a school problem, Heisterkamp said. "Its a community problem." FARGO A snow plow operator remembers working 25 straight days for 12 hours at a crack, moving mountains of snow. A police officer recalls having to borrow four-wheel-drive vehicles from another city department in order to get around. A meteorologist is reminded of the North Dakota National Guard being called out for emergency snow removal. For a commuting mail carrier, being stranded comes to mind. Memories are vivid in the Fargo-Moorhead area of the infamous winter of 1996-97, which brought eight blizzards, a record-smashing amount of snow and brutal cold followed by a terrible flood. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the first of the eight blizzards. What began as a slushy snow segued into a blizzard that dropped 13.5 inches of snow and packed winds gusting to 47 mph. Fargo Public Works supervisor Lee Anderson said from there, it was an uphill battle for city street crews. We were losing control of the streets that winter, Anderson said. I think we lost control from the start. John Wheeler, longtime meteorologist at WDAY TV and 970 AM WDAY radio, said the winter featured many tough days for people simply trying to get to work, the store or to school. It just wore down on you, Wheeler said. Plows and police cars Lee Anderson, who has been with Fargo Public Works for 36 years, said the first snow was difficult to move because it was so wet and heavy. The citys biggest equipment loaders and road graders managed OK as the snow piled up, storm after storm. The same couldnt be said for the plows. You can only push so much, he said. Some of the banks were literally 5 to 6 feet tall, for hundreds of feet. Anderson said Fargos street crews were never able to fully widen the roads and the intersections were ridiculous. Between the winter and the spring flood that followed, Anderson racked up many hours of overtime from November through June. To this day, that winter and spring, its still the most money I ever made, he said. For another city employee, the brutal winter made for a rude welcome. Deputy Police Chief Joe Anderson was 24 and newly hired to the force in January 1997. Instead of the all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicles police now have for patrol duty, the department was mostly equipped with rear-wheel drive Ford Crown Victorias or Chevy Caprices. They didnt get around well at all, Joe Anderson said. The police department had to borrow 4-by-4s for much of that winter. I remember the entire night shift driving city engineers vehicles, the deputy chief said. Those vehicles had no radios, lights or sirens just a city of Fargo emblem on the side. Officers sometimes used plug-in strobe lights to pull someone over. Another issue was the huge snowbanks at corners, which prompted drivers to inch precariously into intersections, leading to more than the usual number of crashes. Joe Anderson was involved in one of those. Driving his personal vehicle, he tried backing up after venturing too far into the street to see approaching traffic. In his high-profile pickup, he failed to see a car right behind him, causing a fender bender, he said. Neither snow nor rain According to the U.S. Postal Services motto, the weather isnt supposed to prevent carriers from delivering the mail. The winter of 1996-97 didnt keep Darrell Boreen from doing his job, but it did keep him from sleeping in his own bed many nights. Now a letter carrier in Fargo, back then he delivered mail in Wahpeton and commuted from his south Fargo home each day. When the storms raged and he couldnt make it back, he got a hotel room across the street from the Wahpeton post office. A number of times that winter, he only made it home to Fargo on weekends. Maybe 20 to 25 days, maybe more, spending nights in a hotel, Boreen said. I lost track. Lynn Brosowske, another postal carrier, remembers piles of snow around his own home and the landscaping job they brought later. A brother-in-law got hold of a skid steer and came and pushed it all up in my yard and managed to take about three-quarters of my turf with it, Brosowske said, adding, I was regrowing grass for a while. Rogue record Wheeler describes the 117 inches of snow that fell that winter as a rogue record. Thats 3 inches shy of 10 feet! Not only that, thats more than 2 feet more than second place, he said. Wheeler said it really got crazy when the National Guard brought out its equipment in mid-January. According to Forum archives, 20 bulldozers and six large rotary snow blowers were deployed, mostly in the southeast and south-central parts of the state. You knew it was not a standard winter, Wheeler said. You knew, this is epic. Dave Oddens mark on that winter was seen far and wide. A photo of him blowing snow in his driveway in West Fargo, surrounded by towering snowdrifts, was published in The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. He still lives in the same house and still owns the snowblower that got him and his family through the winter of 1996-97. He said the machine still runs great, and is ready for another round of whatever winter dishes out. Its tuned up and starts on the first pull, Odden said. When I think about coffee, I tend not to think about the fruit, or the farm, or the beans or the brewing. I tend to think about the people who drink it. About a week ago, I came to work and found a Ziploc bag of coffee beans in the office kitchen. A coworker nudged me, and said, One of our clients started roasting coffee at home. He gave us a bag. You should try it. I took the transparent bag in hand and looked at it. Together with the blackened coffee beans was a single scrap of paper, which read, Ethiopia/Guatemala blend. I opened the bag and an aroma wafted out. I pictured a forest after a fire. I thought of charred branches, disintegrating beneath a boot as a light rain began to fall. It was a special kind of dark. Yeah, I said, maybe Ill take some home and brew a cup. But I knew that I wouldnt. Id met that client before, actually. He was a nice guy, friendly, and it was easy to picture him brewing in the morning; sitting down at the kitchen table before the rest of the family woke, and sipping of his secret brew. Im sure hed enjoy that kind of thing. Clearly, he enjoyed it enough to want to share it. That seemed like a nice way to start a morning, I thought. That same night I was at a party, in Omotesando. Lots of designers, tech guys, and artists. There was free beer and champagne, snacks and finger food. A UX guy heard I wrote about coffee. He said, Tell me, what is the best espresso in Tokyo. It was like a challenge: Prove to me you are the Coffee Man. I demurred. I dont really know espresso, man. But he kept on me. Come on, he said. Its just espresso. Tell me what is the best. I thought about it a moment. The other day I had the Glitch espresso, I said. I really liked it. The designer shook his head and smiled. Waggled a finger. Thats not espresso, he said. Look, I know Kiyokazu-San, the owner, and hes a good guy, but thats not espresso. Its not real espresso. A real espresso is in the blend. Kiyokazu-San doesnt use blends. Here, let me tell you a thing or two about real espresso But I only half-listened to those things. I remember thinking, This guy really fucking loves blends. I also remember him telling me more than two things. One time, I was speaking with a French roaster at his new cafe opening in Aoyama. I asked him about the coffee scene in France. My lifes work, he said, is changing the definition of the term French roast. I quite liked that. I was once fortunate enough to meet Tim Wendelboe, the Norwegian coffee roaster, farm owner, and barista champion whose very name is like a dog whistle for coffee nerds. We met at the Fuglen roastery, in Shibuya. There were coffee bags in the corner, piled on top of each other, and a vintage Probat. Fuglens manager, Kenji Kojima, brewed some coffee while we talked, and summer insects chirped from the long grass outside. I thought, if there was ever an arthouse coffee movie, this would make a nice scene in it. I asked Tim what hed been up to, and he said he went to Bear Pond to try the espresso; the Angel Stain. In case you didnt know, the Bear Pond espresso is sometimes spoken of in mythical, hushed tones. It is the essence of craftsmanship, given liquid form. There is freedom in Katsus lifestyle; a sense of romance. So how was it? I asked. Tim shrugged. Its interesting for what it is, he said, but its not my cup of coffee. Perhaps he was just being diplomatic. I dont know. Still, the words stayed with me. Its like, the more I learn about coffee, the more I lose touch with best and worst. I guess its like art, in that sense. Theres this whole spectrum of different interpretations, and within that theres the stuff you like, and the stuff you dont. And that feels right, you know? I know some people think the coffee at LAmbre smells like leather and tastes like the ashes of a fallen temple, but there are guys who go there every morning and sit at the counter with their books and cigarettes because thats what coffee is for them. You could sit those old men down with the Espresso-is-in-the-Blend guy, and he could talk all day, but I dont think theyd ever change. I like to think theyd lean back and blow smoke at him instead, and then order another cup of 30-year-old coffee. This ability to express a part of yourself in a simple, everyday beverage might be my favorite thing about coffee. My girlfriend maintains that Turret Coffee, in Tsukiji, is her favorite cup of coffee in Tokyo. And not for the latte art, or the friendly staff, or the literal delivery turret we drank our coffees on, though all of this clearly charmed her. She simply says it suits her tastes. She likes it best. She doesnt have words for the flavor. She admits to lacking a vocabulary for coffee; a vocabulary for food and drink. I brewed her a cup of Light Up Coffees Ethiopia, once. She said it tasted, difficult. I smiled. I thought her coffee vocabulary was just fine. Anyway, yesterday in the office kitchen, my coworker nudged me while I poured a glass of water. She said, So? Did you try his coffee? How was it? I didnt want to say I hadnt tried it. For whatever reason, it felt rude. People at work think of me as the coffee guy, and Im expected to have an opinion about all of it. If I dont drink a cup of coffee somewhere, or dont finish it, the general consensus is that Im a snob. I thought for a moment. Shrugged. Its interesting for what it is, I said, but its not my cup of coffee. I might not have drunk that coffee, but the words still felt absolutely true. So I guess the reason I think about people when I think about coffee is that the variety of coffee around the world is a reflection of the variety of people in it. That variety is a good thing. A fascinating thing. Perhaps sometimes a confounding thing. But it means that for each and every one of us, there is a cup of coffee we can call our own. And I quite like that. Hengtee Lim is a Sprudge staff writer based in Tokyo. Read more Hengtee Lim on Sprudge. Not Afraid (Dan Dube, $38.20) led the longshot legion Sunday morning, winning Yonkers Raceways mile-and-a-quarter, $56,000 Open Handicap Trot. Away alertly from post position No. 3 for his 11:30 a.m. local time road test, Not Afraid then saw an interesting floor show develop. Centurion ATM (Steve Smith) made the next lead before yielding to a wide-early Hemi Seelster (Jason Bartlett). That one found front before a :28.2 opening quarter-mile. Then came 4-5 fave Bee A Magician (Brian Sears), even wider early and parked two turns before grabbing the baton after a :56.4 half. An antsy Hemi wanted to reclaim his turf, but was rebuffed and eventually broke in a retreating pocket. However, the $4 million lass Bee A Magician had been sufficiently softened up before a 1:26,4 three-quarters, as Not Afraid moved with purpose from fourth. That one went up and over and, after a 1:56.2 mile station, owned a 2-1/2 length lead into the lane. Not Afraid held off a charging, 73-1 Springbank Sam N (Jordan Stratton) by a head in 2:25.4 for the added distance. Tweet Me (Pat Lachance) and her 149-1 self rallied for third, with Centurion ATM and Deweycolorintheline (Mark MacDonald) settling for the minors. Bee A Magician tired badly to finish eighth, beating just a pair of breakers in her first non-payday since she was sixth in the 2015 Yonkers International Trot. For fourth choice Not Afraid, a seven-year-old S Js Caviar gelding trained by Jimmy Takter for co-owners the missus Christina, John Fielding and Goran Anderberg, it was his seventh win in 30 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $494.50, with the triple (first two finishers and ALL) returning $1,073. One race later, driver Jordan Stratton notched his 3,000th career win. Stratton teamed with Bingo Queen ($7.70) for a powerful, first-up Yonkers Raceway victory in the $21,600, second-race trot. The pair negotiated the mile-and-a-quarter distance in 2:29 en route to a 2-3/4 length win. I appreciate the number, probably more than my family does, Stratton said. Then, in a rather bold assumption, he offered that they love me anyway. The affable 29-year-old Stratton, regular chauffeur of George Morton Levy Series winner Bit Of A Legend N, was joined in the winners circle presentation by his brother, Cory, a pretty fair horseman in his own right. Jordan Stratton has earned $45 million in purses in a career which began in 2006. His 225 wins place him fifth in this seasons local driver standings. As an aside, Sundays edition of the New York, New York Double was scratched after Aqueduct cancelled its card. The gimmick is scheduled to return next Sunday, Nov. 27, with Yonkers first post at 11:10 a.m. U.S. Trotting Association President and Director Phil Langley announced Sunday (Nov. 20) at a meeting of the USTA Board of Directors executive committee at the Columbus (OH) Airport Marriott hotel that he will resign from those positions effective Dec. 31, 2016. His current term was set to expire in 2019. Langley explained that given the situation in Illinois, where both Balmoral and Maywood Parks have been closed, he feels that he can no longer fairly address the ongoing concerns of the USTA. "I no longer have a track to represent and there is little quality racing in Illinois anymore, said Langley. For years, my tracks were involved on a national basis with the American Nationals, the World Trotting Derby, the Windy City Pace and the Hanover Stakes among others. Without that base, I no longer feel a part of the national scene that is necessary for the USTA President." In accordance with USTA bylaw 11.04, since the vacancy in the presidency will occur within 60 days of the next USTA Annual Meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 26-28, 2017 in Las Vegas (NV), USTA Chairman of the Board Ivan Axelrod will serve as interim president until the election of a new president at that time who will serve the remainder of Langleys term until 2019. USTA bylaw 11.04 states, If a vacancy occurs in the office of the president, a meeting of the executive committee shall be called immediately to elect an interim president who shall serve until the next annual meeting of the full board of directors, at which time a president shall be elected for the balance of the term or a new four-year term if the existing term has expired. However, if the vacancy occurs within sixty (60) days of the next scheduled annual meeting, the chairman of the board shall serve as president until said meeting. Langley was first elected to the USTA Board of Directors from District 5 in 1983. He began the first of his four terms as USTA president in 2003. A 1959 graduate of Dartmouth College, Langley became racing director and racing secretary for the Chicago Downs Association and Fox Valley Trotting Club in 1965. He served in those positions as well as vice president of Fox Valley until 1998 when Sportsmans Park discontinued harness racing. Langley also was a member of the ownership group for both Balmoral Park and Maywood Park as served as treasurer of Balmoral and director of racing at both tracks. In addition, he was a member of the Illinois Department of Agriculture Advisory Board, Racing Industry Charitable Foundation board of directors, Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame board of trustees and the North American Harness Racing Secretaries Association. He also served in an advisory capacity for both the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair. Langley was inducted in the Living Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y. on July 1, 2007 and was previously inducted into the Illinois Harness Horsemens Hall of Fame in 1994. (with files from USTA) Beste Stan, Het is bijna zover, na maanden voorbereiding kijk ik er erg naar uit om het tweede pianoconcert van Brahms te spelen met het S... California responders prepare for a megaquake possibly more damaging than Hurricane Katrina, as scientists have discovered a new earthquake danger in Northern California. Geologists have indeed found that two fault lines link together north of San Francisco, creating a new risk for the nearly seven million people living in the Bay Area. Some 1,200 emergency responders took part in an earthquake drill on November 17, 2016. The day after, hundreds of scientists, engineers and politicians gather in Los Angeles to discuss the next big quake. A drill is meant to help emergency responders prepare for the real thing. And thats what happened during Thursdays drill: A magnitude 7.8 earthquake hits California and the clock is ticking. National guardsman are working to pull a trapped man from an elevator shaft, while a specially trained dog searches for stranded survivors. These extreme scenarios could easily become reality. USGS scientists recently discovered that two of the countrys most dangerous faults once thought to be at least two miles apart are actually connected, creating one massive 118-mile long fault. The Hayward fault meets the Rogers Creek fault in the shallow waters of the San Pablo Bay near San Francisco. What kind of damage are we talking about here? The longer a fault, the larger an earthquake it can produce, and if the Hayward and Rogers Creek faults went together along their entire length, it would up to a magnitude 7.4. More damage than Hurricane Katrina in terms of loss. Get prepared Folks in the Bay Area need to be prepared for a strong earthquake! In 1906, the San Francisco earthquake leveled entire neighborhoods, killing thousands. In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake killed 63 people and caused $6 billion in damage. Ongoing research will help scientists better understand these two faults, as their potential for damage makes emergency preparation like this even more essential. Follow us: Facebook and Twitter Fans of the Monogatari series have been clamoring for the much anticipated origin story of Bakemonogatari since it's anime release in 2009. Now after 6 years Aniplex USA plans to bring the film to select US theaters this February. KIZUMONOGATARI PART 1: TEKKETSU features the origin story of the highly popular Monogatari Series originally created by author NISIOISIN and is a direct prequel to the BAKEMONOGATARI television series. The story follows the protagonist Koyomi Araragi and his encounter with the horrifying vampire, Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade A.K.A. the King of Apparitions. Koyomi saves Kiss-shot who was fatally wounded by offering his blood to her in exchange for his own. There are no details on what theaters have been selected yet so please stay tuned and check out the official home page: www.Kizumonogatari-USA.com BLACK REPUBLICAN BLOG - The Republican Party is the party of civil rights and the four Fs: faith, family, freedom and fairness. The Democratic Party is the party of the four Ss: slavery, secession, segregation and socialism (Quote By Author Michael Scheuer). The new Little Free Library at Northlake Elementary School is the first in a series of libraries financed with $7,000 raised by the Rotary Club of Longview. Club members were inspired by the Little Free Library installed in 2015 at Robert Gray Elementary School by principal Kala Lougheed and decided to raise money to create the libraries at every Longview elementary school, Sarah Koss, chairwoman of the Rotarys Literacy Committee states in a press release from Longview Public Schools. A $3,500 grant from Rotary District 5020 will reimburse the local group half the cost. Jim Woodworth, a Rotary member who taught for 30 years in Longview schools, is in charge of assembling the library kits. A ribbion cutting ceremony took place Nov. 2. Two Northlake students pulled apart the ribbon wrapped around the wooden box outside the front door of the school and the Little Free Library was declared open. Longview Public Schools Superintendent Dan Zorn told the group of students and community members assembled for the ceremony that Theres nothing more important we do in Longview Public Schools than teaching our students how to read, notes the press release. Read every day, read often, read many, many things, he told the students. After the crowd dispersed, the students were invited to open the library door and find a book. Without community, things like this cant happen, Northlake principal Cora Lazo (formerly Carla Sosanya), is quoted in the press release. The worldwide Little Free Library program began in 2009 in Wisconsin to promote literacy and build community. This drawing shows the layout of rail lines and the new dock Millennium Bulk Terminals would build if its gets approval of its $680 million coal dock. Millennium Bulk Terminals could face a powerful new opponent now that Democrat Hilary Franz has won the race for state lands commissioner. Franz, a Puget Sound-area environmental lawyer who opposes new fossil fuel projects, handily won the race for state commissioner of public lands earlier this month, taking over an agency that will be responsible for at least part of the permitting for the $680 million Longview coal terminal. The state commissioner of public lands oversees the state Department of Natural Resources and has a leading role in managing 5.6 million acres of state forest. DNR also regulates logging, sells timber and leases aquatic lands such as tidelands and river bottoms to earn revenues for public schools and counties. Millennium already operates on an aquatic lands lease for its existing bulk materials dock on the Columbia River, and the company has said the lease should be sufficient to develop the coal dock. However, DNR says the company would need additional approval to expand its terminal. Under the proposal, construction would start in 2018 and end in 2024. The terminal would be fully operational by 2028, with 135 permanent jobs and 165 indirect and induced jobs, according to the state environmental impact study for the project.Over 30 years, the terminal would pay $102.68 million in state and local taxes. The company is awaiting the final environmental impact statements from both federal and state officials. On the campaign trail, Franz said she opposed using state lands for fossil fuel projects, including the Longview coal terminal. Burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change, while contributes to increased wildfires, reduced snowpacks and drought in Washington, among other changes, according to state environmental policy. Because coal is going to be, within 10 years, an outdated fuel source and it is a dirty fossil fuel that is leading to the most challenging economic and environmental crisis of our time, I would not support the leasing of our port facilities for an expansion of dirty fossil fuels, Franz said. Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, which is against the coal project, said it remains to be seen how Franzs election could impact Millennium or how much her policies will differ from outgoing Commissioner Peter Goldmark. She very clearly campaigned against coal exports and for renewable energy and more sustainable projects, VandenHeuvel said. Millennium cant work without approval and consent from DNR. ... So I think (her election) is very significant. Her opponent in the election, Republican Steve McLaughlin, had said that he wouldnt shut out any commodity as long as it complied with environmental regulations. Statewide, Franz captured 53.1 percent of the vote en route to beating McLaughlin. However, McLaughlin won Cowlitz County in a landslide, getting 58.5 percent of the vote. Reading anything into that result, though, is problematic, because the county went Republican in the presidential and other races. And neither Franz nor McLaughlin campaigned much in the county. Les Anderson, member of the local environmental group Landowners and Citizens for a Safe Community, argued that Franz had a better grasp on the importance of fighting climate change. I truly believe its not so much shes anti anything. I believe that she wants to do her job in protecting our shoreline and protecting our fish and our clean water and our clean air, Anderson said. Although much could be at stake for the Millennium project, the company avoided putting money into the state lands commissioner race, though it donated to state legislative races. Millennium CEO Bill Chapman donated $150 to Franz during a campaign luncheon, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. Chapman apparently attended to a luncheon for Franz on the recommendation of a friend, although a Millennium spokesman said that did not amount to an endorsement of the candidate. In spite of Franzs views on fossil fuels, Chapman expressed working with the new lands commissioner. As a candidate running for office she acknowledged the importance of respecting local community interests; and as a lawyer we know she will want to respect the law and existing lease arrangements, Chapman said in a written statement. The company maintains that its existing aquatic lease is sufficient for its proposal. The aquatic land lease on site actually is between the state and Northwest Alloys, a subsidiary of the aluminum company, Alcoa. Millennium is technically considered a contractor under the lease, according to DNR. The 30-year lease expires in 2038. DNR says the company must get approval prior to construction of new structures on aquatic lands, especially for a project of this size and scale. The current lease allows for up to three 220 feet docks. Millennium currently has one dock, but it has proposed to add two new docks, two new ship loaders, an access trestle and dredging of a new berthing area. The department says additional approval would be needed for pre-construction, dredging, geotechnical studies and other activities. If the department denies the lease, Millennium could appeal the decision to the courts. The department has already raised questions about the terminal. In a 26-page commentary, the department criticized a draft environmental impact study on the project for failing to adequately evaluate the coal docks effect on river eel habitat, water quality and ocean acidification. The department also disagreed with the studys assumptions that amphibian populations wouldnt be permanently hurt by project construction. And it raised questions about how potential coal dust spills would affect fish and the health of urban forest lands along the rail routes. The comment letter suggests that DNR wouldnt just be assessing the projects impacts to aquatic lands on site, but that it would also examine how the project could affect state-managed lands throughout the Lower Columbia Region and the state. It remains to be seen whether the final environmental impact statements will include enough mitigation measures to satisfy DNR's questions. Our responsibility in leasing public lands is that we look at full impacts of the leases. That doesnt just mean the footprint of the site, but the cumulative impact (of the lease), Franz said. Changes to the lease would ultimately be approved by the lands commissioner, said Joe Smillie, DNR spokesman. However, the commissioner cannot reject a project simply because he or she does not like the commodity. Our policy is to review every application as it comes in and judge on its individual merits, Smillie said. State Rep. Brian Blake (D-Aberdeen) declined to endorse Franz during the election because of her early rhetoric about timber harvests on state land. But he also said he would distressed by Franzs unwillingness to lease fossil fuel projects. This is a public trust and so there is a balance between with these aquatic lands between environmental concerns and development concerns, Blake said. This is a an industrial site and has been for many years. From all appearances it is an appropriate site for piers and loading facilities. Mel Gibsons new film Hacksaw Ridge tells the story of a World War II soldier, Desmond Doss, who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for single-handedly rescuing 75 wounded soldiers. On an escarpment known as Hacksaw Ridge on Okinawa, Doss refused to find cover, plunged into the line of fire to find his injured comrades, and one by one lowered them down a cliff with rope to friendly hands. He may have even helped a few wounded Japanese soldiers. One more, Andrew Garfield who plays Desmond Doss repeats to himself as he lowers another wounded soldier to safety, his hands soaked with blood. Lord, please help me get one more. But this is no ordinary war hero. A devout Seventh Day Adventist, Doss refused to touch a gun. He was the first conscientious objector to receive the Congressional award. And his son Desmond Doss Jr., of Ilwaco, says the movie is ultimately not about war or patriotism. It is about love. About a man who gave it unconditionally. This movie is really a love story, Doss Jr. said in an interview last week. Thats what we need in this world is more caring for each other. And heres an example of somebody that was a vehicle for some incredible love. Desmond Doss Jr. said it was a perfect portrayal of his father. Its like he came alive on the screen, he said. Garfield, an Australian, perfected Doss Sr.s mannerisms, from his Southern dialect to his quiet determination. So it was emotional for both of them when Desmond Jr. met Garfield. He asked me what I thought of what he did. I said, You nailed it. Its perfect. And he was moved by that, Doss said. He wanted to do that. He wanted to become my father. Desmond Doss Sr. grew up in Virginia and was drafted in 1942. He became a private first class for the 1st Battallion, 307th Infantry in the 77th Division, but spent his first two years persecuted by the U.S. Military. His nuanced, quiet strength throughout those challenges were perfectly captured on the big screen, Doss Jr. said. I just couldnt believe it, Doss said. I was just completely taken by it. I thought I was watching my mother and my father. Doss said his fathers heroic act on Hacksaw Ridge was not a one-time incident. He had received the Bronze Star for his work as a combat medic on Guam and the Philippines. But even before that, his son said, Doss was a man of unconditional love, day in and day out. He found his faith as a boy, inspired by a poster of the 10 Commandments on the wall of his home. The Sixth stuck out: Thou shalt not kill. Even before he entered the military, young Desmonds faith was tested by his father, William Doss, who was abusive toward his mother. That struggle is depicted in the film, too. Desmond Doss Sr. did not always receive considerate treatment in return. Because the solider refused to bear arms, an officer tried to have him discharged on grounds of mental illness. He also tried to court-martial Doss for refusing a direct order. Sometimes I hear people saying he was patriotic. Well he was, but thats not the point, Doss said. The point is he just had this love for people. Doss Jr., who cleans the post office and volunteers as a firefighter, said hes not religious himself but has a spiritual life. I cant imagine life without it, he said. Theres a statement in the Bible that says God is love. ... I try to think in those terms whats loving, whats caring, whats compassionate. For Desmond Doss Jr.s first five years of childhood, he wasnt allowed to see his dad. Desmond Doss returned home in 1946 with serious injuries in his arm and legs. He had contracted tuberculosis. Desmond Jr. was 5 years old by the time his father was no longer contagious and able to check out of the hospital. The war is never over. Its just never over, he said. It affects the people that were there ... but it goes way beyond that. It affects the families. Its very disruptive to life. Desmond Doss Sr. died in 2006 at his home in Alabama. Film directors had been after him for years to make a movie, but he only authorized Gibson to do a feature film. A book about his life is called The Unlikliest Hero. Doss Jr. said he didnt have a normal life with his parents; much of it was surreal, like moments when he would find himself in a room with hundreds of Medal of Honor recipients. Even now, his father continues to influence his life in unbelievable ways. Doss Jr. was quietly working at the post office in Ilwaco when calls began streaming in about his father. Hes met movie stars and Mel Gibson. And he just returned home a week ago after a trip to California to see the premiere and across the country. What his father did in World War II was a natural outgrowth of who he was, his son said. And now, more than ever in a world of division, Desmond Doss Jr. said he hopes people get the right message out of the movie. Thats who he was. ... Some people know who they are. I sincerely hope that people walk away with that insight and connection with their own self. Who am I? Whats intrinsic to me? he said. Am I fearless or am I fearful? hidden The heads of the Pentagon and the U.S. intelligence community have recommended to President Barack Obama that the director of the National Security Agency, Admiral Michael Rogers, be removed from his position, sources familiar with the matter said on Saturday. The recommendation by Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, first reported by The Washington Post, was delivered to the White House last month. Obama chose Rogers to take over at the NSA in 2014 and gave him the task of repairing the damage after the huge leaks about its electronic spying program by contractor Edward Snowden. But there have been other security lapses, the sources said, including the one that led to the arrest of NSA contractor Harold Martin earlier this year. Rogers is being considered as a potential new director of national intelligence by President-elect Donald Trump, a post that oversees all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies. The Washington Post reported that a decision by Rogers to travel to New York to meet with Trump on Thursday without notifying superiors caused consternation at senior levels of the administration, but the recommendation to remove him predated his visit. Rogers is head of both the National Security Agency and the U.S. military's Cyber Command. Carter was also disappointed with the Cyber Command's performance in the war against Islamic State, another source said. The White House, Pentagon, NSA and office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. A Trump campaign spokesman had no immediate comment. U.S. Representative Devin Nunes, chairman of the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee and a Republican, said later on Saturday he had written to Carter and Clapper asking them to testify to the committee about the matter. The Obama administration wants to split leadership at the National Security Agency and Cyber Command, arguing that the job of leading two agencies with differing missions is too much for one person. But some members of Congress, led by Republican Senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, oppose that plan, saying that Cyber Command needs access to the NSA's resources to do its job effectively. Reuters hidden Germany's Aixtron Se said the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) informed the company it would recommend that its pending takeover by China's Fujian Grand Chip Investment Fund (FGC) be blocked. Aixtron said the committee, which reviews deals that may be national security risks, told the chip equipment makers it plans to recommend to the U.S. president that the deal be blocked due to security concerns and advised the companies to drop the deal. Aixtron said in a statement the companies decided not to follow CFIUS recommendation. Neither company was available for further comment. Experts say CFIUS, the task force headed by the Treasury Department, rarely kills a deal outright but will inform lawyers handling the deal of its opposition, and the companies usually drop the transaction. The only deal CFIUS had formally stopped was in 2012, when it obtained a presidential order ordering a small Chinese company, Ralls Corp, to sell a wind farm in Oregon because the farm was near a training site used to test unmanned drones. German newspaper Handelsblatt had reported last month that U.S. intelligence services had warned Germany on the proposed Chinese takeover of Aixtron, adding that the deal could give Beijing access to technology that could be used for military purposes. The German government had also withdrawn its approval for the deal following security concerns. Reuters British Council, Shishu Academy launch "Story Time: Porte Porte Boro Hoi" Sayeed Khokon, Mayor, Dhaka South City Corporation, launches a programme namely \'Story Time\' at the British Council, Dhaka University Campus office recently. Campus Report : The British Council, in partnership with Bangladesh Shishu Academy, has very recently launched a new nationwide reader development programme titled 'Story Time' for the primary and secondary level students in Bangladesh. This year, the programme bears the tagline 'Porte Porte Boro Hoi'. Children from all over the country can participate in the programme from 64 district libraries of Bangladesh Shishu Academy. This programme aims to reach over 20,000 students from all over Bangladesh, says a press release. Sayeed Khokon, Mayor, Dhaka South City Corporation, launched the program at the British Council, Dhaka University Campus office. The Mayor handed over different stickers, log books and posters to the children interested to engage themselves in the 'Story Time' programme in the launching ceremony. Selina Hossain, Chairman, Bangladesh Shishu Academy; Razina Akhter, Head of Library, Bangladesh Shishu Academy; Jim Scarth, Deputy Director, British Council Bangladesh and Sarwat Reza, Library Manager, British Council Bangladesh were present at the launching ceremony. The main objective of 'Story Time' is to develop students' reading habit both in English and Bangla. There will be two different sets of books for primary and secondary level members to select from. Each member needs to read any six books from the collection. The participants will receive a logbook and a poster to record their learning. Participants from primary section will get a certificate and prize after completing 6 books and submitting their logbook. Participants from secondary section will sit for an assessment test after reading all the books. 3 best readers from each group and each district will be selected in the first round. Best reader from each group from district level will compete for the national award. The registration period for the first round competition will end by November 2016. ACI Mini Combine Harvester to prevent crop damage Economic Reporter : Shortage of skilled labour is causing crop damage significantly during harvesting seasons. The problem becomes very severe at the time of peak rice harvesting season leading the farmers to suffer huge financial losses. About 40 per cent of labor shortage is reported during the peak harvesting season resulting to the crop damage. As a result, farmers are not getting fair prices of their produces than the cost of production. ACI Motors has come up with a solution of this problem with ACI Mini Combine Harvester, said a press release. At the initiative of ACI Motors, they organized ACI Mini Combine Harvester Field Day on Saturday at Porabari Bus Stand, Salna, Gazipur. Project Director of Department of Agriculture Extension Agriculturalist Sheikh Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Deputy Project Director Agriculturast Md. Shofikul Islam Sheikh, Member Director of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Md. Sultan, Chief Scientific Officer of BRRI Abdur Rahman, Chief Scientific Officer of BARI Md. Aiyub Hossain, Chief Business Officer of ACI Motors Ltd. Subrata Ranjan Das and other prominent persons were present at that program. In this field day the use of ACI Mini Combine Harvester is shown successfully. By using this Harvester labor-saving will be 80 percent, time saving will be 60 percent and cost saving will be 69 percent percen. If government provides subsidy on this Harvester then it will create a huge response among farmers level. Farmers won't have to worry about the labor crisis. The cost of rice production will be reduced. Farmer will get his fair price for his labor. As a result Bangladesh will be wealthy in agriculture and it will take Digital Bangladesh a step ahead. Five more power plants likely in Cox's Bazar Cox's Bazar Correspondent : After visiting the Matarbari Power Plant on Friday, a joint team of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and high profile officials of Bangladesh government said that five more power plants with 12,000-megawatt capacity would be built here in future. On behalf of the visiting team, Energy Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury confirmed the news to the journalists. During the visit, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, MP, Ashek Ullah Rafiq, MP, Senior Secretary of Home Ministry Dr Mozammel Haque Khan, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nizam Uddin, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Haque, BPM, PPM, Energy Secretary Monowar Islam, Director General of Ansar and Village Defence Police Major General Mizanur Rahman, Director General of Coast Guard Bangladesh Rear Admiral Aurangzeb Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of Power Division Md Mahbub ul Alam, Additional Secretary of Economic Relations Division SM Aminur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar Md Ali Hossen, Police Super Shyamol Kanti Nath, Chief Engineer of Chittagong Power Division Shamsul Alam, Deputy Secretary of Power Division Mohammad Nazmul Abedin, and High Commissioner of Japan to Bangladesh Masato Watanabe were also present. CU golden jubilee ends with colourful festivity A rally was brought out by the teachers, former and current students of Chittagong University (CU) marking the two-day long celebration of golden jubilee festivity of CU on Saturday. CU correspondent : Chittagong University (CU) has ended the two-day long grand celebration of golden jubilee amid multi-colorful festivity with 29,901 former and current students attending in the festival. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasaina inaugurated the golden jubilee function through video conferencing from his office at 10.30 am where she said, no nation can prosper and can manage to release from poverty and hunger without a highly educated society. PM Sheikh Hasina said, after the liberation war, the founder of the nation Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman prioritized the education sector for the development of the nation but in 1975 we lost his dream. She also said, it is too much shameful for us as we still can't achieve the 100% literacy rate after 45 years of the liberation war. She blamed the then government in the aftermath of 1975 tragedy for the violation of discipline in the education sector, saying the then government handed over the weapons to the students instead of books. The golden jubilee was presided over by the vice-chancellor of the university Prof Dr Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhuy where Speaker of the parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury as the chief guest, water management minister Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Emeritus Prof Dr Anisuzzaman as the speaker of the golden jubilee and Chittagong Chamber president Mahbubul Huq Talukder among others addressed the function. Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury said, Education eradicates the poverty and to have a developed country the university is working and contributing. The students here contributed during the liberation war and now the university is working to make quality citizen. Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud said, for the development of the university we asked the government to provide sufficient support and following this tk 300 crore budget has been approved in the ECNAC meeting. Prof Anizuzzaman recalling his memory in the Chittagong University said, my academic, administrative career run from the university and here is a lot of memories in my mind. For being a quality citizen he asked the students to concentrate to the study. Earlier a colourful procession was held in the port city where the former students including several parliament members, secretaries of the state, Dhaka north city corporation mayor Anisul Huq, university authority and the current-former students. Khalaed Mahmud (67), a third batch student of CU, living in Sylhet said, here two of my friends came but he regret for his another friends, saying most of them already went to the grave but we duo friends still alive. But, Ziaur Zillu a third batch student was alone as he couldn't find anyone of his friends, saying it is very much sorrowful for me. BD gets remarkable success to curb terrorism, militancy City Desk : Prime Minister's Media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury on Sunday said Bangladesh achieved a remarkable success towards fighting terrorism and militancy. "The pragmatic steps, taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to fight terrorism and militancy, are appreciated both at home and abroad," he told a discussion in the city. Aftabnagar East West University arranged the discussion styled "Terrorism and Youth: Problems and Solution" marking the 20th founding anniversary of the university. University Trustee Board Chairman Dr Mohammad Farash Uddin presided over it. Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, a veteran media personality, observed that the quarter which wanted to brand Bangladesh as a failed state has become frustrated due to charismatic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. United People\'s Democratic Front member Michael Chakma speaking at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday in protest against repression on religious minorities at Parbatya Chattagram. Master General of Ordnance of the Army Major General Abdus Salam Khan recently paid a courtesy call on high officials of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali. Mahathir decries `thieves` running Malaysia A protester holds up a large caricature of Prime Minister Najib Razak during the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. AP, Kuala Lumpur : Former Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad called for a sustained push to topple scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak as thousands rallied on Saturday to demand the premier's resignation over the 1MDB corruption saga. Malaysians clad in the yellow of the reformist Bersih campaign flooded Kuala Lumpur for the second time in 15 months to vent their anger over allegations that billions of dollars were looted from state investment fund 1MDB, Najib's brainchild. Speaking to a crowd of at least 20,000 in the shadow of the Petronas Towers, Mahathir, 91, accused Najib of stealing public money and said Malaysia was "controlled by thieves". "Time has come for us to topple this cruel regime. Najib is no longer suitable to be the prime minister. He is abusing the law," Mahathir said. Malaysia has been gripped since last year by the 1MDB scandal, which has sparked investigations in several countries. Najib, 63, and 1MDB deny wrongdoing. Former prime minister Mahathir Mohammad arrives to speak to a rally by the pro-democracy group Bersih in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. (Reuters Photo) But the US Justice Department-which has filed lawsuits to seize assets it says were purchased with stolen 1MDB money-says the fund was pillaged in an audacious campaign of fraud and theft that involved an unnamed "Malaysian Official 1". A Malaysian cabinet official has since admitted that individual was Najib. Najib last year abruptly shut down Malaysian investigations, fired the attorney general and purged ruling-party critics. Few expect him to be toppled anytime soon. Najib on Friday condemned Bersih as an opposition plot "to unseat a democratically elected government". Tensions in the Muslim-majority country rose in the rally's run-up due to threats by the "Red Shirts", ethnic-Malay rightists who support Najib, to disrupt the demonstration, but no clashes were reported. Police on Friday arrested Bersih leader Maria Chin Abdullah and several other figures in an apparent bid to undercut Saturday's protest. Amnesty International called the arrests "the latest in a series of crude and heavy-handed attempts" to silence dissent. Defying the government pressure, rivers of yellow-wearing demonstrators flowed downtown, blowing vuvuzelas, brandishing caricatures of Najib and other 1MDB figures, and chanting "Catch the Thief-in-Chief!" "We want a clean government. We want fair elections," said Derek Wong, a 38-year-old real estate agent. "We hope to see Najib removed and charged in court." Bersih, which means "clean" in Malay, is an alliance of scores of NGOs and civil-society groups that staged several protests over the years for electoral reform, but has now shifted focus to 1MDB. In August 2015, it drew even larger crowds for two days of peaceful demonstrations over 1MDB. Dhaka`s rail link with north, west snapped Six bogies of Dhaka bound cargo train coming from Dinajpur derailed with engine near Eco-Park at Sayedabad in Sirajganj, western side of Bangobandhu Bridge, resulting north-south communication remained snapped. This photo was taken on Sunday. UNB, Sirajganj : Train Communication of Dhaka with Dinajpur, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sirajganj remained suspended as a freight train derailed at Soydabad on the west side of the Bangabandhu Bridge in Sadar upazila on Sunday morning. Six bogies of the cargo train veered-off the track around 11:15am just before entering the Bangabandhu Bridge, said officer-in-charge Said Iqbal of Sirajganj Bazar GRP Police Station. A salvage train from Paksey of Pabna district is on the way to rescue the cargo train. MP Bodi`s bail upheld by SC Staff Reporter : The Supreme Court (SC) on Sunday upheld a High Court (HC) order that granted bail to MP Abdur Rahman Bodi for six months in a graft case filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for concealing information about his wealth. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain passed 'no order' on a petition filed by the ACC challenging the High Court order that granted bail. After the order, Bodi's bail will remain in force, said Bodi's lawyer Nasreen Siddiqa Lina to the reporters. So, there is no legal bar to release Bodi as per the today's SC order, she said. On November 16, the HC granted bail to Bodi for six months in the corruption case. Earlier, On November 2, Dhaka Special Judge's Court-3 sentenced Bodi to three years' in prison for concealing and deliberately submitting false wealth statement to the Anti-Corruption Commission in March 2014. The MP from Cox's Bazar was also fined Tk 10 lakh, in default, to suffer three months more in jail. According to the case statement, Abdur Rahman Bodi concealed information about his wealth amounting to Tk 108.6 million amassed from unknown sources. On May 7 last year, the Anti-Corruption Commission submitted charge-sheet in the case. The trial began after charges were framed against him on September 8, 2015. The argument in the case concluded on October 19. Take Khaleda`s proposals positively Staff Reporter : The BNP on Sunday asked the government to take party chief Khaleda Zia's proposals on formation of the next Election Commission (EC) positively. "We are asking the government to take Khaleda Zia's proposals on formation of the next EC positively and start dialogue with political parties on the issue," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP. He was addressing a discussion meeting arranged on the celebration of the 51st birth anniversary of party's Senior Vice-Chairman Tarique Rahman in the auditorium of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in the city in the afternoon. Mirza Fakhurl said, "Some points of our party chief's proposals may not be liked by the government. Those points can be discussed. But the government should not avoid the proposals. They should start discussions to resolve the current political crises." The BNP leader warned that if the government ignores the proposals then they could not stop the people's anger. He said the foreigners have also praised BNP chief's proposals which she put forward at a press conference on Friday. He said the ruling Awami League fears neutral and participatory elections. "Awami League does not want a participatory polls due to fear of defeat. For the reason, the party has rejected BNP Chairperson's proposals to form a neutral EC," Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said, "Awami League-led government has suppressed the people since they came to power by a voter less election. In this situation, people of the country are in anger on the government. They are waiting to reply to AL by voting against them." "Awami League knows that if the upcoming election is free and fair then they must defeat. So, they oppose to form a neutral and stronger EC," he said. With Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir in the chair, the programme was addressed, among others, by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Barrister Moudud Ahmed, Mirza Abbas and Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. BNP Senior Joint-General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi conducted the programme. On Saturday night, Begum Khaleda Zia cut cake with party's senior leaders in celebration of Tarique's birth anniversary. Party's front organisations also arranged separate programmes like free medical camp and Doa Mahfil on the occasion. HC wants to know Govt steps to rescue abducted physician Staff Reporter : The High Court (HC) on Sunday wanted to know what steps were taken by the government to trace Dr Muhammad Iqbal Mahmud, a government physician, reportedly abducted from Dhanmondi, Dhaka on October 14. The HC issued a rule also upon the government to explain in four weeks as to why their inaction to find out the abducted doctor should not be declared as negligence of duty, Deputy Attorney General Amatul Karim Swapna told the reporters. The HC bench of Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice Md. Faruque (M. Faruque) passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by Muhammad Iqbal Mahmud's father A K M Nurul Alam on November 15. Home Secretary, IGP, Director General (DG) of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, Officer-in-charge of Dhanmondi Police Station and five other people have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks. On October 14, Dr Iqbal Mahmud, a cadre of 28th BCS, came to Dhaka from Laxmipur by a bus in the morning to take part in a course at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). The moment he had got down from the bus at Science Laboratory, a gang of 5/6 persons picked him up and fled the scene by a microbus. The whole incident was recorded in a close circuit camera installed adjacent to the spot. Victim's father A K M Nurul Amin filed a case with Dhanmondi Police Station. As police didn't take any step to rescue his son, Nurul Amin filed a writ with the HC. Minor girl raped in city, 1 held Staff Reporter : A six-year old girl was allegedly molested in the city's Shahidnagar area on Saturday afternoon. The child is undergoing treatment in the One-stop Crisis Center (OCC) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Police on Sunday arrested an NGO (Non-government Organization) worker on the charge of molesting. The detained man Fuad, 25, is a field level worker of the Sajeda Foundation, police said. Lalbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Moniruzzaman said, "Fuad molested the girl at their house when the family members went out for shopping at Shahidnagar around 2:45pm. After returning to the house, her mother saw her crying and sign of blood in her body." Kamrul Islam, father of the victim, filed a case with the Lalbagh Police Station regarding the matter on Saturday night, the OC said. Police in a drive detained alleged rapist Fuad from a house at Lalbagh on Sunday, he said. Fuad is being interrogated in this connection, the police official said. "We are investigating the incident with the highest priority," he said. PEC, Ebtedayee exams begin Primary Education Completion (PEC) examinations begin on Sunday. This photo was taken from Segun Bagicha High School in city. Staff Reporter : The Primary Education Completion (PEC) and its equivalent examinations began across the country on Sunday. The examinations started at 11:00 am and ended at 1:30 pm. The Primary and Mass Education Minister Mostafizur Rahman visited the Agrani School and College center at Lalbagh, Dhaka in the morning. The minister told the media that the examinations were being held peacefully and in good environment. About the question paper leakage, he said that no question paper was leaked this year. The minister also thanked the students, the teachers and the guardians for maintaining a good environment in and around the centers all over the country. The disable examinees are getting extra 20 minutes for giving answer, like past years, he said. A total of 32, 30,288 examinees are participating in the PEC and Ebtedayee examinations at 7,194 centres across the country. Compared with the previous year, the number of examinees has decreased by 24,226. About 32, 54,514 students participated in the last year's examinations. A total of 29, 30,573 examinees are taking part in PEC examinations this year. Of them, 13, 46,032 are boys and 15, 84,541 are girls. A total of 2, 99,715 are sitting for the Ebtedayee exams. Of them, 1,57,319 are boys and 1,42,396 girls. PEC examination system was introduced in 2009 while Ebtedayee examination system in 2010 with the view to improving the quality of education in the country. Shelter the Rohingya Muslims In the present world, the Rohingya Muslims are the most shelterless peoples. The world is doing nothing for them except giving lip service only when the Myanmar government has restarted total annihilation of the Rohingya population showing thumb to the UNO, OIC, SAARC, NATO and ASEAN. In this backdrop, the Rohingya Muslims have nothing to do other than taking shelters in Bangladesh, the closest neighbour, and once whose people were subjected to the Pakistan Armed Forces' inhuman torture of all kinds in 1971. So, it implies upon the government to shelter the hapless Muslims of Myanmar (formerly Burma). Giving shelter to the stranger is obligatory on the part of any individual, according to the Islamic philosophy. Allah has said that He accepts Prayer of him only, who is humble to Him, guards against evils, feeds the hungry, gives garments to the clotheless and shelters the stranger. The Prophet Muhammad (SM) also said: Feed the hungry, serve the sick and releases the (innocent) prisoners. Ameer Hamzah Dhaka Qatar must show flexibility to our workers MEDIA report on Sunday said Qatar government is expelling over three thousand Bangladeshi workers and they can leave the country by November 30 when clemency will expire. They had left the country spending lot of money but manpower agents left them abandoned as illegal workers. What appears highly agonizing is the fact that our government takes boosts for being the biggest manpower exporters but does not take shame from failing to protect them. We also wonder what our Embassy has done if so many workers are facing expulsion, except advancing their self-seeking interests. We are terribly upset by the news and ask the government to take the issue immediately with the Qatar government at a time when it needs many workers to build infrastructure for 2022 Olympic Games. Qatar is a brotherly Muslim country and we hope it will listen to our concern. We are deeply disturbed by the fact that several hundred workers have already returned and others who will fail to leave the country within the stipulated time will face three months jail and 50,000 Qatari dinars fine. It means they are at bigger risks. News report further said over 30 workers returned home from Dammam in Saudi Arabia on Friday. Others are also regularly returning with their dream shattered to bring prosperity to their families. Yet another report on Thursday said 25 Bangladeshi workers returned home from Afghanistan where they were hold up in a factory for last 10 months after manpower agents took them out of the country on promise of good jobs and dumped them in the war ravaged country. Traffickers are regularly collecting young job aspirants from the countryside dodging law enforcers' eyes and sending them to Libya, which is also a war torn country on promise to ship them to Italy. Most such voyagers are drowning in the Mediterranean. We don't know what steps our government has taken so far to protect such job-seekers from evil hands. Reports said over 12 to 15 thousand Bangladeshi workers out of around three lakhs illegal in Qatar facing expulsion. The fact is that a section of Bangladesh immigration officers allow safe corridor to such illegal trafficking despite the plight of such workers regularly capturing media headlines. Such traffickers have put thousands of illegal workers in Malaysia, UAE and other places adding their safety at risks. We must say the only remedy to such human plight is to create enough jobs in the economy to allow our younger people to earn their livelihood within the country. But such move is facing setback from incompetent leadership and corrupt bureaucracy. As self-seekers they have no sympathy for the poor while trying to get rich overnight. Our manpower sector is the biggest exploit to dishonest people. It must be protected at any cost. HC asks to produce 4 accused in jail sans trial for 18 yrs Staff Reporter : The High Court (HC) on Sunday directed the Kashimpur jail administration to produce four prisoners, who have been serving in jail without trial for over 18 years, in the court on December 4. The HC bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice J B M Hassan also directed the lower court to submit the record and the documents of the cases in the court the same day. The HC bench passed the suo moto rule and the order following a report about the four prisoners. It was said in the report that 'Four more prisoners have been found staying in jail for 18 years without any trial. They are: Chand Mia, Makbul Hossain, Sentu Kamal and Billal Mia. All of them are now at Kashimpur jail in Gazipur district, jail sources said.' The Supreme Court Legal Aid Committee on November 16 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 the names of 56 prisoners to the Inspector General of Prison. These four prisoners were among them. The court also asked the government to explain by December 4 as to why the four prisoners should not be granted bail in the cases. 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. Armed Forces Day today UNB, Dhaka : The Armed Forces Day that marks the establishment of Bangladesh military during the country's War of Liberation will be observed on Monday with due solemnity and enthusiasm. On this day during the Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces comprising army, navy and air force came into being and launched an all-out attack on the Pakistani occupation forces. Hence, the day is observed as the Armed Forces Day every year. The day's programmes will start with special prayers in mosques of all cantonments, naval outposts and establishments and air force outposts after Fajr prayers seeking divine blessings for the country's welfare and progress and continued development and progress of the Armed Forces. President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages on the occasion. In his message, the President said the nation remembers with deep gratitude the contribution and heroics of the Armed Forces personnel to the Liberation War. He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of those who laid down their lives for the country's independence and sovereignty. The Prime Minister in her message paid tributes to all martyrs of the liberation war, including all martyred soldiers of the Armed Forces. She said the armed forces personnel have been working in facing disasters, in infrastructures construction, to serve the distressed people and in various nation-building activities alongside performing their professional duties. They are also performing their duties with devotion in UN peacekeeping mission, which brightens the country's image. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at 'Shikha Anirban' (the Eternal Flame) at Dhaka Cantonment in the morning to pay homage to the members of the Armed Forces who had embraced martyrdom in the War of Liberation. Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed and Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar will also place wreaths at 'Shikha Anirban' on behalf of their respective services. The chiefs of the three services will pay courtesy calls on the President at Bangabhaban and the Prime Minister at the Armed Forces Division at Dhaka Cantonment. On the occasion, the Prime Minister will host a reception and meets the family members of the Bir Shresthas and other gallantry award-winning freedom fighters at the Armed Forces Division. In the afternoon, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who also holds the Defence portfolio, will host a reception at Sena Kunja in Dhaka Cantonment to commemorate the day. Among others, the Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, the Chief Justice, former Presidents, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, ministers and dignitaries of the equivalent status, Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, judges of the Supreme Court, foreign diplomats and MPs of Dhaka are expected to attend the reception. The chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force will also accord receptions to the award-winning freedom fighters of their respective forces and their inheritors. Besides, receptions will be held at Savar, Bogra, Ghatail, Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Jessore, Rangpur, Khulna and Rajendrapur cantonments. Meanwhile, programmes have been chalked out to observe the day at all army garrisons, naval ships and establishments and air force bases throughout the country. Specially decorated ships of Navy will remain open at Sadarghat in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chittagong, Khulna, Mongla, Chandpur and Barisal for visitors from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is scheduled to broadcast a special 'Anirban' after its 8 pm bulletin on Sunday' highlighting significance of the day. Besides, Bangladesh Betar will broadcast a special 'Durbar' programme at 7:30 pm on Monday. The national dailies will publish special supplements on the occasion. Besides, essay and drawing competitions will be arranged in educational institutions under the Armed Forces. Protesters under surveillance? Staff Reporter : The government will bring activists against Rampal power plant under surveillance and patronises movement against the protesters, Power Division official said. A decision has been taken to launch a massive campaign in favour of the controversial Rampal coal-fired power plant near the Sunderbans to overcome the right groups' countrywide public protest. The official said that the government would use its every tool in social and mass media for publicity favouring the project through advertisements, drama, documentary, talk shows, and video clips containing positive statements of experts and celebrities. Very recently the decision in this regard was taken at a meeting with the prime minister's energy Adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury in the chair at the power and energy ministry. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Power Division Secretary Monwar Islam and Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company's Managing Director Ujjal Kanti Bhattacharya attended the meeting with other power sector officials. The friendship power company, a 50-50 joint venture of Bangladesh Power Development Board, and India's National Thermal Power Corporation, will implement and own the imported coal-fired power plant at Rampal of Bagerhat, some 14 kms from the Sunderbans. Social media campaign will include 'posting reactive comments using disguised social media accounts and engaging online communities through both official and unofficial facebook and linkedin operations,' according to a paper titled Communication Strategy which was discussed at the meeting. 'Plenty of positive news' will need to be published on newspapers and broadcast by televisions. Amateur video and other forms of documentations containing different technological and development aspects in power generation will also be patronised and promoted, according to the paper. Initiatives will be taken to manipulate online search engines so that positive contents appear on top. 'Paid advertisements will be available connecting people through google search, apps, facebook, youtube and television, the officials said. At the meeting, Nasrul Hamid warned the ministry officials to be cautious against leaking information of Rampal power plant to the media. Tawfiq-e-Elahi initially opposed the massive campaign for the project as he felt that people would have no grievances once the project was successfully implemented and the electricity was delivered. Besides, he told the meeting that the Prime Minister had already said Rampal power plant would not leave any adverse impact on the Sunderbans. Monwar said that the campaign was needed as there were many 'wrong perceptions' in the society regarding the environmental impacts of Rampal power plant and available technologies. Dist Council polls Dec 28 Staff Reporter : Country's first-ever district council election will be held on December 28, as the tenure of incumbent unelected predecessors is set to end. Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad made the announcement of the polls schedule at the EC Secretariat in the city on Sunday. Out of the country's 64 districts, 61 will go to the polls as the three Chittagong Hill Tracts districts -- Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban -- will see no election. As per the schedule, the deadline for filing nominations for posts of chairman, reserved and general members is December 1. The commission will scrutinise nomination papers on December 3 and 4. The last date of withdrawing nomination papers is December 11 while the election symbols will be distributed on December 12. With the provision of government-appointed chairmen, the then military dictator HM Ershad introduced the District Council Law in 1988. Citizens have only voted once for polls in the district council in 1989 for the three Chittagong hill districts. The law, however, was repealed by the Awami League government in 2000 allowing elected representatives. In December 2011, the government appointed district-level Awami League leaders as administrators for 61 district councils. Though the first election to district councils was held during HM Ershad's regime, the Jatiya Party chairman no longer seems to think it matters. Speaking at a programme in Dhaka on Sunday, Ershad said his party will not take part in the polls scheduled for Dec 28. "We will not participate in the district council elections. Because this election is worthless," he said. Expressing dissatisfaction over previous polls scenario, he further said: "The Union Parishad elections ended in 145 deaths. We do not believe in the politics of violence." Ershad speaking at a function said his party, now in opposition, will take part in the 2019 general election. As for the next Election Commission, he said: "There needs to be a pragmatic EC following talks with parties in Parliament. Those who are not in Parliament have no right to talk about it. On the other hand, the BNP, which boycotted the last general election, said it will not participate in the district polls. It opposed the method of the election, claiming it was 'unconstitutional' to elect district representatives without direct polling. BNP chief Khaleda Zia has recently made public the party's 13-point proposal for the next Election Commission to take office from February next year. All the public representatives of the local government bodies under a district concerned will elect the 21-member representative of a district council that would comprise a chairman, 15 general members and five women members from reserved seats. All mayors, councillors and reserved councillors of city corporation (if any) and pourasavas, chairmen and vice chairmen of upazila parishads, chairmen, members and reserved members of the union parishads are voters in the elections. There are 1,281 posts for election in the 61 district councils. According to the laws, only the elected representatives of different local government bodies -- city corporations, upazila parishads and union parishads -- will vote to elect a chairman, 15 general members and five women members in each district council. Govt plans to cut bus fare Staff Reporter : State Minister for Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid on Sunday said, the government plans to cut the bus fare in order to reach the direct benefit of fuel price-cut to the people. "A direct benefit from the fuel price-reduction will be to cut the bus fare, but it does not happen most of the time. This time we want to translate it into reality," said State Minister Nasrul Hamid as the chief guest of a seminar on "Answering the challenges to adoption of farm waste to energy technology in Bangladesh" in a city hotel yesterday. The International Finance Corporation organized the seminar where Muhammad Tawfiq-ul Islam presented a keynote paper on the topic. Nasrul Hamid said, "We are still 'examining' the extent of the fuel price revision", however, without giving any time frame for that. Earlier, in April, the government cut down fuel price after a long global fall in oil prices. but took time to do it despite demand by the business circles, arguing that the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation was offsetting some of its mounting losses. But bus fare did not come down as expected after the fuel price cut. Replying to a query, the state minister said that they would also regulate prices of LPG so that it could reach the common people. Ambassador of Denmark to Dhaka Mikael Hemniti Winther and IFC's Country Director Wendy Jo Werner, among others, addressed the seminar. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler who... Paris, TX (75460) Today Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 75F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Three attorneys at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C., an injury law firm now in its 65th year of practice based in Mount Vernon, have been recognized recently for their accomplishments in the practice of law. James M. Ruppert, an associate attorney, was recently appointed to the Illinos State Bar Association Tort Law Section Council for the 2016-2017 term. Ruppert was also appointed to the Civil Practice & Procedure Section Council for the 2016-2017 term, according to a news release from the law firm. Joshua A. Humbrecht, attorney and partner of the law firm, had previously been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star and was recently honored again for 20162017. This honor is bestowed upon no more than 2.5 percent of Illinois lawyers. Humbrecht was also re-designated by Leading Lawyers in Illinois as an Emerging Lawyer. Josh has also earned the Distinguished BV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a recognition based on experience, the lawyers professionalism and high ethical standards, according to the news release. Mark D. Hassakis was re-certified by Super Lawyers for inclusion in his practice areas of plantiffs personal injury general and petitioners workers compensation throughout Illinois. Hassakis has also been recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Illinois, and which comprises less than 5 percent of all lawyers licensed in the state to receive the award, according to the news release. Hassakis individually and the Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. law firm have both been recognized for the pre-eminant AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This recognition is based on the lawyers and firms high ethical practice and professionalism. The firm, orginally formed in 1950 by Mark's father, Demetri Hassakis, is located at 206 S. 9th Street, Suite 201. The firm concentrates in personal injury, workers compensation, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability and nursing home injuries. For more information about Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. law firm, visit hassakislaw.com or call 618-244-5335. The Southern SESSER Jason Henry, nominated by regional colleagues for his "outstanding vision and leadership" in his role leading the Sesser-Valier Community Unit District 196, has been named the 2017 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. Henry was scheduled to accept the award from the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) at a conference Nov. 20 in Chicago. Dr. Henry remains highly respected among his peers for his knowledge and expertise, reads the nominating letter written by Tim O'Leary, superintendent of Pinckneyville District 50, on behalf of the IASA's Egyptian Region nominating committee who selected Henry to compete for the statewide award. He is an exemplary school superintendent and most worthy of this nomination. Henry said he is honored to receive the award. But he emphasized that he believes credit for the districts success belongs to the dedicated members of his team the many teachers, school staff and community leaders who he heralded as innovative and compassionate and fully dedicated to the success of all students who come through the schoolhouse doors. Its absolutely a team effort and really a recognition of the people here who are around me, and Im fortunate to be a part of that, Henry said. Henry said the ways in which Sesser-Valiers education team stands out are both curriculum- and people-related. On the curriculum front, the district was able to introduce this school year a new STEM technology through a partnership with Monsanto, an agri-chemical company headquartered in St. Louis that offered to financially assist the district. That partnership has allowed the students access to 3D modeling and workstations equipped with zSpace, a desktop computer platform that offers screen-based virtual reality. Its one of the coolest things Ive seen in 22 years, he said. Other innovative programs the district has implemented recently, according to a press release from the IASA, include a co-teaching program that pairs a special education teacher and general education teacher in junior high and high school classrooms for English, language arts and math. This has helped reduce the percentage of students identified as needing individualized education plans by a third. At the high school level, the district also has implemented a new, privately funded, four-year LIFE 101 curriculum that focuses on four areas of personal development: communications and interpersonal skills, career readiness and planning, personal financial management and organizational study skills. We just felt a need within our school to teach kids in a purposeful way about some basic life skills that they can put to use almost immediately after graduating, Henry said. Henry said it was employees of the district who took the lead on securing funding for those programs and seeing them into practice. The IASA announcement of Henrys selection also noted that through success of his team, Sesser-Valier Elementary School was named in 2010 a federal Blue Ribbon school, which is a federal distinction that recognizes overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps. This award was received due to curricular changes which led to increased student achievement and improvement of the educational program, OLeary explained in the nomination letter. Further, OLeary noted that Sesser(-Valier) Elementary School was a demonstration school in the Illinois Aspire Program." "This is quite an accomplishment while facing decreased student enrollment, reduced state and federal funding coupled with increasing poverty levels in rural school districts, the letter continued. OLeary also credited Henry with taking a leading role in representing Southern Illinois in advocating for school funding reform. On the people front, Henry said Sesser-Valiers school district is filled with employees who take time to mentor students, particularly those facing challenges. As the state budget crisis has led to cuts for social services providers throughout the region, and poverty cuts deeper into Franklin County, Henry said the school has stepped up to fill in the gaps where it can. Children in high-poverty areas like Franklin County are coming to school each day with increasing fears and the raw emotions of their parents uncertainty in employment, where their next meal is coming from, or if they might have to move because of financial struggles, he said. Henry said that schools have to play a role in alleviating these concerns, even if only temporarily, before any academic learning can occur. Henry, 43, was raised on a small farm east of Johnston City and is a 1991 graduate of Johnston City High School. He and his wife, Kerri Henry, who is a guidance counselor employed by the district, have an 8-month-old son, Jack Riley. Henry earned his bachelors degree from the University of Illinois and his masters and doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University. He began his career in education as a math teacher at Du Quoin High School, where he taught for five years. He served as an elementary and junior high principal for three years, at Pinckneyville Grade School and Zeigler-Royalton Junior High, prior to being named superintendent of Zeigler-Royalton School District 188. He was named superintendent of the Sesser-Valier district in 2005 and has held the post since. The award was to be officially presented to Henry in Chicago at a joint annual conference sponsored by the IASA, the Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials. For the many visitors who will attend Malaysia's largest travel fair, most would be looking for the best Matta Fair deals where travel agents will offer all kinds of travel packages and promotions. They are usually offered for domestic, international and even special interest packages that range from Muslims, groups and even cruise packages. Matta Fair Deals For the many visitors who will attend Malaysia's largest travel fair, most would be looking for the best Matta Fair deals where travel agents will offer all kinds of travel packages and promotions.They are usually offered for domestic, international and even special interest packages that range from Muslims, groups and even cruise packages. The Matta Fair Deals are usually found from all the participating travel agents where each tour company will be offering various promotions. Therefore, it is always recommended that you have a destination in mind and then head there to check out what is being offered. Many times, the consumer who visit Malaysia's largest travel fair will simply have a change of mind when they are there. All because other packages are more worth it compared to the one that you are looking for. For example, if you are planning to look for a Bandung Package at Matta Fair, you may encounter many tour companies selling Bali packages which is much more worth it, compared to the Bandung one. Some consumers will even buy both packages for the sake of the promotion. And for local destinations, popular places like Legoland, Penang, Langkawi, Sabah, and Sarawak are the favorite choices. For the Usually, the Matta Fair Deals are offered for popular destinations locally and internationally, where the popular places would be Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan for international travel.And for local destinations, popular places like Legoland, Penang, Langkawi, Sabah, and Sarawak are the favorite choices.For the Matta Fair , the Malaysian Ringgit is fared very low compared to the US Dollar therefore, many will be choosing travel destinations around the region versus far places. Various airline tickets on promotion at Matta Fair Matta Fair Airline Deals Airlines always take advantage of the Matta Fair by offering special promotions and deals which are valid when bought during the travel fair. Players like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Malindo and Firefly will have their special flight ticket promotions running throughout the fair. Most of the time, it is done from their booths at the fair and sometimes they run it on their website. Even international airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways and British Airways will be active by offering cheap flight tickets to international destinations. But these kinds of promotions will be done through the travel agents who sell flight tickets and also travel packages and not the airlines who are not seen there. So, during each fair, you should take note of which airline is offering the best deal for all airline tickets. Visitors at the Domestic Section in Matta fair Matta Fair Domestic Deals Domestic destinations will be one of the most popular sellers during the Matta Fair, simply because a majority of the consumers will be traveling locally, especially during the long school holidays or long weekends here in Malaysia. The domestic deals can be found at Hall 3 where all the local and domestic travel packages are being sold. However, flights can be included in your package for convenience, but then the price of the package goes up. So, destinations like Langkawi, Sarawak, and Sabah would sometimes include flights, but many locals prefer to book their own flight tickets based on the special promotions offered by the airlines. Matta Fair Nature Package Deals Apart from the general city and town packages being sold, some consumers visit the fair to look for specific nature packages. Some agents are seen selling Many years ago, they were not so popular, but in the last five years or so, outdoor and nature packages have become popular among the local travelers in Malaysia. Most of the time, the Matta Fair domestic deals will not include transportation and will be ground only, this means you buy the package and find your own way there.However, flights can be included in your package for convenience, but then the price of the package goes up.So, destinations like Langkawi, Sarawak, and Sabah would sometimes include flights, but many locals prefer to book their own flight tickets based on the special promotions offered by the airlines.Apart from the general city and town packages being sold, some consumers visit the fair to look for specific nature packages.Some agents are seen selling Taman Negara Tour Packages , and various other tours to Sarawak and Sabah.Many years ago, they were not so popular, but in the last five years or so, outdoor and nature packages have become popular among the local travelers in Malaysia. At the International Hall of the Matta Fair Matta Fair Cruise Deals With Star Cruise being the leader for cruise packages, there will be a lot of offers on this as many are now looking for cruise packages that take them to multiple countries on one trip. However, there are also other cruise companies at the Matta Fair which are also offering promotions, and they include international cruise packages that range from seven to thirty days. Companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise, and Costa Cruise are the international players who offer these luxury packages and are found in the international hall. Muslim Travel Packages to Japan Matta Fair Muslim Deals Muslim travel deals are one of the hottest packages being sold at the Matta Fair where many Malaysians are traveling to new destinations based on these specialized Muslim packages. Among the most popular are the Muslim travel packages to Japan as the country has been working very hard to comply with the Halal certifications for selected restaurants and also opening prayer rooms in various places. Other Halal destinations include China, Europe, Australia, Indochina, Korea, Japan, the Americas, and even Africa. However, there are reputable travel agents that offer these special packages and it is recommended that you speak to them directly to find out more about the facilities, food and so on. At the Matta Fair, you will surely come across many travel agents selling Muslim Travel Deals. Matta Fair Honeymoon Deals A more selective travel deal to look for, there are travel agents that specialize in providing honeymoon packages at Matta Fair. However, for those really interested, you need to sit down with the agents and discuss what is included in these packages. Usually, Bali and Maldives are one of the top destinations for honeymooners but lately, AirAsia X has opened up a new route to Mauritius and this is one of the new honeymoon destinations to look out for. Another popular honeymoon or anniversary package at the Matta Fair is buying one of the romantic cruise packages. Unless you are the type that wants something very special, like buying a honeymoon package to the Bahamas, you need to discuss this with the outbound travel agents as they can do a tailor-made tour package for you. Domestic travel deals are one of the popular deal consumers look for Matta Fair Family Travel Deals No doubt, this is something many families look for as family travel has increased in the last 10 years and now even more with many airlines offering good discounts. Most families will book packages to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China, and even Bali but those wanting to spend a bit more will choose destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and even Indochina. Indonesia has been very aggressive on promotions in the last few years, therefore there will be much interest for the consumers who want to visit new places in Indonesia. Some of the popular destinations include the Komodo Islands, Visitors asking about package deals at the Matta Fair Matta Fair Theme Park Deals Another very popular package sold is the theme park deals at Matta Fair are places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia are well received. However, since China opened its latest Shanghai Disneyland, many will be targeting to plan a visit there. Other further theme park destinations include Korea and Japan or even Australia. Update: The 20th Century Fox World theme park project has been canceled in late 2018. With that, Resorts World Genting will not be promoting this but its other theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore. Malaysian theme parks to also look out for include the new MAPS Perak or Visitors getting information Matta Fair Shopping Package Deals A more targeted kind of travel is the shopping travel packages, where consumers book shopping trips to other countries, namely Bangkok, China or Indonesia. These are the common destinations for those wanting to buy for themselves or buy for their business. A number of online businesses or small retail vendors are looking at destinations like China for shopping travel packages. Indonesia is also high on the list as many Malaysians are heading to Bandung or even places for But the main market is no other than China, namely Guangzhou and Yiwu where there are special shopping travel packages being offered by smaller agents which include translators and so on. Visitors at the Matta Fair Among all the deals that will be offered at the Matta Fair, you need to carefully decide on which package suits you or your family. Do not buy based on because it is cheap, because sometimes, cheap does not mean good and many have learned the hard way. So, always check before buying. Over the years, I have done many articles on the Matta Fair and also on the Conclusion Every year, the Matta Fair is held twice on a large scale in Kuala Lumpur, once at the beginning of the year, and one more in September. Both travel fairs target the holiday travel and will see over 100,000 visitors to each of the fairs. If you have missed the first one, there is always the second on to target for your year-end holidays, and at both fairs, there are always great deals waiting to be bought. Muslim travel deals are one of the hottest packages being sold at the Matta Fair where many Malaysians are traveling to new destinations based on these specialized Muslim packages.Among the most popular are the Muslim travel packages to Japan as the country has been working very hard to comply with the Halal certifications for selected restaurants and also opening prayer rooms in various places.Other Halal destinations include China, Europe, Australia, Indochina, Korea, Japan, the Americas, and even Africa.However, there are reputable travel agents that offer these special packages and it is recommended that you speak to them directly to find out more about the facilities, food and so on.At the Matta Fair, you will surely come across many travel agents selling Muslim Travel Deals.A more selective travel deal to look for, there are travel agents that specialize in providing honeymoon packages at Matta Fair.However, for those really interested, you need to sit down with the agents and discuss what is included in these packages.Usually, Bali and Maldives are one of the top destinations for honeymooners but lately, AirAsia X has opened up a new route to Mauritius and this is one of the new honeymoon destinations to look out for.Another popular honeymoon or anniversary package at the Matta Fair is buying one of the romantic cruise packages.Unless you are the type that wants something very special, like buying a honeymoon package to the Bahamas, you need to discuss this with the outbound travel agents as they can do a tailor-made tour package for you.No doubt, this is something many families look for as family travel has increased in the last 10 years and now even more with many airlines offering good discounts.Most families will book packages to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China, and even Bali but those wanting to spend a bit more will choose destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and even Indochina.Indonesia has been very aggressive on promotions in the last few years, therefore there will be much interest for the consumers who want to visit new places in Indonesia.Some of the popular destinations include the Komodo Islands, Makassar , Gili Islands, Lombok, Sumatra and even Jogjakarta and Banyuwangi on Jawa Island.Another very popular package sold is the theme park deals at Matta Fair are places like Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia are well received.However, since China opened its latest Shanghai Disneyland, many will be targeting to plan a visit there. Other further theme park destinations include Korea and Japan or even Australia.: The 20th Century Fox World theme park project has been canceled in late 2018.With that, Resorts World Genting will not be promoting this but its other theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore.Malaysian theme parks to also look out for include the new MAPS Perak or Movie Animation Park Studios in Ipoh , Perak.A more targeted kind of travel is the shopping travel packages, where consumers book shopping trips to other countries, namely Bangkok, China or Indonesia.These are the common destinations for those wanting to buy for themselves or buy for their business. A number of online businesses or small retail vendors are looking at destinations like China for shopping travel packages.Indonesia is also high on the list as many Malaysians are heading to Bandung or even places for shopping in Jogjakarta as there are many interesting and new products being offered at these places.But the main market is no other than China, namely Guangzhou and Yiwu where there are special shopping travel packages being offered by smaller agents which include translators and so on.Among all the deals that will be offered at the Matta Fair, you need to carefully decide on which package suits you or your family.Do not buy based on because it is cheap, because sometimes, cheap does not mean good and many have learned the hard way.So, always check before buying. Over the years, I have done many articles on the Matta Fair and also on the Matta Fair Promotion Packages as it provides consumer information for those who are unsure about this.Every year, the Matta Fair is held twice on a large scale in Kuala Lumpur, once at the beginning of the year, and one more in September. Both travel fairs target the holiday travel and will see over 100,000 visitors to each of the fairs.If you have missed the first one, there is always the second on to target for your year-end holidays, and at both fairs, there are always great deals waiting to be bought. For the best Matta Fair deals, you need to attend the travel fair to check the offers out, and if all works out well, you will be getting a fantastic bargain for your next vacation or trip. Who knows, you may even walk away with two or three packages. CHICAGO Immigration hotlines are buzzing. Legal clinics are seeing an influx of clients. Public schools are fielding frantic questions from parents and students. Since the election, Donald Trump's tough talk on immigration has stirred anxiety nationwide among immigrants regardless of legal status. They are turning to lawyers, schools, advocacy groups and congressional offices for help. "We're operating with a lot of unknowns, and a certain amount of fear comes with that," said Vanessa Esparza-Lopez, a managing attorney at the Chicago-based National Immigrant Justice Center. In Chicago, a hotline run by the state's largest immigrant-rights group received more than 330 calls in the week after the election, compared with the usual 100 or so. Denver school officials sent a letter to parents in response to questions about the election's effect on students living in the country illegally. The New York Legal Assistance Group said it's receiving 40 to 60 daily calls about immigration, up from 20 to 30. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles reported 19 walk-ins on a single day, all with citizenship questions. The most urgent inquiries have been from young people benefiting from a 2012 federal program started by President Barack Obama's administration that allows immigrants brought to the country illegally as children to avoid deportation and get work permits. About 740,000 people have participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals system. Attorneys say the program is vulnerable because it was created by executive order, not by law, leaving new potential applicants second-guessing whether to sign up. Andrea Aguilera, a 20-year-old college student in suburban Chicago, feels in limbo with her DACA paperwork expiring next year. She was brought across the Mexican border illegally as a 4-year-old and largely kept her immigration status secret until she was able to get a work permit through DACA four years ago. She's since worked as a grocery store cashier and intern at a downtown financial company. Two of her siblings are in the program; another is a U.S. citizen. "It's been hard to focus on school," Aguilera said. "I just don't know what's going to come next for us." During the campaign, Trump pledged to deport the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally and to build a border wall. The Republican president-elect has not detailed how he will proceed and recently walked back the number of anticipated deportees. The Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for lower immigration levels, explained the spike in activity as uncertainty about whether existing laws will be enforced by Trump's administration. Jon Feere, a legal analyst at the Washington D.C.-based research organization, said those enrolled in DACA were aware of the risks when they signed up. Others should have little concern. "Those who are in compliance with the law have nothing to worry about," he said. Still, even immigrants with permanent legal status have had questions since the election. Attorneys and immigrant organizations said green card holders feel new urgency to ensure that paperwork such as a renewal application is in order over fears that laws could change under a new administration. Most immigrants can seek citizenship three to five years after getting a green card. Roughly 9 million green card holders are currently eligible for citizenship, according to the most recent Department of Homeland Security statistics. Some citizens also sought clarity about when they could sponsor family members abroad. "People need reassurance," said Irina Matiychenko, who leads the immigrant protection unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group. "People need guidance." In Phoenix, local leaders planned a weekend meeting about being an immigrant in Arizona as an effort to "guide us on the path of trust and unity." Staff members at the Chicago office of Democratic U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez reported an uptick in activity with at least 60 new applications for citizenship the past two weeks. School districts, including Chicago and Denver, used the election as a way to communicate existing policy. Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg said the 90,000-student district sent letters in four languages home in response to what teachers were hearing from students and parents. The letter reiterated that school officials do not ask about immigration status when students enroll. "In a time of fear and concern, lots of rumors and misinformation spread," he said. "And that's why it's so important to get accurate factual information to our families from a very trusted source." ___ Associated Press writers Astrid Galvan in Phoenix, Colleen Slevin in Denver, and Amy Taxin in Santa Ana, California, contributed to this report. COBDEN Union County Museum will host a book signing by Mike Estel of Anna from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the museum. The book, a work of historical fiction titled Bugle Boys in Harms Way, is about a 12-year old from Southern Illinois who joins the U.S. Army to serve as a bugle boy during the Civil War. The story centers on a youth who loves two things, bugles and his country. This is Estels 12th book. Additional copies will be available for purchase. Union County Historical Societys Christmas Shop also will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The shop will have fall centerpieces and other decor this weekend, as well an offering of Christmas and gift items. The museum is located at 117 S. Appleknocker St. in downtown Cobden. Regular hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information call 618-893-2865. To the Editor: Notwithstanding the political clout Donald J. Trump [DJT] is starting with, he is not going to implement the major part of the unrealistic programmatic promises he has propounded to please his following. If they believe him, the more fools they! 1. DJT has already back-pedaled from building a Mexican border wall and making Mexico pay for it. He now says he will build the wall, pay for it with U.S. funds, then dun Mexico for repayment. There is a better chance of my being elected pope than of THAT ever happening! 2. I doubt very much that Congress will go along with DJT's plan to deport 12 million long-time, established illegal residents particularly those with USA-born minor children. Very ugly optics, dubious constitutionality and a public-relations catastrophe. 3. DJT will not be rolling back the Affordable Care Act for at least a year. No replacement plan has been proposed; to rescind ACA without replacing it would cause riots and engender widespread opposition. 4. The tax reduction DJT promised, if implemented, would, when combined with a promised crash expansion of the military, add another three trillion to the national debt. After complaining all these years about the national debt, I cannot think the Republicans could get behind these items without looking damned silly. 5. After routinely outsourcing to remote lands all of the junk DJT has been peddling all these years, who is going to believe he is serious about reviving our manufacturing capacity? After all, all of the items he has had made elsewhere were already available from U.S. sources. 6. Far from legally pursuing Mrs. Clinton for anything she might have done, DJT would be better advised to look to the date he already has on the 28th in the matter of the Trump "University" scam. Also, I would not put it past President Obama to do a "Nixon Manuvre" benefiting Mrs. Clinton during the final days of his administration. President Gerald Ford pardoned ex-President Nixon for any past crimes for which he might have otherwise eventually come under indictment. President Obama may do the same for Mrs. Clinton. The thesis of this letter is that the promises that Donald J. Trump made to his gullible, adoring audiences were never capable of being kept, nor were they intended to be. To those who accepted those promises at face value, I say: "S-U-C-K-E-R-S-!" Donn S. Miller Tamms Genres : Family, Adventure, Science Fiction Starring : Alex Hyde-White, Peter Cushing, Marcus Gilbert, William Hootkins, Neil Dickson Director : John Hough Plot Synopsis One minute the New Yorker advertising expert Jim Ferguson is at a business party -- the next he finds himself way back in 1917 in a plane fight during World War I. Mr. Raymond explains to him that he has a time-twin, to whom he's relocated in space and time whenever one of them is in trouble. So he has to help his twin, biplane pilot Biggles, in his attempt to destroy a German super weapon, that could win their war. Of course it's hard for Jim to explain his sudden disappearances to his fiance, Debbie. After the huge success and acclaim of his back-to-back duo of 'The French Connection' and 'The Exorcist', William Friedkin's career took a turn for the worse in the mid 1970s. His ambitious, big budget 'Sorcerer' (a remake of French classic 'The Wages of Fear') was drubbed by critics and ignored by audiences at the time. (The film later experienced a critical re-evaluation, however.) That was followed by a string of commercial disappointments such as 'The Brink's Job' and 'Deal of the Century'. By 1985, the director was in desperate need of a hit. Inspired by the pop culture phenomenon that 'Miami Vice' had stirred on television, Friedkin decided to cash in on some of his 'French Connection' cred with a new high octane crime thriller, 'To Live and Die in L.A.'. Although reviews were mixed, the film was a box office hit and has aged very well over the years. Between this movie and 'Manhunter', William Petersen really seemed on the verge of becoming a big star in the 1980s. For whatever reason, that didn't pan out until his run on 'CSI' starting in 2000. In 'To Live and Die in L.A.', Petersen stars as Richard Chance, a Secret Service agent on the trail of nefarious counterfeiter Eric Masters (a very young Willem Dafoe). Chance is a hothead and an adrenaline junkie, driven to obsession after Masters has his partner killed. When he and new partner John Vukovich (John Pankow, later Cousin Ira in 'Mad About You') can't requisition suitable funds for a sting operation, Chance formulates a new, ethically dubious plan to raise the money. It doesn't exactly work out as well as he hoped. Events soon spiral wildly out of control as a result. Some of its less kind critics accused 'To Live and Die in L.A.' of being little more than a big screen 'Miami Vice' knockoff with the sex and violence cranked up to R-rated levels. There's some truth in that. But, frankly, that's very much part of its appeal. The film is a slick, flashy thriller with a dynamic visual style cued directly from 'Vice' and from MTV (back when it was still culturally relevant). As he did in 'The French Connection', Friedkin plows through the plot with propulsive, kinetic energy. The theme song and score by New Wave band Wang Chung may be overused and repetitive, but I'll be damned if those tracks aren't still effective and exciting all these years later. The movie has nudity and gory violence, and plenty of top-notch action. Yet the picture is more than just an exercise in empty stylistics. It actually has a very strong, tightly-plotted script rich with moral complexity. The characters are all well-realized, and the performances are excellent. In addition to Petersen, Pankow and Dafoe, the cast features very good supporting turns from John Turturro and Dean Stockwell. Friedkin even breaks the rules of the genre with some shocking plot twists that are still quite ballsy and uncompromising. Some younger viewers may watch a movie like 'To Live and Die in L.A.' and call it "dated" because the fashions, music and filmmaking style are so rooted in the 1980s. That complaint doesn't hold much water for me. This is a movie set in a very specific time and place. Its style is appropriate to that setting. The film has endured as a crackerjack thriller with some terrific action, an excellent screenplay, and a legendary car chase veering the wrong way down the L.A. freeway at top speeds. With that frankly insane action sequence, Friedkin even tops his own famous work in 'The French Connection'. It's amazing. Unfortunately, William Friedkin's career comeback was short-lived. Although 'To Live and Die in L.A.' was a success, the director went on to make some truly terrible movies like 'The Guardian' (the one about the evil tree, not the Coast Guard picture with Kevin Costner, which isn't so great either) and 'Jade'. Later, he lost his marbles a bit and wasted time desecrating his old films by tinting them goofy colors. Arguments can be made that some of his late-career pictures like 'Rules of Engagement' or 'Bug' are halfway decent, and his most recent film, 2011's 'Killer Joe', was fairly acclaimed if little seen. Regardless, 'To Live and Die in L.A.' still feels like the last significant hurrah of a major filmmaking talent just before his regrettable burnout. 'To Live and Die in L.A.' was first released on Blu-ray in 2010 by MGM Home Entertainment. At the time, that disc had a respectable video transfer, though the Blu-ray itself was not authored with any bonus features beyond a trailer. (The other supplements were all found on a DVD that dated back to 2003.) This year, Shout! Factory has licensed the title in order to reissue it under the Shout Select line. The new Collector's Edition contains just a single Blu-ray disc (no DVD included) that comes packaged in a standard keepcase with a slipcover and reversible cover art. Unlike many recent Shout! Factory and Scream Factory releases, the new artwork (a watercolor impression of Los Angeles that's duplicated on the slipcover and the front side of the case insert) is actually pretty attractive and suits the content of the film well. Nonetheless, if you don't care for it, the flipside of the insert has the movie's traditional poster art. Once you load the disc, the main menu screen plays only a brief segment of the film's theme song before cutting it short and restarting in a quick repeat loop, which is a little annoying. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy 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. Genres : Documentary Starring : Bing Crosby Director : Boris Dolin, Roman Karmen, Vasily Katanyan, Solomon Kogan, Leonid Kristi, Oleg Lebedev Plot Synopsis Photographed over an eight-year period by Russia s top filmmakers, Cinerama's Russian Adventure brings together some of the most exquisite, jaw-dropping, and beautiful sequences from over six Soviet Kinopanorama productions (the Russian equivalent of three-panel Cinerama). The film s locations stretch from one end of Russia to the other, from the snow-covered countryside to the majestic subways of Moscow, from the deck of a whaling ship to the front seats of the Bolshoi Theater. Bing Crosby narrates the journey, offering both a grand and intimate view of a country and culture so often cited and yet so seldom seen. In classic Cinerama style, your first glimpse of Russia is from behind the reigns of a troika, a traditional three-horse sled, speeding through the snow. Next, you ll land in Moscow for spectacular shots of the Kremlin, the Volga River, the bustling street life, and a spring carnival complete with singing, dancing, and clowns on stilts. From there, you ll marvel at the dazzling Moscow Circus, take a raft ride down the Tisza River, join in a wild antelope roundup on the Barsa-Kelmes, and witness a show-stopping performance of the famous Moiseyev Dancers. The most visceral sequences, though, take place not on land, but on water: the spare-no-details whale hunt aboard a factory ship in the Antarctic and the alien voyage of an octopus as it glides beneath the sea. Flicker Alley, Cinerama Inc., and the family of Hal Dennis / Hal Dennis Productions are proud to present Cinerama's Russian Adventure in the Smilebox Curved Screen Simulation. The film has been digitally remastered, and beautifully so, allowing audiences to experience - in the words of Bing Crosby what I believe will be our most exciting journey... The International District Cooling Conference 2016 concluded recently at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, UAE with the attendance of key officials from the district energy industry, along with hundreds of visitors and exhibitors. Held under the theme A Climate Solution, the conference was hosted by the Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) and organised by the International District Energy Association (Idea). On the final day of the International District Cooling Conference 2016, the Danish Consulate organised a meeting between Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, and a delegation of Danish companies, with a focus on mutual cooperation in implementing best sustainability practices, and research and development. The closing sessions of the conference included panel of discussions focusing on the thermal energy storage, the district cooling sustainable design with examples from the Middle East, water treatment approaches, technical innovations and systems optimization. After a networking session, the attendees took part in two technical tours to Empowers Business Bay 2 plant and Command Control Centre, two of the large facilities of the company and their high technology installations and equipment such as TES and TSE. The latter is pioneered by Empower and was awarded the Idea Innovation Award in 2013. At the Command and Control Centre, the participants witnessed Empowers another award-winning project, which won the Idea Innovation Award in 2015. The centralised control room can connect up to 100 district cooling plants across Dubai, which allows the operators to monitor, operate, optimise and identify a full range of parameters from the plant production cycle, to the distribution network, to the customer building interface, all the way down to the performance of individual air handlers in customer buildings. TradeArabia News Service The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (Aurak) recently hosted a workshop addressing the issue of energy sustainability, including the latest trends and developments within the field of oil and gas production. The workshop, titled The Role of Innovation in Sustainability of Petroleum and Petrochemical Industries, was organised by Auraks School of Engineering, said a statement from university. Launching the workshop with his opening remarks, Prof Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, president, Aurak, praised the initiative, and commented on the importance of innovation within the field bearing in mind the finite resources. Hassan also highlighted the zero-energy house which is being produced by the School of Engineering. He said: Workshops like these will be very important in our projects success. It pleases me when I see experts from a range of different fields and industries coming to the university, as we can all learn from their knowledge and experience. Engineer Ahmed Al Kaabi, Opec governor of the UAE and assistant undersecretary for petroleum gas and mineral resources at the Ministry of Energy, was one of several guest speakers at the workshop, said a statement. Mark Scarbrough, a senior petroleum engineer at RAK Gas, focused on the rapid change that the industry has experienced throughout his 35 years of involvement, going back to 1981, emphasising that innovation and improvement should be a continuous process, it said. Other speakers included Dr Marc Durandeau, senior vice president of research and development at the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Institutes research centre, and Dr Christopher Fredd, manager of Schlumberger Unconventional Resources Technology Integration, it added. Auraks School of Engineering offers two top-class programmes in this field, BS in Petroleum Engineering and BS in Chemical Engineering, with vastly experienced faculty members such as the programme chair, Prof Mohammad Awal, who before joining Aurak was team lead of the fracture mechanics research programme at the Bartlesville Research Center of ConocoPhillips in Oklahoma, the largest independent US oil company, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Optical and precision electronics manufacturer Olympus Corporation of Japan will establish its regional headquarters for Middle East and Africa (MEA) in Dubai, UAE. The MEA regional headquarters will be inaugurated in January 2017. Middle East healthcare veteran Maurice Faber will lead Olympus MEA as its regional managing director. Olympus Corporation is world leader in optical and digital precision technology for sectors including life sciences, healthcare, energy, petroleum, construction, aviation, mining and precious metals such as gold and platinum. The 2,000 sq m Olympus MEA Regional Headquarter in Dubai will cover 72 countries in a vast territory stretching from the western shores of the African Continent across the Levant and the Middle East to Iran and Turkey. Since the Olympus MEA Regional Headquarter covers a huge and diverse territory, several locations were examined. We chose Dubai because of its infrastructure, connectivity and ease to source a global pool of talent, said Faber. The Dubai RHQ will report to Hamburg-based Olympus Europa, which acts as the regional centre for the larger EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. Being in the region is testament to Olympus commitment to Middle East and Africa as a long-term strategic growth market. We are making significant investments in this more focused approach with a new HQ in the MEA for the MEA, said Faber. Olympus can now listen, respond and communicate with partners and clients in MEA far more effectively with growth and problem-solving strategies designed locally compared to a uniform policy from outside the region, Faber added. Training Centre Olympus MEA will set up a dedicated training centre as part of its regional headquarter. Our products high-end endoscopes and microscopes for the life sciences and healthcare sector, and digital precision products such as endoscopes and spectroscopes to detect engine and metal stress and fatigue in jet engines, gas turbines and to determine purity of gold, for instance require a very high level of competence to service, explained Faber. By training our customers and partners on Olympus innovations directly in the region, we will transfer our global high-end medtech expertise to the Middle East and Africa region. "Also, we realised that a big part of our service related issues can be avoided by improved training on product handling. Thats why the Olympus Training Center in Dubai will be a big asset for customers and Olympus alike, he added. Service Centre Olympus MEA will also set up a service centre and stock parts at its Dubai regional headquarter. A Service Center in Dubai will substantially improve uptime of the products to the customers. Staffed by Olympus technicians, it will provide a significantly higher level of service competency than through indirect channels, said Faber. Many of our customers use our equipment in mission critical tasks such as maintenance in aviation, petroleum pipelines and energy turbines. This new service center will also stock temporary replacement equipment in several cases. Regional Potential Faber emphasised that Olympus has a cohesive strategy to play a positive role in MEAs infrastructure development and growth. The Middle East and Africa is worlds next growth area as governments implement a more focused and planned approach to infrastructure development to improve economic output and individual quality of life. Our key business segment, healthcare, is rapidly expanding driven by population growth, aging populations, higher incomes and more access to healthcare through the availability of health insurance. Aviation is another key segment and is already in the process for massive fleet expansions in region ranging from 66 per cent to a whopping 507 per cent. Industry in the region is going through modernization, efficiency drives and price pressures. This key sectoral growth represents strong opportunities to expand Olympus offerings to existing and new customers, Faber added. Olympus provides innovative solutions for state-of-the-art medical systems, digital cameras as well as scientific solutions. - TradeArabia News Service Emirates Palace will be celebrating UAE National Day in full swing with many new spectacular additions. For the first time, Emirates Palace will have a large video mapping that will be on the east and north side of the hotel. For spectators outside the hotel, there will be a great video mapping surrounded with sounds at the Triumphal Arch and the loop will be around 10 minutes long displaying the history and art of the Abu Dhabi and UAE. The world-class hotel will be having tremendous fireworks display on December 2 and 3 that will be taking place between the hotel and Marina Mall. There will be 65 different fireworks set points on the seafront making it one of the biggest displays of fireworks Emirates Palace has ever experienced. The hotel will also be hosting a party by the beach for guests to experience a relaxing sunset and then party away the whole evening with the spectacular fireworks display at 8:30pm. This package includes food and selected beverages and starts at Dh200 ($54.4) per person. The hotel has arranged a unique hamper, starting at Dh750 ($204), for the first time ever that will include festive season cookies, traditional German stollen, a bottle of bubbly, Panettone, truffle honey, chocolate truffles, duck rillettes and smoked salmon with 24 carat leaves on it. Emirates Palace will host a lucky draw for Emiratis where they will be asked to answer a few questions to win from the seven prices that vary from winning a dinner for two to a weekend stay in the Khaleej Suite. On this occasion, Emirates Palace will host several attractions inside the hotel, from a remarkable display of 45 different kinds of dates to a small traditional heritage village, which promises to wow every guest. The displays inside the hotel and the huge video mapping outside the hotel will give spectators an insight into UAE culture and how far the nation has come with all the progress happening around, said Holger Schroth, general manager at Emirates Palace. The kitchen artist at Emirates Palace has built a dhow that will be on display in the Grand Dome area. Our talented artist has put a lot of effort into making this dhow display, he went to the Sayed Port and spoke with the marine experts as to how to build the dhow and took it from there. He is currently at work on the dhow, and it is made out of Styrofoam and painted in the traditional colors. This year the celebrations will be bigger than ever and we are expecting more spectators than ever before, added Schroth. - TradeArabia News Service Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay in Dubai has much reason to celebrate this year as it completes its one-year milestone as well as brings home two prestigious awards. The hotel has embarked on its second year of operations this month just as the Dubai Canal project comes to completion. The 3.2km canal links Business Bay with the Arabian Gulf and the hotel features spectacular views of the highly-anticipated Canal a major project for Dubai. Furthermore, the hotel has won two awards, including the Best Newcomer award for Brothaus the German bakery and bistro at the Leaders in Food & Beverage 2016 awards and the Best Luxury Business Hotel in the UAE award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Earlier this year, the hotel also picked up the Leading New Hotel award at the Leaders in Hospitality Awards 2016. In its first year of operations, the hotel has launched a series of hugely successful food and beverage outlets including one of Dubais most exciting and talked-about outdoor venues featuring spectacular views of Dubai Canal, The Backyard, Brothaus the German bakery and bistro, a neighbourhood eatery that is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Swim & Tonic, an outdoor pool bar with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa. Steigenberger it also set to launch a new rewards scheme called Shine Bookers Loyalty Programme. Shine will reward regular customers with discounts across the hotel as well as various outlets in Dubai. The hotel has also joined the Award World Programme Award World members can enjoy special privileges in Steigenberger and IntercityHotels, award points can be used to redeem hotel services or prizes. Siegfried Nierhaus, general manager and vice president Steigenberger Middle East, said: I am extremely proud of how far we have come since opening our doors one year ago. In the last year we have welcomed over 110,000 guests in our rooms, received over 140 000 guests into our food and beverage outlets and achieved over 70% occupancy for the first year of operation. We always strive to stand out from the crowd through our unique concepts and exquisite standards of hospitality. I would like to thank our exceptional team, our owning company, Deutsche Hospitality, our clients and all of our partners. We look forward to welcoming even more people from across the globe to our hotel and ensure to offer them an experience that is second-to-none. The Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, is owned by Twenty14 Holdings, the hospitality investment arm of LuLu Group International. The five-star hotel is located in the heart of the city at Business Bay and is just a stones throw away from the new canal, the iconic Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service It was, in some ways, a very Western story that played out on the sage-grouse-speckled prairies near Wright. A developer had a big dream of a 1,300-megawatt power plant that burned waste coal. Wyoming was the place to make it happen. Mike Ruffatto, the head of North American Power Group of Denver, first proposed the Two Elk Energy Park in 1996. He received enormous support from the locals in Campbell County, public universities and the upper echelons of the state government. The project appeared promising. It would provide jobs, research and income for Wyoming. The company also had big names associated with it, including the son of Sen. Mike Enzi. However, 20 years after it was proposed, the now-defunct Two Elk is nothing but windswept roads and a cement pad. Its developer is in court for defrauding the federal government out of millions of dollars, and the state spent more than $10 million locally preparing for a project that never happened. Wyomings industries encourage a spirit of prospecting. While that has led to successes such as the Integrated Test Center near Gillette, it also allows for sagas like Two Elk. Critics say the problems that allowed for the Two Elk disaster have not been remedied, while lawmakers and state regulators say they could not have prevented it. And few see the fiasco as a lesson learned in Wyoming. *** Some say Two Elk is not a uniquely Wyoming problem. The rise and fall of new projects and strange ventures is as American as apple pie, said former governor Dave Freudenthal, who led the state from 2003 to 2011. I dont know that Wyoming is any more adventurous than anybody else, he said. People always have big dreams. The question is, whats the role of the government in that? Freudenthal saw investment in Two Elk as a federal issue, not a state one, because the bulk of the funding came from federal grants. I never looked on it as my job to tell the federal government how to spend their money if they were doing that sort of private party stuff, he said. While the state did not invest actual dollars into the business, it did initially allow Two Elk to use millions in tax-exempt industrial development bonds essentially a tax-exempt federal loan contingent on documented progress. However, after an audit of Two Elk, the IRS terminated the bonds tax-exempt status in 2011. The state didnt provide the bonds as a favor, Freudenthal said. No one else was using them. Wyoming also contributed $10 million in sales and use tax to build infrastructure in Campbell County. It went to things like roads, sewers and sidewalks in anticipation of the power plant that was never built. The bulk of the misused money came from the Department of Energy, which granted Two Elk almost $10 million in stimulus grants, ostensibly for research into carbon sequestration. A Freedom of Information lawsuit brought by nonprofit news site Wyofile showed that of the $7.8 million the government had paid out, it demanded $5.7 million be returned. Federal officials determined none of that money went to the project. Two Elks developer, Ruffatto, pleaded guilty in late October to defrauding the federal government, using grant money not on research but on personal expenses, including foreign travel, an expensive home in Colorado and a Mercedes-Benz. The bills he sent to the Department of Energy for drilled wells and data collection were phony, the Department of Energy maintained. Ruffatto faces up to five years in prison. His sentencing is Feb. 3. *** Questions remain as to why the project was allowed to continue for two decades despite evidence of malfeasance. State regulators say they did the job they were tasked to do. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued air quality permits to the project required by the Clean Air Act. It also issued extensions for those permits. The Industrial Siting Council, meanwhile, gave its necessary approval of the project. Last year, the council voted to deny Two Elks ninth request for an extension. It was the first time in four decades that the council made such a ruling, and it was due in part to complaints from Campbell County about delinquent property taxes that were finally paid earlier this year. But its important to note that in the previous eight extensions, all petitioned in public meetings, no party came forward against Two Elk, said Kimber Wichmann, chief economist for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Two Elk did influence some of the Industrial Siting Councils rules, such as creating a way to end community impact payments when a projects construction stops. Those updates were made in 2011. However, it is not the job of regulators to judge the success of a company like Two Elk, said Keith Guille, spokesman for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. There are specific regulations for permitting, and those alone guided regulators when they scrutinized Two Elk, he said. When you talk about industrial siting, it is hard for us to say whether or not we (as the DEQ) were tough enough (on Two Elk) or not. We have to follow our rules and regs, Guille said. *** However, others see the continual permit extensions as a failure to properly regulate Two Elk. Air quality permits are attached with requirements including that construction must begin within two years. State regulators witnessed the lack of work being done on the project site, said Shannon Anderson, a longtime opponent of the project and a member of the Powder River Basin Resource Council. Over the years, the nonprofit group petitioned a number of government agencies to kill Two Elks permits. It really is a regulator that just didnt act, she said. There were staff reports saying they werent constructing. They were violating their permit, and people at the top just werent acting. The DEQ temporarily revoked the companys air quality permit because the project was not progressing, in both 2005 and 2007. As long as those permits were in place, the company could claim it was deserving of its federal grants, Anderson said. They leveraged that for government money, Anderson said. And the American taxpayer is the sucker on it. *** Two Elk is not the first troubled project for the state, and lawmakers have proposed bills in the past to prevent these kinds of issues. Some lawmakers argued in the summer of 2015 that companies like Two Elk shouldnt be able to request multiple permit extensions, which leave communities unsure of when and how development will take place. Rep. Mike Madden, R-Buffalo, supported a limit on extensions. He also sponsored a bill to change the way community impact money is doled out. The bills had varying success. Still, Madden said the state continues to operate much as it did with Two Elk. The DKRW Advanced Fuels project near Medicine Bow, for example, was halted by a number of large setbacks. The company suspended its plans earlier this year. Freudenthal admitted that occasionally there is lenience given to some companies during permitting, but as long as that stops before bending rules and regulations, there is no harm done. What you have to be careful of is a move towards saying, We will dumb down the standards in exchange for development, he said. Then you are making a deal with the devil. That didnt happen with Two Elk, he said. From a political perspective, the question is not whether government should financially support private enterprises like Two Elk but how Wyoming can create an environment where the economy can grow, he said. Wyoming receives far more assistance from the federal government than it pays in, a fact that is at odds with the identity of Wyoming as fiercely independent, Freudenthal said. It was federal assistance and private enterprise that made Two Elk possible, he added. The state needs to consider how willing it is to become independent, by considering changing its tax laws and allowing for true diversification. Industry bears most of the burden. But tax diversity is an old argument that never seems to go anywhere in Wyoming, he said. The governments role is to encourage fundamental research, workforce development and infrastructure he said. From time to time it may be important to do some incentives. Current Gov. Matt Mead said the state is committed to adding value to its existing resources, which is exactly what Two Elk promised to do. The original decisions related to the Two Elk project did not come during my time as governor, but the lessons have been learned and appropriate actions taken to address the loopholes, Mead said. As to future projects, we want to benefit from the lessons learned, implement proper caution and find avenues to support properly researched projects. *** In stark contrast to Two Elk, Wyomings Integrated Testing Center near Gillette is one way the state has stepped into a partnership with the private sector to encourage new technologies in carbon sequestration, said Jason Begger, director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority. Developing technology is risky, so the partnership can help protect both sides, he said. Nobody wants to buy/build the first one. They want the tenth one after all of the kinks have been worked out, he said. This is where the public sector can step in with a partnership and cost share. The government can take on some of the costs or mitigate some of the risks, to a level thats acceptable to the private company. However, there needs to be a balance. Its always easier to spend someone elses money, so both sides need to assume some of the risk to ensure things move forward. The ITC Center has some lessons for how to effectively wed government and business in the interest of research, he said. Investment in a project from the private sector shows confidence from an inherently risk-averse group. If the private sector is unwilling to step up and provide more direct contributions, we need to ask ourselves why, he said. But the partnerships created between the public and the private sectors eventually reach a point where government should step back, he said. At what point is the project commercially viable and can move forward without additional government support? he said. Not an easy question to answer, but an important piece of the puzzle. Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site hosts the fourth annual Kids Pheasant Hunt on Nov. 26 and 27. The event is an opportunity for families and friends wanting to hunt with young people ages 17 and younger to harvest pheasants, practice safe hunting skills and enjoy the Piney Creek landscape at the historic fort grounds. Hunters will launch at two times during each day: 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. All parties must include a minimum of one youth hunter and a maximum of one adult hunter. Additional adults are encouraged to accompany the party but will not be allowed to hunt. The event is an opportunity for adults to demonstrate good hunting practices while making the youth experience a priority. The fort grounds are an incredibly unique place to hunt, Fort Phil Kearny superintendent Misty Stoll said. The natural beauty of the landscape mixed with the rich history of the area make the Kids Hunt an exciting opportunity for hunters of all ages. Hunters wishing to participate in the Kids Hunt are encouraged to stop by the Fort Phil Kearny Interpretive Center during visiting hours, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, to sign up and receive further direction regarding the event. Space will be limited on hunts. If visiting the site is not an option, please call 307-684-7629 to make arrangements. If space allows, participants can sign up on the day of the hunt but are not guaranteed access. Those wishing to register on the day of the hunt should arrive at 8 a.m. to register for the morning hunt and 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon hunt. All hunters must have valid licenses and conservation stamps. Cost is $2 per adult for Wyoming residents and $4 per adult for out-of-state hunters. Hunters ages 17 and under will hunt free. The annual Fort Phil Kearny Kids Hunt is made possible by a partnership with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Fort Phil Kearny State History Site is at 528 Wagon Box Road in Banner. For more information, call 307-684-7629. Genres : Documentary Plot Synopsis The Best of Cinerama is comprised of all the greatest thrills of Cinerama, from the breathtaking roller coaster ride to the visit to La Scala, Milan, for Aida; from the hurtling bobsled run, to the stirring dances of the African Watusis. Made up of over 20 such exciting highlights, the film is not only an historic compilation, but also a stand-alone thrill-a-minute experience. The adventure begins with the Sabre jet precision flying team from Search For Paradise, and then whirls back to the iconic roller coaster sequence from This is Cinerama! newly restored for this release. From there, the three-panel journey goes global, showcasing some of the rich and exotic locales of Cinerama Holiday, South Seas Adventure and Seven Wonders of the World. There s the Marian Year Celebration at St. Peter s Square in Rome, featuring the first commercial motion-picture footage of Pope Pius XII. There s the boat trip down the Ganges River at Benares. There are visits to Paris, Vienna, Athens, India, Brazil, Japan, Africa, Israel, and New Orleans, all in one spectacular Cinerama presentation. Flicker Alley and Cinerama Inc. are proud to present The Best of Cinerama in the Smilebox Curved Screen Simulation. The film has been digitally remastered from original camera negatives, and includes an all-new restoration of scenes from This is Cinerama! This edition celebrates a decade of Cinerama filmmaking, and over five years of bringing those treasures back to life on Blu-ray and DVD for future Cinerama audiences to enjoy! Helping Others Veterans make great employees Do you hire for a Wyoming business? Veterans make great employees. Wyoming businesses can recruit qualified veterans for their staff by posting their job openings with the nearest Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Office. All of our services are free. In Casper, call 234-4591. Dictionaries for third graders The Five Trails Rotary Club is giving a dictionary to every third grader in Natrona County for the 11th year in a row. The third grade was targeted because it is the grade-level when children are beginning to learn the importance of words when they read, in their speech and in their writing. Reading is the most important skill of all, the starting point for all economic and social opportunities the world has to offer. Educators see third grade as the dividing line between learning to read and reading to learn. Museum needs Troopers items Fort Caspar Museum will be celebrating 60 years of the Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps with an exhibit to run in 2017 and 2018. The museum has acquired a number of items from the Troopers such as uniforms, flags, and instruments, but we still need items to help show the history of our community's world class drum and bugle corps. We are looking for Troopers souvenirs and collectibles, either on loan or by donation. A list of possible items could include T-shirts, pins, bumper strips, postcards, records, hats, decals, license plates or any other materials used promote the Troopers. Items like these were sold at the Souvenir Wagon or made for special events. We are also interested in any Trooper photographs that families may have taken of the corps engaged in various activities. If possible, we hope to gather these objects by the end of this year. Please contact Rick Young at Fort Caspar Museum at 235-8462 or at ryoung@casperwy.gov. Jerry Behrens Foundation to assist vets The doctors and staff at Casper Orthopedics have established the Jerry Behrens Foundation to honor the lifelong achievements and commitment to community service that was demonstrated by Jerome A. Behrens, M.D., retired orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Casper Orthopedics. The practice will be funding administrative costs so that all financial contributions will go directly toward assisting injured, wounded and ill service members and their families. To donate to the Jerry Behrens Foundation, please call 265-7205. Dr. Behrens practiced medicine in Casper for over 40 years and was known as a compassionate, conscientious and trusted orthopedic surgeon and community member. Dr. Behrens demonstrated courage and determination as he served our country as a surgeon for the Marines in Vietnam. Today, he continues in his dedication to assist our military veterans by mentoring active duty service men and women and through programs such as the Semper Fi Odyssey transition program. We are proud of the legacy that Dr. Behrens has left for Casper Orthopedics and would like to carry this on by serving those who have protected us, says Craig P. Smith, M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Casper Orthopedics. We are so thankful for the work of our service men and women, and we are honored to give back to them in their time of need, which is only made possible by donations to the Jerry Behrens Foundation. Volunteer at WMC Wyoming Medical Center's Volunteer Services Program is seeking individuals who enjoy helping others! If you enjoy walking, we have openings in our Patient Escorts. It's a great way to lend a helping hand AND get exercise as we move into cooler months. Both Early Bird and late morning shifts are available. Volunteers are also needed in our Surgical Staging Area. Volunteers will assist families who are waiting on a patient in surgery. There are many ways to help in every department. For more information, please call NJ Olsen at 577-2794 or email nolsen@wyomingmedicalcenter.org Suggestions for food bags The Wyoming Food for Thought Project is providing weekend food bags to nearly 600 children in Natrona County weekly. While all donations are appreciated and used, this year the staff has compiled a list of things to donate monthly, in order to stock the shelves of the pantry at the program center. Here is a list of suggestions for the entire year: November, soup; December, canned chili. Donations can be dropped off any time at Food for Thought drop site locations, which include Great Harvest Bread, eastside WAC, Reliant FCU, Mary Ann's Beans, Casper College Library, Aspen Ridge Dental, and the Food for Thought Program Center, 900 St. John St. English speakers needed CHAT, the English Conversation Club at Casper College Adult Learning Center, needs English speakers to meet international community members and help them speak English. Join us for an international potluck in the Werner Technical Center, Rm. 105, on these dates and times: Dec. 15, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Jan. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 14, 11 a.m. to noon; March 22, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; April 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and May 4, 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 268-2230 or email mdugan@caspercollege.edu Stuff the Van Toy Drive Help us to "Stuff the Van" this holiday season with toys for kids in need here in Casper. Join Townsquare Media and Wyoming Food for Thought Project as we spend 12 hours a day for a week in front of both Walmart locations collecting toys and monetary donations. The drive is Monday through Saturday, Dec. 12 to 17, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. We will be at the CY Wal-Mart Monday through Wednesday, and end the week at the eastide Wal-Mart from Thursday through Saturday. Monetary donations will be used to purchase food for kids who participate in the Food for Thought Food Bag Program, to supply children in need with food bags over weekends and extended holiday breaks away from school. If you are interested in volunteering, feel free to give us a call at 337.1703, or visit www.wyfftp.org for more information. Save the date, restorative justice Save the date! Restorative Justice Symposium 2017: Wyomings Introduction to a New Frontier. March 15 and 16, 2017, at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center. Hosted by Natrona County Restorative Justice. For additional information and to learn more on what restorative justice is all about, visit and like NCRJsFacebook page! A bill that would allow more students to qualify for Hathaway scholarships was given approval by the Legislatures Joint Interim Education Committee recently in Casper. The bill is the culmination of over two years of effort to resolve perceived gaps in the decade-old Hathaway program, particularly relating to the eligibility of career technical education students, as well as giving more support for those taking advanced placement classes. It would, among other things, expand the list of possible courses that fulfill the science requirement. In introducing a report requested by the committee, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow spoke of the importance of incentivizing the program. From our perspective we are really interested in seeing the Hathaway scholarship program grow, and by grow I dont mean by spending more dollars, I mean by being strategic.to make sure that we have the highest number of students taking advantage of the Hathaway scholarship opportunities as possible, Balow said. The department made four recommendations to reduce roadblocks facing students. The report called for expanding the range of courses that would satisfy the science requirements under the Hathaway guidelines, as well as in some other areas of study. Students taking higher-level career technical education courses have long had challenges in also taking all the science classes needed to qualify for the scholarship. Under the bill, some of the technical education coursework could be considered a science credit. The committee also expanded that provision to include some art and music courses in the same manner. The change was not without controversy on the committee, however. Rep. Chris Rothfuss, D-Laramie, said the way the change was written in the bill went too far. This basically says that these core sciences here are now optional, Rothfuss said. I dont need to take physics, chemistry, biology, geology or computer science to complete the success curriculum that might be a little bolder than were hoping for. The department also recommended developing a weighted grading system to compensate for the increased difficulty of college level courses. The committee has been wrestling with how to encourage students to take advanced courses which, while improving a students education, also increase the risk of lowering the students grade point average, which in turn results in lower levels of scholarship funding. In testimony before the committee, Nate Breen, of the Laramie County School District 1 Board, spoke of his experience teaching advanced placement courses. For the first three years of Hathaway I saw the numbers of my students dwindle because Hathaway was costing their family real money, Breen said. As parents saw that grade heading south, those parents pulled that kid from that class. One key issue was how to devise a grade weighting system that could be applied uniformly across the state, particularly when there was such diversity between large and small school districts. While there was not full agreement on the committee, supporters noted both the Department of Education and state educators said it could be done. Meanwhile, there was a counterproposal of not using grade point averages at all in assessing Hathaway scholarship eligibility, and just relying on the college entrance ACT test. That motion failed to get enough committee support. Its not all about algorithms and calculus and whos gonna score well on a test, said Rep. Mary Throne, D-Cheyenne. It is whether you put in the time and the effort in high school to be able to do college-level work. Thats the problem. The fourth area of the report related to reducing the cost of the Hathaway program. Legislators have been told the interest revenues from the half-billion dollar Hathaway Trust Fund will not be enough to cover scholarship costs past 2019, when operating reserves will be used up, leading to a possible $4.5 million shortfall. While the bill did not specifically address the projected funding deficits, it did authorize the Department of Education to study the financial impacts of the changes. The committee approved the bill on an 8-6 vote. More Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving, an uptick of a million compared with last year, according to the American Automobile Association. The estimate would make for the highest number of Thanksgiving travelers since 2007. According to AAA, the increase is expected because of economic improvement in the last few months: Wages are rising, people are spending more, consumers are generally more confident and AAA estimates that American drivers have saved more than $28 billion on gas this year than in the same period last year. According to the association, a significant majority of travelers 89 percent are expected to hit the roads between Wednesday and Sunday. Most will travel on the tried and true holiday road trip, thanks to gas prices in Wyoming averaging close to $2.164 for regular, Anna ODonnell, AAA MountainWest spokeswoman, said Thursday in a news release. For updated road conditions and webcams in Wyoming, visit http://www.wyoroad.info/. Air travel, meanwhile, is expected to be up by 1.6 percent, with AAAs Leisure Travel Index estimating fares will increase 21 percent this Thanksgiving for an average of $205 for a round-trip flight for the top 40 domestic routes. Many travelers are heading west for the holiday. Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; San Diego, California; Anaheim, California; and Seattle, Washington will be among the top 10 most popular destinations this year. Its not as easy as it should be for the public to review public records. Public records are often documents generated through the daily grind of government whose operations are funded with public money, and therefore, the public owns the documents. Emails generated by public employees, for example, are public records under the Wyoming Public Records Act, W.S. 16-4-201 et seq., and are subject to public disclosure. If you, as a member of the public, wish to see a record generated by your government, you may request to see it and you will be allowed to view the document. This is how we the people can see and understand what the government is doing and how it is operated. For example, a citizen may be interested in the minutes of a zoning meeting where critical road access to their property was discussed, or subsequent emails of a government employee discussing that critical access. These may be of great interest. A citizen may see the documents because they are covered by the Wyoming Public Records Act. But recently state and local governments have begun charging for the staff time it takes to find documents requested. This decision to charge came after some very large blanket public records requests from former Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill. So state agencies now have policies that allow them to charge for retrieval and redacting public documents. This recent rule under which Wyoming state government agencies will charge members of the public for time spent responding to requests to look at electronic records, like emails represents a step backward for transparency and public access in the state. These documents belong to the public. The agencies are merely custodians. A recent request by the Casper Star-Tribune to see emails generated by the citys fire chief cost the newspaper hundreds of dollars. For a news organization with a budget for that kind of spending, of course, thats not an obstacle. But that cost could be a real deterrent for an individual without the newspapers resources. People should be able to know what their leaders are doing, from how public money is spent to how government works. This rule, which allows state agencies to charge for the staff time needed to collect, copy and provide official email or other documents in electronic formats once the total passes $180, would have a chilling effect on that. Fees would start at $15.50 an hour and go up to $40 an hour. That financial burden may simply be too onerous for the average person. The Wyoming Supreme Court should take that into account as it weighs the Wyoming Tribune Eagles appeal in a public records case. The Cheyenne newspaper, which is fighting public records fees from Laramie County School District 1, points out several concerns about the districts decision to charge $110 for emails related to school board issues. It contends that if the districts interpretation is upheld, government agencies could make members of the public pay for an attorney to look over public records before they were released. That interpretation could also lead to disparities in charges for electronic and hard-copy formats or lead to a higher cost depending on the skill level of the employee assigned to gather the documents. Open records are important in a democratic system, and public access to them is paramount. The last thing the state should do is set up obstacles for people who want to participate. Over two decades in business, Tucson-based International Towers Inc. has been part of the digital TV conversion, the evolution of high-speed wireless networks and even advanced surveillance technologies. Now, the communications tower company is expanding largely to help build new infrastructure for the seemingly unquenchable thirst for wireless broadband. International Towers is constructing a new headquarters building on Tangerine Road in Marana where it has had a test site in the Marana Technology Campus, a commercial park it is also developing. When the $3.6 million project is completed this spring, the new facility at 8061 W. Tangerine Road will bring the companys three local operations together under one roof. The companys headquarters offices are now in a building the company owns on West Grant Road, while it also leases space in the Butterfield Business Park. International Towers works on all kinds of tower-based communications systems and is heavily involved in building and maintaining the fixed surveillance towers along the Arizona-Mexico border. New wireless networks But the companys expansion is being driven largely by an expected flood of demand for wireless communications systems as federal regulators work to free up more wireless spectrum, said International Towers President Doug Gratzer. Spurred by the need for new wireless bandwidth, the Federal Communications Commission has taken back some of the frequency spectrum formerly used for broadcast TV and is auctioning it off to wireless providers. The internet has just taken over, and theyve run out of spectrum, said Ed Marue, vice president of International Towers and a partner with Gratzer since the pair merged their tower-services companies to form International Towers in 1996. Under a controversial channel repack, many TV stations, particularly low-power stations and translators, will be forced to move to new frequencies in a process expected to start by late next year. That means a new wave of business for International Towers, which worked nationally to upgrade infrastructure during the digital TV conversion in the late 1990s. Now, Gratzer said, the company expects to serve a new class of private high-speed wireless providers who plan to take use the new radio spectrum for private wireless networks for customers, such as oil and gas companies, in remote areas. Gratzer said International Towers has partnered with Radio Frequency Systems, a major provider of wireless communications equipment and part of Nokia, to provide turnkey systems to wireless operators. The actual transition is going to start in late 2017, so this is going to be a big part of our expansion going forward, he said. Balancing growth International Towers growth is significant for the Town of Marana as the town tries to build its industrial base, town economic-development director Curtis Woody said, adding that the town is looking to balance its current spurt of new-home construction with new commercial development. As we plan for growth in the town, weve got to balance that, if were not careful we become a bedroom community where everybody lives and then drives somewhere else to work, Woody said. International Towers employs about 100 people now, and that number could grow by 50 percent as it ramps up new wireless network business, Marue said. The private company has revenues approaching $20 million, Gratzer said. The one fly in the ointment is tall-tower crews theres a lack of them because there hasnt been really any activity in that world in recent years, Gratzer said, noting that the company has the engineering expertise and heavy equipment to ramp up quickly. International Towers has deep experience in tower construction for government as well as private projects, with government work now representing about half the companys business, Gratzer said. Connecting first responders The company has installed systems on military bases and was the main contractor on the construction of the Pima County Wireless Integrated Network (PCWIN) system, which was completed in 2014 and enables 55 regional public safety and public-service agencies in the region to communicate. Gratzer said International Towers performs most of its work in-house, including building structures like transmitter sheds and off-grid solar power systems. The company is a licensed general contractor and employs tradesmen including carpenters and concrete workers, as well as engineers including Marue, who holds several patents on radio tower designs. That in-house expertise came in handy during the PCWIN buildout, when the company worked on a protected Native American site on Tumamoc Hill. The company removed three towers and upgraded a transmitter building, migrating existing broadcast equipment to a single tower. Eyes on the border Another tricky install was the replacement of the communications tower on the Bank of America building in downtown Tucson, which required partially shutting down streets while the company used a crane to replace the tower. While International Towers prepares for new wireless work, it remains deeply involved in building and maintaining surveillance towers along the Arizona-Mexico border for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The local company is subcontractor to Elbit Systems of America, which in 2014 won a $145 million contract to build out the new Integrated Fixed Towers system, which includes about 50 planned towers with high-resolution cameras and sensors. The IFT program essentially replaces the former Secure Border Initiative Net, or SBINet, a virtual fence built by Boeing Co. that covered 53 miles at a cost of about $1 billion from 2005 to 2011. SBINet was canceled in 2011 after numerous technological problems and criticism over its high cost. International Towers also is maintaining the existing SBINet towers, which remain operational. Last December, Customs and Border Protection said two systems of 15 fixed towers are still operational in the Tucson Sector. The company also is involved in two other key border-security programs. International Tower is upgrading and maintaining monopole towers as part of the Remote Video Surveillance System. And the local company is working with AT&T to install an upgraded Land Mobile Radio system for Border Patrol agents to use in southwest Arizona with no commercial cellphone service. When they dont have coverage that radio is the only connection they have to call for help, so we feel very good about supporting their mission, Gratzer said. This changes everything. After decades of economic malaise, Tucson has seemed to be perking up the last couple of years. Roads getting fixed, people getting jobs, vacant buildings getting filled, and other buildings going up. Now with the announcement of Raytheon Missile Systems massive expansion, its clear the era of malaise is over. Tucsons ascendance is on. For this, we can thank in part the groundwork laid by our local governments as well as the incentives offered by them and the state government. Theyve worked. But the apparent success of those incentives shouldnt blind our representatives to the likelihood of their overuse as seen in another incentive deal underway now for another Fortune 500 company, Monsanto. Raytheons decision is so significant because it is a vote of confidence by our biggest private employer, the one that gives the fattest paychecks and the best benefits in town. Remember all those rumors about Raytheon leaving that cropped up after the company moved some work to Alabama in 2010? Forget them. The opposite is happening. Its also significant because Raytheons decision is an endorsement of the approach local officials have been taking to economic development. Since their effort to lure Tesla here in 2014, theyve worked especially well together. For Raytheon, Pima County has moved roads, bought buffer property, established an aerospace corridor not without criticism and its working. In addition, Raytheons decision doesnt just give us the nearly 2,000 Raytheon jobs: Other employers are likely to join the mix in the aerospace corridor, creating a positive-feedback loop. Finally, Raytheon and other recent recruits are offering high-paying jobs. These arent the low-wage call-center positions weve all grown tired of landing. Fridays announcement suggests Tucson is finally turning the corner, said economist Dennis Hoffman, director of ASUs L. William Seidman Research Institute. Thats the kind of momentum that weve been waiting to see in Arizona for a long time, he said. (The institute, by the way, does contract work for Raytheon Missile Systems.) The recruitment of Raytheons expansion and of other companies like Caterpillar and Vector Space Systems make a case for government activism, including tax incentives, in the name of economic development. Since we lost the jobs to Huntsville in 2010, Pima County taxpayers have put about $33 million toward making Raytheon more comfortable at its plant near Tucson International Airport. Among the key items: Buying 382 acres of buffer land for $5.9 million, building the relocated Aerospace and Raytheon Parkway for $12.7 million, and moving electrical lines away from Raytheon for $3.9 million. But thats not all it took. While Raytheon signaled it wanted that public spending, the company also wrung additional incentives out of taxpayers for this expansion. Among those: Pima County is endorsing the plants designation as a foreign trade zone for 10 years. That reduces the companys property tax rate from 18 percent to 5 percent. So, were getting a huge benefit from Raytheons expansion here, one that weve helped pay for with $33 million in infrastructure improvements, and were also cutting their taxes. The upshot for county taxpayers will be that Raytheon ends up paying a higher share of the countys tax burden, and we get thousands of high-paying jobs, but the companys tax burden is not as high it would be if they were paying the usual tax rate. As Jim Manley of the Goldwater Institute put it to me: Where is the end of this? You cant build a sustainable economy based on individual corporate subsidies, because you eventually run out of the taxpayers money. Manley has become involved with Pima Countys incentives programs since suing the county over the deal with World View Enterprises, a near-space balloon company for which the county is building a $15 million headquarters to be paid back over 20 years. In that deal and others, hes pointed out that it is questionable whether the incentives were even necessary. World View, for example, was under contractual obligation with the Arizona Commerce Authority to stay in the state, though it could have paid its way out of that contract for a few hundred thousand dollars. And it received much more valuable offers from other states but decided to stay here, suggesting maybe the companys owners didnt really want to leave. Raytheon was always going to drive a hard bargain. And its local significance made it a hard company to bargain against. One little threat, and we naturally flinch. But you wonder how little they really would have accepted after we built the buffer and new road for them. Was the tax break necessary? Elected officials are not in a position to drive a hard bargain. Especially in an area like Tucson, they need wins that they can point to as evidence theyre helping the economy. If it takes incentives, theyll do it unless the voters turn against these special deals. That could be happening in the case of Monsanto. The company, crucially, bought its property for $3.74 million on Oct. 12 before being assured of a foreign trade zone designation. Pima County will consider endorsing that designation on Tuesday. Theyve already purchased this land, Supervisor Richard Elias told me. This is not an incentive for them to come to Pima County at all. This is just a tax break. The company will hire only around 50 people, but its project will significantly increase the tax base over the unimproved farm land it previously was. Thats how County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry justifies doling out incentives. That company is investing $100 million in seven acres and becoming the single largest taxpayer in the Marana school district, Huckelberry noted. But even then, government meddling is reducing the potential benefit to the Marana districts taxpayers. As my colleague Murphy Woodhouse discovered, the district accepted a one-time $500,000 payment and a lower tax rate for Monsanto instead of requiring the company to simply pay the full tax rate that the district could have charged. That saved the company $3.4 million over 10 years money that other Marana Unified taxpayers will instead be paying. So, the great news is that incentives have helped the Tucson areas economy turn around decisively. But the bad news is were still throwing incentives at seemingly whatever compelling company shows up, even if they dont seem to require them. In a sense, the incentives that have made our city a growing business hub should also be making themselves obsolete. A place this attractive and dynamic is in a position to drive a harder bargain. A typical zoning hearing for a 7-acre subdivision doesnt draw more than a handful of protesters mainly people who live close by. But on Tuesday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors expects to hear hours of objections to a 7-acre greenhouse that global biotech giant Monsanto Co. wants to put in rural Avra Valley, northwest of Tucson. Critics are upset not just about Monsantos plans to operate here, but also about County Administrator Chuck Huckelberrys support of incentives that would reduce the companys property taxes by two-thirds. The company promises $95 million to $105 million in investments, 40 to 60 jobs paying an average of $44,000 a year and an emphasis on sustainability. It says the automated operation will use far less water and land and a fraction of the herbicides normally sprayed for an operation of this scale. The greenhouse will turn out a new generation of corn seed varieties, both conventional and genetically modified, that will help farmers around the world have more productive and resilient crops, Monsanto says. Huckelberry, who wants the board to support Monsantos incentives, says that even after accounting for the tax breaks, the county will get far more tax revenue from the companys 155 acres in the Avra Valley than it receives today on the vacant parcel. Monsanto will become the largest taxpayer in the Marana Unified School District, Huckelberry wrote in a memo last month. It will have twice the taxable value of the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Resort. In the past month, the district and the Joint Technical and Educational Districts governing boards passed measures supporting Monsantos application. Last week, Pima Community Colleges Governing Board rejected one by a 3-2 vote. The project will have no negative environmental impacts, Huckelberry says. But critics who have organized rallies and circulated petitions against the deal say Monsantos presence would seriously damage Tucsons burgeoning reputation as an international City of Gastronomy. UNESCO bestowed the title last December. We were just designated based on our long agricultural heritage. What that stands for is diversity. What Monsanto stands for is homogenization, said Megan Kimble, managing editor of Edible Baja Arizona magazine, which spearheaded the push for the City of Gastronomy recognition and which recently editorialized against tax incentives for Monsanto. Opponents say its not fair for one of the worlds largest biotech firms which will get much bigger if a proposed merger with Bayer AG is approved to get major tax subsidies that local farmers dont get. They dont trust Monsanto to run an environmentally friendly and sustainable greenhouse, based on what they see as the companys poor track record for transparency and honesty around the world. At issue Tuesday will be whether supervisors support Monsantos application to the U.S. Commerce Department to expand an existing foreign-trade zone in Pima County. If Commerce approves the application, Monsanto gets the tax break. University of Arizona scientist and local-food advocate Gary Nabhan objects to adding Monsanto and its GMO corn seeds to a foreign-trade zone that promotes trade with Mexico. He said Mexicos scientific leaders oppose GMOs and its courts have banned certain genetically modified crops. Putting Monsanto in this area is like putting a factory in a nature sanctuary, Nabhan said at a rally held Thursday to oppose the incentives. LESS WATER will be used, COmpany SAYS Monsantos greenhouse would be part of a company effort to find the best, most-productive corn seeds . It will contain a blend of genetically modified seeds and non-GMO seeds, said Kyle Smith, a leader in Monsantos breeding activities. It eventually will grow 400,000 to 500,000 corn plants annually, all indoors, the company says. Its the first time weve had a greenhouse with this level of sophistication, Smith said. The greenhouse essentially will be split into two. Two 3-acre sections will be glassed in, separated by 2 acres that will hold irrigation and fertilizer tanks, soil media, potted plants, shellers to remove kernels from corncobs and driers to prepare seed for shipment. The 155-acre site will also have an office building, a 2 million gallon water tank for fire suppression and a composting facility. For now, at least, no outdoor corn-seed planting is planned, Monsanto says. Monsanto has drawn complaints and lawsuits elsewhere that say its genetically modified seeds have blown from open fields onto other farms and contaminated those farmers seeds. Critics worry that could happen here, even with a greenhouse. It is a sealed greenhouse, Smith countered. Ventilation will flow through the roof and floor, with roof vents covered by mesh tight enough to keep insects out or corn pollen from escaping, he said. A similarly scaled corn seed operation in a field would use 250 acre-feet of water, Monsanto says, enough to serve at least 500 typical Tucson homes for a year. This project will use one-fifth that much from a well on the property, said Smith. While that amounts to about 7 acre-feet per acre far more than is typically used to grow corn or virtually any other crop in Arizona that comparison isnt valid for the greenhouse, Monsanto spokeswoman Christi Dixon said. The greenhouse will grow corn plants twice as closely packed as they would be in an open field, she said. Because of Southern Arizonas year-round growing season, the greenhouse can grow three generations of corn crops yearly three times the norm. Taking all that into account, the greenhouses water use should amount to 1.19 acre-feet per acre, she said. Monsanto will also install a system to recycle water the plants dont take in, Dixon said. Monsanto bought its land in October, prior to board approval but after discussing plans with county officials since March. We felt this had a good chance of being approved, Smith said. GMOS, CHEMICALS WORRY SOME SMALL FARMERS Monsanto has no place in the nations first City of Gastronomy, said Debbie Weingarten, a board member for a local-food-advocacy group. She points to its use of GMOs and herbicides and a potential for corporate homogenization of agriculture to put small, organic farms out of business. Our UNESCO application directly pointed toward the rich history and culture of food production here, which goes back 4,000 years and is based around traditional crops and dryland farming by the Tohono OOdham and their ancestors, Weingarten said. Weingarten serves on the board of the Pima County Food Alliance, a nonprofit that advocates for a secure food system that is environmentally sound. She also sits on the city of Tucsons Commission on Food Security, Heritage and Economy, is a co-founder and board member of the local Farmer Education and Resource Network and is a former co-owner of Sleeping Frog Farms in the rural village of Cascabel. In the past 20 years, this region has seen an upswing in local growers and food advocates who are promoting a food system that values the connection between people producing food and people who consume food, she said. Like Sleeping Frog Farms, many local farms are certified as naturally grown, or organic, and are committed to growing food without using chemicals. Concern for water supply and pollinator population doesnt seem to be a concern that industrial agriculture or specifically Monsanto shares, she said. My concern with a corporation coming that doesnt have ties to this area would be that they have no long-term consideration. They dont have to live here or drink the water. Maneesh Shah, a founder and co-executive director of Heirloom Farmers Markets Inc., watches Heirlooms Rillito Market draw around 2,500 people on a typical Sunday. The market pays Pima County about $20,800 a year to lease space outside the Rillito Racetrack for food stalls, including at least 10 run by local and regional produce growers. Shah says he has no problem with Pima County giving tax incentives to some big companies such as Caterpillar, which he says fits in with the regions historic mining industry. But hes not convinced that Monsantos corporate agriculture blends in as well. Were less industrial. We care about our environment. Im not sure Monsanto fits that, he said. He wants county supervisors to let the public decide whether to support its property tax incentives.Clay Smith, a co-owner of Sleeping Frog Farms, says he wants the county to treat his business as well as its treating Monsanto. They bring in $100 million in investments, but look at what local farmers markets generate, he said. We grow food for taste, nutritional value, for freshness, not mass production or for shipping. We sell 100 percent of our food within 100 miles, at farmers markets and through direct marketing to three dozen restaurants, co-ops and Community-Supported Agriculture customers. Larry Parks, owner of Larrys Veggies at Rillito Market, neither supports nor opposes giving Monsanto incentives, but he said small growers should get used to it. Organic farmers arent going to get support from the government, said Parks, who grows a wide range of vegetables without pesticides. Monsanto is going to invest $100 million. If I had $100 million, I wouldnt be doing this. So they deserve a little tax break. Thats a lot of money coming into this county. ECONOMIC IMPACT Despite the controversy around Monsantos use of genetically modified organisms, Pima County has not identified any negative air quality, water quality, water supply, transportation capacity or natural resource impacts from the facility, Huckelberry said in his memo to supervisors last week. Furthermore, the county cannot regulate an agriculture operation based on state law. Assuming the company invests $95 million, its estimated county primary and secondary property tax bill for the first year would be nearly $190,000, according to county calculations obtained by the Star through public-records requests. Without the foreign-trade-zone designation, that bill would be more than $500,000. The previous owners paid just shy of $2,000 in 2015 property taxes on the undeveloped agricultural land. The economic impact of the project is estimated at around $280 million between 2016 and 2025, according to an analysis conducted by Sun Corridor Inc., a privately and publicly funded economic-development firm. To address environmental concerns, Huckelberry proposed creating two commissions to look for potential adverse impacts and separate fact from fiction about the company. One commission would focus on agricultural science, the other on social and policy concerns. Monsanto would pay up to $50,000 annually for any research or technical analysis deemed necessary by the science commission. Benefits questioned Sylvia Lee, a member of the Pima College Governing Board, voted against a motion supporting Monsantos foreign-trade-zone designation to align her vote with her values, which have a lot to do with the public good and public health. Im concerned that genetically engineered foods havent produced the benefits that were touted years ago, Lee said One reason she voted against the designation was a recent New York Times article. Evidence doesnt show that the production of genetically modified foods has increased crop yields or reduced herbicide use, the story said. It cited United Nations data in comparing results from Europe, which 20 years ago largely rejected the growing of genetically modified foods at the same time the United States and Canada were approving it. Comparing results on the two continents, using independent data as well as academic and industry research, shows how the technology has fallen short of the promise, reported the Times. In response, Monsanto accused the newspaper of cherry-picking data and of overlooking the perspectives of farmers worldwide who choose to use GMOs. The company said making comparisons across broad areas is difficult because of differing crop maturity rates and overall traits of the regions agriculture. It said USDA statistics show that soybean and corn yields in the U.S. have actually risen around 28 to 30 percent in the GMO era since 1996. View from Maranas cotton fields Some conventional cotton farmers in the Marana area say they have no problem with Monsantos greenhouse plans and appreciate what its technology has done for their operations. But theyre split on whether the company should get local tax incentives. Pima County, with its mining cutbacks and other jobs setbacks, shouldnt even be debating the incentives, but should have its arms wide open for 50 good-paying jobs, said Marana cotton farmer Arnold Burruel. Another longtime Marana farmer, Tom Clark, said hes not convinced that a company Monsantos size needs tax incentives. The county is not in that good of a financial position. I just think they ought to be putting their money into fixing the potholes and fixing the roads, Clark said. But Clark said hes not concerned about seed contamination from Monsanto because he believes the greenhouse will be effectively sealed. He and everybody I know of in Marana uses GMO seeds to grow cotton, he said. He uses seeds that are resistant to pink bollworm at one time a serious threat to cotton crops and said that, due to the GMO cotton, he sprayed his fields once last year, rather than seven to eight times like he used to. Maranas continued encroachment onto farmland concerns him far more than a 7-acre greenhouse, Clark said. Like another farmer told him, The last crop a farmer wants on his ground is houses. In Democrat-dominated Pima County, the number of votes for Hillary Clinton in this years presidential election hides a lesser known truth that Republican Donald Trump received fewer votes here than Mitt Romney did four years ago. Clinton never set foot in Pima County during the just concluded 2016 presidential campaign, but Tucson proved to be a stronghold for the former secretary of state. She received about 13,000 more votes than Barack Obama did four years ago. At the same time, Trump lost roughly the same number of votes here about 13,000 when compared to Romney four years ago. In Pima County, Clinton received 214,666 votes compared to Trumps 161,090. The map of which areas went for Clinton showed her winning in Tucsons metro core with Trump getting just 1 of every 5 votes cast in some midtown precincts. Trumps strength was primarily in the outlying areas. Trump kept the rest of the state Republican, with supporters helping him gain more than 7,000 additional votes statewide than Romney received in 2012. One explanation of the statewide results is simply numbers: Arizona has grown in the last four years, with 352,503 more registered voters now than four years ago. Bill Beard, the Pima County Republican chairman, offers a slightly different observation. While some voters were turned off by the Republican candidate, he appealed to others who had grown weary of the established party insiders. Given the choice of a true outsider, Beard believes voters were willing to vote for Trump. He describes a new crop of voters this election brought out, saying they were a dedicated part of the presidential campaign, from attending political rallies to volunteering to go door-to-door. While both candidates were unpopular, Beard said, Democrats statewide stayed home while Republicans voted. There was less enthusiasm on the left than there was on the right, Beard said. There was a surge in Independents and Republicans who havent voted in a long time. Pima County Democratic Party Chairwoman Jo Holt said Democrats also pushed hard in Southern Arizona to get out the vote, but conceded it was difficult to get the message out to rural parts of the state. It was always a challenge to get out the vote, she noted. The Democratic Party also courted Hispanic voters, noting the party for the first time in recent memory had a dedicated staffed office on the south side of Tucson. She noted that Dolores Huerta, famed labor leader and civil rights activist, came to Tucson to invite the Hispanic community to vote for Democrats. Despite the loss, Holt said local Democrats would get back to work in the new year reaching out to voters. The Marana Unified School District board has unanimously approved a property tax arrangement with agribusiness giant Monsanto that will save the company roughly $3.4 million in taxes over 10 years. The deal, approved in late October, will also give the average district homeowner a small reduction in property taxes, but less of a reduction than could have been the case if another plan was approved. The vote centered on how to handle property tax impacts if the company is granted a so-called foreign-trade-zone designation, which drops tax burdens significantly. The Pima County Board of Supervisors is to consider a proposal Tuesday, but that will impact only the three taxes it controls. Other districts, including MUSD, have to come up with their own arrangements. On Oct. 27, three such proposals from Monsanto were presented to the school board by Superintendent Doug Wilson, according to meeting minutes reviewed by the Star. The first, which the board eventually approved, provided for a one-time $500,000 payment from Monsanto to the Marana Schools 2340 Foundation and annual tax payments of $188,000, according to the minutes. The second was similar, but involved a $250,000 payment to the foundation and 40 scholarships worth $400,000 over the 10 years tr trade-zone status would be in place. The final proposal, which figures in the minutes show would have cost Monsanto the most but provided nothing to the foundation, was annual property tax payments of $580,000. As noted by Wilson, even if Monsanto were to pay the full taxes, the district would receive the same amount in overall property taxes districtwide as in the other scenarios, though taxpayers would pay $10 less a year in district property taxes with that option, according to the minutes. No matter what, it was a little bit of a reduction in the tax burden, he said Friday. In terms of benefits to the district, however, Wilson argued that options one and two would be more significant for students and staff, according to the minutes. The donation that we would receive from Monsanto for that one time, our board really felt it gave us more flexibility to have greater impact now than the other options that we had, he said. Board member Tom Carlson, agreed, saying the first option was the best deal. The image of the district and how we are stewards of the taxpayers money is at the forefront of any decision, he said later. And equal to that is benefit to the district and to the students and to the families. The foundation provides a number of benefits to students and staff, including scholarships, tutoring and professional development, according to Brenda Drury, its secretary. Drury said the $500,000 represented a big donation to the foundation. Total contributions to the foundation were just shy of $300,000 in fiscal year 2015, during which it spent nearly $200,000, according to filings available online and summaries from Guidestar. The boards decision also came with substantial benefits to Monsanto, according to a Star analysis of the three proposals, the results of which were confirmed by Wilson. The first two scenarios would have cost the company $2.4 million and $2.5 million respectively in property taxes and other payments, but the third would have cost the company $5.8 million, or roughly $3.4 million more than the first proposal. Carlson said the discussion preceding the boards decision was not about trying to lure Monsanto. It was not a discussion about how this would benefit Monsanto or anything like that. Wilson said Monsanto officials did not express a preference among the options or otherwise try to influence the vote, adding: When they came to the board, it really was up to the board. County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said his office encourages those applying for trade-zone status, in this case Monsanto, to hold the districts harmless, or pay the higher rate, though the county is not able to compel applicants to do so. He said he would not second-guess the MUSD boards decision, adding that the upfront money for scholarships and other benefits have been more important to them. In the handful of other comparable cases, Huckelberry said that affected boards have opted for the full amount of property tax. Asked if Monsanto may have offered a large lump sum to the board in an effort to secure lower costs overall, Huckelberry declined to speak for Monsanto, but did say that such deals are a negotiation. Theyre going to probably look for the lowest contribution, versus the other side looking for a higher contribution, he said. Monsanto did not respond to requests for comment on Friday. Genres : Anime, Comedy, Fantasy Plot Synopsis Tanukichi Okuma is the son of an imprisoned ero-terrorist. Rather than following in his father's footsteps, he plans to stay on the track of morality and wholesomeness. Just like his dream girl, Anna Nishikinomiya, he attends Japan's most moral school. But after an encounter with Blue Snow, his virtuous plans are ****** and he finds himself entangled with SOX. Will the pursuit of smut tarnish what hope he has with the pure Anna, or will he *** around, stimulated by the panty wearing deviant and her filthy mouth? That smoke you saw rising from Mount Bigelow in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson Monday should be a more regular sight, say fire historians and forest ecologists. Two recent studies place different emphasis on the primary causes of fire in the mountains of the West, but the researchers who wrote them agree that restoring forests to a healthy state requires more attention to thinning them out and burning when circumstances permit. One study, published last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), says fuel aridity the drying of trees by drought and increased temperatures is the major cause of contemporary fires. The other says human manipulation of the landscape was the key factor in historical fires. That latter study, published this week in PNAS, found that major sociological changes influenced management of the forests in the Sierra Nevada range in California. That manipulation of the landscape was more important than drought and fuel buildup for more than 400 years when it came to fire susceptibility, the researchers found. Fire activity was low in the earliest period, from 1600 to 1775, said Valerie Trouet, an associate professor in the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and a lead co-author of the study. The indigenous inhabitants of the Sierra Nevada set fires to drive out animals for hunting and to improve production of food products such as acorns, she said. These were small-scale burns, which disrupted the continuity of fuels, such as grasses. That changed after 1775, when missionaries and colonists came to California, introducing diseases that drastically reduced the native population and policies against burning. Fire activity doubled. During a third period, starting in 1866, the fire-scar record in trees showed a decrease in fire. Researchers attributed the reduction to an influx of people after the Gold Rush. Population boomed and forests were logged, while grazing cattle and sheep reduced the load of grasses and other fine fuels. An even bigger reduction came in the early 1900s, when forest managers introduced a policy of snuffing out fires before they could spread. You get the Smokey Bear effect, Trouet said. She said her research began when she was a post-doctoral researcher with co-author Alan H. Taylor of Penn States Earth and Environmental Systems Institute. They set out to find a climatic reason for fires in the Sierra Nevada. But when the researchers combined a 300-year record of fire scars with historical documentation of acres burned since 1908, they found that the changes in land management trumped climate. That has now changed. By the fourth period, starting in 1987, snuffing out fires became more difficult. That forest fuel buildup, coupled with drought and rising temperatures, made it impossible to contain fires that raged across the landscape. Stronger fireclimate relationships have developed since the mid-1980s, and our analysis, and other studies, show that fire activity, particularly at high severity, has increased as a result of warming and earlier spring snowmelt, the study says. Currently climate is the major driver of this recent increase in burned area, said A. Park Williams, of Columbia Universitys LamontDoherty Earth Observatory. Williams was a coauthor of the fuel aridity study published in October that found a changing (hotter, drier) climate responsible for three-quarters of the Wests fires since 1979. Williams said the record shows that when there is fuel on the landscape and you dry it out, then fire is inevitable. Burning when the fuels are not so dry is a good way to reduce the threat, he said. He said he hopes the evidence being uncovered by scientists will lead to public support for better forest management. When there is drought, and as we warm, big fire years will become more common, he said. Given that inevitability, we hope the public understands that we cant continue this policy that we just hope every year that fire doesnt occur at the wrong time in the wrong place. Scott Stephens, an environmental scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, and a co-author of the Sierra Nevada study, said climate may be the driving force in fires right now but over time the predominant factor is really the social system and ability to change fire regimes quite drastically and abruptly. It gives you hope, he said. To me it means there is a possibility of changing trajectories with forest conservation and sustainability efforts. When forests burn frequently, there is a chance to reduce that trajectory, he said. The 200 acres burned on Mount Bigelow is a small step, but land managers across the West are planning bigger ones. The Four Forest Restoration Initiative in Northern Arizona will use thinning and prescribed burning to treat 50,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest in the Kaibab, Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto national forests each year for 20 years. So far this year, Arizonas national forests have burned 88,013 acres in prescribed fires. A wetter than normal spring made it possible for some naturally caused fires to be managed for resource improvement, said Heidi Schewel, spokeswoman for the Coronado National Forest. Help India! By TwoCircles.net correspondent In a major embarrassment to Gujarat Chief Minster Mr. Narendra Modi and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), the US State Department has virtually declared Mr. Modi a persona non grata to the United States. A letter issued earlier this month shows that the US will deny visa if Mr. Modi ever applies. Support TwoCircles In a letter written to Congresswoman Betty McCollum, a Democrat from Minnesota, the US State Department said that they are aware of the human rights abuses that Mr. Modi has committed. The letter written by an Acting Assistant Secretary at the State Department refers to two reports that were published by them that document the Gujarat genocide and Mr. Modis involvement. The letter confirms that Mr. Modi has not applied for a visa application and the State Department assured the Congresswoman who has written a letter urging the department not to issue a visa to Modi, that Mr. Modis application, if received will be rejected. The letter states that Mr. Modis application will be adjudicated in strict accordance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, including Section 212(a)(2)(G) which states that any alien who, while serving as a foreign government official, was responsible for or directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom, as defined in section 3 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C 6402) is inadmissible. Commenting on the letter, Dr. Hyder Khan of the Coalition Against Genocide (CAG), that lead the campaign for Modis visa denial said the current response from the State Department has virtually made Narendra Modi a persona non grata to the US. A grassroots campaign by CAG generated more than 12,000 letters sent to the US lawmakers. A total of 32 US Lawmakers have so far written letters to the State Department expressing concern over human rights abuses in Gujarat and urging the denial of US visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his impending visit to New Jersey to attend an overseas Gujarati function. With impending Lok Sabha elections, this letter from the State Department puts in jeopardy Mr. Modis hope of having a prominent role in the national politics. Link: http://coalitionagainstgenocide.org http://www.narendramodi.in/ Help India! By Amit Kumar, Twocircles.net On November 16, Jameel Ahmed was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad from Sikar on charges of helping the Islamic State raise funds for their terror activities. His family spoke with Twocircles.net and narrated their version Support TwoCircles Two months ago, Zubair Tinara, a 46-year-old resident of Fatehpur Ward number 5, noticed something curious. Two men had enquired about the location of Jameel Ahmed, his wifes brother, at a local shop. They claimed to be his school friends. That was not the curious part; but the same people asked the same question to a different shopkeeper later in the day, claiming to be from a local police station. Worried, Zubair went to the local police station to check if there was an issue. Nothing like that. No complaints against Jameel, he was informed. Zubair nevertheless thought it was best to check with Jameel, who had been living in Dubai for the past twelve years. Are you sure Jameel? Is everything okay? Is there any issue, please tell me, asked Zubair. There is nothing to worry; I have done no crime. In fact, I am coming to India in November. Why should I worry? I am an Indiancant an Indian come to his own country? said Jameel over the phone to Zubair. He sounded confident, and relaxed; slightly irritated at why these questions were being fired at him. He had been coming back home every year to meet his extended family and his wife and children. Why should there be a cause of worry now? He had brushed aside all my concerns, to a point where even I thought I was making a big deal out of it. Of course, he would come home like every year. I forgot about the matter that time, reflects Zubair over a telephonic conversation with Twocircles.net. I wish I knew what was to follow, Zubair adds. On November 2, Jameel Ahmed arrived in Mumbai from Dubai, picked up his wife and their two teenage children from Dahanu, Maharashtra where they live, and left for Jaipur on the night of November 3. The first 12 days were uneventful. All this changed on November 15, when Jameel was standing in a queue at the railway station. Two men in civil uniform came towards Jameel and told him that there was an issue with one of his childs passport. Surprised, Jameel accompanied them to the local police station. He informed Zubair to come to the police station with the passports. When Zubair and another friend arrived, they were told that Jameel was to be interrogated. For the passport, of course. The two-month old memory came back all of a sudden, Zubair says. Zubair was then told that Jameel had asked his wife for some documents and that he should go get them. So, Zubair went, and by the time he had returned, he was told that Jameel had been taken to Sikar, which is about 50 kms from Fatehpur. The documents that he had brought included a copy of Jameels wifes PAN card, her Aadhar card and Jameels election card. Again, he was told that the issue was related to passports. By night, Jameel had not returned from Sikar. Zubair was now extremely restless, and called up the local police station but got no response. He then called up the Ward Councillor of the area, who promised to look into the matter the following morning. On November 16, half a day had passed but Jameel had not returned. When they reached Sikar to inquire more, Zubair and the Ward councillor were told that he had been taken to Jaipur. That is when the police dropped the bomb: Jameel had been arrested, as it turns out, by the Anti-Terrorist Squad. For the past two years, the ATS claimed, Jameel had been in touch with the ISIS and had raised funds to finance their terror activities from India, Bangladesh, UAE and other nations. The ATS had received information that Jameel would be in India. What I do not understand is, why would a person from ISIS come to India when he has been already been warned that the police asked for him? Wouldnt be prefer to remain away instead of walking into this trap? asks Zubair. Of course, the local media lapped up every word of the press release issued by the police: by the night of 16 November, the local channels carried the big news, and no one bothered to check with the family. We have seen such cases in the past with other Muslim men and are perfectly aware of all that can go wrong, said Zubair in a quivering voice. He has property in Dahanu worth Rs 50 lakh. He had taken a loan for the same and was earning well in Dubai. But now, we have no idea what will happen to all that. No one knows how long this might continue. His children and wife are here with us; they are all scared. His wife keeps crying. A great tragedy has befallen us, says Zubair. Zubair said the news has also caught all their neighbours by surprise. He used to come home for a few weeks every year, and maintained cordial relationship with everyone. The people around us are supporting us, but such is the situation that no one wants to get dragged in it, he says. On November 19, he was finally able to meet Jameel in Jaipur, where he has been detained by the ATS. After two days, all I got was 40 minutes with him. He was in shock, and spoke little except claiming to be innocent. He said he would never imagine doing something like this against his country, said Zubair. Jameel will be presented in front of a sessions court on November 24, and as of now all of Zubairs efforts are towards arranging for a lawyer. We are meeting with a lawyer on November 22 to discuss the case. Lets see what happens, he says. For now, waiting is the only option available to Zubair and the family of Jameel. The question is, how long? Help India! By A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net, In an emotional stunt, Prime Minister Modi on November 10 said in Goa that he left his house, family and everything for nation, in an attempt to answer people who were doubting his intention behind the sudden demonetisation. Support TwoCircles He wanted to make a point that he is a proper statesman and for the first time made an emotional appeal to the public. Going far in his eloquent address, he tried to make people believe that he sacrificed for the betterment of nation. No doubt, Modi is a determined and committed individual who has achieved the present feat due to his dedication. But how far it is true that he sacrificed everything for the sake of country is a question, answer to which can be only found after analysing the time and circumstances when Modi actually left his family, and everything else which he now claims to have left behind. Being a full-time RSS pracharak, Modi did not live with his wife Jashodaben after marriage in 1968 . The couple lived together for three months, after which Modi left home to travel across India, journeying as a sanyasi, as he described it to his family. After a period of three years, Modi stopped visiting his wife and family, as he got involved in his work as a RSS pracharak. So, if this was the reason that he left everything nearly five decades before, then where does the sacrifice for nation arise? If this sacrifice would have been for the sake of nation then either he would have joined army or would have started any revolutionary act. He became sanyasi and was following RSS agenda or propagation of its ideology, which is not by any stretch of imagination a service to the nation but to the RSS. Therefore when our Prime Minister says he sacrificed everything for the country, then either he is lying or he is making citizens believe that service to RSS is equivalent to serving the country. To serve the country, there is no need to leave the family. Otherwise, there will remain no true statesmen in India. What about those who are working for the betterment of nation and also take care of their family responsibilities? For me, army men are true statesmen who guard borders, even as they take care of their family, communicate with them on phone and visit them too. The concert movie has always been a curious genre to me. It's not really a documentary, even though many have been framed as such in order to provide some sort of story for the audience to experience. Concert movies aren't fictional either, even though a plot was shoehorned into 'ABBA: The Movie' just to link all of the different concert footage. If anything, concert films are like a prolonged collection of car chases, each song is fun and catchy and the performances are usually pretty amazing, but as far as cinematic experiences go they're usually not much to look at. That said when you have two classic concert films like 'T.A.M.I. Show' and 'The Big T.N.T. Show' what you get is a showcase of impressive talent by top artists when they were in their prime - and it proves to be incredible material. T.A.M.I. Show In 1964, a foursome band from Britain known as the Beatles dropped by a little American TV show hosted by Ed Sullivan - and the music industry changed virtually overnight. It became imperative to have an audience of screaming teens within a stone's throw of the musicians in order to sell records. What better way to do that with a feature length film telling al of the kids about the big rock 'n' roll movers and shakers that had records out there right at that moment. Hosted by Jan and Dean, 'T.A.M.I. Show' features legendary performances from Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye, The Beach Boys, The Barbarians, Lesley Gore, and two incredible appearances by The Rolling Stones and "Mr. Please Please Please" himself, James Brown. 5/5 The Big T.N.T. Show As they say, one good turn deserves another. In the two years after 'T.A.M.I. Show,' a number of hot rock 'n' roll and soul stars rose to the heights of fame, only to fade away into the distance. In the music industry, two years is a lifetime. So what better way to introduce some new talent and reintroduce some great acts than another feature length concert film? Under the eye of producer Phil Spector, the Wall of Sound comes to life with musicians like Joan Baez, The Byrds, Petula Clark, The Ronettes, Ike and Tina, and Ray Charles. 4/5 As I said before, I've always found it a bit difficult to categorize concert films like this. Really, you're there to listen to the music making it more of an auditory experience rather than a visual one. If the act in question happens to put on a good show, all the better, but it never feels like a requirement. The tunes are what you're there for. At the same time, I can't deny how cool it is to see the people I grew up listening to as a kid in the 80s on screen. My dad was one of the first people I knew of to jump onto the CD craze in the early 80s. Because most of the stores in our area didn't have much of a selection for the format, he turned to mail-order subscription services. One of the best ones he signed up for was an annual collection of various chart-topping hits of every year from the early 1960s all the way to the mid-1970s. The music featured throughout 'T.A.M.I. Show' and 'The Big T.N.T. Show' is the music that I grew up listening to - and it's great stuff! I personally discovered 'T.A.M.I. Show' while working at a movie and music retail chain store commonly found in shopping malls. That job had few perks but when I was the opening manager I got to chose the music or what movie would go on our displays. On a whim, I popped in the DVD of 'T.A.M.I. Show,' and was glad I did. When Chuck Berry came out slinging 'Johnny B Goode' I stopped what I was doing and just watched. Throughout my run at that particular store, whenever I would be having a bad day I would pop that DVD on and would instantly turn things around. The music drew in customers and we tended to have better sales days whenever it was on. Could be a coincidence, but I like to think it was because hearing The Beach Boys just made folks feel better and more welcome at the shop. All warm and fuzzy nostalgia aside, as concert films, they're a little here or there. While the tunes are certainly amazing, the films themselves are a bit restricted by the presentation. On one hand, you have 'T.A.M.I. Show' which looks and feels like a really long Ed Sullivan showcase. It's great, but a lot of the acts look a bit rushed through as they only get to perform sixty to ninety seconds of their signature songs while other acts get to dominate the stage. But that really is a small complaint because you get two incredibly arresting performances from James Brown and The Rolling Stones to close out the show. If the other acts were actually edited around for time constraints, it was because these two were so incredible that the filmmakers had to leave their performances intact. On the other end of the spectrum, you have 'The Big T.N.T. Show,' a concert show that I don't think of as being particularly successful. It tries to be more cinematic, it's shot in an open air venue, the audience looks to be more a part of the show and closer to the performers - but you can also feel the edits. While a performer like Ray Charles could be on screen or Ike and Tina and that would naturally be something to get excited and cheer for, the audience reaction doesn't feel organic to the moment, like they borrowed footage from another show and edited it in here. It's also a clunkier movie experience as there isn't an MC like Jan and Dean to guide the audience to which act is going to appear next. But who am I to complain? Honestly, when you've got Ray Charles, Petula Clark, and Bo Diddley among a dozen other incredible artists performing, 'The Big T.N.T. Show' is certainly a rare event, and one worth watching. The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats 'T.A.M.I. Show / The Big T.N.T. Show' arrive on Blu-ray as a two-disc set courtesy of Shout! Factory and their Shout Select imprint with a spine number 9. Both 'T.A.M.I. Show' and 'The Big T.N.T. Show' are given their own Region A BD50 disc. Both discs are housed in a sturdy two-disc Blu-ray case. Included is a booklet containing photos from the event, stills, and a collection of essays. Each disc opens to their respective animated main menus featuring standard navigation options. Sabrina de Sousa, a 60 years old former Milan U.S. consular official who has been fighting extradition in Portugal for years has exhausted her appeal rights and is set to be extradited to italy.She was convicted in 2009 by an Italian court for her role in the abduction of an Egyptian who held an Italian asylum passport. Diplomatic Immunity According to the New York Times, Sabrina, who is Portuguese-American, worked for the CIA under the management of Robert Seldon Lady in Milan. She has claimed to be innocent and alleges she was on a ski trip when the abduction took place and sued the United States State Department claiming the right for diplomatic immunity. She also wrote a letter to the Pope asking for support on pressuring governments to eliminate the rendition programme. UN denounced the program Abu Omar torture and abduction case by CIA agents in Europe has caused much polemic in one of the most documented cases of abduction by American officials. The program called "extraordinary rendition" is most notoriously carried out by the United States in efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, the program comprises on abducting suspects and taking them to another nation in order to be interrogated via torture. The UN has long considered this program a crime against humanity. The abduction resulted in 4 years imprisonment Abu Omar who was an imam in Milan, Italy was abducted on February 2003 by CIA agents in Italy and driven to a US-Italian military base 4 hours away, and subsequently transferred to an Egyptian prison where he alleges to have suffered various forms of torture including electrical shock to the genitals and rape. He lost hearing while imprisoned and was found to be innocent, and eventually released in February 2007. Prosecution of CIA agents The case resulted in the persecution of several agents involved in the operation, including 9 Italian citizens, 22 were convicted. Former Milan CIA station chief Robert Seldon Lady received eight years in prison, but still currently hiding in the United States. The American government is yet to comment on the case. Anthony Garotinho, who is a former governor of Rio de Janeiro state, was transferred from a hospital to the Jose Frederico Marques Prison, known as Bangu in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His previous requests to be transferred to a private hospital were denied, and he was treated at a public hospital, instead, before being sent to the notorious state prison. Family members attempted to prevent his arrest The daughter of the former governor, who is also a politician, can be seen in a video crying and screaming "my father is not a criminal". She requested to accompany him in the ambulance but federal agents refused. Brazilian TV stations caught the dramatic scenes, showing distraught family members and health workers arguing while he was escorted by the Federal Police to an ambulance. They begged and pleaded, trying to prevent his arrest, to no avail. Anthony Garotinho's political decline Anthony Garotinho's troubles began in 2010 when he was considered ineligible to run for public office due to allegations of abuse of economic power and misuse of communication and social media in the 2008 elections. According to Judge Glaucenir Silva de Oliveira, Garotinho ruled with an "iron hand" a "true corruption electoral scheme" in Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. The 'car wash' operation He is suspected of receiving bribes for the concession of public works. The case is a coordinated action between two states in an operation known in Brazil as "Lava Jato" or "Car Wash". The operation implicated several high-level politicians including former president Lula Luis Inacio da Silva and his fellow party member and former president Dilma Roussef, resulting in her impeachment. Ms. Rousseff alleged that opponents were trying to initiate a coup against her and her party. She was impeached on May 2016. Petrobras officials involvement Investigations revealed that officials of Brazilian Petro company Petrobras were also involved, resulting in investor's loss of trust and damaging the company's image. Federal Police suspects this web of corruption involving high-level political figures has cost as much as 40 billion R$ to public budget. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Brazil is fighting its worst recession in a century. Genres : Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller Starring : Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson Director : Joss Whedon Plot Synopsis MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS: Marvel presents MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS, the Super Hero team-up of a lifetime. Iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor and Captain America assemble for the first time ever in this action-packed Marvel saga, starring Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself needing a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS is packed with action, adventure and spectacular special effects that'll knock your socks off. MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON: Marvel Studios presents the global phenomenon MARVEL'S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON. Good intentions wreak havoc when Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) unwittingly creates Ultron (James Spader), a terrifying A.I. monster who vows to annihilate humanity. Now, Iron Man, Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) -- alongside Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) -- must reassemble to defeat Ultron and save mankind... if they can! Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web Bowalley Road Rules The blogosphere tends to be a very noisy, and all-too-often a very abusive, place. I intend Bowalley Road to be a much quieter, and certainly a more respectful, place. So, if you wish your comments to survive the moderation process, you will have to follow the Bowalley Road Rules. These are based on two very simple principles: Courtesy and Respect. Comments which are defamatory, vituperative, snide or hurtful will be removed, and the commentators responsible permanently banned. Anonymous comments will not be published. Real names are preferred. If this is not possible, however, commentators are asked to use a consistent pseudonym. Comments which are thoughtful, witty, creative and stimulating will be most welcome, becoming a permanent part of the Bowalley Road discourse. However, I do add this warning. If the blog seems in danger of being over-run by the usual far-Right suspects, I reserve the right to simply disable the Comments function, and will keep it that way until the perpetrators find somewhere more appropriate to vent their collective spleen. News / Local by Stephen Dube A mining baron from Imbesu in Nkayi who operates a mining syndicate called Haviller Stream Syndicate is in trouble for illegal prospecting for gold.Sydney Ndlovu (43) was not asked to plead to the charge when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate.He was remanded to November 25.The court was told that on November 12 this year detectives from the Mineral and Border Control unit received a tip that there was illegal gold miner at Earth Heights Mine, Airport in Bulawayo prospecting for gold.They went to the mine and found Ndlovu with his workers busy prospecting for gold using a compressor, jack hammer, and a horse pipe.The gang told the police that they were employed by Ndlovu. When asked to produce the permit, he failed leading to his arrest. News / National by Staff reporter FOURTEEN lucky shoppers went away with a car each in the Choppies Zimbabwe national promotion draw which was attended by hundreds of people at Nkulumane Shopping Complex in Bulawayo yesterday.Other lucky winners also walked away with fridges, television sets, microwaves and stoves which were officially handed over by Mrs Laurinda Mphoko, wife to Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.Mrs Mphoko expressed her gratitude towards loyal customers and suppliers of Choppies supermarkets throughout the country."Thank you very much for the support and for preferring to buy your groceries at Choppies, this promotion comes as a token of appreciation to all our customers. Use the cars for family purposes and they are meant to bring happiness in your families not verbal and physical wars," she said.One of the cars was won by Ms Nyaradzo Mavisa (38) of Pumula South in Bulawayo. She said she could not believe it when she received a call from Choppies and she rushed to Nkulumane Shopping Complex to verify the win. Ms Mavisa expressed gratitude to Choppies for conducting the draw for loyal customers. She said they should continue with such draws as they encouraged and motivated many to buy at Choppies. Ms Mavisa suddenly became a celebrity as she enjoyed the association with many when she was handed over the car keys.Speaking on the sidelines of the draw Choppies director Mr Siqokoqela Mphoko said their supermarkets were targeting the lower members of communities as they offer competitive prices."We target the most average people in the communities we serve, this is why we have very affordable prices for our goods, even if you look at the winners of such draws they are not even near middle class, it is your airtime vendors and vegetable vendors, we want them to afford the basic things in life," he said.The draws, he said, were a way of giving back to the communities that support their businesses in the country. He thanked his mother, Mrs Laurinda Mphoko who was the guest of honour at the draw saying she made the occasion more dignified by her presence as his father could not make it to the event due to Government commitments. To date Choppies has 31 outlets in the country and are looking to open one in Sunningdale, Harare and another one in Zvishavane by mid 2017. Opinion / Columnist In a wide raging interview with Zimeye, Temba Mliswa told Tsvangirai to "go to hell"! The sprite arose after the MDC-T VP, Nelson Chamisa, told Mliswa his boss was unhappy that Mliswa met Zanu PF Minister Saviour Kasukuwere.To say the newly elected Norton MP, Temba Mliswa, should not meet Zanu PF ministers is downright stupid. It is rich that none other than Tsvangirai and Chamisa should be saying this nonsense when they are the ones who sold-out big time during the GNU.MDC leaders were tripping over each other singing praises of Mugabe. Tendai Biti talked of the tyrant as "unflappable father of the nation". Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga was so impressed by Mugabe, she was "speechless"! She must have been real impressed, coming from someone "Ane muromo asinga harwi nenhunzi!", as one would say in Shona. (With a motor-mouth, flapping nonstop that no housefly can ever land on it!)But by far the worst think MDC leaders did was to fail to implement even one democratic reform in the five years of the GNU! Mugabe paid them to kick the reforms into the tall grass. Tsvangirai got the $ 4 million Highlands mansion Tsvangirai to clinched the sell-out!Mliswa, not one to miss a trick, reminded Tsvangirai and the nation at large in the interview that the MDC-T leader still lives in the mansion today and has refused to vacate it!What the people of Zimbabwe must be concerned about with MP Temba Mliswa is that he is a political thug. It will be foolish to think that just because he is fighting his former Zanu PF colleagues that makes him one-of us, a democrat fighting for freedom and human rights. He is still a thug who firmly believes in thuggery as the only way to secure political power.It is no secret that since 1997 Mugabe has used rogue war veterans like Jabulani Sibanda and Chinos backed by the other state organs like Police, CIO, Judiciary, ZEC to terrorise and deny the people of Zimbabwe their freedoms and basic human rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections. No honourable war veteran would have agreed to do this because terrorising and denying povo their freedoms, etc. goes against the grain of what the liberation war was about!Until the day he was booted out of Zanu PF in 2014, Temba Mliswa, was one of the notorious Zanu PF bigwig thugs planning, organising and executing many of the party's thuggery activities. His passion and zeal in terrorising the nation was on par with other party bigwigs the likes of Saviour Kasukuwere and Didymus Mutasa, Mliswa's own uncle.As Zanu PF Political Commissar Kasukuwere was heavily criticised for the party losing the Norton by-election seat to Mliswa. When the two met recently, people expected them to be sizing each other like young bulls, each keen to assert its position on the packing order. People were surprised to see pictures of the two on the social media suggesting the two kissed and made up in the Mafia bosses style! In a way that is exactly what had happened; Mliswa won the last skirmish but the gangster warfare was not over and each will be marshalling his thugs for the next clash.The rogue war veteran thugs endorsed Temba's candidacy in the Norton by-elections and that is what costed Zanu PF the seat, boasted Mliswa. He is determined to woo the disgruntled rogue war veterans as he possibly can to join him going forward.Victor Matemadanda and his fellow rogue war veterans are the toast of the Zimbabwe political scene, everyone is queuing to impress and win them over! Both MDC-T and Zim PF have had Nelson Chamisa and Joice Mujuru respectively bending over backwards to encourage the rogue war veterans to breakaway from Zanu PF and join their camp. have Matemadanda at el join their camp!Mugabe has tried coercing the rebellious war veterans back under his wing whilst still pursuing his usual trick of buying them plenty of meat and beer and promise each unparalleled economic prosperity "tomorrow".My money is on Mugabe winning back the rogue war veterans; they have waited for Mugabe's "tomorrow" for 36 years already and many of them are old dogs now. You can play the same dirty trick on an old dog over and over again, he will never learn!Temba Mliswa is a Zanu PF thug and he firmly believes in the Zanu PF way of recruiting thugs who will then terrorise the populous and forcing them to vote as directed. If he fails to win the rogue war veterans he will have his own militia. After 36 years of Zanu PF thuggery we know thuggery does not work, people like Temba Mliswa do not think so and that is way we will be foolish to trust a thug like him to end the dictatorship! Mugabe booted Mliswa out of Zanu PF, a party of thugs, no one has yet booted thuggery out of Temba Mliswa! He is still a thug who is seeking political power and influence through thuggery!We want a new Zimbabwe where every Zimbabwean enjoys all the freedoms and basic human rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections. Temba Mliswa is offering to use thuggery to end the Zanu PF thuggery. Who will stop him becoming the next dictator complete with his own thugs in the Police, CIO, ZEC, etc.? Ten Classic Watches And What They Say About You 10 Classic Watches And What They Say About You Many men buy expensive watches without really understanding why theyve chosen a particular model or realizing what message their wrist candy sends to those around them. As the only piece of jewelry many men wear, and often the only item on their person that really says anything about the person in question, the importance of a proper watch cant be understated. But what are these talkative timepieces communicating exactly? RELATED: AskMen Watch Store [Up To 89% Off] Image courtesy of Bobs Watches We asked experts, including Paul Altieri, founder of top online luxury watch boutique and Rolex exchange Bobs Watches; Eric Wind, Vice President and Senior Specialist of Watches at famed auction house Christie's; New York-based designer Duncan Quinn, creator of the Savile Row-meets rocknroll look; and James Lamdin, founder of essential vintage watch emporium Analog / Shift, to weigh in on 10 of the worlds most important timepieces and what they say about you: 1. Rolex Submariner Image courtesy of Bobs Watches Image courtesy of Bobs Watches Originally designed for divers and worn by everyone from James Bond to Steve McQueen, the Submariner is the most coveted watch in the world, and therefore also the most frequently knocked-off. A Submariner means youre a man who appreciates extremely fine watchmaking and also wants to convey a rugged masculinity, Paul Altieri says. These days it doesnt really indicate youre into diving but its more the sportiness in general that matters. Its a statement watch and some will misinterpret the message but Submariner wearers are nothing if not confident or hoping to look confident, at least. Theres a reason so many Wall Streeters wear them. 2. Rolex Daytona Image courtesy of Bob's Watches Image courtesy of Bob's Watches Among the most expensive and hardest to come by of Rolex models, the Daytona was originally designed for motorsports. A more complex watch than the Submariner, its also a lot rarer. Paul Newman helped make the Daytona famous and few men ever had more natural, easy elegance than he did, Paul Altieri says. Its really a tool watch for calculating speed and to be sure many race car drivers the ones with style wear it. But it also says you have plenty of money, and are a cut above the Submariner crowd. It says I like fast cars and beautiful women find me attractive. Its actually a hell of a watch. 3. Panerai Luminor Image courtesy of Panerai Image courtesy of Panerai The Luminor, originally supplied to the Italian Navys elite underwater commandos, has an impressive history but is viewed by many as a fashion watch. Until 1997, Panerais were not sold to the public. You may have bought a Luminor just because you like the look of it, Altieri notes. Its certainly a lot different than any other watch out there. But more often than not the Panerai guy appreciates the brands history as well as the way it sets him apart from the crowd. Wearing a Luminor with a suit says you have class and taste but also a bid of a badass streak: You should think twice before messing with me. 4. Patek Philippe Nautilus Image courtesy of Patek Philippe Image courtesy of Patek Philippe Pateks are known for being the worlds most exclusive and expensive watch brand. The Nautilus, designed in the 1970s, is more sporty and avant-garde and less stuffy. If youre wearing a Nautilus, you are classic in your approach to design, but are forward-thinking and with a bit of a hidden edge. If you have a vintage one on your wrist, you appreciate the simplicity and importance of watches like this. Early vintage models can also be a litmus test for how trusting someone is of whats around them because they don't have a seconds hand to indicate that it is running. 5. Omega Speedmaster Image courtesy of Omega Image courtesy of Omega The Speedmaster was the first watch on the moon, chosen because it withstood rigorous testing. Lately vintage models have been commanding astronomical prices at auction. If youre wearing a Speedmaster, you probably dreamed of being an astronaut as a kid, Wind says. You want a watch as solid and reliable as you are. If youre wearing a vintage Speedmaster, you may have inherited it or maybe just want people to think you did. And if your watch has a caliber 321, one of the finest chronograph movements ever made and the one that accompanied the astronauts to the moon, you are truly a watch geek with an appreciation for detail. 6. Breitling Chronomat Breitling was founded in Switzerland in 1884 but has always been on the cutting edge of fine watchmaking. The Chronomat pilots watch was introduced in 1941. Many consider vintage models to be cooler. The vintage Breitling wearer is usually found sporting a dark, finely cut, bespoke three piece suit, Duncan Quinn says. Rather elegant and rakish, but understated. His drink of choice is a Sazerac, his car a green 1970s Porsche 911. It may not have belonged to his father in Vietnam and been delivered by Christopher Walken a la Pulp Fiction but for sure there are a few stories hidden in that Valjoux movement. Perhaps even a little adventure. And intrigue. 7. TAG Heuer Carrera Image courtesy of TAG Heuer Image courtesy of TAG Heuer Not as precious as a Rolex Daytona, the Heuer Carrera, originally launched in 1963, is nonetheless important in the auto racing world. Heuer, founded in 1860, became TAG Heuer in 1985. The Calibre 17 Carrera is a trumpet blast from the wrist, shouting your love for the golden era of motorsport and Heuers Pre-TAG brilliance with red accents that evoke the iconic race cars of the 1960s, James Lamdin says. Subtle it isnt, but youll get points for wearing anything without the TAG logo from anyone who really knows. And bonus points for sporting a vintage version, which have become cult-like collectibles. 8. IWC Portugieser Image courtesy of IWC Image courtesy of IWC IWC is a rarity among Swiss brands, having been founded by an American watchmaker in Schaffhausen, Switzerland in 1868. The classic Portugieser models date back to the 1930s. Watches such as the Portugieser 8-Days Edition 75th Anniversary in steel subtly convey your interest in fine watchmaking and heritage design, without opting for a more common, more femininely proportioned timepiece from one of the more traditional manufacturers, Lamdin notes. It is hard to do anything sized at 43mm subtly, but this watch manages to do just that. The Portugieser is sporty, elegant and understated all at the same time. 9. Hublot Big Bang Image courtesy of Hublot Image courtesy of Hublot One of the great success stories of modern watchmaking, Hublot was founded in 1980 and still expresses an 80s-ish brashness though the designs are unmistakably ultra-modern and expensive. Hublots are most often seen on the wrists of gents in slightly shiny suits with white t-shirts they boldly proclaim are from a well-known Italian brand found at Bergdorfs, Quinn says. The sleeves of the jacket are rolled up revealing a forest of masculinity. And it goes well with his three day stubble, vodka Redbull and neon green Lamborghini. The Hublot wearer almost never checks the time a good thing because the design makes it nearly impossible to do so. 10. Cartier Tank Image courtesy of Cartier Image courtesy of Cartier French jeweler Cartier made one of the first mens wristwatches and the slim Tank, named after the machines introduced in World War II, has since shed its military associations and is an iconic luxury item. There are few dress watches more old-school and traditional than a Cartier Tank, Altieri says. It fairly reeks of class. It says that youre an adult whos used to being civilized and well turned out most of the time, not constantly jetting off to dive in shark-infested waters. It speaks of money but in hushed tones. Nowadays its not the most masculine watch in the world, but Cary Grant wore one. Thats all you really need to know. Related Links: Best Watches Under $500 Best Watches Under $300 Best Watches Under $150 Tweet is from pages 3-4 of Georgetown University philosopher Jason Brennans brilliant 2014 book, Why Not Capitalism? (footnotes deleted): Consider: The United States puts the poverty line for an American living alone at about $11,500. A person living in the United States off this meager [annual] income, adjusting for the cost of living, is still among the richest 14% of people alive today, earning more than six times the income of the typical person worldwide. In contrast, the countries that tried socialism the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, Vietnam, Cambodia, and North Korea were hellholes. Socialist governments murdered about 100 million (and perhaps many more) of their own citizens. In socialist countries no one got rich, except maybe a few Communist Party officials. Socialism was especially bad for poor proletariat workers, the very people the system was supposed to help the most. So, sure, capitalism has problems, as [filmmaker] Michael Moore and OWS [Occupy Wall Street] can show you, with perhaps some exaggeration here and there. But socialism was a disaster. In short, we had the debate between capitalism and socialism, and capitalism won. 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. A drama project featuring cai luong (reformed opera), the traditional music genre of the south, will be completed this year following 15 years of writing and recording by a veteran HCM City artist and his young staff, Thu Anh reports. HCM CITY A drama project featuring cai luong (reformed opera), the traditional music genre of the south, will be completed this year following 15 years of writing and recording by a veteran HCM City artist and his young staff. The project, 100 Nam San Khau Cai Luong (A Hundred Years of Cai Luong Theatre), includes a series of shows featuring the history of the traditional music, songs and plays performed by veteran artists. It has received support from the HCM City Television and HCM City Theatre Association, as well as many young and veteran performers of the city and southern provinces. The projects first show features five pioneers, Ut Tra On, Minh Canh, Diep Lang, Ba Van and Truong Xuan, all of whom were awarded the titles of Peoples Artists and Meritorious Artist by the Government. The show will include famous extracts from historical plays performed by these artists in the 1950s and 70s. Young performers will sing the original traditional tunes for theatre lovers. Our project preserves cai luong by recording and writing the events, the plays and artists of cai luong since the art began in My Tho in Tien Giang Provinc, said Meritorious Artist Thanh ien of HCM City, the projects founder. We have travelled and talked with many cultural researchers and historians to optimise our project. Our project also aims to restage famous plays that have been performed by different generations. We hope to encourage young people to learn more about traditional theatre, he said. ien said that his projects shows would offer tickets at affordable prices to serve students and labourers. 100 Nam San Khau Cai Luong is the 72-year-old iens biggest-ever drama project. "Im working to publish a book featuring all information and images I took while making the project, said ien, who believes cai luong is still loved by Vietnamese fans. The first show of 100 Nam San Khau Cai Luong is expected to be staged late this month at Tran Huu Trang Theatre at 515-517 Tran Hung ao Street in District 1. Born to a traditional family in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, ien began his career at an early age. During his stage debut for the Truong Xuan Troupe in Long Xuyen in 1959, he bowled over the audience with his voice, looks and performance. He later performed for the Huong Mua Thu Troupe and Kim Chung Theatre, one of the regions leading cai luong troupes, becoming one of its brightest stars. Throwback theatre: A series of cai luong plays featuring Vietnamese women will be re-staged in the original style under the project called 100 Nam San Khau Cai Luong (A Hundred Years of Cai Luong Theatre), launched by veteran artist Thanh ien and his staff. VNS Photos In 1974, he established his own troupe, Xuan Lien Hoa, which attracted young talents, including Thanh Kim Hue, who later became his wife. His strong and melodic voice and stage presence helped ien leave an indelible mark on the art, enabling him to use his popularity to promote the art form. In 1980, ien and his wife moved to HCM City to work for the Sai Gon Cai Luong Theatre. ien won his first gold prize for his role in em Trang (Sleepless Night), a play featuring the late President Ho Chi Minh, at the National Professional Theatre Festival in 1990 in Ha Noi. ien has won several top prizes at theatre festivals and contests, including the Golden Prize for best theatre director at the 2003 National Television Festival in HCM City. He has performed in more than 120 plays and dozens of videos and movies. He now works as a lecturer at the Tran Huu Trang Theatre and HCM City University of Theatre and Cinematography. Plays about women In his project, ien will restage famous plays written by Tran Huu Trang, who was the first to feature women as leading characters in cai luong. Trangs plays staged in the 1940s and 1950s, written in praise of Vietnamese women, are recognised as canonical cai luong and have been staged many times by different generations. I want to feature Trang and his role in the theatres developments, said ien, adding that though Trang has passed away, his art remains meaningful and fresh to audiences, particularly southerners. Born in 1906 to a farmer family in Cho Gao District in My Tho Province (now Tien Giang Province), Trang began his career in 1928, working for leading troupes in the southern region. His first play, Lua o Long Son (Mind in Fire), was about social problems. He created 30 works and all highlighted the virtues of Vietnamese women. After the August Revolution in 1945, Trang joined the anti-French force and worked in Sai Gon-Cho Lon. After his death in 1966, Trang was posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize by the Government in 1996. Under the project, oi Co Luu (Miss Luus Life) and To Anh Nguyet (Miss To Anh Nguyet), which were staged first in the 1930s, will be restaged by young artists of the Tran Huu Trang Theatre, the regions leading cai luong theatre (and named after Trang). Both plays feature women and their challenges and suffering under feudal society. These plays have been restaged and filmed in many versions. Through the works, dozens of artists from different generations, have become stars. By restaging Trangs plays, I want to provide theatregoers with an old style of cai luong developed several decades ago. I believe that cai luong will live longer if artists keep the original art form, ien said. VNS Having operated a garage in a Nang, oan Chi Thanh, 27, has started a business of car modification, drawing on his ample experience with cars to design and create innovative models for his demanding clients. The garage, situated on Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street, is a creative space for Thanh and his team of mechanics to put together the new custom models. Most of the modified cars are luxury brands, for which Thanhs garage provides maintenance and spare parts. However, customers are showing a preference for attractive bodywork and interior decoration, as well as a significant roar from the exhaust pipe. There are hundreds of choices in the modification of a car, from spare parts, wheels, tires, exhausts, engines, and styling. Users also ask our garage for upgrades to a cars engine capacity or storage, Thanh said. Some car owners want their old-style vehicles to be equipped with a new, fresh design. For example, we can change a 2009 model to a newly launched one. It takes a little change to the body and a few modifications to the interior, and car users have a new style car on an old engine and frame, he said. In the drivers seat: oan Chi Thanh tests a new modified Mercedes Benz G Class before releasing it to the customer. Courtesy Photo of Huan Thanh Workshop Thanh said searching for specific spare parts and accessories for the modifications can take up to one or two months, because they are not available in Viet Nam. He said most spare parts and accessories need to be ordered from the US and other agents abroad. Fresh Ferrari The a Nang-born garage owner said the mechanic team took three days to complete an upgrade on a Ferrari 488 GTB, comprising a full-body kit, rear air wings, and exhaust pipe. Its a really hard job for us when the 2016 model is near perfect. However, the car owner wanted an extraordinary look for the classic Ferrari model in his collection, Thanh said, adding that the team had to replace the lower plastic rear air wings with carbon fibre one. We also ordered software for our modification model, to make sure that the car runs safely, and the engine capacity is kept in line with the modified spare parts and accessories. The 27-year-old mechanic was also impressed with an order to upgrade a military-use off-road Mercedes G Class model. The four-wheel drive vehicle, which was originally designed for use by the Swiss Army, was one of only two commercial copies imported to Viet Nam. Thanh said a technician from Mercedes Benz in Viet Nam resold one to a local buyer, and the car was disguised as a military off-road vehicle with camouflage paint. Its a manual design for off-road trips and forest patrol. The diesel six-cylinder engine was kept original, but the interior needed redecoration with leather seats, the intake air filter was changed, and the halogen head lamps were replaced with LED bulbs, Thanh said. We also fitted larger tyres and rims to really make it a muscle warrior around town. Its still a rare car in a Nang, and the model has remained unchanged for decades, he said, adding that its really extraordinary vehicle to see on the street. Muscle motor: A full body view of the modified Mercedes Benz G Class. Courtesy Photo of Huan Thanh Workshop Off-road Ford Ranger Thanh has his own modified truck, created from a 2005 Ford Ranger pick-up, with camouflage decals covering the vehicles body for off-road trips. A little change to the interior, with leather seat covers, made the truck a little more comfortable. He also installed LED roof lights and head lamps for driving at night. Thanh said he had to upgrade the trucks diesel four-cylinder engine from a 2.5 litre to a 3 litre. We fitted a turbocharger, air filter, and larger fuel injection unit to supply enough fuel for the bigger cylinders, Thanh said. Two portable fuel tanks were installed on the vehicles body and disguised with paint, while a small gasoline drum was installed to store personal belongings on off-road trips. Thanh said most new car models often feature an automatic gear system, but professional drivers and off-road lovers prefer a manual transmission. He said car modification is only just emerging in a Nang, and the number of buyers is still limited. Thanh said he wishes to have a team or a modified car association in a Nang where mechanics and mechanical engineers, as well as collectors, can share their innovative ideas, experience, and passions. Its really an endless fascination when you think about it. Its a constant series of challenges that you have to overcome before every new modification project is complete. VNS By Hong Van One October day, one of Ha Nois air monitoring stations showed that air pollution had reached dangerous levels. The result went viral on social networks. Though it was based on only one specific place and at a specific time, concern grew about the quality of environment in the capital city. It also prompted some soul searching. The recent environmental problems and its visible impacts are really upsetting. It made me re-think my consuming habit, said Nguyen Thu Huyen, an accountant. One of the things Huyen did was to start using biodegradable bags and items made of natural materials like rattan fruit trays, toothpick containers and lamps, avoiding plastic items. I think its time for us to break the habit of using plastic goods for the sake of our environment. Its irresponsible to use plastic extravagantly and have future generations bear the consequences, said Huyen. o Thi Hong Nhung, a high school student, was also on the same page. Given that plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, it was shocking to hear that Viet Nam is ranked among the top five plastic dumping countries in the world. I decided that I would do something, Nhung said. The 18-year-old student called on her friends to go around in the area they lived and collect used plastic items like oil and water bottles to make beautiful lampshades for sale. They also went to some high schools to campaign and raise awareness among other students. Change should start from an early age. I hope our small acts will help young people adopt a greener lifestyle, said Nhung. Culture lecturer Nguyen Viet Ha said young people seem to be more aware of environmental problems and the need to use eco-friendly items as they have more access to information feel the need to lead a healthy lifestyle. Many clothing shops and take-away food shops have begun to use paper bags, both for the environments sake and as an advertisement for their business. Our shop has been using paper bags and other packaging with recycled materials for the last few years. Using a paper bag with our own design gives us professional look and adds value to an item, said Nguyen Phuong Anh, a clothing shop owner. Huyen, who went to different corners of the city to find rattan items for her house, recalled: In my childhood, fruit trays, baskets and chairs made from bamboo were very common in countryside. My grandmother even wove bamboo baskets and fans by herself, because we hardly afforded any plastic items. However, due to low prices and convenience, plastic bags are still widely used in markets, grocery stores, shops and by street vendors. It is estimated that each Vietnamese household uses five to seven plastic bags per day. Ha Noi releases more than 300 tonnes of plastic waste per day, according to Deputy Head of General Bureau of Environment, Hoang Duong Tung. While some people have begun limiting the use of plastic bags by reusing them, it is still difficult for them to shift to actually reusable bags. Many plastic bag workshops find ways to avoid paying taxes so they remain the cheapest packaging option for most people. Tung said that the willingness of each individual to minimise the use of plastic can result in remarkable improvement. The Ha Noi administration is also taking some action. More than one million new trees are being planted on the citys streets and policemen have been required to patrol on bicycles since last year. Biking is a good solution for the traffic jams that the city suffers, as well as the problem of environmental pollution caused by exhaust from a great number of cars and motorbikes in big cities like Ha Noi. Starting in May this year, Ha Noi opened the first free charging stations on Thai Ha, Ba Trieu and ien Bien Phu streets to encourage the use of electric bikes. In recent years, due to reasonable prices, convenience and the belief that they are eco-friendly, the number of electric bikes have risen sharply in Ha Noi. However, Dr Nguyen inh Hoe, a geologist with the Viet Nam Association of Nature and Environment Protection, said electric bikes may not be as eco-friendly as advertised. The rechargeable battery in electric bikes contains lead, which is harmful to environment. Every year, this vehicle releases thousand of tonnes of lead and millions of plastic accumulator containers in the environment, Hoe said. To me, protecting the environment should be practical and regular. Some spend money to buy environmentally-friendly products, but still litter, said Nguyen Ngoc Lan, a university student. There is still a lack of effective communication and access to information about environmentally-friendly items, their benefits, availability and cost-effectiveness. While the increasing awareness of environmental problems and the willingness to use more eco-friendly products are welcome developments, how far people are willing to go in changing their attitudes and lifestyles, is not clear yet. The Government also needs to be far more proactive in this regard, banning the use of products and materials that harm the environment. Small starts have been made, but they will not make much of a difference if it is not built upon in a big way, because the environmental problems we face are far more serious than acknowledged. VNS Gamble responsibly tagline set to be scrapped Punters will no longer see the long-standing "gamble responsibly" when placing a bet online, as the Albanese government launches a new campaign to help problem gambling. Get out of your tents, run! Terrified family detail moment five lions escaped enclosure A young family-of-four staying at Taronga Zoo have revealed they were briefly woken up during their overnight stay at the park before animal keepers rushed in a couple of hours later telling them to ditch their belongings and to run. Andrews hits back at absolute nonsense reports Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected "absolute nonsense" claims about the repatriation of the wives and children of former Islamic State fighters to Victoria amid the state election campaign. 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". Congressmans grandson fatally shot CHICAGO (AP) A dispute over shoes led to the fatal shooting of the grandson of Illinois U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Chicago police said Saturday. At least two attackers went to the home of 15-year-old Javon Wilson in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago on Friday night and shot him in the head after an argument, police said. Police said Wilson knew his attackers and they may have been friends at some point. Davis, a Democratic member of the House for 20 years, told The Associated Press Saturday his grandson was a victim of a world where gun violence has become commonplace. Chicago has seen a dramatic rise in the number of shootings and homicides, with August being the deadliest month in the city in two decades. There have been 673 homicides this year. Air ambulance plane crashes, killing four ELKO, Nev. (AP) An air ambulance plane taking a heart-disease patient to a Utah hospital crashed in a parking lot in northern Nevada, killing all four people aboard and sending up explosions and flames. Three crew members and a patient were killed in the Friday night crash in Elko, American Medflight said Saturday. Elko police said the twin-engine plane apparently experienced mechanical problems as it was climbing after taking off on a flight for Salt Lake City. Georgia shootout kills fugitive, officer LUDOWICI, Ga. (AP) The hunt for a fugitive accused of shooting at police in South Carolina turned deadly when law officers tracked the suspect to southeast Georgia, where an attempt to arrest him erupted in gunfire. The brief shootout at a mobile home in rural Long County killed a deputy U.S. marshal as well as the man his team was trying to apprehend. The U.S. Marshals Service said Patrick Carothers, deputy commander of the agencys Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, died after being shot twice as the officers entered the mobile home. The slain suspect was identified as Dontrell Montese Carter, 25. He had been wanted in Sumter County, SC., since mid-September on charges of attempted murder, domestic violence. Weather satellite rockets into space CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) The most advanced weather satellite ever built rocketed into space Saturday night, part of an $11 billion effort to revolutionize forecasting and save lives. This new GOES-R spacecraft will track U.S. weather as never before: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, volcanic ash clouds, wildfires, lightning storms, even solar flares. Indeed, about 50 TV meteorologists from around the country converged on the launch site including NBCs Al Roker along with 8,000 space program workers and guests. Two moose found frozen mid-fight ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Two moose were recently discovered frozen in battle and encased in ice near a remote village on Alaskas western coast. Brad Webster, a middle school teacher in Unalakleet, captured images of the massive animals poking through the ice as they lay on their sides with antlers apparently locked together. It was the end of moose rutting season, and the animals likely were fighting over a female moose. AMES Mud is not a friend when you are baling cornstalks. With that in mind, farmers who are working with operators of cellulosic ethanol production facilities may have a few extra challenges this fall. The soil conditions are going to play a big factor, said Mahdi Al-Kaisi, an agronomist and soil specialist at Iowa State University. In many parts of Iowa and the Midwest, this has been a wet fall. That means farmers are already looking at issues such as soil compaction and wheel ruts in fields. Erosion becomes a bigger factor. Some corn stalks and stubble may deteriorate faster than if it had been a dry fall. But the biggest factor for the cellulosic industry could be mud. If you are worried about the quality of the residue, you dont want additional contact with the soil, Al-Kaisi said. When mud gets into baled cornstalks, that can create some issues for companies hoping to use that residue for industrial purposes because they must either remove the soil residue or decide not to use those bales at all. If stalks are baled wet and stored wet, that certainly also could contribute to quality issues, Al-Kaisi said. In both cases (soil contact and wet storage), the issue of quality becomes important. For the farmer, Al-Kaisi said, the additional issue is in regards to whether to remove corn stover and how much to remove. If the conditions are wet, the farmer may want to leave more stover on the field. He or she also may not want to make an extra trip across a muddy field to bale the stover because of possible compaction issues or fear of leaving ruts in the field. Of course, not all areas have been wet this fall and there are likely to be fields where none of these factors are worrisome to the farmer. But Al-Kaisi said farmers always need to keep soil quality and erosion and groundcover in mind when baling cornstalks. The process begins with an early spring visit to Holland to select new varieties to sample both new introductions to the market, as well as new to White Flower Farm. Theyre on the look-out for varieties that are striking, different or unique from those they already sell. Bulbs are harvested and sent from Holland to the Connecticut-based grower in November. The trial begins in December. Bulbs are carefully tracked from sprouting to blooming. Its a lengthy, highly detailed process. Imagine the wow-factor when all those amaryllis are blooming in one greenhouse! The real trial has to be making final selections in this beauty contest. Finally, White Flower Farms chooses winners and bulbs are ordered from Dutch growers to be sold to customers for the holiday season. Among new offerings is the handsome Amadeus with its 9-inch-wide blooms traced with reddish pink veins. Recurved petals open to reveal a pale green throat. Theres also a double Striped Amadeus with pristine white brushed and speckled in rose with a picotee edge. Rosalie is striking with its rosy-pink blooms and lime-green center, while Formidable is described as an over-achiever in trials, producing 8- to 9-inch coral peach blooms with white streaking and red veins. Elvas is simply a beautiful white double with recurved, ruffled petals edged and brushed in red, set off by a chartreuse throat. For those who cant live without a red and green Christmas, theres dark red Benfica, with 7- to 8-inch flowers. The exotic-looking Barbados has velvety red blooms with reflexed petals striped in white with an apple green throat. Bright Spark is a vibrant, small-flowering red amaryllis with 3- to 4-inch blooms sporting white stars. An amaryllis needs only water, light and warmth to sprout and bloom. Pot a single bulb in a 6- to 7-inch container, or group 3 bulbs in a 10- to 12-inch container. Dont worry if its a tight fitplanting cheek-to-jowl is fine. Soak bulb base and roots in tepid water overnight to hydrate roots. When youre ready to plant, moisten good-quality potting soil, then fill your container half full. Arrange bulbs in the pot and backfill with potting mix, leaving shoulders and necks exposed. Water and check pot regularly to keep it a little moist until a shoot appears. Move the pot to a sunny location and water regularly to keep soil moist, not wet. You can lightly fertilize, if desired. Dont forget to stake the stems to keep them upright. Even the sturdiest stem can tumble when stacked with big blooms. CEDAR FALLS As the University of Northern Iowas United Faculty teachers union opened labor contract negotiations with the Iowa Board of Regents, union president Joe Gorton made it clear there would be one major sticking point. It was not the difference in proposed salary increases, or a proposal to possibly end one health insurance plan, topics in negotiations for a new two-year contract Friday at UNI. The sticking point from United Faculty perspective is a proposed change to faculty evaluation. What I see in this proposal that is so disappointing is an attempt to force down our throats a post-tenure review system that could be subject to abuse, not only in its design but in the process for developing that system, Gorton said. Gorton said he was disappointed in the tone of the proposal and stressed the union, UNI administration and the Iowa Board of Regents have worked during the past few bargaining sessions to build a strong relationship. Its clear that what you have in this proposal are efforts to coerce us into an agreement on this, Gorton said. What I had hoped for is an ongoing, trusting, collaborative dare I say friendly relationship. Attorneys for UNI and the regents disputed Gortons assessment of the proposal to form a committee to update faculty evaluation procedures. To try to shove it down your throat, thats not our intent. We wanted to open it up and put it on the table, said Michael Galloway, the regents labor attorney. This is an initial proposal, and we are committed to working together to try to get a voluntary agreement. Galloway said he didnt find the language as onerous as Gorton did, but wanted to hear why Gorton objects to the proposal. Other items of note in the proposals include: On salaries, the United Faculty proposes a 4 percent increase in most areas, while the regents proposed a 0.5 percent increase in most areas. The current two-year agreement has a salary increase of 2.5 percent in each of the two years. On health insurance, the regents proposes ending the comprehensive major medical plan if fewer than 25 faculty members are in it. The United Faculty proposed expanding and improving sick leave policies to increase the sick leave bank for those who have exhausted sick leave but still need more time off; to offer four weeks of paid leave for child care after birth or adoption; and extend leave to cover family members, not just the employee. On ongoing relationships, the regents proposed forming a labor-management committee, while the union proposed the ability to address the board for no less than five minutes during public meetings. Despite Gortons initial disappointment, the parties agreed to bargain in good faith toward a voluntary agreement. We have a really great relationship, Gorton said. Can you imagine being any place else where youre going to have, at the opening day of negotiations, the union is going to say, Yeah, I think were looking all right on health insurance, even though you might cut out a major program, OK? But it didnt happen by accident. It happened by development of relationships, and what we want more than anything else is for those relationships to continue, Gorton said. The group is tentatively scheduled to meet again in closed session to continue negotiations Dec. 15. The finalists are: Jason Kayser of Fairbank, a fire and safety specialist with the University of Northern Iowa who served with Waterloo Fire Rescue from 1999 to 2010; Michael Steward of West Burlington, who served with the West Burlington Fire Department from 2001-15 and was its deputy chief of operations. He currently operates Steward Safety Consulting in West Burlington; Brian Giachino of Waterloo, a Cedar Rapids firefighter since 1991, currently serving as a district fire chief, the equivalent of a fire battalion chief; Manuel Hoskins, former fire chief of Monroe, Mich., who served with that department from 1989 to 2014 and now works with that communitys public school district as a post-secondary planner; Wayne Bodie of Orlando, Fla., captain of special operations with the Orlando Fire Department, serving there since 2005; Jesse Halterman of Hertford, N.C., serving with the U.S. Coast Guard as fire chief of a Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City, N.C.; John Bostwick, who has been with the Cedar Falls fire department since 1980. He served as battalion chief prior to being named acting chief in June after Fire Chief John Schilling resigned after seven years in Cedar Falls to become fire chief in Carpentersville, Ill. near Chicago. DECORAH A Waterloo man was arrested Thursday for an incident near Decorah. The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office arrested Bruce Hanson, 49, after a stabbing for felony willful injury causing bodily injury and four counts of serious misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury. The incident took place about 8:40 p.m. on Old Stage Road near Freeport. No further details were provided. This case remains under investigation. Waterloo house hit by gunfire WATERLOO A house was hit by gunfire Thursday evening. No injuries were reported, and no one wvas home at the time. Residents called police after hearing three shots around 7 p.m. Thursday, and officers found a home at 349 Albany St. was hit by bullets. No arrests have been made. Bar allegedly served minors WESTGATE At about 10:40 p.m. Thursday, Fayette County Sheriffs deputies responded to The Bank Bar & Grill in Westgate to investigate a report of underage people being served alcohol. Ethan Steinbronn, 19, of Westgate, was cited for possession of alcohol under the legal age. The bartender, Jennifer Cavnar, 32, of Westgate, was cited for employee-supplying alcohol to a person under the legal age. The incident was also referred to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, which controls the establishments liquor license. Police probe stabbing report WATERLOO A Waterloo woman was treated for a minor knife wound after she reported being attacked Friday morning. Wendi Jo Smith, 38, told police she was walking in the area of West Ninth Street around 1 a.m. Friday when a man stabbed her, according to the police report. Smith was taken to Covenant Medical Center for a stab wound to the chest, police said. No arrests have been made. We soon can expect our annual seasons greetings from Cedar Falls City Hall the one advising caution when approaching the intersection of Iowa Highway 58 and Viking Road. The warning a statement of the obvious for area residents may become a thing of past in the not-too-distant future as the state trudges along in its efforts to fix an intersection that ranks as either the fourth (last year) or fifth (currently) most dangerous in Iowa, depending on the updated five-year tally of accidents. At a public information meeting for residents and business owners Tuesday, Iowa Department of Transportation and consulting officials reiterated plans for a long overdue Highway 58 underpass with ramps handling traffic on and off Viking Road. The projected schedule calls for construction bids to be let in December 2017, although the Iowa DOT indicated last year it could have possibly occurred in spring 2017. The schedule now calls for the interchange to be built in 2018-19 at a cost of $26 million with $16 million from state or federal funds and $10 million from city tax increment financing revenues. Delays need to be avoided. The Iowa DOT also has proposed a Highway 58 overpass at the Greenhill and West Ridgeway Avenue interchanges with reconstructed access to U.S. 20, but none of that is in its five-year plan. The Viking Road interchange is the priority, particularly during the holidays when the left-hand storage turn lane on southbound Highway 58 isnt long enough to accommodate traffic. Fifteen years ago the traffic volume east of Highway 58 along East Viking Road was just a trickle about 1,000 vehicles daily. It soared to 20,000 in 2013 and is now expected to climb to 45,000 per day with the accelerated commercial development. Wed recommend Prairie Parkway to the east as a bypass option as well as a chance to practice using multiple roundabouts in anticipation of redesigned University Avenue. Whenever the new Highway 58-Viking Road is finished, it will be a long-awaited relief on a stretch of road conceived decades before the explosion of commercial development on East Viking Road. Highway 58 through Cedar Falls is the only section of the Avenue of the Saints in Iowa with at-grade signalized intersections three and has been plagued by safety issues. It opened in 1994. Through 2007, 13 people were killed in 10 accidents, mainly between Greenhill and Viking roads. In the following five-year period from 2008-13, 168 crashes occurred between Greenhill and U.S. 20, including 35 injuries and two fatalities. Steel barriers were installed in 2005 after much debate over the use of concrete dividers or high-tension wire. A pedestrian bridge opened over Highway 58 between Viking and Greenhill in 2013 as well as an underpass on Greenhill, east of Highway 58, near the confluence of bike trails. That the roadway had been bare bones was no accident. Waterloo-Cedar Falls was reputed to be the nations largest metropolitan area without a connection to an interstate before I-380 opened in 1985. The Golden Triangle also known as the interstate substitution plan followed with objective to get as much roadway as possible for the money. Instead of an elevated freeway through downtown Waterloo, city officials agreed on three rebuilt and relocated highways U.S. 218 through Waterloo-Cedar Falls, U.S. 20 across the southern edge of the metro area and Iowa Highway 58 between U.S. 20 and 218 through Cedar Falls. Construction was completed in 1995. That construction reinvigorated the Crossroads area in Waterloo and helped jumpstart the relatively new Cedar Falls Industrial Park. The metro area, which had suffered considerable population loss during the farm recession of the 1980s, became one of the nations leaders in job growth during the 1990s. But the lack of a barrier on a high-speed roadway was a tragic oversight. Which intersection would have borne the most traffic was not as obvious. Blains Farm and Fleet put down roots on East Viking Road in 1999. Wal-mart relocated from College Square in 2004, but only after the City Council rejected its initial proposal along with Lowes for a site at Greenhill and Main Street in 2001. For the past 22 years, it has taken one expensive bandage after another to partially remedy the defects of Highway 58. Many more fixes are needed, including the other intersections most notably Greenhill and a sound barrier to relieve the angst of the noise-tormented residents of the El Dorado Heights neighborhood. However, for safetys sake, alleviating traffic concerns at the Viking Road intersection is something that must occur before more bad things happen. Wed encourage motorists to exercise patience and caution during the two-year construction period and use temporary business access routes. Holiday shoppers take note. Honor Flight EVANSDALE --As a Vietnam vet and a member of a great service team, I am asking all of the readers of The Courier to consider donating to Honor Flight this Christmas season. We are proud of the 17 flights and the vets we've been able to get to D.C. and we want to continue with your help; one seat runs $600 so you see it's not an easy undertaking but we feel it's one of the best causes in the Cedar Valley. Bullying TERRY PARSONS CHARLES CITY During the heat of the recent presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton referred to Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables. This was an interesting comment and clearly demonstrated Donald Trump was not the only candidate who liked to call names. Regarding name calling: It is in my opinion a form of bullying and is a deplorable thing to do, regardless of rather its Trump, Clinton, the right or the left. However, if you really wish to be called a name, all you have to do is disagree with the self-proclaimed liberal elites. Disagreement with them will likely result in you being labeled as one or all of the following: hater, sexist, liar, homophobe, Islamaphobe, red-neck, deplorable, ignorant, con artist, cheater, whiner, denier, intolerant or even (gasp) a fundamentalist. The list goes on and yet the left claims to be concerned about bullying. It seems the elite left could greatly reduce bullying by eliminating its own name-calling. Also, during the recent presidential campaign, the Clinton camp repeatedly said, If they take the low road, well take the high road. I had no idea that name-calling, rioting and burning the American flag were part of the high road. Cawelti column PRISCILLA NEEDELMAN CEDAR FALLS Scott Caweltis Five ways to feel stronger (Nov. 13) misses the target. 1. Give up blame and self-pity. Accept the electoral results. Want to know whos to blame for the Democrats loss? Tell Hillary Clinton to look in a mirror rather than pointing a finger at FBI Director James Comey for doing his duty. He couldnt impact in five days the reputation shes created over 30 years. 2. Solve community problems re: Identify false Medicare charges good idea. 3. Remember balance. Scott inaccurately names Trump the divider-in-chief, while overlooking the miserable job of uniting from this president who used divide and conquer tactics on Americans, pitting groups against each other for eight years. 4. Collaborate/cooperate. Judging from Scotts cheap shot, hasnt he listened to Trumps, Obamas or Hillary Clintons post-election remarks on working together? 5. Introspect. If Scott feels comfortable with Clintons approach to everything, he must be living under a rock. Her deleting summoned e-mails, lying at congressional hearings, employing illegal private servers and ginning over $200 million in assets over 16 years, some from foreign despots, for speeches and favors seems a wee bit dishonest for a presidential candidate. With his election secure, lets hope Donald Trumps team will truly make America great. Q. Why don't we dredge the Cedar River to prevent flooding problems? A. This is a very in-depth issue, no pun intended, which we have written about in lengthy articles in the past. The short answer is: Dredging is a very expensive proposition which would do little good unless the city continued to do it regularly. Q. What will go up in place of Edison School once it is torn down? A. No determination has been made at this point. Q. When is the reconstruction work supposed to be done on State Street in Cedar Falls? A. Interim Cedar Falls Community Development Director Stephanie Houk Sheetz replies: "The project started in late August. The project includes not only full replacement of the road, but also sanitary sewer repairs, storm sewer upgrades and water line replacement. Work is scheduled to be completed by the middle of November. If you have questions, please contact the Engineering Division at 268-5161." Q. When are they going to open Harbor Freight out by Crossroads? A. Officials for Harbor Freight Tools said a soft opening is projected for Nov. 29, but no grand opening date has been set. The retail store is moving into the former Toys R Us building. Q. Who do we call to report an unsafe school bus driver in Waterloo? A. Anyone with school bus questions or concerns in Waterloo can call Durham School Services at (319) 291-4879. Q. Why did the University of Northern Iowa put sod down on the northeast corner of University Avenue and Hudson Road only to have it all dug up and graded and sodded again? A. Mike Zwanziger of the University of Northern Iowa physical plant said: "This area was originally graded and sodded after the house on the property was destroyed by fire and razed. That work was complete prior to new residence halls being constructed in the area. The engineering solution to drainage issues to protect the new residence halls involved a new storm sewer through this property, thus resulting in additional disturbance that required repair." Q. Is there a statewide law for burning, such as fire pits and leaves? A. There is no statewide law -- laws vary by city and county. Q. When have Senator Grassley's town hall meetings been held in Black Hawk County? How are they advertised to the public? A. Grassley's first meeting of 2016 was in Black Hawk County -- on Jan. 4 in Waterloo. They often are announced in the paper beforehand, or you can check www.grassley.senate.gov for a schedule before each Senate recess. Q. What happened to Billy Bush on NBC? A. He recently left the "Today" show in a negotiated exit after the "Access Hollywood" video of a vulgar 2005 conversation with Donald Trump was widely seen. Noah Oppenheim, the NBC executive in charge of Today, said in a email to staff, "There is simply no excuse for Billys language and behavior on that tape. Questions are taken on a special Courier phone line at 234-3566. Questions are answered by Courier staff and staff at the Waterloo Public Library. TWH Today marks the 17th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. Around the world, organizations and individuals will be hosting events, memorials, and vigils to remember those who have been lost due to transgender-related violence. It is a powerful day one that is part of a larger month-long transgender awareness campaign. Held every Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) marks the death of Rita Hester, who was murdered in her Boston apartment in 1998. The case still remains unsolved to this day. However, a year after her death writer, Gwendolyn Ann Smith held a vigil in San Francisco to honor Hesters life and to bring awareness to the issues faced by transgender people. The 1999 vigil became the very first Transgender Day of Remembrance. Shortly after, other awareness campaigns and movements were launched, including the website, Remembering Our Dead. Seventeen years later, the movement has grown. Throughout November, activities are held, culminating in the Day of Remembrance. The TDoR campaigns main site hosts a list of not only the worldwide activities, but also the names of people who have died as a result of transgender-related violence over the past year. For TDoR 2016, Wisconsin-based Circle Sanctuary decided to expand its own regular annual memorial observances. Rev. Selena Fox said, It is important to stand in solidarity with our transgender community members. With transphobia and hate crimes on the rise, it is important that we draw attention to this issue that impacts many in our community and to create a safe and supportive place to share concerns, experiences, perspectives, and support. Fox said that Circle has had trans* members since its inception in 1974, and the organization has always worked toward supporting the trans* communitys quest for equality. Four years ago, Rev. Fox began hosting a formal memorial ritual to honor TDoR. This year, that event, which is being facilitated by members Brianne Burne, Jake Bradley, and Nate Metrick, has been expanded to include a candle lighting memorial in the temple room, followed by a sharing circle. Rev. Fox added, We recognize that the Divine takes many forms, and that there are many forms of gender expression, all of which are sacred. It is our hope that events like ours will help build a better world where the divinity within each person is honored, and where no one feels afraid due to their gender identity. For the 2016 TDoR Wild Hunt forum, we reached out to the coordinators of Circles new event, asking them tell us more about living transgender, what this specific day means to them, and how these observance event can help the greater cause. We spoke with Brianne Burke, known as Brianne Raven Wolf or simply Bree. She is a 73-year old gender-fluid trans*woman, who is a member of Circle Sanctuary and a practicing eclectic Witch. Bree is joined by Jake Bradley, a certified naturalist, death midwife, and doula. Bradley has provided ministry for over 25 years, and designs and manages harm-reduction outreach and shelter programming for people experiencing homelessness. Bradley founded and helped manage the first trans-safe youth shelter in Chicago, and provide training and consultation on LGBTQ competence, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, crisis management, and other topics through their business, Elements Consulting. In addition to the two Circle event coordinators, we also spoke with activist and minister Katharine A. Luck, who participated in last years TDoR forum. Rev. Luck is a transgender woman of mixed racial heritage living in Florida. She is a Neo-Hellenic priestess, minster of Fire Dance Church of Wicca and transgender activist. In 2013, Luck organized the first Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in Pensacola. The following year, she setup the transgender advocacy group STRIVE of which she is currently the President. We welcome our contributors, and thank them for taking the time to speak with us. The first question asked was whether our interviewees have seen or felt any noticeable change in awareness in the mainstream publics understanding of transgender issues. If there was a change, has that change been positive? Jake Bradley: The last few years have been an interesting and exciting moment in public consciousness around trans* issues. Between the emergence of some transgender pop culture figures and wider-spread efforts of education and advocacy, it seems that the average American is more aware of the existence of trans* people than before, and dialogue about the needs and perspectives of trans* people is much more commonplace. I am especially grateful for Laverne Cox and celebrities like her who highlight the particular struggles and triumphs of trans* people of color and who speak out in issues that others in the LGBTQ community have often ignored, such as incarceration and homelessness. While we still see misguided transphobic rhetoric about the dangers of inclusion and respect for trans* people, and plenty of deference to the comfort levels of cisgender people over the dire safety needs of trans* people, its heartening to see more and more public figures and organizations affirming inclusion. For example, as ugly and hurtful as the bathroom bill policies have been, we now are in a moment in history where many businesses and public figures are willing to rebuke and boycott the jurisdictions where hate and ignorance are currently winning the day. In more subtle ways, we see less common exploitation and ridicule of trans* people in mainstream media, and several media outlets are making a real effort to use peoples correct names and pronouns, and to educate the public on acceptable terminology, etc. Schools and other organizations are more frequently realizing they need to educate and skill-build with their faculty and staff. Trans* kids in many places are being given more access to competent and sensitive medical care. Support groups and alliances are more numerous and accessible. There have been some important changes in government policy under the Obama tenure that have led to greater education and non-discrimination practices, and Im hopeful we will manage to protect these as we move forward into the next administration. We have a very long way to go, but we seem to be headed in the right direction! Brianne Burne: I think there has been a noticeable change from what it was a few years ago. Im involved in quite a few groups, locally and nationally. Around Madison [Wisconsin], I belong to the Madison Area Transgender Association and also LGBT OutReach-Madison. We have quite a few trans* activists here, and the growth has really been coming from social media in my opinion. Katharine A. Luck: Prior to the recent bathroom bill, such as the now infamous HB2 in North Carolina, we were largely ignored by legislation, and we have not suddenly started using public restrooms in the last two years. Instead, as trans* people have become more visible, a side effect of visibility is transphobic legislation from people who think our existence began with their awareness of it. For the next question, we asked what the biggest threat to the communitys safety was. This is a difficult question, but we asked our interviewees, if they could wave a wand to change one thing that would make the biggest impact, what would that one thing be? JB: This is a difficult question. Trans* and GNC (gender non-conforming) people are at astronomically disproportionate risk for homelessness, unemployment or underemployment, depression and suicide, being physically and sexually assaulted, negative interactions with police, incarceration, and many other challenges and harms, which are all consequences of cisnormativity and transphobia. It would be easy to say that ignorance and transphobia are the biggest threat. The fact that police often fail to protect and respect trans* folks, and even frequently brutalize us with impunity, makes the everyday safety of trans* people a thing never to take for granted. Still, there are gradations from relative safety to extreme risk inside the community of trans* and GNC people based on other identity and socioeconomic factors. Race (and racism) is probably the biggest cause of disenfranchisement of the most vulnerable trans* people from competent medical and mental health care, adequate employment, safe housing, and fair treatment by law enforcement. Institutional racism and white supremacy cause so much more harm to trans* people of color, and especially to black and brown trans women, and also cause division within the LGBTQ community, so that young trans* people of color often dont benefit from allyship on the part of more affluent or empowered LGBTQ people, nor have their safety and quality of life as positively impacted by gains from LGBTQ activism. My magick wand would eradicate white supremacy and dismantle racism. Then, the most at-risk trans* people would benefit, along with people of color of all genders in this nation. BB: The biggest threat to the communitys safety may well be the new incoming Republican administration given the far right evangelical Christian attitudes of the VP-elect and others in some state and federal governmental positions. Especially in the southern states, such as North Carolina and Mississippi. The one thing that could make an impact: if people everywhere would realize we are all human beings and, even though the trans* community is different, [] we arent a threat to anybody. KL: This country just elected one of the most outspoken enemies of the LGBTQ community to the office of vice president. Our new president-elect is, frankly, a thinly veiled neo-Nazi, having surrounded himself with champions of white supremacy, like Steve Bannon, and has run on a platform of racial fear, hatred, and proposed separatism. Our vice president-elect Mike Pence has specifically targeted the LGBTQ community. He was responsible for Indianas anti-LGBTQ legislation and believes LGBTQ people can be cured through conversion therapy. He even tried to divert funds from HIV programs to conversion therapy. While its modern incarnation might not include shock treatment, conversion therapy increases suicides, nonetheless. At present, I can say without reservation that the greatest threat to the transgender community, LGBTQ people, and likely all marginalized people, is the new administration which will begin in January. JB: Here is a handout we made a while ago called Top 10 Ways to be a Trans* Ally. BB: To elevate the barriers. People need to get educated about trans* people through community programs. I am starting to see this in a lot of public schools with programs like GSAFE and adult programs such as PFLAG. We need to eliminate the fear that cisgender people have about us. KL: I consider intersectionality and solidarity to be the key to equality. Every person of conscience in this country and the world must resist the oppression of all people. Trans* people exist in every demographic, and I will do all in my power to advocate for all of them. I ask that everyone else do the same. For our fourth question, we asked what the Pagan, Heathen and polytheist communities could do better in support of their transgender members. JB: Neopaganism was perhaps founded in part in reaction against patriarchal religious systems that emphasized masculine personifications of the Divine, and Paganism has been revolutionary in its promotion of the Divine as feminine and also as a balance or marriage of both feminine and masculine. Paganism has made revolutionary contributions to the world in terms of celebrating embodiment, in promoting some feminist ideals, and in sex-positivity. However, for those of us who dont see our gender as the most essential aspect of our identity, or for whom our gender is not rooted in anatomy or gendered biological life cycles, or for whom binary gendered paradigms dont fit, theres still plenty of opportunity for alienation. Gender constructions are so rampant in most Pagan practice, and are present in so many standard rites of passage. I think lots of Pagan communities (like many in dominant U.S. culture), could become safer for their trans* members by recognizing and celebrating that there isnt just one way to be a woman or to be a man, that gender doesnt have to be based on biology, that maleness and femaleness arent mutually exclusive, and that lots of us dont fit in that binary system in any case. I think that Pagan communities would also find that cisgender members would benefit from the increased freedom and room that recognizing and celebrating gender diversity can offer anyone. I appreciate the step many groups have made of affirming peoples self-identity rather than projecting gender onto people or having some other qualifying test or eligibility criteria for one of the binary identities. The next step might be to question whether rites of passage need to be attached to biological events and gender-based social roles, and to begin to ask people what things are meaningful to them in their passage through life and what symbols there are of these passages, etc., and to begin to develop some non-gender-based rites that affirm the things that are most meaningful to people as they pass through stages of life. JB (continued): What are the things all of us have in common as we age, regardless of gender or biology? Teenagers are teenagers. Parents are parents. Many of us, if we are lucky to live long enough, have a part of our lives where maybe we work for a living less, and our bodies start to be less sturdy and reliable in ways we might have previously taken for granted. Im not advocating that cisgender men and women shouldnt have opportunities to celebrate their embodiment, but just that there be more spaces where gender (and binary-gendered bodies and biological cycles) isnt the primary aspect of our humanity, and that there be more spaces where diversity of gender identity, expression, experience, role, etc., are embraced more. Finally, I just want to say that I am so deeply grateful for Selena Foxs leadership and legacy for LGBTQ inclusion throughout her life, and for the efforts made by Circle Sanctuary to embrace and support gender minorities. BB: I think the Pagan community is, from what Ive been involved in, doing a very good job supporting trans* people. Ive never had a problem with anybody in the Pagan community not making me feel welcome, accepted, and loved. KL: As Pagans we must diminish the focus on binary gender and become more inclusive. We must have roles in both our society and our practice which can be occupied by anyone, of any gender. If necessary we must be willing to create new roles to suit the needs of the members of our community. We must remember tradition, but we must be willing to adapt. The trans* community has always had a role to play in both pagan religion and witchcraft, and always will. Next, we asked for words of hope. Often when talking about silenced populations, we focus on the struggle. So, we asked our interviewees to take a moment to share something beautiful about the transgender community or about being transgender: a story or even a moment? JB: Oh, wow! Thank you for this question! Spaces where gender variance is the norm and where lots of folks under the trans* umbrella are present can be the most beautiful and amazing spaces! There is so much more room for everyone to be whoever they are, in whatever collection of attributes and expressions they come up with! Trans* people tend to be phenomenally resilient, adaptive, and creative about making family and community across all kinds of difference! BB: Something beautiful happened earlier this year in Mt. Horeb, Wis. Heres a little piece: Last November, at the Primary Center elementary school in Mount Horeb, a transgender first-grader was about to transition.The school administration and staff were fully supportive, and [] had decided that reading the book I Am Jazz. [] Soon the school district and its teachers were threatened with a lawsuit if the book was read and [it] was cancelled. In a show of solidarity, two readings of I Am Jazz were heldone organized by students [] and the other organized by a local mom named Amy Lyle. [Read the full story] KL: It is in the struggle and the pain that I find some of the most beautiful moments. It is in the struggle that we find our family and ourselves. I have seen the strongest of bonds formed in the face of oppression. I see hope in a persons eyes when they walk into one of our gatherings without anyone to call their friend, and they are immediately greeted as family. In the reading of names on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, we speak the names many may not have even heard before that night. I am uplifted when I see people mourn the loss of family and friends they never met because they have faced injustice. I gain strength when I see those allies begin to work because the names of those we lost too soon touched their hearts. To end the conversation, we asked our interviewees what this day, Transgender Day of Remembrance means to them. JB: In a world where some of us cant get people to call us by our names and correct pronouns, and where people are invisible (or have to try to be to survive), the reading of peoples names feels entirely necessary; it is simultaneously a frail gesture and one that is revolutionary. Names are commonplace, and they are sacred. We have to call out the names of those who have been casualties of our oppressive and alienating systems. We have to set aside a week for Transgender Awareness, and a day to remember those who have died, so that cisnormativity and cisgender privilege arent all that there is, so that trans* folks see that were not alone, and so we remind ourselves to keep on working for a world where the numbers of the dead go down from one year to the next. BB: For me its a very solemn day and has been. It reminds me of all the violence worldwide against our trans* community, more so in other countries. When I hear about the violent murders, beatings, and especially the suicides when a lot of us get so depressed especially when family and friends choose to not love us, or accept us a human beings. Thats where more education will help. KL: The Transgender Day of Remembrance is a memorial to those we have lost, and it is a reminder of why we must always move forward. It is not only for ourselves that we seek safety and equality. It is in memory of those who came before, and it is for those who will come after. What is remembered, lives. * * * Rev. Katharine Luck will be holding a vigil and memorial in Pensacola, Florida through the organization STRIVE. Brianne Burne and Jake Bradley, along with co-coordinator Nick Metrick and Rev. Selena Fox, will be hosting observances in Wisconsin, through Circle Sanctuary. Bradley noted, I feel really honored to contribute to [Circles event] by helping to shine a light on those impacted by transphobic hate and violence this year, and by helping to celebrate the resilience of the TGNC community. I think events like this are sorely needed, especially at a moment in our national history that feels terrifying and bleak for so many of us, because they help us demonstrate and galvanize allyship.They remind us that some particulars of our stories may differ, but that all those of us who face oppression or marginalization have much in common. For those people who are attending organized vigils today or would like to participate in their own way privately or with their own groups, TWH has provided the TDoR list of 2016 victims of anti-transgender violence. There are many others resources on the issues discussed for both trans people and allies. GLAAD provides a short list of legal resources and other support. 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2016 | By Benedict After creating a 3D printed shake intensity map of the 2014 South Napa earthquake two years ago, Oakland-based artist Doug McCune has published a guide to creating a 3D printed map of almost any earthquake from around the world. In September 2014, artist Doug McCune was woken up by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Napa, California. It was the largest earthquake in the Bay Area since 1989. Although the quake caused little effect in San Francisco, where McCune was located, significant damage was caused in Napa. In an effort to understand the quake and the geographical spread of its impact, the artist downloaded the Peak Ground Velocity (PGV) data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). With this data, McCune created a 3D printed map of the region, with the ground shake intensity depicted via the Z axis. Two years on from the Napa earthquake, McCune has published an Instructables guide showing makers how they can create their own 3D printed topographic earthquake maps. Data for most earthquakes from around the world is freely available, so artists, geographers, and cartographers can simply download the data before turning it into a 3D model. McCunes relatively simple tutorial consists of eight steps. The first step to be taken when creating a 3D printed earthquake map is obtaining accurate data for the chosen quake. This data, says McCune, can best be sourced from USGS, which lists comprehensive downloadable data for real historical earthquakes as well as hypothetical ones based on worst-case scenarios for major fault lines. To get started on a 3D printed map, users need to source the shapefiles, usually no larger than a few megabytes, for their chosen quake. For the second step, McCune recommends using QGIS to view the downloaded shapefiles as a map made up of polygons. What you're looking at is a contour map, very similar to a topographic map of elevation, McCune explains. But instead of representing the elevation these contour lines represent the shaking intensity of the quake. To convert the digital map into a 3D model, McCune wrote his own tool called shp2stl, which is a NodeJS library. This tool can be used using NodeJS software. This is step three. The fourth step is to configure the project directory, the fifth is to configure JavaScript code, and the sixth involves running the script to generate an STL file ready for 3D printing. The seventh step of the project involves actually 3D printing the earthquake map. The generated STL file can be sliced and sent to the printer using any slicing software, and the print requires no supports since it is stacked from bottom to top with no overhangs. However, ensuring the map sticks to the print bed during printing is important. McCune himself uses a Type A Machines Series 1 Pro 3D printer. The final (and optional) step of the 3D printing process involves clipping the model to the land border, removing any ocean that may be part of the map. Since the data makes no distinction between land and water, clipping off any water can make the model clearer. Makers can use QGIS to clip the polygons of the shapefile using simplified coastline shapefiles. Not content to rest on his laurels, McCune has also attempt to 3D print maps of hurricane and tornado data. In recent years, 3D printing has been used to create various kinds of 3D map. The vast amount of geographical and topographical data available online has enabled designers to create huge 3D printed tactile maps of London and Tokyo, while 3D printed maps for the visually impaired are also becoming more common. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: billybob wrote at 11/22/2016 7:48:35 AM:that's legitnessbillybob wrote at 11/22/2016 7:47:35 AM:that's legitness The Boston Review has a forum on Trump's victory, with responses by Joshua Cohen, Janice Fine, Judith Levine and Robin Kelley. Janice Fine: Unions, more than any other institution of American life, have been the vehicles through which working-class people, often across boundaries of gender, race, and ethnicity, have organized to have their say, assert their power, and ensure their share of the economic pie. For these reasons, aside from the New Deal interregnum, they have come under unceasing attack. With the decline of manufacturing, workers no longer inherited union membership when they arrived at the shop. Instead unions had to undertake massive new organizing in other sectors of the economy. But employers resisted them at every turn and repeated attempts at labor law reform fell short. Attempting to organize a union often got workers harassed, threatened, fired, or deported. Even when they won elections, many employers just refused to come to the bargaining table until the clock ran out. Going on strike got workers locked out and permanently replaced. Between 1978 and 2000, the unionization rate among workers with high school degrees fell from 37.9 percent to 20.4 percent. The Democratic Party, hugely reliant on union money and volunteers, fell increasingly in thrall to the corporate elite and the free trade consensus. It seldom made defending the right to organize a priority in recent years. Today unions represent just 6.7 percent of private-sector workers, and the forces of the right are tireless in their effort to consign public-sector unions to the same fate. In 2009 the number of union members in the public sector outnumbered those in the private sector for the first time in American history. Public-sector workers have a union membership rate (about 35 percent) which is more than five times higher than private-sector workers. They were a main reason organized labor continued to fight above its weight class in politics. Thus, attacking collective bargaining rights and ending labors ability to have union dues deducted from members paychecks rose to the top of the rights political agenda. Grover Norquist, one of the top strategists of the conservative movement since the Reagan era, wrote after the election of George W. Bush that in order to maintain Republican control, the Bush administration needed to gut unions. To do so, Norquist urged Bush to focus on ending labors ability to have dues deducted from member paychecks. Every worker who doesnt join the union is another worker who doesnt pay $500 a year to organized labors political machine, he argued. More here. To understand attitudes and behaviors related to living a healthy lifestyle, Life Reimagined commissioned a survey of adults at least 40 years old with support from Optum. The survey explored the importance consumers place on particular healthy behaviors as well as the frequency with which they engage in these behaviors. The survey also addressed topics of discussion with doctors as well as perceptions of various health care professionals. Key findings include the following: Knowledge is not enough: Gaps exist between attitudes and behaviors. While nearly all consumers believe maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very/extremely important to them, less than half rate their health as very good/excellent. Also, gaps exist between perceived importance of healthy behaviors and regularity of engagement in them. Keep it Simple: Break down big goals into small steps. The gap between importance and action appears smaller for less time consuming behaviors (for example, the gap between importance and action is 6 percentage points for taking vitamins/supplements compared with 38 percentage points for eating healthy foods). Be Social: Build opportunities to connect with friends and family. Consumers with close friends are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors, such as getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, maintaining peace of mind and minimizing stress, engaging in brain health activities, and taking on new challenges or hobbies. Speak Up: Bring health professionals into the conversation. The most popular resource for information about health and wellness is friends and family. In addition, less than half of consumers have discussed select healthy behaviors with their doctor. This online survey was fielded from August 18-27, 2016 by OpinionsUSA. The sample of 1,006 consisted of adults ages 40 and older and was weighted by age, gender, and income. For more information contact Colette Thayer at CThayer@aarp.org. Suggested Citation: Thayer, Colette, and Erica Dinger. Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs vs. Behaviors. Washington, DC: AARP Research, November 2016. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00139.001 Auditor's offices do plenty of preparation before Election Day Appointment of Non-Executive Director and Alternate Director Perth, Nov 21, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Board of Directors of Prospect Resources Ltd ( ASX:PSC ) are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Qingjiao Yu, as a non-executive director of Prospect Resources Limited ("PSC" or "Company"). Ms Yan Wang has also been appointed as an alternate non-executive director to Mr Yu. Mr Yu has over fifteen years of experience in the Lithium-ion battery industry in China and is well known for being a key figure in the China battery technology sector. Currently, Mr Yu is Chairman and CEO of Energy Finance Net and China Battery Net. He is also the President for Chinese Battery Magazine, Secretary-General for ABEC BBS (Lithium electricity "Davos") committee and also a Director of Zhongguancun Battery Industry Technology Innovation Alliance. Chairman of the Company, Hugh Warner said that "Mr Yu's position within the Chinese lithium battery space will give Prospect with an enviable access to a wide range of potential end users. We look forward to working closely with Mr Yu, beginning with the China Battery Conference on 22 November 2016". Prospect already has the largest JORC reportable lithium deposit in Africa. We have 5 drilling rigs on site working to expand this resource. The Company's Arcadia Lithium deposit is strategically located to be able to supply product to both Europe and Asia. About Prospect Resources Ltd Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC) is based in Australasia with operations in Zimbabwe and is a publicly listed company. We are committed to creating value for Prospect's shareholders and the communities in which our company operates. Our vision is to build a Southern African based mining company of international scale. Rolls-Royce announced today that Alan Davies has resigned as a Non-Executive Director and is stepping down from the Board with immediate effect. Alan Davies joined the Board on 1 November 2015 and was a member of the Nominations and Governance Committee, the Audit Committee and the Safety and Ethics Committee. The Chairman of Rolls-Royce Ian Davis said: I am hugely grateful to Alan for the contribution he has made to the Board. His expertise and perspectives will be greatly missed. He has been a highly valued colleague and Board member. Airman reflects on cancer battle, gives back with 'passion project' At 28 years old, then Staff Sgt. Nathan Combs never imagined he would be in a hospital room at Joint Base San Antonio-Lacklands Wilford Hall receiving chemotherapy. But in December 2005, thats exactly where he found himself. Sitting across the room from him was a retired Marine, flexing his arm muscles while he read a magazine and received chemo treatment too. The Marine looked over to Combs and smirked. You know what, kid? Its all about how you look at it. Now just over a decade later, Combs, now a technical sergeant and the 902nd Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of resource protection, is cancer free. And hell never forget the words that Marine spoke to him. People can look at cancer (negatively), Combs said. It does a lot of damage in this world; it kills a lot of people, it takes our family members away and the treatment for it is just as bad. Cancer made me reassess everything in my life. And it really changed the path that I decided to take. Combs was diagnosed with stage II non-seminoma, which is a cancer that affects the testicle. According to the University of New Mexicos Comprehensive Cancer Center, this type of cancer is curable in almost 90 percent of cases, but surgery to remove the tumor and chemotherapy are recommended. Chemotherapy is something Combs remembers all too well. I got radiation treatment every day, five days a week, and then on Fridays, I doubled up, Combs said. Within a week it took away my appetite. I went from about 190 pounds to about 135 between the surgery and completion of treatment. It definitely kicked my butt. Combs chemo treatment lasted for about a month, and during that time, he said he couldnt eat anything with a tomato base. Pasta? Pizza? Forget it. I love pasta and pizza, but I couldnt do it, he said. It just wouldnt agree. There was one Mexican restaurant outside the Valley Hi gate at JBSA-Lackland where Combs could always stop to eat. He said his go-to was always a lengua, or cow tongue, burrito. I would stop there and scarf down a lengua burrito before or after treatment because if I waited any amount of time, I would not be able to do it, he said. A lot of people are like, Thats gross. Lengua, oh my gosh, how do you eat that? And Im like, its good. You just eat it. Another downside to his chemo was losing his hair, Combs said. He still remembers the moment it first began to fall out about two-and-a-half weeks in to treatment. At the time, Combs had a motorcycle, and would drive himself to-and-from treatment. He recalls it being a clear, windy day and getting an eyelash caught in his eye. I wiped my eye with the back of my hand and half of my eyebrows and all of my eyelashes were on the back of my hand, Combs said. I just sat on my motorcycle and buried my head on my arms, and I started crying. It reminded me that it was not going to be an easy kind of fight. It scared me again. It made it very, very real. When he was first diagnosed, Combs said he didnt know how to deal with it. His father had passed away in August 2001 from cancer, so he didnt want to lean too much on his mother, who had taken care of his dad and worked full-time throughout his treatment. I would come to the kennels and sit in my dogs run, which is the kennel area, and he would just lay in my lap, said Combs, a former military working dog handler. I attribute a lot of the positive thoughts during that time to my close friends and family. And definitely to that dog. After enduring and surviving his own cancer experience, Combs was inspired to help a friend during theirs by donating blood. Since then, and for the last six years, he has become a regular blood donor and attempts to lead blood drives every 90 days. After my cancer situation, I started thinking more about people other than myself, Combs said. Thats the primary reason why it has become my passion project. I can save up to three peoples lives just from the blood Im able to donate, so why not? Combs believes his experience with cancer changed him for the better and gave him a new perspective. He even credits his fight with the disease as being the most significant experience of his life - aside from the birth of his child. It took a very frustrated, angry young man and turned him into a very happy, positive older guy these days at 39, he said. Combs advises other men that knowledge is the best weapon against cancer and not to let the macho view of something abnormal going on to deter them from seeking help. I would rather do without and live longer, Combs said. Because theres a lot of cool stuff to see, and theres a lot more waves to surf. And like the Marine said, its all about how you look at it. Amid chaos prevailing over the country after the demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, banking fraternity deserves applause for commendable work done by them since last few days. Hats off to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for thanking all banks employees for going that extra mile to ensure the implementation of the demonetization scheme on fast track basis. Bankers have been working from morning to till late hours since last few days in the interest of customers for exchange of high denominations currencies, collection of deposits and other regular banking transactions. Bank officials have been called upon to undertake this gigantic task at short notice and they have risen to the occasion without complaining. They have aided senior citizens and worked even during the weekend. When I inquired with people about the ongoing demonetization drive they appreciated the work done by bank employees because of whom currency exchange work had passed off smoothly. The policemen who were posted outside many branches performed an excellent job of managing the crowds. In some branches, shamianas have been put up to guard people against the sun. Some people were offering drinking water, buttermilk, biscuits and toffees to customers! Our PM has rightly thanked all the bank employees and said, The amount of work which bank employees normally have to put in over a year, they have worked more than that in the last one week alone. Bankers face the peoples wrath for not providing smaller denomination notes due to its shortage. There is no fixed work hours for bank officers as their work stretches from 9 to 10 hours daily. It has been observed that the moment bank counters are open people rush in like a herd of bulls. They push each other to move ahead and shout at bank employees for not letting them in immediately. If bankers do not follow an organized system, the entire branch may fall into chaos. The public sector bank employees do seem to have risen to the occasion and by and large have been doing a really commendable job under difficult circumstances. There is no doubt that bankers have always performed the task given by the Government right from the time of nationalization. They have always in the past stood like a rock and supported the governments policies and have successfully implemented every scheme. Bank employees, logistics and support staff are doing their best, putting in a lot of effort and working tirelessly to bring back normalcy as quick as possible. Banks are the backbone of the national economy. They worked efficiently to minimize the stress of anguished people during the demonetization drive. Bank officials are always ready to face any critical issue in the interest of nation, right from their placement, away from home/children etc. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Putting her rumored break-up with Salman Khan on doubt, Iulia Vantur recently said there is no love lost between me and Salman. In an interview with a leading Romanian daily, the 36-year-old television producer also talked about the reason of leaving India and returning back to her native land. Salman has many bodyguards but I feel safe in Romania. I do not need bodyguards here, she said. Talking about her relationship experience with the Dabbang star, she further said, People love him a lot. But you cannot walk on the streets, you cannot walk to the mall or churches. That does not mean you are not safe but you feel safer with protection there, she said. Prince William has admitted in one of his most candid interviews that he has struggled at times as a parent. The 34-year-old royal, father to son Prince George, 3, and Princess Charlotte, 1, made his comments in an interview on the Talk Vietnam show on VTV-TV in Hanoi Thursday, the second and last day of his visit to Vietnam. He is in the country to attend the third International Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. Well, as the other parents in the room will testify, theres wonderful highs and theres wonderful lows. Its been quite a change for me, personally. Im very lucky in the support I have from Catherine, William said about wife Kate Middleton, whose official title is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. She is an amazing mother and a fantastic wife. [dropcap]T[/dropcap]he government had issued a statement justifying the ban imposed on Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naiks NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). In a gazette notification, issued two days after the Union Cabinet decided to ban IRF under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Home Ministry said the NGO and its members, particularly, the founder and its President Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to endorse or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities. Fifty one year old Dr. Naik, a thin person, follows simple life style but is very eccentric on his views about Islam. He is Mumbai based a trained medical doctor having studied MBBS and has been a controversial figure for Muslim theologians for long. A strange aspect about Zakir Naik is that he is not political personality, never endorses any party or leader. I have never seen him sharing space with any politician. You wont find him attending political rallies and politicians attending his events. This can be seen as the uniqueness of a religious figure in India who is not using his influence in politics. There is a huge list of religious personalities who are members of parliament or contest or attend political rallies, support some parties and he isnt one of them. However, he has his own voice and followers, more than any other Islamic leader. The central government has received information that the statements and speeches made by Zakir Naik are objectionable and subversive in nature as he has been extolling the known terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, proclaiming that every Muslim should be a terrorist and claiming that if Islam had indeed wanted, 80 per cent of Indian population would not have remained Hindus as they could have been converted if we wanted by sword, justifying the suicide bombings, posting objectionable comments against Hindu Gods, claiming that Golden Temple may not be as sacred as Mecca and Medina and making other statements which are derogatory to other religions, the notification said. The Home Ministry said through speeches and statements, Naik has been promoting enmity and hatred between different religious groups and inspiring Muslim youths and terrorists in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts. He mesmerizes youth by answering their queries from how right is being suicide bomber to committing suicide, and many other topics. He literally counsels people and convinces them to a large extent about his argument. What he speaks can be many times misinterpreted or misunderstood, the reason he conveniently explains the query without any caution note. It is very difficult to say, what appeals to the Muslim youth in his speeches but he is heard by many. He has many young admirers, many educated Muslims who respect and follow him. Zakir Naik is a well-educated intelligent rational voice of Islam, and hence someone they can connect with. The structure of Sunni Islam is such that not many can claim to be very influential, but yes Zakir Naik has few takers. He is refreshingly different from other preachers, who are either busy defending their religion or very tiny trying to ferment some kind of revolution. He, on other hand, claims to be an expert in comparative religion study and hence they see him countering other religions. If you visit his social networking site pages, youth share, comment and interact with this person very religiously. But that does not mean he has no critics or haters. He is hated by many, large number of Muslims across the country, both Shia and Sunni sect had earlier demanded that Dr. Zakir Naik should be expelled from the community. He is staunch Muslim with religious fundamentalist, and over the years, hes becoming more intolerant and dogmatic, which has unfortunately served only to increase his popularity. He has the right to free speech, so Im not really sure what can be done to curb his influence. Understanding the logical flaws in his seemingly impressive arguments is often too complex a task for his target audience (and possibly, even for him). Apart from this, I personally dont think he has any capacity or intention to cause any significant harm to the society. If you ask me, the Owaisi brothers are much more provocative and dangerous than him. Many people used to seeing Muslims on back foot defending their religion, find it revolting to see a Muslim heaping criticisms on them and not only that but spitting verses from their books to put forward claims and counter-claims. Naik is banned in UK and Canada for peddling Salafist Islam and hate speech. He is among 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia. In India, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) does not provide for banning individuals. Anyway, I too saw one of his video on You tube but it did not impress me much. Let the investigating agencies find out the truth, and reason why the youth are getting misguided by his speeches and book him if he is proved guilty. (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) Hours before 15-year-old Jordan Shores was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound in November, the aunt of the teenager with whom he was playing Aiken, SC (29801) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. A few sprinkles possible. High 76F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 53F. Winds light and variable. Standing up to anti-Israel sentiment on campus and around the globe makes a real difference. The head of Kent States Students for Justice in Palestine was urging the erasure of Golda Meir's quote that adorns a wall on campus, along with other inspirational sayings. Here's the offending quote: Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement. Golda Meir This outlandish demand to remove Golda Meirs quote was picked up and echoed by Kent States Spanish and Latino Student Association, the Ohio Student Association, and the Muslim Students Association. The SJP student leader incorrectly alleged that Golda Meir was racist against Africans, that she instituted ethnic cleansing and that she created harmful racist stereotypes that today oppress students at Kent State and contributes to a climate that makes us feel like we do not belong here. According to the twisted logic of todays anti-Israel activists, her quote should be erased. University President Beverly Warren thanked the students for their concerns in a letter, promising to consider their request. But on November 10, sanity prevailed. Kent State issued a statement that it would not remove Golda Meirs quote; doing so would be counter our core institutional value of supporting a diversity of cultures, beliefs, identities, and thought. While the quote, along with others, is scheduled to be painted over in 2017, for the time being it remains, a testament to the power of speaking up in the face of attempts to slander and even literally erase mentions of the Jewish state. Here are some other examples of attempts to erase Israel that have been overturned in recent weeks, thanks to willingness of Israels supporters to stand up and make their voices heard. Correcting NPRs Map When National Public Radio (NPR)s health and culture blog asked travelers to share their fears about visiting the Middle East in 2016, the accompanying map of the Middle East contained an interesting feature: Israel didnt exist. The Jewish state, in addition to the West Bank and Gaza, was labelled Palestine. Jewish NPR fans didnt take the maps erasure of Israel lying down. HonestReporting.com was among the first to notice the omission. Simon Plosker, its manager editor, pointed out, It is completely unacceptable for NPR to publish an image that erases Israel from the map. Soon, more troubled fans wrote in. Within days, NPR removed the map from its website and included an apology. Flying to Israel Passengers waiting for Air Serbias JUO 816 from Belgrade to Tel Aviv on August 29, 2016, got a shock when they heard passengers for flight 816 with service to Palestine please come to gate C3. Upset passengers spoke to the flight staff, explaining that Tel Aviv is in Israel. According to their accounts, the scene became confrontational with airline representatives repeating, The flight is to Tel Aviv, not Israel and announcing that the flight was headed to Palestine several times. I couldnt hold back when I heard it, one passenger explained. He approached the desk, and was joined by an Israeli man from Rosh Pina. I asked them to announce that the flight was going to Israel and not to Palestine, the passenger recalled. When the manager demurred, frustrated passengers asserted they wouldnt board the flight if it was not announced as a flight to Israel or to Tel Aviv rather than Palestine and demanded that the announcement be repeated three times for everyone to hear. Finally, flight officials announced that the plane was going to Tel Aviv. After the flight, Israels ambassador to Serbia, Alona Fisher-Kamm, pursued the matter with the CEO of Air Serbia, who expressed shock and remorse and assured passengers the incident wouldnt be repeated. Two months later, it seems that another airline erased the word Israel from a flight to the Jewish state. According to the website Middle East Monitor, Chinese Hainan Airlines surprised passengers flying from Beijing to Tel Aviv October 25, 2016 by omitting the name of their destination in the in-flight multimedia system. An in-flight map of Israel was mislabeled Palestinian Territories instead. After passengers complained, Hainan Airlines responded: We thank you for contacting us and turning our attention to this regrettable technical mistake The airline is working to fix the maps as soon as possible Objecting to Slandering Israel in London In some cases, mentioning Israel in derogatory ways can be just as bad as erasing its name completely. That was the message that visitors to the Geffrye Museum in Dalston, in London, conveyed in October 2016. Museum-goers who attended an exhibit on teenage bedrooms were shocked to see virulently anti-Israel posters adorning the walls of what were meant to be typical teenage bedrooms. Slogans included Criminal Israel. After receiving a number of complaints, museum staff took down the offensive posters. Having received feedback from a recent visitor, a museum spokesperson explained, we have now taken down the image. Erasing Israel in Berlin We need to be vigilant, speak up and demand action. In August 2016, the famous French filmmaker Claude Lanzmann (whose film Shoah chronicles the Holocaust) went public with an op-ed in two European newspapers with his experiences in a top Berlin hotel, the luxurious Hotel Bristol. Seeking Israels international dialing code from the hotels directory, Mr. Lanzmann realized Israels code had been removed. The hotel later defended itself, saying, There is no instruction on the part of the hotel management...to take the Israeli dialing code out of the telephone directory and pointing out that not every nations dialing code was included. Mr. Lanzmann, however, offers a different perspective. After noticing that Israels code had been removed, he asked hotel staff about the omission. According to Mr. Lanzmann, staff told him that Arab clients had asked the hotel to omit Israels dialing code from the list. One cannot fight against Arab terrorism and at the same time allow Israel to be eradicated at one of the noblest and most important hotels in Berlin, Mr. Lanzmann cautioned. As Mr. Lanzmann continues to demand that the Hotel Bristol reinstate Israel in its list of international dialing codes, hes gained an important ally: Berlin Interior Minister Frank Henkel has joined the fray, urging the hotel to investigate Mr. Lanzmanns accusations. Banning Zionist Voices in Montreal The McGill Daily, the student newspaper of the prestigious Montreal university, recently issued a startling proclamation: The Daily maintains an editorial line of not publishing pieces which promote a Zionist worldview, its editors explained. This pronouncement came after the paper received a complaint of anti-Semitism. According to the editors, the newspaper reviewed the complaint and found it baseless, explaining that it did not consider anti-Zionist articles to constitute anti-Semitism. The McGill Daily acknowledged that it has no Jewish students on its board, though it asserted that the broader Daily community contains Jewish voices. The paper dismissed Zionism as oppressive and illegitimate, completely outside the bounds of civilized discourse, slanderously mischaracterizing the right of the Jewish people to sovereignty like other nations as a settler-colonial ideology. In a climate in which Israel and markers of Israeli identity are often at risk of literally being erased, its crucial to stand up and speak out at attempts to slander and demonize the Jewish state. When we insist that Israel be treated fairly, we make it harder for people to delegitimize Zionism or to promote a warped view of a world without Israel. In the words of Golda Meir, still proudly painted on a wall at Kent State University: Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Dont be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. November 18, 2016 Given the serious questions concerning US President-elect Donald Trumps future policies on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the European Union is now exploring a more independent regional policy as a basis for international consensus. European capitals were taken by surprise, if not shock, by the election of Trump as the next president of the United States. German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave her qualified blessing to the president-elect, saying, Germany and America are bound by common values democracy, freedom, as well as respect for the rule of law and the dignity of each and every person, regardless of their origin, skin color, creed, gender, sexual orientation or political views. It is based on these values that I wish to offer close cooperation, both with me personally and between our countries governments. The European states, as expressed by many of their leaders in the past months, are concerned about Trumps lack of experience in foreign and security matters, by his pro-Russian stance and his various expressions against the EU, NATO and free trade deals. He is viewed in most EU capitals as an American nationalist and isolationist who intends to bolster the US military. A senior official close to Federica Mogherini, the EUs high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that Brussels is concerned about the intentions of the Trump administration. Yet he said, We intend to fully cooperate with the Trump administration on all burning issues on the international agenda: the Iran deal, Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Turkey, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, etc. The degree of cooperation depends on the new American president and his secretary of state. The official told Al-Monitor that policy planners in Brussels have been asked to contemplate various policy options in case the United States opts for a more isolationist policy. This would be a negative development for the Atlantic relationship and even for NATO coordination and would forcefully lead the EU to a more independent foreign policy. According to the official, the next months until the inauguration and shortly after it would be spent on convincing President-elect Trump and his foreign policy team to adopt close relationships and coordination with EU member states. This will include meetings between the heads of EU member states and Trump himself, starting with a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May. The assessment in Brussels is that the issue that demands the most independent EU position is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution, given Trumps evident desire to disengage from a two-state solution process. Therefore, EU policy planners have been requested to focus on developing independent EU policy engagements on a two-state solution. Such engagements will express EU goals in this context. An essential goal would be, for instance, preventing the outbreak of greater violence and an armed intifada given Palestines growing frustration on the lack of advancement for Palestinian statehood. Another evident goal would be curbing Israeli settlement expansion, which would make the current status quo irreversible. Also, the EU wants to strengthen the pragmatic Mahmoud Abbas regime, currently weakened by growing criticism of the political stalemate, even within the Fatah movement. And a last, comprehensive goal would be the renewal of a two-state solution process with the engagement of pragmatic Arab countries, primarily Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. With these goals in mind, EU officials are working on four main concrete measures. For the first measure, Brussels would like to implement the July 2016 Quartet (EU, United States, United Nations and Russia) reports recommendation on the settlements, demanding an Israeli settlement freeze, as well as an end to Palestinian official incitement to violence. A second measure would be the emphasis on coordinating a UN Security Council resolution declaring all Israeli settlements east of the Green Line as illegal and demanding an immediate freeze of settlement construction. France, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority (PA) should spearhead these efforts. The third measure includes convening at the beginning of 2017 a second Paris peace conference based on the concluding statement of the previous Paris conference that was held in June with an emphasis on the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 as the basis for a two-state solution. The fourth measure is drafting EU terms of reference on the permanent status issues. Such a document could serve as the basis for future negotiations. Naturally, any EU terms of reference would have to be developed and explored in the framework of the Quartet. But the EU has some ideas on what this should include: A two-state solution based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed land swaps and East Jerusalem as a Palestinian capital (with mutually agreed special arrangements for the holy places). Stringent anti-terror and security measures along the new borders with emphasis on Israels security concerns (measures accompanied by international security monitoring). Resolving the Palestinian refugee issue in a joint and agreed way. EU-enhanced economic assistance to the PA, including assistance on institution building. For these measures to be implemented, the EU would need to leverage its economic clout in the region. And so, the EU will propose that, within a two-state solution, both Israel and Palestine will be offered the highest nonmember status, namely membership in the European Economic Area. The EU will also use its economic clout to encourage the parties to advance toward a two-state solution, both by economic and scientific incentives and, possibly, by punitive measures. The EU official told Al-Monitor that the main emphasis of EU policies on the issue, given the change in Washington, will be a more forceful attempt to curb Israeli settlement expansion. Brussels is very concerned that with the apparent nature of the next US administration, Israel will sense that it has a green light to expand settlement construction, especially in the Jerusalem area and in the Jordan Valley. The EU will attempt to prevent this through economic measures against Israeli companies active east of the Green Line and by labeling Israeli products manufactured in West Bank settlements. November 18, 2016 GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip At the end of October, the Palestinian government expressed its intention to amend the local elections law and the electoral system, turning it from a closed proportional list to an open proportional list system, after the failure to hold local elections, which were slated for Oct. 8. This raised a debate among Palestinian factions and local bodies about the motives, objectives, reasons and timing of this move. The Ministry of Local Government held dialogue rounds in Ramallah from Oct. 31 to Nov. 9 with representatives of factions, such as Fatah and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), and civil society institutions to discuss the proposed electoral system. Fatah Central Committee member Mahmoud Aloul said during one of the dialogue sessions that his movement approves the amendments, while DFLP Deputy Secretary-General Qais Abdel Karim (Abu Laila) stressed the need to reach consensus with all Palestinian factions before amending the local elections law. On Oct. 4, the government announced the postponement of the local elections after the Supreme Court of Justice in Ramallah decided Oct. 3 to conduct local elections in the West Bank without Gaza, due to the lack of legitimacy in Gazas courts. This courts decision came after the court of Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, decided Sept. 8 to reject the registration of nine Fatah lists in the Gaza Strip because some lawyers, who are believed to be affiliated with Hamas, lodged an appeal against candidates on the lists. Local Elections Law No. 10 of 2005, currently in effect, allows rejecting the registration of electoral lists if a candidate violates the terms stipulated under Article 18 of Chapter VI. According to these terms, a candidate should not be indicted by a felony against honor or a crime, and should reside within the local community in which he is running. Fatahs candidates did not meet these conditions, which explains the appeals filed against them in the Gaza Strip. The current electoral law is based on the closed list system, according to which the seats won by the list will be allocated to the candidates who were positioned highest on this list. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Local Government Mohammed Jabarin told Al-Monitor that the proposed amendments to the law include not disqualifying an entire electoral list of candidates in the event that one of them loses in the elections; in this case, a special court will be formed to consider any appeals against candidates or electoral lists. He said, The proposed amendments are based on the voter choosing one candidate from one list, without having the right to choose among different lists. The position of each candidate within their list is determined according to the votes they reap. A vote for one candidate is considered a vote for the entire list, and thus the list shall get a number of seats that is equal to the number of votes its candidates obtained. Jabarin further explained that these are positive amendments, as they force each party to submit a list of candidates from all political inclinations, not only candidates from the party itself, to guarantee a greater representation because the voter would then show support to a certain list not for its electoral program, but for the candidate they prefer; and thus we would get a greater political pluralism in any elected local council. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stressed that his movement rejects all these amendments, saying, This change to the law is rejected in form and substance because it is not based on national consensus. He told Al-Monitor, In principle, the elections should be held according to the law in effect. All these attempts to amend the law are to tailor the elections according to Fatahs preferences in order to ensure victory in future elections after some of Fatahs lists were rejected for the October elections. He explained, This amendment is tampering and manipulating the Palestinian laws and harming the democratic process. No real electoral process can be achieved after such a procedure. Maryam Abu Daqqa, a member of the political bureau of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), told Al-Monitor that the PFLP also rejects any amendment to the election law without a national consensus. She said, The Palestinian arena cannot handle more factional disputes. We want democracy and partnership to prevail among Palestinians, and we will not accept decisions made by one party alone. In response to Hamas rejection of the amendment, Amin Maqboul, a member of Fatahs Revolutionary Council, told Al-Monitor, Hamas rejection is proof that it is the one wishing to hold elections according to its own preferences, denying that his movement had exercised any pressure on the government to change the law. He added, We welcome these amendments because they are important and will guarantee a high level of democracy in future elections, as they address the problem of rejecting the registration of a list if one of the candidates faces an appeal. It makes no sense to reject the registration of a 15-candidate list simply because one of them violates the terms of the law. Jabarin denied that amending the current electoral system was to protect Fatah in future elections, saying, The idea to amend the electoral system is not new. On Oct. 5, the Ministry of Local Government announced that it was conducting a study to change the electoral system, before setting the election date on Oct. 8, but there was not enough time to make these modifications. But after the government postponed the elections, we decided to put forward our proposal again. He stressed that his ministry has been holding dialogues with most factions and will soon meet with Hamas and the PFLP as well, to reach a formula agreed upon by everyone. He said, The dialogue sessions in this regard will continue until the end of the year, and the formula will then be adopted by the Cabinet, even if Hamas and the PFLP continues to reject these amendments. Talib Awad, the head of the Arab Democracy and Electoral Monitor (Al-Marsad) in Ramallah, believes that the amendments carry several disadvantages most importantly, they deprive the voters of their free choice and force them to choose a single list, even if they do not support some of its candidates, while preventing them from choosing candidates they see fit in other electoral lists. Awad told Al-Monitor, The proposed amendments may lead to the growth of ideologies that favor familial or tribal connections. In addition, voting for a single candidate reduces the chances of women winning, since voters are more likely to vote for a male candidate instead of a female one. Despite all efforts to amend the local elections law and the dialogues convened by the Ministry of Local Government, Hamas approval is a key factor to ensure the success of any unified electoral process in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. November 20, 2016 Turkey sees vital interests in Sinjar, Tal Afar Turkish leaders are optimistic that the new Trump administration will adjust US foreign policy to recognize Turkey as a priority and to see the world from Turkeys perspective, as incoming national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn wrote in an op-ed in The Hill published on US Election Day. Metin Gurcan writes, Many key names in Ankara believe that the Trump transition team will understand the dynamics of Iraq and Syria and support Ankara in its struggle against the PKK [Kurdistan Workers Party] and PYD [Democratic Union Party] in northern Syria and against growing Shiite influence in Iraq. It is not hard to guess that Ankara will focus on setting up good relations and thus increase cooperation with the Trump team until Trumps inauguration Jan. 20. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party teams are already busy with diplomatic efforts in New York and Washington. Gurcan explains that Ankaras primary goal in Syria is to end Democratic Union Party (PYD) control of the Kobani and Jazeera cantons. If Ankara cannot impose a full military presence east of the Euphrates [River], it will make do by cleansing al-Bab of the Islamic State (IS) and Manbij of the YPG [People's Protection Units], thus creating a rectangular buffer zone of Jarablus, Manbij, al-Bab and al-Rai. In Iraq, Gurcan writes, Turkeys goals are to become part of the Mosul operation and eliminate the PKK's domination of the Sinjar area that forms a bridge between Iraq and Syria. This would also mean splitting the PKK corridor from the Qandil Mountains to northern Syria. Ankara believes it is vital to split the Shiite corridors: one in northwestern Iraq and Syria, and the other from Syria to Lebanon. In other words, the worst-case scenario for Ankara is to be hemmed in by a Shiite corridor from Iran to Lebanon in the south and a PKK corridor from Qandil to Afrin in the north. Fehim Tastekin writes, Ankara is now using the argument that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has turned Sinjar into a base. By declaring that Sinjar is on the way to becoming a new Qandil, we cannot allow that, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made Turkeys position clear. Tastekin explains the complicated role that Sinjar has played in intra-Kurdish politics: After the occupation of the region by the United States in 2003, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) attempted to annex Sinjar to Kurdistan by increasing the size of peshmerga forces, while the PKK intensified its efforts to expand its sphere of influence. About 8,000 peshmerga forces withdrew from the area without challenging IS in 2014, but the PKKs armed wing, the People's Defense Forces (HPG), began fighting to open a corridor from the Sinjar Mountains, while Rojavas People's Protection Units (YPG) began doing the same from the Syrian side. These moves boosted the PKKs popularity among the Yazidis, while the KRG leadership under Massoud Barzani and peshmerga forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) suffered serious blows to their prestige when they were accused of abandoning the Yazidis to the murderous IS." He adds, After liberating the center of Sinjar together with the peshmerga forces, the YBS [Sinjar Resistance Units] and the YJS [Sinjar Women's Units] continued fighting IS in villages. So far, the Yazidis havent taken part in operations against Mosul and Tal Afar, saying they are awaiting the call of the Baghdad government. Nevertheless, Yazidi forces see themselves as an integral part of the Mosul operation. After all, administratively, Sinjar is attached to the Mosul governorate. Tastekin concludes, Although Sinjar topographically may not be conducive to guerrilla operations, with the turbulences of recent times, the PKK has been able to become more visible and effective in a crescent from Hanekin on the Iranian border to central Iraqs Mosul and Kirkuk. When you look at it from inside Iraq, it doesnt look all that easy for Turkey to reverse such a flexible and dynamic process just by massing tanks at the Silopi border." Also vital to Turkeys interests is the strategic town of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, where Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary units the Popular Mobilization Units appear on the verge of retaking the city from Islamic State forces. Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Badr Organization, rejected any Turkish intervention when he said, Tal Afar will be the cemetery of Turkish soldiers should Turkey attempt to take part in the battle, Mustafa Saadoun reports. Control of Tal Afar is pivotal for Turkey and Iran, as well as the governments of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan. Saadoun explains, Turkey does not wish for Iran to have influence in Tal Afar, which is adjacent to the border with Syria; it would make it easier for Iran to transfer arms through the land route it is seeking to establish from the east to the west of Iraq. This is also seen as one of the reasons behind the dispute over Tal Afar. Erdogan fears that Tal Afar, which lies 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Turkish border, would become a haven for the Shiite factions close to Iraq. The Turkish president also has concerns over a possible alliance between the PMU and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in regard to attacks that could be launched on Turkey or a possible facilitation by the PMU of arms transfers to the PKK fighting the Turkish army. Return of the Iraqi Baath? Joseph Briefel writes, One group that remains absent from post-liberation narratives is the former Baathists, who have played a complex role in Mosuls recent history and have had a dysfunctional relationship with post-2003 governments in Baghdad. If the role of former Baathists is forgotten in post-IS Iraq, then many of the key issues that arose when IS entered Mosul in 2014 will likely return in the future. He adds, IS strong Baathist links gave the group a clear Iraqi identity and allowed it to make alliances with many other such groups upon its entry into Mosul. One of these alliances was with the Baathist-linked Naqshbandi Army, which is led by Ezzat al-Douri. When IS forces stormed into Mosul in June 2014, the Naqshbandi Armys Baathist network largely facilitated their entry. Briefel explains, Despite their ideological differences, the pragmatic secular nationalist Baathists are determined to acquire power by any means available and exploit any situation to their advantage. But for those that attempt to blend back into civilian life, what does the future hold? The Supreme National Commission for Accountability and Justice made amendments to the de-Baathification law Sept. 30, allowing many former Baathists to resume their jobs. As IS represents the greatest threat to Iraq and its people, national reconciliation must include all groups, including Baathists, to defeat it. "Understanding Baathist networks are of paramount importance and the topic must be included alongside the more prevalently discussed issues of sectarian reconciliation, political autonomy and the role of external actors when addressing the drivers of social insecurity. November 18, 2016 AIN ISA, Syria Operation Wrath of the Euphrates, launched Nov. 4 to liberate Raqqa, continues. As of Nov. 17, when this article was written, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the Raqqa city center. The Raqqa operation is advancing more quickly than anticipated. Fighters on the front line, who have coalition air support, claim the Islamic State (IS) cannot hold up against them. Al-Monitor spoke with the operation's spokesperson, Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, in the field. Ahmed said they are going to start the siege of Raqqa as planned, but the urban phase of the battle will be planned differently. The forces fighting on the ground havent yet received the expected heavy weapons. Al-Monitor observed that the United States was providing support with aerial attacks and mortar fire. Ahmed said, "We havent received as much heavy weapons support as we expected to completely and quickly take Raqqa. The Raqqa operation is as much a political issue as it is a military one, and how the US coalition approaches northern Syria politically will affect the outcome of the operation. The Raqqa operation has been advances on a quick pace in rural areas, but clearing the region totally from IS will depend on the military and political support of major powers. That may take time. While the Raqqa operation continues, there are other interesting developments in northern Syria (which the Kurds call "Rojava"). Especially in the al-Bab region, the situation gets more complicated by the day. On the one hand, there are the Free Syrian Army (FSA) groups backed by Turkey, and on the other, Kurdish and local Arab forces led by the People's Protection Units (YPG). To the south stand Syrian regime forces. The SDF took Manbij with YPG support. In response, Turkey-backed FSA groups entered the area from Jarablus and advanced on the Mare-al-Rai line. Turkey does not want the YPG and SDF in al-Bab because that will ensure a link between Manbij and the Kurdish canton of Afrin, namely, an unbroken line from the east to the west in northern Syria. Turkey's obsession, the "Kurdish corridor," will be a fact on the ground; therefore, the river crossing at al-Bab is vital for all factions right now. Forces under the al-Bab Military Council, also supported by the YPG, are expected to surround the city soon. The SDF offers support for the operation. To the south of the city, the Syrian regime forces are preparing for an attack but that is not expected for now. The Syrian state and Russia do not want the FSA groups backed by Turkey to enter al-Bab, because then the gates will be open for these groups to enter Aleppo. Such a development would contradict the regime's goals. As these developments were unfolding, the United States and the YPG made an interesting move. Brett McGurk, US President Barack Obama's special envoy for the anti-IS coalition, announced that "the YPG forces that completed their mission will retreat from Manbij." Two hours later, the YPG announced their retreat from Manbij and footage was released showing their withdrawal over the Euphrates River. It was announced that the YPG forces that retreated from Manbij would join the Raqqa operation. In return for this move, the United States apparently stopped the Turkey-backed FSA groups from entering al-Bab. The YPG retreated from Manbij to keep the Turks from entering al-Bab. US officials also emphasized that they are not offering support for Turkish troops in the al-Bab region. Thus, under current circumstances, the city of al-Bab will come under control of the al-Bab Military Council that consists of local Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen fighters. Of course this will not be easy. If this operation is completed successfully, then the Turkey-backed FSA groups will stay in their current positions. The "corridor" that the Turks have fervently opposed between Afrin and Jazeera will be open. But this corridor will not have the colors of the Kurds or the YPG, because of stern Turkish opposition and US support for Turkey. In return, the SDF and YPG fighters are expected to push harder toward Raqqa. Everyone in the region who spoke to Al-Monitor said that the situation will not continue as planned. Authorities in northern Syria expect Turkey to attack them at any time, and they are on alert. YPG spokesperson Firat Xelil told us Turkey has now become their primary threat. He said IS is almost defeated now, but the biggest threat is from Turkey. He added, however, that they still want to remain friendly with Turkey. Looking at these comments, it is a matter of time for a conflict to erupt between the Turkey-backed FSA around al-Bab and Manbij and the SDF, which has a strong Kurdish element. US forces are trying to delay this conflict so the Raqqa operation isn't derailed. If things do not go as planned but groups under Turkey's control enter al-Bab and expel IS, then al-Bab Military Council fighters will not stay passive and fight against external groups brought over by Turkey. Conflict will spread in the region. Turkey can attack Afrin and Manbij by using this conflict as an excuse. Then, the war between Turkey and the Kurds will have spread to northern Syria. This is a very worrying risk right now. In short, unless Turkey and the Kurds reach a compromise and peace within the borders of Turkey, the cauldron will keep boiling in northern Syria. A possible reconciliation will ease Kurdish-Turkish tensions in northern Syria. But in the current situation, all signs point to clashes and more tension as the Turkish state sees the Kurds' having legal status as a great threat to its national security. Last week, the guard also supplied another helicopter and three soldiers on aerial water delivery and support for the Alabama Forestry Commission. The fire has been burning in DeKalb County since Nov. 9 on Lookout Mountain near Mentone and is threatening homes in the area. A statewide burn ban is currently in place, and state officials are offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for setting wildfires. For more information, visit the Alabama Forestry Commission website. GOES-R America's new weather satellite GOES-R launched successfully from Cape Canaveral, Fla., at 5:42 p.m. CST Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. Carried aboard an Atlas V rocket built in Decatur, Ala., the satellite features a lightning tracking system developed in Huntsville, Ala. (NASA photo) America launched a new weather satellite today promising a major upgrade to severe weather forecasting, and Alabama played key roles in both launch and mission. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) lifted off at 5:42 p.m. CST from Space Launch Complex 41 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An Atlas V rocket assembled in Decatur boosted the satellite off the ground toward a stationary orbit 22,000 miles above the Western Hemisphere. The launch was delayed about an hour by a technical issue with the rocket and a launch range issue. One of the key instruments on board - the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) - was developed, designed, tested and partially built at the National Space Science Technology Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Dr. Hugh Christian has spent 36 years working on the lightning mapper from proving the idea would work to creating the finished project. Christian was planning to be at the Cape for the launch. GLM will generate 500 images per second of developing storms to pinpoint sudden increases in lightning flashes. Lightning is a clear sign of storm severity, and the rate of increase in flashes is best observed from space. GLM will show "which cells are intensifying and which are weakening," Christian said in an interview. "I think it's going to make a big difference." The new lightning spotter won't go online immediately. Christian said it will take six months to tune the instrument and verify its data. white-nationalists-promo2.jpg Dozens of people protest outside the Ronald Reagan Building, where a white nationalist conference was being held. "There's been an awakening," said Richard Spencer, whose organization, the National Policy Institute, sponsored the annual gathering. (Marvin Joseph The Washington Post) WASHINGTON - White nationalists from around the country gathered Saturday in downtown Washington to bask in Donald Trump's victory and celebrate what many proclaimed as a coming-out moment in their mission to turn back multiculturalism and eventually create a whites-only "ethno-state" in North America. "There's an energy in this city that I've never felt before," said Gerald Martin, 64, a retired teacher from Dallas who was one of nearly 275 attendees of the annual conference put on by the National Policy Institute, whose president, Richard Spencer, coined the term alt-right and is a vocal proponent of what Spencer refers to as "white identity." "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," said Martin triumphantly amid the water goblets and white tablecloths at the Ronald Reagan Building as he waited for Spencer to take the stage. "And we just napalmed the s--- out of Hillary Clinton and everyone who supports her." He and others welcomed media to the gathering and hailed what they called the "mainstreaming" of ideas that were only recently confined to the shadows of the Internet. But they met fierce resistance during their two-day gathering, with protesters disrupting an NPI dinner Friday and crowding the pavement outside the conference Saturday. "NPI - Today's KKK," read one sign in the crowd of about 200 people that security guards kept from entering the Reagan Building as police blocked to traffic. Half of the crowd chanted "We say no to racist hate!" The other half responded, "We don't want a white state!" A few had red bandannas or black masks covering the lower halves of their faces. "We have to resist the idea that fascism and a white supremacy organization can be normalized," said Perry King, 61, a District of Columbia resident and psychotherapist. "We can't let them be mainstream. That's what happened with the Nazis. We have to play Whac-A-Mole now and not let them become 'normal.' " Inside the conference room, attendees dismissed the protesters as "bullies" and claimed the momentum in a culture-war struggle for control of a nation that they believe, in Martin's words, is "rapidly becoming a Third World country." Most in the overwhelmingly male gathering wore dark suits, many with the triangle lapel pin of a California-based European identity group. One man was dressed in camouflage, another wore a pony tail and an opera cloak. Dozens of them also wore what's known as "fashy" (as in fascist) haircuts - a hipster look that features shaved sides with the hair on top swept across. A blond teenage girl wore a Make America Great Again cap. When Spencer asked for attendees younger than 40 to stand up, at least half in the room rose. "The alt-right is a youth movement," said Martin. "They're really going for it, maybe because they've never had a victory like this. All they've ever heard is 'white guilt' and, lately, 'white privilege.' " Well more than a dozen journalists - including several from non-U.S. publications - reported on an afternoon news conference, where Spencer announced a number of goals the institute will push for in the coming year. Chief among them: a 50-year ban on all immigration (although Spencer suggested some exceptions should be made for Europeans). In the wake of Trump's win, attendance more than doubled from last year's Washington gathering of the group, which the Southern Poverty Law Center places in the vanguard of "academic racism." The Institute's core belief, according to the SPLC, "is that 'white identity' is under attack by multicultural forces using 'political correctness' and 'social justice' to undermine white people and 'their' civilization." Attendees greeted one another - some had been to previous NPI meetings here and in Europe - with talk of countering "thought terrorism" and promoting "Anglo-Saxon ethno-theology." They exalted at the recent pronouncements from Trump Tower, particularly the nomination of officials whose views they said aligned with their own: retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as national security adviser, former Breitbart News chairman Stephen Bannon as White House chief strategist and Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., as attorney general. "Jeff Sessions being in charge of enforcing civil rights laws makes me want to sing," said one participant from Virginia, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Maybe the overwhelming sentiment was surprise. Few in the alt-right expected 2016 to end with their fringe movement becoming a household term and finding sympathy in the highest reaches of government. "There's been an awakening," Spencer said in his opening remarks. One speaker, British anti-immigration activist Peter Brimelow, noted that although Trump doesn't identify as a white nationalist or a member of the alt-right, his campaign addressed two issues - immigration and political correctness - that are hugely important to them. "With those issues, he slaughtered his way to the presidency," he said. "It's like nothing I've ever seen." Trump's biggest contribution to white nationalism may have been prevailing despite being associated with alt-right thinking, according to one NPI attendee, a student at New Jersey's Kean University who spoke on the condition of anonymity so his friends wouldn't learn of his racial beliefs. "The media called him a bigot, a racist, all the leftist smears and he still won," said this student. "That means they are losing their moral grip on the narrative." Like many at the conference, this student acknowledged that he would like to live in a white enclave that mostly excluded minorities (although he applauded Japan's approach of letting a limited number of Filipino workers in as nurses and laborers). When pressed to explain how that mass segregation could occur without violence, he said many of those of details would have be worked out. "This is not an empirical science," he said. Organizations that monitor hate groups say they have seen an uptick in activity and interest in supremacist sentiment during the campaign and in the weeks since Trump's surprise win. "Whether it's the suit-and-tie Nazis or their blob of supporters online, the bottom line is they feel like this is their time to strike," said Oren Segal, director of the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism. Measuring the depth of support is difficult in the Internet era, Segal said. Chapters and membership have been replaced by loose affiliations online, with supporters able to "act" on their beliefs simply by retweeting a racist meme or harassing a journalist. "Most of the alt-right ideology is not really presented on the ground," he said. "I'm troubled that any of them would ever feel in any way emboldened." Segal sees the key moments coming in the months and years ahead, as the groups and their followers are inevitably disappointed. "They are still very much on the fringe," he said. "How are they going to react when their ambitions are not fulfilled?" (c) 2016, The Washington Post. Steve Hendrix, John Woodrow Cox wrote this story. Katherine Shaver contributed to this report. A Silas man was killed early this morning in a one-vehicle crash in Choctaw County. The crash occurred about 1:55 a.m. on U.S. 84 near the 21 mile marker, one-and-a-half miles west of Coffeeville. Alabama State Troopers said Clatis Burns Lewis, 43, died when his 2013 Jeep Wranger left the roadway and stuck a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Senior Trooper Reginal King said a preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor. The incident remains under investigation. Beach Nourishment.jpeg (c/o Scott Douglas) Alabama's Gulf Coast has always been a source of pride for the state. The white sandy beaches are among the finest in the world and are a destination for fishermen, families, ecologists and biologists. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill threatened much of the shoreline but, six years later, Gov. Robert Bentley is demonstrating a willingness to turn that near-disaster into an environmental triumph. This week, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation approved $63 million for six Alabama projects, with land acquisition the centerpiece in three of them. The state kicked off its purchases with the single biggest ticket item on the wish list, the last undeveloped parcel in private hands on the Fort Morgan peninsula -- 113 acres, including a half mile of beach shoreline, that will be added to the Alabama Department of Conservation's Fort Morgan Parkway management area. The acquisition also includes the purchase of Lightning Point and much of the shoreline and coastal forest surrounding Oyster Bay, together protecting about 3 miles of coastal marsh shoreline. The governor, as well as state officials, particularly Patti Powell, State Lands Division head, and Gunter Guy, Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, deserve to be celebrated for making sure BP money goes to permanently protecting our coastal habitats. And they did this all at no cost to the taxpayer. No, the state could not have used this money for economic development. This money came from the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund which was explicitly earmarked for environmental projects. But we congratulate the governor being willing to be daring with that money. Many environmental groups had proposed that the money from the BP oil spill be used to rehabilitate existing state land, but as early as 2012 AL.com's Ben Raines began beating the drum for new land acquisition. To be clear, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done on this front. Alabama has preserved the least amount of coastal land of any of the Gulf states. With the BP oil spill allocation, Alabama has the opportunity to preserve and protect all of its undeveloped coastline. It is also time to focus on the less glamorous but critically important acquisition of coastal marshland, there are still 100 miles that need to be protected. Alabama is in a unique position to preserve the Gulf Coast for the American public. Mississippi ruined most of its coastal marsh by building the longest manmade beach in the world. Louisiana's marsh is famously washing away. That means Alabama's coastal marshes will become increasingly important to the future of the Gulf of Mexico. It is vitally important that we protect as much of them as possible. Governor Bentley has taken an excellent first step and we commend him for it. But we must keep going. The future of Mobile Bay is in our hands. An upcoming battle in Kenyan courts could determine future access to safe, legal abortions for women there. Nairobi, Kenya In the wood-panelled interior of Nairobis High Court, a battle is due to begin on December 15 that will determine whether hundreds of thousands of women each year are committing criminal acts. The issue of abortion in Kenya has been mired in confusion and contention for the past six years. In 2010, a new constitution was passed, heralded globally as a progressive foundational document for its principles of gender equality in parliament; freedom of media; and formation of an independent Human Rights and Equality Commission to investigate human rights abuses. The trouble is that much of what was included has met resistance and debate. That includes the three provisions that permit abortions where, in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is a need for emergency treatment, or the life or health of the mother is in danger, or if permitted by any other written law. Reproductive rights advocates filed a petition against the Ministry of Health and Attorney General last year, alleging a lack of guidelines and policy is putting the health and lives of women in danger. In 2008, the World Health Organization said Eastern and Middle Africa had the highest global rates of unsafe abortions, at 36 per 1,000 reproductive-aged women. Josephine Mongare, the chair of Kenyas Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) that led the petition, said how wide the interpretation of health is such as whether it includes emotional or mental health and what constitutes a trained health professional needs guidance. This is what the law has not defined and the doctor must make those decisions, she said. Unlike other jurisdictions with similar laws, there are no further laws, guidelines or policies in place to expand on the succinct constitutional passage. Religious backlash The Ministry of Health put out guidelines in 2012 to help doctors determine whether they could legally perform an abortion, before withdrawing them in 2013 after a caustic backlash in this staunchly Christian country. Father Raphael Wanjohi is the country director of the Kenyan chapter of American Christian anti-abortion rights organisation Human Life International. He said it was not the place for the Ministry of Health to guide medics on when to terminate a human life, as the church sees abortion and therefore it was necessary for the guidelines to be retracted. Who has given these individuals the right to decide who should die? said Wanjohi. The issue of abortion must be decided by all quarters of society, he said, and it is the role of the church to safeguard human life. Human life is sacred, thats what we hold, right from conception until natural death. There is no room for saying so and so should be eliminated or that right should be waived away, he said. Among other things, the 2012 guidelines outlined where, how, by whom and under which circumstances an abortion should be performed. Crucially, it also stated that mental health was included in the criteria of health. After the retraction, the director of medical services wrote a memo to all health workers directing them not to participate in safe abortion training. Mongare said that any doctor who performs an abortion assumes a great deal of legal risk, which makes most reluctant to perform the procedure. This, she added, prompts women to turn to dangerous back-alley abortions and witchdoctors. People have to look for backstreet medical institutions, those who will not be held accountable by anyone. Its a statement of fact that women die when abortions are done by unqualified people, she said. Coat hangers and knitting needles Based on 2012 statistics, the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) estimates that nearly 465,000 Kenyan women undergo abortions each year. Professor Boaz Otieno-Nyunya convenor of the KMA Reproductive Health Committee, estimated more than half of all abortions are performed unsafely, with herbs, coat hangers, spoons, knitting needles and harmful pharmaceuticals. In the past, criminal cases have been taken against medical professionals who have performed abortions, heightening the need to establish legality around abortion. According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data, between 2011 and 2015 there were 177 cases reported to police against men and women for procuring abortion the offence that both women seeking abortions and medics are generally charged with, though several have been charged with murder. The FIDA petition wants the court to decide whether the Ministry of Health is failing constitutional duties by having retracted the guidelines. In February, a High Court judge determined that a bench of three judges should be appointed by the Chief Justice to hear the public interest case with 17 different social, religious and legal groups lining up to have their say during the case in December. Human rights NGO, the East African Centre for Law and Justice, which uses legal avenues to advocate for change, is one of those submitters. Executive director Joy Mdivo said that abortion has no legal force in the country without extra legislation. The constitution by definition is framework, it is never policy, its never legislation if you ask me, it should have remained with Everybody has a right to life. How this is interpreted should be left to our parliament and elected representatives. In Kenya, she added, personhood is presumed at conception. That means abortion is choosing one persons life over another, she said, and should only be done when a mothers life is in danger. Mongare, however, said that the constitution is legally binding in itself; a point of constitutional law that will be determined during the December case. Mongare wants to see abortion legalised so that women can have access to safe abortions conducted by medical professionals without fear of reprisal. Mdivo believes that the best solution is to improve adoption and fostering options so women dont turn to abortion out of desperation. What both women can agree on, however, is that the numbers of women undergoing dangerous and unhygienic abortion are too high. Pregnant and trapped in poverty It took Phyllis, who declined to give her real name, two weeks to realise that her husband wasnt coming back to her. He had taken all of their possessions, including her clothes and their marital bed; but left behind a four-year-old daughter and one-year-old son. He took everything. He told me we are going back home to the countryside he was meant to come back for me but he never came [and] I had to remain with the children, struggling. With no money, Phyllis, now 35, said she turned to survival sex in exchange for food and shelter in the Nairobi slum where they were living. I got a friend who was helping me. He wanted me to have his child and foolishly I was engaging in unprotected sex, hoping not to get pregnant. The man had a wife and family in his hometown but Phyllis felt unable to refuse his sexual demands she needed him. Five months pregnant and scared, Phyllis found a woman inside the slum who said she could terminate her pregnancy. She arrived at a makeshift clinic in the womans brothers shanty house early one morning. Several hours after the abortion, which she was awake for but has no idea how it was performed, she was struck by stomach cramps and heavy bleeding that lasted for days. During this time she was in fits of tears and couldnt eat. What followed was a month of light bleeding, then months more of unpleasant-smelling discharge that only stopped once she visited a doctor outside the slum. Her relationship soon dissolved and Phyllis took a vow of abstinence for another year until she had unprotected sex with another man. This led to another abortion in her slum, though this time she had an uncomplicated procedure. Phyllis said she never considered she could die from an abortion; but the danger is real. Otieno-Nyunya said unsafe abortion is the single leading cause of maternal death. A third of maternal deaths, 2,000 or so deaths, that occur every year can be tracked to abortion and abortion complications, he said. At 15, Mary was unaware both of the risks of unprotected sex and unsafe abortion. She was persuaded to have sex with her boyfriend, who promised her heaven and earth, to sleep with him. But then, I told him Im pregnant. and he rejected me. With her boyfriend refusing to marry her, Mary visited a local witch doctor in Nairobis urban slum Mathare where she lives. On three separate visits the man administered various concoctions made from herbal leaves and eggs, but nothing happened. My stomach grew big and [I worried] my mum would beat me. She visited a local pharmacist who gave her abortion-inducing pharmaceuticals. This time it worked but left her bed-ridden with spot bleeding for two months and led to her dropping out of school. She now has a baby with another man, who has since left her, but still lives with regret about the choice she made at a tender age. I was very young, but Im always depressed when I think of it. If I had a second thought, I would have kept the baby. But I only had one thought: to take out the baby because the man rejected me, my mum doesnt know Im pregnant, where will I end up? Instead of killing myself I decided to kill the baby, said Mary. Safety comes at a price Otieno-Nyunya said women from the poorest communities are most adversely affected. Thats a major part of it globally. Abortion is a class [battle]. Even in countries where abortion is completely illegal, people go across borders if they have means while, more locally, somebody who has the money will go to a private facility and get a safe abortion. But a woman who cannot afford this will suffer the consequences of unsafe abortion. For wealthy Kenyans, certain private clinics where doctors are happy to take on the legal uncertainty are an option. READ MORE: The women dying for an abortion in Sierra Leone Safe abortions at clinics can cost about 20,000 Kenyan shillings ($200), whereas unsafe abortions are roughly a tenth of that price and payments can be made in instalments. It is not uncommon for household goods, such as televisions, to be included in those payments. In her slum, Phyllis estimates that there are more than 50 corrugated iron abortion clinics for a population of about 100,000. She said one major obstacle to addressing the issue is a lack of knowledge, access and acceptance of modern contraceptive methods. Now a reproductive health campaigner in her community, Phyllis has heard countless tales of women hiding contraceptive pills from husbands under the stove, a place many Kenyan men typically dont go near. There are myths that women using family planning are cold in bed, they dont like sex, the men cannot enjoy having sex with the women. But many men will also run away from a wife if she has too many children, she said. The challenges Ive gone through have made me a strong woman. I dont want women to suffer, I want them to stand by themselves. I want a society where a woman can speak and be heard. Merkel expects race to be more difficult than any before as she announces re-election bid after 11 years in office. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced her intention to seek a fourth term next year despite losing support over her refugee policy. Merkel, who has already served 11 years as chancellor, said on Sunday that she was expecting the upcoming general election, probably in September 2017, to be more difficult than any before. I thought about this for an endlessly long time. The decision [to run] for a fourth term is after 11 years in office anything but trivial, she said after a meeting of senior members of her Christian Democrats. READ MORE Germany: AfD beats Angela Merkels party in state vote Merkel is widely seen as a stabilising force in Europe amid uncertainty after Britains vote to leave the European Union, and as a bastion of western liberal values after the election of Donald Trump as the next US president. However, her decision last year to open Germanys borders to about one million refugees, mostly from war zones in the Middle East, angered many voters at home and dented her ratings. The 62-year-old conservative said she faced challenges from all sides, stressing that pressure from the right was particularly strong. We have a strong polarisation in our society, she said. The nationalist Alterative for Germany, or AfD, could prove one of the biggest stumbling blocks to her re-election. The populist party, which is now represented in 10 state parliaments, has aggressively campaigned against Merkels decision to welcome so many refugees into Germany last year. In elections in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania earlier this year, Merkels CDU party came third behind the Alliance for Germany. According to recent polls, the AfD would win about 10 percent of the vote if general elections were to be held now. An exact date has not yet been set for the elections, but they will take place sometime between August 23 and October 22. Pillar of stability A physicist by training, Merkel became chancellor in 2005. She is the first leader of a reunited Germany to have grown up under communism in the former East Germany. If she wins next year and serves the entire four-year term, Merkel would match her one-time mentor Helmut Kohls post-war record of 16 years in office. Nearly 60 percent of Germans surveyed in a recent poll said they wanted Merkel to run for office again, said Manfred Guellner, the head of the Forsa polling agency. In these difficult times, Merkel is a pillar of stability, Guellner told The Associated Press news agency. People have the feeling she represents German interests well abroad. While she has never been described as a visionary or earned much praise for stirring speeches, Merkel has won respect for being tough and shrewd in doggedly tackling problems. Since becoming chancellor, she has dealt with several international crises, including the eurozone debt crisis in 2008-09, for which she brokered compromises among fractious European Union leaders. She has been a strong advocate of efforts to combat climate change, and in 2011 abruptly accelerated the shutdown of Germanys nuclear power plants following the meltdowns at Japans tsunami-hit Fukushima plant. READ MORE: 40 percent of Germans want Merkel to quit over refugees Unresolved diplomatic challenges include Europes relationship with Russia, the future of Ukraine, autocratic developments in Turkey, the ongoing war in Syria and negotiations over Britains exit from the EU. Al Jazeeras Dominic Kane, reporting from Berlin, said Merkel will stress to voters that her steady hand over the past decade is needed on the reins of Europes economic powerhouse. From her perspective this election will be about showing to Germans why its so important they vote for somebody they can recognise as being a leader both in their country, but also someone the world sees as a person of real stature who has been in charge of Germany, who has played such a central role in Europe, and indeed across the world, Kane said. Barrel bomb kills six members of a family and rebel shelling hits school as casualties rise in the divided city. A barrel bomb killed a family of six in rebel-held eastern Aleppo early on Sunday and rebel shelling took the lives of eight children at a school in the west, as one of the heaviest government bombardments of Syrias civil war continues. Two medics said the al-Baytounji family suffocated to death because the barrel bomb, which fell in the Sakhour district at about midnight, had been laced with chlorine gas. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war through a network of informants, confirmed the bombing but could not confirm that chlorine gas was used. Damascus has denied use of the gas, which would contravene the international Chemical Weapons Convention. Rebel shelling killed at least eight children, aged six to 12 years, among 10 deaths in the Saria Hasoun school in al-Furqan district, the Syrian Observatory and Syrian state television reported. Hundreds of people have been killed since Tuesday as the government and its allies attempt to quash resistance in Aleppos rebel-held eastern zone. The UNs Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura warned on Sunday that time was running out for eastern Aleppo as he expressed international outrage over the bombing campaign. Syrias military and Russias air force had paused their bombardment of eastern Aleppo, except for on the frontlines, for two weeks after a month-long offensive from late September to late October, but recommenced air strikes on Tuesday. The plight of civilians in eastern Aleppo was underscored on Saturday when the World Health Organization reported that the bombing had put all the hospitals in the besieged district out of operation. An official with a rebel group based in east Aleppo said there were still no working hospitals there on Sunday. The army and its allies began ground attacks on Friday and the Observatory reported intense clashes in Sheikh Saeed in southeast Aleppo and in Baeedain and Bustan al-Basha in northeast Aleppo. Top UN officials said on Saturday that they were appalled by escalating violence in Syria, and urged immediate access to Aleppo, where government forces are waging a ferocious assault to retake rebel-held districts. The United Nations is extremely saddened and appalled by the recent escalation in fighting in several parts of Syria and calls on all parties to cease indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, the UNs humanitarian coordinator for Syria Ali al-Zaatari and regional humanitarian coordinator Kevin Kennedy said. All of Syria at stake An inquiry by the UN and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has said that Syrian government forces have used chlorine gas in barrel bombs at least three times during the war. Damascus denies it. Syria also denies using barrel bombs improvised ordnance made of oil drums filled with high explosive and shrapnel and dropped from helicopters. Their use has been condemned by the UN for causing unnecessary suffering. Air strikes continued to hit several districts of eastern Aleppo on Sunday, the Syrian Observatory said, after at least 54 people were killed in bombing on Saturday. READ MORE: Syria war Air raid hits childrens hospital in Aleppo So far about 240 people have been killed in bombing in east Aleppo and the rebel-held countryside to the west of the city since Tuesday, it added. The French foreign minister on Sunday condemned Syrian government air raids. Jean-Marc Ayraults comments to Al Jazeera came after he met representatives of the opposition Syrian High Negotiations Committee in Qatars capital, Doha. Todays war is all-out war. I condemn this in the name of France. I will take the initiative to bring together those who share the same vision for Syrias future in the coming hours and days, he said. You cant stand there and wait for Aleppo to fall. Because it is not only Aleppo at stake it is all of Syria. Chlorine gas attacks UN envoy de Mistura arrived in Damascus on Sunday for talks. Syrias Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said in a televised news conference that de Mistura discussed the possibility of an autonomous administration being set up in eastern Aleppo, but that Damascus completely rejected this. An elected city council oversees services in the rebel-held eastern districts. Moallem said that the arrangement was intended by rebel groups to control distribution of food, and they were holding the civilians of eastern Aleppo hostage. Asked about Damascus expectations from US President-elect Donald Trump, Moalem said he wanted him to stop arming rebel groups and to curb regional powers who did so. READ MORE: In east Aleppo there is no way out Video of the Syrian family killed was distributed online by the medics. It showed the bodies of four children stretched out on a floor, their lips blue and dark marks around their open eyes. Medics and residents in rebel-held areas often accuse the Syrian military of using chlorine in barrel bomb attacks, but the difficulty in reaching besieged areas makes it hard for international agencies to verify the claims. Syria and Russia have also accused the rebels of using toxic gas in artillery shells, including during a major assault on the western fringe of the government-held zone in Aleppo early this month. Catholic Church in Rwanda says it regrets actions of all Christians for all forms of wrongs during massacres in 1994. The Catholic Church in Rwanda has apologised for its role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regrets the actions of those who participated in the massacres. A church statement acknowledged on Sunday that its members planned, aided and executed the genocide, in which more than 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu hardliners. We apologise for all the wrongs the church committed. We apologise on behalf of all Christians for all forms of wrongs we committed. We regret that church members violated [their] oath of allegiance to Gods commandments, said the statement by the Conference of Catholic Bishops, which was read out in parishes across the country. Rwanda: Capturing a vision of hell Many of the victims died at the hands of priests, clergymen and nuns, according to accounts by survivors, and the Rwandan government said many died in the churches where they had sought refuge. In the years since the genocide which was sparked by a contentious plane crash that killed the then-president, a Hutu the local church had resisted efforts by the government and groups of survivors to acknowledge the churchs complicity in mass murder, saying those church officials who committed crimes acted individually. The bishops statement is seen as a positive development in Rwandas efforts at reconciliation. Forgive us for the crime of hate in the country to the extent of also hating our colleagues because of their ethnicity. We didnt show that we are one family, but instead killed each other, the statement said. Bishop Phillipe Rukamba, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Rwanda, said the statement was timed to coincide with the formal end on Sunday of the Holy Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis to encourage greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world. WATCH Rwanda: From hatred to reconciliation Tom Ndahiro, a Rwandan genocide researcher, said that he hoped the churchs statement would encourage unity among Rwandans. I am also happy to learn that in their statement, bishops apologise for not having been able to avert the genocide, he said. Ayrault calls for renewed talks, warning that if they fail ISIL and other groups will receive a recruitment boost. The French foreign minister has condemned Syrian government air raids on the besieged eastern part of Syrias Aleppo and called for the revival of talks aimed at ending the war. Jean-Marc Ayraults comments to Al Jazeera came after he met representatives of the opposition Syrian High Negotiations Committee in Qatars capital Doha on Sunday. Todays war is all out war. I condemn this in the name of France. I will take the initiative to bring together those who share the same vision for Syrias future in the coming hours and days, he said. You cant stand there and wait for Aleppo to fall. Because it is not only Aleppo at stake. It is all of Syria the useful Syria as they say. If negotiations fail, those who will be defeated will radicalise, to join those we are fighting elsewhere like ISIL and al-Nusra. He was referring to the the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group and the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham group, which was formerly known as al-Nusra Front. The city of Aleppo, once Syrias commercial centre, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half largely in rebel hands and the western half largely controlled by government forces. More than 250,000 civilians are still trapped in the east, which is under near constant aerial bombardment, with dwindling food supplies and extremely limited medical care. Children killed A barrel bomb killed a family of six in the divided citys rebel-held east early on Sunday and rebel shelling killed eight children at a school in the government-held west, almost a week into one of the heaviest government bombardments in Syrias civil war. Damascus launched a renewed assault on eastern Aleppo on Tuesday in a bid to seize full control of the city, a key battleground in the war well into its fifth year. Two medics said that the al-Baytounji family had suffocated to death because the barrel bomb, which fell in the Sakhour district at about midnight, had been laced with chlorine gas. WATCH: Al Jazeera crew filming in childrens hospital at moment The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war through a network of informants across the country, confirmed the bombing but could not confirm that chlorine gas was used. Damascus has denied use of the gas, which would contravene the international Chemical Weapons Convention. Rebel shelling killed at least eight children, aged from six to 12 years, among 10 deaths in the Saria Hasoun school in al-Furqan district, the Observatory and Syrian state television reported. The plight of civilians in eastern Aleppo was underscored on Saturday when the World Health Organization reported that bombing had put all the hospitals in the besieged district out of operation. An official with a rebel group based in east Aleppo said there were still no working hospitals there on Sunday. The army and its allies began some ground attacks on Friday. The Observatory reported intense clashes in Sheikh Saeed, in southeast Aleppom and in Baeedain and Bustan al-Basha, in northeast Aleppo. Lebanons Hezbollah group, one of the armys main allies in the fighting, said on Sunday that clashes were taking place in the Hanano district, of northeast Aleppo, and that pro-government forces were bringing large numbers of reinforcements to the city. Air strikes continued to hit several districts of eastern Aleppo early on Sunday, the Observatory said, after at least 54 people were killed in bombing on Saturday. So far, around 240 people have been killed in bombing in eastern Aleppo and the rebel-held countryside to the west of the city since Tuesday, it added. Staffan de Mistura, the UNs peace envoy for Syria, arrived in Damascus on Sunday for talks with Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem. International concern has grown over the renewed assault, which has forced the closure of hospitals and schools, destroyed rescue worker facilities, and left residents cowering in their homes. After months of delays, and the devastation of Hurricane Matthew, Haitians will finally vote on Sunday. Haitians go to the polls on Sunday to elect a president with many hoping the country will be restored to constitutional order after more than a year of political crisis. Nearly 6.2 million voters are eligible to cast their votes to choose from a vast field of 27 presidential candidates. Originally held in October last year the election result was scrapped after politicians complained of widespread voter fraud. The annulment of the result provoked nationwide protests. I am so happy to be able to vote tomorrow and I will be voting for Jude Celestin so he can bring change to this country and this electoral process its finally over, Jean Enock, who supports Jude Celestin, one of the presidential candidates, told Al Jazeera. With the depreciation of the currency, the gourde, the cost of living has risen sharply. Haiti is deeply in debt and public coffers are largely depleted. The southwest is in shambles from last months Hurricane Matthew and parts of the north have been battered by recent floods. I lost my ID in the hurricane, my tent was destroyed and I had to rebuild another one. I tried to get a new ID but they did not give me a new one, Medjin Pierre, who is among thousands of quake survivors living in tents in an area known as Delmas 33, told Al Jazeera, Though there is a long list of presidential hopefuls, in reality only a handful have a chance of making it past the first round. READ MORE: Haiti poll date set after being delayed on fraud charge Any candidate who wins more than half of the votes cast on Sunday will be declared the winner. Otherwise, a run-off will be held on January 29. Much will depend on who can turn out his or her own supporters with turnout not expected to be high in a country that has learned not to expect too much from its rulers. The Organization of American States (OAS) has sent a hundred election monitors to help prevent fraud this time round. There are no guarantees that it wont happen but at least they have taken necessary steps to prevent it, Juan Raul Ferreira, OAS chief of mission told Al Jazeera. What is important is that the elections happen so Haiti can go back to democracy and with that the country can move forward. One candidate is kidnapped and ballot boxes torched in elections two years overdue and denounced by the opposition. Ballot boxes have been burned in Malis Timbuktu city and one candidate was kidnapped elsewhere during the first local elections since al-Qaeda-aligned fighters were driven out from several northern towns in 2013. The election held two years later than scheduled coincided with the first anniversary of an armed attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in the capital Bamako that killed 20 people, many of them foreigners. We have already delayed these elections four times so that they can be inclusive and four times is enough, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita told reporters after voting on Sunday. Malis constitution bars further delays. The opposition Union for the Republic and Democracy party denounced what it called fraud in the vote preparations, which it said would benefit Keitas government. A government spokesman was not immediately available to comment on the allegations. No elections here Opposition candidate Saibou Barry was kidnapped on Saturday morning in the central town of Koro, with his party saying that his car was found burned and he had been driven to an unknown destination. Polls were cancelled in at least seven districts for security reasons in elections widely criticised by opposition parties as well as armed groups participating in a UN-led peace process, pointing to the ongoing fragility of the former French colony three years after the war. The current situation is not right for elections because the majority of our population are scattered in different refugee camps, said Amgar Ag Yehia, a Timbuktu resident who boycotted the vote. On a main road near the outskirts of the northern town of Gao, locals gathered stones and arranged them to read No elections here, although voting proceeded inside the town and crowds gathered at some polling stations. In Kidal, 250km to the north in a region that Tuareg separatists call Azawad, Tuareg women draped in colourful cloth marched in the streets for the second day. No elections in Azawad before the appointment of intermediary authorities, said one of their signs, referring to a timeline they say was previously agreed as part of the UN-led peace process. READ MORE: Climate change, food shortages and conflict in Mali Voters are electing 12,000 councillors across Mali as the government wrestles with implementing a peace deal and warding off the stubborn threat from armed groups in the north. French troops were deployed in 2013 to repel al-Qaeda-aligned fighters who had overrun several northern towns, joining forces with Tuareg-led rebels. About 11,000 UN military and police followed, but the armed group was never defeated, merely displaced. Pet monkey pulled off girls headscarf igniting days of tribal fighting in the south, killing at least 16 people. Days of deadly tribal clashes have erupted in southern Libya after a pet monkey attacked a high school girl. Abdel-Rahman Areish, the head of Sabha city hospital, told the Associated Press news agency on Sunday 20 people have been killed and 50 wounded. Reuters said at least 16 people died in four days of fighting. Bader al-Daheli, a civil activist, said the two main tribes in the southern city of Sabha Awlad Suleiman and Gaddadfa are each backed by heavily armed groups. According to residents and local reports, the latest bout of violence erupted after a monkey that belonged to a shopkeeper from the Gaddadfa tribe attacked a group of schoolgirls passing by. The monkey pulled off a girls headscarf and reportedly bit and scratched her, leading men from the Awlad Suleiman tribe to retaliate by killing three Gaddadfa people as well as the monkey. There was an escalation on the second and third days with the use of tanks, mortars, and other heavy weapons, a resident told Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the denigrating security situation. There are still sporadic clashes and life is completely shut down in the areas where there has been fighting. READ MORE: In Libya there are no winners today Like other parts of Libya, Sabha about 660km south of Tripoli has been periodically plagued by conflict since the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi five years ago splintered the country into warring factions. In the Sabha region, a hub for refugee and arms smuggling in Libyas often neglected south, militia abuses and the deterioration of living conditions have been especially acute. The Gaddadfa and the Awlad Suleiman represent the most powerful armed factions in the region. During the latest clashes, which took place in the city centre, initial attempts by tribal leaders to calm the fighting and arrange a ceasefire so that bodies could be recovered had failed, residents said. There are women and children among the wounded and some foreigners from sub-Saharan African countries among those killed due to indiscriminate shelling, said a spokesman for the Sabha Medical Centre. Iraqi forces fight their way towards centre of Mosul amid suicide bombings with thousands trapped in urban warfare. Iraqi troops have advanced against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters towards the centre of Mosul after more than a month of hard-fought street battles. As Iraqi forces pushed into the city on Sunday, they were again slowed down by sniper fire and suicide bombings. A few hundred civilians emerged from rubble-strewn frontline neighbourhoods in search of safer ground, including women and children, some of them carrying bags or small suitcases. Speaking to Al Jazeera, local resident Abu Ammar said Mosul inhabitants were gripped with fear. We have no water and no food and we are frightened. Children are frightened, too, he said. We are psychologically tired. We do not know what to do. We do not know if we should go to the camps or stay here. We are besieged here. Major-General Sami al-Aridi told the Associated Press news agency that his special forces were searching homes in areas retaken from ISIL, while looking for fighters and vehicles rigged with explosives. Troops in those areas continue to be hit by mortar and sniper fire, he said. Another Iraqi army commander, Brigadier-General Haider Fadhil, said four civilians were killed and another four wounded when a suicide car bomb exploded before it could reach the troops it was targeting late on Saturday. The troops laid siege on Sunday to the al-Zohour neighbourhood, about 8km from the city centre. The arrival of the troops at the neighbourhoods fringes prompted hundreds of civilians to emerge from their homes waving white flags. The biggest hindrance to us is the civilians, whose presence is slowing us down, Aridi said. We are soldiers who are not trained to carry out humanitarian tasks. READ MORE: Battle for Mosul Who controls what The Iraqi military began the campaign one month ago to retake Mosul, Iraqs second largest city and ISILs last major urban bastion in the country. Most gains have been made by the special forces operating in the section of Mosul east of the Tigris river. Other forces are advancing on the city from different directions, and the US-led coalition is providing air strikes and other support. The UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, estimates that upwards of 60,000 residents have fled their homes in Mosul and the surrounding area since the outset of the massive military operation on October 17. There has been a marked increase over the past week in the number of people fleeing after fighting intensified in the more densely-populated urban areas of Mosul, said UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards. READ MORE: Thousands of Iraqis fleeing Mosul \cross into Syria\ ISIL captured Mosul in the summer of 2014 as part of a blitz that placed nearly a third of Iraq under their control. Army troops have arrived on the outskirts of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, to reinforce state-sanctioned Shia militias, who have captured the towns airport and are preparing to retake the town, according to two senior militia officials who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. Before its capture by ISIL, Tal Afars had an estimated 200,000 residents. Human Rights Watch said in a report on Sunday that Shia militiamen fighting alongside the Iraqi military detained and beat 22 men from villages near Mosul and recruited 10 children from displaced camps in the area to join the fight against ISIL. The Iraqi authorities should investigate any alleged acts of torture and cruel and inhuman treatment in custody and charge those responsible for war crimes, including anyone with command responsibility who should have known about the crimes and failed to take all reasonable measures to prevent them, said the New York-based advocacy group. The US should press the Iraqi government to ensure that the troops they are supporting dont have fighters under 18 in their ranks, said Lama Fakih, HRWs deputy Middle East director. In Baghdad, four separate bomb attacks targeted commercial areas on Sunday, killing at least 10 civilians and wounding 34, according to police and health officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for any of Sundays attacks. At least four members of Pakistani security forces killed by gunmen on a motorcycle in restive Balochistan province. ISIL has claimed the killing of four members of Pakistani security forces who were shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in the southwestern city of Quetta in the troubled Balochistan region. A statement issued on Sunday by the armed group gave no further details about the attack, which took place the day before. The ISIL affiliate in Pakistan has grown in recent months by attracting disgruntled Taliban fighters, and by targeting the countrys Shia Muslim minority. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, ISIL, also claimed an attack on a Sufi shrine earlier this month that killed more than 50 people. The blast at Shah Noorani shrine occurred while hundreds of people were inside to celebrate the Sufi saints 500th birth anniversary. READ MORE: Why is Balochistan an easy target in Pakistan? Balochistan is the scene of a violent separatist movement. But officials recently told Al Jazeera that the area has become a safe haven for fighters fleeing military operations in other regions bordering Afghanistan. In the largely remote and neglected region, Pakistani security forces and symbols of the state have come under attack from armed groups, while civilians have lost lives in sectarian violence. Balochistan is a strategically important province to Pakistan because of the high concentration of natural resources including oil, coal, gold, copper and gas reserves, which generates substantial revenue for the federal government and the only deep-sea port at Gwadar. In October, the local armed group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi boasted of a deadly attack on a police station in Quetta. At least 61 people were killed and several were held hostage for hours during the attack on a dormitory inside the police centre. Pakistan has carried out military operations against armed groups in tribal areas near Afghanistan and in cities across Pakistan, but fighters are still capable of staging frequent attacks. Outspoken Philippine leader unloads on US ally again, this time in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte lashed out at western bullying and hypocrisy during his first meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, and said when it came to alliances, the United States could not be trusted. In talks with Putin during an Asia-Pacific summit in Lima, Peru, Duterte held nothing back in his views about major powers such as the United States, suggesting that he is sticking to his guns on re-aligning foreign policy away from Washington, despite his warm words for incoming US president, Donald Trump. Rodrigo Duterte breaks vow to stop cursing others Historically, I have been identified with the western world. It was good until it lasted, he told the Russian leader. And of late, I see a lot of these western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy, he said, according to a transcript of Saturdays meeting provided by his office. Putin congratulated Duterte on his May election win and said he had done a lot in a very short time to build trust and confidence between Russia and the Philippines. Duterte responded with similar words and then chided western powers, particularly the United States, for intervening in conflicts for their own national interest and cajoling others to side with them. Dutertes overtures to Russia are similar to those he made to China, until recently a bitter rival. He is now praising Beijing and tapping it for investment in a stunning about-face that has unnerved a region wary of a Chinese hegemony taking shape in Southeast Asia. The mercurial former mayor, nicknamed the Punisher, insists that the shift is his pursuit of an independent foreign policy, but that has come with repeated threats and verbal tirades against the US, for decades a staunch ally, investor and donor. Prior to leaving for Peru, Duterte said he might follow Russia and withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) because of western criticism of his deadly war on drugs. He said if Russia and China decided to create a new order in the world, he would be first to join. Are US allies in Southeast Asia defecting to China? In his talk with Putin, Duterte blasted the United States and its western allies for taking the lead in wars he said had ultimately failed. They seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is whats wrong with America and the other, he said. They were waging war in so many places, in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq They insist if you are allied with them that they follow you. Duterte has spoken of his admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping and also for the leadership of Putin. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast on Thursday, he described Putin as sincere, and joked that he had a hillbilly style. Air strikes on Houthi rebel positions in capital Sanaa were a response to truce violations, coalition spokesman says. Saudi Arabia has denied that the Arab coalition it spearheads violated a 48-hour ceasefire by launching air strikes against the Houthi rebels in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. Major General Ahmed Asseri, the coalition spokesman, told Al Jazeera on Sunday from Riyadh the air raids were a response to violations by the Houthi rebels who control most of Yemen. We told them that if they move their troops on the ground, if they try to gain position, there will be a response. This is what we are doing, Asseri said. There are people on the ground we have to protect. We have the Yemeni national army, we have the population in the area. He said the Houthi rebels keep firing on civilian positions in the city of Taiz. Asseri accused the Houthis of 180 violations in the first 10 hours of the ceasefire. He said 150 breaches took place in Yemen, while 30 others were along the northern border with Saudi Arabia. The truce that came into force on Saturday followed US Secretary of State John Kerrys push to halt a conflict that has wrought devastation on the Arab worlds poorest country and killed thousands. Kerry met rebel representatives in Oman and urged the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to come on board for the ceasefire and political negotiations. WATCH Yemeni foreign minister: There is no clean war At first, Hadis government rejected the peace bid, saying it had not been consulted, while the Houthis and their ally former President Ali Abdullah Saleh declared their commitment to it. But the government came under huge pressure to back down in the face of an international outcry over the mounting civilian death toll. The conflict erupted in 2014, when the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and their allies of renegade troops loyal to Saleh, overran Sanaa and other parts of Yemen. It escalated in March 2015, when Saudi Arabia the arch foe of Iran launched a military campaign to drive back the rebels. The United Nations says more than 10,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded since then. Prosecutors say president was involved as a conspirator in a considerable part of the criminal activities by suspects. South Korean prosecutors said on Sunday that President Park Geun-hye was involved in criminal activities as they indicted a close friend and two former aides over a corruption scandal. Prosecutors are planning to question Park, who has immunity but can be investigated, Lee Young-ryeol, chief prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office said. In a televised news conference, Lee said that, based on the evidence, the president was involved as a conspirator in a considerable part of the criminal activities by suspects Choi Soon-sil, Ahn Jong-beom and Jung Ho-sung. Choi is a close confidante of Parks and Ahn and Jung are presidential aides who were also formally charged. We will continue to investigate the president, Lee told reporters, declining to give further details. Choi is accused of using her ties with the president to coerce local firms to donate millions of dollars to non-profit foundations that Choi then used for personal gain. The saga has prompted weeks of protests in Seoul. Lee said abusing authority, attempted fraud and attempted coercion were among the charges against Choi and Parks former aides. Al Jazeeras Wayne Hay, reporting from Seoul, said the majority of South Koreans had been expecting such an announcement. However, what people were also waiting to hear was how much involvement the president had in these charges. If you read between the lines, the prosecutor seems to be saying that if it was not for the immunity, Park might have been charged, Hay said. Parks approval ratings have plunged and if prosecutors go ahead with their plans, she will be the first sitting South Korean president to be questioned in a criminal case. Fourth round of protests The president has defied calls to step down, but her lawyer recently said that she would cooperate with public prosecutors. Separately, opposition parties used their parliamentary majority to pass a law on Saturday that would allow for a special prosecutor to investigate the scandal. READ MORE: Park Geun-hye: Scandal is all my fault and mistake Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the capital Seoul on the same day for the fourth in a weekly series of demonstrations aimed at forcing Park to resign. Opposition parties have yet to seriously push for Parks impeachment because they fear triggering a backlash from conservative voters, which could hurt them in next years presidential election. Parks term lasts until February 24, 2018. If she steps down before the presidential vote on December 20, 2017, an election must be held within 60 days. Talks between the bitter enemies spark speculation Trump is reaching out to the Republican establishment. US President-elect Donald Trump and the 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney have set aside a bitter rivalry and held talks likely to feed speculation that Romney could be in line to be the next US secretary of state. Trump and Romney emerged from their meeting after an hour and 20 minutes, and Trump told reporters the talks went great. Romney said the pair had a far-reaching conversation with regards to the various theatres in the world. We discussed those areas, and exchanged our views on those topics a very thorough and in-depth discussion in the time we had, Romney said. And I appreciate the chance to speak with the President-elect and I look forward to the coming administration and the things that its going to be doing. Romney, who was a leader of the establishment Republican Never Trump movement that tried to block the tycoon from becoming the nominee, was first in a long list of people Trump was meeting on Saturday and Sunday as he sought to fill out his cabinet and gather advice before his January 20 move to the White House. In March, Romney said Trump would be dangerous as president, with policies that could touch off a recession. Romney also said: Im afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart. WATCH: Normalising Trump The US media whitewash Trump had denounced Romney as a choke artist for losing the 2012 election to President Barack Obama. However, some analysts believe Trumps meeting with Romney represents an olive branch to establishment Republicans. A phoney, a fraud Trump is having some difficulty in getting some really experienced republicans and civil servants and republican intellectuals to engage with his administration and Mitt Romney would be a sign to them that they are going to have some clout, some buy-in, here and it might actually be worth cooperating with the transition, New York Magazines Eric Levitz told Al Jazeera. Trump must prioritise ISIL over Assad I think what is interesting right now is Romneys motivation. Whether he genuinely wants a position within Trumps administration the administration of a man he has called a phoney, fraud or whether he wants to take this opportunity similar to how Obama has used his access to Trump to try to influence the President-elects position. If given a job, Romney, a more mainstream Republican, would serve alongside more hawkish Trump appointees named on Friday: Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama as attorney general; retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as national security adviser; and Representative Mike Pompeo as CIA director. Analysts say that Trump has been considering former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, a close adviser, for secretary of state, as well as former US ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee. Thousands march against the bill seeking to overturn mens convictions for child sex assaults if they marry victims. Thousands of people, including women and children, marched in Istanbul protesting against a controversial bill that would overturn mens convictions for child sex assault if they married their victim. Around 3,000 protesters shouted slogans and demanded that the bill to be withdrawn amid claps and whistles as they marched to Kadikoy square in the citys Asian side on Saturday. They waved banners emblazoned with slogans such as #Rape cannot be legitimised and AKP, take your hands off my body, a reference to the ruling Justice and Development Party that introduced the bill. Protesters shouted slogans such as We will not shut up, we will not obey, withdraw the bill immediately. READ MORE: Turkeys Erdogan says childless women are incomplete Thursdays motion stated that, in the case of sexual abuse of a minor committed before November 11, if the act was committed without force, threat, or any other restriction on consent and if the aggressor marries the victim, the sentence will be postponed. The measures were approved in an initial parliamentary reading and will be voted on again in a second debate in the coming days. The government insisted that the legislation was aimed at dealing with the widespread custom of child marriages and the criticism was a crude distortion of its aim. #Turkey Women of all walks of life protest new bill that clears rapists of statutory rape should they marry their victims @morcativakfi pic.twitter.com/9bO998qB23 Elif Shafak (@Elif_Safak) November 19, 2016 The opposition, celebrities and rights groups have expressed alarm over the move. Critics say the government could encourage the rape of minors. On Saturday, the UN childrens fund also said that it was deeply concerned over the draft bill. The aim of the proposal, according to Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, was to remedy the situation of men who are in jail and married to women under the age of 18 in a religious ceremony and with the consent of their family. He rejected suggestions that the plan amounted to an amnesty for rape. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag echoed Yildirims opinion, saying: The bill will certainly not bring amnesty to rapists. This is a step taken to solve a problem in some parts of our country, he told a NATO meeting in Istanbul. READ MORE: Motion protecting child marriage draws debate in Turkey After the controversy, Yildirim ordered his AK Party on Friday to hold talks with the opposition in parliament on the planned measures. The pro-government Womens and Democracy Association, whose deputy chairman is President Recep Tayyip Erdogans younger daughter Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, said one of the biggest problems of the bill would be proving on a legal basis what constituted force or consent. How can the own will of such a young girl be identified? it asked. We would like to draw attention to issues that might arise in case of it coming into force. The British parliament has given a green light to new bulk surveillance powers for police and intelligence services that critics have denounced as the most far-reaching of any western democracy. The Investigatory Powers Bill, which was passed on Thursday, would, among other measures, require websites to keep customers browsing history for up to a year and allow law enforcement agencies access to help with investigations. Edward Snowden, former US National Security Agency contractor-turned-whistle-blower, said the powers went further than many autocracies. The UK has just legalised the most extreme surveillance in the history of western democracy, he said on Twitter. Will UKs surveillance bill protect or harm public? The bill, the first major update of British surveillance laws for 15 years, was passed by the House of Lords and now only needs rubber-stamping by Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Theresa May introduced the bill in March when she was still interior minister, describing it as world-leading legislation intended to reflect the change in online communications. The bill gives legal footing to existing but murky powers such as the hacking of computers and mobile phones, while introducing new safeguards such as the need for a judge to authorise interception warrants. But critics have dubbed it the snoopers charter and say that, in authorising the blanket retention and access by authorities of records of emails, calls, texts and web activity, it breaches fundamental rights of privacy. The UNs special rapporteur on the right to privacy, Joe Cannataci, criticised the bill in his March 2016 report, saying privacy-intrusive measures such as bulk surveillance and bulk hacking, as contemplated in the Investigatory Powers Bill, be outlawed rather than legitimised. Sad day for British liberty Rights organisation Liberty has challenged the legislation at the European Court of Justice, arguing that it is incompatible with human rights law, and a judgment is expected next year. The passage of the Snoopers Charter through parliament is a sad day for British liberty, said Bella Sankey, the groups policy director, in a statement on Thursday. Under the guise of counterterrorism, the state has achieved totalitarian-style surveillance powers the most intrusive system of any democracy in human history. It has the ability to indiscriminately hack, intercept, record and monitor the communications and internet use of the entire population, she said. Jim Killock, executive director of digital campaigners Open Rights Group, warned that the impact of the legislation would reach beyond Britain. It is likely that other countries, including authoritarian regimes with poor human rights records, will use this law to justify their own intrusive surveillance powers, he said. Water rationing becomes permanent in La Paz as the dams run dry. Authorities have declared water rationing in La Paz to be a permanent measure as the drought in Bolivia worsens. The three main dams that supply water to the city are almost dry. The main Ajuan Khota dam is at 1 percent of capacity, while the other two dams are averaging 8 percent capacity. This has led to water cuts in some neighbourhoods for the first time. The Corque municipality has been particularly severely hit, according to a report from the Pan American Health Organization, and 70 percent of the population lack drinking water. Across La Paz, residents have seen their taps dry up for 60 hours at a time, followed by 12-hour periods to replenish their supplies. Bolivias President Evo Morales sacked his top state water authorities and apologised for extended water rationing in the capital. Bnamericas.com, ther Latin American news site, is reporting that Morales replaced the head of state water company EPSAS and the director of state water authority AAPS for failing to warn the government about the lack of water supply in La Paz. Morales said that he has ordered a group of technicians to come up with solutions to the citys water shortage. There are plans to install 300m of piping to pump water from the nearby Kairuni River. However, it is thought that this will only cover a quarter of the citys needs. The neighbouring city of El Alto is also concerned about the lack of water. A week of protests by frustrated residents is escalating tensions. Resident Virginia Lopez told Reuters news agency that although the bills are high, the water is of poor quality. The water is dirty, yellow, and now the dirty water is what we have to drink, she said. On Thursday, leaders of the Federation of Town Councils Fejuve held officials and water authorities hostage after the Minister of Environment and Water, Alexandra Moreira, failed to turn up for a meeting to report on a water supply project in the city of El Alto. Police were eventually called to release the hostages, including Ruben Mendez, Bolivias deputy water minister. Riots over water have broken out in Bolivia before. Those which took place in 2004 resulted in the control of water being handed over from private hands to the state. The current drought in Bolivia comes despite the recent El Nino event, which caused major flooding and landslides in the region in February and March. The concern is that the current weak La Nina conditions in the Pacific will trigger a drought in the country. The situation in La Paz is already critical, but could get worse if the rainy season does not start as scheduled at the end of this month. Additional reporting by Steff Gaulter. During the Euromaidan uprising, piano players defy the riot police by playing music as a gesture of peaceful resistance. Editors note: This film is no longer available online During the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, an old piano was painted blue and yellow and dragged onto the streets of Kiev in the midst of demonstrations against the pro-Russian government. Music student Antuanetta Mischchenko played the piano every day and night as a gesture of peace and defiance against police aggression. The crowds drew around and the piano quickly became a symbol of the revolution. This is a story of courage and the power of music in the fight against oppression. ALSO READ: Antuanetta Mishchenko: Ukraines protest pianist remembers Maidan FILMMAKERS VIEW By Vita Maria Drygas It was in March 2014 when I first came to Kiev. It was right after riot police were shooting people in February. Many people were living in tents at the Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square. I saw a piano painted in Ukrainian national colours standing on the street in the rain. People were gathered around the instrument singing the anthem of Ukraine and other national songs. It was very touching. I realised that the piano was very important to them, so I spent a lot of time observing the people who came and played. Very quickly one can recognise who is a professional. So I came to my first bohaterke Lyudmila Chychuk, a lecturer at the conservatory in Kiev. When I first saw her she was playing Chopin. I asked her about the piano, and she told me that it had become a symbol of the revolution. Then she mentioned her pupil who played for the entire duration of the protests sometimes even in the frosty weather conditions that reached -30 degrees Celcius. Moreover, she saved this instrument because it had become part of the barricades and shield from bullets. Antuanetta Mishchenko, a student of the conservatory, begged for the instrument not to be destroyed. She promised that if they kept the piano on the street, she would come every day and play. Antuanetta managed to save the piano. A young girl kept her word; she was there every day. Music began to unite people and to give them hope. READ: Antuanetta Mishchenko: Ukraines protest pianist remembers Maidan The people who had been protesting for months were often very tired. I found them in March in this state. The piano was one of them it had become one of the combatants. When I saw the power of this instrument, which was sometimes greater than the Molotov cocktails, I understood that I had to tell this story to a wider audience. I felt almost compelled that if I had the chance to see it, I had to use film to show to others. One day, a man came to the piano wearing a mask and a bulletproof vest. He often played his compositions while smoking a cigarette, and the ash would fall on the keys. He seemed to me to be the most unusual pianist I had ever seen. He told me that during the revolution in Maidan, he primarily fought on the barricades. When he returned, with dirty hands, after a day of battling with the chance of death, he sat down at the piano and played because it brought him relief. My stay in Ukraine and the shooting of this film are probably among the most important events in my life. I became a witness of how music has become part of the revolution: The piano became symbolic. Music proved to be a very strong tool of resistance because music united people. Thats what I wanted to communicate in Piano. English News Enhanced Partnership for Greater Momentum of Growth: Keynote Speech by Xi at the APEC CEO Summit Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Novembre 2016 The Asia-Pacific is at a critical stage in which it continues to enjoy steady growth but also faces multiple challenges. With unsurpassed economic aggregate and vibrancy, the Asia-Pacific must lead the way and take strong and coordinated actions to energize the world economy and create new opportunities for global growth. Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the Peoples Republic of China At the APEC CEO Summit Lima, 19 November 2016 Chairman Alfonso Bustamante, Leaders of the APEC Business Community, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, I am delighted to meet all of you here in the beautiful city of Lima. Geographically, China and Peru are far apart. There is one entry in an English-Chinese dictionary, from China to Peru, which means all over the world. Indeed, today we have come to Lima from across the world in pursuit of the same goal prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Two months ago, the G20 Summit was successfully held in Hangzhou, China, during which I and other leaders had in-depth discussions and reached important consensus on major issues facing the world economy. We expressed concern about the sluggish recovery of the global economy, lack of growth momentum, backlash against economic globalization, weak trade and investment and growing global challenges that cloud the global economic outlook. We agreed that in the face of risks and challenges, all parties need to work together in a spirit of partnership for win-win outcomes, enhance macroeconomic policy coordination and find creative ways to spur growth, so as to build an open world economy that delivers strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. The Asia-Pacific is at a critical stage in which it continues to enjoy steady growth but also faces multiple challenges. With unsurpassed economic aggregate and vibrancy, the Asia-Pacific must lead the way and take strong and coordinated actions to energize the world economy and create new opportunities for global growth. First, we should promote an open and integrated economy. Openness is vital for prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. Thanks to APEC member economies commitment to trade liberalization and facilitation over the past two decades and more, trade in our region has grown by an average annual rate of 8%, more than doubling its GDP growth in the same period, thus steadily boosting the Asia-Pacific economy. In recent years, global trade has remained weak. According to WTO forecast, for the fifth consecutive year, global trade may grow slower than GDP in 2016. The Asia-Pacific is under similar pressure and is grappling with such challenges as the fragmentation of regional economic cooperation. For any regional trade arrangement to gain broad support, it must be open, inclusive and beneficial to all. We need to put in place a framework for regional cooperation featuring equal consultation, joint participation and shared benefits. Closed and exclusive arrangement is not the right choice. In this connection, building a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), which is aptly regarded by the business community as the APEC dream, is a strategic initiative critical for the long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. We should firmly pursue the FTAAP as an institutional mechanism for ensuring an open economy in the Asia-Pacific. We must energize trade and investment to drive growth, make free trade arrangements more open and inclusive and uphold the multilateral trading regime. There is now heated debate about economic globalization, which has both supporters and skeptics. In my view, economic globalization is in keeping with the law of economics and delivers benefits to all. On the other hand, it is a double-edged sword. While driving global development, it has also created new problems and challenges that need to be dealt with. Globally, a new round of scientific, technological and industrial revolution is in the making, change in international division of labor is accelerating and global value chains are being reshaped. All these developments have added new dimensions to economic globalization. APEC was born in the booming years of globalization and owes much of its success to globalization. We need to recognize the changing dynamics in both our respective countries and the external environment, seize new opportunities, assume new roles and create new strengths. At the same time, globalization gives rise to new issues that deserve serious study. We need to actively guide globalization, promote equity and justice and make globalization more resilient, inclusive and sustainable, so that people will get a fair share of its benefits and will see that they have a stake in it. Second, we should enhance connectivity to achieve interconnected development. Connectivity unleashes potential and underpins interconnected development. We need to build a multi-dimensional connectivity network that covers the Asia-Pacific. After eight years, Latin America is again playing host to the APEC meeting. We should seize this opportunity to align connectivity programs of the two coasts of the Pacific to support and boost the real economy in the whole region. We should follow up on the Connectivity Blueprint adopted at the APEC meeting in Beijing in 2014 and strengthen physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity, so as to make the Asia-Pacific fully connected by 2025. Three years ago, I put forward the Belt and Road initiative. It aims to strengthen connectivity to facilitate free flow of factors of production and create a platform of win-win cooperation and shared benefits for all. Over 100 countries and international organizations have joined or expressed support for the initiative, forming a strong circle of friends brought together by the common vision, mutual trust and friendship. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is up and running. The Silk Road Fund is in place. A number of major projects have been launched, generating huge economic and social benefit. Guided by the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and sharing benefits, China will work with other parties to promote greater connectivity of policy, road, trade, currency and people, increase complementarity of our respective development strategies and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. By doing so, we will drive growth and improve peoples lives. China welcomes all parties to join this initiative to meet challenges, share opportunities and seek common development. Third, we should boost reform and innovation to create more internal driving force. The Asia-Pacific has come a long way in pursuit of development, and every progress has been made as a result of reform and innovation. Reform and innovation are worthy undertakings, but they are also difficult to accomplish. As an old Chinese saying puts it, courage to take on challenge will make a difficult job easier. A proverb in Latin America says that there is no greater difficulty than lack of resolve. In 2014, APEC leaders adopted in Beijing the APEC Accord on Innovative Development, Economic Reform and Growth, charting a course of innovative development for the Asia-Pacific. This year, the G20 Hangzhou Summit adopted the G20 Blueprint on Innovative Growth, highlighting reform and innovation and formulating specific plans of action. We APEC members should act on these consensus and principles. We should change growth model, resolutely adjust economic structure through reform and raise total-factor productivity. We should step up macro-policy coordination, firmly advance structural reform and increase positive spillovers. We should accelerate efforts to explore new development philosophy, model and pathway, energize social creativity and the market, move our industries and products up the global value chain and expand space for development. Fourth, we should promote win-win cooperation to forge strong partnership. Partnership is an important bond for Asia-Pacific cooperation and our natural choice for meeting current challenges. While we all believe that the 21st century is the Asia-Pacific century, happiness will never befall us by itself. Two years ago, APEC leaders reviewed the course of 25 years of APEC cooperation and put forth the guiding principles for forging partnership in the Asia-Pacific. Last year in Manila, we again called for building partnership in the Asia-Pacific in the spirit of mutual trust, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. We should commit ourselves to building a community of shared future. This will bring us closer instead of keeping us apart. We should continue to deepen and expand cooperation in our region. We should build platforms and set rules together and share development outcomes, and any attempt to undercut or exclude each other must be rejected. We should encourage equal participation, full consultation, mutual assistance and shared development. Every effort should be made to foster a sound and stable environment for development, and no factor should be allowed to obstruct the development process of the Asia-Pacific. Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, The common development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific calls for enhanced cooperation at the regional level and concrete action by each APEC member. China, a developing country with the worlds largest population, has maintained steady and sound growth, thus giving a strong boost to growth in the Asia-Pacific and the world. In the past several years after the outbreak of international financial crisis, China contributed to nearly 40% of global growth, playing a key role in driving global recovery. In recent years, with global growth remaining sluggish, Chinas economy has encountered some difficulties and challenges. But we have maintained confidence and made proactive adjustments. As a result, China has remained a leader of sustaining growth among major economies and contributed to over 25% of global growth. China has begun to implement its 13th five-year plan this year. We have adapted to and steered the new normal of economic development, continued to carry out reform across the board, pursue innovation-driven development and accelerated the shift of growth model and economic structural adjustment. Thanks to these efforts, Chinas economy is operating within a proper range. In the first three quarters this year, Chinas GDP grew by 6.7%. Final consumption expenditure contributed to 71% of GDP growth. The added value created by services accounted for 52.8% of GDP. The energy consumption per unit of GDP dropped by 5.2% year on year. A total of 10.67 million urban jobs were created, and the gap between urban and rural income continued to narrow. The performance of Chinas economy has steadily improved; new driving forces are becoming stronger; new businesses are emerging; and many regions and sectors are going through encouraging transformation. All this shows that enabling factors are growing in strength. China has entered a decisive stage for building a society of initial prosperity in all respects. Guided by the vision of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, we will prioritize supply-side structural reform, foster a new economic structure, and strengthen new forces driving development to ensure steady and sound growth of Chinas economy. Both now and in the time to come, China will take the following steps in pursuing economic development: First, we will carry out supply-side structural reform to accelerate the shifting of growth model. We will deepen economic reform in all areas, improve government institutions to ensure that the market will play a decisive role in resources allocation and the government will play a better role. We will increase aggregate demand as called for while advancing structural adjustment through reform. We will promote the reorganization of industries to achieve optimal performance, improve allocation of factors of production and make supply structure better adapt to changes in demand. This will provide steady internal driving forces for sustaining sound growth. Second, we will promote innovation-driven development and replace old growth drivers with new ones. We will continue to pursue the strategy of innovation-driven development and deepen R&D structural reform to change outdated mindset and remove institutional obstacles, fully leverage the role of science and technology in economic and social development, and tap into all sources of innovation. We will further pool the efforts of businesses, universities and research institutes to energize business organizations, people, the market and capital to drive innovation-based development. We will encourage new technologies, new industries and new businesses so that progress in innovation will be applied in economic operations and turned into new forces driving growth. Third, we will promote high-standard, two-way opening-up to deliver win-win outcomes. I have stressed on many occasions that China will not shut its door to the outside world, but open itself even wider. We will pursue an opening-up strategy with greater resolve and foster a wide-ranging, deeper and multi-faceted environment of opening-up. We will give greater access to foreign investment and continue to set up high-standard pilot free trade zones in China. We will create a rules-based and enabling business environment in line with international standard, and ensure that there is a level playing field for all companies in China, both domestic and foreign. I am convinced that these steps will make Chinas investment climate more open, favorable and transparent, thus allowing foreign companies to share in Chinas growth opportunities. We encourage more Chinese companies to go global, increase outbound investment, and set up new platforms for pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation. We will fully involve ourselves in economic globalization by supporting the multilateral trading regime, advancing the FTAAP, and working for the early conclusion of the negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Fourth, we will promote shared and green development to make life better for our people. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, Bringing benefit to the people is the fundamental principle of governance. There is also a Peruvian saying, The voice of the people is the voice of God. We should respond to peoples aspiration for a better life and ensure that the fruits of development are shared by them. We will improve the mechanism of income redistribution, make the cake bigger and share it in an equitable way, and expand the middle-income group. We will intensify our crucial fight against poverty so that by 2020, all of the 55.75 million people in rural China living under the current poverty line will be lifted out of poverty. We will redouble efforts to build a healthy China by providing our people with full life-cycle health services. As a Chinese saying goes, clear rivers and green mountains are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver. We will continue to pursue the strategy of sustainable development, promote green, low-carbon and circular development, and build a beautiful China with blue skies, green land and clear rivers so that our people can live in a sound environment created by development. Chinas economy has a promising future, and Chinas development will present great opportunities to the world. It is estimated that in the next five years China will import US$8 trillion of goods, introduce US$600 billion of foreign investment and invest US$750 billion overseas and Chinese tourists will make over 700 million outbound visits. All this means a bigger market, more capital, a greater variety of products and more valuable cooperation opportunities for countries around the world. Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends, Since becoming an APEC member 25 years ago, China has forged ahead with other APEC members. Together, we have pursued development and shared prosperity. Together, we have advanced opening-up and deepened integration. Together, we have blazed new trails and taken bold initiatives. And together, we have pursued shared development based on mutual respect and assistance. Throughout these years, China and the economies in the Asia-Pacific have moved increasingly close to each other. Indeed, China has become a main trading partner and export market for most of the APEC members. We all know that sweet potato and other varieties of potato originated in Latin America. I once used sweet potato as an example to make a point to a group of Chinese business leaders. I said that the vines of sweet potato may stretch in all directions, but they all grow out of its roots. Similarly, no matter what level of development it may reach, China, with its root in the Asia-Pacific, will continue to contribute to its development and prosperity. China is committed to peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening-up. While striving for its own development, China will also work to promote the common development of all Asia-Pacific countries and create more opportunities for people in our region. The business community, as the most dynamic force in the global economy, plays a crucial role in driving reform, development and innovation. I hope you will take the lead in pursuing win-win cooperation and make new contribution to economic growth in both the Asia-Pacific and the whole world. In conclusion, I wish the CEO Summit full success! Thank you! (Source: Peoples Daily) Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Op-ed: Asia on alert as Japan slides towards renouncing pacifist pledge Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Novembre 2016 "Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes." This historic renunciation of war in the pacifist constitution is what the Abe government has long been trying to abolish since he took office. By Zhong Sheng from People's Daily Japan's Commission on the Constitution under the House of Councillors restarted its substantive discussion on a constitutional amendment on November 16 after a nine-month hiatus. It is the first formal multi-party discussion of its kind after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies secured a supermajority in the election of the House of Councillors this July. Despite the disagreement of opposition parties, the ambitious LDP, whose members dominate the current government, have maintained their efforts to amend Japans pacifist constitution. Shinzo Abes government has further stoked the flames by pushing new security laws that have been accused of violating the countrys constitution. In a "Keen Sword" military drill staged this month by Japanese and US forces, the two countries have for the first time put on joint exercises related to the new security laws. In addition, the Japanese government also approved a plan for its troops to conduct rescue missions in South Sudan on UN peacekeeping operations. Such actions have aroused strong opposition across the country, while the new security laws have been characterized as paving the way to war. "Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes." This historic renunciation of war in the pacifist constitution is what the Abe government has long been trying to abolish since he took office. If constitutional change is a move taken by Abe in the public sphere, then the attempts to enact the new security laws are brazen violations of Japans pacifist pledge. Since the laws allow the country to fully exercise its right to collective defense, it's just a matter of time before Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) engage in aggressive military action, which directly violates its pacifist constitution. However, the Japanese government, infamous for saying one thing and doing another, holds greater ambitions. The true intention of the conservative Abe government is to legalize its engagement in wars. To advance its underhanded agenda, it has carried out a series of actions both domestically and internationally. It rejected and amended the domestic and diplomatic policies adopted by successive cabinets, overturned its introspection and repentance over aggression in World War II, fomented tensions over the Diaoyu Islands and South China Sea, made new allies and drove a wedge between China and its neighbors. The world has expressed severe concerns over these actions that may lead Japan off the path of peaceful development. Since Japan passed the new security bills last September, more than 300 protests have taken place across the country, calling for the government to abolish the new laws. In addition, many Japanese citizens have filed lawsuits against the Japanese government for its violation of the constitution and the mental torment caused by the possibility of future wars or terrorist attacks. These voices have criticized the endorsement of the new security bills as a savage act, described the amendment of the constitution as a regression of history, and voiced their opposition to sending their children to battle. Just recently, US magazine Foreign Policy remarked, Abe did pass the legislation but never managed to dispel public concerns that sometime, somewhere at Washingtons behest, Tokyo will get dragged into a conflict that has nothing to do with the defense of Japan. The debate over the constitutional amendment will surely bring chaos to Japanese society, but the victims will not be limited to the Japanese people. The new security laws allow Japanese troops to operate across the world, provide military support to its allies, and strike first in a military capacity, thus further destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region. Japan is trying to shake off the final restraint on its diplomatic, military and overseas actions through its constitutional amendment, new security laws and abolishment of its renunciation of war, so as to escape its post-war pacifist system. The international community should stay alert to such actions. Hitoshi Ashida, former chairman of Japan's Committee on the Bill for Revision of the Imperial Constitution, said 70 years ago that the renunciation of war is the common desire of the people who suffered from the war that caused hundreds of thousands of casualties, comparing it to a broad path to world peace. Though seven decades have passed, the significance of the pacifist constitution should not be undermined or forgotten. It serves as an assurance of peace to the Japanese people and the countries once invaded by Japan, as well as a crucial step to eliminating a potential threat to the peace of East Asia. It is the responsibility and mission of every member of the international community to safeguard and play a constructive role in regional and world peace. Only by drawing lessons from history, adhering to a peaceful development trajectory, treading cautiously when it comes to military action and boosting mutual trust with neighbors, can Japan return to the right path. Though Japanese citizens know this well, a handful of extreme and stubborn right-wing politicians are leading Japan astray by walking down the old path of expansionism. Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Op-ed: Success of manned space mission brings China to new Long March Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 20 Novembre 2016 As of the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan period, China has completed 42 commercial launches for 25 nations and international organizations, launched 48 satellites, provided 10 carrying services, delivered nine whole spacecrafts, managed to export its basic aerospace facilities, and expanded the international market of satellite application, thus making great contributions to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. People's Daily The success of China's longest-ever manned space mission is a symbol of the new heights reached by the Chinese space program, the Peoples Daily commented on Saturday, after two Chinese astronauts successfully returned to Earth after 30 days in space. The reentry module of Shenzhou-11 landed safely at the designated site in central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at about 1:59 pm Friday Beijing Time. The following is a translation of the article: The Chinese space heroes have returned after completing their 30-plus-day mission. The Shenzhou-11 space capsule landed safely in Inner Mongolia with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong on board. This historic moment is so momentous that it has lifted the spirit of every Chinese citizen. This moment will go down in the history books to be remembered for generations to come. Over the past five weeks, the two astronauts completed a series of scientific and technical experiments in the Tiangong-2 space laboratory, setting a record as China's longest crewed mission to date. The success not only marked an important and decisive achievement in terms of the projects completed in the space lab, but also laid the foundation for follow-up construction and operation of a functional space station. Chinese manned space science has finally risen to a new level. This will always be a proud moment for the Chinese people. China started its space exploration journey 60 years ago from scratch, but has now grown into a world space power. The "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project, the lunar exploration program as well as the Beidou Navigation Satellite System are evidence of Chinas progress and strength as a major world power. In just 24 years, China has mastered the three most important technologies in manned space, namely the earth-to-orbit transportation system, extravehicular activity (EVA) and space rendezvous and docking, which signals that it will not be long before China realizes its goal of operating a permanent space station as well as conducting space application on a large scale. The Chinese people who have suffered in the age of navigation can finally hold their heads up high. Despite difficulties faced along the journey, China has, with its unremitting efforts, staunch determination and independent innovation, finally made seminal breakthroughs in key space technologies, applied its research results to the industrial, agricultural and service sectors, upgraded technologies of relevant industries, and brought tangible benefits to the public. As of the end of the 12th Five-Year Plan period, China has completed 42 commercial launches for 25 nations and international organizations, launched 48 satellites, provided 10 carrying services, delivered nine whole spacecrafts, managed to export its basic aerospace facilities, and expanded the international market of satellite application, thus making great contributions to the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. The praise received from the international community acknowledges Chinas efforts in space technology and the peaceful development of mankind. A nation should be self-reliant in order to survive in the international arena. Space exploration relies on perseverance and independent innovation. In the past six decades, Chinese space scientists upheld the spirit shown both in the Two Bombs, One Satellite project and manned spacecraft science research, while always placing the national interest and the needs of the people first. Their innovation, perseverance, solidarity and dedication, the most precious legacies of this era, propel the modern rejuvenation of China. The dream of space exploration is part of the dream of rejuvenation. China today needs strategic scientific support more than ever. It has yet to complete the national strategy that maps out three major steps to promote manned space, and also needs more efforts in deep space exploration and application of space technologies. China should prioritize space science development, implement innovation-driven national development strategies and focus on independent innovation and groundbreaking technological innovations. The future success of the Long March and space exploration as a whole hinge on continued efforts from us all. Dans la meme rubrique : < > More robots entering people's daily life China sees accelerated development of express delivery sector in rural areas China's FAST discovers largest atomic cloud in universe Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) Remarkably 2016 has become the year of Revolution. It started in June with citizens of the United Kingdom voting in the affirmative for Brexit, a national referendum to separate from the European Union and the long reach of its Brussels bureaucrats. Then the November 8 U.S. presidential election witnessed the American people voting in outsider Donald Trump, soundly rejecting the political establishment of both national parties and their unelected and unaccountable regulators and bureaucrats. Trumps electoral victory was nothing short of a stunning upset -- with ramifications beyond politics. Trump, the outright political neophyte, accomplished the impossible: Winning without the full backing of his own party Winning without the backing of any former president in contrast to his opponents visible support and campaigning from Barack and Michelle Obama Standing alone and leading his own rallies and delivering substantive speeches, in contrast to Hillary Clintons reliance on Hollywood celebrities and high-profile entertainers to draw crowds Overcoming the bias and hostility of 91% of the media establishment Succeeding in spite of being outspent by the opponent by more than 2 to 1 Prevailing despite having a disorganized campaign, vanquishing the political machine of a shrewd and ruthless opponent, who had been universally backed and coronated as the heir of the Democrat Party Trump confounded not only the media and the rest of the above, but also the pollsters, who got it all wrong. And in the end, circumstances unfolded that enabled him to turn Hollywood culture -- that legitimizes and glorifies immorality -- on his opponent. When the Clinton campaign and its surrogates and allies in the media tried to bring down Trump in the final weeks with alleged long past sexual misconduct and an 11-year-old secret recording of Trumps locker room talk about women, the tables got miraculously turned when a treasure trove of 650,000 new emails -- assumed incriminating to Hillary Clinton -- was found by the FBI on the laptop of sexual deviate Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. With the electoral outcome running contrary to almost every human factor, one has to consider other explanations for Trumps success. Many secular analysts came to recognize that Israels victory in the Six-Day War in 1967 was best explained by a supernatural and divine intervention and empowerment of the vastly outnumbered Israeli forces. Was the electoral upset on November 8 also related to divine intervention and the prayers of the American people? It may be. The record suggests that the cameo roles of the likes of Madonna, Beyonce, and Jay Z to get out the vote for Hillary Clinton were no match for evangelicals, like Franklin Graham, who embarked without fanfare on a one-year effort starting in the fall of 2015 -- holding prayer rallies on the capitol steps of every one of the 50 states for the sole purpose of bringing clarity and new direction to the nation. The fact that Trump fell short in the popular vote while decisively winning the Electoral College vote, should not be interpreted as a reduced mandate. Trumps message to Make America Great Again -- based on an oft-repeated relatively straightforward platform -- was the basis for his victory. People knew why they were voting for Trump and it was specifically to redirect the nation along the lines that the candidate had clearly and repeatedly outlined. In spite of an unrelentingly noisy opposition, Trump has a mandate to carry out the policies for which the people voted. After inauguration on January 20, 2017, President Trump should unhesitatingly proceed with: repealing and replacing ObamaCare; securing the nations borders; implementing the best proposals from U.S. military high command to decisively defeat ISIS; passing dramatic tax cuts and regulatory reform that will make the United States a destination for business development and job creation; passing energy independence legislation that will spur investment in extraction technologies, infrastructure and pipelines such as Keystone, and also accelerate the development of U.S. energy export capacity; and passing legislation to return education policy to the states -- fostering competition and reform such as expanded charter schools. The Left has always laid claim to being the vanguard of revolution and of moral superiority. However, electoral events of 2016 suggest that assumption is being undercut with new leadership in the U.K. and the United States. The Brexit vote and Donald Trumps upset election are revolutionary for the common man and a huge blow to the elite governing establishment. The Left will not go out silently in the U.S., but many Americans can take heart for the same reasons that contributed to the Trump electoral victory against all the odds, as expressed so well by the prophet Jeremiah: But the Lord is with me as a powerful giant; therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper; they shall have everlasting confusion which shall never be forgotten. Scott Powell is senior fellow at Discovery Institute and managing partner of RemingtonRand LLC A. The Alternate Universe of the Europeans and the Domestic Academies In increasingly lawless Europe they are criminalizing objections to the Western-Civilization-destroying, really homicidal immigration policies and intellectually bankrupt economic policies adopted by an incompetent class of political leaders. They are tearing their hair and shredding their alliances in response to Trumps victory and the triumph of common sense. In the less overwrought responses from Europe we see signs of a patronizing Big Brother, to which JMHanes responds online: The Euro version of the "Trump needs guidance" meme was already taking on some water this weekend: Britain and France on Sunday night snubbed a contentious EU emergency meeting to align the blocs approach to Donald Trumps election, exposing rifts in Europe over the US vote. Hailed by diplomats as a chance to send a signal of what the EU expects from Mr. Trump, the plan fell into disarray after foreign ministers from the blocs two main military powers declined to attend the gathering demanded by Berlin and Brussels." LOL! Are the Brits & the French finally telling Germany enough is enough? "The German foreign minister had wanted to demonstrate that the EU was capable of rapid response when it came to foreign policy. Instead the disarray highlighted a familiar problem for Berlin, according to diplomats. When the EUs most powerful country wants to lead, other member states dont necessarily follow, said one EU diplomat." Can't imagine why, can you? "But the German foreign ministry put a brave face on events, saying on Sunday: Its good that the EU meets to look into the consequences of the election of Donald Trump for Europe. Other European leaders have openly criticised the incoming president. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker last week accused Mr Trump of ignorance. We must teach the president-elect what Europe is and how it works. I believe well have two years of wasted time while Mr Trump tours a world he doesnt know. Can we really fault Juncker for thinking that, given the abiding ignorance of Trump's predecessor? When I heard that Theresa May had apparently sent Trump one of the more gracious congratulatory messages, I suddenly found myself imagining Reagan-Thatcher redux. Wouldn't that be nice? Here, were subtler because constitutional restraints imposed by the First Amendment still survive. With the media and universities almost entirely in the hands of the left, the punishment of dissenters is left to neurotic pedants and their immature students, paid thugs, and illegal immigrants and minorities revved up by false narratives about the president-elect and his inner circle. In the academic monoculture of the left, dissenting speakers are banned from campus, shouted down and mobbed on stage if allowed in. Their tormentors are given Play-doh, coloring books, and safe spaces to shield them from any other point of view. Even elementary students are not exempt from such tyranny and propaganda. Teachers are urging kids to skip class to protest elections they arent old enough to vote in. San Francisco teachers have fashioned an alternate curriculum which attacks the president-elect, and suggests that those who follow it might not even alert their students to the fact that Hillary lost the election. Its quite obvious that many protestors are paid to do so and a good many -- perhaps more than half -- never voted or even registered to do so. If you bound and crippled your children and forever weakened them youd be guilty of child abuse. Yet parents spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to allow their children to be emotionally and intellectually handicapped. Its paradoxical, to be sure. Most Americans no longer trust the press, but Thomas Lipscomb offers up a couple of suggestions how they could regain that trust, including this one: WHO IS PAYING FOR THE DEMONSTRATIONS THAT ARE BREAKING OUT ALL OVER THE US BLUE CITIES? Journalists used to love infiltrating and finding out. It makes a great story and we know they are not spontaneous, but we need some hard information and some "follow the money" tracking through what look like intentionally confusing nonprofit accounts. THE FACT THAT THE PRESS REFUSES TO DO THIS SHOWS THEY ARE STILL MAINTAINING A NARRATIVE, NOT REPORTING THE NEWS AMERICANS WANT AND NOT ONE REPORTER AT THE PRESS CONF TODAY ASKED OBAMA WHY HE WOULDN'T ASK FOR A STOP TO THE DEMONSTRATIONS? (Though they ALL had asked Trump about the same issue as if his supporters were doing this) B. The Democrats The Democrats are, in Tom Maguires view vivisectioning themselves. He offers them a clue: What conclusions might the Dems draw from a strategic re-assessment of their "Emerging Majority" theory that has left them without the White House, Congress, Supreme Court, and many governorships and statehouses? Who knows? But they do have two conceptual problems. First, they claim to have as an endgame a post-racial society, yet they will need roughly 90% of an energized black turnout to remain competitive. Will post-racial blacks really be so monolithic? Time May Tell! Secondly, if the Dems hope to reclaim their mantle as champions of the working class, they will have to (regrettably) appeal to the deplorable working class whites. However, the current intellectual framework embraced by the Dem intelligentsia is all about "white privilege". A proper progressive could surely explain it more cogently, but as I understand it a middle-aged white guy who lost his $30/hour union job when the factory was moved to Mexico and is now stacking boxes at WalMart for $10/hour is "privileged", so screw him. Can Dems move (back) towards a class-based framework and away from that race-based intellectual framework while retaining the enthusiasm of the college-educated wing of their coalition? Particularly when these troglodytic working-class whites are often regular church-goers who have not fully embraced other aspects of the current progressive catechism? Again, Time May Tell! I have another idea for Democrats: Avoid closed loops. Wikileaks exposed what reading carefully has already alerted voters to. The formerly dominant media were colluding like crazy with the DNC and Hillary camp -- printing what they wanted published, and hiding what they didnt want readers and viewers to know. Then, those who originated the nonsense the media and their pollsters published, credited, and believed it themselves! I think they should end the looping. Evaluate the incestuous relationships between the press and the Democrats. Hire more conservatives -- and not just loony ones from a 20-year-old Rolodex -- try Victor Davis Hanson, David Goldman, Richard Fernandez, or Walter Russell Mead, for example. The incestuous relationship is not helping you or the consumers of your work. My online friend Stephen B. Waters, editor of an upstate New York newspaper, must regularly edit what he receives from the AP and often writes them (in vain) to describe where they are failing readers: Dear AP: 1) Please drop billionaire from the AP Trump lexicon. For variety, try President elect instead. 2) Gayness is not a relevant attribute that needs to be attached to articles when considering appointments. 3) Your clauses claiming inexperience do you no credit. You do not provide evidence about what experience matters, 4) Please point to the evidence about [Steve] Bannon. NPR ran some scurrilous rumors in August, but Jewish co-workers have adequately countered the anti-Semitic hokum. [Incidentally, I have gotten pointers to more legitimate news from Breitbart.com than from NPR and been led astray more by CNN than by Breitbart.] I look forward to seeing your Breitbart evidence. I see that the post election period will be as difficult for corporate journalists -- a group that includes AP -- as before the election. C. What We Can Expect In my view Victor Davis Hanson nails what we can expect in the coming weeks and months. Of the personal sort, expect more investigative reporting and speaking truth to power op-eds about his tax returns, his supposed theft of the election, his purported instigation of turbulence and mayhem, his locker-room talks about women, his business conflicts of interests in office, Trump University, and so on -- perhaps written from the high moral ground by the WikiLeaks journalists of the Mark Leibovich, Dana Milbank, Glenn Thrush, Wolf Blitzer, or Donna Brazile sort. The nexus of attack will not be a dramatic scandalous revelation -- it will be intended to induce bleeding from a thousand tiny nicks and cuts, all designed to reduce his moral authority and thus his ability to ratchet back the progressive decade. Another trope, as we are now witnessing, will be of the hysterical policy brand: Trump will cook the planet, put yall back in chains, conduct war on women, traumatize students, destroy dreamers -- all the boilerplate extremism designed to put Trump on the defensive so that he will settle for half an agenda and reach out to cement his respectability as a listener before the court of D.C. fixtures, the campuses, the foundations, the think tanks, the media, the social circles of Silicon Valley and Wall Street. The Siren strategy of the Left will also be to point out that his future is already destabilizing America -- Trump must therefore reach out right now to the disaffected in the streets who are hurting. Thereby, he will heal the nation, if only he backs off from right-wing and extremist ideas of selling coal overseas or building a wall and taxing billions of dollars in remittance from illegal aliens to pay for it.] bgates, commenting at Ann Althouses blog, documents some media misfires: (thats from Sept 28) (Aug 3) (not sure if they copied from TNR or vice versa, or if both were fed word from Clinton campaign) (April!) Given all this evidence of disarray, I don't see how he can even win the nomination, never mind beat Hillary or become a successful President. And right on target Hanson is, not only did they smear his first pick Bannon with ridiculous lies, but as well, keep reporting that the people are suffering unless President-elect Trump adopts their views. My favorite is this treacle from the Washington Post style section about a truly nebbishy woman in agony because her candidate lost. I wanted to respond by quoting Oscar Wildes One must have a heart of stone to read the death of little Nell without laughing and to bemoan the passing of Florence King, the great essayist, who could better deal with such vapid writing, but the online article stated, Comments are now closed. We turn off the comments on stories dealing with personal loss, tragedies or other sensitive topics. Watch for more similar tales of Victorian type ladies and fainting couches often by the same people who think the most vulgar women -- Chelsea Handler, the yentas of "The View" and Lena Dunham come to mind -- are dandy role models. Even one writer at Slate could no longer take it: Stop making people suicidal. Stop telling people theyre going to be killed. Stop terrifying children. Stop giving racism free advertising. Stop trying to convince Americans that all the other Americans hate them. Stop. Stop. Stop. The left has no shame, actually. At the same time that they smeared Breitbart and Bannon they said nothing about the apparent ascent of Keith Ellison to head the DNC. Ellison a former member of the Nation of Islam, an anti-Semitic, anti-Israeli, demagogue of the first order whose record is manifest. Nor have they mentioned the various vicious attacks on Trump supporters by people we are told are easily distressed snowflakes. While touting claims like Hillary lost because we are inherently misogynistic, the press did everything it could to burnish her thin credentials and hide her criminality. Nor did they make such a ridiculous claim when Obama beat her in the primaries. When the Washington Post deigned to ask readers why they voted for Trump, they got some answers they surely didnt anticipate, like these: Samantha Styler 21 years old Gilbert, Ariz. I am a gay millennial woman and I voted for Donald Trump because I oppose the political correctness movement, which has become a fascist ideology of silence and ignorance. After months of going back and forth, I decided to listen to him directly and not through minced and filtered quotes from the mainstream media. Nick Flores 39 years old Sacramento, CA I voted for Donald Trump because he will deport illegal immigrants more than Clinton. As a legal immigrant who had to wait 13 years for an immigration visa approval and pass two health screens and an English language proficiency exam prior to entering the United States, I consider it an insult to cater to criminals who disobeyed immigration laws and cut in front of all law-abiding immigration applicants waiting patiently to be approved. I have never received any government assistance, nor is it my goal to do so. My dignity disallows such a thought. To witness some illegal immigrants gaming the welfare system boils my blood. D. Thanksgiving Well, the holiday that always keeps advice columnists working overtime is likely to be the scene of even more angst this year. The New York Times did a feature about this, which was unintentionally hilarious. Tom Maguire couldnt resist: Many Democrats harbor their own feelings of being under siege. It felt like a rejection of everyone who looks like me, said Ms. Dorancy, 29, a naturalized American who immigrated from Ghana about a decade ago. It was a message to me that You are not equal in our eyes. You do not deserve a place in our country. Well, let me try to understand -- the woman is here legally and is naturalized, but Trump's denunciation of illegal immigration makes her feel unwelcome? Sometimes, if the shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it. But of course, progressives are elated and elevated by victimhood status, so here we are. The Times notes a couple of Republicans, but no Democrats, who are able to look past partisan politics in making their holiday decisions. And the whole "party of tolerance and inclusion" theme gets more subtle mockery with this family vignette: Her daughter, Ms. Sundin, the social worker who voted for Mrs. Clinton, said the election had left her feeling alienated from her family and her country. She said her liberal arts education and her life as a social worker, which began in 1998, had taught her tolerance and the value of being flexible, something she has passed on to her children. She said she had recently asked her mother to stop talking to her children about politics, after an episode in which she said her mother was discussing Mr. Trumps immigration ideas. I just need her to not have those conversations in front of my kids, she said. Ms. Adams says her daughter is just as stubborn when it comes to politics. Nancy puts up a wall, she said. If you dont vote the way she does, youre voting wrong. She added: Democrats are always trying to talk you out of your ideas. On the day after the election, Ms. Sundin asked her brother, a firefighter who voted for Mr. Trump, to stop texting her. I told him I was trying to explain to my children why hate wins, she said. His response back was, I get to explain to my children why their opinion matters. She has not talked to him since. I think Ill give that one some time, she said. [Snip] Her mother is taking it in stride. It doesnt matter, she said. I love her to pieces. I dont want to change anything with my Nancy. I want her to be just the way she is. Love trumps hate indeed. Im tempted to do a Martha Stewart type page of holiday suggestions, I like topping the pumpkin pie for the NeverTrumps with crow figurines, and removing the messages in the fortune cookies and replacing them with these: Iowahawk: College: an oasis of totalitarianism in a desert of freedom. Mark Steyn: Just a thought, but, if you keep on insisting that your fellow citizens are haters, maybe youre the hater. But as Im traveling far to be with my family -- some of whom were crushed by Hillarys drubbing and all of whom I love -- Ill just comfort myself with this Media Doomsday video and follow my husbands advice for family harmony at Thanksgiving. No matter what, take a bite of the turkey and announce loudly that its really moist. The mainstream media (MSM) are right. There is a political party today that has racism as a core value and is working incessantly to keep blacks down. It's the Democratic Party. Of course, since Democrat politicians never say what they really believe, most Democrat voters aren't aware they're supporting racism. Like their predecessors who fought a war to keep slavery legal, who founded the KKK, who passed the Jim Crow laws, who fought for school segregation, and who opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, modern Democrat politicians are constantly working to ensure that blacks be poor, ignorant, and totally dependent on the government. Slave-owning Democrats believed that blacks were not really smart enough to run their own lives. Modern Democrat talking heads constantly declare that in a country where Japanese Americans could go from Democrat-mandated prison camps to having one of the highest per household incomes in America, without Democrat help, blacks somehow can't manage to do anything. It's the same paternalistic attitude that earlier Democrats used to justify slavery. Of course, the new slavery is different from the old: instead of picking cotton for hours in the blazing sun, modern blacks only have to vote Democrat, settle for unsafe neighborhoods, and be willing to live with the fact that their children will never get a decent education. Charter schools and private schools have proven that they can educate black inner-city children. Black parents go to extreme lengths to get their kids in those schools because blacks love their kids, too. Yet Democrat politicians are constantly opposing those schools, and the idea of school choice, because they apparently care more about the millions the teacher unions pour into Democrat coffers than they do about black children getting a decent education. What better recipe for securing the black vote than ensuring that blacks depend on government for life itself while using the compliant MSM to convince them that their problems are all due to Republicans who, of course, have no power in the cities those blacks live in? This is another reason why it's necessary to make sure blacks can't get a decent education. Ignorant, uneducated people of any race are more likely to fall for propaganda, after all. Democrat politicians have even figured out how to use taxpayer dollars to pay for keeping blacks around to vote. Their slave-owning predecessors had to at least pay to feed and house their slaves. If you're saying, "No, this can't be so," then ponder a few "inconvenient truths." In America, thousands of blacks are shot each year in Democrat-run cities, yet Democrats who run those cities with an iron fist do nothing that works to fix the problem. While one could believe that a non-racist might think for a few years that gun control actually protects law-abiding blacks, only someone who doesn't have black interests at heart could continue to believe so after decades of failure. Note too that it's not thousands of whites who are getting shot in Chiraq (that is, Chicago), nor is it white neighborhoods where it's unsafe during the day. If you're black, you're 12 times more likely to be shot than if you're white in Chiraq, where Democrats have ruled since dinosaurs roamed the Illinois plains. Democrats got far more riled up about a police officer shooting a black criminal in self-defense, according to Obama's DOJ, than they did about a nine-year-old black boy being the targeted victim of a gang hit. Why? Could it be that white liberals hate the cops and don't really care about blacks? Democrats are also big fans of Planned Parenthood even though PP's founder was an avowed racist who viewed blacks as inferior. It's possible to be pro-choice but not a racist, of course. But it makes one wonder why Democrats aren't upset about the fact that the leading cause of death for black Americans is abortion. That Democrats continue to laud PP even though 79% of PP "clinics" are in or near minority neighborhoods is also strange if Democrats really care about blacks.The recent call by Democrats for taxpayer funding of abortions because that will "save money" is nothing less than saying that aborting the babies of people on welfare will save money. Note that when rich liberal Democrats talk about people on welfare, it's really unlikely that they're thinking about whites. If Democrat politicians really aren't racists, it's odd that there are no Democrats saying abortion should be legal but that we should do something about the fact that a black woman is five times more likely to have an abortion than a white woman. Then there's welfare. The entire supposed pivot of Democrats on racism is based on their support for welfare, which "rescued" blacks from poverty. That hasn't worked too well, given that black poverty is still twice that of white poverty. More importantly, welfare has contributed to the destruction of the black family and the resulting culture that makes it very hard for even very dedicated blacks to escape the ghetto. With 70% of blacks born to single mothers and with being in a single-parent family being the strongest correlation with drug use, criminality, teen pregnancy, and poverty, people who care about blacks, like the Republicans who pushed for welfare reform, would demand change. If Democrats cared about blacks, they'd have noticed the problem by the 1970s and tried to fix it. Instead, they doubled down on the same failed approaches. But if their objective is to keep blacks dependent and scared, maybe those policies weren't failures after all. Finally, one has only to look at how Democrats treat blacks who wander off the Democrats' thought plantation to see that love of blacks is not at the core of the Democratic Party. If any Republican had talked about Obama the way Democrats talk about Ben Carson, Justice Clarence Thomas, and any number of other black conservative intellectuals, he'd have been tarred and feathered by the MSM. It's a crime that 52 years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, blacks are still being oppressed by the same Democratic Party that fought so hard for slavery 153 years ago. Stop letting Democrat politicians get away with claiming to care when their actions show that their only concern is about votes. They helicopter into the black community every election cycle, explain how it's all the Republicans' fault, and then helicopter back to their tony neighborhoods, where their kids go to great schools and it's safe to walk at night. Don't let Democrats get away with pretending to care about blacks while they fight tooth and nail against any policy that would give blacks a chance to earn their share of the American Dream. It's time that America threw off the Democrat legacy of preventing blacks from reaching their true potential. It's time to end the nearly 200-year-long Democrat war on blacks and bring down the last vestiges of racism in America. You can read more of Tom's rants at his blog, Conversations about the obvious, and feel free to follow him on Twitter. It was shocking when it first appeared. It had fatal consequences when it remained. It had calamitous potential on a national level. The so-called Two State proposal was the most racist, venomous idea of the last generation. For years it was kept alive by artificial respiration, in the minds of its proponents. Now, with President-elect Trumps victory, its finally dead. No one will be saying kaddish. In the annals of the history of nations, there has never been a more insulting, degrading nor arrogant suggestion than the Two State solution. Imagine it anywhere else in the world. At one time it could have been Britain, Italy, the US. Lets let our imagination flow, briefly. Lets call it OurLand. OurLand is inhabited and governed by People. A minority, OtherPeople, live in a couple of peripheral areas. People have always tried to help OtherPeople. They help them financially, supporting their villages and towns. People freely allow OtherPeople to give birth and afford medical assistance in their hospitals. For decades, the elected representatives of People extend hands of peace and brotherhood to OtherPeople. OtherPeople hate People. OtherPeople seem to hate themselves, as well. For generations, OtherPeople have invested all the unprecedentedly large amounts of money they received from nations outside OurLand to attack and kill tens of thousands of Peoples civilians. OtherPeople have charters. These do not recognize the Peoples right to live or breathe in OurLand. Their charters call for the murder of all People. They are proud of these charters and post them online, preach them in their houses of worship, and act on them pursuing attacks on People. The more that People call for harmony and co-existence, the more OtherPeople hate them. OtherPeople raise their children to be martyrs to murder People. Its a hatred no one can explain. But, its fact. Then, someone, well call WannaBeSeer makes a suggestion. Lets forcibly remove whole communities of People who live near OtherPeople. Its a long bet, odds are slim. But, the logic is something like this, OtherPeople hate People. They say they want all People dead. In fact, two generations of OtherPeople have dedicated their lives to achieving that goal. Many People, elderly, women, some pregnant, children have been viciously murdered by OtherPeople. But! says WannaBeSeer, Theres one thing we never tried. Lets shock everybody! We, People, will forcibly, violently use our own army to vacate whole swaths of communities of our own People. That will shock the hell out of everybody! No one expected that! And, though well ruin the lives of all those People, steal their homes, destroy their businesses. Thats good. The more shock the better. Maybe that will shock OtherPeople into wanting to make peace, or at least let us live in peace. The idea became a holocaust. Lives of People were literally destroyed. The resolve, the thirst for blood, of OtherPeople became stronger to kill more and more People. They continued. People scratched their head. Peace loving, educated, People cannot imagine why OtherPeople are so hateful. But they are. Time passes. An idea gets floated around the media. They give it a nice name. Its a great name. And, as great as the name is, it is even more horrific. Thats whats great about names. You can put a sweet name on the most abhorrent thing, and it seems nice. Two State Solution. Its unobtrusive. Almost inviting. Two is a graspable number. It doesnt push you off. Its not like eight and three quarters. Two. Its three letters, one syllable. Two flows gently from the lips. State. Well, that doesnt raise any flags. Whats a State? Wisconsin is a state. No one is afraid of Wisconsin. A State is not like a country. After all, Israel isnt a country. Its only a State. So, well give the Arabs a State. That sounds fair and reasonable. Solution. Thats something you cant disagree with. Solution seems to rhyme with resolution, to resolve. To resolve things is refined. Heck, some solutions are even medically good, like the one you use to clean your contact lenses. Great! said the folks, when they handed over the check to the Madison Avenue spin office. We love the name! Really, it was a great name. Except, like all huge lies it hid one hidden insidious truth. OtherPeople still hate People. OtherPeople still openly express their intentions to kill all People. OtherPeople are so full of hatred, some would call self-hatred, otherwise how could so much hatred come from one group, they do not accept the Two State Solution. For them, Two States are too many. OtherPeople still try daily to kill as many People as they can. Finally, along comes a truly bright leader. Hes grown through lots of hard knocks in life. He is a determined and focused manager. He takes sides. He looks at right and wrong. He looks at the situation in the world at large. He sees OtherPeople are part of a huger problem threatening his own country and civilized society. He knows that People are moral, ethical enlightened. People are also true friends to his own country. Finally, this commander says, The way to fight evil is not by placation. You fight evil by facing up to it and defeating it. Well call him Donald. And may G-d continue to give him strength. Fishel Jacobs is an American rabbi, martial artist, retired officer (Major) in the IDF and law enforcement, a published author of numerous best selling non-fiction books and speaker in demand. (PowerRabbi.com) The political edifice that was the top-down command structure of the Democratic Party has finally been washed away, but the Democrats "appear to be doubling down on being wrong," writes Patrick Howley at the American Spectator. In the wake of the historic voter rejection of Democrats at both the federal and the state levels, one might reasonably expect a degree of self-reflection among the party faithful. Yet Congressional Democrats who seek to fill the leadership void seem to have learned little from defeat. Citing "Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison's surprising announcement that he will run for chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)," Mr. Howley writes: Ellison is one of the most left-wing members of the House, and his ascendance signals the continuance of a damaging trend in Democratic politics. The exclusionary progressivism of Hillary Clinton's campaign doomed it to failure. The campaign even ignored husband Bill's advice to target white working-class voters, citing a demographic shift in the party that senior progressives thought would be enough to justify cutting blue-collar Midwesterners out of their coalition altogether. ... The structural damage to the Democratic machine has clearly been done, and the party seems incapable of realizing its own political mistakes. While the Democrats have handed Republicans a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change directions, Mr. Howley cautions that the vaunted demographic shift is "definitely real and will keep the Democrats in long-term contention." National Review's Rich Lowry, commenting on President Obama's incessant "harping on the 'right side of history,'" also notes the Democrat reliance on new demographics: The president basically thinks anyone who gets in his way is transgressing the larger forces of history with a capital "H." ... Obama has returned to this phrase and argument obsessively. It is deeply embedded in his, and the larger progressive, mind and indirectly contributed to the Left's catastrophic defeat on November 8. ... It assumes that certain classes of people are retrograde. Why would Democrats bother to try to appeal to working-class white voters if they are stamped with the disapproval of History? ... And, if History is thought to have an ascendant electoral coalition (and a hell of a data operation), it creates an unjustified sense of political inevitability. This is what the theorists of the "emerging Democratic majority," and most pundits on the left, bought into. Lowry concludes by observing that Republican repeal of a right-side-of-history program like Obamacare "will constitute the most significant rollback of the welfare state ever," and that: ... [n]ow, a president who so confidently associated himself and his cause with the tide of the future has presided over a political wipeout that will send much of his legacy into the dustbin. The American Spectator's Howley, however, cautions again that the Obama legacy is not yet in the dustbin (emphasis in original): Feckless Republican leadership helped to create the disenchantment that led to Trump's populist win in the primaries. Feckless Republican leadership at a time like this when so much opportunity exists for GOP exploitation will only cause the party of Lincoln to miss yet another YUGE opportunity for gain. The spectacle of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) herding their colleagues to the progressive left belies the fact that the Democrats will not go away quietly. The title of a book published in 2010, The High Tide of American Conservatism: Davis, Coolidge, and the 1924 Election, is a reminder that every Coolidge is followed by a Roosevelt, and every Reagan by an Obama. Democrats in disarray are a gift to the Republicans' nascent high tide, but Lowry's "unjustified sense of political inevitability" works both ways. Be wary of Democrats bearing gifts. There is a campaign coordinated via social media to bombard Electoral College members with emails and phone calls to try and persuade them to change their vote and elect Hillary Clinton president. Some of the communications have been ugly and threatening, say several electors. Associated Press: Some state laws call for fines against "faithless electors," while others open them to possible felony charges, although the National Archives says no elector has ever been prosecuted for failing to vote as pledged. In North Carolina, a faithless elector's vote is canceled, and he or she must immediately resign and be replaced. Layne Bangerter and Melinda Smyser, two of Idaho's four Republican electors, said they have been flooded with emails, telephone calls and Facebook messages from strangers urging them to reconsider their vote. "It's just not going to work," Bangerter said. "I hope it dies down, but I don't see that happening." The volume and tone of the messages caught the attention of Idaho's secretary of state, who urged the public to remain civil as electors prepare to cast their ballots on Dec. 19 while meeting in their states. Republican Party officials in Georgia and Michigan said their electors also have been bombarded with messages, and Iowa reported increased public interest in obtaining contact information for electors. Michael Banerian, 22, one of Michigan's 16 Republican electors, said he has received death threats from people who do not want him to vote for Trump. But he said he is undeterred. "It's mostly just a lot of angry people who don't completely understand how the process works," said Banerian, a political science major at Oakland University. P. Bret Chiafalo, a Democratic elector in Washington state, said he and a small group of other electors from the party are working to contact their Republican counterparts and ask them to vote for any GOP candidate besides Trump, preferably Mitt Romney or John Kasich. Under the Constitution, the House currently under Republican control decides the presidency if no candidate reaches the required electoral vote majority. House members choose from the top three contenders. This isn't the first time electors have faced pressure to undo the results of Election Day. Carole Jean Jordan, a GOP elector from Florida in 2000, recalled the "unbelievably ugly" aftermath of the recount battle between George W. Bush and then-vice president Al Gore, a dispute that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court leaving Bush's slim margin intact and handing him the presidency. The chance that the grass roots campaign to upend the results of the election will succeed are about as close to zero as you can get. But the significance here are the threats and ugliness being perpetrated by Democrats to bully the electors into changing their votes. For a party that went ballistic when Donald Trump mentioned he might not accept the results of the election, the hypocrisy of demanding that the Electoral College nullify the votes of 60 million people who voted for Trump is breathtaking. The electors will meet December 19 in Washington, D.C. to cast their ballots and officially make Donald Trump the president. But between now and then, Republican electors will have to endure a gauntlet of hate and threats that is being organized by the Democratic party. Robert Byrd served as a Democratic senator for over 50 years. He recruited for the Ku Klux Klan, filibustered the Civil Rights Act, and voted against the Voter Rights Act. He held great positions of power in the Democratic Party. I do not recall Democrats, Hollywood, or the media calling him a racist or a white supremacist. He was the respected constitutionalist. The New York Times called Byrd a respected voice when he died. Bill Clinton honored Byrd in his eulogy. President Obama called Byrd a voice of principle and reason. Everyone should remember by the way they treated Robert Byrd that Democrats, the media, and Hollywood could not care less about actual racists and white supremacists. We do not see protests asking to take Byrd's name off roads or buildings. The reason they go after Trump, Sessions, Bannon, and Flynn is strictly to divide the country and pit one group against the other. When they boo and lecture Pence at the play Hamilton, they are being petulant little children. They do not care about the truth. We can see by the way they treat Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas, and other black conservatives that they are not for inclusion. When the new Smithsonian museum does not have a space for Clarence Thomas, it shows that they are prejudiced against black conservatives and are willing to discriminate. I hope the media and Democrats do not get their way, because they are the ones who seek to divide. The NYT, the networks, Democrats, and Hollywood have no desire for honesty. They seek to destroy anyone who disagrees with their ideology. Mike Pence thought he would relax and enjoy himself by attending the hit Broadway show Hamilton. Instead, he got a lecture from a self-appointed sanctimonious spokesman of "diverse America," an actor from the non-diverse cast of Hamilton, who read the following gibberish directed to Pence: We, sir we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," he said. "We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. The original casting call for Hamilton was for non-white performers, which was amended after some unfavorable publicity. Well, so much for a "diverse" cast. I guess this actor missed Trump's victory speech, when he said he would be the president of all Americans. Someone should explain to this New York City actor that the threat to him, his children, and his parents comes from attacks by Muslim terrorists. Maybe he forgot that on September 11, 2001, over three thousand New Yorkers were killed by Muslim terrorists. He also forgot that in 1993, Muslim terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, killing and injuring New Yorkers. I bet that this actor, in a play about Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founders, does not know that our first overseas war occurred when President Jefferson dispatched the Marines to Tripoli to rescue Americans held hostage by the Muslim terrorists of the day. The first "inalienable right" for the federal government to protect is the right to be protected from foreign enemies. Does anyone doubt that Trump will do this? Trump has proposed limiting immigration from countries that have Muslim terrorism, extreme vetting of immigrants from those countries, deportation of illegal aliens with criminal records, and forcing "sanctuary cities" to comply with federal laws to turn over illegal aliens with criminal records on top of their illegal entry. These steps help to protect all Americans, not just diverse Americans. The job of protecting citizens in NYC from everyday crime is done primarily by the New York Police Department. Maybe the actor should ask Mayor de Blasio if he will help Trump protect the residents of NYC by ending the sanctuary city policy, and if the mayor will support the New York Police Department. The Alt-Left is at it again. This time they are using their internet and media echo chamber to malign Steve Bannon, concocting a narrative that is false but endlessly repeated by their soldiers in the never ending campaign to malign conservatives and members of the Trump campaign. Playing the race card has become the modus operandi of the liberal/left political world. Mr. Bannon, who has been appointed Chief White House Advisor and political strategist for Mr. Trump, has been a staunch and reliable friend of Israel and has hired a host of Jewish journalists during his leadership at the conservative Breitbart news magazine. He has been an ardent supporter of the Jewish state at the very moment many liberal Jewish organizations were condemning Israel and spouting fashionable anti-Israel criticisms emanating from the Left. Like Mr. Trump before him, who for four decades was known as a champion of Israel, generous in charitable contributions to her, and someone who routinely hired Jews and accommodated their religious Sabbath needs, Mr. Bannon is likewise being accused of being anti-Jewish ever since he came on board the Trump Express to install a nationalistic and politically conservative legislative approach at odds with the liberal agenda. The ADL (Anti-Defamation League) last week accused Mr. Bannon of anti-Semitism because, in their words, he is associated with nationalistic movements and anti-Semitic white supremacist groups. He is not associated with any anti-Semitic groups, though he is, like me, an American nationalist. After being forced to supply concrete evidence of anti-Semitism, the ADL backtracked slightly and only accused him of countenancing anti-Semitism. In its founding years the ADLs task was to fight anti-Semitism, but in the last few decades it has, like other establishment Jewish organizations, become an ideological arm of the Democratic Party, carrying its water for them, and viewing all of American life through the prism of a neo-leftist agenda no longer rooted in classical liberalism. Thus for them, as seen in their publications, the innocuous term western values becomes a code phrase for excluding non-whites, and the term America First becomes a racist code phrase. To most Americans, however, putting America and its citizens first is the most natural thing a nation should try doing -- be it regarding jobs, physical security or pride in Americas historic outlook and values, in this case our founding principles and Judeo-Christian ethos. While the ADL considers the predilection towards nationalism a disguised attempt to exclude Jews and others, to most sane people nationalism is pride in ones country and her values, which in Americas case is something to be proud of, indeed. Loving ones country, its western values, or pride and comfort in ones ethnicity or race (even if white) are not disqualifying features in a human being. Those who see in American individuals proud of their Christian faith or their European ancestry people to be feared are themselves either very insecure or harbor a bigotry and discomfort with those in the majority. Truth be told, in liberal establishment organizational circles, the feeling is that nobility and fair-mindedness resides only in minority communities while the majority, in this case Christian and whites, are automatically suspect unless they prove otherwise, with advocating liberalism and cultural self-effacement as their only redeemable option. The new head of the ADL, Jonathan Greenblatt, is a former member of the Obama administration and, like so many heading up todays establishment Jewish organizations, a high level advocate for left liberalism and in consonance with the Soros agenda and many of the disturbing societal upheavals sponsored by Soros. This despite the known quote where Soros calls his collaboration with the Nazis in Hungary during WW II an exciting and happy time for him. Like so many others, the non-observant, secular Jewish leadership have replaced Judaism with liberalism, giving liberalism transcendence above all else, making political liberalism its new religion and calling. In fact, Greenbaltt and the ADL have recently become eager and severe critics of Israels necessary defense policies -- and may be indicative of an alarming trend in the secular Jewish community of abandoning Israel when in conflict with the socialism and multi-culturalism that it holds dearer than religious doctrnes. After the election showed that many Orthodox Jews voted for Mr. Trump because of years of humiliating anti-Israel bias in the Obama administration, as well as Obamas and Mrs. Clintons enabling and masterminding Irans catapult to a nuclear power, many Manhattan Jewish liberals have begun speaking of their desire to forget Israels needs if it makes the liberal agenda harder to realize: vote liberal, for the liberal agenda reigns supreme above all else. During the 2012 Democratic National Convention there were tremendous boos when support of Israel and Jerusalem as Israels eternal capital were proposed. This was done, as seen on TV, by hundreds of delegates. Indeed, Black Lives Matter has spoken in rabid anti-Jewish and anti Israel terms. The ADL has not denounced them and seemingly remains sympathetic, just as have Clinton and Obama. The ADL and the Reform Jewish Movement knew full well of Obamas association with the notorious anti-Semites Rev. Wright, Rashid Kahlidi, and Al Sharpton. Yet, no matter the preponderance of anti-Israel leading lights on the Left and thousands of anti-Jewish people found in the Democratic Party, the ADL and the Reform Jewish denomination retain their affiliation and affection for the leftwing community, ignoring its blatant anti-Semitism. Both organizations have been silent over the years regarding the harassment of Jewish students at the direction of Muslim organizations on college campus and, similarly, quiet about the threats to Jews and synagogues coming from mostly Muslim individuals and groups. Yet, the ADL is now sponsoring conferences with the specific intent of people finding and reporting acts of anti-Semitism it implies are coming from Trump supporters. It seems that harassment of Jews can be overlooked by the Jewish Alt-left if coming from a minority community. The Jewish members of the Alt-left are eager to turn neutral and positive phrases into anti-Semitism and cast friends like Bannon and Trump (Trump with religious Jewish grandchildren) into figures to be feared, jeered, and demonized outside the paleas deplorables. Why? Because they have sold their soul to the ideology of leftism and class warfare. It has become their identity. Their power resides in the Democratic Party, and power is a powerful aphrodisiac. These organizations have not, and will never genuinely accept the results of the election. They will try to stop Trumps policies, and thwart the will of the people they consider inferior and uneducated, by tarring and discrediting Trumps people and appointees as racist and anti-Semitic. Too many are whipping themselves up into hysteria based on prejudicial presumptions they themselves have created over the years. They are setting up tribunals that label their opponents hate-mongers when, in reality, they themselves have become bigoted and act hateful. We should no longer allow them to impugn good, patriotic individuals. Unlike what the ADL, the Alt-left and the Reform Jewish movement claim, the American people voted for Mr. Trump not out of racism or anti-Semitism, but because they and their families had become voiceless and ignored, cannon fodder, the forgotten people, with legitimate needs that were for decades dismissed by the elites and now, finally, championed by Mr. Trump and his newly appointed advisor, Steve Bannon. May God bless them and their work for America. Rabbi Aryeh Spero is author of Push Back: Reclaiming our American Judeo-Christian Spirit WANTED: The Spelling Bee Bandit who cant spell robbery To Boston, where the FBI will pay a $1,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the Spelling Bee Bandit, so called because he cant spell robbery. Police say the felon has robbed four different banks in Massachusetts over a two-week period. In every case, the criminals puts on sunglasses and hands a demand note with the word Robery written on it. The robber is slim, male, white, in his late 30s or early 40s who is between 511 and 62 and approximately 160 pounds. He talks with a local accent. He is most likely getting increasingly aggressive as the tellers continue to ask him what a robery is and is they are dressed appropriately. Mike Kritharis Posted: 20th, November 2016 | In: Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Stories of two families from the opposite sides of the Pacific, who tapped the benefits of connectivity and mobility to successfully grow their small businesses, graced the gathering of officials from member economies at the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders Week. These are the stories of the winners of the 2016 APEC Video Contest, now on its second year. APEC asked small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to share their stories about how they have used mobile internet technologies to develop and grow commercial ideas. "Through the contest, APEC created a way for business owners to articulate and share the benefits of mobile connectivity and how it helped their businesses grow," said APEC Secretariat Executive Director Alan Bollard. "These are tangible examples of how APEC's work to promote sustainable and inclusive growth manifests in our communities, said Dr Bollard. Part of this inclusiveness push is helping small businesses create more jobs by providing opportunities to grow and expand. WATCH: Regional Category Winner WATCH: Host Economy Winner Regional Category winner Thu Mai Hang from Viet Nam runs the largest tire shop in Hoang Mai district of Ha Noi, with her family. Host Economy Category winner Varinia Teresa Gonzales Zuniga looks after the business model of her family enterprise that provides fava beans to exporters and operates from Cusco, Peru. "My family's business now provides employment to women in San Jeronimo in Cusco, where I come from," said Ms Zuniga. "More and more, because of internet connectivity, we close the gap between us and our clients. I look forward to seeing more small business like ours in Peru take advantage of the internet to grow and provide jobs to more people." Small and medium enterprises make up more than 95 per cent of the businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. These businesses are growing their markets with the help of internet connectivity that enables them to engage in activities like mobile banking and digital promotions, therefore expanding their access to an unprecedented number of potential clients and partners. "Before, my family never thought of going on a holiday together because of the day-to-day business operations," said Thu Mai Hang. "But now, the internet has helped us do more with less time. We can now do mobile banking, promote our shop through our company website, communicate with clients, and monitor the shop remotely. The Internet not only helped expand our business, it helped improved the quality of my family's life." The video contest targeting small business was supported by Google. APEC is working to see these benefits spread to more people and has been pushing hard for the internationalization of SMEs over the past couple of years. This year, Peru kept the momentum on track by making the modernizaton of small businesses a priority for APEC Peru 2016. For further details, please contact: (In Lima) Ma. Lizbeth B. Edra +65 9452 8344 or at [email protected] (In Lima) Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 or at [email protected] More on APEC meetings, events, projects, and publications can be found on www.apec.org. You can also follow APEC on Twitter and join us on Facebook and LinkedIn. If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both 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. SalamAir has added another milestone to its growing list of accomplishments and we are proud to have achieved this one on the 46th National Day of the country, said SalamAirs Chairman, Khalid Al Yahmadi. Safety and security is our number one priority and we are working tirelessly to complete all the necessary testing requirements so that we can commence our Muscat Salalah flights as scheduled before the end of year. Best Hobby Products and Services Would you like to submit an article in the Hobbies category or any of the sub-category below? Click here to submit your article. Would you like to have your product or service listed on this page? Contact us. India's exports are expected to reach USD 280 billion by the end of this fiscal as against USD 261.13 billion in 2015-16. New Delhi: Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called a meeting of export promotion councils and other sector representatives tomorrow to discuss the impact of demonetisation. "All the issues pertaining to exports and impact of demonetisation are likely to be discussed," an official said. The government on November 8 announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes from mid-night and replace them with new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. The move created shortage of currency which led to hardship for people. Expressing concerns on the development, Council of Leather Exports (CLE) Chairman Rafeeq Ahmed said the move to put limitations on cash withdrawal is impacting the working capital of exporters. "It is not practical and is impacting exporters as we have to pay cash for certain perks like overtime and extra incentives to labourers. Temporary workers too demand cash," he said. Sharing similar view, trade experts said that the move has implications on the supply side. "Demonetisation would impact exporters particularly small and medium units as most of them still deal in cash with regard to wages of labourers," they added. All the export promotion councils including sectors from pharmaceuticals and textiles will attend the meeting besides Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). After recording negative growth for about two-years, exports have started recording positive growth. The outbound shipments continued to grow for the second month in a row, expanding by 9.59 per cent to USD 23.51 billion in October on healthy growth in shipments of jewellery and engineering products. India's exports are expected to reach USD 280 billion by the end of this fiscal as against USD 261.13 billion in 2015-16. Shivshankar Menon said that the September 29, 2016 surgical strikes carried out under the Modi Government were inevitable. New Delhi: Former national security advisor (NSA) and foreign secretary Shivshankar Menon has told a TV channel that India-Pakistan relations are one of the few major failures of Indian foreign policy. Mr Menon, who was NSA and foreign secretary during the previous UPA government, has also said the likelihood of tactical nuclear weapons being used by Pakistan against India has increased which, in turn, has increased the possibility of an all-out nuclear war when India retaliates against tactical nuclear weapons with massive retaliation of its own, according to a statement issued by the TV channel. In the TV interview, Mr Menon also claimed that in the immediate wake of 26/11, he had pressed for the immediate visible retaliation of some sort, either against the LeT in Murdike or their camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir or against the ISI, which was clearly complicit and that at that time he had believed that retaliation would be emotionally satisfying and would also go some way toward erasing the shame of the incompetence that Indias police and security agencies displayed in the glare of the worlds television lights for three full days. But, he added that on sober reflection and hindsight the decision not to retaliate militarily was the right one. Mr Menon was the Indian foreign secretary during the 26/11 attack. Mr Menon said that the September 29, 2016 surgical strikes carried out under the Modi Government were inevitable. However, he wondered whether the term surgical strikes was the right one. He seemed to suggest they should be called limited retaliatory action. But he pointed out that going public with the surgical strikes was not in Indias interest. It was designed to appease domestic opinion and not to advance a desired outcome with Pakistan, he said. Going public meant that Pakistan was forced to deny the strikes happened and, at a later point, to indulge in a stepped-up cross border violations, he maintained. Mr Menon also said he believed that there is no foreseeable end to cross-border terror from Pakistan, adding, India must be prepared for the long struggle to continue without decisive military solutions. Temporarily silencing the cross-border terrorists is the best we can hope for. He also said he believes that Pakistan actually cannot control terror, asserting that terrorism is hard-wired into Pakistans society and polity. He said, I am not so sure that its any longer within Pakistans capacity to stop terrorism. Mr Menon said that Pakistans development of tactical nuclear weapons, which will be devolved to lower ranking officers at the battlefield level, who will be younger officers in an Army that is increasingly religiously motivated and less and less professional and that has consistently produced rogue officers and staged coups against its own leaders. But he however maintained that any suggestion that India should give up its no first use nuclear policy would not be in Indias interest both in terms of the strategic deterrent role of nuclear weapons as well as their role as weapons of war. According to news agency reports, after defence minister Manohar Parrikar had stoked a controversy over Indias no first use nuclear policy, Mr Menon said the defence minister does not have the right to voice his personal opinion on nuclear policy in public, especially when it contradicts the official policy of the country. According to the TV channels statement, Mr Menon said that Indias nuclear weapons are no guard and no deterrent against Pakistani terror. Threatening a nuclear response to a terrorist attack from Pakistan would be like threatening to kill a mosquito with a shotgun and would be unlikely to be understood by Indias own people let alone the international community, he said. Mr. Menon said that as Foreign Secretary, he had advised then Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that India should retaliate and be seen to do so. Mr. Mukherjee, he said, seemed to agree with me, according to the statement issued by the channel. Mr. Menon however did not reveal then PM Manmohan Singhs response but in the end India didnt retaliate militarily. However Mr. Menon said that on sober reflection and hindsight the decision not to retaliate militarily was the right one and gave several reasons for this. First, military retaliation would have converted a Pakistani terror attack on India into a India-Pakistan war or another instance of Indo-Pak rivalry. Second, retaliation against LeT targets would have had limited utility and very little effect on the organisation. Third, retaliation would have caused huge collateral civilian damage. Fourth, retaliation would have united Pakistan behind the Pakistan army and altered the balance between the Pak army and the civilian government at a time when the civilian government was trying to be friendly to India, he said. The interview was given to the TV channel to mark the launch of his forthcoming book which will be officially launched on December 2 by former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh. The Congress already swept on Friday the panchayat polls in Gujarats Unjha. The BJP had romped home to victory in the Assembly elections in Assam, the Saturday bypolls will show peoples mood after demonetisation. New Delhi: Byelections for four Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats were held in six states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, the results of which will indicate peoples reaction to the Centres shock withdrawal of two high-value banknotes. The government has said people support the November 8 move despite some inconvenience as the target is black money, corruption and counterfeit currency. Opposition parties have claimed deaths in winding queues before banks and ATMs to deposit Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes or just to withdraw cash have turned people against the government. The Congress already swept on Friday the panchayat polls in Gujarats Unjha. Necessitated by deaths and resignations, two Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal and one each in Assam and Madhya Pradesh are up for grabs. By-polls are also being held for three assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, two in Tripura, one each in Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh and Puducherry. The results would be announced on November 22. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has hit the streets of Delhi protesting against the government move, which she says will hurt landless farmers and labourers. Most opposition parties and even some NDA constituents such as Shiv Sena have been protesting the governments demonetisation move. In West Bengal, by-polls are being held in the Lok Sabha seats of Tamluk and Cooch Behar and the Assembly constituency of Monteshwar. By-elections are being held in Tripura for assembly seats in Khowai and Barjala. In Tamil Nadu, by-polls are being held in Thanjavur, Aravakurichi and Tiruparakundram seats. A total of 7.54 lakh voters are expected to choose among 81 candidates from AIADMK, DMK, BJP and MDMK. Polling in Thanjavur and Aravakurichi was not conducted during the assembly elections in April-May due to the alleged distribution of cash and liquor. In Assam, voting is taking place across 2,200 polling stations in the parliamentary constituency of Lakhimpur and assembly constituency of Baithalangso. While the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat has been vacant since sitting MP Sarbananda Sonowal resigned to become the chief minister, Baithalangsos legislator Mansing Rongpi resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP. The BJP had romped home to victory in the Assembly elections in Assam, the Saturday bypolls will show peoples mood after demonetisation. An estimated 72 per cent electorate exercised their franchise today in the by-election to Hayuliang constituency in the remote Anjaw district, bordering China, of Arunachal Pradesh, amid a massive security blanket. Depositing Rs 10,000 in zero balance Jan Dhan accounts is expected to cost the government nearly Rs 58,000 crore. New Delhi: After demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the government is considering depositing Rs 10,000 in the Jan Dhan accounts, particularly those with zero balance. This grand, populist gesture of turning a political jumla into a tangible benefit for people, could be carried out before the crucial elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Goa. There are nearly 25 crore Jan Dhan accounts in the country, of which nearly 5.8 crore are zero-balance accounts. Depositing Rs 10,000 in zero balance Jan Dhan accounts is expected to cost the government nearly Rs 58,000 crore. Analysts have calculated that the governments demonetisation move will result in a windfall of Rs 3 lakh crore to the RBI which it will pass on to the government. Highly placed sources said that after targeting black money hoarders, the government has to send a signal to poor farmers, among others, that the benefits are being passed on to them. A reward for their hardship, perhaps. This step, if taken, could be a game-changer and impact Assembly elections expected to be held by April next year. With regard to the issue of the BJP alienating its core vote bank of traders and middle class because of the shock announcement of demonetisation on November 8, sources revealed that the saffron high command is of the view that while one can win one election with middle class support, for an encore its the garib and the kisan whose support is essential. To win subsequent general elections, one has to reach out to the poor and the farmers, a senior BJP strategist told this newspaper. It may be noted that the main agenda of the Modi government at the moment is empowerment of the poor. Saffron pundits are worried about the impact of the political gamble the Prime Minister has taken before the crucial Assembly polls. Rural economy across the country, which runs mainly on cash, has been severely hit following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Reports pouring in from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and other states indicate that as a consequence of demonetisation, farmers have no cash to buy manure or seeds ahead of the cropping season. The Punjab agricultural market has registered a downward trend in Ludhiana. The saffron high command feels that if the government loses UP polls, the Prime Ministers image and credibility could be permanently damage. The government is aware of the misuse of Jan Dhan accounts and thats why it is considering sharing a part of the windfall with those who hold zero-balance accounts. Jan Dhan accounts have been under the scanner since demonetisation was announced. Any spurt in deposits, even those exceeding Rs 50,000, into the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan accounts is being probed to ascertain the origin of the money. Stepping up its anti-corruption agenda, the government is now likely to go after benami properties. All the concerned agencies have been pressed into action to identify benami properties and start investigating them. '55 dead. Millions in queues. Modiji has no time for Parliament but has time to address rock concert instead,' Randeep Surjewala said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hasthe time to address a rock concert, but not Parliament where the opposition has been demanding his response to the problems being faced by the people after demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Congress said today. "55 dead. Millions in queues. Crores suffering. Modiji has no time for Parliament but has time to address rock concert instead. "Tragic indeed Modiji! As India suffers, bleeds and several die, your self-promotion in a rock concert is almost cold-blooded... Self-styled 'Rock Star' rocks India's poor to misery, evades the Parliament & addresses Rock Concert via video. Way to fight black money," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a series of tweets. Modi appeared in a video address to thousands of people who gathered in suburban Bandra Kurla complex in Mumbai for Global Citizen Festival. The festival featured performances by international as well as Indian celebrities. Apart from Coldplay, Jay-Z, Demi Lovato and The Vamps, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, A R Rahman, Ranveer Singh and Katrina Kaif were among the performers. "India stands in lines, poor languish in queues for withdrawing their own money. Modiji addressing Coldplay rock concert," Surjewala said. Modi is absconding from Parliament, refuses to face the House despite the fact that the Rajya Sabha has been demanding reply from him, he said. "The government should be accountable to Parliament, it is unfortunate for the country that Modi doesn't feel need to address the House," he said. Later, replying to a question on Priyanka Gandhi's involvement in campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, Surjewala said the final call will be taken by the party President and Vice-President. The Government Railway Police (GRP) seized Rs 10 lakh at the Jodhpur Railway Station this evening. Meanwhile, the Jodhpur police found Rs 25 lakh in bundles of demonetised currency notes in a passenger bus on Friday night. (Photo: File) Jodhpur: Demonetised currency notes worth Rs35 lakh were seized in the past two days from different areas here, police said on Saturday. The Government Railway Police (GRP) seized Rs 10 lakh at the Jodhpur Railway Station this evening, SP (GRP) Lalit Maheshwari said. "Demonetised notes of Rs 1,000 were found in the luggage of an elderly couple. A GRP team found their behaviour suspicious and checked their bags," he said. "Ten bundles of Rs 1,000 notes and one bundle of Rs 100 notes were seized from them," the SP said, adding during enquiry the couple could not provide any satisfactory reply. IT officials have been informed about the seizure, he added. The couple was waiting to board a train to Vishakhapatnam. They accepted the money belonged to them and was meant to be invested in some business, the SP added. Meanwhile, the Jodhpur police found Rs 25 lakh in bundles of demonetised currency notes in a passenger bus on Friday night, police said. The money was is still unclaimed, SP (Rural) Harendra Mahawar said. "A private passenger bus going to Ahmedabad from Bikaner was intercepted at Khedapa police station near Jodhpur following a tip-off," he said. On checking the bus, we found a black bag behind the driver's seat containing bundles of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, the Rural SP said. There was Rs 25 lakh in the bag which was handed over to the IT department on Saturday, he added. These 83 aircraft would be fitted with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar being developed indigenously. Bengaluru: An oblique spin-off of the $8.8 billion deal with France for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF) could help DRDO achieve fruition of Ghatak, the countrys first stealth combat drone or unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Safran, a French company which manufactures engines for Rafale combat jets, has offered to partner DRDO in the development of a variant of the indigenous Kaveri engine for Ghatak. We are working on technologies required for Ghatak with about Rs 230 crore sanctioned as part of pre-project studies. We are waiting for approval (of the project) by the Union government, Dr S. Christopher, director general, DRDO, and secretary, department of defence R&D, ministry of defence (MoD), told the media here on Sunday. He said Safrans offer could help accelerate the development of Kaveri engine to power Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft) fighter jets. So far, an expenditure of about Rs 2,100 crores was incurred on Kaveri engine by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, over the last three decades. In case the government approves collaboration with Safran, the French engine maker would contribute about Rs 500 crore to Rs 600 crore and ensure certification of engines within the next 18 months for Ghatak, Tejas and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), he added. Dr Christopher said Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, and Bangladesh were interested in buying Tejas combat aircraft. In fact, Turkmenistans Chief of Air Staff had a hands-on experience flying the Indian military jet to become the second Chief of Air Staff to pilot Tejas. In May, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, flew Tejas during a 40 minute sortie over Bengaluru and neighbouring areas of Tamil Nadu. He said the latest decision of Ministry of Defence to sanction Rs 50,000 crores for 83 Tejas combat jets for IAF would also cover the cost of development of an ecosystem for production and supply of systems, engines and spares. Each Tejas Mark-I jet would cost about Rs 250 crores to Rs 260 crores with manufacture of these 83 aircraft likely to stretch between 2020 and 2025, with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) set to ramp up production from eight fighter jets a year to 16 every year. These 83 aircraft would be fitted with advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar being developed indigenously. Commodore C.D. Balaji, director, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the nodal organization for Tejas, said the Final Operational Clearance (FOC), a key milestone in the military jets development would be completed in the first half of 2017. Dr Christopher said the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Rustom-II flew with clock-work precision during its maiden flight last week. Ten Rustom-II category UAVs would be made for flight tests and verify capabilities such as intelligence gathering and surveillance. A portion of the budget of Rs 1,500 crores sanctioned for Rustom-II would be used for the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR), an out-door test and evaluation facility near Chitradurga in Karnataka, he added. Joe Biden appreciated Khanna for sharing India with American citizens. Washington: Indian cuisine has been enchanting foodies of the world for a while now, as Indian origin people in different countries have adopted food as a delicious way of spreading Indian culture wherever they go. Celebrity Chef Vikas Khanna has not only become Indias culinary rockstar in the past few years, he has also taken the countrys cuisine to food enthusiasts in the US, as he also owns a popular Indian restaurant in New York City. His rise as a global ambassador of Indian cuisine didnt go unnoticed as outgoing American Vice-President Joe Biden appreciated his contribution for sharing India with American citizens through his contribution. Its surreal when VP @JoeBiden hugs n says"Thank you for contributing so much to America. Thankyou for sharing India" pic.twitter.com/5e46fsj1na Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) November 17, 2016 The chef met Biden when he was at the White House for a dinner and shared an image of his encounter in a tweet, as he also presented a book called Utsav: A Culinary Epic of Indian Festivals to the Vice-President. Indian cuisine has been enchanting taste buds of people across the world with Biryani and Chicken Tikka Masala being highly popular worldwide. he Global Burden of Disease Project 2010 attributed an estimated 3.2 million deaths worldwide to air pollution. New Delhi: Concerned over the poor air quality in the national capital, health experts warned that in the long run, it might make them more prone to lung cancer. Doctors say that given the increasing amount of hazardous PM 2.5 in Delhis environment, toxic air might have replaced smoking as the top risk for lung cancer. Former dean (academics) of AIIMS, Dr P.K. Julka, said that clinical evidence suggests that as compared to 20 years ago, not only have the incidence of lung cancer increased substantially, but the number of non-smokers reporting the disease has also increased by almost 10 per cent. According to Dr Julka, who is now the director at the Max Oncology Day Care, Lajpat Nagar, so far, smoking has been considered the most significant risk factor for lung cancer. In fact, it has been estimated that 80 per cent of lung cancers are caused due to exposure to tobacco smoke, either direct or passive. In the national capital, which is inhaling highly toxic air, peoples lungs are exposed to bad air that is equivalent to smoking several cigarettes a day, he said. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has already declared outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen. The Global Burden of Disease Project 2010 attributed an estimated 3.2 million deaths worldwide to air pollution, including 2,23,000 to lung cancer. In 2013, an IARC supported expert panel concluded that there was enough evidence to say that outdoor air pollution can cause cancer in people. It decided that a specific part of air pollution, known as PM 2.5 (solid dust-like particles, or Particulate Matter, less than 2.5 millionths of a metre across) are the prime cancer-causing ingredient in outdoor air, added Dr Julka. Medical oncologist at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, agrees that Delhis toxic air is emerging as a leading risk factor for lung cancer. In 2015, medical experts in China predicted that China will have 8 lakh new diagnoses of lung cancer each year by 2020. The countrys deteriorating air quality being a prime cause of this horrific surge. While we are yet to conduct a similar analysis in India, there is consensus in the medical community that the toxic air being inhaled in Delhi and other metropolitan cities is driving a major surge in cases of lung cancer. This is evident from the fact that the number of non-smokers contracting lung cancer is steadily increasing, Dr Rajpurohit said. Arvind Kejriwal says he has worked with I-T dept, knows whats happening. New Delhi: Scaling up his attack against the Centres demonetisation scheme on Saturday, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal again termed it as the biggest scam of independent India. Its a Rs 8 lakh crore scam. And Im saying this with a lot of responsibility, he said in his Facebook live video. He challenged the idea that demonetisation would reduce corruption and bribery. I have worked in the Income-Tax department. I understand how the system works. This scheme is not about corruption, it is about something much larger, Mr Kejriwal said, alleging that pushing Rs 2,000 note in circulation has increased corruption. He also said that the new higher-value currency note are much easier for the corrupt to hoard cash and use it for paying bribes, citing news reports of bureaucrats allegedly accepting bribes in BJP-ruled states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. He claimed that at least Rs 8 lakh crore loans sanctioned to big corporate houses has been written off as non-performing assets (NPAs) by public sector banks. Recently, the CAG (comptroller and auditor general) said that of these NPAs, a large chunk of money has been transferred abroad and the rest of it has been fraudulently siphoned off, said Mr Kejriwal, who is also the Aam Aadmi Party national convener. According to him, the State Bank of India has waived off Rs 6,000 core loans sanctioned to 63 capitalists within the last three days after the demonetisation annou-ncement on November 8. The Prime Minister asked for 50 days time to eradicate black money. Ten days have elapsed today, but not even 1 paise worth black money has been recovered, he alleged. He said the demonetisation scheme is a conspiracy to ensure that people deposit all their money into banks, which will make it possible for these loans to be waived off. The BJP goons are chanting Modi-Modi in queues outside banks and ATMs, we will have to set them right this is not patriotism, he told his supporters during the live video chat. Vijay Mallya was one of these capitalists whose loan worth Rs 1,200 crore was waived off by the State Bank of India, Mr Kejriwal alleged. He trained his guns at Prime Minister Modi and said: Why doesnt Mr Modi reveal who funded his 2014 election bid? All parties must do this, whether it is the SP, BSP, etc. Ours is the only party to declare every single donor, which is why despite the fact that the government has let loose every investigative agency on us, not a single case of corruption has been found against us. In addition, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel met President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday to submit the resolution passed by the Delhi Assembly during its special session on November 15. Mamata said that the banning of the notes has hit young and old, farmers and workers, industry and agriculture. Kolkata: Intensifying her battle against Modi governments decision to scrap the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes, chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday marched to the Reserve Bank of Indias head office in the city and said that demonetisation has pushed the country to the brink of total bankruptcy. Two days ago, Ms Banerjee accompanied by her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal had staged a dharna outside RBI headquarters in Delhi. Today she summoned the RBI officials outside the imposing building on BBD Bagh and demanded to know the position of currency notes of various denomination. She told them that the situation is grim and three people have died in the past 24 hours as a result of demonetisation. Situation is very bad. Please ensure notes are available in the banks and ATMs. Otherwise people will not forgive, she said. When the RBI lady official said she will try, Ms Banerjee shot back, Madam, try is a vague word. She voiced her apprehension that even peoples money kept in saving accounts may not be safe. Accusing the Centre of discriminating against Bengal, she said: The new Rs 500 notes are not available here although these have been sent to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Ms Banerjee said old notes should be allowed along with the new ones till December 30. She said that the banning of the notes has hit young and old, farmers and workers, industry and agriculture. Rural Bengal indeed rural India is crying. This is kharif season. If farmers dont have cash to harvest paddy, will they eat plastic ( debit and credit cards? she sarcastically asked. Scoffing at Modi governments emphasis on cashless economy, Ms Banerjee said barely 4 per cent of the total population used plastic money. Nearly 96 per cent of the people do not use plastic money. These people are facing daily harassment. Youth, students, women and farmers every one is crying. The Supreme Court expressed apprehension that riots may break out. He (Mr Modi) has ruined the country and pushed it 100 years back, she added. Ms Banerjee repeated her charge that barring BJP no one has benefited from demonetisation. Reacting to speculation about the Centre totally suspending exchange of old notes, she said this will lead to Constitutional crisis and bankruptcy. We are not scared of any (investigating) agency. Let the Centre arrest me but I will continue my fight, she said. In American terms, President Trumps era will be a new ballgame. While the new hardline nominee for US national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, had welcomed Donald Trumps victory by suggesting that we just went through a revolution might be a hyperbole, America is living through one of its great moments of change. What this change might mean for the country and the world will become clear in stages, but the omens are hardly encouraging. President-elect Trump has made several hawkish key-level appointments as he gathers his Cabinet even as anti-Trump demonstrations were staged in US cities for several days running. And in a dramatic turn, vice-president-elect Mike Pence was greeted by the cast of the long-running Broadway hit Hamilton at the end of the show he attended with a message read out from the stage. It proclaimed: We, Sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights. For his part, Mr Trump gave a morsel of solace to fearful liberals by inviting one of his fiercest critics in the Republican Party during the campaign, Mitt Romney, for a meeting. It lasted 80 minutes and the latter described it as a far-reaching conversation with regards to various theatres in the world. For the President-elect, the talks went great. In the election campaign, Mr Romney had called the ultimate victor a fraud. There is no mistaking Mr Trumps hardline agenda, judging by some of his key appointments. Senator Jeff Sessions, the attorney-general nominee, was rejected from becoming a federal judge in 1986 by his alleged racist inclinations. Lt. Gen. Flynn was turfed out of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014. He believes the US is losing the global war against Islamic extremism that might last generations. Mike Pampeo, the CIA director nominee, is a three-term Tea Party hardline Republican and was vehemently opposed to President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran and has opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay prison. The chief of staff nominee, Reince Priebus, was chairman of the National Republican Committee and, like the President-elect, has never held public office. But above them all is Mr Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, an orthodox Jew who has the President-elects ear in the familiar Indian family-friendly political tradition. Unlike his father-in-law, he is soft-spoken and was responsible for major decisions during the running of the campaign. As an aside, Mr Trump has settled a lawsuit from former students of the dodgy Trump University. They said they were cheated. The President-elects plea in throwing money ($25 million) to settle the claim he had earlier refused to do was that he was too busy, tasked as he was in running the country. Understandably, there is much world interest in how the new administration, once it assumes office next January, will reorder relations far and wide. Opposition to the proposed Trans-Pacific trade deal is a given. Speculation in particular surrounds relations with Russia. Mr Trumps admiration for President Vladimir Putin is well advertised and the latter greeted the unlikely Republican nominees victory with the hope that relations would improve. Lt. Gen. Flynn shares his future boss desire to reset the agenda on Russia, one area that would bring a measure of hope for the world. The recent meeting of Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Mr Trump, the first foreign leader to meet him, publicly yielded the usual signs of mutual satisfaction. Yet during the campaign, Mr Trump had suggested that countries such as Japan and South Korea build their own nuclear weapons or should pay the US vastly more to protect their security. Lt. Gen. Flynn sat in on the meeting with Mr Abe. In general, President-elect Trumps approach to China and Asia is far from clear. During the campaign he lashed out against China and India stealing American jobs but his future administrations views on Beijings extravagant claims in the South and East China Seas, struck down by The Hague international court, remain unclear. For his part, President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire for an early meeting with the new President. Beijing, meanwhile, has been courting neighbours Philippines and Malaysia. Mr Trump has expressed goodwill towards India and was fraternising with an American Hindi outfit. What it amounts to in practice remains to be seen. Campaign rhetoric is one thing and the task of governing the leading world power quite another. The Romney gesture is an indication that Mr Trump is learning on the job. But he will be conscious of the feelings of his supporters who brought him to power. The nature of the team he has collected thus far speaks for itself even as it leaves many questions unanswered. Will he build a wall along the Mexican border? On immigration, he has limited himself to deporting two to three million Mexican illegals with a criminal record, instead of the 11 million illegal Mexicans estimated to be living in the US. And he will doubtless make other compromises as he goes along. Apart from the measures the Trump administration will take in pursuing a more right-wing nationalist line, there are many blanks to be filled in. The President-elect must determine where to draw the line between pandering to the ultra-nationalist slogans and the countrys interests. It is all very well to rail against globalisation for taking away American jobs but the US is at the heart of globalisation and cannot survive by turning its back to an inter-connected world. Power is a great gamechanger and Mr Trumps personality flaws and fondness for women, so apparent during revelations in the election campaign, will perhaps recede to the background as he assumes the presidential mantle. It would, however, be no surprise if he were subjected to snide remarks and parody from a world audience. In American terms, President Trumps era will be a new ballgame. The world must wait to discover what its precise contours are with a measure of foreboding. Mr Sharifs family has been accused of running off-shore companies with corruption money in the Panama leaks scandal. Islamabad: The Pakistan government is hoping to pass a new law seeing right of appeal against the Supreme Courts decisions in suo moto cases. A larger bench of the Supreme Court is currently hearing the Panama leaks scandal case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs family under this jurisdiction. The Supreme Court is empowered to take suo motu action on any matter of public interest under the same jurisdiction. Mr Sharifs family has been accused of running off-shore companies with corruption money in the Panama leaks scandal. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz)-led government introduced the 24th Constitutional Amendment bill in the national Assembly to provide the right to appeal against the SCs decision in suo moto cases and for appeal to be listened by a bench larger than the bench that had passed orders. A larger bench of the SC is currently hearing the Panama leaks scandal case under this jurisdiction. The SC is empowered to take suo motu action on any matter of public interest under the same jurisdiction. Minister for parliamentary affairs Sheikh Aftab introduced the bill which provides for an appeal within 30 days of an SC order under Clause 3 of Article 184, to be heard by a bench larger than the bench which passes the order under appeal. Through the new proposed constitutional amendment in Article 184 of the Constitution, the government proposed a new clause 4 and 5 in Article, after Clause 3, which stated that (4) Any person aggrieved by an order passed by the Supreme Court under clause (3) may be, within 30 days of the passing of such order, prefer an appeal to the Supreme Court. The victims were later identified by locals as leading religious figures from among Sinais Bedouins. They showed one of the men, elderly with a white beard and kneeling in an orange jumpsuit with his neck pressed against a steel stand. Masked IS executioners dressed in black raised long swords over his head. (Representational Image) El-Arish: The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt says it has beheaded two men that it mistakenly described in a statement as priests, but were later identified by locals as leading religious figures from among Sinais Bedouins. Pictures were posted on the Twitter accounts of the groups supporters. They showed one of the men, elderly with a white beard and kneeling in an orange jumpsuit with his neck pressed against a steel stand. Masked IS executioners dressed in black raised long swords over his head. Locals identified the man as the blind Sufi sheikh Suleiman Abu Heraz, who was abducted two weeks ago from his farm south of the peninsulas town of el-Arish. The second man was identified as sheikh Said Abdel-Fattah, a top Religious Endowment cleric abducted a month ago. Two civilians also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to a hospital. Three paramilitary soldiers and one policeman were killed yesterday when the gunmen opened fire on a Frontier Corps vehicle on the Fatima Jinnah road of Quetta. (Representational Image) Karachi: At least four Pakistani security personnel were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Baluchistan province's capital city Quetta, the latest incident in the restive state. Three paramilitary soldiers and one policeman were killed yesterday when the gunmen opened fire on a Frontier Corps vehicle on the Fatima Jinnah road of Quetta. Two civilians also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to a hospital. "It appears to be a case of target killing and according to eye witnesses armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on the FC vehicle and the police constable who was on duty," he said. Police said the attackers escaped unhurt from the spot. The restive Baluchistan province has seen an increase in separatist and sectarian violence this year with banned terrorist outfits also carrying out suicide bombings. In three major suicide bomb attacks since August, over 150 persons have been killed and scores injured. A suicide bomb attack was carried out at the entrance of the Civil hospital in Quetta in August in which around 70 persons were killed followed by a terrorist attack on the police training centre in the city in which two suicide bomber blew themselves up killing 64 police cadets and two army soldiers last month. Last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the compound of the Shah Noorani shrine in the Khuzdar district, killing 54 devotees and security personnel. by Card. Mario Zenari In his greetings to the pontiff, the new cardinal, the apostolic nuncio to Syria, highlights some elements in Pope Franciss pontificate and the Church's commitment to being "Good Samaritan" in many parts of the earth, experiencing the joy of faith and martyrdom. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Here is the full text of the greetings the new Cardinal Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio in Syria, addressed yesterday to Pope Francis on the occasion of the Public Consistory in Saint Peter's Basilica, when Zenari and 16 other bishops and priests received the cardinal's biretta. Courtesy of the author. Most Blessed Father, We are very grateful to you for granting us a special title of communion with the Church of Rome, which, according to the famous expression of St. Ignatius of Antioch, "presides over the communion of charity" (Letter to the Romans 1,1). You called us from all continents: from the region regarded as the "cradle of Christianity" where the disciples were called Christians for the first time (Acts 11: 26); from the young and dynamic Churches; from the old continent and from the New World. This is an eloquent sign of the universality of the Church in the various and beautiful expressions of the one faith. We come from various ecclesial experience: service to the Holy See, pastoral ministry, courageous witnesses of faith. From the moment that your Holiness opened the Holy Door of the Cathedral of Bangui (Central African Republic) and of this basilica, the evangelical motto Misericordes Sicut Pater (Le 6:27) has continued to resonate in all the cathedrals of the world, and spread like a joyful and beneficent wave, echoing everywhere the praise to God for his infinite mercy, together with the renewed commitment of the practice of corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The Church has felt several times invited by Your Holiness to be a "Church that goes forth", that goes to all kinds of existential peripheries, to bring with courage to all corners of the earth the light of faith (Lumen Fidei) and the Good News of the Gospel (Evangelii gaudium), to proclaim and bear witness to the joy of family love, together with the balm of mercy (Amoris laetitia), to resonate the Canticle of the Creatures (Laudato si) and walk on the path of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. Your Holiness has repeatedly mentioned the heroic testimony of faith, including the shedding of the blood, by our brothers and sisters in different parts of the world: more numerous today, you stressed, than at the beginning of Christianity. The Church of Christ, as St Augustine said, continues its pilgrimage between the "persecutions of the world and the consolations of God" (St Augustine Civ. Dei xviii, 51, 2. Lumen Gentium 1). The beloved is visited by her Dear One when her head is "wet with dew and locks with the drops of the night" (Ct 5: 2), according to the commentary of St Ambrose to this passage from the Canticle of Canticles, when her body suffer (Commentary on Psalm 118 in the Liturgy of the hours, III, p. 445). And so the Church, even though covered in human frailty, appears "Sicut Sponsa Ornata Monilibus Suis" (Is. 61, 10), bride adorned with jewels, including the purple of martyrdom. The Church is the "Good Samaritan", Your Holiness noted again, who bends down to todays often "unfortunate" people, left half dead by the roadside, wounded in body and spirit, and she is called to heal and to pour on their wound the oil and wine" of divine compassion. Holy Father, some of us come from places where many, millions of people are "unfortunate", adults and children, left dead or half-dead on the streets of their villages and neighbourhoods, or under the rubble of their homes and schools, as a result of brutal and bloody violence, inhuman and intractable conflicts, whose tragic consequences fall very often on defenceless civilian populations, causing immense suffering and humanitarian disasters of enormous proportions. Thus, some regions of the world have become places for all-out works of mercy by many "Good Samaritans" churches, humanitarian organisations, people of all faiths, or people simply moved by feelings of human compassion. In Her, the successor of Peter, we see with deep gratitude not only the "Sollicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum", but also the tireless work to end violence and wars in various parts of the world, bring reconciliation and peace, give hospitality to refugees, and bring solidarity between nations and integral development to peoples. Sustained by the grace of the Jubilee Year, Your Holiness's gift to the faithful of the whole world, the Church will continue with renewed vigour to sing with the psalmist: "Misericordias Domini in Aeternum Cantabo" (Ps 89), under the merciful gaze of the "Mater Misericordiae". Thank you, Holy Father! Rome, 19 November 2016 + Apostolic Nuncio Mario Zenari Francis Pope celebrated the Mass ending the Jubilee of Mercy. He also handed the Apostolic Letter Misericordia et misera to a delegation of bishops, priests and laity, including Card Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, a nun from South Korea, a young engaged couple, a disabled person and a sick person. The lure of power and success seem an easy, quick way to spread the Gospel, he said. God has no memory of sin, but only of us, of each of us, we who are his beloved children. And he believes that it is always possible to start anew, to raise ourselves up. The pontiff thanked the sick and cloistered nuns for the prayers they offered for the success of the Jubilee. Vatican City (AsiaNews) Pope Francis said at the start of the Mass ending the Jubilee of Mercy in St Peters Square that even if the Holy Door closes, the true door of mercy which is the heart of Christ always remains open wide for us. At the beginning of the celebration, the pontiff closed the Holy Door of the Basilica, which So many pilgrims have crossed [. . .] and far away from the clamour of the daily news they have tasted the great goodness of the Lord. Let us recall how we have received mercy in order to be merciful, in order that we too may become instruments of mercy. Let us go forward on this road together. To pursue the journey of mercy after the Jubilee, at the end of the celebration, the pontiff gave a group o faithful his Apostolic Letter Misercordia et Misera. The latter was handed to Card Luis Antonio Tagle, Archbishop of Manila; Mgr Leo Cushley, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh; two priests from the Missionaries of Mercy from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Brazil; a permanent deacon from the diocese of Rome; two nuns from Mexico and South Korea; a family from the United States; a young engaged couple; two catechist mothers from Rome; a disabled person and a sick person. The apostolic letter will be officially presented tomorrow at the Vatican Press Office. Earlier, in his homily, addressing the 70,000 people who crowded square, the pope praised todays celebration, our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as the "crowning" of the liturgical year of the Jubilee, which end today. Jesus kingship is on the cross, where he seems more to be conquered than conqueror. [. . .] For the grandeur of his kingdom is not power as defined by this world, but the love of God, a love capable of encountering and healing all things. Christ lowered himself to us out of this love, he lived our human misery, he suffered the lowest point of our human condition: injustice, betrayal, abandonment; he experienced death, the tomb, hell. And so our King went to the ends of the universe in order to embrace and save every living being. He did not condemn us, nor did he conquer us, and he never disregarded our freedom, but he paved the way with a humble love that forgives all things, hopes all things, sustains all things (cf. 1 Cor 13:7). This love alone overcame and continues to overcome our worst enemies: sin, death, fear. We must believe that Jesus was King of the universe making him Lord of our lives, and accept his way of being King. Speaking about todays Gospel (Lk 23:35-43), he shows how three figures look at Jesus on the cross: the people who are looking on, those near the cross, and the criminal crucified next to Jesus. First, the people: the Gospel says that the people stood by, watching (Lk23:35): no one says a word, no one draws any closer. The people keep their distance, just to see what is happening. They are the same people who were pressing in on Jesus when they needed something, and who now keep their distance. Given the circumstances of our lives and our unfulfilled expectations, we too can be tempted to keep our distance from Jesus kingship, to not accept completely the scandal of his humble love, which unsettles and disturbs us. We prefer to remain at the window, to stand apart, rather than draw near and be with him. A people who are holy, however, who have Jesus as their King, are called to follow his way of tangible love; they are called to ask themselves, each one each day: What does love ask of me, where is it urging me to go? What answer am I giving Jesus with my life? There is a second group, which includes various individuals: the leaders of the people, the soldiers and a criminal. They all mock Jesus. They provoke him in the same way: If he is God, let him show his power and superiority! This temptation is a direct attack on love: save yourself (vv. 37,39); not others, but yourself. Claim triumph for yourself with your power, with your glory, with your victory. It is the most terrible temptation, the first and the last of the Gospel. When confronted with this attack on his very way of being, Jesus does not speak, he does not react. He does not defend himself, he does not try to convince them, he does not mount a defence of his kingship. He continues rather to love; he forgives, he lives this moment of trial according to the Fathers will, certain that love will bear fruit. In order to receive the kingship of Jesus, we are called to struggle against this temptation, called to fix our gaze on the Crucified One, to become ever more faithful to him. How many times, even among ourselves, do we seek out the comforts and certainties offered by the world. How many times are we tempted to come down from the Cross. The lure of power and success seem an easy, quick way to spread the Gospel; we soon forget how the Kingdom of God works. This Year of Mercy invites us to rediscover the core, to return to what is essential. This time of mercy calls us to look to the true face of our King, the one that shines out at Easter, and to rediscover the youthful, beautiful face of the Church, the face that is radiant when it is welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means but rich in love, on mission. Finally, In the Gospel another person appears, closer to Jesus, the thief who begs him: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (v. 42). This person, simply looking at Jesus, believed in his kingdom. He was not closed in on himself, but rather with his errors, his sins and his troubles he turned to Jesus. He asked to be remembered, and he experienced Gods mercy: Today you will be with me in paradise (v. 43). As soon as we give God the chance, he remembers us. He is ready to completely and forever cancel our sin, because his memory unlike our own does not record evil that has been done or keep score of injustices experienced. God has no memory of sin, but only of us, of each of us, we who are his beloved children. And he believes that it is always possible to start anew, to raise ourselves up. Let us also ask for the gift of this open and living memory. Let us ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences, opening every possible pathway of hope. As God believes in us, infinitely beyond any merits we have, so too we are called to instil hope and provide opportunities to others. Because even if the Holy Door closes, the true door of mercy which is the heart of Christ always remains open wide for us. From the lacerated side of the Risen One until the very end of time flow mercy, consolation and hope. May our Blessed Lady accompany us, she who was also close to the Cross, she who gave birth to us there as the tender Mother of the Church, who desires to gather all under her mantle. Beneath the Cross, she saw the good thief receive pardon, and she took Jesus disciple as her son. She is Mother of Mercy, to whom we entrust ourselves: every situation we are in, every prayer we make, when lifted up to his merciful eyes, will find an answer. Before the Mass ended, Pope Francis thanked all those who prayed for the success of the Jubilee, especially cloistered nuns. "I thank all those who have spiritually contributed to the success of the Jubilee. My thoughts go to the many elderly and sick people, who prayed incessantly, even offering their suffering for the Jubilee. I would especially like to thank the nuns, on the eve of Pro Orantibus Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow. I urge everyone to remember especially these Sisters of ours who are totally dedicated to prayer and who need spiritual and material solidarity." By Charley Lineweaver, Researcher at Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Research School of Earth Sciences, Austr Shutterstock/adike The question of whether there is intelligent life elsewhere in the universe has been asked by people for many years. But if we hear something, should we answer? In the absence of any signal from them, should we try to make our presence known? One of those asking these questions is Stephen Hawking, the British cosmologist with many deep thoughts and a good sense of humour. Unlike many celebrity scientists, Hawkings provocative, news-grabbing statements almost always have some content worth pondering. Looking for ET Hawking is part of a Breakthrough Listen project to develop more sensitive radio receivers and listen in on the alien civilisations of the cosmos. Flickr/Lwp Kommunika, CC BY There is another project called Breakthrough Message to design a digital message that could be transmitted from Earth to an extraterrestrial civilisation. The message should be representative of humanity and planet Earth. The program pledges: [] not to transmit any message until there has been a global debate at high levels of science and politics on the risks and rewards of contacting advanced civilisations. But Hawking wants us to listen, and not to talk use our ears, not our mouth. He wants us to eavesdrop but not join the conversation. He wants us to keep our head low. That sounds like a reasonable idea. Better safe than sorry. But in the spectrum between, paranoia and unjustifiable fear on one side, and reasonable caution on the other, where does keeping your head low fit in? What kind of ET could we find? Hawkings comments are motivated by a fear of what the aliens would do to us if they find us. In his mind, the aliens are the Spanish Conquistador Cortez and we are the Aztecs he made contact with in central America. Tribal warfare, genocide and ethnic cleansing have been part of our history for thousands of years. Hawkings fear is a fear of what we have done to ourselves. Would advanced alien civilisations be as barbaric as we are? Are our genocidal tendencies at all representative of advanced alien civilisations? Maybe. Hawking says he worries that any aliens will be vastly more powerful and may not see us as any more valuable than we see bacteria. Wikimedia/Matthewjparker, CC BY-SA But Stephen, bacteria ARE valuable. Our bacterial biomes keep us alive and healthy. They have been here for about 4 billion years. They invented the ability to harvest sunlight for energy. They produced the oxygen we breathe, and as mitochondria, they do our breathing. Life on Earth would do fine without people, but without bacteria no other life forms would exist. So Hawking is over-estimating our importance and under-estimating our insignificance to aliens. We will be much less valuable to aliens, than bacteria are to us. Advanced civilisation The age distribution of Earth-like planets in the universe tells us that the average Earth-like planet is about 2 billion years older than our Earth. If life has formed on these other Earths, it has had, on average, 2 billion years longer to evolve than we have had. This is the fact that has Hawking worried. If you imagine that the pace of biological and technological evolution on these other Earths is about the same as it has been on our Earth, then alien civilisations are on average two billion years more advanced than we are. To put that time frame into perspective, two billion years ago, our ancestors on Earth were amoebas or parameciums single-celled eukaryotes of some kind. I agree with Hawking that we should keep our heads low. But we have already opened our mouths and started coughing betraying our existence to any big-eared aliens. Via television broadcasts we have already sent the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the I Love Lucy show to the stars. Currently our strongest emissions into the cosmos emissions that are making our presence known to the aliens are the emissions that we think are protecting us from terrestrial aliens. Those emissions are military radar. The unintended consequence of this protective radar is that it is simultaneously shouting out to the aliens here we are. So the biggest threat to humanity is humanity our nuclear weapons, our guns, our big brains and our powerful radar systems. Contact or not? While discussing the value of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence SETI, a colleague told me that it was dangerous to even listen to aliens. He thought the message would be like a Trojan horse. If we let the message into our minds, it would kill us. It would be like sticking a virus-contaminated USB stick into your computer. The militaristic generals in the movie Contact should come to mind here: Ellie Arroway! Dont build that machine! Science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke once said that any sufficiently advanced technology would be indistinguishable from magic. But futurist Karl Schroeder thinks that any sufficiently advanced technology will be indistinguishable from nature. I dont know. Maybe Schroeders right and advanced aliens have made their peace with the universe. But even if there arent any advanced alien civilisations elsewhere in the universe, keeping your head down is probably a good exercise in humility. Charley Lineweaver does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above. Originally published in The Conversation. durmus said: Hi, Could anyone tell me if Sydney and Melbourne have good job opportunities for foreigners (Scandinavians) and do companies tend to be interested in qualified foreigners or do they usually favor local candidates? I am an MBA graduate from Finland seeking possible career opportunities in Australia. Thanks! Click to expand... It varies from one company to another & also it depends on the hiring manager and the field you are in.There are companies that prefer local experience as they want the new candidate to fit in easily with other employees at their organisation.But other companies actually hire candidates who just arrived from overseas.For certain jobs such as sales & marketing, many companies prefer local experience as they want the candidate to already have a network of existing clients.To increase your chances, have a resume that matches with local resumes & always highlight all special skills & achievements in your resume.You can increase your chances by taking up local volunteer work, enrolling in a local course/ certificate and adding these to your resume. Hello I've tried finding out as much information as possible with regards to the parent contributory visa but hit a bit of a roadblock so thought I would ask a few questions here to help clarify. Apologies if it is an existing thread and if it's pointing me to it I can then delete this post. Situation: My parents are currently living in South Africa as South African citizens. My dads kids (I have two half brothers) are all four in Australia, three citizens and one (me) permanent resident. My mothers two kids are a citizen and PR. My dad worked here for about six years but, based on his age, was unable to get PR so they moved back and retired in SA. Unfortunately, because of them being away from South Africa so long, when they tried to get medical aid (health insurance) the costs were prohibitive so they weren't able to afford to put themselves on any. Recently, in the last two weeks, my mother has fallen ill with Cancer and is looking at a lot of treatment to come. We are looking at options to bring both parents here to Australia to live with us and hopefully have some access, even if we have to contribute additional fees, to Medicare here. I guess my questions are: Can we bring both parents here considering only one is unwell? They are becoming financially dependent on us or will become in the months to come. How long do they need to wait before a decision on a visa is made? Is the contributory parental visa the best route? The costs look to be about $90k all up for the both of them. If that's the case we can look at doing that, just would like to know if that is the best way. Is there anyone who has had a similar situation with a parent falling ill and successfully were able to bring both to Australia to live with family and be cared for? Any help is appreciated. Only 400 units of the F60 were manufactured by Ferrari , the 400th being donated to the Pope in 2005. Tommy Hilfigers Enzo is a 2003 model that currently shows 3,622 miles on the odometer. In other words, its a 13-year-old supercar that was driven less than 302 miles on average each year.To cross the block at RM Sothebys Arizona sale in January 2017, the Prancing Horse featured in the photo gallery appears to be in tip-top condition. From the seat bolstering to the leather on the steering wheel, even the interior looks as if this Enzo was born only yesterday. Representing a synthesis of Ferraris technical know-how and the Scuderias sporting experience, the Enzo appeared in 2002, the year that saw Michael Schumacher win 11 F1 races.Even by todays standards, the Ferrari Enzo is an incredible machine that not only looks great, but it also goes like stink. Designed by Ken Okuyama and powered by a 6.0-liter Tipo F140 naturally aspirated V12, the Enzo originally sold for $659,330. Boasting a front-to-rear weight distribution of 43.9-56.1, the Italian thoroughbred prides itself on 660 PS (651 hp) at 7,800 rpm.Evo magazine once took an Enzo to the Nurburgring, lapping the grueling circuit in 7:25.21 even though the car had a defective electronic damper. To put that time into perspective, the 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio holds the record for the fastest sedan on the Green Hell, recording a 7:32 lap time Regardless of the fact the Enzo is yesterdays news in a world where the LaFerrari, 918, and P1 duke it out like they own the place, Ferraris current hypercar wouldnt have happened if it were not for the Enzo. RM Sothebys hasnt offered any estimates on Hilfigers pristine-condition machine, yet the average auction price for the Enzo in 2016 stands at $2,900,000. The latest feat involving a 675LT shows the machine hitting the drag strip all by itself. In theory, a factory stock vehicle, even one as exciting as this Mac, playing the quarter-mile game all by itself shouldn't be that cool.Nevertheless, the impressive performance of the 675 allows us to enjoy every second of its 1,320 feet sprint. And yes, this is yet another occasion where the British velocity tool proves that it can easily blur the line between supercars and hypercars.With the video below, which showcases the Macca's sprint, including the timeslips, we get to see each and every aspect of this beast's drag strip performance.Sprinting abilties aside, nowadays it can be very difficult for a car to achieve an uber-cool status without also proving something on theAt first, it might seem like this 675LT doesn't stand too many chances of delivering a sideways spectacle. After all, McLarens still come with open diffs, relying on electronics to split the power between the rear wheels.However, the Brits have made serious progress, with the 675 Longtail being one of the best examples of this. In fact, the carmaker even turned to drifting when promoting the Spider incarnation of the LT. And with the company having asked Ayrton Senna's nephew Bruno Senna to be the mentor of its P1 GTR customer racing program, the helmet bearer put the 675LT Spider to sideways work in the launch video of the car.And if you're looking for truly generous slip angles when behind the wheel of a 675LT, you'll probably need a custom wheel alignment. That and the ability to swiftly get yourself out of self-brought trouble SUV MQB TDI While its smaller brother, the Superb, was also being imagined as a vRS model, the possibility of developing a Kodiaq with this nameplate is stronger. This is a valid statement because Skodas sister brand, SEAT, is already testing a performance model based on its first, the Ateca.With a new sporty version of an SUV developed on theplatform in hand, the bosses of the Volkswagen Group might sign off the same kind of project for the Czech automaker. Previous statements made by Skodas CEO this year described the biggest cars in the range as having serious potential for vRS versions.Even though it might appear redundant to have two performance SUVs on the same platform, especially for a corporation like the Volkswagen Group, the Skoda brand could bring in a new dimension to the concept. The described aspect is based on the fact that the Kodiaq is available in seven-seat configurations. Skoda could play the spacious interior card when presenting the possibility of a Kodiaq vRS, which has the possibility of opening up another segment spacious SUVs with sporty driving capabilities. If you think about it, no affordable model on the market offers all of the described elements in a single package.If Skoda does get the green light for this model, you can expect to see it in 2018, with a market launch in 2019. The Kodiaq vRS model was supposed to be launched after the performance version of the Superb, but the latter might be delayed. After all, the Volkswagen Group is cutting costs, and sedans are not selling as well as they once were.A supposed power plant for the Kodiaq vRS would be the 2.0-liter TSI engine, which is successfully applied with about 300 HP for the Seat Ateca Cupra . Skoda might offer aalternative as well, just like it does with the Octavia range, but that has not been decided yet. Lieutenant General Jimmy Doolittle described Robert A. Bob Hoover as the greatest stick and rudder man who ever lived. He was also among the most loved, as evidenced by the memorial celebration held in Hoovers honor. More than 1,500 people gathered at Van Nuys Airport on a perfect CAVU day to remember the legendary aviator, who died Oct. 25 at age 94. A Whos Who of aviation luminaries attended the event, which was emceed by aerobatic performer Sean D. Tucker and airshow announcer Danny Clisham. Mr. Hoover, are you looking down on us? Tucker opened. Then, mimicking Hoovers voice, he answered his own question: You bet your ass I am! Tucker then turned serious, saying that Hoover had inspired and empowered so many people, and if everyone could be just a little bit like Bob Hoover, the world would be a better place. Tuckers spirited behavior might have seemed odd for a memorial, but Clisham quickly explained: Sometimes you dont know how to handle these things, these celebrations, these memorials, these tributes. But as Sean just showed you, were going to do this in the spirit of joyunmitigated joybecause that is exactly what Bob would want. A short video by airshow pilot Ed Shipley highlighted Hoovers career, then Clay Lacy, founder and CEO of Clay Lacy Aviation and holder of 29 world speed records, delivered a tribute to Hoover, his longtime friend.Rather than looking back, actor/pilot Harrison Ford spoke about what Hoover wanted to see in the future. Ford said he was sure that Hoover would want aviation to become more accessible to young people, and he hoped that new educational programs, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), would make this possible. About a dozen close friends were called to the stage to share fond memories of Hoover, then Neil Armstrongs son Mark gave an inspired recital of John Gillespie Magee Jr.s famous poem, High Flight. Moments later, the large hangar doors slid open, and the crowd filed outside for military honors and flyovers, while listening to a performance by the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums Band. The March Air Reserve Base Honor Guard performed a flag ceremony, and the flag was presented to the Hoover family.Just as the Honor Guard finished a rifle salute, the flyovers began. Among the planes in the first formation were two F-16s from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and one CT-114 Tutor from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. These were followed by two F-86 Sabres and an F-22 Raptor. Finally, four WWII fighters flew a missing man formation, with a bright yellow P-51 soaring upward. Aviation Audio Video did a nice job of capturing the flying tribute and below that is the full hangar presentation by Airboyd. 20 November 2016 10:30 (UTC+04:00) The first Indonesian Cultural Festival has opened at the International Mugham Center. A display of the diversity of Indonesia, the two-day festival is organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Baku, Azertac reported. In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Indonesian Ambassador Husnan Bey Fananie described the exhibition as a good opportunity to promote a diverse, colorful and multicultural Indonesia. He said a 150-man Indonesian delegation attends the festival. Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev said the exhibition is part of a series of events under a Year of Multiculturalism in Azerbaijan. The festival will present the cultural performances such as dances and musical performances from several part of Indonesia. The event will also serve as a showcase of the people-to-people relation between Indonesia and Azerbaijan. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 20 November 2016 14:44 (UTC+04:00) By Trend If the occupation of Azerbaijani lands ceases, Turkeys doubts over opening the border with Armenia will be removed, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek said, Anadolu news agency reported. Simsek made remarks at the 62nd session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul. As for reason of not opening the border with Armenia, Simsek drew attention to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Stressing that the Turkey-Azerbaijan relations are at a very high level, Simsek stressed that Armenia must cease occupation of Azerbaijani lands. "If the occupation ceases, Turkeys doubts over support for Armenia and opening of the check point will be removed," he 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. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 60F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Showers this evening becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 46F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg is celebrating 122 years of celebration, prayer and history. "Church is alive and well," said Reverend Kenny Irby Some restoration of the church already done, more on the way To learn more, visit them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethelAmeStPetersburg "It means that the church is alive and well," said Reverend Kenny Irby. "It means that the African American community, a church founded by black folk for all folk, still has a major place in the city of St. Petersburg and here in Pinellas County." Willie Felton Jr. started worshiping at historic Bethel when he was eleven. "As a child coming to church, it was always a place of respite for me," said Felton. "Personally, I can recall when my father and so many men and women like him came to St. Petersburg. At that time we were restricted where we could live." "African Americans found themselves living in Methodist Town as my dad did, got their start here, got work here, found a place to live and the church was emblematic of that," said Felton. Historic Bethel is the oldest church in the city. With more than a century of celebration and prayers now in the past, the congregation looks ahead to restoring the historic walls. "Redo some of the roofing area, all of the windows have been fortified and redone in many places where old wood has been taken out and new period wood has been installed," said Pastor Irby. "Then we've redone stained glass where it's necessary and then made steps to fortify that stained glass, which is probably the most valuable asset in the building." Clearly, the hope is the renovations will preserve the hallowed building for another century. "We hope to extend the spiritual life even further than that," said Felton. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below Nearly 11 million pensioners are targeted every year by cold callers, the Government says Plans to ban pensions cold calling, which can leave people tricked out of their life savings, will be set out in next week's Autumn Statement. On Wednesday, Chancellor Philip Hammond will outline plans to stamp out the calls, during which scammers may offer victims a "free" review of their nest egg, extra tax savings or access to their pension before the age of 55. Under the proposals, calls where a business has no existing relationship with someone will be forbidden. This includes fraudsters targeting people who inadvertently "opt-in" to receiving third party communications. Enforcement action by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) could include fines of up to 500,000 for firms trying to breach the planned ban. Cold callers often present scams as "unique investment opportunities", such as putting money into a new hotel in an exotic location or into "ethical" projects that promise too-good-to-be-true returns. It is hoped the crackdown will help bring an end to the misery caused by the 250 million scam calls - the equivalent of eight a second - made in the UK every year. The Government has said nearly 11 million pensioners are being targeted annually by cold callers. Savers are thought to have lost almost 19 million to pensions scams between April 2015 and March 2016. As well as losing their life savings, victims can also face hefty tax charges. There have also been concerns that the pension freedoms launched in 2015, which give over-55s more choice over how they use their retirement savings, could make them a particular target for fraudsters. Mr Hammond also plans to consult on a wider crackdown on pensions scams, including g iving more powers to firms to block suspicious transfers, preventing people's life savings being transferred into scams without any checks and making it harder for scammers to open fraudulent pension schemes. Research suggests fraudsters could be behind as many as one in 10 pension transfer requests and the proposed measures are intended to prevent scams happening in the first place. The Government will consult on the proposals before the end of the year and the next steps will be announced in the Budget in 2017. Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice which recommended the action, said: "Citizens Advice found that as many as 10.9 million people received unsolicited calls, emails and texts about their pensions over the last year. Promises of high returns are used to trick people into fake investments leaving them with a reduced or even empty pension pot. "The government's ban on pension cold calls is the right move to protect people. The power to fine scammers also means enforcement bodies will be able to put a stop to any scammers that still target people's savings." Vickie Sheriff, Which? director of campaigns and communications, said the move would be a "victory against criminals", adding: "No legitimate pension or investment firm will ever cold call you about releasing cash from your pension, accessing it before you are 55 or extra tax savings, so alarm bells should ring if they do." Steve Webb, a former pensions minister who is now director of policy at Royal London, welcomed the move, saying: "If it becomes known that anyone ringing up out of the blue to offer you a special deal on pensions or investments is committing an offence, this will make it much harder for the scammers." He added: " It is also very good news that the Government is looking at how to support firms who suspect that a proposed pension transfer would not be in the interests of the policy holder." Baroness Altmann, also a former pensions minister, said the move is a "victory for common sense and for customer protection". She said: "No bona fide company should contact people out of the blue offering free pension reviews or investment schemes for their pension savings. If a firm wants to generate new customers, they will have to find better ways than just buying up lists of contact details and cold calling people." The historic Crumlin Road courthouse in Belfast has been extensively damaged in a suspected overnight arson attack. The court, which closed for business in 1998 has been targeted before, the last time in March this year. The Fire and Rescue Service said today a large amount of damage had been caused throughout the listed building by the blaze, which they fought for seven hours from shortly after 11pm. Michael Graham of the Fire and Rescue Service said: "We believe the fire was started deliberately. There is a large amount of damage right through the property - the vast majority of the centre section of the roof is completely burned away. "Due to the skill of the fire fighters we managed to prevent it spreading through the entire property." The Police Service said said they too suspected the fire was started deliberately, but because of concerns over the safety of the building engineers had been called in to carry out an examination before anyone searched to confirm the fire was arson. The Crumlin Road was closed over part of its length for more than five hours because of the fire. The Grade B listed building, designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, opened in 1850 and was the scene of many hundreds of terrorist trials through the first three decades of the Troubles. A tunnel leads from the dock of No 1 court under the road to the Crumlin Road prison which is also closed and now a tourist attraction. When it closed in June 1998 it was put into cold storage and sealed off. Developer Barry Gilligan later bought the property from the Government for a nominal 1. In 2006 he announced plans to turn the building into a luxury hotel but no work was ever started. In March this year another arson attack resulted in the destruction of some 40% of the court building, but its ornate facade was preserved. Former Ulster Unionist MP Lord Kilclooney has agreed with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin that Brexit is causing real damage to the Irish Republic. Former Ulster Unionist MP Lord Kilclooney has agreed with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin that Brexit is causing real damage to the Irish Republic. The peer spoke out on Sunday after Mr Martin warned the UK's vote to leave the European Union is damaging Ireland. "In the five months since the UK's Brexit vote, the only things which are clear are that their policy is a shambles and that it is already causing real damage on this island," the Irish Opposition leader warned. "Brexit is not something which is happening in two years, it is happening now." Calling for an urgent national plan in Dublin to deal with the "slow-motion crash", Mr Martin has also demanded the EU suspend normal state aid rules for worst-hit Irish industries. During an address to Sean Moylan, an IRA commandant in the 1920s and later government minister at Kiskeam in Co Cork, Mr Martin also lashed out at the UK, accusing the nation of "backward-looking nationalism" over Brexit decision. Read More Lord Kilclooney lambasted what he termed "the usual hysteria and anti-British rhetoric" which he said "we in Northern Ireland always expect from Fianna Fail - especially since it is now challenged by Sinn Fein!" However he then turned to agree with Mr Martin. "Michael Martin, is right to declare that Brexit is causing real damage in the Republic," he said. "Likewise, its Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, has already confirmed that the Republic will suffer more from Brexit than any of the other 26 EU nations. "With exports already down 4%; mushroom plants closing; Irish beef prices falling; thousands of shoppers from the Republic of Ireland rushing up to Northern Ireland; and a decline in tourist numbers from the UK; urgent action by the Government in Dublin is now required." Lord Kilclooney said it is time that "economic reality prevailed". "Within these Isles - I do not use the term British Isles - we have a shared history; sport; culture; language; and, above all, trade," he said. "That trading arrangement is now under challenge. It is time that economic reality prevailed. "Assuming the Republic re-joining the UK or leaving the EU is not on the political agenda - yet - there must be a united effort in Dublin; Belfast; and London to achieve a special status for the Republic following Brexit in order to avoid the clouds of economic despair which Michael Martin correctly identifies." Earlier this year the UK voted by 51.9% to 48.1% to leave the EU. However there were regional variations in the result with Northern Ireland voting by a majority to remain in the EU. A group of MLAs and also victims campaigner Raymond McCord have taken court cases challenging the result. Detectives have issued an appeal for information after four homes in north Belfast were plundered during a crime spree. Detectives have issued an appeal for information after four homes in north Belfast were plundered during a crime spree. It was reported that sometime between 7pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, four addresses in Old Throne Park, Belfast and an address in Rogan Manor were entered while the persons were at home. Two laptops were reported stolen, but in two properties, the men were disturbed and made off. A silver coloured vehicle with men on board was seen in the area at the time and is believed to have been involved. Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson is appealing for anyone with any information about the burglaries or anyone who seen a silver coloured car in the area at the time to contact Detectives at Reactive and Organised Crime Branch in Musgrave Police Station on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The PSNI has also issued an appeal to people to be vigilant and secure their properties, especially in the run up to Christmas. "Take time to review your home security and take the appropriate steps to protect your home and belongings," a PSNI spokesman said. "If you need any crime prevention advice, please call your local Crime Prevention Officer on the 101 number. "It is imperative that people remember to close and lock windows and doors at night or when the house is unoccupied. If your doors aren't secure, neither is your home so do not make it an easy target for criminals - close it, lock it and check it. "It is also wise to keep valuables out of sight. A safe is a wise investment for securing precious items such as jewellery, credit cards or financial documents. Don't leave keys in plain view or in a door lock. "The community can also play a part by looking out for neighbours, reviewing household security, making sure that doors and windows are kept locked and reporting any suspicious activity immediately to police." Police at the scene following a road crash close to Belfast International Airport on Saturday afternoon. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker A man remains critically ill in hospital this morning after he was knocked down by a car close to Belfast International Airport. The collision, involving a car and a pedestrian, occurred shortly before 4.50pm close to the Ballyrobin Guest House. He was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where a spokeswoman on Sunday evening said he "remained critically ill". The Ballyrobin Road in Aldergrove, Co Antrim remains closed this morning following the crash which took place yesterday afternoon at around 4.40pm. The road was closed last night with diversions put in place at the airport to Tully Road roundabout. It was re-opened at 2pm on Sunday. Read more Read More The PSNI has appealed for anyone who was travelling on the Ballyrobin Road yesterday evening and who witnessed the collision to contact officers in Antrim Police Station on 101 quoting reference number 831 of 19/11/16. A spokesman added an apologies to motorists over the earlier road closure. "Police are aware of the difficulties and frustration caused by the road closure and the delays and inconvenience caused to commuters and families trying to get home and to the airport," he said. "It is with reluctance that we close any road however, following any serious road traffic collision police have an obligation to carry out a full and thorough investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision and the scene must be closed in order for that investigation to take place." A woman has been left very shaken after three men forced her from her car and stole it in a terrifying incident in west Belfast. A woman has been left very shaken after three men forced her from her car and stole it in a terrifying incident in west Belfast on Sunday morning. It was reported that around 6.45am a woman was driving into Pembroke Loop Road from the direction of Colinbrook when a man ran in front of her car causing her to stop. A second man opened the drivers door and forced her from the car. The two men, along with a third accomplice, then got into the car and drove off along Pembroke Loop Road. The woman who is aged in her 30s - was left very shaken by her ordeal. Two of the men are described as being approximately 6ft tall. One was wearing a blue Adidas tracksuit top, black bottoms and a black cap. The other had his face covered with a stripy scarf and was wearing a hooded top. The third man was wearing a dark coloured coat. The car, a black coloured Citroen C5 estate has not yet been recovered. Detective Inspector Mark McHaffie is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who knows of the whereabouts of the black Citroen to contact Detectives in Reactive and Organised Crime Branch in Musgrave Police Station on 101. The Prime Minister has been urged by senior Tories to abandon the Supreme Court appeal over the decision on Article 50 Donald Trump is reportedly being lined up for an invitation to meet the Queen next year as ministers ponder how to cement the "special relationship" and strike a free trade deal with the United States. The US president-elect reportedly told Theresa May during a phone call last week that his late Scottish mother was a "big fan" of the Queen and the PM could use a 2017 state visit to curry his favour, according to the Sunday Times. An early visit to the UK from Mr Trump would also allow the Prime Minister to swat away claims that Nigel Farage has closer links to the controversial tycoon, which have been dismissed by Downing Street. It would also provide a potential opportunity to warm up the apparently anti-global trade president-elect over the idea of a post-Brexit trade deal. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "No visit has been organised but the Prime Minister is looking forward to welcoming the president-elect to the UK when he chooses to visit." The PM has been invited to visit Mr Trump at the earliest possible opportunity and she is expected to travel to the US after he is inaugurated on January 20. But a state visit by Mr Trump to the UK would allow her to roll out the red carpet and offer a meeting with the Queen. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the Government." It came as Mrs May faced fresh calls to deliver what will be seen as a "hard Brexit" from a group of 60 Conservative MPs including prominent former cabinet ministers. Cameron-era ministers Michael Gove, Iain Duncan Smith, John Whittingdale and Theresa Villiers urged the PM to pull Britain out of the European single market and the customs union. They claimed getting out of the single market free trade zone was crucial for the UK to become free of Brussels regulations. Pulling out of the customs union, which sets common tariffs for goods from countries outside it, would be the only way to strike trade deals with other nations, they said. Eleven Labour, DUP and Ukip MPs also reportedly backed the call. A Government spokeswoman insisted there were "no binary choices" in the UK's future trading relationship with the EU and that the Government would pursue a bespoke deal rather than an "off the shelf" solution . She added: "That's why the Government is painstakingly analysing the challenges and opportunities for all the different sectors of our economy. "The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants UK companies to have the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the single market - and to let European businesses do the same here." S hadow chancellor John McDonnell accused the Tories of pursuing a "Trump-lite" hard Brexit "with a minuscule increase in infrastructure investment, a pernicious immigration policy, the destruction of workplace rights and environmental protections, alongside a race to the bottom in taxes for the rich and in wages for the rest of us". He also defended his speech earlier this week in which he committed Labour to not blocking or delaying Brexit, saying the party has long advocated changes to single market regulations such as state aid rules and "enforced deregulation and privatisation". Writing in The Observer, Mr McDonnell said: "As a democrat, I respect the referendum result. "Not to do so would sow even deeper divisions within our society. But that does not mean we cannot use the period of the Brexit negotiations positively to work with our socialist, social democrat and progressive friends in Europe to construct a new relationship based upon solidarity, co-operation and democracy." The Norwegian paedophile network is believed to involve at least 51 people Twenty men have been arrested in an inquiry into a paedophile network in Norway, in the country's largest abuse case to date. Many of the suspects are highly educated and include lawyers and politicians. The network is believed to involve at least 51 people. Police said it included th e abuse of infants and at least one case of a suspect acknowledging abusing his own children. The inquiry has seen three convictions in western Norway, said d eputy police chief Gunnar Floystad. The 31 other suspects are from other regions in the country. Mr Floystad said he could not reveal more details pending the conclusion of the investigation, known as Dark Room, which began in 2015. Prosecutors said the perpetrators met in the dark web, using encryption and anonymity to hide their tracks. AP President Barack Obama sought on Saturday to ease concerns in Latin America that President-elect Donald Trump will wipe out trade deals and create other international problems. "Don't just assume the worst," he said. "Wait until the administration's in place" before drawing conclusions. Mr Obama, speaking on the margins of an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru, said tensions over trade are likely under the new Trump administration and trade pacts may be modified. But he predicted that once the administration sees how the deals are working, "they'll determine that it's actually good both for the United States and our trading partners". Mr Obama made his comments during a town hall-style forum with young people after meeting with leaders of countries that joined the US to negotiate a sweeping Pacific trade deal that is now in jeopardy. The president said his meetings in Peru were a good chance for leaders to review how to spur their economies. They had hoped to achieve some of those goals through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but the agreement appears unlikely to be ratified due to opposition from Mr Trump. Mr Trump opposes multi-national trade deals as written, saying they are harmful to US workers. Mr Obama pressed leaders of the other 11 countries in the Pacific agreement to "find ways to ensure that trade agreements contribute to our shared objective of reducing inequality", according to a White House statement. The president also urged them to keep working to advance the imperilled deal. Of the summit overall, Mr Obama said "this is always a useful occasion for us to get together and examine how we can make sure that we're creating more jobs, more opportunity and greater prosperity for all of our countries". Mr Obama supports trade deals as a way to boost US exports and create American jobs. Mr Trump's protectionist stance was on the minds of other leaders attending the economic conference. Chinese President Xi Jinping made an impassioned call against protectionism on Saturday as Chinese state media blasted Mr Trump for trade-bashing that could drag the world into "deeper economic distress". Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto defended his country's trade relationship with the US, but took a cautious approach to Mr Trump's pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. "In the face of Trump's positioning, we're now in a stage of favouring dialogue as a way to build a new agenda in our bilateral relationship," said Mr Pena Nieto, whose country participates in Nafta with the US and Canada. "Mexico, like the entire world, is about to initiate a new stage with the U.S. and in commercial terms we want to give the right value to this strategic relationship between Mexico and the US." Since Mr Obama opened the final foreign trip of his presidency in Greece on Tuesday, he has tried to reassure his counterparts that the US will uphold its partnerships and obligations despite the divisive rhetoric of a campaign that ended with the election of a real estate mogul and reality TV star with no political or government experience. Mr Obama told the young leaders in Peru he did not anticipate "major changes in policy from the new administration" with regard to Latin America. In a meeting on Saturday between Mr Obama and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who took office as Peru's president this year, the two leaders discussed the need to press for open markets and talked about implementation of a 2009 deal to promote trade between the US and Peru, the White House said in a statement. On Friday, before Mr Obama arrived in Peru's ocean-front capital, Mr Kuczynski warned that the US presidential election is a sign of intensifying hostility towards free trade that threatens the global economy. He told delegates gathering for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum that global trade had stopped growing in the past two years, and would only worsen if nations wall off their economies. "It is fundamental that world trade grow again and that protectionism be defeated," said Mr Kuczynski, who did not mention Mr Trump by name. Mr Obama has argued for some time that globalisation is here to stay and governments must address fears about what the changing economics mean for them. Mr Obama was also meeting on Saturday with Mr Xi. Mr Trump levelled harsh criticism at China during the election, threatening the Asian powerhouse with hefty import tariffs over alleged trade and currency violations. He also was attending a dinner welcoming leaders from Apec's 21-member countries. AP US president Barack Obama has sought to tie up his foreign policy agenda at an international summit in Peru - but found world leaders more focused on his successor at the White House. Global hand-wringing over US president-elect Donald Trump has taken much of the wind out of Mr Obama's sails on his final overseas trip as American leader. Mr Obama has offered frequent reassurances that the US will not renege on its international commitments. Yet he has been at a loss to quell concerns fully, given new signals from Mr Trump that he intends to govern in much the same way he campaigned. Mr Obama's visit to Peru has brought those concerns to the forefront. Much of Latin America is on edge about a potentially dramatic shift in US immigration policy under Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Asian leaders gathered in Lima for the Asia-Pacific economic summit are trying to ascertain what a Trump presidency will mean for trade with the world's largest economy. "We're going to have a busy agenda," Mr Obama said as he sat down with leaders of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the sweeping free trade deal with Asia which he painstakingly brokered. Vehemently opposed to the Pacific agreement and similar deals, Mr Trump has vowed it will not be ratified on his watch. In an acknowledgement of that political reality, the White House has stopped actively lobbying US congress to try to pass it. In fact, Mr Obama did not mention the trade deal at all as reporters were allowed in briefly for the beginning of his meeting with TPP nations, which include Mexico, Chile, Japan, Australia and Vietnam. Instead, Mr Obama called it a useful occasion to talk about creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity. Before returning to Washington, Mr Obama will sit down on Sunday with Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull. Russian president Vladimir Putin, Mr Obama's chief antagonist on the world stage, was also in Lima, but the White House did not expect them to have any substantial interaction. By this point, Mr Obama has come to terms with the fact that his remaining weeks in office will be overshadowed by the provocative businessman who soon moves into the home Mr Obama's family now occupies. In Greece and Germany, the first two stops on his trip, Mr Obama was similarly trailed by questions about Donald Trump and whether he will really follow through with threats he levelled during the campaign, such as potentially refusing to defend Nato allies who do not pay enough of the alliance's costs. Mr Obama's message to young leaders at a town hall-style meeting in Lima was sanguine: "Don't assume the worst. "I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be. "How you campaign is not always how you govern." AP A police officer has been shot dead outside a force HQ in Texas A Texas police officer writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist was shot to death in his squad car on Sunday outside force HQ by another driver who pulled up from behind. San Antonio police chief William McManus said the suspect is not known and has not yet been apprehended. A motive is not known. "This is everyone's worst nightmare," he said. Mr McManus said the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a car pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that car got out, walked up to the officer's driver-side window and shot the officer in the head. The man fired a second time, then walked back to his car and drove away, Mr McManus added. The officer, a 20-year veteran of the force, was pronounced dead at a hospital. Some streets downtown were blocked off with police tape as officials investigated the shooting. "It's always difficult, especially in this this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country. Hopefully we'll solve this one real quick" Mr McManus said. Texas governor Greg Abbott called the killing a "horrific act of violence". Mr Abbott said in a statement that "attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice". San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and the entire police force. The shooting came less than five months after a gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since September 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Earlier this month, two Des Moines, Iowa-area police officers were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. AP It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a Already have an account? Log in here We need your support! Local journalism needs your support! As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $4.99/month you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! A baby boy has been delivered by emergency caesarean section after a pregnant woman was fatally shot in California. Vanessa Oviedo, 27, was shot in the head in an apparent gang-related shooting in Visalia on Thursday night, according to the Fresno Bee newspaper. The child is healthy and in stable condition, Visalia Police Lt Brian Winter said. Ms Oviedo, who was 35 weeks pregnant, was shot in a drive-by shooting near Ben Maddox Way and Houston Avenue in Visalia. The driver, Andrew Aguirre, 23, was also shot in the leg. Ms Oviedo and Mr Aguirre were travelling with three other people, including an 11-month-old child, when occupants of another car opened fire on them. Mr Aguirre then drove to Kaweah Delta Medical Centre. Ms Oviedo was reported as a woman in delivery, but when medics said she had gunshot wounds and no pulse, Dr Renee DeNolf and Dr Steven Warrington acted to save the baby. Doctors had 30 seconds to perform the C-section, emergency room physician Greggory Shubert said. "It was heroic," he said. "This is something we're taught to do, but this rarely occurs." He said he knows of no such event in 20 years at the hospital. "I got my scalpel out," Dr DeNolf told Fresno television station KFSN. "My attendant said, 'cut', so I cut." The baby emerged barely moving and not breathing. But after a few tense seconds, medics found a pulse, she said. "To pull that baby out and know you save him, that is something I will never take for granted," Dr DeNolf added. Detectives believe the car was targeted, but they have not been determined which of the passengers was the target of the attack. Family members remembered Ms Oviedo as someone with a bright spirit. President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru. The two leaders were seen chatting as reporters were allowed in briefly for the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific economic co-operation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. The White House said the conversation lasted about four minutes and that Mr Obama encouraged Mr Putin to uphold his country's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. Officials also said Mr Obama called for US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to keep working in initiatives with other countries to lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation about whether Donald Trump's election as president might herald a more conciliatory US approach to Russia. Under Mr Obama, the US has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behaviour in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Mr Trump and Mr Putin have already signalled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after the president-elect takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Mr Trump was elected, Mr Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a "partner-like dialogue", the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the US accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Mr Obama had raised concerns directly to Mr Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking and the US also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted it had no favourites and rejected the claims of interference in the US election. The meeting came as Mr Obama prepared for separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multi-national trade agreement with the US and nine other Pacific Rim countries. Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Mr Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Mr Trump says trade deals can hurt US workers and he opposes the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. As well as participating in meetings on Sunday with other world leaders attending the event in Lima, Mr Obama was sitting down with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a US ally and partner in the TPP deal. The president also planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose nation is another TPP partner. AP The husband of a jailed British-Iranian woman has claimed she is being held because of an outstanding arms debt between the UK and Iran. Richard Ratcliffe, whose wife Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is behind bars in Iran for allegedly plotting to topple the government in Tehran, said she is being used as a "bargaining chip". The Foreign Office has rejected the claim, saying it is doing all it can to help the charity worker and her family. The mother from Hampstead, north-west London, was originally arrested at Tehran Airport on April 3 along with her then 22-month-old daughter Gabriella. She was sentenced to five years in prison in September following a conviction on unspecified "national security-related" offences following a trial before a revolutionary court in the capital Tehran. Mr Ratcliffe said claims by Iran that his wife is a spy "are political code for a 'bargaining chip with Britain' - a signal that the British government should understand". He said his family has been "caught up" in a disagreement between the two countries, claiming the UK owes about 500 million for a tank deal 40 years ago. He said: "There is a link as to why Nazanin is still being held and the UK government's reluctance to pay its debts. My family are caught as collateral." On Friday, Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family announced she had ended a five-day hunger strike amid fears they had for her health. The issue of her continued detention will be raised at Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Ratcliffe said. The family of UK-Iranian dual national Kamal Foroughi, a 77-year-old oil and gas company consultant who is serving his sixth year of an eight-year jail sentence after being convicted of espionage and possessing alcohol, have also long campaigned for his release. Richard Ratcliffe talks to us about the imprisonment of his wife Nazanin in Iran. She is a prisoner of conscience and must be released! pic.twitter.com/0o02VGoJRl Amnesty International Tower Hamlets & Newham (@AITowerHamlets) November 1, 2016 A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We understand what a difficult time this is for Mr Foroughi, Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe and their families. "Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood has met with the families personally to reassure them that we are doing all we can to help them. "We have raised their cases with the Iranian government at the highest levels and will continue to do so at every opportunity. "Iran does not recognise dual nationality and therefore does not grant access to dual nationals." PA MUMBAI: India said it will allow cargoes of white and brown rice backed by letters of credit issued before Sept. 9 ... LONDON: Russian naval forces repelled a drone attack in the Bay of Sevastopol, where the Black Sea Fleet in... Don't Miss the Latest News Subscribing is the best way to get our best stories immediately. Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Mr Dutton said the government was also looking to narrow the number of occupations eligible for a 457 visa. It has forced the government to step up its own promises to reform the scheme, with both parties now angling to appeal to the centre following the rise of support for protectionist movements, displayed in the success of the Brexit and Trump campaigns. Labor has ramped up pressure on the government to act on 457 visas which allow foreign workers and their families to stay in Australia for up to four years through sponsorship by an employer to fill specific positions Australian workers can't promising to reform the visa scheme. Immigration Minister Peter Dutton has continued the "Australia-first" jobs pitch, seized upon by both major parties in the wake of Donald Trump's election, confirming the Turnbull government will condense the number of occupations eligible for a 457 visa. Peter Dutton says Australia is in "discussions" in a bid to resettle people found to be refugees. "We are having a look at it right now and I think it will be condensed," he said. "When Chris Bowen was in the Gillard government as a minister in the Gillard government, it was expanded out quite dramatically the difficulty of course is to try and get the balance right. In some parts of the country it is very difficult to get a particular worker, say in hospitality or a doctor, whatever the classification might be, but in other parts of the country there is an abundance and most people want to work in capital cities or close to capital cities, but it is very hard to get people in regional areas. "Some regional areas where there has been a mining downturn, it is very hard to fill vacancies and there is no demand for people because Australian workers will fill those jobs. "So it is a different picture across the country and we need to respond accordingly. That is the nuance that we try and provide for, but I think the list at the moment is expansive and I think we will condense it and that work has already been under way for sometime and we will have a look at that very soon." The Turnbull government is locked in intense negotiations with the Senate crossbench as it seeks to end the year on a triumphant note by passing two double dissolution trigger bills within a fortnight. Parliament will resume on Monday for the final two sitting weeks of the year before going on a break until February. The government has listed its Registered Organisations Commission and Australian Building and Construction Commission bills - both triggers for the early July election - for debate in the Senate this week. The government is working overtime to pass the bills because success would demonstrate its ability to pass contentious legislation through the Senate and help justify the early election. It is confident of beginning the week with a win on the Registered Organisations bill, which would impose the same disclosure and transparency obligations on union officials as company directors. It would also increase penalties for union leaders involved in fraud. I am looking for a male PA. He must be handsome, have classy and immaculate presentation and a medium-to-large penis. How do you blokes feel after reading my ad? Objectified? Vulnerable? Angry? Well, that just about sums up my reaction to a high-end London recruitment firm called Matching Models which is advertising for "attractive" women, specifying their bra size. A job for a PA advertised on the company's website insists candidates must have a "classic look" and "brown, long hair with a B-C cup" In those unenlightened days, we female employees had to put up with this daily dose of condescending misogyny. Credit:Stocksy And it's not just a storm in a B cup. Giving new meaning to sex drive, another ad on the site asks for a "sexy female driver" to chauffeur a Porsche. Apparently a "flamboyant aristocratic figure" (who's clearly in the middle of his menoporsche) is looking for a "lady with no commitments", "immaculate and classy presentation" and a "flexible approach". The 140,000 ($225,000) salary also involves working on a private Learjet as his flight attendant. At that price he's no doubt hoping she'll join the mile-high club the minute the captain turns off the "you may now unfasten your pants" sign. Police are "hoping and trusting" young people will make smart decisions at schoolies after footage on social media aired on Sunday night showed a young girl on a balcony ledge. Footage of the young girl several floors up at a Gold Coast apartment, with a friend behind the camera heard saying, "This isn't going to be funny when she falls", was shared to social media and aired on 7News. The footage was allegedly filmed at the Beachcomber Resort. The Beachcomber had locked its balcony doors during schoolies for 2013 after two balcony deaths not related to schoolies in 2012, as reported by News Corp Australia, however it reopened its balcony doors in 2014. Three police officers have been allegedly assaulted attempting to break up a brawl outside a hotel in Ipswich, west of Brisbane. A male senior constable, female constable and female sergeant were grabbed, punched in the head, struck, kicked and pushed during the incident around 1.30am on Sunday. Three police officers have been assaulted in a brawl at Ipswich. Credit:Glenn Hunt Two women and a man, aged between 22 and 35, were charged with various offences including seriously assaulting police and public nuisance. They will appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court next month. Police arrested seven schoolies on the Gold Coast on Saturday night, with drug possession among the offences. The teens were arrested on 11 offences, the majority being public nuisance and drug possession, with MDMA tablets, commonly known as ecstasy, found among the recent graduates. It follows several arrests on Friday night including one schoolie and several non-schoolies, on drug-related offences but police have said crowds have generally been well behaved so far. "Generally police were pleased with the behaviour of schoolies, with only a small number of the large crowd coming to the attention of police," a Queensland Police Service statement said. They were now unable to access the drugs they had kept at home, said Mr Nitschke (below). He expected it would now be possible, by using the drone, for the member in the unnamed nursing home to take their drugs and die there. Speaking from Amsterdam, the director of Exit International Philip Nitschke said that a long-term Victorian member of the group who had obtained the deadly drug Nembutal had become unwell, was moved to a hospital, and then on to a nursing home. Assisted suicide group Exit International said on Sunday that one of its members was considering having a drone deliver euthanasia drugs to their Caulfield nursing home. He said that requests for someone to collect the drugs from the person's home and to deliver them to the nursing home had been unsuccessful because of fears of legal consequence. The option of drone delivery had then been raised, Mr Nitschke said. Mr Nitschke conceded this did not solve the question about assisting in suicide. "The interest is to make a point, or a gesture," he said. He said the person had suffered "a quite sudden cardiac incident and then much to their surprise there was a situation where they went downhill. They didn't even have the chance to return to their home. They do not have any family." Margaret Tighe, the president of Right to Life Australia, said that the proposal made Mr Nitschke an embarrassment to the pro-euthanasia movement. "What a bizarre idea, and what a dangerous and deadly idea," she said. "To a nursing home of all places. What will he think of next?" A 68-year-old man has died in Victoria during a scuba diving trip with his friends. The man had been diving in waters near Werribee South, in Melbourne's outer south-west, when he was reported to be in distress, a police spokeswoman said. Police and paramedics arrived at the scene about 1pm on Sunday after the man had been pulled from the sea near Beach Road. He could not be revived, however, and was declared dead at the scene. The man accused of the Springvale Commonwealth Bank attack may have previously run out of money from gambling, it has been suggested. Nur Islam remains in a critical condition in hospital, accused of injuring 26 people, including children, after allegedly setting himself on fire in the Springvale Road bank on Friday. Friends said Mr Islam was facing difficulty accessing Centrelink payments and his mental health had deteriorated in recent weeks. But as police continue their investigation into the attack, a university student told Channel Seven on Sunday night he had witnessed Mr Islam playing poker machines until he ran out of money. A group of about 150 hard left anti-Donald Trump protesters have set up a roadblock at the city's west end in anticipation of confronting a rival pro-Trump rally in Melbourne's CBD on Sunday afternoon. The protesters are outnumbered by police, who have formed a human blockade of their own to avoid the risk of a violent clash. Protesters rally in Melbourne's CBD. Credit:Chris Hopkins The protest has been spirited but peaceful, with just a small clutch of anti-fascists masked in bandannas briefly expressing their anger against police who have cut off access to Parliament House. Nationalist fringe group the True Blue Crew announced a plan to rally on the steps of State Parliament at 2pm but had made no appearance by that time. Beirut: All hospitals in Syria's besieged rebel-held eastern Aleppo are out of service after days of heavy air strikes, its health directorate and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said, though a war monitor said some were still functioning. White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice said the United States condemned "in the strongest terms" the latest air strikes against hospitals and urged Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to take steps to halt the violence. Intense air strikes have battered the eastern part of the city since Tuesday, when the Syrian army and its allies resumed operations after a pause lasting weeks. They launched ground attacks against insurgent positions on Friday. The war monitor, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 48 people, including at least five children, had been killed in eastern Aleppo on Saturday by dozens of air strikes and barrel bombs and dozens of artillery rounds. Lima: A four-minute standing meeting between President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Lima may be the final dialogue between the two leaders amid deep tensions over Ukraine, Syria, human rights, and the US presidential election. The brief encounter, conducted with the help of a translator, came as Asia-Pacific leaders gathered for a Sunday morning session. There are no plans for second meeting, said Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Obama, who leaves office in two months, could be seen uttering the word "OK" and Putin was observed reacting with facial expressions, as journalists were permitted into the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit for a few minutes to take photographs. Obama also made his way around the room to greet other leaders. It was the first meeting between the pair since Donald Trump's win in the November 8 presidential election. During the campaign, Democrats accused Russia of interfering in a way that helped Trump, the Republican nominee. US intelligence officials have tied the Russian government to the hacking and subsequent leaking of Democrats' emails that harmed Hillary Clinton's campaign. United States Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. DANIEL LEE LARSEN, Defendant - Appellant. No. 16-4088 Decided: November 18, 2016 Before KELLY, HOLMES, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges.** ORDER AND JUDGMENT * Defendant-Appellant Daniel Lee Larsen, a federal inmate appearing pro se, appeals from the district court's denial of his motion for sentence reduction pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(2). 1 R. 223. Exercising jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1291, we remand so the district court may vacate its order and dismiss the motion for lack of jurisdiction. Background In 2001, a jury convicted Mr. Larsen of seven offenses, namely possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, establishing a methamphetamine operation, possession of listed chemicals (pseudoephedrine), possession of listed chemicals (iodine), attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), 841(d)(2), 846, 856(a)(1), 924(c). To establish Mr. Larsen's base offense level, the Presentence Report (PSR) detailed the conversions for the weights of pseudoephedrine and iodine recovered to their corresponding weights in methamphetamine (actual) to generate a total of 16.56 kilograms of methamphetamine (actual). Under the 2001 Sentencing Guidelines, the corresponding base offense level for 1.5 kilograms or more of methamphetamine (actual) was 38. U.S. Sentencing Guidelines Manual 2D1.1(c)(1) (2001). Mr. Larsen's two-level increase for unlawful discharge, emission, or release of a hazardous toxic substance; two-level increase for obstruction of justice; and two-level decrease for his role as a minor participant resulted in a total offense level of 40. Because the PSR indicated that Mr. Larsen's criminal history points placed him in Category V, his guideline range was 360 months to life, plus an additional 60 months for the firearm offense due to a mandatory minimum requiring 60 months, to be imposed consecutively. Mr. Larsen filed no objections to the PSR, and at sentencing he only objected to the calculation of his criminal history points, not his offense level. The district court accepted his argument that he was at a Criminal History Category II, which corresponded to a guideline range of 324 to 405 months, and sentenced Mr. Larsen to 324 months on the narcotics charges, plus the consecutive 60 months for the firearm conviction. Mr. Larsen has since made several attempts to attack his sentence that were unsuccessful, as detailed by this court in United States v. Larsen, 631 F. App'x 495 (10th Cir. 2015). In 2015, Mr. Larsen filed his motion to reduce his sentence under 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(2), contending the retroactivity of Amendment 782 rendered him eligible for resentencing and that the district court erroneously calculated the drug quantity that corresponded to his base offense level of 38. The district court denied the motion, 1 R. 223, and Mr. Larsen appealed. Discussion Although the denial of a sentence-reduction motion is reviewed for abuse of discretion, United States v. Sharkey, 543 F.3d 1236, 1238 (10th Cir. 2008), the scope of a district court's authority under 3582(c)(2) is a question of law and is reviewed de novo, United States v. Graham, 704 F.3d 1275, 1277 (10th Cir. 2013). Generally, federal courts lack jurisdiction to modify a term of imprisonment once it has been imposed. Dillon v. United States, 560 U.S. 817, 819 (2010). Nevertheless, a district court may modify a sentence if there is statutory authorization to do so. Graham, 704 F.3d at 1277. Section 3582(c)(2) allows courts to consider certain factors and reduce a sentence that was based on a sentencing range that subsequently has been lowered by the Sentencing Commission if doing so is consistent with the Sentencing Commission's policy statements. 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(2). In 2014, the Sentencing Commission promulgated Amendment 782, which provides for a retroactive, two-level decrease in the offense levels for certain drug offenses. Also pertinent here is the Sentencing Commission's policy statement indicating that a sentence reduction is not authorized under 3582(c)(2) if certain amendments, including Amendment 782, do not have the effect of lowering the defendant's guideline range. U.S.S.G. 1B1.10(a)(2)(B). Here, Amendment 782 does not have the effect of lowering Mr. Larsen's guidelines range. When he was sentenced, the base offense level for an offense involving 1.5 kilograms or more of methamphetamine (actual) was 38. After the promulgation of Amendment 782, the base offense level for an offense involving 4.5 kilograms or more of methamphetamine (actual) was 38. As Mr. Larsen's offense involved 16.56 kilograms of methamphetamine (actual), his base level remains 38. Accordingly, Amendment 782 did not reduce the applicable guidelines range. Mr. Larsen contends that the calculation of 16.56 kilograms of methamphetamine (actual) was in error. Specifically, he argues that the substances found were never tested for purity, which is necessary to determine how much methamphetamine (actual) could be derived from the pseudoephedrine and iodine, and that combining the methamphetamine (actual) equivalents of the two substances constitutes double counting, thereby impermissibly yielding a higher methamphetamine (actual) equivalency. But Mr. Larsen never objected to the original calculations of his base offense level in the PSR. Because there was no objection and Amendment 782 has no impact on how quantities of drugs are calculated, the district court had no ability to revisit the calculations. As Amendment 782 did not have the effect of lowering Mr. Larsen's guidelines range, the district court did not err in concluding that he was ineligible for a sentence reduction under 3582(c)(2). Upon reaching this conclusion, however, the district court should have dismissed the motion for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. See United States v. White, 765 F.3d 1240, 1250 (10th Cir. 2014). Accordingly, we REMAND to the district court to vacate its order and dismiss the 3582 motion for lack of jurisdiction. Appellant's motion to proceed in forma pauperis is DENIED. Entered for the Court FOOTNOTES . This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. It may be cited, however, for its persuasive value consistent with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1 and 10th Cir. R. 32.1. Paul J. Kelly, Jr. Circuit Judge Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams On Sunday I went to my local Queens bakery at 9, 11, and 2, and each time sat across from a friendly, open 18-year-old. These New York City students shared their hopes, dreams, and what they do in their free time. One researches drone strikes in Somalia. Another teaches the disabled to ski. A third measures the size and shape of snake skulls. Typical for this group. These are applicants for early admission to Yale. Me, Im an alumni interviewer. That means I help lighten the Yale Admissions Departments load by volunteering to assess half a dozen candidates each year. This is my 15th or 16th go-round, and it always gives me great delight. But this year, it also gave me pause. Thats because another alum, Ben Orlin, just wrote a piece in the Los Angeles Times titled, Why I Wont Re-enlist as a Yale Alumni Interviewer. His beef is that the whole process is so spectacularly insane that participating in it even in such a peripheral role feels like watching spiders crawl out of my tear ducts. The insanity is not the kids theyre great. Nor is it Yale it cant take everyone. The insanity is the giant disparity between the number of stunning applicants and the number that get in: For every bed in the freshman dorms, 20 kids are lining up, at least five of whom are high-school rock stars, wrote Orlin. From that murderers row, admissions officers face the impossible task of picking just one. Theres no right answer. He feels for all the students who have done so much, and are likely to take their rejection personally. (Dont we all?) What these kids cant know is that they are just as amazing as the ones who get the thick envelopes, but they may be the 15th top debater who also spent a year teaching calculus in Kenya. No school needs 15 of the same thing. Thus some get in, but others get bumped for a dancer-sculptor-beekeeper from Utah, or spear fisher (with perfect SATs) from Spain. So today as I spoke with the hopefuls, I felt compelled to also mention The Ghosts of Applicants Past. There was the girl so fascinated by rhetoric that she learned Ancient Greek. She wanted to read the first philosophers to describe speaking techniques like, I wont mention the defendants past as a thief, because that is not relevant to this case. She loved the way information got sneakily embedded. But she also loved neuroscience, so she was doing lab research on Alzheimers. Her modest little goal was to figure out if the way information gets into our brains is related to how it leaks out. She did not get in. Another year I met a young man from a Manhattan public high school who admitted that during middle school computer class, he would hack a friends screen to suddenly show cartoons when the teacher was walking past. By the time he was in high school he put his computer skills to more serious work by starting a web-design company for local businesses. If some of the coding got too hard, hed farm it out to Russian programmers and pay them part of his fee. By senior year hed turned his attention to the medical field and got an internship at a local teaching hospital. He discovered something (I couldnt understand what) about how plaque builds up in arteries, and had come up with a new, cheap way to dissolve it. Ten medical school professors came to hear his lecture. When one objected that his idea wouldnt work, he showed him how it would. This kid applied to Yale and MIT. I hope he got into the latter, because he did not get into Yale. Then there was the young woman who was producing a documentary on a French fashion muse from the 70s. No dice. And another student so fascinated by the French Revolution that she did original research on the guillotine jewelry of that time. She didnt make the cut. Meantime, a young man I had a hard time interviewing because he had so little to say, did make it in. I gather that he was spectacular at math. But he got lost navigating from Union Square to our interview at a Starbucks on First Avenue and 17th and arrived late. Which is not to say Yale gets it wrong. Many of the students Ive recommend, it took. But Orlin got it right, too: Ivy admissions are an opaque process, not to be taken personally. The good news is that by the time students think theyre Yale material, they usually are. Even if they dont get in. Read Lenore Skenazys column every Sunday morning on Brook lynPa per.com 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. United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff Appellee, v. LARRY DON BROWN, Defendant - Appellant. No. 16-6076 Decided: November 18, 2016 Before NIEMEYER, TRAXLER, and FLOYD, Circuit Judges. D. Baker McIntyre, III, Charlotte, North Carolina, for Appellant. Amy Elizabeth Ray, Assistant United States Attorney, Asheville, North Carolina, for Appellee. Larry Don Brown pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, possess with intent to distribute, and manufacture, methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), 846 (2012). The district court sentenced Brown to 120 months' imprisonment, and he now appeals. Appellate counsel has filed a brief pursuant to Anders v. California, 386 U.S. 738 (1967), stating that there are no meritorious issues for appeal but questioning whether the sentence imposed was erroneous in light of Johnson v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2551 (2015), and McFadden v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2298 (2015). Brown was informed of his right to file a pro se supplemental brief, but has not done so. With respect to counsel's arguments, because Brown objected neither to the presentence report's assertion that he was a career offender nor to the offense level calculation based on drug quantity, those determinations are reviewed for plain error only. United States v. Carthorne, 726 F.3d 503, 509 (4th Cir. 2013). To satisfy plain error review, the defendant must establish that: (1) there is a sentencing error; (2) the error is plain; and (3) the error affects his substantial rights. United States v. Aplicano-Oyuela, 792 F.3d 416, 422 (4th Cir. 2015). If the three-part plain error test is satisfied, we must decide whether to cure the error, and should not do so unless the error seriously affects the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). As to the determination that Brown qualified as a career offender, we conclude that no plain error occurred. We have never addressed whether North Carolina felony breaking or entering qualifies as a crime of violence absent consideration of the residual clause,* and therefore the law is not settled in a manner sufficient to satisfy the plain error test. Moreover, even if we were inclined to find plain error, the district court imposed the statutory minimum 120-month sentence, more than 200 months below the bottom of the Guidelines range. As a result, any error committed by the district court did not impact Brown's sentence and therefore could not have affected [his] substantial rights. United States v. Branch, 537 F.3d 328, 343 (4th Cir. 2008) (internal quotation marks omitted). We also conclude that the district court did not plainly err in attributing 150 to 500 grams of methamphetamine to Brown. In the plea agreement and factual basis that Brown signed, he agreed that the amount of methamphetamine known to or reasonably foreseeable by him was between 150 and 500 grams of actual methamphetamine. Brown reaffirmed this during the plea hearing. To the extent that Brown relies on McFadden, that decision is easily distinguishable from this case and is inapposite. In accordance with Anders, we have reviewed the entire record in this case and have found no meritorious issues for appeal. We therefore affirm Brown's conviction and sentence. This court requires that counsel inform Brown, in writing, of the right to petition the Supreme Court of the United States for further review. If Brown requests that a petition be filed, but counsel believes that such a petition would be frivolous, then counsel may move in this court for leave to withdraw from representation. Counsel's motion must state that a copy thereof was served on Brown. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process. AFFIRMED FOOTNOTES . We have previously held that that breaking or entering, as interpreted by the North Carolina Supreme Court, sweeps no more broadly than the generic elements of burglary and therefore qualifies as a predicate offense under the Armed Career Criminal Act. United States v. Mungro, 754 F.3d 267, 272 (4th Cir. 2014). PER CURIAM: 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... latest news October 31, 2022 Buddy TV In November, there are hundreds of new and returning TV showsit can be overwhelming to try and choose what to watch. That's why we've selected some of the best options... Delaware River water treatment plant upgrades to remove contaminant New Jersey American Water is spending $2.5 million to remove a potentially harmful chemical from Delaware River water processed by its Delran plant United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. ARTAN SULCE, et al., Petitioners, v. LORETTA E. LYNCH, U.S. Attorney General, Respondent. No. 15-3426 Decided: November 18, 2016 BEFORE: NORRIS, GIBBONS, and ROGERS, Circuit Judges. Artan Sulce, his wife Lindita Sulce, and their two sons petition this court for review of an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) dismissing their appeal from the denial of their applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The Sulces, natives and citizens of Albania, most recently entered the United States in 2004 with non-immigrant G-1 visas as the staff and family members of a representative of a foreign government to an international organization, authorized to remain until July 30, 2005. Artan Sulce worked as a driver and bodyguard for the Albanian ambassador to the United Nations until 2005; the Sulces did not depart the United States after his employment ended. In 2010, the Sulces submitted applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection. The Department of Homeland Security subsequently served the Sulces with notices to appear in removal proceedings, charging them with removability as aliens who, after admission as a non-immigrant, remained in the United States for a time longer than permitted. See 8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)(B). Appearing before an immigration judge (IJ), the Sulces conceded removability as charged. At the merits hearing, Artan Sulce testified about three threatening incidents that occurred while he was visiting Albania. On June 21, 2002, Artan Sulce was dining at a restaurant with his brother and two friends when three people from a nearby table approached them. One of them asked Artan Sulce, Have you returned as a visitor or did the embassy send you back? When Artan Sulce asked the man to introduce himself, the man responded in a threatening tone, It's none of your business as to who we are. You will find out who we are. During that same visit, on July 7, 2002, two people, one of whom was the man from the restaurant, approached Artan Sulce on the street, called him by name, referred to his work for the foreign affairs minister, threatened to blow [his] brains out, and left stating, We will revisit your case again. Artan Sulce reported this incident to the police but returned to the United States three days later. Artan Sulce visited Albania again in November 2004. While Artan Sulce was returning home one evening, four people, one of whom was wearing a mask, surrounded him and threatened to kill him. They told him, To you and those whom you have served, we will send you where you belong very quickly. The masked person stopped one of them from hitting Artan Sulce and said, Hold on. We will take care of him once and for all. According to Artan Sulce, these people threatened him because he witnessed two men firing machine guns when he was driving a government car past the Democratic Party headquarters on September 12, 1998. After he drove away and later picked up the foreign affairs minister, Artan Sulce learned that the leader of the Democratic Party had been assassinated near the headquarters building. Artan Sulce testified that he fears returning to Albania because of what he witnessed. At the conclusion of the merits hearing, the IJ denied the Sulces' applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection. The IJ pretermitted their asylum applications on the basis that they failed to file their applications within one year of their last arrival in the United States. See 8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(2)(B). The IJ went on to find that the Sulces lacked credibility and therefore failed to satisfy their burdens of proof. In the alternative, the IJ found that the Sulces failed to establish a nexus to a protected ground and failed to show that it is more likely than not that they would be tortured if removed to Albania. The Sulces appealed the IJ's decision. Dismissing their appeal, the BIA affirmed the IJ's findings that the Sulces' asylum applications were untimely, that they lacked credibility, and that their claims were not tied to a protected ground. This timely petition for review followed. Where, as here, the BIA reviews the immigration judge's decision and issues a separate opinion, rather than summarily affirming the immigration judge's decision, we review the BIA's decision as the final agency determination. Khalili v. Holder, 557 F.3d 429, 435 (6th Cir. 2009). To the extent that the BIA adopted the IJ's reasoning, we also review the IJ's decision. Id. We review the agency's factual findings, including credibility determinations, for substantial evidence, reversing only if any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary. 8 U.S.C. 1252(b)(4)(B); see Yu v. Ashcroft, 364 F.3d 700, 703 (6th Cir. 2004). We lack jurisdiction to review asylum applications denied for untimeliness when the appeal seeks review of discretionary or factual questions, but not when the appeal seeks review of constitutional claims or matters of statutory construction. Almuhtaseb v. Gonzales, 453 F.3d 743, 748 (6th Cir. 2006); see 8 U.S.C. 1158(a)(3). The Sulces have made no argument regarding the timeliness of their asylum applicationslet alone raised a constitutional claim or matter of statutory constructionand have therefore waived the issue. See Cruz-Samayoa v. Holder, 607 F.3d 1145, 1155 (6th Cir. 2010). Substantial evidence supports the agency's adverse credibility determination. Under the REAL ID Act, credibility determinations are based on the totality of the circumstances' and should take into account all relevant factors. Hachem v. Holder, 656 F.3d 430, 434 (6th Cir. 2011) (quoting 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii)). The REAL ID Act allows triers of fact to consider any inconsistencies, inaccuracies, or falsehoods in an applicant's statements, without regard to whether an inconsistency, inaccuracy, or falsehood goes to the heart of the applicant's claim. 8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii). Contrary to the Sulces' argument, the IJ explained the adverse credibility determination, giving specific examples. Artan Sulce testified that he made a police report after the 2002 incidents and that he attempted to obtain that report when he returned to Albania in 2004. As the IJ pointed out, Artan Sulce failed to mention his attempt to obtain the police report in his written application. The IJ found that Artan Sulce's incredibility is further heightened by the letter from his own brother. Although the brother's letter addressed the restaurant incident in 2002, the letter made no mention of the Democratic Party leader's assassination in 1998, which forms the basis for Artan Sulce's claimed fear of harm. In addition, the IJ found that Lindita Sulce lied under oath. Lindita Sulce testified that she returned to Albania two times, once in 2001 and again in 2002, failing to mention her third visit in 2004 until she was impeached by the government with her written application. When asked to explain her omission of the third trip, Lindita Sulce merely stated, I only went with my kids. The IJ questioned why Lindita Sulce returned to Albania with her children after her husband had purportedly been threatened. The Sulces argue that the IJ mistakenly equated their failure to produce the police report with a lack of credibility. Although the IJ noted that the Sulces failed to show that they made any other attempts to obtain the police report, that failure was not the sole basis for the adverse credibility determination. Given the inconsistencies identified by the IJ and the lack of corroboration, the record does not compel a conclusion contrary to the agency's adverse credibility determination. That determination is fatal to the Sulces' claims for asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection. See El-Moussa v. Holder, 569 F.3d 250, 256 (6th Cir. 2009). The Sulces do not address the agency's alternative findings that they failed to establish a nexus to a protected ground and that they failed to satisfy their burden of proof for CAT protection. The Sulces have therefore waived any challenge to these findings, which are dispositive of their claims. See Hachem, 646 F.3d at 434; Al-Najar v. Mukasey, 515 F.3d 708, 717 (6th Cir. 2008). For the foregoing reasons, we DENY the Sulces' petition for review. PER CURIAM. 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. Tata Sons Interim Chairman Ratan Tata and his predecessor Cyrus Mistry are locked in a bitter battle over the control of Tata group companies. While Tata has picked up old hands to man his war room, Mistry is relying on support from his brother Shapoor and independent directors Nusli Wadia and Deepak Parekh. A veteran of many a corporate battle, Tata is also taking advice from old friends such as C Sivasankaran and R K Krishna Kumar. We take a look at the generals of both the war rooms, who do not have budget constraints to pin down their opponents. United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. JESUS RAMON CORDOVA-PORTILLO, Defendant - Appellant. Nos. 15-10125 Decided: November 18, 2016 Before: GOULD and BERZON, Circuit Judges, and TUNHEIM, Chief District Judge.** MEMORANDUM* Defendant Jesus Ramon Cordova-Portillo appeals his sentence for illegal reentry after deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. 1326(a), enhanced by 1326(b)(1). He challenges the application of a sixteen-level enhancement under U.S.S.G. 2L1.2(b)(1)(A)(ii), arguing that his prior conviction for aggravated assault under Arizona law was not a crime of violence. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. 1291. Because Cordova-Portillo did not object to the finding in the Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) that he was previously convicted of a crime of violence, plain error review applies. United States v. Rendon-Duarte, 490 F.3d 1142, 1146 (9th Cir. 2007). Under plain error review, the appellant must show that the district court made (1) an error (2) that was clear or obvious, (3) that affected substantial rights, and (4) that seriously affected the fairness, integrity or public reputation of judicial proceedings. United States v. Castillo-Marin, 684 F.3d 914, 918 (9th Cir. 2012). Because Cordova-Portillo did not object, documents regarding Cordova-Portillo's state-court conviction were not presented to the district court, and the court instead relied solely on the PSR. A court may commit plain error by relying on a PSR to determine if a prior crime was a qualifying crime of violence, even without an objection. See id. at 919-20 (collecting cases). However, [f]or an error to have affected substantial rights, in most cases it means that the error must have been prejudicial: It must have affected the outcome of the district court proceedings. Id. at 918 (quoting United States v. Olano, 507 U.S. 725, 734 (1993)). In this appeal, Cordova-Portillo has presented, and both parties rely upon, several documents related to Cordova-Portillo's state-court conviction. These judicially-noticed Shepard documents establish that Cordova-Portillo's prior conviction was a qualifying crime of violence under the modified categorical approach. Thus, any error in relying on the PSR was not prejudicial, and we affirm. Cordova-Portillo was convicted of aggravated assault under Arizona Revised Statutes 13-1203 and 13-1204, which is not categorically a crime of violence. United States v. Gomez-Hernandez, 680 F.3d 1171, 1175 (9th Cir. 2012). However, 13-1203 is a divisible statute, and a conviction under 13-1203(A)(2) is a crime of violence because it has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person of another. United States v. Cabrera-Perez, 751 F.3d 1000, 1007 (9th Cir. 2014) (quoting 18 U.S.C. 16(a)). To determine the subsection under which Cordova-Portillo was convicted, the Court may look to the statutory definition, charging document, written plea agreement, transcript of plea colloquy, and any explicit factual finding by the trial judge to which the defendant assented. Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13, 16 (2005). Here, the information and complaint did not name a subsection of the statute, but they included narrowing language identical to 13-1203(A)(2), stating the defendant intentionally placed [the victim] in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury. Although the language in the information and complaint cannot be relied on independently to determine whether Cordova-Portillo was convicted of a crime of violence because Cordova-Portillo's plea agreement amended the complaint, see Alvarado v. Holder, 759 F.3d 1121, 1131 (9th Cir. 2014), the factual basis given by Cordova-Portillo's attorney at his change of plea hearing mirrored 13-1203(A)(2), stating that he intentionally placed [the victim] in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury. Cordova-Portillo assented to the factual basis after he was told to listen carefully to his attorney's description. As Cordova-Portillo specifically admitted the elements of 13-1203(A)(2) at his change of plea hearing, the factual basis can be considered to that extent in applying the modified categorical approach. See Alvarado, 759 F.3d at 1130 (A statement of the factual basis supporting the guilty plea may be considered if specifically incorporated into the guilty plea or admitted by a defendant. (quoting Parrilla v. Gonzales, 414 F.3d 1038, 1044 (9th Cir. 2005))); United States v. Marcia-Acosta, 780 F.3d 1244, 1251 (9th Cir. 2015). Because the narrowing language at the change of plea hearing was identical to the qualifying subsection of the statute of conviction and because Cordova-Portillo was explicitly told to pay attention to his attorney's statement of the factual basis and assented to the description, this case is distinct from those Cordova-Portillo cites. See Marcia-Acosta, 780 F.3d at 1247-49, 1251-53 (reversing the trial court's finding of a crime of violence where the plea agreement and charging document contained no narrowing language and the trial court relied solely on the attorney's statement, [a]nd he did that intentionallyone of three possible states of mind under a single subsection of the statute of convictionduring the change of plea hearing, to which the defendant did not assent); United States v. Sahagun-Gallegos, 782 F.3d 1094, 1100 (9th Cir. 2015) (reversing the trial court's finding of a crime of violence where the factual basis of the plea did not admit the elements of a particular subsection, and even if it had, the defendant never assented to the factual basis). Accordingly, Cordova-Portillo's prior conviction was a crime of violence supporting an enhancement under U.S.S.G. 2L1.2(b)(1)(A)(ii). AFFIRMED. FOOTNOTES . Shepard v. United States, 544 U.S. 13 (2005). Tom Linebarger, chairman and chief executive officer of the $19-billion American company Cummins, a leading diesel engine and power generating products manufacturer, decided to cut short his and his familys leisure stay in Delhi last winter due to pollution. He is back again to forge a partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry for a clean air initiative. Cummins employs 9,000 people in India where it clocked a revenue of Rs 4,700 crore last year. He talks to Ajay Modi about the pollution problems in India, the importance of diesel technology and the shift to BS-VI emission norms. Edited excerpts: The Tata-Mistry boardroom battle might have created disruption at several of its group companies, however, one area that has remained untouched is the work of groups innovation hub under Gopichand Katragadda, the first chief techhnology officer at Tata Sons who heads Group Technology & Innovation Office. In an interview at the sidelines of Software Exports Association of Pune's sixth conference on innovation and start-up, he tells Shivani Shinde Nadhe about Tata Sons' innovation targets, the setting up of incubators and what has happened in the past two years. Edited excerpts: Prominent chartered accountant Nawshir H Mirza is known for his involvement in corporate governance. Mirza, who has been a speaker on the topic at conferences across the world for years, is among the 12 directors on the board of Tata Power. He, along with several other independent directors, may make it a stormy affair when the Tata Power board meets on November 29, sources indicated. The world Health Organisation(WHO) on Friday announced that virus was no longer a public health emergency of international concern at the time when the vaccine manufacturers were in advances stages of clinical trials. The illicit tobacco trade in the country is feeling the heat of the Centres drive. Cigarette retailers say while the move has had an immediate impact on the overall trade with sales dropping 40-60% in certain regions, illegal trading will take a further hit in times to come when the situation stabilises. Rajesh Kushwaha, 40, and thousands of others are yet to get a days work in Delhi since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8. Kushwaha, who sleeps on a footpath outside a building material shop in Paharganjs Chuna Mandi, is worried about fast exhaustion of paltry savings that his family is holding on to in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday asserted demonetisation was a major step towards a decisive battle against the scourge of black money, which was ruining the lives of the poor and the middle class in the country. The shares of public-sector banks have emerged the major gainers from . At a time when benchmark indices have declined about 5%, major state-owned banks stock prices have moved up 6-22%. 47th IFFI Salutes Im Kwon Taek with Lifetime Achievement Award Not Created a Masterpiece Yet: Korean Film Director Im Kwon Taek on Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI 2016 Internationally acclaimed Korean film director and writer, Im Kwon Taek is being conferred with prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award award at IFFI 2016. Regarded as the father of Korean cinema for his long and prolific career and his work on Korean themes and subjects, Im Kwon Taek has been honoured with several national and international awards. Addressing the press in Goa today, Im Kwon Teak said that he is very happy to receive such an honour, but he personally feels that he has not created a masterpiece yet and this award is a message to make better films in the future to come. His career spans more than 5 decades and he has made more than 100 films. In 2010, Im directed his 101th feature, Hanji and his 102th feature, Revivre in 2014, which was presented in non-competition section of Venice Film Festival. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Asian Film Awards in 2015. Talking about the Indian cinema, Im Kwon Taek said that he is fond of the work of Shahrukh Khan and liked 3 Idiots and Slumdog Millionaire. Responding to a question on influence of India on Korean films, he informed that he too has made a film on Buddha and reincarnation. It would be a great opportunity to co-produce films with India, he added. Sharing his experience with media, the Director said that he visited India twenty years ago to attend a festival in Trivandrum. At that time he felt like returning home due to cultural difference, but once back home he missed the distinct culture of India. Im Kwon Taek, was born in 1934 in Jangseong, Jeollanamdo. He made about 50 films within a decade, when he studied a variety of film genres including melodrama, musical, action cinema, thriller and comedy from Hollywood and Hong Kong cinema. He was recognized as the leading director of Korean cinema in 1980s. In 2000s, he directed Chunhyang (2000), the first Korean film in the competition of Cannes Film Festival and Chihwaseon (2002) that won the Best Director Award in Cannes. Chief of Army Staff Visit to China Gen Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Army Staff is leading a high level military delegation comprising senior military officers to China on a four day visit from 21-24 Nov 2016. During the four day visit the General along with delegation will be visiting important military installations and is scheduled to meet a number of high ranking dignitaries of PLA and CMC. This visit is an opportunity to re-engage PLA in field of defence cooperation and build upon existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations. The delegation will also be visiting military installations including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades. The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and Peace keeping training. This visit comes amidst growing stronger economic and military ties between the emerging Asian giants and follows high level diplomatic and military exchanges between the two neighbours. The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise (Exercise Hand in Hand), between two armies which is underway in Pune and will be followed by visit of General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA in second week of December 2016. Manoj Tuli APRO (Army) PM condoles the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore Express The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore Express. Expressing his anguish, the Prime Minister said: Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I have spoken to Railway Minister, Shri Suresh Prabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President of India condoles the loss of lives on account of derailment of Indore-Patna Express in Uttar Pradesh The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives on account of derailment of Indore-Patna Express near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. In a message to Shri Ram Naik, the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, the President has said I am sad to learn about the accident in which many have lost their lives and a number of persons are injured, when Indore-Patna Express ran off the tracks near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. I am sure that the State Government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical aid to the injured. Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the family members of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give them the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. I wish speedy recovery to the injured persons". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Angela Merkel told senior members of her Christian Democratic Union that shell run again as party leader and seek a fourth term as German chancellor, ending months of speculation over her political future. The chancellor revealed her decision to a meeting of the CDUs executive board in Berlin on Sunday, according to three people who were present. She said that by seeking re-election she wants to provide stability and direction in difficult times, one of the people said. All asked not to be named because an announcement has yet to be made public. Merkel is due to ... The Bank of England is advertising for a new deputy governor to start next year. As youd expect, the job posting lists several desired features aspiring candidates should have. But lets hope the winning applicant possesses some attributes not listed in the official job description; ones that would make the central banks monetary policy committee more representative of the community it serves. That might also help restore public faith in a valuable and somewhat beleaguered institution. Research suggests managers typically prefer to hire people who remind them of ... Before the election, Nicole Manion and her boss joked about whether a Donald Trump victory would mean shed have to leave her tech job in Seattle and go home to Toronto. The ribbing has stopped. The future of Manion, an analyst for a marketing-software company, is suddenly in jeopardy. She works in the US on a special visa for Canadians and Mexicans that owes its existence to NAFTA, the continental free-trade deal the president-elect has threatened to rip up. To move here was always a dream of mine, she says. I always saw the States as that ... Former French president has conceded defeat in the first round of the rightwing presidential primary after finishing third behind two former prime ministers. "I did not manage to convince the voters," Sarkozy said yesterday in a speech to supporters after he was beaten into a surprise third place behind Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe, who move into next Sunday's run-off. US President has predicted that Donald Trump presidency won't result in major changes in policy for the US-Latin America relationship but tensions are likely to rise on the subject of trade. Obama told the audience at the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative in Peru on Saturday that once the incoming administration looks at how trade relationships are working, "they'll determine that it's actually good for both the United States and our trading partners," though he said "modifications" are possible. Obama advised Latin America not to "assume the worst" on what a Trump presidency could mean for policies but to "wait until the administration is in place", reports the CNN. Obama discussed the importance of democracy in the wake of the election, telling the audience that democracy means "the outcomes of elections don't always turn out the way you would have hoped." "Democracy is more than just elections. Democracy can be frustrating because democracy means that you don't always get 100 percent of what you want. Democracy means that sometimes you have to compromise. And it means that you know, the outcomes of elections don't always turn out the way you would have hoped," he said. Peru is the final stop on the President's last trip abroad while in office. Earlier this week, Obama visited Athens and Berlin. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh expressed optimism on Saturday about an upcoming (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ) meeting and said crude prices could jump to $55 a barrel if an agreement is reached and non- producers cooperate. Prime Minister Theresa May should accept that triggering Britains exit from the European Union requires parliamentary approval and drop the governments Supreme Court appeal, senior members of her party said on Saturday. Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will lead a high-level military delegation comprising senior military officers to China on a four-day official visit beginning on November 21. The major aim of this visit is to engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, including terrorism, humanitarian assistance and peace keeping training. This visit will prove a great opportunity to re-engage PLA in field of defence cooperation and build existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations. The delegation will meet a number of high ranking dignitaries of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Central Military Commission (CMC). The visit comes at a time when a joint military exercise between the two armies is underway in Pune. This will be followed by the visit of Western Theatre Command of PLA, Commander, General Zhao Zongqi, in the second week of December. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Now you don't have to worry about your curious attitude as a recent study has found that curious people have creative mind. A research from Oregon State University suggested that people, who have strong curiosity traits, perform better on creative tasks and those with a strong diversive curiosity trait were more likely to come up with creative solutions to a problem. The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that testing for curiosity traits may be useful for employers, especially those seeking to fill complex jobs, said Jay Hardy, an assistant professor in OSU's College of Business and lead author of the study. As workplaces evolve and jobs become increasingly dynamic and complex, having employees who can adapt to changing environments and learn new skills is becoming more and more valuable to organizations' success, he said. "But if you look at job descriptions today, employers often say they are looking for curious and creative employees, but they are not selecting candidates based on those traits," said Hardy, whose research focuses on employee training and development. "This research suggests it may be useful for employers to measure curiosity, and, in particular, diversive curiosity, when hiring new employees," he added. The findings were published recently in the journal Personality and Individual Differences co-authored by Alisha Ness of University of Oklahoma and Jensen Mecca of Shaker Consulting Group. Past research has shown that curiosity is a strong predictor of a person's ability to creatively solve problems in the workplace. But the questions remain about how, why and when curiosity affects the creative process, Hardy said. The latest research helps to pinpoint the type of curiosity that best aids creative problem-solving. Diversive curiosity is a trait well-suited to early stage problem-solving because it leads to gathering a large amount of information relevant to the problem. That information can be used to generate and evaluate new ideas in later stages of creative problem-solving. Diversive curiosity tends to be a more positive force. On the other hand, the people with strong specific curiosity traits or the curiosity that reduces anxiety and fills gaps in understanding tend to be more problem-focused. Specific curiosity tends to be a negative force. For the study, researchers asked 122 undergraduate college students to take personality tests that measured their diversive and specific curiosity traits. They then asked the students to complete an experimental task involving the development of a marketing plan for a retailer. Researchers evaluated the students' early-stage and late-stage creative problem-solving processes including the number of ideas generated. The students' ideas were also evaluated based on their quality and originality. The findings indicated that the participants' diversive curiosity scores related strongly to their performance scores. Those with stronger diversive curiosity traits spent more time and developed more ideas in the early stages of the task. Stronger specific curiosity traits did not significantly relate to the participants' idea generation and did not affect their creative performance. "Because it has a distinct effect, diversive curiosity can add something extra in a prospective employee," Hardy said. "Specific curiosity does matter, but the diversive piece is useful in more abstract ways." Another important finding of the research, Hardy noted, is that participants' behavior in the information-seeking stage of the task was key to explaining differences in creative outcome. For people who are not creative naturally, a lack of natural diversive curiosity may be overcome, in part, by simply spending more time asking questions and reviewing materials at the early stages of a task, he said. "Creativity to a degree is a trainable skill," he said. "It is a skill that is developed and can be improved. The more of it you do, the better you will get at it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gross as it may sound, but bird poop enriched with ammonia, may be playing a role in cooling the Arctic during its warmer months, says a study published in Nature Communications. According to a new research from Colorado State University, atmospheric scientists, who are working to better understand key components of Arctic climate systems, suggested that Ammonia-rich bird poop cools the atmosphere. The associate Professor of Atmospheric Jeff Pierce and graduate student Jack Kodros present evidence linking ammonia emissions from summertime Arctic seabird-colony excrement, called guano, to newly formed atmospheric aerosol particles. These particles can in turn influence Arctic cloud properties and their effects on climate. Clouds play a key role in modulating Arctic temperature; thus, understanding factors that influence clouds is essential, Pierce says. Central to the development of clouds is the availability of cloud condensation nuclei - small atmospheric particles around which water can condense. Using a combination of observations and computer modeling, Pierce, Kodros and co-authors at Dalhousie University, University of Toronto, and Environment and Climate Change Canada determined that migratory-seabird colonies have a definitive influence on atmospheric particles and clouds in the pristine summertime Arctic. They report the presence of summertime bursts of atmospheric particles linked to ammonia emissions from seabird-colony guano. These particles can spread throughout the Arctic, fostering cloud-droplet formation, and in turn reflect sunlight back to space for a net cooling effect. "This newly identified and fascinating ecological-atmospheric connection highlights the interconnectedness of the many components of Earth's climate system," Pierce said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even fails to predict who is going to commit suicide as a study found that traditional risk factors such as depression, stress or previous suicide attempts were not good predictors of suicide. In a new study published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, Florida State University researcher Joseph Franklin made a startling discovery during an exhaustive examination of hundreds of suicide prediction studies conducted over the past 50 years. "Nothing was better than chance," said Franklin, assistant professor of psychology at Florida State. "It's like you guessing, or flipping a coin, is as good as the best suicide expert in the world who has all the information about a person's life. That was pretty sobering for us and sobering for the field because it says all the stuff we've been doing for the past 50 years hasn't produced any real progress in terms of prediction." Suicide rates in the United States are at their highest level in 30 years as every day at least 117 people take their own lives, says the study. If you compare historical rates for suicide, homicide and car deaths, you find a disturbing truth. In the 1970s, you were more likely to be killed by someone else or in a car crash than to kill yourself. Today, with tougher crime laws and better car safety features, the opposite is true. You are far more likely to die by your own hand. Franklin's project -- a meta-analysis of 365 suicide studies - found that the past research was flawed because it typically focused on a single risk factor such as depression or low serotonin in the brain and then followed patients over a decade. That type of long-term approach produced incomplete risk factors, which did not accurately identify who needed mental health assistance. Franklin completed the research as a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. He and his colleagues -- Jessica Ribeiro, faculty researcher in FSU's department of psychology and Colin Walsh, assistant professor at Vanderbilt University -- want to change the way someone is determined to be at risk for suicide. They think a short-term method using artificial intelligence will produce more accurate risk factors. That's why they are testing a "machine-learning" method employing algorithms to identify the risk factors for suicidal behavior. Franklin compared it to the Google search algorithm that combines hundreds of factors based on personal search history, and more, to find accurate results. The machine-learning method combines hundreds of factors from a person's health history to improve the accuracy of suicide prediction. This method can easily be implemented across large hospital networks with millions of patients. "This work is still in progress, but it represents a huge advance in a short amount of time," Franklin said. "We believe this line of work will take us from 'I have no idea' to 'I can tell you pretty strongly that this is going to happen.'" Once more accurate risk factors are identified, Franklin hopes to expand the use of new technology to battle suicide and mental illness on a large scale. The team of researchers has already developed a free web app that's proven effective in trials at reducing suicidal behaviors. The app called "Tec-Tec" is available on iTunes and Amazon right now. Franklin hopes millions of people will eventually use it. "Our studies so far have shown that the app alone reduced suicidal behaviors by about 50 percent over the course of a month in hundreds of people," Franklin said. "And it's free, so anyone can have access to this treatment that can work pretty well at no cost. It's an example of something you can create that may be effective and could be available to anyone with internet access," he added. "If you can do that with millions of people, then you can make population-level impacts on these things," he said. As for current suicide risk factors, Franklin warned against discarding them. He recommended the therapists continue using the guidelines but said there is an urgent need to re-evaluate them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shraddha Kapoor's rock musical drama film 'Rock On 2' failed to create any 'Magik' amongst the audience which has left her a little sad. "It's sad the film has not done well. It feels bad because you spend so many days working for a film and a Friday decides its fate," said Shraddha on the sidelines of Global Citizen Festival India. "I wish people liked the film and it did better. The film has been receiving mixed responses and I still hope people go and watch it," she added. Talking about her next project, the 29-year-old actress said she is nervous to play the role of mafia don Dawood Ibrahim's sister in 'Haseena'. "More than excited, I'm nervous to play Haseena's role. It is going to be a difficult one as I have to portray the character from the age of 17 to 44. So, I hope I'm convincing in it," she said. When asked if she would be making use of prosthetics to look older, the 'Baaghi' actress chose to remain tight lipped. On a related note, the 'Aashiqui 2' star will next be seen opposite Aditya Roy Kapur in 'Ok Jaanu' that hits theatres on January 13, 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The death toll in the Kanpur train tragedy has reached 121, while nearly 200 reported injured. The rescue operation has almost concluded and the effort to remove wreckage of the Indore-Patna Express, which derailed at 3 a.m. on Sunday, is still underway. Kanpur District Magistrate Ravi Kant Singh confirmed the death toll. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has announced compensation of Rs. 3.5 lakh each for families of those killed, Rs. 50,000 for seriously injured and 25 thousand rupees for minor injury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also exgratia of Rs.2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced compensation of Rupees 2 lakh while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has also announced ex-gratia of 5 lakh rupees in case of death. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha has reached the site to take stock of the situation. Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the accident. He said, the Commissioner, Railway Safety, will inquire into reasons behind the derailment. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed heartfelt condolences to families of deceased in the accident. They also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. The Railways have released helpline numbers for the people- Ujjain - 07342560906, Ratlam - 074121072, Orai - 051621072, Jhansi - 05101072, Pukhrayan - 05113270239. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The new counsel to replace Hamid Khan in the Panamagate case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his children will be announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan after he returns from London on November 22. Earlier on Friday, senior counsel Hamid Khan distanced himself from representing the PTI for litigation of the Panama Papers case in the Supreme Court and said that the media campaign against him has made it impossible to continue representing the Imran Khan-led party in the apex court, reports the Dawn. Meanwhile, some reports state that the PTI has decided to change the lawyer after the apex court on Tuesday questioned the quality of the evidence presented by the party and deplored that their 680-page submission had almost nothing to do with the Sharif family's London properties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh for the families of deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those critically injured in the Patna-Indore Express derailment that took place early this morning. "The families of the deceased will be given Rs. two lakh and Rs. 50,000 will be given to the critically injured. The state government is in constant touch with the rail authorities. Chhatarpur SP, Collector, rescue team, a medical team has been rushed to the accident spot. The injured will be given free treatment. A team of doctor will go there to take care of the patients," Chouhan told ANI. "We have started a relief control room in Bhopal whose number is 1079. We will provide help and assistance through this number. A control room has also been constituted in Chhatarpur whose number is 07682 241500. In this hour of crisis, the state government is with the families of the deceased. We will try to decrease their pain," he added. Meanwhile, a help desk has been set up at the Patna railway station to assist the family members of those onboard in the Patna-Indore Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed in the train tragedy. The Prime Minister also announced Rs. 50,000 as compensation to the survivors. Meanwhile, the casualty rose to 95 even as the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operation at the spot. At least 153 people have been injured so far after the train derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection in Uttar Pradesh at 3.20 a.m. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha has ordered for a high-level probe into the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dubbing the Patna-Indore Express derailment tragedy as 'unfortunate, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said that the relief work is going on at a rapid pace. "It's an unfortunate incident. I express my condolences. The relief work is going on at a rapid pace," Singh told ANI. Meanwhile, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari has expressed grief over loss of lives in the train accident at Pukhrayan near Kanpur. He said that he is deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train. "I am deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train that took place at Pukhrayan near Kanpur (U.P.) earlier today," Ansari said. "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured passengers," he added. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also offered their condolences to the bereaved kin of the victims. Varanasi has issued a help line number 0542-2503814 to assist the families of the deceased and the injured. A help desk has been set up at the Patna railway station to assist the family members of those onboard. Meanwhile, the casualty rose to 97 even as the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operation at the spot. At least 153 people have been injured so far after the train derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection in Uttar Pradesh at 3.20 a.m. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has proposed that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) should be renamed the Trump Pacific Partnership to bring US President-elect Donald Trump onboard. Key joked about renaming it the Trump Pacific Partnership while speaking on a trade panel at a summit of CEOs at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) talks in Peru, reports the nzherald. Co.nz. The APEC Summit yesterday was the first time the TPP leaders had been together since Trump's unexpected win in the US elections. Key said that Trump, who during his election campaign had promised to scrap the TPP and called it threat for jobs and American manufacturing, could be talked around as he a business brain and would eventually see the benefits of the free trade deal. "We might have to be a little bit creative to work out how to get the US there," he said. On the sidelines of the Summit, Key also met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, US President Barack Obama, Canadian President Justin Trudeau , Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Key also spoke to China's President Xi Jinping, who has been promoting the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as an alternative to TPP. Key urged the other leaders to hold their nerve on free trade and expressed concern that the US would lose influence to China if it withdrew from the deal. He later pointed to trade and climate change as areas China could be seen to be offering stronger leadership than the USA if Trump put his campaign promises into practice. He said the US was an important partner in the region but China would fill the void if a Trump administration backed away from free trade. Key said none of the members have indicated that they would pull out of the agreement if the US withdrew and Mexico and Japan still intended to pass the legislation need to implement it domestically by the end of the year. "Every country has gone through a lot to get to this point. Every political leader somewhere along the line has burnt a bit of political capital and called in some favours to get TPP there," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) According to new study, improper sleep may worsen the kidney function and may lead to kidney failure. The findings that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2016 at McCormick Place in Chicago suggested that not getting enough sleep was linked with worsening kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. Although there is increasing evidence that sleep disorders are common in individuals with CKD, its link with CKD progression is unknown. To investigate, Ana C. Ricardo, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago) and her colleagues examined the sleep patterns of 432 adults with CKD. The participants wore a wrist monitor for five to seven days to measure sleep duration and quality, and their was followed for a median of five years. The participants slept an average of 6.5 hours/night, and during follow-up, 70 individuals developed kidney failure and 48 individuals died. After adjusting for socio-demographic factors, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and baseline kidney function, each additional hour of nighttime sleep was linked with a 19 percent lower risk of developing kidney failure. There was also a significant association between sleep quality and kidney failure risk: each one percent increase in sleep fragmentation was linked with a four percent increase in the risk of developing kidney failure. Also, the patients who experienced daytime sleepiness were 10 percent more likely to die during follow-up than those who were not sleepy during the day. "Short sleep and fragmented sleep are significant, yet unappreciated risk factors for CKD progression," said Dr Ricardo. "Our research adds to the accumulating knowledge regarding the importance of sleep on kidney function, and underscores the need to design and test clinical interventions to improve sleep habits inindividuals with CKD," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four foreign nationals, three Maldivians and a Pakistani, were arrested in Mount Lavinia by Sri Lanka's Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for the possession of two kilograms of heroin worth Rs. 20 million during a raid conducted early this morning. The four were arrested on information received from suspects, who were already in custody and are believed to be involved in a drug smuggling operation between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, reports Colombo Page. Acting Police Media Director Deputy Inspector General of Police Priyantha Jayakody said that the Pakistani national who is suspected to be the main handler was also arrested earlier on a visa violation. The suspect would be further detained for questioning after they were produced in court, the police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday attended the fifteenth anniversary celebrations of the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Mohali. Speaking on the occasion, the President said, "Universities and Institutions of higher learning have the huge responsibility of providing quality education, training and skilling to the nation's youth. Failure to do so will lead to the demographic dividend turning into a demographic disaster." President Mukherjee said, "India has more than 750 universities, 36,000 colleges and several other institutions, but the quality of education leaves much to be desired." "Leave apart figuring in international rankings, most of the institutions are not even making their graduates sufficiently employable," he added. The President said, "Indian students and our young minds are bright, creative and innovative. It is for the institutions of higher learning to provide them with a conducive atmosphere to excel." Citing the examples of Dr. Hargobind Khurana and others who became Nobel Laureates while at Universities/Institutions abroad after having completed initial education in India, he said India will have to provide our students an atmosphere that facilitates their success. The President exhorted students to become job givers rather than becoming job seekers. He hoped that India's third largest eco-system of 4,500 startups will soon enhance to 10,000 new enterprises. President Mukherjee called upon youth and graduates to add social commitment and social responsibilities to their aspirations in life ahead, with the aim of giving back to society. Describing them as citizens of a free nation with no fear or baggage, he asked students to take risks in life, innovate, create and make a difference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday said he was quite tempted to play Akshay Kumar's role in his upcoming Tamil science-fiction actioner "2.o". He said Akshay is the real hero of the film. "If given a chance, I would have played Akshay's character. He is the real hero of the film," Rajinikanth said. Akshay Kumar plays the prime antagonist in the film, which will hit the screens worldwide during Diwali 2017. Talking at the event, Akshay said: "Director Shankar said my role will be difficult but I enjoyed it. The subject is very unique. I'm sure this film will reach the standards of Hollywood." Also starring Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain, the Rs 350 crore mega budget film is produced by Lyca Productions. it is being completed shot in 3D. --IANS hp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Ashton Kutcher handled a protestor, who interrupted his keynote at the Airbnb Open 2016 here, very calmly. On Saturday, when the actor took the stage to talk about his transition from an actor to a successful entrepreneur at the annual Airbnb summit -- a festival which honours hosts from across the world, a protestor entered the venue and walked up to the stage, yelling and criticising Airbnb, a community-driven hospitality company. The girl walked onto the stage, while people booed holding a sign which read 'Airbnb out of settlements'. The actor, who is one of the first investors of Airbnb, took the matter in hand, and tried to calm her down. Without getting hassled, Kutcher walked up to her and asked "how are you". And went on to say: "Let me explain something to you, of what Airbnb means to me." The protester -- who seemed to be representing CODEPINK as the hashtag of the activist member group was mentioned on the poster -- refused to listen to the actor. It was then that Kutcher set the record straight by saying: "What people are doing is focusing on bringing people. We can get to know each other intimately and understand (that) our collective narrative is a narrative for everyone, and that we all can belong in a world together without borders." Kutcher, who has been associated with showbiz since he was a child through "That '70s Show", also lauded the whole idea of home sharing, and the team behind it. "I can appreciate that this doesn't happen seamlessly. I can appreciate that this doesn't happen easily. I can appreciate that where there is change, there will be a fringe case that feels objectified, but this company is about bringing people together, and about loving one another," he said. The "No Strings Attached" star, who is excited about having his second child with actress Mila Kunis, praised Airbnb co-founder Brain Chesky. Pointing towards Chesky, Kutcher said: "I know this man, I know his heart, I know his initiative, and I know that when a problem gets brought to his desk, that says that there is a discrimination or this is a displacement, that he cares. "The first thing that he does is try to look at the system holistically and change it to make it better." All said and done, Kutcher didn't leave things with the protestor on a cold and rough note. Kutcher said to her: "If you learn to have a conversation about it, I will be happy to have a conversation." (The writer's trip is at the invitation of Airbnb. Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in) --IANS sug/dc/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tarh Gungte, a 21-year-old B.Com student, was announced as the winner of the first edition of the Mr Arunachal Mega Model contest here on Saturday. "Stay grounded, be polite, humble and always a have healthy lifestyle," Gungte said in a statement after his victory. The first runner-up went to Marge Angu and Rinchin Dorjee got the second runner-up position. Judged by designers Nabam Akaa and Bonnie Darang along with Gloria Tep Rengma of "India's Next Top Model" fame, the winners were picked on the basis of talent, confidence, personality and communication skills. There were sub-title winners as well. While Mr Photogenic went to Nomin Doming, Mr Congeniality was bagged by Peter Tana. Mr Fitness was given to Ijum Angu and Hassang Techi Tara went home with the Mr Talent title. Opang Jamir, the former Mr International India, helped the contestants by serving as a grooming guru and mentor. He was also the anchor and event-director of the Mr Arunachal Mega Model contest. It was produced and conceptualised by Aries Corps Talent Management Itanagar. --IANS nn/sku/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Brad Pitt thinks his children are being turned against him. He reportedly stormed out of a meeting with his children. The "Allied" actor is concerned that his estranged wife and actress Angelina Jolie is trying to turn their six children -- Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne -- against him and have even stopped calling him daddy, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Kris Herzog, a bodyguard who works for both the family and Jolie's father Jon Voight, says that Pitt's two supervised visits with his brood have not gone well. "Brad is so angry. From what I've heard from Brad and Jon, even the kids are turning against him. He's alleging they won't even speak to him and they won't call him daddy or father. They've had two meetings with Los Angeles family services and in both none of the kids would talk to him," Herzog told Grazia magazine. "He stormed out of the second one really angry, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. This fight is going nuclear now," he added. Herzog has also claimed Pitt has already moved on from Jolie and is secretly seeing someone else. "He's started seeing another famous actress. She is a personal friend of mine and has told me they are sleeping together. I can't disclose who it is but she is almost as big as Angelina," he said. Despite the 'Fury' star's frustration with his estranged spouse, he is unwilling to play dirty in their custody battle because he doesn't want to upset the children further. --IANS ks/dc/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Salman Khan, who attended the first look launch of Rajinikanth's upcoming Tamil science-fiction actioner "2.o", said he wasn't invited but he still came just to meet the Tamil superstar. "I just showed up without being invited because I wanted to meet Rajinikanth sir," Salman said at the event here. Salman referred Rajinikanth as "garu' (Telugu for sir), as he addressed the Telugu audience present at the venue. He later asked Karan Johar, the emcee of the event, why he doesn't make films like S. Shankar, the director of "2.o". Thanking Salman for his presence, Rajinikanth said: "If Salman says yes, I'll work with him in a film even tomorrow." The makers also confirmed that "2.o", a sequel to 2010 Tamil blockbuster "Enthiran", will hit the screens worldwide during Diwali next year. Also starring Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain, the film is produced by Lyca Productions. --IANS hp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defending the central government's demonetisation decision, BJP President Amit Shah said on Sunday that the "bold" move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hit terror outfits hard, leaving them penniless. Addressing a rally of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) booth-level leaders here on Sunday, Shah said the same people from opposition parties who used to demand that the Modi government should take action against black money, are now opposing the demonetisation move. "It looks that they (opposition parties) have lost a lot (after the demonetisation)," Shah said. "The demonetisation move has given a hard blow to terrorism. The terror organisations have been left penniless," Shah said. He said that the country needed a surgery to cure it from the cancer of black money and the Modi government has done that. In an oblique attack on the Congress and its leadership, Shah said it is the BJP which has an ideology and works for welfare of people with a focused target. "We link people with the ideology of BJP," he said. "I ask the media, can you say who will be the next President of Congress? Of course, it will be Rahul Gandhi. If any child is born in their family in future, he will be the Congress President in coming years." "Have you ever seen a man from a poor family going on to become the Prime Minister? You have to be born in a particular family to become the PM in Congress. But the BJP gives equal opportunity to all workers," he said. He said that the Modi government had given powers to the armed forces to give a befitting reply to Pakistan's unprovoked firing at the border. Scores of Congress workers were dispersed by the police using water cannons as they protested near the venue of the BJP rally. Carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the Narendra Modi government and the BJP, especially targeting the demonetisation move, the Congress workers tried to break the police barricade near the rally venue in Sector 27. The Chandigarh Police used water cannons to disperse protestors and prevent them from coming close to the venue. The police later rounded up around 200 Congress workers. --IANS js/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Demonetisation of high-value notes has led to an over 50 per cent downslide in the average overall forex sales following a sharp crunch of foreign currencies in the market, money changers said. Across cities, stores and offices of money changers have remained shut over the past few days as they have a "dearth of cash funds to buy foreign currencies" and "not enough cash to pay buyers of Indian currencies". People wishing to travel abroad are at their wits' end over buying foreign currencies. In fact, money changers, who have become "risk averse" to a large extent in volatile market conditions, are trading conservatively. As one dealer explained, "on an average 60-65 percent of the total transactions are cash driven" and in some cases, cash transactions could be "about 75-80 percent". According to the money changers, major forex dealers have almost completely halted bulk deals between them and other dealers. "We conducted a survey of about 15 money changers to gauge the market sentiment. We found overall sales of foreign exchange have reduced by 50-75 percent on an average," Abdul Hadi Shaikh, CEO of Fxkart.com, an online aggregator of authorised foreign exchange dealers, told IANS. "Full-fledged money changers (FFMCs), who are relatively small forex license holders, are not buying foreign currencies from larger license holders like authorised dealers category II (AD IIs). Confirmed requests for foreign exchange from travel agents are getting abruptly cancelled," he added. Money changers are now hard put to run their daily operations with the cap in weekly withdrawals from banks, though the government has now increased the limit from Rs 20,000 to Rs 24,000. "Purchase of foreign currencies has been completely stopped and as a result, there is a crunch in supply of foreign currencies. The supply (of foreign currencies) has slumped by more than 30 percent. It is becoming a huge problem affecting travel plans of international passengers. "We don't have adequate cash to buy foreign currencies. Since cash withdrawal is limited to Rs 24, 000 a week, we are not able to cater to buyers of Indian currencies as well as sellers of rupees. For business of money changing, cash is an important component," Bhaskar Rao, Executive Director of Bangalore-based Orient Exchange, told IANS. "Walk-in retail foreign exchange transactions happening now are purely need-based and transactions are of bare minimum volume. Corporate demand is also negligible. Only urgent and must-to-travel-deals are coming through," Harendra Chaudhuri, head of Delhi- based Zenith Forex, told IANS. He echoed Rao, saying money changers were unable to procure foreign currencies from banks due to either the rush at the banks or because they are not in a position to buy from forex markets due to the shortage of cash. There have not been any changes in the RBI guidelines with respect to the buying and selling of forex against rupees in cash. According to the guidelines, foreign exchange for travel abroad can be purchased from an authorised person against rupee payment in cash below Rs.50,000. However, if the sale of foreign exchange is for an amount equivalent to Rs 50,000 and above, the entire payment should be made by way of a crossed cheque/banker's cheque or pay order or, demand draft or debit card or credit card or prepaid card only. Beside the cash shortfall, exchange rates are on the upside. Before the demonetisation, the rate was about Rs 66-67 to a dollar. Now people need to pay over Rs 70 for a dollar. "Rates of foreign currency notes are on a very higher side. In some markets, the US dollar is selling at a premium of 3-5 percent over the inter-bank benchmark rates (IBR)," Shaikh said. Because of certain volatility, money changers have been reluctant to trade in the market to avert risk of revenue loss and so are keeping their stores closed. The RBI is also getting stricter about exchanges against physical rupee currency. "The RBI and enforcement agencies are keeping a strict vigil on us to thwart any attempts by people to exchange demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes against dollars and take the money out of the country. Enforcement agencies keep a strict watch. "With the crackdown against black money, the RBI has become strict in terms of how the currencies are being exchanged and is seeking daily reports," Shaikh said. Moreover, foreign exchange dealers do not enjoy any exemption for accepting the demonetisied notes. Thus roadside shops that used to have cash business are the worst sufferers, Chaudhuri said. "The plight of relatives of persons who are working abroad, particularly in the Gulf countries, is pathetic. Workers used to make remittances through the money transfer scheme. Now, we are not able to pay cash to relatives of those who work abroad. This segment is hard hit," Rao added. (Bappaditya Chatterjee can be contacted at bappaditya.c@ians.in) --IANS bdc/ssp/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Neemrana Music Foundation is to hold here the festival Heritage 365, bringing together craftsmen and fashion designers under one roof, promoting garments and textiles, gems and jewellery. Taking place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here from Friday, the festival will focus on states Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The exhibition will bring together 130 handpicked participants with the focus on revival of textiles and crafts from nationally honoured craftsmen and weavers. Heritage 365 has also collaborated with the Embassy of Italy in India. The association will promote the exchange of ideas, revival of the arts and crafts and heritage tourism. It will also take forward the shared interest in the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage. Sharing the platform will be Fashion Design Council Of India's designers like Sanjay Garg, Gaurav Jai Gupta, Aneeth Arora, Sunita Shanker and Swati Kalsi, who use age-old techniques with a contemporary twist. A designers' enclosure has been set up for FDCI members to exhibit and sell their garments and accessories. Traditional kundan, polki and silver jewellery will be on display along with contemporary fashion accessories. Also being presented are selected handicrafts, objects d'art, hand tufted carpets, lacquer products, blue pottery, miniature and gond art. Craftsmen like Nirmal Salvi, famous for Patan patola saris, Abdul Jabbar Khatri and Padamshri Tyab Khan for tie and dye, Abdul Rauf Khatri for Ajarakh block printing, and Vankar Shamji Vishram for handloom weaving, will be exhibiting their work at the show. Craftsmen who practice languishing crafts, local artisans, women entrepreneurs, NGOs, exporters and retailers have been invited to showcase their products. Also on offer at the exhibition would be regional cuisine of the three states. --IANS ks/dc/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Police on Sunday said it has started its investigations into the alleged suicide by a Kashmiri youth in Rajasthan. "Immediately after getting information regarding the death of Tawseef Ahmad Pir, son of Habibullah Pir, a resident of Devar, Kupwara, the Jammu and Police got in t uch with the Rajasthan Police and a team headed by an inspector was rushed from Delhi to Rajasthan to facilitate the formalities as soon as possible," said a police statement here. It said that the state police party, which was accompanied by two of the youth's relatives and other friends, after receiving the body of deceased and have left Rajasthan for home. "It was decided to carry the body by road in view of the weather conditions at Srinagar Airport where scores of flights have been cancelled due to the bad weather, " it said. According to the statement, initial investigations regarding the death of Tawseef brought to fore that two fellow Kashmiris who were also acting as middle men had deceived him and "this had probably led him to take the extreme step". "However further investigation is going on. The state police is in constant touch with the Rajasthan Police to ensure that the investigation of the case is expedited and the guilty are brought to book," it said. --IANS sq/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh spoke to Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu about the derailment of the Indore-Patna express train on Sunday morning that has killed over 50 persons. He also directed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rush to the spot. "Union Home Minister spoke to the Railways Minister about the derailment. Directed the NDRF to rush to the spot," K S Dhatwalia, Additional Director General (Home Affairs), Press Information Bureau, said in a text message. Rajnath Singh tweeted: "I have spoken to DG (Director General) NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops." "Deeply pained by the loss of lives caused by the derailment of Patna- Indore Express near Kanpur. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he added. The accident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Sunday morning near Pukhraya station in Kanpur. Fourteen coaches were derailed. -IANS aks-spk/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who attended the Global Citizen Festival India, says he likes British band Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin's singing and his warmth for India. Anupam shared a video clipping of Martin's performance from the gala, which was held here on Saturday. "Global Citizen Festival India event was phenomenal. Many great social causes got highlighted. I like Chris Martin's singing and his warmth for India," Anupam tweeted on Saturday night. The 61-year-old also shared that thousands of people from various walks of life were celebrating the spirit of emerging India at the festival, which focussed on creating an impact in areas of education, equality, clean water and sanitation. "At the Global Citizen Festival India evening there were thousands of people from various walks of life and ages celebrating spirit of emerging India," Anupam added. The festival saw various performances by international artistes like The Vamps, Jay Z and Demi Lovato. --IANS dc/ks/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) English Premier League side Manchester City is reportedly preparing a staggering offer worth 200 million pounds ($247 million) to sign FC Barcelona star forward Lionel Messi next summer, according to English media reports. The London-based tabloid Sunday Mirror on Sunday reported that the Mancunian club is prepared to pay Messi a basic wage of 500,000 pounds ($617,700) per week, reports Efe. "The Blues believed that their appointment of Messi's former Barca boss Pep Guardiola as manager last summer would put them in pole position to sign the player should he ever decide to leave the Nou Camp," the newspaper said. Additionally, Manchester City's hopes to sign Messi have been revived as Barcelona still has to convince the Argentine star to renew his contract, which expires in 2018. Manchester City is one of few clubs with the financial resources to sign Messi, after it was acquired by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment -- owned by multi-billionaire Sheikh Mansour -- in August 2008. In the event of that potential deal, Messi would break Paul Pogba's record transfer from Juventus to Manchester United for 89 pounds ($110 million). The Sunday Mirror also highlighted that there are other European who have shown interest in Messi, such as Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester United. --IANS sam/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police team on Sunday seized Rs 93 lakh in cash in three raids, including one on a postal department clerk's house, in Jharkhand's Dumka district, police officials said. The officials said the raids were conducted at three places in the district. Police seized Rs 45 lakh from the house of Vinay Kumar Sigh, posted as clerk in Dumka Post Office, a senior officer confirmed. Two more seizures of Rs 31.50 lakh and Rs 16.50 lakh were made from the possession of two 'Patwaris' (land record keepers) -- Sunil and Shibu, respectively. The raids were conducted on a tip-off, the officials said, adding that it was surprising to find such a huge amount of money in the possession of a post office employee. They said that they were trying to ascertain whether money was given to the clerk for exchange or any other purpose. Until now, in Jharkhand, police have seized more than Rs 1.75 crore since the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. --IANS ns/nir/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A scrap dealer from Bihar was killed on Sunday as a bomb planted in athe middle of a road in Imphal city area exploded, the state police said. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. Bimal Rai was fatally hit when the powerful remote-controlled bomb exploded around 8 a.m. at Singjamei. "A powerful bomb is suspected to have been planted in the middle of the Trans-Asian Highway number 1 early morning. It was detonated by a remote control. The scrap dealer was sitting in his shop nearby when the blast occurred," a police official at the spot said. The state police are investigating the blast and have registered a case. --IANS il/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The South Korean Prosecutor's Office on Sunday said President Park Geun-hye is involved in a serious case of corruption and influence-peddling at the centre of which is her friend and advisor. The team of prosecutors investigating the case said they have pressed charges against Choi Soon-sil, a friend of the president who has been in prison since October for abuse of authority and for having pressurised companies to donate large sums of money to two nonprofits, Efe news reported. The case, known as "Choi Soon-sil Gate", has sparked outrage among citizens who have been holding massive protests every week since the scandal broke out, demanding the president step down. An Chong-bum, former senior secretary for policy coordination, was also indicted for allegedly collaborating with Choi in the process, Yonhap News Agency reported. Jeong Ho-seong, who served as former senior secretary for private presidential affairs, will also stand trial on charges of handing over governmental and presidential documents to Choi. The two are among Park's top aides who resigned late last month in the wake of the scandal. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The very name of Lucknow, its 'nazakat' and 'nafasat' still evokes a sense of elegant refinement and culture that no other city in India, or even around the world, can aspire to or has maintained. But if you ask anyone how this came about or what it entailed, most, including many from the city, would find it hard to answer. Thankfully, for this, we can turn to one of the most illustrious Lakhnavis, an indefatigable writer who chronicled all facets of the city and its residents' life. Abdul Halim 'Sharar' (1860-1926), lived a full life, being a prolific writer, enthusiastic journalist and editor (running a series of newspapers and magazines single-handedly), Islamic scholar, social reformer, determined proponent of communal unity and understanding, and keen cultural observer. But he was most prominent as an author, where he furthered the rise of the Urdu novel, especially the genre of historical romance of which he can be well considered the pioneer. His corpus stands at over 100 books plus countless essays and articles, and while most have been forgotten, one which keeps his name alive is his collected, endearing essays on Lucknow's history, culture and daily life. Published from 1913 to sometime around well after 1920 in his newspaper "Dil-Gudaz" (The Heart-Quickener) under the title of "Hindustan Mein Mashriqi Tamaddun ka Aakhri Namoona" (The Last Example of Oriental Culture in India), these essays were later published in one of the volumes of his collected short prose, before coming out separately under the shorter name of "Guzashta-e-Lakhnau". But before we come to the book itself, it seems apt to learn a little about its author. Born in Lucknow a few years after the downfall of the kingdom of Avadh and the 1857 Revolt, Sharar was the son of Hakim Tafazzul Hussain, a religious and literary scholar, and his mother was the daughter of a senior functionary in the royal court. Spending his early years in Lucknow, he was only nine when he joined his father, who had accompanied Wajid Ali Shah into exile at Matiya Burj, near Calcutta, till his father, afraid he might sink into its air of indolence, sent him back home in 1879. Beginning a career as a journalist in the early 1880s, he perfected his style, in which he was influenced by English essayists like Addison. Soon becoming a known name, he was offered positions in the Nizam's dominions and elsewhere, but declined to leave Lucknow, where he started magazines "Mahshar (Judgment Day)" (1882) and then "Dil-Gudaz", which became so popular that copies reached as far as Makkah. He, however, had to move to Hyderabad in 1891 for work, and from there, was also tasked to accompany a high dignitary's son heading to Britain for an education. He spent over an year there, perfecting his English, learning some French and observing western civilisation and culture first hand. Coming back in 1898, most of his remaining life was spent in Lucknow, with a few spells in Hyderabad -- interrupted by the death of the ruler or his patron, or something he wrote. In his articles on Lucknow that became the basis for his tribute to his city and its singular way of life, Sharar noted that "we do not set out deliberately in these articles to praise Lucknow; any such impression we may give is unintentional. We do, however, verify the accuracy of the material put before our readers." And he was, if nothing, pretty thorough in his research and its sweep. Not only does he deal with the city's history right from its hazy origin, for which he cites the Ramayana, to the Nawabi era, or literature (everything from ghazals to marsiyas), or music, etiquette and social customs, or cuisine (those four chapters should never be read when hungry), but goes down deep to deal with subjects such as Yunani medicine, calligraphy, bird-fighting, time-telling, clothing (both men and women's fashions from head to toe), house construction, domestic furnishings and utensils, and, of course, pan, from its making to serving. And it is all in an easy, conversational style, with anecdotes galore (one of the best is the predicament of a Bengali doctor who cannot understand why all laugh when he says he drinks milk). It is a treat to read in the original with Maktaba Jamia bringing out a new edition recently after it remained out of print for many years. It is available in English too (Oxford University Press, 1975; second edition, 1989), with translators Col. E. S. Harcourt, late of the British Indian Army and resident in Lucknow for many years, and Lucknow-born Fakhir Hussain, a double doctorate from the University of London and Sorbonne, reproducing Sharar's cadence and well-annotating the material. (Vikas Datta is an Associate Editor at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) --IANS vd/vm/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This is one protest that has literally gone sky-high and is forcing authorities to look up to the protesters. In the high-security zone of Chandigarh's upscale Sector 3, which has the bungalows of the Punjab and Haryana Chief Ministers, ministers and other high-profile people, a bunch of protesters has become a nuisance for security agencies, having climbed atop mobile phone towers. While two protesters have been sitting atop the mobile tower of Punjab Bhawan in Sector 3 since November 3, two women and a man have trespassed into a private bungalow and climbed a mobile tower located inside the compound three days back. All the protesters are qualified teachers from Punjab who are seeking jobs from the Punjab government. The protesters are Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-qualified teachers, who are seeking jobs under the banner of the Unemployed Teachers Union of Punjab. With assembly elections in Punjab just being over two months away, the protesters have chosen an opportune time and place to get their demand highlighted. Despite the winter chill over the region and the night temperatures dropping to 8-9 degrees Celsius, the protesters are unyielding to pleas from local authorities, including the Chandigarh Police, to come down. "The protesters are perched high on the mobile towers. The landings, on which they are sitting and sleeping, are just 2-3 feet wide. At night, it must be quite cold up there," a Chandigarh Police constable, who has been stationed at the Punjab Bhawan protest site for the past few days, told IANS. "They are refusing to come down until the Punjab Chief Minister (Parkash Singh Badal) meets them and gives them an assurance that they will get government jobs," he said. Taking no chances, the local authorities have stationed police vehicles and personnel, fire brigade vehicles, ambulances and doctors at both sites round the clock. "We have tried to persuade the protesters to come down but they have refused," Sector 3 police station chief Poonam Dilawari said. Security agencies are worried that the mobile tower protests were a security risk to VIPs living in the area, three of them being Z-plus category protectees. "This is a major nuisance and a big security breach. The Punjab Bhawan is visited by a number of high-profile protectees, including the Punjab Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers," a Chandigarh Police officer associated with the security wing told IANS. "The second mobile tower (inside a private bungalow) directly looks into the official bungalow of the Haryana Chief Minister (Manohar Lal Khattar)," he said. The protesters are Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET)-qualified teachers, who are seeking jobs under the banner of the Unemployed Teachers Union of Punjab. With assembly elections in Punjab just being over two months away, the protesters have chosen an opportune time and place to get their demand highlighted. Harbans Kaur, the 80-year-old owner of the private bungalow in whose precincte the latest protest started on Thursday, is upset with the Punjab government and local authorities for the unnecessary attention and nuisance at her property. Kaur even went to Chief Minister Badal's residence, 500 metres from the mobile tower at her house, to demand that he should talk to the protesters. However, she was not able to meet him since he was away from the capital city. Following a complaint from her, three protesters, including two women, have been booked by Chandigarh Police for trespass since the protesters cut barbed wire fencing of her residence to enter the property and climb up the mobile tower in the early hours. The teachers on this tower have been identified as Harpreet Kaur and Jatinder Kaur, both from Punjab's Bathinda town, and Tarlok Aulakh of Mansa. They have also been booked for attempt to suicide. The Punjab Bhawan complex is guarded 24x7 by armed units of the Punjab Police and the outer ring is provided security by the Chandigarh Police. The Sector 3 police station, located in the midst of the sensitive security zone, is just a stone's throw away. Despite that, the first group of protesters, Deepak and Rakesh, have threatened to end their lives if they are not given jobs by the Punjab government. Both are believed to be carrying petrol in a bottle. In recent years, protests atop mobile towers and community water tanks have become frequent, and even fatal, in Punjab. Akin to what actor Dharmendra, who also incidentally hails from Punjab, did in the 1975 blockbuster movie "Sholay" to get his demands fulfilled, protesters, mostly unemployed youths seeking government jobs, have been literally taking their protests a notch higher. Be it unemployed teachers, women, employees or other 'protesting' groups, community water tanks have become a rallying point for many of them in recent years. The protesters just climb up the water tanks, some of them as high as 100 feet, and perch themselves there to press their demands. In recent years, protesters have climbed water tanks in Bathinda, Kapurthala and other places. In certain cases, people have lost their lives while some have received injuries. In June 2010, two unemployed women teachers were seriously injured when they jumped from the top of a 90-foot water tank near Bathinda town, 250 km from state capital Chandigarh. A woman teacher, Kiranjit Kaur of Faridkot, had set herself on fire in Kapurthala town, 180 km from Chandigarh, in February 2010 after the state government failed to honour its promise to meet the demands of teachers under Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS). She was one of the four protesting EGS women teachers who had climbed the tower-type water tank at the civil hospital complex in Kapurthala to press their demands. Having got 90 per cent burns, she later died of her injuries in a Ludhiana hospital. In September 2007, nine teachers in Punjab, including five women, did the water tank stunt in Kapurthala town and threatened to jump if their arrested colleagues were not released. Caught unawares, the local authorities roped in a local unit of the army to spread nets under the tank to save the teachers if they actually jumped. The authorities had to order release of 150 teachers arrested earlier. While most protests are for genuine causes like getting jobs, such stunts are done even for surprising issues. In March 2012, under-trial prisoner Lakhwinder Pal climbed up the water tank inside the Gurdaspur Central Jail to lodge his protest. He was upset at not ebing allowed to smoke inside the jail. He demanded a cigarette! --IANS js/nir/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Worried and anxious family members of the passengers aboard the ill-fated Indore-Patna express train that derailed on Sunday morning killing over 50 persons, have thronged the Patna railway station to make inquiries about the safety of their kin, officials said. The East Central Railway has set up a helpline booth at the Patna junction to provide information to the family members, railway officials said. Some people have started to protest over delays to provide information of the passengers. "We are still collecting informations about the passengers," a railway official said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the incident. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry over the cause of the accident that occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Sunday morning near Pukhraya station in Kanpur. Fourteen coaches were derailed. --IANS ik/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a surprise move, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who completes six months in office next week, on Sunday inducted trade union leader M.M. Moni into the cabinet as the Electricity Minister. The swearing in of Moni is expected to take place very soon. A first time legislator and a state Secretariat member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, Moni told the media that he was happy to have been given more responsibilities and would do his best. Ever since the resignation of Industries Minister E.P. Jayarajan, the number two in the Vijayan cabinet, after he allegedly appointed relatives in the government, the portfolio was handled by Vijayan. The fresh decision came at the end of three days of party meetings of the CPI-M. The portfolios of two other ministers were also shifted. Kadanapally Surendran, who was the Electricity Minister, will now get the Cooperation and Youth Affairs portfolio, which was held by A.C. Moideen, who becomes the new Industries Minister. --IANS sg/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Notwithstanding the suffering of the common people, Kailash Satyarthi supports the governments demonetisation move as it will help curb trafficking, but the Nobel laureate and child-rights crusader asserts that unless and until children become a political priority, India will continue to be dogged by the evils of child labour and child trafficking. And endeavouring to ignite a social movement are his two initiatives: "Laureates & Leaders for Children" and "100 Million for 100 Million". The Laureates & Leaders for Children summit, to be held in December at Rashtrapati Bhavan here, has attracted over a dozen Nobel laureates and global leaders, including the Dalai Lama, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee , Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who will raise their collective voices against violence and discrimination against children. They will brainstorm and commit to action in their respective fields to accelerate progress and achieve breakthroughs to benefit children, by signing a declaration. The summit will also witness the launching of the "100 million for 100 million" campaign, which aims to mobilize, over the next five years, 100 million youth and children for 100 million underprivileged children across the world to end child labour, child slavery and violence against children and promote the right of every child to be safe, free and educated. Having been at the forefront of the global movement to end child slavery for four decades now, Satyarthi is also aghast at the "paltry" government spending on children, who make up more than 40 per cent of India's population. "We don't have progressive laws on child labour; our government spends a paltry four percent of its budget on children and we have a massive prevalence of child trafficking. All this will not change unless and until children become our political priority." "Trafficking is a thriving trade running into several lakh crores of rupees, a majority of which is black money. Yes, the demonetisation drive is causing sufferings to the people, but at the same time it has hurt the traffickers badly," Satyarthi told IANS in an interview. "But the fact remains that children are not our political or even social priority. So it is not surprising that we have one of the highest numbers of malnourished children, child labour and trafficking," he says. Pointing to the fact that child labour immensely contributes towards black money, Satyarthi blamed the latest law dealing with child labour for actually promoting the evil. "A child labourer is paid nearly one-fifth of what an adult gets and this allows an employer to save around Rs 200 on every child that he employs. While in their books they show they have hired adults, but in reality they employ children and in this way a lot of black money is generated." "You cannot have a law that permits child labour," he said, referring to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which has cut down the list of hazardous occupations for children from 83 to include just mining, explosives and what is mentioned in the Factories Act." "We are fighting against this new law. It is imperative that the list of hazardous occupations is increased from the current three that it has now proscribed," said Satyrathi, asserting the several rounds of talks with the government have been fruitful and he was confident of the list being amended. He also lamented the lack of coordination and cooperation between various government departments. "There are a host of ministries involved but they hardly sit together and coordinate which eventually trickles down to the local level. The different departments are so fragmented that often the cause that they are fighting for gets lost." "In case of a rescue of a girl, say from trafficking, we have to deal with as many as nine different departments, including the Home Ministry, the Child Welfare Department, the Labour Ministry and the like. The lack of coordination between them often makes our job difficult," he said. The way forward, he says, depends only on a massive social movement. "We need to have a massive social movement, only then you can generate the political will necessary to improve the life of our children," Satyarthi concluded. (Anurag Dey can be contacted at anurag.d@ians.in) --IANS and/vm/ky/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindi word 'jugaad' has clearly resonated with the visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin who on Sunday sought to connect the colloquial term to the Jewish state of Israel and its style of inventing and working. India's President Pranab Mukherjee, on his part, lauded Israel's conviction in making a mark in agriculture through innovation and technology solutions. The term 'jugaad' -- used by or known to many Indians -- means an ingenious way of getting around a problem or a bottleneck. "Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," Rivlin said while evoking images, memories, and emotions among the audience as it burst into peels of laughter. He was speaking after inaugurating the 12th edition of Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, here along with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. "During my visit to India, I learned a new word called 'jugaad'. Jugaad means -- a clever solution born out of trouble. If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word," Rivlin said as the audience broke into laughter. "Just imagine a small nation, suffering for being different. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," he added. The Israeli President said people in his country had worked hard to make technological innovations and advancements. "We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations," he said. Rivlin said food security is not only about surviving -- it's about thriving. After inaugurating the event, Mukherjee said: "There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I am happy to share the platform with the President of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value additions." He said Israel had created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. Talking about his experiences during his ongoing visit to India, Revlin said he visited Karnal in Haryana, where Indians and Israelis are developing new varieties of cherry tomatoes, which are an Israeli invention. "When Indian and Israeli experts place solar panels on truck roofs to use solar energy to keep food inside fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help farmers keep growing crops, they are doing magic together." Mukherjee and Revlin went around a section of the fair, which showcases technological innovations potentially beneficial for the agriculture sector at the Parade Ground here. Israel is the partner country while 12 other countries are participating. Ninety-two domestic and 47 exhibitors are among the participants, including from Canada, Germany, Britain, China, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey and the US. Punjab and Haryana are the host states for the four-day expo while Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the partner states. --IANS js/tsb/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With reference to Aditi Phadniss Can Mamata Banerjee unite the opposition? (November 19), there cant be two views that Mamata Banerjee has been able to carve out a niche for herself in the hearts and minds of the people of West Bengal, though at a huge political cost to the out of sync communist ideology. Her electoral victory this year also bore testimony to her growing popularity there. But, the fact remains that she has miserably failed to bring the entire Opposition under one banner on the issue of the inconvenience being caused to people post-demonetisation. She could still muster the support of Shiv Sena, Aam Aadmi Party and National Conference only when she went to apprise President Pranab Mukherjee to apprise him of the pain of the common man due to the faulty implementation of the government policy of scrapping old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. The recent notification of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) asking to furnish details of cash deposits above a certain amount has got many worried about receiving notice from the income-tax department. But, if a person has been a diligent taxpayer and can account for his deposits, he doesnt need to worry. Gali Janardhana Reddy got his first iron ore mining licence in 1995. It was around the time his daughter Brahmani was born. The face-off between Andhra Pradesh and to divide the assets of government institutes and agencies listed in the 10th Schedule of Andhra Pradesh Reorganisaton Act 2014, majority of which are located in Hyderabad, doesnt seem abating. One person was killed when a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off at Chingamathak area in Imphal West district, few metres away from an Assam Rifles camp, in Manipur this morning, police said. The blast occurred at 8:10 am and the IED is suspected to have been planted by unknown militants, a senior police officer said. The deceased, stated to be a non-Manipuri, was en route to his iron and cement store when he fell victim to the explosion nearby, the officer said. The site of the blast is few metres away from an Assam Rifles camp, the officer said, adding that the personnel rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 11 Indian fishermen along with their trawlers have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy assistance, the military said today. The fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested yesterday while fishing near Sri Lanka's Neduntheevu island. They were found illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters northwest off the coast of Jaffna's Delft islet, the navy said. Around 3,500 fishermen in 634 boats had put out to sea from Rameswaram last night. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 11 Indian fishermen along with their trawlers have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing illegally in the country's waters, days after the two countries held a high-level meeting to find a permanent solution to the emotive issue. The fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested yesterday while fishing near Sri Lanka's Neduntheevu island, the navy said. They were found illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters northwest off the coast of Jaffna's Delft islet, it claimed. Around 3,500 fishermen in 634 boats had put out to sea from Rameswaram last night. The fishermen were detained and taken to Kangesanthurai Port along with their two boats, Tamil Nadu police and state Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association leader P Sesuraja said. The Sri Lankan naval men also chased away hundreds of other fishermen by allegedly pelting bottles and stones and warning through public address system, they said. The fishermen issue has become a flash point in India-Sri Lanka relations, with Indian fishermen facing Lankan navy action, including firing for alleged violation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). On November 4, India and Sri Lanka decided to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries to meet every three months and hold a meeting between the Ministers for Fisheries every six months. This was agreed during extensive talks in New Delhi between Ministers of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on possible mechanisms to find a permanent solution to the emotive issue of fishermen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Saddled with mounting bad loans, as many as 16 public sector banks, including PNB, BoB and Canara Bank, skipped paying dividend in 2015-16, leading to three-fold decline in government receipts to Rs 1,444.6 crore. Only six state-owned banks including SBI declared dividend, though at a lower rate, for the fiscal ended March 2016. Under the existing guidelines, profit making banks have to pay a minimum dividend of 20 per cent of their equity or 20 per cent of their post tax profit, whichever is higher. The government, which is the majority shareholder in all the public sector banks, witnessed 67 per cent decline in dividend receipt from PSU banks at Rs 1,444.6 crore as against Rs 4,336.22 crore in the previous fiscal. According to Finance Ministry data, the highest dividend was paid by SBI to government at Rs 1,214.6 crore during 2015-16, 22 per cent lower than the previous fiscal. As regards Union Bank of India, the dividend payout was one-third of the previous fiscal at Rs 85 crore. For Oriental Bank of Commerce, it was one-fifth compared to the previous financial year at Rs 12.4 crore despite increase in government holding due to capital infusion. Those which skipped dividend payments included Allahabad Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Punjab National Bank, Dena Bank and Syndicate Bank. Balance sheet of most of the banks were under stress due to clean-up exercise. Due to heavy provisioning for bad loans, many banks posted losses during the last quarter of the previous fiscal. Gross NPAs of the PSBs had surged from 5.43 per cent (Rs 2.67 lakh crore) in 2014-15 to 9.32 per cent (Rs 4.76 lakh crore) in 2015-16 of the total advances. Banks have been given time till March 2017 to clean up their balance sheet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police today said they had arrested 166 radical left-wingers at a protest in the Dutch capital The Hague over police violence. About 200 protesters had gathered for yesterday's demonstration, organised under the slogan "Stop oppression against anti-facists and anarchists". The city had approved the rally as long as people left their faces uncovered. "At the start of the demonstration, a number of protesters covered their faces with scarves, hoods and sunglasses," the police said in a statement. After they refused to unmask, the mayor ordered the event to end. "A group of 166 protesters resisted... And were arrested for breaking the law on public demonstrations," they said. Illegal fireworks, paint bombs, sticks and a hammer were found on the ground when police moved in to make the arrests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two civilians died today as fighting broke out in a northern Myanmar town on the border with China, a region that has long festered with debilitating ethnic rebel insurgencies. The latest clashes are another blow to civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's hopes to forge a nationwide peace agreement after years of war in Myanmar's many ethnic minority border regions. Locals in the town of Muse, a notorious hotbed of smuggling, reported that fighting broke out since early morning. "People from (the) border check point are now fleeing to Muse town because of heavy fighting but we do not know which groups are fighting yet," Aye Aye, a resident in Muse town told AFP. "A man and a woman died because of gunshot wounds after they arrived in hospital this morning," a worker at the local hospital said, asking for anonymity and adding that some 25 others were wounded. Fighting between the Myanmar military and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which reignited in 2011 after the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, has displaced around 100,000 people and spilled into parts of neighbouring Shan state. Muse lies in the north of Shan, not far from Kachin, and is separated from China by a river. Suu Kyi has made brokering peace with the patchwork of armed minorities fighting the state a priority. But ongoing fighting in Kachin and Shan states overshadowed the talks and ending the complex, protracted conflicts is expected to take years. In September renewed clashes broke out in southern Karen state between the military and rebels while the northern half of western Rakhine is currently under a military lockdown after a string of deadly attacks against border posts last month. More than 30,000 people have been displaced and at least 70 people have been killed in the latest fighting in Rakhine. Myanmar's military have a long history of rights abuses that has fostered a deep mistrust among ethnic minorities of the central government. Suu Kyi also has limited control over the army which retains 25 per cent of all parliamentary seats as well as key defence and security positions in government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Malaysian authorities say another two Indonesian fishermen have been abducted by armed men off eastern Sabah state on Borneo island, the latest in a spate of sea attacks. Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, who heads Sabah's security center, says five masked men armed with long rifles raided a fishing trawler yesterday. He told local media today that the men destroyed the boat's communications system and stole hand phones and money before kidnapping the skipper and his assistant. He said another 11 crew members were rescued by passing boats. Earlier this month, two Indonesian boat skippers were abducted off Sabah. Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines, which is near Sabah, are responsible for many attacks at sea. The militants hold more than a dozen foreign and local hostages. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four army jawans were injured as Pakistani army resorted to heavy cross-border firing in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir tonight, in third in less than 24 hours. "Pakistani army resorted to heavy cross-border firing in the Rajouri sector, in which four of our soldiers have been injured," an army officer said. He said the army was giving befitting response to the Pakistani fire and the exchange of fire was going on till last reports came in. Today's violation of the ceasefire came a day after a BSF jawan and a woman were injured and two houses damaged when Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri with mortar attacks and small arms fire. Yesterday morning, Pakistani army resorted to violation of the ceasefire in the Nowshera sector and in the afternoon, they started firing in the Sunderbani sector targeting Indian posts and civilian areas. On Thursday, Pakistani army had targeted Indian posts and civilian villages along the LoC in the Pallanwala sector of Jammu district. Pakistani troops on Tuesday targeted Indian posts with heavy firing and shelling for four hours along the LoC in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, forcing Indian troops to retaliate. There have been a whopping 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops that have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel, since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in PoK on September 29. At least four Pakistani security personnel were killed when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Balochistan's capital city Quetta, the latest attack in the restive province claimed by the Islamic State group today. Three paramilitary soldiers and a policeman were killed yesterday when the gunmen opened fire on a Frontier Corps vehicle on Fatima Jinnah road in Quetta. Two civilians also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to a hospital. "It appears to be a case of target killing and according to eyewitnesses armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on the FC vehicle and the police constable who was on duty," a senior police official had said. But Islamic State group claimed the attack in a statement today. The statement gave no further details about the attack. Balochistan has witnessed an increase in separatist and sectarian violence this year with banned outfits carrying out suicide bombings. In three major suicide attacks since August, more than 150 people have been killed and many more have been injured. A suicide bomb attack at a civil hospital in Quetta in August killed around 70 people. It was followed last month by a terrorist attack on a police training centre in the city in which two suicide bombers blew themselves up killing 64 police cadets and two army soldiers. Last week, 54 devotees and police personnel were killed in a suicide attack at a popular Sunni shrine in Khuzdar district of the province. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a bid to lure young blood, Punjab Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh today said the party will give 50 lakh smart phones with one year of free data and calling to the youth in the state, to empower them and connect them digitally, once it comes to power. Singh made this announcement while launching the scheme -- 'Captain Smart Connect' -- in presence of thousands of youths from across the state here. He promised the youth that those who registered themselves for the smart phones would get them within 100 days of the formation of the Congress government in the state. The scheme promises an overall distribution of 50 lakh smartphones over a period of five years. Within minutes of the launch of the scheme, for which Singh had invited the youth via Twitter, several thousand registered on captainsmartconnect.Com - a website set up exclusively for the purpose. The last date for registering on the website - the only platform for registration under the scheme - is November 30, 2016. Amarinder's Facebook profile, which went live with the event, recorded 1,200 likes and 8,200 views in the first one hour of the launch, a party release said. The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president said the scheme will cost about Rs 300-400 crore a year after the initial investment in the first year. Allocation will be made in the state budget itself to fund the scheme, as part of the youth welfare programme of his government, once he takes over the reigns of the state, he added. Explaining the rationale behind the scheme, Amarinder said even though one-third of Punjab's population comprised of youth in the 18-35 age group, this section remained backward. Large-scale unemployment is pushing the youth to drugs and other problems, making it important for the government to connect with them, he said. He said the initiative would enable him to build the bridges with the youth and provide them with the necessary opportunity for growth by empowering them digitally. Responding to a question, he said the early launch of the scheme would ensure that no time is wasted in its implementation, once Congress forms the government after the Assembly polls. The scheme is applicable to youths who are residents of Punjab and are in the age group of 18-35 years. He/she should be 10th pass, with annual household income less than Rs 6 lakh, to be eligible for registration. Youths registering on the website will receive receipts with unique codes, which will entitle them to receive the 4G enabled smartphone of set specifications - the best in the market at the time of disbursement. At 13.5 per cent, Punjab has the country's highest unemployment rate in the age group of 15 to 29 years, said Amarinder. Aakash Healthcare is foraying into the hospitals segment and has invested around Rs 220 crore to launch its first super speciality hospital in Delhi by January 2017. "We are entering the hospitals segment with the launch of our 230 bed super-speciality hospital in Delhi by January 2017. We have invested around Rs 220 crore for the facility," Aakash Healthcare Pvt Ltd Director Aashish Chaudhry told PTI. Aakash Healthcare is part of the Aakash Group, which runs education centres across the country. Apart from other specialities, the focus is on cardiac care, neurosciences, mother and child, nephrology, opthalmology and orthopaedics, among others, Chaudhry added. Asked about the investment break-up for the hospital, Chaudhry said: "Out of the total investment, Rs 70 crore is equity while rest is loans from banks." The company is also looking to open four more hospitals in the next four years. "The aim is to open 4 four more hospitals by 2020 end. But these will be smaller hospitals. They will be single speciality surgical hospitals or boutique hospitals, with say focus on mother and child," Chaudhry said. Investment on the four hospitals will be between Rs 400 crore and Rs 500 crore. For these, the company will be focusing on tier II cities which do not have quality care facilities, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aamir Khan, who essays the role of Geeta Phogat's father Mahavir Singh in upcoming "Dangal", visited the wrestler's house here and wished her a happy married life. The face of women's wrestling in India, Geeta is all set to marry fellow wrestler Pawan Kumar tonight in a ceremony in Dadri. Aamir looked his part as the "ladkiwala" in his white kurta pajama, black bundi and red safa. He was accompanied by actress Sakshi Tanwar, director Nitesh Tiwari and Sanya Malhotra as he handed out gifts to the bride-to-be. Aamir said he wanted to gift Geeta the wedding ensemble but was told that according to rituals it is supposed to come from her maternal uncle's side. "Yes, I was supposed to give it to her but I was told that it comes from her mama's side. But I have just given her a small token of love from the team of 'Dangal'. Hope she likes them. But the greatest gift to them is the film itself. "It is a very joyous occasion for us. It is her wedding day. Our heartiest congratulations to her. We pray that the couple have a happy married life," Aamir said. Geeta, who won India's first ever gold in women's wrestling (in the 55 kg freestyle category) at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, said, "I can't believe that he came. It is my biggest gift." The Phogat residence was crammed with around 500 guests who came to wish Geeta as well as catch a glimpse of Aamir, who was welcomed with a resounding applause. Some even complained to the star, saying they are disappointed that the film, which is a story of Haryana, was shot in Punjab. "We shot in Punjab because of technical and creative requirements. But when you watch the film you will see that there is no difference, "Aamir said. Talking about the wrestling drama, Aamir said, "Mahavir's story is an inspiration to all. That's why Nitesh wrote this story. Wrestling is the oldest sport. I watch wrestling on TV and I wish I could also join them in the fights." While Nitesh added, "I wrote the story after Greta's win at CWG." Aamir signed off with a dialogue from the film, "Mari choriya choro se kam hain Kay? (My daughters are no less than sons") Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh are playing Aamir's on-screen daughters in "Dangal" while Sakshi plays his wife. The film releases on December 23. Aamir will be next seen in "Thugs of Hindustan" in which he co-stars with Amitabh Bachchan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 2 Teens Charged With Murder Of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis' Grandson By Stephen Gossett in News on Nov 20, 2016 4:15PM Javon Wilson / Facebook Police have arrested and charged two teenagers in the murder of Javon Wilson, the 15-year-old grandson of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (IL-7th District). A 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl both face charges of first-degree murder, police confirmed on Sunday morning in a release. Wilson was fatally shot in the head in his Englewood home, in the 5600 block of S. Princeton Ave., at around 6:45 p.m. on Friday evening. The shooting may have arisen as the result of a personal dispute between the offenders and the victim, police said in the statement. According to CPD Communications Director Anthony Guglielmi, the shooting was not the result of a home invasion, as some, including former Speaker of the House and Donald Trump confidant Newt Gingrich speculated. Guglielmi said the killing may have stemmed from a fight over shoes. .@newtgingrich not a home invasion but a dispute among teens over gym shoes that ended in senseless shooting. We hv person of interest ID'd Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) November 19, 2016 Gingrich had lashed out with an extended Twitter rant (a bit reminiscent of Trump's tone-deaf helicopter moralizing in the wake of the murder of Nykea Aldridge), culminating in a call for federal intervention in Chicago gun violence. Chicago so far has 3926 shot, 703 homicides this year with 6 weeks to go. Worse than Ferguson,etc. We must have federal plan to save lives Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) November 19, 2016 Chicagoans are Americans. Their civil rights matter.being killed ends your civil rights. City has failed. State has failed. Need US action Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) November 19, 2016 "It has been a very trying, traumatic day," Davis said on Friday, according to ABC7. "We have to find a way to get some of the guns out of our environment," he added. "I have spoken at many teenage funerals. I have comforted many families but never quite this close." In a statement released late on Friday, Davis posited that "better education" and "more supervision" might have prevented his grandson's murder, and he thanked Chicago police for their "professionalism and sensitivity" and local press allowing the family room to grieve. The government should accord industry status to the fashion industry and support corporates and designers to create a cycle of wealth to benefit the country and share it equally among all stakeholders who make the products, renowned fashion guru Prasad Bidapa said today. This status should be given as the fashion industry employs people in large numbers, he said. "Let us put all the eggs in one basket and tell the government to support the corporates and designers to create a cycle of wealth, which will benefit everyone in this country and make sure it is equally shared among all stakeholders as 90 per cent is going to the designers and rest is going to other stakeholders. This imbalance should change," he said The participation of the government is very important as it has very deep pockets, Bidapa told PTI at a fashion conclave organised by Phoneix Market city. Moreover, companies like Reliance are beginning to pump in money to promote Indian designers to create India specific brands and at the same time bringing a lot of international brands into the Indian market, he said "For too long we have been tailors to the world. Now we have to become designers to the world. The time is coming and it is a very short time away," he said. The government can also promote Made In India concept to boost Indian brands in the world market, he said. "Khadi is a concept. It is more than a product. For Indians it is an emotional issue because it makes one feel that we are free men because Gandhiji used it as a symbol of freedom. So the government has a very big responsibility, primarily by declaring fashion as an industry," Bidapa said. Textiles Minister Smriti Irani has been encouraging the Khadi sector as it was reflected in the programme organised at Banaras where she invited weavers and people with deep pockets in the hope of creating a partnership, Bidapa said. He said owners of Madura garments and Aravind textiles, "who have deep pockets", should promote Indian designers like Abraham and Thakore, Sabyasachi Mukherji and Tarun Tahliani to create Indian brands for the global market. He also said global brands were created by financial and advertising support from companies who made millions of dollars. "Do you think Indian designers cannot do it? They can do it very well, if not better. Today Indian designers are so sensitive to what is happening globally and they are able to create beauty at a lower price," he said. Bidapa said the next five years could see India influence and strengthen global fashion markets as it's population would cross 1.2 billion and have great purchasing power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian energy giant Adani Group today announced its new venture for construction of two major solar projects in Australia next year as part of its efforts to develop renewable energy projects in the country with a total capacity of 1,500 MW within the next five years. "Adani today announced that it proposes to commence construction of two major solar projects in Australia next year, each with an output of 100-200 MW," a company statement issued here said. Land agreements were in place for the projects in South Australia and Queensland and Adani has commenced the design and tendering phases for both projects. Adani aims to develop renewable energy projects in Australia with a total capacity of 1,500 MW within the next five years, it noted. The Australian solar projects will be in addition to Adani's 16.5 billion dollar investment in the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin, which has faced years of legal delays over environmental approvals, as well as rail and port facilities. The company's head of Australian operations, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, said that these projects will offer a solid foundation to Adani's renewable energy business in Australia and will contribute to meeting the country's renewable energy target commitments. "Coupled with the company's 3.3 billion dollars of investment to date across its mine, rail and port projects in Queensland, Adani's plans to pursue solar investment opportunities reflect the confidence the company has in the Australian market," Janakaraj said. "This reflects both Adani's commitment as a diversified energy and infrastructure company in India and a leading solar generator in that market, and the company's plans to build a long-term future with Australia," he said. Adani has constructed approximately 793 MW of solar plant capacity in India to date, including one of the world's largest solar plants in Tamil Nadu which has a capacity of 648 MW. Adani has a further 1,225 MW in construction or late development phase in India. The environmental organistaion Mackay Conservation Group has welcomed Adani's decision to announce a 100 to 200 MW solar farm in Central Queensland. "This is a sensible move that recognises the long term future of electricity production is in renewables," Mackay Conservation Group coordinator, Peter McCallum said. "We also welcome the jobs that construction of a large scale solar power plant will bring without endangering jobs in Great Barrier Reef tourism. This is a win for everybody. Adani is fundamentally an energy company, not a miner, and their expertise is shifting rapidly towards becoming a clean energy producer in India and now in Australia," he said. The company has faced a protracted battle to establish Australia's largest thermal coal mine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air India Express today launched its direct, non-stop flights from Kolkata to Singapore and Dhaka. According to a release issued by the Airlines, Flight IX-922 on the Kolkata-Singapore sector is scheduled to depart from Kolkata at 9 PM and arrive Singapore at 3.30 AM next day (local time). In the return direction, Flight IX 921 will departed Singapore at 3PM (local time) and reached Kolkata at 4.30 PM, it added. Earlier, on the same day Flight IX 912 departed Kolkata at 5.20 PM to land in Dhaka at 6.40 PM (local time). In the return direction, IX 911 is scheduled to depart for Dhaka at 7.30PM (local time) and arrive in Kolkata at 7.50 PM. The flights were formally inaugurated by Air India Express CEO K Shyam Sundar. Both the Singapore, as well as Dhaka services will be operated with a brand new 180-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft and would be available four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. "This fulfills a long-standing demand for the National Carrier's connectivity from Kolkata to South East Asia after a hiatus of over six years," one Kolkata spokesperson of Air India said. "In line with Air India Express's policy of offering cost effective travel, we are offering the most competitive and affordable fares on the services to and from Kolkata," Shyam Sundar said. "We maintain 100 per cent schedule reliability and our on time performance is around 85 per cent," he added. The country's first international budget carrier, Air India Express is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited. The budget carrier currently operates over 550 flights per week, connecting 14 Indian cities to 13 destinations in the Middle East and South East Asia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Terming demonetisation a "massive farce", Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today claimed that BJP chief Amit Shah's "cheap and despicable attacks" against Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh showed the party's "desperation" ahead of the state polls. Reacting to Shah's comments at a rally here, he alleged the BJP president has "stooped" to a "shameless low in his frustrated attempts to woo" the voters of Punjab, who, however, could see through his "vile ploy". Addressing BJP's booth workers here, Shah had launched a shrill attack on opposition parties, saying they were climbing "the same tree like rats, cats and snakes" to escape the demonetisation "flood". The BJP president especially targeted Rahul Gandhi for opposing demonetisation, saying he is not surprised by the reaction of the Congress vice president as his party's rule during UPA I and II was "synonymous with scams". "How can he demean an eminent economist like Manmohan Singh in Punjab, which is, like the rest of the country, reeling under the adverse impact of Narendra Modi-led BJP government's demonetisation scheme?" Amarinder asked. The state Congress chief claimed the demonetisation move has put people under extreme "hardships" as 86 per cent of their money has been taken out of the market. The poor farmers are the "worst hit" as a result of RBI's decision of not allowing cooperative banks to exchange demonetised notes, Amarinder claimed. Alleging that BJP is "hell-bent" on sustaining "war hysteria" in Punjab's border areas with an eye on the upcoming Assembly polls, he said Shah is making "political capital" out of the surgical strike by the Army on terrorist launch pads across the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 for "vested interests". Such operations are carried out by the Army, from time to time, since long. These were earlier termed as raids across the border. But the BJP-led Centre is seeking to politicise the issue by describing such actions as surgical strikes, Amarinder claimed. On Shah's claim that Indian soldiers were killed and beheaded at the border during the UPA rule but now it is the other way around, he asked the BJP chief to get his facts right. "Recent weeks have witnessed several incidents of inhumane attacks on Indian soldiers from across the border, which BJP seems disinterested in acknowledging for its own interest," he alleged. "Shah has been repeatedly undermining the courage and capabilities of the Indian Army with his shamelessly frivolous statements that are clearly aimed at creating war hysteria and fanning passions ahead of the state polls," Amarinder alleged. Warning Shah and other BJP leaders against "exploiting" the Army to promote their "politically-motivated" interests, he said these kinds of statements can be "detrimental" to the interests of the defence forces and in turn that of the nation's. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said. At least 45 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Soon, people with diabetes will be able to find out what ayurvedic medicines to take to check their rising blood glucose levels. As part of its 'Mission Madhumeha' launched last month, the government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients. The app will be meant for use by both practitioners of ayurveda as well patients. It will help in identifying the type of diabetes a patient is suffering from as well as recommend which ayurvedic medicines can be administered to a patient, says Manoj Nesari, Adviser to AYUSH Ministry. The app is based on a set of guidelines issued by AYUSH ministry last month called "Protocol for Prevention and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda". These guidelines are meant for treating diabetes through ayurveda. They will be sent to various state governments, which will further circulate them across various medical institutions. The protocol also includes a list of fruits and vegetables a diabetic patient should or should not eat. It also recommends an active lifestyle, physical exercise, yoga in order to avoid falling prey to diabetes. There is also an assessment tool which has been developed to help a diabetic person know if it is time to visit a doctor for a checkup. A national protocol for treating diabetes through ayurveda was unveiled last month on National Ayurveda Day observed on October 28. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag today left on a four-day visit to China during which he will meet with top leadership there to pursue deeper cooperation even as India beefs up security on its northern border. He is accompanied by a high-level military delegation. During his visit from November 21-24, the delegation will be visiting important military installations and is scheduled to meet a number of high ranking dignitaries of Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and Central Military Commission (CMC). "This visit is an opportunity to re-engage PLA in field of defence cooperation and build upon existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations," a statement by the Army said. The delegation will also be visiting military installations including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades, it said. The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and peace keeping training, the Army said. The visit comes amidst growing stronger economic and military ties between the emerging Asian giants and follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges between the two neighbours. The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise (Exercise Hand in Hand), between two armies which is underway in Pune and will be followed by visit of General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA in the second week of next month. While issues relating to the Line of Actual Control continues to exist, the northern borders have remained calm. However, India is in the process of beefing up its borders with China through raising of a mountain brigade, deployment of modern artillery and tanks besides creating greater airfield infrastructure among others. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal today announced that the party's Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann will contest Punjab assembly polls against Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal from Jalalabad constituency. If Badal changes his mind and plans to contest from any other seat, Bhagwant Mann will follow him, he said at a rally in Jalalabad, Badal's political home-turf, on the first day of his 11-day tour of poll-bound Punjab. "Tomorrow, I will also make public the details of Swiss bank accounts of Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh and his family members. He has amassed huge wealth by looting Punjab when he was the chief minister from 2002 to 2007," the Delhi Chief Minister alleged. Mann, who was accompanying Kejriwal, said he was ready to take on Badal. "In AAP, it's a trend. Kejriwal started it. He trounced former Delhi chief minister Sheela Dixit twice. I feel honoured that this opportunity in Punjab has been given to me," the MP said, daring Amarinder to fight polls in Jalalabad instead of his traditional seat of Amritsar. Kejriwal alleged that Amarinder had amassed huge wealth during his tenure as chief minister and transferred this "loot" to foreign accounts of his son Raninder Singh and wife Parneet Kaur. "They have been summoned by law enforcement agencies including the Income-Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate," he said. Meanwhile, responding to Kejriwal's threat to release documents to prove he and his family had foreign bank accounts, Amarinder described it as yet another theatrical gimmick by the AAP national convener. Attacking the SAD-BJP government, Kejriwal said, "After Amarinder, the Akalis have plundered Punjab in its 10 years of misrule. Akali mafia runs every business -- transport, liquor, cable, mining, hotel or land." "Bikram Majithia is running a drug racket in Punjab and I challenge him to get me arrested within the remaining two months of the SAD-BJP rule. If AAP forms government, I will put him behind bars," he said. On the issue of demonetisation, Kejriwal tweeted, "The BJP says it is a party for Hindus. In demonetisation, it did not even spare them. Hindus have also suffered." However, he did not make a mention of the three-day ultimatum, which ended today, to the Centre to roll back its decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People from different walks of life, including corporate head honchos, spiritual leaders and top bureaucrats, have stressed on the need to encourage social entrepreneurship in business and give back to the society by empowering others. "In our society, there is a huge divide between haves and have-nots and we need to address this issue as taught to us by 'Bhagwad Gita'. People who are rich have to become the trustees of their wealth and use it for the benefit of the society," said Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group of Companies and one of the key note speakers, at a meet on 'Business with a Purpose'. This is conscious capitalism i.E capitalism with a purpose which means earning with integrity and giving back to the society, Piramal said. Many CEOs and CFOs of corporate companies attended the Conference which was organised here on Thursday by Artha Forum, a non-profit body engaged in promoting social entrepreneurship. "Our greatest treasure here is our own culture. India has a historic opportunity in today's times to do great things for the benefit of the country and the World", said Radhanath Swami Maharaj, ISKCON Spiritual leader and one of the keynote speakers at Artha Forum. Praveen Pardeshi, Principal Secretary to the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Phadnavis, said, "If business is driven by a purpose it becomes easier for the government to have this interface and then build bridges with the business." He quoted the example of Sweden-based company Ikea, a profit-making company which is driven by charity as profits earned by its owners are channelised in the company's growth, research and social issues such as climatic changes and not to be used by owners at all. "It is also important for us to understand how one can leverage private business for economic growth and how can government be both enabling and providing public goods and services which the private sector cannot do," said Pardeshi. He also cited the instance of Tata Group of Companies which is run by a Trust whose fundamental purpose is overall welfare. "We do not have to look outside the country for this but within India itself." On the occasion, a book titled 'Business with a purpose' was released by Artha Forum. Rajeev Srivastava, Founder member of Artha Forum, said the essence of 'Bhagwad Gita' when applied to business make it much better for the business and the society at large. "When entrepreneurs are focused on a higher purpose than simply making profits, the business does much better," he added. Experts at the forum exchanged ideas and concurred to create new knowledge about crime and its control in a globalized world. The forum was inaugurated by a special address by Hon'ble Dr. Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, Judge of Supreme Court of India, who underscored urbanisation as the leading challenge to governance and rule of law in his address, he said, "Looking at crime in the context of globalization is the need of the hour. Such an initiative enables us to look at crime from a global perspective and come up with well thought-out solutions for reforming the system." Speaking at the conference, John A. Winterdyk of Mount Royal University, Canada said that human trafficking is the second-fastest growing crime in the world and the third-most profitable one. India, he pointed out, is the epicentre of human-trafficking. According to the UN, India is the most dangerous place for women. At the root of it is illiteracy and poverty. Almost 80% of the women who are trafficked are lured by promises of better economic opportunities. Others are lured by love promises. Many of trafficked women are victims of domestic violence. The government, Mr. Winterdyk said, needs to address the issues of poverty, illiteracy, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and age-old practices like child marriage. Only then can one hope to curb the menace of human trafficking human in India. According to Prof. R. Sudarshan, Dean, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, human rights are not only violated by terrorism, repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create huge inequalities. "You cannot have development without security; you cannot have security without development; and you can't have both without human rights," said Prof. Sudershan. Over three decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy, a court here has ordered registration of a case against the then district collector Moti Singh and retired superintendent of police Swaraj Puri for allegedly helping Warren Anderson, Chairman of Union Carbide Limited, escape from India. Anderson, a resident of Connecticut, USA, never appeared in the Bhopal court for trial despite being the prime accused in the case related to the world's worst industrial disaster, and was declared an absconder. He died in the US in 2013. Moti Singh, a retired IAS officer, and Swaraj Puri, a ex-IPS official, should be booked under section 212 (harbouring offender), 217 (public servant disobeying direction of law with intent to save person from punishment) and 221 (intentional omission to apprehend on the part of public servant bound to apprehend) of IPC, Bhopal Chief Judicial Magistrate Bhubhaskar Yadav said yesterday. The court also summoned Singh and Puri for the next hearing on December 8. The order was passed on a petition filed by activist Abdul Jabbar demanding criminal action against the two former officers for allegedly helping Anderson escape from the country. "Prima facie it is evident that thousands of people were dying in Bhopal due to leakage of poisonous gases and the heads of the district, the collector and the SP, were using all their expertise and system to help a criminal escape rather than helping the victims," the judge said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This is the blog of China defense, where professional analysts and serious defense enthusiasts share findings on a rising military power. A major portal in Brazil is reporting that a military police helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro, killing the four officers on board. G1 reported on yesterday evening that the crash happened near the City of God slum. It was unclear what caused the crash or if anybody on the ground had been hurt. The helicopter reportedly was helping with an anti-drug operation in the area. Military police spokesman Maj. Ivan Blaz told G1 that initial indications were the chopper had been forced down. Blaz did not elaborate. Calls to military police officials seeking more details were not immediately returned. Images on local television stations showed a white and blue helicopter broken in many pieces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The whole world came crashing down around 20-year-old bride-to-be Ruby Gupta after the Indore-Patna Express derailed today as she is yet to trace her father. Ruby, who was left with a fractured arm, was on her way to Mau in Azamagarh from Indore for her wedding scheduled on December 1 when the train derailed. The eldest of her siblings, Ruby was travelling with sisters Archna (18), Khushi (16), brothers Abhishek and Vishal, and father Ram Prasad Gupta, who is missing. Also travelling with them was a family friend Ram Parmesh Singh. "I cannot find my father and I have been looking everywhere for him. Some people told me to look in hospitals and in morgues but I am clueless as to what to do. I have a fractured arm and my sisters have also sustained injuries," she said. "I do not know if my marriage, which was to be held on December 1, will go as planned or not. I want to find my father now. I have tried calling everywhere, but I do not know what to do now," she said. Ruby also cannot trace the wedding clothes and jewellery she was carrying along. She has not filed a complaint yet. Though the cause of the derailment that has left 98 dead was not known immediately, sources said the nature and timing shows that the accident was caused by a rail fracture. However, the exact reason would be known only after an inquiry. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Unidentified gunmen today shot dead a businessman in vegetable market under Town police station of Bihar's Begusarai district. Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said that the deceased has been identified as Vipin Kumar Sah (50) who runs a mobile phone shop located at Karpoori Asthan chowk of the town area. The bullets hit Sah on the head killing him on the spot when he was going to his shop this evening. Sah's wife Puja Devi was a former councillor of the corporation. The body has been sent for post mortem. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) While food experts often take pride in displaying their skills, this time seven chefs are coming together for a noble cause to raise funds by exhibiting their signature cuisines for a cancer treating facility in the city. 'Food with Benefits' (FWB), a culinary event in its fifth edition, is coming up with chefs set to patronise the contemporary Indian cuisine at NRI restaurant in Bandra Kurla Complex, on November 22 in support of Tata Medical Centre. Speaking on his contribution to the event, Chef Paul Kinny of Bellona Hospitality, said, "I will be representing East Indian cuisine, as it is my native culinary heritage, which in my opinion is underrated and no justice has been done to it. "I am excited to bring forward and showcase the simplicity of solid East Indian flavours, case in point the Bottle Masala, and lend my style and panache to it," he said. On joining a health cause, Kinny said, "The ability to extend what we do with food and translate it to a good cause is always a welcome change. Most of the times we cook and train for patrons of our restaurants, but this time there is an additional push because it is for a good cause." Chef Mukhtar Qureshi, from Neel - Tote on the Turf, feels thrilled and honoured to be a part of the FWB - Indian Food edition because he believes it is a great platform merging the best of both the world of food and charity. "Also getting together with my peers in the industry and cooking up together will be an altogether different experience and one which I am truly looking forward to," he said. On his signature cuisine for the event, he said, "Since I hail from Lucknow, cooking the regional delicacies from there is something which I love and hence will be representing the same as well cooking up another dish with a Kashmiri influence." Qureshi will present 'Guchi Kashmiri Pulao' (handpicked Kashmiri morels cooked with fragrant basmati rice and saffron served with Bhavnagiri Mirchi Ka Salan and Burhani Raita) and 'Jaituni Dudhiya Biryani' (kid goat shanks cooked with olives and basmati and whole spices the dum way. Chef Himanshu Saini, of Tresind, Dubai, finds it overwhelming to see that food and beverage industry is coming together for events like this. "For me, it is a perfect opportunity to give back something to the community by doing my bit. It also gives me immense pleasure to be able to work with the other talented chefs," he said. Saini will represent Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, dishing out 'Mawa khichdi'. "The reason I choose this region is because of its importance in the culinary history of India. The ruler of Rampur, before independence, was known for improving the standard of education in the region by opneing schools and giving donations to colleges during his rule. "Pre-independence, there was a time when Rampur was a free kingdom and gave refuge to artists, chefs and scholars. Hence, there were many unique dishes like the Mawa khichdi, which were created by these chefs but forgotten with time," he said. Chef Dhwani Agarwal of Masala Library by Jiggs Karla, feels the initiative is like a spoke in the wheel - doing a big help to the society by riding in the right direction and garnering support and funds for the needy. She will be representing south, but with a modern touch as "it has got so many unique and simple tasting dishes that can be elevated to the next level". Also joining the event is celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, who is happy to do his bit to the society. "It is the first time I am associating with Food With Benefits. I think it is a great platform to provide the best dining experiences to people in the city that is brought together by the finest chefs in the country. The proceedings go to the betterment of the underprivileged, which is a very kind gesture," he feels. Besides, Chef Sujan Sarkar, of Ek Bar and Olive Bar & Kitchen, Delhi, Chef Atul Kochhar, NRI (Not Really Indian) Restaurant, Mumbai, will also be showcasing their unique food preparations for the diners. A week-long art exhibition showcasing works of modern Indian artists will be held in China's Guangzhou city. The works of Ankita Singh, Kriti Verma, Lalita Dhiman, Rajneesh Singh and Vineeta Rupani will be displayed in the exhibition starting tomorrow, the Indian Consulate in the Chinese city said. Ankita paintings titled 'Mystery of Colours' is a part of her experimentation with colours and their interactions with each other on the canvas. Verma's works dwelled in natural phenomenon particularly in the hues that she observes in the movements of clouds, the sun and rain. Dhiman's representation of Lord Ganesha titled "Ganesha with the modern Gadget" is a part of a series where she experiments with various forms and expressions of the Hindu deity, a statement said. Singh's work is abstract canvases in earthy tones celebrate colour and life of rural India. Rupani's series of painting names Rich and Simple Life of India is her tribute to the folk art of India, it said. Also on the opening day, Yoga guru Girish Ebakunny along with his students will demonstrate various postures of Hatha Yoga, the oldest traditional classical form of Yoga from India. Ebakunny has been in China for many years sharing his experience in Yoga with scores of Chinese nationals from different parts of China, the statement said. During the exhibition there will be display of various interesting Indian handicraft items sourced from different parts of India which would be a rare treat for the local Chinese to understand the rich costume and heritage of Indian handicraft industry. As part of our endeavour to popularise the taste of India, popular Indian restaurants in Guangzhou are arranging bevies of Indian food items for the visitors, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A gang of robbers allegedly looted cigarettes worth Rs 6 crore from the container truck transporting them on the Anakapalle-Anandapuram highway here, police said today. The container truck was heading from to Hyderabad from the warehouse of a private company at Howrah in West Bengal late last night with the cigarettes when the robbery took place, they said. The robbers looted the container and transferred the cigarette cartons to their lorry at AS Peta and drove away, Anakapalle DSP A Purushottam said. "We are suspecting that inter-state dacoity gang might be involved in the crime and the gang has followed the container truck from long way," he said. "We have formed a special team to investigate the case and nab the robbers. We have also alerted the check-posts at various place in the state", Purushottam said. The container driver Md Aslam Khan today approached the Sabbavaram Police and lodged a complaint in this regard, police said. A case has been registered at the police station and investigation is underway, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress workers today held a protest demonstration here against the demonetisation drive by the BJP led NDA government at the Centre. The Congress had announced its decision to show black flags to the BJP President Amit Shah, who was to address a party meeting here today, to protest the Centre's demonetisation move. They were to take out a procession from Sector 19 to Sector 27 - venue of BJP rally - located at a short distance, but the Chandigarh Police personnel foiled their attempt and prevented them from reaching the venue of Shah's party function. The police used force, including water cannons, to stop the Congress workers from marching ahead. The security arrangements in Chandigarh were at a very high-level today due to the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and Israel President Reuven Rivlin for the inaugural function of Agro Tech 2016 Fair in the Sector 17 Parade Ground. Police personnel had been deployed in strength on various roads in the city to provide security to the visiting dignitaries and also to prevent protester's presence near them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CPI(M) in Kerala today said the party was for a joint agitation along with Congress-led UDF against the Centre in the wake of cooperative sector coming to a standstill following demonetisation even as KPCC said there was no need for such a stir. "The suggestion of the party is to have a joint stir along with other political parties against the Centre's decision. But, if a consensus in this regard was not reached, party-led LDF would launch separate agitation," CPI(M) state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan told reporters after the party state committee meet. Stating that cooperative sector was facing severe crisis due to Centre's decision not to allow it to deal with exchange of old currencies of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 denominations, Balakrishnan said LDF would organise mass agitation to save the sector from the "onslaught of Centre's negative attitude". "CPI(M) wants that all parties should move together. The party wanted the government to take such an approach during an all-party meeting to be held here tomorrow to work out strategy to challenge the Centre's decision," he said. The Government has also called for a special session of assembly on November 22 to discuss the difficulties faced by cooperative societies. Taking exception to the proposal of some UDF leaders for a joint stir on the issue, KPCC president V M Sudheeran said "all political parties other than BJP have come out against Narendra Modi government's attitude towards cooperative sector. There is no necessity to think about a joint stir," he said in a Facebook post. "Each party and coalition is in the agitation front," he said. He also questioned the dharna by LDF led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in front of the RBI office here on November 18 as first phase of stir against what they termed as Centre's move to destroy cooperative sector in the state. "Actually it would have been more appropriate if the Chief Minister had observed the dharna at national capital which is the headquarters of Union government," Sudheeran said. KPCC Vice-President M M Hassan said the party has not discussed to have joint agitation with CPI-M on the issue. "UDF will take a decision on the matter during its meeting to be held here tomorrow," he said. Opposition leader in the assembly Ramesh Chennithala and few other Front leaders had expressed readiness for a joint agitation against the Centre on the issue. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (U), a constituent of UDF, said the party welcomes a joint initiative of both ruling LDF and UDF Opposition to address the currency crisis and to protect the cooperatives. Varughese George, national General Secretary of JD(U) said in a statement that in Parliament the Congress, the Left and Janata Dal (U) have taken strong position highlighting people's difficulty in the aftermath of demonetisation. "In the state also this can be reflected by joint action including all-party delegation and discussing related issues in the special session of legislature," he said. The LDF and UDF had alleged that the Centre backed by BJP in the state was trying to "destroy" cooperative sector under the cover of demonetisation process. CPI(M) also alleged that RSS was spreading "lies" that deposits in cooperatives in the state were not safe with an objective to trigger panic among depositors. It was to force the public to withdraw money from cooperative banks and invest it in private banks, Balakrishnan said, adding that the cooperatives in the state have a total deposit of Rs 1.27 lakh crore. Delhi Congress today staged protests against demonetisation across the national capital, highlighting the difficulties being faced by people in withdrawing change and exchanging old currency notes. Former Union Minister Ajay Maken, the party's Delhi Unit chief, said the decision, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has triggered "financial anarchy". "The autocratic decision by one man to bolster his image has plummeted the whole country into a financial anarchy," Maken said, addressing protesters at Jahangirpuri. He alleged a "big scam" behind demonetisation, saying it was a "ploy" to transfer the savings of the poor to the rich, which has brought the entire country "to a standstill". The "Jan Akrosh" rallies were held in resettlement and unauthorized colonies, JJ clusters, rural areas and villages as well as urban pockets in all the 70 Assembly constituencies in Delhi. People are going through "unbearable difficulties" due to the "complete unpreparedness" in the implementation of the decision, Maken said. Delhi Congress workers will take out a march to the Prime Minister's residence on November 23 in this regard, he said. The party will also bring out a booklet titled "Note Pe Charcha" to explain to people the fallout of the "faulty implementation" of the measure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the wake of banks in the city witnessing huge crowd after demonetisation, Delhi government has requested RBI and SBI to exempt staff of its Principal Accounts Office (PAO) from standing in long queues to ensure timely payments to employees, beneficiaries, vendors, and suppliers, among others. Principal Accounts Office of Delhi government has written to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and State Bank of India (SBI) to allow its staff to deposit the payment instructions without standing in queues. Payment instructions issued by PAOs are deposited with RBI and SBI for arranging the credit in the accounts of the employees, suppliers, beneficiaries, and vendors etc. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the demonetisation of high value currency notes on November 8, there have been long queues outside banks and ATMs. In his written communication to RBI and SBI, Prakash Chand (Controller of Accounts - PAO) said that nowdays public was visiting the bank branches for withdrawal of money from their accounts and also depositing and exchanging their old notes. "Keeping in view the rush of public in bank branches, it may be likely that the staff of the PAOs is also asked by the bank or security personnel to stand in queues which may lead to delay in the arrangements of timely payments. "You (AGMs of RBI and SBI) are requested to look into the matter personally and make necessary arrangements to allow the staff of PAOs to deposit the payment instructions without standing in queues," Chand said in the communication. To manage the crowd outside banks and ATMs, Delhi Police has also deployed about 12,000 personnel at these places. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police is in the process of setting up a separate control room for handling calls on phone number 112, which will be India's equivalent of 911 of the USA's all-in-one emergency services. Sources said top Delhi Police officials are looking at logistical requirements for the new helpline and a place where the control room can be set up. "The police control room is located at the police headquarters in ITO area but meetings are currently being held to see where the new control room can be built. The new control room will be coming up somewhere at Haiderpur," said a senior police officer. The 112 emergency helpline will be the go-to solution for availing all kinds of emergency services like fire control and ambulances. "All the calls that are coming to 100 will be coming on 112 also. The only difference will be that our personnel will also be attending to calls about fires and ambulances. Two sister services will be added. We currently have 50 lines. We are preparing for it since we will be needing more personnel and lines," another officer said. "From November 30, we will be linking the Centralised Ambulance Trauma Services (CATS) helpline to 100. We are developing a control room in Haiderpur that will be taking calls made to 112, but since there are directions that it should be rolled out soon, we will take the load on our existing phonelines from the last week of November," he added. In many cases, ambulances and police services are required. In those circumstances, we will initiate police proceedings as well as transfer the calls to CATS helpline, he said. The Ministry of Home Affairs is monitoring the implementation of the proposed service and every state has been given necessary funds. Sources said Delhi has received Rs 12 crore for rolling out 112 emergency helpline. Delhi Police will soon be inviting tenders for buying hardware required, sources said. Officers involved in the execution of the project say they are anticipating hoax calls to go up after the new emergency number comes into existence. "We get Rs 26,000-27,000 calls everyday. In the normal process, we also get fire calls and even calls for ambulances. We are not expecting our load to increase. However, blank calls might go up," he said. Out of the 27,000 calls that the PCR unit handles daily, almost 40 per cent are blank calls. "There are close to 11,000 blank calls or repeat calls. Many people have second thoughts about calling the police and even after dialling they disconnect the calls. Many times they make multiple calls for one issue. So we are anticipating a rise in those kind of calls," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said the Narendra Modi government announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wants a serious discussion on the issue under the rules that entail voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. 60 people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. Kharge said Congress was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions," he alleged. Asked if the Opposition will allow Parliament to function tomorrow, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." Attacking the government for failing to bring back black money stashed abroad, he said, "The Modi dispensation has completed two-and-a-half years in office, but has failed to come out with the list of people having accounts in Swiss banks." He claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard," he said. The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes, Kharge added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flight operations at Srinagar airport remained affected for the fourth consecutive day today due to poor visibility as a dense layer of fog engulfed Kashmir Valley. "No flight operations took place today," Director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Srinagar airport, Sharad Kumar told PTI here. Kumar said all flights were cancelled due to poor visibility. "There was very poor visibility due to fog, so all the flights were cancelled today," he said. It was for the fourth consecutive day that flight operations were affected at the airport. Flight operations were first affected in the afternoon on Thursday. The next day no flights operated from the airport. Yesterday, only two flights landed at the airport which then took off. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today expressed his condolence over loss of lives in the derailment of Indore-Patna Express as he announced Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia to the kin of each deceased hailing from Bihar and cancelled releasing a report card of his government on completion of one year in office. In his condolence message, Kumar described the derailment of the train in Kanpur rural area as sad and expressed deep grief over the tragedy - the worst train accident in recent years that claimed over 100 lives and injured over 200 others. The Chief Minister also ordered cancellation of a function to release the annual report card of his government on completion of one year in office and announced compensation to the families of the deceased and those seriously injured. "The next of the kin of those people of Bihar who were killed in the Indore-Patna Express accident will be given Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia while Rs 50,000 would be given to the seriously injured passengers in the accident," Kumar said in a release. The ex-gratia payment would be made from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, the release said. Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal told reporters here that a helpline has been opened for the people. "Besides, we have also made arrangements for the treatment of the injured people in the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna," he said. Ambulances have been stationed at the junction so that the injured persons, who are coming to Patna by a special train from Kanpur, could be taken to the two hospitals straight away, Agarwal said. Out of 64 injured persons being treated at Kanpur, 17 are from Bihar, he said. Agarwal along with Bihar State Disaster Management Authority Vice-Chairman Vyasji, Additional Superintendent of Police (Railway) A S Thakur and East Central Railway (ECR) Chief Operations Manager Vasudev Rai are camping at the Patna junction. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Acclaimed British author Martin Amis says he never enjoyed writing screenplays as he didn't find them descriptive in nature. While Amis has inspired many current generation novelists with his book, there are only a couple of screenplays penned by him and the author says that is because he feels they are bland and don't require writer to do much. "I never had a good experience writing screenplays. Film writing is actually quite easy because there is no description involved, you just write dialogues. Poetry, fiction are very different. In fact, film writing is not 'writing' in that sense. "Now, dialogues can either be difficult or easy. But there's nothing more to it," Amis told PTI in an interview. The writer, known for bestselling works like "Money" and "London Fields", says it is not necessary that every novelist eventually moves towards screenplay writing. Pointing out another difference between film writing and book writing, Amis, whose book "The Rachel Papers" was adapted into a movie, says that the latter is solitary and personal, whereas penning for films involve collaborative effort. "One doesn't have to get into film writing if he or she is a novelist. Wriring a book involves only the writer, it is solitary. When it comes to films, it becomes a collaboration. You talk to people, then producers have to like what you have written..." As someone who has been active for three-decades, Amis has seen the literary culture go through a lot of changes. One of the recent change is the boom of social media, which has made space for terms like 'quick write-ups' and blogging. "People don't expect things, written on the internet, to be true. It has made people impressionable. It has loosened things up. People are losing the sense of reality. They can be deceived, thanks to the internet," he says. Amis was in the city for the Tata Literature Live Festival, where he was one of the speakers. Talking about India, the novelist says that being a young nation, it takes more interest in literature than many other countries. "I saw such high levels of questions from the audience here. It showed they are passionate about literature and care about it. In England, writing is not taken seriously. "But India is a young country, it has the self-awareness a young person has. So, there is more inclination towards language and literature. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a stand different from JD(U) President Nitish Kumar, party leader Sharad Yadav today slammed demonetisation as an "unplanned and short-sighted" decision and said BJP will be thrown out of power like the forced 'nasbandi' (vasectomy) during Emergency caused Congress' downfall. "Nasbandi (vasectomy) had thrown Congress out of power and now 'notebandi' (demonetisation) will throw BJP out of power." The move has created chaos and mess across the country, he alleged. The JD(U) leader suggested the decision was taken in a hurry after names of certain leaders cropped up for taking bribe from a corporate group and the matter was set to come up for judicial hearing. The stand of Yadav, a Rajya Sabha member, is in contrast to that of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who has been praising the decision to invalidate Rs 1000 and Rs 500 currency notes and had demanded more action against black money. "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)," Nitish had said, though he criticised the Centre for not making proper arrangements leading to inconvenience to the common man. Yadav today alleged, "Demonetization was unplanned, immature and very short sighted decision and has created chaos, agony and mess in the country. It was taken in hurry for the reasons best known to the government." "It was not a bold decision when mainly poor people have been affected. It was an insensitive step taken by the government without proper preparation. It was ill conceived and tragic action which has proved to be horrible for the common man as people are standing in the queues at banks and ATMs," he said in a statement. Yadav quoted experts to question the move, saying economists believe that black money out of the total Rs 16 lakh crore currency will be to the extent of 3 per cent only and counterfeit currency will not be more than even quarter per cent. Therefore demonetization was not the solution for black money. "Government should not have taken such a step which would be hitting the country badly from all corners," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asking the Opposition not to politicise the Centre's demonetisation move, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya today requested all parties and Chief Ministers to come forward with their suggestions and work with the government to ease hardships faced by the people. "They (Opposition parties) should not politicise the issue. Let them come for discussion to show solutions and see that people's hardships are unitedly solved with their ideas," Dattatreya told reporters here. "Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao met Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the matter and like that I request all other Chief Ministers to give their suggestions... definitely Central government is there to help the people. Tomorrow I will also meet the PM," he said. Dattatreya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise high-value currency is laudable. "I agree, after the ban of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, people are facing problems...But they are supporting the Central government's move. They (citizens) too want this black money (menace) should be eliminated," he said. There are some technical problems with ATM machines and all will get activated and (new) Rs 500 notes will come into the market shortly, he said. Dattatreya said he has already requested Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely to station more number of mobile ATM vans in labour markets and help unorganised sector workers. "On behalf of our ministry, we will educate the workers," he said. The senior BJP leader and MP from Secunderabad further said, "All our party cadres - MLAs, MPs - will go to villages and also educate people and work to solve their problems." On the Indore-Patna Express train derailment in UP today that claimed over 100 lives, Dattatreya said, "It is an unfortunate incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Close on the heels of Rustom-II, India's indigenously developed long-endurance combat-capable drone successfully completing its maiden-flight, DRDO today decided to produce 10 such unmanned aircraft for induction into the Indian armed forces in the future. "We have decided to produce 10 pilot less or unmanned aircraft like Rustom-II, aimed at giving a boost to India's development programme for UAV," DRDO Director S Christopher told reporters here. He said, "Young DRDO engineers would work hard to make it successful. It would, at least, take one year to do it. We will also seek to get an order from Indian armed forces." Christopher said development of nine prototypes of the advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) would be done after the successful flight of the first such drone. "The first flight will be followed by development of nine more prototypes of the advanced UAV for testing, after which the certification process will start," he said. Christopher clarified that TAPAS-BH-201 (Tactical Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance-Beyond Horizon-201) will be in a non-combat role. "Media reports are incorrect. Tapas is an UAV and not UCAV," he said. He exuded confidence in going forward with the indigenous UAV on the lines of LCA Tajas which had proved its ability and is ready to be deployed in the armed forces, both in Air Force and Navy. On the test flight of Rustom-2, rechristened as Tapas 201, Christopher said the UAV had met the initial expectations and the Rs 1,500 crore programme was on line. On updates on indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas which is now inducted into armed forces, he said DRDO desires to take the total orders to 123 after meeting the placement of an additional 83 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The 83 aircraft will see improvements made in avionics and weaponry capability and this include the next version of LCAMk2. While the first 20 LCAs for IAF will go as per the initial operational configuration, all efforts are being made to incorporate other changes mandated for the final operational clearance for the second 20 aircraft. DRDO is in talks with private firm Snecma, which is ready to help Kaveri programme revive under the offset clause, company Director General (Aero), C P Ramnarayanan said, adding funds to the extent of Rs 2,105 crore has already been spent on this aero engine programme but with little success. The latest plan to revive it with Snecma's help will see another Rs 500 crore or more being spent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Eight people were killed today when fighting broke out in a northern Myanmar town on the border with China, a region long plagued by ethnic rebel insurgencies. The clashes are another blow to civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's hopes of forging a nationwide peace agreement after years of war in Myanmar's many ethnic minority border regions. Locals in the town of Muse, a hotbed of smuggling, reported that fighting began in the early morning. "People from (the) border checkpoint are now fleeing to Muse because of heavy fighting," Aye Aye, a resident of the town, told AFP. In a statement later today, Suu Kyi's office said eight people were killed in the fighting - one soldier, three police officers, one rebel fighter and three civilians. A hospital worker in Muse told AFP two civilians died after arrival from bullet wounds. Fighting between Myanmar's military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin state, which reignited in 2011 after the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, has displaced around 100,000 people and spilled over into parts of neighbouring Shan state. Muse lies in the north of Shan, not far from Kachin, and is separated from China by a river. Two rebel representatives confirmed their troops were involved in the clashes. "We are fighting together with our alliance of ethnic armed groups," Khine Thu Kha, from the Arakan Army, told AFP. The rebels said the groups involved included the powerful KIA, the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. The latter three have not been invited to the current or last round of peace talks. One of Suu Kyi's priorities is a peace deal with the patchwork of armed minorities fighting the state. But continuing fighting in Kachin and Shan states overshadowed the peace talks and it is expected to take years to end the complex conflicts. In September renewed clashes broke out in southern Karen state between the military and rebels. The northern half of the western state of Rakhine is currently under a military lockdown after a string of deadly attacks against border posts last month. More than 30,000 people have been displaced and at least 70 people killed in the latest fighting in Rakhine. Myanmar's military has a long history of rights abuses that has fostered a deep mistrust among ethnic minorities of the central government. Suu Kyi also has limited control over the army which retains 25 per cent of parliamentary seats as well as key defence and security positions in government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An elderly woman was allegedly ran over by a train at Khatoli town here when she was on her way to a bank, police said today. The victim, Kiran Devi (80), had gone to the bank to withdraw cash yesterday as the banking institutes, as per the government order, were working solely for senior citizens in the wake of demonetisation, they said. Her body was found on the railway tracks, police said, adding that she may have been mowed down by the train. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese director Jia Zhangke said Saturday he was thrilled and honored to win the Excellence Award of the 38th Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), one of the most prestigious film gala in Africa and the Middle East. Frequenting world-renowned film festivals as Cannes and Venice, Jia said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua during this year's CIFF that the award was special because it was awarded by Egypt, a developing country just like China. "Cannes, Venice and other film festivals held in Western countries are of course centers of the world cinema, but I am happy to find a country with rich history and tradition also approves my works. That makes me glad and honored," the 46-year-old director told Xinhua. Jia also thanked CIFF because the award is not meant to honor one specific movie of his, but rather commends his whole career. Born in north China's industrial city of Fenyang, Shanxi, in 1970, Jia Zhangke gained early fame with his first feature fiction film, "Xiao Wu," in 1997. His "Still Life" won the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival in 2006. A leading figure of the "Sixth Generation" movement of Chinese cinema, Jia uses his movies to reveal the love and hate of ordinary Chinese people by artistically depicting the realities of their lives with a poetic flavor. Visiting Egypt as well as Africa for the first time, the Chinese director said the trip made him feel "nostalgic." "I found many people sitting outside shisha cafes at Cairo's streets just to kill the time, which arouses my boyhood memory in Shanxi," Jia said. "Then I suddenly realized that both Egypt and China are densely-populated developing countries with long histories." The similarities between the two countries make Jia confident that Egyptian people will enjoy his two movies screened during the festival, "Mountains May Depart" and "The World." Shot in 2004, "The World" explores the impacts of urbanization and globalization on traditional Chinese culture, especially those on Chinese young people. "Just as Beijing, Cairo is a metropolis with a population of 20 million. Young Egyptian people coming from other governorates to live in Cairo may find great empathy with the characters in the movie," said Jia. "Mountains May Depart" is Jia's latest full-length film. The 2015 fiction movie tells a story of change from 1999 to 2025, at both societal and personal levels, Jia said, adding that change is a common motif for all developing countries, including Egypt and China. "Movie is all about life - about the problems we have to face in our lives," Jia said. "Good movies must convey this universal humanity to its audience." As China is the guest honor of this year's CIFF, the festival will showcase 15 Chinese films from over a decade (2001-2015). Chinese movies screened during the festival consist of action blockbusters as well as art films, which showcase the diversity of contemporary Chinese films, Jia said, adding that he believes those films will better acquaint Egyptian audience with the latest developments in Chinese cinema. "All these movies focus on one theme: change and how people emotionally react to changes. I sincerely welcome Egyptian people to watch them," Jia said. Global energy giants Exxon Mobil, Chevron and BP as well as domestic players like Reliance Industries are unlikely to bid in the auction of 46 discovered small oil and gas fields that closes on Monday. While Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan travelled the globe-from Singapore to Houston, to get investors for the first oil field auction round in over four years, big giants are likely to opt out primarily due to small size of acreage being offered and the overheads require to bring them to production. Bids for the auction closes at 1200 hours on November 21 and may see only like the state-owned ONGC and Oil India, Gujarat government owned-firm GSPC and some smaller players like HOEC bidding, multiple industry sources and officials said. Most had raised concerns about the size of the blocks or fields on offer. They say 10 square kilometer offering, one-tenth of the smallest block ever offered in the previous bid rounds, is too small. The small size of the offering places prohibitive operational costs on big and such fields are viable only for small players with one-rig operation, they said. Magna Energy, the firm floated by maverick oil explorer Mike Watts who gave India its largest oilfield in Rajasthan, too is not likely to bid even though it was betting big on the country. Sources said the government should have ideally clubbed two or more fields into a single unit to improve bidding prospects. Also, data on reserves in the fields and their extension beyond the block boundaries were also found to be inadequate. Previously, the last date of bidding for the Discovered Small Field Bid Round was October 31 but was extended to November 21. DGH chief Atanu Chakraborty in a presentation on the bid round said 67 discovered fields are being offered under 46 contract areas. Of these, 26 are on-land, 18 shallow water and 2 deepest fields. The fields hold an in-place reserves of 48 million tonnes of oil (17.85 mt in on-land blocks and 30.19 mt on offshore blocks) and over 38 billion cubic metres of gas reserves (7.20 bcm in on-land blocks and 31.18 bcm in offshore areas). "Many of the blocks offered are located in the vicinity of the existing operating fields of ONGC/OIL enabling possibility of use of existing facilities by successful bidders," Chakraborty said in the presentation. The auction, which was announced on May 25, is to be conducted on simpler contractual terms together with pricing and marketing freedom. The auction will be done on a new revenue sharing model where bidders will be asked to quote the revenue they will share with the government at low and high end of price and production band. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India (OIL) "surrendered" these as they could not develop them because of huge overhead cost and uneconomic size. The last exploration licensing round concluded in March 2012. That was the ninth round of bidding under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP). A total of 256 blocks were awarded in the nine rounds of NELP. Family members of missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed today met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav who assured them that a team will be formed to trace him. "Family members of Najeeb Ahmed met CM Akhilesh at his residence with JNU students' union President Mohit Pandey. They requested the CM to trace Najeeb," an official release issued here said. The CM assured that a team will be constituted to find Najeeb and said he would also write to Centre in this regard, the release said. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Budaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following a scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP, BJP's students' wing the night before in the campus. Meanwhile, a guard at JNU's Mahi Mandavi Hostel where Najeeb was staying had received a letter a few days ago which stated that the student was being held captive in Aligarh. However, on verification, the letter was found to be bogus. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar sidestepped a question on the poor response to his latest release "Rock On 2". The musical drama is a sequel to the 2008 film of the same name. The film arrived in theatres on November 11, but failed to click with the audience. When asked if he is disheartened with the response to "Rock On 2", Farhan said, "We will talk about it some other time." Also starring Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Shashank Arora ('Titli' fame) and Prachi Desai, the film was helmed by debutant Shujat Saudagar. The 42-year-old actor-filmmaker will be seen next in "Daddy" as underworld don Dawood Ibrahim alongside Arjun Rampal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hardcastle Restaurants, which operates McDonald's restaurants in India, plans to invest about Rs 700 crore over the next five to seven years in order to meet its expansion plans, a top company official said. The company, which also runs McCafe outlets in McDonald restaurants, recently forayed into the Chennai market. "First we wanted to test the brand in Mumbai. After it was successful, we expanded it. Now, we have positive response in Chennai. We are happy to inaugurate our first McCafe outlet in Chennai", Hardcastle Restaurants Managing Director Smita Jatia said. "We have been opening McCafe outlets in our restaurants across West and Southern regions. The Chennai outlets which we are opening in Vijaya Forum Mall and the other one at Anna Nagar are 94th and 95th outlets of the total 245 restaurants we own" she told PTI here. "Within three years, we have expanded our McCafe network across 95 restaurants in 12 cities. Our business goal is to double the McCafe footprint in next 12 to 18 months",she said. Elaborating, she said the company planned investments of about Rs 700 crore for expansion of McDonald's restaurants and McCafe outlets. "Overall, we will be investing about Rs 500 crore to Rs 700 crore, spread over five to seven years. We will be expanding in the Western and Southern regions", she said. To a query, she said the company grew by 15 per cent in the quarter ending September 30, 2016 as compared to industry growth of 11 per cent. Asked whether there was any impact due to demonetisation, she said "the impact will be based on footfalls in malls. If there are less number of footfall in malls, then we have less number of customers. But so far we have not faced any such difficulty as people either pay through cards or e-wallets". To a query, she said each McCafe outlets attracts investments of Rs 18 - Rs 20 lakh and generates better profitability and margins. Westlife Development Ltd focuses on putting up and operating Quick Service Restaurants in India through Hardcastle Restaurants which is a McDonald's franchise which operates McDonald's restaurants in West and Southern markets. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Quota agitation spearhead Hardik Patel today slammed the Centre for its demonetisation move, claiming it only increased the hardships of the common man. Addressing a massive rally of his community in Bhayavadar town of Rajkot district through video conference, Patel claimed that the Centre's move to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes increased the hardships of poor people. The fire-brand leader claimed that only these (poor) people are seen in the queues outisde banks and not those who are having connections with politicians. "Many of you must have stood in long queues during the last few days. I wonder how many of you saw a politician in the queue. Have you seen any relative of a minister or party leader? You will only find poor farmers and citizens, who are struggling to make both ends meet, in those queues," he said. "This move has only increased the hardships of poor people. Those who are in power must not forget if you bring tears in the eyes of farmers, youths and labourers, a revolution would come and people in power would be thrown out" Patel said. On November 8, Modi had announced the decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes. Patel also urged his community members to uproot the ruling BJP in the Gujarat Assembly polls scheduled next year. "I urge you to continue the agitation. No one can stop us from getting our right if we stay united. We will not sit quiet till we get reservation. I am coming back to Gujarat on January 17 to join our movement" he said in the video conference from Udaipur in Rajasthan. While granting him bail in two sedition cases in July this year, Gujarat High Court had put a condition that he will have to stay outside Gujarat for six months, starting from July 17. Hardik asked his community to not to forget the injustice and atrocities meted out to them by BJP-ruled Gujarat government. He urged the Patel community to teach a stern lesson to the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls. "We should not forgive those who were responsible for the deaths of 14 Patel youths during our stir last year. I urge you not to let any BJP leader enter in your area. Time has come to teach them a lesson by uprooting them in 2017. If Patels can bring them to power, we also have the power to throw them out," said Hardik. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi High Court has set free two men of the charge of raping their colleague, saying there was "inconsistency" in the woman's version about the incident. Holding that the two convicts, who have been in custody since June 2009, "deserve the benefit of doubt", Justice S P Garg directed their release from jail immediately. "...Nothing has come on record to show if during her employment in the factory for about a month, the appellants had an evil eye on her or had attempted any time to outrage her modesty. No complaint whatsoever was filed by the victim against any of the appellants any time. "Considering the inconsistent and conflicting versions narrated by the prosecutrix (woman) at different stages of investigation, conviction and sentence of the appellants cannot be sustained in the absence of independent corroboration. The appellants deserve benefit of doubt," the court said. The court's verdict came on an appeal filed by the duo who had challenged their conviction and 10 year jail term awarded by the trial court here in July 2014. Besides the sentence, the two were also fined Rs 10,000 each. The high court set aside the trial court's order and said that "on perusal of statements of the prosecution witnesses and various exhibits on record, they revealed infirmities or inconsistencies which have emerged on record making it unsafe to base conviction on the solitary testimony of the prosecutrix without independent corroboration". As per the police, the woman was raped by the two when she went to the factory premises of one of the accused on June 14, 2009. On the day of the alleged incident, she had gone there to collect her wages, police had said. One of the accused during the trial had claimed innocence and told the court that the physical relations with the woman were with her consent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Abhishek Bachchan has shot down rumours that he is doing the third part of "Hera Pheri" series. The 40-year-old star also clarified that the fourth installment of superhit action franchise "Dhoom" is not in the making right now as the makers are yet to lock the script. When asked if he will next be seen in "Hera Phera 3", the actor denied the reports saying, "No, 'Hera Pheri' is not happening right now." While for "Dhoom 4", the actor said he is yet to get a call from director-producer Aditya Chopra as he does not know if someone is actually working on it. "We haven't yet got the script for 'Dhoom'. I have no idea if Aditya (Chopra) is developing something right now. And also Victor (Acharya), who made the last part of 'Dhoom' is busy making another film," Abhishek told PTI. "As of right now I don't know what's the status of Dhoom. But, I'm sure once they are ready we'll announce it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With China and the US pumping in massive foreign capital into India's digital economy, a top Indian investor and educationist has warned that the country could become a "digital colony" unless Indian businesses start investing in it. "India could become a digital colony," warned Mohandas Pai, chairman of Manipal Global Education, referred to possible consequences of the massive money being pumped into India's digital economy by the US and China. "There is a fight between US and China to dominate digitally. And the Indian capital where they are, buying real estate in California?" he asked. "If you miss this digital revolution, our big companies would be controlled by Chinese capital which is very dangerous," Pai warned. India, which has the world's third largest startup eco system, has received some $8 to 10 billion, out of which only $500 million are from Indian capital. "Indian capital are rent (interest) seekers," he said, asking the Indian capital to change their attitude towards money investment. At the same time, he said digital connectivity, is going to change India in three years and said there is going to be tremendous upsurge of productivity, he said. In the next 10 to 15 years, the young population of India are going to create a new economy of India, he said. Nothing can stop India from marching ahead given the country's growth trajectory, its move towards a digital economy along with a burgeoning entrepreneur class nothing can stop India from marching ahead. "Nothing can stop the march of India. All of us have to work together and make sure it happens," Pai said in his address to the World Hindu Economic Forum here which is being attended by Hindu entrepreneurs from across the globe. Pai said there are "millions of mutinies" happening in India. "People are challenging the status quo. Hundreds of experiments, technology in their hands and regulatory policies are being broken and Bharat is using its digital infrastructure to grow. Startups would be the force multiplier," he said. In his address, Pai said tech entrepreneurs of India are bound to change the face of the country in the years to come. "The generation that is now coming into prominence are people who do not have the hangout of partition, of Pakistan, of caste and of many thing else that ails the Indian mind of the political leaders in India and in Delhi," he said. S P Kothari, professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, said that innovation and entrepreneurship are potent forces for economic development. "I do believe how countries are governed also matters," he said, adding that the quality of governance and institutions in a country explain the differences of development. India has won a six-week extension for replying to $5.6 billion claim sought by British oil explorer plc for being slapped with a Rs 29,047 crore retrospective tax demand. Cairn had in June field a 160-page Statement of Claim before a three-member international arbitration panel seeking quashing of the retrospective tax demand on a decade-old on an internal reorganisation of its India unit and sought $5.6 billion in compensation. India was to respond to that Statement of Claims by this month end but at a hearing earlier this month, the arbitration panel gave it time till mid-January to file the response, sources privy to the development said. The government had sought putting on hold the arbitration initiated by British oil explorer against the Rs 29,047 crore retrospective tax demand and instead wanted a parallel arbitration initiated by Vedanta Resources to be taken up first. Sources said the arbitration panel did not clearly give a position on the Indian government's demand but gave it more time to file the response. The government using retrospective tax legislation, had in January 2014 issued a tax notice on for alleged capital gains it made on a 10-year old internal reorganisation of its India unit. Three months later in April 2014, it imposed a tax demand of Rs 20,495 crore on Cairn India, the UK firm's erstwhile subsidiary for failing to deduct tax on the capital gains. and Vedanta, which had bought Cairn India from the Scottish firm in 2011, had initiated separate arbitrations against the tax demands. Cairn Energy had initiated the arbitration in March 2015 and the three-member arbitration panel had been constituted. But at a hearing last month, the government contended that the proceedings should be put on hold, sources said. Its counsel argued that the government wants the arbitration initiated by Vedanta to be taken up first. Sources said the counsel had also made an application seeking more time to file reply to Cairn Energy's demand for $5.6 billion in compensation. Sources said that in the Vedanta arbitration, the government may contend that tax issues cannot be arbitrated under bilateral investment protection treaty and once it wins a favourable verdict there, it will use the same to quell Cairn Energy's plea as well. A three-member arbitration panel headed by Geneva-based arbitrator Laurent Levy began hearing Cairn Energy's plea against tax demand in May and the company filed its 'Statement of Claim' in late June. The British firm challenged the tax assessment by seeking an international arbitration under the UK-India Investment Treaty, which unlike the Dutch treaty provides for resolution of tax issues. The UK telecom firm Vodafone has initiated arbitration on a separate retrospective tax under the Dutch treaty. India is today a land of opportunities like the US if one is ready to "brave the bureaucratic hassles", an Indian entrepreneur who was MIT's first international blind student has said. "The good is, things are very different now.If you are willing to brave the bureaucratic hassles, India today is the land of opportunities like the US," said Srikanth Bolla, the CEO of Bollant Industries. "Look at it this way. Our India will grow at 8 per cent a year for next 25 years. Assuming that all the growth is in the cities, our cities would grow at 15-25 per cent a year in terms of GDP. In other words, you would become rich in India by just starting up a business," Bolla said in his address to the World Hindu Economic Forum here. "Of course, as long as you are willing to tackle the bureaucrats. If you are not willing to do so you can invest on use, because we are already doing it," said Bolla, who decided against staying in the US after completing his studies at MIT. Describing his career as a big roller coaster, Bolla, in his mid-twenties, said the US has given him a big launch pad in life. "When the educational system in India rejected because of my disability, MIT welcomed me with open arms. I will always remain grateful with them," he said, who went on to become the first international blind student to be admitted to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. Explaining the reasons for not settling down in the US, despite having gotten an opportunity, he said he wants to "change the world around" him in India. "America is an incredible place to live in, but the problems are largely first world problems. If you see how politicians are trying to solve the problem here, they are busy debating what point a fetus becomes a human being. I am sure it must be nice to have the luxury to debate on such things, but back in India we are working figuring it out how to stop people from using roadside as a toilet," Bolla said. "(In India, we are) trying to solve the problem of the poorest of the poor from their meagre subsidy money from being stolen by the politicians, trying to provide skills for the 90 per cent of the Indians who are self-employed and are in low-end jobs," Bolla said. "We have big problems to solve and it is my generation that need to solve them. And this is why I went back to India," Bolla said, as he received standing ovation from the several hundred entrepreneurs who had come to attend the fifth annual edition of the World Hindu Economic Forum. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) You are here: Home BMW 5-series GT [Photo/Sina.com.cn] BMW China plans to recall several defective models on the Chinese mainland this December. An official statement says a control module in the cars may not work properly, affecting airbags and safety belts. The recall decision comes after the German automaker informed China's quality regulator of its plan. The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has called on car owners to contact their car dealers as early as possible to cope with the defects. More than 22,000 cars are affected in the latest recall, including 5-series GT and 7-series under the BMW brand, as well as the Rolls-Royce Ghost. All the affected cars were manufactured between the end of 2011 and mid-2012. A 21-year-old Indian-American man has been sentenced to more than three years for trying to fly overseas to join Islamic State terrorist group, bringing an end to a case that garnered national headlines two years ago. Mohammed Hamzah Khan, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and black skull cap and sporting a thick, dark beard, showed no reaction as the judge at a federal court in Chicago handed down the 40-month sentence, the Chaicago Tribune reported. District Judge John Tharp said Khan had faced up to 15 years behind bars, he'd instead been given a second chance - the opposite of what he would have faced under IS's brand of justice. "Instead of a public beheading, you've been given a public trial proceeding," Tharp said at the conclusion of a two-hour hearing. "The enemy government has not tried to kill you. It has tried to help you." Khan has already been in custody for two years, and with good behaviour he'd be eligible for release in August when he plans to enroll in college. But in addition to the prison time, the judge ordered Khan to remain under court supervision for at least 20 years after his release, one of the longest periods of government monitoring ever ordered in Chicago's federal court. According to his lawyer Thomas Anthony Durkin, Khan's family emigrated from India but has lived in the Chicago suburbs for many years. Khan was born in the US, graduated from high school and attended one year at Benedictine University in Lisle. He has no prior criminal history. The sentencing brought an end to a case that garnered national headlines in October 2014, when Khan, then 19, was arrested at O'Hare International Airport as he tried to board a jet to Vienna with a connection to Istanbul. Traveling with Khan were his sister, then 17, and 16-year-old brother, who were both questioned at the airport by the FBI but were not charged. Khan's arrest came as US national security and counterterrorism officials were voicing growing concern over radicalised Americans traveling overseas to join IS, which at the time was seizing large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria and committing high-profile beheadings of journalists, aid workers and other captives. According to his plea agreement, Khan and his sister had been talking online with Islamic State members in Syria who offered to help them get to the Middle East to join the terrorist organisation. Khan admitted plotting to travel to Turkey so the contact could guide him and his siblings across the border, according to reports. To fund the trip, Khan got a job as a stock clerk at a Menards store in July 2014. By September, he had saved enough to buy three round-trip tickets for himself and his siblings at a cost of USD 2,679, according to his plea agreement. Khan told agents he expected his position with IS to be "some type of public service, a police force, humanitarian work or a combat role," according to the charges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian fishing boat was damaged after a Sri Lankan naval vessel collided with it off Katchatheevu today, but the fishermen on board were not injured, fisheries department officials here said. The naval personnel snapped the nets of 80 fishermen and also chased away hundreds of other fishermen by allegedly pelting stones at them, they said. Meanwhile, 11 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested yesterday by Lankan navy have been lodged in a prison at Karainagar in the island nation, the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An infant girl died at KEM Hospital here toady after she was allegedly refused treatment by a prominent hospital for her heart condition, apparently over the issue of payment in demonetised currency notes. However, Ruby Hall Clinic, where the girl was to be admitted for heart surgery, refuted the claim made by her relatives that their request to accept at least part payment in defunct banknotes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 was turned down. A close relative of Amrapali and Gaurab Kunte, parents of the deceased girl, said the doctors had advised them to admit her in Ruby Hall Clinic for heart surgery. "However, when we went to Ruby on Saturday morning, the billing department gave us quotation of Rs 3.5 lakh and told us to deposit the same before any treatment. "We then offered to make Rs 1 lakh payment in demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. However, the hospital administration refused to accept these notes," claimed Sudhakar Gawandgave. He said her parents even offered to pay part payment through cheque and cards. "When they (Ruby Clinic) turned down the demonetised bills, we offered them that we would pay Rs 1 lakh through current cheque and Rs 30,000 through card payment and requested them to allow the remaining payment through another cheque, which needs to be deposited in bank on Monday," Gawandgave said. He alleged that the hospital administration turned down their offer and instead demanded full payment which he said resulted into wastage of golden hours. "They made us run from pillar to post to admit the girl. Had she been admitted to Ruby Hall Hospital, the golden hours would not have been wasted. "The infant girl, who was in ICU at KEM, had to put on ventilator support and died early Sunday morning," Gawandgave said. When contacted, Dr Sanjay Pathare, Director, Medical Services, at Ruby Hall Clinic, refuted as "baseless and false" the claims made by the relatives. "Firstly, at Ruby Hall Clinic, patients in critical condition are never denied admission. In this case, the baby never reached the hospital and died at KEM. "There is no question of demonetised notes as I have got the information that the billing department told them to bring the infant to the hospital and pay whatever you have, but we have no idea after that conversation, who did they approach and who misguided them," he said. Pathare said that in emergency situation there is no question of money as the priority is always given to treatment. In the wake of demonetisation, the Maharashtra government has directed private hospitals to accept cheques from patients in case of emergencies. The hospitals can face action if the patients are denied treatment for want of cash. As a step towards promoting the cooperation between India and Israel in the agricultural sector, Israel seeks to increase the number of Centres of Excellence across India. There are currently 15 such centres that enable rapid transfer of Israeli agricultural technology to farmers, including those in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and going ahead, these would be increased to 29. This was stated by Barak Granot, Head of Economic and Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel at the CII Agro Tech 2016, said a CII release. Referring to the partnership between India and Israel, Granot said, "Israel is a very small country, 60 per cent of it is a desert and yet it has achieved surpluses in food and water. The reason for this is that agriculture in Israel is backed by science and technology and our companies are happy to share these innovations with farmers in India." Despite vast differences in soil and weather conditions across India, Granot expressed hope in the possibilities that exist for increasing crop yield. "These centres are meant to teach Indian farmers about how to increase productivity of fruits and vegetables. Further to this, these centres target both small and large farm holders, thus offering a wide range of agricultural practices in order to enable all to benefit from the new technologies. The strong response from the farming community across India has prompted us to increase the number of such centres," release quoting Granot said. Israel is showcasing its knowhow in the field of dairy, poultry farming, pesticides, fertilisers and irrigation systems at the 'International Pavilion' of CII Agro Tech. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Afghanistan president Hamid Karzai today welcomed the surgical strikes by Indian Army on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and said for long his country has been demanding terror sanctuaries be destroyed. "We have been saying and wishing it since so long that terror sanctuaries be eliminated, and the Indian Army has done the right thing through its surgical strike," said Karzai. He was here to attend The Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice, 2016 program, organised by Harmony Foundation. Speaking to reporters, Karzai said Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is a very serious issue, and his country hopes that the new regime in the the United States (under President-elect Donald Trump) would take it seriously. Asked how the regime change in the US would affect Afghanistan, Karzai said, "We have a deep association with the US and we have been fighting against terrorism and extremism. However, we find more radical and extremist elements carrying out violent activities. Therefore, we hope that US will continue concentrating to stop the terror sanctuaries and those who are supporting it. "We also hope that the US' strategic approach towards combating terrorism would not change," he said. Both India and China were extending full cooperation to Afghanistan and the country is looking forward to working with both the countries amicably, Karzai said. Asked how the Gwadar port project in Pakistan would affect the geopolitical equations, Karzai said, "It is an economic project and as far as its economic value is concerned, we all appreciate it. But since Pakistan is using extremist forces in our region, we feel that this project should not be in support of promoting extremism." To the question whether the Trump government may adopt "hard policies on Muslims", he said, "We do not hope so. Rather we hope he will work with the Muslim as well as all the sections of the society to keep harmony and peace worldwide. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will release the Aam Aadmi Party's 'Dalit manifesto' in poll-bound Punjab this week, where the scheduled caste community makes up around 32 per cent of the population. Kejriwal will release the first-of-its-kind document, targeting a specific community and detailing its "systemic oppression", during his 10-day-long visit to the state, which began today. The manifesto is a product of the 'Dalit Dialogue' series held by the party across Punjab that began in August. "Around 10-12 dialogues have been organised in Dalit-majority areas of the state. Essentially members of the community came and freely exchanged views and gave suggestions to be included in the document," AAP's national organisation- building head Durgesh Pathak said. Its launch will be the highlight of Kejriwal's tour, where he will address 21 rallies, Pathak said. During the open sessions, members of the Dalit community were also given a form where they could put in their feedback and recommendations which have been factored in while drafting it, Pathak said. The issue of demonetisation is also expected to prominently feature in the rallies that the AAP chief is scheduled to address. AAP is locked in a triangular contest with the Congress and incumbent BJP-SAD alliance in the state which goes to polls early next year. The party had targeted the BJP and dubbed it "anti-Dalit", using the assault against few youth by alleged cow vigilantes in Gujarat's Una as a pivot. Kejriwal has visited Gujarat multiple times in the recent months. As per 2011 Census, Punjab's over 88 lakh SC population accounts for nearly 32 per cent of the total population of the state, the highest percentage among all the states. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Kenyan official says police officers killed four suspected extremists at the Somali border, a region hard-hit by recent attacks by the Somali extremist group al-Shabab. North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said today that police killed the men while ambushing a group of about 20 suspected members of a cell of al-Shabab militants yesterday. Saleh says the group allegedly was planning an attack on a police station. He says police recovered four rifles and Somali army military jackets. Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda affiliate in East Africa, has vowed retribution on Kenya for its troop presence in Somalia. Kenya deployed troops to Somalia in 2011 to fight al-Shabab, which is waging an insurgency against Somalia's weak UN-backed government threatening instability in the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anirban Lahiri managed some damage control on the back nine, but came back with only an even par 70 that pushed him to Tied-45th at the end of the third round of The RSM Classic here today. The 28-year-old Indian, who had 68-67 in first two rounds had an early birdie to start with but then had three bogeys to finish two-over for the front nine. But those two were made up for as he ended the day at even par. Mackenzie Hughes atoned for a triple bogey that cost him the lead by making a tough par save and three birdies for a 2-under 68, giving the Canadian rookie a one-shot advantage going into the final round. He will be in the final group with Billy Horschel and Camilo Villegas. Joining them at 15-under 197 was another PGA TOUR rookie, CT Pan. He shot a 67 playing in the final group. Ten players were within four shots of the lead, a group that included Charles Howell III (13-under 199) and Stewart Cink (12-under 200). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today said the land acquired for Sutlej- Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal project has been transferred back to the farmers free of charge through mutations after the state Cabinet decided to denotify it. Lauding state revenue officials for implementing the Cabinet's decision in this regard, he said Punjabis owed a debt of gratitude to the revenue officials of Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahab and Ropar districts for working with breakneck speed to turn the Cabinet decision into realty. "As of today all land acquired for construction of SYL canal which had been denotified by the state cabinet, has been transferred back to the original farmers free of charge through mutations," the minister said. Majithia said 4,261 acres of land in 202 villages of the four districts has been transferred back to 21,511 farmers. In Ropar, 1,468 acres has been transferred back to 5,180 owners across 91 villages. In Fatehgarh Sahib, 552 acres has been transferred back to 2,031 owners of 35 villages, he said. In Mohali, 791 acres of land has been transferred back to 1,323 owners of 16 villages. In Patiala district, 1,450 acres of land had been transferred back to 5774 owners in 60 villages, the minister said. "Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had promised that SYL canal will never be constructed. By successfully transferring land back to the farmers we have proved that we do not make empty proclamations like Congress whose state leaders have been sympathising with the farmers, even as their party high command has always sided with Haryana on SYL issue," he said. Punjab Cabinet on November 15 had announced to denotify the land acquired for the SYL project and return it to "original land owners of their lineal descendants/ legal representatives" free of charge. Political temperatures have risen in Punjab after Supreme Court held as "unconstitutional" the 2004 law passed by Punjab to terminate the SYL canal water sharing agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Bengali film is bringing back Lord Curzon in a fantasy tale on the silver screen. "'Curzoner Kalom' (Curzon's Pen) is a fictional account of Lord Curzon leaving behind his pen after inaugurating a Durga Puja at a 'bonedi' (affluent) household of North Kolkata in 1905 and the events unfolding later on," director Souvik Mitra told PTI. Reviving the era of 'Bango Bhango' (Partition of Bengal) in 1905, the film will visit the tumultuous days with scenes of agitation outside the fictional Zamindar household as Curzon comes to inaugurate the Durga Puja, Souvik said. Rare still footage of the period as well as graphics will be merged to give the film an authentic look. "The background will reverberate with 'Go back Curzon' slogans raised by 'Swadeshis' and sounds of protests against splitting of Bengal as we sought to recapture the era, but what better way than setting it in the time of the heady days of partition," the director said. "We have sought to combine two important features that troubled the Bengali psyche - one is the festering wound of dividing a state having people who share the same food, speak the same language and sing the same melodies. "The other feature revolves round a Bengali's sentimental attachment to the Durga Puja," Souvik said. An Englishman, a regular in city's social circles, will essay the role of Lord Curzon, while young actor Saheb Bhattacharya will enact a young member of the aristocratic Mitra household of North Kolkata in the film. The other half of the film will be in the contemporary times when the 'Kalom' left behind by Curzon in the October 1905, is discovered from an obscure corner of the mansion during a clean-up process for the 111-year old Durga Puja by a present day descendant and events unfold thereafter. Apart from the pen, which itself becomes a character, newcomer Poulami will be among the cast. Describing the film as of the same genre as Ray's adventure classic "Sonar Kella" or more recent fantasy/science fiction "Patalghar" by a contemporary director, the film's music director Debojyoti Mishra said "Curzoner Kalom" deals with the greed of human beings." "The historical element in the film has been narrated in the family song, the virtual anthem of the household known to every member running through generations. There will be few more numbers in the genres of 'Agomoni' and others and I find the briefs quite interesting," Debojyoti, who was closely associated with late Rituparno Ghosh, said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Near a rehabilitation shed at Cangzhou Wildlife Rescue Center, a swan paces around leisurely after eating a bowl of fish. It was difficult to imagine such a scenario just a month ago when the elegant creature was too weak to stand on its own after being found struggling in the wild outside Hejian, a county-level city in Cangzhou in north China's Hebei Province. Countless migratory birds are making their way south, but some are not able to reach their winter destinations due to sickness, injury or poaching. On Thursday, three people were detained for poaching migratory birds in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and more than 30,000 birds were rescued, according to the public security bureaus of Guilin City and Pingle County. During the National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, about 3,000 living birds were rescued and 5,000 dead birds found due to the joint efforts of local officials and volunteers. Clap nets stretching over 10,000 meters in the coastal areas of Tianjin Municipality and Tangshan City, Hebei Province were also retrieved. Experts say that rising demand in Chinese urban markets has caused an increase in migratory bird poaching. The birds are usually sold locally or in other Chinese cities, including in the southern province of Guangdong, where restaurant diners pay generously for meat considered a delicacy. Cangzhou stands along one of China's three bird flyways. The wetland-rich coastal city is a vital stopover site for birds as they refuel before reaching their wintering grounds in the warmer south. In Cangzhou, a volunteer bird rescue team led by 52-year-old Meng Derong has been saving wounded birds. Additionally, staff at the Cangzhou Wildlife Rescue Center have rescued 20-plus birds from protected species so far this year. Since 2001, Meng, a biology professor at Cangzhou Normal University, has taken his students and bird protection volunteers to conduct studies in Cangzhou's wetlands and offer assistance to sick or wounded birds while keeping an eye out for poachers. There are two factors that put the life of migratory birds at risk, Meng said. "One is bird disease and attacks by their natural enemies," he said. "The other is poaching." Meng is called the "Bird Doctor" by locals due to his dedication to studying and protecting migratory birds. The rescue center was founded by him with the help of the local forestry authorities in 2003. Since its establishment, the facility has managed to save more than 1,100 birds from over 50 nationally protected species, about 760 of which have fully recovered and returned to the wild. Meng has also opened an exhibition room with information about birds and held campaigns to promote bird protection. "It is not going to happen with just one man's efforts to protect birds," Meng explained. Lu Jun, director of the Bird Banding Center of China, called for related departments to work together. "The government should promote bird protection so that the public will stay away from any activities that threaten wild birds," he added. Fortunately, public awareness of bird protection has gradually increased in recent years, Meng said, adding that he sees hope in the fight to save migratory birds. "Now when sick or wounded birds are found, people call us for help," Meng Derong said. "I am delighted more and more people have joined the battle." India today said it participated "constructively" in the crucial climate change conference here to ensure that actions are based on the principles of equity and climate justice. Building on the momentum created in the last one year, countries at the Marrakesh climate change summit on Friday agreed to conclude the framing of rules for the implementation of Paris agreement by 2018. India said in association with developing countries, it was able to ensure that climate actions are based on the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) and climate justice. The conference concluded on November 18 with the main thrust to develop rules for operationalising the Paris agreement and advance work on Pre-2020 actions, India said. "India, led by Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave, participated constructively in association with developing countries to ensure that climate actions are based on the principles of equity and CBDR and climate justice," an Environment Ministry statement said. "The Paris Agreement has clearly recognised the principle of differentiation between developed and developing countries and the current round was focused on operationalising it in rules pertaining to adaptation, mitigation, finance, technology transfer, capacity building and transparency frameworks," it said. After two weeks of negotiations, the conference also underscored the urgent need for early action on the part of developed countries to make emission cuts in accordance to their commitments in the Kyoto protocol which still has four years to go before its expiry in 2020. Paris agreement finalised in December last year entered into force in less than a year and the summit also welcomed it. The conference, which was held amid reports that US under Donald Trump could pull out from the Paris pact, saw the passing of a document in which parties agreed to meet again in 2017 to "review progress". The conference saw a political call -- Marrakesh Action Proclamation -- being given asking countries to combat climate change as a matter of "urgent priority" while noting that climate is warming at an "alarming and unprecedented" rate. "The Marrakesh Action proclamation for our climate and sustainable development captured the sense of urgency to take action on climate change while ensuring sustainable development," the statement said. "It initiated work on adaptation fund to serve the Paris agreement. The Pre-2020 actions including mobilisation of USD 100 billion per year and other support to developing countries was a key element of this proclamation," it said. India had earlier welcomed the proclamation, saying that most of its demands including the issue of providing finance to developing nations to tackle climate change has been incorporated and the country will continue to push its agenda as per the Paris agreement. (Reopens FGN 18) Noting that there were many efforts to derail the process here, Environment Minister Dave had said despite being held right after Paris, the Marrakesh conference has stuck to the right direction which is its success. India had pushed for inclusion of sustainable lifestyle with minimum carbon footprint and a clear cut mention of flow of funds in the draft of the political proclamation which was earlier made. India today said it participated in the Facilitative Dialogue on Pre 2020 actions at the conference and highlighted various time bound actions that can be taken to bridge the emission gap and provide accelerated support to developing countries. "Overall, the outcomes represent a forward movement in the climate actions especially on the implementation front," the statement said. India said its pavilion was the centre of attraction and received wide acclamation. Over 20 side events were held on India's action on climate change with broad participation from different ministries, civil society, NGOs, industry among others. India climate experts, however, said that the conference ended without making any breakthroughs under critical agenda items including agriculture, finance, adaptation and pre-2020 actions. They said that COP 22 was named as 'COP of Action' but ended up being 'COP of Distraction' primarily because of US elections results. As far as India was concerned, deputy director general CSE Chandra Bhushan said the country had no clear position regarding issues affecting its poor, including agriculture, adaptation and loss and damage. "India did not contribute much to the discussions on the issues that affect its poor and neither the Indian negotiators were willing to openly explain their position on these issues," Bhushan said. "It publicised sustainable lifestyle and environmental justice. However, it was found wanting and there was no elaboration of what it actually meant by these two concepts," he said. The sleepy hamlet of Paldev bordering Uttar Pradesh has seen a considerable improvement in its standards of education and sanitation, with Union minister Prakash Javadekar asserting that his adopted village now "stands on its own feet". "Two years ago when I adopted it, the faces of the children in schools used to look so wilted. But, now look at them, all bright and enthusiastic. And, their attendance and performance has also gone up over these two years," he said in an interview. The Union HRD minister adopted Paldev gram panchayat in Satna district in 2014 under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, and education parameters have shown an increase in these two years. He said the performance of students has increased tremendously, especially after imparting pedagogical training to teachers in Bhopal and Satna. In 2014, the pass percentage for classes 10 and 12 were 11 and 28 per cent respectively. Last year, the corresponding figures increased to 51 and 82 per cent, while this year they have further risen to 77 and 86 per cent respectively. "My top priority was education and cleanliness and in these two years I have tried to bring change here. The idea is not to equate development with funding only as a signal of growth but to make the village self-reliant. "And that is what I have done here, to make the village stand on its feet. And, from here on, the village can decide its destiny by working further hard as they have done over these two years," he said. Javadekar said he had adopted the village inspired by the legacy of RSS ideologue Nanaji Deshmukh, who founded a number of institutes in Chitrakoot town. Paldev is inhabited mostly by people belonging to backward classes, followed by Scheduled Caste and other classes. "Under Swachh Bharat mission, we have build several hundreds of toilets and many more are under construction. We have to make the place open-defecation free," he said. Javadekar said besides improvement in education, the village has also been rid of drug menace and gambling. Delhi native Ram Kumar Gautam, who volunteered to work with the local community there, says earlier minor girls were being married off in the village, but in last one or two years, that has stopped thanks to the Beti Bachchao Beti Padhao scheme. "Also, as per latest survey, 332 persons were enrolled under adult education programme, out of which 221 were women and111 men. The pass percentage were 75 and 71 per cent respectively for females and males," he said. Paldev gram panchayat is about 12 kms from Chitrakoot town, a place steeped with history and the legend of Ramayana epic. The gram panchayat has six villages inside it -- Paldev, Jugalpur, Naubasta, Bansipur and Poslah and Rehmanganj, which has about 100 people from Muslim community. Paldev has about 3,000 people and the hilly terrain in the village falls in the Uttar Pradesh region. The former Union environment minister said through joint efforts of the government and local community, the green cover on the hills has also increased. Javadekar visited the village here on Saturday and also held a 'Janta Darbar' followed by a review meeting with local officials. Satna MP Ganesh Singh also accompanied him during the sojourn. 101-year old freedom fighter Ramavtar Shastri said, "the village has changed and, my hope is that it will only rise further from here and take the legacy of Nanaji forward. DMK today appealed to its cadres to make the "human chain" on November 24 a success, which will be held to protest against the Centre's "haste" in implementing the demonetisation and the state government for "not taking any action" in addressing people's grievances. Party Treasurer M K Stalin, also the Opposition leader in the state Assembly, said in a statement that the demonetisation scheme has affected the common man. "Soon after the announcement of the withdrawal of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, people were facing lot of hardships. It is painful to see that low and middle income groups, small traders, farmers, labourers are standing in queues at banks and ATMs to exchange notes and withdraw money for long hours," he said. He also flayed the AIADMK-ruled state government for not taking up steps to mitigate the problems of the public. Stalin pointed that Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his cabinet colleagues had staged a dharna in front of the RBI office in Thiruvananthapuram recently protesting against the Centre's move to "destroy" the cooperative sector under the cover of demonetisation process. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandra Babu Naidu had also requested the RBI to deposit Rs 10,000 crore in banks for financial transactions, Stalin said, and asked whether there was a government in Tamil Nadu that was witnessing the difficulties faced by the people. The AIADMK MPs have not also discussed the issue in the Parliament, he alleged. Meanwhile, the continued shortage of cash led an angry customer to damage the ATM of a private sector bank in Mylapore here as it did not dispense cash, reports said. Several ATMs in the city today ran out of cash while banks were closed today. Banks with facilities to accept cash deposits also remained shut. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attacking any one who opposes his policy, retorting to his charge that political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him over demonetisation. "Pradhan Mantriji, you are equating corruption with anyone who opposes your policy. Are you the only magician?(sic)" Banerjee said in a tweet this evening, reacting to Modi's remarks seen as sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress supremo. "Listen to the voice of the people. Feel their pain. People will not forgive you for this. They are suffering," she said in another tweet. Earlier in the day, Modi said political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him as they have been hit hard by demonetisation. "I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished," the Prime Minister told a 'Parivartan' rally at Agra. "Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of heads of families were forced to commit suicide. Look at history and they are questioning me," he said in barbs aimed apparently at Banerjee, who had been rallying political leaders against the demonetisation decision. However, the Prime Minister did not name any leader. Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams in West Bengal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 35-year-old man today allegedly lifted a bag containing gold jewellery worth over Rs 1 lakh from a scanning machine at the Karol Bagh metro station, even as the bag's owner dubbed it as a misunderstanding, police said today. Ganesh allegedly lifted the bag from the X-ray machine around 7 PM yesterday at the Karol Bagh metro station and tried to run away with it, a senior police officer said. He was caught by CISF security personnel who handed him over to police. The bag belonged to Gulshan, a resident of Adadpur, who said it contained jewellery worth Rs 1.2 lakh. Gulshan and Ganesh were taken to police station. Ganesh in his statement said it was a misunderstanding. No case was registered, the officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 22-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering a woman in the Jama Masjid area, police said today. The body of the 22-year-old woman was found in a guest house near Jama Masjid yesterday. The accused Azam has been arrested, they said. Azam worked as a truck driver and had met her in Baghpat two years ago after which she had fled with him to Delhi. They also got married at a local mosque but she later went back to her husband, they added. However, she kept meeting Azam and after the woman's husband shifted to Badarpur here, they used to meet secretly at the guest house near Jama Masjid, police said. Yesterday, they went to the guesthouse after Azam was called by her to Delhi, police said. The woman started demanding Rs 10,000 from him which he had borrowed a year back. Azam said he didn't owe her money but she insisted on it, they added. She then allegedly thrashed Azam and threatened to file a false complaint against him following which he strangled the woman and fled with her belongings. A team was formed to nab Azam who had mentioned his Panipat address in the hotel register and he was arrested today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One person was held today at the IGI airport for allegedly carrying three live bullets in his baggage. Officials said the incident was reported at about 6:30 AM from Terminal-3 of the airport when a passenger, identified as B K Sharma, was getting his security checks done and on-duty CISF personnel recovered three live rounds of .32mm from his bag. "The flier, bound for Lucknow, produced an arms licence valid only for Uttar Pradesh. He was later handed over to Delhi Police for further probe," they said. Carrying of arms and ammunition in an aircraft is prohibited under the law. In a separate incident at a Delhi Metro station yesterday, a man was apprehended by CISF security staff for allegedly stealing another commuter's bag containing gold worth Rs 1.20 lakh. "The man from Uttar Pradesh has been handed over to Delhi Police after the incident was reported at 7:00 PM yesterday from the Karol Bagh station," they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maoists killed a villager suspecting him to be a police informer and torched as many as five vehicles engaged in a road construction work in Odisha's Koraput district, a senior police officer said today. A group of armed Maoists stormed a camp of the construction company at Bhitarakota village under Pottangi police station on Friday and abducted some labourers and villagers, who were taken inside the dense forest, the officer said. The Maoists held a meeting inside the forest and released the villagers and labourers in the evening with threat of dire consequences if they supported road construction work. The ultras also took away the mobile SIM cards of the villagers fearing they might inform police about the incident, they said quoting a delayed report. However, the group of Maoists returned to the camp site around night and torched the vehicles and murdered one Jayaram Khillo of the village. Due to the remoteness of the area, the incident came to light only yesterday, they said. "The Maoists slit the throat of Khillo.... We have seized Maoists posters from the spot," said Dev Gomang, Inspector In-Charge of Pottngi police station. Officials said a 10-km road under 'Pradhan Mantri Gramya Sadak Yojana' was under construction from Sorisopadar to Bhitarakota at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore with around nine km stretch already completed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Matthew McConaughey is in negotiations to star in "White Boy Rick". The film will follow the true story of Detroit teenager Richard Wershe Jr, who became an informant for local and federal authorities when he was just 14 years old, eventually becoming a drug kingpin in the city in the 1980s, reported Deadline. If things workout McConaughey would play Wershe's blue-collar father, who watches his teenage son receive a life sentence for his place in the drug trade. Yann Demange is set to direct the film, with Logan and Nolan Miller penning the script. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as negotiations are underway, Mauritius is hopeful of remaining the largest source of foreign investments into India even under the new treaty. In May, India and Mauritius signed a protocol amending the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty to introduce in-principle taxation of capital gains in India in a phased manner. "The initial treaty was the double taxation avoidance, it was helpful to both Mauritius as well as India because many investments were coming here through Mauritius. "The relations between the two countries have always been very strong and I see no reason that it will be otherwise. It will be very strong we are doing everything to make it stronger," Mauritius Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth told PTI on the sidelines of a luncheon meet with business leaders organised by All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The Prime Minister of the island nation said economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations have been on an upswing and pointed out that there are already lots of investments by Indian people so he does not see any reason why it should not continue. Jugnauth said they had no other option but to negotiate with India after the Indian government decided to put an end to the decades old treaty. "Now we are still negotiating to have something new to replace it. The old treaty was obviously beneficial but to us and since it is not there we are losing the benefit that we were making as I said we had no other option," he said. When asked about the impact of the abolition of the old treaty would have on the country's economy, the Prime Minister said, "Mauritius is still having its financial centre which has not been affected to much extent and we are trying to diversify. We are also trying to make up for whatever loss the centre is facing. We have to live up to reality (abolition of the treaty), we can't do otherwise." He said the country is trying to diversify and at the same time negotiating for new treaty. "We have already said it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it (the new treaty) should not be less favourable than the treaty that India would be making with other countries which they used to have the treaty before," Jugnauth said, adding, "India would do everything not to make us lose therefore we are still negotiating. I can't say what will be the final result. As per the protocol, India would be taxing on capital gains arising from sale/transfer of shares acquired on or after April 1, 2017. The protocol protects investments in shares acquired before 1 April 2017, that is existing investments made before 1 April 2017 have been grandfathered and will not be subject to capital gains taxation in April next. According to statistics, foreign investments in India from Mauritius has been around 33 per cent since 2000 and in FY 2016, it was 21 per cent. The foreign funds owned over 28 per cent in the Sensex and Nifty stocks. Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing visit to Latin America - from Nov 17 to 23 - comes at an opportune juncture, with the U.S. and other powers caught in domestic situations and global uncertainties that preclude their proactive engagement abroad. And President Xi, who is on course for state visits to Ecuador, Peru and Chile, can be expected to make the most of extending China's influence in a region seen as the U.S.'s backyard. Xi's visit may have far-reaching consequences for the U.S. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), being all but buried, may be one of many casualties to follow in the aftermath of Donald Trump being elected president. The post-election transition in the U.S. means that its presence will hardly be felt in the Lima APEC session, where all eyes will be on Xi. As a lame duck, President Barack Obama's attendance will actually underscore the declining influence of the U.S. on APEC. Obama's delegation can hardly contribute to chalking out any future plans, and in the absence of the officials from the incoming U.S. President's team, the U.S. delegation will be conspicuously ineffective. The other big power, Russia, though firmly with China and against the U.S. in the Pacific and the Middle East, is preoccupied with a reset of its relations with Washington in the aftermath of a Trump victory. President Vladimir Putin's current priority is to win over the U.S. President-elect for his goals in the Middle East where Russia's military engagement could be decisive. Thus, APEC and Latin America are not priorities for Moscow at this time. China has the field clear to boost its economic and trade relations with Latin America. However, in the current circumstances, President Xi, despite being all too aware of China's advantageous situation, is unlikely to project political power or touch upon strategic objectives. In fact, he may shy away from it to emphasize that instead of political and ideological influence, what China is seeking is a deeper and stronger economic partnership that would be mutually beneficial. Therefore, the economic objectives of Xi's mission are no less important. In the 10 years up to 2015, the volume of China-Latin America trade rose twenty-fold to $263.6 billion. China is the second largest trade partner and third largest investment source of Latin America. The potential for win-win cooperation is immense. Latin America has been identified as one of the three main areas that could be a net energy supplier to China. The region has huge natural resources including minerals that China is interested in. In return, China can help with infrastructure development on a massive scale and supply manufactured goods at very low prices. The slowdown in China and the consequent surplus of material such as iron, cement, etc. would actually help export of projects, especially infrastructure building. Economic and commercial ties apart, China is engaged with Latin America in multilateral forums such as China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum, Organization of American States (OAS), G5 group (Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China). Clearly, Latin America figures high on China's foreign policy agenda. This is Xi's third visit to Latin America as president since 2013. Although his visit to Ecuador is the first by a Chinese leader since 1980, Latin America has seen more than 30 visits in the last 15 years by Chinese presidents and premiers. China's increasing engagements are changing the region's geopolitics in a way that may challenge the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, in which U.S. President James Monroe asserted U.S. supremacy over its southern region and required other powers to keep out. Mikhail Gorbachev did visit Latin America, but that did not ruffle any feathers in Washington as the Soviet Union was falling apart and Russia alone was no match for U.S. power. Unlike in those times, China's presence has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. An, a U.S. in retreat signifies the collapse of the TPP and other mechanisms and schemes conceived with a view to extending American power in the Pacific to contain China. Right now, China is in a position to make the most of opportunities in Latin America and Xi may capitalize on that. 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. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her party today that she will seek re-election next year, a move likely to be welcomed in many capitals as a sign of stability following poll triumphs for Brexit and Donald Trump. After months of feverish speculation, Merkel said at a meeting of her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) that she would run for a fourth term, party sources told AFP. Merkel, 62, has governed Europe's top economic power, which does not have term limits, since 2005. Another full four-year mandate, which pollsters say is likely, would tie the post-war record set by her mentor Helmut Kohl, who presided over the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. With no clear successor in the CDU, her decision also comes as a relief to her party. Merkel represents "stability and reliability in turbulent times because she holds society together and stands up to over-simplification" by populists, CDU deputy leader Julia Kloeckner told Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "She stands for moderation and centrism instead of cheap headlines." A pastor's daughter who grew up in communist East Germany, Merkel is popular among Germans who see her as a straight-shooter and a safe pair of hands in a crisis. But her decision to let in more than one million asylum seekers over the last two years dented her support. It also revived the fortunes of the rightwing populist Alternative for Germany party (AfD), which has harnessed widespread anxiety about migration. Nevertheless, observers said the recent seismic shifts in global politics were likely to drive traditionally risk-averse German voters back into her arms. "Society's need for predictability and stability could become so overpowering in the 2017 election year that even the creeping erosion of Merkel's chancellorship won't compromise her success at the polls in the end," left-leaning weekly Die Zeit said. More than half of the electorate -- 55 per cent -- want Merkel to stay in office, up from 42 per cent in August, a poll for Bild am Sonntag newspaper showed today. As US President Barack Obama exits the stage, many observers say Merkel's importance as a defender of Western values will only continue to grow, with some calling her the new "leader of the free world". While the globe braces for potentially radical changes in US leadership under Trump, Britain is wrestling with the fallout from its June vote backing withdrawal from the EU, and France is facing a presidential poll in May that could see far-right candidate Marine Le Pen snatch victory. Underlining her relative strength, Merkel gathered Obama and the leaders of Britain, France, Spain and Italy at her chancellery Friday for talks on the fight against terrorism, climate change and the strategic threat posed by Russia. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The death toll from a petrol tanker blast in Mozambique has risen to 73, with dozens of people still being treated in hospital for severe burns, an official said today. The explosion occurred last Thursday when people were trying to syphon off petrol from the tanker after it was abandoned by its driver, officials said. "We can inform to you that 73 of our citizens have so far lost their lives as a result of the accident," Minister of State Administration Carmelita Namashulua told a press conference. The tanker loaded with 30,000 litres of petrol exploded in Tete province, a remote western region near the border with Malawi, killing 43 people on the spot, with over 100 badly burnt including children. The truck was said to be carrying fuel from Mozambique's port city of Beira to landlocked Malawi. Some of the victims being treated at Tete Provincial Hospital were children, in a disaster that President Filipe Nyusi called a "tragedy". The government yesterday declared three days of national mourning and has set up a commission to investigate the cause of the blast. The driver is said to have disappeared. Namashulua said some villagers continued to drain petrol from the truck after the blaze was put out, using plastic jars and hoses. The government in Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, recently increased the price of fuel after the value of the local currency -- the metical -- fell sharply. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Muslim voters, who account for nearly 20 per cent of Uttar Pradesh's population, can make or mar the electoral prospects of key political parties vying for the top slot in the upcoming Assembly elections. While divided Muslim votes translate to gains for BJP, a consolidation will change the poll arithmetic as minorities play a crucial role in at least 125 of 403 constituencies, which will go to polls in early 2017. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's decision to revoke expulsion of his estranged cousin and senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav might once again bring the political spotlight back on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). As ruling SP grappled with internal feud, BSP supremo Mayawati sought to fish in troubled waters, seeking to drive a wedge in SP camp to wean away the crucial Muslim vote bank. Muslims are considered the traditional votebank of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the concern over SP family feud has been voiced by several top clerics including, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid and Maulana Salman Nadvi of Lucknow-based Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. These leaders gave a blunt message to SP chief that their votes would end up with BSP if the internecine war in his party did not end. Even a few days back, the competition seemed even - the SP was battling a damaging power struggle, BSP had been hit by desertions and Congress despite a month-long campaign to woo farmers was still struggling to be taken seriously. But, the revocation of Ram Gopal's suspension gave a new dimension to the highly surcharged pre-poll scenario. Mayawati termed Ram Gopal's reinstatement as a "drama" to cover up the existing bitterness between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal. Political analysts say the development could drive the BSP supremo to think of a fresh strategy, especially in the communally sensitive western UP, where she anticipates a keen contest with BJP. So far, she has been harping on the feud in SP to caution Muslims "not to waste their votes". BSP insiders said the party was contemplating reassessing its strategy vis-a-vis Muslim vote bank, which has strongly been siding with SP post Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid issue. They were of the view that revocation of Ram Gopal's suspension was an effort by Samajwadi Party to project itself as a united outfit, especially after a bitter infighting between Akhilesh and Shivpal two months ago. Sources said Mayawati had directed her deputy Naseemuddin Siddiqui and his son Afzal to accelerate BSP campaign in western UP to mobilize Muslim voters and showcase the party that can halt the saffron surge. She has also promised a substantial chunk of tickets to Muslims to ensure that the community backs her party over SP. Insiders said the party will take the help of social media to reach out to voters in shortest possible time. They said Mayawati was of the firm view that wooing Muslims and galvanising them with her core Dalit vote bank could drum up a formidable alliance to take on BJP, which will stand to gain in the event of Muslim votes getting split between SP and BSP. The triple talaq issue is also bringing the community together. Analysts say as Congress is weak and SP is engaged in family battle, BSP will be their next best option. They say that a Bihar-like 'maha-gathbandhan' in UP could have kept the Muslim flock together. But, SP patriarch has ruled out any such alliance, though he said mergers with his party could be considered. As the Assembly elections draw near, BJP too seems to be re-drawing its strategy by roping in as many Muslim voters as possible before the elections, and by showing itself as the primary opponent of SP. The saffron party expects to gain those Muslim voters who have become disenchanted with SP, especially after Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013, in which over 60 people were killed and around 50,000 rendered homeless. Muslims are also unhappy with the SP government which has not so far fulfilled its promise to ensure 18 per cent quota for them, despite the fact that reservation is not on basis of religion. Congress too is making frantic efforts to regain its lost organisational moorings in the state and appointed Ghulam Nabi Azad as its state incharge, hoping to attract a huge chunk of Muslim votes. Muslims, who constitute a fifth of the state's population of nearly 200 crore, are yet to open their cards as to which way they will go though the community is the cynosure of all eyes of major political parties. Pakistan-born Canadian writer Tarek Fatah today slammed those maulvis who misguide Muslims by making them believe in life after death in 'Jannat' and urged the community to not get misled by it. "Muslims should understand that it is all about the present life, the real life is what we live here," Fatah said. "If a maulvi tells Muslims they will get a beautiful life in 'Jannat' after death then even educated Muslims go behind this theory and this is funny," he said on the second day of the 'Jaipur Dialogues' event here. Lashing out at Pakistan, his native country, Fatah said "The country wants to take revenge of the 1971 war". "Pakistan has been doing surgical strikes against India since 1947 and circulated counterfeit currency," he said. Fatah also criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for their protest against the government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Speaking on the issue of Kashmir, Strategic Affairs Analyst Sushant Sareen said the issue is not just limited to Kashmir but to the whole country and Indian citizens need to know what solution is available for this issue. "Political establishments and experts say there should be political solution to the Kashmir issue but what specific and exact political solution should be there, has not been elaborated," he said. Sareen said "intellectual failure" is the main cause of the Kashmir issue, adding "the provisions in the Article 370 of the Constitution are not a hurdle in the solution of the Kashmir dispute". He said the problem could be sorted out if people living in Kashmir consider themselves as Indian citizens. He alsosaid the government should improve health and education system. "It should be made mandatory that children of government employees, officers and elected public representatives from the level of Panchayat to Parliament will get education in government schools," he said. Holding separatists responsible for the current situation in Kashmir, Lt Gen (Retd) Ata Hasnain said "Those who spread hatred takes advantage of financially weak people". He said Army should not be withdrawn from Kashmir and both Army and police are needed to maintain peace in the Valley. Hasnain said the situation can be changed in Kashmir by improving financial condition and providing better education and healthcare to the people living there. American Hindu teacher David Frawley said some regional parties who do not have their own national agenda are opposing the ideology and decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "which is funny". He also criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his opposition to the decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A needle which got embedded into the body of a 12-year-old while he was playing, was removed by doctors here 22 years later. The man, now aged 34, had approached doctors two weeks ago complaining of severe pain and swelling on his back side. A scan revealed the presence of a needle on his left buttock, doctors at the Medical College Hospital here said. The needle had penetrated his body accidentally when he was a playing as a child. Though he was rushed to a hospital, doctors could not trace it and the family eventually forgot about it. However, a few days ago, when Kiran Kumar developed pain and swelling, he was referred to the Medical College Hospital here, where a thorough examination revealed a rusted needle, which was removed yesterday after a two hour-long surgery, they said. A team of doctors, including orthopedic and anesthesia experts, led the surgery. Kumar is recuperating after surgery. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepal today abruptly cancelled all agreements with the Indian construction firm ILFS to build a 76-kilometre-long fast track road, connecting the Nepalese capital with the southern Terai region near the Indian border. The surprise move to cancel the agreements with Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd came after a meeting of the Development and Finance Committees of Legislature-Parliament. Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Ramesh Lekhak said the government was committed to complete the USD 1 billion project with domestic resources. "Now all bodies concerned should make decision standing together in course of taking the nation's pride project ahead," Lekhak was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post. He said the government has tabled a proposal with the Cabinet for constructing the road with own investment. The fast-track road would connect Kathmandu to Nijgadh in the southern Terai region, where a new international airport has been planned. ILFS had already prepared a detailed report for the project that would have reduced the travel time from Kathmandu to Nijgadh to under an hour. According to a feasibility report prepared by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2014, the road project was estimated to cost USD 960 million. The latest DPR has given a price tag of USD 1,117 million, reports have said. During the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction held in June last year, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had asked the Himalayan country to allow India to develop the fast-track road and the international airport in Nijgadh. Previously, the KP Sharma Oli government had decided that the road project would be constructed by Nepal, instead of providing the contract to the Indian company. Today, Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara expressed commitment to ensure funds for "national pride projects" including the Tarai-Madhesh fast track and the Nijgadh international airport. "The problem however is not lack of funds but inability to spend it. The problem in capital expenditure has not improved," he said. Chairperson of Development Committee Rabindra Adhikari, Chair of Finance Minister Prakash Jwala, member Surendra Bahadur Pandey, Keshav Badal and others spoke of the need for unity among all the political parties to move ahead with the Nijgadh International Airport project and the Kathmandu-Tarai fast track road project. They suggested the government to allocate all the unspent budget every fiscal year for the fast track road project and complete it in a fast-track manner, the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nepalese people's aspirations remain unfulfilled despite the country making important achievements in politics in the past decade, Prime Minister Prachanda today said as the nation marked the 10th anniversary of the peace deal that ended the brutal Maoist insurgency. "Fundamental and qualitative changes have been noticed in the on-going peace process over the last ten years period," Prachanda told state-run Nepal television marking the 10th anniversary of the peace process. "The country has turned into a republic from the monarchy and a federal system has been adopted from a unitary system over ten years, which is not an ordinary phenomena," he said. "All these were the outcomes of the peace accord and the peace process," he said. However, the dream of fulfilling the aspirations of the Nepalese people remained unfulfilled, he admitted. "Now our focus will be to change the life of the people," the Prime Minister said. "We have signed peace agreement, successfully merged two armies, managed arms, promulgated constitution through Constituent Assembly ...And also completed many tasks relating to building the country, which makes the past decade full of important achievements," he said. Prachanda also admitted that there has been some delay in delivering justice to war crime victims due to the long political transition witnessed by the country, but expressed hope that it will be resolved soon as some positive outcomes have already started coming in this regard. More than 16,000 people were killed and nearly 1,300 disappeared and thousands more were displaced during the decade-long insurgency. Ten years after the signing of the peace accord, successive Nepali governments have failed to deliver on their central human rights promises, New York-based Human Rights Watch said. The international community, and particularly the United Nations, should press the government to fulfil its pledges as victims wait in vain for information about missing family members and accountability for crimes committed during the war, it said. Nepal's political parties formed an alliance, and together with the Maoists, made a commitment to democracy and human rights under the 2006 peace deal. One of the key undertakings under the peace accord was to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for human rights violations committed during the war. Yet, all the political parties appear to have forgotten those promises, and the victims' families are still waiting, it added. In addition to accountability for wartime cases, HRW noted that many other obligations under the peace agreement remain unfulfilled. The pledge to end discrimination based on gender, caste, class, ethnicity, and membership in other marginalised groups remains deeply contested, and power continues to rest among traditional elites. Commenting on the achievements of the first 100 days of the coalition government, Prachanda said, "Many works were accomplished relating to various development activities, preparationsfor Constitution amendment, improving relations with neighbours and works relating to peoples' living". Works relating to construction of 1200 MW Budhi Gandaki, the largest hydro power of the country, have reached the final stage and the country is being relieved from power outage soon, he said. Meanwhile, responding to a question on Indian government's decision to ban high denomination notes, Prachanda said that the government has taken up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it will bear positive outcome soon. Rejecting reports that normalcy is returning to strife-hit Valley, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today said dialogue with all stakeholders including Hurriyat is the only way to resolve the impasse. He also dismissed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the incidents of stone-pelting on security forces are on the decline post demonetisation of high-value currencies. "The incumbent coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir is not working on the lines of its joint working manifesto which talks about holding talks with the Hurriyat. I am of the firm view that if Kashmir (issue) has to resolved forever, then we would have to talk to all stake-holders including Hurriyat," Abdullah said on the sidelines of an event. He was here to attend the 'Mother Teresa Memorial International award for Social Justice 2016' function in suburban Andheri, organised by Harmony Foundation. "Latching onto few long-pending issues in Valley, a Kashmiri youth Burhan Wani was made from zero to hero," the former J&K Chief Minister told reporters. The Valley has been on boil since the encounter killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani by security forces in July. Responding to a query on Parrikar's statement that stone-pelting incidents dipped in the wake of demonetisation decision, Abdullah said there was no truth in this claim. He also dismissed media reports that normalcy was being restored in the Valley. "Who is saying so?...The reports are devoid of truth. How many of you have been in Valley and seen the ground reality. If there is (indeed) something like that (normalcy), it would be very short lived. "Perpetually peaceful environment in the Valley would be restored when the local people would have the chance of employability. But unfortunately, nothing seems viable at this stage," Abdullah said. On scrapping of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 banknotes, the NC chief said the decision was good but "badly implemented". "Government should have made sufficient arrangement for flow of currency before going ahead with this (demonetisation). Had it been implemented properly, nobody would have died in queue for getting cash," Abdullah said. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir are worst hit due to demonetisation as there are few banks and ATMs in Valley. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Barack Obama on Monday urged greater efforts to end violence in war-torn Syria in brief talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as concern mounts over a ferocious regime bombing campaign in rebel-held parts of . Obama made the comments to his Russian counterpart on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, in what could be their last meeting before the US president leaves office in January. It was the first time they had met since the US presidential election and the shock victory of Donald Trump, who has pursued a far warmer relationship with Putin than Obama did. "On Syria, the president noted the need for Secretary (John) Kerry and Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov to continue pursuing initiatives, together with the broader community, to diminish the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people," said a White House official. Syrian government forces last Tuesday launched a bid to retake the eastern rebel-held side of using air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery. Moscow, which began a military intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad's government last year, says it is not involved in the current assault on Aleppo, instead concentrating its firepower on a neighboring province. Around 250,000 people have been under siege in the eastern part of Aleppo, Syria's second city and its economic hub before the war erupted in March 2011. Obama's comments came shortly after the UN's Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, warned that time was "running out" for eastern areas of the city, after talks in Damascus with Foreign Minister Walid Muallem. Dozens of people have been killed in the onslaught, most of them civilians, a monitor has said, and many have been wounded. In the four-minute conversation with Putin, Obama also urged Russia to uphold commitments related to the frayed Minsk peace accords which were aimed at ending conflict in eastern Ukraine. "The president urged President Putin to uphold Russia's commitments under the Minsk agreements, underscoring the US and our partners' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty," said the White House official. Relations between Russia and the United States are at their lowest point since the Cold War, largely because of sharp differences over the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. Obama, who last met Putin at the G20 summit in China in September, is on his final foreign trip as president before handing over to Donald Trump on January 20. Trump has expressed admiration for Putin, calling him a better leader than Obama and saying he would have a "very, very good relationship" with him. Putin likewise complimented the Republican billionaire, calling him a "very bright, talented person." President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin today as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next US president. The two leaders were seen chatting as reporters were allowed in briefly for the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. It was unclear what the two were discussing, and their words weren't audible to journalists present. The White House did not immediately provide details about the content of their conversation. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory US approach to Russia. Under Obama, the US has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behaviour in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signalled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a "partner-like dialogue," the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the US also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the US also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favourites and rejected the claims of interference in the US election. The meeting came as Obama prepared for planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the US and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt US workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One person was today arrested for allegedly trying to dupe a shopkeeper by providing a colour photocopy of the Rs 2,000 currency note while exchanging it for two now-defunct Rs 1,000 currency notes, the police said. The incident happened on Panchanantala Road in Lake Police Station limits this afternoon when Balaji Shankar Sardar, a resident of Jamshedpur, exchanged one new Rs 2,000 currency note from a betel-leaf seller with two Rs 1,000 currency notes, a senior official of Kolkata Police said. "Sardar was leaving the shop soon but the shopkeeper detected that the Rs 2,000 currency note was actually a colour photocopy of an original one. He started yelling and caught hold of Sardar with the help of a few locals there and informed the local police station," he said. Sardar, into computer business, has been visiting Kolkata for couple of years and staying at a guest house on Panchanantala Road, the officer said. Sardar has been arrested and booked under IPC Section 420 on the complaint of shopkeeper. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A worker sustained injuries after a fire broke out at a plant of Shalimar Paints Ltd company at Gonde Dumala village in Igatpuri taluka of the district, police said today. "The incident occurred at around 9:30 PM last night and soon spread across the plant. One worker, identified as Vishvambhardas Yadav received burn injuries and was taken to Nashik civil hospital. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot and the blaze was contained," an official of Wadivhare police station said. Locals residing in the nearby areas of the factory premises were shifted to safer places as a precautionary measure, while vehicular movement on the busy Mumbai-Agra national highway was closed for safety for sometime, the officer said. The exact cause behind the fire is yet to be ascertained, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A united Opposition is all set to corner the government in Parliament tomorrow on the demonetisation issue with the Congress issuing a whip to its parliamentarians and leaders of opposition parties slated to meet to chalk out a joint strategy. Opposition leaders will meet tomorrow morning and are likely to raise the demand of a joint parliamentary committee probe into the alleged selective leakage of demonetisation information to the ruling BJP. Sources in the opposition camp said there is unanimity among all parties on the need for a comprehensive investigation into prior intimation of the decision to some people. A senior opposition leader said, "Many parties are determined to take this matter of selective leakage to the masses and jointly take on the government in Parliament. There are other worrisome aspects of the demonetisation decision which we will raise in both Houses of Parliament." The Congress is leading the deliberations with Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Deputy Leader Anand Sharma coordinating with other opposition parties. The sources said all outfits including the TMC, JD(U), BSP, SP, NCP and Left parties are on the same page on the issue and will step up their offensive in both Houses. A senior Congress leader said a whip has been issued in both Houses to ensure the presence of all members. After the opposition leaders' meeting, Congress will hold its own strategy meet with its MPs. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is expected to chair the meeting. The opposition has stalled proceedings in both the Houses last week demanding the Prime Minister's response in the matter. In the Lok Sabha, the government and the opposition have locked horns over rules to debate demonetisation with Congress and TMC seeking a discussion under an adjournment motion, which permits voting. The government, however, agreed for a debate under Rule 193 which doesn't entail voting. The Congress leader said the party is also planning "direct mass action" against the demonetisation move by flagging poor implementation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police today seized over Rs 16 lakh in cash, which included 409 new 2,000 rupee notes from a car at Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district, which, they said, was meant to be swapped for defunct notes at a commission. "We have seized Rs 16,20,200 from a car near Himmatnagar medical college and arrested two persons. "The notes in denominations of Rs 2,000, Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20 and Rs 10 were to be exchanged with demonetised notes for 35 per cent commission," D D Parmar, in-charge police inspector of Local Crime Branch, said. Those arrested have been identified as Mayank Patel (28) and Vishal Panchal (28). Two others, Nilesh Patel and Jitu Patel, are absconding, Parmar said. "We have registered the offence and started a probe. We have also informed the Income Tax department about the seizure," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Oxford University college has created a new post to protect working-class students from "microaggressions and classism". Last week St. Hilda's College students voted to create the new post of Class Liberation Officer, backing a motion that said working-class students suffered from "microaggressions and classism at university" and needed an officer to support them. "Insults such as 'chav', chav-themed social nights and questions such as 'why are you wearing Primark?' can make poor students feel upset and worthless," one student told The Sunday Times. According to the newspaper, fighting for the rights of working-class students is the latest fashionable cause to sweep through top UK universities, where the privately educated are disproportionately represented. King's College London, Manchester University and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) have all appointed officers to support working-class students. At St. Hilda's, the class officer will work alongside four other liberation officers who support and campaign for lesbian and gay students, black students, women and the disabled. The officer will run "compulsory workshops" during freshers' week "looking at class discrimination and microaggression, cultural appropriation etc directed at students from a working-class background," according to students at Oxford. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Battle-hardened Pakistan army is "equally ready" to fight conventional wars after registering an "unprecedented level of successes" in its war against terror, army chief General Raheel Sharif has said. Visiting troops and war veterans at Sulemanki Sector yesterday, Raheel, who is expected to retire from service later this month, said that the military has always measured up to any challenge. While interacting with the troops, Raheel said that Pakistan Army proudly carries its heritage and tradition of soldiering and chivalry. "Taking inspiration from our war heroes and their spirit of sacrifice, Pakistan Army has always measured up to any challenge. With an unprecedented level of successes in war against terror, we have become the most battle-hardened Army and are equally ready for conventional war," he was quoted as saying by a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations. On Monday, Raheel had attended the funeral of seven Pakistani soldiers who were killed during border skirmishes with the Indian army. The Pakistan army chief had warned India that Pakistan army "will continue to respond effectively, leave no stone unturned to defend motherland." He appreciated the troops for keeping vigil along the Line of Control, working boundary and international border. Raheel is due to retire on November 29 after a three-year stint. Earlier on Friday, General Raheel visited Government College University (GCU) Lahore, his alma mater and interacted with the students and faculty members. To revive his old memories, he visited various sections of the premier institute specially those parts where he had spent his days as a student. He emphasised on the youth to always focus on 3Cs (Character, Courage and Competence) and strive for honour and dignity through hard work and faith in Allah. Raheel, while expressing his optimism of a brighter future of the country, said that Pakistanis are a great nation and its human resource was its real asset. He also referred to the 'Zarbe Azb' military operations against militants in 2014. Pakistan's military launched the operations in North Waziristan to clear the area of militants and the successful campaign has laid a strong foundation for peace and progress in Pakistan, Raheel said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 43 Indian fishermen were today arrested by Pakistan for allegedly entering its territorial waters in the Arabian Sea, officials here said. The fishermen were nabbed by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency off the coast of Sindh province and taken to provincial capital Karachi. "The fishermen were handed over Dock Police Station for registration of case against them," an official of the PSMA said. A police official said that a case has been registered against them under the Foreigner's Act and the Fisheries Act. "The arrested fishermen will be presented in the court tomorrow for further legal action," he said. Edhi Foundation has been providing food to the arrested fishermen, a spokesperson of the foundation told reporters. Both Pakistan and India often arrest fishermen from the other country for violation of their territorial waters in the Arabian Sea. These poor fishermen spent months and sometimes years in jails before released and repatriated back to their countries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Patanjali group plans to scale up its land holding in Mihan-SEZ here by 40 acres, taking it to 330 acres for its ambitious project. The company is eyeing export of herbal medicine through its Nagpur project, now under development, which aims to provide employment opportunities to nearly 10,000 persons. Acharya Balkrishna, CEO of Patanjali group, who was here yesterday for a function said the company is planning to acquire another 40 acres of land in Mihan-SEZ. Patanjali has land both in the SEZ and non-SEZ parts of Mihan. "(Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked Patanjali to further invest in Nagpur after which the group has planned to take up another 40 acres in SEZ. Around 80 per cent of the output will be exported. Stress will be on exporting herbal medicine as there is not much market for herbal cosmetics," Balkrishna told reporters. At present, Patanjali has 230 acres in non-SEZ and 60 acres within SEZ area of Mihan. The units in SEZ and non-SEZ areas will cater to the company's overseas and domestic market respectively. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari said Tech Mahindra, which already has a unit in Mihan-SEZ, is also scouting for land to start a Management University here. "Talks were held with CP Gurnani, managing director of Tech Mahindra, who was interested in starting a management university here," said Gadkari while speaking at a Summit 2016. The Minister who is MP from the city also said the development of Nagpur airport as an International Air Cargo and Passenger Hub here is expected to begin within a month or two. Six offers have been received after requests for qualifications (RFQs) were called for roping in a strategic investor to develop the airport. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A week after sharing stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and showering praises on him, NCP chief Sharad Pawar today attacked the NDA government over the issue of issue of demonetisation and Rs 98,000-crore bullet train project. Pawar alleged that the Modi government was harassing people on the pretext of demonetisation. But people will respond to it by voting against his party, he said at a rally in Ghatkopar in the run-up to the crucial BMC elections due early next year. "This government is not concerned about millions of people commuting by local trains in Mumbai... Trains in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai can be operated in Rs 98,000 crore. But, Modi is in a hurry to go to Ahmedabad," the NCP leader said. On the issue of demonetisation, Pawar said, "If the situation continues, it will become difficult for the common man to survive." "The common man is suffering and the Prime Minister says those with black money have lost sleep. 'Parivartan' (change) must take place in the next Lok Sabha and the Assembly elections," Pawar said. Citing official figures, Pawar said only 0.28 per cent of the total notes in circulation were fake. However, 86 per cent of the total notes in circulation were scrapped, he said. He said Modi should travel abroad and resolve India's (global) issues, but he should travel as a representative of the country and not of BJP. Problems will increase if the infrastructure is not improved. People of Mumbai should decide to oust those troubling them, the NCP leader said. "If the head of the country (Prime Minister) is responsible for the feeling that this is a country of criminals, then we must prove that India is a country of hard-working people," said the NCP supremo. "The country is in the grip of an economic emergency due to Modi's (demonetisation) decision," he added. The former Union Minister described West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who march to the Rashtrapati Bhavan against demonetisation, as a "simple and honest" leader. The Shiv Sena had recently supported her over demonetisation. On November 8, Modi had announced the decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the three-day conference of Directors-General of Police (DGP) of all states to be held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here from November 25. Modi will inaugurate the conference and attend the deliberations on November 25 and 26. "It is the annual conference of Directors-General of Police. All DGs of all states will attend. Apart from Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and the two Ministers of State for Home are also coming," a top police official said here. The conference will focus on issues such as terrorism and cyber crime, the officer said. The conference was held in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With miseries mounting for patients and their attendants following demonetisation, postal department officials have started visiting hospitals across the city to help them exchange old high-value currency notes for new ones. So far, nearly Rs 25 lakhs have been exchanged by them at the hospitals. "The postal teams are visiting hospital wards offering lower denomination currency notes to patients and their family members as per their needs. Many of them are not able to procure cash from the overcrowded banks and ATMs in the city," Chief Postmaster General (Delhi circle), L N Sharma said. He said several teams have been formed to visit the hospitals. The hospitals where the teams are going include Ram Manohar Lohiya (RML), Lady Hardinge, Safdarjung, Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB), Army Research and Referral Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Charak Palika hospitals etc. According to Abhishek Singh, Director, Postal Services (Operations and Headquarters, Delhi circle) the postal staff have exchanged close to Rs 25 lakhs from hospitals till now. The initiative is likely to continue till December 30. "From Friday onwards, we have also started visiting old age homes and exchange the banned currency notes with the elderly people who are not often in a position to visit banks and post offices," Singh said. "Post office has always been a people's organisation. It caters to the needs of the common man and this was one opportunity where we felt we need to reach out to those who are really in need of money at this time," he said. The service by the Department of Post has brought cheer among patients and their relatives. "My husband is admitted to Safdarjung hospital and I was in dire need of cash. I went to a nearby bank twice but there was a long queue and could not exchange or withdraw money. But then these officials from the post office came and exchanged my money. It was of great help," said 32-year-old Kanika Das. The government hospitals have been authorised to accept the old currency notes from patients, but the facilities were said to have run out of small change to offer to the patients. "Also we are finding it difficult to buy food and other essentials from shops and hospital canteens as they are not accepting the old notes. Now because of the postal team we do not have to go and stand in queues," said Manpreet Khanna. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed concern over the quality and education standards of institutes in India and said business schools need to impart 'right skills' to students to make them employable. The business schools have a stimulating role to play as India has potential for setting up 10,000 start-up firms in the next few years, the President said in his address at an event of Indian School of Business here. There is a need to impart right skills to youth, make them capable to find jobs else "the restless young mind will resort to violence", Mukherjee cautioned and asked the business schools to provide conducive environment for learning. "There is mushrooming of management institutes in the country. However, I am noticing that they do have standards," he said. There are many universities and polytechs "but the quality of many institutes is not up to the standards" in terms of competing in getting jobs, he noted. Asserting that India's growing young population need to be trained to compete in the job market, the President said that the country has demographic advantage and it will add 60 crore youth by 2030. "Therefore, skill imparting has become imperative. If we fail to do, it will be demographic disaster. The restless mind will resort to violence," he cautioned and urged the business schools to come out with innovative ways and create conducive environment to impart skills. (REOPEN DEL 88) Sounding a note of caution, Mukherjee said, "Mere physical expansion of the academic infrastructure is not what we want." "... There are more than 753 universities in India, more than 36,000 colleges and several number of other institutions. But the quality of many of these institutions in the areas of higher learning are not up to the standard. I am not merely referring to their absences of world rankings by important rating agencies, but I am also talking from the view point of their competitiveness in getting the job in the world market." The President also observed that such is the quality of the education in India that only four Indians have so far bagged Noble prize and that too they have studied abroad and not in Indian varsities. "Is there lack of talent here?" he asked while reminding the huge task that lie ahead for management institutes to improve upon. Citing examples of the quality of learning that was imparted by ancient Nalanda and Taxila universities, Mukherjee said that these were institutions of excellence for cross-fertilisation of minds. "Therefore, institutions must be centres to attract talents and help unfold their talent," he said. Advising outgoing students from business schools to have social responsibility, the President said, "Don't be scared to take risk. Don't be afraid to take challenges. You are product of free India and there is no colonial baggage. Therefore, use all options. ...Don't be job seekers, be a job giver." He further told students that "after passing out, you will get good placement, good salary and perks. But that's not all. We need social commitment and social responsibility. ...We also want the young minds to pay back dividend to the society, which has created atmosphere for their development." Speaking on the occasion, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the government will not interfere with the autonomy of educational institutes and will also keep a check on the quality of PhDs. "I believe in autonomy and freedom of education. Yes, good institutions will get full autonomy, average institutions will get 50 per cent and not so good ones will have no autonomy and will be regulated," he said. Stating that the government will soon finalise guidelines on this, the Minister said, "Till now, University Grants Commission (UGC) used to grant degrees. ...But UGC's only role will be grant the power of granting degrees to universities. Besides that, there will be no role." On setting up of 20 world class institutes, Javadekar said that 10 each will be private and public institutes and the government will provide funding support. The quality institutes are necessary as the sustained growth is possible in those countries which have best education institutes, he added. Expressing concern over quality of PhDs, the Minister said, "Actually, PhD means adding to existing knowledge. But we see them depending on Google and Wikipedia. ...We will check on that." Punjab Governor V P Singh and Indian School of Business Executive Board Chairman Adi Godrej were among others who were present at the event. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi led the nation in condoling the death of more than 115 people today in the train tragedy in UP's Kanpur Dehat district. "I am sad to learn about the accident in which many have lost their lives and a number of persons are injured. I am sure that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as medical aid to the injured," Mukherjee said in a message to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. The Prime Minister in a tweet said, "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families." He said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the mishap from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Modi observed two-minute silence to condole the loss of lives at the Rail Vikas Shivir at Surajkund on the outskirts of the national capital asking the railways to work toward achieving the zero accident target to make train journeys safe. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expresseddeep pain over the loss of lives. He said there will be an inquiry into the incident to find out the detail cause of it. Five NDRF teams were deployed to rescue passengers trapped in the mangled bogies of the train even as the Home Minister gave instructions to the force's chief, R K Pachnanda. Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured. Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said, "Words can't describe the pain and anguish of those who lost their near and dear ones and the entire country stands in solidarity to share this unbearable sorrow." She also asked the local Congress unit to assist in the relief and rescue operations along with the authorities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be paid to next of kin of the deceased. "If the incident has taken place, first responsibility lies on the state government as hospitals, ambulances and the entire administration is of the state. We have fulfilled our responsibilities and our priority at present is to save maximum lives," he said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cancelled a function to release a report card of his government on completion of one year in office and expressed grief over the mishap. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Assam counterpart Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolence to the bereaved families. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi led the nation in condoling the train tragedy in UP's Kanpur Dehat district in which more than 115 people were today killed and over 200 injured. "I am sad to learn about the accident in which many have lost their lives and a number of persons are injured. I am sure that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as medical aid to the injured," Mukherjee said in a message to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. The Prime Minister in a tweet said, "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families." He said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the mishap from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Modi observed two-minute silence to condole the loss of lives at the Rail Vikas Shivir at Surajkund on the outskirts of the national capital asking the railways to work toward achieving the zero accident target to make train journeys safe. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expresseddeep pain over the loss of lives. He said there will be an inquiry into the incident to find out the detail cause of it. Five NDRF teams were deployed to rescue passengers trapped in the mangled bogies of the train even as the Home Minister gave instructions to the force's chief, R K Pachnanda. Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured. Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said, "Words can't describe the pain and anguish of those who lost their near and dear ones and the entire country stands in solidarity to share this unbearable sorrow." She also asked the local Congress unit to assist in the relief and rescue operations along with the authorities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be paid to next of kin of the deceased. "If the incident has taken place, first responsibility lies on the state government as hospitals, ambulances and the entire administration is of the state. We have fulfilled our responsibilities and our priority at present is to save maximum lives," he said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cancelled a function to release a report card of his government on completion of one year in office and expressed grief over the mishap. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Assam counterpart Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolence to the bereaved families. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indo-US ties are so broad and dynamic that pulling back on any aspect will not be in the interest of anyone, a top American official has said while observing that the next administration may want to add their own new areas of focus in the bilateral relationship. "India-US relations will have to move beyond government to government. India-US relations are global, but they should also be local," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told a Washington audience. Speaking on the occasion of launch of "US-India State and Urban Initiative" by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank, Biswal stressed on building state to state relationships. "Every successive administration is going to add some new areas of cooperation. The US-India relations are so broad, so complex, and so dynamic that pulling back on any aspect will not be in the interest of anyone," Biswal said. "The next administration will understand that, and might want to build on, and might want to add their own new areas of focus. That doesn't mean that they will move away from what has already been built," Biswal said in response to a question. "The demand in India for new technologies and capital is high, and the desire in many places in the US to seek new areas of partnership with India is also high," she said pointing out that India-US economic ties are responding to demands that already exist. Amos J Hochstein, Special Envoy in the State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources, said India and the US are working together on addressing regulatory issues. "The issues are plenty. Steady goals are extremely important to set the direction of where the country is going. But beyond setting the goals, there have to be follow ups. You can't simply say that I am going to create 175 GW of renewable energy if you cannot solve some of the fundamental problems that do not allow that to happen," he said. "India is the best place in the world to invest in renewable energy. But the regulatory environment and all the issues related to financing will have to be resolved for that to happen," he asserted. "Just like the US where the regulatory authority of the federal government is rather limited...The states in the US have all the power. They will decide the future of their own state. The same is true in India. In addition to what central government is doing, what is happening at the state and local levels are also very important," Hochstein said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pakistan government issued a permit allowing a Qatari prince to hunt an endangered bird in the country, days after he is believed to have bailed out Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers scandal, a media report said today. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, former prime minister of Qatar, is among those Arab royals who have been given special permits to hunt the internationally protected Houbara bustard in Pakistan. The Dawn reported that al-Thani has been allowed to hunt down up to 100 migratory birds during a 10-day hunting safari in Jhang and Bhakhar districts of Punjab province in the 2016-17 winter hunting season. This is not the first time that a special hunting permit has been issued to the Qatari prince but the timing has attracted attention in Pakistan. The prince has been in the following his letter to the Supreme Court in connection with the Panama Papers case describing his father's business relations with Sharif's family and his involvement in the London apartments that are at the centre of the controversy. The letter by the Qatari royal virtually absolves the prime minister of the charges. The court is hearing five identical petitions by opposition parties alleging Sharif purchased the properties through ill-gotten money illegally transferred out of the country. The Houbara bustard is not only protected under various international conventions and agreements signed by the country but its hunting is also banned under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it but it is much sought after by Arab hunters. The permit was sent to the prince through Qatar's diplomatic mission in Islamabad. The Qatari embassy has been duly informed about the hunting permission through a letter. Hunting by Arab elites has continued for years despite anger by conservationists in Pakistan and across the world. A Saudi prince killed 2,100 bustards in Balochistan province in 2014 against the permitted limit of 100, creating an international outcry. The meat of the bird is considered by the Arabs to have aphrodisiac qualities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British government is planning to use Queen Elizabeth II as a "secret weapon" to invite US President-elect Donald Trump to Buckingham Palace in the first half of 2017 to bolster US-UK ties, a report claimed today. Ministers believe the Queen is their "secret weapon" and British Prime Minister Theresa Maywilluse thestate visit to help strengthenthe"special relationship" between Britain and the US, 'The Sunday Times' reports. A source who has discussed the issue with a Cabinet minister told the paper: "The government has decided that their secret weapon to get in with Trump is to offer him an early visit to the Queen, him and [his wife] Melania staying at Windsor Castle." A senior official said the details of the invitation had been held back for protocol reasons because Mrs May was due to meet Barack Obama in Berlin next week. "I know that there are plans for a state visit. They didn't want to say it because it's disrespectful to Obama, but once [Trump is] in they'll move quickly in No 10. London in summer is a very attractive place for anyone to come. It will be the first offer," the official told the newspaper. Trump reportedly told May when they had their first official phone call 10 days ago that his mother, a Scot, had been a big fan of the Queen and asked the Prime Minister to pass on his best wishes to the monarch. Another cabinet source said: "The Queen is the key here. She's not a secret weapon, she's the biggest public weapon you have." A Buckingham Palace spokesperson made clear that the final decision would rest with Downing Street. "State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the government," the spokesperson said. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "No visit has been organised but the Prime Minister is looking forward to welcoming the president-elect to the UK when he chooses to visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel President Reuven Rivlin and Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao will pay respects to the victims of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, at a memorial meeting in Taj Mahal Hotel in south Mumbai tomorrow. The memorial meeting has been organised by the Government of Israel, an official from the Governor's office said. Ambassador of Israel to India Daniel Carmon and Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai David Akov will also attend the meeting, he said. The Governor will also call on the Israel President separately at the 'Imperial Room' adjacent to the memorial lobby (where respects will be paid to the victims of 26/11 terrorist attack) in Taj Mahal Hotel after the meeting, the official said. 166 people were killed in the attacks carried out by 10 LeT terrorists from Pakistan. Nine terrorists were killed while the lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and later executed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rs 1.15 crore in demonetised currency notes was seized from a man here today who was to hand them over to two agents for exchanging those with legal tenders, police said. "We seized Rs 1.15 crore in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 demonetised currency notes from a four-wheeler and detained a person, Satish Kalola, who said the notes belonged to him," said University Police Chowky inspector K K Zala. The officer said Kalola, who is into transport business, was to hand over the demonetised banknotes to Rajni Pandya and Gautam Pandya, who had promised to exchange those with legal tenders for 30 per cent commission. Zala said the Income Tax Department has been informed about the seizure and further investigation is on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia's Soyuz spacecraft has arrived at the International Space Station, carrying a European, a Russian and an American astronaut for a four-month mission at the orbiting outpost. "Capture confirmed," said a NASA commentator as the spacecraft docked at the ISS at 4:58 PM (local time), live US space agency television images showed yesterday. The trio - including Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy and American astronaut Peggy Whitson -- launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Thursday. Pesquet, a rookie astronaut and amateur saxophone player, is the first French national to be sent to the ISS by the European Space Agency since 2008. Whitson, meanwhile is an experienced veteran and biochemistry expert who will break records with this space mission, including the title of the most days in space by a US astronaut. Whitson is scheduled to surpass NASA astronaut Jeff Williams' 534 days on April 24. In February, Whitson, 56, will become the first woman to command the space station twice. She previously commanded the station in 2007, when she became the first woman to hold this post, NASA said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) will contest upcoming Punjab Assembly election on 'cart' symbol. The party's chief spokesperson Iqbal Singh Tiwana said that SAD (Amritsar) led by Simranjit Singh Mann is active in politics of Punjab and other parts of country from a long time as an unregistered party. Now the Election Commission of India has given recognition to SAD (Amritsar) as political party and allotted permanent symbol-- 'cart', he said. The party candidates have been contesting election as Independent candidates and there has been confusion among voters at the time of voting. Now, this confusion will be cleared, he said. Tiwana said since the party has fulfilled all the conditions, permanent symbol has been allotted to the party. SAD(A) president Simranjit Singh Mann expressed gratitude to Election Commision of India for allotting permanent symbol to the party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Even as BJP has not declared tickets for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, controversial party MP Sakshi Maharaj today addressed a rally in support of an independent candidate here. Sakshi was the chief guest in the rally of Rudra Daman Singh alias Bablu, an independent candidate for 2017 from Sarojini Nagar assembly seat of Lucknow. "I know my brothers in media will put me in the dock. I want such a 'sipahi' in BJP. But I want to make him 'sipahi' of Modi. Irrespective of the party ticket from here, I know the seat will be won by Bablu Singh," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President said on Sunday India will become a "modern economic power in the world" if the government's innovative schemes such as 'Clean India' and 'Digital India' are implemented successfully. As India is on a cusp of second Green Revolution, the country needs to learn from Israel to boost crop productivity by using modern technologies, he said. "New initiatives which our government has initiated in all areas of economic activity particularly innovative schemes like 'Make in India', 'Clean India', 'Smart India', Digital India successful implementation of all these will convert this ancient civilisation into a prosperous, vibrant and modern economic power in the world," Mukherjee said at the inaugural function of CII Agro-tech event here. To become a modern economic power, he stressed on "effectively using our resources" and increase farm productivity to the maximum level. "We have to learn from Israel which has achieved higher yields using water-efficient irrigation technologies to the optimum level," he said while lauding Israel's efforts in making the country a food surplus and water surplus nation. Israel's President Reuven Rivlin, who was the guest of honour at the agri-event, said the strengthening of ties between the nations can bring 'magic in the world' as the two countries have potential to scale up. "When Israeli companies and Indian farmers are networking, they are doing magic together. You once said that every country has its own way to move forward. India leads the world in innovation and can scale up," he said. Rivlin shared that India taught Israel about the importance of food security. "In Israel, we are more concerned about inland security. India taught that the greatest challenge is food security." On a lighter note, Rivlin said he fell in love with Hindi word 'jugad' and added, "The state of Israel is jugad. There is 'jugad' in the way we work and the innovation...." Rivlin is on a state visit to India on the invitation of President . India and Israel signed agreements for agriculture partnership in 2006 under which Israel has been sharing its best practices and knowledge through professional training programmes. Around 3500 students from 36 schools have been given opportunity to visit the Naval Base here as part of Navy Week activities held last week. The students were taken to INS Sutlej, Sunayana and Kirch in separate groups. "The students were explained the basic functions involved in sailing of a ship by officers of the ship," a Navy release said. Various training establishments such as Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology, Seamanship School and Diving School had set up their displays/ equipment in the naval base for the benefit of the visiting school children, it said. Uses of various naval equipments were explained to the students. Naval films were also screened to motivate the students. Subsequently, they witnessed flying operations at Naval Air Station, INS Garuda and were shown various naval aircraft from close quarters. Approximately 300 NCC cadets also visited the ships and air station along with NCC Officers and staff on November 18. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Singapore-India air passenger traffic has increased by 4.98 per cent in the first 10 months of this year, a Changi Airport senior executive said today. "Traffic for India sector continued to grow in the first 10 months in 2016, and the year-on-year growth for January-October is 4.98 per cent," said Lim Ching Kiat, Managing Director, Air Hub Development at Singapore's Changi Airport. In 2015, the airport recorded 3.44 million passenger movements on the Singapore-India sector which is served by 220 of one-way weekly flights. Commenting on the traffic, Lim said, "We have seen a lot of good progress in recent months, both from Singapore and India-based airlines". "India is a very important market for Changi Airport, one of our top seven markets. We are linked to 15 cities," said Lim at a ceremony starting Air India Express' service to Kolkata and Dhaka from Singapore. The Air India Express runs four flights a week on the Singapore-Kolkata-Dhaka route. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Sohum Shah, known for films like "Ship of Theseus" and "Talvar", is set to play Kangana Ranaut's love interest in upcoming film "Simran" and he says his part is completely different from his earlier roles. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film is reportedly inspired by the life of an NRI nurse in the US. "It's a very different role from the films that I have previously done. I'm playing Kangana's love interest, who will bring a change in her life. I have a very important character in the film," the actor told PTI. Sohum is first time working under Mehta's direction and he is all praise for the "Aligarh" helmer. "Hansal sir is very calm no matter how much stress is there. He always handles everything very calmly. I've learnt so many things from him. "I'm a very restless person I don't have much patience. But he never takes pressure be it for shooting on different locations or managing things on sets. He is an extremely cool person." Talking about Kangana, Sohum said, "She is an amazing person she was constantly participating in each discussion on the sets. I wasn't nervous at all during the shoot because when you are fully prepared with what you have to do, things get automatically easy." When asked about the present scenario of women-oriented films in the industry, Sohum said, "Industry people should make women-oriented films more often. Films like 'Pink', 'Queen', 'Piku' or 'Simran' they all have very different approach in their stories. "You will find all kind of audience in India. So, industry should offer them such films. It's very important. I, as an artiste, believe in doing something unique." Sohum will also be next seen in the fantasy-horror "Tumbad", which he claimed will be an entirely different film for Indian cinema. "Just like 'Ship of Theseus' had a different concept, 'Tumbad' is also going to have a unique plot. And it will be completely different film for Indian cinema. It is not an offbeat movie. It is a very entertaining film which will appeal to everyone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fearing the repercussions of a divided house, ruling is contemplating taking back all its expelled leaders, if Rajya Sabha member Ramgopal Yadav's reinstatement is any signal. With Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections barely few months away, SP does not want to portary a picture of disunity knowing fully well that dents in its vote bank will help its opponents BSP and BJP in the battle of ballots. Some of the expelled youth leaders, close to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, have already met party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, triggering speculation of their early return to party fold. MLCs Sunil Sajan, Anand Bhadauria and Sanjay Lather, and youth leaders Gaurav Dubey, Digvijay Singh Dev and Brajesh Yadav among others met Mulayam and have reportedly tendered apology for their actions that had led to their expulsion from the party, SP sources said. The youth leaders are said to have pleaded with the party chief to allow them to work for the SP to strengthen it before the assembly polls. Mulayam has assured them that he would look into their request, the sources said. After the return of Ram Gopal, who was expelled from the party for six years, speculation was rife that others too will also be brought back. Taking a strong view of the protests and sloganeering on the streets during the feud in the first family of Samajwadi Party, the state unit had expelled a number of youth wing leaders, who were said to be close to Akhilesh. Ram Gopal's return to SP is widely seen as a victory for the Akhilesh camp, which has been at loggerheads with Shivpal over party control and poll strategy. Party insiders said that Ram Gopal's return heralded return of expelled youth leaders of Akhilesh camp as the Rajya Sabha member had laid down a condition that all those scaked should be reinducted into the party if his expulsion was revoked. "Talks are going on and it is expected that all expulsions will be revoked after a warning to the youth leaders," a senior SP leader said, adding that party veterans Beni Prasad Verma and Reoti Raman -- close to Mulayam -- were working overtime to bring Ram Gopal and others back. Around 20 office bearers of various youth wings in Lucknow and other districts who had either quit or were expelled from the party, could also return to the original party fold. Sources, however, said there could a problem as they might not get back the posts they held as Shivpal has already appointed new faces. Udaiveer Singh, a member of the UP Legislative Council, who was also expelled for six years after he wrote a letter to Mulayam asking him step down as SP president to make way for Akhilesh, however, did not meet the party supremo. After he was expelled last month, a defiant Singh had asserted, "I stand by the letter, won't apologise, don't regret and I am with chief minister Akhilesh Yadav." Singh had alleged in the letter that Shivpal was acting as the political front of the chief minister's stepmother, a view said to be shared by a section in the party. The crisis in the party was sparked by the appointment of Shivpal as state president replacing Akhilesh. Akhilesh had retaliated by stripping Shivpal of key ministerial portfolios and dropping two ministers accused of corruption. The power struggle intensified after Shivpal expelled the youth leaders and went ahead with merging a party floated by a jailed gangster with SP despite strong objections from Akhilesh. Mulayam, however, managed to broker an uneasy truce between the warring camps to project a show of unity at the SP silver jubilee bash on November 5, putting a temporary lid on the gaping fissures. BJP chief Amit Shah and BSP supremo Mayawati have spared no effort to inform the electorate that was a divided house with sharp differences in the Yadav clan casting a long shadow over governance. Shah has been telling voters umpteen times at his rallies that the state was ruled by three-and-a-half chief ministers, a reference to Mulayam, Akhilesh, Shivpal, and half CM Azam Khan. The BJP president has also accused the uncle-nephew duo of Shivpal and Akhilesh of usupring a chunk of central funds meant for the state's development. Mayawati on the other hand has never missed an opportunity to highlight the tug-of-war in the Yadav family, especially the strained ties between uncle and nephew, while appealing to voters to rid the state of the present dispensation. All 24 students of grade-IV of Batool Fatima's class were very sad after knowing that she was leaving them for Turkey, after Pakistan government ordered over 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by today. Shaking hand with her friends and teachers on the last day on campus Batool, 10, broke into tears which made everyone around depressed. "I do not want to go to Turkey. My parents also don't. Why they are sending us back when we don't want to," she said. The faculty, the local students and their parents were also downhearted because of the Pakistani government's 'sudden and unexpected decision' to expel over 100 Turkish teachers and their family members (350) on the 'request' of the Turkish government. Since the Pak-Turk schools and colleges has alleged links with the US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames for July's coup attempt, the Pakistani government ordered 450 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by November 20. The Turkish teachers moved the Islamabad High Court against decision but found no respite as it asked themto approach the interior ministry and disposed of their petition. Batool was born here when her parents who are teaching at the Pak-Turk School in Lahore. She was fluent in Urdu which she has learned in the company of her Pakistani class-fellows. "Madam can't you do something to stop us from leaving this school and Pakistan." Her plea brought tears in her teacher's eyes who told her "I will try my best". "I know I can't do anything to persuade the federal government to take back its decision of expelling the Turkish teachers and their families from the country," a senior Pakistani teacher told PTI. "I must say last Friday was the saddest day in our campus in Lahore as all Turkish students were literally crying," she said. The Turkish students' tear-rimmed eyes moved their local class-fellows and the faculty. They did not want to go back. A woman Turkish teacher questioned as how the Pakistani government could hand over a 'marching order' to more than 450 Turkish people without framing a charge-sheet. "My husband and I moved here 11 years ago. My youngest son was born here one-and-a-half- year ago and never visited Turkey. Pakistan is his country. My other daughter and son are studying in A-Levels and Grade-V in Pak-Turk Schools in Lahore, respectively. We love Pakistan and people here love us too," she said. (REOPENS FGN 12) "The government's order to leave the country by November 20 has fallen on us like a bombshell. How could you dispose of your car, furniture and other household items on a few days' notice?Our this month's salary and dues are still to be paid," she said and urged the government to review its decision. Parents are equally worried about the future of the Pak-Turk schools and colleges which have been operating here since 1995 and some 11,000 students are studying. According to a senior official of the federal government, the Erdogan-government is sending a team here to take control of the Pak-Turk institutions in Pakistan. "Now a body having association with the Turkish government will run the affairs of the Pak-Turk schools and colleges," he said, adding the Nawaz-government had 'extreme' pressure from the Turkish governmentto act against the Turkish teachers. Many Turkish teachers here have left for other countries as they fear arrest on arrival in Turkey. "We have reports that the Turkish authorities will arrest us on arrival in Istanbul," another Turkish teacher told Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will be conferred the first 'World Sanskrit Award' tomorrow for her contribution towards promotion of the language. The award will be presented by Vice President Hamid Ansari at a function to be attended Union Minister M J Akbar, among others. The award, instituted by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), is presented to eminent Sanskrit scholars to recognise their outstanding contribution to the study/teaching /research in Sanskrit language and literature. Sirindhorn is an educator and scholar of Sanskrit and Pali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emphasising that things are looking good for the airline, India CEO Amar Abrol has said it will continue to make investments and expand fleet size to 10 in the current financial year. The no-frills carrier, which took to the Indian skies in June 2014, also expects to have a headcount of around 1,000 by the end of March next year. India, a joint venture between Tatas and Malaysia's Berhad, came into focus recently after ousted Tata group Chairman Cyrus Mistry alleged fraudulent transactions worth Rs 22 crore had happened in the carrier. Currently, the airline has eight aircraft and two more would be added in this financial year, Abrol said, adding that the staff strength is expected to reach around 1,000 during the same period. Presently, the airline has a staff strength of 800-850. "We will have around 1,000 people, hopefully by March... Things are looking good and we continue to invest in India," he told PTI. The budget carrier had 2.3 per cent share in the domestic aviation market at the end of September quarter. It flew 5.89 lakh passengers in the three months ended September, an increase of 42 per cent compared to the year-ago period. Without divulging specific financial details, Abrol said the airline has been seeing gross profit since the new management took over in March. He came at the helm of the airline in March this year. "I think since March when the new management took over, we have been gross profit positive," he noted. When asked about the allegations of financial wrongdoings at the airline, Abrol said the airline has already issued a statement in that regard. After Mistry alleged Rs 22 crore worth fraudulent transactions at the airline, AirAsia India, on October 31, had said that probe is going on against certain former executives for "irregular personal expense claims" and other charges. "There is an ongoing investigation against certain former personnel of AirAsia (India) Ltd involving irregular personal expense claims and certain company charges. This has already been reported to and discussed at the previous board meeting of AirAsia (India) Ltd," the airline had said in a statement. The airline had also said it would not make any specific reference to the matters investigated at this stage as it may be prejudicial to AirAsia (India) Ltd or the personnel investigated. In the airline, Tata Sons owns 49 per cent while two of the airline's directors -- S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan -- have 2 per cent shareholding, and the remaining is with AirAsia Berhad. Acknowledging that competition is "stiff", Abrol said such a situation is good for the consumers but as an airline, "We certainly try to balance between yield and load factor". "At the end of the day, the industry will only survive and thrive only if all of the operators make money," he said. In aviation parlance, yield refers to ticket prices while load factor indicates seat occupancy in a particular flight. When asked whether the practice of giving tickets at low prices is a sustainable strategy, Abrol replied in the affirmative. "Low cost is, of course, a sustainable strategy. We will be certainly serving the Indian masses. I don't know about other players, but certainly we will become profitable. We have made gross profit since the new management has taken over. We will continue down that path," he said. "This is not the apocalypse," US President Barack Obama reportedly told staffers at the White House which bore the look of a "funeral home" after Donald Trump's stunning electoral win. On the morning after Trump was elected President of the US, Obama summoned staff members to the Oval Office. Some were fairly junior and had never been in the room before, The New Yorker reported. "They were sombre, hollowed out, some fighting tears, humiliated by the defeat, fearful of autocracy's moving vans pulling up to the door. Although Obama and his people admit that the election results caught them completely by surprise 'We had no plan for this'," a source was quoted as saying. "This is not the apocalypse," Obama told White House staffers. "I don't believe in apocalyptic until the apocalypse comes. I think nothing is the end of the world until the end of the world," the US President told the magazine. The White House was "like a funeral home", a staffer was quoted as saying. The magazine article also talked about what Obama told his two daughters about the election results. "What I say to them (daughters Malia and Sasha) is that people are complicated. Societies and cultures are really complicated...This is not mathematics; this is biology and chemistry. These are living organisms, and it's messy," Obama told the magazine. "And your job as a citizen and as a decent human being is to constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding. And you should anticipate that at any given moment there's going to be flare-ups of bigotry that you may have to confront, or may be inside you and you have to vanquish," he said. "And it doesn't stop...You don't get into a fetal position about it. You don't start worrying about the apocalypse. You say, OK., where are the places where I can push to keep it moving forward," he added. The combined market valuation of six of the 10 most valued Indian companies declined by Rs 57,015.31 crore last week, with ITCand HDFC Bank being the worst hit. While RIL, HDFC Bank, ITC, Infosys, HDFCand CIL saw decline in their (m-cap) for the week ended Friday, TCS, ONGC, SBI and HUL on the other hand made gains. The m-cap of ITCplummeted by Rs 18,293.73 crore to Rs 2,76,102.08 crore and that of HDFC Bank tanked Rs 16,340.82 crore to Rs 3,08,869.59 crore. CIL's valuation plunged by Rs 14,207.98 crore to Rs 1,90,505.39 crore and RIL saw a dip of Rs 4,508.29 crore to Rs 3,20,283.29 crore. The m-cap of HDFC dropped by Rs 3,193.62 crore to Rs 1,98,209.12 crore and that of Infosysfell by Rs 470.87 crore to Rs 2,11,272.97 crore. In contrast, TCS added Rs 3,566.48 crore in its valuation to Rs 4,18,351.41 crore. The m-cap of SBI surged by Rs 2,173.57 crore to Rs 2,14,019.76 crore and ONGC's valuation went up by Rs 1,668.32 crore to Rs 2,35,532.64 crore. Similarly, HUL's m-cap rose by Rs 638.46 crore to Rs 1,73,975.22 crore. In terms of market valuation of top-10 firms, TCS stood at numero uno position followed by RIL, HDFC Bank, ITC, ONGC, SBI, Infosys, HDFC, CIL and HUL. Over the last week, the Sensex crumbled 668.58 points, or 2.49 per cent, while the Nifty plunged 222.20 points, or 2.67 per cent. James Mattis, a retired 4-star Marine Corps general who has long voiced concerns about the threat posed by Iran, is being considered to become Secretary of Defence, US president-elect Donald Trump confirmed today. "General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defence, was very impressive yesterday. A true General's General!" Trump said in a tweet. Mattis, former Central Command leader, was one of several people who have met Trump and Vice president-elect Mike Pence. The 66-year-old Marine Corps general, who memorably said "it's fun to shoot some people", would add to a cabinet of national security super-hawks and signal a return to a more aggressive defence of American interests abroad. "To have someone like General Mattis to sit before us yesterday, someone with a legendary military career and to be able to talk to him about the challenges facing America and our national security - and I can tell you that the president-elect was very grateful," Pence said. In Mattis, Trump has a candidate who was held in high regard throughout the ranks of the Marine Corps during his 44 years of service. A seasoned combat commander, he led a task force into southern Afghanistan in 2001 and a Marine division at the time of the Iraq invasion in 2003, according to CNN. The retired four-star general, who was known as "Mad Dog," was lauded for his leadership of Marines in the 2004 Battle of Falluja in Iraq - one of the bloodiest of the war. But he also attracted controversy in 2005 when he said "it's fun to shoot some people" while addressing service members in San Diego. Mattis would require a waiver from Congress to be eligible for the post, since a retired officer is needed to be out of uniform for at least seven years before taking control of the Pentagon responsibilities. With Republicans in control on Capitol Hill and the general praise for the general's career, the waiver would likely be a formality to obtain. Trump today also met Mitt Romney, a moderate Republican who had branded him a "con man, phony and fraud" during the election campaign. Appearing on Fox News, Pence said Romney, 69, is being considered for the position of Secretary of State. Governor "Mitt Romney came in. They had a good meeting. It was a warm and substantive exchange. I know he's under active consideration to be the secretary of state of the United States along with other distinguished Americans," Pence said. "We spent about an hour together with the team, the president-elect and I on one side of the table and some of the team on the other side with Governor Romney. And we talked through a lot of substantive issues," he said. Pence said he met the top Congressional leadership this week. "We had a substantive conversation. We're working with the majorities in the House and Senate to move forward an aggressive agenda," he said. "From there, we'll work on issues ranging from ending illegal immigration, reviving our economy through tax reform, rebuilding the military, restoring the infrastructure of this country," the vice president-elect said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a novel protest, Donald Trump supporters have started asking for their drinks at a popular American coffee chain under the President elect's name after a man claimed he was discriminated at one of its outlet for being pro-Trump. After a viral video showing a Trump supporter yelling inside a Starbucks location near the University of Miami gained traction, other supporters banded together to protest what they view as political and anti-white discrimination. The man in the video, David Sanguesa, told the Miami Herald that he was racially discriminated against and that the barista would not serve him because she knew he was a Trump supporter. The hashtag #TrumpCup went viral after a Twitter user posted instructions to followers Friday. The hashtag had garnered thousands of tweets. The protest is an attempt to make Starbucks baristas yell Trump's name and write it on their coffee cups, as is the company's regular practice, CNN reported. Some supporters claim to have been refused a 'Trump Cup' and see it as a breach of their rights. A second video which was shot at a different south Florida Starbucks location shows a man ordering a coffee and requesting that "Trump" be written on the cup. "I already spoke with corporate office," the man is heard saying. "Corporate office said I can have any drink I want with any name I want on it." The employee refuses and says that he is going to call the police. Bill Scott, the man in the video, told BBC Trending that he is a Starbucks regular who frequently gives different names to his orders, some politically themed and pro-Trump, others referencing current events. On this particular occasion, staff refused to write "Trump" on the couple's order. "They started yelling at her and saying Trump is a racist bigot and that nobody wants to write that name," he says. Police arrived and asked him to leave, but he was not arrested. The incident happened the day before the election, but did not catch fire on social media until it was picked up by several alt-right and pro-Trump blogs and social media accounts on Friday -- possibly in response to the University of Miami Starbucks incident. The coffee giant has reminded outlets that they do not have to write or call out names when a customer orders a cup of joe. "Over the years, writing customer names on cups and calling out their names has been a fun ritual in our stores. Rarely has it been abused or taken advantage of," Starbucks said in a statement. "We hope and trust that our customers will continue to honour that tradition. We don't require our partners to write or call out names," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Air India's regional arm Alliance Air has finalised the agreement for leasing 10 new turbo-prop planes as it gets ready to fly to unserved and under-served airports under the government's regional connectivity scheme. The national carrier is anticipated to be a significant player in the ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme -- that seeks to boost regional air connectivity as well as make flying more affordable for the masses. Gearing up for more regional flights, Alliance Air has been working on expanding its fleet by leasing more number of 72-seater ATRs. A senior official said Alliance Air has finalised the agreement for leasing ten new ATRs or turbo-prop planes. Currently, Alliance Air has 10 ATRs and two of them are 42-seater ones. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India and operates 39 point-to-point air services daily to 34 cities from six base stations -- Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Bhopal. Majority of its destinations are tier-II and tier-III cities. Earlier this year, Alliance Air had invited bids for leasing of the twin turbo-prop planes for 12 years. From its current fleet, the airline plans to phase out a few aircraft and replaced them with new planes. With some of the leading private carriers yet to evince keen interest in UDAN, the government is banking on the national carrier for the initiative to be a success. For UDAN -- which would based on both subsidised and market-based pricing mechanism -- fares would be capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour long flights. In this regard, the government has set up the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) -- that would be 80 per cent financed by the Centre and the rest by respective states. An amount of up to Rs 8,500 would be levied on every flight in major routes to fund UDAN. The levy, effective December 1, would be for an entire flight and the price of each ticket could go up depending on the number of seats in that particular flight. "The levy for an up to 1,000 kilometre length of scheduled flight will be Rs 7,500 per flight, Rs 8,000 for a 1,000-1,500 km flight and Rs 8,500 for flights above 1,500 km," Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said earlier this month. It would be applicable only on scheduled domestic flights operating on major routes and excludes regional flights. According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the proposed levy is a small amount but can go a long way in bringing more travellers and cities to the Indian aviation network. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN's envoy warned on Sunday that time was "running out" for efforts to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in Syria's war-battered Aleppo, as fresh fighting there killed at least eight schoolchildren. Staffan de Mistura met Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Damascus for talks on the escalating violence, but was rebuffed on a truce proposal that would allow the opposition to administer the city's rebel-held east. "We are running out of time, we are running against time," De Mistura said afterwards. Aid agencies fear that "instead of a humanitarian or a political initiative" there would be "an acceleration of military activities" in eastern and elsewhere, he told journalists. "By Christmas... Due to military intensification, you will have the virtual collapse of what is left in eastern Aleppo; you may have 200,000 people moving towards Turkey - that would be a humanitarian catastrophe." concern has been mounting since Damascus began a ferocious assault last Tuesday, using air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire in a bid to recapture eastern . Today, rebels retaliated with a barrage of rockets into the city's government-held west, killing at least eight primary school children in the Furqan neighbourhood, state media said. Syrian television showed bloodied, weeping children being treated in hospital, and an AFP journalist saw pupils being rushed from the school and comforted after the attack. In the east, another AFP journalist said streets were deserted, with only ambulances and rescue workers moving around. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said on Sunday that 54 people had been killed in the previous 24 hours, mostly civilians. That brought to 103 the number of civilians killed, including 17 children, since the bombardment of east resumed, it said. The Observatory also reported heavy fighting between regime forces and rebels as the army sought to gain ground in the eastern Bustan al-Basha and Sheikh Saeed neighbourhoods. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Successive attempts to find a peaceful resolution have failed. With Punjab and Haryana being blamed for causing pollution by stubble burning, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today asked farmers of both the agrarian states to use machinery as much as possible in order to stop the practice of crop residue burning. The minister also urged both Punjab and Haryana to use water judiciously for farming in the wake of declining underground water table in both the states. Asserting that the Modi government at the Centre had framed several plans for pushing the growth of the agriculture sector, the minister expressed commitment that the farmers' income would be double by 2022. Singh was addressing a gathering at the CII Agro tech 2016 event which was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee, with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin as the guest of honour. "In order to prevent stubble burning, machinery was playing a big role and I am happy that in last few years, machinery was being promoted by the government and the government was promoting its use and was giving subsidy of 40 per cent on its purchase," he said. "I want to request farmers of Punjab and Haryana to use this machinery as much as possible to prevent crop burning and boost crop productivity," he said. Noting that Punjab and Haryana had played a big role in bringing green revolution in the country, the union minister however expressed concern over the depleting water table particularly in both states. "Throughout country and particularly in both states, water table is declining and we know that the water availability is limited and there is need to use it judiciously," the minister said adding that the Modi government had made several schemes for water conservation. He also took a dig at the previous government at the centre by alleging that over 100 schemes pertaining to agriculture had remained suspended for 20-25 years. He said a Gram Sinchai Yojana had been launched by the government in order to provide water to the fields. While lauding both the states, he said Punjab and Haryana had prepared plans under Gram Sinchai Yojana for four and seven districts respectively. He further said that work on Patiala feeder which had remained suspended for past several years has also been included in these schemes. He said that Modi government has started giving soil health cards to farmers. He claimed the government has also streamlined the distribution of urea, saying that earlier, farmers used to make hue and cry over getting fertilisers. "Now, there is no shortage of urea and neem coated urea is being given to farmers," he said. He said the government is taking several steps to enhance the income of growers. The union minister said that to enhance the income of growers, a national e-mandi project was launched this year. So far, 250 markets in the country have been linked and by December, more than 500 markets would be linked with the E-mandi platform. Stating that the country is the biggest producer in milk production, Singh said the government has started Gokul mission in order to improve the domestic cow breed. He said the growth of milk production in the country is 4.2 per cent which was more than the world's average of 2.2 per cent. "The output of foreign breed cattle is expected to drop in future while our 80 per cent cows in the country give only 20 per cent milk. A national Gokul mission has been set up wherein breed of these cows will be improved," he said. Two Gokul Grams would be set up in Nabha and Patiala of Punjab and two in Hisar of Haryana, he said. He further said that because of Modi government's efforts, fish production in the country achieved 7 per cent growth. He said that several steps were being taken by the government to double the income of farmers. "We will surely be able to double farmers' income by 2022," he said. The government has set up a committee to give recommendations on how to raise farmers' income. "Four meetings of this committee have already been held and its recommendations are also being implemented," he said. He claimed that the government would be able to achieve 4 million tonne target of pulses in current fiscal. "We could not achieve the production target of 4 million tonne fixed in 12th five year plan. But after the implementation of this committee, we will be able to cross the 4 million tonne pulses output target in 2016-17 and additional five million tonne will be produced. In next 3 years, we will be self dependent on pulses," he claimed. He said that earlier, it was considered that if MSP was raised, the income of farmers would grow. "But MSP was one of the factors in raising the income of farmers. Unless we take more steps, income will not grow," he said. Controversial Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan today launched a scathing attack on Ram Naik, alleging that the UP governor has "lowered the dignity of Raj Bhawan by entertaining criminals." "Entry facilitated to those against whom criminal cases have been instituted under different sections of IPC for committing serious offences," he alleged while targeting Naik. He added, "not only the dignity of the governor's house but democracy too has been ashamed due to Naik's facilitation of criminals and opponents of the Samajwadi Party." The UP Parliamentary Affairs Minister has been engaged in a war of words with Naik for some time, with the Samajwadi Party leader accusing him of being a "kar sevak" and "communally vitiating" the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh at the behest of the Modi government at the Centre. Khan, who launched 'Dial-100' emergency call service at Rampur and Moradabad late last evening, advised the governor, "if he keeps himself so much involved in politics, let him contest the coming elections from Rampur. I am happily prepared to vacate my seat for Ram Naik Ji." Khan's provocative remarks came after Congress leader Faisal Lala's had blamed the minister for secretly exchanging his black money with valid currency with the help of District Co-operative bank. Lala is said to be pitched against Khan as a strong contender in the coming assembly elections. Currently, police is searching for Lala on the basis of Azam's complaint that the Congress leader has been falsely implicating him of misbehaving with lady officers of a bank. Khan entered political arena in 1977 and since then remained victorious in all elections barring two. He remained extremely close to SP Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav despite a scuffle with MSY in 2009 over his disagreement with the party boss over growing proximity with Amar Singh and film actress Jaya Prada. Azam did not eschew his habit to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging, "Badshah (PM) has termed me as traitor earlier but his demonetisation of old currency has sacrificed numerous lives which may be deemed as a tirade against humanity." He demanded Modi government to grant martyrdom to the people killed in queues while standing for long durations. Azam further said, "everybody has appreciated demonetisation and under duressor fear, I too used to speak the same language but PM should respond to his alteration in exchange of old notes fromRs 4500toRs 2000." He said, "better it would be if PM brings down the exchange amount further from Rs 2000 to Rs 200. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US vice president-elect insisted today he was not offended when the cast of the Broadway hit "Hamilton" expressed worries to him that Donald Trump might not respect US racial, cultural and social diversity. In another chapter of what appears to be a nascent culture war, Mike Pence clearly sought to defuse the swirling controversy over the Friday night performance he attended in New York of a hugely popular play that many see as a symbol of the multicultural left in America. The incident prompted the president-elect himself to demand an apology over what he saw as rude behaviour toward Pence, who was also booed by some in the audience as he entered the theatre with his family. "I did hear what was said from the stage, and I can tell you I wasn't offended by what was said. I'll leave to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it," Pence said on Fox today. Pence acknowledged that these are anxious, disappointing times in America for people who voted for Hillary Clinton. "I just want to reassure people that what president-elect Donald Trump said on election night" -- that he would be the president of all Americans -- "he absolutely meant from the bottom of his heart," Pence said. But even as Pence tried to end the flap, Trump -- who insulted Mexicans, Muslims and women among others during the campaign and so far has named only arch-conservative white men for his cabinet and senior adviser positions -- kept at it. Trump attacked the play and its cast for the second straight day and also criticised, again, another potent symbol of the left in America: the NBC TV comedy show "Saturday Night Live", which has ruthlessly ribbed Trump the candidate and now Trump the president-elect. Trump fired off a tweet again demanding an apology from the "Hamilton" cast and dismissing the award-winning musical as not that great. "The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologise to Mike Pence for their terrible behaviour," Trump tweeted early this morning. Pence differed, saying, "If you haven't seen the show, go and see it." The wildly popular play, which won 11 Tony Awards in June -- including best musical -- follows young colonial rebels who became America's founding fathers, celebrating diversity and immigrants' contribution to the nation. The show's lead actor, Javier Munoz, is openly gay, HIV positive and a cancer survivor. Among other concerns, activists worry that the Trump's administration will be hostile to gay rights. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Naxal carrying a cash reward of Rs five lakh surrendered in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Dantewada district today, police said. The cadre, identified as Mangtu alias Chaitu (35), an area committee member of Maoists, turned himself in before police at the district headquarters, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Kamlochan Kashyap said. The rebel was allegedly involved in the attack on CRPF patrolling team in 2010 in Dhaudai area of Narayanpur district wherein 27 troopers were killed and their weapons looted, the SP said. Besides, the ultra was also reported to be a part of guerrilla squad that attacked police party at Kilam Becha forest (Narayanpur) in June this year, in which a sub-inspector was killed. A native of Dhaudai area, Mangtu was associated with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in 2006 as a lower rank member. He worked in different capacities during the past a decade in the banned outfit and was instrumental in carrying out Maoist activities in the region, Kashyap claimed. Anencouragementamountof Rs 10,000 was given to him, the SP said, adding thathe will be provided assistance as per the rehabilitation policy of the government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Israel could work more towards 'Make in India and Make with India' together which can bring "magic to the world", Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Sunday. The President further said he fell in love with the word 'jugaad' when he visited India, saying "jugaad is the way we invent and the way we work". Rivlin was addressing the gathering here at CII Agro Tech 2016, where he was the Guest of Honour at the four-day event. President Pranab Mukherjee, who was present on this occasion, formally inaugurated an international agriculture fair 'CII Agro Tech 2016' here. "It is no wonder this friendship between India and Israel and between two countries is so strong, already amazing," the Israeli President said. "I believe that together we can do even more to make in India and Make with India. We can make between future for next generation and we can bring magic to the world," he said. Sharing his love for the word 'juggad', the Israeli President said he "quickly fell" in the love with this word which means a clever solution borne out of trouble. "During my visit to India I learnt a new word called 'jugaad'. For my friends from Israel, I would say jugaad means a clever solution borne out of trouble. If you know Israel, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word jugaad," he said. "Just imagine, a small nation spread across the world, suffering from being different, looking for a peace...The state of Israel is jugaad. Jugaad is the way you think, way we invent, the way we work," he said. The Israeli President who arrived on November 14 on an eight-day visit to the country said India taught Israel that food security was the greater challenge today. "We always have been concerned about security and home land security but India taught us is that the greater challenge in today's world is food security. "And this is why we are here today. ...We both know building a home means being able to provide food for your family and building a nation means to being able to produce and provide food for all, now and next generation. It is about taking care your home and your people," he said. "Food security is not only about surviving and it is about feeding," he said. The President also shared details about his visit to Gharaunda in Karnal on November 18 where Centre of Excellence for vegetables had been set up with the assistance of Israel. "Few days ago, I visited Karnal where India and Israel is developing a new kind of cherry tomatoes which are Israeli invention...They are doing magic together. "When Indian experts and Israeli experts place solar panels on the roof of trucks so that solar energy will keep the food inside the truck fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together." Where Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial network to help farmers, they are doing magic together, said the President. Rivlin said Israeli companies are bringing their experience and technology to this partnership. Home appliances maker Whirlpool of India, which is aiming to double sales in next four years, expects non-core segments like air conditioners and built-in kitchen appliances to contribute to 20 per cent of total sales by then. Besides, Whirlpool is also investing about Rs 140 crore in next two years in its existing plants to expand production capacity and manufacture new products. Whirlpool, which presently exports to neighbouring South Asia and South East Asian countries besides parts of Australia, would increase its contribution as it is scouting for more geographies. "We are looking to double our turnover in next four years. We are increasing the contribution from business from the non core which is non washing machine and refrigerators, by growing into other categories," Whirlpool of India Managing Director Sunil D'Souza told PTI. He further added: "We are aiming to move from current 10 per cent to 20 per cent." The company posted Rs 3,488 crore net sales in FY16. "We have set an objective of growing the base business, which is washing machines and refrigerators, and set a target of expanding our portfolio and growing beyond that. So, we are focusing on ACs, water and cooking led by our built-in business," D'Souza added. Presently, Whirlpool of India is operating plants at - Faridabad, Puna and Puducherry and manufactures up to 90 per cent of the domestic needs. "We had spent Rs 75 crore capex in 2015-16. In the current financial year, we plan to take this number up by 25 per cent. For the next financial year 2017-18, we intend to increase our capex further by 50 per cent over 2016-17 base," D'Souza said. He further added: "We have now specific plans at some of our plants. We would make sure that we would utilise them to the maximum and invest going forward. This would be for the base capacity and also focusing on new product launches." On exports, he said that the company is looking for new geographies, and its contribution would increase in the coming years. "Currently exports are about 5-6 per cent of our business, but we aim to grow that significantly as we go ahead," he said. Primarily, Whirlpool exports refrigerators and washing machines from India. "We have export markets across Asia and Africa, prominent being South East Asia, Australia and this year particularly, the new market of Morocco. We aim to continue to leverage our strong brand, differentiated products , great quality, competitive pricing and global networks to continue to increase exports," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NEW DELHI (Reuters) - More than 30 people were killed after an Indian train derailed in Uttar Pradesh in the early hours of Sunday, local media reported. The train was travelling between Patna and Indore when the incident happened, throwing several carriages off the track, according to railway officials. No confirmed casualty figures were immediately available, but a railway official put the death toll at more than 30, while local media reported that at least 45 people were killed and more than 150 injured in the incident. Indian government officials tweeted the Patna- Indore Express train had derailed near Kanpur, in northern India and that rescue operations were under way. "Dozens of passengers were injured in the derailment. We don't know what led to the disaster," said a senior railway official R.k Chandra in Kanpur Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, said in a tweet the government would immediately investigate the causes of the derailment and promised accountability with the "strictest possible action." India's creaking railway system is the world's fourth largest, ferrying more than 20 million people each day, but it has a poor safety record, with thousands of people dying in accidents every year. The nation suffers frequent train derailments, sometimes with tragic consequences, including another train accident in Uttar Pradesh in March last year that killed 39 people and injured 150. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Modi said. (Reporting by Rupam Jain; Writing by Rafael Nam; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) (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.) By Jitendra Prakash and Rupam Jain PUKHRAYAN, India/NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - At least 119 people were killed and more than 150 injured when an express train derailed near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, with the toll set to rise amid a scramble to locate survivors. Police officials said people were still missing as authorities tried to ascertain what caused 14 carriages of the train travelling between the northeastern city of Patna and the central city of Indore to suddenly roll off the tracks in Pukhrayan, 65 km south of Kanpur city. Authorities said they were checking the condition of the tracks but would need to look further before concluding the cause of the derailment, India's deadliest rail tragedy since more than 140 died in a 2010 collision in West Bengal. Desperate survivors searched for family members and some tried to enter the damaged carriages to rescue relatives and collect belongings, said senior railway official Pratap Rai. "We are using every tactic to save lives but it's very difficult to cut the metal carriages," he said from the accident site. Kanpur district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma told that 119 people were confirmed dead, while 78 of the injured remained in hospital, four of them in a critical condition. With rescue teams still looking for victims amid the wreckage, the toll from the derailment could rise to become India's worst rail tragedy in this century. In what was probably India's worst rail disaster, a train plunged off a bridge and into a river in 1981 in Bihar, killing an estimated 500 to 800 people. India's creaking railway system is the world's fourth largest. It runs 11,000 trains a day, including 7,000 passenger trains carrying more than 20 million people. But it has a poor safety record, with thousands of people dying in accidents every year, including in train derailments and collisions. Suresh Prabhu, India's railways minister, said in a tweet that the government would investigate the causes of the derailment and promised accountability with the "strictest possible action", as well as compensation for the affected passengers. MANGLED CARRIAGES The packed train, operated by the government, derailed in the early hours of Sunday when more than 500 passengers were sleeping, survivors said. TV footage showed mangled blue carriages, with crowds of people and police on top of the wreckage searching for survivors. One carriage was almost lying on its side, and appeared to have been completely torn apart. Rescue officials with yellow helmets worked their way through the crowds, carrying victims from the wreckage as teams struggled to remove the derailed wagons from the tracks, one of the main transportation routes for goods and passengers in northern India. "Suddenly I could feel that the carriage was overturning. I immediately held the metal rod near the bathroom door," said Faizal Khan, who was travelling with his wife and two children, all of whom survived the accident. Another survivor, Rajdeep Tanwar, said. "I can see bodies lying near the tracks, everyone is in a state of shock. There is no water or food for us." Buses were being pressed into service to help passengers complete their journey, said police additional director general Daljeet Singh Choudhary. Rescue teams said they would conclude the search operation before night fall and resume it on Monday. Nearby villagers set up temporary kitchens and erected tents for survivors and officials. PUSH TO MODERNISE Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who started out selling tea outside a train station, has promised to modernise India's railways and build high-speed lines befitting Asia's third-largest economy. His government has pledged to replace old tracks and upgrade security infrastructure but little progress has been made so far. More than 90 percent of the railways' revenues are spent on operational costs, leaving next to nothing for modernisation. By some analyst estimates, the railways need 20 trillion rupees ($293.34 billion) of investment by 2020, and India is turning to partnerships with private companies and seeking loans from other countries to upgrade its network. Last year, Japan agreed to provide $12 billion in soft loans to build India's first bullet train. On Sunday, Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Modi said. ($1 = 68.1805 Indian rupees) (additional reporting by Sharat Pradhan and Tommy Wilkes; Editing by Tom Heneghan) (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.) A secured-creditor bank cannot publish the photographs of directors and guarantors of a defaulting company in a routine manner for pressurising them to repay the loan. The Sarfaesi Act and related rules do not authorise creditors to do so, said the Calcutta High Court, while severely indicting Punjab National Bank (PNB) for grossly abusing its powers, and violating its own rules. In this case, Metsil Exports Ltd vs PNB, the firm took a loan but failed to repay it. The bank issued a demand notice, to which the firm filed objections. However, the bank went ahead and published the demand notice along with photographs of directors and guarantors in two prominent Kolkata daily newspapers. The firm and one of the directors objected to it as violation of their right to live with dignity (Art 21 of the Constitution). They demanded compensation. The bank chairman defended the action arguing that she had reason to believe that the firm would not pay. It was further argued that the high courts of Bombay, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat had held that banks could publish photographs of defaulters. Rejecting PNBs pleas, the Calcutta High Court stated that the photos were published at the demand notice stage itself when the firm had filed objections. The firm and directors have not been declared wilful defaulters; so their photos cannot be published in a routine manner. The bank itself in a circular had instructed that photos should not be published in such circumstances. The high court directed PNB to publish an apology in the same newspapers in view of the gross abuse of authority. The demand for compensation was rejected but the bank shall pay costs. As the initial frenzy over de-legalising of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes ebbs, many small business owners and self-employed professionals are learning to live with a new reality there will be more scrutiny of their incomes, expenses and tax compliance. India became the first country to sign a nuclear cooperation agreement with Japan without ratifying the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This will open the doors for Japan to share technology and forged steel, and allow US-based companies with substantial Japanese investments, including Westinghouse Electric, to build six nuclear reactors in the country. India plans to add 63 GW of nuclear-based energy by 2032. The civil nuclear deal with Japan was crucial to execute the historic agreement signed in 2008 with the US, given that Japan Steel Work, or JSW, the world's biggest forged steel supplier, required the Japanese government's ratification before it could supply to India. Westinghouse, too, had committed investment in a project in Andhra Pradesh, but was awaiting the nod from Japan, or India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG). Besides, India has signed similar deals with the UK, Russia, France, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Argentina, and Namibia. Japan, however, came under severe criticism because India has not signed the NPT and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) yet. Nuclear energy is critical for India. It has already committed to cut emissions intensity (carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP) by 33-35 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 levels. And to attain it, India needs to achieve 40 per cent of its cumulative electric power of 350 GW installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources. Thirteen out of its 21 reactors are safeguarded by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The deal also brings China into the spotlight. International pressure has been growing on China to rethink its strategy of blocking India's membership to NSG, but it has maintained that India must sign the NPT before its application is considered. Now with Japan entering into a bilateral agreement with India, it would be very difficult for China to look the other way. This treaty will boost India's credibility before the international community, and help build a strong case in its favour. NSG is a group of 49 countries with nuclear capabilities and resources, and a consensus must be built among member nations before a new country is allowed to join it. In the last meeting at Seoul, China had maintained that if NSG members want to bring India on board by relaxing existing rules, Pakistan's application must also be considered. But the international community is suspect of Pakistan's credibility in non-proliferation, especially following allegations of supplying technologies to North Korea and Iran. In 2008, India had got a status equivalent to an NSG member, and since 1998 it has not conducted nuclear tests. In fact, one of the conditions in the agreement with Japan's restrains India from conducting future tests. A full NSG membership for India is being seen as a move to balance the power equations in Asia. Now, China can take its time to rethink its strategy, as India concentrates on domestic challenges to kick-start its nuclear capacity expansion. | BY Lynchy | Former ad agency creative director Rowan Dean (far left), together with Mark Latham and Ross Cameron, or Trumps Aussie Mates, have teamed up for a new panel show on Sky News called Outsiders, reports Jake Mitchell in todays Media section of The Australian. It is an answer to the ABCs Insiders program, the embodiment of an out-of-touch, inner-city Leftist class, according to the trio. "Housing our people is one of the fundamental things we need to do as a city. Our pricing for land here is astronomical, and it's like a hernia through Canberra's property market where we see it pop across the border to places like Googong and Murrumbateman. So that's where the demand is being met and Canberra as a city misses out because of that." "We've got rents that are really based around quite an affluent city but that hides the reality that yes, we're an affluent city, but there's plenty of people who are lower-income families in Canberra as well who are in that rental market." Wages account for 44 per cent of all the income earned in Australia, down from 48 per cent about 30 years ago. But it is not just the share of national income accruing to workers that has fallen steadily in the past few decades, the share of wage income accruing to low income workers has fallen faster still. Not only has the minimum wage risen more slowly than the average wage, but the number of people working short hours on low pay has risen rapidly as well. Of course, no one is worse off financially than the unemployed, which begs the question of why Turnbull recently tried to cut their incomes by $230 a year. She has incorporated the same prints she has used in her latest spring-summer collection but buyers of her dresses need not be worried that they'll be showed up by Grumpy Cat at brunch, only "devoted shoppers" will be able to get their paws on the range should they buy enough of the tinned goods. MADISON (AP) A Wisconsin prison inmate whose case was featured in the Netflix series Making a Murderer will stay behind bars while state attorneys appeal a decision overturning his conviction, a panel of federal appellate judges ruled Thursday. Brendan Dasseys release from prison appeared imminent right up until the three-judge panel from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago issued its decision. Television crews and reporters were staking out the prison in Portage where Dassey is being held, waiting for him to walk out at any minute, when the ruling came down around midday. We are disappointed more than words can say, Dasseys attorneys, Steve Drizin and Laura Nirider, said in a statement posted online shortly after the ruling was released. The fight goes on. Dassey, now 27, was sentenced to life in prison in 2007 in the death of photographer Teresa Halbach two years earlier. He confessed to detectives that he helped his uncle, Steven Avery, rape and kill Halbach in the Avery familys salvage yard in Manitowoc County. Avery was sentenced to life in prison in a separate proceeding. Avery and Dassey contend they were framed by police angry with Avery for filing a lawsuit against the county over his wrongful imprisonment for a sexual assault he didnt commit. Hes pursuing his own appeal in state court. Their cases gained national attention last year after Netflix aired Making a Murderer, a multi-part documentary examining Halbachs death. The series spawned widespread conjecture about the pairs innocence. Authorities who worked on the cases said the documentary was biased but the series generated calls from the public to free both men. U.S. Magistrate Judge William Duffin ruled in August that investigators coerced Dassey, who was 16 years old at the time and suffered from cognitive problems, into confessing and overturned his conviction. Duffin said in the decision that if state attorneys appealed the ruling Dassey would remain in prison pending a resolution. The state Justice Department filed an appeal that is still working its way through the 7th Circuit. But this week Duffin ordered Dassey released from prison by 8 p.m. Friday. The DOJ filed an emergency motion with the 7th Circuit on Wednesday seeking to block the release, arguing Duffins release order contradicts his original ruling in which he said Dassey would remain in prison pending the appeals resolution, Dasseys interrogators used techniques that courts around the country have repeatedly been approved and Dassey presents a danger to society. Drizin and Nirider countered with a filing that argued Dassey has behaved in prison and the state hasnt identified any harm that might come from his release. The 7th Circuit judges Frank Easterbrook, Kenneth Ripple and David Hamilton issued a two-page ruling Thursday saying only that the states emergency motion was granted and Dassey will remain behind bars pending the outcome of the appeal. Its unclear when that might come. Briefs in the case arent due to the 7th Circuit until late December. A decision likely wont come down for weeks or even months later. The deal, to merge Robi Axiata and Airtel Bangladesh, has gone ahead after approval by the Bangladesh high court, creating a company with 32 million subscribers, second only in the market to Telenors Grameenphone. Axiata will own 68.7% of the merged operation. Indian group Bharti Airtel will have 25% and Japans NTT DoCoMo will have 6.3%. No price has ever been given for the deal. Jamaludin Ibrahim, president and group CEO of Axiata, said: Axiatas proven track record of successful strategic mergers and integrations in our other markets such as Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Cambodia has qualified the group to lead the first telecoms merger and initiate market consolidation in Bangladesh. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, CEO of Robi, said: The merger strengthens the long-term sustainability of the Bangladesh telecoms landscape and business environment, and will secure faster nationwide rollout of mobile broadband as well as contribute significantly to the overall economy of the country. Grameenphone, in which Telenor has a 56% stake, has 54 million customers. The other operators in Bangladesh include VimpelComs Banglalink, with 29 million, and a state-owned company, Teletalk, with under three million. Ibrahim said: In-country consolidation has been one of the groups key focus in solidifying our position, unlocking profitability and opportunities of the market as well as ensuring better services to customers and the public. Airtel entered the Bangladesh market in January 2010, when it bought a 70% stake in what was then Warid Telecom for $300 million. The Indian group bought the other 30% in 2013. Axiatas takeover has taken longer than expected. It was announced in January 2016, and then expected to be complete by June. The companies agreed in June to defer completion until September, before finally taking an extra two months. Ibrahim said: We are confident this consolidation will secure the countrys further development not only within the telecommunications industry but also act as further impetus to fuel a more mature business and investment environment in Bangladesh. 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. A suspect in the assault and subsequent death of the University of Wisconsin-Stout international student from Saudi Arabia has been identified. On Friday, the findings of the 20-day investigation were sent to the Dunn County District Attorneys Office for charges. Pending the results of the D.A.s review, the suspects name is being withheld. In a statement, Menomonie Police Chief Eric Atkinson said that no evidence has been found to suggest that the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi was a hate crime. Nor is the suspect a UW-Stout student or a resident of Dunn County. The investigation included interviews of persons out-of-state and examinations of various evidence, Atkinson said. In response, Doug Mell, executive director of Communications and External Relations at UW-Stout, released the following statement: As a university, we would like to express our appreciation of the efforts of the Menomonie Police Department that have brought this case to this point, and we pledge our support for their efforts to bring this suspect to justice. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to Hussains family and friends. Cause of death Reports show that it was a traumatic brain injury that caused the Alnahdis death. 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. Late Monday afternoon, Chief Atkinson released the preliminary findings about the cause of Alnahdis death after conferring with Dunn County Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Marcie Rosas. He said the final autopsy report will be released following results of Alnahdis toxicology tests from the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Anatomic Pathology Laboratory. Atkinson also asked for the publics help in identifying two people in surveillance photos. By Tuesday morning, both women were identified and interviewed to determine whether they have information relating to the case. They were not taken into custody. 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. Online commercial insurance agency CoverWallet announced it has received $7.8 million in funding in a Series A round led by Union Square Ventures, bringing its total raised to date to $9.5 million. In addition to Union Square Ventures, Index Ventures and previous investors Highland Capital Partners, Two Sigma Ventures, and Founder Collective participated in the Series A round, according to the company. CoverWallet announced seed funding of $2 million in March. CoverWallet also announced that Jim Ermilio has joined as president of Insurance. Ermilio previously was CEO of Boston-based online auto insurance company Goji and executive vice president at Commerce Insurance in Massachusetts, which is now owned by Mapfre. Launched in early 2016, CoverWallet provides a concierge-like service for small businesses, giving them access to quotes, advice and policy management tools online or over the phone. It offers general liability, commercial property, workers compensation, directors and officers, professional liability, errors and omissions, and cyber liability coverages. Its carrier partners include Liberty Mutual, CNA, Starr, Hamilton, Markel, Employers, Travelers and Atlas. Buying and managing insurance feels analog and painful. With CoverWallet, we are building a customer-centric online product that is both beautiful and intuitive. We are reinventing how small businesses get insurance, saving time and money, Inaki Berenguer, CEO of CoverWallet. The $100 billion U.S. small business insurance market is on the verge of a big paradigm shift. Business owners expect to deal with insurance online, in the same way they use consumer friendly online technologies to deal with banking, payroll, accounting or sales, said Rashmi Melgiri, chief operating officer and co-founder of the company. CoverWallet said it will be adding more products in the coming months. CoverWallet also announced that John Buttrick of Union Square Ventures has been added to the board. Union Squares current portfolio includes meetup, kickstarter, soundcloud and funding circle; startups it has exited include lending club, etsy, zynga, tumblr and twitter. Two Sigma is also involved with a new small commercial insurance online venture with Hamilton Insurance and American International Group (AIG). As General Motors is looking to strengthen its ties with the Chinese car market, two popular pickup trucks made by Chevrolet, the Colorado and Silverado, will go on sale in the Asian country. The announcement was made by the North American-based automotive giant, stating that the two vehicles will be exported in parallel to their new market starting from next year. Initially launched back in 1987, the Chevrolet Silverado is the brands best-selling truck globally, with more than 17 million units delivered. Equipped with an assortment of smart technologies, such as Active Noise Cancellation, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control, the third generation model will go on sale in China with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, producing 420 HP and 460 lb-ft (624 Nm) of torque. Chevys mid-size pickup truck, the Colorado, is in its second generation since 2012, and it will be offered with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, but unlike its north American counterpart, with its 308 HP and 275 lb-ft (373 Nm) of torque, the version aimed at the Peoples Republic will have to do with 305 HP and 269 lb-ft (365 Nm) of torque. Full details on the two pickup trucks, as well as their price list, should be released closer to their launch date. PHOTO GALLERY Jayme Gordon, the 51-year-old cartoonist who lied about creating the concept for Dreamworks Kung Fu Panda, was convicted yesterday by a federal jury in Boston for wire fraud and perjury. He will be sentenced on March 30, 2017; the charges carry a maximum of 25 years in prison. There are countless cases where amateur creators sue a movie studio for stealing their idea, but rarely does the federal government launch a criminal investigation. In this instance, Gordon not only accused Dreamworks of stealing his idea, but he concocted an elaborate scheme that involved creating fake concept art which he claimed dated back the early 1990s. His case fell apart, however, after Dreamworks lawyers discovered that the artwork Gordon claimed was from 1992 was actually copied out of a Lion King coloring book from 1996. Jonathan Zavin, one of Dreamworks lead lawyers at Loeb & Loeb, testified during the U.S. governments trial about the unprecedented fraud that Gordon attempted to commit in his lawsuit against Dreamworks. Ive never had a case that involved this kind of spoliation of evidence, this kind of destruction of evidence, Zavin said on direct examination. This was absolutely unique in my experience. Width-wise, its comparable to a medium-sized bathroom. Compared to the three acres of land the Chippewa Falls Fire Departments new station sits on, that isnt very much. But the training tower is Chief Mike Hepflers favorite place on the whole lot, which is located at 1301 Chippewa Crossing Boulevard. It was planned right at the beginning, something I started off with after visiting many fire stations, Hepfler said. We put a lot of thought into it because we want to make it so we can get all our training in. In his free time, Hepfler and his wife planned trips to go visit fire stations, see what they were doing and get an idea of what would work for his department. As soon as plans for the new station started in the fall of 2015, he knew it had to include one. The tower, which is the tallest portion of the building, will eventually have stairways that go all the way to the top, where a sliding window will sit. Firefighters can practice carrying full and empty hoses up and down the stairs while in full gear. They can also use the window to simulate rescuing someone and scaling a building with them in tow. He said its very different repelling from a flat platform than actually getting through a window and walking down the face of a building. Its not an event firefighters have to deal with every day, but its important for them to practice. Its a low-frequency event, meaning you dont get a lot of practice, but its a high risk, meaning you better be good at it, he said. Firefighters train at least five days a week on everything from confined spaces, Hazmat training, water rescues and gas emergencies. Hepfler said this station will make that much easier for his crew. Instead of traveling to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, setting up and tearing down equipment, they can build training props on the land behind the building and leave them up year-round, with the ability to use them whenever they need. Hes very excited about that. With a new state-of-the-art building, though, its hard not to be. A step up In addition to a plethora of training opportunities, the new fire station will give firefighters a more homey feeling during their 24-hour work shifts. There are enough dorm rooms for each shift of workers, a work-out room, sites for both clean and dirty (has been contaminated from a call) laundry, a day room and grilling area. Battalion chiefs will also have their own office with sleeping quarters, including a bathroom, directly attached. MPOs will have an office that overlooks the apparatus bay as well. There are six apparatus bays, which will hold two fire trucks, two medic units and other trailers and equipment they previously had to store off site. I could fit almost every piece of equipment in this building, Hepfler said. Itd be tight, but its still probably a lot more room than we had in the past. The station also features a large training and classroom near the main entrance on Chippewa Crossing Boulevard. It can hold up to 32 people, and Hepfler expects school groups, Boy and Girl Scout troops and others will use it. Theres also a conference room that can hold 8-10 people, and public restrooms in the main corridor. Both rooms will be outfitted with the most up-to-date technology with audio-visuals, giving the ability to teach and instruct. As long as were doing it, were doing it right, he said. Hepfler said they are staying right on track with the $5 million budget, and hes grateful the city has let him be so involved in the construction process. He expects theyll be able to move in April 1 and have it fully functioning. Hepfler said theyve designed it with the future in mind, so it will be usable without needing more for at least the next 25 years. Its a 75-100 year structure, but the thought process was we wont need to do anything more for another 25-50 years, he said. We are doing it right the first time. He says this with confidence because he knows who hes working with. Feels like family These days, Hepfler spends more time on the site than he does in his office, but hes alright with that. A former construction worker himself, hes worked on jobs with a lot of the crew working on the building. Were having a good time, having a lot of fun doing this, Hepfler said. Weve made some really good friends, plus were building a quality building. One of those friends is Jake Bauer, project manager for Cost, Planning and Management International, Inc., which is overseeing the project. Bauer said having such a close-knit crew makes his job easier, and Hepflers presence on the site makes sure they get it right the first time. Everybodys worked together before and they work together well, Bauer said. Hes out here a lot and that makes it so easy for me, just coordinating outlets in office, things like that. Construction work on the exterior of the building finished up through Nov. 18, just in time before the cold came in, Bauer said. Theyll work on interior walls and paint through the winter, and stay to help set up furniture at the end of March. Theyre putting a lot of thought into the building, and both Bauer and Hepfler think itll spark business development in the area, which currently sits empty aside from the fire station. Just the outside (of the building), what its going to bring to the area with its design, Hepfler said. Its a really sharp building, sets the standard out here I would say. You could have the missing piece of the puzzle that will help the RCMP put someone behind bars. Here are some recent crimes that Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers hope you can help solve by calling our anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. CRIME: RESIDENTIAL BREAK AND ENTER DATE: November 5, 2016 RCMP FILE: 2016-66497 A residential home under construction on the 13,000 block of Lake Hill Way in Lake Country was entered during the early hours of November 5th. Thieves stole a 150-pound oval shaped Neptune soaker bathtub valued at $800 (model VA3660F1). The house is located on a cul-de-sac with very few finished homes. Photo: Crime Stoppers If you know anything about this crime, or any other crime, call the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net. Your information will be kept confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2000.00. CRIME: RESIDENTIAL BREAK AND ENTER DATE: November 14, 2016 RCMP FILE: 2016-68110 A residence on the 3300 block of Brun Road in Lake Country was broken into between 10:00 a.m. on November 11th and 2:15 p.m. on November 14th. Thieves gained access to the home by cutting out a portion of a chain link fence at the rear of the property. The house was entered by prying open a rear patio door. Stolen items include: Grey Toshiba 4 GB laptop Silver Brinks safe (2X2) Red Milwaukee chop saw Black Jelly Bean internet TV receiver Mastercraft wrench/socket tool set Passports 2 Winchester 700XTR 7 mm bolt action rifles (s/n G1581162 and G2088264) Browning 7 mm bolt action rifle Mossberg 22 bolt action rifle You can help catch these suspects and qualify for a reward by calling Crime Stoppers anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit our website at www.crimestoppers.net or text to CRIMES (274637), keyword Ktown. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Kate Bouey Two bodies have been found in a residence in rural North Okanagan. The bodies of a man and woman were discovered inside the house on the 3200 block of Spruce Crescent in Enderby just before noon on Friday. They're believed to have been residents of the house. While the investigation is still in its early stages, police do not believe there is any danger to the general public in the area. The Southeast District Major Crime Unit, BC Coroners Service and the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP are expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the weekend, conducting their investigation. Police have not released any information on what caused the deaths or any details about those who died. Initial reports from a witness in the area said a woman had been shot, but this has yet to be confirmed. More information will be added as it becomes available. Photo: David Ogilvie Traffic on Gellatly Road in West Kelowna was slowed Saturday afternoon after an SUV went off the road. The vehicle had been heading towards Boucherie Road. The RCMP, fire department, a tow truck and an ambulance crew attended the scene around 3:30 p.m. but no injuries were reported. Photo: Leah Riley Hundreds gathered in splendorous surroundings Saturday night for the 32nd annual Kalamalka Rotary Club's Dream Auction. Held at the Vernon Lodge, the Dream Auction raises funds for groups in the community. Kal Rotary president Brian Reid said every penny that is spent on the auction would be given to deserving organizations and projects. "Together, we make our community a better place to live, work and play," said Reid. Last years auction raised more than $204,000. Photo: West Coast Ferries Forum A BC Ferries crew rescued a stranded boater whose vessel had overturned Saturday. The Kahloke ferry diverted near Denman Island about 12:30 p.m. to come to the man's aid. Two crew members launched a rescue boat to retrieve the man, who was found lying on top of the 12-foot aluminum fishing boat. He was suffering from hypothermia and was transported to the lighthouse station on Chrome Island. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: CTV The McBarge could find a new home. The former floating McDonalds restaurant made famous during Vancouvers Expo 86 long sat derelict before being towed to Maple Ridge last year for a $4.5-million refit. CTV reports the owner is in talks with several authorities, including the City of Victoria, North Vancouver and the Port of Vancouver for possible sites to locate the vessel. The 57-metre barge was moored in False Creek during Expo, but complaints over its deteriorating condition led to it being moved to Burrard Inlet before the retrofit began last year. It's speculated the spruced-up McBarge could become home to a restaurant or nightclub. with files from CTV Vancouver Island Photo: Contributed Leaders of a B.C. First Nation and a biologist have responded to a lawsuit alleging trespassing on a salmon farm. Three Dzawadaenuxw leaders Willie Moon, Joe Willie and Farron Soukochoff filed a Response in B.C. Supreme Court, joining with biologist Alexandra Morton in a lawsuit initiated by Marine Harvest. At issue is First Nation trespass on a salmon farm within the Dzawadaenuxw territory. On Aug. 23, the Dzawadaenuxw leaders and dozens of others from neighbouring tribes entered a Marine Harvest salmon farm to serve the company an eviction notice and to perform ceremony to begin cleansing their waters of the filth and impact of the salmon farming industry, according to the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. Marine Harvest filed a lawsuit in September, initially against Morton alone, but also naming John and Jane Doe and All Person unknown, claiming trespass and seeking damages. The UBCIC is calling the lawsuit a SLAPP-suit, or a strategic lawsuit against public participation.A SLAPP-suit refers to a frivolous claim using legal costs to try to deter lawful public protest. Over the past 29 years, the Dzawadaenuxw have repeatedly told the government that they do not want salmon farms in their territory. But the UBCIC says one-third of the B.C. salmon farming industry is currently using Dzawadaenuxw territory to raise Atlantic salmon. By joining the case, Dzawadaenuxw hopes Marine Harvest will have to defend their licences and their activities. The chiefs claim in the litigation that Marine Harvest has no sufficient legal right to exclude them in the use and/or occupancy of the Dzawadaenuxw Territory, nor their invited guests, that the ceremony held was a lawful exercise of traditional ceremony and in the public interest. Research published by Morton and others reports sustained impact of salmon farms on Dzawadaenuwx fisheries, with a loss of 29% of young wild salmon in 2015 due to sea lice from salmon farms. Government is allowing the salmon farming industry to destroy wild fish stocks in Dzawadaenuxw territory, said Morton in a news release. They dont want this for their future generations. Photo: City of Armstrong Gary Froats will be the newest addition to Armstrong's city council, filling an empty seat in a local by-election. Froats was challenged by Helen Jackson, Adrien Lemaire and Gill Melin to fill a council seat left vacant by the death of Coun. Ron (Sully) O'Sullivan earlier this year. But Froats took the spot, with 237 votes, followed by Lemaire with 216 votes and Melin and Jackson with 82 and 58 votes respectively. Froats was the only candidate not living in Armstrong, living instead in Spallumcheen. Froats will have a two-year term on council before province-wide municipal elections are held in October 2018. The vote was held on Saturday between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with early voting opportunities on Nov. 9 and 16. Froats held a strong standing through all votes, tying for the lead in the Nov. 16 vote and coming up short just two votes in the Nov. 9 advanced vote. Prior to voting day, in fact, Lemaire held a two-vote lead, but Froats ultimately took the spot with his 21-vote lead on voting day. Photo: Surrey RCMP Surrey RCMP is looking for the public's help to find a missing 15-year-old girl. Trinity McKenzie was last seen Friday, Nov. 7 at her residence in Surrey, and has not been seen or heard from since. McKenzie is described as a 15-year-old Caucasian female, 5'10" tall, 124 pounds, with blond hair and purple colouring and shaved on one side. Police and family are concerned for her health and well-being. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of McKenzie is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or their website, quoting file number 2016-161598. Photo: Contributed Hundreds of people will be getting some provincial assistance to help make the rent. Up to 300 low-income co-op households will benefit from the B.C. governments $2 million in assistance to make their homes more affordable. This funding will bridge the shortfall resulting from expired federal operating agreements. The funding, which will be administered by the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC, will provide vital support for up to 300 low-income co-op members whose housing may be at risk, said Suzanne Anton, MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview. While this is outside our jurisdiction, the B.C. government has decided to step in and help low-income residents during this period of transition. The provincial funding is intended to support co-ops whose federal operating agreements expired prior to April 1, 2016, and who are not eligible to receive an extension from the federal government. There are 22 co-ops that fit this criteria. Eligible co-ops can apply to the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC to receive financial assistance to ensure housing remains affordable for their low-income members. This assistance helps to ensure low-income co-op members do not pay more than 30 per cent of their income towards housing. Assistance is estimated to be an average of $300 per month per member/household. With federal operating agreements now expired, this provincial funding will help co-ops continue to provide affordable housing for their members, said Vancouver-False Creek MLA Sam Sullivan. This will mean a great deal to hundreds of low-income co-op families and individuals whose housing charges are geared-to-income, said Thom Armstrong, executive director, Coaoperative Housing Federation of British Columbia. Wed like to thank the B.C. government for recognizing the need to help the most vulnerable people in our co-op communities by making their homes more affordable. Today, we look at a cigar called the Xiphos NR Maduro. It is one of five blends offered by Xiphos Cigars. Xiphos Cigars was founded by Brad Longanecker. The company has two main brands in its portfolio: Xiphos NR and Xiphos CR. The brands are differentiated by the country where they are produced. For the Xiphos CR, the cigars are produced in Costa Rica while for the Xiphos NR, the cigars come from the New Order of the Ages (NOA) factory owned by Noel Rojas and Brandon Hayes. As for the name, a Xiphos is a short double-edged sword used by the Ancient Greeks. From the packaging and banding, the cigars definitely have a Greek culture theme to them. Recently I had my first exposure to an offering from Xiphos, the Xiphos NR Maduro in the Toro size. Overall I found this cigar to be one of the revelations of 2016 and one of the best cigars to come out of the NOA factory. The following is a list of the five blends with the associated wrapper offering: Xiphos NR Maduro (Connecticut Broadleaf) Xiphos NR Habano Xiphos CR Habano (Ecuadorian Hybrid Habano) Xiphos CR Connecticut (Ecuadorian Connecticut) Xiphos CR Short Panatella (Ecoadiran Connecticut) Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro and see what this cigar brings to the table. Blend Profile The Xiphos NR Maduro is a three country multi-national blend. The cigar is highlighted by a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. The cigars were blended by Longanecker and Roniel Aragon of the New Order of the Ages factory. Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro Binder: Indonesian Filler: Nicaraguan (Esteli and Jalapa) Viso, Seco, and Ligero Country of Origin: Nicaragua (New Order of the Ages) Vitolas Available There are three sizes available for the Xiphos NR Maduro: Robusto: 5 x 52 Toro: 6 x 52 Gordo: 6 x 60 The Xiphos NR Maduro is packaged in cans. There are ten cigars per can. Appearance The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper of the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro has a rich dark roasted coffee bean color. The wrapper has some prominent darker marbling to it. This is an oily wrapper that is slightly bumpy on the surface. Three some visible wrapper seams and some thin visible veins. There are two bands on the Xiphos NR Maduro. On the Xiphos CR series, the band has a design similar to a blue and white New York City style Greek coffee cup. With the Xiphos NR series, it is a black, red, and silver version of the Xiphos CR band. The band has a mostly black background with a subtle gray design in the background. The bands trim is silver and includes a pattern seen on those New York City Greek coffee cups. The upper and lower portion of that trim also have three small crusade-like adornments on it. The text XIPHOS is prominently displayed on the front in a large metallic red font accented with some silver. The X in Xiphos is represented by two interlocking short swords. The upper left of the band has the Gre;text HDMD (representing Handmade) and the upper right has the text T. 2015 (representing Est. 2015) on it. The far right has a black Xiphos design on a red metallic background surrounded by silver. The secondary band is black with metallic red trim across the top and bottom. The text MDVR is displayed in metallic red font representing MADURO. Preparation for the Cigar Experience As I normally do, I started my cigar experience of the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro with a straight cut. After removing the cap, I moved on to the pre-light draw stage. The dry draw delivered a deep roasted coffee note with a touch of floral. Overall I considered this cigar to have a simple, but very good pre-light draw experience. At this point I was ready to light up the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro and see what the smoking phase would have in store. Flavor Profile The Xiphos NR Maduro Toro started out with more of the deep roasted coffee notes. In the background there was both a chocolate and fruit note providing a subtle amount of sweetness. I also picked up a slight amount of black pepper on the tongue, but it was more prominent on the retro-hale. During the first half, roasted coffee notes in the forefront became richer. At times, the coffee produced an occasional bitter component, but this actually balanced against the sweet and spice notes quite nicely. Meanwhile there still was some fruit sweetness in the background and the mocha notes continued to recede further into the background. The black pepper remained in the background on the tongue, but started to slowly increase in intensity. As the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro moved through the second half, the spices continued to increase. I still detected the black pepper, but now I also picked up a cedar component. There still was a rich coffee note in the forefront, and some chocolate and fruit in the background. During the final third, the cedar-spice and coffee notes were the dominant ones. There still were some pepper and fruit notes in the background. While there was moderate spice component at the end of this cigar, I never found it got overpowering. This is the way the cigar experience of the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro. The resulting nub was cool in temperature and firm to the touch. Burn and Draw The Xiphos NR Maduro Toro was a well-constructed cigar and this reflected nicely in the scores for the attributes of burn and draw. The cigar maintained a straight burn path and a near straight burn line from start to finish. The resulting ash was nearly white in color with some darker speckling mixed in. This was a tight and firm ash that came off the cigar in clean chunks. The burn rate and burn temperature were ideal. As for the draw, the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro delivered one of the better draws I have encountered in 2016. This had just a touch of resistance which is something I like. At the same time, I found the NR Maduro Toro to produce an ample amount of smoke. In the end, this cigar earned the highest assessment rating for a draw namely Exceptional. Strength and Body There was no doubt about it the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro delivered a bold experience. This is a cigar that is medium to full in strength from start to finish. I did find the NR Maduro Toro increased in strength during the smoking experience, but in the end it didnt quite cross into full strength territory. As for the body, it also started out medium to full, but by the start of the second third, it didnt move into full territory. As for strength versus body, I gave the edge to the body. Final Thoughts In terms of a cigar, the Xiphos NR Maduro Toro is one of the revelations of 2016. While it had excellent construction and the right amount of complexity, the NR Maduro Toro excelled in the area that was most important flavor. This cigar is a wonderful example of an excellent Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped cigar. I believe the use of the Indonesian binder up against the bolder stronger Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper allowed the wrappers flavors to shine more. Finally, at $8.99, this cigar is a true value. Its a cigar Id recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast looking for a bolder smoke. As for myself, its a cigar Id smoke again and one thats worthy of picking up a box (can) of. Summary Burn: Excellent Draw: Exceptional Complexity: Medium+ Strength: Medium to Full Body: Medium to Full (1st Third), Full (Remainder) Finish: Excellent Assessment: 4.0-Box Worthy Score: 92 References News: n/a Price: $8.99 Source: Gifted Stogie Geeks Podcast: n/a Stogie Feed: n/a Brand Reference: Xiphos Photo Credits: Cigar Coop If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... Advertorial I think we can agree that kids learn more quickly and retain more information when the subject matter relates to them personally. The act of doing makes learning extremely personal. Which is why experiential learning is not only more interesting, but it also engages all of a childs senses, an important element to retaining knowledge. Well, that and learning through play too. Because honestly, which child can ever resist a huge bouncy castle? Multiple Intelligence Zone Creative Expression Zone Media Zone Science Zone EduTech Zone Experience Zone World of Wonders Also launched during the event was Brainy Arkies, a novel educational mobile application that is aligned with the latest Ministry of Education, Singapores Primary 1 to 4 Mathematics syllabuses. Developed by Marshall Cavendish Education, the app is designed to help children aged 6 to 10 learn Mathematics while having fun through the different ages, progressing from Stone to Space Age. With 12,000 questions in the database that is mapped to the school curriculum to start with, parents can monitor their childs progress via a linked account to manage the topics, sub-topics and even the amount of time each child is allowed to play. Parents are able to engage and motivate their children to learn through play and analyse their childs progress into a report so they can plan for the topics for their child to focus on. They can collect virtual rewards, harvest gold and share their progress with their friends who are also on the mobile application. Brainy Arkies is now available for download from the App Store or Google Play with a free 14-day trial. After the trial, parents can subscribe to the application starting from S$9.98 for one month to view detailed solutions and reports and have access to parental control. Happy Sparks is planned to be an annual event so as to allow parents a channel to access different options that cater to their childrens learning needs, so do look out for the next edition when it rolls along! And that was what Times Experience - the newly formed events and e-commerce subsidiary of Times Publishing Group - set out to do as they launched, Singapores first experiential learning event for kids last weekend.Targeted at children from 3 to 12 and their parents, the first large-scale experiential edutainment event ran for 4 days at the Singapore Expo Hall and offered plenty of out-of-classroom experiential learning experiences.What was interesting was the segregation of the event space into various zones, with each zone targeted at a different learning aspect.Presented by UOB and powered by Flying Cape, the the Multiple Intelligence Zone invited kids to participate in a Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scales (MIDAS) Test developed by Dr. Branton Shearer to identify the childs SMARTS. The results were then evaluated by the experts from Flying Cape, Singapores first comprehensive education booking website that recommends classes based on the eight different smarts, to best nurture the childs potential.There was also the Smart Quest Zone where children can enrich their imagination through multimedia interactivity and digital technology powered by Mosh! and witness their colouring and doodling masterpieces come to life. Yes, something that the monkies absolutely loved!Partners including Stabilo and National Library Board (NLB), presented highlights that can helpstimulate a childs creativity. As part of its nationwide Reading Movement, National Library Board brought in a massive pop-up library to Happy Sparks where children can borrow books on the spot.At the Knowledge Room, Stabilo conducted a Secret Language of Colours parent-child colouring and craft workshop, where children created their own art pieces which in turn were used to understand the childs motivations through colour therapy.Without a doubt, this has got to be the most fun station of the lot for the monkies!Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids is a financial literacy programme designed to equip 7 to 12 year olds with the knowledge, tools and practice they need to make informed financial decisions to reach their own personal goals and dreams.Its storylines have been written around the four key concepts of money: Earn, Save, Spend and Donate. Children mostly only see spend, but it also needs to be understood that Earn, Save, Spend, Donate is a cycle of money and they are choices that have to be made every day, throughout life... which was what the various game stations advocated.Well, Ale unfortunately chose to spend ALL her earnings in the end so I guess she still has much to learn. LOL.Appealing to children passionate about science, Smart Science Lab conducted multiple Magical Chemistry sessions where kids got to experiment with chemicals to create their own colourful potions.At the Makers Corner, Science Centre Singapore also conducted sessions for children interested in robotics and programming to program their own dancing robot in the Play with KIBO! workshops. In addition, KidsStop taught kids how to recycle used materials into moving toys in their Toys, Gears and Engineers! workshops.With technology being a large part of education, technology partner Samsung showcased their latest gadgets and how their tablets and products can help facilitate learning for the 21st century learner. And this was also where I got to play around with the Samsung Gear 360!I have to say the Gear 360 has a striking design. Together with its foldable rubber legs which serve as a mini tripod or a grip, it looks like a cute ice cream cone. The camera has two lenses with each capturing respective front and rear images, and they are then stitched together.Personally, I think it is a very fun camera to use and I already foresee it being extremely useful when it comes to taking family portrait shots (together with the entire 360 degrees background) on vacations!The Experience Zone also featured World of Wonders a Virtual Reality (VR) activity area, where kids had a go at a VR-adapted version of the Brainy Arkies app. The monkies went on a trail into the Stone Age and watched it come alive on the Samsung VR Gear. In addition, they also tried their hands on putting together a memory puzzle and a 3D version of blocks to form a pyramid.Of course, having plenty of other fun activities like giant building blocks made out of foam and jumping on a bouncy castle were surefire hits with the monkies too.Oh, and bumping into cartoon characters and realising that they are pretty hip was cool too! Even if you're not a big foodie, you've probably got a dish that holds special meaning for you a food that can instantly transport you to a time and place when things were rosier, simpler or just really delicious. Now, imagine losing that dish forever. That's what happened to Nancy Rosman when Mandis the Chicken King closed in the early 1970s. The restaurant had operated in the Portage Park neighborhood at Montrose and Central since the 1940s, and it served a fried chicken so special that Rosman remains haunted by it today. "It was French fried chicken, but it didn't taste particularly greasy," she recalled. "It was very crunchy, but light and just really fantastic. I've tasted a lot of fried chicken and nothing has ever been like this." Rosman has searched for the recipe mostly through online message boards for more than a decade, with no luck. She asked if we could find the Mandis recipe and also reveal recipes from other long-gone Chicago culinary institutions. We agreed to take up the fried chicken challenge. But instead of tracking down a slew of other Chicago dishes you may or may not remember, we've created a guide to help you with your own hunt for the recipes you really care about. (To mutilate an old saying: Give a reader a fish recipe and you feed him for a day; teach a reader to fish for recipes and you feed him for life.) RELATED: Read WBEZ's report. To assemble this guide we talked to a couple of pros: writers who've been recipe sleuthing for many years. They're Tribune food writer Bill Daley and Monica Kass-Rogers, who writes a blog called Lost Recipes Found, after a series of columns on the subject she did for the Tribune. Both have been amazed by Chicago's appetite for elusive old restaurant recipes. "There's a huge nostalgia for long-ago restaurants," Daley said. "People want to remember an important dish or an important meal." Kass-Rogers remembered when she first put out a call for lost recipes. "We were inundated with hundreds and hundreds of requests," she said. And a whole category of those recipes was for defunct restaurant dishes. Here are shortcuts, skills, insider tips and theories they've developed over the years. I'll present them here through the lens of my journey seeking the magic of Mandis the Chicken King. Tip 1: Make sure you have the right name, address and time period for the place that served the long-lost recipe. This was our first challenge. Rosman recalled the restaurant name as "Mandas." But after searching archives using different variations on the name, we discovered it was actually Mandis, and that made the research a lot easier. Daley said he's seen this a lot. "You'd be surprised at how often the initial information is wrong," said Daley. "People's memories can be very hazy." Mandis ad from 1963 in the Chicago Tribune. Tip 2: Dig into newspaper archives. Daley noted that you often can get clues from ads, stories about the restaurant and, sometimes, the big prize: a complete recipe that the paper already has published. The Chicago Tribune offers a digitally searchable archive that spans more than 100 years. Other local papers have to be painstakingly searched page by page through pre-1985 microfilm. But the Tribune archive is vast, and if you have a Chicago Public Library account, you can access it for free online. That's where I found a 1963 ad by Mandis the Chicken King that offered a clue: It used birds called spring chickens. Tip 3: Search for old employees or those still connected to the place. Unfortunately, both of the owners Bill Mandis and Nick Doukas have passed away. I did, however, find a Tribune article and later a RedEye piece indicating that Chris Liakouras, the co-founder of Chicago's Parthenon restaurant, had served as a waiter at Mandis when he first came here from Greece in 1960. Unfortunately, he didn't remember much. But through online searches about Mandis restaurants, another named turned up, Max Pars, who took over the Mandis space with his restaurant Pars Cove in the early '70s. He recalled a little more. "It was a half chicken with coleslaw and fries," he said between filling orders at Pars Cove, now located in Lincoln Park. "Some Sundays I would get 150 orders for it. People from downtown would order, and they would come and pick it up. It was good fried chicken." Pars says he continued to serve the chicken after he took over the building with his Persian restaurant mostly because customers kept asking for it. But within a year, he said, he was told by the previous owners' family he had to stop. Hmmmm. Tip 4: Track down the owner's next of kin. Since the two original owners had passed away, I reached out to the Mandis and Doukas kids listed in obituaries or at least people with their same names. Most of my attempts, through emails, calls and Facebook messages, struck out. Still, Daley said next of kin have often been good sources of information for him, noting, "a lot of times the kids are really excited to talk about it and share those old memories." I did hear from a Mandis daughter, who told me that the recipe "died with my dad." And one Doukas brother seemed a little perturbed when I called him at his job in the Chicago suburbs. He hinted that he had the recipe but didn't want to share it. Instead, he offered two ingredients: "flour and water." This, at least, told me it was a battered chicken, but I was still miles away from a recipe. Ugh. Then, a week later, just when I thought I'd hit a brick wall, I got an email back from another Doukas brother, Ted. He agreed to chat on the phone. "I basically grew up in the restaurant," said Ted, who works in international investments. "We lived just a couple of blocks away, and I worked there when I was in school." He confirmed that the recipe exists but it's "still pretty much a family secret." "When we had the restaurant, there were several people who wanted to buy the recipe and were willing to pay money," he explained. "But my father and uncle didn't want anything to do with that." No matter how much I begged, Ted wouldn't give up the recipe. But he did offer crumbs. "It's not a complicated recipe," he said. "There are a couple of things they did differently from what other people who made fried chicken would do. . One thing I will tell you and keep in mind the restaurant started in the 1940s is that we did not use vegetable oil. It was all cooked in lard. That is one of the things when people try to think about how it tasted, that helped create a unique flavor to the chicken." Ted wouldn't tell me anything about the spices, but he did confirm his brother's hint about the batter. He further told me where they got their chickens: from a purveyor still operating in Chicago today, Cougle Commission Co. Tip 5: Consider what the ingredients were like at the time. So what would those milk-fed spring chickens have been like at the time? I called the Cougle Commission Co. and talked to President Lee Friedheim. He told me that they don't sell milk-fed spring chickens today, but it probably doesn't matter. "Spring chicken just meant a tender, young chicken," said Friedheim, who thinks he even delivered chickens to Mandis the Chicken King in his teens. "The chickens I delivered were just regular 3-pounders. And today chickens are ready so soon (about 39 days), that all of them are like spring chickens." This point was important, because if you are trying to re-create a long-lost flavor, ingredient quality matters, Daley reminded me. "Things change," he said. "I mean, would you say that today's milk has the same quality and flavor and texture that it did in 1950 or the '70s? No." The same goes for lard. Today, most of our lard is made with hydrogenated, factory-farmed hog fat from industrial breeds. But back during the Mandis heyday, it would have likely come from fatter, heritage breeds that lived outdoors and would probably not have been hydrogenated. I tracked down two tubs of such old-fashioned lard made from the fat of Berkshire hogs raised outdoors at Faith's Farm in Kankakee County. Tip 6: Cultivate anonymous sources. I can't tell you much about this tip except that sometimes if you advertise through social media that you are looking for something a source will come out of the woodwork with information that can't be attributed. That was the case for one of our sources who didn't know the complete recipe but said he/she believed the chicken was first washed and soaked in vinegar and water, then dipped in a batter that contained sour cream and had sat overnight. The vinegar is a traditional method in some areas of the South and the Caribbean. There, folks use it to clean the chicken and get rid of any "funk." But the sour cream was a new one for me. We consulted with Chicago's legendary cook, author and restaurateur Ina Pinkney. But she'd never heard of a sour cream batter that sat overnight. "And the thing that worries me is if it was in the fridge it would just stay the same, like buttermilk," Pinkney said. "But if you let it sit on the counter fermenting all night and it gets fluffy, then what? I can't imagine what you would do with it." Tip 7: Fill in the gaps. "If you can't get the exact one, you can try to create a facsimile of one thereof," Kass-Rogers said. "You can often piece something together based on existing recipes from the period and as many clues as you can use to tweak it," Daley offered. This is what we did with the final recipes we tested and presented to Rosman. But would it work? After a few hours of consulting with Tribune food editor Joe Gray and recipe tester Lisa Schumacher, we started with the smallest almost 3-pound chickens we could find. We soaked them in vinegar and water, which gave them a clean feel and slightly tangy flavor. We made a batter with cornstarch, sour cream and baking soda that sat on the counter all night, getting bubbly. We then came up with a plan to try five variations of ingredients and dredge- and- dip methods. And we cooked the chicken in lard. The next day we invited Nancy Rosman down to the Chicago Tribune test kitchen, asking her to eat a few preliminary rounds before digging into the final version. "This looks like a very crackly piece of chicken," she said. "The crust looks like you have a lot of places where you could pick it off. It smells very good and looks like it's inviting you to take a bite." She crunched. She chewed. She opined. "This is very good fried chicken," she announced. "In terms of the elements I remember, you've gotten very close. But if you had that exact fried chicken now, I think I could pick it out from this. People who had eaten at Mandis might not say that this is exactly like Mandis, but it's pretty darn close and definitely worth making." This is when I remembered yet another tip that both Daley and Kass-Rogers offered. Nancy Rosman, left, tasted five versions of the recipe in the Tribune test kitchen before we made the final batch that followed all of the clues we were given. WBEZ reporter Monica Eng interviews Rosman about the results. (Katherine Nagasawa/WBEZ) Tip 8: Be prepared for disappointment because, sometimes, to capture the exact flavor, you just had to be there. "Sometimes, the recipe takes on this aura that it was much more delicious than it really was," Daley said. "And when you're a kid, your taste buds are one way, and they can be different when you are 50 and sometimes memories burnish the palate." Kass-Rogers agreed that often the dishes people are looking for are more about recapturing "a specific event and people who were sitting around a table." "Then," she said, "everything about that meal shines in the golden glow of memory, including that dish." Rosman is well aware of this. "Part is the 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' factor. I tend to romanticize things that are no longer there," she said. "But as you get older, you start to treasure some of the thing you lost, whether they're food, recipes or people you associate with special tastes. I associate the recipe with a special bond with my dad and with my family and with our offbeat adventures. But there was something about it that will never be as good as anything else. ... The fact that it came from a neighborhood joint and you could afford it and it was something you would never do at home." So a word of warning to recipe sleuthers: Even if you find the exact recipe, the dish may never taste the same, because the real magic was in the overall experience. Other tips from Kass-Rogers and Daley If the recipe comes from a suburban restaurant, check the town's historical society for old community cookbooks or some sort of archive of local dishes. Talk to the Culinary Historians of Chicago: Kass-Rogers said, "A lot of these folks used to be the people who wrote the food columns in the city, and if they don't know the recipe, they might know someone who knows someone." If you can't get the actual recipe, consider a recipe from that region and era. "I have hundreds of cookbooks in my home categorized by region and era for that reason," said Kass-Rogers. Monica Eng is a WBEZ food and health reporter. This story is a joint project between WBEZ and the Chicago Tribune. food@chicagotribune.com The final version of the chicken had a crisp, light textured crust and juicy meat tasting a bit tangy from the vinegar-water soak. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune; Lisa Schumacher/food styling) Almost Mandis fried chicken Prep: 30 minutes Soak: 45 minutes Cook: 16-18 minutes per batch Makes: 4 servings Developed in the Tribune test kitchen by Lisa Schumacher. Although Mandis used chicken halves, you may cut the chicken into smaller pieces. Batter: 1 cup flour 1 cup corn starch 1 cup sour cream 1 to 1 1/2 cups water 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon salt Chicken: 1 whole chicken (3 pounds), cut in half lengthwise 1 quart distilled white vinegar, about 1 quart water, about Salt and pepper to taste Coating: 3 cups flour 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning Lard, 8 to 10 cups 1 For the batter: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup flour, the corn starch, sour cream, 1 cup water, baking soda, salt and pepper until well blended; let rest overnight, covered, in a warm place. 2 For the chicken: The next day, place chicken halves in a large stockpot; pour in enough vinegar and water in equal parts to submerge the chicken. Allow to soak, 45 minutes. Drain; pat chicken dry. Season chicken with salt and pepper. 3 For the coating: In a bowl, mix together remaining 3 cups flour, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. 4 Heat enough lard to fry the chicken in a Dutch oven or other high-sided, heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees. Dip each chicken half in the dry mixture, coating all sides. Shake off excess. Dip into the wet mixture, coating all sides; let excess drip off. Dip again in the dry mixture, coating all sides; shake off excess. 5 Place 1 half chicken at a time in the hot fat; fry until well browned, 15-18 minutes. Remove and allow to drain on a rack over paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken half. Serve hot. In this Aug. 28, 2016, file photo. Kanye West appears at the MTV Video Music Awards at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Chris Pizzello / AP) Just days after telling fans at a concert that he would have voted for Donald Trump, Kanye West delivered another public screed before abruptly ending a concert in Northern California, then canceled a performance Sunday in the Los Angeles area. Captured on video by concert-goers Saturday night in Sacramento, West in an over 10-minute tirade told the audience he was on his "Trump (expletive) tonight." He talked about Beyonce, Jay Z, Hillary Clinton, Mark Zuckerberg, the radio and MTV at the stop of his Saint Pablo Tour. Advertisement Fans in attendance said on social media that West played only a few songs before ending the show abruptly after only 30 minutes. The angry audience booed, and many are seeking refunds for the aborted show. Some paid around $250 for a pair of tickets. On Sunday night, Ticketmaster announced that West's show at the Forum in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood, California, was cancelled. The ticket vendor gave no explanation for the cancellation. Advertisement Saturday's outburst and truncated show became a hot topic on Twitter and other social platforms Sunday morning, as amateur videos circulated of West's rant where, among other things, he said he was hurt because he heard Beyonce refused to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards unless she won Video of the Year over him. He also urged her husband Jay Z to call him and "talk to me like a man." West took aim at radio stations for playing the same stuff "over and over and over," too and also addressed Hillary Clinton. "It's a new world, Hillary Clinton, it's a new world," West said. "Feelings matter. Because guess what? Everybody in middle America felt a way and they showed you how they felt. Feelings matter, bro." The performer said he was putting his life, career and "public well-standing" at risk by talking to the fans in the audience "like this," adding that his Saint Pablo tour "is the most relevant (expletive) happening." He continued: "I am here to change things. And things won't change until people admit their own falsehoods. I got the visions, bro. That's what I've been blessed with. My vision. I'm not always going to say things the perfect way, the right way. But I'm going to say how I feel." West's representatives did not immediately respond to request for comment. Associated Press RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Kanye West says if he'd voted, he would've voted for Trump Fans boo Kanye West as he cuts California concert short Kanye West mad kids haven't played with Jay Z's daughter 'Kanye West for president' gains steam on social media in the wake of Trump victory Kanye West lets music do the talking at the United Center The meaning of Kanye West's floating stage 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) Anyone who ever has worked in customer service will tell you that the actual provision of service doing something nice for someone who might well appreciate your effort is not the main drag of the minimum-wage workplace. No, the worst days come when someone in management pushes upon their long-suffering, frontline employees official guidelines for how to provide that service. These sessions are often couched in touchy-feely, faux-empathetic adjectives, developed way up there in the land of cloudy corporate-think, and put into practice through excruciating, obligatory role play. Anyone who has been through such training will tell you that the grumpiest customer makes for a far better day. God save us all from employee development sessions. No better time to call in sick. Advertisement Those excruciatingly patronizing PowerPoints make up the scenic transitions within "The Fundamentals," a new play by the New York-based Erika Sheffer at the Steppenwolf Theatre that was based, the playwright has said, on her experience answering phones in a New York hotel, where the budding writer was working for room service. Good for her. A day job is good for a playwright. For one thing, it helps young writers put the focus on the lives of those they meet, rather than adding to the already overstuffed canon of over-educated and over-privileged scribes who feel alienated from their original community and write a play, or two, about same. Advertisement Sheffer sets her works entirely in the basement of a small and less than secure luxury property where an ambitious but overlooked housekeeper named Millie (Alana Arenas) is trying to rise into the echelons of management while hanging on to her integrity. Since that rise requires flattering and cajoling her very flatterable superior a piece of information that will come as a drastic shock to anyone who ever has worked in corporate America Millie finds herself with a moral dilemma. Does she rat out her colleagues, who all seem to have a few little side enterprises involving company property, or does she keep her head down, thus staying down in all ways, and remain on the righteous side of the workers? The premise of Sheffer's very binary play is that you can't have it both ways. At this hotel, moving on up, especially for an employee of color, requires one proving oneself to be a reliable stool pigeon in the service elevator. If, like me, you are interested in hotels and how they operate, you'll be intrigued by the setup and you'll also likely consider the lead character to be a very empathetic creation, whose life and challenges feel very much of interest. This is a tribute to the lead performance by Arenas, an actor who rarely fails to build a character so human that you wish her well. So it goes here. With this workplace drama, Sheffer is probing the fertile territory that has brought success to the likes of playwrights Rebecca Gilman and David Lindsay-Abaire. "The Fundamentals" is an honest effort to reflect the lives and challenges faced by service employees in a big American city like New York. There are many millions of those jobs in this nation, filled by diverse Americans. They still are explored too little in the American theater. But the problems with "The Fundamentals" are twofold it is very difficult to believe, and you find yourself ahead of the play far too quickly. What's the solution for this clearly talented young writer? I'd say more of a willingness to embrace human messiness and less worrying about tying everything together. In this play, which is enjoying its world premiere Upstairs at Steppenwolf, all three of the other hotel workers we see (and one we don't) are working some scam. People do these things to get by, sure. And there is a lot of room for schemes and petty thievery in hotels, since they can be hid under the guise of service. But, really, everyone? Abe (Alan Wilder) the long-serving housekeeping manager? And Stellan (Caroline Neff), the new desk clerk? And Lorenzo (Armando Riesco), the maintenance guy? Plus a front-desk dude operating a prostitution ring in the lounge? Quite a hotel, this. Let's say you buy that (I struggled); you then have to deal with the obvious villainy of the hotel manager Eliza (Audrey Francis), who is signaled as shallow, insecure and manipulative from the first moment you see her and who then mostly just confirms all those qualities. Being a striving manager and all. There just is not enough shading in the character to avoid melodrama in a play that wants to be a far subtler piece of realism, and that succeeds at times in that goal. But only at times. This feels very much like an early career work. As such, it would succeed more if director Yasen Peyankov's warm-hearted production just moved at a much-faster pace. Everything felt to me far slower in a theater Saturday night than it had felt the previous Saturday night when I'd actually stayed at a hotel like the one in the play in New York, and where the staffers all seemed to be running around like crazy, just trying to get their jobs done and stay out of the weeds. Aside from the lack of veracity there, plays like this one just work better when you can feel the ideas and the language coming at you fast. Otherwise you find yourself ahead of the play, waiting for the resolution to arrive on a platter. Advertisement Chris Jones is a Tribune critic. cjones5@chicagotribune.com Twitter@ChrisJonesTrib Review: "The Fundamentals" (2.5 stars) When: Through Dec. 23 Where: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Advertisement Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes Tickets: $20-$89 at 312-335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org An audience disruption took place at the Saturday evening production of "Hamilton" at the PrivateBank Theatre in downtown Chicago. According to audience member Brea Hayes of Batavia, who was at the performance, an audience member seated in the front of the balcony shouted profanities and election-related political statements after the cast sang the line, "Immigrants / We get the job done," which is part of the show's "Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)" number. Advertisement That lyric is among the most overtly political references in the show and generally gets a big reaction from the audience. Tribune reporter Jodi Cohen, who was seated in the dress circle at the performance, said that the disruption from the man above lasted for two songs. Cohen also said that the "Hamilton" actors seemed strikingly somber during the bows at the end of the show. Advertisement Hayes said that the man appeared to be intoxicated, shouted "We won" among other things, and was resistant after being asked to leave. She said he finally was ushered out by Broadway in Chicago staffers. Other audience members took to social media to describe the incident; there were reports of hostile exchanges between the patron and other audience members before he was removed. Broadway in Chicago has not commented on what happened at its theater. John Palmer, 56, of the 100 block of East Illinois Street, was charged with misdemeanor trespass to land after he refused to leave when asked to by staff, according to police. Palmer had caused a disturbance about 9:30 p.m. at a live theater performance in the first block of West Monroe Street, according to police spokesman Officer Kevin Quaid. When he refused to leave, he was detained by theater staff until police arrived, Quaid said. "This is why we train," said Karen Olivo, who plays Angelica in the Chicago cast, via Twitter on Sunday. "So when the obstacles come we conquer them with skill and precision." The situation in Chicago followed a Friday performance of "Hamilton" in New York City attended by Vice President-elect Mike Pence. At the close of the show, a cast member read from a prepared statement that addressed Pence politely but directly. Tonight, VP-Elect Mike Pence attended #HamiltonBway. After the show, @BrandonVDixon delivered the following statement on behalf of the show. pic.twitter.com/Jsg9Q1pMZs Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016 In the hours that followed, President-elect Donald Trump made several criticisms of the Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, which can be seen in Chicago and New York and that became a political flashpoint over the weekend. On Sunday morning, he tweeted that he had heard the show was "highly overrated." Advertisement The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 RELATED STORIES: Donald Trump again slams 'Hamilton'; Mike Pence says he wasn't offended President-elect demands apology from 'Hamilton' cast after they address Mike Pence In Trumpland, artists must choose between reaching out and revolution Debate over 'Hamilton' speech to Pence exposes post-election cracks Review: 'Hamilton' makes the most of its Chicago shot Watch the latest movie trailers. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 126 Woody introduces the gang to a homemade spork toy with self-esteem issues in "Toy Story 4." Read the review. (Pixar / AP) Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich walks after kneeling before Pope Francis to pledge allegiance and become cardinal during a consistory at St. Peter's Basilica on Nov. 19, 2016. (Tizania Fabi / AFP/Getty Images) VATICAN CITY Now that Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich has the prestigious red hat and title of cardinal, he says the best way to carry out Pope Francis' wishes is to return to Chicago and focus on problems that persist at home. "He wants us to be at the level where people are," Cupich said Saturday outside a reception at the Pontifical North American College after his elevation. "Almost every day I'm stopped; somebody wants to say a prayer, somebody wants a blessing, somebody wants a photo, or just to greet me. That's my parish of people who are out there on the street. And I want to stay loyal and focused on that." Advertisement Just hours earlier, Cupich knelt before Francis on the famous altar of St. Peter's Basilica. In an age-old ceremony witnessed by thousands who waited in long lines for admission, Cupich and 16 other bishops from around the world each received a scarlet biretta for his head, a gold ring to wear on his finger and an assignment to a parish in Rome. They also could have a vote in the next papal election. The new cardinals which included three from the U.S. and others from countries never before represented in the "church's senate" demonstrated the pontiff's mission to remember people from all corners. Advertisement Amid the pomp and fanfare, Cupich spoke of the devastating news he knew existed back home in Chicago, where U.S. Rep. Danny Davis' 15-year-old grandson was fatally shot Friday night over what police called a dispute over gym shoes. Cardinal Blase Cupich discusses the death of the grandson of Danny Davis and the church's anti-violence initiative. (Vikki Ortiz Healy / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) "It's heartbreaking to see that happen, and it's happened time and time again," Cupich said. "I think we've staged ourselves to be able to work with the city and work with religious leaders and labor and union to address that, so I want to start with Chicago." His determination to get back to work on the streets echoed a theme Francis highlighted during his address to the cardinals at the service, called a consistory. The pope explained that Jesus Christ and the apostles came down to "the plain" to reach multitudes of people, and therefore, so should they. "Instead of keeping the apostles at the top of the mountain, their being chosen leads them to the heart of the crowd; it sets them in the midst of those who are troubled, on the 'plain' of their daily lives," Francis said. "The Lord thus shows the apostles, and ourselves, that the true heights are reached on the plain." Cupich said Francis shared similar sentiments with him in a personal conversation before the service. "I think that's really where the pope is coming from ... Realities are greater than ideas," Cupich said. "Because sometimes ideas can separate us unnecessarily. So let's attend to the realities that we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. That's what I want to do." In two years on the job, Cupich, 67, has dramatically reduced the archdiocese budget, raised unprecedented sums for Catholic schools and become a recognizable face on the streets of Chicago slapping high-fives with fans during Cubs games and visiting parishes weekly. He's spoken out against the city's violence and expressed an openness to finding a way for gay Catholics to receive Holy Communion, as well as for Catholics who have divorced and remarried. Last year, Francis hand-picked Cupich to participate in a worldwide meeting of bishops and cardinals to discuss how to make the church's teachings on marriage, contraception, divorce and homosexuality relevant to contemporary families. Then, in July, Francis named Cupich to the influential Congregation for Bishops, a Vatican panel that helps vet bishop candidates around the world. Advertisement "I have a responsibility now as a cardinal, as we heard in the words of the Holy Father to see the world like he does: To have that more global outlook; to look at world poverty; to look at the struggle of some churches around the world," Cupich said. "My first responsibility is to Chicago I'm not afraid to work with people in taking up the challenges." Hundreds of Cupich's admirers journeyed to the Vatican to see him receive the honor. More than 60 members of his immediate and extended family traveled from all parts of the U.S. to witness the moment, relatives said. There were 30 representatives from his former diocese in Rapid City, S.D. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana, also participated as part of an 80-person delegation of politicians and business leaders invited by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Cupich encouraged the politicians present to set aside political disagreements and find common ground that could fix the state's ongoing struggles and budget stalemate. Rauner and others said the trip did prompt productive talks. "We've had some very good conversations," Rauner said. "You're kind of away from the back-and-forth in Illinois, and you're here in a beautiful setting near Rome and the Vatican and able to celebrate wonderful things but also have a different perspective on some of the challenges we've had back home." During an evening celebration of Cupich's elevation, which doubled as a fundraiser for Catholic Extension, a national organization dedicated to strengthening poor mission dioceses in the U.S., Rauner announced that he and his wife plan to make a personal donation of $50,000 to the Chicago-based nonprofit. Larry Booth, an 80-year-old Chicagoan and architect at the firm BoothHansen, also made the pilgrimage to Rome. He said Cupich's demeanor and work ethic would go far in raising money to begin addressing the city's problems. Advertisement "He has this talent of a calm, gentle authenticity, and a sense of focus," Booth said. "You want to support that." All but one of Cupich's eight siblings along with a number of nieces and nephews made it to Italy to watch him receive the red hat. Several of Cupich's siblings said they were not surprised to see their brother bringing people together in Chicago, the way he'd done his entire career. But it was surreal to see the brother who teased his sisters as a kid, jammed on the guitar as a young adult, and still cheers on his home state Nebraska Cornhuskers made a so-called "prince of the Catholic church." Gov. Bruce Rauner, in Rome to see Chicago's archbishop Blase Cupich elevated to the rank of cardinal, offers his thoughts on working in tandem with Cupich and the Emanuel administration. Nov. 19, 2016 (Vikki Ortiz Healy / Chicago Tribune) (Vikki Ortiz Healy / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "To us, he's just our brother," said his eldest brother, Bob Cupich. "I know it's important, the position he has, but when we get together, he's just one of us and we just have fun together." "We've come to appreciate the busy schedule and laborious task that Blase has taken on," his brother Rich Cupich said, adding that Cupich has continued to travel back to Omaha to participate in family celebrations and funerals. Just in the last 10 months, he presided over the weddings of a niece and a nephew. Cupich will remain in Italy for a few more days to conduct church business. On Sunday, he will attend a highly anticipated Mass at the Vatican to mark the end of the church's Year of Mercy. Later, he will take possession of San Bartolomeo all'Isola, the small parish in Rome assigned to him by the pope the same parish assigned to the late Cardinal Francis George. Advertisement Cupich said he looks forward to returning home to the rectory at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, where he lives with eight other priests, shares chores and drives his own car. "That's a normal life, as far as I'm concerned," he said. " I don't want the abnormal or something special. I want to have a normal life." vortiz@chicagotribune.com Twitter @vikkiortiz U.S. President Barack Obama smiles during a speech at a town hall with Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (Esteban Felix / AP) LIMA, Peru Trying to tie up loose ends of his foreign policy agenda, President Barack Obama on Saturday instead found world leaders more focused on someone else: President-elect Donald Trump. Global hand-wringing over America's next president has taken much of the wind out of Obama's final overseas trip. Adopting an altruistic tone, Obama has offered frequent reassurances that the U.S. won't renege on its commitments. Yet he's been at a loss to quell concerns fully, given new signals from Trump that he intends to govern much the way he campaigned. Advertisement Obama's visit to Peru, the last stop on his trip, has brought those concerns to the forefront: Much of Latin America is on edge about a potentially dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy under Trump. And Asian leaders gathered in Lima for an Asia-Pacific economic summit are trying to game out what Trump's presidency will mean for trade with the world's largest economy. "We're going to have a busy agenda," Obama said as he sat down with leaders of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the sweeping free trade deal with Asia that Obama painstakingly brokered. Advertisement It was unclear whether their agenda was really as busy as all that. Vehemently opposed to the Pacific agreement and similar deals, Trump has vowed it won't be ratified on his watch. In an acknowledgement of that political reality, the White House has stopped actively lobbying Congress to try to pass it. In fact, Obama didn't mention the trade deal at all as reporters were allowed in briefly for the beginning of his meeting with TPP nations, which include Mexico, Chile, Japan, Australia and Vietnam. Instead, Obama called it a useful occasion to talk about creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity. To be sure, any president would have less to discuss with other leaders in the final months than when years of governing stretch ahead. Obama's typically jam-packed schedule on foreign trips has been notably lighter on this trip, with long stretches of downtime. Yet Trump's election, with the sharp shift in approach it's expected to bring, has put a spotlight on Obama's lame-duck status. Obama has made it a tradition to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. His attendance this year was designed to reinforce the importance of that venue, even though it's unlikely at this stage of his presidency he will secure any new major agreements with other countries or shift direction in any major ways. His visit also offered a chance for a round of farewell meetings, including with President Xi Jinping of China, a sometimes U.S. rival. Xi commended Obama for "active efforts" to grow U.S.-China ties. Obama, with just a hint of nostalgia, noted it was their last meeting, and called the two countries' relationship the most consequential in the world. US President Barack Obama, center, attends a meeting with leaders of participating countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) Before returning to Washington on Saturday, Obama will sit down Sunday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Obama's chief antagonist on the world stage, was also in Lima, but the White House did not expect them to have any substantive interaction. By this point, Obama has come to terms with the fact that his remaining weeks in office will be overshadowed by the provocative businessman who soon moves into the home Obama's family now occupies. In Greece and Germany, the first two stops on his trip, Obama was similarly trailed by questions about Trump and whether he'll really follow through with threats he leveled during the campaign, such as potentially refusing to defend NATO allies who don't pay enough of the alliance's costs. Advertisement Obama's message to young leaders at a town hall-style meeting in Lima was sanguine: "Don't assume the worst." "I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be," Obama said. "How you campaign is not always how you govern." So far, while Trump has vowed to run a unifying administration, he's given few indications he plans to abandon his campaign promises. Those hoping for a more moderate Trump 2.0 have been disappointed by his first selections for top jobs: Rep. Mike Pompeo, a fierce critic of Obama's Iran deal, for CIA director; retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, an advocate for closer ties to Russia and a more militant response to Mideast extremism, for national security adviser; and Sen. Jeff Sessions, an immigration hardliner, for attorney general. Trump's protectionist stance on trade was clearly on the minds of other leaders attending the economic conference. Xi, speaking before his meeting with Obama, made an impassioned call against protectionism as Chinese state media said Trump's trade-bashing could drag the world into "deeper economic distress." Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto defended his country's trade relationship with the U.S., but took a cautious approach to Trump's pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. Advertisement "In the face of Trump's positioning, we're now in a stage of favoring dialogue as a way to build a new agenda in our bilateral relationship," Pena Nieto said. Associated Press U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, from left, WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling; Doug Sisterson, a research meteorologist for Argonne Laboratory; and Mary Gade, president of the Chicago-based Gade Environmental Group, participate in a panel discussion on global warming Saturday at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News) Global climate change is the "most serious long-term problem this country will face," but until legislators begin to believe and act, the only option available is to raise public awareness and urge public pressure, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster said Saturday. Foster, joined by WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling; Doug Sisterson, a research meteorologist who works at Argonne National Laboratory; and Mary Gade, president of the Chicago-based Gade Environmental Group, gathered at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora to discuss the issue in front of an audience of more than 300 people. Advertisement "Our average global temperature has risen 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880, and while that may not seem like much, the cost of these changes has already been enormous," said Foster, D-Naperville, who worked as a scientist before being elected to Congress. "The cost to act now is nothing compared to the millions of dollars we're going to have to spend in the future if we do nothing." "Especially young voters need to understand how important this is as they are the ones who are most likely to be affected, given this is their future," he added. Advertisement U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, from left, WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling; Doug Sisterson, a research meteorologist for Argonne Laboratory; and Mary Gade, president of the Chicago-based Gade Environmental Group, participate in a panel discussion on global warming Saturday at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora. (David Sharos / The Beacon-News) Skilling, an Aurora native and 1970 graduate of West Aurora High School, said the issue is not a "hoax," as some believe. "I'm outraged when I hear that, and if you look at the issue, you can see what's going on," Skilling said. "I've been studying weather for about a half a century, and I didn't come to these conclusions quickly. There are these huge domes of air above the arctic that are increasingly warmer, and the sea ice and the oceans are changing." "And the tax effects of climate change are larger," he added. "We spent $200 billion in weather-related incidents in this country since 1980, and this year, we've had nine floods." Gade said many feel global warming is something happening far away, but there is proof right here in Illinois. "For the farmers, there are more wet springs followed by drought and insects," she said. "Fishermen in Lake Michigan aren't able to catch as many, as the fish have moved out farther to the cooler waters. There is flooding. To me, time is the issue because this is real, and it's happening now." Sisterson attempted to localize the issue by explaining events that have happened at his own home. "Back in 1986, my wife and I built a house in Homer Glen, and we wanted to landscape it with all native species," Sisterson said. "Because of the emerald ash borer, we've had to cut down five trees, and the increased blight since then has also affected our Austrian pine. There are other trees with fungus developing on their leaves. Clearly, the native species aren't surviving anymore." Those in the audience at the two-hour event expressed similar concerns, particularly regarding the future and the fact that President-elect Donald Trump has said climate change is not real. Advertisement "I don't know that I've personally seen the effects of global warming yet, but I'm concerned for the future and my grandchildren," Naperville resident Merv Stover said. "I do have questions about what the Trump administration might do." "To me, awareness is the best option at this point," added Carol Stover, Merv's wife. "We need all of it we can get." Waubonsie high school senior Alex Schram, of Aurora, said he believes vehicle emission gases are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to climate change. "There are changes to the atmosphere that are affecting our everyday life," he said. "I am somewhat worried about the future." David Sharos is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun. William and Hilda Lay of Aurora with their two grandchildren, Coen, 9, and Brinley, 8, watch a city crew Nov. 8 cut down their big spruce tree. The Lays donated it to be this year's city holiday tree in Aurora. High winds toppled the holiday tree late Friday night. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News) An Aurora family is "devastated" after high winds toppled the city of Aurora's official holiday tree Friday night. City officials said the 43-foot Colorado blue spruce on display at North Island Center at 8 E. Galena Blvd. was blown over in severe winds that peaked at 45 miles per hour. Advertisement The 5,800-pound tree was harvested Nov. 8 from the front lawn of William and Hilda Lay of the 2400 block of Lakeside Drive on the city's southeast side. The tree was decorated with thousands of lights and handmade ornaments collected from children and residents. Advertisement Hilda Lay said a city official notified her Saturday morning about what had happened to the tree. The crowd watches the annual Winter Lights Festival in front of the GAR Memorial Hall Friday evening. Later that night, the city's official holiday tree was topelled by high winds. (Jeff Krage / The Beacon-News) "Honestly, I was devastated," Lay said Sunday. "I was crying all morning. Members of our family couldn't believe it." Lay said family members attended the city's Winter Lights festival Friday night on Downer Place, which is the city's official kickoff to the holiday season. The tree meant a lot to the Lay family, she said. They had watched it grow over the years from a 6-inch sapling to a height of 43 feet. William and Hilda Lay said when the tree was cut down that they were sorry to see the tree removed from their yard, but they knew it had to go. The consolation was that the tree would serve "a happy purpose one last time." Knowing the tree was damaged at the start of the holiday season is difficult to accept, Hilda Lay said. William and Hilda Lay of Aurora with their two grandchildren, Coen, 9, and Brinley, 8, watch a city crew Nov. 8 cut down their big spruce tree. The Lays donated it to be this year's city holiday tree in Aurora. High winds toppled the holiday tree late Friday night. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News) "It was sad about the tree leaving our yard. It was a beautiful tree," Lay said. "I was told in 25 years nothing like (its toppling) has ever happened. I am having a hard time getting over it. Thank God no one was standing near the tree and got hurt." Advertisement Clayton Muhammad, Aurora director of communications, said the tree was toppled during the overnight hours after the city's Winter Lights festival and parade, when winds began to strengthen. The National Weather Service had posted a 24-hour wind advisory that expired Saturday afternoon in Kane County. The blustery conditions prompted the city to cancel a fireworks display planned for the conclusion of the holiday celebration that drew thousands to the downtown. National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Seeley said a strong area of low pressure associated with a cold front moved across the region. "The strongest gusts were just ahead of the frontal passage," Seeley said. For the past three years, the city has held the annual tree lighting ceremony in front of the Grand Army of Republic Memorial Hall at 23 E. Downer Place, where there is a living spruce tree that is now the permanent holiday tree. The donated trees are placed in front of North Island Center at 8 E. Galena Blvd. Rosario DeLeon, Aurora's director of public properties, said the tree was fastened into a metal base. He said the metal base was uprooted when the tree fell and caused significant concrete damage at the site. The area is being assessed for repairs, he said. DeLeon said the force of the winds caused so much damage to the tree itself that it was not salvageable. The tree was recycled Saturday. Advertisement "Most trees have lost their leaves, which allowed for the high winds to pass easily through the branches. In this case, the tree was full and took the complete brunt of the winds that came through town," he said. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. As comedian Dave Chappelle said of his return to television last weekend on "Saturday Night Live": "It's been a long time, so please be patient." Our editorial absence from the newspaper's opinion page wasn't quite as long, or dramatic, as Chappelle's disappearance from the comedy landscape. But, for us, it was far too long. Advertisement We view good journalism as a fundamental cog in American democracy. We believe, as your local newspaper, that shedding light and informing readers on local issues can have a profound influence on our local communities and on residents' daily lives. Part of our role, as we see it, is to set the agenda, stand up for the community and give voice to the voiceless. Advertisement Now, based on criticism of the past election cycle, it's clear not everyone feels The Media has lived up to its responsibility. Some people blame The Media for everything. In specific instances, they could be referring to CBS or Fox or The New York Times. Nevertheless, some will insist on using that all-encompassing label The Media, which includes us. Too critical. Not critical enough. Too liberal. Too conservative. Too inaccurate. And in the wake of Donald Trump's Nov. 8 victory, there was criticism hard to refute that the media screwed up by presuming Hillary Clinton would triumph and by relying on polls that missed the mark and analysis from the too-cozy political establishment. Critics, even within the news industry, suggested the media was out of touch with the mood of large segments of the population. We do not believe we have that problem at this newspaper. We are out on these streets, at government meetings and community events, listening to residents. We get letters to the editor from this community, run anonymous call-in opinion columns, and receive online and social media comments from readers. We believe we are more focused on news and information from this area than any other daily news outlet. But we can do better, engage more and facilitate dialogue about important issues to the community. For too long, our newspaper has been without local editorials that stake out a position on key matters before our readers, speaking up for the community and taking a stand against those who do not seem to have residents' interests at heart. So our plan, on Sundays starting next week, is to reintroduce local editorials to your newspaper. Advertisement We come at this with no preordered political agenda, not liberal or conservative, not Republican or Democrat. We intend to come down on the side of common sense and the common good, in support of actions that help our communities and our people flourish, to stick up for the little guy, to advocate for good and honest governance. Our focus will be on local issues, and on any given Sunday we might speak up for or against a tax increase request, a controversial zoning proposal, pay raises for elected officials, education or transportation initiatives, and so on. We intend to call out injustice where we see it, as well as waste, secretive government and corruption of any stripe. We want to be your voice. But we can use your help. If there is an issue of local public interest that you think we ought to get behind, please send us a note or email or call. And if you think we blew it on an editorial, by all means please share your viewpoint in a letter to the editor. We want to foster more community conversation, and so we would embrace differing points of view. We also welcome your input on the newspaper and how we can better serve your wants and needs. You can reach out to your local editors whose contact information is on Page 2 of the newspaper or to suburban editor Phil Jurik at pjurik@chicagotribune.com and at 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. Send letters to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. We have no interest in fitting that stereotype of out-of-touch media. And as the local newspaper, we have no reason to be if we are not connecting with local residents. We are biased on this point: We think a thriving community needs a thriving newspaper, one that features healthy debate and exchange of ideas. See you next week. A 9-year-old Michigan girl in the area for a cheerleading competition drowned in an Alsip hotel pool Saturday, police said. Adriana Douglas, of Highland Park, was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 6:37 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Advertisement The Alsip police and fire departments responded to the DoubleTree Hotel, 5000 W. 127th St., at 5:53 p.m., to a call of an unresponsive person in the pool area, according to a police statement. Paramedics immediately began emergency medical procedures and transported Adriana to the hospital. Advertisement Authorities continued to investigate the incident Sunday. "No foul play is suspected at this time," the statement said. Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. A few Evanston Township High School parents and others appealed to school board members at a board of education meeting last week to continue to offer an entry-level Hebrew language class at the school. "Here at ETHS, we have a rich and diverse tapestry of world languages and yet one program is on the brink of being extinct," said Jeff Schoenberg during the public comment portion of the meeting. Advertisement But district officials said they were not able to offer Hebrew I this year because they have been unable to find a state-certified teacher to teach the class. The district's longtime Hebrew teacher, Semadar Siegel, resigned in April 2015 after teaching at the district for 17 years, according Pete Bavis, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Evanston Township High School District 202. Advertisement "While enrollment has declined in Hebrew at ETHS and across the north shore, the real issue is that we have been unable to find a highly qualified, certified Hebrew teacher," Bavis wrote in an email. According to a document dated Nov. 9 and posted on the district's website, high school officials offered a part-time Hebrew language teaching position to Anna Raiber, who also teaches part-time at Niles North High School. Raiber teaches a combined Hebrew II and III class and a combined Hebrew IV and advanced Hebrew one. According to the district, Hebrew I will not be advertised to incoming freshmen next year due to continued staffing issues with the program. Upper-level Hebrew classes will likely continue to be offered to support students already studying the language, the document states. "This year we have only been able to find a Hebrew teacher that is able to teach two periods a day," Bavis wrote. Caroline Glasser, who said she had four children go through the Hebrew language program at ETHS, said the classes "made a huge impact on my kids' life and our life." "This is very important to us and I know we're not going to be quiet about this," she said, adding that because the entry-level class no longer exists, she believes the entire Hebrew language program at ETHS will soon be eliminated. Miriam Davidson, a mother of three Evanston Skokie District 65 students, said Hebrew I is not only the one high school class she's heard her children talk about with the most excitement, but "it's also a core part their identity." Davidson began to cry as she addressed the board. "It provides a community within a larger school of students who care and are interested in the study of Hebrew and Israeli culture," she said. Advertisement Schoenberg encouraged the district to explore its options, to share a Hebrew I instructor with Niles North or to collaborate with instructors at Oakton Community College. "My two kids came (to ETHS) from a day school and really looked forward to Hebrew. It made a big place small," said Nina Kavin. Bavis said "there's always a chance" the class will be reinstated, but the challenge for the district is finding "highly qualified people" to teach it per state requirements. "We'll try again and see what we can do," he said. Lee V. Gaines is a freelancer. Dozens of quilts made by members of the Northern Lake County Quilters' Guild were on display over the weekend in Lake Villa. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) On display at the Antioch Township Center over the weekend were dozens of pieces of art made with fabric by hand and sewing machines. At the 13th biannual Northern Lake County Quilters' Guild quilt show, fans of the craft of piecing together fabrics to make functional adornments were invited to admire the work of guild members and purchase some of the items on display. Advertisement Nannette Michaels of Antioch, who was in attendance Saturday, said she considers herself somewhat of a novice quilter, although she's made quilts for her friends and grandchildren. She said she enjoys quilt shows because she admires the art form. While walking through rows of quilts hanging from stands, Michaels was one of many people who stopped to thoroughly inspect each nature scene, intricate pattern and personal photo displayed on them. Advertisement Fans of quilting discuss patterns and work during the Northern Lake County Quilters Guild quilt show in Lake Villa on Saturday, Nov. 19. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) Some of the items were small enough to fit on a coffee table and used many hues and tints, while others were made large enough to cover a king-size bed and had only one or two colors. "It's art. It's something that keeps you warm and inspires you, too," Michaels said. The endless possibilities that a stack of fabrics of different sizes, colors and shapes is what makes Winthrop Harbor resident Nann Hilyard enthusiastic about quilting, she said. As show co-chair, Hilyard understands the attraction of quilt-making. Guild Co-President Johnnie Staggs said she first became interested in quilting by reading books. Then she began making them to give them away. "Now I make art quilts that I can hang in my room," Stagg said. For more than 20 years, the Northern Lake County Quilters' Guild has been a group that fosters the love of quilting through monthly meetings that also are held at the Antioch Township Center on 1625 Deep Lake Road in Lake Villa. At guild meetings, members learn what new techniques are trending and are introduced to new tools by guest speakers, Staggs said. Advertisement Quilted items were on display and on sale at the biannual quilt at the Antioch Township Center. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) The guild is made up of about 75 members from throughout Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin. "These events are where we show off our work," Hilyard said of show. Guild members also make quilts that they donate to charitable organizations. At the show, guests were greeted with a large quilt with flowers that was being raffled off and is valued at $5,600, Hilyard said. Profits for the show's raffled items are donated to a charity, guild members said. This year's chosen organization was PADS Lake County. For those who aren't familiar with the craft, such as Barbara Hudspeth of Naperville, who accompanied a friend to the show Saturday, guild members were on hand to explain the basics of the quilt Three layers; front, back and something in between. Advertisement Hilyard said quilting may seem like just a hobby, but it's a multibillion-dollar business where tools, fabric, sewing machines and instructional books and bought and sold by new and experienced quilters. Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun. Thanksgiving Day fitness class The Jo Herzog Memorial Thanksgiving Day Family Exercise Class will take place from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Centennial Fitness Center, 1515 W. Touhy Ave., on Nov. 24. Advertisement The annual event in memory of longtime Park Ridge Park District fitness instructor Jo Herzog is open to all ages and admission is free. Participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Maine Township Food Pantry, according to the park district. Toys for Tots collection Advertisement The Park Ridge Police Department is again collecting toys for the Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots campaign. Donations of new toys, games and educational items will be distributed to underprivileged children in the Chicago area in time for the holiday season, the organization says. Toys will be collected through Dec. 8 at the following Park Ridge locations: Park Ridge City Hall, 505 Butler Place; the Park Ridge Police Department, 200 S. Vine Ave.; Park Ridge Public Works, 400 Busse Highway; and fire stations at 1000 N. Greenwood Ave. and at 901 W. Devon Ave. Annual Park Ridge food drive The Park Ridge Human Needs Task Force Food Drive will take place through Nov. 30. Nonperishable food donations for the Maine Township Food Pantry can be dropped off in a collection container at Park Ridge City Hall, 505 Butler Place. Monetary donations are also accepted, according to the city. For more information, contact Brigid Madden at 847-318-6721 or at bmadden@parkridge.us. Volunteers sought for snow removal The city of Park Ridge is looking for volunteers interested in clearing snow for seniors and disabled residents of the city who request it. Advertisement Children, teens and adults can sign up to participate by calling City Hall at 847-318-5200 and choosing administrative services. If volunteers are available, the city will share their names and phone numbers with residents requesting snow removal help. According to the city, residents are responsible for contacting the volunteer and scheduling an appointment. Seniors and disabled residents who would like to be placed on a list for snow removal help should also call 847-318-5200. Santa's mailbox to accept letters Beginning Dec. 1, Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley Ave., will have special forms available for children interested in writing letters to Santa. Letters will be accepted through Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. and should be dropped in Santa's Mailbox, located at Maine Park. All letters must include a child's full name and address, according to the park district. Advertisement Community Star nominations sought The Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for 2016 community star awards. According to the Chamber, the awards recognize individuals who have gone "above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering time, talent and/or resources to the community; implementing sustainable change for the benefit of our community; or leaving an exceptional, lasting lifetime impression as someone others admire and respect." Nomination forms must be returned to the Chamber by noon on Dec. 15. For a nomination form, call the Chamber at 847-825-3121 or email info@ParkRidgeChamber.org. jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com Twitter: @Jen_Tribune You are here: Home More small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were added to China's New Third Board this week. A total of 156 debuted on the board, up from 103 during the previous week. The number of companies listed on the board rose to 9,637 as of Friday thanks to China's efforts to encourage the development of SMEs amid downward economic pressure. Turnover on the board reached 4.93 billion yuan (around 715 million U.S. dollars), up 16.82 percent from a week ago. The New Third Board, or National Equities Exchange and Quotation (NEEQ) system, is a national system for SMEs to transfer shares and raise funds. It began in 2006 as an experimental platform for non-listed small high-tech enterprises in Beijing's Zhongguancun Science Park. The present system was officially established on Jan. 16, 2013 after trials in cities including Shanghai, Tianjin and Wuhan. The NEEQ complements existing stock exchanges as an easier financing channel with low costs and simple listing procedures. You are here: Home After three years of construction, a 712-km quantum communication line has opened in east China, making it the world's longest secure quantum telecommunications network in use. The new quantum communication line links Hefei, capital of Anhui Province, to Shanghai. It is part of a 2,000-km quantum communication line connecting Beijing and Shanghai, according to Chen Yu'ao, professor at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei and chief engineer of the Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication line. The 712-km line has 11 stations, according to Chen. Quantum communication lines boasts ultra-high security. It is impossible to wiretap, intercept or crack the information transmitted through them. Experts from 18 countries witnessed a secure remote video meeting between Hefei and Shanghai via the quantum line at a recent international conference on quantum technology. The Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication line is expected to be completed at the end of this year. In August, China successfully launched the world's first quantum satellite. It was nicknamed "Micius" after a fifth century BC Chinese philosopher and scientist. The Beijing-Shanghai quantum communication line will be connected to the satellite through the line's station in Beijing, enabling the space-to-Earth quantum communication network. Flash A UN-backed team has been deployed in the restive central Somali town of Galkayo, where clashes between rival state forces have killed more than 45 people, to help ensure ceasefire. In a statement, the UN Assiatance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) said Saturday the ceasefire team, led by officials from regional bloc Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), had began its work by meeting leaders of the rival states and representatives of communities from both sides of the conflict. More than 45 people were killed and over 90,000 people displaced since fighting between forces from Galmudug state and those of Puntland state broke out in Galkayo on Oct. 7. Galkayo is currently divided into two districts, with Galmudug state governing the southern district and Puntland state the north. The town has been beset by recurrent clashes between Galmudug and Puntland forces. The UN-backed team will work with both sides to ensure the implementation of a peace agreement reached by Presidents Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas of Puntland and Abdikarim Hussein Guled of Galmudug state in Galkayo on Friday, the UNSOM said. "The deployment of the ceasefire team to Galkayo today is a sign of the importance that the international community attaches to the resolution of this conflict," said Michael Keating, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Somalia, in the statement. The deal brokered by the UN on Friday retirerated a ceasefire in Galkayo and established a 2km-wide buffer zone between the rival state forces stationed in the town. The team will also work with a 18-member joint committee of Puntland and Galmudug representatives to advise on and support practical arrangements for implementing the ceasefire. The state leaders previously agreed on a ceasefire in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 1, but clashes continued one day later. "Primary responsibility for enforcing and monitoring an agreed ceasefire in and around the disputed city rests with the two state presidents and their security forces," the statement said. The statement said definitive cessation of hostilities in Galkayo was essential for the return of those displaced residents to their homes, as well as for the success of efforts to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict. Flash The United Nations said it was "extremely appalled" by the escalation in fighting in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, according to a statement sent to Xinhua on Saturday. The statement recounted instances of intensified violence, such as the raging conflict in the northern city of Aleppo, and the mortar shelling that targeted several residential areas in the capital Damascus. It said such attacks targeted civilians and infrastructures, calling on all warring parties to cease "indiscriminate attacks." In recent days, the targets included hospitals in the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo, and the university in the government-controlled parts west of Aleppo, according to the statement. The government-imposed siege on Aleppo and the rebels' grip in that region have also made civilians in dire need for humanitarian assistance, the statement said, adding that the UN is ready to assist the civilians there once granted access by all parties in accordance to a plan put forward by the UN. "The UN has shared with all parties to the conflict in Aleppo and member states concerned a detailed humanitarian plan to provide urgently needed assistance to the inhabitants of east Aleppo, and conduct medical evacuations for the ill and injured," according to the statement. It highlighted the need for all parties to accept the plan and accept to provide safe access to the affected people in eastern Aleppo. This came as the UN special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is expected to arrive in Syria on Sunday morning to discuss the humanitarian plan with the Syrian side. Also, Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is also scheduled to hold a press conference after his meeting with Mistura, apparently to give the Syrian government opinion regarding the situation in Aleppo. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. Flash Opposition political parties in South Korea are expected to move to impeach President Park Geun-hye as prosecutors said Park had conspired with her longtime confidante and former aides for multiple crimes. Presidential hopefuls and senior lawmakers from three major opposition parties, including the biggest opposition Minjoo Party and minors People's Party and Justice Party, held an emergency meeting on Sunday after the prosecutors' announcement. The eight political heavyweights confirmed that President Park's clear and grave offenses are a ground for impeachment, agreeing to ask the three parties and the parliament to discuss the impeachment while separately continuing a campaign to force the president to step down. The agreement came hours after the prosecution office said in its interim probe results announcement that Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, and two former presidential aides indicted on Sunday for criminal charges. Park became the first incumbent South Korean president in history to be investigated by prosecutors as a criminal suspect. Prosecutors vowed to continue an investigation into the chief executive. The politicians in the opposition bloc also asked their parties to rapidly draw up detailed measures to minimize power vacuum from the expected resignation or impeachment, including the appointment of a new prime minister proposed by a parliamentary agreement who would form a stopgap coalition cabinet. They shared views that President Park should completely distance herself from all state affairs such as the push to sign a military intelligence pact with Japan and approve the state-authored history textbook. The Park administration hurriedly pushes the signing of the accord with Japan on direct exchange of military intelligence on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile programs. After resuming talks earlier this month, the two countries already initialed the deal on Monday. South Korea is scheduled to approve it at a cabinet meeting next Tuesday that is forecast to be chaired by President Park. Meanwhile, the impeachment can be a tough option to select as opposition lawmakers are required to win at least 200 ayes from the 300 parliamentary seats to approve an impeachment motion. The ruling Saenuri Party has over 120 seats in the National Assembly. The ruling party's non-President Park faction members and its presidential potentials gathered separately to discuss how to let the embattled president secede from the party, according to local media reports. The gathering drew about 80 lawmakers and politicians. Muhtar Kent(center), chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Co, signs the refranchising agreement with Zhao Shuanglian, chairman of COFCO Corp, and John Slosar, chairman of Swire Pacific Ltd on Saturday.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] To improve the efficiency and scale of its local partners, the world's largest beverage group The Coca-Cola Co signed an agreement on Saturday to refranchise all its bottling operations in China, in a move to return its focus to the company's core strengths, said senior executives. Under the transaction, Coca-Cola will divide its bottling system in China between two franchise partners - COFCO Corp and The Swire Group. As two longstanding partners, the companies have worked with the Coca-Cola for more than three decades, since the company first returned to the Chinese market in 1979. "This refranchising is part of our broader global strategy and we believe that this is a great win-win," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola. "We position these companies to leverage greater scale, capability and efficiency throughout China, to invest for growth and to deliver improved services to customers and consumers in a fast-changing marketplace," he added. Kent said that the key to Coca-Cola's success has always been its strong brands: "Our core business is creating the right strategies, best brands and leading a system of bottling partners around the world." He added that strong brands lead to strong franchises, a business investment that grows the whole industry. Coco-Cola owns bottling plants and franchises in markets such the United States, Europe and Japan. In China, it previously had three major bottling groups - Bottling Investment Group China, COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd and Swire. Three years ago, it decided to return back to its core business. For example, the company completed its franchising transition earlier this year in Germany via a new bottling business named Coca Cola European partners. Zhao Shuanglian, chairman of COFCO, said this restructure in China will create great value for shareholders and the wider society: "Global refranchising, and refocusing on brands and markets are strategic decisions in Coca-Cola's century-long history. The scale effect, regional synergy and cost optimization that the new initiative brings will certainly boost Coca-Cola and its partners to achieve a new leap forward in China." He added that the country's long and stable economic growth provides great opportunities for the sustainable development of the beverages industry, despite the recent market fluctuations. John Slosar, chairman of Swire Pacific Ltd, said he is also optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for the beverage industry in China. "We are convinced that this realignment will optimize the Coco-Cola system, accelerating growth and enabling us to win in the market," Slosar said. Last year, production of soft drinks in the domestic market reached more than 170 million tons, up 8.6 percent year-on-year. Since 1979, Coca-Cola has invested $9 billion in China, its third-largest market after the US and Mexico. It is currently investing $4 billion locally for future growth, in a project spanning 2015-17. Curt Ferguson, Coca-Cola's president of Greater China and Korea, said no matter the dips and rises in the economy, the company sees unlimited potential, as it forges ahead and explores. "China is certainly an aggregate and will surpass all of our business one day throughout the world," said Ferguson. He added that the tremendous growth in local business has pushed Coca-Cola to innovate a series of new brands, such as orange juice and a lemon drink containing natural honey, both developed in China. "Sometimes the right path is the harder path, such as incorporating sustainability. In China, for every ounce of water we use, every milliliter of water, we replace 123 percent more than we consume," he said. "As for innovation in the future, we will keep on expanding our portfolio to the taste of our Chinese consumers," Ferguson added. He said online platforms are now a vital marketing channel for Coca-Cola: "We are selling huge quantities of products through e-commerce platforms in China, not only through Alibaba Group, but also others like JD.com and Womai.com." Currently, Coca-Cola has a total of 500 sparkling and still brands and 3,800 products globally. It has more than 15 brands and offers over 50 beverage choices to Chinese consumers, who enjoy 150 million servings across the country every single day. wangjinhui@chinadaily.com.cn Pakistan plans to significantly increase the scale of its delegation to China's Hi-tech Fair next year, as it tries to build more connections with China's IT market. The Pakistan Software Export Board, a government body focusing on promoting the country's IT industry in local and overseas markets, plans to double its contingent at the next fair. "CHTF is a very good platform, because all high-tech enterprises are here, not just those from Shenzhen, but from all parts of China," international marketing manager Jahanzaib Shafi told China Daily in an exclusive interview at the China Hi-tech Fair on Friday. "China is an important market for everyone, including us." He said exhibitors from his country have gained a lot from participating in the event. "At this year's fair, one company from our delegation that specializes in creating virtual reality content, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a local hardware producer in Shenzhen," he said. "We plan to have a bigger presence next year, probably doubling the current scale." Five enterprises and organizations from Pakistan took part in this year's event. CHTF, known as the country's biggest and most influential technology show, is a platform for enterprises and organizations from all over the world to share and trade their latest technology and products. This year's fair, held in Shenzhen from November 16 to 21, has attracted more than 3,000 exhibitors from 37 countries and regions across the world. TAIYUAN - The government of North China's Shanxi province has published a circular with details about 4,276 Great Wall sites in the region in an effort to enhance protection. The circular published earlier this month includes the names, location, dates, and protection areas of the Great Wall sections, as well as areas where construction is strictly controlled. The sites are spread across 40 counties and districts in eight cities in the province. Government authorities said the protection areas and construction control areas, extending both above and below ground, were jointly designated by the Shanxi Culture Relics Bureau and the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Department of Shanxi. Within the protection areas, no dismantling or reconstruction of the Great Wall is allowed, no construction projects are allowed, and no underground mining is allowed. Within the construction control areas, construction projects should not affect the historical style of the Great Wall, and construction blueprints should be approved before projects begin. The Great Wall was built between the third century BC and the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The existing sections mostly date from the Ming era, with the Ming wall measuring over 8,800 kilometers. Shanxi boasts a 1,400-km stretch of the Great Wall, 900 kilometers of which is Ming-era wall. In 2006, a national regulation on Great Wall protection was released, but the sheer size of the structure has posed a challenge to enforcement. Statistics show that less than 10 percent of the wall is considered well-preserved, while about 30 percent has disappeared. Dong Yaohui, vice head of the China Great Wall Society, said the circular is a step to implement China's cultural relics preservation law and the Great Wall protection regulation. The published information will help heighten awareness and improve efficiency of protection. WUHAN - A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for efforts to study, publicize and implement the guidelines established at the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a trip to Central China's Hubei province from Wednesday to Saturday. The essence of the meeting should reach the authorities at the grassroots level and the masses, Liu stressed. He said efforts should be made to encourage officials and the masses to "closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core" and work hard to realize the country's two centenary goals and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. During the trip, Liu visited companies, villages and communities, as well as publicity and cultural institutions in cities including Wuhan, Xiangyang and Jingzhou, and talked with local officials and members of the public. In addition, Liu urged authorities to integrate socialist core values into laws, regulations, education and artistic works, calling for more landmark works that "praise the Party, the motherland, the people and the heroes." Soldiers hold pilot Yu Xu's ashes during a service at the memorial park for heroes in Chongzhou, Southwest China's Sichuan province on Sunday. Yu, who was one of the first Chinese women to fly a J-10 fighter jet, died in an routine training accident on Nov 12. [Photo/Xinhua] CHENGDU - The ashes of pilot Yu Xu have been returned to her hometown of Chongzhou in the southwestern province of Sichuan and placed in a cemetery for revolutionary martyrs on Sunday. Yu, who was among the first Chinese women to fly a J-10 fighter jet, died in an accident during a routine training operation on Nov 12. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page Protesters wearing cut-outs of South Korean President Park Geun-hye (R) and Choi Soon-sil attend a protest denouncing Park over a recent influence-peddling scandal in central Seoul, South Korea, in this October 27, 2016 file photo. [Photo/Agencies] SEOUL - South Korean President Park Geun-hye's office expressed deep regrets Sunday over prosecutors' interim investigation results that suspected Park of having conspired with her longtime confidante and former aides for multiple crimes. President spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told a press briefing that the prosecution office's announcement was deeply regrettable, saying prosecutors regarded Park as having committed a grave crime. Jung said President Park will prove her innocence by actively cooperating with an investigation by a special prosecutor who will be appointed given that the president unconditionally accepted the independent counsel proposal. The comments followed the prosecutors' announcement that Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, and two former presidential aides indicted on Sunday for criminal charges. Park became the first incumbent South Korean president in history to be investigated by prosecutors as a criminal suspect. Eight heavyweight politicians and presidential hopefuls agreed to ask their opposition parties to discuss the impeachment of the scandal-hit president. Even scores of non-Park faction members in the ruling Saenuri Party and its presidential potentials called on the embattled president to be immediately impeached and secede from their party. The impeachment, however, can be a tough option to select as the passage of impeachment motion requires at least 200 ayes from the 300 parliamentary seats. The Saenuri Party has over 120 seats in the National Assembly. Even after the passage, it must be approved by at least six judges of the nine-member constitutional court. Two judges, including the chief justice, are scheduled to end their tenure early next year. They would be replaced by new ones appointed by the president. The presidential spokesman said it would be better to settle up the controversy through legitimate procedures, indicating the office's preference for the impeachment process. Meanwhile, Park's attorney reportedly said he will reject any request for face-to-face questioning from prosecutors, vowing to prepare for an investigation by a "neutral" special prosecutor. Prosecutors originally requested the questioning no later than Wednesday and re-proposed it as late as Friday, but the president's lawyer delayed it to next week. The possibility is open for the questioning to be postponed to an undefined date. The special prosecutor's team, composed of four deputy independent counsels, 20 dispatched prosecutors and 40 investigators, is expected to be launched as early as early next month unless President Park vetoes it. President Xi Jinping meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the APEC leaders meeting held in Lima, capital of Peru.[Photo/Xinhua] To establish the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, President Xi Jinping said China and Russia should join efforts to move forward. Xi made the remarks on Saturday while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the APEC leaders meeting held in Lima, capital of Peru. The process of Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) was initially launched in 2014 during the APEC leaders meeting in Beijing. China has made continuous efforts to establish the FTAAP in the past two years. China would like to partner with Russia to maintain the frequency of high-level exchanges, support each other and strengthen political and strategic mutual trust, Xi said. The development strategies of China and Russia should be connected, and the construction of China's Belt and Road initiatives and Russia's Eurasian Economic Union should be synergized, Xi added. China will enhance coordination with Russia in global and regional affairs to safeguard global peace and stability, he said. The close Russia-China relationship is of key importance to global peace and stability, Putin agreed, adding that the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges. Russia-China economic and trade ties are developing well, and positive progress has been made in areas including technology, he said. Russia expected to promote the connection of Eurasian Economic Union with China's Belt and Road initiatives, he added. The two presidents also exchanged views on international and regional issues that concern them both. They agreed to safeguard the peace and security of Northeast Asian and Central Asian regions. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru.[Photo/Xinhua] LIMA - Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Barack Obama, met here Saturday and agreed to maintain healthy and steady development of bilateral relations. Meeting on the sidelines of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi spoke highly of the US president's endeavor in developing ties with China. It was the third meeting this year between Xi and Obama, and the ninth in over three years, recalled the Chinese president. The two heads of state have conducted multiple in-depth exchanges of views on issues of strategic and overall significance in bilateral ties and reached broad consensuses, especially their joint decision to build a new type of China-US major country relations that has guided the two countries to achieve significant progress in bilateral ties, Xi said. Summing up the two countries' experience in developing bilateral relations over the past more than three years, Xi told Obama that the two countries firstly have a good grasp of the general direction of bilateral ties, with cooperation being their only correct choice. Secondly, China and the United States have actively expanded practical cooperation and pursued win-win and multi-win outcomes, which benefited not only the two countries, but also the world at large, Xi said. Thirdly, he noted, the two countries have stuck to managing sensitive issues in a constructive way with mutual respect, avoiding misjudgment, and more thinking in each other's shoes, so as to prevent the escalation of disputes. China and the United States bear great responsibilities and have broad common interest in safeguarding world peace and stability, and promoting global development and prosperity, said Xi, adding that a long-term, stable and healthy growth of China-US ties serves the fundamental interest of both peoples and is widely expected by the international community. Xi said he has had a phone conversation with Donald Trump after Trump was elected the next US president. The Chinese president said he is willing to work with Trump to expand cooperation in various fields at bilateral, regional and global levels, and manage differences in a constructive way, so as to realize non-confrontation, mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and greater progress for China-US ties from a new start point. Recalling his close contact with Xi in recent years, Obama said he and Xi have forged a candid, friendly and constructive relationship and increased mutual trust. In more than three years, the United States and China have jointly dealt with challenges and effectively managed differences, while bilateral consultation and cooperation mechanisms have yielded rich results, said Obama. The two sides have carried out cooperation on such issues as promoting global growth, reaching an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, and addressing the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, he said, highlighting their key roles in driving forward international efforts in dealing with climate change. Calling the US-China relationship the most significant bilateral relationship in the world, the US president said a constructive US-China relationship is beneficial to both peoples and the international community at large. Obama told Xi that he has underlined the importance of US-China relations to Trump, and stressed that there should be a smooth transition of bilateral ties amid the US presidential change. The US side is ready to develop a more sustained, fruitful relationship with China, said Obama. The leaders of the world's two largest economies also made an in-depth exchange of views on major global and regional issues of common concern. 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. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 (Photo : Getty Images) A man has been injured after an exhibitor mistakenly pressed the wrong control button of the robot Xiaopang. The robot ran into a glass, and one of its broken pieces landed on the man's leg, causing injury. Advertisement A man had to be rushed to a hospital on Thursday after a robot at the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) 2016 went berserk and rammed into a display booth. Xiaopang' (meaning fatty) had a slight misconduct at the event, running and smashing a glass that wounded the man's leg. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The injured man had to be rushed at the Peking University Shenzhen Hospital in an ambulance where he was stitched and later discharged. The whole incident transpired when an exhibitor from one of Shenzhen's high-tech enterprises, Spreadview Century, mistakenly missed his operation buttons while showcasing how to operate Xiaoping. According to the Straits Time website, the organizing committee of the 18 China High-Tech Fair explained that it was a humble mistake. "The employee mistakenly hit the 'forward' button instead of the 'reverse' one thus leading to the event," read a statement from the committee. The robot had been pulled out from the site on Friday evening. Xiaopang had been established by Evolver, a Beijing robot manufacturing company. It made its debut at the World Robot Conference back in November last year. It was established for educational use by children from ages 4 to 12 years. China's Hi-Tech Affair is an annual event that showcases technological advancements from the field of robotics, smart city, and internet operations. Virtual reality was the major concept of this year's event that kicked off last Wednesday. "At last year's fair, you could only see a few VR applications, but now it's totally different," said Nined Digital Technology PR director Liang Zhensheng. "China's VR industry almost started at the same time as the US's, but now I think we are leading in developing applications." Advertisement Tagschina, China technology, China Hi-Tech Fair 2016, Xiaopang (Photo : Getty Images) Zimbabwe opened its refurbished China-funded Victoria Falls International Airport. Advertisement Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday applauded the Chinese government for their assistance in the revamping process of the Victoria Falls International Airport. The airport was founded in 1996, and efforts to upgrade it for the first time kicked off back in 2013. This expansion project was carried out by China Jiangsu International with a $150 million financing from China Export-Import Bank. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement President Mugabe in his remarks said that the upgrade of the airport was a significant step towards growth in the country's transport sector. "The airport signifies exciting times for aviation and tourism sector," Mugabe said. "It paves way for Victoria Falls town to become a tourism hub for the South African Development Community and the rest of the African continent." With this upgrade, the Victoria Falls International Airport will now triple its annual passenger capacity from 500,000 to 1.5 million, thanks to its state of the art facilities. Other features incorporated are a new fire station, refurbished domestic terminal, extended parking for aircraft, a new 4 km runway capable of handling long haul worldwide flights, among others. Meanwhile, Yang Qingdong, China's Embassy Charge D'Affairs, who represented the country's ambassador to Zimbabwe, said that he was privileged to attend the event and was proud of the relationship between Zimbabwe and China. "This shows the enduring relationship between China and Zimbabwe," Yang said. "This landmark project means a lot for both our countries." In his remarks, he also noted other projects that were ongoing between the two states such as the 5,500 tons of rice that had been donated to aid in drought alleviation, and the provision of fertilizers and boreholes in various regions of the country. The international airport got its name from one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. Advertisement Tagschina, Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls International Airport (Photo : Getty Images) Dalai Lama has left China miffed once again, as he commenced his four-day visit to Mongolia despite opposition from Beijing. Advertisement The Dalai Lama is most likely going to earn China's ire once again, as the controversial Tibetan spiritual monk commenced his four-day visit to Mongolia on Friday, despite Beijing's stern warning that the Mongolian government must bar the monk from entering the country. Taking a Strident stand against the visit, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that Mongolia must "not allow the visit by the Dalai Lama and do not promote any facilitation for the separatist activities by the Dalai clique." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Geng reiterated China's standard stance against Tibetan monk's customary practice to tour foreign countries by saying that Chinese government is "firmly opposed to the anti-China separatist activities by the Dalai Lama in any country, in any name, and in any capacity." Mongolia's Foreign Minister Tsendiin Munkh-Orgil tried to placate Beijing by stating that the government has nothing to do with exile Buddhist spiritual leader's four-day visit to the landlocked country. The landlocked nation has a sizeable Buddhist population, who have special reverence in their heart for the Tibetan spiritual leader. The country, though, is highly dependent on China for economic assistance and trade. However, it was Dalai Lama's unprecedented popularity that took precedence when he reached Ulan Bator, as he got a rapturous reception at the capital city. Hordes of monks and worshippers travelled all the way to Ulan Bator, despite severe cold weather, merely to get the glimpse of the famous Buddhist monk. The 81-year-old monk underscored the deep relation between Mongolia and Tibet by insisting that both regions have "a unique and ancient relationship" like that of a master and a student. China Views Dalai Lama as a Separatist Leader The monk from Tibet may be revered as a great spiritual teacher by most countries, but Beijing does not carry any such affiliation. If anything, Chinese government views the Tibetan monk as a separatist leader who is hell bent on separating Tibet from Mainland China. Beijing is highly critical about controversial monk's penchant for globetrotting, as he often uses his international tour as a platform to promote Tibet's independence movement. Advertisement TagsDalai Lama, Dalai Lama China, Tibet independence, China and Tibet (Photo : PLAGF) Four of China's first five female combat pilots warm themselves at a heater. Advertisement The first women combat pilots of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) will soon be certified as ready to fly into battle (likely against India) at the controls of CAIC WZ-10 anti-tank attack helicopters. China's first five women combat pilots are Yun Lu, Pu Yuting, Zhou Jiao, Wang Wenjuan and Liaohuang Xiaochuan. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement They all flew fixed-wing aircraft for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) before being selected for training in the aviation units of the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) in 2014. PLAGF aviation units operate some 1,000 helicopters, including nearly 100 WZ-10s. China hasn't revealed how many women are flying fixed wing and rotary aircraft in the PLA. Last September, the PLA revealed the deployment of the WZ-10 to its Western Theater Command that includes China's border with India. The WZ-10s, China's first indigenous attack helicopters, were delivered to the Air Defense Brigade of the PLA 13th Group Army under the Western Theater Command. PLA propaganda said the five women overcame "many difficulties, such as having to forget old operational practices for fixed-wing planes, and have done exercises to build their physical strength." The women trained in a WZ-9, a military variation of the French Eurocopter Dauphin, and the WZ-10. PLA media singled out Yun for praise because of her "most remarkable record." "She is one of the first Chinese women capable of operating a fighter jet and has flown multiple types of fixed-wing planes, including the JL-8 trainer and J-7 fighter jet," according to a PLA website. She trained with the late Captain Yu Xu, a female member of the PLAAF's August 1st Air Demonstration Team, who was killed on Nov. 12 doing aerobatics and who has become a national hero. Both women and 14 other female high school graduates from across China enrolled at the PLAAF Aviation University in September 2005 Some 10 female helicopter pilots are said to fly for police forces and general aviation companies. The WZ-10 can be armed with a wide variety of weapons. This includes three types of autocannon up to 30 mm; the HJ-8, HJ-9 and HJ-10 anti-tank missiles; the TY-90 air-to-air missile and unguided air-to-ground rockets. The HJ-10 is the Chinese equivalent of the American AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missile Advertisement Tagschina, first female combat pilots, WZ-10 attack helicopter, People's Liberation Army, People's Liberation Army Ground Force, Yun Lu, Pu Yuting, Zhou Jiao, Wang Wenjuan and Liaohuang Xiaochuan (Photo : Kuwait Air Force) Kuwait Air Force FA-18C Hornets on the flight line. Advertisement The United States has approved the sale of 112 of its advanced fourth generation air superiority and multirole fighter jets to its Sunni Arab allies, Kuwait and Qatar. The U.S. Department of State has cleared the sale of 40 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighters to Kuwait and 72 Boeing F-15QA Advanced Eagle multirole fighters to Qatar. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Kuwait will pay $10.1 billion for 32 single seat F/A-18E Super Hornets, 8 two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets and their associated F414-GE-400 engines and spares. The purchase price also includes 41 AN/APG active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and a range of weapon systems. These weapons include 20 mm guns; 240 guided missile launchers; 45 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receivers; 12 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER advanced targeting pods; 48 Link-16 systems and eight conformal fuel tanks. The sale also includes associated support and logistics services. The E/F Super Hornets feature more powerful F414-GE-400 engines and upgraded avionics suites. The flyaway cost for each aircraft is $60 million. Qatar will pay $21.1 billion for its F-15QA Advanced Eagles and their associated weapons systems. The price tag also includes US-based training, maintenance support equipment, and logistics support. The F-15QA is a variant developed for the Qatar Air Force. Boeing officials said the sales to both Kuwait and Qatar will allow it to extend production of both jets into the 2020s and keep the line open for future sales. The Kuwait Air Force has 32 Boeing F/A-18C Hornets in its inventory. The Qatar Air Force operates the Dassault Mirage 2000 fourth generation multirole fighter and the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet light attack jet. It also has 24 Dassault Rafale multirole fighters on order. Both the Kuwait Air Force and the Qatar Air Force are part of the Saudi Arabia coalition involved in the year-old Yemini Civil War. The Saudi coalition and its aircraft have been attacking Houthi rebels backed by Iran that seized power from the legitimate government in 2015. Advertisement TagsKuwait, Qatar, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighters, Boeing F-15QA Advanced Eagle multirole fighters, Kuwait Air Force, Qatar Air Force, Yemini Civil War, Saudi Arabia (Photo : Getty Images) Baidu and BMW confirmed they are cancelling their autonomous car testing collaboration in China and the US. Advertisement Chinese search engine giant Baidu has called off its joint research partnership with German auto manufacturer BMW. The partnership involved testing of autonomous cars in China and the US. Baidu is now said to be looking for new research partners. BMW's China CEO Olaf Kastner stated that both parties were not able to reach a consensus about the course of action for research activities. He does not pinpoint the cause of disagreement between Baidu and BMW. However, Kastner said, "We now have found that the development pace and the ideas of the two companies are a little different." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The partnership was announced last summer. The project did not lead to any formal product as the companies could not move beyond a joint research initiative. However, Baidu used BMW's 3 Series sedans for its public road testing in China. Kastner said that the collaboration was able to jointly develop the automatic overtaking feature, constituting a major milestone. Baidu was contemplating using BMW cars for road tests in the US. The company now plans to use Ford's Lincoln brand for its US testing. Wang Jing, the head of autonomous car development at Baidu said, "I'm open for any partners, actually I'm talking to many." Both companies will continue to collaborate on developing high-definition maps, which are important for the navigation system of autonomous vehicles. Baidu plans to commercialize autonomous cars by 2018. It also aims to augment their deployment by 2021, coinciding with BMW's plans to develop highly or completely autonomous cars by the same time. Advertisement TagsBMW, Baidu, Olaf Kastner, Autonomous Cars (Photo : Getty Images) Hong Kong firm Swire Pacific revealed on Friday it will buy Coca-Cola bottling assets in China for 5.87 billion yuan ($852 million). Advertisement Coca Cola divested its bottling business in China as it sold its assets to Swire Pacific Ltd. for 5.87 billion yuan ($852 million), the Hong Kong conglomerate announced on Friday. Swire will acquire the manufacturing and distribution assets from China Foods Ltd., which is a subsidiary of state-owned food firm COFCO Corp. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Under the terms of the deal, Swire Pacific will buy the assets for 4.65 billion yuan ($675 million). Additionally, it will pay 1.22 billion yuan ($177 million) to Coca Cola for a 12.5 percent stake in Swire Beverages Ltd. The deal, which was initially flagged earlier this year, will be finalized after receiving approval from Chinese regulators. The transaction will mark the end of Coca Cola's direct interest in bottling business in the mainland China. Swire said, "The company believes that it will continue to present attractive growth opportunities in the long term due to population growth, urbanization and low consumption per capita in mainland China compared with developed markets." Swire Beverages had a long partnership with Coca Cola, spanning for over 50 years. The company, which is one of the biggest bottling partners of Coca Cola, holds franchise titles in major markets such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the US. Swire Pacific chairman John Slosar said that the company will keep on collaborating with Coca Cola for strengthening the bottling operations in the mainland China and for enhancing the overall long-term value for its shareholders. After the completion of the proceedings, Swire will own and operate 17 bottling plants, while Coca Cola's other franchise partner, COFCO will own and operate 18 bottlings plants. Advertisement TagsCoca Cola, Swire Pacific, COFCO (Photo : HAL) HAL's concept for India's stealth fighter. Advertisement India's new fifth generation stealth fighter will be superior in key aspects to Russia's PAK FA T-50 from which it's derived, and will also have the added advantage of being able to fire the newest iteration of the fearsome BrahMos cruise missile, the BrahMos NG. And as the PAK FA is already superior to China's Chengdu J-20 low observable fighter, this means the Indian stealth jet will also be superior to the J-20. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Indian media reports said India's as yet unnamed stealth fighter will include a total of 43 improvements over the PAK FA T-50, making it superior in many key aspects to the Russian fighter, of which only six have been produced because they cost over $100 million apiece. That's far too expensive for a battered Russian economy still crippled by Western sanctions triggered by Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimea in 2014. The Indian stealth fighter will be superior in stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics to PAK FA. Under a co-development deal, India will develop one prototype while Russia will develop another. The Indian version will be a two-seat fighter manned by a pilot and a Weapon Systems Operator. The Russian version will be a traditional single seat stealth fighter like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. India wants its indigenous stealth fighter jet to become operational with the Indian Air Force before 2025. It plans to build as many as 127 stealth fighters. India's Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project will be developed and produced by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its facility in Nashik at an estimated cost of $25 billion. "The agreement has been completed on our end; we are ready to sign it. It is now down to the Indian side. There are some formalities to figure out, but I think it will be signed by the end of this year," said Sergei Chemezov, CEO of Russian weapons maker Rostech Corporation. Chemzov noted the project "will produce a state of the art fighter jet, and it will be the result of the work on Russia's most modern technology done by both Russian and Indian engineers. As fifth generation, it means fifth generation speed, ballistics and military equipment, avionics and stealth capabilities among other qualities." A significant advantage to the Indian stealth fighter will be its ability to loft and launch BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a lighter, smaller but deadlier version of the original BrahMos built to destroy enemy warships. Also called mini-BrahMos, this new version will be 50 percent lighter than the original version but will be just as fast at Mach 3.5 (4,300 km/h). Expected to become operational after 2018, BrahMos-NG will have a far smaller radar cross section or RCS than its predecessor, making it far more difficult to locate and destroy. BrahMos-NG will arm the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter; Mikoyan MiG-29K carrier-based multirole fighter; HAL Tejas Light Attack Fighter for land and carrier use and the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter, of which 36 have been purchased by India. The SU-30MKI will be able to carry three BrahMos-NGs while the other combat aircraft will carry one each. It's not known how many BrahMos-NGs India's new stealth fighter will carry. Advertisement TagsIndia, stealth fighter, Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, PAK FA T-50, Chengdu J-20, BrahMos, BrahMos NG, cruise missile (Photo : Getty Images) China has reportedly notified its fishermen not to resist on South Korean coast guard. Advertisement China has reportedly sent a message to its fishermen to abide maritime laws and refrain from resisting inspections by the South Korean Coast Guard, an apparent move to curb illegal fishing, the Korean government said on Sunday. According to Yonhap News, Korean officials learned about the message while carrying out interrogation to a Chinese boat that was caught fishing on Thursday in the western coast. The message, which was sent through the Chinese global positioning system Beidou, reportedly came from the marine affairs unit of China's Shandong Province. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement "The South Korean government has strengthened its control over the West Sea and has implemented an 'act first and report later' guideline for its Coast Guard," the message read. "Fishing boats must stick to the law and not resort to violence," the message continued, adding that fishermen should "firmly stop violating the fishing policies of other countries." Security forces of South Korean have been allegedly authorized to use firearms and crew-served weapons to seize illegally operating fishermen within its exclusive economic zone, the Korea Times reported. The warning came after two incidents, which involved the Korean Coast Guard using weapons against illegal fishers, happened earlier this month. The first incident took place on Nov. 1 when the Korean coast guard for the first time opened fire on a Chinese fishing trawlers straying along Seoul's territorial waters. The second encounter took place on Nov. 12 in which at least 30 Chinese fishing boats have been shot with machine guns off the west coast of Korean. At both instances, early warnings were reportedly given, and there were no report of injuries or casualties on both sides, according to the Mirror. South Korea was prompted to use an aggressive firearms policy after the sinking of a 4.5-tonne Korean coast guard ship that had been rammed while attempting to intercept a trawler, the Financial Times noted. Advertisement TagsSouth Korean coast guard, South Korean coast guard ship sank, Chinese fishermen korea (Photo : Getty Images) "There are many ways to quiet children down, but this is not an acceptable treatment," said Zhu. Advertisement A female Russian teacher who teaches English in China was fired for maltreatment after a parent reported that she put adhesive tape on a student's mouth. The son of Zhu, the mother who reported the incident, is enrolled at the K&H International School's Changning branch. Zhu called the police after her mother-in-law saw a piece of adhesive tape on his son's mouth on Wednesday morning, Shanghai Daily reported. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Soon after local media picked up the news, the K&H International School issued a statement apologizing and admitting that the teacher "inappropriately stuck double-faced adhesive tapes to the mouths of two children during the interactive session of the class on Tuesday." The 25-year-old teacher named Carrie has been relieved of her teaching duties. Several of Carrie's students told their parents that their mouths were covered with adhesive tape when they become too noisy. "There are many ways to quiet children down, but this is not an acceptable treatment," said Zhu. Local media also uncovered several misconducts on the school's part. Carrie, who has been working for the English school for a year, only received her working visa and qualifications to teach in October. It was also revealed that the K&H International School's Changning branch has been operating without a business license. "Our kids have been studying at a school without a license, taught by a teacher without working qualification," Zhu said, adding that the other parents are now seeking a refund for the tuition fees, which amounted to US$2,178 for 100 English classes. K&H International School has 12 campuses in Shanghai, including the illegally operating Changning campus. Advertisement Tagsteaching misconduct, Shanghai, K&H International School, maltreatment (Photo : Getty Images) "No, you can't cook here." A cabin of a CRH (China Railway High-speed) 'bullet train' is seen at Shanghai South Railway Station in Shanghai, China. Advertisement Shanghai authorities would like to remind the public that cooking anything, especially porridge, is not allowed on its trains. This reminder would sound bizarre to outsiders, but for the passengers of Shanghai's trains, it's just a normal day. A railway police officer who was patrolling one of the carriages saw a man has his rice cooker plugged into a power socket at the bottom of the seat in front of him, cooking porridge. Upon questioning, the man said that he skipped breakfast to catch the early train and was hungry. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Shanghai's railway police posted the photo on microblogging site Weibo. The sockets on the bottom of train seats are used for charging electronic devices such as tablets, phones, and laptop computers and are limited to only 100W, whereas a rice cooker has 500W. The railway police office immediately asked the man to unplug his rice cooker. Perhaps he can eat breakfast after getting off the train? Advertisement TagsShanghai authorities, rice cooker, man cooking porridge, Shanghai railway police (Photo : Getty Images) Chinese citizens could now apply for a 10-year multiple entry visa to Australia. Advertisement Australia has officially granted a 10-year multi-entry tourist visa to Chinese visitors, the Embassy of China in Australia made the announcement on Saturday. Chinese citizens could now enjoy a 10-year visa with multiple entry permits within that period. However, holders of the new visas are prohibited to work in Australia and to stay for more than three months at a time. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Of note, the new visa, which is under the Migration Legislation Amendment signed on Nov. 10, is only applicable for Chinese citizens travelling by air. Furthermore, before application, Chinese citizens are required to go through medical examinations. Visa fees cost 5,060 yuan (around $735). The initiative, which was initially introduced last year, is considered as a reform, which is deemed important for the Australia's modernization and business development goals, according to People's Daily China. Australia now considers China as its most valuable tourism market, accounting for 25.5 billion yuan ($3.7 billion) to the country's economy with more than one million visitors last year. Australia is not the first country to grant Chinese nationals a 10-year visa program. It is also available in other countries including Canada, the United States, and Singapore. The country has also announced some changes to the 457 visa system for skilled foreign worker, which will limit their ability to seek another job after their official employment contract ends, the Hindustan Time reported. Furthermore, Australia will also cut down the time, from 90 days to 60 days, a 457 visa holder could stay in the country after ceasing employment. It will also cut the list of occupations for which skilled migrant visas are available, according to ABC News. "The government values the contribution made by the many skilled persons who work in Australia on 457 visas, but where there is an Australian worker ready, willing and able to perform a role it is the government's policy that they have priority," Peter Dutton, Australia's immigration minister, said on Wednesday. Advertisement TagsAustralia, Australia visa for Chinese citizens, 10 year multiple entry visa Australia, Australia visa cost, Australia 457 visa (Photo : Getty Images) Live streaming has seen a rise in popularity in China. Advertisement Live streaming site Kuai Shou announced that it permanently shut down the user who was revealed to fake his charity donations in rural China. A man who goes by the username Brother Jie gathered a huge following after he live-streamed his charitable acts through Kuai Shou, an online platform with around 300 million users. In his videos, Brother Jie gave food and money amounting to 30,000 yuan to the poorest families in the mountainous area of Da Liangshan in Sichuan Province, Western China. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement These "charitable acts" expanded his fanbase, but earlier this month, a video was uploaded showing the Brother Jie taking the money back from the poor villagers after the live streaming was done. The video drew the ire of Chinese netizens, prompting Brother Jie to admit the fake acts. "I admit that I took the money back, but dare the other hosts on this site who claim to be doing acts of charity as well?" he said. Brother Jie also uploaded an apology video where he drank a bottle of detergent, after which he was rushed to the hospital. Live streaming has been rising in popularity recently in China, with people taking advantage of the profits of being famous in cyberspace. Apart from removing Brother Jie's account, Kuai Shou also reported the host to the police. The website is now looking into other accounts that stream their charity acts to confirm if they are true or just a gimmick to gain followers. 21 accounts with content similar to Brother Jie's have been banned while six accounts suspected to be faking their charitable acts were shut down temporarily. Advertisement Tagscharitable acts, live streaming, cyberspace, Brother Jie, Kuai Shou, accounts Activists to Speak Out Against Physician Assisted Law at Home of Washington, D.C. Mayor Today Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741 WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Group to leave flowers and hold prayer vigil calling on Mayor Bowser to veto the legislation. The vigil will be today, Sunday, November 20, at 4:00 p.m. located at 7927 Orchid St NW, Washington, DC 20012-1133. The Washington, D.C. City Council passed a bill to legalize assisted suicide on Tuesday despite opposition from black residents in the city, disability rights advocates, medical professionals and others. Washington, D.C. Community activist Leona Redmond states; "Because of Jim Crow laws, we didn't have the opportunity to have the same jobs, to have the same insurance, the same retirement benefits. It's really aimed at old black people." Catherine Glenn Foster, Executive Director of Euthanasia Prevention Coalition USA, a cosponsor of the event, stated; "Euthanasia Prevention Coalition USA calls upon Mayor Bowser to heed the warnings of her Department of Health Director, Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, ranging from legal complications to issues from the perspective of the medical community. Dr. Nesbitt explained that this bill goes against the Hippocratic Oath and 700 years of tradition, the likelihood of abuse and coercion, and doctors being unable to accurately evaluate a person's competency or predict their prognosis. And these are just a few of the problems with assisted suicide. For all DC residents, Mayor Bowser should see the fatal flaws in assisted suicide, and veto this bill." Rev. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and Pastor of Church on the Hill both based in D.C., comments; "We pray and call upon Mayor Bowser to veto this legislation which targets the elderly, those with disabilities, the chronically ill and the poor. It is the role of government officials and medical professionals to protect and do no harm to those in their communities who are the most vulnerable. "We are now seeing in states where physician assisted suicide laws have been passed, insurance companies refusing to provide medical care for the terminally ill and instead offering coverage for assisted suicide. This law disproportionately impacts the poor and disenfranchised in our city." For more information or interviews call: Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741 Samaritan's Purse Pursues Christmas Drive Despite Opposition from Secular Group An evangelical Christian humanitarian aid group is pursuing its annual Christmas drive to help poor children around the world despite opposition from a secular organisation. The Christian group Samaritan's Purse, based in North Carolina, U.S.A., is once again undertaking its project called "Operation Christmas Child," where volunteers collect gifts, toiletry items and Christian literature to be distributed in shoeboxes to less fortunate kids. This is happening even as a federal court in Denver is hearing a lawsuit filed by the American Humanist Association (AHA) questioning the group's action. The AHA wants to stop students from Colorado public schools from participating in making gifts with tags saying "opportunity... to faithfully follow Christ," claiming it violates the separation of church and state. "This is not like a soup kitchen where, even if it is run through a church, there is no proselytising," Monica Miller, legal counsel for AHA's Appignani Humanist Legal Center, told the Religion News Service. "Operation Christmas Child puts religious tracts in the boxes after they are assembled and the school district may not align itself with any religious organization." Christian volunteers helping the aid organisation, however, were undeterred by the court case filed by AHA. Susan Frazier, a member of First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, is excited to be helping out Samaritan's Purse in its annual effort to reach out to children in need. "I was an educator for 30 years and I have a real heart for children," Frazier said, as quoted by The Rocky Mount Telegram website. "I see this as a way to spread the gospel throughout the world through an ordinary shoe box." Pam Edwards, a member of Englewood Baptist Church, meanwhile shared how volunteering for the Christian group's Christmas drive has become her way of giving back after she survived stage four lung cancer. "I never had time to volunteer before, but I began looking for volunteer opportunities after my recovery. I feel that I have been blessed and have been given the opportunity to give back," Edwards also told The Rocky Mount Telegram. "It breaks my heart to know that there are children in this world that don't know Christ and have nothing of their own. I feel like this is a special ministry to reach unreached people with the gospel," she added. Christians Fighting ISIS on Their Knees, Praying for God to Restore Their Land Desecrated by Jihadists Their "weapons" are their prayers. Their biggest ally and protector? No less than God Himself. These are the Christians in the Middle East who are fighting the war against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group on their knees, praying for God to bless and restore the land the jihadists have taken over and defiled. On Friday, Nov. 18, tens of thousands of persecuted Christians gathered in Erbil to pray for Iraq and victory against ISIS during an event called "Christ Day," CBN News reported. Fabian Greche, the co-founder of the Mesopotamia House of Prayer in northern Iraq, said he believes God is far from finished with the Middle East. "We easily get affected by darkness around us. It affects us, but if we look at Jesus and at His Word we see that God wants to pour out His Spirit. He's coming back for a Bride and He will have one in the Middle East," he said. The prayer event in Erbil drew more than 20,000 Christians at a time of intense fighting in their country as Iraqi and coalition forces continued their siege of ISIS-occupied Mosul. Their prayers were broadcast throughout the Middle East by a Christian satellite network. The six-hour prayer event marked the end of the participants' 50 days of fasting, with many of them expressing hope that they would soon be back in their land, living peaceful lives without ISIS. Standing together in the shape of a cross, the participants released balloons with prayers in them "as a symbol of raising prayer on behalf of the whole nation," according to George Makeen, SAT-7 ARABIC's programming director. Makeen noted that many areas in Iraq have already been liberated from ISIS. However, he expects those people who have suffered violence and been gripped by fear for the past two years will face many challenges before their normal lives are restored. "My prayer is for God's peace and wisdom as they experience such difficult times," he told Christianity Today. "While Iraqis celebrate successes in defeating ISIS and liberation of their towns, the fear of violence committed by Shia militias, the fear of regional conflicts between key players (Turkey, Iran and Saudi Arabia), the conflicts between different religious and ethnic groups (Shia, Sunni, Arabs and Kurds), and the fears people will have as they consider returning to homes they were forced to leave: all of these limit the joy and hope people should be experiencing." "The country still lacks the sense of true unity and belonging," he continued. "I pray that God will give leaders wisdom to help their people to feel that the current developments are the start of a better future." More Muslims Turning to Jesus as God Builds His Kingdom Amid Chaos in Mideast They're not telling the whole story. People are being told by the media that Muslim refugees are flooding Europe, that they are committing ugly crimes, and that Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists have infiltrated their ranks with assigned missions to sow death and destruction on the West, with the ultimate goal of taking over the continent and then the world. But this is not the complete story, according to the Christian news outlet BreakPoint. What's actually happening is that God is building His kingdom where the refugees are now located amid the chaos, doubt, and uncertainty in the Middle East, the region where they came from, BreakPoint says. It points out that tens of thousands of Muslims have become followers of Jesus across Northern Europe alone, with many of them providing testimonies on how they met Jesus. It cites the story of Javad, a Muslim from Iran, who previously didn't know any Christian. In 2008 he migrated to Greece where a fellow refugee introduced and led him to Christ. Now Javad is sharing the Good News with other Muslim refugees in Greece. He does this every time he goes to a refugee centre, park, or coffee shop. He says he has been able to introduce Christ to two or three Muslims a day since he started doing it. At the refugee centre where he works, Javad says more than 2,000 Muslims have turned to Jesus in the last eight years. That refugee centre in Greece is just one of the many places in Europe where Muslims are converting by the thousands to Christianity. As a result new churches for Muslim converts have risen in Britain, The Netherlands, Germany, and other countries, according to BreakPoint. In one church in Berlin alone, 1,200 Muslims converted in just three years, most of them Afghans and Iranians. At a Persian church in Hamburg, another German city, more than 600 Pakistanis and Afghans lined up to be baptised during one service held recently. One young Iranian woman told the German magazine Stern, "I've been looking all my life for peace and happiness, but in Islam, I have not found them." Another new Christian convert said the biggest difference between Islam and Christianity is the love of Christ. "In Islam, we always lived in fear," he said. "Fear God, fear of sin, fear of punishment. But Christ is a God of love." According to David Garrison in his book "A Wind in the House of Islam," millions of people who used to follow Islam are now following Jesuswith the pace of Muslim conversion still increasing. "In the last couple of decades," Garrison said, "we began learning of more and more places in the Muslim world where Muslims are saying, 'We realise we didn't have salvation in Islam. But we have found assurance of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ.'" That is the rest of the story that the media has not told, according to BreakPoint. 'Mr. Robot' season 3 air date, spoilers, news: Sam Esmail reveals Trump's contribution to the plot of the series The recent series of events in the political scene of the US might have inspired series creator Sam Esmail in making the plot of "Mr. Robot" season 3. Esmail recently leaked a fake script from the upcoming season on his Twitter account, where lead character Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek) directly showed his disappointment over Donald Trump's win at the 2016 US Presidential elections over Hillary Clinton. While the series creator did not reveal if Trump's upset win and his upcoming leadership at the White House will be explored deeper when the series returns to USA Network in 2017, he continues to engage in several social media interactions to express his own discontentment in the recent elections. One of Esmail's Twitter posts revealed his reaction towards a fan who revealed that "Mr. Robot" was the reason why he voted against Clinton. But according to Esmail, the fan might be misinformed, because he got the inspiration for the top 1 percent of the entitled 1 percent that Elliot described as the group of people who are secretly manipulating the world from Trump himself. The series creator also claimed that Trump is not the anti-establishment candidate that he projected to be. Then you are grossly misinformed. I pictured Trump when I wrote Elliot's monologue on the 1%. A lot of Evil Corp was shot at Trump Tower. https://t.co/zdv35B0lip Sam Esmail (@samesmail) November 12, 2016 Those who believed in the fantasy that Trump is anti-establishment, this is what's actually happening. https://t.co/bsbl31IRzf Sam Esmail (@samesmail) November 17, 2016 On the other hand, Esmail told Variety in September that aside from the struggles of Elliot to get rid of Mr. Robot (Christian Slater) in his head, the lives of Darlene (Carly Chaikin,) Angela (Portia Doubleday), Joanna (Stephanie Corneliussen), and Dom (Grace Gummer) will collide next season. "The one thing that we're going to see a lot more in season three is some of these storylines colliding. And what that collision is going to look like," the series creator said. He also revealed that viewers will finally find out Leon's (Joey Badass) real intentions as a member of the Dark Army when the series returns for season 3. USA Network is expected to reveal the release date of "Mr. Robot" season 3 sometime in 2017. Revelation 5: Is Jesus Post-Truth? Language is so revealing. This week the Oxford English dictionary announced its word of the year as 'post-truth', meaning: "Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief." This term has come to be used by our cultural/political elites to explain why the people have in some instances been voting against what to them is self-evidently good. The irony is that even if this somewhat self-congratulatory and patronising description were true (they have the truth, the dumb peasants don't), it would only be chickens coming home to roost. For years our cultural elites have been telling us that there is no such thing as absolute truth, that morality is relative and that everyone has their own truth. After decades of teaching that 'truth is dead', now they want to mourn at the funeral. But God is still on the throne and the truth will out. Last week we looked at Revelation 4 and saw that God is on the throne, not any of our political leaders. This high view of the sovereignty of God has been, and continues to be debated among Christians. My colleague at Christian Today, Mark Woods, has a different view that he expressed well in this article. I appreciate what this argument is trying to do clear God of responsibility for bad things and assert the importance of human freedom. For those who agree with this position the logic seems incontrovertible, but as Mark says, we need to be careful not to try and squeeze the Bible into the mould of human logic and philosophy. These are not new questions. Christians have been thinking about, debating and discussing these issues since the New Testament. What does Revelation 5 have to say? It adds to the high view of God's sovereignty taught in chapter 4. It is not just that God is on the throne, but the Lamb who was slain is on the throne! And he alone is worthy to open the scroll. What is this scroll? Borrowing from Ezekiel chapter 2, it is a picture of a parchment, written on both sides, which contains the history of the whole world and God's covenant with his people. As Torrance argues, "the secrets of the world belong to God and no man can pry into them. Who knows what a day or a night may bring forth? Who knows what this year holds in its dark unknown future? Even the strong angels of God are unable to open the book. Only God can unseal the seals and read the secrets of men." Only the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (amazingly this is the only time this description of Christ is used in the Bible) can open the scroll. What I love in this imagery is its shocking seeming contradictions. John looks to the throne to see "the Lion of the Tribe of Judah" and what does he see? A lamb! Russia has the bear, Britain the lion, France the tiger and America the eagle, but the Church has the lamb. But what a lamb! It looked as if it had been slain and it had seven horns the horn being a symbol of power. Seven eyes indicate that it is all seeing. So we have the all-powerful, all knowing lamb, sacrificing himself. It is the ultimate in power and the ultimate in self-giving. It takes the death and resurrection of Jesus for the scroll to be opened. This fantastic picture of the lamb taking the scroll means that the will of God and the will of Christ are the same and that there is nothing outside this will. People don't like this. Humanity without God hates it. Tim Keller in his new Christmas book, Hidden Christmas, puts it clearly: "There is a natural enmity of the human heart against all claims of sovereignty over it. It rises up a little when minor claims are made over us. But Jesus claims of authority are ultimate and infinite. No heart unaided, can gladly surrender to them... We create gods of our own liking to mask our own hostility to the real God, who reveals himself as our absolute king." The atheist philosopher Thomas Nagel agrees: "It isn't just that I don't believe in God, and naturally I hope that my belief is right. I hope there is no God! I don't want there to be a God. I don't want the universe to be like that. My guess is that this cosmic authority problem is not rare." But some Christians also struggle with the idea of God being on the throne at least in the sense of controlling everything, because they think it makes God the author of evil. But to argue in such a way misses the point of what Revelation (drawing on the rest of the Scriptures) teaches us. If God does not control everything then logically there are things outwith his control. ISIS, cancer and child abuse are all beyond the control of God. The world is a dark picture and there is nothing much God can do about it because although he is very nice, there are some things that are beyond his control. He is weak and incapable. As weak and incapable as we are when faced with a cat we cannot control one which we hope will just love us! The solution to this is not difficult. Instead of dethroning God and denying his control, we lift up our eyes and see the Lamb on the throne. Our God is so great that he ordains free will. That freedom is not absolute. We do not have the power, ability, knowledge or love of God. But his sovereignty is absolute. So absolute that he even foreordains free will and all its consequences. Augustine put it beautifully: "And, in the universe, even that which is called evil, when it is regulated and put in its own place, only enhances our admiration of the good; for we enjoy and value the good more when we compare it with the evil. For the Almighty God, who, as even the heathen acknowledge, has supreme power over all things, being Himself supremely good, would never permit the existence of anything evil among His works, if he were not so omnipotent and good that he can bring good even out of evil" (Enchiridion, chapter 11). Revelation 4 and 5 declare that the world's destiny is not under the control of blind fate or chance. The whole world is in the hands of a loving Father and a Saviour who died for us. This results in worship. The golden bowls carry the prayers of God's people: "May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 141:2). Isn't this wonderful? On this earth the Saints are despised and mocked. But in heaven their prayers are so precious they are carried in bowls to the throne. It also results in singing. The wonderful Leonard Cohen in a song reflecting on the will of God, If It Be Your Will, writes "From this broken hill All your praises they shall ring If it be your will To let me sing" It is God's will that we should sing. The new song of verses 8-10 is a redemption song. The picture here is of slaves being set free by generous people paying the cost. The redeemed come from all over the world. They are there to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God. They sing another song, one that echoes throughout the whole universe. The Lamb who was slain is worthy. He possesses, power and wealth and wisdom and strength. He is to be given honour and glory and praise. Denying that he is sovereign robs him of that honour, glory and praise. And it denies us great comfort. This week I took the funeral of a lovely Christian lady who died after decades of loving service to the Lord. An intelligent, vivacious woma,n her last years were hard as dementia robbed her and us of so much. But the funeral was a joyous celebration. We believed absolutely that all the days ordained for her were written in God's book/scroll before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16) even the latter days of struggle, because we were reminded that even though we walk through the valley of dementia, the good Shepherd is with us. Or think of the situations of Christians in Iraq. The Life Agape Iraq director Maher Barbary knows the comfort of God being in control: "But, we and others believe God has a different plan, a plan that can turn this dark picture into a bright picture... The Christians of Iraq from all denominations will gather to celebrate this fact that God's plan will prevail." In terms of the word of the year, 'post-truth refers not so much to the time aspect as to the idea that truth no longer matters. Whatever fears and emotions we may have when faced with the most horrendous situations, we need to avoid the 'post-truth' narrative ('God is not in control') of our feelings and instead rely on the objective facts taught us here. Don't allow personal feelings and beliefs to dictate your understanding of God. Take the objective truths of his Word and apply them to your heart and mind. Heaven and earth will pass away but his Word will endure forever. I know of nothing more wonderful than this teaching of Revelation 5. The world is not out of control but is rather under the control of the Lamb who died and gave himself for us. Sovereignty and Goodness blend together in the greatest manifestation of truth ever. This is a truth that will never be post! David Robertson is minister of St Peter's Free Church, Dundee and associate director of Solas CPC. Follow him on Twitter @theweeflea The Queen Is To Invite Donald Trump To Britain. Time For The Christian Virtue Of The 'Stiff Upper Lip' We've had Brexit and Donald Trump. Troubles always come in threes. The next shock to our national psyche could be Honey G wins The X Factor. Anything now seems possible. Even Donald Trump visiting Britain next year. Yes, he is to be invited by the Queen on a state visit next summer. We Brits might not particularly like it, but it is time to reactivate one of our national characteristics: the Stiff Upper Lip. There really is not much choice. And the rest of the world must learn from us. Post-election violence after a democratic vote is not a good thing. The stiff upper lip exemplifies one of the great Christian virtues: fortitude. We've been shown the way by the Queen herself. We recently had dinner with someone who knows someone who had dinner with the Queen. Precisely what happened must remain secret but the guests were left in no doubt whatsoever that whatever might be happening in our wider world, as far as the British Royal Family is concerned, the established order prevails. No doubt at all. And now the Queen is to invite Trump to Britain, after he is sworn in as president next month. This is an astonishing turnaround. Less than a year ago, MPs were debating whether to ban Trump from Britain. So where in this can Christians find reason for fortitude? In the US, Trump's support from the Christian vote was strong. He decisively won a majority of those self-identifying as Catholics, by 52 to 45 per cent. By contrast, President Barack Obama won Catholics narrowly, by a margin of 50 to 48 per cent, in 2012. More than eight in 10 evangelicals who voted, voted for him. Kelly Shackelford, President of First Liberty Institute, the nation's largest law firm devoted to defending religious liberty for all Americans, and who took part in a meeting of Evangelicals with Trump during the campaign, said the onus was now on Trump to make good on his promises to guarantee religious freedom. This was the issue that determined the support from evangelicals and Catholics. Shackelford told Christian Today: "We are focusing on religious freedom. We see a lot of opportunities. He's spoken out on a number of religious freedom issues. We are hopeful we are going to see some positive changes. He heard him promise to repeal the Johnson Amendment, which restricts churches and other non-profits campaigning from the pulpit on political issues. "I was in a meeting with heads of ministries and evangelicals from around the country. He came to the meeting and he was appalled. He could not believe ministers were being shackled or censored in that way. He made a commitment to change that." Continuing fall-out from the Hobby Lobby case and the Little Sisters of the Poor, both around the conflict between their and the state's views on contraception provision, also helped Trump win the Christian vote. Given that so many Christians found both Trump and Clinton problematic from a moral point of view, the religious freedom issue, and with it that of Supreme Court appointments, became the most important in deciding the vote. So evangelicals and Catholics now want to see Trump deliver. Dr Jay Richards, who grew up evangelical but converted to Catholicism and co-founded with televangelist James Robison The Stream, which offers a Judeo-Christian and ecumenical perspective on the hot topics of the day, said Trump's "most significant" pledge was to appoint pro-life justices to the Supreme Court. Those Christians who voted for Trump at the last minute might not have liked his character or the way he spoke about immigrants. The fact that he is on his third wife and had lived a "sexually profligate" life was a "huge stumbling block" for Christians. In the end, it did not count against him because "the alternative was Hillary Clinton, and she's worse". Where it did make a difference was that many Christians who voted for him never publicly admitted this because they were "embarrassed" by this past behaviour. Richards told Christian Today that Trump was "flabbergasted" when this restriction on free speech by pastors was explained to him. But he said that while his pledge to do something about the Johnson amendment had some effect, but it was his "broader defence of religious liberty and protecting Christians in the public square" that was most important. People were worried that small businesses, florists and bakers, would be "compelled" to take part in things they fundamentally disagreed with. A lot will depend now on what happens next, what Trump actually does. And this will come through in his appointments as it already is. "The appointments to key positions will tell us more about what is going to happen in the next four years than anything else," said Richards. There will be more to be thankful for this Thanksgiving for the more than 120 families in the Cleveland area who receive food baskets from Operation Refuge. Baskets with whole chickens and all the trimmings for a nice Thanksgiving dinner are being prepared for delivery, according to Operation Refuge founder Frieda White. Some of the larger families will be given one of the turkeys that were donated to the food bank by the Dayton High School Ag Department. Earlier this month, Cleveland's Southside Elementary pitched in with a donation of 2,000 pounds of food. These items will be added to those collected in food drives at H-E-B Food Pantry, Brookshire Bros. and McDonalds. The drives continue into the month of December to help with the Christmas food baskets, White said. Sherri Foster, manager of McDonalds in Cleveland, said the restaurant is offering free cups of coffee to customers in exchange for any unexpired canned or non-perishable food item. The promotion started on Nov. 18 and will continue through the month of December. H-E-B and Brookshire Bros. will have food bags available for purchase inside the store. Customers can simply drop one of the food bags into their shopping carts. After the customer checks out at the register, the food bag will be placed in a receptacle set aside for the food pantry. The Brookshire Bros. food drive is already under way while H-E-B plans to kick off after Thanksgiving. For more information on signing up for food assistance, call Operation Refuge Food Pantry at 281-592-6701. The pantry is located at 1625 N. Blair Ave., Cleveland. Dear Toni: On Thursday, I read an insurance alert that John Hancock is leaving the long-term care market in December. My husband is retiring next year and we are now in the process of planning for our retirement years. We need to rethink how we will pay for long-term care when that situation arrives. A few months ago, you wrote about other options for long-term care. Now that LTC companies are leaving the insurance market, what is one to do to pay for a long-term care need? Thank you for all you do to help us understand these complicated issues. Charla from Clear Lake Area Hello Charla, You are right! Another one bites the dust. John Hancock is joining other insurance companies and leaving the long-term care market. Seniors and baby boomers are faced with fewer options for their retirement needs. Most Americans do not realize that Medicare won't pay for long-term nursing home or home care. Medicare typically pays only for short stays in a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility to recover after a hospitalization. Boomers need to be aware that the cost of long term care is projected to rise from an average of $87,600 per year in 2016 to over $123,000 per year in 10 years. Amazingly, the estimated yearly cost for a long term care need in 20 years appears to be $174,000 per year. Many baby boomers are not concerned with long term care planning because many feel they have enough in their 401K to pay for a catastrophic illness. They do not realize that in 20 years when their health is failing that their savings and/or 401K could be wiped out because they failed to do proper long-term care planning. There is light at the end of the tunnel because with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day for the next 15-plus years. Traditional Long-Term Care policies are either raising their premiums or leaving the market as John Hancock has done. In recent years, the insurance industry has designed new products for those concerned about long-term care issues and who do not want to spend their hard-earned retirement dollars on a long-term care policy that is raising premiums, unaffordable or that they may never use. And so, life and annuity policies with accelerated benefits were born. Below are different ways to solve your Long Term Care retirement needs: 1)Hybrid Life and Annuity Policies: Many life/annuity insurance policies have a provision if you need long-term care; you can receive a certain amount of long-term care with your life/annuity policy's face amount. These policies include accelerated benefits with chronic, critical or terminal illness benefits to assist in a long-term care need. 2)Aid and Attendance Benefits: The VA can help Veterans with long-term care issues. There is over $20 Billion dollars available for long-term care pension money just waiting for Veterans to apply for their Aid and Attendance benefits. You need to have a Long-Term Care issue to qualify. (You must be a veteran to receive benefits and both you and your spouse could qualify.) 3)Medicaid: Check to see if you can qualify for Medicaid. Many must "spend down" to qualify. Final 2016 Medicare Open Enrollment Workshop: AutoNation-Ford, Katy Tuesday-November 29th 6:00PM to 8:00PM located at AutoNation Ford Katy 20777 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77450. RSVP: 832/519-TONI (8664) Toni King, author of the new Medicare Survival Guide with a "Thank You, Houston" discount available for Houston Chronicle/HCN readers at http://tonisays.com/reader-special. Medicare consultations are available at the Toni Says office or email questions to info@tonisays.com or call 832/519-TONI (8664). Submitted The rice farming exhibit continues to draw people to The Old School Museum in Dayton, located behind Walgreens. It is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. and admission is free. The exhibit features many multi-generational rice farming families who came to Dayton at the turn of the 20th century or in its early decades to make Dayton and the surrounding area their home. One family who arrived in 1911 was the William Henry Graves Family. He and his wife, Ella, bought land along today's SH 146 to raise vegetables, chickens and cows. They had 11 children, one of which was Will who was born in 1890. San Jacinto County and VFW Post 1839 are helping veterans keep warm this winter with the new Sweats for Vets program. Sweats for Vets is a program that takes up donations for veterans located in hospitals, clinics, residential centers and nursing homes. The donations are primarily sweatshirts, sweatpants, gloves, toboggans, beanies and other items meant to help keep the body warm. Members of VFW Post 1839 have held programs in the past for veterans such as having local school districts send Christmas cards. "This year we wanted to do something special," said San Jacinto County Indigent Healthcare Director Carson Anderson. According to Anderson, this is due in large part because many of these facilities are very cold. Since many of these veterans are possibly disabled or limited in mobility, it therefore becomes a difficult task to keep the body warm. Many of the same institutions and facilities also do not keep budgets to provide warm clothing for their patients, leaving this task to outside sources such as family members who may be too far away to provide for their loved ones. "Whenever you're in VA [Veterans Assistance] clinics, your family is going to be way on the other side of Texas or Oklahoma," said Carson. San Jacinto County has approved a donation box in the courthouse. This box is one of three that can be used to contribute to Sweats for Vets. The donation box is in the basement floor of the courthouse outside of the Veteran's Services office. A second donation box is located in Shepherd at the courthouse extension office for the 4-H club and the third box is placed at Post 1839. Donations are not limited to just warm clothes. Donors can also give novels (preferably westerns), puzzle books, phone cards, gift cards, greeting cards, tablets, envelopes, stamps, pens, pencils, liquid soap and shampoo, shaving cream, razors, manicure sets and deodorant. All items must not contain any alcohol. "We will accept monetary donations," said Carson. The courthouse is located at 1 State Hwy 150, Coldspring, Texas 77331. The county extension office address is 11 Carrier Ave., Shepherd, Texas 77371 and Post 1839 is located at 18 County Road 396, Cleveland, Texas 77328 off of FM 2025. For more information call 936-689-9582 or 281-223-7936. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 16. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The City of Shepherd swore in two of its aldermen and its newly elected mayor in their Nov. 17 meeting, which was packed with countless supporters for Mayor Earl Brown. Brown is the newest mayor for Shepherd since previous mayor Michael Coker resigned September 2015. Mayor Pro-Tem Sherry Roberts had become the acting mayor since Coker's resignation. Pct. 2 Judge Harris "Red" Blanchette swore in Brown along with newly elected aldermen Jody Holloway and C. Mark Porter. City council continued their business for the rest of the meeting, appointing Charles Minton as the new mayor pro-tem before allowing Porter, Holloway and Brown a chance to speak about themselves. Holloway spoke first, telling the crowd his own background. He is a citizen of the City of Shepherd since 1991 and has served in the United States Marine Corps as well as the Shepherd Volunteer Fire Department. He is starting his second term on city council. "I enjoy it," he said. "I love to serve the people." Porter is a new citizen to the city of Shepherd, noting that he has lived in the city for less than two years. However, many citizens with students in school are familiar with his wife who is one of the Shepherd High School counselors. While he hasn't been a resident for very long, Porter says he got to Shepherd as soon as he could. "I moved here two years ago because I like what I see," said Porter. "I like the fact that I run into so many people." Porter is an attorney with 32 years of experience and states he is looking forward to working with city council and the citizens of Shepherd. Brown spoke last and also stated how he is looking forward to working with the council. He also expressed that working on the council as an alderman, mayor or other position is sometimes done without monetary compensation because the job benefits other areas such as the heart. "Everything you do, it don't have to be for money," he said. "This is the greatest gift you can have is your heart." Brown thanked everyone who has supported him throughout life while noting that working together is how the city will continue to grow and prosper. "We're going to come together," he said. "We're going to work and get this city going." For Shepherd to grow and prosper, Brown says everyone must think as a team instead of thinking of themselves individually. "Not 'I,' 'we,'" said Brown. "We're here to serve y'all." Former Polunsky Unit Warden Gary Hunter spoke on Brown's behalf as his former boss, describing him as being a dependable person and a driving force for employees in the prison system. "You've got a great man here from Shepherd," he said. Hunter read a proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbot commemorating Brown on his inauguration. Brown concluded by stating how he hopes to turn Shepherd into a good example of an ideal city in San Jacinto County. "I'll cross that finish line with you," he said. 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 head-on collision on Spencer Highway Saturday night injured two women, including one who was transported by air ambulance to a Houston hospital with possible life-threatening injuries. The individual who was flown by LifeFlight was a passenger in a white Infiniti FX 35 SUV that was hit by a Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck traveling eastbound on Spencer when the two collided in the 4000 block of Spencer, directly in front of the new Spanky's Restaurant on the south side of Spencer and the Golden Corral on the north side. Pasadena Police Sgt. Bryan Dudley said the Infiniti was traveling westbound on Spencer and was attempting to turn left into the Spanky's entrance when it was hit. The driver of the pick-up truck, who lives in Louisiana, said the Infinity was driving at a "real high rate of speed" when it crossed the center line and drifted into the eastbound lanes of Spencer Highway. The female driver of the Infinity could be seen sitting in the backseat of a police car, wearing a neck brace. before she was placed on a stretcher and transported by ambulance to the very short distance of Bayshore Hospital, the entrance just ahead of where the accident took place. Dudley said the investigation team will determine if alcohol played a role in the horrific accident. Police were still processing the scene a full three hours after the accident. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than 50 chanting, sign-waving protesters gathered near the Galleria Sunday to voice their opposition for Donald Trump and to trade barbs with a pair of counter-protesters egging them on across the street. Dozens of police clustered around the edges of the rally as protesters chanted "stand up, fight back" and held up a Black Lives Matter banner by the corner of Post Oak and Westheimer. The event - put together by Black Lives Matter, Students for a Democratic Society, the Houston Socialist Movement and other local groups - kicked off with a series of fiery speakers at 2 p.m. before turning into a slow-moving march with bilingual chants along the streets outside the mall. By the time the throng of Trump opponents arrived back at their starting point, two counter-protesters had set up shop on the opposite corner. MOCK ASSASSINATION: Skit gone wrong at Texas school draws ire "We're basically out here saying that we oppose globalism and support a democratically elected official," said 27-year-old counter-protester Tyce Andrews. He specified that he was not with White Lives Matter, a group that has protested opposite local Trump opponents and Black Lives Matter supporters in the past. Andrews and his fellow Trump fan, 23-year-old Sam Hyde, waved a Latinos Para Trump sign as they hurled insults and personally mocked individual protesters. Hyde, wearing a Make America Great Again hat, said he found Trump more centrist than Hillary Clinton, adding that she never managed to galvanize certain voting demographics. "She failed to get the taco bowl demographic like she wanted to," he said. Across the street, protesters shouted, "When brown lives are under attack, what do we do?" "Start World War III," Andrews and Hyde responded. The march and rally were more subdued than some of the other post-election demonstrations, which have included obscene chants and tense stand-offs with police. But Sunday, some of the protest staples were missing from the action - and Students for a Democratic Society member Fabian Sneevliet, 29, hinted that police might be the cause. "In the last week of protests there were nine arrests, which is not normal in Houston. It's clear that the police are becoming more oppressive. You can even see that here," he said, gesturing to the crowd. One of the protesters arrested earlier this month, Black Lives Matter activist Sheree Dore, did show up to address the crowd. "This has been a tough week for a lot of activists in the Houston area," she said. "Thank you so much for the love, thank you so much for the support. Because without that we'd be running on fumes right now." Dore was charged with a felony after police accused her of punching a police horse during a rowdy Nov. 10 protest downtown. Lawyer Brian Harrison - a Socialist Alternative member who is representing at least five of the protesters who've been arrested - told the crowd to "form a party of the 99 percent" and stand against "the bigoted bully that is Donald Trump." One passerby in a car angrily shouted, "Go get a job!" A protester responded by reminding him, "It's Sunday!" Other drivers honked in agreement or shouted out chant suggestions for the protesters to pick up. As the rally began to disperse after about two hours, a cluster of cigar-smoking men down the street declared the protest was "not like it was in the 70s." A new facility that can hold up to 500 people is being opened near Tornillo, Texas, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection seek ways to deal with a recent surge in illegal border crossings. The Tornillo-Guadalupe Temporary Holding Facility, about 40 miles east of El Paso, will remain open for 30 days, depending on the volume of people arriving at ports or crossing the border from Mexico in the El Paso area. MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexican federal forces arrested an alleged leader of a band of assassins in the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco, while in the state's mountainous interior 30 armed men kidnapped at least a dozen people, government officials announced. The government identified the arrested man only as "Benito N" and alleged he was responsible for a significant amount of the bloodshed in the popular beach destination. A statement released late Friday said his arrest was one of the state's top security priorities. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A birthday cake in the shape of a woman's bikini-clad body given to a Louisiana state representative turned out to be a smash hit. Or at least it was smashed and hit by a female state senator who took offense at it. Now, it's a smash hit on social media. The cake was given to state Rep. Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles, on Thursday night during a meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, which oversees fiscal issues when the Legislature is not in session. ODD LEGISLATION: 17 unusual bills filed by Texas lawmakers this year A sign attached to the cake box read, in part, "He likes his cake and eats it too!!!!" The cake was kept on a table in a private side room open only to lawmakers and staff, next to where the Joint Budget hearing was taking place. I didnt feel it was offensive, state Rep. Jack McFarland, R-Jonesboro, whose wife made the two-layered yellow cake as a joke, told The Advocate. State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson, D-New Orleans, felt otherwise. And she was joined by state Rep. Helena Moreno, D-New Orleans, who started a social media campaign called "It's no joke." LEGAL POT: Texas lawmakers seek to decriminalize marijuana Once we become comfortable and complacent about a behavior, there are many people who become immune to that inappropriate behavior and by your silence you condone it, Peterson told the newspaper. Peterson tweeted about the cake, then proceeded to smash it and send pictures of the mangled baked good. After Peterson finished, the cake looked more like a woman who had bad plastic surgery than the intended design. This something my mother always told me as I was growing up: People will only do to you what you permit them to, Peterson said. My character doesnt permit me to remain silent in the face of offensive behavior. 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. AKRON, Ohio - Can this city finally plan a downtown revival that sticks? Dozens of Akron leaders in business, foundations, government and the nonprofit sector say the answer is yes. And they could be right if the Rubber City, America's one-time leader in tire manufacturing, is serious about making downtown a livable, walkable place, rather than a speed zone for cars. Doing that will mean following the example of cities across the nation including Cleveland that have lured millennials, young professionals and empty nesters with housing, supermarkets, restaurants and walkable, bikeable streetscapes. That's precisely where Akron now appears to be headed after decades in which it viewed downtown just as a place to work, attend a convention or see a ballgame. First cut at a big idea At a press conference on Tuesday, several dozen civic leaders, led by Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, rolled out the still highly conceptual first phase of what they called the city's first comprehensive downtown plan, ever. The setting provided a sense of urgency. It was the unheated and partially renovated lobby of the Landmark Building, formerly Akron Savings & Loan, at 156 S. Main St., the site of a residential redevelopment that has stalled and that the city is trying to reboot. Financed by $65,000 in grants from the GAR and Knight foundations, and led by the Downtown Akron Partnership, the nascent planning effort identified Main Street as its principal focus. Details are still hazy, but the city hopes to use tax abatements and other incentives to convince developers to convert vacant offices to apartments or condos with ground floor retail shops and restaurants, and to start filling the city's empty blocks. To boost the transformation, the city wants to create high-quality public spaces and to turn one-way thoroughfares into scaled down, two-way streets with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and safe routes for bicyclists. Jason Segedy, the city's social-media-savvy and widely respected new planning director, said Akron's goal is to grow its population from 198,000 to 250,000 by 2050, with a healthy slice of that increase occurring downtown. "We unashamedly say we want to grow the population," Segedy said. "We don't believe in a shrinking city." Catching up Akron is starting from a low base, with a downtown population that hovers around 2,600, less than a fifth of the residential population of 14,000 in downtown Cleveland. Beyond a sense that Akron is lagging its peers in downtown revitalization, the city's leaders are alarmed over an office vacancy rate that has jumped from 11.9 percent to 23.5 percent over the past five years, spurred by an outmigration of employers. "The vitals are reaching a crisis," said Kyle Kutuchief, Akron program officer of the Miami-based Knight Foundation. Also troubling is that the University of Akron, a big anchor next to downtown, saw enrollment drop after the turbulent two-year presidency of Scott Scarborough, who roiled the 23,000-student campus with layoffs and a failed attempt at rebranding before he resigned in May. Crisis and opportunity Kutuchief said that Horrigan's election as mayor last year gave the city a chance to rethink downtown after nearly 30 years under the previous mayor, Donald Plusquellic. "We have a man [in the mayor's office] who is a recreational cyclist," Kutuchief said, speaking of Horrigan. "He knows what it's like to be out on a road without a protected bike lane and getting buzzed by a car." Horrigan's office did not respond to a request for an interview, although the mayor's enthusiasm for downtown planning was on full view Tuesday. "This is the first time we actually gathered most if not all of the stakeholders and asked them not what's going on, but what do you want to see in downtown?" Horrigan, a former City Council member and clerk of the Summit County Common Pleas Court, said at the press conference. The question is whether the new downtown vision will work better than anything Akron has tried in the past. And try, it has. Downtown is a virtual open-air museum of planning fads and fashions from the past half-century that have failed to sustain long-term vitality. Follower of fashion That legacy, ironically, accounts for some of the biggest obstacles the city will face in its newest attempt to reshape downtown. Nostrums from the past have included the oversized and heavily engineered downtown Innerbelt Freeway, designed in the 1960s to zoom suburban commuters into and out of downtown. The highway instead encouraged sprawl and obliterated a black working-class neighborhood. Catering to commuters, the city turned major thoroughfares into one-way speedways to hasten traffic. The city also created a mile-long system of over-street walkways and tunnels that connects parking garages to major office buildings, enabling workers to zip to and from their desks without stepping outside. Dull on foot Even if you do venture out for a stroll, downtown can be pretty boring. Garages and parking lots account for roughly a third of downtown's blocks, according to data collected by planners. Akron retains a scattered collection of magnificent historic landmarks such as the 28-story, Art Deco-style FirstMerit Tower at 106 S. Main. But developers and businesses also built modernist glass and concrete office towers atop elevated plazas set well back from streets and sidewalks, such as Cascade Plaza, just south of the FirstMerit Tower. And it often allowed new buildings to flank streets with blank walls. Some 53 percent of the street frontages downtown are marred by unsightly gaps, including garages and parking lots, said Suzie Graham, president and CEO of the Downtown Akron Partnership. As if to compensate, Summit County's Metro Regional Transit Authority gussied up Main Street in the late 1980s with brick sidewalks, new bus shelters and other amenities. But the sidewalks have since buckled and heaved in spots, and Main Street often feels deserted. Plusquellic, a forceful and at times controversial mayor who served for 28 years before his abrupt resignation in 2015, buttressed downtown with big new attractions. Big projects On his watch, the city built a new convention center, a minor-league ballpark for the Akron Rubber Ducks, and Inventure Place, the one-time home of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and now a STEM middle school. (After financial difficulties in the middle 2000s, the Hall of Fame moved its headquarters to Canton, and its museum to Alexandria, Va.). Downtown Akron's Inventure Place is a big project that fizzled. Once a museum, it's now a middle school. Akron also welcomed the Towpath Trail, the 101-mile hike and bike path that connects downtown to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and to points as far south as Zoar and New Philadelphia. But the islands of excitement didn't add up. "You have those set pieces in place," said Andrew Overbeck, a planner with the Columbus firm of MKSK, the lead consultant on the new downtown plan, referring to the big projects of the Plusquellic years. "It's the fabric between them that's been eroded." One of the last big initiatives under Plusquellic was the city's 2014 decision to remove the last mile of the Innerbelt, otherwise known as State Route 59, and to open up 30 acres adjacent to Cascade Plaza for redevelopment. But as Horrigan and others said at Tuesday's press conference, filling those acres would have to wait until the downtown core improves. Fixing the gray zones What comes next will be defined by a second round of planning with specific, block-by-block suggestions for Main Street and plenty of public feedback. But Kutuchief said that foundations and the city aren't waiting to get started. In September, Akron became one of four cities nationwide to win a $5 million Reimagining the Civic Commons grant from the JPB, John S. and James L. Knight, Rockefeller and Kresge foundations. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will use the money to revitalize the downtown section of the Towpath Trail. The organization scheduled a free, family-friendly "Harvest Fest" Friday and Saturday at Lock 4 Park to highlight early improvements to the cage-like Towpath Trail bridge over the Innerbelt, including lighting, planters and movable benches. In July, the city landed a $5 million federal TIGER grant, short for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, to turn 13 blocks of Main Street into a "complete and green street," with dedicated bike lanes and attractive landscaping that soaks up storm runoff. Such efforts typify the new emphasis on bite-sized improvements to the public realm that the city sees as imperative after the big projects of the Plusquellic years. Streets for people And that viewpoint is justified by successes in Cleveland and many other cities that have focused on taming the car, focusing on street-level livability and creating a sense of place. "We've got to hop to it," Kutuchief said. "Time is not our friend on this. We have to get moving." France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next year's presidential election. Ex-prime ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe both outpolled Sarkozy in early returns, and stand to advance to the Nov. 27 runoff. In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Fillon in the second round. With more than 3.2 million votes counted of an estimated total over 5 million, Fillon had 44 percent, Juppe 28.1 and Sarkozy 21.1. Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared to Sarkozy's more brazen demeanor. 3 things to know about Kentucky football before matchup with Mizzou Tiger Extra Continue Reading Below Advertisement The fallout from this is anywhere you care to look. Yes, California's epic drought has improved, and is now "terrible" instead of "calamitous," but did you know New England is also currently in a drought? Dry wells, thirsty residents, and massive amounts of dead fish -- so all the fun parts of the Bible, then. Another fun factoid: In 2010, New Orleans had 13 nights when the temperature didn't drop below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This year, it was 43. Combined with the fact that about one-third of New Orleans' population doesn't have air conditioning, that alone could have been one of the biggest missed stories of the year, considering the misery it caused. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Oh. And the ground in Siberia is now wobbling. The good news is that we can still take action. It'd be helpful if we took that action now, mind you, and also took it 20 years ago, if possible. But we can still do something now. Each and every one of us should be pestering our politicians to take action on climate change, planting several trees a day, and trying to do all our grocery shopping in one, maybe four trips a week. That'll ensure that ... well 2017 is already almost certainly fucked. It'll help 2117 not look like The Road Warrior, maybe. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORTThe man shown bruised and bloodied Friday night on a nationally broadcast television show has been charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, police said Saturday. Ernesto Castro, 37, of 87 Washington Avenue, was arrested while being filmed on "Live PD." The A&E television show broadcasts ridealongs with the Bridgeport Police and other local law enforcement agencies across the country and is largely unedited. According to police officers who spoke to the shows producers, they responded to a serious domestic violence call Friday night, at around 9:15 p.m. Officers believed that Castro had been reported to have an unlicensed firearm. Cameras were not present inside the house of Rosa Navarro, of 85 Madison Avenue, where the arrest occurred. Live PD cameras captured Castro when officers ushered him out of Navarros home. Sitting on the stoop, blood streaming down his face, he accused arresting officers of punching him. On the show, officers displayed a handgun which the described as a BB gun. Castros resistance to the officers on scene led to two receiving injuries, said police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald, in an email. The officers were treated and released. Officials did not comment on Castros injuries. Police records show that he was taken to St. Vincents Medical Center. A middle-aged woman identifying herself as Castros sister Saturday afternoon at the Navarro residence told Hearst Connecticut Media that he was still being treated for broken ribs in addition to the injuries to his face. According to Navarro, Castro did not have a lawyer as of Saturday early afternoon. On the show, Castro repeatedly threatened legal action against the officers. The police did harm (abuso) to my brother here, the sister said, in Spanish. Another relative closed the door before either gave their name. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Oh, what might have been for Dannel P. Malloy. Not only did Connecticuts governor see his prospects in a Hillary Clinton administration go up in a puff of smoke in the election, but Malloys archenemy, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, is vice president-elect. But in a year when 12 governorships were up for grabs, Democrats lost ground and Republicans reached near-historic levels. Not exactly a resume-booster for the head of the Democratic Governors Association, a role that carried prestige and peril for Malloy. Malloys yearlong stint as the associations chairman is coming to a close. Its been filled with marquee speeches and swing state swings for Malloy, who hit the fundraising circuit just as hard as GOP gubernatorial candidates. They didnt have a great year, said Jennifer Duffy, senior editor of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report in Washington, D.C. So, yeah, did the DGA want to go into (the next) cycle with some momentum having picked up some seats? Theyre not going to have that luxury. Eight of the contested states had Democratic governors. The party lost three of them, Vermont, New Hampshire and Missouri. North Carolina, which had a Republican governor, is undergoing a recount and the Democrat is favored. But how much is Malloy to blame for Democratic losses. And how much credit does he get if Democrats hold on to flip North Carolina? Many handicappers consider that to be the biggest prize on the map. There are many things that you can attribute to Gov. Malloy, but I dont think thats one of them, said Ronald Schurin, a political science professor at the University of Connecticut. Malloys office referred questions on the matter to the governors association, which pointed out that Democratic governors outperformed Democratic congressional and Senate candidates in a year that Donald Trump led Republicans to victory. Jared Leopold, a DGA spokesman, said the Democrats held their own. In 2016, Democrats will win the biggest state on the map (North Carolina) and will hold all three of our incumbents, and thats due to Gov. Malloys leadership and political savvy to guide our organizations, Leopold said. Keeping score The GOP now holds 33 governorships, just one off its record of 34, which was set in 1922. Democrats are expected to wind up with 16 governorships. Alaska has an independent governor. Donald Trump carried of seven of the eight contested states that had Democratic governors going into the election. Democrats held onto five of those states. The stakes this year were relatively modest compared to whats down the road. In 2018, 36 governorships will be contested, including here in Connecticut, where Republicans have been quick to pin this years results on Malloy. Sure, theyre going to say it if he runs again, which it sounds like he is, Duffy said. Maybe he thought he had a future in a Clinton administration. Hes got to rethink a few things. Malloys GOP critics say that his record as DGA chairman is nothing to write home about. Its similar to his tenure as governor of Connecticut. Its a failure, said J.R. Romano, state GOP chairman. All across the country, the policies of the Democratic Party and their methodology is failing. Money talks With Malloy at the helm, the DGA reported raising $29.2 million during the first nine months of 2016, including $8.2 million during the third quarter. The RGA reported it had raised $43.3 million for the year, including $13.3 million in the third quarter. Both groups have kept their cash on hand amounts, which analysts say is crucial for future years, close to the vest. The DGA set a new record for fundraising in a presidential year and dramatically closed the gap with the (Republican Governors Association) thanks to Gov. Malloys leadership, Leopold said. Within the gubernatorial ranks, the election had its highs and lows for Malloy. Pence, with whom Malloy clashed over gay rights, the Syrian refugee crisis and whose state is better for business, will soon be a heartbeat away from the presidency. A silver lining for Malloy could be if North Carolinas Pat McCrory, the Republican who trails by 5,000 votes, loses his re-election bid. Malloy has been critical McCrorys support for the Tar Heel States bathroom bill, which prohibits people from entering bathrooms that do not match the sex on their birth certificates. And then theres another consolation prize for Malloy: the ouster of New Jersey rival Chris Christie as leader of Trumps transition team. Trump demoted Christie after two of Christies former aides were convicted of charges in connection with causing a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge to punish a political rival. That could be of some solace to Malloy, who was targeted by Christie in the 2014 election when Christie led the Republican Governors Association. neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; twitter.com/gettinviggy The acclaimed filmmaker has become the champion of the practice that's now been adopted by thousands of kids David Lynch By Jennie Rothenberg GritzSMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE - DecemberImagine the mind of David Lynch and youll likely picture a dark, surreal, wildly turbulent place. The 70-year-old filmmaker is world-renowned for movies like Mulholland Drive, a baffling erotic thriller, and Blue Velvet, which features a gas mask-wearing sadist and a severed ear. Even Lynchs network television show Twin Peaks, which was a cult hit in the 1990s (and will relaunch in 2017), had no shortage of violence, centering on a teenage prostitute who was murdered by a spirit called Killer Bob.In other words, Lynch might be the last person youd expect to see promoting inner peace. But over the last decade, hes spent much of his personal time and money helping low-income families, veterans, homeless people and other high-stress groups learn Transcendental Meditation. This past year, the University of Chicagos Crime Lab began a major multiyear study of Quiet Time, the David Lynch Foundations school meditation program. With 6,800 subjects in Chicago and New York, its one of the largest randomized controlled studies ever conducted on meditation for children.Lynchs own childhood was fairly stress-free. He grew up partly in Boise, Idaho, where he spent his free time playing in mud puddles and watching ants climb up tree trunks. His parents nurtured his artistic talent. It was as if there was just a foundation of love, he reflects in David Lynch: The Art Life, a documentary that recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival. He became a serious painter in high school, and in his mid-20s, he received a grant to make his first film, Eraserhead.Thats when Lynch began struggling with anger and depression. He uses a very Lynchian metaphor to describe what it felt like: a suffocating rubber clown suit of negativity. It was 1973, a few years after the Beatles returned from their famous sojourn in Rishikesh, and Lynchs younger sister suggested he follow their lead and learn Transcendental Meditation. The first time he meditated, he recalls, that oppressive second skin started to dissolve. Down within I went, he told me. It was so beautiful, so profoundly beautiful. I said, Where has this experience been?Lynch has meditated daily ever since, and in 2005, he created the David Lynch Foundation, which has sponsored meditation programs for half a million children in places as far-flung as Congo, South America and the West Bank. (Much of the money has come from fund-raising events headlined by stars like Katy Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K. and Sting.) The technique is different from mindfulness, an umbrella term that can describe anything from breathing to guided visualization to drawing exercises. People who learn TM (as I did at the age of 10) are given a mantra, or sound, and a specific technique for using it. You repeat the mantra and, if all goes well, your mind settles down into a deep, expansive silence.The fact that TM is a distinct technique, taught the same way everywhere, appealed to the University of Chicago Crime Lab. This intervention has such simple ingredients, says Aurelie Ouss, a postdoctoral fellow at the Crime Lab. You just close your eyes and meditate. The Crime Lab reviewed reports of reduced school violence and increased student happiness coming out of Quiet Time schools in New York, Detroit, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.Still, even the most glowing anecdotes dont qualify as solid evidence. Im not reflexively dismissive of touchy-feely or Kumbaya, says Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the Fordham Institute. But theres a tendency in education to take any kind of promising lead and very quickly turn it into orthodoxy. He emphasizes the need for large sample sizes. Schools have limitless moving parts, he says. Show me a randomized controlled study with thousands of students. Then all those other effects will work themselves out.Thats what the Crime Lab is aiming to do. We have a very high bar, says Roseanna Ander, the Crime Labs founding executive director, who has worked on public safety programs with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner. Its part of our genetic makeup to be very skeptical. To determine whether Quiet Time would work in Chicago classrooms, the researchers started with a pilot study of two schools. If you spend time in these neighborhoods, you see that theyre on a par with the most dangerous places on the planet, says Ander. Its hard to fathom how these kids can even go to school and learn anything.Theres been plenty of research on how violence puts kids brains on high alert. A 2014 paper by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child compares the overload of stress hormones to revving a car engine for hours every day and says it increases the risk of stress-related physical and mental illness later in life.Studies on adults have linked TM practice with reduced stress-related problems such as strokes, heart attacks and high blood pressure, but it remains to be seen whether children will reap similar benefits. Over the next three years, the University of Chicago researchers will collect data on 6,800 public school students in Chicago and New York. Half will be randomly assigned to learn TM while the other half are told to do other quiet activities. The public school systems will track and share data, including the students grades, test scores, disciplinary incidents and police records. The Crime Lab researchers are also seeking approval to measure stress-related biomarkers such as cortisol levels. If it works, says Ouss, well learn something more general about how real the challenges of stress and violence can be.For Lynch, reducing stress is only the first step. He wants to see todays schoolchildren become artists and independent thinkersperhaps even eccentric filmmakers in their own right. Stress is like a vise grip on the creativity of young people, he says. Give them a tool to reduce their stress and wake up their brain, and theres no limit to what they can create. Modern politicians dont like taking responsibility for anything difficult. They hate the idea that you sometimes have to punish people. Thats understandable. Locking people up and making them work hard and do as theyre told isnt very nice. But if you cant bear the burden, then dont seek paid public office. These nasty tasks are the most basic duty of the State. If it wont protect us from the wicked, then we might as well wind it up. We have disarmed in the face of danger. Until about 50 years ago, the stated aim of prisons was the due punishment of responsible persons. Under a clear criminal code, most crooks and most louts were scared of prison and tried not to go there. It wasnt some savage place of torture and beatings. By world standards our prisons used to be very civilised - but they were austere, disciplined and under the control of the authorities, writes Peter Hitchens By world standards our prisons were very civilised. But they were austere, disciplined and under the control of the authorities. Then along came the liberal modernisers. Police were turned into paramilitary social workers, soft on crime, tough on professors wives trying to stop trees being cut down. Judges were no longer allowed to punish anyone without checking first to see if theyd had a horrid childhood. Voluntary drug abuse was treated as an unavoidable disease, rather than as the crime it is. How the criminals laughed. Prisons were transformed into apologetic, weakly run places where something called rehabilitation would supposedly happen. It never has. The point of prison was to scare people away from doing things they knew would put them there. Nobody had any fancy ideas about changing the hearts and minds of those who were actually locked up. With a bit of luck they wouldnt want to go back, but if they did, there was room. It worked. In 1950-51, the prison population of England and Wales was 20,474. Even ten years later it was a manageable 27,099. Then along came the enlightened ones. By 1980, the total was almost 40,000. By 1999, the same approach (plus lots of unpaid fines, cautions and community service) had taken it to nearly 65,000. Now it is a little more than 85,000. These places are far from being holiday camps. That is not the problem. Many of them are terrifying because the authorities have lost control, and the nastiest inmates are in charge. I often wonder how those who are so squeamish about executing a few vicious murderers feel about the monstrous annual tally of despair the prison suicide rate, now more than 100 a year. But our bulging prisons are full in spite of huge numbers of crimes not reported because nobody is interested, of crimes ignored by the police, of offenders cautioned but not arrested, of restorative justice, of decisions not to prosecute by the CPS, suspended sentences, probation orders, automatically halved sentences, tagging and other devices for keeping criminals out of prison. Its quite simple. The feebler you are, the more crime you get. And in the end the crime so outstrips the space in prisons that you more or less give up. That is what we have done. And if we dont rediscover our nerve, our prisons and our country are heading fast towards the Third World, but without the sunshine and the beaches. Do you ever wonder how wicked Russian bombers attacking Aleppo manage to hit a childrens hospital at least once a day, according to all media, whereas our brave forces in Mosul never kill any civilians at all? I call it downright miraculous. IS THAT DONALD A REAL DUMMY? Is this really President-elect Donald Trump meeting Nigel Farage in Manhattan, or does have a squad of doubles, as Saddam Hussein did? I have looked again and again at this picture, which is said to show Donald Trump meeting Nigel Farage in Manhattan. And I grow less and less sure that the man with the weird coiffure is, in fact, the President-elect. The hair is right, but the face and the grin are not. Nor is the open-necked shirt. I am tickled by the possibility that Mr Trump sent his hair to meet the Ukip leader, but decided not to go himself. Does he already have a squad of doubles, as Saddam Hussein did? I wouldnt blame him. And if Theresa May ever does manage to arrange a get-together, she should make sure its the real deal. Advertisement Finally... one brave bishop says sorry Is the panic over? Are we beginning to realise that child abuse allegations just like all other crimes must be fairly investigated? The resignation-prone Child Abuse Inquiry is in trouble precisely because it was based on a crowd-pleasing frenzy. The police are in difficulty because they forgot their job is open-minded investigation assume nothing, believe nobody, check everything. Now there is a flicker of good news from the Church of England too. A claim of sexual abuse was made against Bishop of Chichester George Bell, who died in 1958 Trying to look tough on priestly child abuse when it had been feeble, the Church shamefully smeared one of its greatest figures the late Bishop Bell of Chichester as a paedophile. This was on the basis of a single, ancient uncorroborated allegation. Since then, they have angrily refused to consider powerful expert evidence in his defence, or to admit that the secret kangaroo court which condemned Bishop Bell without hearing his side was at fault. Instead, they have attacked their critics, including me. But there are at last signs that they too are recovering a sense of justice. The Bishop of Chelmsford (pictured) apologised to Peter Hitchens for falsely claiming that he made hurtful comments about George Bells accuser Yesterday, after months of shilly-shallying, the Bishop of Chelmsford apologised to me for falsely claiming that I and others had made hurtful comments about George Bells accuser, now an elderly lady. The Bishop had made this baseless claim in the House of Lords, while trying to defend the Churchs behaviour. It was typical of their refusal to recognise that they might be mistaken. They had a rigid groupthink which led them to believe the worst about their critics. But the Bishop has now written to me to say I am sorry that I said an untruth about you. I am seeking to make amends. And I have in turn forgiven him for what he said. I hope his courageous and Christian decision to break ranks with his rigid-minded colleagues will help to get a fair hearing for George Bell. For I also learn that the Church is about to name the head of an independent review of these unproven allegations. About time. I took on this case more than a year ago because I fear that the old safeguards of English law are being destroyed. Without them, this country would be a tyranny. Much of the damage was being done with public support, because of a mass panic about paedophilia. We all go on about how 17th Century witch-hunts and 20th Century McCarthyism were wrong. And so they were. But would we recognise such things if they happened in our own time? Or stop them? Lets see. On Wednesday, the House of Commons will gather for a special and solemn event. It has been billed in some quarters as The Autumn Statement, that rather dry, annual review of the state of the nations finances. But such a mundane description is wrong. MPs will not assemble to hear a political statement, they will instead be attending a memorial service. More specifically, they will be taking the opportunity to pay their final respects to Osbornomics. For the best part of a decade, British politics has been defined by a single issue the Great Crash of 2008. Just when many people thought our two parties were becoming indivisible, the global banking crisis cleaved open a fresh ideological fissure. MPs will be taking the opportunity to pay their final respects to Osbornomics during the The Autumn Statement on Wednesday On one side stood Ed Balls, Ed Miliband and the Labour Party. Their solution was a return to Keynesianism. Turn off the spending taps now and unemployment would soar, public services would collapse, and the nation would be plunged into a new depression. Deficit reduction would have to wait for another day. On the other side stood George Osborne, David Cameron and the Conservatives. Excessive spending, borrowing and debt had created this crisis. The Deficit it had almost taken on a malign, physical form had to be tackled. There was no time to waste. Austerity was the only answer. For the entirety of the last Parliament, the two great parties and their leading pugilists slugged it out. More spending. No, more deficit reduction. More investment. No, more austerity. And then suddenly it was all over. The people had delivered their verdict. Osbornomics had won. Osborne that most political of Chancellors stood vindicated. He had presided over a jobs miracle. He had somehow managed to defy the odds and bring the political and economic cycles into alignment. It was a triumph for the ages. And on Wednesday it will be erased from history. Yes, there will be a kind word or two tossed in his direction. But then Theresa May and Philip Hammond will embark on one of the most remarkable fiscal U-turns in British political history. Obviously they will not describe it as a U-turn. Instead the talk will be of an infrastructure package. Of borrowing to invest. Our new Chancellor will restate the Governments commitment to balancing the books at some unspecified future date. But make no mistake. Osbornomics is being junked. And so is the keystone of the Governments economic and political strategy. When Miliband forgot to mention the deficit in his 2014 Labour conference speech, Osborne taunted that it was completely and totally a disqualification for the high office he seeks. For the best part of a decade, British politics has been defined by a single issue the Great Crash of 2008 On Monday, May addressed the Lord Mayors Banquet on the global economic and diplomatic challenges facing her new administration. The phrase deficit reduction did not pass her lips. To a huge extent, this change of strategy is being driven by events. Or The Event. You can forget all the fine words that have been uttered over the past few months expounding the opportunities of Brexit and hailing the positive economic data. On Wednesday, Hammond will begin opening up the spending taps. And he will be doing it for a reason. Brexit will be a titanic success, Boris Johnson told guests at a recent Westminster dinner. Well, Hammond is like Leslie Nielsens captain in The Poseidon Adventure. He has just been informed of the under-sea quake and he knows whats heading towards him out there in the darkness. But of course there is politics at play here as well. May has adhered to a single golden rule since crossing the threshold of No 10. Look at what Osborne and Cameron were doing and saying, then do and say the opposite. This Autumn Statement isnt going to be like one of David and Georges circus shows, a No 10 insider explained to me. There wont be any rabbits pulled out of any hats. This is a serious financial statement for serious times. To the Cameron faction this comes across as nothing more than petty vindictiveness. And there clearly is some score settling at play. But May is determined some Government insiders say to the point of obsessiveness to communicate to voters that she is not going to countenance a continuation of politics as usual. Osborne had presided over a jobs miracle Given the body blow delivered to the global body politic by Donald Trumps US election victory, that is to be welcomed. And, paradoxically, one person who should also be welcoming it is Osborne himself. On Wednesday, a new and clear political dividing line will open up. With Labour now an irrelevance, it is Osborne and May who stand on opposite sides of this decades great political chasm. If May successfully guides the economy through the gathering Brexit storm, then Osbornomics will have been erased from the history books. But if she falters, the political pendulum will swing again. The jobs miracle. The skilful alignment of the political and economic cycles. A General Election triumph delivered in the face of near impossible odds. They will become more than just a few fond memories to nervous Tory backbenchers. I dont know how the story ends, Osborne responded when asked about his reasons for not following his former boss into political retirement. A fresh chapter of it opens this Wednesday. An attempt by Tory MP Philip Davies last week to secure the support of the Commons for International Mens Day did not go to plan. The sparsely attended debate saw Davies facing criticism from a number of female MPs. But some of the harshest barbs came from male members of Parliament. Being a man is all aboutquiet strength, one of Daviess colleagues told me. Its not about moaning in the chamber. Time to man up, Philip. As Jeremy Corbyn struggles to rebut the charge that his party is weak on defence and law and order, one of his MPs has decided to take matters into his own hands. I understand Tom Blenkinsop, the all-action member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has signed up as a Royal Military Police reservist. One of the reasons Toms decided to do it is as a poke in the eye to Corbyn, one of his colleagues tells me. Hes planning to turn up at Prime Ministers Questions and plonk himself right behind Jeremy in his uniform. As Jeremy Corbyn struggles to rebut the charge that his party is weak on defence and law and order, one of his MPs has decided to take matters into his own hands Commons authorities are scrambling to contain an outbreak of cartoon vandalism after a Chad not unlike the one pictured here was discovered scrawled on the door of the mens toilets adjacent to Strangers Bar, the favourite watering hole of MPs. Theyre going to have to move fast, one concerned member tells me. Once a Chad appears it can create an epidemic. The next thing you know theyll be popping up everywhere. The Smoking Room, the Lobby, the back of the Speakers chair. Nowhere will be safe. Speculation is mounting over the identity of the culprit. The Chad I saw had bushy eyebrows. It reminded me a bit of Denis Healey, says a Tory MP. I bet it was one of the Labour lot. Just three weeks ago, I was still in two minds. The husband wanted me to. 'After all,' he reasoned, having given the matter at least a minute's deliberation, 'it's not as if you have a reputation to lose.' The bank manager wanted me to. The execs at ITV wanted me to. The children shrugged sadly when I ran it past them. I'd even gone so far as to enquire what the colour scheme of the camp would be this year (khaki shirt, navy vest and red fatigue trousers) and was beginning to believe whatever Micky, the bubbly talent producer, promised me. She said I'd 'have an amazing time' and frankly I would be 'mad to turn this offer down!' She said the line-up was 'fun and intelligent' and totally Farage-free. Rachel Johnson turned down the chance to go on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here (pictured) I even met Micky for sticky cocktails at a London bar, and allowed her to seduce me further. There would be only starvation rations of rice and beans to eat, and water to drink. It would be proper detox no tea, coffee, salt and pepper devices. We'd sleep 'really really well' in the open air on our camp beds. Curiously, looking back, I didn't ask Micky once about the bushtucker trials and tombs of torment where 'inmates' are buried alive with 120,000 spiders, rats and cockroaches, have to walk the plank from skyscrapers, jump out of helicopters, and so on. I didn't ask because, 1) I've been to boarding school and 2) I'd taken the precaution of consulting previous inmates. I'd interrogated clever Michael Buerk, who'd gauntly survived until Day 19 in 2014, and said he welcomed the trials as they alleviated the dread torpor of the endless empty days. 'It is the boredom that gets you,' he explained. 'Nothing to read, nothing to do when you're not being tortured, not much in the way of interesting conversations a big, big nothing for weeks on end, just wondering all the time why the cameraman hidden in the papier-mache cliff 6ft from your camp bed has such a flatulence problem.' This was confirmed by my colleague, MailOnline's Katie Hopkins, who made it to Day 12 in 2007. 'You might imagine there are bathrooms and a sneaky food source. There aren't,' she said. 'There is just the endless noxious waft of McDonald's from behind the artificial rock concealing the cameramen and crew.' But both had also said they hadn't regretted doing I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! (IACGMOOH), a brilliantly produced and edited show, with a crew of many hundreds, where you get to hang out with Ant and Dec (who have just cut a 30 million deal with the network) and stay in the seven-star Versace hotel in Queensland, Australia, where the seafood on the coast is to die for how I havered. I said yes, then no, then havered some more. I was that close to boarding the plane to Brisbane, having worked out what my luxury would be (I was going to copy Susannah 'Granny Pants' Constantine, who told me that she took a pillow but smuggled in wax earplugs between her toes). But I didn't. Looking at this series, on ITV nightly, I'm doubly glad now I hearkened to my subconscious (I couldn't sleep until I'd turned the offer down for the third and final time) and not my husband. And not for the reasons you might think. All the 'inmates' seem terrific, even if I'd only heard of three women before: Carol Vorderman, Scarlett Moffatt and Lisa Snowdon (I hadn't heard of Jordan 'I'm known as quite the joker' Banjo, or Ola Jordan, or even Larry Lamb, though I sometimes watch EastEnders with my mum). Rachel wrote that all of the 'inmates' seem terrific, even if she had only heard of three women before The line-up's fine and the trials are the trials. At this point in 2016 turning out to be quite the crazy year three weeks of being buried with cockroaches, chewing on kangaroo's testicles or sleeping with rats could turn out to be among the most normal thing that's happened so far. And yes, I could pop on a bikini though I definitely wouldn't give Myleene Klass a run for her money and bask in the pool like Lisa Snowdon did, or 'showcase my assets' in a one-piece like Carol Vorderman. And I would enjoy the intimate girly chats over the campfire about blokes and babies. I could do all that, but this is what, readers, I don't think I could hack. I just couldn't live with the idea that everyone would be snorting with laughter as they waited for me to try to cougar one of the hunky male fitties (listen up! Joel, someone off TV series Skins, has already invited Carol to touch his 'sturdy shaft'!!). The show is precision-tooled to exploit perimenopausal insecurity, and greed, and need for attention and I admit: Micky almost had me on all three counts. Also, I can see clearly now that had I gone, someone, somewhere, would have been commissioned to write a big knocking job on me, much as Lynne Franks did last week on Vorders ('Desperate to halt the ageing process, she's tried everything to hold back the clock. It seems no cosmetic treatment has been left untouched in Carol's determined bid to look as youthful and sexy as possible' etc etc). And worst of all, it would be written by someone exactly like me. Was I tempted? Yes. Do I regret turning it down? (Long pause, to build the tension.) No. The he BBC has been accused of depicting rape twice in the past few weeks. First Poldark, then Planet Earth II. I inspected both episodes of supposed sexual violence. Both males under suspicion are innocent Ross Poldark, of course, but far more importantly: the snow leopard. The BBC doesn't dare to screen the actual act itself in either case, so on Planet Earth, all we hear David Attenborough whisper is: 'He will not leave till he has mated with her.' This is beyond barking, viewers! I hereby exonerate the snow leopard of rape of a female in the Himalayas before he has to take refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy with only care parcels from Pamela Anderson to look forward to. Fab look, Rosie but where's the duvet? We need to talk about pyjamas, which have overtaken onesies as the biggest 'hygge' trend. The editor of society mag Tatler, Kate Reardon, wears hers out and even once gave a pyjama party in Claridge's. There are big glossy ads showing Rosie H-W in M&S silky 'Christmas pyjamas' and designers are all doing them (Massimo Dutti has a viscose pair in a green floral print). However comfy, however elegant, however flattering you still look as if you've forgotten to get dressed. Or you've slipped away from your hospital ward. I don't get it. There are big glossy ads showing Rosie H-W (pictured) in M&S silky 'Christmas pyjamas' and designers are all doing them Striking a work-life balance can be akin to balancing on a wire. It's tricky, every step you take matters, and you never know when you might come crashing down and sabotage your success. And no one knows this better than Australian psychologist Alison Hill. Ms Hill has penned the book Stand Out to give people the tools they need to 'become the boss of busy'. Australian psychologist Alison Hill has written the book Stand Out to share her tips for becoming the boss of busy This includes time management, writing lists and having a clear focus. She even suggested outsourcing menial tasks, such as transcribing, while you sleep to better maximise your time. Here Ms Hill shares six tips for mastering the art of being busy. Here she shares six steps you can take to make the most of your time, starting with ditching habits such as staying up late or sending emails from home MAXIMISE YOUR TIME It's a well known fact that there are simply not enough hours in the day. But there are ways you can maximise the time you do have, without giving up your Tuesday yoga class. Ms Hill said people should look at how giving up a habit - such as bringing work home - could open up time for something you enjoy. The habits to consider ditching include staying up later than 9.30pm, bringing your phone with you everywhere, staying back late or arriving early at work, going to every meeting or sending emails after hours. 'Get clear on whats the most important thing for you right now then go do that,' Ms Hill (pictured) said HAVE A CLEAR FOCUS It sounds simple enough, but when you're facing an inbox full of unread emails, an impending deadline and back-to-back meetings, it's hard to know what to do first. In order to take control, Ms Hill suggested asking yourself why you're doing a certain task. 'If youre answer is just because or thats the way its always been done, or because I should then challenge yourself to focus on what else matters to you,' she said. 'Get clear on whats the most important thing for you right now then go do that. 'Some days the most important thing might be to just go and have lunch. ' Packed schedule at work? Prioritise the actions that will help you get ahead at work and give you the best traction PRIORITISE Find you're working hard but not getting anything done? You need to get your priorities in order, and do the action that will move your work day along. 'It might be that you need to pick up the phone and connect with potential clients rather than worrying about putting up that poster around the office,' Ms Hill said. 'Think about the actions that give you the best traction.' Write down a list, Miss Hill said, and eithr mitgate, delegate or eliminate tasks WRITE A LIST And check it twice. Ms Hill suggested writing down everything you found draining throughout the week, be it washing the dishes or planning a client project. From there review the list, and determine how you can free up time and energy. 'Sort out what you can mitigate, delegate or eliminate,' Ms Hill said. Delegate your workload by handing out tasks to colleagues or outsourcing SHARE THE WORKLOAD Mastering the art of delegation is an ideal way to free-up your own time. 'Take some time to gain clarity about your greatest strengths and where you make the biggest contribution, and find ways to delegate the rest,' Ms Hill suggested. 'We live in an era where you can outsource pretty much anything, to anyone, even for a short period of time. 'If you just need someone to do some transcribing for you, you can get that done while you sleep.' MAKE CUTS TO YOUR 'TO DO' LIST Sometimes you have to be ruthless. If you keep writing down goals but never get around to doing them, it might be time to set it aside altogether. The same can be said for people. 'Focus on spending time with people who are going to lift you up, who inspire you, and are going to be your champions to moving toward,' Ms Hill said. Advertisement When it comes to spreading awareness about ocean conservation, one organisation has certainly got people talking. Project Mermaids, a 'photographical art project', is transforming people into mermaids and taking jaw-dropping ethereal photographs in order to spread their message around the world... and it's working. The stunning project was co-founded by ocean conservationist and underwater photographer, Chiara Salomoni, and fashion photographer, Angelina Venturella, who met at a photography school in Santa Barbara, California. Scroll down for video Mythical: When it comes to spreading awareness about ocean conservation, one organisation has certainly got people talking Stunning: Project Mermaids, a 'photographical art project', is transforming people into mermaids and taking jaw-dropping ethereal photographs in order to spread their message around the world... and it's working Real life mermaid: The stunning project was co-founded by ocean conservationist and underwater photographer, Chiara Salomoni, and fashion photographer, Angelina Venturella, who met at a photography school in Santa Barbara, California 'We met at school and wanted to work on a project that combined our skills for something meaningful as we were leaving school and becoming professionals in our industry,' Ms Salomoni, who is currently in Sydney, told Daily Mail Australia. 'Mermaids and ocean conservation seemed like a great way to do beautiful photography and meaningful imagery to attract people to the message and we had some celebrity friends who were willing to help us kick start it. Four years later we are a fast growing movement! It's amazing!' Since starting up, the incredible photographs have attracted people to the conservation message and encouraged people to get involved in beach protection and cleanups. Couple shot: 'We met at school and wanted to work on a project that combined our skills for something meaningful as we were leaving school and becoming professionals in our industry,' Ms Salomoni told Daily Mail Australia Beauty: 'Mermaids and ocean conservation seemed like a great way to do beautiful photography and meaningful imagery to attract people to the message and we had some celebrity friends who were willing to help us kick start it,' she said Like a fairytale: Since starting up, the incredible photographs have attracted people to the conservation message and encouraged people to get involved in beach protection and cleanups 'We started working with a media expert, Crissy Whalin, who had experience and ideas for how to help us grow our project, raise funds for our art book (the proceeds go to SaveOurBeach.org) and connect with our fans,' Ms Salomoni said. 'She created our Project Mermaids World Tour. She realised that people loved what we were doing but wanted a way they could connect with it personally and fulfill their own mermaid fantasy! 'So we hit the road travelling to U.S. cities and then eventually globally to make people's mermaid dreams come true in their very own mermaid photoshoots!' Going global: 'We hit the road travelling to U.S. cities and then eventually globally to make people's mermaid dreams come true in their very own mermaid photoshoots,' Ms Salomoni said Hard work! 'The shoots don't go more than about 45 minutes or so, either underwater or on the beach, but the tails weigh about 30 pounds (13 kilograms) so no one can last much longer than about that in the shoot!' She said Celebrities that have been involved with the project so far have included Victoria Justice, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Szohr and Karina Smirnoff. 'For the celebrity shoots it's a lot about artistic concepts and what speaks to that particular celebrity. For the fan shoots on the tour we give them a similar experience! We provide the same tops, tails, accessories, amazing locations,' Ms Salomoni said. 'The shoots don't go more than about 45 minutes or so, either underwater or on the beach, but the tails weigh about 30 pounds (13 kilograms) so no one can last much longer than about that in the shoot!' The gorgeous tails are provided by the Mertailor, aka, Eric, who created his company at just thirteen years old. Fantasy: The gorgeous tails are provided by the Mertailor, aka, Eric, who created his company at just thirteen years old Stunning: Both men and women are invited to become mermaids Mermaid duo: Each photoshoot goes for two days and in that time 20 - 30 participants are photographed Since, it has been Eric's dream to share his visions of the magical world of mermaids and to promote the idea of "mermaiding". He has created various mermaid tail products varying from swimsuit fabrics to realistic full body mermaid tail prosthetics. Each photoshoot goes for two days and in that time 20 - 30 participants are photographed. Land and beach shoots cost $545 and sees mermaids-to-be styled for 30 minutes and photographed for around 45 minutes. They are then given 100 images to keep and one fully retouched image. Referring to their styling as the 'Mermaid Magic Machine' the team promise to create a 'signature mermaid look' for each client. All in a days work: Land and beach shoots cost $545 and sees mermaids-to-be styled for 30 minutes and photographed for around 45 minutes... they are then given 100 images to keep and one fully retouched image Emotive: Referring to their styling as the 'Mermaid Magic Machine' the team promise to create a 'signature mermaid look' for each client Gorgeous: Ms Salomani said the team hope to continue to 'use the imagery to create awareness of our world's most precious gift, the oceans, and to inspire people to protect them' Underwater shoots take a little longer and cost $20 more. Ms Salomani said the team hope to continue to 'use the imagery to create awareness of our world's most precious gift, the oceans, and to inspire people to protect them.' For the last few years hipster chic bars have become less polished and more grungy, often with mismatched furniture and jars instead of bar stools and glasses. And now, one bar has taken that aesthetic to the next level, setting up in an abandoned hotel that looks as though it has been taken over by a jungle. New Zealand brand Stoneleigh Wines has set up a pop up wine bar in inner city Sydney suburb, Chippendale, that is reminiscent of the house from the movie Jumanji. A new pop up bar is making waves in Sydney due to its unique styling (above) Designed to look like an overgrown hotel, the pop up wine by is hosted by Stoneleigh The New Zealand company has taken over an abandoned building in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Chippendale The building is decorated to look like it has been overtaken by nature The outside of the sandstone building is covered in ferns and vines, with a grass covered lounge seat for anyone who wants to sit and see locals wander by. Inside decor includes a reception desk covered in wines and plants growing out of abandoned suitcases. There's even a book to record names, an old phone and hanging chandeliers. There's even a reception desk covered in plants and wines (above) A large stained glass window dominates the main, light filled room (above) There's also a main table with bottles of wine among grass and fresh fruit (above) There are four rooms in the bar, the grand hall (above), powder room, ballroom, and study There's four rooms, each dedicated to a different wine, and people are encouraged to wander around while sampling the different drops. There's a powder room complete with a vanity table, jewellery and accessories, and a study with an overgrown typewriter and desk. The main rooms consist of a light filled 'grand dining hall' and a darker 'ballroom', both with overgrown furniture and props. The venue looks as if it has been taken over by a jungle, reminiscent of the house in the movie Jumanji In the study, there is a working typewriter that appears to be been subjected to the elements There is no place to sit down, as all the furniture has flora growing on it Small details show that there was a masquerade ball in the hotel at some point (above) The bar is only open for a month, but it has already proven extremely popular with locals who have taken to social media to share snaps of the incredible place. While there's nowhere to sit without getting dirt on your derriere, the hip inner city folk don't seem to mind. The question remains if this is the newest trend in hipster dining and if it will return as a permanent venue. The bar is only open for a month, but is proving very popular with locals There's even hats and dresses (above) for people to wear if they feel like getting into the theme of the bar The pop up bar shuts on the 11 December but has made quite an impact already Fitness guru and mother-of-four, Sophie Guidolin, 27, gave birth to her twin girls Evie and Aria in September, 2015. And not long after, Ms Guidolin, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, showed off her enviably lean body - something many attributed to her fit and active pregnancy. But despite looking well from the outside, she was in a lot of pain and recovering after giving birth via C-section. The doting mother recently took to Instagram to hit back at those who say caesareans are the 'easy way out' and revealed that she is still recovering more than a year later. Scroll down for video New mum of twins: Fitness guru and mother-of-four, Sophie Guidolin, 27, gave birth to her twin girls Evie and Aria in September, 2015 (pictured) Impressive: And not long after, Ms Guidolin, from the Gold Coast, Queensland, showed off her enviably lean body - something many attributed to her fit and active pregnancy In pain: But despite looking well from the outside, she was in a lot of pain and recovering after giving birth via C-section '"C-section is the easy way out". Wait... what did I just read?!?' Ms Guidolin wrote on Instagram. 'I have 4 beautiful, healthy children - each birth completely different to the next. My favourite birth of all, was Ryder - a small country hospital, no doctor, my cousin and I on the floor delivering him into the world perfectly healthy. The best experience. 'Anywho, I just saw an article saying that women are taking the "easy" way out by opting for C-sections.' Not all as it seems: The doting mother recently took to Instagram to hit back at those who say caesareans are the easy way out and revealed that she is still recovering more than a year later 'Over a year on - I am STILL recovering and in pain': Ms Guidolin said while she loves taking care of her 'delightfully cheeky' baby girls, the C-section wasn't easy 'A C-section is so so scary': Ms Guidolin then detailed her experience to explain why she found it far more daunting than a vaginal birth Ms Guidolin said while she loves taking care of her 'delightfully cheeky' baby girls, the C-section wasn't easy. 'Was it "easy"? You've got to be s****ing me? Haha the actual process of delivery was ALOT less painful, but over a year on - I am STILL recovering and in pain. Natural delivery recovery is around 3-6 months,' Ms Guidolin, a personal trainer, continued. 'I can't put any weight on my pelvis (hip thrusts) I have internal scar tissue that hurts to touch and aches. When I think of it, I wouldn't say "easy" I would say "different". Remember this is my PERSONAL experience.' Ms Guidolin then detailed her experience to explain why she found it far more daunting than a vaginal birth. Personal experience: 'I can't put any weight on my pelvis (hip thrusts) I have internal scar tissue that hurts to touch and aches. When I think of it, I wouldn't say "easy" I would say "different,' she said Raw: 'You're in a cold room on your own having a giant needle inserted in your back, you have no feeling in your legs, except the tugging of someone inside your stomach,' she continued Simple: Ms Guidolin said that if she and her husband were to have another baby, she would still elect a vaginal delivery 'Firstly, a C-section is so so scary,' she said. 'You're in a cold room on your own having a giant needle inserted in your back, you have no feeling in your legs, except the tugging of someone inside your stomach, then when the painkillers wear off, you have been cut on your pelvis, so it's hard to sit up and walk. 'It's certainly not easy.' Ms Guidolin said that if she and her husband were to have another baby, she would still elect a vaginal delivery. 'Everyone's idea of "hard" is going to be different too': 'How about we celebrate that life was created and entered the world - rather than the judgement of "who has it harder" surrounding it?' She concluded Fit pregnancy: Sophie Guidolin is known for sharing her fit pregnancy online and lifting weights well into her pregnancy (pictured) 'Everyone's idea of "hard" is going to be different too. How about we celebrate that life was created and entered the world - rather than the judgement of "who has it harder" surrounding it?' She concluded. Ms Guidolin's post received over 4,500 likes and hundreds commented to praise her for her words . 'I would say as long as baby is born healthy who cares how they came into the world, excellent words Sophie, we are all mothers, no one should be judging how a baby came to be in this world,' one woman wrote. The largest single gathering of toy characters anywhere in the world got underway today at Hamleys annual Christmas Toy Parade. A magical cast of more than 400 of the most well-loved children's characters took part and families flocked to see the festivities - despite the dreary weather. Around 750,000 excited spectators had been expected to turn out for the event in Regent Street in the heart of London today. The largest single gathering of toy characters anywhere in the world got underway this morning at the annual Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade A magical cast of more than 400 of the UK's best-loved characters, including Santa and his helpers, took part - despite the miserable weather Excited children and adults were spotted waiting patiently for the Regent Street procession to begin Around 750,000 excited spectators were expected to turn out for the event in Regent Street in the centre of London The highlight of the show was a giant twenty foot Stay Puft marshmallow man, a character from the Ghostbusters film Even the crime-fighting Power Rangers (pictured) sought shelter from the horrid weather Paddington Bear, the Teletubbies and Postman Pat all made an appearance for delighted children at the parade. The highlight of the show was a giant twenty foot Stay Puft marshmallow man, a character from the Ghostbusters film. The Power Rangers, Transformers, My Little Pony and Bob the Builder characters also took part. Visitors got the chance to spot the parade setting off from Air Street before it made its way up Regent Street and came to a close at Great Marlborough Street. Marching bands, festive floats and giant, flying balloons also took part in the procession Elmo, the Teletubbies and characters from In the Night Garden were seen at the parade The Power Rangers, Sonic the Hedgehog, My Little Pony and Bob the Builder characters also took part Paddington Bear, the Teletubbies and Postman Pat all made an appearance for delighted children at the parade Visitors got the chance to spot the parade setting off from Air Street before it made its way up Regent Street and came to a close at Great Marlborough Street. Thousands of excited spectators lined the streets to watch the children's toy parade Trumpeters decked out in elaborate costumes played music for the magical toy procession The parade lit up social media users who were all put in a festive mood. Leanne McGreig said: 'Hamleys Toy Parade is absolutely out of this world. Worth the cold and wet wait.' Georgia Clarke said: 'Hamleys Christmas toy parade here we go - think I might be a little more excited than the kids.' Pictured, Paddington Bear, the Gruffalo and Captain Barnacle from The Octonauts on board a parade bus The children's characters made for a curious sight as the strolled the backstreets of London Toy sales are expected to reach 1.1 billion in the UK this Christmas season, with some 400 million toys predicted to be sold Sales of family games have also skyrocketed with a fifteen per cent rise on 2015 figures. Leanne McGreig said: 'Hamleys Toy Parade is absolutely out of this world. Worth the cold and wet wait' Aisha added: 'Hamleys Toy Parade was happening at Regent Street in London. Feeling so awesome and nostalgic now.' Toy sales are expected to reach 1.1 billion in the UK this Christmas season, with some 400 million toys predicted to be sold. Sales of family games have also skyrocketed with a fifteen per cent rise on 2015 figures. The Ghostbusters gang, complete with Christmas hats, enlivened the parade despite the otherwise dreary weather Danger Mouse being driven by car in the second annual Hamleys Christmas Toy Parade Members of a marching band brought the musical excitement to the day's events Characters from popular kid's show ZingZillas were spotted on the parade route Advertisement It was a scene that called to mind a Tolstoy novel. A sea of young women in fairy tale white gowns, dazzling tiaras and elbow length gloves swept into a ballroom to sip champagne, nibble black caviar, and dance the night away to the sounds of a chamber orchestra with a parade of handsome escorts. But this isn't 19th Century Moscow, it's London's Mayfair, which played host to the 2016 Russian Debutante Ball last night. Scroll down for video Debutantes dressed in white or cream for the 2016 Russian Ball was held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel last night The young debutantes were whirled around the dance floor by dashing escorts dressed in red, black and gold The ball's patron, Princess Olga Andreevna Romanoff, is a descendant of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II Held at the Grosvenor House Hotel, the ball, whose patron Princess Olga Andreevna Romanoff is a descendant of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, is now in its fourth year. Traditionally, debutante balls were a way to introduce young ladies from upper class or aristocratic families who had come of age into society. They dressed in white gowns reminiscent of wedding dresses - a reminder that they were now eligible to wed. The eligible young women - all aged between 16 and 25 - were there at last night's event, but this modern take on the tradition bills itself as providing a 'friendly social context' in which young men and women from all over the world can 'form lasting friendships'. The glamorous young debutantes, all clad in white gowns and clutching dainty bouquets, at the 2016 Russian Ball The Russian debutantes, who traditionally wear cream or white gowns accessorised with tiaras, are aged between 16 and 25 A singer in a dazzling gold gown entertains the young ball-goers at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London last night A dashing young escort whisks his glamorous dance partner around the floor at last night's Russian Debutante Ball The ball bills itself as helping young people to develop their social confidence, career networking and etiquette skills Guests were greeted with a champagne and black caviar reception at the grand event at the Grosvenor House Hotel It was a sea of white gowns on the dance floor. Debutantes traditionally wore white dresses reminiscent of bridal gowns, to remind onlookers they were now of marrying age Debutante balls are often assumed to be a uniquely British tradition (our most famous being the Queen Charlottes Ball, dating back to the days of George III, when girls were presented to the queen to celebrate her birthday). However, in the early 19th century they were just as much of a fixture among the European and Russian aristocracy. In Russia, the party stopped abruptly after the 1917 revolution, during which Tsar Nicholas was executed with his family. But interest in the tradition picked up again in the post-Communist 1990s. With Russian nationals now scattered across the globe, the ball's organiser Dr Elisabeth Smagin-Melloni has said it is a response to an increase in demand for what she refers to as a taste of Russian history and culture and a feeling of togetherness. Many of the young women attending wore tiaras, offset by glamorous up-dos and dazzling earrings and necklaces A group of 60 glamorous young couples opened the lavish ball by gliding across the dance floor in a choreographed routine The Russian Debutante Ball is described as providing a 'friendly social context where young men and women from across the world meet one another and form lasting friendships' The debutantes, all aged between 16 and 25, come from all over the world to attend the Russian Debutante Ball The traditional opening ceremony sees the girls dancing with their escorts to Tchaikovsky's the Waltz of the Flowers Debutantes and escorts could audition to be among 60 couples who took part in the choreographed opening ceremony It appears to have been a magical night for the young debutantes and their dashing escorts in the lavish ballroom It wasn't your average Saturday night out for the young crowd at this year's Russian Debutante Ball last night Many of the young men wore elaborate red, black and gold uniform to lead their partners out on the dance floor Julia Demcenko was among the guests at Grosvenor House Hotel last night to attend the 2016 Russian Debutante Ball Marina Alyabusheva, centre in white, the mother of Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, attended the glamorous event in Mayfair The glittering ball attracts glamorous members of London's substantial Russian expat community A desire to pass substantial wealth to a pet is more common than you think She lives in a light-filled, three-bedroom house near Sevenoaks, Kent, and eats nothing but the best. Each day begins with gourmet yoghurt (imported from New Zealand) mixed with Cravendale milk double the price of the ordinary kind. Her favourite foods are smoked salmon (good for hair and teeth), barbecued rump steak (in summer) and organic roast chicken. She has a garlic pearl supplement every morning and the choice of five beds to sleep on. She also has a bank account, a Christmas stocking, and a birthday cake. And when the time comes, she will inherit 10,000. The desire to pass substantial wealth to a pet is more common than you might think. The Dogs Trust received 26.7 million in legacies in 2015 almost 30 per cent of its income Meet Coco, an 11-year-old rescue dog whose luxury lifestyle costs her owner, Debbie Clarke, 8,036 a year. Ive stipulated in my will that Coco has to be covered up at night with her sheepskin fleece, says Debbie. She feels the cold, even in summer. Debbie, 55, a retired police officer, is married to Peter, an engineer. They dont have children themselves, and she has no desire to pass on her wealth to her nieces and nephews or, indeed, any of her relatives. I dont think they will be too impressed, but our dogs are our life and I need to know that they will be looked after properly, she explains. Debbie shows and breeds long-haired dachshunds, and the couple have seven dogs including Coco. The plan is to leave 10,000 to the Dogs Trust for the care of the dogs I cant trust my nieces and nephews plus a quarter of the estate. The rest will go to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Guide Dogs For The Blind. Debbie is not unusual in showing a preference for dogs over humans: the desire to pass substantial wealth to a pet is more common than you might think. The Dogs Trust received 26.7 million in legacies in 2015 almost 30 per cent of its income. Driving this generosity is a radical shift in the way we perceive our dogs. While the UKs pet population is in fact in decline (down ten per cent from 2010 to 2015), we are spending more on them than ever (up 30 per cent from 3.1 billion to 4.06 billion in the same time frame). Pictured above, Lynne Watson and Blaxie the dog. Lynne lives in Egham, Surrey, with Clive, her second husband, and has four children. Her first dog Cookie died in 2015, but by then Blaxie had arrived We now view dogs not as mere pets but as fully paid up members of the family, with all the perks and privileges that entails. There has been a boom in pet products and services, with Pets At Home (the emporium where you buy food, toys, clothes, detangling combs, and other pet essentials) reporting revenues of 729 million for the year ending March 2015 an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year. Meanwhile, complicated veterinary procedures including canine hip replacements have become, like a childs orthodontic treatment, a household expense. And owners look for a kennel with the same caution as they would a nanny. I meet Debbie Clarke at her home, where dog memorabilia adorns every wall and there are more than 120 rubber chews and soft toys in the sitting room. An affable woman with a commanding manner, she chose not to have children during her 30 years as a police officer. If Im really honest, she tells me, I prefer four paws and a nose. I get ten-fold from my dogs what I would from a child. One attribute she shares with Coco is silky hair. I spend a lot of money on what I wash my hair with, and I do the same for her. Coco is bathed in Chris Christensen professional shampoo and conditioner which ends up costing her 540 a year. Blaxie, (pictured above with Lynee) now 14, is enthusiastic and rumbustious. His forte is chewing: pebbles, beds, toys. He destroyed a bed that cost 50. Another problem is his health. In 2015, he ruptured his knee (cost 5,000); last December he was diagnosed with liver cancer. The treatment cost 7,000 Debbie would argue that Coco is no ordinary dog. She virtually adopted Debbie and Peter when they first met her as a stray on holiday in Mauritius in 2005. They named her after the resort. Mid-afternoon, Coco would appear on the beach. She would dig a big hole under our umbrella, right down to the wet sand, put herself in there and go to sleep. Clarke estimated that the dog was only seven or eight months old and, whats more, pregnant. On the tenth day of their two-week holiday, Debbie was on the beach when she noticed Coco looking frantic by the hotel. She was obviously looking for us. All of a sudden I saw her waters break. Coco gave birth to two puppies on the patio of the couples hotel room. The Clarkes discovered that while an animal welfare charity would find homes for the puppies, Coco would be put down. For Debbie, there was no debate. After more than nine months in quarantine, Coco flew into Heathrow in September 2006 at a cost of around 3,380 (ticket, board and lodging in quarantine, and a made-to-measure crate for the plane, which cost 110). The day we meet, Coco, who has a coat of white fur and a pink nose, is asleep in one of her many beds. I wouldnt sleep on a hard floor, so why should they? Debbie explains. Lynne (pictured above) was insured. But now shes hit her limit of 8,000 and Blaxie still needs drugs which cost 100 a month. This year, including medical bills and doggy daycare, shell spend around 4,500 on Blaxie They dont ask me for money, but I throw it at them in terms of the way they live. They deserve it. They didnt ask to be here. I therefore have to give them the very best I can. Coco used to eat garbage: now Im giving her the best food there is. Anthrozoologist John Bradshaw, author of In Defence Of Dogs: Why Dogs Need Our Understanding, recognises our obsession with our pets has got out of hand. Its all part of a wider trend to treat dogs more like people, he says. Though, in the end, perhaps what we like about dogs is that theyre not people. Its a friend who wont argue with you and one you can confide in and know it will never be repeated, he says. 67 per cent of women regarded their pet to be more reliable than a man Small wonder, then, that a survey by Petplan, the pet insurance company, found 67 per cent of women regarded their pet to be more reliable than a man; and 31 per cent of people would rather tell a secret to their pet than their partner. Lynne ONeill, 60, who works for the Open University, is already thinking about putting a codicil in her will saying that she wants the ashes of her dogs buried with her. Her eldest son, however, questions this. He thinks they should be sprinkled on the fields where they liked to run, she says. Lynne lives in Egham, Surrey, with Clive, her second husband, and has four children, aged 22 to 31. Her first dog, Cookie, came into her life in 2002, around the time her husband walked out on their 19-year marriage. Mirabel Edgedale, (pictured above with her two pugs Elvis and Gerti) of South-West London, is the first to admit Elvis, her black pug, is indulged. This kind of pedigree needs a lot of looking after, she says I said I really didnt think I could cope with a dog and four children and being a single parent. But a good friend said I should let him come for a weeks trial. And of course that week became a lifetime. He was my absolute joy and I loved him. He was there when I woke up, and he would come to bed with me at night. The bond deepened two years later after her second son, Tom, then 18, broke his neck and suffered a severe head injury after crashing his car. Tom, who has since recovered, spent five months as a day patient in a neural rehabilitation centre. By night Cookie would sleep on his bed. The dog was the glue that held the family together in that traumatic time, says Lynne. Cookie died in 2015, but by then Blaxie had arrived. A friend said that when a dog gets to middle age, its good to get a younger dog to give them a new lease of life. In 2007, Lynne and her daughter went to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. He was just sitting there looking at us with these big eyes saying Let me out of here. Blaxie, now 14, is enthusiastic and rumbustious. His forte is chewing: pebbles, beds, toys. He destroyed a bed that cost 50. Another problem is his health. In 2015, he ruptured his knee (cost 5,000); last December he was diagnosed with liver cancer. The treatment cost 7,000. They are like people, she says. Elvis understands me. He understands English. He understands Italian. When he was one, we moved to Milan. Elvis flew with me in a bag by my feet' Lynne was insured. But now shes hit her limit of 8,000 and Blaxie still needs drugs which cost 100 a month. This year, including medical bills and doggy daycare, shell spend around 4,500 on Blaxie. That is a lot of money. If they had said to me back in December, if we operate and he survives its going to be a lifetime of liver replacement therapy, do you still want to go ahead? What are you going to say? Its like someone saying, this is your child, we can either put them down or spend money on them. This year, including medical bills and doggy daycare, shell spend around 4,500 on Blaxie Mirabel Edgedale, of South-West London, is the first to admit Elvis, her black pug, is indulged. This kind of pedigree needs a lot of looking after, she says. Mirabel, in her 50s, is a fashion agent for brands including Missoni. She has no children but shes kept pugs for 15 years. They are like people, she says. Elvis understands me. He understands English. He understands Italian. When he was one, we moved to Milan. Elvis flew with me in a bag by my feet. After that, he travelled backwards and forwards quite a lot from Milan to London, but he always had to be chauffeured by my secretary. The airline had an 8kg weight limit for in-cabin pets, and Elvis was by then too heavy. Mirabel and Elvis (pictured with Gertie) moved back to London five years ago. Elvis, who is not insured has arthritis and problems with his teeth. His vet bills are colossal. Last time it was 158 just for a regular check of his joints.' She estimates Elvis costs 6,645 a year With these dogs, you cant really put them in the hold, says Mirabel. Being a flat-faced breed, pugs can have difficulty breathing in extreme temperatures. The hold is quite cold, so I wouldnt have wanted to risk it. Mirabel and Elvis moved back to London five years ago. Elvis, who is not insured (I had to give it up when we moved to Italy) has arthritis and problems with his teeth. His vet bills are colossal. Last time it was 158 just for a regular check of his joints. When you are working from 8.30am to 7pm, youve got to have people helping you, which is expensive. She estimates Elvis costs 6,645 a year. Two years ago, Mirabel bought another pug, Gertie. Im aiming to spend most of my money before I die, she says, though I do need to provide for the dogs. Elvis, after all, is an asset in the fashion world. Mirabel conducts meetings with Elvis in his own chair. I dont think the buying team from Harrods were used to having a pug at the table with them. Hes become well-known. Each year, Elvis is transformed for Mirabels Christmas card. Last year he was a reindeer and the year before he was Father Christmas. Hes been in my life for 11 years. Hes my little shadow. Breakfast in bed, a spa treatment, pre-lunch cocktails and canapes, a little light shopping, a gourmet dinner, the chauffeur to take you to the opera welcome to Chelsea Court Place, a home for people with dementia... and lots of money. Its a spectacular if almost entirely unattainable example of a growing trend for a new kind of upmarket lifestyle for the old and very wealthy. From swish granny flats with resident medical staff to retirement homes providing bespoke care for people with dementia, retirement professionals have realised that the baby-boomer generation dont want to give up the good things in life when they get old. From swish granny flats with resident medical staff to retirement homes providing bespoke care for people with dementia, retirement professionals have realised that the baby-boomer generation dont want to give up the good things in life when they get old And an entirely new industry is springing up to cater for those lucky enough to be able to pay for it. In Chelsea Court Place rooms cost up to 156,000 a year. Luxury developments like these house rich retirees who are used to first-class food, wine and attentive service, and who dont see why they should have to make compromises when they get older. Fitted out by top interior designers and staffed by private nurses, these are places which offer a gin and tonic before lunch and a hydrotherapy treatment before dinner. Not for them what the rest of us have to put up with for our parents or ourselves: scruffy care homes staffed by underpaid, unhappy care workers, too rushed off their feet to treat residents properly. Then there are the horror stories of neglect and abuse. How Auriens will look: Fitted out by top interior designers and staffed by private nurses, these are places which offer a gin and tonic before lunch and a hydrotherapy treatment before dinner And its not even as if its cheap a bed in a nursing home at the lower end of the market can easily cost 40,000 a year. But before you blanch at the notion of millionaire care, there is a glimmer of good news. Could it be that these upmarket homes may herald a new way of thinking that could benefit us all? For now lets take a closer look at the 15-bed Chelsea Court Place in London. Here the residents (they prefer the word members) are the sort of people used to having housekeepers and travelling the world. They are able to pay for top-notch service. Fees range from 2,000 to 3,000 a week, depending on the size of the ensuite bedroom. You bring your own furniture (and if you like, your own interior designer). The fees include all your care no matter how infirm you get from experienced nurses. The homes award-winning chef trained at the Savoy. A typical Sunday lunch menu includes salt-baked celeriac and white truffle soup; chargrilled white asparagus and poached duck egg; aged Aberdeen Angus rib of beef; poached lemon sole; tarte tatin; and Earl Grey panna cotta. Its not surprising that this place resembles a five-star hotel: its founder and chairman, Laurence Geller, used to be the boss of the Hyatt Hotel group. Auriens' Co-Founders, Johnny Sandelson and Karen Mulville, pictured above He has retired and says he now owns and runs a whole series of other hotels. Ive just opened the Conrad Hotel in Chicago, the second most luxurious in the city. Its not the most luxurious: thats the Waldorf Astoria. He grins: I own that, too. My most successful hotels have always been high luxury. If I can make Chelsea Court Place the equivalent of one of my Four Seasons hotels, Ill be happy. Glamorous fixtures and fittings are important, of course, but Geller believes top-end luxury is less about expensive curtains and designer chairs (though Chelsea Court Place has plenty) and more about extraordinary service. I run the sort of hotels where, if someone loses a cufflink, you ask to borrow the other one overnight while you look for it, he says. By the morning youve had another one made for them. But can it really be right to create a two-tier system with one level of care for the super-rich and another for the rest of us? So, at Chelsea Court Place, if residents want a meal in the middle of the night, they can have one. If family members want to come in and see whats going on at 3am, theyre welcome. But can it really be right to create a two-tier system with one level of care for the super-rich and another for the rest of us? Simon Bottery, director of policy at Independent Age, the older peoples charity is not convinced. Of course, there is a place in the market for high-priced care homes but people are often paying for the facilities, and the quality of care will not necessarily increase at the same rate as the price. You would expect higher priced care homes to offer staffing levels that cheaper homes might struggle to match, but you dont need to pay thousands to get attentive, compassionate care. Some of the best homes I have visited have been some of the cheapest. A couple of hundred yards from Chelsea Court Place along the Kings Road is a new development, with flats starting at an astonishing 3 million and an as-yet-undecided service charge on top. It will feel like hotel living. Part of the attraction is that residents can walk outside and be on the Kings Road. This generation wants to go on being part of the world, rather than shutting themselves off from it: to live as fully as they can for as long as they can' says co-founder Karen Mulville Auriens, set to open in 2019, promises to be spacious and contemporary, courtesy of a firm of interior designers who created the look for the flash new Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair. Its going to be a place, where youll be able to get whatever you need, from champagne and chauffeurs to physio and medical care, says co-founder Karen Mulville. It will feel like hotel living. Part of the attraction is that residents can walk outside and be on the Kings Road. This generation wants to go on being part of the world, rather than shutting themselves off from it: to live as fully as they can for as long as they can. The general atmosphere, Mulville says, will be closer to that of a private members club. Residents will be able to live independently, but medical and care services will also be available when they need them. A short walk over Albert Bridge (or you could take the courtesy bus) is another, similar development, Battersea Place, where flats for the over-65s range from 650,000 to 2.95 million. But theres no enforced jollity: its all very English Residents can take advantage of a spa, heated indoor pool, library, billiards room, chauffeur-driven cars and concerts. And they can also make use of 30 purpose-built nursing suites for convalescence, long-term nursing or palliative care. Not all affluent retirees want to be in the centre of the city, and the luxury later-life trend isnt entirely modelled on hip hotels. Theres also the country house style more rural and chintzy, but every bit as classy. Chilton House, for example, is a Georgian manor in Buckinghamshire. Its been in the Aubrey-Fletcher family since the 17th century and they now run it as a nursing and convalescence home. Lady Aubrey-Fletcher is often in evidence as is her son Harry. Their presence adds to the Downton Abbey vibe of gracious country living. All Chilton House residents are addressed as Mr or Mrs, unless of course, they have a title (which some do). After breakfast in bed, they typically meet in the front hall for coffee and conversation over the newspapers. There are exercise classes, treatments, and chauffeurs to take people out. After breakfast in bed, they typically meet in the front hall for coffee and conversation over the newspapers. There are exercise classes, treatments, and chauffeurs to take people out But theres no enforced jollity: its all very English. And if you want a cup of tea or a glass of bubbly, you have only to ring a bell. Rooms cost between 1,200 and 1,600 a week. At a minimum of 62,400 a year, life at Chilton House is far from cheap. But it is closer to the average 39,300 a year for nursing home care (there are regional variations), an exorbitant figure that many of us are depressingly familiar with. As more and more of us live for longer, very many families are facing huge bills for care and wondering about what to do ourselves when the time comes. Pretty much anyone with assets has to pay for their own care. So do we ask our children to foot the bill? If not its probably a question of selling our homes and using the equity. Even for the wealthy, care is a difficult thing to budget for Even for the wealthy, care is a difficult thing to budget for. The average stay in a care home in the UK is around two-and-a-half years, but for some people its significantly longer. The real problem is getting staff. Quality care requires top-quality staff, who can be hard to find in an underpaid and demoralised profession. I can solve that, Laurence Geller says. It may take a while, but well get there. Crucially, Geller says he is determined that his high-end approach will filter down, at least to the middle classes. He may be creating a two-tier system of haves and have-nots at the moment but he wants a much larger group to benefit from his approach. As financial backer of the first ever MSc in Dementia Care in Britain, Geller intends to train more and better staff. The new course will launch in January at the University of West London, where he is Chancellor. Its fair to say that, for him, this is personal. Both his parents had dementia. Unusually, he has taken a DNA test and guess what? I have the strand. Its like fashion, Laurence Geller says, what you see on the catwalks makes its way sooner or later into the shops. I believe what we learn about dementia care by doing it in the most luxurious way possible will be really useful' He gave 1 million to dementia causes last year and he leads fundraising for the Alzheimers Society. We have to get rid of the stigma surrounding dementia, he says. Its much worse in this country than in the U.S. One person gets dementia every three minutes in the UK. In the time it takes to boil an egg! Twice as many have dementia as cancer, yet cancer gets eight times the funding. Hes spending 50 million on Chelsea Court Place and in rolling out up to five more posh dementia care homes in London. All very well, you might say, if youre one of the handful of rich people who can afford the couple of grand a week. But Laurence Geller insists what hes learning at Chelsea Court Place will benefit everyone. Hes funding an independent study of its first year of operation and the results will be open to all. Its like fashion, he says, what you see on the catwalks makes its way sooner or later into the shops. I believe what we learn about dementia care by doing it in the most luxurious way possible will be really useful. I believe it can trickle down to the middle market and make dementia care better. Once upon a time, Christmas snacks meant little more than a bag of satsumas, a bowl of nuts, a tin of Quality Street and that dusty box of Eat Me dates, bought back in 1972, and recycled for ever after. Now though, the supermarkets vie to outdo each other in seasonal silliness, conjuring up more and more outlandish creations to separate us from our hard-earned cash. From mojito cured smoked salmon and pumpkin spiced latte yoghurt to bucks fizz flavoured crisps, you sometimes get the feeling the food development folk have overdosed on the psychedelic eggnog. Taste test: Tom prepares to nibble on a prawn doughnut The supermarkets have blown sleigh loads of wonga to create and market this stuff, but once you open the glitzy packaging is it actually any good? Let's start at the bottom. And I mean the most desperate, desolate depths of edible hell, with Marks and Spencer's Bucks Fizz Hand Cooked Crisps. How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways the sweet tang of fake champagne; the cloyingly artificial citrus flavour; the naffly edible gold shimmer. And the slightly sinister fizz. These crisps, dear reader, are among the most repellent things that I've ever put in my mouth. Worse than raw tripe and dog soup. Equally nasty are Aldi's Black Truffle flavoured crisps. 'Hand cooked.' Of course they are. Eating one of these is like being whacked in the gob with a chemical cosh. The brutally heavy, seemingly fake truffle taste loiters like a spotty youth, and repeats for days. So horrible that you wouldn't even wish them on the mother-in-law. The Lobster and Pink Champagne crisps from Asda are far less offensive, although little more than prawn cocktail with delusions of grandeur. Sainsbury's Wensleydale and Cranberry crisps are just about edible, although there's no need for the cranberry. While Lidl's Pig in Blanket crisps are rather good, with lots of porky power. The winner, by a long way. We remain in the savoury world with Waitrose's Jasmine Tea Hot Smoked Mackerel from the Heston Blumenthal range. The fish is sweet and succulent, with a subtle whiff of smoke and a strident, but not overwhelming, bergamot scent. It may be a little pronounced for some, but I thought this was a great product. A surprise hit is the Chilli Tortilla Chips dipped in chocolate from M&S As was Selfridges Cocktail Cured Smoked Salmon trio. H Forman and Son sure know how to smoke a decent fish, and the gin and tonic cure is particularly fine, with a whack of juniper and sigh of gin. The whisky cure is rather more subtle, with extra orange peel. And while there's little evidence of rum or lime in the mojito cure, it's still deeply edible. The M&S Hot & Sour Prawn Doughnuts are not bad either, slightly over sweet but quietly addictive. Especially when sprinkled with a sort of sherbet made from salt, sugar and chilli. Another surprise hit is the Chilli Tortilla Chips dipped in chocolate from M&S. The mixture of maize, chocolate and chilli is as old as the Aztecs, and the combination works wonderfully well. Heston from Waitrose Marmalade on Toast Ice Cream is excellent Moving deeper into the sweet world, Tesco's Cranberry and Orange Popcorn goes heavy on the cinnamon but I'd happily eat them again. Unlike the Muller Corner Pumpkin Spiced Latte Yogurt, which is so sweet it makes the teeth ache. Yuk! The alcoholic Red Wine ice cream from Cheers is pretty decent, even if it does taste like vanilla, into which you've drunkenly spilt a glass of red wine. Heston from Waitrose Marmalade on Toast Ice Cream is excellent, with creamy, malted ice cream, thick chunks of peel and a truly bitter whack. I'd definitely buy this all year around. And the Selfridges Panettone, which is usually a dry, dreary confection, is made immeasurably better with rich, thick swirls of salted caramel. Finally, drink. A toxic Christmas Cobbler from M&S is oversweet and horrible. Avoid. Cherry Bakewell Vodka, another Heston from Waitrose, is fine in small quantities and best served ice cold. So in short, a few genuine Christmas crackers. And an equal number of dyspeptically damp squibs. My car broke down again the day after I picked it up from the garage with a new clutch: bill 800, though I was quoted 500. Including VAT? Id asked them, frightened, when they had said 500. Yes, including VAT. After two weeks of absolutely no news, I called them. We havent started work on it again as you still owe us 800 for the clutch. Its not worth repairing. Why didnt you call me? No idea. The house I had applied to rent, the lovely Georgian house on the green at Reeth (on the market for 875 a month), but was turned down for having initially been accepted because a relative of the landlord wanted it, came back on the market. Please let me rent the house, I emailed the estate agent, a woman called Sue. I never wear shoes indoors. I love, love, love the house. I kept everything crossed, then today I received this. The landlord is only prepared to consider your application as follows. A six-month contract. Rent at 1,000 per calendar month paying six months up front plus a bond of 1,500. So initial payment of 7,700 would be due. If your tenancy continues beyond the initial six months, then six months upfront would be payable again. Even if the above is acceptable to you, the owner will not make a final decision until after 31 October when all other potential tenants have viewed. So you still may end up not getting the property. I emailed back: How odd. Well, at least I wouldnt run a pop-up cafe from the front room, as the previous tenants did. Thanks anyway. Bye! Youd think Id killed someone, not simply employed useless advisers. On the very same day, I got a text from the Suzuki garage in Darlington. Bad news. You have been turned down for the finance on your leased car with no deposit up front. Sorry. And so, on Friday, I have to leave my house. Im being moved but Handelsbanken, unfortunately, are not. They wont let me extend my mortgage, or go interest only. Its being auctioned in January for a lot less than I paid for it; Im being sent the bill for the advertising, auction package, estate agents fee. I cant afford a removal firm (Bishops Move quoted me 2,040 if I packed everything myself to move me precisely four miles to the aforementioned house on the green), so I am having to leave everything behind. My dads desk, the gold on the leather faded from when he reluctantly wrote out NatWest cheques. My mums red velvet bergere suite. My giant Anglepoise lamp, given to me by my ex-friend Jeremy. The Eames chair bought from Selfridges Ive sat in to write a million words a year. My Vi-Spring bed bought from Selfridges, the bed where my husband used to make love to me. My cream Bill Amberg bed-head. My Eileen Grey bedside tables, bought in the sale. My silver Glam lamps from Atelier Abigail Ahern on Upper Street in Islington. My books. My red Iittala vase. My pink velvet sofas. My Eero Saarinen marble tulip table, bought on Ebay. My Smeg cooker and fridge that took three years to save up to buy. My oil painting of Lizzie. My chest of drawers, bought from Nicole Farhi Home just off Bond Street. My painting of Krishna in a silver photo frame bought after a walking holiday in India. CDs. DVDs. My 70s Arne Jacobsen dining chairs, four I used to have eight, but Gracie ate half. My piano, a gift from my friend Isobel; Ive never had the time to learn to play it. David has been here since Thursday night. I asked him what he sees in me. You are beautiful. You are strong. Is he mad? Im ugly. Im old. I dress in rags. I am not strong, Im broken, like an umbrella in a hurricane. We have fallen out, again. He was making pasta with tomato sauce. It took him hours. I went down to the kitchen. Cant you clean up as you go along? I asked him. He flew into a mood. I started watching Sabrina, one of my favourite films of all time; I knew he was itching for Coronation Street. Isnt that the woman you have a signed photo of upstairs? he said. He couldnt think of her name. Its Audrey Hepburn!!!! Rachel Kelly makes the case for prose over pills Whether its the rhythm of poetry or the catharsis of a novel, research shows that medicating with books really works. Rachel Kelly makes the case for prose over pills One evening, when Ellie Bate was five, she was rushed to hospital with kidney failure. Her mother, the biographer Paula Byrne, faced every parents worst nightmare when she was told her daughter might not survive the night. My world was turned upside down, Paula recalls when we meet at Worcester College, University of Oxford. (Her husband is Sir Jonathan Bate, the colleges provost and a Shakespeare scholar.) My thoughts were racing. I needed something to take my mind off what was happening while Ellie was in the operating theatre, but there was nothing but old copies of Hello! in the hospital waiting room. Luckily, I had a poem in my bag. The poem was All Shall be Well, the lyrical prayer of Julian of Norwich. Paula repeated the poems soothing cadences like a mantra all through the night: All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. It very much sustained me, Paula says. There was something important about holding on to the words when there were none. Someone else had given me the words I couldnt find. Ellie survived the night, though has needed treatment ever since. At nine years old, she underwent a kidney transplant operation. She is now 16, six feet tall and a typical teenager. Earlier this year, there was an article in the respected medical journal The Lancet on Books Do Furnish a Mind, which extolled the virtues of bibliotherapy Touch wood, shes doing really well. But weve spent an awful lot of time in doctors waiting rooms with other frazzled parents and children. It has been very stressful. I have spent my time thinking about what I can do to help other parents in similar situations, and those finding life hard. Overwhelmed by caring for Ellie and working too hard, Paula herself eventually fell ill. The stress I was under led to terrible pain in my hands, but I ignored it for ages. When I eventually went to the doctor, he prescribed me a book. It was a book of haikus three-line Japanese poems. The pain went away. Now an infeasibly young-looking 47, Paula appears well and rested, her frame petite and her dark hair glossy. She wears a jewelled cross: she is Catholic and many of her favourite poems have a spiritual element. Eleven years after the crisis of Ellies kidney failure, that dark night has led to something much brighter. Paula has not only co-edited a book, Stressed Unstressed: Classic Poems to Ease the Mind, but also established ReLit, a bibliotherapy foundation, and set up an online course exploring the health benefits of literature. The course, hosted by the University of Warwick, entitled Literature and Mental Health: Reading for Wellbeing, was set up with the help of Paulas husband, together with Warwick Business School Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry and Melvyn Bragg have all endorsed it, explaining how literature has proved a salve in their lives. The course looks at stress, heartbreak, depression and bereavement through the lens of literature. Here, I must declare an interest: in 2014, Black Rainbow, my memoir about how I used poetry to help overcome depression, was published. It is on the reading list recommended by ReLit. Like Paula, I turned to literature and poetry in my darkest hour and still rely on some of our greatest writers to get me through what Sigmund Freud called ordinary human unhappiness. Poets such as George Herbert and Emily Dickinson have provided me with a voice when depression bound my thoughts and dried up my throat. By requiring me to concentrate and unpick meaning and metaphor, they hold me in the moment, stopping me from worrying about the future or the past, and are a wonderful antidote to my fretful nature. In my case, I am following a family tradition. For many years as a child, I thought an Erle Stanley Gardner was a kind of medicine. Whenever my mother would take to her bed with flu, my father would say: Shes curled up with an Erle Stanley Gardner. Naturally, I assumed the master detective writer was some sort of miraculous pill. And so, in a way, it was. Books have always been our familys main source of solace. My mother was brought up in Hampshire. Her familys life revolved around riding outside and reading within. Every spare inch of the house was lined with books. Only convention stopped the family reading at meal times. 'Both my grandparents turned to literature to sustain them through the horrors of two world wars and the dramas of raising five children. My grandmothers favourites included Leo Tolstoy and Jane Austen, while my grandfather maintained there was no upset that a dose of P G Wodehouse couldnt put right. 'My grandparents wouldnt have called the ancient practice of reading for therapeutic effect bibliotherapy, but the phrase is now commonplace. The first use of the term is usually dated to a jolly 1916 article in The Atlantic Monthly, which ran a feature entitled A Literary Clinic. Since then a plethora of courses have flourished: from those run for prison inmates to charities such as the Reader Organisation and initiatives such as Alain de Bottons School of Life, and Biblio, a website that aims to connect someone needing help with a curator who will choose the right book for them. Three years ago Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin published their seminal The Novel Cure: An A-Z of Literary Remedies. More and more of us are finding books a salve. Novelist Daisy Goodwin put it thus: A year ago my house burnt down. The fire started at lunchtime, and I spent the rest of the day trying to get hold of essential things I might need. But that night, as I lay in an unfamiliar bed in my shop-smelling nightie, I realised I didnt have the one thing I really needed: a book. And not just any book. I needed one of the novels that used to live on a shelf by my bed, all of them guaranteed to distract, beguile and soothe me through whatever life had to throw at me. But now I had nothing what had I been thinking of while doing my emergency shop? I had forgotten that the right book was a lot more important to my peace of mind than a clean pair of knickers or a toothbrush. Daisys top choices uncannily echo those of my grandparents: Emma by Jane Austen; Right Ho, Jeeves by P G Wodehouse; Arabella by Georgette Heyer; The Pursuit Of Love by Nancy Mitford; The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope. What seems to have changed is not just how many of us are being helped by books, but the new seriousness with which bibliotherapy is being taken. Earlier this year, there was an article in the respected medical journal The Lancet on Books Do Furnish a Mind, which extolled the virtues of bibliotherapy. There has been a growing dissatisfaction with the one-size-fits-all magic bullet approach to mental health, as well as the sometimes debilitating side-effects of medication. There is a feeling that we need to embrace a more holistic approach, including the arts Ive been pondering why. I think part of the reason is that there is finally a growing body of evidence that medicating with books works. One group of studies now seems to show that those who read a lot of fiction tend to be more adept at empathising with others. A 2011 study based on MRI scans of participants, published in the Annual Review of Psychology, showed that when people read about a situation, they show activity in the same neurological areas as when they have that experience themselves. We draw on the same parts of the brain when were reading stories and trying to empathise with others. A second study, published in 2013 in the journal Science, showed that reading fiction improved peoples results in tests for social perception and empathy. Books, it seems, can be the best kinds of friends, giving us a chance to rehearse for interactions in real life. Or, as George Eliot put it: Art is the nearest thing to life; it is a mode of amplifying experience and extending our contact with our fellow-men beyond the bounds of our personal lot. The novelist was rumoured to have overcome her grief at losing her life partner by reading with a young man, who went on to become her husband. There is also my own anecdotal evidence, which suggests reading puts our brains into a pleasurable, calm state that I can most liken to meditation. I know this to be true when I read a consoling poem, and I have witnessed it in poetry groups I have run for mental health charities including Mind and Depression Alliance. Its something about the focus required that makes reading a poem a good way of being in the flow which in turn is one of the best ways to cultivate good mental health according to happiness tsar and London School of Economics professor Paul Dolan. Theres something, too, about companionship on the page. A participant in one of my workshops, Tara Dudley Smith, said: I felt less alone when I realised others had experienced what I had. But while Im a believer in bibliotherapy, I have to acknowledge that many will recall bookworms who can seem antisocial, even indolent. Not everyone finds their sorrow beguiled by books. And many poets Ive met seem far from content. The safe thing to say is that we need more research in work in this area, as the Arts Council also believes. While reading and literature can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, we dont altogether understand why or how this works, or what its limits are. Such research is crucial, as I think the other reason for the rise of bibliotherapy is disillusionment with other more brutal and unsubtle approaches to mental illness. Biographer Paula Byrne faced every parent's worst nightmare when she was told her daughter might not survive kidney failure We need fresh answers, and if the NHS is to adopt these widely, we need more evidence. There has been a growing dissatisfaction with the one-size-fits-all magic bullet approach to mental health, as well as the sometimes debilitating side-effects of medication. There is a feeling that we need to embrace a more holistic approach, including the arts and other elements of self-care such as nutrition, an important and growing field what and how we eat really can make us happy. In the late 1980s, Prozac was heralded as one such magic bullet. But now the Royal College of Psychiatrists says that only around 50 per cent of people are helped by antidepressants. The same is true of the go-to cure of the 1990s: talking therapies. Following the governments Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative in 2008, more than a million people had cognitive behavioural therapy on the NHS in 2013/14. Now mindfulness is the fashionable answer, but once again it doesnt help everyone and the backlash is growing daily. The success, last Christmas, of Ladybirds spoof Book of Mindfulness, which mocks many of its tenets, is telling. I think the future will see a much more nuanced attitude to promoting good mental health, combining a variety of approaches, including the arts literature and poetry in particular and an emphasis on mindfulness and nutrition. While we all know that we need to go to the gym for a healthy body, I feel we will realise we need to look after our minds as much as our bodies. Enthusiasm for bibliotherapy can only grow as we take a more rounded approach to what can improve our states of mind, and as the evidence to support it strengthens, too. Who knows, one day you may even be given an Erle Stanley Gardner on prescription. Even one-and-half years after the Modi government assured the Supreme Court that steps would be taken to enable 25 million NRIs across the world to participate in Indian elections through e-voting, nothing has changed. Acting on petitions filed by two NRIs - Nagender Chindam, chairman of the UK based Pravasi Bharat and Shamsheer V P, an NRI from Kerala - a bench headed by chief Justice T S Thakur sought the status of the proposed move from the Centre. Once e-vote is allowed, NRIs will not have to fly home to cast their votes. Currently, only a small percentage of NRIs come to India to exercise their franchise due to the expense and time involved Till now, only a small proportion of NRIs came to India to exercise their franchise given the expense and time involved. In e-voting, a blank postal ballot paper is emailed to the voter, who has to then fill it and mail it by post to their constituency. The government had on July 8 last year, told the court that it has 'in principle' approved e-ballot voting for Indian passport holders abroad as recommended by the Election Commission. It said it would have the process in place after making necessary amendments to the Representation of the Peoples Act 1951 that dealt with elections in the country. Additional Solicitor General P L Narasimha representing the Centre said: "The EC recommendation has been accepted in letter and spirit, and a committee had been set up to devise the modalities of its implementation." He had also said that the Union Cabinet would soon consider a draft Bill to make the change before it is tabled in Parliament. Supreme Court then directed the government to enable e-voting by NRIs within two months after effecting the amendments. "If they want to amend then nobody can prevent, but we cannot direct any amendment and it is up to the government. "Senior counsel appearing for the Union of India seeks time to take instructions whether any amendment to the Representation of People Act, 1950 and 1951 is proposed in terms of the recommendations received from the Election Commission in so far as the Notification of NRI's as special voters is concerned, if so, the status of such process may be informed within 8 weeks", the CJI said in the order. The Election Commision (EC) had ruled out the possibility of allowing online voting for NRIs or the option to cast their votes at diplomatic missions abroad for the time being. But it says that e-postal ballot system has no risk of manipulation, rigging or violation of secrecy. The government had in 2010 granted voting rights to NRIs, but the rules required them to be present in their constituency on the day of voting. Chindam and Shamsheer had challenged this, terming it as 'inherent inequality' after which the court asked for a report from the EC. "Voting rights cannot be denied to those who go outside for study or in search of employment," says Chindam. The sabre-rattling between parties on rival sides of the political divide over demonetisation showed no signs of softening, with the government accusing Congress of engaging in fear mongering and the latter hitting back calling the exercise a not well thought out move whose after-effects will last long. Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was fielded by the government to mount an assault on the opposition on the issue, rejected the charge that demonetisation of high-value currency notes had hit the common man and insisted that despite facing problems people were backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's action targeted against black money. "Congress is trying to create fear in the common man's mind. It is not needed. It is fear-mongering," she told reporters in Delhi, responding to the opposition party's claim that it will take seven to eight months for the situation to stabilise. The facility of getting cash by a card swipe at petrol pumps had many takers on Saturday. Over 700 petrol pumps have started dispensing cash and the POS machines will be rolled out to over 2,500 fuel stations over the next week. Nirmala Sethuraman said Congress is trying to create fear in the common man's mind Sitharaman rejected the opposition charge that there was panic in the government following the launch of demonetisation drive which was reflected in fresh announcement of measures for easing people's problems. The government, she said, had undertaken as much preparatory work as it could before announcing the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 bills. However, senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram did not concur with the government's claim and termed the exercise as not well thought out and whose after effects will last longer than expected. He also wondered if the government had consulted the only knowledgeable economist in the dispensation CEA Arvind Subramanian before announcing it. "You are seeing the first-order effects of withdrawing, sucking out 86 per cent of the currency in circulation from the market. The first order will continue for several weeks now. Then you will see the second- order effects," Chidambaram said. Dr P Chidambaram said knowledgeable economist Dr Arvind Subramanian was not consulted "My suspicion is the only knowledgeable economist in the government, Dr Arvind Subramanian, was not consulted," he said. Talking about the first-order effects, he said: "There are many people now living with very little money and not consuming, which means produce, especially perishable items like vegetables and fruits, are not being sold." Chidambaram said the second-order effects are already visible in Tirupur and Surat, where lay-offs and retrenchments have started. The second-order effects will be more prominently felt if farmers do not have money to buy fertiliser and hire labour, he said. Didi accuses government of discrimination Mamata Banerjee claims that entire rural Bengal is crying West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused the NDA government at Centre of pursuing discriminatory politics against her state by not releasing new Rs 500 notes in her state. She will decide her next line of action to help the people of her state, after talking to other political parties. "They have sent 500 rupees notes to Rajasthan. But they are not sending the 500 rupees notes to Bengal. The Central government has totally failed to act. Rural India is dying, they don't use card. What will they do?" she asked. "The whole of rural India is crying, farmers are crying. If food is not available what will the common people eat? Plastic?" said Banerjee. Banerjee claimed that three persons have died in the state because of demonetisation. Trouble has been brewing for controversial televangelist Zakir Naik for some time but the noose tightened on Saturday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered an FIR against Dr Naik and others on Friday night in Mumbai. After registering a case against the 51-year-old Naik, IRF and others, NIA sleuths along with Mumbai police carried out searches at 10 places in the megapolis, including residential premises of some of the office bearers of the foundation, which was earlier put on restricted list by the Union Home Ministry for receiving funds from abroad. Dr Naik has been booked under various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act The government banned Islamic preacher Zakir Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for being an unlawful association earlier in the week. "NIA registered a case against Zakir Naik and others on Friday under sections 10,13,18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and section 153A of the Indian Penal Code," an NIA spokesperson said. The various sections of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act under which Naik has been booked pertain to penalty for being a member of an unlawful Association and punishment for unlawful activities. The government gazette notification banning Zakir Naik's outfit says: "Naik extolled Osama Bin Laden and said all Muslims should be terrorists." The MHA also said that the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and its president Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities. NAI Director General Sharad Kumar said: "We are searching a few residential premises and a few office premises. This is part of the legal process to look for evidence." He said future course of action would be decided after analysing every document seized by the NIA. Kumar refused to divulge further details about the search operation, saying the process is on and it will be too premature for us to say anything as of now. However, sources in the probe agency said Rs 13.5 lakh cash and some gold have been seized from one of the locations. Bank accounts of some of the office bearers and those of foundation were being scrutinised. NIA is now preparing to summon Naik in the case who is currently believed to be in Saudi Arabia. He has not returned to the country since the controversy broke out, fearing legal action against him. IRF came under the scanner of various security agencies after one of the terrorists involved in the Dhaka cafe attack had allegedly posted on social media that they had been inspired by Naik's speeches. The Centre may use the money collected from the banknote ban to push development projects and provide incentives like venture fund for young entrepreneurs in the Northeast, minister of state in the prime minister's office Dr Jitendra Singh said on Saturday. The initial venture fund would be in addition to the incentives provided by the government under the Startup India mission, he said at the 2nd North East Rising Conclave organised by Mail Today. Addressing the gathering, Singh lauded the development works started in the north-eastern states by the Narendra Modi government, especially in the road, rail and aviation sectors. Dr Jitendra Singh said government is promoting business in Northeast He said the Centre has decided that one Cabinet minister will visit the region every 15 days to strike a connect with the National Capital. "It is in this regard that PM Narendra Modi attended the two-day meeting of the North Eastern council in Shillong, the first Prime Minister in 40 years to do so," he said. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan claims the government has transformed the Look East policy into Act East' The Modi government is also holding regular talks with trade ministers of countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar in a bid to promote business in the region and make north-eastern states a hub of trade. He lauded the collective efforts of various agencies in bringing down the cases of violence in these states. Singh, who also holds the charge of ministry of development of north eastern region, cited reports where some insurgent groups abandoned huge cash after the government banned big bills. He sought to justify the BJP's poll promise of depositing Rs 15 lakh to very citizen's account on recovery of black money saying it could not be taken in literal terms, but the benefit of demonetisation would be worth more than Rs 15 lakh for every individual. "It is a forward looking change. The 130 crore people of India have been supportive," he said. North-eastern rapper Jay Saini narrated his musical journey at the conclave As the cash crisis begins to relent across the country post demonetisation of big currency notes, the central government feels the move has also contributed significantly in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, which was on the boil since the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani. The government for the first time maintained that there has been no stone pelting in the Kashmir valley ever since the government banned the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8. The minister said all schools in Kashmir are open and registering 100 per cent attendance of students. Police are yet to find a link between the An inquiry by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has found that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. MSc first-year student of School of Biotechnology, 27-year-old Najeeb was a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh. On October 15, Najeeb reportedly had an on-campus brawl with the ABVP members, the night before he disappeared. An inquiry by the Jawaharlal Nehru University has found that Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed The JNU had ordered an internal inquiry into the incident. 'In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. 'This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct,' an official order read. Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. ABVP has, meanwhile, come out in Vikrant's support and accused the university administration of being 'biased' in conducting the inquiry. The JNU student went missing on October 15 after a 'disagreement' with members of the right-wing ABVP 'The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. 'Not only the inquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union,' Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member and former JNUSU member said. JNU students and teachers have been agitating against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to locate the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Najeeb Ahmad's mother with members of SDPI demand justice for the missing JNU student Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the directive of union home minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The Sri Lankan navy attacked Indian fishermen on Sunday morning and damaged six Indian trawlers, fishing nets and GPS instruments. This is the third attack by the Sri Lankan navy on Indian fishermen this week. On Thursday, two Indian fishermen from Karaikkal were shot at by the Sri Lankan navy and are undergoing treatment at Jipmer hospital in Pondicherry. On Saturday, 11 Rameshwaram fishermen were taken into custody and two Indian trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan navy and were handed over to Jaffna Additional Director, Fisheries, Karainagar Port. The Sri Lankan navy attacked Indian fishermen on Sunday morning and damaged six Indian trawlers, fishing nets and GPS instruments The attacks and subsequent arrests of Indian fishermen have been a cause of concern for a long time now, and multiple requests have been submitted to the central and state governments to intervene and take adequate steps so as to sort out the issues these people face. These incidents have taken place days after fishermen resumed work after their strike against demonetisation. 'No one really cares about the fishermen in the country. We don't have a livelihood. If we go fishing, we are arrested by the Lankan government,' said a fisherman from Rameshwaram whose son was earlier arrested by the Sri Lankan navy in August. The US has indicated that it wants to partner with the Indian Coast Guard to help it in training for search and rescue and pollution control operations. The offer was extended on Friday to the Indian side in a meeting between director general of Coast Guard Rajendra Singh and American Vice-Admiral Joseph Rixey, who was on a visit to New Delhi last week, officials in the Defence ministry told Mail Today. Rixey is the head of the American defence security cooperation agency, which deals with the sales of military equipment to foreign countries as well as the countries with which they want to have joint exercises. The US has indicated that it wants to partner with the Indian Coast Guard to help it in training for search and rescue and pollution control operations The United States has the world's biggest coast guard force and has more helicopters and planes than many advanced navies in the world. During the hour-long meeting between the two officers, the US Coast Guard offered to provide increased training facilities to Indian officers and also to mutually share expertise in pollution control and anti-narcotics operations. This was the first high-level meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the US officials and the two sides have decided to follow it up in future as well. The Coast Guard marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Outgoing American defence secretary Ashton Carter is also likely to take up the issue of cooperation between the two coast guards in his meetings with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in his visit next month. The Indian Coast Guard profile has also been expanding quite considerably post 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai in 2008. The government has now decided to double the size of the force and it is getting at least four to five major ships every year from public sector Goa Shipyard Limited. With 42 stations and 15 air conclaves planned by the year 2020, the Coast Guard has also emerged as the key force in fighting terrorism in coastal areas and also to plug the narcotics smuggling from US offers help to guard Indian coast Pakistan. In 2014, the Coast Guard had played a key role in stopping a suspected Pakistani terror boat from entering Indian waters which led to the boat setting itself on fire to escape apprehension by the Indian authorities. An Indian Coast Guard hovercraft on Panambur beech, Mangalore, Karnataka It has also apprehended narcotics worth over Rs 700 crore in the western region in the last few years. The Indian Coast Guard has already held exercises with the Japanese and maritime agencies of South East Asian countries in the recent past. During the visit, the American vice-admiral also met defence ministry officials to review the foreign military sales projects of the US under which it sells its weapon platforms to India. In the recent years, Americans have been able to sell equipment worth over $25 billion, including the latest sale of M777 Ultra Light Howitzers to the Indian Army which would be inducting its first artillery gun in the last three decades. The two nations have also signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Of Agreement (LEMOA) under which they are planning to provide logistical support to each other's visiting military warships and planes. Target: Terrorists struck in Nice on Bastille Day Thomas Cook is set to announce a fall in profits after a string of terrorist attacks affected key destinations. However, the tour operator is expected to say that a buoyant Spanish market, currency hedging and the strength of the euro for its continental clients have helped it through a year even more difficult than last. This time last year the firm, led by Peter Fankhauser, was still recovering from terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey. It had also faced controversy over revelations in The Mail on Sunday that it failed to pass on damages won from a hotel to the family of two children who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Corfu in 2006. In the last 12 months, terror attacks this time in Paris, Nice and Belgium have again hit the travel industry as did Mays EgyptAir plane crash. Its been a really difficult year for Thomas Cook, said an industry source. Tunisia is still effectively shut to British tourists, as is Sharm-el-Sheik though Thomas Cook does fly elsewhere in Egypt. Turkey, where it was market leader, has had repeated problems. But it was quick to move capacity to Western Europe and long-haul destinations, including the US. Analysts predict the company will record sales of 7.9 billion in the year to September 30, 2016, up from 7.8 billion the previous year. However, pre-tax profits are expected to be 157 million before exceptional items, compared with 177 million the previous year. The bright spot for Thomas Cook is the booming Spanish market, both mainland and the Balearics and Canary Islands. The source said: The size of the Spanish market is huge, with great hotels, but that does mean it is more competitive. Theresa May will use the Queen, pictured, as her 'secret weapon' to win over Donald Trump by asking Her Majesty to invite the President-elect to Windsor Castle Theresa May will use the Queen as her 'secret weapon' to win over Donald Trump by asking Her Majesty to invite the President-elect to Windsor Castle, it emerged today. Whitehall and Buckingham Palace are working on plans to invite the new US president - a keen fan of the Royal Family - to the UK next summer and a formal invitation will be sent out after his inauguration in January. It will give Mrs May an opportunity to steal a lead on her European rivals and to discuss plans for a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US. It will also allow the Prime Minister to forego Nigel Farage's offer to be a link man with the President-elect after a rising number of Tories said she should take advantage of the Ukip figurehead's contacts with team Trump. Downing Street were left scrambling to repair and build relations with Mr Trump's team after his shock election victory. Mrs May and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were among several senior members of the Government to publicly criticise Mr Trump when he called for Muslims to be banned from the US during the race to be the Republican nominee last year. But his unexpected victory earlier this month sent the Foreign Office into overdrive to drum up connections with the billionaire President-elect and Mr Johnson is set to travel to meet his inner team before the end of the year. Mr Trump told Mrs May during their phone call last week that he was a 'big fan' of the Queen and he told Nigel Farage and his group of friends last week that he is 'looking forward' to meeting the Queen. Whitehall and Buckingham Palace are working on plans to invite Donald Trump, pictured yesterday in New Jersey, to the UK next summer and a formal invitation will be sent out after his inauguration in January Offering Mr Trump a stay at Windsor Castle, pictured, would allow Mrs May to swat away claims that Mr Farage has closer links to the controversial tycoon, which have been dismissed by Downing Street Now Mrs May wants to use his love of the Royal Family to her advantage and is planning to invite him for a state visit, ministers and Whitehall officials told the Sunday Times today. An insider on the plans told the newspaper: 'The government has decided that their secret weapon to get in with Trump is to offer him an early visit to the Queen, him and [his wife] Melania staying at Windsor Castle.' Another said the Queen is 'key' to Mrs May's relationship with Mr Trump and described Her Majesty as 'the biggest public weapon you have'. Offering Mr Trump a stay at Windsor Castle would allow Mrs May to swat away claims that Mr Farage has closer links to the controversial tycoon, which have been dismissed by Downing Street. A state visit to the UK for Mr Trump will offer Mrs May, pictured in Berlin on Friday, an opportunity to steal a lead on her European rivals and to discuss plans for a post-Brexit free trade deal with the US Mr Farage, Ukip donor Arron Banks and his former aide Raheem Kassam were among a group that visited Mr Trump in New York last week. The interim Ukip leader became the first UK politician to meet the President-elect since his election victory. Mr Trump told the group he 'can't wait to come over to England' and said his mother would be 'chuffed to bits when I meet the Queen'. Inviting Mr Trump on a state visit to the UK next year would also provide a potential opportunity to warm up the apparently anti-global trade president-elect over the idea of a post-Brexit trade deal. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: 'No visit has been organised but the Prime Minister is looking forward to welcoming the president-elect to the UK when he chooses to visit.' The PM has been invited to visit Mr Trump at the earliest possible opportunity and she is expected to travel to the US after he is inaugurated on January 20. But a state visit by Mr Trump to the UK would allow her to roll out the red carpet and offer a meeting with the Queen. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: 'State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the Government.' It came as Mrs May faced fresh calls to deliver what will be seen as a 'hard Brexit' from a group of 60 Conservative MPs including prominent former cabinet ministers. Cameron-era ministers Michael Gove, Iain Duncan Smith, John Whittingdale and Theresa Villiers urged the PM to pull Britain out of the European single market and the customs union. They claimed getting out of the single market free trade zone was crucial for the UK to become free of Brussels regulations. Pulling out of the customs union, which sets common tariffs for goods from countries outside it, would be the only way to strike trade deals with other nations, they said. Eleven Labour, DUP and Ukip MPs also reportedly backed the call. Nigel Farage became the first UK politician to meet the President-elect since his election victory. They posed for a pictured outside Mr Trump's famous golden door in Trump Tower in New York A Government spokeswoman insisted there were 'no binary choices' in the UK's future trading relationship with the EU and that the Government would pursue a bespoke deal rather than an 'off the shelf' solution . She added: 'That's why the Government is painstakingly analysing the challenges and opportunities for all the different sectors of our economy. 'The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants UK companies to have the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the single market - and to let European businesses do the same here.' Shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused the Tories of pursuing a 'Trump-lite' hard Brexit 'with a minuscule increase in infrastructure investment, a pernicious immigration policy, the destruction of workplace rights and environmental protections, alongside a race to the bottom in taxes for the rich and in wages for the rest of us'. He also defended his speech earlier this week in which he committed Labour to not blocking or delaying Brexit, saying the party has long advocated changes to single market regulations such as state aid rules and 'enforced deregulation and privatisation'. Writing in The Observer, Mr McDonnell said: 'As a democrat, I respect the referendum result. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg urged world leaders meeting in Peru on Saturday to help cut down on fake news stories on the social network that some suggest could have helped sway the U.S. presidential election. Facebook has long insisted that it is a technology company and not a publisher, and rejects the idea that it should be held responsible for the content that its users circulate on the platform. Just after the election, Zuckerberg said the notion that fake or misleading news on Facebook had helped swing the election to Donald Trump was a 'crazy idea.' Scroll down for video Mark Zuckerberg's social network has been criticized by some as helping Trump to victory by giving a platform to fake election news Facebook has come in for controversy for the kind of news it featured prominently during the US campaign Zuckerberg then said last Saturday that more than 99 percent of what people see on Facebook is authentic, calling 'only a very small amount' fake news and hoaxes. But in his Friday posting Zuckerberg struck a decidedly different tone. He said Facebook has been working on the issue of misinformation for a long time, calling the problem complex both technically and philosophically. 'While the percentage of misinformation is relatively small, we have much more work ahead on our roadmap,' Zuckerberg said. He outlined a series of steps that were already underway, including greater use of automation to 'detect what people will flag as false before they do it themselves.' Zuckerberg said in a post late Friday that his company was taking measures to curb what he said was a 'relatively small' percentage of deliberately false stories. The measures include developing new tools to detect and classify 'misinformation' and to make it easier for users to report the material. He said the company also is looking into the possibility of working with established fact-checking organizations to evaluate content and into the feasibility of warning labels for stories flagged as false. Critics have complained that a surge of fake news stories on Facebook may have swayed some voters to back President-elect Donald Trump. The company said on Monday that it was clarifying its advertising policy to emphasize that it won't display ads thus cutting revenue for sites that run information that is 'illegal, misleading or deceptive, which includes fake news.' That followed a similar step by Google, which acknowledged that it had let a false article about the election results slip into its list of recommended news stories. 'The bottom line is: we take misinformation seriously,' the Facebook CEO said in his post. 'Our goal is to connect people with the stories they find most meaningful, and we know people want accurate information. According to one analysis, Facebook's top-performing stories included a disproportionate amount of bogus news from hoax websites and extreme-right blogs with untruthful attacks on Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton. Zuckerberg dismissed the claims as 'pretty crazy' He also said Facebook would make it easier to report false content, work with third-party verification organizations and journalists on fact-checking efforts, and explore posting warning labels on content that has been flagged as false. The company will also try to prevent fake-news providers from making money through its advertising system, as it had previously announced. Zuckerberg said Facebook must be careful not to discourage sharing of opinions or mistakenly restricting accurate content. 'We do not want to be arbiters of truth ourselves, but instead rely on our community and trusted third parties,' he said. Facebook historically has relied on users to report links as false and share links to myth-busting sites, including Snopes, to determine if it can confidently classify stories as misinformation, Zuckerberg said. The service has extensive 'community standards' on what kinds of content are acceptable. Facebook faced international outcry earlier this year after it removed an iconic Vietnam War photo due to nudity, a decision that was later reversed. The thorniest content issues are decided by a group of top executives at Facebook, and there have been extensive internal conversations at the company in recent months over content controversies, people familiar with the discussions say. Among the fake news reports that circulated ahead of the U.S. election were reports erroneously alleging Pope Francis had endorsed Trump and that a federal agent who had been investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was found dead. Zuckerberg's comments came after President Barack Obama, who is also attending the APEC summit, and others have been sharply critical of the spread of fake news online. In a news conference Thursday in Berlin, Obama called bogus stories disseminated on Facebook and other social media platforms a threat to democracy. The president decried 'an age where there's so much active misinformation and it's packaged very well and it looks the same when you see it on a Facebook page or you turn on your television.' Pfc David Winchester (pictured) was found dead in his barracks on Wednesday A 21-year-old soldier was found dead in his barracks at Fort Bragg, army officials said. Pfc. David Winchester, of Adamsville, Alabama, a decorated soldier who was a biomedical equipment specialist, was found dead on Wednesday at the military base in North Carolina. Winchester joined the Army in April 2015 and was assigned to Fort Bragg last June. The details surrounding his death and have not been released, but agents with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command are investigating. Lt. Col. Aric Bowman said Winchester 'was the embodiment of what every commander hopes for in a soldier.' Bowman also described the 21-year-old as 'an enthusiastic, high-performing member of our medical maintenance team.' 'He touched many lives through his sophisticated work and personal drive to make a positive impact on all around him,' Bowman said. 'Our entire team shares in this loss with his family, and we actively pray for peace and comfort for all that knew this wonderful young man.' Winchester's awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. Shane Warne's defunct charity has been cleared of any financial misconduct by Australia's charity regulators following inconsistencies with their reporting. The Australian Charities and Non-profit Commission and Consumer Affairs Victoria have looked into The Shane Warne Foundation's paperwork following allegations the foundation only donated 16 cents for every dollar raised. The separate investigations conducted by the CAV and the ACNC have not found any evidence of material infringements, the Herald Sun reported. Scroll down for video Shane Warne's namesake foundation has been cleared of any financial misconduct following investigations by the Australian Charities and Non-profit Commission and Consumer Affairs Victoria The investigations by the ACNC and CAV probed into allegations the foundation only donated 16 cents for every dollar raised While the ACNC have decided on a no compliance action, the CAV is still finalising their investigation. The charity officially closed its doors in March 2016 following their growing financial issues and the media scrutiny. Warne has maintained his charity did not have anything to hide. In 2015, the CAV ordered an audit of the the foundation after they found cash donations had not been recorded properly and paperwork lodged late. The charity officially closed its doors in March 2016 following the growing media scrutiny Shane Warne said his charity has not did not have anything to hide (pictured with professional poker player Joe Hachem) After repeated requests for financial records, the CAV ordered an audit of its books over the last three-and-a-half years. In an interview with The Project's Waleed Aly in March he said none of the charity's board members had taken any of the charitable funds. 'You can all go and get stuffed if you want to have a go at us for it, but we are very, very proud of what we have been able to achieve,' Warne said in defence of his charity. A Florida surfer who dreamed of riding Southern California waves has died doing what he loved. Dana Brown, 60, was paddling near the Huntington Beach pier with waves swelled between four to six feet when he was slammed into a pier pillar on November 6 near sunset. He was underwater for several minutes before other surfers saw him and towed him to shore, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his funeral expenses. Dana Brown (above), a Florida surfer who dreamed of riding Southern California waves, has died doing what he loved. He was deeply religious and wouldn't surf on the Sabbath Brown (above), 60, was paddling near the Huntington Beach pier with waves swelled between four to six feet when he was slammed into a pier pillar on November 6 near sunset He died at a hospital four days later. Brown lived in a van with his father, George. Racheal Katz met them about four years ago in Cocoa Beach, Florida. 'Dana and his dad were innocent,' she told the Los Angeles Times. 'You don't see innocent people any more, and you definitely don't find innocent 60-year-olds.' Brown, who wore a long white beard, was deeply religious and wouldn't surf on the Sabbath, she said. He took care of his ailing father, bathing, feeding and reading to him. 'When his dad got sick, he spent probably every day with him,' Katz said. He was underwater (Huntington Beach file above) for several minutes before other surfers saw him and towed him to shore, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for his funeral expenses He died at a hospital four days later. Brown (above) lived in a van with his father, George. He took care of his ailing father, bathing, feeding and reading to him until he died in March 'Dana carried him in and out of that van every day. He didn't want him in any kind of an adult caring facility.' His father's death in March dealt Brown emotional and financial blows, and he spent many weekends at his father's gravesite, according to the GoFundMe page. 'They had a journey together, him and his dad,' Katz said. 'The death kind of ruined what Dana believed.' About six months later, Brown left Cocoa Beach, Florida to go on his dream trip to Huntington Beach in California. The Orange County city is known for its excellent surfing and has trademarked the title 'Surf City USA.' Brown was expected to be buried next to his father in Cocoa Beach on December 3. 'I hope he caught one great wave,' Katz said. 'He died doing what he loved.' Eight people were arrested on Saturday when a small group of protesters calling themselves White Lives Matter were confronted by counter-demonstrators supporting Black Lives Matter at the Texas State Capitol near where Governor Greg Abbott had earlier dedicated a monument recognizing the contribution of African-Americans to the state. Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Sgt. Victor Taylor said four of the arrests were for assault, two for evading arrest, one for disorderly conduct and one for 'interference with public duty.' Two of those arrested were on Capitol grounds and the others on adjacent streets. 'Some protesters assaulted other protesters,' Taylor said. 'We don't know for sure which side they were on. A lot of them were co-mingled.' Police in riot gear hold counter-protestors away from a White Lives Matter rally in front of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday Members of the Houston-based White Lives Matter movement hold a rally outside the Texas State Capitol Members of a Houston-based White Lives Matter group holds a rally outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin A man shouts at another man, left, who is trying to join a White Lives Matter group Police use their bicycles to push back counter-protesters with Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump signs to a White Lives Matter rally outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin Texas State Troopers with support from the Austin Police Department stand guard over rallies by a Houston-based White Lives Matter group and counter-protesters Austin police and state troopers dressed in riot gear and some mounted on horseback had tried to keep the two groups separated. Taylor said the confrontation did not affect the unveiling of the monument, which was in a different part of the grounds. A state helicopter circled overhead. Scott Lacy yells at counter-protestors to a White Lives Matter rally outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday (Dave Creaney/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Two men are arrested for assault by Texas State Troopers during a demonstration by Houston-based White Lives Matter About two dozen individuals with the White Lives Matter group, some of whom were armed, demonstrated against what they called the unequal application of hate crimes laws, which they said are applied in a way that favors minorities. The group said it was a coincidence that its protest was held at about the same time as the ceremony for the monument. A member of White Lives Matter demands that hate crimes are not applied equally An armed group that wouldn't identify themselves but carried a sign reading 'Make Racists Afraid Again' stood near the White Lives Matter rally A man was arrested by police during the clashes between the White Lives Matter rally and protesters White Lives Matter member and protest organizer Ken Reed said into a bullhorn that his group was concerned with 'white people's preservation.' 'You all are anti-white and anti-American,' he told the counter-protesters, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The African American Memorial Statue is unveiled outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. (Dave Creaney/Austin American-Statesman via AP) The White Lives Matter group was shouted down by several hundred counter-protesters, who held up signs that said 'Stand Against Hate' and 'Black Lives Matter.' One of them, Marie Catrett, said she came to stand up for the rights of minorities. 'I think they are full of hatred,' Catrett said about the White Lives Matter group. 'They don't represent our community or our values.' During the unveiling ceremony, Abbott told a crowd in attendance that the monument honors African-Americans who helped grow Texas. Police in riot gear separate counter-protestors from a White Lives Matter rally outside the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Saturday 'The fact is African Americans have shaped this land that we are on today since long before it was even named the state of Texas. They fought for their own freedom. They fought for the freedom of Texas and the freedom of the United States of America,' Abbott said. Armed members of the White Lives Matter movement walk down the street in Austin The monument is located on the Capitol's south lawn, close to other monuments that honor Confederate soldiers for their service during the Civil War. The new monument features the African-American experience in Texas, from exploration in the 1500s to slavery and emancipation to achievement in arts and science. It will be the 21st monument on the Capitol grounds and the second memorial dedicated to a specific ethnic group. Texas installed the Tejano Monument to Mexican-American history in 2012. -shooter by those who have worked with him The retired four-star Marine Corps General has been called a 'warrior monk' and a salty Retired Marine Corps General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis has been declared one of president-elect Donald Trump's top choices to fill the role of Secretary of Defense. Keeping in form with Trump's already-filled cabinet picks, Mattis is a controversial figure who will need a congressional waiver in order to server, should the the president-elect select him. The four-star Marine Corps general, who once said 'its fun to shoot some people', according to the Daily Beast, has only been retired for four years. But in order to obtain the position, Secretaries of Defense must be out of the Military for seven. Arizona Senator and Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain said that Congress has waived this requirement in the past and that it shouldn't hinder Trump's choice. Scroll down for video Retired Marine Corps General James 'Mad Dog' Mattis (center) has been declared one of president-elect Donald Trump's top choices to fill the role of Secretary of Defense The retired general and Trump met on Saturday in what Trump said was a great meeting and called Mattis a 'great man' A team of lawyers is reportedly working on Capitol Hill to figure out how to make the waiver work for Mattis. The retired general and Trump met on Saturday in what Trump said was a great meeting and called Mattis a 'great man'. As Mattis left his meeting with Trump, they shook hands and when asked about how the meeting went, Trump said: 'All I can say is he is the real deal. The real deal.' In a follow question about whether Trump would choose Mattis for Secretary of Defense, he said: 'We'll see, we'll see.' Trump added of Mattis that 'he's just a brilliant, wonderful man. What a career. We are going to see what happens but he is the real deal.' Mattis led Central Command from 2010 to 2013 before retiring. He managed conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia during that time. Mattis led Central Command from 2010 to 2013 before retiring. He managed conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia during that time He often butted heads with the Obama administrations, which he saw as weak and too hasty to remove troops from Afghanistan. Mattis has made many comments criticizing the Obama administration from innocuous details to things as dire as failing to prepare to battle an expansionist Iran, according to the Daily Beast. 'The international order is not self sustaining. It demands tending by an America that leads wisely, standing unapologetically in defense of our values,' Mattis said. His fellow Marines have lauded him as a 'warrior monk' and at one point he was poised to run against Trump as the nominee for president. Those who have worked with him say he's a straight shooter known for his salty language, often referred to as 'Mattisisms'. One pearl of wisdom includes: 'Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.' In 2005 he made an infamous remark about killing people in Afghanistan: 'You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap around women for five years because they didnt wear a veil. You know guys like that aint got no manhood left anyway, so its a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them.' His fellow Marines have lauded him as a 'warrior monk' and say he's a straight shooter known for his salty language, often referred to as 'Mattisisms' If appointed, Mattis would add to Trump's cabinet of 'national security super-hawks' and cause a more aggressive defense of the U.S., the Daily Beast reported. 'Im a great admirer of Gen. Mattis. I think one of the reasons why it would be good to have him is that he has recent combat experience in both theaters (Iraq and Afghanistan). So he really understands complex situations on the ground,' McCain told The Daily Beast. McCain's Senate Armed Services will have to confirm more than 50 position related to defense in Trump's administration. 'As dire a situation as it is, I think he is by far the most qualified individual,' McCain said. One pearl of wisdom includes: 'Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet' Illinois Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger also told the Daily Beast he would approve of Mattis in the position. 'Hes a man of character and integrity. Hes given his life to his country,' John Noonan told the Daily Beast. has the lowest survival rate of all childhood cancers Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli pictured kissing 10-week-old son Valentino, who has been diagnosed with aggressive cancer neuroblastoma Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has revealed the pain of his 10-week-old son's traumatic cancer battle. Valentino was diagnosed with neuroblastoma just weeks ago after his mother, Jean-Christophe's fiancee Michelle, found a lump on his neck during feeding at their family home in Hertfordshire. Neuroblastoma is an aggressive disease and has the lowest survival rate of all childhood cancers. Father-of-four Jean Christophe said the diagnosis rocked his family and reduced him to an emotional wreck. He told the Sunday Mirror: 'There have been nights when I have sat alone, crying, asking God why this has happened to my little boy and not to me. I wish I could change places with him. Valentino is so tiny. You feel utterly helpless. 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 of them are under five. It 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. After making the terrifying discovery Jean-Christophe, 55, and Michelle, 40, took their baby to see specialists - but another earth-shattering blow was coming. Scroll down for video Jean-Christophe (pictured with his fiancee Michelle) said he broke down in tears when he discovered his son had cancer Ten-week-old Valentino is Jean-Christophe's fourth child - he has two other sons and one daughter After an initial operation, surgeons told the couple that they could not successfully remove the tumour because it was too close to his windpipe and nerves. However, a team at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge told the family that their little one could be treated with chemotherapy. Initial tests on Valentino have shown that his cancer has not spread, which offers a ray of hope to Jean-Christophe, Michelle and Valentino's brothers and sisters. Michelle said that in order to remain positive she looks to the future. She told the Mirror: 'Whats keeping me going is the thought of Valentino walking me down the aisle at our wedding, as a little page boy. A man is in a coma after he was hit in the head during a fight with a homeless man in the early morning hours on Sunday in Sydney, witnesses said. The 30-year-old man was knocked unconscious after an altercation in Haymarket, on the corner of George Street and Hay Street around 12.45am on Sunday, police said. Traffic controller Ina Osorio, who was in the area at the time, told The Daily Telegraph she saw two men talking before they began to argue and throw punches at one another. A 30-year-old man is in a coma after he was hit in the head during a fight with a homeless man around 12.45am on Sunday on the corner of George Street and Hay Street in Sydney (pictured) The man had injuries to his face and head and was semi-concious when paramedics and police arrived (pictured) 'We think the attacker is a regular beggar on the streets. He's always asking for spare change. He was sitting with another man and then they started throwing punches,' she said. 'The homeless guy hit him and knocked him down to the ground. It was a huge bang and he has been lying on the ground unconscious,' she said. Police initially told Daily Mail Australia they believed the man was a victim of a one-punch attack but could not confirm. The man had injuries to his face and head and was semi-concious when paramedics and police arrived. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in critical condition and placed in an induced coma, police said. His condition had improved by Sunday afternoon, according to the Daily Telegraph. He was taken to taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in critical condition and placed in an induced coma (pictured) Two broken beer bottles found at the scene has been collected by police and is believed to have been used in the attack, according to Channel Seven. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Another man - a 31-year-old - was assaulted in Pyrmont overnight and is in the hospital after being hit on the head with a bottle during an altercation with five men, the Daily Telegraph reported. Anyone with information about the assaults is asked to call Crime Stoppers. Advertisement Hundreds of anti-racism protesters have been kept from a Donald Trump election celebration amid fears the two opposing groups would physically clash. More than 1,000 people said they would be attending a pro-Trump rally outside the Victorian Parliament House on Sunday, but only around 50 members of the far-right groups True Blue Crew and the United Patriots Front - including leader Blair Cottrell - turned up. Hundreds of Anti-Trump protesters - many of whom obscured their identities with bandanas and masks - held up signs with swastikas proclaiming 'refugees are welcome, racists are not' and 'Stop Trump' at a counter-rally only metres away. Scroll down for video Protesters from True Blue Crew (left) and No Room for Racism (right) have converged in Melbourne on Sunday following Donald Trump's election in the United States The protesters were kept divided throughout the protest and counter rally which was held outside Victoria's parliament A woman from State and a Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (right) and True Blue Crew (left) clash on Sunday Police surround a woman attending the True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front's celebration of Donald Trump's election Riot police are seen as the True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front rally to celebrate Donald Trump's election Riot squad officers on foot were seen wearing extensive body armour as Trump supporters and protesters gathered The rallies met outside the Victoria Parliament building (pictured) in Melbourne at 2pm on Sunday Anti-Trump groups attended, claiming that the supporters are using the election of Trump to promote racism A woman wearing an orange Donald Trump mask attends a rally outside Victoria's parliament on Sunday afternoon United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell (pictured) walks ahead of a banner congratulating Donald Trump US Republican president-elect Donald Trump pictured in late October Two women were seen yelling at each other through a fence erected to keep the groups apart before police swooped in and dragged her away. Three young girls from the pro-Trump camp held up signs spruiking Ivanka Trump for president in 2024. 'Trump trumped the leftist bigots,' one sign read. Tensions were high between the two opposing groups, but police did not allow the protesters to meet amid fears the interaction could have turned violent. Only one man was arrested during the protest and counter rally. A 41-year-old man from Bendigo was taken into police custody over an alleged minor assault but was released pending further investigation. Anti-racism proteste with bandnas covering thier faces gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally A 41-year-old Trump supporter from Bendigo (right) was taken into police custody over an alleged minor assault involving a photographer but was released pending further investigation Three young children hold up signs at a pro-Donald Trump rally in Melbourne on Sunday An anti-racism protester in a purple afro wig wheels through Melbourne holding a 'fascist-free zone' Anti-racism protesters gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally outside State Parliament In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia, Victoria Police said: '[We are] aware of two planned rallies in the Melbourne CBD [on] Sunday 20 November. 'We respect the right of the community to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate people breaking the law. 'Police will be present to monitor the rally, manage traffic disruptions, ensure public order and prioritise community safety.' Thousands of Donald Trump supporters celebrate in Melbourne while others counter-rally (pictured) Large groups of people could be seen holding signs (pictured) NUS officer Hareem Ghani says there is an urgent need for institutions to be transparent about the prevalence of sexual violence affecting their students Hundreds of students are being raped and sexually assaulted in British educational institutions every year. Shocking new figures reveal that at least 463 sex attacks were reported by female university students during the past two years equating to one suspected victim a day during term time. But rape crisis groups warned last night that the figures were likely to be a gross underestimate after 28 top universities refused to release statistics. Rachel Krys, from End Violence Against Women, said: These are disturbing numbers, but they are just the tip of the iceberg. There is a laddish culture at our universities that believes highly sexualised behaviour towards women is somehow acceptable that it is all just banter. Universities are not doing enough to tackle this problem. Figures from 70 leading institutions show the majority of alleged offenders were male students. Male tutors were accused of being the culprits in a handful of cases. The University of Oxford and Durham University had the largest number of recorded rape and sex assault allegations in the past two years, with 36 incidents apiece. At Cambridge, a male tutor was accused of sexually assaulting a female student. Similar tutor-pupil sex allegations were made at Lincoln, Glasgow, Kingston and East Anglia universities. In London, there were 15 claims of sexual assaults at the School of Oriental and African Studies, two attacks in the halls of residence at the University of Westminster and three reported at London South Bank University. Falmouth University had 16 reports of suspected sex assaults, including one on a male student. The University of Oxford and Durham University (pictured) had the largest number of recorded rape and sex assault allegations in the past two years, with 36 incidents apiece Hareem Ghani, National Womens Officer at the National Union of Students (NUS), said: This data shows that incidents, whether perpetrated by students or by staff, are far too common for women students. An NUS survey previously revealed that one in seven women claimed to have experienced a serious physical or sexual assault while studying at university. More than a third said they sometimes felt unsafe visiting their university in the evening. Almost a third of universities contacted by The Mail on Sunday refused to reveal how assault allegations were made. Fourteen institutions including Warwick, Nottingham Trent and York universities even claimed that such disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act would breach confidentiality rules. Ms Ghani said: There is an urgent need for institutions to be transparent about the prevalence of sexual violence affecting their students. This includes implementing a centralised reporting system so that incidents can be effectively monitored and to ensure survivors are being properly supported. A Government inquiry was launched last year to tackle violence against women at universities. A task force of university heads has also been set up to bring about a cultural change. An argument has erupted in the Canadian parliament because a politician used the word 'fart'. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel claimed the government was treating the province of 'Alberta like a fart in the room' over employment. But her impassioned speech did not go down well, and Green Party leader Elizabeth May asked for the innocent word to be revoked. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel accused the government of treating the province of Alberta like a fart in the room over employment Green Party leader Elizabeth May did not like the use of the word and asked it to be revoked, but Rempel wasnt backing down May said: 'I heard her say a word I know is distinctly unparliamentary, and I think she may want to withdraw it.' And May did not even want to repeat the word, instead spelling it out as if it were an expletive. 'Is my colleague actually serious?' Rempel asked with incredulity. 'I just gave an impassioned speech about supporting Alberta jobs, and that's what the leader of a political party stands up and has to say? No, I don't withdraw it.' May disagreed and added: 'Decorum is important, and respect is important in this place.' With both sides refusing to budge - and amid near comical scenes - the Speaker was forced to take advice from the statute books and read into how he should react in such a situation She said she was quite aware of the plight facing workers in Alberta - where unemployment is at a 22 year high and food bank use has shot up 17 per cent in a year - but that she still had an issue over the use of the word 'fart'. With both sides refusing to budge, the Speaker was forced to take advice from the statute books and read into how he should handle in such a situation. The argument prompted response from social media users who mocked the argument. 'With all eyes on Trump's destruction of US politics and civil society, a silent but deadly political scandal in Canada,' tweeted Josh Greenberg, director of one of Canada's leading journalism schools. Writer Tyler Burton Smith added: 'Today there was an uproar in Canadian parliament because somebody said the word "fart". See? Our politics are dramatic as well. #fartgate.' Canada has a long history of banning words in parliament. Some of these words include pompous ass, ignoramus, sick animal, Canadian Mussolini, evil genius and to hell with Parliament attitude. Traditional homework set by primary schools should be scrapped because there is little evidence it helps children learn and it can increase stress in families, according to a Government body. The Teaching Schools Council, which oversees training of teachers, said schools should ensure that homework is handed out only when there is clear justification for it and there are evident benefits for pupils, including school data to back this up. Its report adds that, if homework is set, it should not be too difficult, allowing pupils to succeed without too much struggle and without needing to lean heavily on their parents. Homework can cause friction in families if it's too long and hard says a Government body Schools could set time limits for homework tasks, and pupils should not be expected finish the work if it takes longer to minimise the load and family stress. The report also says children could get classmates to mark their work if teachers do not have time. The controversial recommendations bolster the growing movement against formal homework among some schools and parents. Teachers increasingly complain they do not have time to mark it, and some parents resent having to force their children do it. But many experts have defended homework as a means to reinforce in childrens minds what they have learnt in class that day. But experts say homework is helpful to cement what children have learnt in the classroom Dr Helen Abadzi, an expert in cognitive psychology and neuroscience with the World Bank, told a Cambridge University conference last month: Schools are sending out letters saying we have decided not to set homework. Homework might be hassle for parents, but homework is the time when children reconsolidate what happened in class. When children practise a task, it becomes automatic and unconscious, freeing up space in the working memory for more complex calculations. Under guidelines introduced in 1998, primary schools were told to set an hour of homework a week for children aged five to seven, rising to half an hour a night for seven- to 11-year-olds. But former Education Secretary Michael Gove scrapped the guidelines to give schools more freedom. The chairman of the troubled public inquiry into child abuse will come under increasing pressure this week as a string of lawyers finally reveal why they quit. Professor Alexis Jay is set to be hit by damaging claims by barristers who have left the 100 million investigation that she knew there was a culture of bullying, harassment and even sexual assault but failed to act then tried to cover it up. None of the seven counsel who have left has publicly explained the full reasons for their departure. Professor Alexis Jay is set to be hit by damaging claims by barristers who have left the 100 million investigation And bosses of the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) sparked anger when they refused to tell MPs what had happened or why senior counsel Ben Emmerson QC had been suspended, placed under investigation, then allowed to leave the next day. But now four of the lawyers have written to the Home Affairs Select Committee, which is looking into the chaos at the historical abuse probe, to give their version of events. Their letters are due to be published on Tuesday after a private meeting of MPs on the powerful committee. It will pile pressure on Prof Jay who took over in the summer after third chairman Dame Lowell Goddard quit and Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who has insisted she still has confidence in the process. Letters are believed to have been received from Hugh Davies QC, Elizabeth Prochaska, Toby Fisher and Aileen McColgan. Sources say some of the lawyers will lift the lid on the toxic atmosphere at the inquiry's headquarters in Millbank, Central London, by explaining their personal reasons for resigning. However not all of them have done so, and Mr Fisher said: Having acted as junior counsel to the Inquiry, I am bound by professional obligations of confidentiality which I do not intend to breach. Some of the letters are believed to detail how Mr Emmerson was accused of bullying and harassment. And they repeat allegations made under Parliamentary privilege which his lawyers have denied as 'categorically untrue' that he sexually assaulted a woman in the inquiry offices. Mr Emmerson is being investigated by his employer, Matrix Chambers. Senior counsel Ben Emmerson QC had been suspended, placed under investigation, then allowed to leave the next day The senior lawyers will also say that Prof Jay and the inquiry team knew about the claims against Mr Emmerson but failed to look into them, and wrongly allowed him to resign with a glowing tribute in September the day after suspending him because of 'serious concerns' about his leadership. Left: Toby Fisher. Right: Aileen McColgan It is likely to emerge that there were 'long-standing concerns' about Mr Emmerson but that Prof Jay and the inquiry failed to take them seriously, with the result that some lawyers felt forced out or else resigned 'in protest'. Sources have also told The Mail on Sunday that the inquiry misled MPs and the public by insisting that Mr Emmerson had been preparing a handover since September, earning 1,700 a day, when in reality he has not done any more work on the probe and was told never to return to the office. It can also be revealed that two more lawyers are in the process of quitting and that some of those who had applied to replace Mr Emmerson have withdrawn their applications. A source said: 'Many people are considering their positions.' Left: Hugh Davies QC. Right: Elizabeth Prochaska Last night Labour MP Lisa Nandy said: 'Alexis Jay has got to provide a full account of what has happened. If she can't do that then she can't continue to lead the inquiry.' The inquiry was already in crisis after it has lost three chairmen in its first two years. It has still not held a single evidence session or revealed where it will hold public hearings. Yesterday Prof Jay told a newspaper that she had 'fought for this inquiry' and added: 'I don't intend to stop fighting for it now.' She was sleeping when a member of the public A young woman sleeping in her car has been rescued by quick-thinking police as it burned in the early hours of the morning. A member of the public notified police at the Brunswick police station, north of Melbourne of a woman trapped inside a burning car nearby. Officers used their batons to smash the car windows to free the 19-year-old. A 19-year-old woman sleeping in her car near the Brunswick, north of Melbourne has been rescued when the vehicle caught fire. Police officers from the nearby police station smashed the car's windows and pulled the woman to safety She was pulled to safety by another member of the public. An Ambulance Victoria spokesman confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that the woman was in a serious but stable condition, suffering from smoke inhalation and taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for treatment. One of the police officers helping free the woman had small cuts to his hands and was also taken to hospital. A Victorian police spokeswoman said the fire is not being treated as suspicious. Britains most notorious madam, Cynthia Payne, left nearly 1.3 million in her will. The bulk of it came from the sale of her home in Streatham, South-West London, where she hosted notorious sex parties in the 1970s and 1980s, allegedly attended by vicars, barristers and a peer. The life of Madam Cyn was immortalised in the film Personal Services, where she was played by Julie Walters. Britains most notorious madam, Cynthia Payne, left nearly 1.3 million in her will She then became a chat-show regular and twice stood for Parliament to campaign for prostitution to be legalised. Ms Payne, left, died in November last year, aged 82, and mourners at her funeral wore sexy French maid outfits. She never married and probate records reveal that she left her entire estate to her two sons, Darrell Paine and Glen Nunn. A supermarket giant has made it easy for shoppers to search for their favourite booze simply by typing in slang words. Liquor brand BWS, owned by Woolworths, has embraced the Australian colloquialisms by unveiling a new online shopping website to cater to your drinking needs. The page allows customers to type in a slang word into the search engine without having to spell out the name of the product correctly. Don't worry about typing out 'Moet & Chandon' or 'Jacob's Creek' - search 'champers' and a fulsome list of champagnes will appear without having to type in the fancy words. Liquor brand BWS, owned by Woolworths, has made it easy for shoppers to search for their favourite booze by typing in slang words, including 'goon', which will give a list of cask wine Searching for 'stubby' will do the trick for a list of beer without having to spell out a product Need a goon sack for a party but unsure what brand to go for? Searching 'Goon' will offer a list of the finest cask wine (stock image of a man drinking out of a goon sack) And if you're having a thirst for a Queensland rum and don't want to spell out the entire word 'Bundaberg' - jump to the chase and type in 'Bundy'. Need a goon sack for a party but unsure what brand to go for? Searching 'Goon' will offer a list of the finest cask wine. Searching 'stubby' will do the trick for a list of beer while typing in 'grog' offers the latest specials on a variety of alcohol, including apple ciders. But despite the short cuts, the website has some limits on its search, including words such as 'Chardy', 'Tinnie' or 'Longie'. And it seems not all Australian liquor websites have followed suit. Rival Coles' liquor brands First Choice and Liquorland websites have failed to show a list of booze when slang words were used. The page allows customers to type in a slang word into the search engine without having to spell out the name of the product correctly A couple who work for the military and who had never been in trouble with the law went to jail for two months after their bags of baking soda were drug tested and came back positive as cocaine. Husband Wendell Harvey and wife Gale Griffin of Draper, Utah are truck drivers who have transported explosives for the military for years and have top security clearance, reports KUTV. Harvey is also a former police officer. But none of that helped them when they were pulled over by police for a routine security check as they were passing through Fort Chaffee, Arkansas on May 8. The police found three plastic baggies of baking soda in their truck. The couple insisted the white powdered substance was the harmless household staple - but the contents were tested anyway. Scroll down for video Married couple Wendell Harvey (left) and Gale Griffin (right) were in jail for ten weeks due to a false positive on a field drug test on their bags of baking soda Cheap drug field tests, such as the one above, are routinely used in law enforcement and are routinely inaccurate The couple were stunned when they were told the powder, which Griffin used on their long hauls for cleaning the truck and body mouth rinsing, was an illegal drug. 'You have over $300,000 in cocaine,' Griffin told KUTV that a cop said to her. 'I told him, 'I've never had two nickels to rub together, are you crazy?'' an astonished Griffin told the outlet. 'Then [the police officer] said, 'Ive never had two nickels to rub together either, but now Im the owner of your truck.' The couple's vehicle was confiscated and they were put behind bars, where they stayed for ten weeks, unable to make their $10,000 bail. 'I felt cut off from reality; it felt very strange - someplace that doesnt feel like America to me,' Harvey said. 'I don't know what's wrong with [the police]. Something's wrong and I'm not sure what it is,' he said. The pair said that the jail was horrendous, 'crawling' with bugs and with cold air blasting continually. Griffin said the experience was 'enough to make you crazy.' 'For the first three or four weeks, I just shivered. I didnt have any socks,' Griffin said. 'There were lots of threats and intimidation.' The couple were held in the Sebastian County Detention Center in Fort Smith for ten weeks, where they both said conditions were horrendous Chuck Bowen of the Fort Chaffee Police insisted that the field test for the drug came back positive three different times. 'We're not chemists,' he told the outlet. 'We don't roll with a chemistry set in the back of a police car.' But after a public defender insisted on a laboratory test, this time it came back negative. The cocaine field test, called Scott Reagent Field Test, is used by most law enforcement agencies, said the outlet. It costs $2 and the science behind them reportedly hasn't changed since the 1970s. Gale Griffin, above, said the experience of being in a freezing cold jail 'crawling with bugs' was enough to make her 'crazy' In Las Vegas, a study showed that over three years, 33 percent of field tests were false positives. In Florida, 21 percent of meth tests were shown to be false positive, according to the outlet. The outlet's own reporter, Chris Jones, purchased the same tests the police use online, and used it to test a variety of substances, including Comet, cold medicine, and chocolate. Four out of ten came back false positive for drugs. 'If they did what they did to us, there's no telling how many mistakes they've made,' said Harvey Salt Lake County Prosecutor Sim Gill said that prosecutors must use more extensive and accurate methods of testing if a case is brought to trial. However, studies show that 100,000 people plead guilty or are convinced on field tests every year, said KUTV. 'There are many other cases out there this same way,' said Greg Parrish of the Arkansas Public Defenders Office. Fortunately, Harvey and Griffin were released from jail. Unfortunately, they have been unable to work since the incident because they say their truck suffered major damage while being held by Arkansas authorities and their security clearance was pulled and not yet reinstated. Joel Husk, 37, was terminated on Wednesday from the Talladega Police Department An Alabama police officer has been fired after sharing what many consider to be racist memes, including on about Michelle Obama, on his personal Facebook page. Talladega Police Officer Joel Husk was terminated on Wednesday from the police department in the city, Talladega City Manager Patrick Bryant said. Husk shared a meme on his page showing pictures of Melania Trump with the words, 'Fluent in Slovenian, English, French,Serbian and German' and another photo of Michelle Obama with the words 'Fluent in Ghetto.' Another post Husk, 37, shared showed a photo from the Facebook group 'Last American Patriots'. That post showed bodies lying on an apparent battlefield with the caption, 'Over 620,000 white people died to free black slaves and still to this day not even 1 thank you,' according to Bryant. Husk was fired for sharing a racist meme (above) showing a photo of Michelle Obama with the words 'Fluent in Ghetto', as he violated the city's code of conduct and the social media policy Bryant stated that the two posts violated a long-standing policy of the police department, the city of Talladega's code of conduct and their social media policy. 'We will not tolerate that kind of conduct by any employees,' Bryant told WBRC. 'We take very seriously our responsibility to treat everyone equally and equitably. 'We have to make sure we take steps for the community to trust us.' He told The Washington Post that the statements Husk posted are 'deemed to be biased or racially insensitive or derogatory can affect the community's trust in the police department and, when that happens, we have to take action to correct it.'' He added that 'As public employees, and especially law enforcement officers, we have a standard of excellence to uphold.' Brothers 4 Life leader Bassam Hamzy wrote letters from prison to a former girlfriend, outlining how she did not meet his requirements for a wife because she refused to wear a hijab and was not a 'lady.' Letters between Hamzy and the woman, whose identity has been suppressed, reveal his desire she dedicate herself to Islam and behave appropriately and not like a 'gangster,' according to The Daily Telegraph. Their exchange was presented to the court this week during the trial of Farhad Qaumi and his brother Mumtaz in relation to the murder of debt collector Joe Antoun, who was gunned down outside his Strathfield home in December 16, 2013. Scroll down for video Brothers 4 Life leader Bassam Hamzy (pictured) wrote letters from prison in 2003 to a former girlfriend, outlining how she did not meet his requirements for a wife because she's not a 'lady' Their exchange was presented to the court (pictured) this week during the trial of Farhad Qaumi and his brother Mumtaz in relation to the murder of debt collector Joe Antoun The woman has admitted to dating several high-profile Middle Eastern criminals, including Farhad Qaumi and slain hitman Hamad Assaad. She testified she dated Hamzy in the 90s before he was sentenced to 21 years in jail for murder and importing cocaine. The letters were sent in 2003, just a couple of years into his sentence, during which he found religion and taught himself Arabic. 'I always said you know a man by the woman he accompanies and sadly I don't think you are what I want in a wife,' Hamzy wrote to the woman. 'I want religion, sincerity, loyalty, respect, self dignity, honour and self worth. I don't want a girl but a woman. I don't want a gangster but a lady.' Debt collector Joe Antoun was gunned down outside his Strathfield home in December 16, 2013 (pictured) A woman is giving evidence against B4L leaders in relation to the murder of debt collector (Mr Antoun, pictured with his wife, Teagan) He also complained about the fact the pair would not be able to consummate their relationship until he was out of prison when she is in her 40s. Hamzy also instructed her to visit his sister so she could help her pick a nice hijab and she can begin dressing modestly. 'You asked if we have a chance. If your (sic) willing to do as I please and obey my rules then you have more than a chance. We have hope,' he said. It comes after a woman, known as Witness M, presented the court earlier this week with love letters from Hamzy, Hamad Assaad and Farhad Qaumi, which she had kept in an electronic safe. It is unconfirmed if she is the same woman. The woman has admitted to dating several high-profile Middle Eastern criminals, including Farhad Qaumi (pictured) Defence barrister for Farhad Qaumi, John Stratton SC, asked her if she was involved with violent underworld figures. 'What I am putting to you is, serially, you have been involved with Middle Eastern criminals, is that right or wrong?' 'What do you mean, were my exs criminals? Yes,' Witness M said. She agreed she kept letters from Bassam Hamzy and passed information on from him to the other members. Witness M told the court Farhad Qaumi was offered $200,000 by Antoun's business partner, Elias Elias, to execute the victim. The woman was also involved with slain hitman Hamad Assaad (pictured), who was gunned down last month in an execution killing Boris Johnson is accused of turning up at a crucial meeting with the wrong notes Boris Johnson was at the centre of a Cabinet row last night over claims that he turned up at a vital Brexit meeting chaired by Theresa May with the wrong documents. A source said the Foreign Secretary sparked groans of disapproval at a meeting of the Cabinets Brexit committee on Thursday because he had read the wrong briefing notes ahead of the discussion. The news fuelled suggestions that the Prime Minister was coming to the end of her tether over a series of gaffes by Mr Johnson on handling Britains exit from the EU. Last night, a spokesman for Mr Johnson insisted that he had been equipped with the right papers and had made lengthy interventions on a number of points. Downing Street declined to comment, saying it was a matter for the Foreign Office. The Boris bungle, as it has been described in Whitehall, came when the committee gathered for one of its most important meetings. Members of the group, including Mrs May, Mr Johnson, fellow Brexiteers David Davis and Liam Fox, and other key Cabinet Ministers and officials had been sent briefing notes beforehand. The documents included a detailed account by Brexit Secretary Mr Davis on the progress being made to form a negotiating stance ahead of Mrs Mays decision to trigger Article 50, which will begin the UKs withdrawal from Brussels. The papers put forward plans on how to ensure all main sectors of the economy are protected. The news fuelled suggestions that the Prime Minister (pictured left with German Chancellor Angela Merkel) was coming to the end of her tether However, when it came to Mr Johnsons contribution, well-placed sources claim that he appeared not to have read the documents and had arrived with papers prepared for the committees previous meeting on the implications of leaving the customs union. The sources described an embarrassing silence, after which an awkward-looking Mrs May invited Mr Davis and Mr Fox to move the discussion on. Mr Davis is said to have made an impressive performance. An insider said: Boriss jokes are no longer funny and his shambolic conduct at the Brexit committee was an embarrassment. The PM is coming to the end of her tether. Davis made Johnson look like an amateur. The Foreign Secretarys latest blunder came days after he was embroiled in a series of diplomatic rows during a tour of Europe. Carlo Calenda, Italys former envoy to Brussels, accused Mr Johnson of insulting him. Mr Calenda said Mr Johnson had said Italy must let Britain stay in the single market while banning freedom of movement or Italy would sell less prosecco to the UK. Mr Calenda replied: OK, youll sell less fish and chips, but Ill sell less prosecco to one country and youll sell less to 27 countries. Carlo Calenda accused Johnson of offending him with a comment about prosecco And in an interview with a Czech newspaper, Mr Johnson described claims that freedom of movement was a vital part of EU rules as b******s. He also said Britain will probably leave the EU customs union, which sets standard tariffs for imports from non-EU countries. It sparked a new Cabinet rift over whether the UK leaves both the single market and customs union. Under strict EU rules, if we stay in both it could be impossible for Britain to reach its own deals with countries such as the US. Hardline Brexiteers want Britain to leave both. However, some Ministers say it would be absurd to back Mr Johnsons plan to quit the customs union but not the single market because British firms would face crippling extra red tape on exports to the EU. Sixty Tory MPs, including former Ministers Michael Gove, Iain Duncan Smith, John Whittingdale and Theresa Villiers, yesterday demanded a hard Brexit pulling Britain out of the single market and customs union completely. The Eurosceptics put their name to the demand amid fears that soft Brexiteers in the Cabinet, led by Chancellor Philip Hammond, are trying to weaken the Governments position. Oh b*******! I'm in a bally musical, too: Simon Walters reviews the first night of Brexit The Musical Theresa May is a witch, Michael Gove is a camp creep, Nicola Sturgeon is a hag, and Jean-Claude Juncker is a drunken, belching Eurocrat. No one comes out of David Shirreffs new satirical play about the EU referendum Brexit: The Musical with credit. It is the first in a slew of forthcoming films and plays inspired by the referendum. They will have their work cut out to match the wit and pace of this musical romp, performed at Londons Canal Cafe Theatre. Shirreff dishes out ridicule in equal measure to the Leavers and Remainers. His Theresa May, played by Reggie Seeley, is a wooden Maggie Thatcher tribute act. She parrots lines from her speeches, along with a peppering of Churchill to the indignation of Boris Johnson, who claims he wrote them, not Winston. When May, Nicola Sturgeon and Andrea Leadsom appear as Macbeths three witches, Johnson, (James Sanderson), cries: Let them hail Boris the king! A squeaky voice splutters: What will I get? It is the panto villain, Michael Gove (Chris Vincent), portrayed, in Shirreffs words, as a creepy Kenneth Williams the Carry On comic actor, raconteur and wit whose fame peaked in the 1960s and 1970s. Shirreffs David Cameron (Stephen Emery) is a weak toff who trembles with fear every time that German Chancellor Angela Merkel opens her mouth. Deluded Cameron boasts he has done well at an EU summit with the words: Who said I couldnt negotiate my way out of a paper bag? Boris replies: Er, it was me I think, Dave. No one comes out of David Shirreffs new satirical play about the EU referendum Brexit: The Musical with credit Nigel Farage (Jack Badley) also goads Cameron, singing: I have to say Ive had a laugh, speaking for the other half, the folks that dont think much of Eton and other schools where chaps get beaten. Brexit Ministers Liam Fox and David Davis constantly bitch at each other. When Fox claims: Ive nothing to hide, Davis jibes: Thats a first, Liam. The Three Brexiteers Johnson, Davis and Fox later chant: We havent got a clue what to do and where to start, we need to show by and large that someone competent is in charge. Like so much of the play, it is hard to tell where fact ends and fiction begins a reflection of the background of Shirreff, who is a former journalist with The Economist. He says: Brexit is great material for ridicule. In one scene, Boris raps with Putin in the Kremlin. Mollie Hopkins (pictured) from Radcliffe , Bury, returned to her flat on Friday night and thought she had been robbed Bungling British Gas engineers broke into a woman's flat and 'ransacked' it to check the meter - even though the househoulder has never been a customer. Mollie Hopkins, 23, from Radcliffe , Bury, returned to her flat on Friday night and thought she had been robbed when she saw clothes, dirty laundry and other items strewn across her bedroom floor. She then saw, on the floor of her hallway, a card which had been left by British Gas engineers. It stated they had entered the flat with a warrant to disconnect the supply but no work was carried out because they had found 'the wrong meter'. Miss Hopkins spent two hours on the phone trying to get in touch with British Gas and then vented her fury in a Facebook message directed at the company, which quickly went viral. Miss Hopkins wrote: 'Just want to know why you think it's acceptable to illegally break into people's homes, who aren't customers of yours, when they're not in and without giving any sort of warning or paperwork? Miss Hopkins saw clothes, dirty laundry and other items strewn across her bedroom floor (pictured) Despite the fact she has never been a British Gas customer she saw a card which had been left by the company's engineers (pictured). It stated they had entered the flat with a warrant to disconnect the supply but no work was carried out because they had found 'the wrong meter' 'I've never ever been a British Gas Customer anywhere I've lived so imagine my absolute horror when I came home yesterday evening to find my flat in an absolute state. My bedroom has been completely ransacked, my clothes and personal belongings had been chucked all over the floor! 'Even my laundry basket emptied. In my kitchen cupboards were open. I have two road bikes worth 550 each, they had been moved and were thrown across the other side of the kitchen. She then described the 'terrible anxiety... knowing strangers came into my home', adding: 'It's violating and I feel like my personal space has been disturbed. The worst part of this is the complete invasion of my privacy. I do not know who was in my house, what they did, what they touched and rummaged through. 'Just wanted to warn everyone really, it doesn't matter if you're a British Gas customer or not. They will still act shamefully, treat you like a criminal and rummage through your dirty laundry!' A company representative replied on Facebook, asking for Miss Hopkins' customer reference number, even though she had stated she had never been a customer. Miss Hopkins (left) spent two hours on the phone trying to get in touch with British Gas to complain about the mess Miss Hopkins, who works in a customer complaints department for a Manchester retailer, told the M.E.N: 'It was such a mess. They just trashed the place. 'They found the meter, realised they were in the wrong place and left. It's awful. I've only been here a few months and I don't want to be here anymore to be honest. I'd move out if I could. 'Saturday is my only day off and I'll spend it cleaning up the mess.' She then vented her fury in a Facebook message (pictured) directed at the company, which quickly went viral A company representative replied on Facebook (pictured), asking for Miss Hopkins' customer reference number, even though she had stated she had never been a customer A spokeswoman for British Gas said there was an outstanding debt logged against the address which the company had not realised was accrued by a someone who had since moved out. Letters were sent to the address - but in the name of the previous tenant. Catrin Millar, from British Gas, said: 'This is a mistake for which we are extremely sorry. The BBC's Children In Need Appeal has raised a record 46.6 million after viewers were urged to 'give everything' in memory of Sir Terry Wogan. The Irish broadcaster, who presented the annual TV fundraiser for almost a quarter of a century, died aged 77 last January. The BBC's Children In Need Appeal has raised a record 46.6 million after viewers were urged to 'give everything' in memory of Sir Terry Wogan (pictured) Strictly star Tess Daly, who presented the first half of Friday night's fundraising extravaganza, described Sir Terry as 'our charismatic leader'. She said: 'Sir Terry was everything that embodied Children In Need and is someone we will miss very much. We really will.' Stars who took part included Eddie Redmayne, Simon Cowell, and The Great British Bake Off's Mary Berry. Sir Terry's son Mark joined Graham Norton onstage to present the first-ever Fundraiser of the Year Award set up in tribute to his father. A miracle youth serum using gelatin extracted from donkey skins has been found in food on sale in the UK. The Mail on Sunday revealed last week that the popularity of ejiao in China had led to the slaughter of millions of donkeys worldwide. Now this newspaper has discovered that ejiao as an ingredient in dried dates is being sold at a Chinese food store in East London and marketed as Ejiao Crystal Honey Jujube. Trading standards chiefs are investigating. Scroll down for video Some of the 10,000 donkeys kept for slaughter and breeding at the donkey farm in China The legal status of ejiao in the UK is unclear but several Chinese health shops said remedies containing it were banned in Britain. Mike Baker, chief executive of The Donkey Sanctuary, said: Its appalling that products on sale here could be fuelling suffering across Africa and the rest of the world. The Mail on Sunday has previously reported that four million donkeys are killed each year to meet demand for ejiao. Chinas newly monied middle classes believe claims that it makes men virile and women beautiful. The trade is having a devastating impact in Africa where donkeys are vital to livelihoods. Theresa May is a witch, Michael Gove is a camp creep, Nicola Sturgeon is a hag, and Jean-Claude Juncker is a drunken, belching Eurocrat. No one comes out of David Shirreffs new satirical play about the EU referendum Brexit: The Musical with credit. It is the first in a slew of forthcoming films and plays inspired by the referendum. They will have their work cut out to match the wit and pace of this musical romp, performed at Londons Canal Cafe Theatre. No one comes out of David Shirreffs new satirical play about the EU referendum Brexit: The Musical with credit (pictured are the characters of Michael Gove, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage) Shirreff dishes out ridicule in equal measure to the Leavers and Remainers. His Theresa May, played by Reggie Seeley, is a wooden Maggie Thatcher tribute act. She parrots lines from her speeches, along with a peppering of Churchill to the indignation of Boris Johnson, who claims he wrote them, not Winston. When May, Nicola Sturgeon and Andrea Leadsom appear as Macbeths three witches, Johnson, (James Sanderson), cries: Let them hail Boris the king! A squeaky voice splutters: What will I get? It is the panto villain, Michael Gove (Chris Vincent), portrayed, in Shirreffs words, as a creepy Kenneth Williams the Carry On comic actor, raconteur and wit whose fame peaked in the 1960s and 1970s. Shirreffs David Cameron (Stephen Emery) is a weak toff who trembles with fear every time that German Chancellor Angela Merkel opens her mouth. Deluded Cameron boasts he has done well at an EU summit with the words: Who said I couldnt negotiate my way out of a paper bag? Boris replies: Er, it was me I think, Dave. Nigel Farage (Jack Badley) also goads Cameron, singing: I have to say Ive had a laugh, speaking for the other half, the folks that dont think much of Eton and other schools where chaps get beaten. Brexit Ministers Liam Fox and David Davis constantly bitch at each other. When Fox claims: Ive nothing to hide, Davis jibes: Thats a first, Liam. A likeness? The three characters portrayed in the picture above, only this time in real life The Three Brexiteers Johnson, Davis and Fox later chant: We havent got a clue what to do and where to start, we need to show by and large that someone competent is in charge. Like so much of the play, it is hard to tell where fact ends and fiction begins a reflection of the background of Shirreff, who is a former journalist with The Economist. He says: Brexit is great material for ridicule. In one scene, Boris raps with Putin in the Kremlin. One of Britains most celebrated aristocrats made an extraordinary last request in his will that relatives keep the familys triple-barrelled surname for ever. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, who died last year aged 88, left the bulk of his 21million fortune in trust for his family. And the peer, founder of the National Motor Museum at his 7,000-acre ancestral estate in the New Forest, also issued a plea that his surname Douglas-Scott-Montagu continue for generations to come. In a clause in his will, Lord Montagu reveals his desire for his principal heir eldest son Ralph, 55 to continue the name. He also wants the husband of any woman who becomes his main heir to adopt the surname by deed poll. A nine-year-old boy who went missing after being hit by a jet ski has been found dead by police divers. The boy went missing on Saturday morning at Lake Moondarra near Mount Isa, Queensland, after a jet ski carrying a 34-year-old man and a six-year-old boy, believed to be the boy's father and brother, crashed and hit him at high speed. The man and the six-year-old were taken to Mount Isa Hospital with suspected head, spinal and leg injuries. Scroll down for video A search and rescue operation is underway after a nine-year-old boy went missing following a jet-ski crash on a lake near Mount Isa in north-west Queensland (pictured) A search and rescue operation is underway after a nine-year-old boy went missing following a jet-ski crash on Lake Moondarra near Mount Isa in north-west Queensland The nine-year-old's body was found by police divers at around 6am on Sunday. A search and rescue operationwas launched after the boy went missing. Despite an extensive search of the area with a helicopter, ground and swift water rescue crews, the nine-year-old boy was not found until Sunday. Queensland Police Superintendent Kev Guteridge told ABC News that the jet-ski was being ridden at a very high speed, but police were unsure of the circumstances of the actual crash. 'For some reason, the jet ski has collided with the bank, which also resulted in the young nine-year-old boy being struck by the jet ski at high speed, tragically as a result of that the boy we believe was thrown in the water he hasn't been sighted since.' 'The father and son who were located were thrown onto the bank after the impact.' Mount Isa Police are investigating the cause of the crash. A child protection worker has been charged with multiple child sex offences. The Barossa Valley man, aged in his 30s, was taken into custody on Saturday following allegations of sexual assault against young children in his care. The man, who worked for Families SA, was charged with two counts of aggravated indecent assault and two counts of persistent exploitation of a child. A Families SA employee, now known as South Australia Department for Child Protection, has been charged with multiple child sex offences It's alleged the man was suspended in 2014 after serious concerns were raised but was allowed to return to work as a carer after being 'cleared', Sunday Mail reported. In a statement, South Australian Department for Child Protection, formerly known as Families SA, confirmed the man charged was an employee of the department. 'The employee was immediately directed away from the workplace when the allegations were raised,' the statement to Daily Mail Australia said. 'A review of his employment history is being undertaken. 'The alleged victims are being supported by the department and their wellbeing is being monitored. Families are being notified of the arrest. 'The department is cooperating with police and will continue to assist with their enquiries. As the matter is before the court the department is unable to provide further information.' The man has been refused bail and he will appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday. The charges come after former Families SA carer Shannon McCoole was jailed for more than 30 years for sexually abusing young children in his care. Daily Mail Australia has contacted South Australian Department for Child Protection for comment. A brazen thief stole an $800 Buddha head statue from outside a shop in a busy shopping strip in broad daylight. Witnesses say the brawny bandit picked up the heavy stone sculpture 'as if it was a feather' and drove off with it, all in about five minutes. The daytime heist was captured on CCTV from across the road, but the figure seen swiping the statue is barely a blob. A brazen thief stole an $800 Buddha head statue (the other of the set of two pictured) from outside a shop in a busy shopping strip in broad daylight The daytime heist was captured on CCTV from across the road, but the figure seen swiping the statue is barely a blob Shopkeepers on The Parade in Norwood, in Adelaide's east, said no one intervened because it didn't look like the thief was stealing it. 'It was just as if he just came to pick up his order and drive off... it was unreal,' salon owner Joe Romeo told 7 News. Another local business owner, Jesse Sekhon, said a man walking past even gave him a hand putting it in the back of his car. It was stolen from the front of this building, which has just been set up as a furniture store The statue's owner Graham Milne (pictured) put two of the statues out the front of his new shop thinking they would be too heavy to steal 'It was just as if he just came to pick up his order and drive off... it was unreal,' salon owner Joe Romeo (pictured) said 'He didn't realise he was helping somebody steal something,' he said. The statue's owner Graham Milne put two of the statues out the front of his new furniture store thinking they would be too heavy to steal. 'I was a lovely statue that took a long time to source. Bring it back it's only going to give you bad karma,' he said. SA police were investigating and asked anyone with information to contact them. Bronson Ellery - Lizard Man - liked pigeons, believed in aliens and enjoyed spelling bees, his friend has revealed. Ellery was found dead in a Southport, Gold Coast apartment alongside the body of his former girlfriend, Shelsea Schilling on Friday November 11. Now, his friend Nick Blandthorn - who found the pair's bodies - has revealed the tattooed former Bandido bikie had a number of traits that his head-to-toe tattoos did not reflect, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. Scroll down for video Bronson 'Lizard Man' Ellery and with friend Nick Blandthorn before his death Mr Blandthorn (left) found Ellery's body alongside that of Shelsea Schilling's Shelsea Schilling Ellery would joke about the pair making a good-looking gay couple, Mr Blandthorn said. When lightning struck, he'd attribute it to aliens. 'I'm seeing all these pictures of him with guns I just think it's funny because I'd get to his place at times in the morning and the first thing he'd do before he'd feed himself he'd feed the pigeons,' Mr Blandthorn said. 'This is how tough he is we'd do spelling bees at his house. He'd go "Spell parallelogram". I can't even say the thing. We'd sit there and deadset do spelling bees.' Mr Blandthorn also told the Gold Coast Bulletin about Ellery's obsessive cleanliness. Ellery had also been a fan of 'metal' music and had once released his own album. The pair gave each other tattoos - Mr Blandthorn received a koi fish on his arm for Ellery, but when he began to return the favour - a dragon on the back of 'Lizard Man' - he was told to stop because he couldn't tattoo properly. During Ellery's prison stint earlier in 2016 - for breaching a domestic violence order Miss Schilling had taken out against him when she tried to escape him - he and Mr Blandthorn kept in touch, however, due to a new job, they hadn't seen each other in the weeks leading up to he and Miss Schilling's deaths. Mr Blandthorn said walking into the apartment and finding them dead would stay with him for a long time. Earlier, revelations were made about how the pair were found. Shelsea Schilling and Bronson Ellery pictured together Ellery received the name Lizard Man for the tattoos he once had on his face - but he covered with further tattoos Ellery once released his own music album, pictured is an image from a music video Citing sources close to the investigation, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported Ms Schillings had suffered a blow to her head and had signs of asphyxiation. It was also reported she had a gash on her face. A Queensland Police spokesman would not comment on the disclosures as police are preparing a report for the coroner. Police have said a suicide note was found at the scene and investigators do not believe a third party was responsible for the deaths. Miss Schilling's funeral is to be held on Monday. The investigation continues. For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14. Ellery had a skull tattooed over his face before having the number 23 inked over the top of it At least 115 passengers, most of whom were sleeping, were killed when an express train derailed in northern India early Sunday, police said. Rescue workers were searching for survivors believed still trapped inside the badly mangled coaches of the Patna-Indore express after the crash near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh state. Police initially put the death toll at 63 but revised the figure later. At least 150 people were injured. Fourteen carriages of the train, travelling between the northeastern city of Patna and the central city of Indore, came off the track. Scroll down for video At least 104 passengers, most of whom were sleeping, were killed when an express train derailed in northern India early Sunday India's Railways Minister vowed that the government would immediately investigate the causes of the accident and promised accountability Fourteen carriages of the train, travelling between the northeastern city of Patna and the central city of Indore, came off the track Rescuers move a body at the site where a train derailed in Kanpur, in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh 'The death toll has unfortunately increased,' Daljit Singh Chawdhary, the additional police director-general, told reporters, adding 150 were injured. All local hospitals have been placed on alert and more than 30 ambulances have been deployed. TV footage showed rescue workers using gas cutters and other equipment to slice through severely mangled coaches strewn with suitcases and other luggage. Witnesses spoke of being woken by a huge bang and being thrown around. 'We woke up to a great thud this morning. It was pitch dark and the noise was deafening,' a passenger told reporters as he waited with his family at the scene. 'I am lucky to be alive and safe. But it was a near-death experience for us.' Injured passengers are seen in a hospital after a train derailed in Kanpur, in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh Fourteen carriages of the train, travelling between the northeastern city of Patna and the central city of Indore, were thrown off the track All local hospitals have been placed on alert and more than 30 ambulances have been deployed. The wreckage can be seen above Nitika Trivedi, a student who boarded the train with her family from the eastern city of Patna, said images of the bodies of her fellow passengers would long haunt her. 'I had never seen something like this in my life before. I am shaken to the core.' Railway officials said special trains had been pressed into service for stranded travellers. 'We are also trying to clear the tracks and complete the restoration work as quickly as possible,' Vijay Kumar, a spokesman for north-central railways, told AFP. Suresh Prabhu, India's Railways Minister, said in a tweet the government would immediately investigate the causes of the derailment National Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said in a tweet the government would investigate what caused the derailment and announced compensation for the victims. India's railway network, one of the world's largest, is still the main form of long-distance travel in the vast country, but it is poorly funded and deadly accidents occur relatively frequently. In 2014 an express train ploughed into a stationary freight train, also in Uttar Pradesh, killing 26 people. And last year 27 people died after two trains derailed in Madhya Pradesh state during heavy rain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he was 'anguished beyond words' by the loss of life in the latest accident. In 2012 a government report said almost 15,000 people were killed every year on India's railways, describing the deaths as an annual 'massacre'. Modi's government has pledged to invest $137 billion over five years to modernise the crumbling railways, making them safer, faster and more efficient. Two senior police officials in Kanpur said their teams have been able to pull out 63 bodies from the badly damaged carriages. An derailed carriage is seen above India's creaking railway system is the world's fourth largest, ferrying more than 20million people each day, but it has a poor safety record, with thousands of people dying in accidents every year. The nation suffers frequent train derailments, sometimes with tragic consequences, including another train accident in Uttar Pradesh in March last year that killed 39 people and injured 150. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences. 'Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families,' Modi said. At least nine people, including three children, are injured after the vehicle they were travelling in rolled following a horrific crash in bushland. Police have been told eight people were in the utility tray and four were inside the vehicle when it crashed and rolled around 12.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were called to Glowworm Tunnel Road, Newnes Plateau, in the Newnes State Forest, near Lithgow in New South Wales. Scroll down for video At least nine people have been treated by paramedics for various injuries following a crash A 14-year-old boy has suffered chest and leg injuries, and two girls aged eight and 12 were left with a broken arm and pelvis injury. Two of the children have been airlifted to the Children's Hospital at Westmead. At least nine people have been treated by paramedics for various injuries. A crime scene has been established and officers from the Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000. Alec Baldwin revived his performance as Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, and in this portrayal the actor pulled no punches. The skit made sure to poke fun at Trump's latest feud with the cast of Hamilton. As Mike Pence - played by Beck Bennett - greeted Baldwin's Trump, the future president asked him what he thought of Hamilton. 'It was good. I got a free lecture,' Pence replied. Alec Baldwin (left) revived his performance as Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, and in this portrayal the actor pulled no punches SNL showed a clueless president-elect googling how to defeat ISIS and panicking about how much his border wall will cost 'OK. Big plan, big plan. Google, "what is ISIS?" Oh, my. 59 million results ...' Trump says before grabbing his phone and shouting: 'SIRI? How do I kill ISIS?' Trump also thanked Pence for having his back, saying: 'I love you, Mike. You're the reason I'll never be impeached.' Earlier in the skit, Mitt Romney, played by Jason Sudeikis, was announced by a horrified and haunted-looking Kellyanne Conway, played by Kate McKinnon, and entered to an overwhelming applause. Trump and Romney shook hands through an agonizing, awkward pause until Romney said: 'This isn't going to work, is it?' 'I don't think so,' Trump replied. SNL also took jabs at Trump's real-life back-pedaling on campaign promises like repealing Obamacare, hiring a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton, and deporting millions of immigrants. As Pence rattled off a list of the promises, Baldwin's Trump shouted 'scrapped!' When Pence talked about how difficult it would be to deport millions of immigrants, Trump responded: 'Maybe let's not do it!' A horrified and haunted-looking Kellyanne Conway, played by Kate McKinnon, introduces each guest to Trump First he meets with the general who says he can't wait for Trump to reveal his secret plan to kill ISIS Later, when a rural campaign worker says he's grateful Trump will bring back jobs and build a wall, Trump beings to panic over the cost $25 billion cost of the '2,000-American-mile' wall 'What about Obamacare? 20 million people use it, and I know it's crazy, but they actually like it,' Pence said to Trump. Trump frantically replied: 'Keep it. Let's just keep it. All of it. No change.' When Pence asked about a special prosecutor for Clinton, Trump said: 'Don't do it. She didn't do anything. SCRAPED.' Before telling Pence to scrap all of Trump's major campaign promises, Trump met with a general and a local campaign manager from Virginia who asked about Trump's wall along the Mexican border and his 'secret' plan to defeat ISIS. Earlier in the skit, Mitt Romney, played by Jason Sudeikis (pictured), endured a long, awkward handshake Romney finally says: 'This isn't going to work, is it?' and Trump replied 'I don't think so,' before Romney leaves 'We're really looking forward to hearing (your plan to defeat ISIS). It's only seven weeks away, so let's save some lives together,' the general said to Trump. As soon as the general left Trump ran to his computer, sat down and said: 'OK. Big plan, big plan. Google, "what is ISIS?" Oh, my. 59 million results ...' Trump said before grabbing his phone and shouting: 'SIRI? How do I kill ISIS?' Later, when a rural campaign worker said he's grateful Trump will bring back jobs and build a wall, Trump panicked over the cost $25 billion cost of the '2,000-American-mile' wall. As Mike Pence - played by Beck Bennett - greeted Baldwin's Trump, the future president asked him what he thought of Hamilton SNL also took jabs at Trump's real-life back-pedaling on campaign promises like repealing Obamacare, hiring a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton, and deporting millions of immigrants As Pence rattled off a list of campaign promises, Baldwin's Trump shouted 'scrapped!' '$25 billion? It can't be that much. It's OK, Don. Hillary is still ahead in the polls,' Trump said, not seeming to understand Clinton is no longer in the race. But by the end, Trump felt all was well with Pence by his side. 'Being president won't be easy, but we'll get through it if we work hard,' Pence told Trump. Trump felt satisfied before asking: 'You're gonna do everything right?' Trump also thanked Pence for having his back, saying: 'I love you, Mike. You're the reason I'll never be impeached' The cast finally broke, turned to the camera and shouted: 'Live from New York it's Saturday night!' Later in the show, a skit lampooned CNN, portraying the pundits like Kayleigh McEnany, Van Jones and Dana Bash on a panel hosted by Anderson Cooper. As news of each new Trump scandal breaks, the pundits say the exact same phrases over and over until they all malfunction, revealing they're robots. Technicians replace Cooper with CNN host Jake Tapper and the panel continues on with the same lines over and over again. Later in the show, a skit lampooned CNN, portraying the pundits like Kayleigh McEnany, Van Jones and Dana Bash on a panel hosted by Anderson Cooper Technicians replace Cooper with CNN host Jake Tapper and the panel continues on with the same lines over and over again Later, during the Weekend Update segment, Michael Che and Jost discussed the latest cabinet appointments, mocked Trump for wanting to sleep in his 'big boy bed' in Trump Tower in New York and brought up the Hamilton fiasco again. 'Of course he was booed,' Jost said. 'He's a guy from Indiana who believes in gay conversion therapy. Visiting Broadway is how people from Indiana realize they're gay.' On Saturday, the real Trump sent out several tweets to the cast of Hamilton, insulting them for their treatment of Pence. 'Very rude and insulting of Hamilton cast member to treat our great future V.P. Mike Pence to a theater lecture. Couldnt even memorize lines!', Trump wrote. Twitter seemed to enjoy Baldwin's reprisal as Trump, the CNN sketch and Weekend Update It was his third tweet in response to Actor Brandon Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the smash-hit musical, and the rest of the cast pausing the curtain call to single out Pence in the Friday night audience. Earlier he wrote, 'Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,' Trump wrote. 'This should not happen!' The second one, written at 5.56am, read: 'The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!' Later on SNL, Pete Davidson also gave a monologue about how Staten Island voted for Donald Trump and how he planned to let out his anger over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Twitter seemed to enjoy Baldwin's reprisal as Trump, the CNN sketch and Weekend Update although some thought the show wasn't funny for mocking the president-elect. '#SNL please don't ever stop the Trump skits. They are our lifeline...' one person wrote. Another said: '"I love you Mike. You're the reason I'm never gonna get impeached." TOO REAL.' 'Alec Baldwins trump impression on SNL is the best thing,' another person tweeted. But others were less than impressed, as one person tweeted: 'Wondering why I'm watching SNL. Unrelenting anti-Trump diatribe, nothing based on fact.' At the time of the incident he was wearing jeans and a black jacket The man is Caucasian in appearance, in his mid-20s and about 177cm tall They arrested the pair but the man escaped from officers while handcuffed They found a man in his 20s and a 17-year-old girl asleep in a car Police were called to the Eastlink Trail in Noble Park on Sunday about 8am A man is on the run after headbutting an officer and escaping from police in Melbourne. Police were called to the Eastlink Trail near Claudia Street in Noble Park about 8am on Sunday morning, after reports of a suspicious car parked on the trail. Police attended the scene and found a man and a woman asleep in the car. A man in his 20s is on the run in Melbourne after headbutting an officer and escaping from police custody while handcuffed (stock image) They arrested the pair and put them in handcuffs but as they were walking the man to the police van, he turned around and head butted one of the officers. The man fled from police and climbed over the backyard fence of a house on Claudia Street, where police lost sight of him. Officers searched for the man with the help of the Police Air Wing and the Dog Squad but could not locate him. Police told Daily Mail Australia the man was still on the run late on Sunday afternoon. The man is Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid-20s and about 177cm tall. At the time of the incident he was wearing jeans, a black jacket and his arms were handcuffed behind his back. Police were called to the Eastlink Trail in Noble Park on Sunday morning, after reports of a suspicious car parked on the trail. They arrested a man and woman but the man escaped over a backyard fence and is still on the run No one was injured in the incident. A 17-year-old girl has been taken back to a police station for questioning. Westpac bank accidentally sent an automated email to a customer beginning with 'hello Asian'. The email with the subject line 'Asian, your statements are moving online' also featured a stock picture of an Asian-looking woman using an iPad. 'Hello Asian, we know how important it is to have all you financial information available in one place, so we're pleased to let you know you can now view statements online on Westpac One,' the email read. The email with the subject line 'Asian, your statements are moving online' also featured a stock picture of an Asian-looking woman using an iPad Westpac spokesman Chris Mirams said the error was 'regrettable' and the bank had apologised to the only customer it affected. 'We have looked at how this happened and can confirm no ethnic information is collected in this process and are confident it will not happen again,' told the NZ Herald. Social media users speculated that the technical glitch was a result of the email using some kind of data category instead of the customer's name. Trump supporters gathered just streets away from the Broadway theater playing host to Hamilton in New York on Saturday night to show their love and support for President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence. The flash mob occurred after the cast of the show 'harassed' Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Friday night as he left the theater after the show. 'We just held a Trump flash mob outside the Hamilton theater! Take that, liberal actors!' wrote Jack Posobiec, a Trump supporter on Twitter. Protesters gathered close to the theater where Hamilton is currently playing to show their support for President-elect Trump and Vice-President-elect Pence The hashtag #BoycottHamilton was trending on Twitter throughout Saturday evening A group of Trump supporters were seen in the video chanting 'USA!' and waving an American flag. However there are questions over the video's authenticity after many Twitter users disputed the claim that the Trump supporters were directly outside the 'Hamilton' theater on 46th Street in New York City. The video shows the supporters to be closer to Sixth Avenue rather than on Broadway close to the Richard Rogers Theater where the show is playing. On Saturday, Donald Trump tweeted his displeasure that Pence wasn't welcomed with open arms by the Broadway cast on Friday night. Trump demanded that Hamilton performers apologize after they directly addressed him at the end of the show with a statement about their fears. The president-elect, who took to Twitter on Saturday morning to complain claiming the cast had 'harassed' Pence. President-elect Donald Trump demanded that the cast of Hamilton apologize to the Vice president-elect after they stopped the show to address him directly about their fears 'Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,' Trump wrote. 'This should not happen!' 'The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!' The Hamilton cast began their address, which was delivered by actor Brandon Dixon, by thanking Pence for coming to the show. Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the show, even told the audience there was 'nothing to boo here' and that the cast was 'sharing a story of love'. 'Vice president-elect Pence we welcome you and truly thank you for joining us here,' Dixon said onstage. Dixon then told Pence that the cast was a reflection of the Americans who were worried about their future following the presidential election. 'We sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,' he said. 'But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our Americans values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us.' 'We truly thank you for sharing this show, this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds, and orientations.' Dixon was quick to defend the cast on Saturday morning, directly replying to Trump's tweets. 'Conversation is not harassment sir,' Dixon wrote. 'And I appreciate Mike Pence for stopping to listen.' Mike Pence was booed while taking in the award-winning show, Hamilton, in New York on Friday night Dixon was quick to defend the cast on Saturday morning, directly replying to Trump's tweets Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped write the statement to Pence, also tweeted his support for the cast and Dixon Pence was on his way out of the theater as Dixon spoke, and the actor pleaded for the Vice-president elect to listen to their message. 'I see you walking out but I hope you will hear us,' Dixon said before he began. A representative for the show later revealed that Pence stood in the hallway outside and heard the full statement. It was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show's creator, director Tommy Kail, producer Jeffrey Seller and the cast after they heard Pence was coming. Pence was loudly booed throughout the show by audience members, the jeers sometimes so strong that the show had to be stopped repeatedly. The booing was most likely linked to Pence's anti-LGBT stances throughout his political career, as well as Trump's election victory this month. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took to Twitter to weigh in on the subject. 'The arrogance and hostility of the Hamilton cast to the Vice President elect ( a guest at the theater) is a reminder the left still fights,' he wrote. One audience member said that the cast had to repeatedly stop singing the number 'You'll Be Back (Reprise)' because the crowd jeered Pence on every line. 'Fully stopped the song for a minute while people lost their s**t,' the audience member tweeted. 'Never seen anything like it.' 'I'm at #Hamilton and so is Mike Pence. Crowd booed him like crazy,' another wrote. 'Crowd went NUTS at King George's lines 'when people say they hate you' & 'do you know how hard it is to lead?' He had to stop the song.' Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took to Twitter to weigh in on the subject Two audience members tweeted about Pence being booed by the crowd during a specific point in one of the songs 'Vice-president-elect Pence we welcome you and truly thank you for joining us here,' Brandon Dixon said on-stage in a message to Pence Vice President-elect Mike Pence waves as he leaves the Richard Rodgers Theatre after a performance of Hamilton on Friday night And just when Pence thought his embarrassment was over, he emerged from the theater to find a group of angry protesters shouting in the New York street. Hundreds of demonstrators were seen outside chanting: 'F*** Mike Pence.' He then said Hamilton is a 'wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men, women, of different colors, creed, and orientation. Tickets to Hamilton, which racked up 11 Tony Awards earlier this year, are notoriously difficult for the average citizen to get their hands on. Re-sale market StubHub lists the cheapest ticket for Saturday night's show at a staggering $835. It is unclear how Pence secured a ticket. Pence (pictured leaving the theater) was booed throughout the show by those in the audience An Australian nurse operating a fertility clinic in Phnom Penh, Cambodia has been arrested following a crackdown on surrogacy. Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, was detained by anti-human trafficking police on Sunday after the Cambodian government banned commercial surrogacy on October 24, Fairfax Media reported. The fertility specialist and mother of twin boys through surrogacy in Thailand allegedly organised for more than 20 Cambodian women to bear children through her Fertility Solutions PGD Clinic. Australian nurse and fertility specialist Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, was arrested on Sunday Head of Anti-Human Trafficking Office, Police Colonel Keo Thea, told Fairfax Media that Ms Davis-Charles allegedly fabricated Cambodian birth certificates and other documents. The Melbourne-based nurse faces up to two years behind bars if charged and found guilty of engaging in surrogacy and falsifying documents. She will face a Phnom Penh court on Monday. Colonel Thea claims Ms Davis-Charles has a network of clients, most of them Australian, and was allegedly paid $US50,000 for one surrogacy. Her clinic, which moved to Cambodia from Thailand following the Thai government's crackdown on surrogacy clinics after the 2014 Baby Gammy controversy, claims to have a 90 per cent success rate. She was detained by anti-human trafficking police and questioned on Sunday A Cambodian nurse and male civil servant, both 28, were also detained after a raid in Phnom Penh on Friday. Over the last year more than five or six children have been born through surrogacy in Cambodia. The Cambodian Health Ministry clamped down on the industry after surrogacy began to boom in Phnom Penh following bans in Thailand, India and Nepal. Officials say the government plans to put in place a law that protects Cambodian women involved in surrogacy. Cambodian law currently states that a child who is born out of the mother's uterus is her child. The schoolie that was kicked then began to unleash on the antagonist Schoolies has barely begun but already drunken teenagers have been filmed rampaging through the streets of Bali. A brawl broke out on the notorious Kuta tourist party strip after a large man clad in just a pair of underpants kicked another school leaver unprovoked as he walked by. The enraged teenager immediately took chase and the pair exchanged blows until they were pulled apart by a crowd of other revellers. A brawl broke out on the notorious Kuta tourist party strip after a large man clad in just a pair of underpants kicked another school leaver unprovoked as he walked by The enraged teenager immediately took chase and the pair exchanged blows until they were pulled apart by a crowd of other revellers A full-figured woman dressed in a black dress, who appeared to be friends with the first man, could be heard begging the other combatant to 'stop it, please!'. Later she was seen escorting her disoriented, tattooed friend through the streets as he wandered around bumping into people. Police eventually arrive on the scene and the woman was helped by several locals to drag him away despite his clear resistance. Police eventually arrive on the scene and the woman was helped by several locals to drag him away despite his clear resistance A full-figured woman dressed in a black dress, who appeared to be friends with the first man, could be heard begging the other combatant to 'stop it, please!' He grabs at a nearby motorbike as its rider, who had helped drag him along, until he was hauled off. It was not clear whether he was trying to steal the bike or just cling to it. The woman in black then angrily shoves him down the street away from the group as he reluctantly walks backwards. Witnesses reported seeing several intoxicated tourists throwing punches and kicking one another at the party precinct. It was not clear whether they were the men in the video, or if those involved were arrested by police. Thousands of homes in Melbourne could be contaminated It was discovered after he developed Children living in houses that used to be meth labs are at risk, with one child recording levels in his system similar to that of an adult low-level user. The six-year-old boy from Melbourne was living in a house with his family when he started displaying behavioural problems at school, reported Channel 7. After he became seriously ill, it was discovered the house his family was living in was formerly used as a drug lab. A six-year-old boy from Melbourne was living in a house with his family when he started displaying behavioural problems at school and became ill. It was discovered he and his family were living in a house formerly used as a drug lab Environmental researcher Jackie Wright told Channel 7: 'The council had known it was a drug lab, and the previous owner had been told to clean it up, but he was the drug cook, so he didn't and no one followed it up.' According to the report, thousands of homes in Melbourne could be contaminated with the toxic residue, which can remain in houses indefinitely. Symptoms in people are generally hard to diagnose but can include respiratory problems, trouble sleeping including getting to sleep and staying asleep, and vivid dreams. Environmental researcher Jackie Wright (pictured) said the council knew the house was a drug lab, and the previous owner had been told to clean it but no one followed it up According to the report, thousands of homes in Melbourne could be contaminated with the toxic residue, which can remain in houses indefinitely There are often no indications that houses may have been drugs labs as there is no register and homes are often left looking immaculate. Warning signs to watch out for include rusted drain pipes, yellow stains and acid burns on the walls. Police found more than 600 clandestine drug labs in one year, with many located on the Gold Coast. The worrying estimate is that of one in 10 drug labs are never discovered. Environmental science groups such as OCTIEF have also developed testing services for home owners, which involves surfaces being swabbed and the results sent off to a lab for testing. Fixing up homes is often expensive and in serious cases kitchen walls and carpets have been removed and entire houses rebuilt. Warning signs to watch out for include rusted drain pipes (pictured), yellow stains and acid burns on the walls President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin were photographed in a brief exchange in Peru amid frosty dealings over Syria and support for Donald Trump. They spoke briefly on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president. The two leaders stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and taking their seats at a round table for the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. The White House said the conversation lasted four minutes. Scroll down for video President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin walk away from each other after speaking and shaking hands at an economic summit in Peru on Sunday The two leaders were seen chatting, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president Although reporters present couldn't hear what they said, the White House said Obama encouraged Putin to uphold his country's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. Both the White House and the Kremlin said the leaders had agreed that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov should keep working throughout Obama's final months on initiatives to lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory U.S. approach to Russia. Under Obama, the U.S. has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a 'partner-like dialogue,' the Kremlin said. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. It is not clear what they were speaking about Obama's brief conversation with Putin comes amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory U.S. approach to Russia Putin, pictured in Peru on Sunday, phoned Donald Trump to congratulate him on his election victory Peru's President Pedro Kuczynski (center back) speaks at the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Lima, Peru on Sunday It follows revelations Putin is expected to contact Trump once he takes over in the White House to get his agreement on bombing targets in Syria. The Russian ambassador to London, Alexander Yakovenko, said Putin had been trying to persuade outgoing President Barack Obama to agree to Russian pilots bombing rebel targets but relations between Obama and Putin were at a low ebb. Mr Yakovenko told the Sunday Mirror: 'Use of the air force in Syria is part of a diplomacy backed by force. 'We have been trying to coordinate with this US Administration. We'll continue doing so with the next one.' Britain and the US wanted to impose 'no fly zones' above Aleppo to stop the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians on the ground by Russians planes targeting rebels in the east of the city. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January Parents help their children evacuate from their school in Aleppo after rebels shelled a government-held area of western Aleppo The tensions over Syria comes as disturbing footage emerged capturing the moment an airstrike hit a children's hospital in Aleppo It comes as disturbing footage emerged capturing the moment an airstrike hit a children's hospital in Aleppo, forcing babies in incubators to be scrambled to safety. Recent airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals, including the paediatric facility, that had been attacked two days earlier. The bombings reportedly left the rebel-held east of the city without a functioning hospital, although this claim was contested by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. One doctor at the children's hospital, who identified himself only as Hatem, rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while the strikes continued. In the run-up to the election, the U.S. also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the U.S. also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected the claims of interference in the U.S. election. U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall with Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) in Lima, Peru, Saturday U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during a meeting with China's President Xi Jingping during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Lima, Peru, Saturday The meeting with Putin came as Obama prepared for planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the U.S. and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt U.S. workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Besides participating in meetings Sunday with other world leaders attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Forum taking place in Peru's capital, Obama was sitting down first with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a U.S. ally and partner in the trans-Pacific trade deal. A woman has been caught driving high on ice with two young children unrestrained in her car, as she went to pick up more children from school. The woman from Langwarrin, Victoria, was driving a vehicle without number plates when she was pulled over by police at around 3.50pm on Friday afternoon. As they attempted to pull her over they noticed two children in the backseat unrestrained. A woman has been caught driving high on ice with two young children unrestrained in her car. She was pulled over in Langwarrin, Victoria, as she went to pick other children up from school A three-month-old baby had a loosely fitted safety harness, while a three-year-old child wasn't wearing any seatbelt. A drug test showed the woman was under the influence of methamphetamine. The woman is expected to be charged on summons. It is not known if she is the mother of the children. She is facing multiple charges including drug driving, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving an unsafe vehicle. She will also face two counts of failing to have passengers (children) properly restrained. Police will forensically examine the preliminary drug sample to confirm the presence of methamphetamine. EU leaders are planning to force Britain into a 'hard Brexit' as they see it as the only way to stop copycat referendums across the continent. Senior EU officials are increasingly worried that Brexit and the election of Donald Trump as US President will trigger a domino effect and lead to populist, far-right candidates sweeping to power in elections in France and Germany next year. Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right Front National, is ahead in some polls in the French presidential election next year. A senior EU official laid bare the tough negotiating stance facing Theresa May when formal divorce talks begin next year by warning it would be 'fatal' for Brussels to 'be seen to be giving in to a country that is leaving'. It came as Nigel Farage warned today it would be 'game over' for the EU if she is wins the election in May. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, pictured trying on glasses at a trade fair in Paris on Friday, is ahead in polls for the French presidential election next year Later today Les Republicains, the conservative right of centre party that is seen as the best bet of stopping Le Pen, whittles down their nominees to a final two. Former prime ministers Alain Juppe and Francois Fillon are battling it out along with former president Nicholas Sarkozy to win the nomination. As EU leaders plot to save the union, they fear that offering Britain a favourable deal would encourage other member states to seek the same deal by holding their own referendums. An EU official told The Observer: 'If you British are not prepared to compromise on free movement, the only way to deal with Brexit is hard Brexit. 'Otherwise we would be seen to be giving in to a country that is leaving. That would be fatal.' European leaders are terrified of Marine Le Pen, pictured in Paris on Friday, winning France's presidential elections in the spring as she has promised to lead France out of the EU EU leaders fear Brexit and the election of Donald Trump, pictured in New Jersey yesterday, could trigger a domino effect across Europe that would lead to the end of the union Le Pen has already made clear she wants to take France out of the euro - bringing make the beloved franc - and the EU. Farage said a win for Le Pen would be a much bigger political earthquake than Brexit. He said: 'She will clearly win through to the second round. And after what has happened elsewhere, only a fool would say she would have no chance of winning overall. 'France is a deeply, deeply unhappy country. If she were to win, it would be game over for the EU.' Theresa May, pictured meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday, will be given a 'take it or leave it' offer of 'hard Brexit' by EU, officials warned today Nigel Farage, pictured meeting Donald Trump in New York last week, warned today it would be 'game over' for the EU if she is wins the election in May Nigel Farage said a win for Marine Le Pen in next year's French presidential election would be a much bigger political earthquake than Brexit The other 27 EU nations are set to tell Britain it has to accept freedom of movement or kiss goodbye to free access to the open market. They cannot afford to look soft because if Britain receives an attractive deal it would encourage other eurosceptics in several other countries to opt out, thinking they can obtain a similar deal without having to accept unfettered immigration and the other downsides of being in the EU. Norbert Rottgen, chairman of the foreign affairs committee in the German parliament, told The Observer he wanted to help the UK but added: 'I am really ready to come to a result but if [Britain says] no, no, no, then even I would have to say that there is no common ground.' The shock of Trump making it to the White House has triggered the jitters in Paris, Berlin and Brussels. Marine Le Pen, pictured with a model for the 'Made in France' brand in Paris on Friday, has already made clear she wants to take France out of the euro - bringing make the beloved franc - and the EU Later today Les Republicains, the conservative right of centre party that is seen as the best bet of stopping Le Pen, whittles down their nominees to a final two. Pictured, people prepare to vote at a polling station in Betton, western France, today Le Pen will today find out which two Republicains nominees will go head-to-head in their primary election contest next week. It is not clear if Francois Hollande will stand as the Socialist Party candidate, considering his dreadful poll numbers. But she will face outsider Emmanuel Macron, who announced he is standing as an 'anti-establishment' independent candidate in the election. Former French prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said Le Pen 'can win'. The Front National was founded by her father Jean-Marie and she has worked hard to oust its most openly racist sections, including her own father, while still surfing a wave of Islamophobia caused by recent terrorist outrages in France. Race for France's conservative presidential nomination heats up amid fears over the rise of Marine Le Pen and the far-right Opinion polls have for months suggested that far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen will make it to the decisive run-off in May The race for France's conservative presidential nomination looked tighter than as Les Republicains party members began voting on their candidate for next year's presidential race. The stakes are high - polls suggest that whoever wins the nomination will make it all the way to the Elysee Palace, although they will face a tough challenge to beat off Front National's Marine Le Pen, who is leading according to some polls. Ahead of today's vote, which will select two candidates for the decisive November 27 second round, centrist Alain Juppe had lost most or all of his early polling lead as his fellow former prime minister Francois Fillon enjoyed a late surge. After Britain's shock 'Brexit' vote in June and last week's election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, the French election next spring will be the next test of strength between weakened mainstream political forces and rising populist insurgents. Opinion polls have for months suggested that far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen will make it to the decisive run-off in May, but that Juppe would beat her if he won the conservative Les Republicains nomination. His lead, however, has been eroded by two party rivals to his right - ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and Fillon, who served as Sarkozy's prime minister from 2007-2012. 'I can sense a surprise coming,' Fillon told supporters at a rally on Friday in Paris. He urged them to 'shake up' the primaries, winning wide applause and shouts of 'Fillon for president' from a crowd of over 3,000. Long trailing in the polls, Fillon has come from behind in the past week, making the race even harder to call. He was judged the winner of Thursday's final televised debate before the weekend vote, an opinion poll showed. Anyone can vote in the primary, in which there are seven candidates, which opens an already unpredictable contest to tactical participation by left-leaning and far-right voters. Lack of confidence in pollsters, who failed to predict Trump's win and Britain's vote to quit the European Union, has deepened uncertainty surrounding the conservative and Socialist primaries as well as the election itself. But Juppe was confident on Friday that no such upset will happen. 'I am not Hillary Clinton,' he said on public radio, 'and France is not America'. Under unpopular President Francois Hollande, France's ruling Socialists are deeply divided and seen as unlikely to get past the presidential election's first round next April. That would clear the way for whoever clinches the conservative nomination to face Le Pen in the deciding vote. Far-right leader Marine le Pen, pictured visiting a trade fair in Paris on Friday, will today find out which Republicains candidate she will face in next year's presidential race Juppe is seeking to draw support from centrists and left-wing voters determined to prevent a Sarkozy comeback or Le Pen's National Front from winning power. Sarkozy, whose campaign has emphasised law and order, mocked Juppe at a rally in Nimes, southern France, for being too 'soft'. 'I will be the president who re-establishes the authority of the state,' he said. Some market analysts have started taking more seriously the possibility Le Pen could become president, an event some believe could weaken or break up the European Union and the euro zone. But polls have consistently shown her falling short. The electoral system requires her to win over 50 percent of votes in a second-round run-off, and she has persistently polled only around 30. French pollsters have in recent elections also tended to overestimate her appeal rather than underplay it. But should Sarkozy or Fillon emerge as her conservative opponent, polls and analysts suggest, Le Pen's electoral prospects would improve. A major police operation is underway in a suburban street in Sydney's south-west after reports that a man was shot. NSW Police confirmed that they arrived at Warby Street, in Campbelltown, just after 5.10pm to find a 23-year-old man in the street with injuries to his ankle, head, and lacerations to his arm. Officers were forced to pepper spray him after he became aggressive as they tried to assist him with his injuries. He was then taken to Liverpool Hospital, with early reports suggesting he may have been shot. One woman claimed to have heard a 'blood curdling screaming female' at around 5pm, writing on social media that a neighbour had been 'shot in the head.' She told Daily Mail Australia she was unable to leave her unit block from the Warby Street entrance and was told to exit from the other side of her block. A major police operation is underway in a suburban street in Sydney's south-west after reports that a man was shot A 23-year-old man was reportedly taken to Liverpool Hospital with head and leg injuries after claiming to have been shot Footage taken from Warby Street, which has been cordoned off by police, shows at least four police cars and a number of officers standing near a roundabout. It's unclear whether the alleged shooting has any links to a spate of gangland shootings in Sydney across the past two months. Just last week mafia figure and suspected police informant Pasquale Barbaro was shot dead in a quiet street in Earlwood, in Sydney's south. There have been eight underworld executions in Sydney in the last 18 months. A spokeswoman for NSW Police was unable to confirm whether anyone had been shot and said no charges had been laid as of 7.30pm. She said an investigation was ongoing and officers were still at the scene. The Chilcot inquiry was set up to allow ministers to 'avoid blame' for the Iraq War, new documents have revealed. The papers, obtained under the Freedom of Information rules, showed the government thinking before Prime Minister Gordon Brown set up the inquiry in June 15, 2009. It revealed how officials favoured a secret inquiry to be carried out by privy counsellors to minimise the risk of individuals and the government facing legal action. Sir Gus O'Donnell (left) warned Gordon Brown against setting up a full parliamentary inquiry The documents covered a four-week period in May and June 2009. They were obtained by Chris Lamb, an FOI campaigner who won an information tribunal ruling in May after a two-year battle requiring the Cabinet Office to release the papers. In a memo to Sir Gus O'Donnell, cabinet secretary under Brown, Cabinet Office official Ben Lyon suggested the inquiry could be designed to 'focus on lessons and avoid blame'. Mr Lyon also advised against having a full parliamentary inquiry, warning it would lead to a 'daily running commentary.' Sir Gus agreed with this and told the PM it would 'threaten legal liability for individuals' and 'take a long time'. This meant Mr Brown set up a secret Privy Council 'lessons learned' inquiry, as officials had recommended. In a memo to Gus O'Donnell (pictured), cabinet secretary under Brown, Cabinet Office official Ben Lyon suggested the inquiry could be designed to 'focus on lessons and avoid blame' He initially told MPs it should be held in private but within days and under mounting pressure from the opposition and ex-government officials, the PM gave Chilcot the authority to decide how to proceed. Launching the inquiry on July 30 2009, Sir John said he intended to hold as many hearings as possible in public. Many figures who helped set up the inquiry were involved in the issues it would investigate, the Observer reported. This included former spy chief Sir John Scarlett and Sir Jeremy Heywood - dubbed 'Sir Cover-Up' - who was Tony Blair's parliamentary private secretary until 2003. He is currently Cabinet Secretary. FOI campaigner Mr Lamb told the newspaper: 'This shows the inquiry was hobbled before it even started, with tight restrictions on what it could do that were not fully made public.' The Iraq Inquiry chairman, Sir John Chilcot (pictured) said Tony Blair had acted 'unreasonably' when telling Parliament that Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was an 'imminent threat' to Britain or that he could obtain nuclear missiles 'within months'. Sir John's damning 2.6million-word report, published in July, condemned Tony Blair for rushing into a disastrous conflict on the back of suspect intelligence and amid questions over its legality, and for failing to equip troops properly or plan for the aftermath of the invasion in March 2003. The inquiry took seven years at a cost of more than 10million. The war cost the lives of 179 British servicemen and women and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have died since Saddam was toppled. Ministry of Defence insists they have enough soldiers to fulfil duties The elite infantry regiments that protect the Queen are facing the worst recruitment crisis in their history. The Foot Guards, which defend the main royal palaces, are failing to meet manpower targets in three of its five regiments. The Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards all have fewer Guardsman - the equivalent rank of private - than is required to be defined as operationally effective. The elite infantry regiments that protect the Queen are facing the worst recruitment crisis in their history. Pictured are the Guards during the Trooping of the Colour The manpower target for a battalion is 330, but the Scots and Irish Guards can only muster 230 Guardsman each. Meanwhile, the Scots Guards only has 260 Guardsman, according to Ministry of Defence figures seen by The Sunday Express. Sources told the newspaper recruits often see newer regiments as more attractive than the Guards, while others blamed money-saving measures for damaging morale. Military chiefs sometimes respond to manpower shortages by moving men between different regiments. This happened during a tour of Afghanistan when numbers in the Welsh Guards were bolstered by soldiers from the Scots Guards. In 2011, there were plans to disband the Coldstream Guards - the oldest regiment in the British Army - because of defence cuts. The Foot Guards, which guard the main royal palaces - including Buckingham Palace - are failing to meet manpower targets in three of its five regiments But these were avoided after Army chiefs were lobbied by the Queen's close advisers. Buckingham Palace and the Household division, which is made up of the seven regiments that protect the Queen - including the two that make up the Household Cavalry - are said to remain opposed to any attempts to restructure the Guards. The Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards all have fewer Guardsman than is required to be defined as operationally effective. Pictured is a member of the Coldstream Guards outside Buckingham Palace A senior officer who works with the Royal Household told The Sunday Express this Royal endorsement puts the Guards 'above any sanction or future plans to disband them'. When contacted by MailOnline, an Army spokesman said: 'The Infantry, including the Division of Foot Guards is sufficiently manned to deliver its operational and ceremonial requirements.' The Queens Guards are charged with protecting the monarch's residences in London as well as Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Also making up the Household Division are the two regiments of the Household Cavalry, the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals. All seven regiments of the Household Division predate the English Restoration in 1660 and have been guarding the sovereign's palaces since the reign of King Charles II. The BBC has been accused of bias after a pro-EU producer who joined Bob Geldof during his bungled attempt to sabotage Nigel Farage's Leave flotilla on the Thames back in June was given the job of handling a sensitive debate on Brexit. Remainer Nick Pisani has been given the job of producing a 50-minute debate on the issue on the BBC World news channel next weekend. Mr Pisani, 53, was prominent behind Geldof, when the former Boomtown Rats frontman stuck two fingers up at Leave campaigners, including Farage, in a clash on the river in London. Nick Pisani (circled) has been criticised for his lack of impartiality, a key BBC value He has continued to bombard social media with messages showing his support for Remain and his disdain for people who voted for or campaign for Brexit. Mr Pisani, who was previously an editor of Question Time on BBC 1, has been criticised for his lack of impartiality. He wore a large 'In' sticker at the demo on June 15 and on Twitter called the decision to hold a referendum 'the most disastrous any government has made since World War Two'. Nick Pisani (pictured, right) is seen with Emma Thompson, who famously said Brexit would be 'madness' and would see Britain return to its status as 'a cake-filled, misery-laden, grey old island' Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith told The Sun said: 'Like Bob Geldof, the BBC is sticking two fingers up to the British people. A man with such clearly entrenched views should never have been put in charge of a programme like this.' The programme will be shown on BBC World, which carries advertising and is broadcast in 200 countries around the globe, but cannot be seen in Britain. Earlier this week the BBC World Service was given an extra 85million of public money to launch services in 11 languages - Afaan Oromo, Amharic, Gujarati, Igbo, Korean, Marathi, Pidgin, Punjabi, Telugu, Tigrinya, and Yoruba. Mr Pisani was proudly sporting a large 'In' sticker at the demo days before the historic referendum. But a BBC spokesman said: 'As a debate show, the views expressed are those of a panel of people representing both sides of the argument, not the production team. 'Anyone working on behalf of the BBC is expected to leave their opinions at the door, plus the programme is overseen by a senior executive to ensure balance.' An expert from the cryogenic facility in Michigan, US, where a 14-year-old British girl has been frozen has revealed her and other patients may not remember their past life when they are woken up. This has been revealed at the same time Cryonics UK, which prepares bodies for long-term freezing in the US, said it had four or five children who had expressed an interest. An expert from the cryogenic facility in Michigan has said those patients woken up may not have memory of their past. Pictured, tanks at the facility are lined up and hold up to 6 people Dennis Kowalski (pictured), president and CEO of Cryonics Institute in Michigan, said he did not believe memories would necessarily survive A 14-year-old British girl was frozen last month after winning a legal battle and now other children are expected to sign up for the procedure. Pictured, this is the room where they slowly freeze the body down before they go into the tanks Dennis Kowalski, president and CEO of Cryonics Institute in Michigan, said he did not believe memories would necessarily survive after the brain had been frozen for decades. Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Kowalski said patients could wake up as a new clone of themselves without the same mind or memory. He believes the cryogenic process would damage the brain. But Tim Gibson, 45, a leading member of Cryonics UK, admitted to The Sunday Times they have not put an age limit for those wanting to be frozen immediately after death with a child as young as seven previously showing an interest. Tim Gibson believes that cryonics freezing people for preservation is a shot at life and Cryonics UK does not put an age limit on it This is the room at the Cryonics Institute in Michigan where they slowly freeze the body down before they go into the tanks The patient's belongings are kept in these filing cabinets including photos, memorabilia and clothes The father of the 14-year-old British girl, known only as patient 143, is still worried the firm have given false hope. She won a landmark legal battle to be cryogenically frozen after her death from cancer last month despite her parents being in dispute over their daughters request. The Cryonics Institute has been slammed by the girls' father who has accused its scientists of 'selling false hope' to terminally ill people and their families Her father, who did not want her to be frozen, told The Mail on Sunday: I believe they are selling false hope to those who are frightened of dying - taking advantage of vulnerable people. When I asked if there was even a one in a million chance of my daughter being brought back to life, they could not say there was. I think it would be doubly impossible to both bring her back from the dead and cure her cancer, and companies should not hold out some false hope. Andy Zawacki works at the facility and looks after the tanks. Pictured giving a tour of the facilities in Detroit, Michigan The father told the High Court: 'Even if the treatment is successful and she is brought back to life in, let's say, 200 years, she may not find any relative and she might not remember things. 'She may be left in a desperate situation - given that she is still only 14-years-old - and will be in the United States of America.' Plea: The teenage girl wrote a moving letter to the High Court explaining the reasons why she wanted to be cryogenically frozen High Court judge Mr Justice Jackson granted her dying wish and the girl was cryopreserved after her death on October 17 in a procedure costing her maternal grandparents 37,000 to which they raised by selling property. The expensive procedure has to start immediately after the person dies. Within the first 15 minutes the body has be packed in ice and injected with a chemical to reduce blood clotting. After being taken to the cryonics facility and cooled to just over freezing blood is replace with a solution to preserve organs. Another solution is then injected to stop ice crystals forming and the body is out into a tank of liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees Celsius. Visiting the facility in US, as well as including humans and pets, there is a room of filing cabinets full of photos, DVDs and keepsakes belonging to the people frozen there, for when and if they are woken up. Operations manager Andy Zawacki checks the cloudy liquid nitrogen levels daily through a peep hole. Dennis Kowalski, president of the Cryonics Institute, denied it was taking advantage of anyone or profiting from peoples fears. He said the institute was a nonprofit organisation adding that they gave no guarantees it would ever work, but said even the smallest chance of returning to life was better than the alternative which is zero. A James Bond stuntman and former SAS hero has been killed after falling 300 feet from a helicopter in an abseil race. Steve Truglia, from East London, died on Thursday after the abseil stunt in Chongqing, southwest China, went wrong. The 54-year-old - who once described being a stuntman as the 'best job in the world' - won awards in parachuting and mountaineering and held the world record for the fastest 100m abseil. He also appeared in James Bond movies Tomorrow Never Dies and the World Is Not Enough, as well as Hollywood classics such as Saving Private Ryan. Stuntman Steve Truglia (pictured) died after falling 300 feet from a helicopter in China Mr Truglia, from south London, served in the SAS and the Special Boat Service for 20 years Friends said Mr Truglia and another stuntman were meant to be abseiling from the helicopter at the same time. Hours before his death, he had raised concerns it might not be big enough to take their combined weight, according to the Sun. On his Facebook page he revealed how the race had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Mr Truglia, who served in the SAS and SBS for 20 years from 1980 to 2000, wrote: 'I'm out here [in China] doing a big aerial stunt, when the weather breaks.' Mr Truglia had the world record for abseiling 100 metres - he died on Thursday after falling from a helicopter in China The stuntman had appeared in James Bond movies and Hollywood classics and also held world records for the fastest abseil His former military colleague, Phil Tunnicliffe, said: 'We have not been able to find out much about what happened. He had meant to be attempting the stunt on Tuesday above the Wulong National Park but it had been put off until Thursday because of heavy mist and fog. 'All we have been told is that there was a fall, but that does not make sense to us. Steve was a professional stunt man and had done these types of abseils many times. 'He was meant to be racing from a Chinese stuntman dropping from the opposite side of the helicopter at the same time. He was worried it might not be big enough to take the weight of two people.' He added: 'It was 34 years ago we were at RAF Brize Norton doing our basic military parachute course. 'When I heard the news I phoned him and left him a message, it was something I just felt to do, I also sent him a text.' In the message which he wrote on Facebook, he said: 'I can't believe you are gone mate, a part of me just died. You were my best friend and brother for 36 years. It hasn't sunk in that I'll never see you again. 'One thing is certain I'll treasure the memories and never forget you.' Mr Truglia, who died on Thursday, was a member of the Barking and Dagenham Canoe Club Mr Tunnicliffe said the organisers and authorities in China were providing help and assistance in repatriating Mr Truglia's body to the UK. Mr Truglia's girlfriend was informed of his death via a text message from a Chinese woman. Rail bosses had the power to gather sensitive data about the sex lives, mental health and political views of anyone who complained about the HS2 project. A document, exposed by Sunday Express and seen by MailOnline, details what they could access and where they could get the information from, as well as the reason for doing so - including: 'To make Britain proud of HS2 by being proud of what HS2 does for Britain.' HS2 is a Government plan to build a new high-speed rail network linking London, the West Midlands, Leeds and Manchester, but it has drawn criticism over the cost of the project - thought to be more than 42billion for the track and 8bn for the rolling stock) - as well as from communities who face losing their homes. Under scrutiny: Rail bosses had the power to gather sensitive data about the sex lives, mental health and political views of anyone who complained about the controversial HS2 scheme The company's Privacy Notice, which has now been withdrawn, revealed how HS2 could access data relating to people's 'racial, ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, trade union membership, physical or mental health condition, sexual life,' as well as criminal records. Staff and suppliers were subject to these checks, as were 'complainants, correspondents, litigants, claimants and enquirers'. HS2 also had the power to gather this information from the individual, as well as a variety of organisations, including HM Revenue and Customs, utility companies, lawyers, doctors, credit reference agencies and trade bodies. A spokesman for HS2 said: 'We have withdrawn the Privacy Notice with immediate effect. It does not reflect how we handle information.' Meanwhile, a spokeswoman from the Information Commissioner's Office said: 'The law says that organisations processing people's personal information must ensure individuals understand how their details are going to be used. 'They must be open with people about how their information may be used and must also avoid excessive data collection.' Artist's impression of the planned HS2 station at Euston, London, which is due to open in 2026 Both organisations emphasised the need to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998. Last week, ministers unveiled plans for the northern section of HS2, with new stations to be built in Manchester and Leeds. Phase one 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. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling insists the HS2 project carries huge benefits for the UK The second Y-shaped phase will open in two stages. Phase 2a from the West Midlands 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. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has insisted the project will carry huge benefits, including improvements for commuters living on routes which are currently congested. Mr Grayling said: 'Our railways owe much to the Victorian engineers who pioneered them, but we cannot rest on their legacy when we face overcrowding and capacity problems. 'HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the Government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century; one that works for all and makes clear to the world that Britain remains open for business. '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. They represent the greatest upgrade to our railway in living memory.' Police are aware of the incident but no further action was taken A Schoolies reveller has risked her life walking across a ledge on a high rise building. A Snapchat of a young girl who appears to have climbed over her balcony onto a ledge on the high rise Beachcomber building on the Gold Coast has emerged. The stomach-churning video shows a female schoolie in a dress on a ledge, clearly more than five stories up, with her friends filming the action. Young woman on a ledge at The Beachcomber was filmed on Snapchat One of her friends very calmly said, 'This isn't going to be funny when she falls' One of her friends very calmly said, 'This isn't going to be funny when she falls.' Police were aware of the incident but no further action was taken. The dangerous thrill seeking did not impress Dimoty Short from Red Frog. Police were aware of the incident but no further action was taken 'There's always going to be that sort of risk taking behavior,' she told 7 News. 'We encourage them as much as possible to keep them locked, they're definitely not a place to muck around on.' The dangerous stunt comes as schoolies kicked-off on Saturday with 13 arrested on the Gold Coast. Schoolies kicked-off on Saturday with 13 arrested on the Gold Coast Three girls celebrating Schoolies on the Gold Coast on the weekend Schoolie patrons talk across balconies as the celebrations kicked-off on the weekend A plane was delayed for five hours after it was forced to divert to Manchester airport after all the toilets were blocked. The flight from Toronto to Pakistan had no choice but to stop off in the UK after 'someone had thrown something solid' down one of the toilets, putting all of them out of action. The diversion and delay didn't go down very well with either the passengers onboard or the chairman of Pakistan International Airlines, which carried the flight. In a statement, Muhammad Azam Saigol said: 'I am of the view that passengers need to strictly adhere to and carefully read the warning signs in the toilets!' The Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777-200 (pictured in 2007) had left Toronto and was heading for Lahore in Pakistan when the problem was discovered mid-air over the North Sea The Boeing 777-200 had left Toronto and was heading for Lahore in Pakistan when the problem was discovered mid-air over the North Sea, about 200 miles from Manchester. PIA Pakistan tweeted: 'Today's Toronto-Lahone flight has been diverted to Manchester as its toilets got choked, due to something solid thrown by passengers.' 'As all toilets are connected with a common drain line, the rest of the toilets were choked.' 'Keeping in view the convenience of passengers, the flight has been diverted to Manchester where the toilets will be serviced before the flight continues its onward journey. Inconvenience to passengers is regretted.' The plane took another hour to reach Manchester and then was on the ground for another three hours before it could take off again. Passengers eventually reached Lahore with a delay of five hours. A four-year-old girl who captured hearts around the world has died after losing her battle with cancer. Jessica Whelan's plight came to the public attention when her father Andy Whelan published a distressing black and white image showing the little girl grimacing in pain as she battles her terminal condition. The four-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in September last year. Strangers raised 76,000 to give the little girl the chance to enjoy the last few weeks that she has to live, but she tragically died at 7am this morning. Scroll down for video A fundraising campaign for four-year-old cancer sufferer Jessica Whelan, whose struggle was highlighted in a heartbreaking photograph, (pictured) has raised more than 75,000 Jessica Whelan's plight came to the public attention when her father Andy (with whom she is pictured) published a distressing black and white image showing the little girl grimacing in pain as she battles her terminal condition Her father, who has been documenting her struggle online to raise awareness of children's cancer, took to Facebook this morning to announce the devastating news. He wrote: 'I feel both sadness and relief in informing you all that Jessica finally found peace at seven oclock this morning. 'No longer does she suffer, no longer does she feel the pain of the physical constraints of her body. 'Now my princess has grown her angel wings and has gone up to play with her friends and loved ones. 'She will now watch down over her little brother and ourselves until one day we are reunited again. 'Last night she finally allowed me to hold her in my arms and we had a big cuddle as I told her how much I loved her. 'I told her again that it was okay for her to close her eyes and go to sleep and I kissed her forehead and her lips numerous times. 'It seems like this is what she needed to finally allow her to find comfort in her passing as within eight hours of this cuddle she finally took her final breath. 'She was a daddys girl from the start and even right up to the end. 'I feel like a massive part of me has just been torn away but I am so glad that I could give her that comfort in her final hours. 'She passed peacefully and calmly with not even a murmur. 'Thank you to everyone of you who has shared and has been a part of our journey. 'I ask now for privacy for us and our family as we mourn the loss of our beautiful princess. 'From a heartbroken daddy of the most amazing and beautiful girl.' Jessica's family had aimed to raise 20,000 through the GoFundMe site, but the target was smashed in a matter of hours after the photograph - which her father described as the 'true face of cancer' - was published on Jessica's blog. More than 3,300 people have pledged money to the cause in the past two days, leaving heartfelt messages of support for the family. Andy said the family had been 'humbled' by the response. He said they 'flew through' their savings when Jessica was diagnosed and that the money raised was a 'massive help' in covering the likes of transport and food costs. He told MailOnline: 'It has been absolutely overwhelming. It is quite hard for us to comprehend what is being donated. 'We will now be able to buy her things to give her enjoyment during the time she has left and will also help us give her the send off she deserves. 'We don't feel comfortable about asking for money and we weren't even going to do it until people asked us to. Now, we can't believe how far it has gone. It seems to have reached most corners of the world.' Mr Whelan said he has received more than 3,000 emails - along with Facebook messages and texts - from all over the world since the photograph was published. Well-wishers have got in touch from the like of Colombia and Russia as Jessica's story has spread on the internet. Among those who have been moved by the cause is Harry Styles, who got in touch with Mr Whelan. It came after the host of a local radio station in the Wirral, Beverley Macca, contacted Harry's management company and arranged for him to phone . The four-year-old (pictured), from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in September last year and her family decided to stop treatment last month Thousands of people have donated to a page which is raising money for Jessica (pictured left and right in March) Andy shares the details of his daughter's 13-month fight with neuroblastoma on his Facebook blog and her story has captured the attention of Harry Styles Mr Whelan posted the candid photograph of his daughter earlier this month. Speaking about his decision to post the photo, Mr Whelan said: 'I took that photo - not to share with the public - but as more of a momento. 'To remind us, when we look back and worry about everything, that we had done the right thing by stopping her treatment. 'That image just shows how bad it was, if we ever questioned our decision. 'But, once I uploaded that onto the computer, I instantly realised how powerful that image actually was. 'We speak about photos that change people's perceptions - and I knew this one would.' He said that, even those who have gone through the experience of child cancer, had been shocked by the image. Jessica was told she had just weeks to live. She is pictured lying down with her young brother James The little girl, left in July and right on her first day at school in September, was told in October she would only have weeks to live. Her father and mother are planning to donate her tissue and organs to medical research The family had a 20,000 target but there has already been more than 70,000 raised through the page (pictured) 'The face of cancer isn't the bald-headed smiling child surrounded by celebrities, it's just not. That's what I was trying to show,' he said. 'I've had many people saying they took photos like this but couldn't look at them. I've had people saying "yes, that's what I went through too". And for those that haven't, it highlights just how awful child cancer is. 'It's opening people's eyes up to what is going on in the world.' Mr Whelan said he and his partner Nicki - Jessica's mother - have decided to give Jessica's organs and tissues to scientific research when she dies. 'If this situation can provide a bit more advancement in medicine - if some positive could come out of this - then we want to do it,' he said. The youngster was diagnosed in September 2015 and has been through a difficult fight with the disease 'If we can make a difference so fewer families have to go through this, then at least that will be some comfort to us.' Posting the photo Andy wrote: 'This is the hardest photograph I have ever made. 'A few days ago she was given what is most likely a few weeks to live. This was taken at a moment where we as parents could offer no comfort - Jessica pushing us away as she rode out her searing pain in solitude.' Jessica, who had been fighting stage four neuroblastoma for 13 months, but was given just weeks to live after Andy and his partner Nicki Prendergast decided to stop treatment in a bid to allow her to enjoy whatever time she has got left. 'This is the true face of cancer,' says Andy, who documents his daughter's battle on Facebook. 'My baby girls blood vessels protruding from beneath her skin, a solitary tear running down her cheek, her body stiffened and her face contorted in pain.' 'With this photo I don't mean to offend or upset anyone. Perhaps by seeing this photo people will be made aware of the darkness that is childhood cancer, and perhaps the same people will be able to do something in the future so that no child has to suffer this pain, and so that no parent has to bear witness to their own flesh and blood deteriorating daily.' Jessica was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma on September 23 last year. Initially, after suffering pains in her arms and shoulders, doctors diagnosed Jessica with a bone infection. But just as she was about to be discharged, after ten weeks in hospital, doctors decided to examine her one more time. 'Jessica had been crying out in pain during the night,' Mr Whelan explains. 'One of the nurses told the doctor so he decided to check her tummy to make sure it was nothing more than constipation.' Jessica's journey has been documented on Facebook. She is pictured waiting for surgery last month Jessica was no longer receiving treatment. She is pictured left and right in hospital last month It was during the examination that the doctor found a mass in her tummy. 'It was devastating,' Mr Whelan explains. 'Jessica was all ready to come home. She was even in her coat. Then we were told she'd need to stay in hospital for more tests.' An ultrasound showed there was a mass around Jessica's liver, but it was after an MRI the following day that doctors broke the news that Jessica had cancer. 'I asked the doctor how long she had left, and he said he couldn't give a figure but it was likely to be a couple of years,' explains Mr Whelan. Jessica started chemotherapy and then doctors started her on a clinical drug trial. When her hair started falling out they cut it into a bob, then shaved it all off. After three months, Jessica went into hospital for tests. But there was bad news. During the first stages of her cancer battle Andy and her mother Nicki cut their daughter's hair into a short bob. Then as the chemo continued they opted for a close-cropped do Jessica is pictured in October in an image showing the swelling on her right arm due to a tumour 'The consultant told us the tumour was the same size, they hadn't budged it at all,' says Andy. 'But he said there was another trial we could try, and not to lose hope.' Jessica spent so much time in hospital, she started making friends with the other children on the ward, and formed strong bonds with the nurses. 'On the rare nights she'd spend at home, she'd sometimes cry as she missed the ward,' Mr Whelan says. Months passed and Jessica seemed to improve. Her hair grew back and she had more energy than ever. She spent more time at home as Mr Whelan and his partner Nicki were taught to administer Jessica's drugs themselves. 'Every single moment was so precious. I kept my camera around my neck, ready to snap away, capturing every smile, every laugh, every time she cuddled her baby brother James. I didn't want to miss a thing,' says Andy. 'One morning, Jessica was watching TV when a programme about hospitals came on. The young tot went through a clinical trial went her doctors told her the radiation treatment was no longer working and the cancer had spread all over her body 'Looking at the patients Jessica turned to us and said, "I don't want to die". 'I knew she didn't understand how poorly she was, but still, it was heartbreaking to hear,' recalls Andy. When the trial came to an end, Mr Whelan was told that the tumour hadn't shrunk, but it hadn't grown either. 'The consultant told us that there was more treatment they could try, but they were now looking at prolonging Jessica's life - not curing the cancer.' 'It was a shock,' says Mr Whelan. 'On the outside Jessica looked so well, it was hard to believe she wasn't getting better.' Andy and Nicki chose to end treatments to allow their daughter to enjoy her last few weeks In August, Jessica underwent MIBG - targeted radiation therapy - in the hope that the family would have another two years with their daughter. But in October, during an examination Jessica's oncologist found that although her existing tumours didn't seem to have grown, the cancer had progressed to other areas of her body. 'We knew something was wrong straight after his examination as he asked for a nurse to take Jessica away while he spoke to us,' says Mr Whelan. 'Despite Jessica appearing to do well after the radiation treatment, her cancer had spread. There were little, or no treatment options left.' 'We asked our oncologist what the likely timeframe we had to work with, and he told us we were looking at months.' 'There are other clinical trials, but nothing that would make a difference for Jessica,' says Andy. 'So we had to decide whether we wanted to continue treatment, or let her enjoy a 'normal' life in the time she has left.' 'Those studies would be pumping her full of chemicals to keep her alive for our sake, but it's Jessica that matters, not us,' says Andy. On October 12, Mr Whelan and Nicki made the decision to end treatment and were then told Jessica only had weeks to live. 'The news felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest while someone sucked the air from my lungs,' he said. Mr Whelan wanted to raise awareness of childhood cancer, which is why he documented his daughter's final weeks. For Andy he hopes that by sharing the photo it will raise awareness and bring the sadness of childhood cancer to the forefront and help fund further research into a cure 'I understand this photo is hard to see and even harder to absorb, but this is what cancer does to a child in their final weeks and days. Before her diagnosis I was one of those ignorant to the darkness of childhood cancer. Now I give childhood cancer the respect it deserves, seeing too many children suffering this same fate and seeing families torn apart. 'If this photograph makes people think twice about this evil then it's achieved its purpose. Research needs to be done, cures need to be found. 'This, sadly, isn't a sight we see rarely. This is a sight we see every day and night. I could try and use a thousand words to describe what it's like to see our beautiful daughter suffering like this, but these words would fall short of depicting the truth.' A nurse who murdered two elderly patients made a chilling phone call to divulge her victims had been given the 'wrong medication' before a toxicology report revealed they had been poisoned. Megan Haines, 49, was found guilty of murdering Isabella Spencer, 77, and Marie Darragh, 82, in November after it was found she injected the elderly St Andrew Village patients with a lethal dose of insulin because they had complained about her. The former nurse had a history of intimidating or physically assaulting her patients and had even had her medical licence suspended so when the two women died within minutes of each other a murder investigation was launched. But Haines did not fly under the radar and instead contacted her employer in Ballina, on the New South Wales north coast, to deny the allegations, despite the cause of death not yet being known by investigators or senior staff, Sunday Night reported. Scroll down for video Megan Haines (pictured) made an eerie phone call to divulge her victims had been given the 'wrong medication' before a toxicology report revealed they had been poisoned with insulin 'Apparently some patients were actually given wrong medication,' she said before the toxicology report had come back. 'The word is that you've been accused of giving wrong medication is it?' another member of staff asked trying to clarify the nature of her call. He then asked how Haines would have known the women had been administered the wrong drug. 'I don't know unless they were drowsy the next day or something like that or during the day I don't know,' she responded. But the women had never showed signs of being drowsy as they had both fallen into comas before Haines signed off from her night shift the morning of their deaths. Isabella Spencer (right), 77, and Marie Darragh (left), 82, were given a fatal dose of insulin Haines (pictured) said the women had been 'given wrong medication' before a toxicology report returned positive for insulin poisoning During her two-and-a-half week murder trial the court heard Haines had learned that both her victims had lodged complaints about how she had mistreated them only hours before they were killed. Ms Darragh claimed she was told by Haines to 'cover yourself up, you look disgusting' when she had asked for cream to sooth her genitals, the ABC reported. Ms Spencer said she was told to 'p*** in your pad' when she asked to go to the toilet. Another patient, Marjorie Patterson, had also made a complaint about Haines, Sunday Night reported. But she had woken the night of the murders and caught the nurse acting suspiciously over her bed. She believes waking up put the former nurse off inflicting revenge upon her. Marjorie Patterson had also made a complaint about Haines and feared she would target her The court also heard Haines had boasted about knowing how to kill a person while she watched an episode of CSI with her ex-boyfriend in 2009 Ms Patterson told police to 'keep her away from me' after learning how her fellow patients had died, Sunday Night reported. The court also heard Haines had boasted about knowing how to kill a person while she watched an episode of CSI with her ex-boyfriend in 2009. 'It's easy - inject them with insulin,' she allegedly said. 'Because the body continues to metabolise insulin, so it looks like natural causes.' Her former partner of two years, known only as Richard, told Sunday Night Haines had a particular dislike for the elderly and was not at all surprised when he found out about the charges against her. 'She had this attitude that the elderly were a complete waste of space and a burden on society and really they should be laid to rest earlier,' Richard said. 'She had this attitude that the elderly were a complete waste of space and a burden on society and really they should be laid to rest earlier,' Richard (pictured) told Sunday Night Richard said their conversations about 'what Haines was capable of' led him to believe she had killed one or more of her patients before and that if she was not caught at St Andrews (pictured) she would have likely offended again He said their conversations about 'what she was capable of' led him to believe she had killed one or more of her patients before and that if she was not caught she would have likely offended again. 'I'm sure if she hadn't of got greedy and done more than one she probably would have again,' he said. He described Haines as 'vindictive and calculating', adding that she would react poorly to criticism and instantly try to paint herself as the victim. He said she always acted as if she was 'innocent and she is being victimised, picked on and that she didn't do anything wrong.' But Haines had a long history of misconduct which spoke to her character during the trial, Sunday Night reported. In 2002 a patient from the Royal Melbourne Hospital went into renal failure and Haines resigned soon after she was asked about her role in the incident. Haines had a long history of misconduct which spoke to her character during the trial In 2005 she had five complaints against her during her time at Box Hill Hospital, including that she had pushed an elderly patient over and snatched a phone from a doctor when she told her she was going to complain to the nurses supervisor. Two years later she was accused of punching an elderly woman in the arm multiple times at the Clovelly Nursing Cottage, in Melbourne, and was heard challenging a superior when questioned over the matter. Do you think if I actually smacked you once you won't bruise?' Haines asked 'Wouldn't you think she would have some bruising?' Haines asked. 'I question whether this incident occurred... Do you think if I actually smacked you once you won't bruise?' 'Probably not,' the investigator replied. 'Probably not would you give me consent to smack you once to see if you bruise?' she asked. 'Well no. I don't think we need to,' he said before he was cut off by Haines. 'Okay then. Obviously the person was not smacked,' she said. One year later, in 2008, Ms Haines had her medical licence suspended following allegations that included two of her elderly patients being wrongly injected with insulin at Melbourne's Caulfield Medical Centre. No charges were laid over the incident and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Association (AHPRA) reinstated her licence to practice in 2012. Tony Blair is hunting for a new office near Westminster as he plots a return to frontline politics to influence the Government's approach to Brexit. The former prime minister believes the Tories are 'screwing up Brexit' and views Jeremy Corbyn is 'a nutter,' according to a source who has spoken to Mr Blair. He thinks there's a 'massive hole in British politics' that he can fill. Mr Blair is setting up a new institute that will seek to influence and advise the Brexit process. Tony Blair, pictured, is hunting for a Westminster office for his new Brexit lobbying group as he plots his return to politics Mr Blair has scouted out three potential venues close to Westminster to relocate his workforce of 130 staff, the Sunday Times reported today. A source who has spoken about Brexit with Mr Blair told the newspaper: 'He's not impressed with Theresa May. He thinks she's a total lightweight.' The controversial former PM is expected to meet Mrs May for a coffee in the coming weeks, but Mrs May is understood to view Mr Blair as part of an 'unholy alliance' of yesterday's politicians who are trying to frustrate the Brexit process. Mr Blair has met former Chancellor George Osborne and other key figures to discuss Brexit. He will make a 'proper announcement' about his intentions in the New Year, his office said today. But the the strength of his intention to return to frontline politics was revealed last week when he met Donald Trump's son in law Jared Kushner, a key member of the President-elect's inner team. Notably, Mr Blair has chosen to recruit former Labour MP Jim Murphy to advise him on how to merge his charity and business interests and to 'bolster the political clout' of his new Brexit-focused organisation. A source who has spoken to Tony Blair (left) about Brexit says the former Labour PM is 'not impressed with Theresa May' (pictured leaving Church near her Maidenhead constituency with husband Philip today) and 'thinks she's a total lightweight' It is a strange appointment considering Mr Murphy led Scottish Labour to its worst election performance in history as the party lost all but one of their MPs in Scotland under his leadership at last year's General Election. The two names being considered for his new group are the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and the Tony Blair Centre for Global Change. A spokesperson for Mr Blair said: 'Tony Blair has already announced that he is bringing all staff under one roof. So yes the London staff will all come together in one location. It won't be in Westminster, however. 'The new organisation will be all Not For Profit, as we have announced, and the commercial side has been shut down. The assets of the business will be gifted to the new Not For Profit organisation. 'Mr. Blair has not had 'regular' discussions with George Osborne regarding Brexit, though he has discussed it with him as he has with many people. 'He does discuss the Middle East and aid with Government Ministers because he is still very active in the Middle East and Africa with his Not For Profit work. He hasn't discussed Brexit with Government Ministers. 'Mr. Blair will make a proper announcement around all of this in the New Year.' Tony Blair revealed the the strength of his intention to return to frontline politics last week when he met Donald Trump's son in law Jared Kushner, pictured, a key member of the President-elect's inner team Mr Blair has been one of the most outspoken campaigners for a second EU referendum. Last month he said voters must be given the chance to chair their minds on the EU and called for the losing Remain campaign to become the 'new insurgents'. He issued a rallying cry in an article in the New European newspaper, urging supporters of Britain's membership of the EU to mobilise, organise and to 'prise apart the alliance which gave us Brexit'. He told Remain voters to 'believe in the people's innate sense, that they're also open to a better argument in the light of the facts as they come to light'. Mr Blair wants a second EU vote on the final deal that Mrs May secures with Brussels before Britain officially leaves even though Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty says any nation that triggers the clause will automatically leave the union after two years. Tony Blair has met former Chancellor George Osborne (pictured) and the pair have had 'lots of conversations about the post-Brexit political climate,' a source revealed. He criticised David Cameron's government, saying it was 'bizarre' that the Government had held a referendum 'without knowing the terms of our new relationship'. And Remarkably, Mr Blair - the man blamed for creating deep-rooted animosity towards the EU because of his decision to agree to open-border immigration from the bloc in 2004 - has said of his call for a second referendum: 'This is not about an elite over-ruling the people.' He said last month: 'There is absolutely no reason why we should close off any options. You can't change this decision, unless it becomes clear in one way or another, that the British people have had a change of mind because they have seen the reality of the alternative. A teenage student has been filmed tackling a police officer to the ground and repeatedly punching him as his classmates cheer on from a school bus. The mobile phone footage - believed to have been filmed by another student on the bus - was taken at Taipa Area School, in far north New Zealand, on Wednesday. It begins with the boy, 14, grappling the adult police officer by his legs and launching him onto the grass in one swift motion. He continues to pepper him with body shots until his older brother joins in the melee, only for a second officer to step in and try settle the violent confrontation. The officers eventually had to resort to using capsicum spray to control the two teenagers, who were arrested on charges of obstruction and assaulting police. A 14-year-old student (pictured) from New Zealand's Taipa Area School has been arrested after he tackled a police officer to the ground and started punching him According to the Daily Mercury, the fight was a reaction to an earlier incident involving the school principal and another student, also aged 14. A police spokeswoman told the publication that officers were called to the school after reports a student had taken issue with being expelled for bad behaviour. The student allegedly left the school at 3pm and returned with a tool shortly after, slashing the tyres and smashing the windows of the school principal's car. Police found the boy close to the school grounds and charged him for wilful damage. They then went to the school in an effort to confiscate the tool, which had allegedly been handed over to another 14-year-old student sitting on the school bus. The student is alleged to have handed the tool to his 15-year-old brother, who then dropped it out the bus window. The pair were told they could be arrested for obstruction, which sparked an out-of-control fight between the two boys and the police officers. Acting school principal David Lowe said he was unable to comment on the incident but confirmed the school was working closely with police in their investigations. The boy's older brother, aged 15, was also arrested after he jumped in the violent melee A murder investigation has been launched after a 17-year-old boy was arrested over the death of a 54-year-old man following a row at their family home. The teenager was arrested on Saturday after ambulance crews were called to the house shortly before lunchtime. A police spokesman said the boy, whose family relation to the man has not been disclosed, was still in custody today. The boy fled as ambulance crews were called to the house in Dartford, Kent. A 54-year-old man died following an argument at a house in Sackville Road (pictured) in Dartford, Kent South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics battled to save the man's life for nearly an hour before they pronounced him dead at the scene at 12.44pm. Officers found the boy following a sweep of the local area. He was taken in for questioning and kept in custody at a police station. A spokesman for Kent Police said: 'At 11.52am on Saturday 19 November, Kent Police was informed by South East Coast Ambulance Service that a 54-year-old man had fallen ill following an alleged altercation with a family member at an address in Sackville Road, Dartford. 'The man was pronounced dead at the scene at 12.44pm. 'Officers attended and carried out a search of the local area before arresting a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder at about 3pm. He remains in custody. A single father has revealed a list of things he wishes other parents would stop asking him when he is out and about with his four-year-old daughter. Michael Ray, 54, who has been the sole carer for Charlie for the past two years, told Kidspot he gets comments about his parenting when he's out with her. He said sometimes other parents can be unconsciously biased against single dads, and even more so to single dads of little girls. Michael Ray (left), 54, has revealed a list of things he wishes other parents would stop asking him when he is out and about with his four-year-old daughter Charlie (right). He has been her sole carer for the past two years 'Women are mostly supportive but some say patronising things, like 'how do you manage? Its just the same as any single parent,' he said. One of the most common phrases he hears is 'Are you babysitting today/Is Daddy in charge today?' Other comments he's received include 'Do you want to call your wife and check?' or 'Who does her hair and nails?' Mr Ray (left) said sometimes other parents can be unconsciously biased against single dads, and even more so to single dads of little girls Mr Ray has also heard the comment 'Every little girl needs her mum!' and his response is that he couldn't imagine saying 'every little boy needs his dad' to a single mother. Other parents have also said to him 'Youll need help when she gets to puberty!' or commented 'I bet you wouldve loved a son?' Earlier this month Mr Ray persuaded a Melbourne dance school to overturn a rule banning men from being in its dressing room so he could help Charlie get ready for her end-of-year ballet concert. Mr Ray said that women are mostly supportive of his parenting but some say patronising things, like 'how do you manage? Pictured is his daughter Charlie Mr Ray said he was disappointed when he found out he would not be able to help calm Charlie's nerves before her performance on November 20 because guidelines at the Parkwood Dance Academy state 'no males are permitted in the dressing room at any time'. The personal trainer, who has been the sole carer for Charlie for two years, told The Herald Sun he also noticed there was also a special rehearsal for mothers a couple of days before the opening night and a 'Mummy and Me' ticket offer. Wanting to support his daughter, who does not have contact with her mother, Mr Ray approached one of the academy's teachers with the hope of changing the rules so fathers could be included. 'I'm not sure if you're aware of our situation but it's just Charlie and I in our wonderful little family with Charlie having had no contact with her mother for over two years,' he wrote in an email to the school's staff. Mr Ray insisted banning him from being backstage would leave Charlie as 'the only child without the opportunity to share their excitement and nervousness with a parent'. Mr Ray has had sole custody of Charlie (pictured) for two years. He recently persuaded a Melbourne dance school to overturn a rule banning men from being in its dressing room so he could help Charlie get ready for her end-of-year ballet concert Mr Ray said other parents have commented said to him 'Youll need help when she gets to puberty!' or said 'I bet you wouldve loved a son?' Mr Ray (left) has also heard the comment 'Every little girl needs her mum!' and his response is that he couldn't imagine saying 'every little boy needs his dad' to a single mother The ban was subsequently lifted by the school's staff last week. Mr Ray said he was very grateful his concerns had been heard and the school was accommodating. He said he feels an 'unconscious bias' toward him sometimes. 'I sometimes feel a little paranoid taking her to the toilets in the shopping centre or taking photos of her,' he said. 'It means everything to me to be this little kid's dad. I've never been so proud or happy since she came along.' Mystery artist Pegasus has revealed a new piece of street art showing Miss Markle painted with the Queen 's guards and wearing Princess Diana 's tiara Prince Harrys girlfriend Meghan Markle was all smiles today as she returned for a second day of filming the US series Suits. The glamorous American was laughing with friends and her bodyguards, and was spotted even leaving her home carrying what looks like her own coffee machine. Miss Markle returned back to the television set yesterday in Toronto, Canada after her swift stop-off in the UK where she was seen in Kensington, London, but it seems there will always be part of her here, after an artist has revealed a new piece of street art. Meghan Markle leaving her home (right) today with a coffee machine and arriving to film Suits (left) with all smiles for some friendly faces Miss Markle left her home in Toronto with a friend and was seen joking around and taking photos with her bodyguards Dressed in a casual and comfortable looking outfit she walked around smiling At first she seemed to be using her cap and scarf to hide her face but took them off when she arrived on set Hugging friends the Suits actress is unlikely to see Harry until after December 4 as he goes on royal tour to the Caribbean It is believed the 35-year-old Suits actress stayed with Harry at Harry's bijou Kensington Palace home, Nottingham Cottage. And now American born artist Pegasus has made sure she is here a bit longer with his new piece of street art in north London which shows Miss Markle wearing an American flag dress and Princess Diana's tiara but being protected by two Queens Guards. The anonymous street artist finished the latest of his stencil paintings on a wall in Highbury and Islington on Saturday morning and it comes after Prince Harry revealed he was personally paying for bodyguards to protect her. Street artist Pegasus created the 'tongue in cheek' painting of Meghan Markle with Diana's tiara and accompanied by two Queen's Guards Speaking to the Mail Online the artist said 'I dont think she is an American wannabe princess, but it was just my own excitement if she was actually to marry Prince Harry, so I took Princess Dianas crown and superimposed it on her head Protecting by her guards paid for by Prince Harry it seems Miss Markle will also be wowing people in London He was the same artist behind the more revealing spray-painted picture of the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge in November 2014. She was created with a miniature crown balancing on her belly also in Islington. Speaking to the MailOnline today he said: Since the story broke that Prince Harry was dating Meghan Markle I was playing with the idea and then I read he was very kindly paying for her security when the story broke the idea really came into my mind. He was also behind the spray painting of the Duchess of Cambridge which appeared on a wall in Islington in north London I am well known for my tongue in cheek portrayals and thought this was the best way to portray her with her personal security I dont think she is an American wannabe princess, but it was just my own excitement if she was actually to marry Prince Harry, so I took Princess Dianas crown and superimposed it on her head. The reaction I have been getting has been really positive and people were taking photos and really liked it. Suits actress Meghan Markle (centre), from Toronto, Canada, pictured whilst out for dinner with friends in Dublin When asked about his ideas for the future, he said liked to keep them secret but revealed he has thought about doing one of Prince George and Princess Charlotte, but is concerned they are so young and the piece could be taken the wrong way. New pictures have also emerged of Miss Markle enjoying some Irish hospitality having dinner out in Dublin. She is thought to have stopped off in Ireland on her trip to the UK where she was seen on Kensington high street while spending time with Harry Miss Markle is famous for playing a flirty trainee lawyer Rachel Zane in the US series Suits and frequently appears in racy scenes along with co-star Patrick J Adams. The glamorous American was pictured arriving for work in Toronto, Canada on Saturday after last being seen in Kensington high street in London while spending time with Harry The pair are thought to have stayed together at Harry's bijou Kensington Palace home, Nottingham Cottage, which used to be occupied by Wills and Kate. Pictured in Kensington She is yet to be pictured with Prince Harry who is preparing to travel to the Caribbean today to represent the Queen on a royal tour that will last until December 4. Prince Harry is due to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda and spend 15 days travelling around the island nations. It comes as the star broke her social media silence on Friday to post an inspirational quote on Instagram thanking her 'supportive' friends His travels will take him to six countries where the Queen is head of state - Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines - and the Commonwealth nation of Guyana. The trip has been overshadowed in recent weeks by the news Harry is dating Miss Markle, but outlining some of the themes of the tour, the prince's communications secretary Jason Knauf said: Prince Harry will experience first-hand the importance placed on protecting the environment and conservation; including vital turtle conservation projects on the white sands of Nevis, and the replanting of the coral reefs in the seas that surround Grenada. The actress has become the centre of attention on both sides of the Atlantic since Prince Harry (pictured) announced their relationship 'His Royal Highness will see how projects across the Caribbean encourage and support young people to thrive, particularly through sport, but also through social projects and the military. In addition to this, on Her Majesty's behalf, Prince Harry will unveil a number of dedications to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, a global forestry project which invites Commonwealth countries to dedicate indigenous forests to be preserved in perpetuity for future generations. Tesco is hoping to boost its coffers - and help Britain's housing crisis at the same time - by building hundreds of flats on top of its superstores and car parks. The radical plan, devised by chief executive Dave Lewis, involves selling Tesco's 'air rights', which could help generate 400million, on a long leasehold basis. Air rights relate to using and developing the space above a building or land. Tesco is planning to sell its 'air rights' above 15 stores and car parks to developers for 400m A further 1billion could be raised from Tesco selling off land from its vast property portfolio. According to The Sunday Telegraph, Tesco and other major retailers have been discussing the proposal with property developer Apex Airspace, which specialises in building new homes on top of existing buildings. Most of these new homes are of modular construction, meaning they can be built off-site and then lifted by crane onto the desired location. Tesco is said to have already identified 15 sites, mostly in London, with one in Oxford. Val Bagnall of Apex Housing Group, said: 'It not only shifts the burden of roof maintenance costs on to a developer, but could also be a significant income driver. 'There are also plenty of superstore car parks which sit empty when the shop is closed and could be better used. 'For Tesco, it could generate huge financial value.' Tesco's property plans could serve as a further boon to the supermarket giant's sales, which have grown at their fastest rate in three years, according to the latest figures. Chief executive Dave Lewis has come up with the radical plan for building new homes Analysis from Kantar Worldpanel suggests sales at Tesco increased by 2.2 per cent over the quarter to November 6, while customer's average spend was up by 2.1 per cent to 20.69. The sales figures mean Tesco, which has been gradually returning to health since Lewis became chief executive in September 2014, has boosted its share of Britain's grocery market to 28.2 per cent, up from 27.9 per cent this time last year. Tesco's property plans also fit in with those of government ministers backing a new wave of 100,000 affordable modular homes to help solve the country's housing crisis. Last month, chancellor Philip Hammond said: 'There has been a housing shortage in this country for decades, and this Government is determined to take action to tackle it. 'We'll use all the tools at our disposal to accelerate house-building and ensure that over time, housing becomes more affordable.' The government last month announced plans for a new wave of 100,000 affordable, pre-fab and modular homes, like the ones pictured, in a bid to help solve Britain's housing crisis Medics said a family of six suffocated to death in chemical bomb attack They were among 10 people to be killed at the Saria Hasoun school Seven children have been killed at a school in a government-held area of Aleppo as bombs laced with chlorine gas rained down on the Syrian city. Rebel shelling killed at least seven children among 10 deaths in the Saria Hasoun school in al-Farqan district, Syrian state television and The Syrian Observatory reported. Medics also said a family of six had suffocated to death after a barrel bomb, which fell in the Sakhour district at about midnight, had been laced with chlorine gas. Scroll down for video Students' bags are seen amid the debris of a damaged classroom after shelling by Syrian rebels A damaged school playground after shelling by Syrian rebels on government-held western Aleppo The damage inside a school after shelling by Syrian rebels on government-held western Aleppo Syrian children cry and react after their school was reportedly hit by rebel rocket fire in the Furqan neighbourhood of the government-held side of west Aleppo A Syrian man evacuates children from a school reportedly hit by rebel rocket fire in the Furqan neighbourhood of the government-held side of west Aleppo, on November 20, 201 Seven children have been killed at a school in a government-held area of Aleppo as bombs laced with chlorine gas rained down on the Syrian city The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war, could not confirm that chlorine gas was used. Hundreds of people have been killed since Tuesday in one of the heaviest bombardments of the country's civil war, now in its sixth year, as the government and its allies attempt to quash resistance in Aleppo's rebel-held eastern zone. Syria's military and Russia's air force had observed a ceasefire in the bombardment of eastern Aleppo, except for on the front lines after a month-long offensive from late September to late October. But the devastating bombing recommenced on Tuesday. An inquiry by the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has found that Syrian government forces have used chlorine gas in barrel bombs at least three times during the war, though Damascus denies it. Syria also denies using barrel bombs - improvised ordnance made by oil drums filled with high explosive and shrapnel and dropped from helicopters Syria also denies using barrel bombs - improvised ordnance made by oil drums filled with high explosive and shrapnel and dropped from helicopters. Their use has been condemned by the United Nations for causing unnecessary suffering. On Friday, b abies in incubators had to be scrambled to safety after a pediatric hospital in Aleppo was bombed for the second time in two days. They were already being kept in underground shelters, but had to be moved today to save their lives in the besieged Syrian city. A doctor, who identified himself only as Hatem, rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continues. Babies in incubators had to be scrambled to safety after a pediatric hospital in Aleppo was bombed for the second time this week They were already being kept in underground shelters, but had to be moved today to save their lives in the besieged Syrian city A doctor, who identified himself only as Hatem, rushed 14 babies in incubators to another facility a 10-minute drive away while airstrikes continues Friday's airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier Friday's airstrikes in Aleppo hit a complex of four hospitals that had been attacked two days earlier. The latest strikes caused the pediatric hospital and a neighboring facility to stop operating. 'Now it is being bombed. I am sorry. I have to go to transfer the children,' the head of the pediatric hospital wrote in a text message. The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family. The incubators already had been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility, hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger. 'As we drove out with the ambulance, warplanes were firing and artillery were shelling,' he wrote. 'But thank God we were not hurt.' The latest strikes caused the pediatric hospital and a neighboring facility to stop operating The incubators already had been moved underground for safety, but with bombs falling all around the facility, hospital workers had to rush them to a safer place despite the danger The doctor identified himself only by his first name of Hatem because he fears for reprisals against his family Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area Medics and aid workers also reported a suspected attack involving toxic gas in a district on the western edge of the rebel-held area. At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo. Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies. Airstrikes also hit a village in rural areas Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said. Friday was the fourth day of renewed assaults by Syrian warplanes on eastern Aleppo districts, a rebel-held enclave of 275,000 people. The onslaught began Tuesday, when Syria's ally Russia announced its own offensive on the northern rebel-controlled Idlib province and Homs province in central Syria. Since then, more than 100 people have been killed across northern Syria. At least 12 people, including children, were treated for breathing difficulties, said Adham Sahloul of the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports health facilities in Aleppo Claims of toxic gas attacks are common in Syria, and reports by international inspectors have held the government responsible for using chemicals in attacks on civilians, which Damascus denies Airstrikes also hit a village in rural areas Aleppo province, killing seven members of a family, including four children, opposition activists said Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital. The cameras of Al-Jazeera, which was broadcasting from the facility as the airstrikes occurred, went dark for a moment. When video resumed, dust was swirling and debris was strewn in the corridors. Nurses scurried to get babies to safety, and one was seen carrying a blanket-wrapped infant. She then hugged and comforted another nurse who was sobbing as she picked up a baby. Another hospital in a different Aleppo neighborhood was bombed Thursday night, the doctor said. The entrance was set on fire but no one was hurt. Only four of seven hospitals are still operating in the district, Sahloul said. Some of the survivors of the suspected gas attack were taken to the children's hospital The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said dozens of airstrikes, artillery and barrel bombs hit 18 different neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo. Government bombings have targeted neighborhoods with medical facilities, including the children's hospital and a nearby clinic that has one of the few remaining intensive care units in eastern Aleppo, the Observatory said. Many hospitals and clinics in the besieged area have moved their operations underground after months of relentless bombardment. The World Health Organization said that in 2016, it recorded 126 attacks on health facilities, a common tactic over the five years of Syria's civil war. Russia and the Syrian government deny targeting hospitals. The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces. Ibrahim al-Haj, a member of the Syria Civil Defense rescue unit in Aleppo, said the city 'is a mess.' The city of Aleppo, once Syria's commercial hub, has been divided since 2012, with the eastern half in rebel hands and the western half controlled by government forces The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas The group of rescuers and first responders said they are struggling to put out fires set off by the bombings in at least 10 areas. The Observatory said at least four people were killed in the city's districts. It also said the strike that killed the seven family members took place in southwestern Aleppo province. The leniency of bail laws in NSW has been slammed as it was revealed the late gangster Pasquale Barbaro was free to roam the streets for three years despite repeatedly breaching his bail conditions. Described as unstable and aggressive, Barbaro was charged with manufacturing two kilograms of ice in 2012, a sentence that carries up to 20 years behind bars, the Daily Telegraph reported. He was granted bail in a Sydney local court in May 2013 as long as he was well-behaved and did not commit any offences. Pasquale Timothy Barbaro, 35, leaves Newtown Police Station after applying for bail But the 35-year-old blatantly disregarded the law while on bail for three years, listed to appear in court 41 times. The gangster called a 72-year-old grandmother an 'old Jewish piece of s***' in 2014. In February 2015, the mobster was charged with threatening to use unlawful violence to unknown persons in Double Bay. He walked free. In July this year, Barbaro's wife Melinda took out an AVO against him. In September this year, Barbaro pleaded guilty to common assault, stalking and intimidation with fear of physical harm. His bail was extended and ordered to do 150 hours of community service. Barbaro was listed to appear in court 41 times while on bail for three years Barbaro, 35, died on the footpath on Larkhall Avenue about 9.40pm on Monday after he was shot multiple times, including at least once to the head The NSW Police Association criticised the justice system as a 'slap in the face' for dedicated police officers. The notorious Sydney crime figure was murdered on Monday around 9.40pm in a suspected targeted shooting. Barbaro was found with gunshot wounds on a footpath in Larkhall Avenue in Earlwood. Alleged president of the Lone Wolf biki gang Erkan Keskin, known as 'Eric the Wolf', was granted bail despite being charged with drug trafficking in a Queensland court and suspected of controlling an ice trafficking ring in Sydney. Police informants allege the 39-year-old is 'highly capable of threatening and killing people who do not pay their debts or who are a threat to his business'. It comes as new figures show the average defendant granted bail in the District and Supreme Courts in NSW is free for nearly two years. Barbaro is caught on CCTV speaking with Farhad Qaumi, a Brothers 4 Life member Barbaro was a key suspect in the shooting murder of gangland figure Hamad Assaad (pictured) Barbaro was charged with manufacturing two kilograms of ice in 2012, a sentence that carries up to 20 years behind bars Police from the NSW Public Order and Riot squad conduct a street sweep in Larkhall Street in Earlwood following Barbaro's murder The mother of toddler Liam Fee has been given permission to appeal against her murder conviction. Rachel Fee, 31, was told by her lawyers she can argue the judge made mistakes when explaining the law to jurors during her trial in July. Judge Lord Burns jailed Fee for 23-and-a-half years for murdering her two-year-old son, Liam. Her civil partner Nyomi Fee, 24, was jailed for 24 years at the High Court in Edinburgh in July 2016. The jail terms were the longest ever handed to female criminals in Scotland. Evil: Rachel Fee, 31, (left) and Nyomi Fee, 24, subjected two-year-old Liam and two older boys to 'a cruel and pitiless regime of ill treatment and neglect' - the former has been given permission to appeal against her murder conviction Tragic: Liam Fee, pictured, died when his heart ruptured from blows to his chest injuries akin to those suffered by car crash victims The twisted pair spent two years torturing Liam before finally killing him at their Fife home in March 2014. He suffered fatal heart injuries similar to those found on road crash victims and spent the last few days of his short life in agony from an untreated broken leg and fractured arm. He died when his heart ruptured from blows to his chest and a pathologist found he had more than 30 injuries, including a fractured upper arm and thigh. The evil pair - originally from Ryton, Tyne and Wear - were also behind a catalogue of unspeakable cruelty against two boys in their care, one of whom they tried to blame for Liam's death. Their trial heard one of the boys had been imprisoned in a cage made from a fire guard, with his his hands tied behind his back. Another boy was tied naked to a chair in a dark room with nine snakes and several rats, forcing him to eat his own vomit and telling him a boa constrictor 'ate naughty little boys'. Nyomi had attempted to frame one of the boys by forcing him to put his hand in the dead toddler's mouth to ensure a transfer of DNA. They also Googled whether they could serve their prison sentences alongside each other in the same jail. Victim: The two women tried to evade justice for murdering Liam (pictured) by forcing one of the other children to take the blame for the crime However, at a short hearing at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh on Friday, a panel of judges gave permission for Fee's legal team to appeal against her conviction. Judges Lady Paton, Lord Bracadale and Lord Turnbull agreed with submissions made by defence counsel Gavin Anderson. Mr Anderson argued evidence was available to suggest Lord Burns misdirected jurors over the legal requirements needed to secure a murder conviction against Fee. Twisted: The trial heard the pair, who are originally from Ryton on Tyneside, spent two years torturing the toddler before finally killing him at their home near Thornton in March 2014 He also argued the judge did not properly explain to the jury about the lesser charge of culpable homicide. Jurors considering their verdict against Fee may have felt the evidence in front of them meant that it was more appropriate to hand down a guilty verdict to culpable homicide than murder, he said. Lady Paton said: 'We will allow the appeal to proceed.' Fee's appeal hearing date has not yet been fixed. The son of infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar says his childhood was like living in 'Disneyland'. Juan Pablo Escobar, the eldest child of the Colombian bandit, grew up living in lavish homes with animals such as elephants and zebras roaming his backyard . Despite having to change his name and flee Colombia when his famous father died and his cocaine empire collapsed in 1993, Mr Escobar says he loves and admires his dad. Juan Pablo Escobar (left), the son of Colombian drug boss Pablo Escobar (right) says he loves his father despite his reign of crime and terror through the South American nation Mr Escobar (pictured) says he grew up living a life so luxurious it was as if he was living in 'Disneyland' A lover of new gadgets and machinery, Pable often bought the latest motorcycles or fast cars for his property. 'It was like living in Disneyland. Giraffe's, elephants, motorcycles, a lot of things to do and a lot of money to spend,' Juan Pablo told 60 Minutes. 'I was willing to give my life for him. 'There's no chance I could hate my father... because I did not know exactly what he does (sic).' From a poor family in the town of Medellin, in Colombia's north-east, Escobar grew up to become the world's most wanted man. At the height of his drug cartel's trafficking of cocaine to Miami, Escobar was raking in close to $420 million a week. Initially, while operating out of the depths of his home country's jungles, his large operations flew under the radar. At the height of his drug cartel's trafficking of cocaine to Miami, Escobar was raking in close to $420 million a week and was spending much of it on the latest technology and toys From a poor family in the town of Medellin, in Colombia's north-east, Escobar grew up to become the world's most wanted man. He was initially called 'Robin Hood' for giving money and homes to the poor but he soon became one of the world's most terrifying criminals Escobar's Hacienda Napoles homestead on the outskirts of Meddelling contained swimming pools, tennis courts and African animals. In 1991, when he handed himself over to Colombian authorities, Escobar went to a luxury jail he built and designed himself While later he would become famous for starting wars, ordering thousands of murders and even bombing an airplane, he was called Colombia's 'Robin Hood' early on for giving away money to the poor. It wasn't until the ambitious crime lord made a run for the country's parliament that he came to the national attention, a decision his son thinks led to his downfall. 'It was he worst decision in his life because once he run into politics everyone pay attention to him,' Mr Escobar said. 'If he didnt do that I think he would be alive.' Having escaped many attempts on his life, Pablo Escobar finally died at the hands of the Colombian National Police on December 2, 1993. According to Mr Escobar, he was on the phone to his father just 10 minutes before his death. In a fit of rage following the announcement of his father's death, Mr Escobar told the media he would continue his father's crime rink and work. But he quickly changed his tune and instead of a life of crime chose a life of 'peace'. 'In the ten first minutes yes [I was angry], but in the ten minutes after that I called the press to tell them that I would never do anything to continue my fathers steps,' he said. 'Peace [is] what Ive been living everyday since.' Over recent years Escobar's story has reached a new audience through the popular Netflix series Narcos. Mr Escobar says he spoke to his father just 10 minutes before he was killed by the Colombian National Police in 1993 In addition to his international drug smuggling rink, Pablo Escobar also ordered many wars, assassinations and even the bombing of a passenger jet with more than 100 people onboard 'He did some things that make you love him and some things that make you hate him. Thats my father,' Mr Escobar said Only in recent years has Mr Escobar, who is an architect living in Argentina, spoken out about his father. He says even though he doesn't agree with his father's life of crime, he will always defend him as a bad parent. 'I am not hiding because I dont want to hide, I didnt kill anybody I didnt do any harm to anybody,' Mr Escobar said. 'I am not proud of his violence but I am proud of his love for me, to me and to my mother and sister. 'He did some things that make you love him and some things that make you hate him. Thats my father.' An incident involving a monkey saw two tribes come to blows in Libya, leaving 16 people dead. A further 50 were wounded following the clashes between rival factions in the southern city of Sabha, the heart of the country's smuggling and human trafficking network. According to residents, the latest bout of violence erupted between the Awlad Suleiman and Gaddadfa tribes when a monkey belonging to a shopkeeper from the Gaddadfa tribe attacked a group of schoolgirls passing by. The monkey pulled off one of the girls' head scarf, leading men from the Awlad Suleiman tribe to retaliate. They killed three people from the Gaddadfa tribe as well as the monkey, according to a resident who spoke to Reuters. In the Sabha region (pictured) - a hub for migrant and arms smuggling in Libya's south - militia abuses and the deterioration of living conditions have been especially acute The resident, who wished to remain anonymous because of security concerns, said: 'There was an escalation on the second and third days with the use of tanks, mortars and other heavy weapons. 'There are still sporadic clashes and life is completely shut down in the areas where there has been fighting.' Like other parts of Libya, Sabha has been periodically plagued by conflict since the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi five years ago split the country into rival factions. In the Sabha region - a hub for migrant and arms smuggling in Libya's often neglected south - militia abuses and the deterioration of living conditions have been especially acute. The Gaddadfa and the Awlad Suleiman represent the most powerful armed factions in the region. In the Sabha region - a hub for migrant and arms smuggling in Libya's often neglected south - militia abuses and the deterioration of living conditions have been especially acute During the latest clashes, which took place in the city centre, initial attempts by tribal leaders to calm the fighting and arrange a ceasefire failed, residents said. By Sunday, Sabha Medical Centre had received the bodies of 16 people killed in the clashes and around 50 wounded, a spokesman said. He added: 'There are women and children among the wounded and some foreigners from sub-Saharan African countries among those killed due to indiscriminate shelling.' Angela Merkel has announced plans to run for a fourth term as German chancellor in next year's election. Despite a backlash from voters over her open-door migrant Merkel remains popular in Germany and the 62-year-old will probably be re-elected in Germany's next election, which is due to take place before October 2017. Her Christian Democrat (CDU) party and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, currently have 311 seats in the German parliament, the Bundestag, way ahead of the Social Democrats (SPD) on 193 seats. Angela Merkel (pictured, centre) made the announcement today after speaking to several senior CDU politicians, including Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (left) The far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) is expected to make gains in next year's election at the expense of both Merkel's party and the SPD. But Merkel, who is 62, reportedly told senior figures in the CDU today that she intends to stay on and lead Germany. She is due to hold a press conference this evening. An opinion poll published in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper suggests 55 percent of Germans want Merkel to serve a fourth term, with 39 percent against the idea. She has been in power for 10 years and 360 days. Angela Merkel (pictured, right, with Theresa May in Berlin this week) has been in power in Germany since 2005 But she has some way to go if she is to become Germany's longest-reigning Chancellor. Konrad Adenauer, who played a crucial role in rebuilding West Germany after the war, was Chancellor between 1949 and 1963 - 14 years, while Merkel's political mentor, Helmut Kohl, was in power from 1982 until 1998 - 16 years. But even they pale into comparison beside the 19th century statesman, Prince Otto von Bismarck, who was Chancellor for 22 years. It is unclear whether, if she wins a fourth term, she would serve a full four years. She has said in the past that she wants to find the right time to leave politics, and not cling on too long. Merkel has steered Europe's biggest economy through the financial crisis and the euro zone debt crisis and has won respect internationally - US President Barack Obama this week described her as an 'outstanding' ally. Auf wiedersehen, President: Angela Merkel welcomed Barack Obama one last time to Berlin this week. He has said she is one of America's closest allies Following Brexit and the victory of Donald Trump in the United States, politicians in Europe are terrified of further victories by political 'insurgents'. Merkel's decision to stay on will reassure those who still believe in the EU and the eurozone. Her popularity ratings have taken a significant knock this year. She agreed to allow in 900,000 migrants, mostly from war zones in the Middle East, which angered many voters, especially after a series of incidents involving women being sexually harassed, most notably in Cologne on New Year's Eve. Angela Merkel (pictured) became Germany's first woman Chancellor and she is now set to become one of its longest serving rulers In July a 17-year-old Afghan refugee attacked passengers with an axe on a train in southern Germany and later the same month David Sonboly, the 18-year-old German son of Iranian parents shot dead nine people in Munich. Both incidents were damaging to Merkel and her government and support for the AfD has grown in recent months. In September, after a heavy defeat for the CDU in a Berlin state election, a humbled Merkel surprised the country by saying she wished she could turn the clock back on the migrant crisis, though she stopped short of saying her policy was a mistake. Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany, is a physicist who only became involved in politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She is seen as a talented negotiator but has also shown a ruthless streak. Obama and Merkel try to keep straight faces as they share a joke at the Hannover Messe industrial technology trade fair earlier this year A Protestant woman in a mainly Catholic and male-dominated party, at least when she became its leader in 2000, Merkel never built up a regional power base but over the years she has sidelined her main male rivals and has no obvious successor. She still requires the backing of her Christian Social Union (CSU) allies in Bavaria, who have fiercely criticised her open-door migrant policy but, with no obvious candidate of their own, are widely expected to fall in behind her. Polls put her conservative bloc around 10 points ahead of its nearest rivals, the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom she shares power. Many pollsters see another 'grand coalition' as the most likely option after the September election, although the rise of the AfD makes coalition arithmetic more complicated. A nine-year-old boy has died after his father accidentally ran over him on a jet ski as he played in shallow water. Queensland father Shane Parkes, 34, was driving a jet ski at Lake Moondarra, near Mount Isa, with his six-year-old son Dylan on Saturday morning when tragedy struck. Police believe that Mr Parkes lost control of the jet ski at a high speed and crashed into his other son, nine-year-old Tobi, who was playing in the shallows of the water with his mother. Tobi's body disappeared underwater and horrified family members scrambled to rescue him, but they were unsuccessful. Scroll down for video Queensland father Shane Parkes, 34, was driving a jet ski at Lake Moondarra, near Mount Isa, with his six-year-old son Dylan, when he accidentally ran over his son Tobi, 9 Tobi's body went underwater and despite extensive search efforts with a helicopter, ground and water rescue crews - Tobi's body could not be found on Saturday. A diver squad located his body the next morning Despite an extensive search of the area with a helicopter, ground and swift water rescue crews, the nine-year-old boy was not found until early on Sunday morning. A specialist diver squad caught a flight from Brisbane to Townsville and then drove almost ten hours inland to Lake Moondarra. They found the child's body within half an hour of searching. Superintendent Kev Guteridge said the investigation could take a long time. 'There were quite a lot of witnesses, so we are collecting statements from all of them and piecing together the information we have at the moment,' he said, the Courier Mail reported. 'The investigation could take quite a long time.' Police believe the jet-ski was being drivered at a very high speed when it crashed, but the exact circumstances of the collision still remain largely unknown Queensland Police Superintendent Kev Guteridge told ABC News that the jet-ski was being ridden at a very high speed, but police were unsure of the circumstances of the actual crash. 'For some reason, the jet ski has collided with the bank, which also resulted in the young nine-year-old boy being struck by the jet ski at high speed, tragically as a result of that the boy we believe was thrown in the water he hasn't been sighted since.' 'The father and son who were located were thrown onto the bank after the impact.' Mr Parkes and Dylan were taken to Mount Isa hospital on Saturday and stayed the night in a stable condition, the Courier Mail reported. The four people who died in Friday's tragic medical transport plane crash in northern Nevada have been identified by police. Elko Police Chief Brian Reed say the victims of the crash Friday night were pilot Yuji Irie; medical staff members Jake Shepherd of Utah and Tiffany Urresti of Elko; and patient Edward Clohesey of Spring Creek, Nevada. Clohesey was being rushed to a hospital in Utah for treatment of a heart ailment when the American Medflight air ambulance crashed into a parking lot in Elko, Nevada, according to the Elko Daily Free Press. Shepherd and Urresti were remembered over the weekend as devoted public servants who brought cheer to those who knew them. Scroll down for video Jacob Shepherd, a paramedic from Utah, was one of four people who died when an air-ambulance flight crashed into a parking lot in Elko, Nevada, on Friday night Shepherd, a Utah native, worked part-time as a paramedic for Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele, Utah. He was known as a caring man who was fun to be around him. 'He had a big heart,' Joe Carnell, the ambulance director with Mountain West, told Fox 13. 'He was dedicated to his community, he was dedicated to the public.' 'He made everyone smile, laugh,' he said. 'You'd show up on shift with him, and you were laughing for the next two days.' Tiffany Urresti of Elko, Nevada, was also on board the ill-fated flight. Her parents said that she dreamed of working as a flight nurse Urresti's parents said that Tiffany (pictured above on the right) had just gotten engaged to be married Shepherd is survived by his wife and three children. Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help his family. So far, it has raised over $12,000 in less than a day, more than halfway toward the goal of $20,000. Debbi and Jim Urresti say their daughter, Tiffany, started working two months ago for American Medflight and had worked as a hospital ER nurse before that. Yuji Irie (right) was the pilot of the plane that crashed in Elko, Nevada, on Friday, killing him and three others on board. Police say Irie may have steered the plane away from homes and toward an empty parking lot as it was descending rapidly toward the ground, thus saving lives Aftermath: The remains of the plane can be seen in this picture taken the day after the crash Nobody on the ground was injured when the plane crashed in a mining company's parking lot The parents say their daughter dreamed for years of working as a flight nurse, and the mother says her daughter was engaged to be married next May. Urresti's death was met with shock by locals in Elko, where her family has been a staple of the community it served. 'Her and her family have served Elko for a number of years, her dad Jimmy's been with the department 30 years,' a teary-eyed Elko Fire Chief Griego told Fox 13. Several vehicles caught on fire when the aircraft crashed in Elko, Nevada Friday evening 'So, it hits home.' Griego said Urresti had just gotten engaged to be married. There is currently no information regarding the pilot, Irie. Clohesey, a heart patient, who had coronary artery disease and was experiencing chest pains and rapid heartbeat, was being taken to the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. All four people aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash in Elko, Nevada, on Friday evening The plane had crashed shortly after it took off from the local airport in Elko, according to the Elko Free Press. Investigators believe that mechanical problems caused the plane to crash. 'What we do know is that an American Med Flight described as... Cheyenne Twin Engine Piper II, took off in a northeasterly direction headed to Salt Lake at around 7:30 p.m.,' said Police Lt. Rich Genseal. 'As the plane climbed we believe at this point it experienced mechanical problems. We are not sure if it lost power or an engine.' 'We know it lost altitude and crashed in the Barrick parking lot.' The aircraft was an American Medflight plane similar to the one seen in this stock photograph The plane burst into flames immediately after it slammed into the ground, police said. Genseal said that authorities believe that the pilot, Irie, may have steered the plane away from residential areas and toward the empty parking lot as the plane descended rapidly toward the ground, thus saving lives, according to Fox 13. 'The plane came down in a parking lot that's probably only several hundred feet from the apartment complex, multiple dwellings,' he said. 'Not to mention the surrounding areas around that is all housing. Where they came down is a parking lot, which happened to be empty at the time So, for us, there couldn't have been a safer place for him to come down with that plane without causing additional casualties, so we need to credit the pilot on that.' Irie, a 63-year-old Japanese immigrant to the United States, was described by his bosses at American Medflight as an industrious and fearless pilot who was willing to fly through tough weather conditions to bring patients to hospitals. The company said that Irie had always dreamed of becoming a pilot, but only realized his ambition at a later age because of the need to work and earn a living as a young man. He had even bought a large airplane often used by airline companies in hopes of starting his own tourism and travel business. Captain Irie found his true life calling at American Medflight, American Medflight said in a statement. He always was ready to go save a life and always found a way to safely transport his patients and medical crew regardless of the challenges he faced. I've always said that if I had 50 Yuji's, this company would be unstoppable and we'd achieve anything we set out to do, John Burruel, the companys president and CEO, told Elko Daily Free Press. He had the best work ethic I've ever seen and he cared for people with endless energy and compassion. The Reno-based company put out a statement after the crash on Friday, saying: 'We are devastated by this event and wish we had answers to the many questions being asked at this time. 'As an air medical family, we are mourning the loss of our crew members and patient. Their families have been notified and they are in our thoughts and prayers. 'Our priority at this time is to look after the well being of the affected family members and their co-workers and to be responsive to their needs. Neo-Nazi referrals to the government's deradicalisation programme are overtaking Islamist extremism cases in parts of the UK Neo-Nazi referrals to the government's deradicalisation programme are overtaking Islamist extremism cases in parts of the UK. Security minister Ben Wallace highlighted the increase in far-right radicalisation amid new figures showing almost 300 children were referred to officials. The worrying statistics show 16 of the 300 flagged up for neo-Nazi links were under the age of 10. Mr Wallace, Tory MP for Wyre and Preston North, told collegues in the Commons: 'The Prevent strategy is seeing a growth in far-right referrals. 'In some areas of the country, these Prevent referrals outnumber those about the other parts we are worried out.' Parts of Wales are reporting figures of above 50 percent for far-right referrals to the Prevent strategy programme, senior fellow in extremism at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue Rashad Ali told The Times. The landscape is similar in Leicestershire, according to the paper, who report far-right extremism makes up half of all cases. It comes as stickers claiming people were entering ' Nazi controlled zones' were put up around Liverpool It comes as stickers claiming people were entering ' Nazi controlled zones' were put up around Liverpool. The stickers, placed on lampposts and doors around the city in Merseyside, added to concerns youngsters were being groomed by far right activists as 'Hitler youth'. The say: 'You are entering a Nazi controlled zone' and also refer to to the far-right group National Action. White supremacist group National Action states its main aim is for a 'white nation'. As part of its mission statement, the group says: 'Our country will not be saved by cowards who mince their words, it will be saved by those who hold a monopoly on truth and are not afraid to swing the bat at the enemy. 'Because we have already succeeded in uniting the youth we have guaranteed that any future nationalist institution must be composed on these terms.' This year it launched its Miss Hitler competition, aiming to crown its best female member. As part of the competition, the group asks hopefuls if they would kill someone, and many of which say they would. White supremacist group National Action states its main aim is for a 'white nation' Figures released by the National Police Chiefs Council show the number of far-right Prevent referrals has increased by 74 percent in the last year, according to The Times. There were 323 cases in 2014-15 and 561 in 2015-16. Of those, more than half involved children under the age of 18. Elderly people are left on toilets for hours and fed pureed party pies, according to a senate inquiry into the future of Australia's aged care sector. The industry is facing $1.2 billion in federal funding cuts in the next four years, but nurse submissions to the inquiry paint a horrific picture of systemic mistreatment - with understaffed premises and underqualified carers. Carmel Egan, a registered nurse with years of experience, said she quit after being required to care for 94 elderly residents during a night shift - as well as remain on call for a nearby retirement village consisting of 151 units. A senate inquiry into the future of Australia's aged care sector revealed a culture of patient mistreatment (stock) Another registered nurse with close to four decades experience described a nightmare second shift at a 'top dollar, 120-bed nursing home in an affluent suburb.' She said that she was asked to change the leg bandages on a frail female resident, 88, and was shocked to find that 'underneath the skin was raw, black and infected.' Another nurse said uncircumcised male residents did not have their foreskins pulled back and washed, while recalling a superior questioning why a 99-year-old patient who requested hospitalisation and treatment 'doesn't just die.' One of the 296 submissions described how a nurse was forced to contend with 94 elderly patients during a night-shift, while remain on call for a nearby retirement village In one anonymous submission to the enquiry, a nurse recalled feeding aged care residents party pies and frankfurt sausages. 'The residents stay in faeces longer than is acceptable ... and sat on toilets waiting for help for inhumane lengths night after night,' one submission revealed. One nurse summarised the 296 submissions by saying: 'It must be blindingly obvious from all reports that Aged Care is in crisis.' 'Research shows that people die without professional nursing care. What concerns me is that people die after years of criminal neglect, without adequate nursing care.' The inquiry lapsed at the dissolution of the Senate on 9 May 2016, but the Senate agreed to re-adopt the inquiry with a reporting date of 28 April 2017. Russia's President Vladimir Putin is expected to contact Donald Trump once he takes over in the White House to get his agreement on bombing targets in Syria. The Russian ambassador to London, Alexander Yakovenko, said Putin had been trying to persuade outgoing President Barack Obama to agree to Russian pilots bombing rebel targets. But relations between Obama and Putin are at a low ebb and the Kremlin has been cold shouldered by the lame duck president. Vladimir Putin (pictured, right) is said to be biding his time and waiting for President-Elect Donald Trump (left) to take over in January and give him a more sympathetic ear Mr Yakovenko told the Sunday Mirror: 'Use of the air force in Syria is part of a diplomacy backed by force. 'We have been trying to coordinate with this US Administration. We'll continue doing so with the next one.' Britain and the US wanted to impose 'no fly zones' above Aleppo to stop the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians on the ground by Russians planes targeting rebels in the east of the city. Parents help their children evacuate from their school in Aleppo after rebels shelled a government-held area of western Aleppo After a three-week peace Russian and Syrian jets returned to the skies this week and killed at least 30 people - a mixture of rebels and civilians - and also targeted a children's hospital. Putin's priority is maintaining in power the regime of President Bashar al-Assad who, along with his late father Hafez, have been long-term allies of Russia and the Soviet Union. Trump's priority is the destruction of ISIS and he is thought to be willing to offer a deal to Russia whereby Assad stays in power and the two superpowers cooperate on destroying ISIS's stronghold in Raqqa, eastern Syria. Ready to meet: Russian matryoshka dolls of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump for sale in a Moscow souvenir shop The Russians claimed that if they had not sent their jets in when they did ISIS and their allies would have taken over the Syrian capital, Damascus. Mr Yakovenko said today: 'The foreign terrorist organisations, proscribed by the UN, such as ISIS and "Nusra", are the single most important factor that distorted the entire setup in Syria. In fact, the terrorists are leading the opposition militarily, including in east Aleppo.' He said: 'If they call the tune on the battlefield, theyll do the same in Syria if they prevail. Our only strategy in Syria is to allow the Syrians to decide for themselves.' Mr Yakovenko said Syrians who opposed Assad should 'disengage from the terrorists' and he assured them they would be offered places at the negotiating table in Geneva. Look at that body language: When Obama and Putin met for a 'candid and blunt' meeting in Beijing in September, there was no disguising the mutual animosity The pair spoke on the phone this week and Putin said afterwards he looked forward to a relationship based on 'equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.' They also agreed to meet face-to-face. In September Putin and Obama met at the G20 summit in Beijing but the body language between them was incredibly frosty. Obama's famous 'Russian reset' policy, which he launched in 2009, collapsed in 2014 after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported ethnic Russian rebels fighting the Ukrainian government. President-Elect Donald Trump (left) and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence (right) met former US Marine Corps General James Mattis yesterday. He is tipped to become Secretary of State for Defense Russia caused an international crisis with its incursion into Crimea, a move that subjected Putin's regime to European, international, and U.S. sanctions. Sanctions the administration slapped on his regime even targeted some of the oligarchs close to Putin. According to the Kremlin, Trump and Putin agreed during their phone call this week that current US-Russia ties were 'unsatisfactory' and spoke about cooperation on a 'broad range of issues.' This ISIS suicide car bomber was blown up just yards before it was poised to ram into Iraqi militiamen. The terrorist was driving an explosives-laden vehicle into positions held by the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU), a state-sponsored Shiite defence organisation. The bomber continued travelling at speed under heavy fire, but was eventually obliterated in a huge blast that lit up the arid battlefield in Tal Afar, north-west Iraq. The car bomber emerges from a camouflaged position with the car headlights beaming The terrorist continued travelling at speed under heavy fire from fighters belonging to the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) The footage was released by militia fighters and has not been independently verified. It comes as Iraqi government forces arrived in Tal Afar to support Shiite fighters who had successfully captured the local airbase from the Islamic State. Prior to its capture by IS, Shiites constituted the majority of Tal Afar's estimated 200,000 residents. Meanwhile, Iraqi government troops are continuing their drive to push IS out of Mosul, their final major stronghold in the country. They advanced towards the centre of Mosul today, amid continued concern about the fate of the city's one million residents. An Iraqi commander said his soldiers were searching homes in areas retaken from IS, looking for militants and vehicles rigged with explosives. The car (circled) travels towards its target, remaining on course despite being showered with ammunition Advertisement An anti-Trump protester circumnavigated police barricades to yell 'f**k off Nazi scum' at far-right demonstrators. Police erected fences and created a physical barrier between around 50 far-right protesters celebrating Donald Trump's election as U.S president and hundreds of anti-Trump protesters outside the Victorian Parliament House on Sunday. One anti-racism protester managed to get around the hundreds of heavily armed riot squad officers and started yelling at the members of the True Blue Crew and the United Patriots Front as she held up an upside down sign saying 'Nazis off our streets'. Scroll down for video The protesters were kept divided throughout the protest and counter rally which was held outside Victoria's parliament A woman from State and a Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (right) and True Blue Crew (left) clash on Sunday Police surround a woman attending the True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front's celebration of Donald Trump's election Dozens of far-right protesters bolted to the fence line to engage with the woman - some even yelling 'go back where you came from'. Police officers swooped in and dragged the pro-Trump protester away before tensions could bubble over. More than 1,000 people said they would be attending a pro-Trump rally , but no more than 50 members of the far-right groups the True Blue Crew and the United Patriots Front - including leader Blair Cottrell - turned up. Hundreds of Anti-Trump protesters - many of whom obscured their identities with bandanas and masks - held up signs with swastikas proclaiming 'refugees are welcome, racists are not' and 'Stop Trump' at a counter-rally only metres away. Protesters from True Blue Crew (left) and No Room for Racism (right) have converged in Melbourne on Sunday following Donald Trump's election in the United States Riot police are seen as the True Blue Crew and United Patriots Front rally to celebrate Donald Trump's election Riot squad officers on foot were seen wearing extensive body armour as Trump supporters and protesters gathered The rallies met outside the Victoria Parliament building (pictured) in Melbourne at 2pm on Sunday Anti-Trump groups attended, claiming that the supporters are using the election of Trump to promote racism A woman wearing an orange Donald Trump mask attends a rally outside Victoria's parliament on Sunday afternoon United Patriots Front leader Blair Cottrell (pictured) walks ahead of a banner congratulating Donald Trump US Republican president-elect Donald Trump pictured in late October Three young girls from the pro-Trump camp held up signs spruiking Ivanka Trump for president in 2024. 'Trump trumped the leftist bigots,' one sign read. Tensions were high between the two opposing groups, but police did not allow the protesters to meet amid fears the interaction could have turned violent. Only one man was arrested during the protest and counter rally. A 41-year-old Trump supporter from Bendigo was taken into police custody over an alleged minor assault involving a photographer but was released pending further investigation. Anti-racism proteste with bandnas covering thier faces gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally A 41-year-old Trump supporter (right) was taken into police custody over an alleged minor assault involving a photographer but was released pending further investigation Three young children hold up signs at a pro-Donald Trump rally in Melbourne on Sunday An anti-racism protester in a purple afro wig wheels through Melbourne holding a 'fascist-free zone' Anti-racism protesters gather to counter protest against a Donald Trump victory rally outside State Parliament In a statement provided to Daily Mail Australia, Victoria Police said: '[We are] aware of two planned rallies in the Melbourne CBD [on] Sunday 20 November. 'We respect the right of the community to express their views peacefully and lawfully, but we will not tolerate people breaking the law. 'Police will be present to monitor the rally, manage traffic disruptions, ensure public order and prioritise community safety.' Thousands of Donald Trump supporters celebrate in Melbourne while others counter-rally (pictured) Large groups of people could be seen holding signs (pictured) Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton (above) the politically correct names will make the two holidays more inclusive An Indiana city has renamed two holidays in a bid to be more culturally sensitive. Columbus Day and Good Friday will now be known as Fall and Spring Holiday in Bloomington, the Bloomington Herald-Times reports. Mayor John Hamilton, who made the change on Friday, said the politically correct names will make the two holidays more inclusive in a memo to city employees. We are terrifically proud of our diverse workforce at the city, Hamilton wrote. That diversity makes us stronger and more representative of the public we proudly serve. These updated names for two days of well-merited time off is another way we can demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity. Residents of Bloomington are likely to welcome the move as the city and surrounding Monroe County is overwhelmingly liberal, due in part to the presence of Indiana University (above) All city employees receive paid time off for Columbus Day, a federal holiday, and Good Friday, which isnt. Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday by many Christians as the day Jesus was crucified. Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus to the Americas on October 12, 1492. However, the celebration has come under fire by critics who say the discovery of the Americas by European colonizers led to centuries of oppression for Native Americans. Columbus Day celebrates the arrival of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus (above, in a picture depicting him taking leave of Isabella of Castile before his first voyage to the New World) to the Americas on October 12, 1492 Residents of Bloomington which has a population of 82,575 - are likely to welcome the move as the city and surrounding Monroe County is overwhelmingly liberal, due in part to the presence of Indiana University. A woman has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her 21-year-old ex-boyfriend to death and going on the run. Melanie Eam, 20, is accused of killing James Barry at his home in Loxahatchee, Florida early Thursday morning. She was arrested on Saturday after going on the run to Silver Spring in Maryland - some 1,000 miles away from the scene of the crime. Melanie Eam, 20, is accused of killing 21-year-old James Barry (pictured together) at his home in Loxahatchee, Florida early Thursday morning Eam was wanted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in connection to the death of her ex-boyfriend. Family members said the young couple had recently gone through a bad break up. Barry's mother, Nicola Barry, told CBS12 her slain child was a loving, model son. 'A good kid, his life taken the way it was taken,' she said. James Barry, 21, was found stabbed to death at his home in Loxahatchee, Florida on Thursday Eam was arrested on Saturday after going on the run to Silver Spring in Maryland - some 1,000 miles away from the scene of the crime Police named Eam as a person of interest after Barry's body was found at his home (pictured) Video courtesy of WPTV 'He was so kind, and always giving everybody another chance. He's so loved, and so missed right now.' His father James Barry said: 'He would do anything for anyone, always put other people first, all the time. 'We live in an 'I' society. That was the opposite of James.' Eam will remain in custody in Maryland until she is extradited back to Palm Beach County, according to the Sheriff's Office. Family said Eam and Barry had recently gone through a bad break up before she allegedly stabbed him to death The Hamilton actor who lectured Mike Pence has a history of political activism, delivering a passionate anti-corporation rant over the protests against the Dakota Access pipeline earlier this month. Brandon Victor Dixon's words to Pence on Friday clearly bothered Donald Trump, who repeatedly tweeted about the hit Broadway show despite a busy weekend of transition talks. But those who follow Dixon may not be surprised the Oxford-trained actor was the one to take center stage when it came to delivering the cast's message. Before the election, Dixon spoke out in support of the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access pipeline. Brandon Victor Dixon was the Hamilton actor who delivered the cast's powerful statement to Mike Pence as he sat in the audience on Friday night Dixon told Pence that the cast reflected 'diverse America' who feared the Trump administration would not 'protect us, our planet, our children, our parents' The actor, who plays Aaron Burr in the show, expressed his dismay with both Obama and Hillary Clinton for not speaking out against the controversial pipeline. 'I could give a f**k about a dumb bully who has ALWAYS been honest about being a dumb bully,' he wrote on Instagram, seemingly referring to Trump. 'I'm enraged at the person who shakes my hand, hugs me while colluding with banks, corporate military, and fossil fuel earth ravagers, to line their pockets and the pockets of friends.' 'This s**t makes me wanna burn them to the ground.' Dixon is clearly passionate about the #NoDAPL movement, posting a number of articles calling out Clinton's relative silence over the controversy. But the actor has also called out Trump, saying in one interview that America 'has never been great'. 'America is not about the greatness of what it is,' he told The Hollywood Reporter before the election. 'It's about what greatness is possible.' 'People talking about making America great again? America's never been great. The greatness of America is in its pursuit of greatness.' 'The second we decide that American exceptionalism is the definition of patriotism, that's the moment our republic fails and we begin to descend.' 'We have to look honestly at ourselves and recognize the positives, the negatives and the challenges we can overcome.' Before the election, Dixon delivered a passionate anti-corporation rant over the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access pipeline He also spoke out against the protests following Donald Trump's election, telling those who were angered by the results to becoming active in their communities instead Dixon has also posted about police violence against black men, writing a lengthy response to one Trump supporter who disagreed with this illustration 'That's what makes America great: not what it is, but what's possible.' Those thoughts were likely running through Dixon's mind as he delivered the cast's message to Pence on Friday night. 'We sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,' he told the Vice president-elect. 'But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our Americans values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us.' 'We truly thank you for sharing this show, this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds, and orientations.' Dixon said the cast found out just 30 minutes before the show began that Pence had requested tickets and would be attending. 'When we first got the call that he was coming, there was certainly a question of what we would do,' Dixon told Broadway.com. 'These are the opportunities you die for.' The cast called Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the show's producer Jeffrey Seller. Miranda, Seller and the show's director, Thomas Kail, then wrote the speech, adding input from the cast. Dixon said he saw Pence enjoying the show that night and he hopes the cast's message resonates with the Vice President-elect. 'I truly believe we had an affect,' Dixon said. 'It was a message from the producers, the creative and the cast. If you have differences, say something!' 'What better place than on this stage, telling this story with these people? I hope he thinks of us every time he has to deal with an issue or talk about a bill or present anything.' Pence was booed while taking in the award-winning Broadway show in New York on Friday Dixon said he saw Pence (pictured leaving the theatre) enjoying the show that night and he hopes the cast's message resonates with the Vice President-elect Pence revealed on Sunday morning that he was not offended by Dixon's message and told Fox News' Chris Wallace that he enjoyed the show. Meanwhile, Dixon's name is making waves outside of the theater world where he has become a seasoned Broadway performer. The 35-year-old Gaithersburg, Maryland native is an Oxford and Ivy League-educated actor who already has a Tony and Grammy Award on his mantle. Dixon attended the British American Drama Academy at the Balliol College in Oxford the summer after his junior year of high school. He was then accepted early decision into Columbia University, leaving at the start of his senior year to play the role of Simba in the Chicago production of the Lion King in 2003. Dixon then scored the starring role of Harpo in the original Broadway production of The Color Purple, for which he received his first Tony nomination in 2005. He would go on to finish his college degree, a promise to his electrical contractor-father, before performing in Motown: The Musical and, most recently, Shuffle Along. Dixon's talent has extended to production, winning him a Tony for his work on Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He has also appeared on television, including the ABC soap opera One Live to Live, as well as Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Good Wife. Dixon hasn't been shy when it comes to discussing politics with his fans, often airing his beliefs via messages on his popular Instagram. Dixon, 35, (pictured with Adele backstage at Hamilton) is a Gaithersburg, Maryland native who already has a Tony and Grammy Award on his mantle Dixon (pictured with the US gymnastics team) attended the British American Drama Academy at Oxford before getting his degree at Columbia University in New York Dixon has starred in productions of The Lion King, The Color Purple, Motown: The Musical and Shuffle Along (pictured far left) Just like trickle down economics doesnt work, neither does social equality, he wrote after Election Day. Stop protesting with people who agree with you. He is your president. Go home. Read a book. Invest in changing the people and communities around you. Love and understanding grow from the ground up. And Dixon didn't back down when the president-elect claimed the Hamilton cast had 'harassed' Pence. 'Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,' Trump tweeted on Saturday morning. 'This should not happen!' 'The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!' 'Conversation is not harassment sir,' Dixon wrote back. 'And I appreciate Mike Pence for stopping to listen.' Pence was on his way out of the theater as Dixon spoke, and the actor pleaded for the Vice-president elect to listen to their message. 'I see you walking out but I hope you will hear us,' Dixon said before he began. A representative for the show later revealed that Pence stood in the hallway outside and heard the full statement. Pence, who attended the show with his daughter, was loudly booed throughout the show by audience members, the jeers sometimes so strong that the show had to be stopped repeatedly. The booing was most likely linked to Pence's anti-LGBT stances throughout his political career, including his support of 'conversion therapy'. Trump was clearly bothered by the Hamilton cast's message, repeatedly tweeting about it into the early hours of Sunday morning Hamilton's title role is played by Javier Munoz, an openly gay and HIV-positive actor. The show was also participating in a fundraiser for the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS non-profit on the night Pence attended. 'As a cast comprised of minorities, women, gay people, it was necessary,' producer Sellers told The Hollywood Reporter after the show. 'We had to speak. We had to express how we feel.' 'This is not a normal time, this is not a normal election,' Sellers added. 'It does just so happen that the politics of this administration have been so negative toward minorities, people of color, gay people, that we felt the need to speak up.' 'In a democracy, one must let his and her voice be heard, and we were not going to the show tonight without expressing how we feel.' It was an expression that clearly bothered Trump, who could not help himself as he continued to tweet about Hamilton into the early hours of Sunday morning. First Trump reignited his Twitter feud with the cast, saying they were 'very rude and insulting' to Pence. Dixon was quick to defend the cast on Saturday morning, directly replying to Trump's tweets Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped write the statement to Pence, also tweeted his support for the cast and Dixon 'Couldn't even memorize lines!' he wrote in the the tweet, which he quickly deleted. And around 6am on Sunday he once demanded that the cast apologize. 'The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior,' he tweeted. Kellyanne Conway, Trump's campaign manager, reiterated his outrage, saying Pence had deserved a 'peaceful night out' with his daughter. Some of Trump's most ardent supporters agreed and tried to rally a boycott against the widely popular production, seemingly unaware that it is sold out. Tickets to Hamilton, which racked up 11 Tony Awards earlier this year, are notoriously difficult for the average citizen to get their hands on, with the cheapest StubHub tickets for Saturday night's show going for a staggering $835. Some Trump supporters decided to stage a flash mob near the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where Hamilton is performed, as a form of protest on Saturday night. A group of Trump supporters were seen in the video chanting 'USA!' and waving an American flag. However there are questions over the video's authenticity after many Twitter users disputed the claim that the Trump supporters were directly outside the 'Hamilton' theater on 46th Street in New York City. The video shows the supporters to be closer to Sixth Avenue rather than on Broadway close to the Richard Rogers Theater where the show is playing. Some Trump supporters decided to stage a flash mob near the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where Hamilton is performed, as a form of protest on Saturday night If found guilty, the 39-year-old would be placed on the sex offenders' register and could be jailed The officer, a married father-of-two, was interviewed under caution by private investigators working for the Iraq Historical Allegations Team Lawyers acting on behalf of Iraqis allege he distributed indecent images of children by showing them to three team members Ex-interrogator accused of being at the 'heart of a An Army intelligence officer who discovered child porn on an Iraqi insurgent's phone is under investigation by a taxpayer-funded probe into claims of criminality by British troops. The retired interrogator, who does not want to be named, said it was 'disgusting' that he had been accused of being at the 'heart of a paedophile conspiracy' for simply doing his job. Lawyers acting on behalf of Iraqis allege he distributed indecent images of children found on the mobile phone of the Iraqi prisoner by showing them to three team members. The officer, a married father-of-two, was interviewed under caution by private investigators working for the Iraq Historical Allegations Team (Ihat). If found guilty, the 39-year-old would be placed on the sex offenders' register and could be jailed. An Army intelligence officer who discovered child porn on an Iraqi insurgent's phone is under investigation (file picture) Other members of his team have also been quizzed about the incident and could face prosecution, the Mail can reveal. They have no idea when their torment will end as the case is still ongoing. The newspaper has revealed how the controversial 57million Ihat probe has quizzed hundreds of soldiers after being handed 3,367 claims of wrongdoing by law firms. No one has yet been prosecuted as a result but soldiers have spoken of their torment of being dragged through multiple inquiries years later after being cleared at the time. Speaking for the first time about the incident - which happened a decade ago the former officer said: 'What they are accusing me of is so toxic. It's a horrific allegation.' 'The investigators told me I am at the heart of a paedophile conspiracy. It is disgusting what they have accused me of', he told the Telegraph. No one has yet been prosecuted as a result but soldiers have spoken of their torment of being dragged through multiple inquiries years later after being cleared at the time The Iraqi was detained in 2006 after being identified as an insurgent fighting the Mahdi militia that was terrorising local civilians and targeting British soldiers. Intelligence officers seized his phone and discovered child pornography on it. The British troops were under intense pressure to find the other members of the Iraqi's network and decided to use the images as leverage. They threatened to distribute leaflets containing the images as well as a photograph of the suspect if he did not disclose details of his terror cell. The leaflet was shown to four people. It is understood the soldiers had no intention of carrying out the threat but produced a mock leaflet to persuade the suspect to talk. The officer, who now works in finance, was ordered to attend an interview at London's Charing Cross police station in February this year and quizzed by investigators. The British officer said the plan to use the images to persuade him to reveal crucial details had been approved by superiors. He said that a video of the subsequent interrogation was sent back to the UK - as were all videos of interrogations - to be scrutinised by headquarters. He said: 'If there had been a problem then it should have been picked up 10 years ago.' Others involved have also been quizzed by Ihat, which is still investigating the incident. The intelligence officer wrote to Mark Warwick, the head of Ihat, complaining about his treatment. The officer, who now works in finance, was ordered to attend an interview at London's Charing Cross police station in February this year and quizzed by investigators In his reply, Mr Warwick wrote: 'I accept your observation that this appears to be a prolonged investigation and I understand that this may be having a negative effect on you. 'Regrettably in pursuing essential lines of enquiry we sometimes incur delay that is out of our control.' Ihat are currently investigating 1,009 claims having thrown out thousands and the figure is expected to drop to 60 by next summer. An Ihat spokesman confirmed: 'We have interviewed several people in an investigation into activities in Iraq in 2006. President-elect Donald Trump has once again taken issue with Saturday Night Live's lampooning of him during his transition. Trump tweeted on Sunday morning that he caught glimpses of the hit NBC variety show, which once again rolled out Alec Baldwin and his imitation of the real estate mogul-turned-president elect, and was not impressed. 'I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night,' Trump tweeted. 'It is a totally one-sided, biased show nothing funny at all. Equal time for us?' President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter (above) on Sunday and blasted Saturday Night Live as 'one-sided' and 'biased' for its cold open skit starring Trump impersonator Alec Baldwin Trump (above) was seen on Sunday leaving the Lamington Presbyterian Church after services in Bedminster, New Jersey The tweet prompted a response from Baldwin, who urged the president-elect to concentrate on issues like jobs and improving America's image abroad. Baldwin said that Trump's plea for 'equal time' is no longer relevant since he won the election. He also tweeted, using his Alec Baldwin Foundation account, that Trump's cabinet appointments were generating fear among the public. Baldwin responded (above) to Trump's tweets, urging the president-elect to prepare for a term in office in which his moves will be scrutinized Baldwin urged Trump to 'focus on how to improve the lives of as many Americans as possible' Baldwin also criticized Trump's rumored picks for key cabinet postings that 'generate fear and doubt' 'I'd be focused on improving our reputation abroad, including actually fighting for freedom and not just oil,' Baldwin tweeted 'Make America great again' by 'putting it back to work,' the actor tweeted to Trump After a one-week hiatus, Baldwin was back on SNL, and he pulled no punches in his portrayal of The Donald. The cold opening skit made sure to poke fun at Trump's latest feud with the cast of Hamilton. As Mike Pence - played by Beck Bennett - greeted Baldwin's Trump, the future president asked him what he thought of Hamilton. 'It was good. I got a free lecture,' Pence replied. Baldwin (left) revived his performance as Trump on Saturday Night Live, and in this portrayal the actor pulled no punches The joke was in reference to an incident that occurred during Friday night's performance of the hit Broadway show, which was staged with the vice president elect in attendance. The cast of Hamilton, led by actor Brandon Victor Dixon, read a statement thanking Pence for attending the show and encouraging his new administration to 'uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us.' SNL showed a clueless president-elect googling how to defeat ISIS and panicking about how much his border wall will cost Cell phone video of the speech went viral on social media. It also prompted an angry response from Trump, and a call to boycott Hamilton from Trump supporters. On Saturday, the real Trump sent out several tweets to the cast of Hamilton, insulting them for their treatment of Pence. 'Very rude and insulting of Hamilton cast member to treat our great future V.P. Mike Pence to a theater lecture. Couldn't even memorize lines!', Trump wrote. 'OK. Big plan, big plan. Google, "what is ISIS?" Oh, my. 59 million results ...' Trump says before grabbing his phone and shouting: 'SIRI? How do I kill ISIS?' Earlier he wrote, 'Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,' Trump wrote. 'This should not happen!' Then at 5.56am, he wrote: 'The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!' In the SNL skit, the Baldwin portrayal of Trump thanked Pence for having his back, saying: 'I love you, Mike. You're the reason I'll never be impeached.' A horrified and haunted-looking Kellyanne Conway, played by Kate McKinnon, introduces each guest to Trump Earlier in the skit, Mitt Romney, played by Jason Sudeikis, was announced by a horrified and haunted-looking Kellyanne Conway, played by Kate McKinnon, and entered to an overwhelming applause. Trump and Romney shook hands through an agonizing, awkward pause until Romney said: 'This isn't going to work, is it?' First he meets with a general who says he can't wait for Trump to reveal his secret plan to kill ISIS Later, when a rural campaign worker says he's grateful Trump will bring back jobs and build a wall, Trump begins to panic over the cost $25 billion cost of the '2,000-American-mile' wall 'I don't think so,' Trump replied. SNL also took jabs at Trump's real-life back-pedaling on campaign promises like repealing Obamacare, hiring a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton, and deporting millions of immigrants. As Pence rattled off a list of the promises, Baldwin's Trump shouted 'scrapped!' Earlier in the skit, Mitt Romney, played by Jason Sudeikis (pictured), endured a long, awkward handshake When Pence talked about how difficult it would be to deport millions of immigrants, Trump responded: 'Maybe let's not do it!' 'What about Obamacare? 20 million people use it, and I know it's crazy, but they actually like it,' Pence said to Trump. Romney finally says: 'This isn't going to work, is it?' and Trump replied 'I don't think so,' before Romney leaves Trump frantically replied: 'Keep it. Let's just keep it. All of it. No change.' When Pence asked about a special prosecutor for Clinton, Trump said: 'Don't do it. She didn't do anything. SCRAPED.' Before telling Pence to scrap all of Trump's major campaign promises, Trump met with a general and a local campaign manager from Virginia who asked about Trump's wall along the Mexican border and his 'secret' plan to defeat ISIS. As Mike Pence - played by Beck Bennett - greeted Baldwin's Trump, the future president asked him what he thought of Hamilton SNL also took jabs at Trump's real-life back-pedaling on campaign promises like repealing Obamacare, hiring a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton, and deporting millions of immigrants As Pence rattled off a list of campaign promises, Baldwin's Trump shouted 'scrapped!' 'We're really looking forward to hearing (your plan to defeat ISIS). It's only seven weeks away, so let's save some lives together,' the general said to Trump. As soon as the general left, Trump ran to his computer, sat down and said: 'OK. Big plan, big plan. Google, "what is ISIS?" Oh, my. 59 million results ...' Trump said before grabbing his phone and shouting: 'SIRI? How do I kill ISIS?' Trump also thanked Pence for having his back, saying: 'I love you, Mike. You're the reason I'll never be impeached' The cast finally broke, turned to the camera and shouted: 'Live from New York it's Saturday night!' Later, when a rural campaign worker said he's grateful Trump will bring back jobs and build a wall, Trump panicked over the cost $25 billion cost of the '2,000-American-mile' wall. '$25 billion? It can't be that much. It's OK, Don. Hillary is still ahead in the polls,' Trump said, not seeming to understand Clinton is no longer in the race. But by the end, Trump felt all was well with Pence by his side. 'Being president won't be easy, but we'll get through it if we work hard,' Pence told Trump. Bosses of a festive market have hit back at visitors who dubbed it a 'Winter Blunderland' after they slammed muddy fields and a two-hour wait to see Santa. The first day of the Bakewell Winter Wonderland and Christmas Market near Derby sparked a furious reaction from families after opening on Friday. Parents described the event as a 'shambles', claiming they were greeted with gridlocked traffic and a boggy field. But organisers insisted that they had advised people to wear suitable footwear as the event was held in a field. Visitors to a Christmas market described it as a 'shambles,' saying they were greeted with gridlocked traffic, a boggy field and a two-hour wait to see Santa - who didn't even have a grotto The mud was awful at the Bakewell Winter Wonderland, complained families who visited, paying 5 each. They also griped about a lack of Christmas cheer and very long queues The first day of the Bakewell Winter Wonderland and Christmas Market near Derby sparked a furious reaction from families after opening on Friday A spokesman told The Derby Telegraph: 'The event had some initial setbacks on the Friday due to a bad storm in the early hours of the morning. 'Unfortunately this delayed the arrival of some traders and resulted in damage to the grotto, which the event organiser rectified within two hours of opening - this is the only time Santa and his reindeer were unavailable. 'Visitors requesting a refund during this period were given one. Organisers are sorry to hear that some people have not enjoyed the event but the majority of feedback has been positive. 'There were almost 100 traders in place throughout the weekend, both outside and in the large craft marquee. Over 2,000 gifts were given to children visiting Santa in his grotto.' Tickets cost 7 each on the gate for both adults and children, with an additional 5 to park. But visitors complained about 'awful' mud and a total lack of organisation in a flood of posts on social media. Organisers insisted that they had advised people to wear suitable footwear as the event was held in a field Jean Sanderson, who visited the Bakewell Winter Wonderland with her grandchildren, was greeted with mud, an un-built Santa's grotto and upset children - 'a horrendous day,' she said. Dozens of visitors could be seen looking unhappy as they left the Bakewell Winter Wonderland. Caroline Naylor, 51, travelled 25 miles from her home in Eastwood, Notts., to the festive attraction with her sister Nicola Grundy and her parents Sally and Michael Grundy. She said: 'I expected a lot more than was there. It definitely wasn't a winter wonderland. There was no Christmas spirit whatsoever. 'The Santa's Grotto was extremely grotty and it was thinly spread out. I was talking to one stall holder and they said some stalls hadn't returned because it was so bad the days before. 'We travelled about an hour to get there and were literally in there for 20 minutes. We walked in and out again because there was nothing to see. 'It was extremely disappointing. I am glad I paid A5 online instead of A7 on the gate but to be honest even if it was free you wouldn't be happy. 'The mud was horrendous, you expect a field to be a bit dirty but it was very bad. 'Some of us weren't dressed for it to be that bad and you would have thought they would have made some sort of provisions for it. 'It was the worst Christmas fayre or winter wonderland I have ever seen.' Jean Sanderson, who visited this afternoon with family and friends including her two granddaughters, told MailOnline: 'It was a horrendous day. I feel for the families with children and the disabled. 'It was not what we expected - no atmosphere and they had not even built the Santa's grotto. Children were waiting, upset. We didn't stay long as there was nothing there.' She said she has been refunded for her tickets. Tickets cost 7 each on the gate for both adults and children, with an additional 5 to park But visitors complained about 'awful' mud and a total lack of organisation in a flood of posts on social media today Jill Goodwin wrote on Facebook: 'I'd advise anyone that is interested in this event with small children not to attend.' Jill Goodwin wrote on Facebook: 'I'd advise anyone that is interested in this event with small children not to attend. I spent 50 on tickets for a family day out and I wish I'd spent it on taking them out for fish and chips and a walk round Bakewell instead. 'The organisers of this event should be ashamed. My daughter was so excited as it was an inset day and we'd been showing her all the updates of what was there. 'Reality - a boggy mud, stalls set out to make it look bigger, rides from the local fair that visits a half opened Santa's grotto placed in the middle of a bog where pushchairs weren't thought of (and) more burger vans and alcohol vans than the whole fair, stalls and activities put together.' Customers attending the Bakewell Winter Wonderland were told to wear wellies There was a torrent of complaints posted on the event's Facebook page today by visitors Liz Gallagher said her eight year old daughter was taken to the fair by her grandparents who paid 5 for 'what can only be described as a complete shambles of a car park. They queued for almost two hours to see Santa.' The organisers posted on Facebook on Friday that there had been 'a lot of set backs this morning due to the mini hurricane' They added: 'we can only apologise for any inconvenience, caused however we cannot avoid the awful weather we have experienced.' Liz Gallagher said her eight year old daughter was taken to the fair by her grandparents who paid 5 for 'what can only be described as a complete shambles of a car park. They queued for almost two hours to see Santa.' Wendy Batters wrote: 'An absolute disgrace ten inches deep in mud in parts and one tractor going around dropping one bale of straw on to the mud. I doubt 1,000 bales would have had any impact. 'The staff were inundated with people complaining but no one with any authority was available to speak to us or anyone else who was complaining. I was suitably dressed in wellies but was being sucked under the mud in parts and I witnessed an adult lose her boot in the mud. Small children stood no chance at all and my push chair is totally ruined. We gave up after 20 minutes and came home.' The event runs until Sunday, November 20, then reopens for December 9-11. The organisers posted on Facebook on Friday that there had been 'a lot of set backs this morning due to the mini hurricane,' adding that 'we can only apologise for any inconvenience, caused however we cannot avoid the awful weather we have experienced.' They warned guests to wear wellies. Driving along a snow-covered road in Russia at dead of night, this group of friends were stunned to see a 'Yeti' dashing across the road. The hunched figure emerged just yards from the front of the car, forcing the driver to slam his brakes. The stretch of road in the Republic of Bashkortostan, near the Urals, is famed for its Yeti sightings - which are mainly dismissed as hoaxes. Driving along a snow-covered road in Russia at dead of night, this group of friends were stunned to see a 'Yeti' (circled) dashing across the road But driver Vadim Gilmanov was not so sure, telling TVNZ: 'I mean it could have been someone's cruel prank. 'But on the other hand, who else could dash out so quickly in the middle of the night? In the middle of nowhere.' Whether Mr Gilmanov really saw the abominable snowman is up for question, but his encounter is part of a rich history of sightings dating back before the 19th century. The first accounts come from Buddhists who believed the creature inhabited the Himalayas. They depicted the mysterious beast as having similarities to an ape and carrying a large stone as a weapon while making a whistling sound. Popular interest in creature gathered pace in early 20th century as tourists began making their own trips to the region to try and capture the Yeti. The Daily Mail led a trip called the the Snowman Expedition in 1954 to Everest. The hunched figure emerged just yards away from the front of the car, forcing the driver to slam his brakes An artistic representation of a Yeti thought to be prowling around the Himalayas During the trip mountaineering leader John Angelo Jackson photographed ancient paintings of Yetis and large footprints in the snow. A number of hair samples were also found that were believed to have come from a Yeti scalp. A 91-year-old gay veteran haunted by his dismissal from the Air Force has filed a federal lawsuit seeking an honorable discharge so he can receive a military burial. Hubert Edward Spires, who enlisted in 1946, recounted the distress he experienced after a Halloween costume he wore off-base led to grueling interrogations about his sexuality. Spires, who has not been able to receive veteran benefits, applied for a change to his military status after the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy was repealed in 2010, but was rejected twice because his records were lost in a fire. Now, after a bout of pneumonia that nearly led to his death a few weeks ago, Spires hopes to fulfill his dying wish in time. Hubert Edward Spires (left) was haunted by his dismissal from the Air Force. Husband David Ronsenberg (right), who is also a veteran, said the military's treatment was unfair Spires was discharged in 1948 for 'undesirable habits and traits of character' after he wore a 'sparkly' Halloween costume off-base that led people to conclude he was gay Spires' husband David Ronsenberg, who is also a veteran, said it was unfair that the military treated him differently from the 91-year-old, despite both their 'equal, honorable service'. Spires attended a religious school and deferred his mandatory military service for three years. Convinced he would be drafted anyway, Spires decided to enlist so he could at least have a say in which military branch to join. Spires was posted as a Chaplin's Assistant in San Antonio, Texas, and formed alliances with other gay men as they all hid their sexualities. He told NBC: ' I lived closeted except when I was off base. I never did anything pertaining to being gay on the base.' One Halloween, he dressed as the soap Oxydol, a laundry detergent that was advertised as 'that Oxydol sparkle'. Spires said others concluded that he was gay because his costume was sparkly, and he was relentlessly interrogated for two hours. He then had to visit the judge advocate's office, and the pressure of the meeting was made even worse because his mother, who did not know he was gay, was scheduled to visit at the same time. Spires said he collapsed the night before the interrogation, and eventually showed up to meet with a board of inquiry in a confrontation that continued for a week. Pictured, a November 2010 vigil for Sgt Leonard Matlovich, whose tombstone reads: 'When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one' President Bill Clinton signed the controversial Don't Ask Don't Tell policy in 1993. Obama promised to fight for its repeal, which passed in 2010 He told NBC: 'They did not furnish me an attorney because I was thought of as nothing. They were already convinced I was gay and that I was guilty.' Spires was discharged in 1948 for 'undesirable habits and traits of character'. While Roseberg said his husband kept the incident to himself in the decades after, the repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy offered a chance to change his records. But Spires' appeal was rejected twice because his records were lost in a fire and there was no proof he served in the Air Force. But the students at Yale Law School managed to find his service number, and Spires is now fighting for a chance to receive an upgrade to his discharge. In 1942, psychiatrists warned that homosexuals, who were considered to have 'psychopathic personality disorders' were not suited in the military. By 1950, Harry Truman signed the Uniform Code of Military Justice, establishing discharge rules for homosexuals. President Bill Clinton signed the DADT policy in 1993, which was seen as a compromise that protected closeted LGBT servicemen from discrimination while barring members who were openly gay. It was repealed in 2010. Donations to the Clinton Foundation plummeted amid Hillary Clinton's failed presidential run, it has been revealed. The non-profit organization's latest tax filings show contributions fell 37 per cent to $108million - down from $172million in 2014, according to the New York Post. Donations fell as the former Secretary of State left the group in April last year shortly after announcing her run for the White House. Her departure also meant that revenue brought in from paid speeches plunged from $3.6million in 2014 to just $357,500. The foundation became an issue during the presidential campaign when Donald Trump pledged to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate it amid pay-to-play allegations. Scroll down for video Donations to the Clinton Foundation plummeted amid Hillary Clinton's failed presidential run. Above, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton at a meeting of Clinton Global Initiative in March last year Trump called the foundation 'the most corrupt enterprise in political history' adding, 'It must be shut down immediately.' It's not known whether Trump will keep his promise as he has since backed down in a recent interview on his vow to investigate Clinton again for her use of a private email server, calling the Clintons 'good people.' But Rep. Jason Chaffetz, head of the House Oversight Committee, has suggested that the investigation into the foundation will continue. Last year, Charity Navigator placed the foundation on its watchlist, a feature it added in 2014. In the Clinton Foundation's case, the watchdog cited multiple concerns, including news reports about the foundation accepting donations from foreign governments. It had voluntarily sworn off that practice while Clinton led the State Department, but the donations started again when she left her post. Bill Clinton (above, at the Clinton Global Initiative's conference in Septmeber) oversees the foundation with daughter Chelsea Clinton This became a concern as she was expected to announce her presidential bid. Charity Navigator removed the foundation from its watchlist in December, after the foundation amended its tax returns and clarified its position on foreign donations. The watchdog gave the non-profit high marks in September after the heightened interest in the organization promoted an evaluation. The Clinton Foundation received four out of four stars the highest rating that Charity Navigator gives after a close look at a charity's finances. In August, Bill Clinton defended the work of the charitable foundation, saying it had 'improved millions of lives around the world.' He did acknowledge, however, that it would need to change if his wife won the White House. He announced that the foundation would no longer accept contributions from foreign governments and corporations if the Democratic presidential nominee was elected. The changes aimed to address criticism from Republicans and some Democrats that the foundation created a significant conflict of interest as the former Secretary of State sought the presidency. Bill Clinton (above, at a campaign rally behind Hillary) acknowledged that the foundation would need to change if his wife won the White House While Trump has donated to the foundation previously, he has charged Hillary Clinton with creating a 'pay-for-play' scheme at the State Department through the work of the foundation. Bill Clinton oversees the foundation with daughter Chelsea Clinton. The Clinton Foundation, which includes the Clinton Global Initiative and other charities, supports programs aimed at aiding communities in need around the world. It was hit with internal strife after Chelsea took on a more active role in 2013, when it was renamed the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation. Defending the foundation's mission recently, the former president pointed to more than 11.5 million people in more than 70 countries who have gained access to HIV/AIDS drugs at a much lower cost and millions of American students who have healthier food and more physical education options because of the foundation. Revealing photographs show patients queuing in a corridor of a busy A&E as paramedics wait for them to be seen. Taken inside Aintree Hospital in Liverpool on a week night, they show the huge pressures faced by hard-working NHS staff to keep the health service afloat. Dementia sufferer Albert Hooley, a 92-year-old Second World War veteran, was among those left waiting on a trolley as A&E workers battled to deal with the influx. His granddaughter Emma Satchell shared these photos to raise awareness of the plight of the NHS. Revealing photographs show patients queuing in a corridor of a busy A&E as paramedics wait for them to be seen Taken inside Aintree Hospital in Liverpool on a week night, they show the huge pressures faced by hard-working NHS staff to keep the health service afloat Mr Hooley, who served aboard HMS Tartar in the 1940s and was made a citizen of honour by Liverpool council in 2014, suffers from Alzheimer's. He was rushed to hospital following trouble with his heart and pacemaker and is now recovering at home. Emma said: 'I witnessed first hand how the government cuts are crippling our NHS. 'My grandad was taken in by ambulance at 10pm with suspected problems with his heart and pacemaker. 'When I got there he was in a queue on a stretcher in the corridor accompanied by the paramedics who brought him in. 'At this point there were 20 paramedics and technicians standing in a corridor with their patients waiting to be seen. 'At 1am he was seen for the first time by a doctor - still in the corridor with no dignity whatsoever.' She added: 'The delays, due to lack of beds, had a massive impact on emergency calls as the paramedics are unable to hand over the patient until a bed becomes available. Dementia sufferer Albert Hooley, a 92-year-old Second World War veteran, was among those left waiting on a trolley as A&E workers battled to deal with the influx '[It's] an absolute disgrace, yet the Government continue to enforce their cuts on the emergency services. 'I have nothing but praise for the dedicated and over-stretched staff of the NHS and ambulance service who face these battles on a daily basis.' He added: 'Our A&E department is for life-threatening emergencies and all patients are seen according to clinical need and the seriousness of their condition, which can take time.' Aintree dealt with 84.5 per cent of its A&E patients within four hours in September - behind the NHS's 95% target in England. A Department of Health spokesman said: 'No patient should have to wait unnecessarily before being admitted to hospital and across the country, hard-working NHS staff are making sure patients get a high standard of care despite record levels of demand. These desperate civilians scrambled for food from aid trucks in a part of Mosul newly liberated from ISIS occupation. Crowds stretched out their hands to grab ration boxes as a small number of soldiers struggled to keep control. Some climbed into lorries sent in by the Iraqi government and helped themselves to the rations inside. Crowds stretched out their hands to grab ration boxes as a small number of soldiers struggled to keep control People wait for food donated by an Iraqi government organisation at the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq on Sunday Desperate civilians scrambled for food from aid trucks in a part of Mosul newly liberated from ISIS occupation Some people climbed into lorries sent in by the Iraqi government and helped themselves to the rations inside There were many women and children present during the chaotic scramble for food The chaos left many families without any provisions, according to resident Mohammed Farouq, 27. 'It's hunger that makes people behave like this,' he said. 'Some families took many boxes while others did not take any. This is unfair.' The desperate plight of civilians who have been caught up in fighting is slowing down the Iraqi army as it advances through parts of Mosul still controlled by ISIS. Special forces are moving into the city centre under constant harassment from snipers and suicide bombers. Major General Sami al-Aridi said: 'The biggest hindrance to us is the civilians, whose presence is slowing us down. 'We are soldiers who are not trained to carry out humanitarian tasks.' The chaos left many families without any provisions, according to resident Mohammed Farouq, 27 'It's hunger that makes people behave like this,' Mr Farouq said. 'Some families took many boxes while others did not take any. This is unfair' Crowds stretched out their hands to grab ration boxes as a small number of soldiers struggled to keep control A few hundred civilians emerged from rubble-strewn areas on Sunday. They included women and children, some of them carrying bags, small suitcases or waving white flags. Mosul is still home to more than one million people. In the newly-liberated areas, roads are blocked by car wrecks and sandbags while tanks are deployed on wider streets. Snipers on high buildings watch for suicide bombers or other intruders. Four civilians were killed and another four wounded when a suicide car bomb exploded before it could reach the troops it was targeting late on Saturday. The troops laid siege on Sunday to the Al-Zohour area, about five miles from the city centre. The arrival of the troops at the area's fringes prompted hundreds of civilians to emerge from their homes waving white flags. The desperate plight of civilians who have been caught up in fighting is slowing down the Iraqi army as it advances through Mosul Major General Sami al-Aridi said: 'The biggest hindrance to us is the civilians, whose presence is slowing us down' He added: 'We are soldiers who are not trained to carry out humanitarian tasks' The Iraqi military launched a campaign on October 17 to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the extremist group's last major urban bastion in the country. Most gains have been made by the special forces operating in the section of Mosul east of the Tigris river. The troubled inquiry into child sex abuse was hit by a fresh crisis today after two more victim groups said they had lost confidence in its leadership. They expressed concerns about Professor Alexis Jay, the fourth chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and have demanded an emergency meeting with the inquiry's panel to discuss their work. The Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS) group said it wanted to 'to find out exactly where this is going, because none of us really know' as it said questioned Professor Jay's qualifications to lead the inquiry. And the White Flowers Alba group, which also represents alleged victims of child abuse, warned that the crisis surrounding the inquiry was deterring key witnesses from speaking out. Victim groups expressed concerns about Professor Alexis Jay, pictured, the fourth chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and have demanded an emergency meeting with the inquiry's panel to discuss their work It comes after the Shirley Oaks Suvivors' Association withdrew its support for the inquiry last week, issuing a damning statement condemning the probe for allowing the 'guilty to wash their dirty hands'. Phil Johnson from MACSAS told today's Sunday Times: 'I and others are concerned about Jay. I do not question her personal integrity but I do question her expertise.' He added: 'We don't think she has the legal expertise or the robustness to be able to challenge people in a courtroom environment.' Andi Lavery of White Flowers said: 'Jay will carry on doing the investigation when there are no witnesses that shows how ridiculous this is.' 'Who picked Jay? She is not a good choice to us but we didn't get asked. We want the inquiry to stop dead and be restructured like the one in Australia.' Meanwhile the Government's solicitor general Robert Buckland has reportedly expressed concerns about a police investigation into alleged child abuse by the former prime minister Sir Edward Heath. Chuka Umunna, a Home Affairs Committee member, has said he did not have confidence in Prof Jay as chair of the inquiry and wanted to see a judge appointed in her place He is understood to regard the investigation by Wiltshire police - which has spent674,472 over 16 months but found no evidence of wrongdoing by Sir Edward - as a costly 'fishing expedition,' according to the Sunday Times. The latest attack on Professor Jay and her crisis-hit inquiry came after she issued a staunch defence of her work yesterday. MINISTER SLAMS POLICE OVER COSTLY 'FISHING EXPEDITION AGAINST EX-PM Wiltshire Police set up Operation Conifer to probe allegations of historic abuse levelled at the former Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath (pictured in 2000) nearly a year and a half ago The Government's solicitor general Robert Buckland has reportedly expressed concerns about a police investigation into alleged child abuse by the former prime minister Sir Edward Heath. He is understood to regard the investigation by Wiltshire police as a costly 'fishing expedition,' according to the Sunday Times. Wiltshire Police set up Operation Conifer to probe allegations of historic abuse levelled at the former Conservative Prime Minister. Wiltshire Police revealed for the first time last week that it has questioned the two people on suspicion of sex offences. Its statement followed days of criticism that a team of 21 officers and staff had spent 674,472 over 16 months, but found no evidence of wrongdoing by Sir Edward. Advertisement She said some forces want to stop a light being shone on 'dark institutional failings' after a victims' group quit the probe, branding it an 'unpalatable circus'. And vowed to push on with the IICSA after the Shirley Oaks Survivors Association (Sosa) and Labour MP Chuka Umunna called for to quit. Sosa delivered a blistering critique of IICSA - calling it a 'stage-managed event' which has 'lurched from crisis to crisis'. But Prof Jay, writing in The Times, said: 'I have fought for this inquiry - for its independence, its reputation and its vital capacity to right a terrible wrong - since it opened, and I don't intend to stop fighting for it now. 'There are some people who would like to see us fail because it suits their agenda to not want dark institutional failings brought into the light. 'But shine that light we will, because there are many, many people in this country who spend every waking minute of every day living with the damage and the pain caused by child sexual abuse.' Sosa, which represents victims affected by abuse at children's homes run by Lambeth Council in south London, said it feared Prof Jay is 'an uninspiring leader' who is not the right person to uncover the truth. Downing Street and Home Secretary Amber Rudd have voiced their support and panel member Drusilla Sharpling said Prof Jay's work exposing prolonged abuse in Rotherham meant she had the expertise needed. Sosa chairman Raymond Stevenson said members voted on Saturday that they no longer wanted to be part of the inquiry. 'The inquiry needs to sort itself out. They need to get rid of Alexis Jay, who's been parachuted in by the Home Office. She's not the right person,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. Labour MP Chuka Umunna said he did not have confidence in Prof Jay as chair of the inquiry and wanted a judge of High Court level or above to replace her. An inquiry spokesman said: 'Our investigation will continue and will examine the scale and nature of the abuse that may have taken place under the care of Lambeth Council with pace, confidence and clarity.' The inquiry, first established by then home secretary Theresa May in 2014, has been fraught with problems and controversy. Described as the most ambitious public inquiry ever launched in England and Wales, it is running several investigative strands spanning decades. A Romanian sex gang who trafficked women into the UK and used 105 different mobile phones to run a prostitution ring have been jailed Aliona Pislaru, 39, Janina Nuta, 39, Vlad Harzoparu, 30, and Ilie Melinte, 34, were forcing their victims into sex work - by taking calls from customers on the huge web of phones. Pislaru publicised sexual services on classified advertisement websites and arranged for the women she was exploiting and controlling to be delivered to their clients. The gang raked in more than 15,000-per-month and forced the prostitutes to deposit the cash across 14 separate bank accounts, all controlled by ring-leader Pislaru. Ringleader Aliona Pislaru (left) advertised sexual services on classified advertisement website, helped by Janina Nuta (right) Two other accomplices Vlad Harzoparu (left) and Ilie Melinte (right) were jailed for three and two years respectively Financial records indicated that very little of this cash was given to the girls. To further disguise the activities of the group, Pislaru had registered a company and had even submitted accounts to HM Revenue and Customs. But when police searched an address in Paddington, west London, they found Nuta in the living room sitting next to a table where 105 mobile telephones were ringing intermittently. These phones were connected to the services supplied by the gang. Also found was paperwork relating to the sale of sexual services, price lists and a chip and pin machine. Romanian identity documents bearing a photograph of Harzoparu, but in the name of someone else were also recovered. At another address in Marylebone, west London, police found Melinte monitoring the other address via CCTV. At the address with him were four women who worked as prostitutes. When Melinte was arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution, he claimed to be employed at the address as a cleaner. The gang were jailed at Isleworth Crown Court after being found guilty of offences under the Modern Slavery Act The gang were jailed at Isleworth Crown Court after being found guilty of offences under the Modern Slavery Act. Pislaru was jailed for five years, Nuta and Harzoparu were jailed for three years, and Melinte for two years. Detective Inspector Stephen Kiely, from the Met's Modern Slavery and Kidnap Unit, said: 'This investigation highlights the commitment to ending the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people. Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus kept the door open for the Trump administration to implement some kind of ban on Muslim immigration. During Sunday's 'Meet the Press,' host Chuck Todd asked Priebus if he would ''equivocally rule out a registry for Muslims.' 'Look, I'm not going to rule out anything,' replied Priebus, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee. 'But, but I wouldn't we're not going to have a registry based on religion.' Scroll down for video Incoming White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said he 'wouldn't rule out anything' in regards to a Muslim ban - but did rule out a 'registry based on religion' 'Meet the Press' host Chuck Todd (left) asked Reince Priebus (right) about the Muslim ban after Donald Trump picked Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn to be his national security advisor. Flynn has said that Muslims should be feared Priebus explained the incoming Trump administration's current thinking on some sort of ban. 'What we're trying to do is say there are some people, certainly not all people, Chuck, there are some people that are radicalized and there are some people that have to be prevented from coming into this country,' Priebus said. 'And Donald Trump's position, President Trump's position is consistent with bills in the House and the Senate that say the following: "If you come if you want to come from a place or an area around the world that harbors and trains terrorists, we have to temporarily suspend that operation until a better, better vetting system is put in place,"' Priebus said. 'And when that happens, when a better vetting system is put in place, then those radical folks ... they will not be allowed in, but then others will be allowed in. But only until that is done,' he noted. Todd brought up the Muslim ban, which now President-elect Donald Trump originally concocted almost a year ago, in the wake of the San Bernardino terror attack, in the context of Trump's decision to select Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn as his national security advisor. The 'Meet the Press' host noted to his audience how Flynn had posted a video online in February that listed the bombings perpetrated by Muslims, commenting, 'fear of Muslims is rational.' 'Does President-Elect Trump agree with General Flynn that fear of Muslims is rational?' Todd also asked Priebus. Priebus said he believed the president-elect thought that 'no faith in and of itself should be judged as a whole.' Pro-Trump Flash Mob broke near the Hamilton theater in New York He yelled 'We won! You Lost! Get over it! F*** you!' during a number A Trump supporter reportedly interrupted a performance of Hamilton in Chicago amid the president-elect's feud with the cast of the Broadway hit. The man, who was seated in the balcony, yelled 'We won! You Lost! Get over it! F*** you!' during the number 'Dear Theodosia' at The Private Bank Theatre on Saturday evening, according to BroadwayWorld. Another person at the show told the website that the Trump supporter had become enraged by the line: 'Immigrants, we get the job done' - a line the rest of the audience had cheered. The altercation reportedly lasted through two numbers before the disruptive man was removed from the auditorium following a tussle with security. Scroll down for video A Trump supporter reportedly interrupted a performance of Hamilton in Chicago amid the president-elect's feud with the cast of the Broadway hit. Above, the cast during the show's opening night in Chicago last month It occurred as Trump supporters gathered just streets away from the Broadway theater playing host to Hamilton in New York to show their love and support for President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence. The flash mob occurred after the cast of the show 'harassed' Vice President-elect Mike Pence on Friday night as he left the theater after the show. 'We just held a Trump flash mob outside the Hamilton theater! Take that, liberal actors!' wrote Jack Posobiec, a Trump supporter on Twitter. A group of Trump supporters were seen in the video chanting 'USA!' and waving an American flag. However there are questions over the video's authenticity after many Twitter users disputed the claim that the Trump supporters were directly outside the 'Hamilton' theater on 46th Street in New York City. Protesters gathered close to the theater where Hamilton is currently playing to show their support for President-elect Trump and Vice-President-elect Pence The hashtag #BoycottHamilton was trending on Twitter throughout Saturday evening The video shows the supporters to be closer to Sixth Avenue rather than on Broadway close to the Richard Rogers Theater where the show is playing. On Saturday, Donald Trump tweeted his displeasure that Pence wasn't welcomed with open arms by the Broadway cast on Friday night. Trump demanded that Hamilton performers apologize after they directly addressed him at the end of the show with a statement about their fears. The president-elect, who took to Twitter on Saturday morning to complain claiming the cast had 'harassed' Pence. President-elect Donald Trump demanded that the cast of Hamilton apologize to the Vice president-elect after they stopped the show to address him directly about their fears 'Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing,' Trump wrote. 'This should not happen!' 'The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!' The Hamilton cast began their address, which was delivered by actor Brandon Dixon, by thanking Pence for coming to the show. Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the show, even told the audience there was 'nothing to boo here' and that the cast was 'sharing a story of love'. 'Vice president-elect Pence we welcome you and truly thank you for joining us here,' Dixon said onstage. Dixon then told Pence that the cast was a reflection of the Americans who were worried about their future following the presidential election. 'We sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,' he said. 'But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our Americans values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us.' 'We truly thank you for sharing this show, this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds, and orientations.' Dixon was quick to defend the cast on Saturday morning, directly replying to Trump's tweets. 'Conversation is not harassment sir,' Dixon wrote. 'And I appreciate Mike Pence for stopping to listen.' Mike Pence was booed while taking in the award-winning show, Hamilton, in New York on Friday night Dixon was quick to defend the cast on Saturday morning, directly replying to Trump's tweets Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who helped write the statement to Pence, also tweeted his support for the cast and Dixon Pence was on his way out of the theater as Dixon spoke, and the actor pleaded for the Vice-president elect to listen to their message. 'I see you walking out but I hope you will hear us,' Dixon said before he began. A representative for the show later revealed that Pence stood in the hallway outside and heard the full statement. It was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show's creator, director Tommy Kail, producer Jeffrey Seller and the cast after they heard Pence was coming. Pence was loudly booed throughout the show by audience members, the jeers sometimes so strong that the show had to be stopped repeatedly. The booing was most likely linked to Pence's anti-LGBT stances throughout his political career, as well as Trump's election victory this month. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took to Twitter to weigh in on the subject. 'The arrogance and hostility of the Hamilton cast to the Vice President elect ( a guest at the theater) is a reminder the left still fights,' he wrote. One audience member said that the cast had to repeatedly stop singing the number 'You'll Be Back (Reprise)' because the crowd jeered Pence on every line. 'Fully stopped the song for a minute while people lost their s**t,' the audience member tweeted. 'Never seen anything like it.' 'I'm at #Hamilton and so is Mike Pence. Crowd booed him like crazy,' another wrote. 'Crowd went NUTS at King George's lines 'when people say they hate you' & 'do you know how hard it is to lead?' He had to stop the song.' Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich took to Twitter to weigh in on the subject Two audience members tweeted about Pence being booed by the crowd during a specific point in one of the songs 'Vice-president-elect Pence we welcome you and truly thank you for joining us here,' Brandon Dixon said on-stage in a message to Pence Vice President-elect Mike Pence waves as he leaves the Richard Rodgers Theatre after a performance of Hamilton on Friday night And just when Pence thought his embarrassment was over, he emerged from the theater to find a group of angry protesters shouting in the New York street. Hundreds of demonstrators were seen outside chanting: 'F*** Mike Pence.' He then said Hamilton is a 'wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men, women, of different colors, creed, and orientation. Tickets to Hamilton, which racked up 11 Tony Awards earlier this year, are notoriously difficult for the average citizen to get their hands on. Re-sale market StubHub lists the cheapest ticket for Saturday night's show at a staggering $835. It is unclear how Pence secured a ticket. Pence (pictured leaving the theater) was booed throughout the show by those in the audience Fire department have decided to start a scholarship fund for Curry's son Investigators are still working to determine what caused the collapse Father of an 8-year-old son had a medical emergency and died in hospital Was pulling people from the water after a ramp collapsed in the afternoon A hero firefighter died Saturday in Savannah, Georgia while plucking people from the river after a dock collapse. Michael Curry, a 13-year veteran at the fire department, was helping to save people from drowning when he had a medical emergency. Master Firefighter Curry, who had an 8-year-old son, was taken to the hospital. He died later Saturday afternoon. Investigators are still working to determine what led to the collapse, which sent about 50 people into the Savannah River and injured 30 of them. Scroll down for video Firefighter Michael Curry (pictured right and left with his 8-year-old son) died Saturday while rescuing people from drowning after a dock collapsed in Savannah, Georgia Investigators are still working to determine what caused the dock to collapse (pictured), sending about 50 people into the Savannah River and injuring 30 of them 'We lost a hero. A person who was moving towards the danger, not running from it,' Mayor Eddie DeLoach said as he announced Curry's death Saturday night. Authorities didn't specify what type of medical emergency took Curry's life. A witness told WJCL the ramp had dropped three or for feet as it collapsed while the crowd screamed. 'The pier appeared to drop straight down,' another witness told WTVR. People struggled to get out of the water. Witnesses tried to help them get out but had to fight against strong currents. Thirteen people were taken to the hospital after the collapse. The fire department has pledged to open a scholarship fund for Curry's young son. A former Scotland Yard Flying Squad boss says his former colleagues ignored 'excellent leads' into the unsolved murder of television presenter Jill Dando. The former Crimewatch presenter was shot dead outside her flat in Fulham, West London, in 1999 and no culprit has yet been found. One suspect, Barry George, was jailed for her killing in 2001 but was acquitted eight years later after a retrial and the Met have not been able to crack the case in almost a decade since his release. It has long been suspected that the 38-year-old died at the hands of a professional assassin, but now John O'Connor has revealed that she may have been killed in a state-sponsored attack, but this theory was ignored by officers. John O'Connor (left) has claimed 'excellent leads into the murder of Jill Dando (right) were never followed up 'I was given an excellent lead that was ignored,' he told the Daily Star. 'The Met did absolutely nothing with it. It was quite clear this was a professional hit by a trained assassin. 'State-sponsored executions are notorious and very difficult to solve because they use highly trained assassins. This guy was obviously one. 'The person identified was a significant and key witness. The Met though just shut their eyes to everything else once they had nicked poor Barry George.' He now wants home secretary Amber Rudd to look into the case. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'The Metropolitan Police Service fully investigated the circumstances into the murder of Jill Dando.' 'If any new information comes to our attention this will be investigated.' Last year, it was revealed that more than 100 potential murder suspects who could have shot dead Jill Dando on her doorstep in a 'professional hit' were never traced by police. Barry George, was jailed for her killing in 2001 but was acquitted eight years later after a retrial Intelligence reports show that detectives dismissed links to M25 road rage killer Kenneth Noye, the IRA and a team of Serbian hitmen. It came as it emerged that Scotland Yard interviewed her celebrity friends, including Sir Cliff Richard and Jeremy Paxman, about her lifestyle. The documents revealed that among the suspects were members of the Serbian secret service, IRA members and a British gangster based in Spain. Analysts say manned moon missions more realistic than landing on Mars Under Obama, private companies have taken the lead on space travel The election of Donald Trump as the next president of the United States could herald the return of American astronauts to the surface of the Moon. Observers of NASA and the American space program say that if Trump appoints key Republican ally Newt Gingrich to a top position, the US may find itself leading international efforts to build a permanent base on the lunar surface a major stepping stone toward the ultimate goal of one day sending a manned mission to Mars. Gingrich has been a vocal proponent of once again sending astronauts to the moon, only this time to establish a permanent colony there from which scientists could continue to explore the solar system. The former House speaker even suggested that the lunar colony would one day hold 13,000 settlers, and that it would even perhaps qualify for statehood in the US, according to The Washington Post. Any renewed focus on lunar missions would likely come at the expense of NASA's Earth Sciences division, which received increased funding under Obama and performs research related to climate change. Newt Gingrich (left), the former House speaker, is believed likely to bring influence to bear on President-elect Donald Trump's (right) space policies He made it one of his policy points during his run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. It is very plausible to speculate that the new administration will insert a mission to the lunar surface, probably international in character, as a step on the way to Mars, a prominent space policy analyst, John Logsdon, told The Washington Post. Politically, most of the other countries of the world have identified the moon as an interesting destination, and they dont really have the capabilities to talk about sending people to Mars. If we want to assert international leadership, we would take a position in leading a coalition to return to the moon, Logsdon said. Gingrich as well as other Republicans rumored to be under consideration for posts in a Trump administration have favored resuming manned missions to the moon (seen above) Trumps victory has placed NASA at a crossroads. Once he assumes the presidency officially, Trump is expected to appoint Republicans to key positions who also advocate a return to the moon. House Rep. James Bridenstine, a Republican from Oklahoma, has been mentioned as a possible candidate who would head NASA in a Trump administration. According to The Washington Post, Bridenstine has been a proponent of putting Americans back on the moon. Edwin Aldrin is seen above posing next to the US flag on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo mission, the first time man landed on the moon. No astronaut has set foot there since 1972 Another Republican said to be under consideration to head NASA is Scott Pace, who served as associate administrator of the agency under President George W. Bush. Pace believes that putting humans on the moon would not only advance science but it would also meet an important international objective by serving as a foreign policy tool that would be easier and more realistic to pursue than a mission to Mars. Bushs signature space program, Constellation, envisaged a lunar landing by the year 2020, but the program was scrapped by President Barack Obama, who has instead focused on privatizing space travel. Under President Barack Obama (left), the US has preferred to allow private companies led by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk (right) to map the future of space travel Other commercial, non-NASA entities have taken the lead in blazing new frontiers in space. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos built a space travel firm, Blue Origin, that seeks to catapult tourists beyond the earths stratosphere at a reasonable cost, making it available to the masses. Another billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk, helms SpaceX, a company whose stated goal is not just to land a manned mission on Mars, but to colonize the red planet. Obama has gone on record as saying that he supports putting a man on Mars by the year 2030. In the period between 1969 and 1972, 12 American astronauts set foot on the moon. Since then, no one has come close. If you heard the boos from the audience you might assume the Vice President-elect was chasing gay cast members of the hit musical Hamilton around the stage with electrodes and a bible. 'You try being gay and threatened with shock-conversion by a man who has the audacity to want to see your show,' said some wounded snowflake on my Twitter feed And that's the nub of it. A leading Republican has the audacity to want to watch this hip hop musical biography of one of the founding fathers of the United States. The musical celebrates diversity of colour, sexuality, race and gender. And some of the audience felt Pence had no right to share in the celebration and invade their safe space. Hamilton actor Brandon Victor Dixon delivered a political monologue to Mike Pence after the show According to Variety, the performance was sporadically disrupted by loud booing at the presence of this strongly conservative and evangelical Christian. Some even protested outside, holding up well-received lines from the play such as 'Immigrants: we get the job done'. Almost as if they hadn't got a job or a home to go to. And if all this hostility wasn't enough for a family man trying to heal the wounds of a divisive campaign, Pence was subjected to a monologue after the curtain call from one of the actors, who awarded himself an encore with a fawning cast of luvvies behind him: 'We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights. We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us.' Pass the sick bag. Can you imagine anything more vomit-inducing than paying (thousands of dollars for this hottest of tickets) to watch a musical, have it ruined by booing from the right-on brigade, then being lectured at by an actor paid to recite other people's lines for a living? The Vice President-elect was also subjected to boos as he sat in the audience of the play An actor lauded for pretending to be someone else one of the founding fathers, perhaps desperately inhabiting the character a little longer, presuming the authority to lecture us on politics? News flash for the cast of Hamilton: you are not actually part of the Washington elite. You have not been elected. You are paid performers who make people happy for money. Like prostitutes. Or waiters when you are 'resting'. You might argue this is freedom of speech, protected under the first amendment. But speech is not free if your audience has paid to listen, particularly if it has come to listen to a musical. Why do luvvies that they think they deserve to have more than one vote in the ballot box? That somehow they should be accorded a greater platform from which to lecture all those they consider less informed? If it's not Robert De Niro telling us he wants to punch Donald Trump in the face, it's Lena Dunham arguing Trump takes us back to a time when women were meant to be beautiful and silent. Sadly I don't think she has the genes for the former. The latter would take a muzzle. And when actors aren't preaching about politics, they're desperate for you to care about whatever humanitarian crisis they've adopted. Britain had to endure its own Luvvie-in-Chief, Benedict Cumberbatch, swearing at his audience during a production of Hamlet for not welcoming Syrian refugees. As his special encore he read a dreary poem called Home by a Somali refugee, before urging theatre-goers to put donations in red buckets being chugged by Cumberbitches, signing off with a cry of 'f*** the politicians'. Whatever your political persuasion, I believe the theatre, like a cinema, spa or an empty church, is supposed to be a sanctuary. A place where neither politics nor your mother-in-law can get to you. A place that helps free you from the worries of the mundane, avoid the routine and escape the ordinary into an ethereal or imaginary world. Dixon, right, is the latest celebrity to use his platform to lecture the world about Donald Trump If I had paid for my seat only to receive a dreary political rant as an encore, I would have been livid. And it's not just politics or humanitarian crises, is it? Actors can't resist lecturing us, whether over the environment, race or gender issues. If they win an award, stand by for a worthy lecture on the state of the coral reefs or why women need better access to bathrooms in India. Worthy has never been so mind-numbingly dull. Whether it's Leonardo lecturing us on Global Warming or Will Smith boycotting the Oscars for being too white. In fact, the Academy Awards 2016 were just one long nag-fest of causes, from climate change to banking reform, racial under-representation to sexual abuse on campus. Why don't actors understand all we want them to do is act? I also question why it is those who preach tolerance, like the cast of Hamilton, who are so incapable of being tolerant themselves. A crowd of people who celebrate diversity, sexual freedom and racial equality, absolutely incapable of accepting a white-haired gentleman as part of their audience. They preach diversity but fail to accept diversity of thought or opinion. There is only one opinion allowed. And it's theirs. Could it be that Clinton's fan-girls and adorables are actually far worse than Trumps basket of deplorables? That those who preach tolerance cannot stand to hear a view other than their own? The cast of Hamilton should be ashamed. They have no right to lecture Vice President-elect Mike Pence or challenge his space in the theatre. It seems to me, those who preach tolerance have become the most intolerant of them all. I am struck that Clinton's campaign based on entirely on race, gender, sexuality and colour has resulted in a new divide. These actors want to protect these differentiators. They don't want Pence to embrace them. They don't want to be the same. As the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor approaches, a survivor has recalled the horror of the bombing and how he could see the bombers smiling and waving from the air. Donald Stratton was 18 when he joined the Navy in 1940. He was miles from his home of Red Cloud, Nebraska when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. Now 94, he lives with his wife of 66 years in Colorado Springs. The couple have five children and five great-grandchildren. But as a Seaman 1st Class, he had been stationed on the USS Arizona and was just 500 feet away from where a bomb struck the vessel. Scroll down for video Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton was 18 when he joined the Navy in 1940 (left) . Now 94 (right), he lives with his wife of 66 years in Colorado Springs In his memoir All the Gallant Men, Stratton recalls how he survived the sneak attack that left 2,403 Americans dead. In an excerpt shared with the New York Post, he reveals how he would have been among them had he not managed to escape to a nearby ship in the nick of time. The morning of December 7, 1941 seemed like any other, according to Stratton. But then, when we walked out onto the deck, he saw his fellow sailors crowded together on the ships starboard side. They were looking across the water at Ford Island, an islet in the center of Pearl Harbor, and they were hollering planes with the Japanese Zero insignia were banking through the sky, he wrote. They watched as the water tower on Ford Island was bombed. We watched the tower fall and planes on the runway over there burst into flames, he added. As a Seaman 1st Class, Stratton was stationed on the USS Arizona and was just 500 feet away from where a bomb struck the vessel (above) As an announcement over the ships public-address system urged everyone to man their battle stations, Stratton said it was surprisingly calm, with everybody doing what they had been trained to do. His job was to get a range on where the planes were so they could be shot down. All hell was breaking loose in the sky, and we were sitting ducks, he wrote. There were so damned many planes, close enough that I could see pilots smiling and waving. They were doing their jobs, but I thought they were a**holes! As battleships around the USS Arizona were struck or sunk, Stratton said the air smelled like burning oil, and the water was on fire. He added: As each bomb hit us, the Arizona shuddered and seemed on the brink of collapse. Then the big one hit. The Japanese got lucky. One of their 1,700-pound bombs hit a storage area that held 1,000,000 pounds of ammunition and 180,000 gallons of aviation gasoline. Stratton (right) is pictured with two fellow sailors who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor That was 500 feet away from me, and I completely shook with the hit. A series of deafening explosions went off. Stratton said a fireball fueled with ammo and gasoline suddenly went 800 feet into the air. It shot right through him and many others and burned 70 per cent of his body. My T-shirt became engulfed in flame and scorched my torso; hair on my head was burned away; my legs suffered serious damage. Somehow, I lost part of an ear, he wrote. But my self-preservation kicked in, and I couldnt think of dying as an option. The USS Arizona lost 1,777 men in just two hours and Stratton believes his fate would have been sealed had it not been for a great and heroic man called Joe George. Geoge was a Boatswains Mate 2nd Class on the USS Vestal and had been cutting the lines that attached the vessel to the USS Arizona but he disobeyed orders from his superior and risked court-martial to throw a lead-weighted line in Strattons direction. One by one, Stratton and six others moved over the inflamed water to get to the Vestal. He was on the USS Arizona (above) when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941 My body was burned, my hands were raw, and I was focused on survival. I never thought about not making it. The seven who had had their lives saved by George fought to have him receive the Medal of Honor but as hed disobeyed a direct order, he only ever received a lesser medal. After the attack, Stratton spent 10 months in hospital in Hawaii and California. He weighed just 92 pounds half as much as the day hed enlisted and was forced to learn to walk again. Doctors feared his left arm would never heal and had wanted to amputate it. No, youre not cutting my damned arm off. Id rather it lay there than have it missing, Stratton told them and over the next few years, he regained complete use of that arm. In his memoir All the Gallant Men, Stratton recalls how he survived the sneak attack that left 2,403 Americans dead Finally in September 1942, Stratton received a medical discharge after being deemed unfit for combat and went home to Nebraska. He wrote: My family cried when they saw me, but they didnt ask about what happened on the Arizona. But after a year at home, Stratton re-enlisted. He ended up passing Pearl Harbor again on his way to the South Pacific for the Battle of Okinawa in the spring of 1945. He saw the completely destroyed Arizona and thought about the 1,100 men who gave their lives for their country. In July 1945, Stratton was given leave from combat and traveled to San Diego to attend electric-hydraulics school. A month later when nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Stratton said he felt relief. But he concluded: Looking back, I realize that the Japanese were doing their duty the way we were. The Spanish government has been accused of political manoeuvering in the Bay of Gibraltar after a Royal Navy patrol boat forced a research vessel from British waters following a tense stand off. Spanish oceanographers on board the Angeles Alvarino illegally anchored in British waters and attempted to drop a sonar buoy shortly after midday on Sunday. A Gibraltar Squadron speedboat was scrambled to stop them as the HMS Sabre fired three warning flares after radio contact failed. The research vessel, which is surveying an underwater canyon in the bay, eventually left British waters after the stand off. Spanish oceanographers on board the Angeles Alvarino (pictured) illegally anchored in British waters and attempted to drop a buoy shortly after midday on Sunday Locals say these sorts of incursions have been happening every day for the last week or so and they fear the Spanish government is using the scientists to make a political statement. Dr John Cortes, Gibraltar's Minister for the Environment, said that the manoeuvers are an attempt to further Spanish jurisdictional claims in the area. He wrote on Twitter: 'It hurts to see scientists being forced/tricked into playing dangerous games, falsely in the name of science. There's ways to do science.' Spanish scientist Senor Diaz-del-Rio hit back saying the 'important research' was being conducted in Spanish waters. A Gibraltar resident told MailOnline: 'This has been happening on a daily basis for about a week now. The vessel sails into our waters - which is illegal - and then anchors for a few hours. 'This is very dangerous and concerning for the locals because it disrupts traffic in the very busy port. 'It's a show of power and a political move by the Spanish government because the water is disputed in their eyes.' A Gibraltar Squadron speedboat was scrambled to stop the sonar buoy being dropped into the water A British government spokesman said: 'The Royal Navy challenges all unlawful maritime incursions into British Gibraltar Territorial Waters (BGTW). 'We back this up by making formal diplomatic protests to the Spanish government.' The issue has been brought to the attention to Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, who has been in contact with Commander of British Forces, Commodore Mike Walliker. 'I have discussed all the tactical decisions taken and am satisfied that they have been designed to demonstrate untrammelled sovereignty jurisdiction and control over British Gibraltar territorial waters,' Mr Picardo said. A Gibraltar Squadron speedboat was scrambled to stop the Spanish ship (pictured) as the HMS Sabre fired three warning flares Dr John Cortes, Gibraltar's Minister for the Environment, said that the maneuvers are an attempt to further Spanish jurisdictional claims in the area 'I congratulate the Royal Navy for the work they have undertaken so far in very challenging circumstances in light of the reckless disregard for safety displayed by the official Spanish vessels involved.' 'Diplomatic and political action must now support the excellent work undertaken by the navy personnel with limited resources.' Gibraltar is a British territory that was captured from Spain in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession. Gibraltarians overwhelmingly rejected proposals for Spanish sovereignty in 1967 and in a referendum in 2002 when 98.97 per cent answered 'no' to the question: 'Do you approve of the principle that Britain and Spain should share sovereignty over Gibraltar?' Researchers say that a catastrophic mega-earthquake in California would unleash significant devastation throughout the Golden State, resulting in the destruction of up to 3.5million homes. Newly conducted studies of the San Andreas Fault, the 800-mile long meeting point between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates which runs directly underneath the California coast, show the possibility that it could come undone all at once, resulting in a massive, state-wide big one. Scientists say that the prospect of a mega-earthquake of a magnitude of at least 8.3 on the Richter scale which was once considered improbably is now possible. The 800-mile long San Andreas Fault (above) is the point at which the Pacific and the North American tectonic plates meet. A rupture of the fault could have devastating consequences The resulting damage to homes would total approximately $289billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. The study, which was conducted by the California-based real estate and business intelligence firm CoreLogic Inc., is of particular interest to insurers who would likely charge more for earthquake policies. This new research represent a break in conventional wisdom which for years held that only isolated sections of the fault could come apart. Still, a CoreLogic seismologist told the Journal that these kinds of all-encompassing earthquakes are very rare with one anticipated at least every 2,500 years. Members of the California National Guard (above) practice emergency responses during a simulation of a massive earthquake The new analysis could spur Californians to buy earthquake insurance policies. Thus far, just 10 per cent of state residents have earthquake insurance. The data compiled by scientists echo similarly bleak doomsday scenarios heard in recent weeks about the prospect of the big one hitting California. Last month, geologists revealed that a collapse of the two faults that burrow underneath San Francisco Bay would potentially unleash catastrophic damage that would dwarf that caused by Hurricane Katrina. Experts warned that if the deadly Hayward fault and the Rogers Creek fault broke at the same time along their 118-mile stretch, the resulting earthquake could be up to a magnitude 7.4. Based on a spate of scientific analysis in recent months, the state is making contingency preparations in anticipation of what experts say is a possible mega-earthquake To prepare for catastrophic quakes, roughly 1,200 emergency responders carried out drills across California in a week-long exercise known as 'Vigilant Guard. Last year, the US Geological Survey issued a report that stated its experts were virtually certain that California would be hit with a strong earthquake in the next 30 years, The Wall Street Journal reported. The study, like the one conducted by CoreLogic, says that it is becoming increasingly likely that the state is due for a large-scale tremor in which sections of the San Andreas Fault rupture at once. It increased the odds of a magnitude-8 earthquake from 4.7 per cent to 7 per cent. The study also predicts that there is a 99 per cent chance that California will be hit with a magnitude-6.7 earthquake. San Antonio Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, was shot dead on Sunday outside police headquarters while he was sitting behind the wheel of squad car A San Antonio police officer has been shot dead in his patrol car while writing a traffic ticket outside police headquarters. Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, was sitting behind the wheel of his vehicle when a man pulled up behind him in a black car in downtown San Antonio on Sunday. The suspect got out and walked up to the patrol car's passenger window and shot Marconi in the head, according to Chief William McManus. The man then reached into the window and shot him a second time in the head. The suspect got back in his car and fled the scene. Police believe the suspect was driving a black Toyota or Nissan sedan. San Antonio PD personnel investigate. Marconi was writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist when he was shot to death in his squad car by another driver who pulled up from behind Police have released this photographed of a man they are looking for in connection with the shooting of Detective Marconi Marconi had been on the force for 20 years. 'This is everyone's worst nightmare, the officers in the department, the family and everyone who supports the officers,' McManus said. 'Our hearts go out to all of Detective Marconi's family, to all our SAPD brothers and sisters for whom this has hit home hard. 'Most families will be celebrating the holidays, SAPD will be burying one of its own because of an ultimate act of cowardice by a suspect who will be caught and brought to justice.' Marconi died in San Antonio Military Medical Center at about 12.30pm. The shooting occurred outside police headquarters on West Nueva Street and Santa Rosa Street. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a hoodie and baggy pants. He also has a beard and is approximately 5'7. Police are still investigating a motive. In a separate incident the following day, a St Louis police sergeant was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot twice in the face. Authorities say a car drove alongside the officer's marked vehicle before firing at him. Police are looking for a man who pulled up in a black car (pictured) behind a police officer's patrol car in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday and shot dead the officer Benjamin Marconi (left and far right) died in hospital on Sunday after being shot twice in the head. Marconi had been on the force for 20 years ABC13 captured police blocking off the street where an officer was shot dead on Sunday San Antonio Police Chief William McManus (pictured) said the suspect got out and walked up to the patrol car's passenger window and shot the officer in the head Chief McManus described the shooting in San Antonio as a targeted killing similar to recent shootings in Dallas, Texas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 'It's always difficult especially in this day and age where police are being targeted across the county,' McManus said. 'Unfortunately like Dallas, like Baton Rouge it's happened here.' San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor said: 'I want to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the officer killed outside police headquarters today as well as to our entire police force. Police have launched an investigation after the body of a dead man and an unconscious man was found lying on a suburban street. Emergency services were called to the scene on Le Hunte Street in Kilburn, north of Adelaide at 2.45am on Monday and discovered two bodies lying on the ground. The deceased body was a 60-year-old man from the nearby suburb of Blair Athol. Scroll down for video Police have launched an investigation after two bodies, one of a dead man and the other of an unconscious man, were found lying on a suburban in Adelaide A passerby discovered the 60-year-old man's body on the street, which showed some signs of injury, and alerted emergency services Detectives investigating his death are treating the death as a suspected murder, The Advertiser reported. A passerby discovered the man's body on the street, which showed some signs of injury, 7News reported. The second man regained consciousness, who was lying close by, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment. His condition is believed to be drug related. A resident of Le Hunte street, who woke up the police investigation on the street, told 9News: 'I was surprised. I looked everywhere, police [from] one corner to the other. I thought something happened like that, you know. I'm speechless. [It's] scary.' Detectives are appealing for anyone who heard a disturbance in the nearby area or surrounding streets to come forward The second man regained consciousness and was taken to Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment Detectives are taking photographs and sweeping the area for clues. Police have closed off traffic in between Prospect Road and Denver Terrace for investigations. They are also appealing for anyone who heard a disturbance in the nearby area or surrounding streets to come forward. A search is underway for the body of schoolgirl Quanne Diec, 12, who disappeared on the way to class nearly 20 years ago. In Granville, west Sydney - 700 metres from the home Quanne grew up in - a house was being scoured by a police forensic team on Monday morning. The search was launched less than 24 hours after Vincent Tarantino, 49, walked into a Sydney police station on Sunday afternoon to speak to them about the girl and was arrested and charged with murdering her. Quanne was last seen on her way to Strathfield Girls High School from her Granville home on the morning of July 27, 1998. Scroll down for video Quanne Diec was last seen on July 27, 1998. Almost 20 years later, a man has been charged with murdering her Forensic police attend a property at 10 Second Street in Granville, in Sydney's west on Monday Police at a property in Granville, west Sydney, about 700 metres from the home Quanne grew up in Quanne Diec was 12 when she disappeared She was heading to the Clyde train station but the last sighting of her was outside an Australia Post depot about 400m from her home. Her school assumed she was at home sick and her parents thought she was at school, so she was not reported missing until that evening, The Daily Telegraph reported. Mr Tarantino, who also goes by the name Victor Gerada, appeared in court on Monday and was also charged with detaining for advantage. Police will allege Quanne was lured off a street by Mr Tarantino, who planned to ransom her before killing her some time before 7.30pm the day she disappeared, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. He was also charged with having custody of a knife in a public place, after allegedly being found in possession of a 35cm knife on Sunday in Surry Hills. During his court appearance, during which he did not apply for bail, he said he believed his brother and partner had been killed for what he had done, according to reports. During a press conference earlier on Monday, police superintendent Scott Whyte said Mr Tarantino had been a suspect for 18 years. The accused had known Quanne but not her family before the girl disappeared, and the attack was not thought to have been random, he said. Supt. Whyte said a search was underway at a 'local residence' on Monday morning and investigators would not give up until they could ' bring Quanne home to her mum and dad and put her to rest'. The search of the property (shown) came as Vincent Tarantino appeared in court charged with murder A member of the police forensics team leaves the decrepit-looking house on Monday He also said police would not rule out further arrests. 'There are people out there who we have spoken to and now perhaps, as a result of this, they may want to come back and offer further information or talk to us about what they may or may not know.' It is a time of mixed emotions... They [Quanne's family] are grieving and they would like some time alone. Supt. Whyte said the Diec family were 'very' distressed. 'It is a time of mixed emotions. They are over the moon with police assistance... They are grieving and they would like some time alone.' In the years following her disappearance, Quanne's family prayed that she was alive. Quanne pictured before she disappeared. She was described as a quiet and studious girl She disappeared while on her way to Strathfield Girls High School (pictured) Her elderly father Sam had spent thousands travelled around Australia in the hope of confirming reported sightings of his daughter, while sister Tina and brother Sunny both told media in 2000 they were praying for the return of their sister. Strike Force Lydney was established with police pursuing numerous avenues and following up reported sightings to no avail. During the investigation Detective Inspector Brad Cox said police had hypnotised witnesses, set up mannequins and drained and searched a nearby waterway, Duck Creek, but failed to come up with answers. Police were unable to confirm whether Quanne was the girl seen talking to the male driver of a white van near the intersection of Third and Factory Streets in Granville on the day of her disappearance. The girl was reportedly seen getting into the van, which then drove away. Mr Tarantino appeared in the Central Local Court (shown) on Monday Hillary Clinton's lead over Donald Trump in the popular vote count has increased. The Democratic former secretary of state, who lost the bruising presidential election to the Manhattan billionaire thanks to the electoral college is now ahead of him by more than 1.5 million votes. The Associated Press count as of Saturday was Clinton with 63,390,669 and Trump standing at 61,820,845 a difference of 1,569,824. Scroll down for video Hillary Clinton (left) lost the White House, but is now ahead of Donald Trump (right) by more than 1.5 million votes While Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, Donald Trump routed her route to the White House by grabbing Florida and North Carolina, along with a handful of 'Rust Belt' states That means Clinton won the support of 48 percent of American voters to Trump's 47 percent. On Election Night the first warning sign that Clinton was in trouble with the Electoral College came when Florida was too close to call. Trump eventually won the Sunshine State, while grabbing North Carolina too, which is the other true Southern swing state. It was parts of the Midwest nicknamed the 'Rust Belt' that really did Clinton in with Ohio going to Trump and then Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and likely Michigan, where ballots are still being counted. Clinton, thanks to a strong Latino turnout, kept Nevada in her column and eventually won the swing state of New Hampshire too. But it wasn't enough to combat Trump's lead in the electoral college and so he will be the next president of the United States. Currently, Trump has 290 electoral college votes to Clinton's 232 with the 16 from Michigan not assigned to either candidate yet. Clinton's expanding lead in the popular vote is a silver lining for Democrats, who were unable to retake the Senate, which looked likely, nor the House, which was an uphill climb. An emboldened Sen. Chuck Schumer, who will become the Democratic leader in the Senate upon Harry Reid's retirement, pledged Sunday to fight Trump 'tooth and nail' on big picture issues like Dodd-Frank and Obamacare. The reason, Schumer explained to ABC's Martha Raddatz, is because of Clinton's 'win.' 'Look, as you know, Democrats got a majority of the popular vote, Hillary did, so it's not a mandate,' Schumer said on 'This Week.' 'So when we oppose Trump on values or if his presidency takes a dark, divisive turn, we're going to do it tooth and nail,' the New York Democrat said. A helicopter will be on patrol on Monday to see if they are still in the area Beachgoers in South Australia have been warned to be extra vigilant in the water as scores of large sharks descend on the shoreline to feed off schools of salmon. Up to 18 sharks were seen swimming within three kilometres of several South Australian beaches over the weekend, with some coming as close as 40 metres. It comes during a spate of shark attacks across Australia, which has seen 17 so far this year. There have been 13 fatalities in the past 16 years in Western Australia alone. Scroll down for video A school of about 12 bronze whaler sharks were spotted swimming 40 metres from the shoreline in Normanville, south of Adelaide, on Sunday (pictured) A total of 18 sharks (pictured) were seen in the Adelaide area over the weekend, including including a four metre great white shark and another measuring between five to six metres long Photos show a school of 12 bronze whaler sharks varying between two to three metres in length swimming close to the shoreline in Normanville, south of Adelaide around 12.30pm, according to Adelaide Now. The school made their way through the area just after a large shark was spotted swimming near Lady Bay by a Westpac Helicopter, forcing lifesavers to sound the siren and warn beachgoers to be on alert and stay in shallow water. Five more sharks including a four metre great white shark and another measuring between five to six metres long were seen off several beaches close to Adelaide's city centre on Sunday. The great white was spotted swimming more than two kilometres from West Beach and the largest shark was seen just a few hundred metres south at Glenelg. A three metre shark, another bronze whaler and an unidentified large shark were swimming near Henley beach and Seacliff. Surf Lifesaving SA emergency operations manager Andrew Bedford said the school was in SA because of an abundance of available food but a helicopter will be patrolling on Monday Surf Lifesaving SA emergency operations manager Andrew Bedford said the school was probably in South Australia because of an abundance of available food. 'There's obviously a lot of bait fish there at the moment,' he said. 'Salmon are moving through that area.' Lifesavers remain on alert and a helicopter will be sent to patrol on Monday to see if the sharks are still in the area, Mr Bedford said. Ben Emmerson (pictured) is facing an investigation by his own law firm into claims that he groped the woman The woman allegedly sexually assaulted at the headquarters of the child abuse inquiry by its top lawyer has been left distraught by the scandal, her father has revealed. He said it had taken a huge toll on his daughter, threatening her future and financial security after the inquiry refused to investigate her allegations. 'She has had a brilliant job and this has been a real strain on her, financially too,' he added. 'My daughter will come out of this with honour.' Ben Emmerson, QC, lead counsel to the inquiry, is facing an investigation by his own law firm into claims that he groped the woman at the office of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). His lawyers say he 'categorically denies' the claim. Now his alleged victim's father has made a dramatic intervention in the controversy that threatens to derail the 100million probe. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, he said: 'She has been very upset by this. She was down this weekend and she was quite depressed by it. 'We as a family have found it deeply unsettling. I just hope this does not damage her future. I do not know what this inquiry [by Mr Emmerson's chambers] is going to conclude. But for this happen at a child abuse inquiry is astonishing.' He suggested the bungled handling of the incident by the inquiry had alarmed other female staff and prompted the resignation last week of Aileen McColgan, a law professor who was leading the investigation into Anglican and Catholic Church abuse. She is the seventh lawyer to quit the probe. The father of the alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, added: 'I do not know Mr Emmerson, who I have heard is a very distinguished lawyer. I think he has troubles.' He spoke out as Mr Emmerson was pictured for the first time since the scandal erupted and with the public inquiry's latest chairman Professor Alexis Jay set to come under intense pressure to step down. According to reports, Professor Jay, the inquiry's fourth chairman, is to be hit by damaging claims by barristers who have left the inquiry that she was aware there was a culture of bullying, harassment and even allegations of a sexual assault but did not take action and also tried to cover it up. Four former lawyers at the IICSA have written to MPs on the Commons' Home Affairs Select Committee to detail their concerns. His lawyers say that Mr Emmerson (pictured) 'categorically denies' the claim he groped the woman Their letters could be published tomorrow, delivering a potentially fatal blow to Professor Jay's chances of survival and casting further doubt on whether the inquiry can continue in its current format. According to reports the letters from Hugh Davies QC, Elizabeth Prochaska, Toby Fisher and Professor McColgan will expose the extraordinary discord at the inquiry's headquarters in Millbank, Central London, over the past year. Top human rights barrister Mr Emmerson had not been seen in public since it was reported last month that he pushed a female work colleague against the side of a lift wall. He was allowed to quit shortly afterwards on September 29, just 24 hours after being suspended by the inquiry over concerns about his 'leadership'. Pictured in recent days, Mr Emmerson was virtually unrecognisable as the well-heeled barrister who counts George and Amal Clooney among his close friends The divorced father of four cut a forlorn figure as he ventured out in Hampstead, North London, walking along the street in sandals, jeans and clutching a packet of cigarettes. Despite his scruffy appearance, the barrister, who was on 400,000 a year, has been paid 1,700 a day after being allowed to carry on working for the inquiry at home. He has earned around 55,000 for a handover. He has refused to speak publicly but his lawyers have said: 'Mr Emmerson categorically denies any allegation of sexual assault or bullying or any other misconduct at the inquiry. Any such allegations are completely false'. For 100 years it has kept its secrets, lying almost forgotten on the seabed. The first British submarine to fire a torpedo in the First World War vanished in 1916. But now the descendants of the 29 brave crewmen who died at last know its fate. Divers found the remarkably intact hull of HMS E5 off the coast of the Netherlands after securing an agreement for a brief suspension of the busy shipping lane beneath which it rests. Built in Barrow-in-Furness and commissioned in 1913, HMS E5 the Royal Navy didn't start naming its submarines until 1942 was feared to have struck a mine while rescuing survivors from a stricken trawler near Heligoland Bight on March 7, 1916. A century under the sea: A diver examines part of the wreck Its resting place remained a mystery until amateur maritime archaeologists won permission to examine a wreck off Schiermonnikoog, near the German border. Encrusted with limpets and barnacles, it proved to be that of the 178ft E5, its hatches open in a poignant indication that its crew made a vain effort to escape. Its conning tower, which once bore its identifying 'pennant number' of 85, lay nearby on the seabed but there was no sign of major damage to the hull, indicating that it was not sunk as a result of enemy action. Remy Luttik, who led the Zeester diving team, said: 'A piece of the puzzle of the maritime history of the North Sea has surfaced. The results offer hope for relatives looking for their missing loved ones.' Among the crew who lost their lives was Stoker Petty Officer Francis Garratt Cowburn whose grandson, Malcolm Eckersley, now 80, continues to mark its sinking every year along with his family. His son SPO Cowburn's great grandson Richard, a council licensing officer, learnt the wreck had been found in a chance conversation with a colleague who is an advanced underwater diver. Lost: Petty Officer Arthur Robert Owen, pictured with his family 'I couldn't believe that after a century my family would finally be able to close the chapter on just what had happened to Francis,' said the 51-year-old, from Saddleworth, Greater Manchester. 'It's remained a family mystery and source of sadness and intrigue.' Born in 1885, Stoker Cowburn joined the Navy in 1905 and entered the pioneering submarine service four years later. The Daily Mail has now traced other relatives, including the grandson of Petty Officer Arthur Robert Owen, from Battersea, South London, who shares his name. Retired insurance broker Mr Owen, who is known as Robert and is now 74, said: 'No one ever knew what happened to it the submarine just vanished. 'My grandfather joined the Navy when he was just 12, and switched to serving on submarines because the pay was better than on the surface. It's extraordinary that it's been found 100 years later.' Also among those lost was Engine Room Artificer Cecil Rice, 28, a father of two from Peterborough whose daughter Mary is now 104 and living in the US. Wendy Christensen, 82, the daughter of his son Norman, said of her grandfather: 'Until now, he had no other grave than the sea. I've been to the naval memorial at Chatham where his name is listed, so it's fantastic to know his submarine has finally been found.' Leading Seaman John 'Tommy' Bassett, 33, had completed 17 years' Naval service and was working as a postman in Walsall when he was called up as a reservist only six weeks after getting married. 'He needn't have been on board it's so tragic,' said Anne Thorpe, a cousin who has researched her ancestor. 'It makes everything seem so close knowing where his submarine now lies. 'My father never spoke about what happened so it had always been a bit of a mystery.' Martijn Manders, programme manager of maritime heritage for the Dutch government, said he hoped that by working with dive groups the resting places of more vessels could now be discovered. This all started when reading Conn Igguldens historical novels about Genghis Khan and his successors. Were it not for a descendant of Genghis having an untimely heart attack, the whole of Europe would most likely have been conquered by the Mongol hordes, so no industrial revolution, no modern world. Fascinating. Iggulden also achieves the amazing feat of convincing the reader that slaughtering your enemies by the millions is entirely justifiable. Tim Bentinck fires from a trotting horse at the Centre of Horseback Combat, located at Gaddesden Manor The Mongols razed whole cities and executed all the inhabitants, but on the battlefield they won by training their soldiers from infancy in the art of horseback archery. After years of practice, they were unerringly accurate at full gallop. The trick is to fire the arrow at the precise moment that the horse is in mid-air, thus giving a stable platform for release. In Mongolia, Korea, Japan and elsewhere, horseback archery is a recognised sport, but you can try your hand at it much closer to home, in Great Gaddesden in Hertfordshire. Id already bought myself a Mongolian war bow, but when ordering it on Amazon I hadnt spotted the drop-down box that allows you to choose the draw weight, so I got the heaviest, which is almost impossible to pull. The bows at the Centre of Horseback Combat are much easier, although the technique takes some getting used to. Entirely different from target archery, even experienced bowmen will need to change their habits fast. When my son Will asked if Id like to accompany him and his work chums for a day learning to shoot arrows from a moving horse, I jumped at the chance, and was then amazed to discover that the venue was the stables where I had learned to ride back in 1964. Little had changed, except that this is now no ordinary stables, but the place to learn horseback archery, trick riding, and even get an introduction to professional stunt riding. The Archers star Tim Bentinck, pictured The venue is actually the old stables of Gaddesden Manor, where I had filmed the six-part BBC comedy series The Royal Bodyguard with David Jason. No experience is needed if you cant ride, your horse is led at a sedate walk, which gives you plenty of time to prepare for the three targets coming up. But if youre a bit more experienced and your horse is going at a canter, youve got to be quick. After an introduction and taping up of thumbs, we were told to stand with our legs apart, imagining we were on a horse, and stand side-on to the target. The main thing to learn is that, apart from one quick glance at the fletching on the arrow to get it the right way up, everything else is done by feel, with your eye kept constantly on the target. You dont aim it has to be more instinctive, like throwing a ball. The shot is taken in one motion pull and release and you draw with the thumb, not the fingers. After a while we all got pretty quick, so then it was time to find our mounts. A great day out, but I hadnt ridden for at least five years and a week later I could still barely walk Out in the field, the track was roped off, so riding without reins wasnt a problem the horse was only going to go straight ahead. To begin with, we walked with a trainer holding the bridle, before depending on our abilities the horse was allowed to trot or canter. If you can rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time, youll be a master at this sport. After a great lunch in the local pub, we carried on through the afternoon. I may have been below the standards of even the weakest three-year-old Mongolian, but at least I had the enormous satisfaction of hitting all three targets at a slow canter. A great day out, but I hadnt ridden for at least five years and a week later I could still barely walk! Advertisement Every time we board a plane, we put our lives in the hands of the pilot. A scary thought, considering the vast majority of crashes occur due to human error rather than any other factor. And while these incidents are still incredibly rare - around one in 11 million - there have been tragic cases of preventable crashes caused by major blunders on the part of the pilot in the past. Here, MailOnline has compiled a compendium of the worst mistakes ever made by pilots that have led to a plane crash. Aeroflot Flight 593, 1994 During a flight from Moscow to Hong Kong in 1994, an Aeroflot relief pilot invited his children into the cockpit to play with the controls - one accidentally knocked the plane out of autopilot, leading to a crash which killed all 75 on board (stock image) Perhaps the most ludicrous action of all was that of relief pilot - second in command to the co-pilot - Yaroslav Kudrinsky, who let his children play with the controls. The fateful crash occurred on March 23, 1994, during an Aeroflot flight travelling from Moscow to Kong Kong. The Airbus A310 went down in Siberia, killing all 75 on board. As was later discovered by cockpit recordings, Mr Kudrinsky invited his two children into the cockpit in the middle of the night - Yana, 12, and Eldar, 15. Both were allowed to sit in the captain's chair and play with the controls, which should have been disabled as the plane was in autopilot mode. But when Eldar held the control column down for a full 30 seconds, it forced the system back into manual. By the time the captain and co-pilot had got back into their seats and seized the controls, it was too late. The plane crashed into the mountains below, killing everyone onboard. TransAsia Airways Flight 235, 2015 In February 2015, TransAsia Airways Flight 235 smashed into a highway bridge in Taiwan and then crashed into the Keelung River, pictured, killing 43 of its 58 passengers, after the pilot turned off the wrong engine The plane, pictured, had just taken off from Taipei's Songshan Airport when one of the engines lost power and the pilot, who was killed along with the co-polit, accidentally switched off the only other working engine by pulling the wrong shuttle 'Wow, pulled back the wrong side throttle'. These were among the last words from the pilot of TransAsia flight 235 on February 4, 2015, right before the plane smashed into a highway bridge in Taiwan, killing 43 of its 58 passengers. According to the report from the Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council, the plane had just taken off from Taipei's Songshan Airport when one of the engines lost power. The pilot, who was killed along with the co-polit, then accidentally switched off the other working engine by pulling the wrong throttle, causing the aircraft to bank sharply, clip the Huandong Viaduct and then nosedive into the Keelung River below. Tuninter Flight 1153, 2009 In March 2009 aboard Tuninter Flight 1153, the captain was recorded praying instead of putting emergency procedures into place after the plane ran out of fuel, crashing into the sea over Italy and killing 16, not including himself In March of 2009, both the pilot and co-pilot of Tuninter Flight 1153, which crashed into the Mediterranean Sea in 2005, were sentenced to ten-year jail sentences over the death of 16 passengers. The men, Captain Shafik Al Gharbi and co-pilot Ali Kebaier Lassoued, were accused of praying instead of putting emergency procedures into place after the plane ran out of fuel due to a mechanical error and hurtled down towards the ocean. In cockpit recordings played in court, Mr Gharbi was heard calling for the help of 'Allah and Muhammad his prophet' - according to The Guardian. There is evidence that the crew made numerous attempts to save the situation but ultimately panicked and allowed the crash to occur. The plane was bound for Bari, Italy, from Djerba, Tunisia, and 23 of its 49 passengers survived after being rescued from the water. KLM and Pan Am collision In March 1977, the two Boeing 747s - KLM Flight 1736 and Pan Am Flight 1736 - smashed into one another at Tenerife Airport, pictured, making it the deadliest accident in the history of aviation - killing 583 people The collision occurred because of misunderstandings between the KLM flight crew and Air Traffic Control, meaning that the Pan Am plane was still on the runway when the KLM plane attempted to take off - pictured, the wreckage It remains the deadliest accident in the history of aviation - killing 583 people after two jumbo jets collided - and it all came down to errors in communication. In March 1977, the two Boeing 747s - KLM Flight 1736 and Pan Am Flight 1736 - smashed into one another at Tenerife Airport. The collision occurred because of misunderstandings between the KLM flight crew and Air Traffic Control, meaning that the Pan Am plane was still on the runway when the KLM plane attempted to take off. Dense fog that day meant that neither of them could see eachother. All 248 passengers crew members in the KLM plane died, as did 326 passengers and nine crew members aboard the Pan Am. The other 54 passengers and seven crew members aboard the Pan Am aircraft survived, including the captain. Airblue Flight 202, Islamabad This domestic passenger flight crashed on July 28, 2010, near Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, pictured, killing all 146 passengers and six crew on board - with the pilot's unprofessional interaction with his co-pilot ultimately blamed The captain was accused of taking a 'harsh, snobbish and contrary' tone with his co-pilot several times during the flight, causing him to 'lose self esteem' and then fail to challenge his boss when he started making dangerous mistakes This domestic passenger flight crashed on July 28, 2010, near Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killing all 146 passengers and six crew on board. Perhaps it could have been avoided if the plane's co-pilot has challenged the repeated errors made by the captain, but according to Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority in November 2011, he had been 'humiliated' by his boss throughout the flight and 'lost his self esteem'. The captain was accused of taking a 'harsh, snobbish and contrary' tone with his co-pilot several times during the flight. After then ignoring weather warnings from Air Traffic Control - saying 'let him say whatever he wants to say' - he went unchallenged by his co-pilot as the disaster unfolded. Struggling against heavy monsoon weather, the pilot panicked and ultimately lost control - with his co-pilot 'failing to intervene' - sending the plane straight into the Margalla Hills. Air Florida Flight 90, 1982 On January 13, 1982, the pilots of Air Florida Flight 90, from Washington DC to Florida's Fort Lauderdale failed to turn on the plane's de-icing system despite freezing weather and then crashed into the Potomac River, pictured, killing 74 passengers On January 13, 1982, the pilots of Air Florida Flight 90, from Washington DC to Florida's Fort Lauderdale made numerous errors before the crash - perhaps the most notable being their failure to switch on the de-icing system. Additionally, despite taking off in a snow storm, the crew first used an ill-advised 'reverse thrust' to melt their own ice, rather than return to the gate for proper de-icing, and then failed to abort takeoff even after detecting a power problem. The plane crashed into the Potomac River a mere 30 seconds after becoming airborn. Of the 79 people on board, only five survived, and an additional four people on the ground were struck and killed. Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, 1972 On December 29, 1972, an Eastern Airlines Tristar jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, pictured, killing 101 on board, including the captain It occurred because the pilot and co-pilot were distracted by a burnt-out bulb and accidentally bumped a lever which deactivated the plane's autopilot mode On December 29, 1972, an Eastern Airlines Tristar jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing 101 on board, including the captain, and leaving 75 survivors. It occurred because the pilot and co-pilot were distracted by a burnt-out bulb towards the end of the flight new New York's JFK to Miami. While they were investigating a broken landing gear indicator light, someone accidentally bumped a lever which deactivated the plane's autopilot mode. Advertisement When it comes to national parks, America in particular is well known for their vast scale and grandeur. But Europe has more than a few competitors to bring to the table - parks which are often overlooked. Take Finland's Oulanka National Park, for example, which straddles the Russian border and hosts vast wetlands where orchids and freshwater fish glimmer in the reflection of tumbling waterfalls. Or Germany's Bavarian Forest, a 2,400-hectare wonderland which has inspired countless writers and artists over the years. Croatia's UNESCO-listed Plitvice National Park boasts 16 terraced lakes and 90 waterfalls; while closer to home in Scotland, Cairngorms comprises of mountainous trails, relaxing beaches and the chance to view the magnificent golden eagle. The following infographic, compiled by Medway Leisure Travel, breaks down 11 of the most magical national parks Europe has to offer, with a guide on how to best enjoy each one. Paris Hilton and Ivanka Trump are the childhood friends who have both built billion dollar business empires. And now Paris has backed the 'brilliant' daughter of US President-elect Donald Trump, as her role in the incoming White House administration comes under fire. The 35-year-old socialite, who continues her Gold Rush Tour in Brisbane on Sunday, told The Daily Telegraph she's 'proud' of her long-standing friend Ivanka. Scroll down for video Family friends: Paris Hilton says Ivanka Trump is a 'brilliant' woman after her friend came under fire in the American press this week, over her new role in the incoming White House administration She told the publication: 'I've known her since I'm a little girl. I've known her father since I'm little. I think she is a brilliant woman. 'She knows exactly what shes doing. She has an amazing brand and yeah, I'm proud of what she's done.' Ivanka is one of the people entrusted with running her father's business empire while he serves as President, taking the role of vice president for development and acquisitions at the Trump Organisation. Childhood friends: Paris says she has known Donald Trump's daughter since she was a 'little girl' Bosom buddies: Paris (R) says she is 'proud' of the achievements of her 'brilliant' friend Family ties: Ivanka's position in the new American administration is under fire after she was entrusted with control of her father's businesses while he serves as President However, the American press have already questioned whether there are conflicts of interest between her new job and the country's political agenda after she was spotted at a meeting between the President-elect and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Paris' support for Ivanka comes after she had been very vocal during the campaign trail, seeking to get millennials to vote. The reality TV star, who has built a perfume empire worth an estimated $2.5 billion, was pictured next to a pink White House as she sought to galvanize the country's youth to have their say. Pretty in pink: The New York native was a vocal advocate of getting millennials to vote during the election Pledging support: Paris, who had been tight-lipped during the election, admitted to The Project that she voted for Donald Trump She said: 'I wanted to get the message out there in a kind of fun way that they should use their voice.' The blonde was tight-lipped throughout the election, publicly denying to comment when asked who she had pledged her support to. But since Donald defeated Hillary Clinton to claim a shock victory, Paris confirmed to The Project that she had voted for the businessman. Moving in: Ivanka has been given the role of vice president for development and acquisitions at the Trump Organisation Family friend: Paris (R) said that she nothing but the 'kindest things' to say about the President-elect. Pictured with Nicky Hilton (R) in 2001 at the Vogue Fashion awards And earlier this month she told a Melbourne radio station that her longstanding ties to the Trump family made it an easy decision. 'He's always been so supportive and so respectful and sweet to me and has always had nothing but the kindest things to say about me,' she told 3AW at Crown's Club 23. 'So I really appreciate him. He's a brilliant businessman and I think he's really going to help [the US] out. Don't be afraid now, he's actually very sweet.' Paris has already performed DJ sets in Melbourne and Sydney ahead of her arrival on stage at nightclub Fluffy in Brisbane tonight. Vicky Pattison appears to be using more than just a little filter on her social media posts recently, as she spends time in Australia filming I'm A Celebrity... Extra Camp. While on the Gold Coast, the feisty Geordie Shore star uploaded a photo to Instagram on Friday, showing her looking flawless and svelte in a belted mini dress as she flaunted her trim pins. However, photos of the brunette puffing on a cigarette as she takes a break from filming later in the day seem to show Vicky in a different light. Scroll down for video Svelte stunner! Vicky Pattison uploaded a photo to Instagram on Friday, showing her looking flawless and svelte in a belted mini dress as she flaunted her trim pins Using more than just a filter? The feisty Geordie Shore star appears to be using more than just a little filter on her social media posts (left) looking rather different as she was snapped later that day on the set of I'm A Celebrity... Extra Camp on the Gold Coast (right) Her social media snap shows off a silky, smooth complexion, trim waistline and toned legs as she poses front-on. A shimmering bronze dress also faultlessly compliments her svelte figure as she teams the ensemble with a pair of Kurt Geiger boots. But as she took a lunch break with boyfriend John Noble, the 29-year-old was caught off-guard at a rather unflattering angle. Shown in a different light: The Geordie Shore star cut an altogether different figure from the one in her pictures when she was snapped out to lunch with boyfriend John Noble Smoke and mirrors? Photos of the smoking 29-year-old suggest her figure and ensemble is not as sleek as the social media posts might suggest As she stood arms folded smoking a cigarette, Vicky was caught side-on in the same outfit with the additional of a pair of dark sunglasses. Her waistline appeared larger than in her own snaps while her complexion looked to be a couple of shades paler. The snap was uploaded one day after Vicky had shared before and after transformation photos with her followers. On one side of the picture the brunette is looking larger than usual in a light pink bikini, while the other side captures a petite Vicky in her current state. Party girl: Vicky developed a reputation for being a wild child in the UK for her high profile bust-ups and party animal antics (Pictured in July) Bikini babe: The TV presenter was regularly seen flaunting her figure during her time as a contestant on the UK version of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2015 Shower scene: Viewers saw a very slender Vicky during her time on the hit show (Pictured December 2015) The TV presenter used the post as a plug for her company Mini V Nutrition, whose Instagram page carries a number of similar transformation photos of the founder. Vicky returned to Australia this year as a host on I'm A Celebrity... Extra Camp after she won the UK version of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! last year. The slender queen of the jungle could be seen throughout the series showing off an enviable figure in a number of bikinis. She's been burning the candle at both ends promoting her new film, Rules Don't Apply, on the morning and late night shows in Los Angeles and New York. But Lily Collins showed no sign of fatigue when she was spotted up bright and early for a workout at a gym in West Hollywood on Saturday. The 27-year-old was all smiles as she left the facility, probably as a result of all the feel-good endorphins flooding her system after her exercise session. Scroll down for videos It's the Freakin Weekend: But there was no rest for busy actress Lily Collins, who wore a vest with the message across the chest when she hit a gym in West Hollywood on Saturday The actress wore a white Freakin Weekend vest from Sub-Urban Riot under a khaki green jacket with a cinched waist, skin-tight black leggings and white sneakers. The beautiful brunette didn't appear to be wearing any make-up after her rigorous workout, allowing her flawless complexion to shine. Lily covered her eyes with a large pair of sunglasses and she slung a trendy black fringed handbag over her shoulder. The British-American daughter of rock star Phil Collins made sure she stayed hydrated, carrying an iced coffee as she walked. Burning the candle both ends: The 27-year-old has been promoting her new film, Rules Don't Apply, on the morning and late night shows in Los Angeles and New York Meanwhile, Lily took to Twitter to remind her fans she is taking part in a Q&A this evening about No Rules Apply with legendary Hollywood director, writer and star Warren Beatty and co-star and wife, Annette Benning, hosted by actors' guild, the Sag-Aftra Foundation. In the romantic comedy drama, set in 1958, Lily plays Marla Mabrey, a devout Baptist beauty queen from Virginia and an aspiring actress. She's picked up at the airport by a driver, Frank Forbes, played by Alden Ehrenreich. Both are under contract with billionaire filmmaker, aviator and notorious womanizer Howard Hughes, played by Warren Beatty. Sporty chic: The daughter of British rocker Phil Collins teamed her Sub-Urban Riot vest with a khaki green jacket, skin-tight black leggings and white sneakers Things get complicated when Marla and Frank fall in love - breaking Hughes' rule against his employees having relationships. Annette plays Marla's mother, Lucy. The movie is due out on Wednesday, kicking off Thanksgiving on Thursday - a national holiday in the U.S. Meanwhile, the young starlet is also working on her memoir, Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me. Still working: With just four days to go before the release of Rules Don't Apply on Wednesday Lily tweeted about her Q&A with director, writer and star Warren Beatty on Saturday He was one of the first investors in Airbnb. So when a protester stormed the stage at the Airbnb Open 2016: A Festival of Hosting event in Los Angeles on Saturday, it was no surprise that Ashton Kutcher got up to address the intrusion. The 38-year-old That 70s Show actor, who was dressed in a pink sweater and black trousers, confronted a protester who was holding a sign which read 'Airbnb out of settlements.' Spot of bother: Ashton Kutcher's Airbnb panel was interrupted by a protester on Saturday Hands on: When the woman stormed the stage at the Airbnb Open 2016: A Festival of Hosting event in Los Angeles Ashton made a speech defending the company The protester appeared to be a member of the activist group CODEPINK, which is 'a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives,' as stated by theirwebsite. Their hashtag was written on the bottom of the protest poster, which was apparently referring to Airbnb's activity in Israel. While the protester was theoretically there to oppose Ashton and Airbnb, it seemed the Hollywood vet was able to charm her with a handshake, which resulted in smiles all around. After guiding the woman off the stage, Ashton, who was seated next to Airbnb founder Brian Chesky, began to rally the crowd and reiterate the importance of inclusion and acceptance. '[A world] doesn't discriminate against one another. We can get to know each other intimately and understand our collective narrative is a narrative for everyone, and that we all can belong in a world together without borders,' he said in a Twitter video captured attendee Danielle Thys. Businessman: He was one of the first investors in Airbnb via his venture fund A-Grade Investments No hard feelings? While the protester was theoretically there to oppose Ashton and Airbnb, it seemed the Hollywood vet was able to charm her with a handshake, which resulted in smiles all around 'I can appreciate that this doesn't happen seamlessly. I can appreciate that this doesn't happen easily. I can appreciate that where there is change, there will be a fringe case that feels objectified, but this company is about bringing people together, and about loving one another,' he continued. The husband of Mila Kunis then tied his message back into Airbnb's mission, and turned to address founder Brian Chesky. 'I know this man, I know his heart, I know his initiative, and I know that when a problem gets brought to his desk, that says that there is a discrimination or this is a displacement, that he cares,' confirmed the Jobs star. 'The first thing that he does is try to look at the system holistically and change it to make it better.' Professional: After guiding the woman off the stage, Ashton, who was seated next to Airbnb founder Brian Chesky, began to rally the crowd and reiterate the importance of inclusion and acceptance Well-received: He received many loud accolades from the crowd, before he concluded with a final encouraging message He then received many loud accolades from the crowd, before he concluded with a final encouraging message. 'You're welcome to a world where we all belong. And if you want to sit down and have a conversation about it, I'm happy to have that conversation with you.' While fans might be used to seeing him on the big screen, Ashton has been active in other sectors as well. He started venture fund A-Grade Investments back in 2011 with two partners. The fund has since invested in such high profile companies as Spotify, Foursquare, Fab, Uber, Dwolla and Path. Multitalented: Ashton has been very active in the venture capital world Jessica Gomes believes 'the stars have aligned' as everything in her life falls into place. Professionally, the 32-year-old has combined a successful modelling career with the creation of a new skincare brand, as well as taking her first steps into Hollywood. While on a personal note, Twilight hunk Xavier Samuel walked into her life earlier this year, and Jessica told Stellar magazine she's 'really happy' with life at home and at work. Scroll down for video Star gazer: Jessica Gomes believes the 'stars have aligned' as everything in her life falls neatly into place across both love and career She told the publication: 'I feel like I'm at a place in my life where the stars have aligned and everything has come to fruition.' The David Jones ambassador was spotted hand-in-hand with fellow Australian Xavier as they went out for coffee in Los Angeles last month - the first time they'd been pictured together. Jessica admitted to the publication that while she has a lot going on in her career, having love in her life is 'so important'. New man: Twilight star Xavier Samuel was spotted kissing and holding hands with the model as the grabbed coffee in Los Angeles last month Romance: The pair had sparked rumours of a romance when they were pictured together at Jessica's birthday party in September New venture: The 32-year-old is releasing her own brand of skincare products, Equal Beauty, in March next year She said: 'I'm at a point where I'm enjoying everything I do. It doesn't matter how much drive you have or how many magazine covers you do, there are other things that are really important.' Next year is a particularly big one for the Sydney native, who launches her skincare range Equal Beauty in March before being seen on the big screen, with starring roles in Hollywood films Bastards and Once Upon A Time In Venice. The Perth-born stunner made her Hollywood debut with a small role in Transformers: The Age Of Extinction in 2014, but this will mark her first lead roles. However, the dark-haired beauty told the magazine that making time for her blossoming relationship, and any future plans they make, will not be an issue. Priorities: Despite having to handle a modelling career, business ventures and starring in films, Jessica told the magazine love is 'so important' in her life First act: Jessica will be seen on the big screen next year, when Hollywood flicks Bastards and Once Upon A Time In Venice open, with the model scoring prominent roles in both Jessica said: 'I want to have a family. I think it'll be at a time that is right. It's something I [will] feel in my gut - if something is too difficult, I won't force it.' Before meeting the 32-year-old actor earlier this year, Jessica had been focusing on her career since a split from rugby player Rocky Elsom last September after several months of dating. In March 2015, the leggy brunette told GQ Australia she felt like she had found her ideal man in the 33-year-old sportsman. Fashionistas: Jessica (R) previously split from rugby player Rocky Elsom in September last year. Pictured with fellow David Jones ambassador Jesinta Campbell 'I definitely feel like I've achieved what I want in a man, thats for sure,' she said at the time. 'You need to be like Thor. Save the world. A protector,' she added. Meanwhile, the notoriously private Xavier has previously dated Pretty Little Liars star and fellow Australian Phoebe Tonkin, as well as German model Shermine Shahrivar. She has been dating her beau Tim Robards for three years. Now it seems Anna Heinrich is desperate to take the next step with the former Bachelor hunk. During an interview with Popsugar Australia, the 29-year-old admitted she would like to receive a ring this coming Christmas. Scroll down for video Over the wait? Anna Heinrich has admitted she would love a ring from her beau Tim Robards this coming Christmas 'I think it's always fun and exciting to open jewellery on special occasions or a big holiday, and these rings are just gorgeous,' she told. But while she may be secretly hoping for a large diamond ring, during the interview Anna had her sights set on something a little less expensive this festive season - naming a $299 Pandora Linked Love ring. The former reality TV starlet is in fact an ambassador for the brand, so it might not be a tough one for Santa to pop into Anna's stocking for the holidays. The lawyer's comments comes a month after Tim hinted at an imminent proposal during an appearance on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show. Exciting: During an interview, the 29-year-old said: 'I think it's always fun and exciting to open jewellery on special occasions or a big holiday, and these rings are just gorgeous' Hint: But while she may be secretly hoping for a diamond ring, during the interview Anna explained she would like to receive a Pandora Love ring this festive season The Sydney-based Chiropractor revealed that while he has a jeweller in mind for Lawyer Anna's engagement ring, he is still unsure of the size. 'It's three years on, so probably getting around that time,' he said. 'I know where I'd probably go to get [the ring] ... I know what she likes. I need to steal one of her other ones to find out the size.' Coming soon? The lawyer's interview comes a month after Tim hinted at an imminent proposal during an appearance on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show Under the pump: Earlier, he told Daily Mail Australia he feels the pressure to pop the question from family, friends and fans The revelation comes two months after he told Daily Mail Australia that he feels pressured to pop the question. 'With Anna and I, there's lots of pressure... Every photo we put up together, people are like 'when are you getting engaged?' he said. At the time, he explained that he would continue to take his time until they are both ready for marriage. Tim and Anna have been the subject of engagement rumours ever since falling in love on The Bachelor. It's the annual event that raises funds to keep children safe from violence. And on Saturday night many of Australia's reality TV stars came together for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation Ball in Melbourne. At the function, Real Housewives Of Melbourne's Pettifleur Berenger put on a very busty display as she dressed in a rose gold plunging gown. Scroll down for video On show: Real Housewives Of Melbourne's Pettifleur Berenger put on a busty display as she dressed in a rose gold gown at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation Ball in Melbourne The figure-hugging garment finished at the upper thigh and then featured a sheer panel, which fell down the TV star's legs, to the ground. She teamed the rough-pattern piece with a silver clutch and a matching bangle that she wore on her left wrist. For the evening, Pettifleur directed all the attention to her outfit as she pulled her long dyed hair back and styled them in a tall up-do. Flaunt it: The figure-hugging garment finished at the upper thigh and then featured a sheer panel, which fell down the TV star's legs, to the ground Red hot! Her co-star Suzi McLean also strutted her stuff down the purple carpet while dressed in a red halterneck dress She also kept her make-up natural on the night but added a touch of colour with a plum lipstick. Her co-star Suzi McLean also strutted her stuff down the purple carpet while dressed in a red halterneck dress. The floor-length garment showed off her curves as it wrapped tightly around her frame. She slicked her long brunette hair back away from her face and wore them out and styled straight. Side by side: The Bachelor's Alex Nation and Richie Strahan also attended the fundraising function Little to the imagination: The single-mother dressed to impress, slipping her very slender figure into a silver shimmer ensemble, which featured a plunging neckline and backless back The Bachelor's Alex Nation and Richie Strahan also attended the fundraising function. The single-mother dressed to impress, slipping her very slender figure into a silver shimmer ensemble. The garment wrapped around her neck with thin straps and featured a low-cut neckline, which gathered low. Alex added some height to her evening wear with a pair of gold open-toed high heels while she wore her blonde locks out with a tight curl. Looking smart: Richie also turned up the heat, as he dolled up in a black suit, white button-up shirt and a grey bow-tie True beauty: Fellow Bachelor Australia star, Laurina Fleure was also present and she made a headturning statement with a silver floral gown Richie also turned up the heat, as he dolled up in a black suit, white button-up shirt and a grey bow-tie. Fellow Bachelor Australia star, Laurina Fleure was also present and she made a head-turning statement with a silver floral gown. The strapless ensemble wrapped tightly around her torso before it flared outwards and gathered at the ground. While showcasing her deep tanned skin, she allowed her chocolate brown locks to fall freely over her shoulders as she wore them out. Classical: TV presenter Melissa Doyle (L) opted to sick to a stunning deep navy dress at the event She's got it: The radio presenter's (M) garment wrapped tightly around her slimmed down frame and featured a low-scoop front that revealed a glimpse of her cleavage Laurina also showed off her natural beauty through a well-blended make-up, which she finished off with a dark red lipstick. TV presenter Melissa Doyle, who hosted the event, opted to sick to a stunning deep navy dress. The garment wrapped tightly around her slimmed down frame and featured a low-scoop front that revealed a glimpse of her cleavage. On duty: Melissa hosted the event alongside singer and performer Rob Mills Scrubbing up: Survivor Australia's Rohan Maclaren scrubbed up with a navy suit, which he accessorised with a white button-up shirt and a scarf Survivor Australia's Rohan Maclaren scrubbed up with a navy suit, which he accessorised with a white button-up shirt and a scarf. While rocking a clean shaven look, he gelled his thick brunette hair back and styled it with a spike. Singer Bonnie Anderson wowed as she showed off her ample cleavage in a low-cut dress. Daring look: Singer Bonnie Anderson wowed as she showed off her ample cleavage in a low-cut dress Besties: My Kitchen Rules' Ash Pollard (R) and Camilla Counsel (L) stunned as they shared an extreme close-up of their glamorous look The navy corset-styled top hugged tightly around her torso before it flared outwards into a champagne frilled skirt. My Kitchen Rules' Ash Pollard and Camilla Counsel stunned as they shared an extreme close-up of their glamorous look. She was busy performing at a charity concert in Miami less than 48 hours earlier, but Kesha also made some room for romance with her boyfriend Brad Ashenfelter during their trip to the Florida hot spot. The 29-year-old and her beau were spotted holding hands as they strolled poolside at a hotel on Saturday. The loved-up couple gazed affectionately at one another as they enjoyed some time together in paradise. Miami is for lovers! Kesha and her boyfriend Brad Ashenfelter were spotted holding hands as they strolled poolside at a hotel on Saturday Nothing beats paradise! The Timber singer flashed a wide cheerful smile as she sat cross-legged inside their tent Clearly in the mood to keep things low-key and casual, Kesha went out makeup-free as she sported a sleeveless mini dress that flashed her multicoloured and festive bikini top. She had her wavy blonde locks slicked up into a high ponytail while adding a pop of colour with her vibrant coral pink sunglasses. The Tik Tok hit-maker strode out barefoot as she took sips from her cool water bottle. Kesha also got in a chance to refuel as she took some time to look over the offerings on the hotel's menu. Flash of skin: Clearly in the mood to keep things low-key and casual, Kesha looked practically makeup-free as she sported a sleeveless mini dress that flashed her multicoloured and festive bikini top Added extras: She had her wavy blonde locks slicked up into a high ponytail while adding a pop of colour with her vibrant coral pink sunglasses No doubt spending some time by the pool with her boyfriend was just in order for Kesha, who was busy performing at a charity gig on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Kesha remains locked in a legal battle with producer Dr. Luke, aka Lukasz Gottwald, with whom she signed a recording contract when she was 18. She filed suit in 2014 asking to be released from her recording contract, claiming he had 'drugged and raped her.' Hydrating: The hit-maker strode out barefoot as she took sips from her cool water bottle High spirits: The starlet looked to be in a relaxed mood as she freshened up with her cool water Dr Luke denies any and all claims of abuse and filed a countersuit for breach of contract and defamation. In February, a judge in New York denied Kesha's request for an injunction on her recording contract that requires her to release three more albums for Dr Luke's Kemosabe label under Sony Music. The decision left her locked in another legal round of appeals. In August she dropped the suit in California but is pursuing it in New York. Having a look: The songbird glanced over the menu Kick back and relax! No doubt spending some time by the pool with her boyfriend was just in order for Kesha, who was busy performing at a charity gig less than 48 hours earlier Meanwhile, Sony confirmed to BuzzFeed News that they 'hope' to release new music from Kesha in the near future. 'Creating a new album takes time, and everyones goal is to deliver a high quality album consistent with Keshas past releases,' read a statement submitted to the website. 'We hope to share exciting new music with Keshas fans soon.' Kesha also toured this summer, kicking off the first of 18 gigs in Las Vegas on July 23 and wrapping at the Mad Decent Block Party in Los Angeles on October 1. Coco Austin's baby girl has got a lot of exciting firsts coming up. The tot will celebrate her first Thanksgiving on Thursday, followed by her first birthday four days later on November 28. And it seems the cutie's first Christmas has come early as she encountered her first festive tree, all lit up, on Saturday. Scroll down for video Pretty, shiny, sparkly: Coco Austin's baby girl Chanel gazes in wonder at her first Christmas tree, a brightly lit silver creation, in this cute Snapchat image coco posted on Saturday Coco, 37, posted a series of Snapchats of the little girl she shares with her 58-year-old rapper-actor husband Ice-T. Chanel is seen gazing in wonder at the towering, brightly lit silver tree that is covered in red, green and gold glass balls and bows made of red ribbon. Dressed in a cosy onesie, the curious tot crawled forward and reached out to touch the beautiful tree. 'Don't touch the Christmas tree!' Coco can be heard saying behind the camera. In another Snapchat the cheeky tot was seen after grabbing one of the blue baubles. 'I caught Chanel sneaking the plastic bulbs off the tree' the buxom star captioned. Look what I've got! The tot, who turns one on November 28, proved her dexterity by taking one of the blue balls from a low bough Most folks don't put up their Christmas trees until after Thanksgiving but, of course, the 37-year-old's first child was far too young to realise or care. The same day Coco shared an Instagram of herself holding her daughter on stage who was looking intently at her dad, leaning on a podium. She captioned it: 'The crowd wanted to meet Chanel at Ice's lecture in Philly at St.Josephs University. She was a crowd pleaser #stoletheshow.' Having fun: Chanel was obviously completely enchanted by the fake tree Touchy feely: She did what all babies do, reached out and grabbed the sparkly tinsel Meanwhile, o n Tuesday the reality star revealed to Vintage magazine that she intends to throw a bash for her daughter despite Ice-T, real name Tracy Marrow, pouring cold water on the idea, 'I almost didn't do a birthday for Chanel because this whole year, Ice has been like, "Really? The party is for the parents. It's not for the baby. The baby doesn't remember anything. She doesn't know what the F is going on in this world yet." ' She added: 'But I changed my mind last minute.' 'We're gonna go and have her first birthday at Sugar Factory in Manhattan,' the new mom revealed. Lynzey Murphy got hot and sweaty with a mystery man at Bondi Beach on Saturday. The My Kitchen Rules star was spotted cuddling up to the unknown hunk as the pair enjoyed an intense workout. While the muscular male could have been her trainer, pictures of their weekend workout suggest they could be more than just friends. Scroll down for video New flame? Lynzey Murphy was pictured cuddling up to a mystery man during an intense workout at Bondi Beach on Saturday Showing off her muscular physique in a pair of leopard print leggings and a tight black vest, Lynzey looked comfortable in his company as she smiled her way through their session. The pair also seemed to be enjoying physical contact with each other as Lynzey affectionately put her hand on the well-built male before he offered her a helping hand with various stretches. One moment in particular saw the Lynzey's partner touch the inside of her upper right leg as she lay on the grass stretching. Touchy-feely: The pair got hands-on during their workout as he helped Lynzey with a number of stretches Up close and personal: The duo seemed at ease in each other's company as they exercised on the beach front Bulging biceps: The former My Kitchen Rules star displayed her strength in a number of impressive exercises Leg day: The mystery man appears to have his hand affectionately placed on Lynzey's leg as they take a breather Got your back: Lynzey touched her training buddy on the back during their session, one of several affectionate exchanges Chin-up: The couple spent a lot of time laughing and joking in between their exercises The mystery man also seemed to place a hand affectionately on her leg as they took a breather. And it's easy to see why the man found it so hard to keep his hands off the reality TV star after she showcased her toned body during a series of exercises. The brunette was seen doing dips, chin-ups and a number of acrobatic maneuvers as her torso rippled with definition. Impressive technique: Lynzey's acrobatics caught the eye of more than just her training partner Bar crawl: The 25-year-old beauty performed a number of acrobatic moves on the bars at Bondi Dip it low: The former reality TV star showcased her upper body strength as she performed dips alongside the mystery man Figure it out: Lynzey showed off her toned physique as she wore a pair of leopard print leggings and a tight black vest Hanging out: Showing just how much work it takes to keep in great shape, Lynzey put on a fitness masterclass Push up: Lynzey keeps her Instagram followers up-to-date with her fitness exploits, regularly posting photos of her workouts 'Just one more': Her partner watched on as Lynzey did a number of chin-ups Down Under: Lynzey rose to fame after appearing on My Kitchen Rules alongside her Texas cowboy dad last year Lynzey, who rose to fame after appearing on MKR alongside her Texas cowboy dad, keeps her social media followers regularly updated on her workouts. The reality TV star has also previously revealed she tries to fit in a workout four to five times a week. 'Im always at the bars at Bondi doing calisthenics its always really challenging to try some of that stuff; it really tests your fitness, and overcoming your fears as well,' she explained to Popsugar. Earlier this year, she told Daily Mail Australia that she took several weeks off her usual regime last year because the health and fitness industry was beginning to have a 'negative' effect on her. Ab-solutely fabulous: The pair hardly left each other's side during their workout Impressive moves: Lynzey is no stranger to the bars, telling Popsugar: 'Im always at the bars at Bondi doing calisthenics its always really challenging to try some of that stuff' Grin and bear it: The super fit cook didn't seem to be feeling the pace as she went through the workout Stretch it out: The brunette has previously said she was left 'demotivated' after training became a 'negative' thing for her Double dip: Lynzey has not been in a public relationship since she split from former NRL star Dan Conn earlier this year 'I went through a stage of feeling demotivated and training was beginning to have a negative connotation attached with it for me,' she said. 'With today's stance of who has the bigger butt, the nicer arms or the more ripped abs, I started to grow tired of the health and fitness industry and the vanity that is associated with it these days,' she added. However, the fitness buff said that after a short break her feelings had changed. 'Now I feel comfortable and relaxed about that aspect. My personal perception of it is training for aesthetics is not a sustainable goal.' They announced their engagement four weeks ago. And on Saturday, AFL star Kieren Jack and his fiancee Charlotte Goodlet seemed to be involved in a tense conversation as they went out for lunch in Sydney. While sitting across from the blonde beauty, the sportsman displayed a frustrated facial expression while he continuously rubbed the side of his face. Scroll down for video Tense: AFL star Kieren Jack and his fiancee Charlotte Goodlet seemed to be involved in a tense conversation on Saturday as they went out for lunch in Sydney As he listened on to what his future wife had to say, Kieren placed his hand in front of his lips and glared out into the distance. At one stage, Charlotte screwed her face tightly together as she looked in the direction of her beau. After some time, she distracted herself with her smartphone, placing it high in front of her face as she browsed the screen. Awkward: While sitting across from the blonde beauty, the sportsman displayed a frustrated facial expression while he continuously rubbed the side of his face Concentrating? As he listened on to what his future wife had to say, Kieren placed his hand in front of his lips and glared out into the distance Not impressed: At one stage, Charlotte screwed her face tightly together as she looked in the direction of her beau But despite what seemed to be a tense moment for the couple, the blonde beauty wasn't afraid to show off her expensive diamond engagement ring and at one point a smile. While dressed in a white off-the-shoulder dress, the TV producer happily flashed her new bling while she fine-dined at the trendy Woolloomooloo Wharf restaurant, China Doll, with a glass of wine. To cover her shoulders from the beaming sunlight, she rested her leather jacket over them and allowed her bleach blonde hair to fall down her back. Kieren dressed down for the occasion, opting for a simple black T-shirt and beige shorts, which showed off his ankle tattoo. Distracting herself: After some time, she distracted herself with her smartphone, placing it high in front of her face as she browsed the screen Heated: The discussion occurred as they pair shared plates of food with each other On show: But despite what seemed to be a tense moment for the couple, the blonde beauty wasn't afraid to show off her expensive diamond engagement ring Last week, Charlotte took to social media to inform her followers she has set her sights on planning the perfect wedding. 'Holidays are over and now it's time to start thinking about a wedding,' she wrote in the caption alongside a photo of herself reading bridal magazine Hello May. 'I think I'm almost on the right track... can probably get organised by 2023.' It remains to be seen if Kieren's parents will be attending their son's wedding, after they were not invited to his 200th AFL game in July. Casual: During the lunch out, the TV producer rested a black leather jacket over her shoulders as she allowed her dyed hair to fall down her back Tatted up: Kieren dressed down for the occasion, opting for a simple black T-shirt and beige shorts, which showed off his ankle tattoo Happily ever after? The couple announced their engagement four weeks ago The family dispute reportedly started because Garry and Donna did not approve of Charlotte, believing she is a 'gold digger'. It has also been claimed that Kieren's mother had sent Charlotte, who works for Channel Nine, 'the most appalling' text messages. At a press conference in July, AFL player defended his fiancee, saying: 'She doesn't deserve the treatment she has received. She is strong, she is an independent woman and not just a model. I love her very much and I am very proud of her.' She's known for her red carpet glamour. And Saturday was no different for Jenna Dewan as she attended the Marie Claire Young Women's Honors in Marina del Rey, California. The 35-year-old wife of Channing Tatum made sure to turn heads as she dazzled in an embellished silver beaded gown. Showstopper! Jenna Dewan attended the Marie Claire Young Women's Honors in Marina del Rey, California on Saturday The professional dancer and actress made a showstopping appearance at the star-studded event in the strapless number. Jenna wore her chocolate brown tresses in natural waves which cascaded just past her shoulders and parted down the centre. She skipped the accessories, allowing her shimmering frock to stand as the main attraction. Dazzling! The 35-year-old wife of Channing Tatum made sure to turn heads as she stunned in an embellished silver gown Flawless! The Step Up star added a bold crimson lip and dark smokey matte eye for a dramatic effect to accompany her nighttime look The Step Up star added a bold crimson lip and dark smokey matte eye for a dramatic effect to accompany her nighttime look. Also in attendance at the female-empowerment event was Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, 32. The Emmy Award nominee looked stunning in a floor-length black and white piece that showcased her hourglass figure. Radiant! Also in attendance at the female-empowerment event was Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, 32 Fine form! The Emmy Award nominee looked stunning in a floor-length black and white piece that showcased her hourglass figure Former Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice, 23, flaunted her svelte figure in a form-fitting Zhivago couture frock. The Jane the Virgin actress Gina Rodriguez, 32, rocked a sexy black gown with sheer panel cutouts along the waist, revealing her midriff beneath. Two-time Oscar nominee John Malkovich, 62, was swimming in an oversized suit jacket that was ill-fitted. He added a modern twist to his suit with charcoal grey and black paisley wide-legged trousers. Stunner! Victoria Justice, 23, flaunted her svelte figure in a form-fitting couture Zhivago frock Beauties in black! The former Victorious actress and actress Gina Rodriguez, 32, posed together on the red carpet Sheer beauty! The Jane the Virgin star rocked a sexy black gown with see-through panel cutouts along the waist, revealing her midriff beneath Mayim Bialik, 40, posed with honoree Dr. Vanessa Kerry - the founder of Seed Global Health, 'a program that places health professionals abroad to educate, train, and build local health services.' The Big Bang Theory star looked pretty in a black and silver feminine frock with ruffled sleeves and she carried a matching box clutch. Actress Yara Shahidi, 16 - best known for playing Zoey on the sitcom Black-ish - donned a colourful printed off-the-shoulder mini dress. Big Bang babe! Mayim Bialik (L), 40, looked pretty in a black and silver gown as she posed with honoree Dr. Vanessa Kerry Golden Globe nominee Tatiana Maslany, 31, slipped into a black cocktail dress with a huge green bow adorned on the front. Monica Cruz - the sister and doppelganger of Hollywood A-lister Penelope Cruz - also made a splash at the honorary event. The 39-year-old Spanish actress and dancer wore a gorgeous burgundy gown with long flowing train. One-of-a-kind! Two-time Oscar nominee John Malkovich, 62, added a modern twist to his suit with charcoal grey and black paisley wide-legged trousers Burgundy beauty! Monica Cruz - the sister and doppelganger of Hollywood A-lister Penelope Cruz - also made a splash at the honorary event Colourful cutie! Actress Yara Shahidi, 16 - best known for playing Zoey on the sitcom Black-ish - donned a printed pastel off-the-shoulder mini dress Bow-tiful! Golden Globe nominee Tatiana Maslany, 31, slipped into a black cocktail dress with a huge green bow adorned on the front The Marie Claire Young Women's Honors 'celebrates young women who are breaking down barriers and truly changing the world,' according to their site. Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, 19, was being honored at the affair and looked phenomenal in a rhinestone encrusted black dress. She flashed a glimpse of her toned torso in the chic number via keyhole cutouts along the waistline. Model Lindsey Wixson, 22, oozed old Hollywood glamour in a vintage inspired silk blush gown. Shining star! Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, 19, was being honored at the affair and looked phenomenal in a rhinestone encrusted black dress Her 71st birthday is on Monday. But Goldie Hawn apparently decided to celebrate a few days early with longtime love Kurt Russell on Saturday night. The Overboard star and her beau made waves as they arrived at the trendy Catch LA eatery in West Hollywood. Party time! Goldie Hawn apparently decided to celebrate her 71st birthday a few days early with husband Kurt Russell on Saturday night Goldie looked amazing in a little black dress which boasted an extremely low neckline that showed off the Hollywood vet's impressive decolletage. Though it initially appeared to be strapless, it turned out that the Foul Play actress's very thin spaghetti straps had simply fallen past her shoulders. To ward off the chilly November temperatures, she bundled up in a slate grey overcoat which she also wore off the shoulder. A pair of strappy stilettos detailed with small rivets completed her elegant ensemble. Ageless! Goldie looked amazing in a little black dress which boasted an extremely low neckline that showed off the Hollywood vet's impressive decolletage Finally winter: To ward off the chilly November temperatures, she bundled up in a slate grey overcoat which she also wore off the shoulder Jewelry included a gold locket-style necklace, hoop earrings and a very distinctive emerald butterfly on her left hand. She also toted along a black embroidered leather purse. Of course her famous golden tresses were on display, as they were allowed to cascade in loose waves down just past her shoulders. Bling: Jewelry included a gold locket-style necklace, hoop earrings and a very distinctive emerald butterfly on her left hand Dashing! Kurt looked dapper in a black blazer, white oxford shirt, jeans and some light tan suede wingtips Some light peach lipstick, a dab of blush and some eye make-up ensured the star looked radiant for her big night. Kurt, 65, looked to be having a fun night as well. The Hateful Eight star looked dapper in a black blazer, white oxford shirt, jeans and some light tan suede wingtips. Make way! The Overboard star and her beau made waves as they arrived at the trendy Catch LA eatery in West Hollywood He couldn't help but grin next to his partner of 33 years as he wrestled a massive gold gift box from their vehicle into the restaurant. Although not spotted arriving at the plush venue, daughter Kate Hudson was sure to share a number of intimate snaps from the bash. The 37-year-old shared a sweet snap with Goldie and her brothers, Wyatt Russell, 30, Oliver Hudson, 40, on Instagram, captioning it: 'Mama and her boys'. 'Mama and her boys': Kate shared a snap of her mother with her brothers, captioning it: 'Mama and her boys' Party pals: Kate was sure to give a glimpse into the inner workings of Goldie's party Earlier in the day, the fitness clothing purveyor posted a snap which showed herself and her mom cross-legged on yoga mats. Goldie wears a black tank and leopard print leggings as she listens intently to the yogi. Kate's outfit was mostly out of frame, though she did manage to include some cleavage. Her caption read: 'starting Mama Goldie's bday weekend with a little @gurujagat meditation @officialgoldiehawn #Kundalini #Healing #LoveMyMama' Chilling out: Bride Wars star Kate, 37, posted a snap to Instagram showing her and her mom practicing some 'bday weekend' yoga She's the Australian actress due to star in at least three movies next year as a gun-wielding character. And Ruby Rose appeared at a Sydney fan event on Saturday to promote her upcoming role in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. The 30-year-old plays sniper Adele Wolff in the franchise's third installment, and wasn't shy about addressing how she'd like the part to be received. 'I'm not particularly tough, I'm quite a sensitive soul': Ruby Rose explains why she wants her new xXx role to be seen as 'kick***' not 'bad***' as she attends a xXx: Return of Xander Cage fan event in Sydney on Saturday Ruby's role is packed full of stunts, in which she learnt how to operate a .50 calibre sniper rifle and she trained to keep at her top physical shape. The DJ and recording artist wore a white blouse with an oversized blazer over the top, tied together at the waist by a loose string. She chose to cuff the sleeves further up her arm, as to show off her numerous colourful tattoos. She partnered her androgynous look with a pair of black trousers and high stilettos. Tatts the way! She chose to cuff the sleeves further up her arm, as to put her numerous colourful inked artwork on display White on the mark! The DJ wore a white blouse with an oversized blazer over the top, tied together at the waist by a loose string Strong pose! She appeared confident and happy posing at the red carpet fan event, even choosing to place her hands across her body as an 'x' to mark the film's promotion She appeared confident and happy posing at the red carpet fan event, even choosing to place her hands across her body as an 'x' to mark the film's promotion. The former MTV VJ's signature chop was worn in a gelled style partly hanging over her face, much like her character does in the new film. Wearing minimal makeup, Ruby chose to apply a natural-looking bronzer, mascara and a shiny lipgloss for the evening. Acting on screen: Ruby says for her role as sniper Adele Wolff (above) she plays it differently to what people expect as she says: 'I'm not particularly tough, I'm quite a sensitive soul' 'I feel like bad*** has a negative connotation': Ruby says she'd much prefer the empowering title of being 'kick***' than 'bad***' At the event the Orange Is The New Black star spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about how people are quick to have her play characters that are 'tough', 'bad***' killing machines or assassins. Ruby says she always play them differently to what they expect though, as she says: 'I'm not particularly tough, I'm quite a sensitive soul.' 'I think that people see a strong, confident women who is competent in her skills and go, "Oh, tough bad***"...And I don't know if it's just me but I feel like bad*** has a negative connotation,' she said at the event. The model said there's more substance to the character, who acts alongside Vin Diesel, than action stunts and she'd rather have the empowering 'kick***' title. Details: She partnered her androgynous look with a pair of black trousers and high stilettos Stunning! The former MTV VJ's signature chop was worn in a gelled style partly hanging over her face, while opting for a minimal makeup look She also spoke about her recently confirmed relationship with The Veronicas' Jessica Origliasso, after filming a music video together. The dark-haired beauty says she experienced 'goosebump' hearing and reading what Jess was saying about her during their press promoting their single On Your Side. And the couple have not been shy in sharing their affection for one another since, if their raunchy Instagram photos are anything to go by. On Friday, Ruby shared yet another intimate photo of the couple - but this time featuring a guest appearance by Jessica's twin sister Lisa. In the snap, Lisa gives a thumbs up while the girlfriends make out in the background - and Ruby playfully calls her a 'pervert' in the caption. xXx: Return of Xander Cage will hit Australian cinemas in January. Not shy! The couple have not been shy in sharing their affection for one another since, if their raunchy Instagram photos are anything to go by Kanye West has left fans stunned once again after going on another rant during a Sacramento concert on Saturday night. The rapper - who is currently in the midst of his Saint Pablo Tour - launched into a tirade on stage, taking aim at Taylor Swift, Hillary Clinton and Mark Zuckerberg - and even his once close friend Beyonce - before asking her husband Jay Z to call him. Fans took to Twitter to report that the rapper then abruptly ended the show at the Golden 1 Center after just 10 minutes and performing only two songs. They also claim he showed up on stage an hour-and-a-half late. Scroll down for video Show's over: Kanye West left fans shocked once again after abruptly ending the Saint Pablo concert in Sacramento, California, on Saturday after just 10 minutes and after another fiery rant taking aim at several people Late: Fans said on Twitter the rapper showed up on stage an hour-and-a-half late Saturday 'Get ready to have a field day press 'cause the show's over.' Kanye barked and dropped his mic to boos from the crowd. In a clip posted to social media the Famous hitmaker was heard telling the audience: 'Beyonce I was hurt because I heard you said you wouldn't perform unless you won video of the year over me and over Hotline Bling. 'In my opinion - now don't go dissing Beyonce, she's great. Taylor Swift is great. We are all great people. But sometimes we be playing the politics too much and forget who we are - just to win. 'F**k winning, f**k looking cool, f**k being cool.' Realizing that he was possibly going to lose a lot of fans with his angry words and ending the concert early Kanye added: 'At the risk of my own success. I'll give ya'll the truth.' Call me! During his rant, the controversial rapper urged his former pal Jay Z - with whom he's pictured in 2012 - to call him Wifey: Despite urging Jay Z to call him, he criticized the rapper-turned-mogul's wife Beyonce The Fade rapper - who brought Kid Cudi onto the stage during his brief performance - was then heard pleading for Beyonce's husband Jay-Z to call him to talk things out. 'Jay Z, I know you got killas. Please don't send them at my head. Just call metalk to me like I man,' he said. After telling the audience he is 'just a man... the same as everybody here', he added: 'This is the future. This is the way of thinking to make America great again.' This was met by boos, but Kanye simply laughed and said: 'You don't like that. Guess what? Y'all need the vibes. I was hurt. Feelings matter, bro. The way motherf****** put money up so high. Popularity. Radio spins. Feelings matter, bro. 'It's a new world, Hillary Clinton. It's a new world. Feelings matter. Because guess what? Everybody in middle America felt a way, and they showed you how they felt... It's a new world Barack. It's a new world Jay Z.' Back to the music: Kanye brought Kid Cudi out onto the stage during his brief performance Not happy: Another fan wrote that he wants his money back Disappointed: User yzy.yeezy was sad that she'd traveled so far to see the rapper perform Far from impressed: Those in attendance at the concert shared their version of events He then added: 'If you keep following old models, your ass is going to get Hillary Clinton'd. 'I ain't here to massage you with the fake truth, telling you that Hillary going to win over and over and over. Then you wake up and you still can't believe it. You know why? Because you was lied to by Google. You was lied to by Mark Zuckerberg." Alongside a video clip of the moment Fox40 reporter Joe Khalil wrote: 'After showing up an hour and a half late to #sacramento concert did #kanye West just walk off stage?? @FOX40' Fan Whitney Polk wrote on Facebook: 'He played the same song twice, stopped in the middle in the second song, ranted foe about ten minutes, and then walked off stage.' Saturday's incident comes after the hip-hop star shocked a crowd in San Jose by revealing his support for US President-elect Donald Trump while suggesting he still plans to challenge him in 2020. Here he goes again: Kanye has garnered a reputation for going into rants during shows Strike a pose: While he took aim at erstwhile US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, he and his wife Kim Kardashian, left, had posed for a selfie with the Democrat several months ago Rocking the vote: Beyonce and Jay Z shared the stage with Hillary during a Get Out The Vote concert at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio, just days before the presidential election After a campaign in which fellow artists and African Americans overwhelmingly backed rival Hillary Clinton, the rapper told an audience Thursday night that he did not vote - but would have chosen the Republican candidate. 'Because I'm a celebrity, everyone told me not to say that I loved the debates, I loved his approach,' Kanye said in a lengthy on-stage speech, prompting loud boos and aghast reactions on social media. Kanye said that Trump, who ran on cracking down on immigration and won through white working-class support, could help bring about change by exposing racism. Mentioned: The star's longtime nemesis Taylor Swift was also mentioned during his tirade Target: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was also targeted in Kanye's most recent stage rant Does he get your vote? Kanye had previously stated that while he didn't vote in the recent US presidential election, he likely would have voted for subsequent victor Donald Trump 'If people are racist and they feel more inspired to say how they feel, then they're exposing themselves,' he said. 'To black people - stop focusing on racism. This world is racist, okay? Let's stop being distracted to focus on that as much,' he said, according to a video of the event. Kanye - the husband of Kim Kardashian, who like Trump has built a following through reality television - last year said he planned to run for president in 2020. The way they were: Kanye and Jay Z and their wives appeared far more friendly back in 2012 Exclusive: As recently as August, the couples - and a host of stars - dined together during an exclusive gathering following the MTV Video Music Awards He appeared to be serious, telling the San Jose concert on Thursday: 'I don't say 2020 because I disrespect our president at all... I've just got some ideas about the way we should connect.' The rapper proposed that President Barack Obama and Hillary take roles in advising Trump, running the United States through 'collective ideas.' Kanye in the past has backed President Obama and famously irritated former president George W. Bush by suggesting he responded slowly to Hurricane Katrina because he did not care about African Americans. But Kanye has had a warm relationship with the president-elect, who last year said: 'I'll never say bad about him... because he loves Trump.' Going in different directions: In recent months, Kanye and Jay Z - who launched the successful Watch The Throne album and tour in 2012 - appear to have drifted apart The precocious five-year-old daughter of Roxy Jacenko is no stranger to the celebrity lifestyle. And Sunday was no different for Pixie Curtis, who was seen breaking it down at the premiere of Trolls in Sydney. Dressed in a navy blue dress with colourful metallic stars printed on, the youngster looked ready to party. Scroll down for video Say cheese! Pixie Curtis was spotted posing in front of the media wall at the Sydney premiere of Trolls on Sunday She accessorised her frock with a pair of gold strappy sandals, a gold bow from her own collection, and a bee-shaped Gucci bag worth $755. Pixie attended the premiere for the Dreamworks animation staring Justin Timberlake with a friend. As she posed by the media wall for passing photographers, the young girl appeared almost overwhelmed by the attention. Nervous: As she posed alone, Pixie appeared to become overwhelmed by the attention, and was seen clutching at her Gucci bag But inside, Pixie appeared to be having the time of her life as she bopped up and down and giggled. The pair were seen on Pixie's Instagram dancing to Can't Stop The Feeling, which was written by Timberlake for the film's soundtrack. 'When @justintimberlake invites you out on a Sunday evening it would be rude not to dance,' her mother Roxy captioned the accompanying video, which she shared to Pixie's Instagram. Making friends! Inside, Pixie appeared to be having a much better time as she posed with the film's main characters The plucky five-year-old was also fortunate enough to meet the films two main characters. She was seen beaming at the camera while she posed with the two oversized trolls. The film's premiere was a star studded event, with a guest list including Justin Timberlake, Dami Im and Ada Nicodemou. They recently celebrated their 20-year-anniversary. And Daniel Day-Lewis, 58, and his wife Rebecca Miller, 53, looked loved-up as ever as they stepped out for a coffee in New York on Friday. The acting power couple looked autumnal as they wrapped up for the November chill. Scroll down for video Power couple: Daniel Day-Lewis, 58, and his wife Rebecca Miller, 53, looked loved-up as ever as they stepped out for a coffee in New York on Friday Daniel wrapped up against the chill in a blue anorak and khaki trousers. Rebecca went casual in loose jeans and a belted leather trench, carrying a mint clutch bag. Carrying a cup of coffee she enjoyed a chat with her handsome beau. Date day: The acting power couple looked autumnal as they wrapped up for the November chill Though off the Hollywood radar for a while, husband and wife team have been keeping busy. Miller, who has not worked as an actress since the Nineties, just wrapped up shooting a comedy to be released in 2017. It features Adam Sandler and Ben Stiller. Daniel has earned himself a plethora of awards over his illustrious career, including three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012). City living: Daniel wrapped up against the chill in a blue anorak and khaki trousers In June 2014, he received a knighthood at Buckingham Palace for services to drama, making his wife's official title, Lady Day-Lewis. But multi-talented Rebecca is revered in her own right as a talented film director, screenwriter, author and actress best known for her films Personal Velocity, Three Portraits, The Ballad of Jack and Rose, Angela and The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, all of which she wrote and directed. The couple celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on November 13th. Her body has helped her forge a three decade career in Hollywood. And Pamela Anderson certainly dressed to impress on Saturday night, showing off her famous curves as she headed to the star-studded Global Gift Gala in London. The 49-year-old actress and activist looked sensational in a racy black dress for the charity fundraiser. Glam: Pamela Anderson certainly dressed to impress on Saturday night, showing off her famous curves as she headed to the star-studded Global Gift Gala in London Pamela beamed as she arrived at the Corinthia Hotel in London for the event in partnership with Quintessentially - which attracted a slew of celebrity names. The blonde bombshell chose a lace number, with the midi length skirt flashing her toned legs. The figure-hugging design teased Pammie's curves, while she added to her height with glam metallic heels. Don't rain on my parade! The 49-year-old actress and activist looked sensational in a racy black dress for the charity fundraiser Good to be here! Pamela beamed as she arrived at the Corinthia Hotel in London for the event in partnership with Quintessentially - which attracted a slew of celebrity names A sparkling clutch bag was the finishing touch. Pamela's blonde locks were teased into glossy waves and she showed off her flawless skin with a dash of makeup. Pamela was one of several big names at the event, which saw best pals Eva Longoria and Victoria Beckham join forces to host. Racy in lace: The blonde bombshell chose a lace number, with the midi length skirt flashing her toned legs Proceeds for the event benefit The Global Gift Foundation - a 'philanthropic non-profit organisation that aims to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families who are in need.' Money was also set to go to the The Eva Longoria Baston Foundation, which focuses on womens education and entrepreneurship; and UNAIDS. She recently got engaged after her 10-year marriage with Olympian Michael Klim fell apart earlier this year. And, Lindy Klim recently threw shade at his current girlfriend Desiree Devari for prompting the split, after claiming she was his 'secret online girlfriend' in mid-2015. After Desiree hit back at the claims with a cryptic message, the 38-year-old appears to have posted a loved-up snap with her fiance Adam Ellis in response. Scroll down for video Couple off! Lindy Klim posts loved-up Bali snap with fiance Adam Ellis in swimwear on Sunday ... After Michael Klim's 'secret girlfriend' Desiree Devari hits back at claims made by Lindy that she triggered their marriage split in February Lindy's relationship with the British property developer blossomed quickly, with Adam choosing to propose while on holiday in Morocco last month. Her recent picture sees the pair in their swimwear in a close embrace, as Lindy places her hand gently around Adam's neck. Choosing to caption the image 'my love' and use the hashtag 'love', it appears she chose her words carefully. She recently accused her ex-husband's new girlfriend of starting a relationship with her man in mid-2015 when the pair were still together. Bali babe! Lindy wore a figure-flaunting black bikini while choosing to caption her selfie with Adam with 'my love' and the hashtag 'love' New lover: Since the marriage split in February, both Michael and Lindy have new partners, however Lindy claims Michael was already in contact with Desiree 'through social media' while she battled to save their troubled marriage in 2015 The once married couple, who share three children, split in February and both partners have since found new love interests. Lindy wore a figure-flaunting bikini while posing adoringly with her new partner, which was the first time in three weeks she'd posted with Adam. While she opted to wear sunglasses, she was positively glowing in the sneaky selfie. Marriage split: The married couple, who share three children (pictured), split in February and both partners have since found new love interests Part of the family? Desiree regularly posts pictures with Michael and Lindy's children In the Stellar Magazine interview she claimed her husband found his love interest 'through social media' while she battled to save their troubled marriage. After the claims surfaced Desiree posted a seemingly cryptic message about her relationship with the swimmer, that read: 'Three things can not be long hidden, the sun, the moon & the truth! Buddah. Desiree made sure to tag Michael and include the hashtags: 'throwback', 'Hollywood sign', 'round the world' and 'truth'. Are the claws out? Michael Klim's new girlfriend Desiree Devari (pictured) appears to have taken a dig at her man's estranged wife Lindy in a cryptic Instagram post Lindy confessed in the interview: 'The way I found out about it through social media was quite hurtful. Obviously we'd been struggling for a while, but I thought we were keeping a hold on it and trying really hard to work it out.' Finding out about Michael's girlfriend online made Lindy feel like she had 'failed' as a wife as her 10-year marriage to the Olympic swimmer fell apart. While admitting she still feels some 'resentment' toward Michael and his new partner Desiree, Lindy claims she is finally happy after a 'very stressful year'. He missed out on the loving affection of The Bachelorette's Georgia Love. But, reality TV star Cameron Cranley seemed to be beaming in a recent post with a special someone. The 26-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday cuddled up on the grass with a cute border collie puppy. Puppy love! Bachelor Cameron Cranley cuddles up to friend's puppy called 'momo' in a backyard snap posted to Instagram on Sunday The firefighter couldn't contain his excitement, with a gleaming smile and the use of capital letters, four puppy emojis and five exclamation marks in his caption. 'HECK YES!!! My friends are all getting puppies and I'm clearly happy about it!!' he said of the experience. The broad hunk cradled the tiny dog in his arms, as he sat on the grass to play with 'momo' in his heavily ripped jeans. Cuddle time: The broad hunk cradled the tiny dog in his arms, as he sat on the grass to play with the tiny dog in his heavily ripped jeans His muscular arms also made an appearance in the image, as he sported a black singlet for the backyard gathering. Fans of the matchmaking show aren't new to seeing the contestant overjoyed by the sight of the adorable furry animals. In his first one-on-one date with Georgia on The Bachelorette, the pair were treated to a delivery of a litter of Dalmation puppies. Dalmation delivery! In his first one-on-one date with Georgia on The Bachelorette, the pair were treated to a delivery of a litter of Dalmation puppies They both rolled around on the floor with more than six tiny dogs at any given time, as part of Georgia's Disney-inspired movie date. As she watched the firefighter play with the pups, Georgia confessed: 'Big, tall Cam with 15 tiny baby puppies crawling all over him, oh, my God, my heart!' While Cam is yet to adopt a puppy of his own, perhaps he might incorporate one into his next firefighter calendar shoot, as many of his fans appear to adore the recent upload. Calendar hunk! With fans clearly adoring the firefighter with puppies, perhaps his next calendar shoot will incorporate an adorable furry addition The image racked up more than 6,000 hearts and more than 145 comments in the first three hours, with commenters labeling it 'cute', 'adorable' and 'so much greatness'. One fan however threw shade at his series' rival Rhys Chilton, saying: 'replace your photoshopped puppies with real puppies (sic) they shall have better love luck.' Rhys previously shared the puppy love by uploading a heavily photoshopped image of him lying in bed with three puppies on his back. He recently hit back after he was accused of not voting enough. And Andrew Lloyd Webber looked like he was ready to enjoy some well-deserved time out as arrived at Barbados airport in Bridgetown on Sunday. The composer and theatre impresario, 68, appeared in good spirits as he chatted with his wife Madeleine Gurdon. Scroll down for video Fun in the sun: Andrew Lloyd Webber looked like he was ready to enjoy some well-deserved time out as arrived at Barbados airport in Bridgetown on Sunday Dressed in a v-neck blue T-shirt and casual combats , Andrew was spotted waiting for transport. Meanwhile Madeleine looked chic in a crisp white shirt, black trousers and a pretty bead necklace. And it looked as though the pair had travelled lightly, carrying just a briefcase, a patterned holdall and a handbag. Time out: The composer and theatre impresario, 68, appeared in good spirits as he chatted with his wife Madeleine Gurdon With their hometown of London experiencing a very chilly November, it looked as though the twosome were ready to enjoy a sun-soaked holiday. Andrew recently complained about being asked to vote in the House of Lords - saying he is too busy and does not follow politics. The composer, who has only voted 34 times over the past 18 years, insisted he never expected to be a 'working' peer. Casual: Dressed in a v-neck blue T-shirt and casual combats , Andrew was spotted waiting for transport He said he was 'fed up' of being pestered by Tory whips about it and was considering resigning from the party. The extraordinary comments by the world-famous impresario, who co-wrote a slew of classic musicals including Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar, came in an interview with the Evening Standard. Lord Lloyd-Webber of Sydmonton came under fire after flying in from the US to vote George Osborne's ill-fated plans for cuts to tax credits last year. Hitting back: Andrew recently complained about being asked to vote in the House of Lords - saying he is too busy and does not follow politics The peer said he opposed the policy and only agreed to support the government because he was assured that it would later be dropped by the chancellor. 'I thought [Osborne's policy] was wrong,' he said. 'I have an email in which I said, "I'm deeply worried if I come in", but we were asked to vote and were given off-the record assurances that the chancellor was going to rescind this.' The criticism apparently made him think about resigning from the upper chamber altogether. The X Factor judge has come under fire for her harsh criticism of some of the contestants. But Iggy Azalea found herself moved to tears during the first half of the reality talent show's grand finale on Sunday. As 16-year-old contestant Isaiah Firebrace performed a heartfelt rendition of Beyonce's Halo, the superstar rapper found her eyes welling up. Welling up: Iggy Azalea found herself moved to tears on Sunday as she listened to 16-year-old Isaiah Firebrace cover Beyonce's Halo As he finished, Iggy wiped away a tear, giving fellow judge Guy Sebastian the 'gotcha!' moment he had been looking for all season. 'You do have a heart,' he exclaimed as Iggy continued to dry her face. The 26-year-old blonde looked up to the young contestant, amazed at his powerful performance. 'Oh my gosh, I'm just speechless. It makes me want to cry, Isaiah,' she began. Speechless: The superstar rapper said she felt she could connect to him because they both came from small Australian towns 'I feel like I identify with you so much, because I know how hard it is to come from such a small place and want to make your dreams come true. 'And I root for you so much. That really touched me.' Isaiah did not hesitate before jumping off the stage to offer the reality show judge a hug, which was gratefully accepted. Hugging it out: Isaiah did not hesitate before jumping off the stage to offer the reality show judge a hug, which was gratefully accepted Same same but different: Iggy Azalea grew up in Mullumbimby, a small town near Byron Bay in northern New South Wales while Isaiah comes from Moama, a tiny town in the south of the state Iggy Azalea grew up in Mullumbimby, a small town near Byron Bay in northern New South Wales. In 2006, at the tender age of 16, she fled the coastal town and moved to Florida in the United States to chase her dreams of becoming a rapper. She worked at improving her skills until she had her first big break with a mixtape she released entitled Ignorant Art. Now, Iggy sells out arena-sized concerts and has a received a bevvy of industry recognised awards for her work. The X Factor winner, who will receive a Sony recording contract and release a single, will be determined on Monday night on Channel 7 at 7.30pm. They've recently confirmed they're dating and aren't afraid to share some cheeky snaps together. And on Sunday, The Bachelor rejects Tiffany Scanlon and Megan Marx flaunted their romance and flawless bikini bodies as they posed together in a hot spring. Taking to Instagram, Tiffany shared a shot of herself with her arm around Megan, who is sticking her tongue out for the camera. Scroll down for video Cosying up! The Bachelor rejects Tiffany Scanlon and Megan Marx flaunted their romance and flawless bikini bodies as they posed together in a hot spring Tiffany captioned the shot: 'If it's not me poking my tongue out, it's her.' In the image, Tiffany wears a brown one piece and shows off ample amounts of sideboob, while Megan wears a red two-piece. Both reality TV stars show off a golden tan and go makeup free. Taking their love to new heights: It comes after the Perth-based women enjoyed a short trip to Sydney last week (seen climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge) Blonde beauty Megan also shared the same shot to her Instagram account, hinting the shot is old when she wrote she was missing her girl. 'See you in five days chicken,' Megan wrote on Instagram. It comes after the Perth-based women enjoyed a short trip to Sydney last week. While in Sydney, they climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. For months Megan and Tiffany have dropped hints they are in a same-sex relationship with one another. Off the market: For months Megan and Tiffany have dropped hints they are in a same-sex relationship with one another They recently 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. '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. 'But instantly we knew there was a very strong connection. I was so excited to meet her in Bali,' Megan added. While Los Angeles' recent temperature dip may not be as wintry as in other places, residents of the Southern California city appear to be wrapping up all the same. And Orlando Bloom looked more like he was back in his native England on Saturday night, when he safeguarded himself against the cold with three layers of clothing during a night out at Hollywood eatery and club Catch. As well as a T-shirt, zip-up top and bomber jacket, the 39-year-old actor also kept his head warm with a black knitted beanie as he ventured out of the celebrity hotspot. Scroll down for video Great Catch! Orlando Bloom was spotted at Hollywood hotspot Catch on Saturday night The father-of-one, who is currently dating pop superstar Katy Perry, appeared to be in jovial spirits as he smiled while wading through a crowd of onlookers and photographers to meet a waiting vehicle in the valet area. Orlando, fresh from a trip to London, teamed his layered ensemble with dark-rinse jeans, which were cuffed at the bottom to rest neatly atop his rugged leather boots. The Lord Of The Rings star Orlando wasn't the only familiar face at the West Coast outpost of the popular New York City eatery on Saturday night, as newly-single Mariah Carey was also spotted soaking up the revelry. It's a wrap! The British actor kept himself wrapped up under three layers as he stepped out Hats off! Wearing dark-rinse jeans, he topped off his ensemble with a black knitted beanie Orlando's ex-wife Miranda Kerr - with whom he shares four-year-old son Flynn - recently revealed that she, her former husband and their respective partners have an amicable relationship. The brunette beauty, who is engaged to Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel, told Australia's TV Week magazine: 'We're a modern family' She even joked about the idea of herself, Evan, Orlando and his girlfriend Katy moving to Australia where they can 'all get a farm' with little Flynn. Jovial: The screen star appeared to be in jovial spirits as he waded through the crowds Jet-set: He was recently in London, where he attended the Evening Standard Theatre Awards Feeling wheel good: The father-of-one climbed into a waiting car as he prepared to drive off 'I can't really imagine him wanting to live on a farm. Can you imagine? Him and Katy Perry and me and Evan all in Australia on a farm?' she laughed, before adding. 'We're all close, though' In a recent interview with ELLE Canada, she admitted that she 'fell into a bad depression' after her 2013 split from Orlando. 'When Orlando and I separated I actually fell into a really bad depression,' she said. 'I never understood that depth of that feeling or the reality of that because I was naturally a very happy person.' She added that she got through 'every thought you have affects your reality and only you have control of your mind'. Man about town: On Thursday, the star was spotted out at West Hollywood eatery Craig's Combo: Wearing a T-shirt-and-cardigan combo, the Brit looked casually cool for his night out Return: After his trip to London, he was spotted arriving back in Los Angeles several days ago Happy talk: He chatted away on his mobile phone as he made his way through the terminal Bags of talent: He pushed a heavily loaded cart of luggage through the bustling terminal It was looking like the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! campsite was going to have to up sticks and find another jungle. But ITV bosses have inked a new deal to keep the show's location in tact with land owner Craig Parker. Parker owns Dungay Creek on the hilly border between New South Wales and Queensland, in Springbrook National Park, near Murwillumbah. Scroll down for video Happy campers: ITV has secured a new deal with the owner of the I'm A Celeb... jungle to continue filming the series there in 2017 and beyond He was said to be refusing a new contract that will secure the former banana plantation used each year by celebrity camp-mates after clashing with ITV producers. However it is understood that both parties have now come to an agreement. A source told The Sun on Sunday: 'ITV must have thrown a lot of money at the Parkers because they have managed to smooth this over in record time. 'They are ready to continue their professional relationship together and the council will without question agree to the extension.' Rural: The show is filmed in lush rain-forest just north of provincial New South Wales town Murwillumbah, which boasts a population of 7,000 Trouble in paradise: A source told The Sun on Sunday 'ITV must have thrown a lot of money at the Parkers because they have managed to smooth this over in record time' Having to change location would have marked the end of a 15-year stint at Dungay Creek, with the production broadcasting there annually since its second season. Season one was filmed on a smaller site at King Ranch, near Tully, Queensland, after which ITV cut a deal with Parker. 'The relationship between Craig and the bosses has badly broken down, a source explained, again to The Sun, last month. Hes always found hosting the show on his land frustrating, but in the past has considered it worth the money they throw at him True or false? ITV dismissed claims of a disagreement with Parker, telling MailOnline 'We have a good relationship with the owner' Working relationship: The camp has been based in the same location for the past 15 seasons But this years different. There have been lots of small squabbles in which he feels his opinions have been totally ignored. He is sick and tired of having the cast and crew there. It was reported that Parker had 'had it' and was 'adamant he will not be changing his mind'. As a result, it was reported that ITV had scouted locations in South Africa, where the Australian version of the show is filmed at Kruger National Park, as an alternative - but time differences reportedly made the move unfeasible. ITV dismissed claims of a disagreement with Parker, telling MailOnline: 'We have a good relationship with the owner.' On the prowl: ITV had scouted locations in South Africa, where the Australian version of the show is filmed at Kruger National Park, as an alternative - but time differences reportedly made the move unfeasible Drama: This year's season has seen plenty of ups and downs despite only being seven days in Murwillumbah, which boasts a population of 7,000 and residents have previously voiced their displeasure with the show's proximity to the town and the influx of production staff who set up home in and around it during its three week run. But speaking in 2004, Janice Bostok - a writer and resident of the town for more than 40-years - told The Guardian: 'No one here's really angry about it. People think it's more of a joke. She was recently eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing. Yet Laura Whitmore is taking her loss in her stride, as she returned to the social scene once more, this time heading to the BAFTA British Academy Children's Awards in London on Sunday night. The 31-year-old Irish beauty looked typically sensational in a flirty black skater dress while adding a splash of detail to the ensemble with her bold lip-shaped clutch bag, which coordinated perfectly with her own lipstick. Scroll down for video Getting lippy: Laura Whitmore is taking her loss in her stride, as she returned to the social scene once more, this time heading to the BAFTA British Academy Children's Awards in London on Sunday night Laura, who was the fifth star to depart Strictly in the fourteenth series, proved herself to be the ultimate red carpet darling in her chic look. Illustrating every girl's need for a little black dress, the blonde beauty slipped into the stunning piece which highlighted her tiny waist and endless legs. Despite being high-necked, she still managed to flash skin as the back of the ensemble descended into two low cut outs. She boosted her height with a staggering pair of black heels with a dainty ankle strap and super height which flashed her perfect pedicure. Sizzling stunner: The 31-year-old Irish beauty looked typically sensational in a flirty black skater dress while adding a splash of detail to the ensemble with her bold lip-shaped clutch bag, which coordinated perfectly with her own lipstick Cut out: Despite being high-necked, she still managed to flash skin as the back of the ensemble descended into two low cut outs Ensuring the dark colour scheme did not allow her to fade into the background, Laura made the outfit pop with the addition of a bright pink clutch bag shaped like a pair of lips. Her make-up was flawlessly applied, with a bold pink lipstick sitting alongside a minimal eye make-up - the perfect pairing to avoid going over the top. Laura's blonde tresses were styled a minimalistic ponytail with tendrils framing her face. Bringing along the family was Gordon Ramsay, who was joined by his whole clan with his stunning wife Tana at the helm of the group. Chic: Ensuring the dark colour scheme did not allow her to fade into the background, Laura made the outfit pop with the addition of a bright pink clutch bag shaped like a pair of lips Got to stay warm! Laura wrapped up in a well tailored black coat The Ramsays: Bringing along the family was Gordon Ramsay, who was joined by his whole clan with his stunning wife Tana at the helm of the group The happy couple posed on the red carpet with their three daughters Megan, 17, Holly, 16, and Matilda, 14, and son Jack, 16 in tow. Tana, 41, looked phenomenal in a chic silk skirt adorned with intricate beadwork in the shape of various insects while she tucked a silky blouse in at the waist. Looking in perfect harmony was McFly star Tom Fletcher and his stunning author wife Giovanna, who was presenting an award at the bash. Bugging out: Tana, 41, looked phenomenal in a chic silk skirt adorned with intricate beadwork in the shape of various insects while she tucked a silky blouse in at the waist The look of love: Tana and husband Gordon Ramsay looked as loved-up as ever as they chatted arm-in-arm on the carpet Glam getup: Looking in perfect harmony was McFly star Tom Fletcher and his stunning author wife Giovanna, who was presenting an award at the bash Stunning look: TV presenter Katie Thistleton (L) and Leona Vaughan (R) joined proceedings in gorgeous navy and black embellished gowns All that glitters! Naomi Wilkinson followed the glamorous suit in a white and silver mini dress formed entirely of sequins Giovanna looked phenomenal in a black and red gown adorned with roses, while Tom coordinated perfectly in a black suit with a red jumper and red suede shoes. TV presenter Katie Thistleton joined proceedings in a stunning Bardot style gown while actresses Amy Wren and Leona Vaughan upped the glamour in chic navy embellished dresses. Joining the fray was Strictly hopeful Ore Oduba and his wife Portia, who both looked in good spirits after the sports broadcaster survived another week on Sunday's results show. Relief: Joining the fray was Strictly hopeful Ore Oduba and his wife Portia, who both looked in good spirits after the sports broadcaster survived another week on Sunday's results show Strictly suave: The host looked his usual dapper self in a sleek navy suit jacket and patent brogues, as he playfully showcased a few of his moves on the carpet. Honeymoon period: Newlyweds Steve Backshall and Helen Glover also made a glamorous appearance The BBC host looked his usual dapper self in a sleek navy suit jacket with satin lapels and patent brogues, as he playfully showcased a few of his moves on the carpet. His blonde beauty of a wife meanwhile showed off her sensational figure in a navy velvet dress, which wrapped around her frame with its chic ruched skirt. Newlyweds Steve Backshall and Helen Glover arrived next - clad respectively in a smart, perfectly tailored suit and stylish black bodycon dress adorned with gold lace. Legendary child author Jacqueline Wilson appeared in a stylish cream coat paired with a teal shoe and skirt combo. Girls In Love: Legendary child author Jacqueline Wilson appeared in a stylish cream coat paired with a teal shoe and skirt combo Silver surfer: Amy Wren's metallic gown gave the evening some sparkle Monochrome: Rachel Stringer dazzled in a mottled grey midi dress while Nick James jazzed his suit up with a checked scarf and trainers What a pair: Georgia Lock and Ben Radcliffe cuddled up on the carpet beside their fellow guests A barrel of laughs: Justin Fletcher joined the party and looked typically animated on the red carpet He returned to the public eye last week to promote his WWII drama Allied, after enduring a turbulent few months of messy divorce proceedings. But Brad Pitt appeared healthier and happier than ever on Sunday evening as he attended a photo call for the new blockbuster in Paris, France. The 52-year-old actor looked incredibly dashing in his smart navy suit as he happily posed beside his glamorous co-star Marion Cotillard in her home country. Scroll down for video Better than ever: Brad Pitt, 52, looked healthy and happy at the Paris photocall for his new war drama Allied on Sunday night Teamwork: The actor looked incredibly dashing in his smart navy suit as he happily posed beside his glamorous co-star Marion Cotillard in her home country The Moneyball actor looked his usual slick and suave in a navy double-breasted suit jacket and perfectly tailored matching trousers. Wrapping up in the colder European weather, the hunky actor then added a thick co-ordinating winter coat and a casually stylish navy scarf around his neck. Meanwhile his stunning co-star Marion added a pop of colour to the carpet in a vibrant red one-shoulder dress - proving she could be just as stylish in pregnancy. Lookin' good: The Moneyball actor looked his usual slick and suave in a navy double-breasted suit jacket and perfectly tailored matching trousers Giving back: The actor then later approached his hundreds of adoring fans to sign autographs The gorgeous brunette, who is pregnant with her second child, subtly showcased her ever-blossoming bump in the soft chiffon frock, which featured a feminine frilled sleeve down one side. Keeping the look simple but utterly glamorous, the French actress accessorised with just a set of sparkling drop earrings and left her hair in natural, loose waves. The good-looking pair appeared to be having a laugh together on the carpet as Marion playfully winked at the cameras - showing them to be rising above rumours of an affair that emerged last month. Lapping up: The A-lister beamed hugely as he signed endless movie posters and merchandise for his admirers Say cheese! In his usual style, Brad spent plenty of time showing his love for supporters at the event Getting involved: Fans were also keen to get their photo taken with the brunette beauty after waiting hours beside the red carpet Glowing: Meanwhile his stunning co-star Marion added a pop of colour to the carpet in a vibrant red one-shoulder dress - proving she could be just as stylish in pregnancy Brad announced he was separating from long-term partner Angelina Jolie as promotional proceedings for Allied were kicking off - which caused speculation of a romance between him and the French actress to swirl. However Marion took to her Instagram page in a rare post to staunchly confirm that such a romance did not take place. She wrote: 'This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into. Just friends: The good-looking pair had a laugh together as Marion playfully winked at the cameras - showing them to be rising above rumours of an affair that emerged last month Nothing going on: The pair confirmed they were just good friends when Marion took to Instagram last month to staunchly deny the claims of a romance Stunning: The brunette, who is pregnant with her second child, subtly showcased her ever-blossoming bump in the soft chiffon frock, which featured a frilled sleeve down one side Back to his best: Brad looked happier than ever as he messed around with the cast backstage 'I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up'. She continued on her long-term partner Guillaume Canet: 'Many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need.' Marion went on to wish Brad and Angelina 'peace in this very tumultuous moment,' in her lengthy Instagram response. Hitting back: Marion took to Instagram soon after Brad announced he was splitting from Angelina Jolie to confirm that she had not had a fling with the actor during filming Dramatic: Their new film Allied, set for release next week, follows Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt) and his marriage to French Resistance fighter Marianne (Cotillard) Dramatic: The couple are then hit by war, and threatened with accusations that the French beauty is actually a spy for the Germans - with Vatan then setting out to clear her name 'An amazing man': The actress had gushed about the Troy star during a press interview last Friday, stating he is 'such a good person that it's really not difficult to get along with him' The La Vie En Rose actress had gushed about the Troy star during a press interview last Friday - further affirming that the pair were not only professional, but just good friends. '[Brad is] such a good man,' she said, explaining he had a heart of gold. 'Of course he's an amazing actor. He's such a good person that it's really not difficult to get along with him.' Their new film Allied, set for release later this week, follows Canadian intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt) and his marriage to French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour, played by Marion Cotillard. Proud of the project: The exciting war drama is released in the US on Wednesday and the UK on Thursday Leading lady: Marion entered the event and Q&A about the film to rapturous applause Here he is: The promotional tour for the new movie marks Brad's return to the limelight after laying low in light of his divorce from Angelina Jolie The couple are then hit by war, and threatened with accusations that the French beauty is actually a spy for the Germans - with Vatan then setting out to clear her name. The promotional tour for the new movie marks Brad's return to the limelight after laying low in light of his divorce from Angelina Jolie. The 41-year-old actress, who has six children with partner-of-12-years Brad, filed for divorce the day after an alleged altercation on a plane between the actor and their eldest son Maddox. However Brad has since been cleared by the DCFS, who found no abuse. Yet following this news, a rep for the actress told TMZ she's prepared to present evidence to a judge that he did commit the incident in order to secure full custody of the kids. Moving on: Brad embarks on the press tour after Angelina, who has six children with partner-of-12-years Brad, filed for divorce after an alleged altercation between him and son Maddox Relief: However Brad has since been cleared by the DCFS, who found no abuse Done for the night: The acting duo then headed home in the cold after their busy evening She shocked fans as she showed off a flat stomach just nine days after welcoming daughter Dream Renee Kardashian. But on Sunday Blac Chyna took to Snapchat to credit the sudden weight loss to breast pumping and breast feeding, explaining that it 'will get your weight back down fast.' The 28-year-old also revealed that she was far from back to her idea weight, noting that she still plans to lose another 40 pounds. Scroll down for video Setting the record straight: On Sunday Blac Chyna took to Snapchat to quash rumors and to clarify how she got a flat stomach so soon after welcoming daughter Dream Renee Kardashian Bouncing back: The mother-of-two had shocked fans the day before as she had showed off her flat stomach just nine days after giving birth Chyna was breast pumping in the video, zooming in on the machine as she filmed the early morning video at 4:02am. The mother-of-two quickly quashed surgery rumors, explaining: 'The only reason it got that flat is from breast feeding and breast pumping and from my body already being small before my pregnancy.' And to really drive home the point, Chyna captioned her comments on her flat belly photo: 'Not surgery guys.' She also 'highly recommended' her fans who were pregnant now to breast feed/use a breast pump after they give birth in order to slim down. Up and at 'em! The model had an early morning as she shared with fans that she was up and pumping at 4:02am A peek into her life: The mother-of-two began the video by sharing that she was pumping and showing off her machine Chyna wore her hair pulled back and out of her face for the videos, for which she used the flower crown Snapchat filter. She had a towel wrapped around her shoulders and sported very little else as she pumped breast milk early in the morning. The fiancee of Rob Kardashian showed off her big sparkler in the close-up video, also zooming in on her breast pump. Not there yet! In addition to quashing surgery rumors, Chyna assured fans that that still had about 40 pounds to lose to get back to her goal weight Convenient: Chyna explained that the 'heavy duty' machine she uses to breast pump is on rental from the hospital for $55 per month She revealed that she got a 'heavy duty' one from the hospital, which she rents for $55 per month. After she finished pumping Chyna began to answer some fan questions, such as how to get out more milk when breast pumping. She advised that new moms drink a lot of water, have the baby latch on to stimulate the milk production, and try a special tea. '9 days Postpartum with my 2nd child' Chyna 'highly recommended' that pregnant women consider breast feeding and breast pumping as it 'will get your weight back down fast' Her bundle of joy: Chyna, who already shares four-year-old son King Cairo Stevenson with ex Tyga, welcomed daughter Dream with fiance Rob on November 10 Chyna later posted the special tea that she drinks, Mother's Milk by Traditional Medicinals, though insisted that it was 'not an ad.' The tea has fennel, anise, coriander, and fenugreek, and is supposed to help mothers support their production of breast milk and to promote healthy lactation. Everyone knows what it's like - having to squeeze in wherever there's space when you stay with friends and family for the holidays. And it looks like that's even true for billionaire Oprah Winfrey. The celebrity posted a montage of three shots on Instagram on Sunday, showing her 'home for the holidays'. Snuggling up on the floor: It looks like that's where Oprah Winfrey will be sleeping this Thanksgiving if this picture she posted on Sunday, part of a montage, is anything to go by In one, she's snuggled up on a pallet on the floor between two cute little girls dressed in matching PJs. In a second snap, her long-term partner Steadman joins a male relative in the kitchen preparing a meal. The 62-year-old captioned her post: 'You know you're Home when there's a 'pallet' on the floor, 'the men' making breakfast, and Jesus is watching from the wall. #Milwaukee #happyholidays.' She also shared an image of an overfull kitchen, and joked: '#YouKnowYou'reHome when there are 10 cooks in the kitchen and not all of them are workin'...when these two ingredients are at every meal...when the thermostat is set at Hell heat!' The full story: The 62-year-old captioned the trio of pictures, 'You know you're Home when .... there's a 'pallet' on the floor, 'the men' making breakfast .. and Jesus is watching from the wall. #Milwaukee #happyholidays' Who says too many cooks spoil the broth: That is certainly not the case in the Winfrey house Of course, it's unlikely that Oprah did actually sleep on the floor - perhaps the little girls gave up their bedroom for their great aunt. While Oprah has no children of her own, she is close to her three nieces and one nephew, who live in the Milwaukee area. Sadly her half-brother Jeffrey and half-sister Patricia Lloyd are both deceased, but she also has one living half-sister, given up for adoption at birth, whose existence she only learnt of in 2010. Hotter than Hell: Oprah joked about how hot the thermostat was set at in the kitchen Pretty in pink: The celebrity has been with her romantic partner Steadman Graham, pictured at the 2013 New York Premiere of Lee Daniels' The Butler, since 1986 Despite only meeting as adults, the two are close, with Oprah even buying the sister - also named Patricia - a $500,000 house. While she's staying with her family for the holidays, Oprah is used to rather more luxurious surroundings. Oprah, who is the CEO of her own TV network, lives in a her mansion in the upscale neighbourhood of Montecito, two hours north of Los Angeles. The entrepreneur splashed out $50 million for her 23,000 square-feet property that stands on 42 acres back in 2001, according to Variety. Last December, she purchased the 23-acre equestrian estate next door for $28.9 million. She is one of Hollywood's most stylish stars. And Emma Stone made another chic wardrobe choice as she stepped out in monochrome separates for a night out in Los Angeles. The 28-year-old La La Land actress looked lovely as she put her own feminine spin on menswear at the 3rd annual Airbnb Open Spotlight event on Saturday. Stylish star! The always-fashionable Emma Stone made another chic wardrobe choice as she stepped out in monochrome separates for a night out in Los Angeles on Saturday Emma opted to take a style cue from the boys as she donned a matching suit set for the night on the town. The willowy beauty tailored the fitted pantsuit to perfection so that her lithe frame wasn't drowned in fabric. The black and white coordinating separates featured a tile design resembling a game of Tetris. And the always-fashionable star added a simple black tank top underneath her stylish topper. Feminine menswear: The 28-year-old La La Land actress looked lovely as she posed between Damien Chazelle and Justin Hurwitz at the 3rd Annual Airbnb Open Spotlight on Saturday Details: The willowy beauty tailored the black and white pantsuit to perfection so that her lithe frame wasn't drowned in fabric. She added black strappy stilettos and a red shade of lipstick Emma's cropped pants revealed a sky-high pair of black strappy stilettos which featured an ultra feminine bow detail around each ankle. Emma styled her shoulder-length tresses in waves and added some black liner while she finished off the look with a shade of red lipstick. At the event, the beauty mingled with her La La Land writer, Damien Chazelle, and the film's orchestrator, Justin Hurwitz. La La Land costars: The film, which debuted earlier this year, has generated Oscar buzz. Emma and her co-star, Ryan Gosling, attended the Toronto International Film Festival in September The film, which debuted earlier this year at various film festivals and has generated a large amount of Oscar buzz, sees Emma star opposite of Ryan Gosling. Meanwhile, Emma will be joined by musical guest, Shawn Mendes, as she returns to host Saturday Night Live on December 3. This will be the star's third time to host the sketch comedy series as she hosted once in 2010 and another time in 2011. Actress Jessica Marais approves of her ex-fiancee James Stewart's alleged blossoming romance with his co-star Isabella Giovinazzo, Woman's Day has reported. James, 41 and his Home And Away on-screen love interest Isabella, 26, are yet to publicly confirm they are in a relationship, but are reportedly dating. 'It's like they've known each other for years, it's so natural,' a source told the magazine. Scroll down for video Ex's blessing? James Stewart's former flame Jessica Marais is said to approve of his reported romance with married Home And Away co-star Isabella Giovinazzo (pictured together on the set of Home and Away in August) According to the publication, The Wrong Girl actress is happy for her ex-fiancee's new start after their own engagement ended 18 months ago. The former couple met on the set of Packed To The Rafters and share a child together, four-year-old Scout. 'Jess and James finally made peace earlier this year when they agreed o work together for the sake of Scout,' the source said. 'That's all Jess has ever wanted, what's best for Scout. Former flames: James was previously engaged to The Wrong Girl star Jessica Marais (L) before their separation in May 2015. They share custody of four-year-old daughter Scout Friendly: The co-star pair were pictured together when they attended the 1029 Hot Tomato Star Party at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast, sparking rumours of a romance 'She couldn't be more relieved James is moving on with his life and it's in a different direction to hers.' Last week, James and his 26-year-old co-star were spotted getting hot and heavy on the Palm Beach set of Home and Away. He also had on a pair of colourful board shorts. Over: It is also claimed Isabella split from her filmmaker husband Charlie Ford in August, after marrying secretly last year Father of one James, 41, went shirtless for some of the scenes, showing off his buff physique as he wrapped his arms around his rumoured new love interest. Isabella, meanwhile, was dressed casually in a loose black beach dress. Her dark tresses were out and over her shoulders in loose tousled curls, while her makeup featured light foundation and a smokey eye. Intense: The duo performed emotional scenes on the set of Home and Away last week They're known for stunning with their coordinating holiday ensembles. And on Sunday Neil Patrick Harris and family got into the spirit for a special screening of Disney animated film Moana in New York City. The 43-year-old star and husband David Burtka, 41, were all smiles as they sported tropical attire to bring six-year-old twins Harper and Gideon to see the highly anticipated movie. Scroll down for video Can't wait! Neil Patrick Harris (R) and husband David Burtka (L) looked thrilled to be taking their six-year-old twins Harper and Gideon to a special screening of Disney's Moana in New York City on Sunday Neil dressed casually for the outing, sporting a festive, floral patterned button down underneath a navy blue blazer and paired with dark wash jeans. His chef husband matched his laid-back look, sporting a brightly colored scarf along with a sleek, leather jacket and dark wash jeans. They had dressed their two children in island-themed garb as well, with daughter Harper sporting a floral patterned top with a pink flower necklace and coordinating pink embellishment in her hair. Gideon mimicked his father's look with a patterned button down underneath a navy blue blazer. Island dreaming: The festive family all sported tropical prints for the Metrograph event, hosted by Disney and The Cinema Society Just like dad! Josh Lucas and his family coordinated in grey, with the actor and his son Noah both sporting vests (also pictured: Jessica Ciencin Henriquez) Josh Lucas, 45, and his ex-wife Jessica Ciencin Henriquez also got in on the fun with their four-year-old son Noah Rev Maurer. The family coordinated in grey, with Noah sporting a vest that matched his father's, and Jessica keeping cozy in a cable knit sweater. The couple, who finalized their divorce in October 2014, have since begun dating again, after moving back in together in New York City. Happy to be here! Jason Biggs and wife Jenny Mollen showed off smiles as they arrived with son Sid for the Disney event Keeping warm! The American Pie star bundled up in a black and red plaid jacket and a beanie, while Jenny sported a textured, grey coat Jason Biggs, 38, looked to be in good spirits as he and wife Jenny Mollen, 37, brought two-year-old son Sid to the Metrograph screening, hosted by Disney and The Cinema Society. The American Pie star bundled up in an olive green beanie and red and black plaid jacket as Jenny donned a textured, grey coat. Malin Akerman, 38, was also spotted at the special screening, dressed all in navy blue with her blonde tresses styled in soft, waves and showing off a smoky eye. Monochromatic: Malin Akerman kept warm in style, sporting a turtleneck sweater and coordinating heavy coat Fan friendly! Jeffrey Tambor waved hello as he was spotted heading inside for the screening Transparent star Jeffrey Tambor, 72, kept warm in a puffy, navy blue coat and brown newsboy cap. Alysia Reiner, 46, looked chic in a three-quarter length sleeve dress with a low-cut front, and suede, grey boots. The Orange is the New Black star was joined by husband David Alan Basche, 48, and their seven-year-old daughter Livia. A family affair! Orange is the New Black star Alysia Reiner and husband David Alan Basche flashed grins as they hit the carpet with seven-year-old daughter Livia Just days away! Disney's highly anticipated film Moana (featuring characters voiced by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and newcomer Auli'i Cravalho) hits theaters on November 23 in the US, later reaching the UK on December 2 Moana tells the story of a young woman (voiced by Auli'i Cravalho) who uses her navigational talents to search for a fabled island. She's joined on her quest by demi-god Maui, who is voiced in the film by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. After bloody year, Chicago looks to tougher gun laws On a recent evening on Chicago's southwest side, an all-too-familiar scene unfolds: within sight of the Windy City's iconic downtown high-rises, dozens of police officers swarm. A 21-year-old man has been shot outside his home. All of a sudden, a deafening scream pierces the silence: the man's family has just learned he has been declared dead at the hospital. Chicago -- the Midwestern stomping grounds of Al Capone, the ruthless mobster who left a trail of blood in the Roaring 1920s -- is grappling once again with a gun violence problem and a soaring murder rate. There have been more than 670 murders in Chicago from January to mid-November, according to police -- a 56 percent jump in just one year Joshua Lott (AFP) There have been more than 670 murders in Chicago from January to mid-November, according to police -- a 56 percent jump in just one year. The city is on track to end 2016 with the most killings since 1998. On Friday night, the grandson of Illinois congressman Danny Davis was fatally shot in the head -- over a pair of shoes, police said. The nation's third largest city is struggling to figure out how to stem the free flow of bullets and blood, and is hoping new, tougher gun laws are the answer. "I have seen too many lives torn apart. Too many parents lose a child," Chicago's police chief Eddie Johnson said at a recent public forum. "As a Chicagoan, I'm ashamed, because we could do better." - 'Beyond frustrated' - Johnson and his state lawmaker allies want to reduce the number of shootings by stiffening jail sentences for those repeatedly arrested for gun offenses. The police department says that a hard core of 1,400 recidivist gun offenders -- many of them gang members or drug dealers -- are fueling much of the violence. "We're beyond frustrated," said Anthony Guglielmi, a police department spokesman. "You could reduce the violence in the city by 40 percent just by keeping people in jail for crimes they have committed." The new draft bill is headed for the Illinois state legislature in the next few weeks, where there are indications of bipartisan support. It would ask judges to sentence repeat gun offenders at the higher end of the three-year to 14-year guideline range. Judges who hand down lighter sentences would need to offer a written explanation of their reasoning. Despite a tough national climate for passing gun control measures, the bill's authors are hopeful that Illinois will be different. One reason is that the state's Republican governor Bruce Rauner has already agreed to tougher gun laws. Earlier this year, he signed a bill to increase penalties for gun trafficking from nearby Wisconsin and Indiana -- border states with more permissive gun laws. Another reason is that this latest sentencing law would not impose strict mandatory minimums, something legislators and gun-rights advocates have opposed. "Illinois can be a real trend-setter here," said state representative Michael Zalewski, a Democrat who supports the measure. Republican state lawmaker Michael Connelly has also offered cautious support, saying, "We have to do something." - 'No employment, no resources' - But officials admit that tougher gun laws cannot fix the deeper problems at the root of the violence. Alicia Means, 42, lives in the struggling Marquette Park neighborhood on the city's southwest side. When she hears the sounds of gunshots, she says, she and her children drop to the floor inside their home, just in case a stray bullet pierces the walls. Life was not always this way. Growing up, she said her neighborhood was "nice and clean... People cared about other people's children." But the housing crisis and Great Recession took a toll on the streets around her, where there are now a number of abandoned homes. "Change has been mainly no employment, no resources, people losing their homes... no way to pay their bills," Means said. Alex Kotlowitz has heard all of this before, having spent decades studying Chicago's economically-challenged neighborhoods. His book "There Are No Children Here" takes an unblinking look at growing up poor in Chicago. "There are a lot of reasons why there is violence in what is a fairly concentrated part of the city," Kotlowitz said, citing historic socio-economic factors and trauma from past bloodshed. But he says longer jail terms are not the answer for predominantly African-American communities that "have faced longer and longer sentences in every crime imaginable." "There's a kind of tone-deafness about it," he said. "The idea that this is the premier solution that people are talking about, for me, is just so disappointing." Johnson, the city's police chief, who is black, insists he understands the pitfalls. "I want our focus to be on individuals that we know are driving the violence on the streets," he said. "The last thing I'm looking to do is lock someone up based on the color of their skin or where they live." Chicago, the nation's third largest city, is struggling to figure out how to stem the free flow of bullets and blood, and is hoping new, tougher gun laws are the answer Joshua Lott (AFP) Family members react after US Representative Danny Davis' 15-year-old grandson was shot in the head and killed during a home invasion in Chicago Joshua Lott (AFP) The Chicago police department says a hard core of 1,400 recidivist gun offenders -- many of them gang members or drug dealers -- are fueling much of the city's violence Joshua Lott (AFP) Pentagon, intelligence leaders seek NSA chief's removal: reports Top US military and intelligence leaders are pushing President Barack Obama to fire National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers, US media reporte, even as Rogers is apparently being considered for a senior position in the Trump administration. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes has asked Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper -- the two reportedly behind the push -- to testify before the end of the year. President-elect Donald Trump was said to be considering Rogers as director of national intelligence in his incoming administration. Reports said that US National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers' position in the Obama administration was in potential jeopardy Yuri Gripas (AFP/File) If Trump nominates Rogers, and he is confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Clapper as the official who oversees all 16 US intelligence agencies coordinated by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Rogers, who also heads US Cyber Command, has been at the helm of the NSA and its Central Security Service since 2014, in the wake of a massive leak by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden linked to broad surveillance methods. His decision to meet with Trump on Thursday at Trump Tower shocked senior administration officials, according to The Washington Post, which first reported that Clapper and Carter were seeking his ouster. Carter has been dissatisfied with Rogers' performance at the NSA during a time that saw major security breaches, including that revealed last month by Booz Allen Hamilton contractor Harold Martin III, who is accused of having orchestrated the largest theft of classified government material. The Post said there was also a second, previously undisclosed breach that was uncovered in 2015 by an employee of the NSA's Tailored Access Operations. The suspect has been arrested. Clapper, meanwhile, is seeking a separation of leadership roles at the NSA and US Cyber Command, and wants the NSA to be headed by a civilian. In his letter to Clapper and Carter, Nunes -- who is from Trump's Republican Party -- defended Rogers, saying he has been "consistently impressed with his leadership and accomplishments." "His professionalism, expertise and deckplate leadership have been remarkable during an extremely challenging period for NSA. I know other members of Congress hold him in similarly high esteem," Rogers added. He expressed concern that the Post article may contain "unauthorized disclosures of classified information." And "any decision to end the dual-hatting relationship between NSA and USCYBERCOM should prompt a further review of NSA's organization," Nunes added. Violence puts Yemen ceasefire extension in doubt Sporadic fighting shook parts of Yemen Sunday as the Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels warned that a fragile US-brokered ceasefire would not be extended unless violations ended. Aid agencies have pleaded for unhindered humanitarian access in Yemen to allow the delivery of life-saving supplies to civilians reeling from a conflict that has left thousands dead. The 48-hour ceasefire began on Saturday following an intervention by US Secretary of State John Kerry who met Huthi rebel representatives in Oman and urged President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to sign up. Yemenis walk past stalls at a market on November 19, 2016 in the capital Sanaa as a 48-hour ceasefire, announced by a Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran-backed rebels, began Abdel Rahman Abdallah (AFP) A military official said there were "limited exchanges of fire" in the flashpoint southwestern city of Taez, where heavy fighting in recent days has left dozens dead. The rebels fired mortar rounds at a military hospital in the city's east, setting its dialysis unit on fire, a medical source said. Rebel rocket fire wounded six civilians, including four children, in the centre of Taez on Sunday evening, according to military and medical sources. An AFP correspondent in Sanaa said there had been no coalition air strikes in the rebel-held capital since the 48-hour truce took effect. But the coalition's air defences destroyed three ballistic missiles fired by the rebels at dawn at Marib province, east of Sanaa, a military official said. Coalition jets responded by bombing rebel positions in the area, the source said. In Midi, in the northwest, fighting killed four rebels and three soldiers, a military official said. Yemen's devastating conflict erupted in 2014 when the Shiite rebels and allied renegade troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh overran Sanaa and other parts of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. It escalated in March 2015 when neighbouring Saudi Arabia -- the archfoe of Iran -- launched a military campaign to drive back the rebels. The United Nations says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded. Coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri accused the insurgents of 180 violations in the first 10 hours of the ceasefire which began at midday (0900 GMT) Saturday. When asked if the coalition would extend the truce into Monday, Assiri said: "If there is a complete halt to the (rebel) violations, there will be an extension. If they do not stop, this would be a direct violation of the ceasefire conditions." - 'New hope' - While the rebels declared their commitment to the peace push, Hadi's government initially rejected the truce, saying it had not been consulted. But the government came under huge pressure to back down in the face of an international outcry over the mounting civilian death toll. The Huthis on Sunday welcomed "all efforts to end the aggression" but denounced the Saudi side for escalations, according to the rebel-controlled sabanews.net website. Relief agencies had been hoping the ceasefire would allow the delivery of aid in areas that were inaccessible due to fighting. The UN children's agency UNICEF said the ceasefire "offers new hope in a situation that is increasingly catastrophic for children". The conflict has killed well over 1,000 children and left millions more without access to basic care and at risk of imminent death, said UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake. One and a half million children were suffering from acute malnutrition, and thousands more were at risk from rapidly spreading cases of cholera and measles. "For some time now we have been constrained in our efforts to reach these children with therapeutic food and medical supplies," Lake said in a statement. "We urge all parties to the ceasefire to allow unhindered humanitarian access for the delivery of life-saving supplies and services to all children in need. "It cannot be in anyone's interest to endanger the future of Yemen -- its children," he added. A spokesman for the renegade Yemeni troops, Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman, said on Saturday that they would also abide by the truce. Six previous attempts to clinch a ceasefire foundered, the latest in October. UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed urged all parties "to encourage full respect for the cessation of hostilities and to ensure that it leads to a permanent and lasting end to the conflict". Children sit amidst the rubble of a house hit by Saudi-led coalition air strikes on the outskirts of the Yemeni capital Sanaa Mohammed Huwais (AFP) Trump's pledge to kill Obamacare faces reality check With his shock victory in the race for the White House, President-elect Donald Trump at last is in position to deliver on one of his most strident campaign promises: to repeal Obamacare. With fellow Republicans in control of the US Congress, Trump has the means and ostensibly a mandate from his party to gut the law. But he may find the reality is more challenging. Exit polls suggest Trump rode to victory in no small part on the support of those battleground state voters who strongly disliked President Barack Obama's sweeping health care reforms, especially given rising costs. Formally known as the Affordable Care Act, the Obamacare insurance became law in 2010, and while some enjoy its affordability, others have complains and are opting out Joe Raedle (Getty/AFP/File) However, after Trump met President Barack Obama last week he seemed to backpedal on his intentions. Candidate Trump vowed to "completely repeal" the Affordable Care Act and describing it as a "total disaster." But after his win, President-elect Trump said he hoped to preserve two of the most popular features: allowing children to stay on their parents' plans until age 26, and forbidding insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. - 'Death spiral' - The latter element is popular even with Republican lawmakers who have attempted on scores of occasions to repeal Obama's landmark health reform. Trump told the television newsmagazine "60 Minutes" it was "very much something we're going to try and keep." Yet analysts say keeping those features will be difficult if not impossible if Trump's reform abolishes another key part of Obamacare, the so-called "individual mandate." That is the requirement that Americans carry health coverage regardless of whether they are sick or healthy. To cover the cost of providing coverage for sicker patients, health insurers depend on the revenue they get from the healthy enrollees that Obamacare required to buy in. If that requirement is eliminated, "that's basically going to cause a death spiral," Sandy Ahn, a research professor at Georgetown's Health Policy Institute, told AFP. As insurers lose income from departing healthy consumers, they will raise premiums, putting coverage out of reach for many. "The health care markets will look like they did before the Affordable Care Act," said Ahn. In fact, problems getting enough healthy young people to sign up for insurance has already contributed to rising premiums. The administration late last month announced that costs will jump by an average of 25 percent next year. Individual US states already have experience with this dilemma. When Kentucky attempted in the 1990s to guarantee coverage without instituting an individual mandate, it saw 43 of 45 insurance companies flee its market over seven years. Similar outcomes occurred in New York and New Jersey. Already there are signs that a "Trump effect" is roiling the health care market. In just the day after Trump's victory, enrollments in the Obamacare individual marketplace surged to 100,000, the government said. By early next year, providers will have to settle on premium rates but they currently do not know whether the public subsidies that help low-income consumers will exist by then. Two days after Trump's victory, America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry lobby, warned against "sudden disruptions" that could jeopardize "continuous coverage." Some in the resurgent GOP may fear a backlash. "Clearly, we don't want to do any harm to people already in the system," Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker told Bloomberg last week. Since Obamacare took effect, 20 million people gained health coverage, pushing the level of the uninsured below 10 percent, an historic low. And one survey found more than 80 percent of whose who gained coverage are happy with their plans. - Disappointing the base - The Congressional Budget Office estimated about 22 million people would have lost their coverage, with a large share being children and the poor, had congressional Republicans succeeded in repealing Obamacare early this year. Trump's softening stance also may cause him problems among supporters. Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute and a critic of Obamacare, warned Trump risks alienating his most ardent supporters if he fails go through with a full repeal, including eliminating the ban on denying insurance to those with pre-existing conditions. "That's going to be a big problem not only for President Trump but also for a lot of congressional Republicans," he told AFP. "President Trump could be starting his administration by signalling that he's no different from anyone else." Representatives for Trump and for Paul Ryan, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, did not respond to requests for comment. US President-elect Donald Trump yells out to the media from the steps of the clubhouse of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey on November 19, 2016 Don Emmert (AFP) Mosul escapees tell of human shield ordeal Iraqi civilians who escaped from the Islamic State group stronghold of Mosul said jihadists forced them from their villages and drove them "like sheep" to use as human shields. Bashar huddled with his family on the back of an Iraqi security forces pick-up truck after finally fleeing an area of Mosul still held by IS. As government forces earlier this month advanced on the city -- the last major population centre held by IS in Iraq -- the family was herded with residents from outlying villages into Mosul by the retreating jihadists as an insurance against the US-led coalition air strikes and Iraqi shelling. An Iraqi soldier helps people, fleeing the fighting against the Islamic State group, in the Samah neighbourhood of Mosul on November 18, 2016 Odd Andersen (AFP/File) Eventually they got lucky and managed to escape -- trekking homewards on foot before the small group he was with managed to attract the attention of interior ministry troops on the other side of the river Tigris. The troops sent a boat for them and brought them across on a last leg that finally saw them get out of IS territory. "We saw the security forces and started shouting to them so they came to us," Bashar told AFP, shivering in the chilly evening air. "I swear we are going to die from cold." What they left behind, he said, was an increasingly desperate situation for civilians in the bulk of the Mosul still controlled by IS as Iraqi forces battle fierce resistance while pushing slowly into the eastern part of the city. "I swear the situation is not good -- shooting everywhere, families sleeping in the streets, people are so tired," he said. "They are in the middle of the fire." - 'Nothing to lose' - The United Nations has reported that IS forced "tens of thousands of people from their homes in some districts around Mosul" as Iraqi forces pushed the jihadists back. Among them were Hassan, his mother and their family, who said they were "driven like sheep" towards the IS bastion when the government offensive started. "Mosul is full of people. They lack proper accommodation. They don't have food," he said. "They are just waiting for their destiny." Hassan's father and some of their relatives are still trapped inside Mosul, so he asked AFP to use a pseudonym and his mother refused to give her name. They said they snuck out of the violence-wracked city at night and spent two days without sleep as they dodged IS and got lost trying to find their way home. After spending their first night back in their house they were still exhausted but relieved to be out from under the control of the jihadists. Hassan's mother pointed to her feet and said that they were still swollen from all the walking it took to get back to their village. "We made it out because we felt like we had nothing to lose," she said. Cruz, Bardem to star in new Farhadi film Oscar-winning Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem will star in a new film set in Spain by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, Cruz said in an interview published Sunday. Farhadi, who won the foreign-language Oscar in 2012 for "A Separation" about a middle-class couple's divorce, is currently finishing the original screenplay for the movie, she told Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia. "The idea is to film in Spain, we still don't know where. It is an intense drama which is a gift for actors. And it is a luxury to work for the director of 'A Separation', which is wonderful," the 42-year-old actress said. Penelope Cruz and her husband Javier Bardem first met while filming "Jamon, Jamon" in 1992 Dominique Faget (AFP/File) The plot of the movie, which remains mostly under wraps, revolves around a family of winemakers living in rural Spain. Shooting is expected to begin next year. Cruz and Bardem, who were married in the Bahamas in 2010, are currently working on "Escobar", a movie about Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Bardem plays Escobar and Cruz plays his lover, journalist Virginia Vallejo, in their first film together since the 2008 Woody Allen romantic comedy "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Cruz said it was "incredible" that the couple have the chance to work together once again in Farhadi's new film. "No one planned it. And we are not going to work together in everything, but if things come up (for both of us) and they make sense, why not?" Cruz won a supporting-actress Oscar for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Bardem, 47, won a supporting-actor Oscar for the 2007 crime thriller "No Country for Old Men". VP-elect downplays flap over 'Hamilton' appeal on diversity The US vice president-elect insisted Sunday he was not offended when the cast of the Broadway hit "Hamilton" expressed worries to him that Donald Trump might not respect US racial, cultural and social diversity. In another chapter of what appears to be a nascent culture war, Mike Pence clearly sought to defuse the swirling controversy over the Friday night performance he attended in New York of a hugely popular play that many see as a celebration of America's multicultural heritage. The incident prompted the president-elect himself to demand an apology over what he saw as rude behavior toward Pence, who was also booed by some in the audience as he entered the theater with his family. US President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence depart after a day of meetings at the clubhouse of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey on November 19, 2016 Don Emmert (AFP) "I did hear what was said from the stage, and I can tell you I wasn't offended by what was said. I'll leave to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it," Pence said on Fox News Sunday. Pence acknowledged that these are anxious, disappointing times in America for people who voted for Hillary Clinton. "I just want to reassure people that what president-elect Donald Trump said on election night" -- that he would be the president of all Americans -- "he absolutely meant from the bottom of his heart," Pence said. But even as Pence tried to end the flap, Trump -- who insulted Mexicans, Muslims and women among others during the campaign and so far has named only arch-conservative white men for his cabinet and senior adviser positions -- kept at it. Trump attacked the play and its cast for the second straight day and also criticized, again, another potent symbol of the left in America: the NBC TV comedy show "Saturday Night Live," which has ruthlessly ribbed Trump the candidate and now Trump the president-elect. - 'Highly overrated' - Trump fired off a tweet again demanding an apology from the "Hamilton" cast and dismissing the award-winning musical as not that great. "The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior," Trump tweeted early Sunday morning. Pence differed, saying, "If you havent seen the show, go and see it." The wildly popular play, which won 11 Tony Awards in June -- including best musical -- follows young colonial rebels who became America's founding fathers, celebrating diversity and immigrants' contribution to the nation. Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays vice president Aaron Burr, read a statement to Pence during the curtain call that echoed some of the main concerns critics have voiced since Trump won the election. "We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir," Dixon said. "But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us." "Hamilton," Dixon told Pence, was performed by "a diverse group of men, women of different colors, creeds and orientations." The audience cheered and applauded loudly. Although Pence was leaving the auditorium when Dixon began reading his statement from the stage, he stood by the entrance to hear the entire message. He made no comment. In the latest edition of "Saturday Night Live," Trump as played by Alec Baldwin is depicted, once in the Oval Office, as being overwhelmed as he sets about fulfilling campaign promises such as defeating the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS. "Google, what is ISIS?" Trump says as he pecks away at a laptop. "Oh my, 59 million results." - 'Nothing funny' - In a tweet Sunday morning, Trump wrote: "I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show -- nothing funny at all. Equal time for us?" Clinton had the enthusiastic backing of much of the showbiz and fashion worlds in the runup to the election -- stars like Beyonce and Jay Z performed at one of her final rallies. Trump mocked her for this, saying he did not need star power to get people to attend his events. In September, two dozen celebrities including Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson and Martin Sheen appeared in a video urging people not to vote for Trump. Hip hop star Kanye West disclosed last week during a concert in California that he did not vote but if he had, he would have supported Trump. Many in the crowd booed him. Donald Trump: the path to the presidency Paz Pizarro, Christopher Huffaker (AFP) Demonstrators take part in a protest near Trump Tower in Chicago on November 9, 2016 Paul Beaty (AFP) A man throws a cone on a fire during an anti-Trump protest in Oakland, California, on November 9, 2016 Josh Edelson (AFP) UN Syria envoy warns time 'running out' for east Aleppo The UN's Syria envoy warned Sunday that time was "running out" for eastern Aleppo as he expressed international outrage over a regime bombing campaign of rebel-held parts of the city. "We are running out of time, we are running against time," Staffan de Mistura said after talks in Damascus with Foreign Minister Walid Muallem. The UN envoy said concern was running high among aid agencies that "instead of a humanitarian or a political initiative" there would be "an acceleration of military activities" in eastern Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. A Syrian civil defence volunteer carries an injured man following a reported air strike on Aleppo's rebel-held neighbourhood of Bab al-Nayrab on November 19, 2016 Ameer Alhalbi (AFP/File) De Mistura said he discussed the escalating violence in Aleppo where government forces last Tuesday began a bid to retake the eastern rebel-held side of the city using air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery. Dozens of people have been killed in the onslaught, most of them civilians, a monitor has said, and many have been wounded, overwhelming rescue workers in a city where hospitals are also hit. On Sunday, rebels retaliated with a barrage of rockets into government-held western Aleppo, killing at least eight children at a school, state media said. De Mistura said he opened his talks with Muallem by "expressing serious concern and indeed shared the general international outrage for the news coming from eastern Aleppo". "By Christmas... due to military intensification, you will have the virtual collapse of what is left in eastern Aleppo; you may have 200,000 people moving towards Turkey -- that would be a humanitarian catastrophe," he warned. The envoy also confirmed that Syria's regime had rejected a truce proposal that would have allowed the opposition to administer the eastern part of the city. Netanyahu defends German submarine sale in face of 'scandal' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's decision to buy three more submarines from Germany, in the face of a potential scandal involving his personal lawyer over the sale. "Conflict of interest" stories have been rife in the media since Channel 10 television revealed that lawyer David Shimron also represents the Israeli agent of the German group ThyssenKrupp which builds the submarine. But the premier, who has sworn he was unaware of Shimron's link to the deal, defended the purchase of the advanced submarines at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem on November 20, 2016 Menahem Kahana (Pool/AFP) "The principle that guides me is clear: Israel will be able to defend itself by itself against any enemy, in any field," he said. "The security of Israel requires the acquisition of submarines and the renewal of the submarine fleet. "These are strategic weapons systems that ensure the future, and I tell you, the very existence of the state of Israel for decades to come." The purchase is facing mounting calls for an investigation, especially in light of opposition from sectors of the armed forces command and some defence experts because of the high costs. According to Israeli media, the Jewish state has ordered three more submarines at a combined price of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), to replace the oldest vessels in its existing Dolphin fleet, which began entering service in 1999. Israel already has five of the state-of-the-art German submarines, with a sixth due for delivery in 2017, Maariv newspaper reported. Germany, in the form of military assistance, has so far covered a third of the costs of the submarines in the Israeli fleet. Foreign military sources say the Dolphins can be equipped with missiles armed with nuclear warheads. Chad, anti-jihadist ally of the West, battered by crises A key ally of the West in its fight against jihadists in Africa, Chad is mired in crises that have rocked the authoritarian regime of President Idriss Deby, as the opposition plans a general strike for Tuesday. The costs of fighting the Boko Haram Islamists, plunging oil revenues, deficits, austerity measures and strikes by civil servants have all stirred popular anger in a country with high poverty levels despite its oil reserves. "Chad has ground to a halt. We fear the worst," said Maoundoe Decladore, a spokesman for the civil society organisation "Ca doit changer" ("Things must change"). A street in the Lake Chad region's N'Bougoua Philippe Desmazes (AFP/File) The dire situation is evident in the main market of the capital N'Djamena. "I spend a whole day with barely 1,000 francs (1.50 euros) in takings. There's no money. People are not coming," said Fatime Zara, a vegetable seller in her forties. Teachers have been on strike since September to demand payment of wage arrears. "All the money from oil has been diverted to the people in power," said Michel Issa, a school teacher, echoing complaints from civil society and the opposition about Deby, who came to power in 1990, and his government. The crisis has meant students have not returned to schools, colleges and universities after the summer holidays. Other sectors have also been hit such as health, forcing patients to seek treatment in neighbouring Cameroon, and justice. Deby met with judges on Friday to try and end their strike. The situation is worse outside the capital of the vast nation of 10 million people, where more than one in three children under the age of five suffer stunted growth. The political opposition, riding the wave of popular discontent, is demanding "inclusive dialogue" with the regime while contesting the reelection of Deby for a fifth mandate last April. - The example of Compaore - Deby officially received 60 percent of votes in that election. Saleh Kebzabo, his main rival, won just over 12 percent. "Idriss Deby is an illegitimate president. We are not seeking dialogue in order to accede to government. Our concern is to return Chad to a democratic path through fair and transparent elections," Kebzabo, who is behind Tuesday's strike, the third in just over three months, told AFP. The situation has led to speculation that Deby, who has been in power since 1990, could suffer the same fate as Blaise Compaore in nearby Burkina Faso. Compaore was forced to relinquish power in October 2014 following a popular revolt after he tried to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule. Compaore's fate represents a "model for the Chadian social movement," said Roland Marchal, a researcher at the Institute for Political Studies in Paris. "Many people describe a man who no longer has the same ability to take initiatives as before. There is doubt about his ability to last," he said of Deby, who is 64 and now often walks with the help of a cane. Marchal viewed as a "sign of weakness" the president's precipitous return to the capital from the climate change conference in Morocco because his government faced a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday. The vote -- called over the government's alleged mismanagement of the economy -- was not held because parliament failed to make a quorum after the ruling party's MPs did not show on orders from Deby. - Diplomatic aces - The president's move was sparked by "fear that some will vote for a censure motion and that the government will be overthrown", Marchal said. The same day, several opposition activists and politicians were detained in N'Djamena after the government banned a rally following the failed censure motion. But the president still has some diplomatic aces. Deby received his military training in France, he is the current head of the African Union, and is supported by France and the United States, who need the cooperation of the Chadian military in the region. The headquarters of the French military operation Barkhane against jihadists in the Sahel region is in N'Djamena, where it is assumed that strategic information is exchanged. Deby was also recently received by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. And he relies on an army whose best elements are derived like him from the Zaghawa ethnic group. But although the army is seen as strong force in the region, it also has its weaknesses. "In the army, certain ethnic groups are abused by the regime," said a civil society source. Melania Trump and son may stay in NYC for now Donald Trump's wife Melania and young son Barron will probably stay in New York when the president-elect moves into the White House, the transition team suggested Sunday. The parents are wary of pulling their son out of school now, team communications director Jason Miller told reporters. "There's obviously sensitivity to pulling their 10-year-old out of school in the middle of the school year. A more formal statement will be coming in the future," Miller said. President-elect Donald Trump embraces his wife Melania Trump, as their son Barron looks on Chip Somodevilla (Getty/AFP/File) He was responding to a New York Post report that Melania Trump, 46, and her son will keep living in Trump Tower at least until the end of the school year so the boy can continue attending his private school in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Trump, speaking to reporters in New Jersey, said "yes, White House" when asked if he was planning on moving into the presidential residence. He was then asked whether his wife and son would be joining him there. "Very soon. After he's finished with school," Trump said. Trump will be sworn in as president on January 20. Obama defends free trade at Asia-Pacific summit rattled by Trump US President Barack Obama on Sunday defended free trade as fellow Asia-Pacific leaders vowed to fight protectionism after Donald Trump's shock election victory sparked fears for the future of global commerce. Trump's triumph in this month's US presidential poll has raised concerns that years of rolling back trade barriers could be reversed after the populist billionaire vowed to tear up a series of key deals. His victory overshadowed a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group held in Peru this week where leaders, including Obama, China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, found themselves under fierce pressure to defend free trade. US President Barack Obama speaks at a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Lima on November 20, 2016 Martin Bernetti (AFP) Globalization and trade deals have been increasingly blamed in Europe and America for sending jobs abroad and eroding living standards, concerns reflected in both the election of Trump and Britain's "Brexit" vote in June to leave the European Union. At the APEC gathering there was particular concern about the future of a major US-backed accord -- the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which Trump has vowed to kill off -- and that China was positioning itself to forge ahead with its own trade deals and fill a vacuum left by any American withdrawal. But after the summit closed on Sunday, Obama said that the 12-nation trans-Pacific deal, a key part of his much-vaunted "pivot" to Asia, was far from dead and those involved still wanted to move forward with the United States. The president also insisted trade was positive as long as it was carried out in the right way and sought to answer rising concerns about globalization, conceding that "historic gains in prosperity" had not been evenly distributed. "That can reverberate through our politics," he said. "That's why I firmly believe one of our greatest challenges in the years ahead across our nations and within them will be to make sure that the benefits of the global economy are shared by more people." And he sent a message to a world that is increasingly wary of globalization: "The answer is to do trade right." - 'Fight protectionism' - Obama's concerns about growing inequality were echoed by other leaders at the gathering, with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong saying steps must be taken to ensure that "no groups in society are left behind." "Only then can we push ahead with trade and economic cooperation," he said. APEC's 21 members from either side of the Pacific offered their own staunch defense of free trade as the annual summit ended, pledging to "fight against all forms of protectionism." In addition the group vowed to refrain from competitive devaluation of their currencies, after Trump repeatedly accused China of keeping the yuan undervalued to boost exports and threatened to declare Beijing a currency manipulator. But analysts were not convinced by the APEC statement, with senior analyst Jeffrey Halley at forex broker Oanda saying it sounded like "empty rhetoric." "Most participants have very different definitions of what constitutes open markets and protectionism," he said. While Obama sought to be upbeat about the TPP's prospects, some experts say Trump's attacks on the agreement -- which he called a "terrible deal" -- and his Republican allies' control of Congress mean it is dead in the water. Other observers have suggested that the deal-making real estate mogul may seek to negotiate changes to the agreement once he takes office in January, and then claim a victory if a new version is passed. A failure of the TPP would likely be welcomed by China, which was excluded from the deal and saw it as an attempt by the US to increase its clout in Beijing's backyard. As the summit concluded Sunday, Chinese foreign ministry official Tan Jian took a veiled swipe at America, saying that countries "should not politicize free trade arrangements." Trump's victory and the potential demise of the TPP means that even longtime US allies may soon be turning to Beijing in a region hungry for trade. President Xi set himself up as the anti-Trump at this week's summit, defending open markets and pushing two rival agreements -- an APEC-wide deal and a 16-member accord that excludes the US. US President Barack Obama (R) meets with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit on November 20, 2016 in Lima, Peru Brendan Smialowski (AFP) Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (L) with Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on the last day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima Land Rover BAR wins America's Cup World Series title FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) Land Rover BAR won the America's Cup World Series title with a third-place finish in Sunday's final race at the Fukuoka regatta. After Artemis Racing of Sweden won the first two races in Fukuoka, Land Rover BAR needed to finish ahead of the Swedes in the last race of the day to clinch the title. Land Rover was third in the final race, while Artemis was fourth. "This has been a goal for us for the whole season and for this event," said Land Rover BAR skipper Ben Ainslie. "The guys have done an incredible job. For us as a new team it sends out a strong message for all our supporters that we can do it." The Fukuoka event saw Land Rover BAR moving into a tie with Artemis Racing in the final contest, and taking the regatta by virtue of a better result in the last race. Land Rover BAR finished the series with 512 points, 19 ahead of Oracle Team USA, the two-time defending America's Cup champion, in second place. Emirates Team New Zealand, the hard-luck loser to Oracle in the 2013 America's Cup, finished third overall with 493 points. Artemis Racing was fourth and SoftBank Team Japan was fifth. Malaysian reform group slams crackdown to silence dissent KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) A day after a mass anti-government rally it organized, the Malaysian electoral reform group Bersih voiced concern Sunday over the arrest of its chairwoman under a security law meant for terrorists and the detention of more than a dozen people. Police say 15,500 protesters took to Kuala Lumpur's streets on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak over a financial scandal. Bersih estimated the crowd at 120,000. Bersih official Wong Chin Huat said the security sweep and chairwoman Maria Chin's detention without trial under the Security Offences Act were vindictive and aimed at silencing dissent. Protesters occupy a street during a rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. Tens of thousands of yellow-shirt protesters rallied Saturday in Kuala Lumpur seeking Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's resignation over a financial scandal, undeterred by a police ban and the arrest of more than a dozen activists. (AP Photo/Forest Chew) "The crackdown shows that Najib is feeling insecure. It is a sign of panic," Wong told The Associated Press on Sunday. "But the people have sent a clear message. They want reforms and they want Najib to step down." Police raided Bersih's office on Friday and took Chin in for investigations into "activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy." Chin was formally detained Saturday under the security law and can be held without trial for 28 days. Bersih said on Facebook that its lawyers finally met Chin on Sunday after having no access to her since she was detained. The group said Chin was being held in solitary confinement in a small cell with no windows and two small lightbulbs. It said Chin was not given any bed or pillow, and had just the cement floor and a slab of wood. One of Bersih's lawyers, Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, said by phone that the law has been abused to punish Chin. If convicted, she said Chin faces up to 15 years in jail. Apart from Chin, Fadiah said 15 other politicians and activists, including three Bersih officials, have also been detained. Prime Minister Najib, who is attending an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru, was quoted by Malaysian national news agency Bernama as saying that Saturday's rally calling for him to step down was unconstitutional and that Malaysians were fed up with demonstrations. "We, Malaysians, must uphold the principle of the rule of law. Otherwise there will be chaos in the country and the people will suffer," said Najib, who earlier had slammed Bersih rallies as a tool for the opposition to unseat the government. An August 2015 Bersih rally that also demanded that Najib quit drew around 50,000 demonstrators. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of the activists, describing them as prisoners of conscience. Instead of investigating allegations of corruption and rights abuses, the government is "silencing people for raising these concerns," the group said. Najib has kept an iron grip since graft allegations emerged two years ago involving the indebted 1MDB state fund. He founded the fund in 2009 to promote economic development, but it accumulated billions in debts over the years. The investigations into 1MDB in the U.S. and several other countries are centered on allegations of a global embezzlement and money-laundering scheme. The U.S. Justice Department said that at least $3.5 billion had been stolen from 1MDB by people close to Najib and initiated action in July to seize $1.3 billion it said was taken from the fund to buy assets in the U.S. The U.S. government complaints also said that more than $700 million had landed in the accounts of "Malaysian Official 1." They did not name the official, but appear to be referring to Najib. Germany's Merkel will seek a fourth term, face populist tide BERLIN (AP) Angela Merkel, who has steered Germany through several global crises as its first female leader, said Sunday she will seek a fourth term as chancellor in elections next year, when she could find herself up against the anti-immigrant populist tide that has swept both Europe and the U.S. "I literally thought about this decision endlessly ... but I am ready to run for office again," Merkel told reporters after meeting with high-ranking members of her center-right party. "I want to serve Germany." Repeatedly named "The World's Most Powerful Woman" by Forbes magazine, the 62-year-old Merkel has been cast by some as the last powerful defender of liberal values in the West following Donald Trump's election as the next U.S. president. FILE - In this Nov. 8, 2016 file picture German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a joint news conference with the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, at the chancellery in Berlin. Speculation is growing that German Chancellor Angela Merkel will seek a fourth term in general elections next year. The 62-year-old chancellor is expected to talk about a possible candidacy during a Sunday night Nov. 20, 2016 news conference at the Berlin headquarters of her political party, the Christian Democrats. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn,file) The nationalist Alterative for Germany party, or AfD, could prove to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to her re-election. The party, now represented in 10 state parliaments, has aggressively campaigned against Merkel's decision to welcome an estimated 890,000 migrants into Germany last year, many of them Muslims fleeing the war-torn Middle East and Africa. Trump's election and Britain's vote last June to withdraw from the European Union have reflected, in part, growing populist and anti-immigrant sentiment among voters. Elections next year could also see a far-right politician become president of France, which has been beset by violence by Islamic extremists. Merkel said she expects strong challenges from the left and right fringes as Germany has become more polarized. "This election will be difficult like no other election since the reunification" of West and East Germany in 1990, she said. A date has not been set for the election, but it will take place sometime between Aug. 23 and Oct. 22. Clearly the dominant leader in Europe, Merkel urged caution against outsized expectations about what she might yet achieve. "Everything that's about how it all depends on me, especially after the elections in the U.S., honors me, but at the same time I find it very much grotesque and almost bizarre," she said. "No person ... not even with the biggest experience, can turn things in Germany, Europe and in the world more or less to the good, and especially not the chancellor of Germany." Merkel will also seek re-election as chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union party at its convention next month but faces no serious opposition. A physicist by training, Merkel became chancellor in 2005. She is the first leader of a reunited Germany to have grown up under communism in the former East Germany. If she wins next year and serves the entire four-year term, Merkel will match her one-time mentor Helmut Kohl's postwar record of 16 years in office. Nearly 60 percent of Germans surveyed in a recent poll said they wanted Merkel to run again, said Manfred Guellner, head of the Forsa polling agency. "In these difficult times, Merkel is a pillar of stability," Guellner told The Associated Press. "People have the feeling she represents German interests well abroad." While she has never been described as a visionary or earned much praise for stirring speeches, Merkel sometimes referred to as "Mutti," or "Mom," in Germany has won respect for being tough, shrewd and dogged in tackling problems. She has dealt with several international crises, including the Eurozone debt crisis in 2008-09 for which she brokered compromises among fractious EU leaders. She has been a strong advocate of efforts to combat climate change, and in 2011 abruptly accelerated the shutdown of Germany's nuclear power plants following the meltdown at Japan's Fukushima plant. Unresolved diplomatic challenges include Europe's tense relationship with Russia, the future of Ukraine, autocratic developments in Turkey, the war in Syria and negotiations over Britain's exit from the EU. In elections in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania earlier this year, Merkel's party came in third behind the AfD. According to recent polls, the AfD would win around 10 percent of the vote if general elections were held now. Merkel, the daughter of a Protestant pastor, entered politics in her mid-30s after working as a physicist behind the Iron Curtain. She served as minister for women and families in Kohl's first post-reunification Cabinet in the 1990s and then also as an environment minister. In the beginning of her political career, she was often underestimated by her mostly male, Catholic, West German party companions, who sometimes referred to her condescendingly as "Kohl's girl." In the end, she eliminated her rivals with tactical skill and sheer luck to make it all the way to the top in 2005. While Merkel often appears reserved and even stiff in public, she has tried in past campaigns to show a more human side. She opened up about her favorite pastimes outside politics, which include baking plum cake for her husband, the publicity-shy chemistry professor Joachim Sauer, and spending weekends at a cabin outside Berlin. "I can see how Merkel has this personal ambition to show the people that she, who used to be such an outsider when she first entered politics as an East German and a woman, made it all the way," said Gero Neugebauer, a political scientist at Berlin's Free University. German chancellor Angela Merkel, third left, attends a meeting with US president Barack Obama, left, French president, Francois Hollande, third right, Spain's Prime Minister , Mariano Rajoy, right, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, second right, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, second left, at the chancellary in Berlin, Friday Nov.18, 2016. Obama is joining the leaders of key European countries to discuss an array of security and economic challenges facing the trans-Atlantic partners as the U.S. prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office in January. (Kay Nietfeld/Pool Photo via AP) German Chancellor and chairwoman of the Christian Democratic party, Angela Merkel, addresses the media in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Chancellor Merkel said that she will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a news conference with Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy after a meeting of the government heads of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Britain with U.S. President Barack Obama in the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Television cameras cover the statement of German Chancellor and chairwoman of the Christian Democratic party, CDU, Angela Merkel, as she adresses the media in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Chancellor Merkel said that she will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) FILE - In this June 3, 2013 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel stand behind a window with a reflection of the European flag as she waits for the arrival of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, unseen, for a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this March 9, 2016 file photo Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and team members make Merkel's trademark gesture as they pose for the media during a reception for the German National Handball team at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file) FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2015 file photo a refugee carries a picture of German Chancellor Angela Merkel as he arrives at the main train station in Munich, Germany. Hundreds of refugees arrived in various trains to get first registration as asylum seekers in Germany. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, file) FILE - In this March 23, 2015 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, points as she and the Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras leave after a press conference as part of a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, file) FILE - In this Dec. 17, 2010 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a final media conference at an EU summit in Brussels. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Yves Logghe, file) FILE - In this July 17, 2006 file photo US President George W. Bush gives a helping hand to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as she arrives for a group photo at the G-8 Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/ Jan Bauer, file) FILE - In this April 30, 1991 file photo then German Chancellor Helmut Kohl background looks on with Women and Youth Minister Angela Merkel, prior to a cabinet meeting in the Bonn Chancellery. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Fritz Reiss, file) FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2013 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, smiles in front of an emblem which shows a crown during the annual meeting 'Germany Day' (Deutschlandtag) of the party's youth organization Young Union (Junge Union) in Erfurt, central Germany. Media reported Sunday, Nov. Nov. 20, 2016 that Merkel will run for a fourth four-year-term to become one of the longest-serving leaders of post-war Germany. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file) Photographer captures images of immigrants from all nations BOSTON (AP) It didn't take a divisive presidential election to get Mark Chester interested in immigrants. Chester has been celebrating immigrants for years, making it his mission to photograph two people from every nation. Chester is well on his way. Since 2011, he's photographed people from 185 of the world's 196 countries, all of them immigrants who have settled in Massachusetts, a state he affectionately calls "a mini United Nations." All his subjects have become naturalized U.S. citizens. Chester's collection of more than 350 photographs have been exhibited around Massachusetts most recently at the Statehouse and he is now putting them into a book he plans to distribute free to schools and libraries around the state. In this Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 photo photographer Mark Chester stands for a portrait next to images in his exhibit called The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape -Photographs of New Americans, at the Statehouse, in Boston. Cape Cod-based Chester has produced a collection of photographs of immigrants from all over the world. (AP Photo/Denise Lavoie) He said his project, called "The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape Photographs of New Americans," has taken on new meaning since Republican President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign he would build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and temporarily ban Muslims from entering the U.S. "It seems like it's more important to bring attention to this now," he said, adding that "people from other countries are living here, they're Americans. The purpose of this is to educate, to enlighten, to make people aware of people from different countries." "This wasn't intended to be any kind of geopolitical statement when I first started this," he said. Chester's photos offer a glimpse into the lives of immigrants who have embraced their new country but retained some of the culture of their homelands. There is 92-year-old Maria Dias, leaning on her cane in front of a beach shack in Truro, on the tip of Cape Cod, dressed in a traditional embroidered shawl and apron of her native Portugal. Haseeb Hosein, originally from Trinidad and Tobago and now a Boston police district commander, is shown smiling in front of his office, dressed in his police blues. Olga Kwasniewski, a native of the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan, is shown standing in front of Boston Harbor, wearing a sash celebrating her win in a 2013 beauty pageant. Kwasniewski, who is now a restaurant owner and model, said she agreed to be photographed by Chester because she thinks it's important to celebrate the contributions immigrants make to America and the gratitude they feel to be U.S. citizens. "The way he is picturing people at their workplace or their home, that shows how they are still bringing part of their country to American life, and how their lives have changed here," she said. Chester, 71, a professional photographer who lives on Cape Cod, is applying for cultural grants, looking for corporate sponsors and raising private money to publish his book. To find subjects from countries around the world, he attends naturalization ceremonies, goes to ethnic restaurants and has even been known to ask cab drivers where they're from. He's still searching for people from 11 countries, including Comoros, an archipelago off Africa's East Coast; Tonga, a Polynesian kingdom of South Pacific Islands; and Liechtenstein, a German-speaking principality between Austria and Switzerland. One of the project's sponsors is the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. Sue Parsons, MIRA's development coordinator, said Chester's photos capture the sense of optimism many immigrants have after they settle here. "Each photo shows their energy, and their hopefulness shines through," Parsons said. PICTURED: Merkel opens weekly cabinet meetings colorfully BERLIN (AP) Each Wednesday since German Chancellor Angela Merkel took office in November 2005, the ritual has been the same. Federal ministers, starting just after 9 a.m., arrive one by one at a 6th floor conference room at the chancellery in Berlin. They take a seat at the central table or stop to chat with their colleagues. Lower-ranked officials arrive, sit at desks in the corner and wait for the weekly meeting of the German Federal Cabinet to begin. The Federal Cabinet is the chief executive body of the government of the Federal Republic of Germany. It meets once a week, and consists of the chancellor and the cabinet ministers. While every minister governs his or her department autonomously, the chancellor issues directive policy guidelines. In this March 4, 2009 photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) After everyone else has gotten there, Merkel wearing one of her trademark colorful blazers comes in, exchanges a few words and sets down a stack of files before shaking some hands and taking her seat. She looks around, sometimes smiles at the photographers and video crews that are let briefly into the room, rings a small bell and asks the journalists to leave. Merkel, 62, the first woman elected as head of government in Germany, is expected to announce she will seek a fourth term during next year's election. FILE---In this April 2, 2014 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE---In this May 14, 2014 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE---In this Oct. 1, 2014 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE---In this Oct. 22, 2014 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE---In this Jan. 7, 2015 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE---In this June 3, 2015 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE---In this July 1, 2015 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE---In this Oct. 7, 2015 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber,file) FILE - In this Oct. 28, 2015 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE---In this March 23, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this April 6, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this June 15, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this July 6, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this July 13, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this July 20, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) FILE - In this March 16, 2016 file photo, German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the chancellery in Berlin. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, file) IS claims deadly attack on Pakistani security forces QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) The Islamic State group has claimed the killing of four members of Pakistani security forces who were shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in the southwestern city of Quetta. The statement issued Sunday gave no further details about the attack, which took place the day before. The IS affiliate in Pakistan has grown in recent months by attracting disgruntled Taliban militants and by partnering with a violent sectarian group that targets the country's Shiite minority. IS claimed an attack on a Sufi shrine earlier this month that killed more than 50 people. A Pakistani paramilitary soldier monitors the area while Shiite Muslims arrive to attend a procession marking Chehlum in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. Chehlum, traditionally marks a period of mourning for the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) Pakistan has stepped up security ahead of Shiite processions on Sunday and Monday to mourn Imam Hussein, the slain grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Some suburbanites to sidewalk backers: 'Stay off our lawns' WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa (AP) When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage outdoor activities, they anticipated some grumbling from residents who liked the look of uninterrupted, lush lawns. They didn't expect packed City Council meetings, protest signs stretching down leafy suburban streets and threats to defeat officials in the next election. "People are afraid of change," City Council member Threase Harms said of sidewalk opponents. "They are very passionate, but I think they've gone a little too far with their passion." Cars sit lined up near a school at afternoon pickup time, Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, in Windsor Heights, Iowa. When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage outdoor activities, they anticipated some grumbling from residents who liked the look of uninterrupted, lush lawns. They didn't expect packed City Council meetings, protest signs stretching down leafy suburban streets and threats to defeat officials in the next election. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) At a time of rising obesity rates and a push for cities to encourage more active lifestyles, intense opposition to sidewalks may seem surprising, but similar disputes are raging in neighborhoods across the country. Residents have crowded into meetings to oppose sidewalks in communities from the Minneapolis suburb of Edina to parts of Washington, D.C., and from the Rochester, New York, suburb of Irondequoit to the Kansas City suburb of Prairie Village, Kansas, and the Milwaukee suburb of Delafield. Like Windsor Heights, most of the disagreements are in neighborhoods built in the 1950s and 1960s that were designed to be different from the larger cities they border. The absence of sidewalks was intended to give the neighborhoods a rural appearance and more privacy at a time when walking for exercise was less common. More than half a century later, lots of residents want to keep it that way. Among them is Chris Angier, who grew up in Windsor Heights on a street without a sidewalk and notes, "Guess I'm still alive." Angier has moved from the area but has been involved in efforts to fight the sidewalks that would cut across his mother's lawn. She's in her mid-80s and has lived in the house since 1964. Like other residents, Angier blames the sidewalk push on newly elected City Council members who moved from Des Moines and other nearby cities. "Many of us older residents wish they'd go back where they came from," said Angier. Just down the street, John Giblin echoes that thought, noting dryly, "They tell us we have to get with the times." The arguments are similar in the suburb-like Washington, D.C., neighborhood of Hawthorne, where for years residents have bickered over plans to install sidewalks along a busy thoroughfare, Chestnut Street. The fight has been going on for so long that supporters recently bought new pro-sidewalk signs because the old ones had weathered in the past decade. Even as he and other neighbors pressure city government to build sidewalks along Chestnut, resident Everett Lott acknowledged, "It's the strangest thing." Lott said that with exceptions, the fight is generational, as younger people with children seek sidewalks and older residents resist. "People feel like it's their land and they shouldn't have their land infringed upon," said Lott, whose now 9-year-old son was 2 when he became involved in the sidewalk effort. "They moved in 30 years ago and chose it for the look and feel, and they want to preserve that, but the city is changing." In Edina, Minnesota, an affluent suburb of Minneapolis, neighbors have packed hearings to oppose the City Council's plan to add sidewalks over a 20 year period, saying there was no need to "citify" the community. Despite the opposition, Mayor James Hovland said officials have moved ahead with their plans and find the opposition is eroding. Hovland acknowledged there are holdouts, especially residents of large, more rural lots, but he said those spots aren't a top priority for sidewalks, anyway. "It's different from the 1960s, when everything was oriented around the automobile," he said. "We're seeing less of that now." Still, some residents can't see why they need to change what drew them to the suburbs in the first place. Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, an urban planning professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, notes privacy has always been a selling point for suburban residents, dating back a century or more. "Suburbs were marketed as completely different from the evil urban settings," she said. "Private, rural, very green areas." Transportation experts also acknowledge pushback when suburban cities make changes. Emiko Atherton, director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, which advocates for street improvements that benefit bikers and walkers, said such sidewalks make sense, pointing to statistics showing improvements in safety, housing prices and health in areas that make changes. In Windsor Heights, officials said they haven't made final decisions about sidewalks but would make changes in coming months to make the city's street system safer and better serve all users, not just motorists. Angier noted that Windsor Heights officials can't point to any serious crashes that have hurt walkers, and he expects residents to take out their anger at future elections. "Whoever runs against the mayor and council next time will be very well-funded," he said. ___ Follow Scott McFetridge on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/smcfetridge A school bus makes a turn down a street with no sidewalks, Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, in Windsor Heights, Iowa. When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage outdoor activities, they anticipated some grumbling from residents who liked the look of uninterrupted, lush lawns. They didn't expect packed City Council meetings, protest signs stretching down leafy suburban streets and threats to defeat officials in the next election. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) A truck passes a sidewalks protest sign in a front yard, Monday, Oct. 31, 2016, in Windsor Heights, Iowa. When officials in the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights began talking about installing sidewalks to improve safety and encourage outdoor activities, they anticipated some grumbling from residents who liked the look of uninterrupted, lush lawns. They didn't expect packed City Council meetings, protest signs stretching down leafy suburban streets and threats to defeat officials in the next election. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Judge allows suit by ex-TV anchor fired after online remarks PITTSBURGH (AP) A federal judge has declined to throw out a lawsuit filed by a former Pittsburgh newscaster fired after her comments in a Facebook post about a shooting were deemed racially insensitive. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://bit.ly/2gxQq9e ) reports that the judge Friday denied an attempt by Hearst Stations Inc. to dismiss the lawsuit by former WTAE news anchor Wendy Bell. She is seeking back pay, punitive damages and her old job back. Bell, who is white, had commented on the March 9 shooting of five black people and an unborn child during a cookout in the poor Pittsburgh suburb of Wilkinsburg. "You needn't be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts," Bell wrote March 21. "They are young black men, likely in their teens or in their early 20s. They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs. These boys have been in the system before. They've grown up there. They know the police. They've been arrested." Bell's comments sparked a backlash from some who saw her words as racist but also drew defenders who found her post honest. She was fired nine days later after WTAE determined her remarks violated the company's journalism and ethics standards. Bell alleges in the suit filed in June that the station violated her rights in firing her March 30 because if she had written the same comments about white criminal suspects "or had her race not have been white" she would not have been fired or even disciplined. Her suit says her "posting of concern for the African-American community stung by mass shooting was clearly and obviously not intended to be racially offensive." Hearst filed a motion to have the lawsuit dismissed in September, arguing that she had no evidence supporting her claim. In her ruling, the judge wrote Friday, "Bell is entitled to proceed to discovery, and this motion to dismiss is denied." Cheron Shelton, 29, and Robert Thomas, 27, both of whom are black, have since been charged in the ambush slayings at the cookout. The Allegheny County district attorneys' office says it will seek capital punishment if they are convicted of first-degree murder. Their lawyers say their clients are innocent. ___ Mexican president's approval rating hits new low MEXICO CITY (AP) A new poll suggests Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level since he took office in December 2012. Only 25 percent of those surveyed approved of the president, down from 29 percent in July. The poll by the El Universal newspaper surveyed 1,000 people between November 11 and 15 and has a margin of error of 3.5 percent. Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto attends a meeting with leaders of participating countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) The president's approval has fallen steadily during the past year from 42 percent last November. Meanwhile, the portion of those disapproving has risen to 66 percent. President Barack Obama said Sunday he doesn't intend to become his successor's constant critic but reserved the right to speak out if President-elect Donald Trump or his policies breach certain 'values or ideals.' Offering a rare glimpse into his thoughts on his post-presidency, Obama suggested once he was out of office he would uphold the tradition of ex-presidents stepping aside quietly to allow their successors space to govern. He heaped praise on former President George W. Bush, saying he 'could not have been more gracious to me when I came in' and said he wanted to give Trump the same chance to pursue his agenda 'without somebody popping off' at every turn. But Obama suggested there may be limits to his silence. He will be the first U.S. president in nearly 100 years to remain in Washington after he leaves office. The first family will stay put so their daughters can finish high school. President Barack Obama said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Lima, Peru on Sunday that he might criticize Donald Trump if he threatens unspecified 'ideals' President-elect Donald Trump and vice president-elect Mike Pence will have room to run but not too much as Obama will remain in Washington 'As an American citizen who cares deeply about our country, if there are issues that have less to do with the specifics of some legislative proposal or battle or go to core questions about our values and ideals, and if I think that it's necessary or helpful for me to defend those ideals, I'll examine it when it comes,' Obama told reporters. Obama, who has consistently praised Bush for the way he's handled his ex-presidency, faces a conundrum about how to handle his own. Though he's vowed to ensure a smooth handover of power, Obama is keenly aware he's being replaced by a new president who holds antithetical views on issue after issue. The president spoke out vigorously throughout the campaign against Trump's calls for banning Muslim immigrants, deporting millions of people living in the U.S. illegally, repealing 'Obamacare,' and canceling the Paris climate deal, to name a few. Those policy proposals and others like them have stoked fear for many Americans who oppose Trump and are hoping vehement opposition from Obama and other Democrats might prevent Trump from implementing them. Obama said trade tensions are likely under the new administration but once Trump's people see how the deals are working, 'they'll determine that it's actually good both for the United States and our trading partners' The president's final foreign trip included a meeting with China's President Xi Jingping; sitting with Obama are (L-R) Deputy National Security Adviser For Strategic Communications Ben Rhodes, United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and National Security Adviser Susan Rice Though Obama didn't specify what might trigger him to break silence, he left himself a broad window of possibilities. His comments suggested he'd be most inclined to weigh in if Trump violated basic principles Obama has tried to uphold, such as minority rights, equal protection and respect for civilian life. Obama has long warned that Trump might impulsively use nuclear weapons, and has cast a dim view on ideas like a Muslim registry, which Trump's incoming chief of staff declined on Sunday to rule out. Yet Obama suggested that while he might not always hold his tongue, his goal wasn't to spend his time publicly disparaging his replacement. 'My intention is to, certainly for the next 2 months, just finish my job,' Obama said. 'And then after that, to take Michelle on vacation, get some rest, spend time with my girls, and do some writing, do some thinking.' Bush, like many ex-presidents, strictly avoided opining on politics during Obama's eight years. Former President Bill Clinton, after leaving office, focused his attention on global humanitarian issues, especially as his wife entered politics. Former President Jimmy Carter was more vocal in his views in his post-White House years, occasionally stirring up controversy with comments critical of Israel. Obama seemed aware of the traditional post-presidential silence, saying he would rather give President-elect Donald Trump room to run 'without somebody popping off' at every turn Former President Jimmy Carter (center) was vocal about his views in his post-White House years, occasionally stirring up controversy with comments critical of Israel Obama's remarks at a news conference in Lima offered some of his most specific indications to date of how he feels Democrats and Trump opponents should handle the next four years. Asked whether Democrats in the Senate should follow Republicans' example of refusing to even consider a Supreme Court nominee, Obama said they should not. 'You give them a hearing,' said Obama, whose own Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, has lingered for more than half a year due to the GOP's insistence that no Obama nominee be considered. Obama said he certainly didn't want Democrats to adopt that tactic spearheaded this year by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. 'That's not why the American people send us to Washington, to play those games,' Obama said. He declined to weigh in explicitly on whether House Democrats should stick with Rep. Nancy Pelosi as minority leader, arguing it was improper to meddle in the vote. But he said of the California Democrat, who faces a challenge for the leadership post: 'I cannot speak highly enough of Nancy Pelosi.' Obama's remarks came as he concluded his final world tour as president. For Obama, it was the last time he'd take questions on foreign soil, a staple of his overseas trips that his administration has seen as an important symbol of America's commitment to a rigorous free press. On his final day in Peru, Obama chatted briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine and the Syria crisis, though Obama said the U.S. accusation that Moscow tried to influence the U.S. election didn't come up. The four-minute conversation, likely their last face-to-face interaction, came amid intense speculation about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory approach to Russia Putin, speaking later in Lima, said he and Obama had a difficult working relationship but 'always respected each other's positions and each other.' He said he'd thanked Obama and told him he'd be welcome in Russia 'at any time.' Colorado Rhodes Scholar to study mass migrations DENVER (AP) A former Colorado high school student is headed to the University of Oxford after winning a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to study mass migrations caused by world turmoil. Hannah Carrese said the current definition of a refugee is outdated in the 21st century because international agreements apply to individuals fleeing violence or persecution, and not mass migrations from places like Syria, Honduras, El Salvador and North Africa. Carrese worked with refugees from Bhutan in Colorado Springs while she was in high school, and she then went to Mexico to work with refugees fleeing violence in Central America. This undated handout photograph provided by Hannah Carrese shows Carrese, winner of a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford. Carrese will study mass migrations caused by world turmoil. Carrese worked with refugees from Bhutan while she was in high school in Colorado Springs, Colo., and went to Mexico to work with refugees fleeing violence in Central America. (Hannah Carrese via AP) Carrese said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that when she gets to Oxford next year she plans to look for ways to provide aid so people won't have to flee their homes and find new policies for countries to deal with mass influxes of refugees. "These people don't fit the international definition of a refugee, but they're still fleeing violence," said Carrese, who graduated from Yale University in May. She said under current rules, individuals must show they need refuge in another country because of persecution for race, religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or that they are a member of a persecuted social group. "Now people are fleeing entire states in masses," she said, and countries around the globe have limited resources to deal with their problems. Carrese said people often criticize the United States over its immigration policies and deportation of undocumented immigrants, mostly Hispanics. But she said the United States is better than other countries because it provides paths to citizenship for people who qualify. She said people often are not aware of violence and discrimination in places like Bhutan, where Hindus are fleeing the Buddhist government, and places like Israel where the government is struggling to cope with large numbers of people from Ethiopia and Eritrea. Carrese said countries have dealt with immigrants for centuries, but the pace has escalated over the past decade, requiring new standards and policies to deal with them. ___ Online: Scholar and activist Cornel West returning to Harvard CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Harvard University officials say scholar and activist Cornel West is returning to the college, 14 years after he left the Ivy League school after a falling out with then-university President Lawrence Summers. Lawrence Bobo, chairman of Harvard's African and African-American studies department, tells The New York Times (http://nyti.ms/2fI8X0p ) that West will hold a joint appointment at the department and Harvard Divinity School. Bobo said the appointment will likely occur by July, but could happen as early as January. West left Harvard for Princeton University in New Jersey in 2002. He and Summers were at odds over the school's commitment to affirmative action and the quality of West's scholarship. West, who is now retired, did not immediately return a message Sunday. Rwanda: Catholic bishops apologize for role in genocide KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) The Catholic Church in Rwanda apologized on Sunday for the church's role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regretted the actions of those who participated in the massacres. "We apologize for all the wrongs the church committed. We apologize on behalf of all Christians for all forms of wrongs we committed. We regret that church members violated (their) oath of allegiance to God's commandments," said the statement by the Conference of Catholic Bishops, which was read out in parishes across the country. The statement acknowledged that church members planned, aided and executed the genocide, in which over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. FILE - In this Sunday, April 6, 2014 file photo, Rwandan children listen and pray during a Sunday morning service at the Saint-Famille Catholic church, the scene of many killings during the 1994 genocide, in the capital Kigali, Rwanda. The Catholic Church in Rwanda apologized on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, for the church's role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regretted the actions of those who participated in the massacres. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) In the years since the genocide which was sparked by a contentious plane crash that killed the then-president, a Hutu the local church had resisted efforts by the government and groups of survivors to acknowledge the church's complicity in mass murder, saying those church officials who committed crimes acted individually. Many of the victims died at the hands of priests, clergymen and nuns, according to some accounts by survivors, and the Rwandan government says many died in the churches where they had sought refuge. The bishops' statement is seen as a positive development in Rwanda's efforts at reconciliation. "Forgive us for the crime of hate in the country to the extent of also hating our colleagues because of their ethnicity. We didn't show that we are one family but instead killed each other," the statement said. The statement was timed to coincide with the formal end Sunday of the Holy Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis to encourage greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world, said Bishop Phillipe Rukamba, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Rwanda. Tom Ndahiro, a Rwandan genocide researcher, said he hoped the church's statement will encourage unity among Rwandans. "I am also happy to learn that in their statement, bishops apologize for not having been able to avert the genocide," he said. FILE - In this Friday, April 4, 2014 file photo, piles of clothes belonging to some of those who were slaughtered as they sought refuge inside the church, cover the pews as a memorial to the thousands who were killed during the 1994 genocide in and around the Catholic church in Nyamata, Rwanda. The Catholic Church in Rwanda apologized on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, for the church's role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regretted the actions of those who participated in the massacres. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) FILE - In this Friday, April 4, 2014 file photo, the clothes of some of those who were slaughtered as they sought refuge inside the church hang above coffins containing the remains of multiple victims, as a memorial to the thousands who were killed in and around the Catholic church during the 1994 genocide in Ntarama, Rwanda. The Catholic Church in Rwanda apologized on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, for the church's role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regretted the actions of those who participated in the massacres. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis, File) San Antonio police officer fatally shot while writing ticket A San Antonio police officer writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist was shot to death in his squad car Sunday outside police headquarters by another driver who pulled up from behind, authorities said. San Antonio police Chief William McManus identified the officer as Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, a 20-year veteran of the force. McManus said the suspect had not been apprehended Sunday night. He said he doesn't believe the man has any relationship to the original motorist who was pulled over, and no motive has been identified. An American flag and a Texas state flag fly at half-staff at San Antonio Police Department headquarters near a sign and flowers left by Lucy Aldaba after Det. Benjamin Marconi was fatally shot Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in San Antonio. Marconi was writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist when he was shot to death in his squad car Sunday outside police headquarters by another driver who pulled up from behind, authorities said. (Edward A. Ornelas/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) "We consider this suspect to be extremely dangerous and a clear threat to law enforcement officers and the public," said McManus, who added that after the shooting officers had been instructed to not make traffic stops alone. McManus said Marconi had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a car pulled up behind him. The driver of that car got out, walked up to the officer's driver-side window and shot Marconi twice in the head, then walked back to his car and drove away. Marconi was pronounced dead at a hospital. McManus said investigators are looking into all leads and motives, including whether it could be related to an officer-involved shooting earlier Sunday in the city. In that incident, McManus said, police fatally shot a man who pointed a gun at officers outside an apartment following a seven-hour standoff. "Hopefully, we'll solve this one real quick," McManus said. The police department posted a photo of a man on its Facebook page Sunday evening, saying "he might have information on the murder" of Marconi. Police are asking for assistance in identifying the man, who is shown wearing a hat and walking in the photo. Some streets downtown were blocked off with police tape as officials investigated the slaying. The shooting came less than five months after a gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And earlier this month, two Des Moines, Iowa-area police officers were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. "It's always difficult, especially in this this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country," McManus said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the slaying a "horrific act of violence." Abbott said in a statement that "attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice." San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and the entire police force Later Sunday a police sergeant in St. Louis was hospitalized in critical condition but was expected to survive after being shot in what the police chief calls an "ambush." Police Chief Sam Dotson said the 46-year-old officer was shot twice in the face but is able to talk. Dotson said the officer was not involved in a call or a traffic stop but was sitting in traffic when another car pulled up alongside his marked police vehicle. The officer told police he heard at least two shots. The suspect got away. Police were using helicopters, SWAT teams and other resources in the search for the suspect. . San Antonio Police Department personnel investigate the scene after Det. Benjamin Marconi was fatally shot Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, in San Antonio. Marconi was writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist when he was shot to death in his squad car Sunday outside police headquarters by another driver who pulled up from behind, authorities said. (Edward A. Ornelas/The San Antonio Express-News via AP) The Latest: Police search for suspect in detective's killing SAN ANTONIO (AP) The Latest on the fatal shooting of a San Antonio police officer (all times local): 1 a.m. San Antonio Police say they are still looking for a suspect in the fatal shooting of Detective Benjamin Marconi and that no arrest has been made. Police issued the statement early Monday. Marconi was fatally shot late Sunday morning while writing a ticket in his squad car. Chief William McManus says an unknown suspect shot 50-year-old Marconi twice in the head. Marconi was a 20-year veteran of the force. McManus say the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle then walked up to the officer's driver-side window and opened fire. He says he does not believe the original motorist pulled over had any relationship to the shooter. ___ This story has been corrected to show quote said "murder," instead of "death." ___ 4:30 p.m. Authorities say the San Antonio police officer who was fatally shot while writing a ticket in his squad car was Det. Benjamin Marconi. Chief William McManus says an unknown suspect shot 50-year-old Marconi twice in the head. Marconi was a 20-year veteran of the force. McManus says the suspect is considered to be "extremely dangerous and a clear threat" to both officers and the public. He says officers have been advised to not make traffic stops alone. McManus said the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle then walked up to the officer's driver-side window and opened fire. He says he does not believe the original motorist pulled over had any relationship to the shooter. ___ 3 p.m. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is calling the fatal shooting of a San Antonio police officer a "horrific act of violence." In a statement Sunday, Abbott asked Texans to pray for the officer's loved ones. He says "attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice." Police say that the officer was fatally shot while writing a traffic ticket outside of police headquarters. Police Chief William McManus said the suspect is not known and has not yet been apprehended. A motive is not known. McManus said the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle then walked up to the officer's driver-side window and opened fire. The officer, a 20-year veteran of the force, was pronounced dead at a hospital. ___ 2:15 p.m. The mayor of San Antonio is extending her condolences to the family of the police officer who was fatally shot and the entire police force. In a statement Sunday following the shooting, Mayor Ivy Taylor said, "This type of crime cannot and will not be tolerated." Police say that the officer was fatally shot while writing a traffic ticket outside of police headquarters. Police Chief William McManus said the suspect is not known and has not yet been apprehended. A motive is not known. McManus said the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle then walked up to the officer's driver-side window and opened fire. The officer, a 20-year veteran of the force, was pronounced dead at a hospital. ___ 1:45 p.m. Authorities say a San Antonio police officer has been fatally shot while writing a traffic ticket outside of police headquarters. San Antonio police Chief William McManus said the officer was killed late Sunday morning. He says the suspect has not yet been apprehended and a motive is not known. McManus says the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his vehicle writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle got out, walked up to the officer's driver-side window and shot the officer in the head. The officer was pronounced dead at a hospital. He was a 20-year veteran of the police force. Ninja sword taken from card shop returned by buyer ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A katana sword that was missing from an Anchorage card shop has been returned. KTVA-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2gsRYQO) surveillance video shows a person dressed as a ninja leaving BOSCO'S Comic, Cards & Games with what looked to be the Japanese-style sword. Employee Eric Helmick said in an email that a man bought the sword from the thief and brought it back to the shop Thursday after hearing on the news that it was stolen. Helmick said the man waited at the shop for Anchorage police officers to arrive and told them what happened. The sword was slightly damaged. He said the shop's staffers are thankful this odd situation wasn't worse and that they all got a chuckle out of it. ___ Campaigners concerned about safeguarding of children in French reception centres Refugee children transferred from the Calais Jungle camp to areas across France have told of their desperation and pleaded to come to the UK urgently. Some of those interviewed since being moved to reception centres following the dismantling of the camp said they did not feel safe in their new surroundings and were tempted to flee. Just five of the 33 boys surveyed by Safe Passage for Citizens UK in the past week said they had been spoken to by Home Office officials since arriving at the centres. Citizens UK demonstrators outside the Home Office Lunar House in Croydon as child migrants arrived from France last month The last children left the Jungle camp at the beginning of November, but fears are now growing for their welfare as they await information on their applications for asylum. The charity has called on the Home Office to speed up the rate of transfers to the UK for unaccompanied children, and warned the temporary placements in reception centres should not be seen as a reason to delay bringing refugees to Britain. Two children are already known to have fled the centres, the charity said, while three of the boys it spoke to reported being forced to work picking fruit. Rabbi Janet Darley, Citizens UK Leader, said: "We are hugely concerned about the safeguarding of children in the CAOs (reception centres) in France. The Safe Passage team have had reports of forced labour, and unaccompanied children being made to live with adults. "Although the CAOs are, on the whole, safe places for the children to live, they cannot be used as an excuse to delay the transfer of children to the UK. Every day children are separated from their families in the UK, or the opportunity to be placed with foster families, they are missing out on their childhoods." One boy surveyed said he had "no proper food, clothes" and pleaded to come to the UK, while another said: "We are human not animals and we are stuck here". Bishop Paul Butler of the charity said: "Children in France are getting increasingly desperate as they hear little from officials, and fill the void with rumours and speculation. With children already absconding from the CAOs it is vital that the Home Office speeds up the rate of transfers to the UK." Earlier this week Home Office minister Robert Goodwill said the Government remains "absolutely committed" to bringing eligible children from France to the UK. Reedie survives criticism to win re-election as WADA president Sir Craig Reedie has fought off criticism over his handling of the Russian doping scandal to be re-elected as president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for a second consecutive three-year term. The 75-year-old Scot was re-elected unopposed by WADA's 38-strong foundation board in Glasgow, despite concerns expressed by a number of Olympic delegates over WADA's call for a blanket ban on all Russian athletes competing at Rio 2016. Reedie had received the support of the International Olympic Committee early this month, but doubts were raised during this week's annual gathering of the Association of National Olympic Committees in Doha. Sir Craig Reedie has been re-elected president of the World Anti-Doping Agency Reedie and WADA have been accused of blighting the build-up to the Rio Games by their handling of the doping allegations, in particular in favouring a stronger stance on Russia than the one ultimately adopted by the IOC. Reedie had told Press Association Sport earlier this week: "It makes no sense to walk away now. The situation needs to be resolved and it will be resolved. "I took this on expecting to serve two terms. OK, nobody imagined we would be spending two years dealing with Russia, but that is where we are at. "It might not look like it, but we are making real progress now. I am not walking away." Reedie may find himself at the centre of more controversy as he embarks on his second term with the difficult task of beginning to bring Russia in from the cold. The second part of the WADA-sponsored report into alleged doping improprieties by Canadian legal expert Richard McLaren is set to be released in December, and is expected to provide more damning details of Russian cheating. ANOC president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, one of the most powerful administrators in world sport, gave voice to this embarrassment, telling delegates that reform of the anti-doping system would be impossible without "a neutral chair" of WADA and even suggested the agency should be moved from Montreal to Geneva, closer to the headquarters of most Olympic sports. Pakistan dismissed for 171, NZ need 105 to win first test Nov 20 (Reuters) - New Zealand will chase a victory target of 105 after they bowled Pakistan out for 171 in their second innings on the fourth morning of the first test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday. The visitors resumed on 129 for seven, a lead of 62 runs, with pace bowler Sohail Khan on 22 and Asad Shafiq on six. Sohail continued to thwart New Zealand's attempts to wrap up the tail quickly, taking his eighth-wicket counter-attacking partnership with Shafiq to 53 before he was dismissed for 40. China's Xi presses Philippines, Vietnam to keep South China Sea issues bilateral BEIJING, Nov 20 (Reuters) - China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday. The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organisations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together. Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favour of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters. During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea," turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency. That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June. The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua. Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima. The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity," Xinhua said. The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea. On Thursday, a U.S. think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region. Reuters Health News Summary Following is a summary of current health news briefs. Can breastfeeding reduce babies' pain during vaccinations? Infants who nurse during vaccinations may cry less and feel less pain than babies who are soothed in other ways, a research review suggests. Researchers examined data on breastfeeding and infant pain during needle sticks from 10 previously published studies with a total of 1,066 babies ages one to 12 months. Childhood cancer survivors may not get needed adult care Children who've had cancer may be more likely to receive the follow-up care they need in adulthood if their parents take the time to teach them how to interact with doctors while they're young, a recent study suggests. "Parents who both act as a support for their children as they age and encourage their young adults to take responsibility for their health, for example talking to providers and understanding their health and health care, can provide a valuable balance of support and promotion of self-advocacy that is so important for young adults to stay engaged in their care," said lead study author Dr. Dava Szalda. Novartis backs off from 2016 date for testing Google autofocus lens Novartis has abandoned a 2016 goal to start testing its autofocus contact lens on people, though it said the groundbreaking product it is making with internet giant Google is "progressing steadily." "It is too early to say when exactly human clinical trials for these lenses will begin," a spokeswoman for the Basel-based drugmaker said in an email on Friday. UK kids in Scouts-Guides have better mental health at age 50 The mental health benefits of participation in childhood scouting activities might last for decades, a new study suggests. In the middle-aged study participants, mood and happiness tended to range in association with childhood social position - but not for grown-ups who had been in the Scouts-Guides program when they were young, researchers found. Myanmar health authorities struggle to prepare for Zika outbreak Myanmar is largely unprepared for an outbreak of Zika, experts say, with the health ministry slashing anti-virus measures due to lack of funds, overworked doctors skipping check-ups and pregnant women saying they are in the dark about the dangers. Zika has spread to some 60 countries and territories since the current outbreak was identified last year in Brazil, raising alarm over the rare birth defect microcephaly, as well as other neurological disorders it can cause in infants and adults. Artificial pancreas safe for hospitalized diabetics An automatic insulin delivery system that has performed well in type 1 diabetes patients also proved safe and feasible for type 2 diabetes patients on a general hospital ward, according to a U.K. study. The so-called artificial pancreas, or closed-loop insulin delivery system, monitors blood sugar levels and increases or decreases insulin delivery in response - approximating how a healthy pancreas would work, researchers write in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology. Andersons testing corn for vomitoxin at Indiana ethanol plant: website The Andersons Inc said it was testing every delivery of corn for vomitoxin from Monday at its ethanol plant near Clymers, in central Indiana, according to a company website on Friday. Vomitoxin, a plant toxin, can sicken animals and humans if eaten in large quantities. Its presence can be concentrated if infected corn is used to produce the ethanol byproduct of distillers' grains, an animal feed. Vomitoxin typically results from fungus that thrives when there is excess rain during corn's growing season. WHO declares end of Zika emergency but says virus remains a threat The World Health Organization on Friday declared that Zika no longer constitutes an international emergency, but it stressed a need for a long-term effort to address the virus, which has been linked to birth defects and neurological complications. Officials on WHO's Emergency Committee made clear the Zika still constitutes a global public health threat. They warned the virus, which has been found in 60 countries since the outbreak was identified last year in Brazil, will continue to spread where mosquitoes that carry the virus are present. Terminally ill British girl wins right to freeze her body: BBC A 14-year old girl who died of cancer has been cryogenically frozen in the hope she could be brought back to life in the future after winning a landmark court case shortly before her death, the BBC reported on Friday. It said the girl was supported in her wish to be preserved by her mother but not by her father. Smog may be easing, but in parts of China water quality worsens South Africa's opposition parties urge Zuma to report corruption to police JOHANNESBURG, Nov 20 (Reuters) - South African opposition parties on Sunday urged President Jacob Zuma to report acts of corruption after the scandal-plagued leader said he knows who is stealing public funds. Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has survived a string of corruption scandals almost unscathed, but this month the country's anti-graft watchdog called for a judicial inquiry into allegations of influence-peddling in the ANC government. Zuma, in a bid to cement support in his home province of Kwazulu-Natal, on Friday told supporters in Zulu: "I know they are stealing. I'm just watching them. I know them," local media reported. Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the nation's two largest opposition parties, on Sunday called on Zuma to share the information he has with authorities. "President Jacob Zuma has a legal duty to report, to the law enforcement authorities, those who he knows to be engaged in criminal behaviour," DA-leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement. The DA, which tabled a failed no-confidence motion against the president in Parliament last week, filed a criminal complaint against Zuma on Tuesday and will ask the police to also "investigate those people known by the President to be stealing", Maimane said. Zuma must immediately report those stealing public funds, otherwise the EFF too will lodge a criminal complaint against the president, the EFF said in a statement. Centre-left leader nominated as Estonia's next PM TALLINN, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Estonia's president has nominated Juri Ratas, the new leader of a centre-left, traditionally pro-Russian party, as prime minister who promised to leave foreign policy unchanged in a region worried about possible Russian aggression. Concerns in the Baltics and wider Eastern Europe about Russian expansionist ambitions have become more acute since Donald Trump's U.S. election victory because of his stance on NATO. The region sees the alliance as their main protection against Russia, but Trump has made pledges that would undermine NATO. Ratas took over as chairman of the Centre Party this month after its ageing founder stepped aside. Under Edgar Savisaar, the party did not criticise the foreign policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin and had a cooperation agreement with his party. However, its stance was not anti-EU or anti-NATO, and was less close to Moscow than counterparts in Moldova or Bulgaria. "I am confident that Juri Ratas will be able to form a strong and willing to act government. Estonia's current direction in foreign and security policy should remain and the leaders of all three parties have confirmed this to me," President Kersti Kaljulaid said in a statement. On Saturday the three parties aiming to form the new coalition government agreed to keep to the same security and foreign policies of the previous government, including support for sanctions imposed on Russia and keeping NATO defence spending at two percent of GDP or greater. Fears were stoked by Trump's remarks in July to the New York Times that he would consider a country's contribution to the alliance first before coming to a country's defence. A new ruling coalition under Ratas has the support of at least two junior partners to hold a total of 56 seats in the 101 seat parliament. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are members of the EU, Euro zone and depend on their NATO allies to police their airspace, and are expecting NATO alliance members to deploy ground troops next year to boost their defence forces and to deter Russia. The Centre Party also drew support from Estonia's ethnic Russians, who make up a quarter of its 1.3 million inhabitants. Its framework cooperation agreement with Putin's United Russia party was intended to bolster that support base but in a recent interview, Ratas has played down the agreement, saying it had been unused for several years. However he has not repudiated the agreement despite intense political pressure to do so. South Africa's Ramaphosa says has given ratings agencies positive news JOHANNESBURG, Nov 20 (Reuters) - South Africa has given credit ratings agencies "positive news" in recent meetings, the nation's deputy president said on Sunday after announcing a proposal for a national minimum wage. South Africa faces a possible downgrade to sub-investment grade by ratings agencies next month, with often violent strikes by labour unions over wages a major concern among investors. A government advisory panel on Sunday suggested a national minimum wage of 3,500 rand ($241.87) per month, around 20 rand an hour. "We have made tremendous progress on the labour instability issues," Cyril Ramaphosa said, referring to his discussions with ratings agencies. Around 47 percent of South Africa's workers earn less than 3,500 rand per month, Ramaphosa said, adding that he hopes labour unions, government and businesses conclude an agreement before the end of the year. "Now there is a figure on the table, around which there can be meaningful discussions," he said. Wages and salaries are politically sensitive in South Africa, where the official unemployment rate is close to 25 percent and inequality remains glaring more than 20 years after the end of apartheid. Supporters of a minimum wage say it can stimulate growth as workers can spend more while reducing inequality. Critics say it could lead to increased unemployment as employers will be unable to afford higher wage bills. Moody's rates South Africa two notches above subinvestment grade, with a negative outlook, while Fitch and S&P Global Ratings have it just a step above "junk". Mexico president's rating hits new low after Trump victory MEXICO CITY, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's approval rating has slumped to a new low since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidency last week, in part due to his invitation of the real estate tycoon to Mexico during the campaign, a poll showed on Sunday. The survey by polling firm Buendia & Laredo for newspaper El Universal said approval of Pena Nieto's performance had fallen to 25 percent from 29 percent in July, hurt by discontent about the economy, rising violence and failure to battle corruption. Pena Nieto's six-year term concludes at the end of November 2018, and opinion polls show his centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) faces an uphill battle to retain power after the next presidential election, scheduled for July 2018. Mexican law bars the president from seeking re-election. The government is scrambling to head off the risk of an economic shock from the election of Trump, who has pledged to isolate Mexico behind a border wall, and threatened to impose steep tariffs on Mexican goods and tear up a joint trade deal. To try and create some leverage, Pena Nieto's government hosted Trump for talks on Aug. 31. However, the hastily-arranged visit was staged with scant input from the cabinet and created the impression it was realized on Trump's terms. Some 66 percent of respondents said Pena Nieto had made a mistake in inviting Trump because he had offended Mexicans in the election campaign. Only 30 percent believed it was a wise move that furthered Mexico's interests, the survey showed. When asked what was the "worst thing" Pena Nieto had done, seven percent of respondents cited the meeting with Trump, the third most common answer. Only his reforms (12 percent), and failing to battle crime (nine percent) were cited more often. The Nov. 11-15 survey polled 1,000 permanent residents of Mexico and yielded Pena Nieto's lowest approval rating from Buendia & Laredo since he took office in December 2012. Trump sparked outrage in Mexico when he launched his bid for the presidency last year by accusing the country of sending rapists and drug runners north as illegal immigrants. Pena Nieto's close aide Luis Videgaray, who government officials said was the architect of the meeting, stood down as finance minister a week after Trump's trip. The president himself later conceded the visit could have been handled better. Burdened but unbowed, Merkel faces biggest test in tilt at 4th term By Paul Carrel BERLIN, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Announcing on Sunday she will seek a fourth term in office, Germany's Angela Merkel faces perhaps the biggest test of her career: defending the European and transatlantic status quo amid huge uncertainty for both. Already chancellor for 11 years, she must now anchor a western alliance shaken by Donald Trump's U.S. election victory, and bind together a European Union in which Germany has forged its post-war identity but which now risks breaking apart. What is more, with the imminent departure of U.S. President Barack Obama, Merkel alone stands as the West's last great hope for liberal democracy - a mantle she must assume from a position of diminished standing at home, and which may prove too much. "If she chooses to continue, she will have big burdens," Obama told reporters during a farewell visit to Berlin last week. "I wish I could be there to lighten her load somewhat, but she is tough." She will need to be. To succeed on the international stage in a fourth term, Merkel must first heal divisions over her open-door refugee policy that has alienated the Bavarian wing of her nation-wide conservative alliance. Polls put her Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) on around 33 percent, down some 10 percentage points from summer last year. Merkel will campaign for next September's election in an increasingly fractured political landscape, in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is likely to enter the national parliament for the first time next year. Her likely coalition partners are the Social Democrats (SPD), who are some 10 points behind her conservatives and with whom she now rules. But the AfD's rise makes coalition building more complicated and voters also risk becoming tired of her. "Boredom weakens you, even makes for ridicule, just as it did in Kohl's fourth and final term," said Josef Joffe, editor of German weekly Die Zeit, with reference to Merkel's mentor, former longtime Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2015, Merkel oversaw Europe's absorption last year of the biggest influx of migrants to the continent since World War Two, having only just steered the bloc through the euro zone crisis. "She is someone who finds satisfaction in all these challenges," one official close to Merkel, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of Lutheran pastor's daughter who grew up in communist East Germany. LIMITED LEVERAGE Yet Merkel must do more than survive and muddle through if she is to master the challenges a fourth term would bring. If she retains power next year, as is widely expected, Merkel will need to galvanise the European project at a time when the EU executive has embarked on a bitter row with Berlin by pressing it to spend more to lift euro zone growth. The push from Brussels, where Germany has tried to foist its fiscal discipline on other EU members, signals the limits of Merkel's capacity to lead in Europe, where her open-door migrant policy has proved especially unpopular with eastern neighbours. "Merkel could not impose her will on the distribution of refugees, nor on reform-minded fiscal discipline in Club Med," said Joffe, referring to southern European EU members. The fiscal policy row belies bigger geopolitical pressures. Britain's June 23 vote to leave the EU opens the way for a country to leave the bloc for the first time. As Europe's most powerful leader, Merkel must retain close ties with Britain without cutting a Brexit deal that tempts others facing a sluggish economy and worries about immigration to leave too. "Europe is in danger of falling apart," French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in Berlin on Thursday. "So Germany and France have a huge responsibility." The rise of Marine Le Pen's far-right National Front will leave the next French president ruling over a deeply divided country that can no longer play an equal role in the Franco-German tandem that has traditionally driven Europe. More immediately, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi risks losing a referendum on constitutional reform next month on which he has staked his political future. This leaves Germany as a reluctant hegemon at the centre of a fractured Europe into which Russia is seeking to project its power. Merkel has said Moscow may try to influence Germany's 2017 elections through cyber attacks and disinformation. Germany's pacifist instincts and modest military capabilities limit Merkel's ability to hold together the NATO alliance, whose members Trump slammed during the U.S. election campaign for not paying enough for their own defence. Merkel massaged down expectations about what she can do. Iran has shipped "surplus" heavy water to Oman - report DUBAI, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Iran has sent some "surplus" heavy water to Oman, an Iranian nuclear spokesman was quoted as saying on Sunday, after a U.N. atomic watchdog said Tehran was over a soft limit set under its nuclear deal with major powers. "In view of the progress of talks with several foreign firms and countries to purchase heavy water, some quantities of Iran's surplus production has been transferred to Oman," said Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA). ISNA said Kamalvandi told the agency that more heavy water would be sent to Oman as talks with oversees buyers made progress. He did not give details. There was no immediate official confirmation of the report. The United States and Iran clashed openly at the U.N. atomic watchdog on Thursday for the first time since they signed the landmark nuclear deal last year, differing over Tehran's repeated testing of one of the deal's less strictly defined limits. It was the second time Tehran had surpassed the 130 metric tonne threshold for heavy water, a material used in reactors like Iran's unfinished one at Arak, since the deal was put in place in January. Heavy water reactors can more efficiently produce plutonium, which can be used in weapons. Iran had 130.1 tonnes of the material, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a confidential report seen by Reuters. The IAEA said Iran was preparing to ship some heavy water out of the country to get back under the 130-tonne limit, but the U.S. ambassador to the agency said Tehran would not be in compliance until that heavy water had been delivered to a foreign buyer as the deal requires. A global recall of fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones did not appear to hurt U.S. consumers' willingness to buy Samsung Electronics phones, a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll released on Sunday showed. The survey conducted Oct. 26 to Nov. 9 found that current Samsung smartphone users were as loyal to their brand as Apple iPhone customers. It also found that people who knew about the recall were as interested in Samsung phones as those who did not. Scroll down for video The full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post admitted the company 'fell short' on its promise of delivering 'breakthrough technologies that enrich people's lives.' Samsung was plunged into a global scandal after Note 7 phones caught fire this year, prompting a worldwide recall. Some customers reported fixed phones overheated, leading Samsung to take back replacements as well. Investors expected Samsung customers would turn to alternatives, chiefly Apple's iPhone 7. Among those aware of the recall, 27 percent would first consider a Samsung smartphone if they were to shop for a phone, the poll showed. Among those who did not know about the recall, 25 percent would look first at a Samsung device. The poll found that Samsung's customers were fiercely loyal to their brand. Some 91 percent of current Samsung users would likely purchase another Samsung smartphone, and 92 percent of current users would probably buy another Samsung product in general. That was similar to the brand loyalty among current iPhone owners: 92 percent would likely buy another iPhone and 89 percent would likely buy another Apple product. To be sure, it was unclear how much the Samsung recall weighed on the minds of consumers. The Reuters/Ipsos poll measured how interested people were in buying Samsung phones, not how much the recall directly influenced their decisions. Samsung has permanently discontinued the Galaxy Note 7, due to some exploding, and asked users to return their device for a refund or exchange. They could have avoided the disaster by giving the Note 7 devices a user-removable battery. Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research said the recall was mostly limited to early adopters rather than the majority of Samsung's customer base, which limited negative user experiences. "Your own personal experience trumps what you read and what people tell you," Dawson said. Samsung has said that customers chose another Samsung model as a replacement for the Note 7 in a majority of instances, without giving more detail. It has said nearly 85 percent of the recalled Note 7 devices had been replaced or returned through its refund and exchange program as of Nov. 4. Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research said the recall was mostly limited to early adopters rather than the majority of Samsung's customer base, which limited negative user experiences. In a statement it said it was now focused on "ensuring customer safety and understanding the root cause of the issue." The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online in English in all 50 states. It included 2,375 people who own Samsung phones and 3,158 people who own iPhones. The poll has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 2 percentage points. The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has launched an investigation into the fire erupted at the Pepiliyana, Boralesgamuwa Fashion Bug store on Saturday night. Colombo Crime Division Director, SP Nishantha de Soysa yesterday told the Daily Mirror that a special team has been appointed for the investigation based on the complaint lodged by the textile store owners with the Boralesgamuwa Police. He said that they would start recording statements from relevant parties and the CCTV footage would be used to investigate the cause of the fire. He said they are awaiting reports from the Government Analyst and Electrical Engineers who observed the store after the fire. The fire had apparently destroyed the entire textile warehouse, but the cause of fire and the extent of damage were not yet known. The fire was doused by the fire brigade. Meanwhile, Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan and Former Provincial Councillor Azath Salley visited the site after the fire broke out. (Piyumi Fonseka) Sri Lanka Navy yesterday assisted the Sri Lanka Coast Guard to arrest 11 Indian fishermen who were fishing illegally in Sri Lankan waters off the seas of Delft Island. The Navy said two Indian fishing trawlers were also taken into custody along with the fishermen. The fishermen and their trawlers were brought to Karainagar and will be handed over to the Jaffna fisheries authorities for legal action. Twenty four (24) vocational subjects such as robotics that has demand in the job market would be introduced for students who fail at the G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations, Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday. He said that the government wanted to grant a 13-year continuous education to all students and those who were disqualified for A/Ls need not give up their education after O/Ls. Courses will be like robotics, tourism, graphic designing and cookery, he said. While speaking at an event in Kuliyapitiya, Minister Kariyawasam said around 120, 000 students, who annually fail O/Ls would be added to continue their higher education, not in the normal A/L stream but in the vocational education system. Accordingly, students will be able to choose three or four of their preferred subjects. The students should be able to use the education they gather from the new courses for their career. Our aim is to prevent students this young from straying into anti-social activities, he said. He went on to say that this kind of education methods were available in many countries such as the United States of America, Japan and Finland. Recently, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also said a new education policy would enable students to pursue higher education in the A/L classes even though they fail the O/L examination. Meanwhile, he said that he had signed special circular banning school teachers from accepting gifts from students. The minister had taken the decision following complaints received from parents, who claimed about trends, especially at State schools, to collect funds from parents, to distribute gifts among teachers. Minister Kariyawasam said that when teachers were paid a considerable monthly salary, such practices should be terminated. (Piyumi Fonseka) Sri Lankas premier blue chip, John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), last week said, raising of funds for its Cinnamon Life project, the single largest private investment so far in the country, had been completed. Cinnamon Life, which was earlier known as Waterfront Project, is estimated to require an investment up to US $ 770 million and based on the funding profile, the project is funded equally through debt and equity. JKH in a stock exchange filing said it had concluded the conversion of its 2016 warrants, the second and the last in the line of capital calls through warrants to fund the project, which is now being built in the heart of Colombo. However, unlike the 2015 warrants, which saw near full subscription levels, the shareholders have exercised and accepted only a fraction of the 2016 warrants on offer. That is, out of the 57.46 million warrants, only 21.28 million warrants have been exercised and accepted for a total of Rs.3.18 billion. This has led to a shortfall of funds to the tune of Rs.5.38 billion from 2016 warrants because if total warrants were fully subscribed, the company should have received Rs.8.58 billion at an exercise price of Rs.149.29. This raises questions whether JKH has lowered the scale of the project, which demands a lower investment than originally planned, or the company has secured additional debt funding. Or may be JKH is operating with adequate internally generated cash reserves to fund the shortfall in the equity portion of the funding mix. The equity and debt financing requirement for the Cinnamon Life project remains secured with the conclusion of the required debt financing for the project in December 2014 and availability of cash reserves to meet equity commitments through the capital raised via the 2013 rights issue, 2015 Warrants and internally generated cash, JKH said in the filing. When the project was initially announced in July 2013, JKH raised Rs.23.1 billion through a rights issue in September 2013 in the proportion of one new share for every thirteen held. The rights were attached with warrants. That is, any subscriber to the rights will automatically be entitled to subscribe for two warrants in 2015 and 2016. Each warrant equals to a share. In 2015, out of the 50.28 million warrants in issue, a total of 49.25 million warrants were exercised and accepted for a total of Rs.7.97 billion. Meanwhile, in June 2015, JKH secured US $ 395 million syndicated project development facility from Standard Chartered Bank effectively concluding the debt financing of the project. Hence, no evidence points to JKH securing additional debt funding to finance the project. The company however may have changed the designing and the positioning of the project slightly after the government restricted the ability to rent space for gaming activities as earlier planned. Early this year, JKH announced the project would be delayed until 2019 from the earlier planned 2017. The 4.5 million square feet flagship project will house a 800-room, 6-star hotel, retail, residential and office spaces and a conference centre, largely targeting the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Korean Air announced that the company posted its biggest quarterly profit in history, dispelling recent worries about its financial instability (non-consolidated).In the 3rd quarter of 2016, Korean Air recorded sales revenue of 3.06 trillion won, an operating profit of 447.6 billion won and a net profit of 428 billion won. The 447.6 billion won operating profit was the biggest ever quarterly operating profit for Korean Air, surpassing previous record of 416.5 billion won in the 3rd quarter of 2010. Sales and operating profit was up by 4.7 percent and 34.9 percent respectively, compared to the same period last year. The net income also returned to profit. After reflecting a total loss of 825 billion won related to Hanjin Shipping in its financial statements for the past three quarters (2016 1Q-3Q), Korean Air has completely removed its financial risk brought by Hanjin Shipping. Furthermore, thanks to the biggest quarterly profit and the increase in capital, Korean Air reduced its debt ratio to 917 percent. Korean Air spokesman said, As Hanjin Shipping is under court receivership, Hanjin Group will no longer provide further financial support to the company. Thus, Korean Airs debt ratio will not be influenced anymore. He added, We will monitor closely on the market response and will put in our best effort to improve our financial structure. One person was killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen in a car opened fired near the Babaliyagolla mosque in Ankumbura, Kandy this morning. Police said the victims were waiting on the side of the road near the mosque when the incident occurred. The injured were admitted to the Kandy Hospital and one of them succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment. The gunmen had fled the scene but the police arrested one suspect, a 30-year-old Mohammad Ali who is a resident of Kandy, along with a T56 weapon. They had also found the car which had been used for the shooting at Poojapitiya area. Six police teams have been deployed to arrest two more suspects in connection with the shooting.Police suspect a personnel dispute might have led to the shooting. Video by Ranjith Rajapaksa In a time of low private sector investments, electricity sector regulator Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) cautioned that the construction of major state-owned power plants have been pushed back by 2 years due to delays of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), resurfacing concerns of a power crisis. CEBs latest Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) is planning to add 1,230 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2020, which the PUCSL last month assured would avoid a power crisis. Critical plants for the period of 2017-2020 have been delayed up to two years from the LCLTGEP which ultimately result in not meeting the countrys timely required electricity demand and may create issues to the continuation of supply of electricity throughout the country, a PUCSL statement this weekend said. Some of the smaller power plants have been delayed by between 6-18 months. Following warnings by independent energy expert Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya earlier this year that a power crisis would occur by 2018 due to the lack of commissioning of new power plantsa conclusion which both PUCSL and CEB later arrived atthe timetable for new plants was advanced. The regulator asked CEB to submit a report on why the delays have occurred, the impact to the countrys electricity supply resulting from the delays, to provide solutions if there is such an impact, and to provide evidence that CEB has not violated its license conditions and the Sri Lanka Electricity Act. The CEB owned power plants are to make up 60 percent of the 1,230 MW new capacity, and the private sector is expected to contribute the remaining 485 MW by investing in renewable energy power plants. However, as reported by Mirror Business last month, investor interest in the power sector has been waning since last year, and the government is also moving to cancel any standardized power purchase agreements for which plants have not begun construction by December 31, 2016. Further, some investors are complaining that the CEB is not interested in facilitating the construction of private sector power plants, while many Sri Lankan power companies are now focusing on entering high-growth markets in Africa. In mid-October, just 44 private sector projects totalling 127 MW were in the pipeline locally, a concern which PUCSL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe had pushed aside, saying that the CEB projects would be sufficient. Kumarasinghe had taken refuge in the fact that the country currently has a 3,900MW generation capacity, compared to a peak time demand of around 2,500 MW and the CEB construction alone would create a healthy buffer between future supply and demand. Despite the current surplus of supply, the country has experienced multiple major blackouts this year, since the Lakvijaya coal power plant which supplies 40 percent of the countrys energy requirement has run into difficulties. The most recent blackout occurred during a drought period, which put the hydro power plants, which has so far this year supplied around 25 percent of the countrys electricity, out of the equation. The CEB has projected peak time generation requirements to increase to 2,703MW by 2018 and 3003MW by 2020. However, the PUCSL had requested CEB to revise the figures, since the calculation methodology had not included some factors. Analysts had noted that the slowdown in small scale renewable energy power plants could create space for oil-fired power plants, which cost more to operate, but could be constructed relatively quickly. The continuous delay in construction of the now cancelled Sampur coal power plant, which was originally supposed to be commissioned by 2018 had given rise to the possibility of a power crisis. Prima Group Chairman/CEO Primus Cheng handing over a state of the art Sri Lanka Police command Center to President Maithripala Sirisena. Also present are Thushan Gunawardena Regional Manager (Ayonix), Suchindra Holla (Axis Country Manager SAARC), Akalanka Wijesundara (Axis Key Account Manager (Sri Lanka Maldives), Micheal Ray (CEO Axis ), Tan Beng Chuan (Group General Manager Prima Group Sri Lanka), Sagala Ratnayake (Minister Law and Order and Southern Development), Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, and Crysantha Perera (General Manager Prima Management Services (Pvt) Ltd) Pic By DamithWickramaisnghe By Supun Dias Prima Management Services, a member of Prima Group of Companies, Singapore, donated a state-of-the-art Command Centre to the Police Department at the recently held PMS Symposium on Information Technology. The keys to the new Command Centre were handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena who graced the occasion as the Cheif Guest which was held recently at Hilton Colombo. Prima Ceylon General Manager Tang Beng Chuan said that PMS embarked on its mission of providing benchmarked Video Security Surveillance Solutions, employing the expertise of the most qualified professionals in the industry. As the leader in the field, Prima has the highest number of certified engineers for IP surveillance cameras in the industry, and is the only company to have a Channel and Application development partnership with AXIS in Sri Lanka, he added. In addition, it is the only company to have expert level certification for video management software; and the only company to have expert level certification for video analytical software solutions, as well as a regional development centre for the one of the worlds fastest 3D face recognition engine, he added. This expertise has resulted in Prima Management Services being the provider of world-class security solutions to the Sri Lanka Aviation Authority and the Sri Lanka Police, he noted. Speaking at the occasion Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi said that the governments main intention was to safeguard the security of the country and its people. Therefore one of the key elements that need to be countered with the best knowledge is cyber security, he said. He thanked the efforts and research work done by PMS in providing the government agencies with the best technology. Globally, the attention on increased security of key international authorities, namely airports, military bases, commercial enterprises, banks and essential public areas continues to grow, with technology being employed to increase safety and security. One of the aims of hosting such a strategically significant event in Sri Lanka is to educate all stakeholders on new developments in the security surveillance industry and provide a hands-on experience. SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) President Suraj Vaidya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAARC Development Fund (SDF) CEO Dr. Sunil Motiwal during the SAARC CCI roundtable conference on Energizing SAARC: Creating synergies in collaboration with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, at Soaltee Crown Plaza Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal, recently. The MoU was signed with an objective to contribute towards socioeconomic development of the SAARC region through project collaboration. Both institutions agreed to collaborate to leverage synergies in their skills, strengths and competencies to further strengthen their collaborative links. Very recently, the SAARC CCI has brought forward a study wherein more than 120 potential projects are identified for investment in SAARC member states. The study highlights 15 to 20 projects from each member country of SAARC. SAARC Development Bank, China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and partners from the development sector have shown keen interest in partnering the launch of the study.Furthermore, the SAARC CCI and Faisalabad Investment Industrial Estate Development & Management Company have recently signed an MoU for developing the first-of-its-kind SAARC Industrial Park in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The industrial park will attract investments from all eight member states to form industrial units, with special incentives to promote trade and commerce across the SAARC. Both the SAARC Development Fund and SAARC CCI agreed to communicate with each other on an ongoing basis for sharing information, experiences and potential areas of collaboration. Such sharing may include, inter alia, information about relevant international economic and social development programmes, new initiatives and opportunities in the region. The SAARC CCI has a mandate to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors and to promote economic cooperation through trade liberation among the SAARC member states. The mandate of the SAARC Development Fund, established in April 2010, is to promote the welfare of the people of the SAARC region and to accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the region, contributing towards regional cooperation and integration through project collaboration. The event was graced by former Bangladesh Power Minister Prof. Mohammed Tamim, former Maldives Presidents Office Minister and Maldives Ambassador-designate to Japan Mohamed Hussain Shareef, former Pakistan Finance Minister Dr. Salman Ali Shah, PTC-India Chairman Deepak Amitabh, former Maldives Defence and National Security Minister Ahmed Mujuthaba, SAARC Secretary General Arjun Bahadur Thapa, SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) Director General Dr. Thusantha Wijemanna, Pakistan energy expert Aslam Khan, SAARC CCI Nepal Vice President Om Rajbhandari, SAARC CCI Bhutan Vice President Karma Dorji and SAARC CCI Executive Director Hina Saeed. Minister Janardan Sharma (Prabhakar) also was present. Three Maldivian nationals and a Pakistani national were arrested with two kilos of heroin worth Rs. 20 million in Mount Lavinia last night by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). Director of the PNB, SSP Kamal Silva said the raid was conducted on the information gathered from suspects who were already in custody. Silva said that at least 10 Maldivian nationals were arrested in the last six months on charges of heroin smuggling. He said investigations revealed that the Pakistani national was of a main handler. SSP Silva said the suspects would be detained for further questioning after they were produced in court.(Darshana Sanjeewa) Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (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 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! 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(Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West The following companies are subsidiares of Textron: AAI Corporation, AAI Services Corporation, ALSTOM Gears, Able Aerospace, Able Aerospace Services Inc., Able Engineering & Component Services, Aeronautical Accessories LLC, Airborne Tactical Advantage Company LLC, Arctic Cat, Arctic Cat ACE Holding GmbH, Arctic Cat France SARL, Arctic Cat GmbH, Arctic Cat Inc., Arctic Cat Production LLC, Arctic Cat Production Support LLC, Arctic Cat Sales Inc., Arctic Cat Shared Services LLC, Arctic Cat UK Ltd., Arkansas Aerospace Inc., Avco Corporation, Aviation Service servis letal doo Ljubljana, Aylesbury Automation, B/K Navigational Equipment sro, BELL TEXTRON ASIA (PTE.) LTD., Beech Aircraft Corporation, Beech Holdings, Beechcraft Defense Support Holding LLC, Beechcraft Domestic Service Company, Beechcraft Germany GmbH, Beechcraft International Holding LLC, Beechcraft International Service Company, Beechcraft New Zealand, Bell Textron Canada International Inc., Bell Textron Canada Limited/Limitee, Bell Textron Co. Ltd, Bell Textron Inc., Bell Textron Korea Inc., Bell Textron LLC, Bell Textron Miami Inc., Bell Textron Prague a.s., Bell Textron Rhode Island Inc., Bell Textron Services Inc., Bell Textron Supply Center BV, Bell Textron Technical Services Inc., Benzlers, Brazaco Mapri Industrias, Burkland, Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Citation European Service Center SAS (99.9%; 1 share Textron France SAS), Cessna Dusseldorf Citation Service Center GmbH, Cessna Finance Corporation, Cessna Finance Export Corporation, Cessna Mexico S de RL de CV, Cessna Spanish Citation Service Center SLU, Cessna Zurich Citation Service Center GmbH, Citation Parts Distribution International Inc., Cushman Inc., Datacom Technologies, David Brown Group, Doncaster Citation Service Centre Limited, E-Z-GO Canada Limited, Energy Manufacturing, Flexalloy, HBC LLC, Hawker Beech de Mexico S de RL de CV, Hawker Beechcraft Argentina SA , Howe & Howe Inc., Howe and Howe Technologies, Industrial Technology Inc., InteSys Technologies, International Product Support Inc., KSB Annecy SAS, Kautex (Changchun) Plastics Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Chongqing) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Guangzhou) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Pinghu) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Shanghai) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex (Wuhan) Plastic Technology Co. Ltd., Kautex Corporation, Kautex Craiova srl, Kautex Germany Holding GmbH, Kautex Inc., Kautex Japan KK, Kautex Shanghai GmbH, Kautex Textron (UK) Limited, Kautex Textron Benelux BVBA, Kautex Textron Bohemia spol sro, Kautex Textron CVS Limited, Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG, Kautex Textron Iberica SL, Kautex Textron Management Services Company de Puebla S. de RL de CV, Kautex Textron Portugal Produtos Plasticos Sociedade Unipessoal Lda., Kautex Textron de Mexico S de RL de CV, Kautex Textron do Brasil Ltda., Kautex of Georgia Inc., Kaywood Products Corp., Klauke, LCI Corporation International, LLC Textron RUS, Maag, McCord Corporation, Mechtronix, Medical Numerics Inc., Midland Industrial Plastics, MillenWorks, MillenWorks Themed Technologies, MotorFist LLC, OPINICUS Simulation and Training Services LLC, OmniQuip International, Opinicus, Optical Boring Co., Opto-Electronics, Opto-Electronics Inc., Overwatch Systems, PEINER Umformtechnik, Pipistrel, Pirelli Tyres - General Rubber Goods (GRG) division, Premiair Aviation Maintenance Pty Ltd, Progressive Electronics, Ransomes, Ransomes Inc., Ransomes Investment LLC, Ransomes Jacobsen France SAS, Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, Ransomes Limited, Ransomes Pensions Trustee Company Limited, Replacement Part Solutions LLC, Response Technologies LLC, Rotor Blades Limited, Sukosim Verbindungselemente, TRU Simulation & Training Spain SL, TRU Simulation + Training Inc., TRU Simulation + Training LLC, TekGPS Engineering Srl, Textron Airland LLC, Textron Atlantic LLC, Textron Aviation Australia Pty. Ltd., Textron Aviation Canada Ltd., Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Textron Aviation Finance Corporation, Textron Aviation Inc., Textron Aviation Prague Service Center sro, Textron Aviation Rhode Island Inc., Textron Aviation Services de Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Capital BV, Textron Communications Inc., Textron Far East Pte. Ltd., Textron Finance Holding Company, Textron Financial Corporation, Textron Financial Corporation Receivables Trust 2002-CP-2, Textron Fluid and Power Inc., Textron France Holding SAS, Textron France SAS, Textron Global Services Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., Textron Ground Support Equipment UK Limited, Textron IPMP Inc., Textron India Private Limited , Textron Innovations Inc., Textron International Inc., Textron International Mexico S de RL de CV, Textron Limited, Textron Management Services Inc., Textron Motors GmbH, Textron Motors North America Inc., Textron Outdoor Power Equipment Inc., Textron Realty Corporation, Textron Shared Service Centre (Canada) Inc., Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., Textron Sweden AB, Textron Systems Australia Holding Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Textron Systems Canada Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK (Holdings) Limited, Textron Systems Electronic Systems UK Limited, Textron Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Textron UK Pension Trustee Limited, Textron Verwaltungs-GmbH, Turbine Engine Components Textron (Newington Operations) Inc., United Industrial Corporation, Westminster Insurance Company, Williams Machine & Tool, and Zhenjiang Bell Textron Aviation Services Limited. Read More S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (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 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (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 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West Assured Guaranty Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides credit protection products to public finance, infrastructure, and structured finance markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Insurance and Asset Management. It offers financial guaranty insurance that protects holders of debt instruments and other monetary obligations from defaults in scheduled payments. The company insures and reinsures various debt obligations, including bonds issued by the United States state governmental authorities; and notes issued to finance infrastructure projects. It also insures and reinsures various the U.S. public finance obligations, such as general obligation, tax-backed, municipal utility, transportation, healthcare, higher education, infrastructure, housing revenue, investor-owned utility, renewable energy, and other public finance bonds. Further, it is involved in insuring and reinsuring of non-U.S. public finance obligations comprising regulated utilities, infrastructure finance, sovereign and sub-sovereign, renewable energy bonds, pooled infrastructure, and other public finance obligations; and the U.S. and non-U.S. Structured finance obligations, including residential mortgage-backed securities, life insurance transactions, consumer receivables securities, pooled corporate obligations, financial products, and other structured finance securities. Additionally, the company offers specialty insurance and reinsurance that include life and aircraft residual value insurance transactions; and asset management services comprising investment advisory services, including management of collateralized loan obligations, and opportunity and liquid strategy funds. It markets its financial guaranty insurance directly to issuers and underwriters of public finance and structured finance securities, as well as to investors in such obligations. Assured Guaranty Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. The following companies are subsidiares of Dover: APM Grundstucksverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, Accelerated Production Systems, Acme Cryo Intermediate Inc., Acme Cryogenics, Acme Cryogenics Inc., Acme Elevator, Advansor A/S, Advansor Dover International (Poland) sp. z o.o., Advansor Germany GmbH, Alfred Fueling Systems Holdco Ltd., Alfred Fueling Systems Inc., Alfred Fueling Systems Intermediate Holdco Ltd., All-Flo Pump Company, Anman LLC, Anthony Equity Holdings Inc., Anthony Holdings Inc., Anthony Inc., Anthony International, Anthony International Foreign Sales Corp., Anthony International Holding Company, Anthony Mexico Holdings LLC, Anthony North Holdco Inc., Anthony Specialty Glass LLC, Anthony TemperBent GP LLC, Audax ECII Blocker Inc., Auto Glanz Solutions LLC, AvaLAN Wireless Systems Incorporated, BELVAC CR spol s r.o., BSC Filters Limited, Belanger, Belanger Inc., Belvac Middle East FZE, Belvac Production Machinery Inc., Blackmer, BlitzRotary GmbH, Blue Bite LLC, Blue Bite LLC, Butler Engineering and Marketing S.P.A., CDS Visual, CDS Visual Inc., CEP Liquidation LLC, CP Formation LLC, CPC Europe Inc., CPI Products Inc., Caldera, Canada Organization & Development LLC, Chief Automotive Technologies (Shanghai) Trading Company Ltd., Chippewa Square Captive Insurance Company, Colder Products Company, Colder Products Company GmbH, Colder Products Company LTD, Cook Compression LLC, Cook Compression Limited, Cook-MFS Inc., Cryogenic Experts LLC, DD1 Inc., DDI Properties Inc., DE-STA-CO Benelux B.V., DE-STA-CO FRANCE, DE-STA-CO Shanghai Co. Ltd., DESTACO UK Limited, DFH Corporation, DFS Netherlands B.V., Datamax International Corp, De Sta Co (Asia) Company Limited, De-Sta-Co Cylinders Inc., DeStaCo Europe GmbH, Delaware Capital Formation Inc., Delaware Capital Holdings Inc., Dositec Sistemas SL, Dosmatic U.S.A. Inc., Dover (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Dover (Schweiz) Holding GmbH, Dover (Shanghai) Industrial Co. Ltd., Dover (Shenzhen) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover (Suzhou) Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Dover Asia Trading Private Ltd., Dover Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Dover Business Services EMEA Limited, Dover Business Services Europe S.R.L., Dover Business Services LLC, Dover Business Services Philippines Corporation, Dover CLP Formation Limited Partnership, Dover Canada Holdings ULC, Dover Canada Operations ULC, Dover Corporation Regional Headquarters, Dover DEI Services Inc., Dover Denmark Holdings ApS, Dover EMEA FZCO, Dover Energy UK Ltd, Dover Engineered Products Segment Inc., Dover Europe Inc., Dover Europe Sarl, Dover Fluids UK Ltd, Dover France Holdings, Dover France Participations, Dover France Technologies, Dover Fueling Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Fueling Solutions UK Limited, Dover Germany GmbH, Dover Global Holdings LLC, Dover Holdings de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dover Imaging & Identification Segment Inc., Dover India Pvt. Ltd., Dover Intercompany Services UK Limited, Dover International B.V., Dover International Operations Inc., Dover International Ventures Inc., Dover International ithalat ihracat ve Pazarlama Limited Sirketi, Dover Italy Holdings S.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Finance Sarl, Dover Luxembourg Participations Sarl, Dover Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Dover Luxembourg Services Sarl, Dover Operations South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Dover Overseas Ventures Inc., Dover Pumps & Process Solutions Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment Segment Inc., Dover Refrigeration & Food Equipment UK Ltd, Dover Resources International de Mexico S. de R.L. C.V., Dover Solutions Colombia SAS, Dover Southeast Asia (Thailand) Ltd., Dover Spain Holdings S.L., Dover Switzerland Participations GmbH, Dover UK Pensions Limited, Dover WSCR Holding LLC, Dover WSCR LLC, Dover do Brasil Ltda., Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, Dresser Wayne Data Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Dresser Wayne Fuel Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ECI - IGT Holdings LLC, ECI Holding Company LLC, ECI RegO S. de R.L. de C.V, ECI RegO Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., ECII (Mexico) LLC, EOA Systems Inc., Ebs-Ray Holdings Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Industries Pty Ltd, Ebs-Ray Pumps Pty Ltd, Em-Tec, Engineered Controls International LLC, Espy, Ettlinger, Ettlinger Kunststoffmaschinen GmbH, Fairbanks Environmental Limited, Fibrelite Composites Limited, Fibresec Holdings Limited, Fibresec Limited, Finder, GAL LLC, GIIER LLC, Gala Industries, Guangdong Tokheim LIYUAN Oil Industry Technology Limited Company, Highland Park Insurance Company, Hill PHOENIX Inc., Hill PHOENIX WIC LLC, Hill Phoenix Costa Rica Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, Hill Phoenix El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Hill Phoenix Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Honduras Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, Hill Phoenix de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Hiltap Fittings Ltd., Hydro Systems Company, Hydro Systems Europe Ltd., Industrial Motion Control LLC, Innovative Control Systems, Innovative Control Systems Inc., Inpro/Seal LLC, JK Group, JK Group S.P.A., JK Group USA Inc., K S Boca Inc., K&L Microwave DR Inc., K&L Microwave Inc., KPS (Beijing) Petroleum Equipment Trading Co Ltd., KPS Fueling Solutions Sdn. Bhd., KPS Hong Kong Holding Limited, KPS UK Limited, KS Formation Inc., KS Liquidation Inc., KSLP Liquidation L.P., Kiian Digital (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Knappco LLC, Knowles Electronics, LIQAL, LIQAL B.V., Liquip, Liquip, Liquip International Pty Limited, MAAG, MARKEM FZ SA, MARKEM-IMAJE Corporation, MIP Holdings Inc., MS Printing Solutions, MS Printing Solutions S.R.L., Maag, Maag Automatik Plastics Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Maag Gala Inc., Maag Germany GmbH, Maag Italy S.R.L., Maag Pump Systems, Maag Pump Systems (US) Inc., Maag Pump Systems AG, Maag Reduction Inc., Maag Service (Malaysia) Sdn. Bdn., Maag Service (Taiwan) Ltd., Maag Systems (Thailand) Limited, Macro Technologies LLC, Malema, Marathon Equipment Company (Delaware), Markem Imaje Center of Competencies Spain S.L.U., Markem-Imaje, Markem-Imaje (China) Co. Limited, Markem-Imaje - Unipessoal Lda, Markem-Imaje A/S, Markem-Imaje AB, Markem-Imaje AG, Markem-Imaje AS, Markem-Imaje B.V., Markem-Imaje CSAT GmbH, Markem-Imaje Co. Ltd., Markem-Imaje GmbH, Markem-Imaje Holding, Markem-Imaje Identificacao de Produtos Ltda., Markem-Imaje Inc., Markem-Imaje India Private Limited, Markem-Imaje Industries, Markem-Imaje Industries Limited, Markem-Imaje KK, Markem-Imaje LLC, Markem-Imaje Limited, Markem-Imaje Ltd., Markem-Imaje N.V., Markem-Imaje Oy, Markem-Imaje Philippines Corporation, Markem-Imaje Pty. Ltd., Markem-Imaje S.A., Markem-Imaje S.A. de C.V., Markem-Imaje S.r.l., Markem-Imaje SAS, Markem-Imaje Sdn. Bhd., Markem-Imaje Singapore Pte. Ltd., Markem-Imaje Spain S.A., Markpoint Holding AB, Midland Manufacturing LLC, Midwest Cryogenics Inc., Mouvex, Northeast Services Inc., Northern Lights (Nevada) Inc., Northern Lights Funding LP, Northern Lights Investments LLC, Nova Controls Inc., OK International, OK International Holdings Inc., OK International Inc., OK International Ltd., OPW Engineered Systems LLC, OPW Fluid Transfer Group Europe B.V., OPW Fluid Transfer Solutions (Jiang Su) Co. Ltd., OPW Fluids Group Inc., OPW Fuel Management Systems Inc., OPW Fueling Components (SuZhou) Co. Ltd., OPW Fueling Components LLC, OPW Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., OPW Slovakia s.r.o., OPW Sweden AB, Officine Meccaniche Sirio S.R.L., PDQ Manufacturing, PDQ Manufacturing Inc., PISCES by OPW Inc., PSD Codax Holdings Limited, PSD Codax Limited, PSG (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PSG (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., PSG California LLC, PSG Germany GmbH, Petro Vend Sp. z o.o., Pike Machine Products Inc., Pole/Zero Acquisition Inc., Precision Brasil Equipamentos E Servicos Para Postos De Combustiveis Ltda., Precision Service - Servicos De Manutencao E Instalacao De Postos De Abastecimento De Combustivel Ltda., Production Control Services, Pump Management Services Co. LLC, Quantex Arc Limited, Quantex Patents Limited, RAV France, Ravaglioli S.P.A., Reduction Engineering GmbH, RegO (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., RegO Holding GmbH, RegO Products, RegO Valve (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Rego GmbH, Revod Corporation, Revod Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Revod Sweden AB, Robohand Inc., Rosario, Rosario Handel B.V., Rotary Lift Consolidated (Haimen) Co. Ltd., SE Liquidation LLC, SWEP France, SWEP Germany GmbH, SWEP Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., SWEP North America Inc., SWEP Slovakia s.r.o., SWEP Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Seabiscuit Motorsports Inc., Shanghai RegO Flow Technology Company Ltd., Shine Bloom - ECI A Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI Blocker Corp., Shine Bloom - ECI S Blocker Corp., Simmons Sirvey Corporation, So. Cal. Soft-Pak, So. Cal. Soft-Pak Incorporated, Soft-Pak, Solaris Laser, Solaris Laser S.A., Somero Enterprises, Sound Solutions, Sound Solutions, Space S.R.L., Spirit, Start Italiana S.R.L., Superior Holding LLC, Superior Products LLC, Swep Energy Oy, Swep International A.B., Swep Japan K.K., Sys-Tech Solutions, Sys-Tech Solutions Inc., Systech, TQC Quantium Quality S.A. de C.V., TTSI III Inc., TWG Canada Consolidated Inc., TXHI LLC, Tartan Textile Services Inc., The Espy Corporation, The Heil Co., Tokheim, Tokheim Belgium, Tokheim China Company Limited, Tokheim GmbH, Tokheim Group, Tokheim Hengshan Technologies (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Tokheim Holding B.V., Tokheim India Private Limited, Tokheim Sofitam Applications, Triton Systems, Tulsa Winch Inc., UPCO Inc., US Synthetic, Unattended Payment Solutions LLC, Unified Brands, Val TemperBent Glass L.P., Vectron Frequency Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Vehicle Service Group LLC, Vehicle Service Group UK Limited, Vos Food Store Equipment Ltd., WSCR Corp., Warn Automotive LLC, Warn Industries, Waukesha Bearings, Waukesha Bearings Corporation, Waukesha Bearings Limited, Waukesha Bearings Russia LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems, Wayne Fueling Systems (Rus) Limited Liability Company, Wayne Fueling Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Wayne Fueling Systems Canada ULC, Wayne Fueling Systems Italia S.R.L., Wayne Fueling Systems LLC, Wayne Fueling Systems Ltd., Wayne Fueling Systems Sweden AB, Wayne Fueling Systems UK Holdco Ltd., Wayne Industria e Comercio Ltda., WellMark, WellMark, and em-tec GmbH. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of International Flavors & Fragrances: 1456111 Ontario Limited, A. Boake Roberts And Company (Holding) Limited, ASA Ventures Inc., Agtech Products Inc., Alpris Ltd., Amco SP Z.O.O, ApS Syntetic, Aroma S.A., Aromatics Holdings Limited, Aromco Ltd., Aromor, Arvin Company, Asian Investments Inc., Atelier du Parfumeur IFF Grasse SAS, BKF Vision Ltd, BSA India Food Ingr. P. Ltd., Belden Company, Branch office of DuPont Protein Technologies International Sales LLC, Bremil Industria e Comercio de Ingredientes Alimenticos Ltda. , Bremil S/A Industria De Produtos Alimenticos , Bush Boake Allen (New Zealand) Limited, Bush Boake Allen (Pension Trustees) Limited, Bush Boake Allen Australia Pty Ltd, Bush Boake Allen Benelux B.V., Bush Boake Allen Chile S.A., Bush Boake Allen Controladora S.A. de C.V., Bush Boake Allen Enterprises Limited, Bush Boake Allen Holdings (U.K.) Limited, Bush Boake Allen Inc., Bush Boake Allen Inc., Bush Boake Allen Limited, Bush Boake Allen Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Bush Boake Allen do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Butamax Advanced Biofuels LLC, Chemical Process Materials and Equipment S.A., CitraSource Holdings L.L.C., Columbia PhytoTechnology LLC, Columbia Phytotechnology LLC, Cometra ApS, Crestmont Investment Co., Cultor Oy, DDP Specialty Products Germany GmbH & Co. KG, DDP Specialty Products Poland Sp. z.o.o., DSP Germany N&B Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Daivd Michael Netherlands B.V., Dandy Lions Limited, Danisco (China) Co. Ltd., Danisco (China) Holding Co. Ltd., Danisco (India) Private Limited, Danisco (Zhangjiagang) Textural Ingredients Co. Ltd., Danisco Argentina S.A., Danisco Australia Pty Limited, Danisco Austria GmbH, Danisco B.V., Danisco Biosciences (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Danisco Brasil Ltda., Danisco Canada Inc., Danisco Chile S.A., Danisco Colombia Ltda., Danisco Cultor (Switzerland) AG, Danisco Cultor Sweden AB, Danisco Cultor Trading Ltda., Danisco Czech Republic a.s., Danisco Deutschland GmbH, Danisco Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Danisco Egypt Trading LLC, Danisco Flexible Brasil Ltda, Danisco France SAS, Danisco Guatemala S.A., Danisco Holding USA Inc., Danisco Holdings (UK) Ltd., Danisco Holland B.V., Danisco Ingredients Belgium N.V., Danisco Italia S.p.A., Danisco Japan Limited, Danisco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Danisco Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Danisco Mexico S.A. de C.V., Danisco New Zealand Limited, Danisco Nutrition & Bioscience Greece Ltd., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Korea Ltd., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Malaysia SDN. BHD., Danisco Nutrition & Biosciences Taiwan Limited, Danisco Nutrition and Biosciences India Private Ltd, Danisco Peru S.A.C., Danisco Poland Sp. z.o.o, Danisco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Danisco South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Danisco Sweeteners Oy, Danisco Switzerland AG, Danisco UK Ltd., Danisco US Inc., Danisco USA Inc., Danisco Ukraine LLC, Danisco Zaandam BV, David Michael & Company (Canada) 1986 Ltd., David Michael Europe S.A.S., Du Pont de Nemours Nigeria Limited, DuPont (Shanghai) Enterprise Co. Ltd., DuPont Acquisition LLC, DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC, DuPont Denmark Holding ApS, DuPont Electronics Holding LLC, DuPont LA Holding 1 BV, DuPont Lanka (Private) Limited, DuPont Nutrition (Thailand) Ltd, DuPont Nutrition Biosciences ApS, DuPont Nutrition Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, DuPont Nutrition Food Ingredients (Beijing) Co. Ltd., DuPont Nutrition Ingredientes BRASIL LTDA, DuPont Nutrition International, DuPont Nutrition Ireland, DuPont Nutrition Italy SRL (f/k/a FMC Chemical Italy SrL), DuPont Nutrition Manufacturing UK Limited, DuPont Nutrition Mexicana S.A de C.V., DuPont Nutrition Mexico S.A de C.V., DuPont Nutrition Norge AS, DuPont Nutrition Philippines Inc., DuPont Nutrition USA Inc, DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences Iberica S.L., DuPont Protein Technologies International Sales LLC, DuPont S&C Holding LLC, DuPont Shineway Luohe Food Company Limited , DuPont Shineway Luohe Protein Company Limited , DuPont US Holding LLC, DuPont de Nemours Kenya Limited, ERELEM, ETOL SK s.r.o., ETOL-RUS Ltd., Eden Essentials Inc., Envoltec Industria de Embalagens Ltda. , Enzymotec Australia PTY LTD, Enzymotec Singapore Pte. Ltd., Enzymotec USA Inc., Etol Aroma Ve Baharat Gida Urunleri San.Ve Tic.a.s., Etol JVE d.o.o., Etol Proizvodnja Arom D.O.O, Etol Skopje DRUSTVO ZA TRGOVIJA ETOL UVOZ-IZVOZ DOOEL, FYMSA Real Estate LLC (23), FYMSA del Caribe S.R.L , Fangchen International Trading Ltd. (6), Finnfeeds Finland Oy, Finnfeeds Oy, Finnsugar Bioproducts Inc., Flavor Systems International Inc., Flavors and Essences UK Limited, FoodBlenders Limited, Foreign Trade Representative of Danisco Singapore Pte. Ltd., Fragrance Resources, Fragrance Resources (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fragrance Resources Asia Pacific Ltd., Frutarom (Asia Pacific) Limited, Frutarom (Marketing) S.R.L., Frutarom (UK) Holdings Limited, Frutarom (UK) Ltd., Frutarom - Etol (UK) Limited, Frutarom Belgium N.V., Frutarom Chile S.A., Frutarom Czech Republic S.r.o, Frutarom Do Brazil Industria E Comercio Ltda., Frutarom Etol RO SRL, Frutarom Etol Ukraine LLC., Frutarom F&F Trading (Shanghai) Co., Frutarom Finance EUR AG, Frutarom Flavors (Kushan) Co Ltd., Frutarom Flavors Mexico S.A. de C.V., Frutarom Flavours (India) Private Limited (14), Frutarom France S.A.R.L, Frutarom Germany GmbH, Frutarom Gida Urunleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Frutarom Global Ltd., Frutarom GmbH, Frutarom Industries Ld, Frutarom Industries Ltd., Frutarom Italy S.r.l, Frutarom Kenya Limited, Frutarom Ltd., Frutarom Netherlands B.V., Frutarom Nigeria Limited, Frutarom Nordic A/S Flachsmann Scandinavia A/S Aksel Holm-Essensfabrik A / S, Frutarom Norway A.S, Frutarom Peru S.A. (Montana Food activity), Frutarom Production GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Austria GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Germany GmbH, Frutarom Savory Solutions Switzerland AG, Frutarom Savory Solutions Ukraine, Frutarom Switzerland Finance CHF AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance GBP AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance MXN AG, Frutarom Switzerland Finance USD AG, Frutarom Switzerland Ltd., Frutarom Trade & Marketing (1990) Ltd., Frutarom UK Investments Limited, Frutarom USA Holding Inc., Frutarom USA Inc., Frutarom do Brasil GRU Industria e Comercio Ltda., Genencor (China) Bio-Products Co. Ltd., Genencor International B.V., Genencor International BVBA, Genencor International Holding BV, Genencor International Indiana Inc., Genencor International Oy, Genencor International Wisconsin Inc., Genencor Mauritius Ltd., Genentech Ventures Inc., Grow Company Inc., Hagelin Flv (UK) Ltd., Hexachem Sociedad Anonima, IB EMEA Holding 2 B.V., IFF (BVI) Limited, IFF (Korea) Inc., IFF Aroma Esans Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, IFF Augusta Holdings LLC, IFF Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, IFF Benicarlo S.L., IFF Bio-Technology (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., IFF Capital Services, IFF Chemical Holdings Inc., IFF Delaware Holdings LLC, IFF Essencias e Fragrancias Ltda., IFF Flavors & Fragrances (Hangzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., IFF Fragrance GmbH, IFF Hungary Global Kft, IFF International Inc., IFF Latin American Holdings (Espana) S.L., IFF Mexico Manufactura S.A. de C.V., IFF Murcia Natural Ingredients S.L., IFF Sabores y Fragancias de Chile Ltda., IFF Turkey Aroma Ve Esans Urunleri Satis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, IFF West Africa Limited, IFF Worldwide LLC, Ingrediants dooel Skopje, Institut Europeen de Biologie Cellulaire, International Aroma Group, International Flavors & Fragrances (Canada) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Caribe) Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances (China) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Greater Asia) Pte. Ltd, International Flavors & Fragrances (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Hong Kong) Limited, International Flavors & Fragrances (Japan) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., International Flavors & Fragrances (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Mexico) S. de R.L. de C.V., International Flavors & Fragrances (Middle East) FZ-LLC, International Flavors & Fragrances (Myanmar) Limited, International Flavors & Fragrances (Nederland) Holding B.V., International Flavors & Fragrances (Philippines) Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances (Poland) Sp. z o.o., International Flavors & Fragrances (Vietnam) Limited Liability Company, International Flavors & Fragrances (ZhangJiagang) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances (Zimbabwe) (Private) Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances Ardenne S.a r.l., International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding I SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding II SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances France Holding III SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances Holdings LLC, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Chile) Limitada, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Espana) S.A., International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Hungary) Kft, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Nederland) B.V., International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Norden) AB, International Flavors & Fragrances I.F.F. (Rus), International Flavors & Fragrances IFF (Deutschland) GmbH, International Flavors & Fragrances IFF (France) SAS, International Flavors & Fragrances Irish Acquisition Company Limited, International Flavors and Fragrances Colombia S.A.S., International Flavors and Fragrances I.F.F. (Israel) Ltd., International Flavors and Fragrances IFF (South Africa), International Flavors and Fragrances Ingredients Ltd, International Flavors e Fragrances IFF (Italia) S.r.l., International Flavours & Fragrances (Australia) Pty Ltd, International Flavours & Fragrances (CIL) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (GB) Holdings Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Mauritius) Ltd, International Flavours & Fragrances (NZ) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Pension Trustees) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances (Thailand) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances I.F.F. (Great Britain) Limited, International Flavours & Fragrances India Private Limited (13), International Frutarom Corporation, Inventive Food Technology (ZQ) Ltd., Inventive Technology Ltd., Irish Flavours and Fragrances Limited, K-Vision Consulting and Investments Ltd, Kelp Industries Pty. Ltd, Leagel GmbH (11), Leagel S.r.l. (19), Les Ingredients Alimentaires BSA Inc., Les Laboratories Bio ForeXtra Inc., Lucas Meyer Cosmetics, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics Australia Pty Ltd, Lucas Meyer Cosmetics Canada Inc., Lucas Meyer Cosmetics S.A.S., M.P. Equity Holdings Ltd, MISR Company for Aromatic products, Manseg S.A., Mark Services Holdings Inc., N&B Chemicals Germany GmbH, N&B EMEA Holding B.V., N&B Germany Verwaltungs-GmbH, N&B International Holding B.V., N&B NL BV - Saudi Branch, N&B Real Estate Verwaltungs-GmbH, N&B Services BV, N&B Switzerland UAE Branch, N&H EMEA Holding 1 BV, N&H EMEA Holding 2 BV, N&H EMEA Holding B.V., N&H International Holding 1 B.V., N&H International Holding 3 BV, N&H Switzerland Holding Sarl, Nardi Armoas Ltda., Neptune Merger Sub I Inc., Neptune Merger Sub II LLC, New Asia Holdco B.V., Nutra-Lease Ltd. (16), Nutrition & Bioscience (Luxembourg) S.a r.l., Nutrition & Bioscience (Switzerland) GmbH, Nutrition & Bioscience (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Nutrition & Bioscience Pakistan (Private) Ltd, Nutrition & Biosciences (Finland) Oy, Nutrition & Biosciences (France) SAS, Nutrition & Biosciences (Sweden) AB, Nutrition & Biosciences (UK) Ltd, Nutrition & Biosciences Argentina S.A.U., Nutrition & Biosciences Australia Pty Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences Brasil Ingredientes Ltda., Nutrition & Biosciences Canada Company, Nutrition & Biosciences Chile SpA, Nutrition & Biosciences Colombia S.A.S, Nutrition & Biosciences Hong Kong Limited, Nutrition & Biosciences Hungary Limited Liability Company, Nutrition & Biosciences Inc., Nutrition & Biosciences Italy S.r.l., Nutrition & Biosciences Japan K.K., Nutrition & Biosciences Korea Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Nutrition & Biosciences Netherlands B.V., Nutrition & Biosciences New Zealand Limited, Nutrition & Biosciences Singapore Pte. Ltd., Nutrition & Biosciences USA 1 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences USA 2 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences USA 3 LLC, Nutrition & Biosciences Vietnam Company Limited, Nutrition Biosciences USA 4 Inc, Nutrition and Biosciences South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Nutrition and Biosciences Spain S.L., OOO WIBERG Rus, P.T. Essence Indonesia, PARMA FA, PIASA USA (24), PM Taiwan Inc., PT Blue Cube Indonesia, PTI Astana LLC, PTI CA LLC, PTI Center LLC, PTI Group of Companies LLC (GK PTI), PTI-BEL TUE, PTI-MOL LLC, PTI-NN LLC, PTI-Ukraine LLC, Platinum Absolut LLC, Pointer Specialty Chemicals LLC, Protein Technologies Do Brasil Ltda., Protein Technologies International Asia Pacific LLC, Protein Technologies International Development LLC, Protein Technologies International Europe LLC, Proveedores de Ingenieria Alimentaria S.A. de C.V. ("PIASA") (17), Prowin International Ltd., Pucheng Yongfang Fragrance Technology Co. Ltd. , Redbrook (UK) Limited, Redbrook Blentech Limited, Redbrook Ingredient Services Limited, Rene Laurent SAS, Representaciones FYMSA S.A. de C.V (FYMSA) (18), Rohm and Haas Wood Treatment LLC, SP EMEA Holding 8 BV, SP Holding IB Inc., SP Nutrition and Health (Singapore) Inc., Sabormax Industria de Alimentos e Representacao Ltda., Savoury Flavours (Holding) Limited, Savoury Flavours Ltd., Solae (UK) Limited, Solae Argentina S.A., Solae Australia Pty Limited, Solae Belgium N.V., Solae Company India Private Limited, Solae Denmark ApS, Solae Deutschland GmbH (f/k/a CSY Agri-Processing (Deutschland) GmbH), Solae Do Brasil Industria E Comercio De Alimentos Ltda., Solae Europe S.A., Solae Holdings LLC, Solae Investimentos LTDA, Solae LLC (SMLLC of Solae Holdings), Solae Overseas B.V., Solae Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Solae de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (formerly PTI Mexico), Solae do Brasil Holdings Ltda., Sonarome Private Limited (15), Southern Cross Botanicals Pty Ltd, Specialty Products Balkans d.o.o., Specialty Products FZE, Specialty Products N&H Inc, Specialty Products US LLC, Speximo AB, TNI Investments NV, Tastepoint Flavors (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Tastepoint Inc., Tastepoint OOO, Tastepoint Polska Sp.z o.o, Tastepoint SA (Pty) Ltd., Tastepoint Tovarna arom in etericnih olj d.o.o., Taura Natural Ingredients (Australia) Pty Limited, Taura Natural Ingredients (North America) Inc., Taura Natural Ingredients Holdings Pty Limited, Taura Natural Ingredients Ltd., Taura Natural Ingredients NV, Tekhnomol Soya Products LLC, The Additive Advantage LLC, The Additive Advantage LLC, The Foote & Jenks Corporation, The Mighty Company Limited (21), Thorungaverksmidjan HF (12), UFC America Inc., Unique Flavors Proprietary Limited, Unique Food Solutions Proprietary Limited, Unique Ingredients Limited, VAYA PHARMA HONKG LTD, VITIVA proizvodnja in storitve d.d., Vantodio Holdings Limited, Vaya Pharma Inc., Vaya Pharma Pte Ltd. (20), Venezuela Protein Technologies Internationla -PTI C.A., W.W. Holdings Inc., WIBERG Italia S.r.l., Wiberg Baharat San.Tic.A.S, Wiberg Canada Inc., Wiberg Corporation of California, Wiberg Corporation., Yderns 1 ApS, ZAO Danisco, extrakt chemie Dr. Bruno Stellmach GmbH, iDrug Delivery Inc.(Delaware) (22), nternational Flavors & Fragrances S.R.L., van Ameringen-Haebler Inc., and world wide WIBERG GmbH. Read More Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses. Its financial products and services include checking and savings accounts, and credit and debit cards, as well as home, auto, personal, and small business lending services. The Commercial Banking segment provides financial solutions to private, family owned, and certain public companies. Its products and services include banking and credit products across various industry sectors and municipalities, secured lending and lease products, and treasury management services. The Corporate and Investment Banking segment offers a suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients. Its products and services comprise corporate banking, investment banking, treasury management, commercial real estate lending and servicing, equity, and fixed income solutions, as well as sales, trading, and research capabilities services. The Wealth and Investment Management segment provides personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, and trust and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net worth, and ultra-high-net worth clients. It also operates through financial advisors. Wells Fargo & Company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. SHERIDAN, Ill. U.S. prisons are experimenting with a high-priced monthly injection that could help addicted inmates stay off opioids after they are released, but skeptics question its effectiveness and say the manufacturer has aggressively marketed an unproven drug to corrections officials. A single shot of Vivitrol, given in the buttocks, lasts for four weeks and eliminates the need for the daily doses common with alternatives such as methadone. But each shot costs as much as $1,000, and because the drug has a limited track record, experts do not agree on how well it works. Proponents say Vivitrol could save money compared with the cost of locking up a drug offender about $25,000 a year for each inmate at the Sheridan Correctional Center, 70 miles southwest of Chicago. Dr. Joshua Lee, of New York Universitys medical school, said more evidence is needed to determine whether the medication can help substantial numbers of people and whether its worth paying for, but the early results are encouraging. It sounds good, and for some of us, it feels like the right thing to do, said Lee, a leading researcher on the treatment. Vivitrol is emerging as the nation searches for ways to ease an opioid epidemic that affects more than 2 million Americans and an estimated 15 percent of the U.S. prison population. Many experts view prisons where addictions human toll can be seen most clearly as a natural place to discover what works. Christopher Wolf already had served prison time for nonviolent crimes when he was ordered into treatment for a heroin addiction by a judge who suggested Vivitrol. Three months later, the 36-year-old from Centerville, Ohio, is clean and working full time as a cook. He now suggests the medication to other addicts. I dont have cravings, Wolf said. I see how much better life is. It gets better really fast. Vivitrol targets receptors in the brains reward system, blocking the high and extinguishing urges. In some programs, prisoners get an injection before release, then follow-up shots from any clinic. For decades, researchers have recognized addiction as a relapsing brain disease with medication an important part of therapy. But most jails and prisons reject methadone and buprenorphine, the other government-approved medications for opioid addiction, because they are habit-forming and can be abused. Just ask Joshua Meador, 28, an inmate at Sheridan who hopes to get into the Vivitrol program before his release in January. Before incarceration, he abused both older treatment drugs. When given take-home doses of methadone for the weekend, he would sell them for heroin. When Im on Vivitrol, I cant get high, he said. The drug has no street value or abuse potential. You couldnt design something better for the criminal justice system, said David Farabee of the University of California at Los Angeles, who leads a Vivitrol study in a New Mexico jail. Theres been pushback with other medications, people saying, Were just changing one drug for another. That argument goes out the window when youre talking about a blocker like Vivitrol. Prison systems in Illinois, Vermont, Wyoming and Wisconsin are trying the drug on a small scale. Michigan is offering Vivitrol to parolees who commit small crimes, if addiction is the reason for their new offense. The federal Bureau of Prisons ran a field trial in Texas and plans to expand the program to the Northeast next year. The drugs manufacturer hopes prisons will be the gateway to a larger market. Also known as extended-release naltrexone, the medication won Food and Drug Administration approval for alcohol dependence in 2006 and in 2010 to prevent relapse in post-detox opioid users. The evidence for giving Vivitrol to inmates is thin but promising. In the biggest study, sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 300 offenders most of them heroin users on probation or parole were randomly assigned to receive either Vivitrol or brief counseling and referral to a treatment program. After six months, the Vivitrol group had a lower rate of relapse, 43 percent compared with 64 percent. A year after treatment stopped, there had been no overdoses in the Vivitrol group and seven overdoses, including three deaths, in the other group. The results, published in March in the New England Journal of Medicine, have been promoted by the drugmaker, Ireland-based Alkermes, as it markets Vivitrol to U.S. correctional systems. Yet addiction is stubborn. When the injections stopped, many in the study relapsed. A year later, relapse rates looked the same in the two groups. It does suggest six months wasnt enough, said Lee, the lead author. T.J. Voller was a Vivitrol success story until he wasnt. After Vivitrol was approved by the FDA, Voller talked about getting the shot with The Associated Press and Dr. Sanjay Gupta in a CNN segment. The 30-year-old was back at work and seemed proud of his recovery. But after 10 months on Vivitrol, he died of a heroin overdose. He was alone for the weekend and picked up that needle one last time, said his mother, Kathi Voller of Raynham, Massachusetts. Advocates argue that inmates have a constitutional right to all FDA-approved addiction medications throughout their incarceration. Treatment should be offered from the moment they are brought into the system, said Sally Friedman, legal director of the New York-based Legal Action Center, which is looking for a test case to bring to court. Physicians have learned to be cautious about pharmaceutical company marketing, said Andrew Kolodny, senior scientist at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Not so for criminal justice officials, who may be too trusting, Kolodny said. When the drug company sends someone in to give them a talk and buy them pizza, they think theyre getting a scientific lecture, he said. Alkermes spokeswoman Jennifer Snyder said the companys sales team helps educate corrections staff and community care providers only after they have shown interest in Vivitrol. Theres widespread agreement that counseling, support groups and treatment for underlying problems such as depression are crucial for Vivitrol patients, said Dr. Joseph Garbely of Pennsylvania-based Caron Treatment Centers, which supports medication-assisted treatment and prefers Vivitrol. The disease of addiction is a cunning, baffling and powerful one, Garbely said. And you need all hands on deck. HARRISBURG Pennsylvania residents with minor criminal convictions that are at least a decade old have begun applying to seal those cases from public view under a new state law. Interest has varied widely, with more than 1,000 people attending a set of free legal clinics on the law last weekend in Philadelphia but only one applicant filing the paperwork in heavily populous York County, for a criminal mischief conviction. Dauphin County, which includes Harrisburg, has yet to field its first such request, a court official said Friday. The law, which took effect Nov. 14, nine months after it was enacted, pertains to less serious misdemeanors such as trespassing or vandalism. There is a $132 fee, any punishment must have been completed and the defendant must have remained arrest-free for a decade . The record would remain accessible to law enforcement but not to the wider public and would not appear in the state courts online records. If the offense was accompanied by more serious charges, they would still be public. District attorneys can object to any request, and the final decisions rest with judges. By one estimate, about a third of the states working-age adults have some type of criminal record, a past that can make it difficult or impossible to obtain certain types of work and limit their housing choices and educational opportunities. Its not sad, because you dont pity these people, you totally empathize with them, said lawyer Meghan Claiborne, a member of the Philadelphia Bar Associations young lawyers division who helped organize last weekends event, which overwhelmed the roughly 180 lawyers who volunteered. Claiborne described demand as huge and said there were many people seeking help who had offenses that arent covered by the new law. We ran out of sheets for people to research pardons very quickly, Claiborne said. For a lot of people, that is the only option. A similar event held in Pittsburgh drew about 400 people, many more than had been expected. We hear so often that employers and businesses cant find the employees that they need, said Cynthia Shields, strategic partnership director for the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, which helped organize it. This is a huge untapped group of talent. The process is different than an expungement, which permanently removes criminal records. Expungement is available, for example, for summary cases after five years have passed or for people 70 and over who have been arrest-free for 10 years. Pardons require a much more complicated process that includes an application to the state Board of Pardons, and they do not by themselves remove a record of the offense. There is also support in the General Assembly for a proposal known as clean slate, which would automatically remove certain low-level, nonviolent criminal convictions from someones record after a set period of time. That legislation passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously in May but is dying with the end of the two-year session this month. Its expected to get another look next year. RICHMOND Almost half of the people arrested recently for blocking the travel lanes of a Richmond highway after Donald Trump was elected president did not vote in the election they were protesting, voter registration and election participation records indicate. Four of the 12 protesters arrested either were not registered to vote in Virginia or did not cast a ballot on Nov. 8, a Richmond Times-Dispatch review of state and local records shows. A fifth protester was not a registered Virginia voter but had registered this year to vote in Orange County, New York. She did not request an absentee ballot or vote at her precinct, according to that countys registrars office. Three of the five people arrested were registered in Virginia but did not vote, and two others were not registered voters in Virginia. In addition to the protester who did not vote in her home state of New York, the other unregistered voter is a Virginia resident, according to her Facebook page. Seven of the 12 protesters are registered voters in Virginia and did cast ballots on Nov. 8. The arrested protesters ranged in age from 18 to 26 and all were of legal age to vote. Only one of the arrested protesters was 18 the minimum age required to vote and he cast a ballot, records show. Everybody in America, regardless of whether you vote or not, retains their First Amendment right to express their opinion peacefully, said Robert Holsworth, one of the states leading political analysts. And at the same time, if you endanger others while youre doing that, you also are rightfully subjected to legal penalty. [But] my sense is that you certainly have more credibility protesting the results of the election if you demonstrated that you have a stake in that election, Holsworth added. And in this instance, the fact that some of them seemed to want to protest without having a stake is, in many peoples minds, going to cast doubt on their credibility. So in a way, if the act itself of sitting on a highway didnt undermine their message, not voting probably will in many peoples minds undermine the credibility of what they wanted to express. After the names of the protesters and their charges were released by Virginia State Police and Richmond police on Nov. 10, the Richmond Times-Dispatch obtained their addresses, dates of birth and other identifying information through Richmond court records. The newspaper then checked the names against voter registration rolls and election participation records released by registrars in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and Fairfax counties. The 12 protesters arrested in Richmond eight of whom were Virginia Commonwealth University students were arrested late on the evening of Nov. 9, just before midnight, after they sat in the travel lanes of the Downtown Expressway, blocking traffic. They were charged with unlawful assembly and being pedestrians on an interstate. One of the protesters, Mackenzie A. Werner of Richmond, called the newspaper Friday afternoon to share concerns about her safety after her name and other identifying information became public after her arrest. Werner, 21, said that after her name was made public in news accounts, she began receiving threats from people posting on her Facebook page. She said one of the commenters said that I should be raped and another threatened to run me over with their car. She declined to discuss her involvement in the protest or reasons for participating in the Downtown Expressway sit-in. In the early stages of the hours-long demonstrations, state police worked to clear a group of protesters from Interstates 64/95, where they had gathered in what the agency described as an extremely dangerous situation in which pedestrians were on a stretch of highway with ramps, blind curves and limited lighting. After entering the interstate from Belvidere Street, the protesters marched eastward, seemingly to the next exit, which is for the Richmond Coliseum area. Richmond police had sought assistance from state police to help with protesters on the interstate shortly before 10 p.m. About 40 minutes later, the pedestrians were gone from the highway and the lanes were reopened to vehicle traffic, with no arrests made. State troopers responded to these locations to guide the protesters off the interstate corridors for their safety and the motoring publics safety, state police spokesman Sgt. Stephan Vick said last week. Due to [the interstates] limited lighting, and blind curves and ramps, it was an extremely dangerous situation for pedestrian traffic. One group of protesters who took to the streets Nov. 10 gathered in front of the statute of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and, after they disbursed, authorities discovered that three Confederate statutes on Richmonds iconic Monument Avenue had been tagged with apparent anti-Trump graffiti. The message Your vote was a hate crime was scrawled in red spray paint on the monuments to Confederate President Jefferson Davis and oceanographer Matthew Fountaine Maury, who was a Confederate naval officer. So far, police have not made any arrests. Ten of the 12 protesters charged with blocking the Downtown Expressway are scheduled to appear in Richmond General District Court on Nov. 29. Two others are set to appear Jan. 10. The Fluvanna County Sheriffs Office has identified two men arrested in Fridays shooting on Lake Monticello Road. On Friday, deputies arrested Dante J. Givens, 35, and Thomas A. Jackson, 36, both of Charlottesville, in connection to a burglary reported in the 2000 block of Lake Monticello Road. Both men are charged with burglary, malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. On Friday, deputies said a property owner and friends walked into a burglary in progress. The burglars then shot at the property owner, hitting him twice in the leg. The property owner returned fire, causing the burglars to flee, police said. The property owner suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the University of Virginia Medical Center. K9 units from the Virginia State Police and the Louisa and Buckingham sheriffs offices assisted in Fridays manhunt. State police also helped examine the original crime scene. Authorities are still looking for more suspects, as well as a light-grey Lexus SUV. Anyone with information is urged to call the Fluvanna County Sheriffs Office at (434) 589-8211. The story of DreamWakers, a 30-state nonprofit that connects disadvantaged classrooms with career speakers, began in Charlottesville with a box of pizza and two smartphones. Co-founders Monica Gray Logothetis and Annie Medaglia were hanging out one night during their time together at the University of Virginia and realized that they could harness free internet resources to try to help students in poor rural and urban school districts. The University of Virginia this weekend honored the centennial of one of the 20th centurys most influential thinkers on urban planning. I heard about Jane Jacobs in the same way that on Grounds you hear about Thomas Jefferson, said Ila Berman, dean of UVas architecture school. She was a journalist, an urban theorist and an activist and had an enormous influence on the development of our cities through her writings. Shoppers in Charlottesville will have a new option to return already-worn items from local boutiques for partial store credit, no matter the condition of the clothing. The company, rohvi, launched this year at three stores in the city and wants to help people rotate your closet by allowing customers to buy, wear and return clothing for store credit. Co-founder Sara Whiffen said she came up with the idea while walking through Barracks Road Shopping Center and thinking about how local businesses could compete with online shopping and big-box stores. She approached Greer Johnson, owner of Duo Boutique and now co-founder of rohvi, and asked her if a concept where customers could return clothes could work in her shop. I had also been thinking about an idea that would allow people to buy something, wear it and then return it, Johnson said. I thought that would be an appealing program for customers and a way to compete with things like Rent the Runway and compete with stores that sell what they call turn and burn clothing inexpensive clothes that you wear once or twice and then get rid of. So when Sara and I sat and talked about it, I said, Thats a great idea. Whiffens sister and the companys third co-founder, Beth Crooker, works in information technology in California and created the technology platform for rohvi. We thought, maybe this is not just something we could do at one store, maybe this is something that we could build a platform for that other stores could take advantage of and we could scale it to other communities, Whiffen said. Three local shops are currently on the platform Duo Boutique, HoneyRyder Boutique and Verdigris Clothing and the company founders are hoping to add more shops as the platform grows. They also hope to expand the technology platform into other areas in the country. Its an all-female team running the company, and Whiffen said thats because a lot of the challenges of fashion, in terms of the variability of clothing, are mostly experienced by females. Its almost like fashion insurance; you have the option ... that if it doesnt work out like you planned, if its not as great as you thought, thats fine, she said. Then you just bring it back and roll the store credit into something different. Johnson said it gives customers the opportunity to more confidently buy something that might not be a safe buy, like a fun, bright bag that someones going to carry all summer that they might be hesitant to buy because it wont fit trends in the fall. With rohvi, buy it, carry it, and maybe its something that after a few times, everyones seen it, you dont want to carry it again, Johnson said. Take it back and get something back for it, rather than some of the online rental services where you rent something for one night and you send it back and you have nothing to show for it. Johnson and Whiffen said the idea has appealed to various age groups for a variety of reasons: to take advantage of trends, for special nights out, keeping closets updated, supporting local businesses and acting and shopping in an environmentally friendly, sustainable way. I think people are really into minimalism and consuming less and that definitely goes for their closet, said Johnson. A lot of people have a one-in, one-out mentality, where if you buy a new item, you should get rid of at least one item. They dont want to over-consume. Once a customer purchases an item from a participating shop, they upload the receipt to the website by emailing or texting a photo of it to rohvi. They then have three months to decide whether they want to keep the item permanently or return it to the store for credit. If a customer decides to return the item, the customer will receive 30 percent of the original items value in store credit, which is valid for two weeks. The customer can do this up to three times a year at each store on the platform. When someone returns an item to one of the stores, rohvi will take the item and clean or repair it and sell it in a resale store to give it another life. A percentage of the items also will be donated to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides people with professional attire to help them secure employment. They currently are running a promotion on the platform six months for $39.99. On April 1, the price will increase to $99 for a full year. Its free to make an account on the website and to upload receipts, which Johnson and Whiffen agree can be helpful for merchants to see what brands customers enjoy buying. It also gives customers the option to rate the item. It helps small business because it gives you another way to identify what customers are interested in and you can contact them and give them that personalized shopping experience, Johnson said. Sometimes, its unknown whether the customer liked or disliked their purchase, or why they never came back to the shop, and Johnson said this platform will allow for another line of communication with customers to find out why they didnt return to the shop. Its sort of a situation where, hopefully, the rising tide floats all boats, she said. Itll benefit all the local businesses on the platform. On an unseasonably warm day last month, a skeleton crew was camped at a historic Charlottesville cemetery looking for evidence of forgotten and unmarked burials. Pushing a lawnmower-like, ground-penetrating radar machine up and down the partially sloped, verdant section of the historic African-American graveyard behind Oakwood Cemetery, the crew diligently scanned the open field for clues about what may have been there before time and nature weathered and hid its history. At the Daughters of Zion Cemetery, about 150 gravestones record nearly 200 burials. Some believe, however, that more than 300 people have been buried there since the cemetery was created in the 1870s. Following a preliminary survey of the site in September, one local archaeologist said he thinks there could be five times as many burials at the site. In the northeast corner of the approximately 2-acre cemetery, a field of green could be blanketing several hundred more burials, said Steve Thompson, of Rivanna Archaeological Services. I suspect its going to be quite a bit above 300, Thompson said about the number of burials in the cemetery. Given the density of graves in that part of the cemetery that has the most markers in it now, the area of the cemetery has enough space to contain 1,500 burials. About a month later, NAEVA Geophysics, the company subcontracted to do the radar survey of the site, has yet to release a final report on its work. Still waiting on the results, Thompson said the survey is not expected to reveal an exact number of graves. Instead, the surveys primary purpose is to inform landscape architects and preservationists on how they might redesign the site. Weve moved forward with developing preservation strategies that articulated all the things one would need to think about with the preservation of the cemetery [and] to make decisions about what it will look like in the future, said Liz Sargent, a landscape architect working with the Preservers of the Daughters of Zion Cemetery, a group that came together last year to restore the site. Last month, the nonprofit Preservation Virginia held its annual conference in Charlottesville. The two-day conference included a workshop that used the Daughters of Zion Cemetery as a case study for how a community can successfully restore and preserve a historic African-American resource. Originally established by the African-American Daughters of Zion Mutual Aid Society in the decade following the Civil War, the city acquired the segregated cemetery in the 1970s. The city has done basic maintenance of the site for more than 40 years now, but the cemetery largely has been forgotten otherwise that is, until recently. Earlier this year, after the new preservation group developed plans to restore the site, the city decided to contribute $80,000 to assist in the effort. At this point, private fundraising has helped to finance the repair of eight broken gravestones, said Edwina St. Rose, a member of the preservers group. Nearly a quarter of the total city funding has been claimed for a number of projects at the site so far such as the radar survey and sediment erosion control. About $7,000 has been allocated for the removal of two trees, but instead of coming from the $80,000 thats in a special account for the restoration, it will come from the citys parks and recreation department fund. Regarding the impact tree and vegetation growth might have on the burial sites, Sargent said we thought it was really important to have an arborist come and evaluate all the trees to make sure there are no hazards there. Given that cemetery caretakers suspect vandalism may have had a role in the deteriorating state of the site, Sargent said other measures to safeguard the area are being considered. Explaining that the surveys will let them know where there might be burials, she said that new fencing could be installed around the perimeter of the cemetery. We need to establish some way to protect the cemetery, keep eyes on it and fence areas where we have already noticed that people are accessing the cemetery in a not-so-great way from the surrounding neighborhoods, Sargent said, adding, the more people know theres interest, the less theyll be inclined toward vandalism. Were very pleased with the progress so far, St. Rose said. Were looking forward to what comes next. With about three-quarters of the citys contribution to the restoration project left, the results of last months survey are expected to direct the next steps in the process. Research will tell us whether this type of fencing is appropriate for the future, or if some kind of planting could do the job better, said Jill Trischman-Marks, another landscape architect working on the project. Recently, the preservers group worked with former City Councilor Dede Smith, who volunteered her time to help develop an audio tour of the site that can be found on the mobile application izi.Travel. While visitors can now use the app to explore the cemetery and learn about the known individuals buried there, architects are thinking of ways to make the site itself more engaging. Trischman-Marks said an information area is being considered for the site, and that new walkways through the cemetery, as well as benches, also could be built. I look forward to the day where we get the answers we need about the past to give us the clues we need to start the planning process for the future, she said. Before the start of a post-workshop walking tour at the cemetery, Justin Sarafin, Preservation Virginias director of initiatives and engagement, praised the effort to restore the cemetery. We wanted to highlight this work almost like its best practices, Sarafin said, praising the planners, activists and city officials who have come together to restore the cemetery. Its a model process theyve been going through. : - 32 ' ' On Election Day, seven more states legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. Virginia was not among them but it might be soon, if comments from State Sen. Tommy Norment offer any clues. Several days ago, Norment told the Norfolk City Council it is absolutely crazy that we continue to lock people up for possession of a modest amount of marijuana. We are tough on crime. Its a question of what crimes we want to be tough on. Thats a big change for the conservative Republican, who voted against a measure to relax marijuana law last year, and another measure of how much the needle on the issue has moved lately. But dont blaze up a spliff just yet. Norment indicated that he would like the State Crime Commission to study possible decriminalization. In Virginia, a study commission is often the place where issues go to die. If the Crime Commission does study the issue, it will find much ground already plowed. In March, the Colorado Department of Public Safety issued its own report on the effects of marijuana legalization there. (Recreational pot use became legal in Colorado in 2013.) Its findings offer support for legalization, but not so much that the debate is over. Some results were intuitively obvious: After legalization, marijuana use rose and arrests for possession fell. The number of hospitalizations with possible marijuana exposures, diagnoses, or billing codes spiked. So did tax revenue collected from the legal marijuana market. Other results were more surprising: From 2014 to 2015, the number of summons issued for Driving Under the Influence (of) marijuana or marijuana-in-combination with other drugs decreased 1 percent. Violent and property crimes fell after legalization (which doesnt mean legalization caused the drop, only that it did not lead to an increase). Overall, the report cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions for a couple of reasons. First, Colorados experiment is too young to discern long-term trends. Second, legalization may result in reports of increased use, when it may actually be a function of decreased stigma and legal consequences rather than actual changes in use patterns. Likewise, those reporting to poison control, emergency departments or hospitals may feel more comfortable discussing their recent use or abuse of marijuana for purposes of treatment. In other words, people might not be using marijuana much more just talking about it more freely. That hasnt kept prohibitionists from trying to paint as grim a picture as they can, however. A 2014 piece from the Heritage Foundation purporting to explain Why Legalizing Pot Is a Bad Idea noted that pot-positive traffic fatalities in Colorado have gone up 100 percent. It didnt note that the statistic in no way means pot caused the fatalities, even indirectly. It merely meant that more drivers killed in crashes had evidence of pot in their systems. The National Institute on Drug Abuse points out that marijuana use can remain detectable in body fluids for days or even weeks after intoxication. So someone who tokes up on Friday night, and dies in a crash while stone-cold sober the following Thursday, can still be counted as a pot-positive traffic fatality. Another Heritage piece, Rocky Mountain High Producing Some Undesirable Side Effects, lamented increased use among teens, resulting in educational problems. How much of an increase? According to the Colorado Department of Safety report, the number of juvenile marijuana arrests increased 5 percent. Suspensions from school for drugs stood at 506 per 100,000 students in 2008-2009. In 2014-2015, they had risen to 509 per 100,000 students. Thats an increase, but hardly a tidal wave. The same Heritage piece warns darkly about dangerous growing practices, pesticides made from improvised concoctions of chemicals, the largely unregulated market for medical marijuana and similar dangers from the Cannabis-Industrial Complex. If you didnt know better, you might think you were reading an expose on Monsanto in Mother Jones. Its undeniably true that pot use is unhealthy, that it imposes social costs, that it is harmful to adolescents developing brains, and so on. At the same time, marijuana prohibition inflicts harm as well: thousands of students denied college financial aid because of a drug conviction; over half a million arrests annually (roughly one every 37 seconds, diverting law-enforcement resources from more serious crimes); billions a year in government expenditures; grotesque racial disparities; and more. Yet those who argue against legalization want to count only the potential harm, not the potential benefits. Coming from so-called conservatives, its all a bit rich. To see why, just compare how groups such as Heritage talk about marijuana with how they talk about soda taxes or guns. When liberals try to slap excise taxes on sugary drinks, conservatives quite properly denounce the smothering embrace of the Nanny State. They also quite properly object to the idea that government should be able to restrict or prohibit anything that generates social costs, as if a marginal even minuscule economic gain trumps the fundamental right to individual autonomy. Well, those arguments apply just as neatly to pot as they do to Pepsi. Likewise: If letting people smoke marijuana is bad for children, then letting people own guns is even worse. Depending on whose statistics you believe and what age you stop calling someone a child, several hundred to several thousand children are killed or injured by guns each year. Yet conservatives vociferously defend the individual right to keep and bear arms. If the deaths of children are not sufficient to prohibit firearm ownership by adults, then the minor and often temporary impairment of young people from illicit pot use can hardly be sufficient to prohibit adult marijuana use, either. The conceit that conservatives want smaller government has been growing harder to sustain. But those who do should, like Norment, show it by recognizing that you can have limited government or you can have the war on drugs but not both. A. Barton Hinkle is a writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Contact him at bhinkle@timesdispatch.com or (804) 649-6627. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is expanding its culinary arts program in a move that, if successful, will create a much-needed pipeline of trained kitchen workers for Richmonds booming restaurant scene. The Culinary Institute at Reynolds, as it will be known, also will help boost a development that already plans to house a grocery store serving Richmonds Church Hill North neighborhood, a food desert in the citys East End. Both will help bring energy to a city neighborhood in need and provide fresh food, prepared meals and workforce training to the underserved community. Reynolds foundation OKd an agreement Friday that allows the college to move forward on plans to open a 20,000-square-foot facility in the development at the northern corner of Nine Mile Road and North 25th Street. The agreement is with Steven Markel, vice chairman of Henrico County-based specialty insurer Markel Corp., who is financing the project. Details of the deal were not immediately available. When we talked to neighborhood residents about what they wanted in this development, they said they wanted access to quality food, job training and jobs, Markel said. According to Reynolds, the search for a space to relocate and expand its culinary arts and hospitality management program has been underway about a year. A study found that the ideal location would include community visibility, community interactivity and (a) location in the city of Richmond. Not only does Church Hill North meet these principles, but many of the students now enrolled in these programs live in this part of the city, said Gary Rhodes, the colleges president. Jesse Miller, who heads the culinary and hospitality program, said the new center will allow the college to expand its offerings and better prepare students for the demands of a dynamic food scene in the city. The program currently is housed on the sixth floor of the colleges downtown campus. Miller said the amenities are limited and there is only one kitchen. To meet students needs, he said, classes have to be scheduled all day, every day. In addition to making current class offerings stronger and adding some new ones, the institute will include teaching kitchens, a greenhouse for lessons on the farm-to-table movement and a demonstration kitchen. Eventually there will be a market cafe to give students real-life experience and offer the community a place for affordable prepared meals. A college spokesman said Friday that officials plan to meet with architects soon and hope to have some initial renderings by the end of the year. Miller said the idea behind expanding the program is to integrate it better with the areas restaurant community, grow the student body and improve the quality of the local workforce. About 300 students are in the culinary program now, and Reynolds believes it can expand to 750. Miller said increasing the number of students will mean there will be a need for more local teachers who currently work in the industry and that, in turn, will give students a more diverse experience and the skills and training needed to work in the real world. As you can probably assume, you dont work for one chef the rest of your life. So the more viewpoints you get as youre learning and focusing on learning makes you more well-rounded for when you get out, he said. Michelle Williams, executive chef and operating partner of the Richmond Restaurant Group, said the school could help fill a critical need the local restaurant industry faces. Williams, whose restaurants include The Hard Shell and The Daily, graduated from Reynolds culinary program in the early 1990s. She said the industry has a lot of top-level chefs and entry-level employees working in kitchens but is lacking the midlevel professionals who are essential to making a restaurant work and stay afloat. With this city, and the way its restaurant scene has bloomed, its imperative right now. We are at a high level of need, Williams said. It would surprise me if most (restaurant industry) people would not say their No. 1 issue is quality help. Not help, but quality help. The institute will be one of the anchors in the development, sharing the center with Jims Local Market, a full-service grocery store. The project first was announced in May, and Mayor Dwight C. Jones office has said the store will provide healthier food options for residents in an area with high rates of unemployment and poverty. The mayors office said the project is expected to draw $26 million in private investment and employ 30 full-time employees and between 30 and 50 part-time employees. Richmond City Council approved a $500,000 grant to subsidize construction of the grocery store. In addition to a full-service grocery store and the culinary institute, the development will include retail space and some residential units. Jim Scanlon, president of Jims Local Market and a former Martins Food Markets executive, will operate the store. Education has been a key presidential focus for at least the last three decades, but a group of experts on education who gathered in Washington last week think that may change in the next administration. On the campaign trail, President-elect Donald Trump gave few indications of his educational plans. Early on, he talked of abolishing the Common Corewhich is not a federal programand even abolishing the U.S. Department of Education. And shortly before the election, he announced his most specific plan, a $20 billion package for school choice. At a New President, New Education Agenda gathering in Washington last week, panelists ranging from advocates for school choice to sharp critics of Trump explored the possibilities, with most believing K-12 and higher education issues will not get top priority, especially at the beginning of his term. No one representing Trump spoke. Below are some of the issues addressed: Abolishing the Department of Education The panelists quickly dismissed the question of whether Trump would abolish the Department of Education with a simple answer: Probably not. Thats because its really hard and mostly show business, said Vic Klatt, currently the principal of Penn Hill Group, a bipartisan for-profit education lobbying firm, and former education deputy assistant secretary for congressional affairs in the first Bush administration. Klatt, who said he has tried to work on bills to eliminate the Department of Education, said it involves various committee jurisdictions and various people across Congress. Its mostly about just sending a message to people where your priorities are, and its a tough nut to crack in terms of the legislative process, Klatt said. In the end, getting rid of the Education Department is about organizational charts and where things sit within the bureaucracy. What matters is programs. While Klatt said there might be more money made available for charter schools, the few proposals Trump has made would come at a significant cost, and it will be interesting to see how they might be paid for. A $20 billion program is a big program, Klatt said. [And] his loan repayment program is a big program thats bigger than some of the others Democrats have proposed. Common Core Trump also cant make good on his other headline promise, abolishing the Common Core State Standards, for an even simpler reason, panelists said. Common Core isnt a federal program. It was generated and adopted by the states, individually. However, the increase in Republican governors might result in various pushes to remove Common Core, which was encouraged under the Obama administration, panelists said. Virginia does not use the Common Core standards. The state Board of Education voted to create its own newly vigorous standards in 2009 and rejected the Common Core in 2010. States might be more likely to drop the standards if the Trump administration opposes them. But the administration wont be able to exert much power over state standards, because Republicans in Congress acted to curb the departments influence in that area. A push to return power to the states predated Trump in the form of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support a year ago. The same restrictions created to prohibit the federal government from doing anything to push particular standards will handcuff the department in the next administration, said David Cleary, chief of staff for Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn. Alexander is a co-author of the Every Student Succeeds Act, passed last year, and the most influential voice on education in Congress, with a background as a former governor, former Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush, and currently chairman of the Senates Education Committee. On the overall K-12 agenda, they dont need to do a whole lot other than implement the law the way that it was written, kind of which intentionally shrunk the role of the federal government after 15 years of No Child Left Behind, and restored responsibility to state and local school systems to figure out how to do all of it, Cleary said. School choice In September, Trump made his only specific proposal: a plan to spend $20 billion on school choice. His education policy, as laid out on his website, says this would be done by reprioritizing existing federal dollars. The money would be given to states in block grants that would favor states with private school choice, magnet schools and charter laws, according to Trumps website. The plan would seek a collective additional $110 billion from state education budgets, in order to give a $12,000 voucher to every K-12 student who lives in poverty. There are only about nine charter schools in Virginia, which passed a charter law in the 1990s considered by officials and academics to be one of the weakest in the country. An attempt to put a referendum on the 2016 ballot as a constitutional amendment failed in its second pass through the General Assembly early in the year. Several panelists were enthusiastic about what a Trump administration would mean for school choice, with Klatt calling it a better chance than theyve had, though he also distinguished between charter schools, which have wide support nationally, and true choice, which would allow tax dollars to be directed to private schools. Theres not full support behind private school choice in the Republican conference, Klatt said. Ultimately I think its going to depend on how much emphasis this president and his people put on private school choice. Panelist Alyson Klein of Education Week said that a choice bill failed under a Republican Congress, so she didnt think it would pass now. The amendment would have allowed federal Title I money for disadvantaged students to follow the students to private schools, and some Republicans voted against it, she said. Even if this is something the Trump administration is really excited about the make-up of Congress hasnt changed that much, Klein said. The biggest hurdle of all, though, panelists said, would be the funding source. Trump said the $20 billion would come from existing federal money, but wasnt specific regarding where it would be redirected from. I dont know how they do it, Klatt said. Directing the money would be easy, he said; finding it would be hard. School climate What panelists and moderators called the human side will be a challenge for Trump and his education secretary, panelists and moderators said. While its unlikely to dissolve the department, the Trump administration might pull back the Office for Civil Rights, the departments biggest data collection and anti-discrimination enforcement arm, said Cleary, Alexanders chief of staff. Certainly we think that the Office of Civil Rights has overreached. We had a hearing with the assistant secretary and it was a pretty contentious discussion, Cleary said. Rather than enforcing the law, he said, Alexander feels the office has created it. I think there will be a very natural shrinking of kind of the expansive interpretations of civil rights laws, Cleary said. But with both higher education institutions and K-12 schools already struggling with issues of hate crimes and harassment on top of ongoing issues of free speech and diversity, changes to the oversight arm of the education department could have wide-reaching implications, panelists said. There are simpler protections at play as well. There are constantly civil rights cases around the country that are being brought, said Bethany M. Little, a principal at EducationCounsel, a lobbying firm. Little previously served as an education adviser to President Bill Clinton and other Democrats. Investigations of violations based on race, religion, ethnicity, and even disability all fall under the departments purview. Part of the theory of action of ESSA as I understood it was that transparency was a very high value that was bipartisan, Little said. Much of what we know about students in America, we know through the OCR data collection. I will be interested to see if that value of transparency is maintained by my Republican colleagues as they enter into this next period or if the temptation is too much to move back as much as you possibly can, including the things that give us transparency into the system. Stafford County resident Gail Day is getting her annual Thanksgiving trip to Charlotte, N.C. off to an earlier start this yeara plan that could pay off as the number of Virginia holiday travelers is expected to hit a nine-year high. She plans to leave home Tuesday morning, a day before she normally heads to her sisters house for the holiday. A retiree, she said shes leaving earlier just because I could and will return home the following Monday to avoid the heavy weekend traffic. Day will be among nearly 1.4 million Virginians traveling at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year, the most since 2007 and a 3.7 percent increase from last year, according to AAAs projections. The expected increase is driven by rising wages, increased consumer spending and the overall strength in consumer confidence, AAA spokeswoman Tammy Arnette said in a news release. The vast majority of the states holiday travelers90.5 percentwill drive to their destinations, though the number of Virginians booking flights is expected to be up 2.7 percent from last year, according to a AAA news release. Statewide, the average price per gallon of gas is $2.02, 12 cents higher than Thanksgiving day last year. But overall, gas prices have dropped this year, and Fredericksburg-area stations typically offer lower prices than the statewide average. Despite some incremental gas price increases in September and October, AAA estimates U.S. drivers have saved more than $28 billion so far at the pumps this year compared to the same period last year, Arnette said. The news isnt so good for airline passengers. Nationally, a ticket for a round-trip flight is expected to cost an average of $205 for the top 40 domestic routes, a 21 percent increase over last year, according to AAA. Meanwhile, an overnight stay at a hotel with a Three Diamond rating from AAA will average $155 per night, the same as this time last year. The average cost of an overnight stay in a Two Diamond hoteldefined by AAA as affordable, with modestly enhanced facilities, decor and amenitieswill be $123, a 4 percent increase from last year. AAA recommends downloading the AAA Mobile app for iPhones, iPads, and Androids. The app can help map routes and identify the lowest gas prices, among other features. Day said shes run into heavy traffic over Thanksgiving before, though it was nothing that made you pull out your hair. This years trip wont be all rest and relaxation. Her sister runs a pet-sitting business, so Day and her brother-in-law will prepare the Thanksgiving meal. I thought, well, if I get down there Tuesday, we can make up our grocery list, she said. Students and faculty continue to pressure University of Virginia administrators to protect undocumented students who fear deportation in the wake of the presidential election. A petition signed by nearly 700 people, including 379 faculty members, asks UVa President Teresa A. Sullivan to reaffirm her commitment to students protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Here at UVa, without the provisions afforded by DACA, undocumented students who have excelled in and outside of the classroom will be denied the opportunity to continue their studies and complete their degrees, reads the letter, which originated from the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese Languages and Literature. DACA, an executive order issued by President Barack Obama in 2012, protects people who arrived in the United States as minors and have stayed out of trouble. Though President-elect Donald Trump has not yet announced a decision on it, many observers expect him to repeal the order. The petition asks the administration to protect the identities of undocumented students and workers, and to create a sanctuary campus that protects the undocumented from deportation or detention. The group also asks for special counseling for undocumented students, and to continue charging in-state tuition for those undocumented students from Virginia, a practice that has been in place since 2014. Allison Margaret Bigelow, an assistant professor of Spanish, said the group is not asking the university to break any laws. Instead, she said, they are asking the university to institute protocols to protect the rights of the students who are here because of DACA. Bigelow said concerns about the incoming president could prove a massive distraction to undocumented students. Here at UVa, we could provide students and their families with peace of mind by taking some concrete steps, like promising that students who are currently enrolled at UVa under DACA provisions will continue to pay in-state tuition rates, and declaring that UVa is a sanctuary campus, she said. This means that students and staff wont be asked about their immigration status, and that we will protect their privacy. Its unclear what will happen to the orderand the students protected by itwhen Trump takes office in January. In a recent interview with 60 Minutes, the real estate mogul and surprise election winner said he immediately wants to deport about 2 million to 3 million people, focusing on those with criminal records. Trumpwho ran as an immigration hardlinertold CBS reporter Leslie Stahl hed make a determination on what to do with the rest of the countrys undocumented population after the border has been secured and everything gets normalized. But students are bracing themselves for the worst-case scenario. Protesters took over the Rotunda during a Board of Visitors meeting earlier this month, making some of the same demands listed in the petition and chanting protect our students, protect our workers. A recent incident involving a UVa police officer who shouted Trumps slogan, Make America Great Again!, into a vehicle public address system may have touched on some of these fears. Many of the protesters said they were concerned the UVa Police Department could become an extension of immigration authorities. The department does not have an enforcement agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But Paola Sanchez Valdez, a third-year student who heads the organization DREAMers on Grounds, said they could still institute policies that could lead to arrest and deportationso-called stop-and-frisk practices, for instance. I think it all starts with the local police that make the arrests that send people to court, she said. The officer accused in the incident has resigned following an investigation by the university. UVa spokesman Matthew Charles said the administration is encouraging DACA students to continue their pursuit of an education on Grounds. Beyond that, the administration is staying quietfor now. It would be premature to speculate on any changes to federal law that may be proposed by the new administration or Congress, Charles said. Big changes can be seen at St. Francois State Park. Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Harry Bozoian said there was a low-water crossing through the park and it was acting as a dam in the creek. What would happen is flash floods coming down the creek would cause water to back up and flood the area, explained Bozoian. The campers and the folks utilizing the other side of the park would get stuck on that side of the park until the water came down. Bozoian said they were able to remove the low-water crossing and put a new bridge in down further near the mouth of the creek and the Big River. Now folks can get in and out easier, said Bozoian. We also have the new parking lot at the equestrian trail which allows plenty of parking, and the restroom is in progress and should be in shortly. Bozoiar said they were able to fund the improvements through the park budget. He added since 2008, Governor Jay Nixon has put $69 million into state parks and this is part of the plan. Keeping the parks up, doing the maintenance that is needed in the parks, and this is obviously a maintenance item, said Bozoiar. We need to make sure folks are safe on the other side of the creek and you can get in and out. Folks can come in whether they walk (or) ride horses and have a place to park. They can have a good time. Director of Missouri Parks Bill Bryan said its projects like this that are important to the state park system. We have to take care of what we have, said Bryan. We arent going to come out and cut a ribbon or anything exciting like that, but its important that people are safe. That is paramount in our park system, so having a project like this helps keep our staff safe, helps keep our visitors safe, and it allows people to have more access. Bryan added the campground at the park was closed a lot of weekends because of the flooding. The improvements gives people more access to a great state park. The project was started in August and completed in two months by Kozeny Wagner Construction. Bryan said he was happy to see a Missouri company get the business. St. Francois State Park Superintendent Joe Blum said new signage will be in place soon to help direct the public through the changes. They are still in the planning stages of what to do with the old portion of the road. I feel if we just peeled up the asphalt and try to let it go back to forest, you could still see that for years, said Blum. That would be a scar here and I think we can have a better use for it. Maybe a handicap accessible trail or something for fitness stations or something. We are going to look at that over the next couple of months and see what our options are. The unused roadbed is approximately 1,000 feet long. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites visit mostateparks.com. He has been cited by Rush Limbaugh, quoted in the New York Times, featured at Real Clear Politics and Lucianne.com and interviewed on radio, TV and in social media. Inducted into the Philadelphia Public Relations Hall of Fame, for many years he served as a Lecturer in Corporate Communication at Penn State University. A former President of the Philadelphia Public Relations Association (PPRA) he has lectured at Rowan University, Temple University, The College of New Jersey and Arcadia University. He has conducted workshops on public relations for thousands of participants throughout the nation and has taught countless others the art of public speaking. He has also advised numerous lawyers, judges, public officials and political candidates. Cirucci is a prolific writer and his op-ed pieces have appeared in the Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Courier-Post and other publications. A native of Camden NJ, Cirucci is a former President of the Philadelphia chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Cirucci served as Associate Executive Director of the Philadelphia Bar Association for nearly 30 years. He served as Chair of Penn State University's Professional Advisory Board for the Corporate Communication major at Penn State Abington and on the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Judicial Selection Commission. He received his MA degree from Rowan University and his BA from Villanova University. He has been named a Distinguished Alumnus of Rowan's public relations program and received the E. A. "Wally" Richter Leadership Award, the highest honor from the National Association of Bar Executives' Communications Section. He has also been honored by numerous other local, state and national groups. Cirucci's passions include politics, the popular culture, books and authors, art, communication, music, theatre, movies, dining and travel. In his hometown of Camden, Cirucci taught fifth grade at the Ulysses Wiggins Elementary School named for the founder of the Camden NAACP. There he was one of the first teachers in the country to teach African-American history to inner city students. He later served as editor of a local weekly newspaper, as Assistant to the Township Manager of Cherry Hill Township and as Associate Director of Communications at the New Jersey State Bar Association. He's Dan Cirucci, the founder and editor-in chief of the Dan Cirucci Blog, Matt Rooney's sidekick on Save Jersey's videocasts and one of the most widely honored public relations professionals in his field. He's also been a public relations consultant to numerous organizations and individuals and hosted The Advocates on RVN-TV. Dylann Roof A closed hearing will be held Monday to determine whether Dylann Roof, who faces 33 federal hate crime charges for allegedly murdering 9 people in a Charleston, S.C., church, is mentally competent to stand trial. Jury selection in the trial has been delayed since the defense filed a motion questioning Roof's mental competency on Nov. 7, which led U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel to request a mental evaluation of the defendant. The competency evaluation was submitted to the parties in the case earlier this week, reported South Carolina Public Radio, but it has not be released to the public. The Charleston Post and Courier reported that the evaluation "relied heavily on interviews" with Roof. The judge cited the Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial and impartial jury in his decision to close Monday's hearing, reported Alexandra Olgin of SCPR. If he rules Roof is not competent to stand trial, the defendant could be sent to a state mental institution. At a public hearing on Thursday the judge said, "It is not a normal examiner's report, I'm telling you that," and called the case "unusual," according the Post and Courier. He defended his choice to keep the competency hearing closed, but pledged to release portions of a hearing transcript that don't need to be kept confidential, the paper reported. At least seven media organizations, including NPR and the Post and Courier's parent company, have filed legal objections to the closing of the competency hearing. The First Amendment requires criminal proceedings to be open to the public. To close a hearing, a court must show that there is a compelling interest, such as protecting a defendant's right to a fair trial, that requires the proceeding to be closed. At Thursday's public hearing, some family members of the victims argued they had a right to observe the proceedings. "It would be unfair for us not to be there," said Tyrone Sanders, whose 26-year-old son, Tywanza, was killed, and his wife and granddaughter survived the shooting. "We've lost the greatest portion," Sanders said, according to the Post and Courier. The federal government is seeking the death penalty in its case against Roof, 22, who prosecutors say entered Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston in June 2015 and sat among people gathered for a Wednesday evening Bible study before he opened fire. Emanuel AME is a historically black institution. "The Justice Department says he selected the [church] and his victims to win notoriety and to try to ignite a race war," NPR's Carrie Johnson reported. The federal indictment alleges Roof created a website where he posted a diatribe against people who are not white, as well as photographs of himself "wearing a jacket with flags of 2 former apartheid African nations, displaying his Glock .45 caliber pistol, and holding a confederate flag." Roof faces separate murder charges brought by the state of South Carolina, which is seeking the death penalty for Roof's alleged crimes. It is not clear what, if any, bearing the mental evaluation conducted for the federal trial could have on the state trial, which is set to begin in January. | 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: npr.org, November 20, 2016 Chijioke Stephen Obioha The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has described the execution of a Nigerian in Singapore on Friday for drug related offences as heartbreaking. She also urged Nigerians to avoid drug trafficking which can result in similar executions. In a statement issued in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, 'titled Execution of a Nigerian in Singapore, Heartbreaking - Dabiri-Erewa' the SSA said the planned execution was heartbreaking despite repeated warnings to Nigerians to obey the laws of the land of their host countries. Dabiri-Erewa said since Singapore determined to enforce its laws as a deterrent to drug trafficking, which has reduced as a result of its stringent capital punishment, nothing much can be done "While we regret the death of the Nigerian, we once again appeal to Nigerians to avoid crimes like drug trafficking with most countries especially in Asia declaring zero tolerance for drug trafficking", she stated. She reiterated her appeal to Nigerians to avoid drug peddling in their host countries, as the laws of such countries, whether acceptable or not, will be difficult to influence. A Nigerian, Chijoke Obioha was caught in Singapore trafficking in hard drugs on December 30, 2008 with his execution slated for and carried out on Friday, November 18. Obioha was arrested with more than 2.6 kilogrammes of cannabis, surpassing the statutory amount of 500 grammes presumed as drug trafficking in Singapore on April 9, 2007. The international watchdog, Amnesty International had called on Singapore to halt Friday's planned execution of Obioha, a Nigerian national on death row for possession of drugs, a demand which was ignored. Obioha's family was informed that his appeal for clemency was rejected. Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International's Director for South-East Asia and the Pacific, said: "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. 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 and Amnesty International opposes the use of the death penalty outright, regardless of the crime. | 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: today.ng, November 20, 2016 Rabbi Shlomo Amar Israeli politicians and LGBT activists have called for the resignation of Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar after the high-ranked cleric said that homosexuality was punishable by death. "This is a cult of abomination, this is clear," Amar said when asked of his attitude toward homosexuality in an interview with Yisrael Hayom newspaper, cited by Times of Israel. "This is an abomination. The Torah says it is punishable by death. It is in the 1st rank of severe offenses," he said. Amar added that he didn't believe in some people having a homosexual orientation, calling such claims "nonsense." "There are desires and a person can overcome it if he wants, like all other desire," Jerusalem's top rabbi said. After the release of extracts from Amar interview on Thursday, an LGBT activist, Shirley Kleinman, filed a complaint to the police, blaming the cleric for incitement to murder. "Let's try and ensure that this man will not remain in his key public position," Kleinman wrote on her Facebook page, as cited by The Jerusalem Post. "This is not an anti-religious issue, I have nothing against religion, every person shall live in accordance with their faith. I do have an interest to protect my rights and your rights to live, and [to live with] dignity," she said. The call for Amar's resignation was backed by Knesset members Yael German and Meirav Michaeli, who wrote to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Religious Services Minister David Azoulay on the issue. The parliamentarians from Yesh Atid and the Zionist Union stated that the chief rabbi was "exploiting his position" as religious authority "for a campaign of dangerous incitement against a large public group in Israel." "A public figure who endangers the safety of Israeli citizens by discrimination and incitement should be fired from their position immediately," German and Michaeli said in a letter. Jerusalem City Council member Laura Wharton addressed Amar directly, calling on him to retract on his anti-LGBT statements. "Your comments are gross incitement, and just one year after the murder of Shira Banki [at the 2015 Jerusalem Gay Pride Parade], I would have expected that you would know they are destructive of our society," The Jerusalem Post cited Wharton as saying. It's not the 1st time Jerusalem's top rabbi has found himself in hot water after his controversial remarks on the LGBT community. Last year, Amar was criticized for suggesting that most people were "disgusted" by homosexuality and labeling Jerusalem's gay pride parade "an embarrassing phenomenon." However, he condemned the murder of a teenager at the 2015 parade, saying that the act couldn't be justified. Jerusalem chief rabbi calls homosexuality an abomination Gay rights activist files police complaint against Shlomo Amar for comments during interview in which he also takes aim at Reform Jews Jerusalems chief rabbi lashed out at Israels gay community in an interview released Friday, calling homosexuality an abomination and earning himself a police complaint for incitement. Shlomo Amar, who previously served as the countrys Sephardi chief rabbi, told Israel Hayom newspaper that homosexuality is an abomination, and that Jewish law advocates the death penalty for those who choose to engage in same sex relationships. I call it a cult. Its a cult of abominations, it is obvious. Its an abomination, he said. The Torah says it is punishable by death. It is in the first rank of severe offenses They say leaning, perversion this is nonsense. There is lust, and a person can overcome it if they want to, like all lusts. This is among the most forbidden lusts, the most severe. Amar said he declined to attend a memorial service for a teenage girl stabbed to death by an ultra-Orthodox zealot during last years Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, after her family declined to read aloud his condemnation of homosexuality. When Shira Banki was killed, they commemorated the thirtieth day of her death. They asked me to attend, and I would not. I wrote to them a letter expressing great sadness and opposition in the strongest terms to the deeds of her killer, Yishai Schlissel, he said. On the other hand, he said he wrote to Bankis family, I call on you, if you want to elate her soul to the heavens, to repent from your evil ways. It is forbidden by the Torah. I gave them a condition that they read my letter in full [and then I would attend]. They wanted to read half. I did not agree [to attend]. Amar said that his attendance would have blasphemed the name of God. He also came out against rabbis trying to build bridges with the LGBTQ community: There is no such thing, to show understanding or tolerance for this. A simple truth needs to be stated there is a severe prohibition, and there is no allowance for it. The rabbi emphasized he would not budge on his position, even at the price of estranging secular Jews from religious life. Amars comments were met with fury by members of the LGBTQ community and champions of civil liberties in Israel. Oded Fried, a gay rights activist and former head of the Israeli LGBT Taskforce, filed a complaint with Israel Police, saying Amars comments constituted incitement to bigotry. Meretz MK Michal Rozin, co-chair of the Knessets Gay Caucus, wrote to Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked following the interview, calling for her to take action against Amar. Statements such as these fuel and strengthen violent attacks against the LGBTQ community and the pluralist Judaism community, especially when made by municipal rabbis. In light of these comments, I ask that you consider disciplining the rabbi, according to your jurisdiction to do so, following his comments, Rozin wrote. Rabbi Noa Satat, manager of the Reform Center for Religion and State, accused Amar of unjustified hatred that harmed the very people whose taxes pay his salary. Rabbi Amar proves once again that he is unworthy of the title of chief rabbi of the city of Jerusalem, she said. His comments, which constitute nothing more than unjustified hatred seasoned with ignorance, hurt Israeli men and women, Jewish men and women who finance his salary, paid for by public funds. Rabbi Amar is cursing just before Shabbat, his comments push more and more people from the medieval Judaism he represents. Amar also took aim at Reform Judaism, telling the newspaper that there was only a small number of Reform Jews in Israel and saying that in recent years, they have been importing it, this culture. He accused Reform Jews of inciting against the Torah for political gain and vowed to resist any moves to include the stream in Israeli Jewish life. Its not a matter of personal distress, it is politics. I will not agree to change what the Torah says, Amar said. I say what is written in verses such as Move back from the tents of these wicked men.' He also said unequivocally that public transportation could not be allowed on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, and said he was against civil marriage for Jews in the State of Israel. | 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: rt.com, November 18, 2016Source: Times of Israel , November 18, 2016 Damantae Graham An Akron man convicted of shooting and killing a Kent State University student during the robbery of a Kent apartment on Super Bowl Sunday is headed to Ohio's death row. Citing the "lack of regard for human life this man has," Portage County Common Pleas Judge Laurie Pittman on Nov. 16 sentenced Damantae D. Graham, 19, to death for the Feb. 7 murder of Nicholas W. Massa, 18, of Westlake. "This was a senseless, senseless act," Pittman told Graham. She said she sought humanity in his eyes during the trial, but found none. "I have a clear conscience about what I did," Pittman added. Graham is believed to be the youngest defendant ever to be sentenced to death in Portage County history. Jurors convicted Graham Nov. 3 on 6 felony charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and 3 counts of kidnapping. On Nov. 8, they recommended Pittman sentence him to death. Pittman found that the aggravating factors of the case -- that Graham committed the murder in the process of burglarizing a Ryan Place apartment while armed, and kidnapped and robbed the residents -- outweighed the mitigating factors that could have spared his life. Those included Graham's youth and early life of poverty under "harsh parenting," a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder and his voluntary abuse of illegal and prescription drugs. Defense attorney Anthony Koukoutas moved for an acquittal on all charges, which Pittman denied. Barring that, he asked the judge to sentence Graham to life in prison. She also declined that request. Twice during the hearing, Pittman offered Graham a chance to speak. "You don't want to talk to me, Damantae?" she asked him at one point. "No," Graham replied, with the same lack of emotion he showed throughout his week-long trial. Graham gets an automatic appeal of his death sentence. In the event the death penalty sentence is reversed, Graham still must serve 61 years on the robbery, burglary, kidnapping and firearms charges, Pittman ruled, agreeing to a request by Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci to make sure Graham never leaves prison. Graham's co-defendants -- 18-year-olds Ty A. Kremling, Marquis C.T. Grier and Anton "AJ" Planicka -- all testified at trial that Graham shot Massa during the robbery, which had targeted small-time marijuana dealer Connor Haithcock, a former classmate of Kremling at Stow-Munroe Falls High School. The 3 remaining co-defendants face identical charges of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and kidnapping. VICTIM IMPACT A friend and 3 of Massa's family members delivered emotional victim impact statements to the court. They remembered his smile and his laughter, his love of fishing and his wish to one day own his own fishing charter. Massa's KSU roommate, Alex Mangels, called his lost friend "a beautiful person" of character, compassion and a willingness to help others. He said he is now left to "pick up the pieces of a friendship we will have no more." Massa's family spoke of their love for their lost brother, son and nephew, calling out Graham for his "callousness" and cowardice. "Not one time, not even in a half-hearted attempt to save his own life," did Graham show regret or remorse for the "senseless, cowardly act" of murder, Nick Massa's uncle Scott Massa told Pittman. "It was disgusting." Kelly Massa, Nick's older sister, and his mother, Jackie, both cried as they spoke of never getting to see their brother and son get married and have children of his own. "Nick embodied everything I aspired to be," Kelly Massa said. "What this man took from us is irreplaceable If I want to hang out with my brother, I have to go to the cemetery. At his wake, I held his hand and I promised justice would be served." "The outcome of this trial will not bring back my son," Jackie Massa said, "but it will allow my son to finally rest in peace." | 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: Stow Sentry, November 19, 2016 Mr Isaac said Centre prefers to have a vertical split of all dealers for assessment under GST. New Delhi: Centre and states on Sunday once again failed to agree on the issue of who will assess whom under the proposed GST at an informal meeting. "The meeting has remained incomplete. Discussions will continue on November 25," said finance minister Arun Jaitley after the over three hour long meeting. The informal meeting on Sunday was held without civil servants to arrive at a political solution. Centre is racing against time to roll out GST from 1st April. States are unrelenting on their position of being given right to control all assessees with up to Rs 1.5 crore annual turnover. Now it has been decided that officials will meet again on Monday before the meeting of the all powerful GST Council on November 25. Earlier it was decided that state will look at goods tax and Centre at service tax. However, the issue again cropped up as it was realised that there are some industries or people who are registered as both. States like West Bengal, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have insisted on exclusive control over small taxpayers, who earn less than `1.5 crore in annual revenue, for both goods and services. Uttarakhand Finance Minister Indira Hridayesh said states demanded exclusive control for both goods and service tax assessees of Rs 1.5 crore and below. Centre is agreeable on goods, but is not yielding on services. States are looking at their interest to safeguard their revenue. Centre will have to yield to states to get the CGST and IGST bills passed. A middle ground on the issue has to be worked out politically, she said. Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac said it is a stalemate and his state is unwilling to compromise as it has virtually given up its taxation rights. State like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Odisha and Uttarakhand, said that small taxpayers cannot be harassed by dual control. Mr Isaac said Centre prefers to have a vertical split of all dealers for assessment under GST. They are taking a rigid stand but I hope good sense will prevail at the Centre, he said. 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. Mumbai: Kareena, who is all set to deliver her first baby with husband Saif Ali Khan this December, has not taken maternity break ever since the news of her pregnancy broke. The actress is into her 8th month and revealed that her husband teases she will deliver the baby in Mehboob studios. "Ive been keeping myself so busy during this pregnancy that Saif always says Youll have this baby in Mehboob Studios! My friends are constantly teasing me and telling me to calm down and do less. But knowing me, dont be surprised if I head straight from the hospital to a shoot. I think Ill definitely be fully back to work one month after my baby is born, Bebo was quoted as saying. Contrary to reports, the actress revealed that both Saif and she have never tried to find out the gender of their child and want to 'keep it at that'. Kapoor also said that Saif, who is already a father to Ibrahim Ali Khan and Sarah Ali Khan, is an amazing parent and will be a doting dad to their child. Sangeetha Bhat who made her debut three years ago in Sandalwood is the cynosure of all eyes with four films set to release this season, including a Kollywood project. The actress is upbeat about her Tamil debut. Along with three Kannada films, my Tamil film Aarambame Attagasam is also ready for release. I portray a poor female protagonist who tries her best to get all she desires in life through love, says Sangeetha Bhat, adding, These past three years have been wonderful, since my debut in Preethi Geethi Ityaadi. I have worked in all the three languages Kannada, Telugu and Tamil, says the actress who feels that every industry is different. She claims, Working in Tamil and Kannada is pretty much the same. Although, Tamil films have given me a good platform, which was initially missing in Kannada films, she explains. About the acceptance of offbeat films, she quips, I embraced acting for its passion. The shifty mindset in the industry towards actresses in offbeat films makes acceptance back into commercial ventures a risky affair. I want to be remembered as an actress and not a heroine, she adds. Mumbai: Tollywood superstar, Pawan Kalyan, who's all set to retire from films and embark on a full-fledged political career, soon enough, has lambasted the central government's revolutionary demonitisation. The actor, who had floated the Jana Sena party and proclaimed that he'd be contesting the 2019 general elections, has vociferously been critical of pm Narendra Modi's policies. In an extensive rant on Twitter, the actor blasted out at the government, calling it out on the 'fallacies' in the delegalisation of the 500 and 1000 rupee denomination currencies, overnight, and its adverse effects on the poor. Read his tweets here: Pawan Kalyan, born Konidela Kalyana Babu, had ironically campaigned extensively, for the Telugu Desam Party, which had been allied with BJP. Thiruvananthapuram: One in every eight persons (12.43 per cent) in the state has mental illness requiring psychiatric intervention, according to a survey conducted by the Kerala State Mental Health Authority and National Health Mission in five districts. Dr D. Raju, secretary, State Mental Health Authority, handed over the report to Health Minister K.K. Shylaja here on Saturday. The survey found that the most common mental disorder was depression. Those above 40 years of age were at higher risk for common mental disorder. However, higher education, employment and better income were protective factors. The survey in Kollam, Idukki, Palakkad , Wayanad and Kasargod found that 3.6 per cent people aged 18 years and above had alcohol-related health problems. But the overall prevalence of alcohol-related problems was 1.46 per cent. Almost half of those with clinically significant problems with alcohol abuse seem to be having severe problems and this pattern existed in all districts. Alcoholic problems were reported more in Idukki district. The prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment was more than 10.48 per cent among 60-plus age. The study found that higher age and female gender were the risk factors for cognitive impairment while better education and employment were protective factors. According to the survey, 75 per cent of the mental health patients were getting treatment. The remaining 25 per cent are not able to avail of treatment mainly because of social stigma, interrupted supply of medicines and financial problems. The majority of the patients depend on government hospitals for treatment (42.88 per cent ) and 29.24 per cent on private hospitals. The prevalence of intellectual disability was 0.21 per cent while epilepsy accounted for 0.23 per cent. Most families approached during the study suggested more facilities for vocational training , day care and residential care as part of rehabilitation. The minister said that one of the biggest challenges faced by the state was the high suicide rate. Efforts would be made to bring down the suicide rate from 24.9 per lakh population to 16/lakh to achieve high health indicators by 2030 as part of the UN programme on sustainable development goals. She said the government had constituted 13 working groups headed by experts to achieve the targets in various health issues, including maternal mortality, infant mortality, lifestyle diseases, psychiatric ailments, communicable diseases, chronic health problems and alcohol problems. Washington: A study found that there is a reduction in healthy renal function in diabetic patients suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI), proteinuria and uncontrolled blood sugar. The University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine research team looked at 3,679 individuals with type 2 diabetes from a de-identified cohort of patients at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and who were followed for a 10-year period, explains Charuhas Thakar, MD, professor and director of the UC Division of Nephrology, Kidney CARE Program. The three risk factors--AKI, proteinuria (leakage of protein into the urine) and poor blood sugar control--were used to classify patients into three groups, he says. The patients with diabetes who had none of these risk factors were compared against a group that had all three risk factors (severe risk) and another group that had only one or two of the risk factors (medium risk). "There are established risk factors in the diabetes literature," says Thakar. "One of them is the level of sugar control; if you don't control your sugar well your kidney disease progresses faster or if you leak protein in the urine and you have proteinuria, it tends to be an independent predictor of kidney disease in diabetics." Typically, a 50-year-old person with type 2 diabetes without any of the risk factors has kidney function of about 60 percent and is likely to lose renal function at around 1.9 to 2 percent annually, says Thakar. That means this individual would have 25 to 30 years before kidney failure forces the need for dialysis allowing the patient to have normal renal function up to age 80. But if the same individual with diabetes suffered from all three risk factors the loss of renal function would accelerate to nearly 5 percent annually, says Thakar. This means the patient would need dialysis within 12 years at age 62. For a patient with two of the three risk factors, there is still a medium risk of accelerated loss of renal function, he explains. "This is a big impact for a patient," says Thakar, who is corresponding author for the research. "You are talking about pruning 18 to 20 years off of when you will have to go on dialysis. It's very important information for a patient and clinician to know. The study is among the first to examine the interrelationship between these traditional risk factors for its effect on kidney disease progression." The research will be presented orally and as a poster at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week, on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, in Chicago, by Mollie Sands, a fourth-year medical student in the UC College of Medicine. She is first author of the research, while Anthony Leonard, PhD, UC assistant professor of family medicine, is also a co-author. Thakar says 29 million Americans have diabetes and one in three will have chronic kidney disease. He says patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are among the most vulnerable to sustain acute kidney injury when hospitalized. Physicians need to consider looking at patients with diabetes who have different risk factors separately and design tailored strategies to both monitor and treat them, says Thakar. "We have the same tools in our arsenal to help these patients in terms of their progression of kidney disease; so our research raises questions and challenges the field of physicians," says Thakar. "We should find ways to monitor these three groups of patients differently and target our therapies. Future studies need to evaluate how we are going to change the trajectory of loss of renal function in these patients who may suffer a faster decline by either modifying existing treatment or discovering new therapies." he added. MALAPPURAM: A 32-year-old man, who had converted to Islam a few months ago, was brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances early on Saturday at Kodinhi in Malappuram. Anil Kumar, also known as Faisal, was found dead with grave wounds on his head and neck by the roadside at Kodinhi Farook Nagar, few metres away from his ancestral home at around 5 am by local residents. An autorickshaw, which he had used, was also found abandoned near the spot. Faisal was going to Tanur railway station to pick up his parents in-law who came from Thiruvananthapuram in an early morning train. Faisal was about to return to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia on Sunday where he was working as a driver for the last five years. A police team led by district police chief Debesh Kumar Behera camped in the area. An investigation team led by circle inspector of Kondotty, M. Muhammed Haneefa was constituted to probe the incident. Kannur range I.G Dinendra Kashyap has also visited the site. The preliminary probe suggests that the heinous act could be in retaliation to his conversion. The police investigation has zeroed in some of the suspected family members of Faisal to find out the killers. The CCTV visual retrieved from a nearby shop showed a suspected car and two bikes which passed close to the purported time of the incident. Meanwhile, the victims mother Meenakshi Pullooni alleged that Faisal was cheated by someone within the family. According to neighbours and his friends, Faisal had received threats from some relatives after the conversion. However, Faisal had not lodged any complaint in this regard, police said. A team from Forensic Laboratory in Thrissur, dog squad and fingerprint experts from Malappuram visited the site and collected evidences. The body was later taken to Kozhikode Medical College for autopsy and last rites were held at Kodinhi Juma Masjid. He was survived by wife and three children who embraced Islam two months ago at Maunathul Islam Sabha in Ponnani. Rescue officials on the spot where 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna express derailed, killing more than 90 passengers. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The CPI(M) on Sunday berated the Centre over the Indore-Patna Express mishap, saying it was "unfortunate" that the Prime Minister or the Railway Minister, concerned more with "bullet trains", were "not willing" to take responsibility for the incident. Accidents are happening with "alarming regularity", but the Railway Ministry and the government are yet to wake up from their "slumber" and address the dire conditions of the railways, it said. In its statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau also expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed its condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy with those injured. "Instead of giving priority to railway safety and upgrading safety equipment, signaling, and tracks, the government seems to more concerned with introducing bullets trains. "It is very unfortunate that neither the Prime Minister, the railway minister nor the cabinet collectively is willing to take responsibility for such a big accident that has led to the loss of so many lives," it said. The party also demanded that the inquiry report of the incident be made public and the guilty be punished unlike earlier probes that remained "unpublished". New Delhi: A proctorial enquiry by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has found ABVP member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP, including Vikrant, the night before. JNU had ordered a proctorial enquiry into the incident. "In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct," an official order read. Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. ABVP has, meanwhile, come out in Vikrant's support and accused the university administration of being "biased" in conducting the enquiry. "The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. Not only the enquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union," Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member and former JNUSU member said. JNU students and teachers have been agitating against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to locate the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The case was later transferred to Delhi Police's Crime Branch. Nellore: The stress of handling a continuous stream of customers since the last 10 days claimed the life of a SBI deputy manager on Saturday. He was working in one of the busiest branches in the district, located near the old ZP office. The deceased, S.K. Sheriff, 46, collapsed at around 6.30 pm on Saturday. The assistant general manager of the branch, Mr Sankar Rao rushed him to the nearby Jayabharat Hospital, but it was too late. The brother of the victim, S.K. Shajahan rushed him to the Bollineni Super Specialty Hospital but they too gave up. A native of Nellore, Sheriff is survived by his wife, a daughter studying intermediate and a son pursuing Class VII. Speaking to DC, Mr Shajahan said his brother was healthy but was very stressed because of the workload. "He was very sad since customers were looking at bankers as culprits though they had nothing to do with demonetisation and was working from 8 am to 10 pm to serve them. He was hurt when customers locked the door of the bank at 7 pm two days back preventing officials from leaving the branch," Mr Shajahan said. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attacking any one who opposes his policy, retorting to his charge that political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him over demonetisation. "Pradhan Mantriji, you are equating corruption with anyone who opposes your policy. Are you the only magician?(sic)" Banerjee said in a tweet this evening, reacting to Modi's remarks seen as sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress supremo. "Listen to the voice of the people. Feel their pain. People will not forgive you for this. They are suffering," she said in another tweet. Earlier in the day, Modi said political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him as they have been hit hard by demonetisation. "I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished," the Prime Minister told a 'Parivartan' rally at Agra. "Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of heads of families were forced to commit suicide. Look at history and they are questioning me," he said in barbs aimed apparently at Banerjee, who had been rallying political leaders against the demonetisation decision. However, the Prime Minister did not name any leader. Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams in West Bengal. Just a brief memo from HR (and the Chicago Trib):Mr. Trump:Welcome to the company! We in the Human Resources Department of the United States of America congratulate you on your new job! Your start date is Jan. 20, 2017, and your starting salary will be $400,000 per year as a full-time employee (though we understand that you have opted for the $1/year salary plan; please be sure to complete the appropriate tax forms).Our role as human resources professionals is to help you succeed. You have a big job ahead as president, and we know it might feel overwhelming. We're here to help you get acclimated and address any concerns you may have regarding your job description: running the free world.We understand you've already had a few meetings with your new staff as well as the outgoing executive team. Great. They're a terrific bunch, with years in many cases decades of experience in running the federal government. We reviewed your file and noticed some gaps in work experience. It appears that, aside from a brief internship of sorts with your father, this is your first job as an employee. We can imagine the anxiety you must feel, and so we are making available our full catalog of 6,452 training videos, which you can access from your desktop computer. We highly recommend you watch them all.But because you have never been an actual employee, we thought it important to introduce you to your 314 million or so new supervisors your bosses. This will be awkward, and we can explain the math further in our first in-person orientation session, but it's important you know that fewer than half of your new bosses wanted to hire you. More of your new bosses actually wanted to hire another job candidate, but we have a hiring process at this company that dates to its founding more than two centuries ago and you know how some companies are resistant to change. But we digress To get you up to speed for your Jan. 20 start date (that's just about two months, so make time to study!), here is an overview of the people you will be working for. For brevity, we will call them "Americans."We recognize that you've already connected with many Americans who are much like you the older-than-65, non-Hispanic white males who did not serve in the military and earn far more than the median household income, $53,482. You no doubt will find comfort surrounding yourself with those like-minded Americans, but we encourage you for the good of the company and for your own professional success! to get to know your other bosses, as well, including:159 million women and girls (yes, they outnumber the men and boys)117 million non-white Americans18.8 million foreign-born American citizens3.3 million Muslims5.7 million Jews2.1 million Hindus37.8 million Americans living with a disability(according to 2014 Census Bureau data; religion data from a 2015 Pew Research Center study.)You work for all of these people now, Mr. Trump, and you will have to answer to them. Some are micromanagers, some will ignore you completely. They may make you feel uncomfortable and they can be harsh. But again, we want your first-ever experience as an employee to be a positive one, so we encourage you to work hard for all of them. Your new bosses, the Americans, will provide regular performance evaluations in the form of local elections and regular communication with you and your colleagues in Washington and in the 50 statehouses.We've noted your penchant for communicating via Twitter. Social media served you well during the long interview process and helped you get the job. We've seen previous high-level employees stumble with technology, so use it with caution, Mr. Trump. We recommend adopting other regular forms of communication that allow for more than 140 characters at a time, and our internal communications team will be happy to teach you how to use our email server and write professional memos.We've also noticed some red flags in your record, Mr. Trump, that compel us to recommend extra sexual harassment training. We will review existing federal laws with you regarding workplace conduct and provide links to more training videos for you to watch before your start date. We can't emphasize enough how important this is to your professional development and your own success!We also will schedule extra training sessions with you to review topics such as: Conflicts of Interest, Foreign Influence, Nepotism and Professional Conduct. Please clear your calendar, as these sessions are lengthy.Finally, we see that you are not alone in your unfamiliarity with this organization and so your new colleagues will be expected to attend all training sessions as well. We are delivering copies of our employee handbook, referred to as "The Constitution," to all new staff members. We understand you don't read much, Mr. Trump, but we encourage you to at least skim the document and give extra attention to 10 amendments collectively called the "Bill of Rights." We'll have wallet cards made up for the full staff as a reference tool.Welcome to the team, Mr. Trump. We will organize a coffee and cake social for your staff as soon as our on-boarding process is complete.With wishes for great professional success,Human Resources Women rescued from human traffickers in Goa are unable to exchange their old notes. (Photo: PTI/Representational) Panaji: The cash crunch in the wake of demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes has hit scores of women rescued from human traffickers in Goa as many of them hold no bank account, while restrictions imposed on their movement poses a challenge in getting defunct notes exchanged. Bringing to light the plight of such women, Goa-based NGO ARZ (Anyan Rahit Zindagi) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard. "Victims of commercial sexual exploitation lodged at different government and non-government shelter homes across India are not allowed to go out of the institution due to their safety. Many of them do not have bank accounts as a result they are unable to exchange old notes of Rs 500 andRs 1000 from banks," ARZ Director Arun Pandey said in the letter addressed to the PM. "The inmates' inability to exchange notes may result victims losing money, which they have saved or managed to get from the brothel keepers and traffickers with the intervention of police and NGOs," he said. Pandey, in the letter requested to the PM to intervene and ensure that inmates of shelter and protection homes acorss the country do not suffer in the wake of the demonetisation of higher denomination notes. ARZ, working towards combating human trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in the state, is mandated in prevention, protection, rehabilitation, repatriation and prosecution. It is appointed as the nodal NGO of integrated anti human trafficking unit, by the Goa Police. Hyderabad: Four lakh deaths occur due to pneumonia and diarrhoea globally in children below five years of age according to a report released by the World Health Organisation and Unicef. A high burden of this mortality is shared by India where it is recorded at 14.9 per cent due to pneumonia and 9.8 per cent due to diarrhoea. Experts state that mortality due to pneumonia is approximately one-fourth of the total deaths in children below five years of age. Dr S.S. Krishna, senior paediatrician, said these were preventable deaths and needed to be tackled at the hospital level. Pneumonia in children. should be rapidly and accurately detected. The co-morbid conditions which develop due to the disease require to be managed effectively at the hospital level, he said. Severe pneumonia is categorised as cough or difficult breathing or signs of nasal flaring, inability to eat, lethargy, unconsciousness and continuous head nodding. While antibiotics are available for pneumonia only 25 per cent of the children receive treatment on time. Dr Suresh Kumar, senior paediatrician said, Immunisation against Hib, pneumococcus, measles and whopping cough is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia. Parents need to be counselled on hygiene and preventive measures. Nutritious foods must be given to children to build on their immunity. Paediatricians said that diarrhoea and pneumonia can be prevented with simple measures but due to lack of knowledge, awareness and not bringing to the healthcare centres on time, the numbers are not reducing as expected. Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed disappointment over the continuing troubles of demonetisation. He said that Cyclone Hudhud was handled effectively in a week but demonetisation issues persist even after 12 days and no necessary steps are being taken to solve it. This is the first time in my political career that I am not able to bring things under control, the CM said in a teleconference on Sunday. Praising the patience of people, he said that bankers should give top priority and come to the rescue of the people. The Chief Minister said that bankers should rise to the occasion with better coordination. The command control rooms should bring the problems of the people to the notice of the government and bankers for immediate solution. Activate Jan Dhan accounts, Rupay cards immediately: Naidu to banks The Chief Minister said that AP received Rs 2,000 crore currency including Rs 400 crore worth of Rs 100 notes. He said that banks should set up call centres for effective monitoring of the situation and delivery of cash to rural areas. He said that Jan Dhan accounts and Rupay cards should be activated immediately. He directed RTC officials to install e-PoS machines at ticket counters. He said that 25,208 e-PoS machines were functioning at fair price shops and the number would be increased if necessary. Mr Naidu said that the services of 60 lakh students should be utilised for training people in online and mobile banking transactions adding that all government transactions should be made online. He said the State Level Bankers Committee meeting would be conducted on Monday. Special chief secretary for finance Ajay Kallam, RBI general manager S. Subbaiah, DGP N. Sambasiva Rao, collectors and other officials participated. A file photo of legislators from Opposition parties staging a dharna against the Siddaramaiah government during the last monsoon session of the Assembly in Bengaluru (Photo: KPN) Belagavi: The 10-day winter session of the Karnataka Legislature will begin on Monday in the border town of Belagavi which will be the political hub of the state during this period. This is an important session as far as Speaker, K.B. Koliwad as well as the ruling Congress are concerned. The Congress in particular will have to face many tough questions that will be raised by the Opposition parties while the Speaker faces a Herculean task in implementing his new set of rules being devised for the smooth functioning of the Legislature. The Opposition is likely to corner the state government on various issues, including murder of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and a minister allegedly watching sleazy pictures on his mobile phone at a public function. During the session which will continue till December 2, the dispute over cases booked against farmers, Mahadayi river water sharing involving Maharashtra and Goa, as well as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane crop are likely to be raised. The controversy over the Belagavi mayor and deputy mayor, who are aligned with Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES), observing Black Day on Karnataka Rajyotsava (state formation day) on November 1 is also likely to come up for discussion as a few pro-Kannada organisations have demanded their suspension. The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti has been fighting for merger of Belgavi and some other areas bordering Maharashtra, with the neighbouring state. Apart from this, the session is expected to pass new House rules to be followed by members both in the Assembly and Council, which have been proposed by Speaker K.B. Koliwad. However, a senior leader and former Speaker on the condition of anonymity observed that Mr Koliwads intentions are good but even after the passage of the bill, the rules cannot be implemented. What will happen to protests launched in the second half of the session if the opposition wants to continue this the next day? Eventually, it will turn out be a futile exercise and just another law that will bite the dust over a period of time, the leader explained while dwelling on the challenges which Mr Koliwad will face during the session. Mysuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he will decide on Primary Education minister Tanveer Sait, who allegedly watched nude pictures during Tipu Jayanti celebrations, after the CID report on the incident reaches him. He was speaking to mediapersons near his residence in Sharadadevinagar here on Sunday morning. The CM said BJP ministers had deliberately watched porn during the Legislative Assembly session a few years ago and that was the reason why the Congress (then in the opposition) had demanded their resignation. There was a difference between the episode involving BJP ministers and the Sait incident. Mr Siddaramaiah also took potshots at JD(S) state president H.D. Kumaraswamy saying he may be wooing farmers claiming he would waive their loans if his party comes to power but there was no chance of this happening. On the drought that has gripped the state, the CM said the state had sought Rs 4,656 crore from the Centre. Two state ministers have held discussions with the Centre and he would meet Union ministers when he visits Delhi. Referring to Belagavi session, Mr Siddaramaiah said it will focus on problems related to North Karnataka. A huge crowd flocked the residence of the CM during the customary Janata Darshan Sunday morning. Employees of Falcon Tyres, which is closed for the past two years, staged a protest along with their family members, and presented a memorandum to him seeking his intervention. A man poses for a photo with replica prints of the demonetised 500 and 1000 rupee notes as part of a street art exhibition in Mumbai on Sunday. (Photo: AFP) New Delhi: RSS affiliate Bharatiya Kisan Sangh said on Sunday demonetisation has resulted in hardship for farmers as they are struggling to sell their produce in markets and get cash for the ongoing Rabi sowing. It is a 50-50 move. On one hand, farmers are happy that the black money will be taken care of. But they are also facing problems as APMC are not working properly right now, BKS general secretary Prabhakar Kelkar told this newspaper. He said that most of the traders in mandis where farmers are going to sell their produce are giving them old notes. In other instances the traders are not buying the produce as they dont have money. So farmers are facing some problems, said Mr Kelkar. He said that the other issue is that the rabi season has started and since cooperative banks are not doing banking, farmers are facing cash crunch to buy seeds and other products. But Mr Kelkar said that he doesnt believe cash crunch will hit rabi sowing and agriculture production. In India, farmers help each other. So there will not be much impact on the rabi sowing, he said. Another RSS affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch national co-convenor Ashwani Mahajan said that after demonetisation, the government needs to ensure that the black money is not generated in future. It is a good and a bold move. It will act as a deterrent to the creation of black money because no one stops government from doing demonetisation in the future. So in that way it will act as a deterrent, said Mr Mahajan. Depressed at his wifes sickness, Vijay consumed poison and lay down on the railway track near Valankulam railway over-bridge on Friday evening. Coimbatore: A loco pilot saved the life of a 30-year-old man who tried to commit suicide on the railway track near Coimbatore junction on Friday. Vijay, 30, a daily wage labourer and native of Vellakoil in Tirupur district had married 25-year-old Nagamani. Recently, Nagamani fell ill and had been admitted to the Coimbatore Medical college and hospital (CMCH) for treatment. Depressed at his wifes sickness, Vijay consumed poison and lay down on the railway track near Valankulam railway over-bridge on Friday evening. However, at that time as the Mangalore-Chennai express train was nearing Coimbatore junction from Kerala, the loco pilot noticed a person lying on the railway track, slowed down and stopped the train. Talking to Vijay, the loco pilot came to know that he had consumed poison. Through wireless, he alerted officials at the railway station, arranged for an ambulance van and brought Vijay to Coimbatore junction in the same train. Vijay was given first aid at the junction and sent to CMCH. He is being treated in the ICU. Railway police are probing. While the new hardline nominee for US national security adviser, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, had welcomed Donald Trumps victory by suggesting that we just went through a revolution might be a hyperbole, America is living through one of its great moments of change. What this change might mean for the country and the world will become clear in stages, but the omens are hardly encouraging. President-elect Trump has made several hawkish key-level appointments as he gathers his Cabinet even as anti-Trump demonstrations were staged in US cities for several days running. And in a dramatic turn, vice-president-elect Mike Pence was greeted by the cast of the long-running Broadway hit Hamilton at the end of the show he attended with a message read out from the stage. It proclaimed: We, Sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights. For his part, Mr Trump gave a morsel of solace to fearful liberals by inviting one of his fiercest critics in the Republican Party during the campaign, Mitt Romney, for a meeting. It lasted 80 minutes and the latter described it as a far-reaching conversation with regards to various theatres in the world. For the President-elect, the talks went great. In the election campaign, Mr Romney had called the ultimate victor a fraud. There is no mistaking Mr Trumps hardline agenda, judging by some of his key appointments. Senator Jeff Sessions, the attorney-general nominee, was rejected from becoming a federal judge in 1986 by his alleged racist inclinations. Lt. Gen. Flynn was turfed out of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2014. He believes the US is losing the global war against Islamic extremism that might last generations. Mike Pampeo, the CIA director nominee, is a three-term Tea Party hardline Republican and was vehemently opposed to President Barack Obamas nuclear deal with Iran and has opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay prison. The chief of staff nominee, Reince Priebus, was chairman of the National Republican Committee and, like the President-elect, has never held public office. But above them all is Mr Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, an orthodox Jew who has the President-elects ear in the familiar Indian family-friendly political tradition. Unlike his father-in-law, he is soft-spoken and was responsible for major decisions during the running of the campaign. As an aside, Mr Trump has settled a lawsuit from former students of the dodgy Trump University. They said they were cheated. The President-elects plea in throwing money ($25 million) to settle the claim he had earlier refused to do was that he was too busy, tasked as he was in running the country. Understandably, there is much world interest in how the new administration, once it assumes office next January, will reorder relations far and wide. Opposition to the proposed Trans-Pacific trade deal is a given. Speculation in particular surrounds relations with Russia. Mr Trumps admiration for President Vladimir Putin is well advertised and the latter greeted the unlikely Republican nominees victory with the hope that relations would improve. Lt. Gen. Flynn shares his future boss desire to reset the agenda on Russia, one area that would bring a measure of hope for the world. The recent meeting of Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with Mr Trump, the first foreign leader to meet him, publicly yielded the usual signs of mutual satisfaction. Yet during the campaign, Mr Trump had suggested that countries such as Japan and South Korea build their own nuclear weapons or should pay the US vastly more to protect their security. Lt. Gen. Flynn sat in on the meeting with Mr Abe. In general, President-elect Trumps approach to China and Asia is far from clear. During the campaign he lashed out against China and India stealing American jobs but his future administrations views on Beijings extravagant claims in the South and East China Seas, struck down by The Hague international court, remain unclear. For his part, President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire for an early meeting with the new President. Beijing, meanwhile, has been courting neighbours Philippines and Malaysia. Mr Trump has expressed goodwill towards India and was fraternising with an American Hindi outfit. What it amounts to in practice remains to be seen. Campaign rhetoric is one thing and the task of governing the leading world power quite another. The Romney gesture is an indication that Mr Trump is learning on the job. But he will be conscious of the feelings of his supporters who brought him to power. The nature of the team he has collected thus far speaks for itself even as it leaves many questions unanswered. Will he build a wall along the Mexican border? On immigration, he has limited himself to deporting two to three million Mexican illegals with a criminal record, instead of the 11 million illegal Mexicans estimated to be living in the US. And he will doubtless make other compromises as he goes along. Apart from the measures the Trump administration will take in pursuing a more right-wing nationalist line, there are many blanks to be filled in. The President-elect must determine where to draw the line between pandering to the ultra-nationalist slogans and the countrys interests. It is all very well to rail against globalisation for taking away American jobs but the US is at the heart of globalisation and cannot survive by turning its back to an inter-connected world. Power is a great game changer and Mr Trumps personality flaws and fondness for women, so apparent during revelations in the election campaign, will perhaps recede to the background as he assumes the presidential mantle. It would, however, be no surprise if he were subjected to snide remarks and parody from a world audience. In American terms, President Trumps era will be a new ballgame. The world must wait to discover what its precise contours are with a measure of foreboding. The Centre had last year passed the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act but this was struck down in the Supreme Court as an encroachment on judicial autonomy. The nation should view with concern the rising sense of dissonance between the judiciary and the executive. The collegium, consisting of the Chief Justice of India and his most senior colleagues, had sent to the Union government a list of 77 names for appointment as high court judges. The law ministry had recently accepted 34 of these, and sent back the other 43 recommendations. But on Friday, Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur told attorney-general Mukul Rohatgi that he was resending to the government each of the 43 names the government had rejected. This is an indication that the judiciary appears dissatisfied with the governments seeming attitude to not accept the wishes of the collegium if this can be helped. The Centre had last year passed the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act but this was struck down in the Supreme Court as an encroachment on judicial autonomy. While names returned to the government by the collegium have to be accepted for appointment as high court judges, there is a deeper issue here. The memorandum of procedure forwarded by the government to the collegium in August has yet to be taken up for consideration by the latter. A greater sense of balance may be struck in the proceedings if the CJI moved on this with despatch. The present CJI is due to retire in January, but the issue wont automatically go away. The confrontational attitude must be dealt with in the context of a sense of responsibility by different organs of the state. President-elect Donald Trump is busy finalising his team, and many are watching with trepidation. His nominations of ultra-conservatives like retired general Michael Flynn as national security adviser, Congressman Michael Pompeo as CIA director and Senator Jeff Sessions as attorney-general have stirred a hornets nest across the world. An appointment that has led to even greater heartache is of Steve Bannon as chief strategist, whose alt-right website Breitbart ran white nationalist headlines in the campaign that Mr Trump ran. His core team, with a chequered past on race relations and civil liberties, reveals clear signs of xenophobia and Islamophobia, with Mr Sessions known to be fiercely opposed to H-1B visas, with which Indian techies work in the US for American companies. Mr Flynn is notorious for inflammatory anti-Muslim comments and Mr Pompeo is an India baiter. If all that wasnt troubling enough for America watchers after a bruising race where diversity had taken a backseat, its the possible role his son-in-law Jared Kushner may play as head of the Trump kitchen cabinet that could be most unsettling. Mr Kushner and wife Ivanka were seen at a meeting that the President-elect had with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, indicating the lines are going to get increasingly blurred between Trump the billionaire tycoon and Trump the US President. His meeting with three Indian real estate partners has also raised tricky questions of conflict of interest. It appears the nominations have thus far stemmed from the Trump reality show Apprentice kind of tests and home influences, though the President-elect offered an olive branch to Republicans by including Reince Priebus as his chief of staff. As President-elect, Mr Trump had made the right public pronouncements, specially after his meeting with Barack Obama at the White House helping to douse the fires of suspicion, and holding out the promise that President Trump would be different from Candidate Trump. It is possible that, being a businessman, Mr Trump would be a pragmatist at the Oval Office, not a right-wing ideologue to be feared, even if he was a candidate who had the backing of the Ku Klux Klan during the campaign. Mr Trumps promised economic policies of lower taxes, that will obviously help the rich far more than the working class, and greater infra spending could lead to a revival in the short term that could be a shot in the arm for the Republicans, who have had cause to make up with their candidate after the election. The world awaits with bated breath key developments in the run-up to the handover date of January 20, as it tries to deconstruct Donald Trumps character to figure how he would behave in the White House. As part of its 'Mission Madhumeha' launched last month, the government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients. New Delhi - Soon, people with diabetes will be able to find out what ayurvedic medicines to take to check their rising blood glucose levels. As part of its 'Mission Madhumeha' launched last month, the government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients. The app will be meant for use by both practitioners of ayurveda as well patients. It will help in identifying the type of diabetes a patient is suffering from as well as recommend which ayurvedic medicines can be administered to a patient, says Manoj Nesari, Adviser to AYUSH Ministry. The app is based on a set of guidelines issued by AYUSH ministry last month called "Protocol for Prevention and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda". These guidelines are meant for treating diabetes through ayurveda. They will be sent to various state governments, which will further circulate them across various medical institutions. The protocol also includes a list of fruits and vegetables a diabetic patient should or should not eat. It also recommends an active lifestyle, physical exercise, yoga in order to avoid falling prey to diabetes. There is also an assessment tool which has been developed to help a diabetic person know if it is time to visit a doctor for a checkup. A national protocol for treating diabetes through ayurveda was unveiled last month on National Ayurveda Day observed on October 28. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Zuckerberg then said last Saturday that more than 99 percent of what people see on Facebook is authentic, calling "only a very small amount" fake news and hoaxes. Facebook Inc, facing withering criticism for failing to stem a flood of phony news articles in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election, is taking a series of steps to weed out hoaxes and other types of false information, chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post Friday evening. Facebook has long insisted that it is a technology company and not a publisher, and rejects the idea that it should be held responsible for the content that its users circulate on the platform. Just after the election, Zuckerberg said the notion that fake or misleading news on Facebook had helped swing the election to Donald Trump was a "crazy idea." Zuckerberg then said last Saturday that more than 99 percent of what people see on Facebook is authentic, calling "only a very small amount" fake news and hoaxes. But in his Friday posting Zuckerberg struck a decidedly different tone. He said Facebook has been working on the issue of misinformation for a long time, calling the problem complex both technically and philosophically. "While the percentage of misinformation is relatively small, we have much more work ahead on our roadmap," Zuckerberg said. He outlined a series of steps that were already underway, including greater use of automation to "detect what people will flag as false before they do it themselves." He also said Facebook would make it easier to report false content, work with third-party verification organizations and journalists on fact-checking efforts, and explore posting warning labels on content that has been flagged as false. The company will also try to prevent fake-news providers from making money through its advertising system, as it had previously announced. Zuckerberg said Facebook must be careful not to discourage sharing of opinions or mistakenly restricting accurate content. "We do not want to be arbiters of truth ourselves, but instead rely on our community and trusted third parties," he said. Facebook historically has relied on users to report links as false and share links to myth-busting sites, including Snopes, to determine if it can confidently classify stories as misinformation, Zuckerberg said. The service has extensive "community standards" on what kinds of content are acceptable. Facebook faced international outcry earlier this year after it removed an iconic Vietnam War photo due to nudity, a decision that was later reversed. The thorniest content issues are decided by a group of top executives at Facebook, and there have been extensive internal conversations at the company in recent months over content controversies, people familiar with the discussions say. Among the fake news reports that circulated ahead of the U.S. election were reports erroneously alleging Pope Francis had endorsed Trump and that a federal agent who had been investigating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton was found dead. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Zuckerberg said that while globalization and interconnectedness have problems, the world must fight the urge to "disconnect." LIMA - Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg called on world leaders Saturday to forge a more "connected" planet, something he said was under threat after Donald Trump's US election win and Britain's "Brexit" vote. Zuckerberg said in a keynote speech at an Asia-Pacific leaders' summit that while globalization and interconnectedness have their problems, the world must fight the urge to "disconnect." "As we are learning this year in election after election, even if globalization might (boost) prosperity, it also creates inequality. It helps some people and it hurts others," he said. The 32-year-old billionaire said there was a "fundamental choice" to make in reacting to that inequality. "We can disconnect, risk less prosperity and hope jobs that are lost come back. Or we can connect more, try to do more great things, try to work on even greater prosperity and then work to aggressively share that prosperity with everyone." The second option is better, but also harder, he said in his speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. "Disconnecting is relatively easy. But connecting requires making big investments in infrastructure and generating the political will to make hard long-term decisions," he said. Facebook has made headlines with its projects on connectivity and internet access. The social network has developed solar-powered drones and a satellite to beam internet service to remote areas. The company has helped more than 40 million people get online, Zuckerberg said. His comments Saturday came amid deep global uncertainty in the wake of the unexpected poll results in the US and Britain. Trump and the Brexit camp both appealed to working-class voters who feel threatened by globalization and immigration, running on a populist politics of disillusionment with an increasingly borderless world. Trump vows to protect American jobs from cheaper labor overseas, while Brexit campaigners promise British workers will fare better outside the European Union than in it. Facebook, the world's largest social network with 1.79 billion users, has been criticized by some as helping Trump to victory by giving a platform to fake election news and extreme-right blogs with untruthful attacks on Trump's opponent Hillary Clinton. Zuckerberg has dismissed claims his company influenced the vote as "pretty crazy." Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Nokia is set to make its big comeback to the smartphone industry in 2017. Nokia recently announced its plans to return to the smartphone industry in 2017 at the Capital Markets Day 2016. The company shared a slide at the event that reveals the companys agenda for 2017 that includes Nokia brands return to smartphones. While Nokia will not be manufacturing the smartphones itself, they will be acting as the owner of the brand. Furthermore, Nokia plans on ditching Microsofts Windows OS. It will instead be making use of Googles Android OS. Several reports suggest that HMD will be pairing Nokias patents and brand with Foxconns R&D and manufacturing. The same reports even speculate that Nokias first handset in 2017 may be the D1C as has already been spotted on Geekbench and Antutu. If rumors are believed to be true, the device will come with 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM and will be running on the latest Android 7.0 Nougat. The phone may sport a 1920 x 1080 pixel screen resolution with a 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Novartis Chief Executive Joe Jimenez said last year his company's Alcon eye care unit was on track to begin testing in 2016. Novartis has abandoned a 2016 goal to start testing its autofocus contact lens on people, though it said the groundbreaking product it is making with internet giant Google is "progressing steadily." "It is too early to say when exactly human clinical trials for these lenses will begin," a spokeswoman for the Basel-based drugmaker said in an email on Friday. "This is a very technically complex process and both sides are learning as we go along. We will provide updates at the appropriate time," she said. Novartis Chief Executive Joe Jimenez said last year his company's Alcon eye care unit was on track to begin testing in 2016. In 2014, Jimenez said he hoped the lens would be on the market in about five years. Novartis and Google joined forces two years ago to develop two kinds of "smart" contact lenses: An autofocusing lens for people with presbyopia, or far-sightedness, and another for measuring blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. The lenses are now being developed with Alphabet Inc.'s life sciences unit Verily, which was carved out from Google in 2015. Measuring blood sugar via the eye could allow diabetics to stop having to prick their fingers, while an autofocus contact lens would help people whose ability to focus is impaired when their eyes age. It is unclear when testing for the diabetes lens will start. Since the partnership with Google was launched in 2014, Alcon's sales have slid and its leadership team has been replaced. New division head Mike Ball has been tasked with halting the revenue decline in advance of a possible sale of the unit. But Novartis said that did not bar investment in innovative projects such as the lens effort with Google. "Advancing innovation such as the smart lens technology, is a key part of Alcon's growth strategy," the spokeswoman said. "The 'smart lens' technology has the potential to transform eye care and further enhance our pipeline in the contact lens and intraocular lens space." Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. A group of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University recently published a report titled, Me, Myself and My Killfie, in which they studied over 120 selfie deaths. They hope to create a system that discourages and thereby, prevent selfie deaths. According to the report, there are a total of 127 deaths linked to someone taking or attempting to take a selfie between 2014 and September 2016. The researchers found that the greatest number of deaths happened in India with 76, followed by Pakistan with 9 and US with 8. The researchers carefully studied the factors that caused the deaths. They found that most deaths involved people falling from a great height. The second most occurring cause was water wherein multiple people drowned while trying to take a selfie. Other factors include taking a selfie close to rail tracks before being hit by a train, while holding a weapon such as a gun or while close to an animal that later attacked the person taking the photo. The researchers found that most of these were below age of 24 and while women take more selfies than men do, the latter is more prone to taking more dangerous selfies. Gathering all the data, the researchers built a tool that identifies whether a selfie posted on social media was taken in a dangerous or potentially fatal location. They used this tool to detect approximately 138,000 selfies posted on Twitter and were able to identify the relevant elements with a 73.6 per cent accuracy rate. The team said that they will use the tool to build an app in the future that works towards notifying people when they are about to take a dangerous selfie. The app may have a map marked with red zones noted as particularly dangerous terrain, or links to news reports of previous selfie-related injuries that occurred there in the past. Moreover, it could even prevent you from launching your phones camera app before moving to a safer location. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Lima: Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to open the economy further on Saturday as leaders of Asia-Pacific countries sought new free-trade options following Donald Trump's election to US president on promises to scrap or renegotiate trade deals. All eyes were on China at 2016's APEC summit in Lima, Peru just over a week after Trump's surprise victory in the United States (US) dashed hopes of the largest-ever US-proposed trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), coming to fruition. US President Barack Obama has championed the TPP as a way to counter China's rise, but he has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, excluding China. Without US approval the current agreement cannot be implemented. Trump campaigned against the TPP and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as bad for US jobs. He said he would scrap the TPP and threatened to impose tariffs on imports from China and Mexico. Following a meeting with Obama, Xi said Beijing's relationship with Washington was at a "hinge moment" and called for a smooth transition. Xi has been selling an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. "China will not shut its door to the outside world but open more," Xi said in a keynote address at APEC. "We're going to...make sure the fruits of development are shared." Chinese attendance at the APEC meeting was its largest ever and regional delegates said China would take the lead on trade if the US turned toward protectionism. The Obama administration has warned that the RCEP would not include strong protections for workers, the environment or intellectual property. In Lima on his last scheduled trip abroad as president, Obama said the United States worked to include labor provisions in a US-Peru free trade agreement to lift wages and standards for Peruvian workers. "That's the kind of attitude that we want to try to promote in ... the years going forward, and my hope is that that policy will continue." TPP leaders held a meeting at APEC, where Obama urged them to work together to advance TPP, the White House said. The leaders had confirmed the economic and strategic importance of the agreement, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami told reporters after the meeting. China fills the void? With the fate of the TPP uncertain, China's talks on RCEP, which include Australia, India and more than a dozen other countries, are seen as perhaps the only path to the broader Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that APEC aspires to. "It's a more traditional trade deal, reducing tariffs on goods and services. It's not as far reaching as the TPP," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters of RCEP. But "the more access we can get to more markets for our exports, the better." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the United States was an important partner in the region, but China would fill the void if a Trump administration backs away from free trade. Key said TPP members might be able to incorporate "cosmetic changes" to make the deal more palatable to the real estate magnate and former reality TV star. "The Trump Pacific Partnership for instance, that'd be fine," Key said, laughing. Despite China's overtures, some APEC members were determined to press on with TPP and held out hopes the United States would still show leadership on trade. "Our geopolitical position is with the United States, obviously," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said. "That's where our eyes are set and that's what we are working for." Pena Nieto said the NAFTA pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada should be "modernized," noting that issues relating to labor rules and the environment were among those that could be included in such talks - two areas Mexico had believed it could update with the United States via TPP. Trump has vowed to scrap NAFTA if he cannot renegotiate it. Mexico wants to harness Canadian support for NAFTA and TPP, and after a meeting between Pena Nieto and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico's government said in a statement the pair stated their countries should keep working together "to promote North America as a competitive and prosperous region." The two also pledged their nations' commitment to the "free market", the statement added, without referring to NAFTA or TPP. Mexico, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore aim to continue with TPP with or without the United States, Mexico's economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, said on Friday. Several APEC members said it was too soon to write off support from Trump on TPP. "Barack Obama was not a supporter of the TPP when he became elected and he's leaving office as one of its greatest advocates," Australia's Turnbull said. Washington: With his shock victory in the race for the White House, President-elect Donald Trump at last is in position to deliver on one of his most strident campaign promises: to repeal Obamacare. With fellow Republicans in control of the US Congress, Trump has the means and ostensibly a mandate from his party to gut the law. But he may find the reality is more challenging. Exit polls suggest Trump rode to victory in no small part on the support of those battleground state voters who strongly disliked President Barack Obama's sweeping health care reforms, especially given rising costs. However, after Trump met President Barack Obama last week he seemed to backpedal on his intentions. Candidate Trump vowed to "completely repeal" the Affordable Care Act and describing it as a "total disaster." But after his win, President-elect Trump said he hoped to preserve two of the most popular features: allowing children to stay on their parents' plans until age 26, and forbidding insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. 'Death Spiral' The latter element is popular even with Republican lawmakers who have attempted on scores of occasions to repeal Obama's landmark health reform. Trump told the television newsmagazine "60 Minutes" it was "very much something we're going to try and keep." Yet analysts say keeping those features will be difficult if not impossible if Trump's reform abolishes another key part of Obamacare, the so-called "individual mandate." That is the requirement that Americans carry health coverage regardless of whether they are sick or healthy. To cover the cost of providing coverage for sicker patients, health insurers depend on the revenue they get from the healthy enrollees that Obamacare required to buy in. If that requirement is eliminated, "that's basically going to cause a death spiral," Sandy Ahn, a research professor at Georgetown's Health Policy Institute, told AFP. As insurers lose income from departing healthy consumers, they will raise premiums, putting coverage out of reach for many. "The health care markets will look like they did before the Affordable Care Act," said Ahn. In fact, problems getting enough healthy young people to sign up for insurance has already contributed to rising premiums. The administration late last month announced that costs will jump by an average of 25 percent next year. Individual US states already have experience with this dilemma. When Kentucky attempted in the 1990s to guarantee coverage without instituting an individual mandate, it saw 43 of 45 insurance companies flee its market over seven years. Similar outcomes occurred in New York and New Jersey. Already there are signs that a "Trump effect" is roiling the health care market. In just the day after Trump's victory, enrollments in the Obamacare individual marketplace surged to 100,000, the government said. By early next year, providers will have to settle on premium rates but they currently do not know whether the public subsidies that help low-income consumers will exist by then. Two days after Trump's victory, America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry lobby, warned against "sudden disruptions" that could jeopardize "continuous coverage." Some in the resurgent GOP may fear a backlash. "Clearly, we don't want to do any harm to people already in the system," Mississippi Republican Senator Roger Wicker told Bloomberg last week. Since Obamacare took effect, 20 million people gained health coverage, pushing the level of the uninsured below 10 percent, an historic low. And one survey found more than 80 percent of whose who gained coverage are happy with their plans. 'Disappointing The Base' The Congressional Budget Office estimated about 22 million people would have lost their coverage, with a large share being children and the poor, had congressional Republicans succeeded in repealing Obamacare early this year. Trump's softening stance also may cause him problems among supporters. Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the libertarian Cato Institute and a critic of Obamacare, warned Trump risks alienating his most ardent supporters if he fails go through with a full repeal, including eliminating the ban on denying insurance to those with pre-existing conditions. "That's going to be a big problem not only for President Trump but also for a lot of congressional Republicans," he said. "President Trump could be starting his administration by signalling that he's no different from anyone else." Representatives for Trump and for Paul Ryan, the Republican leader in the House of Representatives, did not respond to requests for comment. Lima: US President Barack Obama did in Latin America what he tried to do in Europe: tell worried citizens not to draw negative conclusions about the man he once called unfit to serve in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump. In the last stop of an international farewell tour that included visits to Greece and Germany, Obama continued his efforts to calm anxieties since Republican businessman Trump beat Democratic rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the US presidential race. "My main message to you ... and the message I delivered in Europe is don't just assume the worst," Obama told a group of young people during a question-and-answer session in Peru on Saturday. "Wait until the administration is in place, it's actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgments as to whether or not it's consistent with the international community's interest in living in peace and prosperity together." Trump won the election after promising to build a wall on the US border with Mexico, rip up trade deals and ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States. Obama has sought to soothe fears by pledging to ensure a smooth transition of power and expressing optimism that the president-elect would shift away from inflammatory campaign rhetoric once he faced the realities of the job. "It will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, because as I've always said, how you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern," Obama said. President Barack Obama is welcomed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel upon his arrival at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany. But Obama has couched his assurances largely in hopeful language that Trump's team would see the merits of policies that Democrats championed despite Trump's pledged to dismantle them, from the Iran nuclear deal to an international pact to fight climate change. And the president, who campaigned vigorously for Clinton and showed visible disdain for Trump before his victory, has offset his words of reassurance with subtle digs at his successor by emphasising themes of democratic values in Europe and Peru that Trump has been criticised for ignoring. "You're seeing some countries that are going backwards rather than forwards in terms of freedom of the press, in terms of freedom of the Internet, in terms of respecting political opposition and civil society," Obama said on Saturday. Trump barred some news organisations from covering events during his campaign and threatened during a televised debate to jail Clinton for her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Though Obama came on his trip able to assure European countries that Trump would respect US commitments to NATO, his other assurances, including for Latin American policy, seemed based more on optimism than knowledge of Trump's plans. "With respect to Latin America, I don't anticipate major changes in policy from the new administration," he said, citing trade as a key exception. Trump announced hawkish picks for attorney general, national security adviser, and CIA director on Friday that suggest he is setting up his administration to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. China has been quick to seize on the failure of a US-backed Pacific trade deal to push its own version of the pact -- excluding Washington at the APEC meeting. (Photo: AP) Peru: Presidents Barack Obama and Xi Jinping met for the final time on Saturday, with the Chinese leader warning the period after Donald Trump's election is a "hinge moment" in relations between the two powers. Without referring to Trump directly, Xi spoke of his hope for a "smooth transition" in a relationship that Obama described as "the most consequential in the world." The two men were meeting in Lima, Peru on the margins of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. During a vitriol-filled election campaign Trump frequently took a combative stance against China, blaming Beijing for "inventing" climate change and rigging the rules of trade. The White House, surprised by Trump's lack of details on the issues, has urged world leaders to give Trump time to get his feet under the desk. For much of Obama's presidency, China and the United States have slowly improved cooperation and tried to limit the fallout from disputes, all while vying for influence in the Asia-Pacific. China has been quick to seize on the failure of a US-backed Pacific trade deal to push its own version of the pact -- excluding Washington at the APEC meeting. Xi -- who the White House sees as perhaps the most powerful Chinese leader since Deng Xiaoping or even Mao Zedong -- said he wanted to see cooperation continue. "I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences, and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward." The two men have met nine times since Obama took office in early 2009. Obama said he wanted to "take this opportunity to note our work together to build a more durable and productive set of bilateral ties." "I continue to believe that a constructive US-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said at the start of the meeting. "We've demonstrated what's possible when our two countries work together," he said, citing an agreement to tackle climate change. Areas of tension Obama also acknowledged that his eight years guiding US-China relations have seen difficulties. That period has seen tensions in particular over China's seizure of territory it claims in the South China Sea, as well as over the treatment of US firms in China. Obama said he expected a "candid conversation on areas where we continue to differ, including the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights." One area of continued tension concerns how hard to push sanctions against North Korea over its ballistic and nuclear weapons programs. Obama said he and Xi "are united on our strong opposition to North Korea's provocations, and we will intensify our efforts to de-nuclearize the Korean peninsula." The US is pushing for further sanctions to choke off funding to North Korean weapons programs. Pyongyang has launched multiple tests to develop a miniaturized nuclear warhead and a missile capable of delivering that deadly payload to the United States, alarming the White House. Beijing has long dragged its heels on sanctioning its allies in Pyongyang, fearing a flood of refugees if North Korea's economy collapses. But earlier this year Beijing moved to sanction a conglomerate based in China's frontier city of Dandong that did an estimated $530 million in trade with North Korea between 2011 and 2015. Obama has looked to his National Security Advisor Susan Rice -- who backpacked around China in the late 1980s -- to guide much of the relationship. The White House points to some tangible progress from those efforts, including tying China to limited norms on cybersecurity after a series of hacking scandals and measures that increased the number of Chinese visitors to the United States. "There is real value in, first of all, more engagement with China, more diplomacy, more channels and multifaceted discussions. And often, not always, that can yield progress," Rice told AFP ahead of the meeting. Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless. A right delayed is a right denied.Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Martin Luther King Jr. No one is born hating another person People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist James Baldwin There is a fine line between free speech and hate speech. Free speech encourages debate whereas hate speech incites violence. Newton Lee The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. Albert Einstein The New York Times on Saturday confirmed that Rogers' position in the Obama administration was in potential jeopardy. (Photo: AP) Washington: The Defense Department and broader US government intelligence community have urged President Barack Obama to fire National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers, US media reported on Saturday. The reports came even as President-elect Donald Trump, currently in New York, was said to be considering Rogers as director of national intelligence himself. "The recommendation, delivered to the White House last month, was made by Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr.," The Washington Post reported citing multiple US officials familiar with the case. Action has been delayed, the paper said, since removing Rogers is linked to pending creation of "separate chains of command at the NSA and the military's cyberwarfare unit, a recommendation by Clapper and Carter that has been stalled because of other issues." If selected by Trump, Rogers would succeed Clapper as the official who oversees all 17 US intelligence services. "In a move apparently unprecedented for a military officer, Rogers, without notifying superiors, traveled to New York to meet with Trump on Thursday at Trump Tower," the Post said. "That caused consternation at senior levels of the administration.". The New York Times on Saturday confirmed that Rogers' position in the Obama administration was in potential jeopardy. "Obama is considering removing Admiral Michael S. Rogers from his posts as leader of the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command after top officials expressed frustration over the speed at which Admiral Rogers had moved to combat the Islamic State and over the agency's repeated loss of closely guarded secrets," the Times said citing unnamed administration and intelligence officials. Earlier, Trump, who spent his first weekend outside Manhattan since his election, met for about 90 minutes with moderate US Republican Mitt Romney, known for his harsh criticism of the president-elect during the campaign. Romney is believed to be interested in the US secretary of state position. There was no official word on whether he was offered the job. Romney would bring a more orthodox Republican worldview to foreign policy. He described Russia in 2012 as the main American geopolitical threat -- a sharp contrast to Trump, who has exchanged compliments with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The wreackage of vehicles are seen outside a civil defence centre in Aleppo. (Photo: AFP) Damascus: At least seven children were killed on Sunday by rebel rocket fire that hit a school in the government-held west of Aleppo city, state media said. State television initially gave a toll of 10 killed, but the official SANA news agency subsequently said eight people had been killed, seven children and a woman. The rocket fire hit a school in the Furqan neighbourhood, and also injured at least 32 people, SANA said, citing a police source. The news agency reported additional rebel fire on other parts of west Aleppo, which is regularly targeted by the opposition forces that hold the eastern part of the city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war, also reported the deaths of seven children in rebel fire. It said the deaths brought the toll in the last two days in west Aleppo to 13, among them nine children. Government forces are currently waging a ferocious assault against east Aleppo, targeting it with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire. They renewed their fire on the east on Tuesday, after a period of relative respite, in a bid to recapture the rebel-held side of the city. The Observatory says at least 103 civilians have been killed in east Aleppo since the latest government assault began. Lahore: A nine-member Islamic State cell that was recruiting and transporting people to Syria and Afghanistan has been busted in Lahore, police said. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab said it busted a cell of the militant Islamic State (IS) group operating in Lahore and arrested nine people. The cell was recruiting and transporting new members to Syria and Afghanistan. The cell had already managed to send nine recruits to Syria. After the arrest of these nine people, the total number of IS group members who have been arrested in different parts of Punjab in recent months reached 45. According to the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police, the nine members of the IS group were arrested in a raid in Cantonment area last week. Those arrested, included Lahore IS chief Nabil Ahmed alias Abu Abdullah. "The cell was not only recruiting militants but also radicalising youths and transporting them, along with their families, to Syria or Afghanistan. It was also allegedly working to develop its capacity to establish organisational structure of IS in Pakistan," the CTD said. The group was also working on a plan to accelerate its activities in Pakistan after announcing a 'caliphate' in the country. According to a CTD official, those arrested were also involved in robbing banks and looting shrines and houses of the Shia and Ahmadi community members to raise funds for militant activities. "The CTD has identified some IS recruits, including some families based in Lahore and their handlers in Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey," the official said, adding that the recruits, who were planning to leave for Syria and Afghanistan, had already sold their property to bear the transportation expenses. During the raid on IS Lahore chief Nabil's house, the CTD team recovered IS literature, video clips, pamphlets and stickers containing content against the Pakistan Army, besides laptops and mobile phones used by the cell's members. The official said Qari Abid, Nabeel's uncle, has been living in Syria for more than a year where he joined the IS. "The Pakistanis contacting the IS leadership in Syria for joining the group were referred to Qari Abid. Later, Abid directed them to contact his nephew, Nabil in Lahore," he said. The CTD said the recruits had to take the oath of allegiance to self-proclaimed 'caliphate' of Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi. Then they would be given a choice to either go to Afghanistan or Syria. It said Nabil was responsible for preparation of the recruits' travel documents. Those willing to go to Syria were first taken to Iran and then to Turkey. They were later moved to Syria from Turkey. Lahore: All 24 students of grade-IV of Batool Fatima's class were very sad after knowing that she was leaving them for Turkey, after Pakistan government ordered over 100 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by Sunday. Shaking hand with her friends and teachers on the last day on campus Batool, 10, broke into tears which made everyone around depressed. "I do not want to go to Turkey. My parents also don't. Why they are sending us back when we don't want to," she said. The faculty, the local students and their parents were also downhearted because of the Pakistani government's 'sudden and unexpected decision' to expel over 100 Turkish teachers and their family members (350) on the 'request' of the Turkish government. Since the Pak-Turk schools and colleges has alleged links with the US-based cleric, Fethullah Gulen, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan blames for July's coup attempt, the Pakistani government ordered 450 Turkish teachers and their family members to leave the country by November 20. The Turkish teachers moved the Islamabad High Court against decision but found no respite as it asked them to approach the interior ministry and disposed of their petition. Batool was born here when her parents who are teaching at the Pak-Turk School in Lahore. She was fluent in Urdu which she has learned in the company of her Pakistani class-fellows. "Madam can't you do something to stop us from leaving this school and Pakistan." Her plea brought tears in her teacher's eyes who told her "I will try my best". "I know I can't do anything to persuade the federal government to take back its decision of expelling the Turkish teachers and their families from the country," a senior Pakistani teacher said. "I must say last Friday was the saddest day in our campus in Lahore as all Turkish students were literally crying," she said. The Turkish students' tear-rimmed eyes moved their local class-fellows and the faculty. They did not want to go back. A woman Turkish teacher questioned as how the Pakistani government could hand over a 'marching order' to more than 450 Turkish people without framing a charge-sheet. "My husband and I moved here 11 years ago. My youngest son was born here one-and-a-half- year ago and never visited Turkey. Pakistan is his country. My other daughter and son are studying in A-Levels and Grade-V in Pak-Turk Schools in Lahore, respectively. We love Pakistan and people here love us too," she said. "The government's order to leave the country by November 20 has fallen on us like a bombshell. How could you dispose of your car, furniture and other household items on a few days' notice? Our this month's salary and dues are still to be paid," she said and urged the government to review its decision. Parents are equally worried about the future of the Pak-Turk schools and colleges which have been operating here since 1995 and some 11,000 students are studying. According to a senior official of the federal government, the Erdogan-government is sending a team here to take control of the Pak-Turk institutions in Pakistan. "Now a body having association with the Turkish government will run the affairs of the Pak-Turk schools and colleges," he said, adding the Nawaz-government had 'extreme' pressure from the Turkish government to act against the Turkish teachers. Many Turkish teachers here have left for other countries as they fear arrest on arrival in Turkey. "We have reports that the Turkish authorities will arrest us on arrival in Istanbul," another Turkish teacher said. He said some of the Turkish teachers along with their families have left for the countries where there is no visa restriction for Turkish nationals. On the Raiwind campus some teachers gave farewell present to Batool and other Turkish students. "I wish tomorrow morning I wake up and my mother tells me... we are not going to Turkey and I am going back to my school and friends," Batool wished. Manipal University conferred an honorary doctorate degree on Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri at the 23rd convocation at KMC Greens on Saturday. Suri is an alumnus of Manipal Institute of Technology. On the sidelines of the convocation, he told reporters, I am visiting Manipal after 27 years. I feel emotional and nostalgic. I feel younger. I now prefer visiting Malpe Beach and Shanthala Restaurant where I had supper and of course, the End Point. I am grateful and obliged to Manipal university for conferring an honorary doctorate conferred on me. The time I spent here is the best phase of my life, he said. Suri reiterated that fun and seriousness during the course of study is essential. Friendship teaches unforgettable lessons. I developed the ability to work in diversified culture and values here. This diversity has its core at Manipal Institute of Technology where I studied Electronics and Communication in the late 1980s. Learning is a life-long experience. I am passionate about learning (new) things. One should be eager enough to embrace diversity. Diversity with gender balance is the need of the hour. The world is on the threshold of anti-globalisation. It would be a tough era to deal with. The next 100 years would witness a technology revolution which would be valid for the next 20,000 years. Suri said leadership is all about emotional intelligence. I prefer encouraging taking risks and accepting failures. If one does not accept the failures, there would be no scope for innovation. He said Nokia Technologies is coming out with reality cameras called Nokia Ozo with eight lenses. Besides, Nokia is releasing smart phones and tablets in a different way of rebranding. Nokia has licensed the brand to HMD Global, a totally different and powerful company. Nokia has a large portfolio ahead for 2060, he explained. He called upon students to work hard as there is no glass ceiling. Wisdom is tough and one should choose curiosity over clarity, choose conviction and one should also ask right searching questions, he concluded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said. At least 45 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours today. Delhi Police has seized Rs 96 lakh in old high-value currency notes from a 32-year-old native of Gorakhpur in east Delhis Madhu Vihar area. Police have arrested the accused Nazr-e- Alam under Delhi Police Act 103 (Possession of property of which no satisfactory account can be given) and interrogating him about the source of the notes. Income Tax department has also been informed about the incident, said police. Accused nabbed Alam was caught around 10 pm when he was going through the checking process at the entrance of the bus terminus. He panicked on being stopped, said a senior police officer, and started stammering when questioned about his destination, he added. When policemen on checking duty opened his bag, they found hundreds of Rs 1,000 currency notes being stuffed in it. During checking at main entry gate of ISBT Anand Vihar, one person was searched while he was carrying a bag. During search, it was found that the bag contained bundles of old currency notes of Rs. 1000 denomination, said Rishi Pal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (east). Alam was taken to the Madhu Vihar police station where he said to his interrogators that he was sent by his employer to Delhi to meet with a person. Alam also told police officials that he works as a driver with a person in Gorakhpur who owns a medical and an engineering college. On Friday afternoon, Alam had reached Delhi on a bus and after meeting a person named Gupta in south Delhis Saket he was returning back to Gorakhpur. Alam told police that Gupta gave him the currency notes which he was taking back to Gorakhpur. He was sent by his employer to Delhi and was on his way back to Gorakhpur when he was caught, said a police officer. Police are further questioning Alam about the identity of his employer and the person whom he met in Delhi. The smog which reduced daytime visibility to a few hundred metres and sent many Delhiites to hospital OPDs is now gone. But air quality remains poor and long-term measures to combat pollution are still needed With the air quality in the national capital hitting rock bottom just a few days back, many Delhiites feel the Centre and state governments should have stepped in much earlier to tackle the problem. After rising pollution post Diwali, which saw Delhi suffer from the worst smog in 17 years, the municipal corporations decided to shut down over 1,800 primary schools as a contingency measure to prevent students from being exposed to poisonous air in mornings. Many private schools also decided to postpone events and suspend classes. Some private companies advised employees to take leave or work from home. In a desperate move, the Delhi Cabinet directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to explore the possibility of engaging an expert agency to study the reasons for the current air pollution and recommend remedial steps. During a cabinet meeting on pollution, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is even alleged to have lost his cool and lashed out at a senior Environment Department official after he expressed his teams helplessness in tackling the smog situation. While the Union Minister of State for Environment Anil Madhav Dave after a meeting with the environment ministers of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab said that the Delhi itself was responsible for 80% of the air pollution in the national capital, the citys Aam Aadmi Party government blamed the state governments of Haryana and Punjab for the crisis. In an emergency meeting with Delhi government ministers and officials, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung ordered several stringent measures to curb pollution including the deregistration of diesel vehicles older than 15 years, a ban on the use of firecrackers during weddings and other non-religious events as well as imposing heavy fines for failure to control dust at construction sites. However, environmental experts and scientists say these moves have come too late. In other countries, as soon as pollution levels touch the severe category, the concerned authorities issue certain guidelines such as closure of schools and offices, health notifications among others, says Shambhavi Shukla, a researcher at Centre for Science and Environment. In Delhi, air pollution was in severe category from 27 October. Recently, the worst smog in 17 years was witnessed in the city. But the government did not do anything, she adds. Shukla is not the only expert with such views. A retired central government scientist also levels similar charges against the Centre and the Delhi government for rising air pollution. We voted the BJP and the AAP because it had ushered in a ray of hope in times of despair. However, I see no difference whatsoever, he says, insisting on remaining anonymous. As these parties are busy playing the blame game and politicising the matter. They dont realise that they are putting people living in the capital city under threat, he adds. Shukla adds that the concerned authorities Union Ministry of Environment, Delhi government, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and civic bodies should have been prepared with short-term and long-term precautionary measures to tackle the deteriorating air quality in the city. They should have defined what are the short-term and long-term measures beforehand. For example, they could have increased the efficiency of public transport, including Delhi Metro and buses so that more people avail these services rather than using their vehicles, as a short-term measure, the researcher says. As a long-term measure, they should have started work on containing the polluting factors in Bhalswa dumping ground as well as the Badarpur power plant, Shukla adds. Agreeing with Shukla, the former scientist says, The Central Pollution Control Board had issued a 42-point guideline last year keeping Delhis rising air pollution in mind. But the state government was lax in its approach. How could they implement those guidelines? It would affect their vote bank. Despite being rapped by the National Green Tribunal and the Centre, the Delhi government did not pursue the matter vociferously, he charges. On the Delhi governments odd-even drive, conducted twice to restrict cars on roads, Shukla says, The first phase of odd-even policy in January did not really help. Despite slowing down vehicular pollution, the air quality was extremely worse in the first week of January. Odd-even is no long-term measure to control pollution. If you ask me, it is highly inconvenient, the scientist rues. When the NGT initially ordered the registration of old diesel vehicles, the government and traders cried foul. Now these politicians feel the noose tightening around their necks due to the smog, he says. The retired scientist alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party is trying to play safe due to the upcoming elections in Punjab. Have they done anything new? There was already a ban on burning of waste and leaves. The government has just reiterated the measures that had already been implemented. The difference is now they actually seem concerned about it, he says. Crucial step The researcher says the most crucial step the authorities can take is to limit the number of vehicles in the capital. It does sound like an authoritarian step but it is absolutely required. Nearly 1,500 vehicles are registered every day in Delhi. Unless the number of vehicles is controlled, things are not going to get better. People should be allowed to buy a car only if they show proof of a parking space, she says. Parking fees should also be increased. On farm fires and burning of agricultural wastes, the experts say that the government must ensure that alternative methods of waste disposal are made available to farmers. The agricultural waste can be used as dry fodder for cattle and other livestock during acute shortage or summers. It can be used as an alternative form of manure and even biofuel, says the scientist. The problem, however, is that this is a very expensive process. Hence, the government must provide subsidies and proper support to the agrarian community to ensure this is done, he adds. Shukla says the Environment Pollution Control Authority has filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking its intervention in monitoring air pollution in Delhi. The air quality level in Delhi is at very poor status now. However, as we are approaching the winters, this level is bound to go up to the severe category, which will affect a healthy person but also trouble people with respiratory problems. Now, the government needs to plan a long-term solution, Shukla adds. The former scientist agrees that it is high time the government and civic agencies realise that prevention is better than cure. I dont want the Centre, the state governments and the civic bodies to take steps to control air pollution for us. They should at least think about them. The sooner they realise that pollution harms them as much as a common man, maybe they will wake up, he says. With miseries mounting for patients and their attendants following demonetisation, postal department officials have started visiting hospitals across the city to help them exchange old high-value currency notes for new ones. So far, nearly Rs 25 lakhs have been exchanged by them at the hospitals. "The postal teams are visiting hospital wards offering lower denomination currency notes to patients and their family members as per their needs. Many of them are not able to procure cash from the overcrowded banks and ATMs in the city," Chief Postmaster General (Delhi circle), L N Sharma said. He said several teams have been formed to visit the hospitals. The hospitals where the teams are going include Ram Manohar Lohiya (RML), Lady Hardinge, Safdarjung, Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB), Army Research and Referral Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Charak Palika hospitals etc. According to Abhishek Singh, Director, Postal Services (Operations and Headquarters, Delhi circle) the postal staff have exchanged close to Rs 25 lakhs from hospitals till now. The initiative is likely to continue till December 30. "From Friday onwards, we have also started visiting old age homes and exchange the banned currency notes with the elderly people who are not often in a position to visit banks and post offices," Singh said. "Post office has always been a people's organisation. It caters to the needs of the common man and this was one opportunity where we felt we need to reach out to those who are really in need of money at this time," he said. The service by the Department of Post has brought cheer among patients and their relatives. "My husband is admitted to Safdarjung hospital and I was in dire need of cash. I went to a nearby bank twice but there was a long queue and could not exchange or withdraw money. But then these officials from the post office came and exchanged my money. It was of great help," said 32-year-old Kanika Das. The government hospitals have been authorised to accept the old currency notes from patients, but the facilities were said to have run out of small change to offer to the patients. "Also we are finding it difficult to buy food and other essentials from shops and hospital canteens as they are not accepting the old notes. Now because of the postal team we do not have to go and stand in queues," said Manpreet Khanna. With China and the US pumping in massive foreign capital into India's digital economy, a top Indian investor and educationist has warned that the country could become a "digital colony" unless Indian businesses start investing in it. "India could become a digital colony," warned Mohandas Pai, chairman of Manipal Global Education, referred to possible consequences of the massive money being pumped into India's digital economy by the US and China. "There is a fight between US and China to dominate digitally. And the Indian capital where they are, buying real estate in California?" he asked. "If you miss this digital revolution, our big companies would be controlled by Chinese capital which is very dangerous," Pai warned. India, which has the world's third largest startup eco system, has received some USD 8 to 10 billion, out of which only USD 500 million are from Indian capital. "Indian capital are rent (interest) seekers," he said, asking the Indian capital to change their attitude towards money investment. At the same time, he said digital connectivity, is going to change India in three years and said there is going to be tremendous upsurge of productivity, he said. In the next 10 to 15 years, the young population of India are going to create a new economy of India, he said. Nothing can stop India from marching ahead given the country's growth trajectory, its move towards a digital economy along with a burgeoning entrepreneur class nothing can stop India from marching ahead. "Nothing can stop the march of India. All of us have to work together and make sure it happens," Pai said in his address to the World Hindu Economic Forum here which is being attended by Hindu entrepreneurs from across the globe. Pai said there are "millions of mutinies" happening in India. "People are challenging the status quo. Hundreds of experiments, technology in their hands and regulatory policies are being broken and Bharat is using its digital infrastructure to grow. Startups would be the force multiplier," he said. In his address, Pai said tech entrepreneurs of India are bound to change the face of the country in the years to come. "The generation that is now coming into prominence are people who do not have the hangout of partition, of Pakistan, of caste and of many thing else that ails the Indian mind of the political leaders in India and in Delhi," he said. S P Kothari, professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, said that innovation and entrepreneurship are potent forces for economic development. "I do believe how countries are governed also matters," he said, adding that the quality of governance and institutions in a country explain the differences of development. NDRF teams rescued more than 50 passengers including 16 badly trapped from the mangled bogies of Patna-Indore Express which derailed in Kanpur during the wee hours. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed nearly 200 personnel in Kanpur for search and rescue operations at the site of train accident where at least 100 people died today. The operation was still in progress after six hours. The five NDRF teams were deployed after Home Minister Rajnath Singh instructed NDRF chief R K Pachnanda. Some additional teams are also put on stand by and shall be mobilised as per demand. To supervise the rescue operation, the DG of NDRF rushed to the site early in the morning from Delhi. Of the five teams, one comprising 35 personnel immediately rushed to the incident site at 0530 hours from its Regional Response Centre (RRC) Lucknow and reached there at 0810 hours after which it started search and rescue operation. Two more teams comprising of 79 personnel from Varanasi too reached Kanpur within hours. To strengthen the rescue operation, additional two teams comprising 75 personnel were airlifted from Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad at 1001 hours and reached at the site at 1105 hours, a Home Ministry statement said. NDRF teams comprise of trained responders, equipped with state-of-the-art Disaster Management gadgets and Medical Components. As the victims are trapped inside the bogies, due care and diligence was being taken. NDRF personnel are making all possible efforts to rescue the trapped victims, officials said. So far, NDRF has rescued 53 passengers including 16 badly trapped from the bogies, they said. An NDRF Control Room is monitoring the situation round the clock and is in touch with Railway authorities and local civil administration to render any kind of assistance. The Home Minister has expressed deep pain over the loss of lives caused by derailment. Rajnath Singh said there will be an enquiry into the incident to find out the detail cause of the accident. "There will definitely be an enquiry to find out how it happened," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event here. The incident took place at about 0310 hours approximately 60 km away from Kanpur at a location known as Pukhrayan where over 100 people were killed and nearly 150 injured. Prahlad Modi, the younger brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today asked his community members to prefix "Modi" to their names. "After coming here I am only hearing one thing, Narendra Modi is pride of India and of his community. But why we, the members of Teli Samaj (oil-makers' community) are not ready to prefix Modi to our names," Prahlad said here at an all-India meet of young men and women of the 'Sahu' community. Leaders of his community, for their selfish motives, use names of sub-castes such as Sahu, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathod and Jaiswal, he said. Goddess Karma Devi was a Teli and "we are her children and we are Teli and Modis," he added. "We should resolve today that henceforth our name would begin with Modi," Prahlad said, adding "if we start with prefix Modi, I believe that our community's population will add upto 14 crore" (across India). He also said the community was a divided lot due to groupism and because of the political parties which fooled them. He called for unity of the community. The Patidar and Rajput communities too have sub-castes but their identity as Patidar and Rajput is intact, Prahlad said. The demonetisation programme has led to a grey market in foreign exchange, and a new trend of smuggling is emerging. In fact, one of the worst affected sectors because of the currency ban has been the travel and tourism sector. On Saturday, $1 accounted for Rs 68.16, 1 was Rs 84.20, and 1 was Rs 72.17 if one was changing either of them through the new Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 100 denomination notes. Demand increases The demand of foreign currency has increased from the November 8 night, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation programme involving ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The demand is very much. In fact, supply is less, a forex dealer from Mumbai said. It would take another fortnight to know which way we are going, another dealer said. As far as the grey market is concerned, the US dollar was around Rs 99, pound Rs 109, and the euro at Rs 114. The premium is for accepting old currency notes, sources said, adding that the offline players are accepting old notes. But the volume is less and the risk involved is very high, they pointed out. As far as smuggling of gold was concerned, it is generally brought to India. A couple of days ago, the Mumbai Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) had intercepted a man, hours before he was to board a flight to Canada via Dubai with one 1-kg gold bar, and 15 gold bars of 100 grams each weighing 2.5 kg in total. The cache was valued at Rs 65.76 lakh. The AIU suspect that he was trying to trade the gold abroad against foreign currency. Foreign tourists in India too are facing severe problems in exchanging currency as licensed dealers are not able to provide currency. Overall, the travel and tourism sector, and restaurant business have taken a hit, said Kamlesh Barot, past-President, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI). Pakistan-born Canadian writer Tarek Fatah today slammed those maulvis who misguide Muslims by making them believe in life after death in 'Jannat' and urged the community to not get misled by it. "Muslims should understand that it is all about the present life, the real life is what we live here," Fatah said. "If a maulvi tells Muslims they will get a beautiful life in 'Jannat' after death then even educated Muslims go behind this theory and this is funny," he said on the second day of the Jaipur Dialogues event here. Lashing out at Pakistan, his native country, Fatah said "The country wants to take revenge of the 1971 war". "Pakistan has been doing surgical strikes against India since 1947 and circulated counterfeit currency," he said. Fatah also criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for their protest against the governments decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. Speaking on the issue of Kashmir, Strategic Affairs Analyst Sushant Sareen said the issue is not just limited to Kashmir but to the whole country and Indian citizens need to know what solution is available for this issue. "Political establishments and experts say there should be political solution to the Kashmir issue but what specific and exact political solution should be there, has not been elaborated," he said. Sareen said "intellectual failure" is the main cause of the Kashmir issue, adding "the provisions in the Article 370 of the Constitution are not a hurdle in the solution of the Kashmir dispute". He said the problem could be sorted out if people living in Kashmir consider themselves as Indian citizens. He also said the government should improve health and education system. "It should be made mandatory that children of government employees, officers and elected public representatives from the level of Panchayat to Parliament will get education in government schools," he said. Holding separatists responsible for the current situation in Kashmir, Lt Gen (Retd) Ata Hasnain said "Those who spread hatred takes advantage of financially weak people". He said Army should not be withdrawn from Kashmir and both Army and police are needed to maintain peace in the Valley. Hasnain said the situation can be changed in Kashmir by improving financial condition and providing better education and healthcare to the people living there. American Hindu teacher David Frawley said some regional parties who do not have their own national agenda are opposing the ideology and decisions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi "which is funny". He also criticised Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his opposition to the decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal today announced that the party's Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann will contest Punjab assembly polls against Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal from Jalalabad constituency. If Badal changes his mind and plans to contest from any other seat, Bhagwant Mann will follow him, he said at a rally in Jalalabad, Badal's political home-turf, on the first day of his 11-day tour of poll-bound Punjab. "Tomorrow, I will also make public the details of Swiss bank accounts of Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh and his family members. He has amassed huge wealth by looting Punjab when he was the chief minister from 2002 to 2007," the Delhi Chief Minister alleged. Mann, who was accompanying Kejriwal, said he was ready to take on Badal. "In AAP, it's a trend. Kejriwal started it. He trounced former Delhi chief minister Sheela Dixit twice. I feel honoured that this opportunity in Punjab has been given to me," the MP said, daring Amarinder to fight polls in Jalalabad instead of his traditional seat of Amritsar. Kejriwal alleged that Amarinder had amassed huge wealth during his tenure as chief minister and transferred this "loot" to foreign accounts of his son Raninder Singh and wife Parneet Kaur. "They have been summoned by law enforcement agencies including the Income-Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate," he said. Meanwhile, responding to Kejriwal's threat to release documents to prove he and his family had foreign bank accounts, Amarinder described it as yet another theatrical gimmick by the AAP national convener. Attacking the SAD-BJP government, Kejriwal said, "After Amarinder, the Akalis have plundered Punjab in its 10 years of misrule. Akali mafia runs every business -- transport, liquor, cable, mining, hotel or land." "Bikram Majithia is running a drug racket in Punjab and I challenge him to get me arrested within the remaining two months of the SAD-BJP rule. If AAP forms government, I will put him behind bars," he said. On the issue of demonetisation, Kejriwal tweeted, "The BJP says it is a party for Hindus. In demonetisation, it did not even spare them. Hindus have also suffered." However, he did not make a mention of the three-day ultimatum, which ended today, to the Centre to roll back its decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Kejriwal was hiding behind "proxies" and dared the AAP chief to contest against him from Jalalabad in the Assembly polls. "Kejriwal wants to become the chief minister of Punjab, but is running away from contesting the elections. You can easily test your popularity by contesting against me from Jalalabad," he said. "Why don't you make a statement regarding this during your ongoing visit to Punjab. Let the people also know your mettle. Are you only good at fighting through others and proxies or do you have it in you to bite the bullet too?" Badal asked. On Mann's candidature, Badal said "proxies" can never put up a fight. "Everyone including Mann knows that he is being put into the fray to finish him politically. Kejriwal has through a series of steps, including his insistence not to give tickets to any of Mann's loyalists, finished him in the party," the SAD president claimed. Now he wants to take Mann out, electorally. This is why he is making him shift from Sangrur district to Ferozepur where people don't even know him, Badal said. Rejecting reports that normalcy is returning to strife-hit Valley, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today said dialogue with all stakeholders including Hurriyat is the only way to resolve the impasse. He also dismissed Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement that the incidents of stone-pelting on security forces are on the decline post demonetisation of high-value currencies. "The incumbent coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir is not working on the lines of its joint working manifesto which talks about holding talks with the Hurriyat. I am of the firm view that if Kashmir (issue) has to resolved forever, then we would have to talk to all stake-holders including Hurriyat," Abdullah said on the sidelines of an event. He was here to attend the 'Mother Teresa Memorial International award for Social Justice 2016' function in suburban Andheri, organised by Harmony Foundation. "Latching onto few long-pending issues in Valley, a Kashmiri youth Burhan Wani was made from zero to hero," the former J&K Chief Minister told reporters. The Valley has been on boil since the encounter killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani by security forces in July. Responding to a query on Parrikar's statement that stone-pelting incidents dipped in the wake of demonetisation decision, Abdullah said there was no truth in this claim. He also dismissed media reports that normalcy was being restored in the Valley. "Who is saying so?...The reports are devoid of truth. How many of you have been in Valley and seen the ground reality. If there is (indeed) something like that (normalcy), it would be very short lived. "Perpetually peaceful environment in the Valley would be restored when the local people would have the chance of employability. But unfortunately, nothing seems viable at this stage," Abdullah said. On scrapping of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 banknotes, the NC chief said the decision was good but "badly implemented". "Government should have made sufficient arrangement for flow of currency before going ahead with this (demonetisation). Had it been implemented properly, nobody would have died in queue for getting cash," Abdullah said. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir are worst hit due to demonetisation as there are few banks and ATMs in Valley. Replying to a query on black money, Abdullah said, "Circulation of black money will never end from our country. Every political party banks on black money. When the state Assembly elections will be held, we will see who will use choppers and flights for campaigning which will prove whether the demonetisation has ended the black money from the market or not." He also questionned Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his policy regarding Pakistan. "In a stopover, Modi went to wish Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and had a dinner with him in his kitchen. Modi touched the feet of Sharif's mother. But, there was no dialogue between these two leaders to improve the relationship between the two countries...If there was any dialogue held let it be known to everyone," he said. Coming close on the heels of similar decisions by African countries like Gambia, Burundi and South Africa, Russias decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) will deepen the credibility crisis plaguing the ICC. Russia has described the ICC as ineffective and accused it of failing to emerge as a truly independent, authoritative international tribunal. It is likely that the immediate trigger for the Russian decision was an ICC report that was scathing in its criticism of Russias actions in Crimea; it described this as an ongoing state of occupation. Russia signed on to the Rome statute, which established the ICC, but did not ratify it. Thus, it cooperated with the ICC but remained outside its jurisdiction. Russias decision to withdraw from the ICC will have little impact on Russia itself; the implications will be largely symbolic. However, the decision will weaken the ICCs standing. After all, the points raised by the Russian government are not without merit. It is a fact that billions of dollars being spent over the past 14 years to support the ICCs work has resulted in just four convictions. When Gambia, Burundi and South Africa quit the ICC in October, they drew attention to the bias that colours the ICCs work. Gambia charged the ICC with persecution and humiliation of people of colour, especially Africans. Indeed, it is only Africans who have been indicted by the ICC. As the Gambian government rightly pointed out, no westerner has been indicted ever; recently, the ICC ruled out putting former British prime minister Tony Blair on trial for war crimes in Iraq. More countries are likely to follow Russia and the African countries. The Philippines is mulling over the matter. The global community must act to prevent more countries from joining the exodus. While frustrations with the ICCs functioning are understandable, withdrawing from it is not the solution. It is important that signatories take serious note of the ICCs flawed functioning and take steps to reform it. Among the more serious criticisms of the ICC is its politicisation. Under the Rome statute, the ICC was subordinated to the UN Security Council and, in effect, to its permanent members meddling. Whether or not a case should be referred to the ICC thus depends on the positions of the permanent members. They have voted against referral when it affects them or their friends. This has crippled the ICC work. Few would dispute the need for an international criminal justice system. It is the ICCs selective application of justice that is under fire. The ICC is on trial today. Its reform can prevent its collapse. In the competitive startup world, even the shrewdest entrepreneurs with the latest and greatest gadgets can find themselves thrown unexpectedly into legal quagmires that could derail or blow up a dream before it gets off the ground. Sometimes its a simple oversight. Other times, a fresh-faced business owner tries to save a few dollars by ignoring such issues as liability, patents, copyright and taxes. But many of these business-killers are not only foreseeable, but preventable as well, experts say. And several who have paid heed have avoided potential business land mines. When Josh York, a 33-year-old fitness buff, decided to create a mobile personal training company, called GymGuyz, in 2008, he knew he would need insurance. His company, based in Plainview, New York, offers a gym on wheels: a personal trainer loads up a van with more than 300 pieces of fitness equipment things like dumbbells and resistance bands and travels to a clients home, workplace, school or park to give a personal workout session. I didnt start training anyone until I had the insurance, said York, who has a bachelors degree in business administration from the CW Post campus of Long Island University. But getting insurers on board wasnt easy. He contacted five companies before finding one that would sign him on. York had to dem-onstrate that he could strap down the equipment in the van to reduce the risk of road accidents and that his certification as a personal trainer reduced the chance that clients would be injured. Initially, he tried to save money by not insuring his equipment, thinking that it would be safe while locked in a van. Nevertheless, after one van was vandalised in 2014, he started insuring the equipment as well. Insurance to cover liabilities is often an afterthought for many startups, but it should often be at the top of the list. A manufacturing defect, an injury to an employee or customer, or even computer thieves hacking into a pay system or website could lead to a lawsuit and kill a budding startup. Sometimes a lot of startups dont want to hear about the coverages because they think it will cost them money, said Melnora Cruz, a vice president at MOC Insurance Services, based in San Francisco. But they cannot afford not to protect themselves, she said: They could have a claim that costs $1 million and could put them in bankruptcy. Other legal issues can also trip up companies. York, for instance, got a trademark on his logo right away and bought both spellings of the domain name GymGuyz and GymGuys to protect himself from copycats. People laughed at me and told me I was crazy, York said. They said, Why would you do that? Undaunted by the skeptics, York pushed ahead. His company will have franchises in 100 markets in 18 states by year-end, up from one location eight years ago. Its revenue, which totalled $101,000 in 2008, is on track to reach $5.5 million this year from the company-owned business and franchise fees. Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park operator based in Los Angeles, also faced a skeptical reception when it tried to obtain insurance in 2004. The company owns the patent on the trampoline court, a web of trampolines that are interconnected, allowing jumpers to move among them. When would-be underwriters heard the word trampoline, many conjured up visions of 1960s-style backyard trampolines, where reports were rampant of people tumbling off and being rushed to hospitals with broken bones. We went to six to 10 insurers before finding one that would provide coverage, said Jeff Platt, chief executive of Sky Zone. It took considerable time to educate insurance brokers about the netting, safety guards, rules and monitoring staff before he could convince a company that the injury risk at his parks was low. The only way to fall off of our trampolines would be to climb up a trampoline wall, then climb up about seven feet of netting and then literally jump over it, Platt said. 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. 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. More pitfalls Patent, ownership and copyright issues could also sink a company if not addressed. Some cash-short entrepreneurs opt to skip the search for patents and trademarks to save money and thats a mistake, warned Allan H Cohen, managing partner at Nixon Peabodys Long Island law office. He recalled one client who built a healthcare app, adopted a name, and then spent tens of thousands of dollars developing a logo, website and marketing materials using that name. However, when a trademark search was later conducted, the company discovered that the name was already being used by a small firm in another state. The client, however, did not want to change the name, and is now gambling that the company will not be sued. But company owners who want to be a huge success should pay heed, Cohen said. They could get a cease-and-desist order and have to stop using the name or be sued, he said. Taxes are also often overlooked out of concern over costs but some tax provisions can actually be beneficial. Some programmes, such as the angel investor tax credit available in some states, can make raising money easier. And the federal research and development tax credit can save money on a startups tax returns, said Mitchell Kopelman, a certified public accountant and a partner at HA&W, a business advisory firm in Atlanta. All these crucial issues should be addressed early and re-examined as a company grows. Even today we learn about new liabilities with our business, said Platt of Sky Zone. Risk management doesnt end; it is an ongoing process that is living and breathing every single day. Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh will travel to China on Monday for a four-day official trip, to continue with Indias efforts to engage with the Peoples Liberation Army on defence and security cooperation. In the last 15 years, Gen Singh would be the third army chief to visit the communist country after Gen N C Vij and Gen Bikram Singh. For almost four decades since the 1962 war, there was barely any cooperation between the two Asian neighbours on military affairs. The first sign of thaw was seen a decade ago when then defence minister Pranab Mukherjee signed a cooperation agreement with his Chinese counterpart. Subsequently, the two countries initiated an annual exercise between the two armies and there are now talks to hold naval exercises. New Delhi and Beijing also inked a border guarding agreement and undertake regular military exchanges. During the four-day tour, Gen Singh along with his delegation will be visiting an infantry division and army air defence brigade besides meeting top PLA and Central Military Commission officials. The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping training. It is an opportunity to re-engage PLA in the field of defence cooperation and build upon existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations, said an army spokesperson. JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda has criticised the state BJP leaders for attending the lavish wedding of mine owner G Janardhana Reddys daughter and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to walk the talk as far as black money issue was concerned. In a three-page letter to the prime minister, he said common man had reposed faith in the Centres decision to demonitise high-value currency notes under the impression that it will curb black money. But they are disheartened with the BJP leaders attending the wedding held in Bengaluru recently. Spending for the wedding could have come from black money as the enforcement agencies had confiscated all assets of Reddy, he added. In the national interest, all of us may sacrifice and heed your call, but your colleagues in Karnataka paint a different picture. This makes it impossible for people to continue to trust. The trust people are reposing facing great hardship will stand destroyed if you dont show that you are ready to walk the talk (sic), he said. Besides, Gowda urged the prime minister to allow district central cooperative (DCC) banks to accept deposits from farmers as per guidelines of the demonitisation scheme. Farmers who have taken farm loans will not be eligible for interest subsidy if they fail to repay loans within the due dates. Dairy farmers will not be able to receive payments as the milk cooperative societies could not deposit money in the DCC banks, he added. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin will pay his respects to victims of the 26/11 terrorist attacks, at a memorial meeting in Memorial Lobby at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai here on Monday. The visit comes ahead of the eighth anniversary of the Mumbai fidayeen attacks, in which 166 people were killed and more than 300 were injured. During the memorial meeting, Rivlin will be accompanied by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Ambassador of Israel to India Daniel Carmon and the Consul General of Israel in Mumbai David Akov. It may be mentioned that during the November 26-29, 2008 attacks, Israeli citizens too died during the strike at Nariman House in Colaba. The building was attacked and six of its occupants were killed. The building was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach centre run by Gavriel and Rivka Holtzberg. Rivka was five months pregnant when she was killed during the attack. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that there was no question of seeking Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Saits resignation. Speaking with mediapersons here on Sunday, he said, there was a lot of difference between the BJP ministers case and that of Tanveer Sait. Sait had not seen the sleazy photos intentionally during the Tipu Jayanti celebrations in Raichur recently, while the BJP ministers had watched pornography in the Assembly intentionally. The cyber crime division of the police department is investigating the case and further steps will be taken only after receiving its report, he said. Drought relief On the drought situation in Karnataka, he said a report had been submitted to the Centre and the Central teams had visited the state and toured the affected districts. We have urged the Centre to release Rs 4,656 crore towards compensation. I will visit New Delhi shortly and appeal once again to the Centre to release funds, he said. When his attention was drawn towards former chief minister H D Kumaraswamys second residence in Hubballi and his assurance to the farmers that he will waive all farm loans if the JD(S) was voted to power, Siddaramaiah said the JD(S) will not come to power at any cost, that is why Kumaraswamy was giving unrealistic assurances. The Opposition parties are set take on the ruling Congress over the issue of Minister Tanveer Sait watching objectionable content recently, during the 10-day session of the state legislature. The session is scheduled to commence on Monday in Belagavi. The primary and secondary education minister was reportedly caught on camera watching sleazy pictures on his mobile phone during the controversial Tipu Jayanti celebrations in Raichur on November 10. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been defending Sait, saying prima facie he has done nothing wrong. The chief minister has referred the issue to the CID. However, the Opposition parties - BJP and JD(S) - had been demanding Saits removal from the ministry. For the BJP, which was vehemently opposing the government for organising Tipu Jayanti, the Sait issue has only come in handy to take on the Siddaramaiah government during the session. This apart, severe drought in many parts of the state and Kalasa-Banduri project are likely to dominate the Winter Session. The Opposition parties are also planning to take the government to task on police excesses against the protesting farmers in July this year and demand immediate withdrawal of all police cases against the farmers. The Opposition had been blaming the government for not doing enough to bail out the drought-affected people. They have charged the government with not releasing adequate funds to tackle drought, shortage of drinking water and fodder, and delay in providing compensation to farmers whose crops have been damaged. Opposition parties members from Bengaluru are likely to demand a debate on the controversial steel flyover project. Senior BJP leader K S Eshwarappa on Sunday revived the Sangolli Rayanna brigade, an apolitical forum for organising backward classes and Dalits, despite stiff opposition from BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa. Eshwarappa held a meeting with the office-bearers of the Rayanna brigade from Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts at the Legislators Home and decided to organise an oath-taking ceremony for the brigade members at Nandgadh in Belagavi on December 6. Seers of various mutts and the brigade members from all the Assembly constituencies in the state are scheduled to take part in the event. Yeddyurappa had complained to the BJP central leaders against Eshwarappa for organising Rayanna brigade and projecting himself as a leader of backward classes. The brigade had suspended all its activities after the intervention of BJP central leaders recently. Eshwarappa had even dropped his plan to organise a rally of the brigade in Tumakuru. But, now Eshwarappa is learnt to be upset with Yeddyurappa for neglecting him in the party. Yeddyurappa, it is said, has not involved Eshwarappa in organising the BJPs backward classes mega convention in Bengaluru on November 27. Speaking at the brigades office-bearers meeting, Eshwarappa openly said he was upset with party leaders taking unilateral decisions. Rayanna brigade will continue holding conventions across the state. The brigade is striving for the welfare of backward classes and Dalits. It has got tremendous response from people in North Karnataka, he added. Meanwhile, Yeddyurappa held a meeting with the party leaders from Bengaluru to discuss preparations for organising the backward classes convention on November 27. Red tapes and industry lobbying have blocked the price fixing of coronary stents, though the move was approved by the Union health ministry more than four months ago. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has been sitting on the health ministrys recommendations for over 90 days and in the absence of a pharmaceutical department order, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) could not start the price fixation process to include this medical device in the National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM), sources told DH. Coronary stents are currently sold at hugely inflated price, thus keeping them out of reach for a large number of people requiring angioplasty and compelling many others who received them to spend much more than their paying capacity, an NPPA report stated. The manufacturing and importing companies enjoy large trade margins. The NPPA had suggested price control on both drug eluting and bare metal stents to aid lakhs of heart patients, whose numbers are on the rise. On July 19, the health ministry issued an order on the inclusion of coronary stents in the NLEM. However, a subsequent order from the pharmaceutical department to operationalise the health ministrys decision is yet to come. Department of Pharmaceuticals Secretary Jai Priya Prakash declined to comment. The department comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers headed by Ananth Kumar. The NPPA fixed a benchmark cost of Rs 19,000 for bare metal stents and Rs 28,000 for drug eluting stents. The benchmark, however, was not acceptable to the industry. An industry association comprising big stent importers is lobbying with the government to have a differential pricing mechanism, which public health activists claim would defeat the purpose of price control in the first place. The industry argument is to have a differential pricing system and let the doctors have the final say on which type of stent would work best for a particular patient. We believe that all drug eluting stents are not the same because over the years, the complexity of patient conditions with high co-morbidities like diabetes and hypertension has required more evolved solutions. Industry has brought forth innovations in the metallic drug eluting stents to treat this increasing complexity and thus brought benefit to the patients, said director general of Medical Technology Association of India Pavan Choudary. But an expert panel, headed by Y K Gupta, head of the department of pharmacology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, found no definite superiority among currently available metallic drug eluting stents in terms of their clinical outcome. Residents of Whitefield have devised a way of calculating how much time is wasted in traffic jams, which are the most congested segments, which day of the week a particular route is most congested and what are the peak hours. The Traffic Congestion Analysis project by the Whitefield Rising (WR) group using the MapsHalli web application aims to analyse the traffic problems and identify solutions. Using the Google Maps Distance Matrix API, which helps measure the distance between source and destination, WR volunteers have analysed one of the densest traffic routes Mahadevapura to RMZ Ecospace in Bellandur and vice versa. Shiv Shankar, who developed MapsHalli, said, On this route, we have identified the top three congested segments Venkateshwara Layout to EMC Corporation, Ferns City Road to Rainbow Childrens Hospital, and EMC Corporation to Ferns City Road. We also collected details such as expected time required to cover the segment, actual time that takes to cover it, approximate congestion time, among others. The volunteers studied the Mahadevapura-Bellandur route from 7 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm between November 7 and 11. They are now working on the Hope Farm junction-Marathahalli bridge route. Clement Jayakumar, who initiated the concept and is one of its main contributors, said, Our analysis shows that the travel time can be reduced by posting traffic police at the highly congested areas. He added that the WR would share the findings with the traffic police and suggest solutions. Eventually, the WR aims to analyse the traffic at 100 congested roads across Bengaluru. It is looking to raise up to Rs 4 lakh to pay the fees for the Google Maps Distance Matrix API. Traffic analysis Most congested segments between Mahadevapura and RMZ Ecospace (Bellandur): 1) Venkateshwara Layout to EMC Corporation (most congested on Tuesday) Expected time to pass through the route: 01.02 min Actual time: 18.07 minutes 2) Ferns City Road to Rainbow Childrens Hospital (Most congested on Monday) Expected time: 57 sec Actual time: 12.37 min 3) EMC Corporation to Ferns City Road. (Most congested on Friday) Expected time: 50 sec Actual time: 10.50 min The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on Sunday brought a train to the elevated southern line to start the crucial trial run. While this trial run is going to take place on one track, the BMRCL hopes to start trial run on the other track by December-end. Around 3 pm on Sunday, the train was brought from the down ramp connecting the KR Market Metro station to the National College Metro station in Basavanagudi, from where the three-month trial run will begin. Earlier, the BMRCL had pushed a battery-powered locomotive from Peenya depot towards South line via Majestic underground corridor. Briefing reporters, Pradeep Singh Kharola, managing director, BMRCL, said the corporation needs two-three months to complete the trial run. Using the battery-powered locomotive, we have brought the train to the southern line on Saturday. Trial run on the other track would be started by December-end, as the parallel underground corridor (where the Tunnel Boring Machine Krishna broke through) is not ready, Kharola explained. When the trial run is on at the elevated Metro corridor, we will take up pending works elsewhere. At the moment, cabling, tunnel ventilation and signalling work is going on on the underground section, Kharola said. He reiterated that National College-Yelachenahalli stretch would not be thrown open for public use unless the underground stretch is ready. We will not approach the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety for the approval of the elevated and underground stretches separately, he noted. Phase II On the progress of Namma Metro Phase II, Kharola hoped to complete civil work of Mysuru Road and Yelachenahalli Metro extensions by 2018 and the Whitefield line by 2019. Safety first Bengaluru Development Minister K J George, who inspected the National College Metro station of Reach-4, asked the BMRCL authorities not to compromise on safety and security under the pressure of delay in implementation of the project. The minister also claimed that the Phase II of the Namma Metro project was going on as per the schedule. Students from various schools sought answers to several pertinent questions from officials at an interaction programme organised by the Karnataka State Child Rights Commission on the occasion of World Child Rights Day on Sunday. Why do government officers and teachers send their children to private school and not government-run schools, Arun K Shinde, a student from the government boys higher primary school, Kamalanagar, wanted to know. In reply, Roopa Nayak, a member of the commission, said that the government was being pressured to make it compulsory for government officers, teachers and politicians to send their children to government-run schools. Biggest reform It would be the biggest reform ever, if such a rule was introduced. It will help in improving the quality of education and infrastructure in government schools, she said. A few students had questions related to the Right To Education (RTE), malnutrition among children, child labour and action being taken to bring back dropouts to school. The officers asked students to dial the helpline 1098, if there were any cases related to children. When one of the officers spoke about rules being amended in a bid to stop child labour, Dr Kripa Amar Alva, chairperson of the commission, felt that there was lack of enforcement and gave instances of trafficking in Hassan and Haveri and child labour at a bag factory in Chickpet. Child beggary Answering a question as to why child beggary still persists, IPS officer Sonia Narang blamed lack of enforcement of law. It is difficult to locate parents of children who are begging, if the parents belong to a different state, the officer said. She, however, had no specific answer when asked about registering cases in this regard. Kripa said she had asked the government to provide eggs to school students at least two days a week along with mid-day meals. Philomena Lobo, director of Public Instruction and Secondary Education, suggested the heads of government schools to approach corporate houses to provide funds as part of corporate social responsibility to improve infrastructure in the schools. No answers To some questions, even the officers did not have answers. By Alex Harris 18 November 2016 (Miami Herald) The canary in the coal mine once served as a natural warning system in a bygone industrial era. Now, for Florida at least, maybe it ought to be the octopus in the parking garage. Photos of an octopus splayed out in a flooded Miami Beach parking garage have been floating around the internet all week, prompting some skeptics to call bogus on both the discovery of the eight-legged creature out of its element and the force blamed for its appearance climate change. Both appear to be all too real. University of Miami associate biology professor Kathleen Sullivan Sealey examined the photos and identified the octopus as likely one of two species common in South Florida waters. And she said Miami Beach residents ought to get used to seeing strange new creatures making sporadic appearances as rising sea levels push ocean waters deeper and more frequently onto land, along with some of the creatures that live in them. Richard Conlin, who lives at Mirador 1000 West, posted video of water spurting through his parking garage drains and photos of the octopus on Monday morning, during the latest king tide a seasonal phenomenon exacerbated this month by a super moon. He did not respond to requests for comment, but he wrote on the Facebook post that he saw schools of fish alongside the slimy creature. [] This flooding to this extreme is new and gets worse each moon, he wrote. In the past the floor of the garage would be damp but this extreme flooding is new. in the past 6 months there has not been a single day without some type of water seepage in the garage. [] And its not just in Conlins building. Last year, a UM study found that tidal flooding in Miami Beach has increased 400 percent since 2006. [more] A slide published by the brand at Capital Markets Day 2016 clearly states the company's agenda of returning to the world of smartphones in 2017. Very few brands in this world invoke as much relatability and nostalgia as Nokia. The communications giant once ruled with more than half of mobile phone-using population using Nokia phones, globally. Ever since Microsoft took over Nokia and then killed off the partnership and the brand as well, there have been whispers and rumours around a possible comeback, and now, confirmation has arrived from the company itself. At the Capital Markets Day 2016, a presentation slide of Nokia's agenda moving forward has a key bullet that reads, "Nokia brand's return to smartphones". This practically confirms rumours about a smartphone being made using the brand name of Nokia, although we would like to wait and see how the phone turns out to be. Most rumours point at the use of a 5.5-inch, Full HD display, along with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 430 SoC and 3GB RAM. There will reportedly be a 13-megapixel primary camera and an 8-megapixel front camera, along with 32GB of native, expandable storage. The device is expected to run on Android Nougat v7.0. While we rejoice the prospect of the return of possibly the most iconic personal communications brand in the world, Nokia will actually not be "making" its own devices any longer. Not having the manufacturing power it did in heyday, Nokia has outsourced manufacturing services to HMD Global, who will further contract Foxconn for any Nokia-branded smartphone. Nokia will license its brand name and the patents, to ideate and research on the smartphones. It is interesting to note that along with Nokia's brand return to phones, the company also intends to expand on VR and more patents in consumer electronics. There have also been rumours of a new Nokia tablet, and more Nokia phones with flagship-grade hardware. With all of these in line, it remains to be seen by when do the first Nokia phones hit the market. Sell shares in Mitie , said the Sunday Times' Inside the City column, though there's no time to do this before Monday's likely "ugly" set of interim numbers. Outgoing boss Ruby McGregor-Smith, who will step down next month, warned on profits and the half-time report may see further downgrades, including to the dividend. Mitie's core business of facilities management does not allow much wiggle room on margins, and has suffered from some of its local government contracts. But investors have more time to act before new chief executive, Phil Bentley, is expected to bung 'everything but the kitchen sink' into his first trading update after taking over. The column noted some analyst angst about the leap to 86.0m of trade and other receivables on the balance sheet and the "rigour of its accounting policies", which may come under pressure from any further profit shrinkage. Shares in Majestic Wine are worth holding, said Questor in the Sunday Telegraph. While the first half of the year saw it splash into losses, the retail performance has been improving on both sides of the Atlantic under new South African boss Rowan Gormley, who thinks a turning point has been reached as he aims to generate 0.5bn annual sales by 2019. There was little consensus in the City over whether Majestic will enjoy such a bumper festive season as to compensate for the interim losses. Refurbishment has been the recent watchword instead of expansion, while promotional and price activity has been made more simple. Gormley's Naked Wines business, which was acquired last year, is another area of focus, said Questor, and offers exciting potential for overseas expansion. Wincanton shares were a buy for Midas in the Mail on Sunday, which look undervalued as the logistics business begins to deliver a not-insignificant dividend this year. Times were tough post crisis and a UK slowdown related to Brexit would be likely to hit hard. The pension deficit is another concern that the board have been working to put right. On the upside things have turned around in recent years, while a solid client base including medium-term contracts with Sainsburys, B&Q, Dairy Crest, BAE Systems, Heinz and Britvic shows the group is a market leader. Profits are on the up, as recent interim results showed and a 3p dividend is expected to be followed by a 6p final payout. Chaminade blowout shows new Buckeyes they still have much to learn The year 2016 has been remarkable in many ways; shocks and surprises abound in political, sporting and celebrity circles, both nationally and internationally. But on a more local front, the year is of particular significance for those who are musically-minded as it marks the tenth anniversary of Jim Raffertys death. And now to commemorate this important milestone another Donegal music man is the driving force behind an initiative that aims to build on Jims legacy throughout the county. Dr Shaun Ryan, who is Subject Director at the Ulster University Music Department and who studied music under Jims tutelage, is establishing a new foundation that will seek to enhance further the music education opportunities for the youth of Co Donegal. The Jim Rafferty Foundation will seek to continue Jims work through the funding of a wide range of programmes and events, he tells the Democrat. Dr Ryan explained further: we will take small steps at first but, over the next ten years, we will endeavour to raise significant funds that will be directed to enrich the musical experiences of the youth of our county. Jims work is still evident today, and this is just another way of making sure that his rich legacy continues to have an impact as we head into the next decade. The Foundation will work in partnership with the Donegal Music Education Partnership. Director of DMEP, Martin McGinley, says this is an exciting development and great news for our young musicians. The Rafferty family, too, are delighted and have offered their full support for the initiative. According to Jims son, Aidan Shaun Ryan and I have been close friends going back many years and what he has planned makes for a wonderful way to keep Dads work going throughout the region; were all thrilled with the idea. The Jim Rafferty Foundation will be launched at a special commemorative concert to mark Jims tenth anniversary on Wednesday, 14 December at 7:30pm in St Conals Church, Glenties. The concert will feature the Ulster University Chamber Choir, conducted by Shaun Ryan, who earlier this year performed in Carnegie Hall, New York, with contributions from the Donegal Youth Choir and the Choir of St Conals Church. Admission is free with retiring collection. All proceeds go to The Jim Rafferty Foundation. There was a great night of celebration among the Donegal Diaspora when a large crowd gathered to celebrate the annual Donegal Association of London Dinner dance last night. The event is a highlight for the Donegal community in the English capital and this was the 69th year of the annual event. It took place in the stylish surrounds of the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood. Association Chairman Tony McFadden welcomed everyone to the event. Special guest this year was Father Brendan McBride from Portnoo, who has been based in the US for many years, and played a pivotal role in assisting the survivors of the Berkeley balcony collapse, near San Francisco in June 2015. The association awarded their Person of the year accolade to popular Tir Chonaill Gaels stalwart, Michael Cunningham from Kilcar. As well as the London based Donegal community attending the event, many travelled over from Donegal for the social event. Further coverage online and in our Thursday edition. Letterkenny Institute of Technology is one of five higher education institutions selected to participate in a National Student Engagement programme. The collaborative initiative is supported by the Union of Students in Ireland, the Higher Education Authority, and Quality & Qualifications Ireland, in consultation with Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland. LYIT is working with NUI Galway, National College of Ireland, Cork IT and Waterford IT in shaping best practice for students. The main objective is to ensure students are centrally involved in the decision-making process in higher education institutions. Dr Lynn Ramsey, teaching and learning co-ordinator at LYIT, said, At LYIT we are dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our students. We believe that key to excellent student experience is working in partnership with students. Selection for the national programme ensures that we can continue our commitment to ongoing improvement, strengthening student engagement to better support all students, she said. The two strands involve rolling out a national student training programme and developing institutional capacity. Last month, LYIT took part in the first stage of the training designed to support student representatives in their role. with 40 students taking part. LYIT Students Union President, Dylan McGowan, said, Building bridges between students and staff members in order to achieve positive results is essentially the goal, Im very glad and proud for LYIT to be selected for this initiative. Further training sessions will be provided this month. The worlds cities are growing rapidly and in 2050 two thirds of the global population is expected to reside in urban areas, compared to 50 percent today. That puts pressure on infrastructure, energy supply and housing capabilities in a global climate that is poised to become hotter and less predictable. The challenges become even more complex considering that climate change does not affect urban dwellers equally, with low-income households and poor neighborhoods being particularly vulnerable. Yet, some cities are using climate action as an opportunity to simultaneously address systemic social challenges. Seoul, the capital of South Korea and Tshwane, in South Africa, are just two cities with solutions featured in this sector which readily demonstrate how climate action and social development can go hand in hand. Seouls Energy Welfare Public-Private Partnership Program, for example, seeks to provide cheaper and more reliable power to low-income households, while creating jobs for disadvantaged job seekers. The program trains and employs socially vulnerable workers as energy consultants who assess energy performance and potential savings in poor communities. The program is partly funded by peak hour energy savings from municipal buildings. The Tshwane Food and Energy Centre provides cooperative farming opportunities and self-sustaining renewable energy generation to an underprivileged community. The 25 cooperative farms allow small-scale farmers to ensure their own food security, earn income from food sales and produce on-site clean energy. Now in its second year, Cities100 is produced in partnership between Sustainia, C40 and Realdania. It features 100 city solutions, ranging from solid waste management to transportation, that show how cities are blazing a path towards climate adaptation and mitigation. Faced with climate change, making our cities fit for the future is not just a matter of survival, but also presents us with an important opportunity to address social inequality, Mark Watts, executive director of C40, said. I am inspired to see so many cities taking strong and urgent action. The publication comes during COP22, when government officials are gathered in Marrakech to put into force the Paris agreementthe most extensive and ambitious agreement on climate action the world has ever seen. Cities will undoubtedly have a huge role in keeping temperatures from rising. Morten Nielsen, managing director for Sustainia, commented, As we enter into the climate negotiations at COP22, the solutions presented in Cities100 show that climate action is already happening, often in nimble and collaborative ways that do not rely on the will of national governments. By addressing climate action in tandem with social equity, its clear that cities have a major role to play in shaping global sustainable development. Jesper Nygaard, CEO of Realdania, is confident that cities are up for the challenge, he said, Cities and local governments are at the forefront of climate change. This years Cities100 clearly shows that mayors will not sit idly by when they are faced with climate change, rising inequality and slowing economic growth. I am impressed at the scale of action and it fills me with optimism when I see holistic action provide multiple benefits to citizens, cities and climate. By Lauren McCauley Underscoring the climate pariah that the U.S. is expected to become under a President-elect Donald Trump, world leaders concluded the United Nations climate talks on Friday by re-committing to the goals of the Paris accord and vowing to take swift action to reduce global emissions. 196 Countries Reaffirm Commitment to Paris Climate Deal, Isolating Trump Even More https://t.co/5DoaGqXY9c @beyondzeronews @ZeroCarbonWorld EcoWatch (@EcoWatch) November 19, 2016 We call for the highest political commitment to combat climate change, as a matter of urgent priority, reads the Marrakech Action Proclamation (pdf), which was signed by 196 countries. Indeed, this year, we have seen extraordinary momentum on climate change worldwide, it states. This momentum is irreversibleit is being driven not only by governments, but by science, business, and global action of all types at all levels. The declaration calls for strong solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as well as efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure food security as global warming takes its toll on agriculture, particularly in the Global South. The document further calls on all non-state actors to join us for immediate and ambitious action and mobilization to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable development and energy sources. Additionally, 47 of the worlds most climate vulnerable nations pledged to meet 100 percent domestic renewable energy production as rapidly as possible. Holding up the pledge from the Climate Vulnerable Forum as demonstrat[ing] what government leadership needs to look like, Payal Parekh, 350.org global program director, said: The world is finally seeing the urgency for collective climate action. And there is good reason for the urgency. Delegates wrapped up the conference in Marrakech amid another warning about the climate emergency upon us, as record-breaking temperatures continued for the third year in a row. Further, the widespread show of solidarity occurred in the face of the recent election of Trump, who denies the reality of man-made global warming and has pledged to pull the United States from the Paris agreement. Benjamin Schreiber of Friends of the Earth U.S. said at the conclusion of the talks, Climate change is not going to wait for U.S. action and the rest of the world is clear it is moving forward. Trumps election must unify the world in treating the U.S. as a climate pariah, and respond to his Presidency by redoubling ambition. And it seems it has. In an op-ed this week, environmental representatives from Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Costa Rica wrote that the recent outcome of the U.S. elections cannot stop those of us dedicated to battling climate change. No country has said it will walk away from global action, said Ethiopias minister of environment and climate Gemedo Dalle; Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Philippine senates Permanent Committee on Climate Change; and Edgar Gutierrez, Costa Rican minister of Environment and Energy. To the contrary, they continued: Countries including China, members of the European Union, Japan and Saudi Arabia have all reconfirmed their commitment to implement the Paris Agreement. Others, such as Australia, Pakistan and Italy, have even joined the agreement in the days since the U.S. elections. French President Francois Hollande and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have called on President-elect Trump to drop his campaign pledge to cancel the Paris Agreement; Ban called the Paris Agreement unstoppable. Together they send a resounding message: The countries of the world will forge on. Those that do will be better off by skipping all the downsides of a 19th century development model characterized by the burning of fossil fuels to achieve economic growth, while cashing in on more jobs, more growth and a higher quality of work and life. While the U.S. election could have derailed the negotiations, whats happened in Marrakech has given hope that global action on climate change will not be deterred by isolated politicians, said David Turnbull, campaigns director for Oil Change International. However, Turnbull and others noted that, given that studies have shown that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C will be far surpassed under nations current reduction targets, the negotiations still failed to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. But, Turnbull added, Countries and social movements came together to keep pushing forward at a time when resolve is essential. The lessons of Marrakech are clear, he continued. Dont look to bureaucrats or climate-denying Presidents to take the lead on global climate action. Look to the people in the streets and in communities around the world. These are the people-powered movements resisting fossil fuels and building a renewable energy future, and this is the path to victory. Reposted with permission from our media associate Common Dreams. I am a retired newspaperman. I am 69 and live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 45 years, Lou Ann. We grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. More on who I am is here. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o... India and Israel signed more than 20 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for student and staff exchanges, and research at a summit recently in Delhi, where President Reuven Rivlin called education a top priority. In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, the Israeli president attended the first Israel-India Academic Summit where heads of universities from both sides signed MoUs in the presence of Prakash Javadekar, Union minister of HRD and Ved Prakash, chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC). The agreements are supposed to help implement 10 different forms of partnerships: faculty exchange, student exchange, joint teaching, joint research, joint conferences, joint publications, dual degree programmes, joint executive education programmes, summer and winter schools, and study abroad programmes. Encouraging more academic alliances between the two countries, Rivlin said, A top priority for both people and country is education, hence this collaboration is academia-driven. These agreements mark a new friendship between two countries in the field of research in archaeology, biology, among other disciplines. Both would help each other grow with the assistance of student and faculty exchange programmes. His is the first state visit by an Israeli president in nearly 20 years, marking 25 years of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. Javadekar said, The thirst for quality in education drives us to forge international collaboration with Israel. We need to take education co-operation to the next level in three years. With these MoUs, we aim to benefit from each other and I appreciate this collaboration as Israel education is research-oriented. The MoUs will be personally reviewed and are not only for record purpose. Prakash said, Modern society cannot function without research. While we embrace modernity, we have also created newer problems. To find solutions to global problems such as disaster management, global warming, terrorism, among others, we need international collaborations. The number of Indian students in the US soared by 25% to a record 165,918 in 2015-16, says a recent report. Overall, the ranks of international students at US colleges and universities crossed one million for the first time, an increase of seven per cent from the previous year. At 1,044,000, they now make up five per cent of the total student population on US campuses, as per the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. The US has the largest contingent of international students, more than double the number hosted by the number-two, the UK. The report is published annually by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. About the factors which draw Indians to the US, Kim Dixit, president and co-founder of a Mumbai-based education advisory firm, says, First is flexibility for students who want the chance to explore different subjects or combine traditional subjects in flexible ways, US institutions offer some of the most innovative curricular options in the world. The second reason has to do with the ethos of US education US educational, political, and economic structures are designed around deep cultural beliefs in meritocracy and talent. Though this seems under threat at the moment, protests are a sign that these beliefs are still alive and well and worth fighting to protect. Students feel their intellect and hard work will be recognised. Lastly, US colleges and universities offer unmatched resources, such as world-class libraries, labs, faculty and campus facilities. by Bill White Violent mobs have taken to the streets, shooting and beating innocent citizens because of their votes for President Donald Trump. Rather than suppressing them local police forces under the control of local Democratic bosses have joined the mobs, declaring that they will give them free rein. The mayors of these rioting cities themselves, men like Judaic Chicago boss Rahm Emanuel and New York's race-mixing degenerate Mayor Bill DiBlasio, have taken to the airwaves to state that they will resist the rule of law in service to order that Donald Trump represents. This violent uprising by the losers of the 2016 election is not a protected act of First Amendment expression. It is a seditious conspiracy, an armed rebellion by the lesser magistrates against their proper sovereign, of illegitimate governments against the legitimate, an act of treason. Suppressing these traitors will be the first act of the Trump Presidency and will almost certainly require an armed response . As Donald Trump puts together his cabinet, the world subverting forces that seek to create One World are busily working to draw him away from his people, and into the clutches of the Judo-occult elite that h as exploited this nation for the past three generations. Every effort is being made to prevent honest men from serving, and the situation is reminiscent of 1933, when Adolf Hitler, in Germany, rather than continue the revolution which his election represented, chose to ally with the conservative forces of the Junkers and the army, instead of the White working class men of the S.A. (the quality of their leaders aside.) The working class brought Hitler to power, but, the conservative class worked tirelessly to betray him. This subversion built until in 1944 when Hitler most depended upon his military, these officers turned Paris over the Allies, and then tried to assassinate their leader. Trump should learn from this when considering his alliance with the Republicans. Trump's cabinet is important because the Judo-occultists who work equally within both parties are manufacturing this treasonous rebellion within the cities in order to stop Trump from carrying through his promise to expel millions of illegal immigrants from this country. These One Worlders know that the millions of illegals who will be leaving will be leaving with millions of their legal relatives, and that means that the demographic changes which they have engineered in the United States since the Reagan administration are about to reversed in a way that will take them decades to attain again, ever should they recover power. To stop this they are willing to rebel, and if necessary force upon Trump a civil war, a situation in which like General Franco he will have to fight half of America in order to save America. While the Democrats do this, their allies in the Republicans will constantly urge "moderation" on Trump, and "bridge - building," the same kind of moderation and bridge - building that has given us three generations of Lenin's two steps forward, one step back. What Trump must prioritize, then, is gaining control of his military and the internal security forces, because he is going to need them to seize back the cities of Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and, any other urban error which the Judo-occultists throw into rebellion. Trump is going to have to take these cities back with the same ferocity that has driven Bashar Assad's, and Vladimir Putin's reconquest of Aleppo . L ike Turkey's Recep Erdogan, Trump needs to launch a purge of both his armed forces and the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, to ensure that he only has loyal men and women under arms. A lesson may be learned against from Adolf Hitler who, when he came to power, was faced with a conservative military of uncertain loyalties. Hitler elevated the SS as an extra-governmental armed force loyal solely to his person in order to make sure that none of the independent armed forces that had fallen under the control of Communists and other subversives could betray him. Similarly, to defend his presidency the old guard can be purged from the multi-cultural and gay armed forces of Barack Obama . Donald Trump should use his authority under the Second Amendment to call up the militia, and to place under arms everyone of the White working class men who voted for him in order to defend his presidency from the forces of world subversion that are seizing America's major urban areas. Once so defended, when a Mayor DeBlasio, or Rahm Emmanuel takes to the courthouse steps and shouts "immigration forever!" Trump, like Eisenhower in Little Rock, will have an armed force immediately at his command to send in, to disarm the local police, arrest that m ayor and put down the George Soros - organized colo r revolutions. This crisis is not something that Trump or anyone else wants to see. But it is the natural result of importing into America millions of people who are more used to resolving elections with machetes than with ballots. This Third World rioting in America's collapsing urban husks is the Democrat-Republican plan to neuter Trump, fighting him the same way that they deposed Yanukovich and Gaddafi. Trump should not kid himself: just as the world know that George Soros is behind this uprising through his various fronts and in league with the corrupt Michael Bloomberg and other Jews, the world also knows that Obama's security services, with informants in every social movement, are organizing it as well. The government that Trump is inheriting is not a loyal one. It is a swamp that needs to be drained. The forces of chaos believe that they can overturn the order that Trump represents. But this is not the American Civil War, where a highly industrialized and urban North can turn against America's rural South. This is an uprising of the useless, of the rotten, socially dependent, and idle colored masses against America's productive W hite working class and their President . -by Ethan Andersen November 8th was a major step forward for the U.S. cannabis industry, with California, Nevada, Massachusetts and Maine passing legalization ballot measures that allow for the recreational use of cannabis in their states. The impact that the various measures passage will have on the cannabis space, taxpayers, entrepreneurial ventures, and general business will be tremendous, and despite the heavily anti-marijuana administration that seems to be coming in, individual states industries can expect to see a great deal of growth. Heres a review of the states that passed full legalization ballot measures on November 8th: California California voters approved Proposition 64 -- 5,058,404 (56.1%) to 3,963,575 (43.9%)-- on Tuesday night, making CA the 5th state to legalize recreational marijuana. The vote took place 20 years after California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Aaron Herzberg, Partner & General Counsel, CalCann Holdings "In 1996, California became the first state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Approving recreational marijuana in California, the sixth-largest economy in the world, and a state that often sets the trend nationwide, is the death knell of a failed policy of prohibition. California is now poised to rightfully take back its place from Colorado to become the rightful silicon valley of Marijuana." Nevada Question 2 , a marijuana legalization measure approved by Nevadans on Tuesday night, allows for the legal possession of one ounce or less of cannabis by adults 21+. Nevada legalized medical marijuana in 2000. Paul Rosenberg, CEO of MCIG , a Nevada-based public company: "Nevada is already one of the fastest growing cannabis markets in the United States. Given the recreational measures passage in this market ripe with international investors and restrictive licensing, investors will expedite cultivation infrastructure build outs at a more rapid pace in order to meet supply and demand, which on the medical side is already at a supply deficit." Massachusetts Winning over 53% of the popular vote, Massachusetts Question 4 passed on Tuesday night, legalizing the adult recreational use of marijuana while regulating it in a manner similar to alcoholic beverages. Before Question 4 passed, marijuana was only allowed for medicinal use in the state. David Bienenstock, Head of Content for High Times "Massachusetts voters have once again proven that cannabis legalization is not only a moral imperative, it's also extremely popular public policy. No longer can our elected officials defend the government's self-destructive and utterly failed War on Marijuana. This is a huge win for public safety, civil rights, personal liberty and sound governance." Maine Maines Question 1 passed by a narrow margin on November 8th, allowing adults over the age of 21 to use marijuana on a recreational basis without fear of persecution. Governor Paul LePage has said he might challenge the results, depending on if Trumps administration intends to enforce federal law against marijuana possession. "By passing adult use cannabis legislation in both Maine and Massachusetts, New England established itself as a leader for the East Coast. The positive social and economic benefit that these victories offer will be shared by all residents of the region as well as the significant number of tourists who enjoy traveling to these gorgeous states. The passing of Question 1 was another progressive step taken by the residents of Maine to create a positive and welcoming environment." Morning, all. We are currently preparing my husband's FLR (M) application and, whilst we both earn well over the 18.6k threshold, intend to rely on my income in the application (as my husband has changed jobs, and had electronic payslips only). I was on maternity leave until the start of November so intend to submit 6 months' payslips from before I went on leave. Since I have been back, however, I have been locked in a dispute about the terms of my return and my new pay and conditions. Whilst my pay will still be well over the threshold whatever the agreement we eventually come to, my employer will be very suspicious at being asked, precisely now, to write a letter confirming my current position and salary. Considering that I am relying on pre maternity income, can I submit an employer letter confirming that I am currently employed and that my salary was, prior to maternity leave, X? They shouldn't have a problem producing a letter like that as there is no dispute about my pre-maternity role. Or, would the immigration officer need a letter confirming my current salary? Very messy, I know, but that's life sometimes. Any advice greatly appreciated. KR WASHINGTON The fine print on the Paris climate agreement was negotiated in Morocco. Some of the worlds largest banks and investment firms are pressing companies to better disclose how they manage the threat of climate change. More than 750,000 Americans work in the clean energy sector. These are just some of the developments that have followed the historic international accord that many analysts say will make it tricky for President-elect Donald Trump to extricate the U.S. from global efforts aimed at slowing the warming of the planet. If Trump, who called the threat of climate change overblown, carries through on his campaign promise to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, he risks leaving the U.S. isolated from the rest of the world, global and corporate leaders have said. As one Chinese official put it in a newspaper interview, It is global societys will that all want to cooperate to combat climate change. For years, climate change discussions were limited to environmental activists and philanthropic groups, but as violent storms, rising temperatures and growing scientific evidence have underscored the threat, the need to address climate change has moved into government offices, corporate boardrooms and financial portfolios. In Morocco last week, more than 300 U.S. companies signed a letter calling on the president-elect to adhere to the Paris Agreement, arguing that failure to build a low-carbon economy puts American prosperity at risk. Even oil and gas companies, which face an existential threat from policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels, have recognized that outright opposition has ceased to be an option as the momentum behind those policies builds. Two days after Trumps election, Suzanne McCarron, vice president of government and public affairs at Exxon, tweeted, The Paris agreement is an important step forward by governments in addressing the serious risks of #ClimateChange. Alan Jeffers, an Exxon spokesman, said the brief statement reflects the companys position that efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions are not going away. Exxon has called for a so-called carbon tax to lower these emissions by providing financial incentives to choose cleaner energy sources. Here you have a global agreement and everyone says this is important and heres the structure, Jeffers said of the Paris accord. Its very different from previous agreements. Nearly 200 nations signed the Paris Agreement in December, perhaps the clearest signal that global policymakers and regulators take the threat seriously and that debate over climate change and its causes is all but settled. It remains unclear whether Trump will follow through on his campaign pledge, but for investors and corporations that must plan decades into the future, pulling back on climate-change initiatives now would leave them behind their competitors. In September, Phillip Hildebrand, vice chairman at the investment giant BlackRock and former head of Switzerlands central bank, sent out an advisory to the firms investors with a blunt message. Investors can no longer ignore climate change, Hildebrand and another top executive wrote. Some may question the science behind it, but all are faced with a swelling tide of climate-related regulations and technological disruption. BlackRock forecast that coal, oil and gas reserves could be effectively stranded meaning energy companies couldnt recover them and their owners forced to write off the value of those reserves. A coalition of investment banks that includes BlackRock, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and UBS is working on creating tighter guidelines on how publicly traded companies report climate change risk increasing pressure on financial regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Between rising temperatures, disappearing coastlines and taxes on carbon dioxide emissions, climate change threatens industries from insurance to agriculture to soft drinks: Coca Cola recently warned investors that water shortages could raise its costs. The initiative has broad support, said Bruno Bertocci, a managing director at UBS. Many large U.S. companies are global in nature. They have global operations. And investors are interested, and whatever President Trump decides, the risk is there. He cant wave a wand and make it go away. In few industries are the stakes of climate change as high as in the U.S. oil and gas sector. If countries carry through on the pledges made in Paris, oil demand would fall 20 percent from 2014 levels by 2040, the International Energy Agency estimates. For years, Republicans by and large have opposed any regulation around climate, and many continue to question what if any role humans have on the planets rising temperature. This summer, Rep. Bill Posey, R-Florida, introduced an amendment to a government spending bill that would block the SEC from pursuing stricter rules on climate disclosure, of the type being worked on by the Financial Stability Board, an international body created after the 2008 financial crisis. The amendment was included in the Senate version of the appropriations bill, which still awaits a vote. 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. With control of the House and Senate and Trump in the White House Republicans will finally have their chance to do away with the climate-change policies they railed against during the Obama administration. If they do, the global consensus on climate now would force them to come up with an alternative climate policy, said Adele Morris, who worked on climate policy during both the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations and is now a fellow at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. No climate policy is not a feasible option, she said. When you go to these conferences and international forums and youre sitting there and all the world is watching you, you dont have the luxury of making stuff up. The stakes are high domestically also. As more and more wind turbines and solar panels have gone up around the country and car manufacturers have developed electric cars, so-called green industries have taken on a significant role in the U.S. economy. More than 8 million people worldwide were employed in renewable-energy jobs alone last year with 769,000 jobs in the U.S., according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, an international body representing more than 170 countries. While opposed to limits on carbon emissions, Republicans have supported research into technologies that capture carbon dioxide from fossil fuels before it is emitted into the atmosphere and policies expediting the construction of new, advanced nuclear reactors. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, said last week that it was too early to say whether Republicans would pursue a strategy of leaving the Paris Agreement. If you take every other country combined, were further along (in reducing carbon emissions). Were moving in the right direction, he said. Lets let the president-elect (take office) before we predetermine everything hes going to do. James.osborne@chron.com Twitter.com/osborneja Did you grow up with a pet who came from San Antonios most venerable animal-welfare organization and if so, do you have an adoption picture or story you can share? Or a relative who volunteered there and had their picture taken at Animal Defense League headquarters? Or someone in the family who made a contribution and saved a thank-you card or an annual report? The Animal Defense League is looking for historic photos and documents related to the animal-welfare organization or its predecessor, the San Antonio Child Protective and Humane Society, to decorate its Paul Jolly Center for Pet Adoption, opening Dec. 3, and to fill in gaps in its records, especially during the first decades from the founding in 1901 of its ancestor organization to its chartering in 1934 as the Animal Defense League. The ADL was incorporated June 19, 1934, with the Texas secretary of state. It was an offspring of the Child Protective and Humane Society, to be dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, says the San Antonio Express, June 21, 1934, headed by Herman H. Ochs and Mrs. Scott C. Applewhite, former members of the board of the previous organization, renamed the Child Protective Society. In its combined identity, the society was run by volunteers whose missions were to prevent ignorance, pauperism, immorality and crime among children and cruel beating, harnessing, starving, overloading and other brutal use of animals, according to a Be Kind to Animals Week story in the Express, April 12, 1925. To share information and photographs related to ADL history, contact this column. All replies will be forwarded. For information about the ADL, San Antonios oldest, nonprofit, no-kill shelter, and its new center at 210 Tuleta Drive, visit www.adltexas.org. Firefighter found: The identity of the man at the center of a section of a 1964 panoramic photo of the San Antonio Fire Department was found, thanks to members of his family who responded to a Sept. 24 appeal from Chrissie Warner, a visitor to the San Antonio Fire Museum who heard about the missing man the only one still unidentified by retired Chief Jose Garza Jr., a volunteer at the museum. Thanks to Carol Burket, Beth Burket McIntyre and Lea Ann Lake, who spotted their family member Ferdinand Fred John Burket III in the photo. Others also thought they saw the face of a forbearer, but Garza compared photos showing uniforms and insignia and determined that the unknown man in the panoramic was an engineer (driver). He also looked through old Fire Department publications until he found what he needed. In a June 1952 handout from the 76th annual convention of the Firemen and Fire Marshals Association of Texas, held in San Antonio, Garza found pictures of all the local fire stations and crews where he was able to eliminate another possible solution because the firefighter was listed as already having been promoted to a higher rank than the previously unidentified man in the photo taken 12 years later. Just to make sure, Garza says, he visited Burkets widow Anna, age 105, in the nursing home at the Village at Incarnate Word. When he pointed to the man in the panoramic, I asked her if that was her husband, and she nodded yes. So give that, says Garza, I think its safe to say that the mystery firefighter is Fred Burket. Air qualities: A Nov. 6 column about the source of a foul odor near Holmes High School, opened in 1964. Former Holmes student Jacque Petterson thought it was a sulfur mine, but Caroline Wernli, Ed.D. another former Husky and past president of the Northside School Museum Association, dispelled that with her memory of a nearby sewage field and a gravel pit. Petterson also wanted to know if Holmes was the citys first air-conditioned school, since parts of the three original buildings were so equipped. Alex Bakaysa, who attended 1966-1968, said it wasnt the smell but the humidity possibly caused by condensation from the non-central air-conditioning that made him uncomfortable, especially in the cafeteria. I was sensitive to San Antonios oppressively muggy weather, he writes, because my family had previously spent three years in arid Madrid, Spain. Ron Foster, an Edgewood Independent School District employee, wanted to help set the record straight concerning air-conditioning. The districts Truman Middle School, opened in 1960 as Truman Junior High, was the citys first fully air-conditioned school in San Antonio, according a mention of that distinction in a list of schools in the book Edgewood, The Story The People, published in 1986 as a Texas Sesquicentennial project. A 1967 graduate of another Northside ISD high school, Linda Zedler Talley, wrote to point out that her alma mater, John Marshall High School the districts oldest, founded in 1949 as Northside High School received its current name years before Holmes opened as NISDs second high school. The district naming convention that still honors Supreme Court justices started with an announcement in January 1960 that Northside would be renamed as John Marshall when school started the following September, according to a story in the Express, Jan. 30, 1960. It is hoped, Superintendent M.E. Boone told the assembled student body, that this renaming will eliminate the confusion between Northside as a school and the North Side area as an entire section of San Antonio. Not so fast: Growing up in Presidio, Tony Nieto remembers getting pictures developed by Fox photo, the processing pioneer covered here last Sunday. I recall having to mail film to the Fox Co. in San Antonio, he writes. The company provided envelopes for the film, and it was a week or two before the pictures and negatives returned. Years later, when I came to school in San Antonio, I was amazed that one could have one's picture taken, developed and returned on the same day! Thanks to all who shared their world-famous, round-cornered border prints from Fox photo, including Stella Mae Morales Perez, who shared family pictures including one taken in 1939 of her aunt, Stella Morales Lozano, riding on what appears to be a parade float labeled Ladies Social Club. Anyone who can identify the occasion and the organization may contact this column. historycolumn@yahoo.com Twitter: @sahistorycolumn Facebook: SanAntoniohistorycolumn This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Defense Secretary Ash Carter was finishing a tour at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph when he abruptly turned and walked back to a replica of the Missing Man Monument that stands near the entrance of the historic installation. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a commemorative challenge coin about the size of a half-dollar, and set it down. Everyone kept their distance as he stood in silence at the depiction of an Air Force Thunderbird jet streaking into the sky, away from a formation of three others. Carter finally walked away, ending an unscripted but solemn moment last Wednesday in a place dedicated to the memory of men who suffered and ultimately triumphed Freedom Hall, a hallway in an old squadron building at Randolph dedicated to pilots who were held captive during the long Vietnam War. Years ago, when they came home, the military operation that brought them home was called Operation Homecoming, and theyll talk about it, said Lt. Col. Jon Salty Elza, a T-38 pilot who took pictures of the coin after Carter left. They come back every year, and a lot of them will come through and get tours throughout the year of this place and remember, and part of what I consider our duty here is to continue that for them, to show we stand on the shoulders of giants, and its an example for us, and we still carry that message forward. Reminders of their sacrifice are everywhere at Randolph, which has been a flying training base since it opened during the Depression. In the day, people called it the West Point of the Air. The monument, made of plate aluminum with a brushed finish on a steel framework, stands at the main traffic circle facing Randolphs main entrance. Inscribed on its base are the words, We who came home must never forget those who could not. The annual Freedom Flyers Reunion, which holds a solemn ceremony at the monument each spring, salutes the return of 684 American prisoners from Vietnam in 1973 and remembers the war's cost. Around 3,000 airmen died in the war and airmen accounted for almost half of those held captive. The hallway inside the squadron building has a black POW-MIA flag in the polished laminate floor. A few feet away, a map of Vietnam shows the bases from which air crews took off. Opened for Carters visit was a nearby room the size of a typical prison cell whose exhibits depict the pilots road from captivity to freedom, including a red-and-white striped POW shirt and other memorabilia from bitter years of captivity. Framed black-and-white photos of smiling, triumphant aviators cover both walls of the hallway. These are former POWS who came to Randolph to regain their flying status under the now-inactivated Requalification Flying Training Program. The Air Force called it Operation Homecoming. Over the years, former prisoners of war who had left the service would return here to fly once more, receiving what some called champagne flights because once back on the ground, someone would open a bottle of bubbly and spray away. A veteran of the Iraq invasion with 2,000 hours in the cockpit, Elza is an instructor pilot at Randolph and a historian of sorts. Hes preserved the history Carter made this week, and plans to share it with the former POWs. Its a heritage that we cherish, Elza, 40, said. So Ill send (the photos) to them and say, Hey, look, a very important person was here and recognized your service. sigc@express-news.net The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement between Vietnam and the EU is hoped to help curb illegal logging. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Tao Timber firms in Vietnam will seek voluntary licenses to demonstrate legitimacy to EU importers. Vietnam and the European Union have agreed in principle on a trade mechanism to combat illegal logging, the E.U. Delegation to Vietnam announced Friday. Under the voluntary partnership agreement, Vietnam's exports of timber and timber products to the EU will require certification attesting to the legality of their origin and production process. The program will allow for Vietnam to issue Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licenses either by consignment or to trusted traders. "Vietnam and the EU today celebrate a milestone in their cooperation in the global fight to end illegal logging," said E.U. Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella. It may take the parties one to two years to ratify the agreement, according to the E.U. Commision. Indonesia issued the world's first and only FLEGT license on November 15 after a six year ratification process. Vietnam will have to develop a timber legality assurance system, said Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong, and other reforms, including issuing specific legislation to ensure the legality of timber it imports for further processing. Timber exports to the EU are currently governed by the E.U. Timber Regulation, which requires EU importers to exercise due diligence to screen for illegally harvested timber. The process will be eased for those with a FLEGT license, which means they have already come into compliance with EU regulations. The amount of paperwork required to obtain a FLEGT license is "not a big thing", said Vella. It depends on a number of risk factors. Timber sourced from countries with widesprad illegal logging will be labeled "high risk," while those that originate from small holder farmers will be deemed lower risk. "This process will facilitate even more trade between Vietnam and the EU," said Vella. "Once someone is exporting to the EU under this license, it will give a much better image of the timber industry in Vietnam." Vietnam's timber trade with the EU in 2014 hit $705 million. Vietnamese timber exporters are concerned, however, about the "transparency of the mechanism," said Luu Thi Ngoc Anh, communications manager at NEPCon, an NGO which helps producers obtain timber certification. "Vietnam scores high on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI); it's easy to make fake documents here," Anh told VnExpress International. Last year, Transparency International ranked Vietnam 112 out of 175 countries and territories in its CPI. "The EU will be closely monitoring Vietnam's implementation of the agreement, particular in areas where stakeholders have concerns," Vella said, adding that civil society groups will be able to file complaints on any misconduct found in the system in addition to third party auditors who will monitor the process on a regular basis. Vietnamese timber products are available in about 120 countries and territories; last year's exports hit $7 billion and are expected to hit $7.3 billion by the end of this year. Illegal logging, however, remains a significant challenge. It deprives the government of revenue, threatens biodiversity and creates conflict within forest communities. Industry data show that the import volume of non-certified wood from high-risk sources declined from 60 percent of all imported logs in the 2013-2014 period to 50 percent in recent years. Specifically the amount of precious wood from Laos and Myanmar has sharply declined. Sawn wood from high-risk sources also fell from 30 percent to 20 percent. Vietnam is one of 15 nations that implementing or negotiating FLEGT agreements with the EU. Related news: > Timber poachers claim 934 ha of forest in nine months > 70 endangered primates swing in to central Vietnam forest > Vietnams wood industry expects strong growth with new trade pacts The federal government has chosen to make a $500,000 investment in a University of Texas at San Antonio center that helps local business owners with science and technology. The matching grant UTSA is contributing $500,000 means a $1 million boost for the Technology Commercialization Center, part of the larger Southwest Texas Border Small Business Development Center Network, an organization committed to advising and consulting business owners on how to thrive in the regions market. The center, which was formed just this February, specifically helps business owners in the advanced science and technology field. Bijo Mathew, who was brought on board as its first director, applied for the U.S. Department of Commerce grant called the i6 challenge to get the center off the ground and running. Sometimes you have a dream of what you want to do but you dont have the resources to make that happen. This was a way to access finances to help us provide the entrepreneurship and educational training that will support innovation in South Texas, Mathew said. The Technology Commercialization Center was one of 35 organizations across the country chosen for the matching grant. The application for the grant involved Mathews partner Cory Hallam and many UTSA entities, including the Office of Commercialization and Innovation and the Center for Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship, which Hallam directs. These UTSA centers are all connected to the Small Business Development Center Network through UTSAs South Texas Innovation Partnership Program. The Technology Commercialization Center, and the network it works under, serves most of Southwest Texas, from Austin, San Antonio and Corpus Christy to the Rio Grande Valley. Mathew said the fact that the center is housed in, and works with, the university will help the center better serve people. UTSA also houses technology, marketing and business experts that can aid their clients. Universities have great resources, so were trying to connect the high tech tools and labs with people, so with SBDC (network) as your guide, you can connect with the university and test your hypotheses and ideas, he said. We hope to give them the tools they need to help make the translation of technology to the market, because thats how our society prospers. sfosterfrau@express-news.net Echoing the soul-searching heard nationally over the election victory of Republican Donald Trump, expressions of fear, hope and uncertainty were voiced Saturday among dozens of San Antonio residents attending a post-election dialogue. The potential ramifications of a Trump administration on undocumented immigrants dominated the outdoor discussion at Shearer Hills Ridgeview Walking Trail that followed a review of the citys $850 million bond plan, which will be on the ballot in May. The rhetoric of the campaign has really scared a lot of folks, District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Trevino, who sponsored the event, said before addressing the crowd seated in folding chairs. Numerous complaints of harassment of Hispanics have been received regionally, said Marisa Bono, an attorney with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. A lot of students are being targeted because of their race with what we perceive as bullying, she said, noting that MALDEF offers guidance to the victims and the schools, just as it does to undocumented residents fearing deportation. If Trump turns his campaign pledges into action in the Republican-dominated Congress, said state Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, the rest of the nation will experience the sort of conservative legislation long familiar in Austin, such as the so-called bathroom bill. This has sort of been our existence for a while, said Bernal, joking that hes taken on the role of grief counselor since the surprise defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Bono said the anxiety driven by Trumps fiery campaign rhetoric may prove unwarranted. Weve got to wait and see, she said. We dont know whats going to happen. Lance Curtright, an immigration attorney among the invited speakers, offered this assurance: Constitutional guarantees do not disappear with the election of a new president. However, for those in immigration limbo, he said, Now is the time to naturalize. A common theme among Saturdays featured speakers was a call to engage political opponents in dialogue to try to build understanding and respect and to possibly find mutual ground. We all are different, Trevino said. The reality is we have to try to understand each other and to have an informed approach. The speakers received some pushback from audience members. Recalling an incident years ago where an undocumented immigrant whod hit his car was quickly released by the responding police officer, resident Frank Fonseca said, Thats the type of stuff thats being protected with this sanctuary (city) stuff going on. And Betty Eckert asked if MALDEF assistance was available for people such as her whod repeatedly had campaign signs removed from their yards. We do not have crime under control, yet were saying, Dont profile, dont do nothing, said Eckert, 85, a Trump supporter. Tom Heger, a retired Presbyterian minister, urged the audience not be mere spectators to the nations current political upheaval. This is a time to find your voice and to act on your principles and priorities, he said. The last word came from Sonny Collins, a 79-year-old Clinton backer, who said, No matter how anybody voted, lets hope this president turns out to be the best president weve ever had. zeke@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate ACHIN, Afghanistan The floor pillows and mattresses that Himat Agha had piled high and tied down in the back of his pickup suggested his sense of urgency. His wide brown eyes revealed his unease. Daesh is coming, Agha said, referring to the Islamic State, or ISIS, by its Arabic acronym. He had the hollowed-out voice of a man exhausted by war. It is too dangerous here for my family. We need to go to a safe place. He talked outside his mud-walled home in the Achin district of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, a farming region 10 miles from Pakistan. A short time later, with his wife and five children riding in back, Agha drove away along a pitted dirt road, the truck pitching like a boat in rough seas. Troops with the Afghan National Armys 201st Corps watched the family and a half-dozen others flee the area on a warm September afternoon. Two weeks earlier, after a month-long battle that killed as many as 200 insurgents, the army had expelled ISIS from the largest villages in Achin and three adjoining districts that formed the Islamic groups stronghold in Afghanistan. Yet with enemy fighters retreating to a mountain range only a few miles away, villagers and soldiers alike saw the relative calm as a mirage. They understood that, two years after the U.S. military handed off control of the nations security to Afghan forces, the army lacks the bodies, resources and organization to impose lasting order. We know we cant leave our men in any one place forever, said Maj. Malang Jan Safai, deputy commander of the unit that patrols Achin. He stood in the shade of an ash tree by the empty Agha home. The Taliban and Daesh know this, too. When we leave an area, they come back in. His lament attested to the militarys plight 15 years after U.S. forces removed the Taliban from power following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Across the country, Afghan troops remain trapped in an infinite loop, losing and struggling to regain ground while sustaining heavy casualties as they attempt to eradicate the insurgency. John Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, reported in October that the Taliban holds more territory than at any time since 2001. The army and national police agencies had suffered more than 5,500 fatalities through mid-August, and the war has forced 400,000 civilians from their homes this year alone. A San Antonio Express-News reporter embedded with Safais unit in September. His men operate across 11 districts of Nangarhar in the countrys restive borderland, beset by the Taliban and ISIS, the militarys internal dysfunction and their own declining morale. As the insurgency gains strength, a shortage of equipment, supplies and food hampers the army, whose infantry soldiers live in austere, almost squalid conditions and earn an average of $300 a month. For the 430 men in Safais company, the prospect of perpetual war breeds a collective pessimism, tempering the pride they feel in their mission. I want to be a soldier for my country, said Capt. Abdul Wahdat, 25, a platoon leader who joined the army seven years ago. But our life is always hard. We just go day to day and try to keep going forward. We dont think the fighting will end soon. We need more support from the Americans. The U.S. government has spent $800 billion on the war effort in Afghanistan, and foreign aid has swaddled the countrys military since its birth as a professional force in 2002. Most of the 9,800 American troops deployed to the country serve in an advisory role to Afghan forces as part of an ongoing training mission that has cost $65 billion. The personnel includes more than 1,500 soldiers with the Armys 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Hood and a small contingent with the Texas Army National Guard. President Obama loosened the rules on U.S. airstrikes against insurgents in June, and weeks later announced that at least 8,400 American troops would stay in Afghanistan through the end of his term. The decisions reflected the tenuous state of the countrys security. President-elect Donald Trump has provided scarce details on his foreign policy positions, including the future of U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan after he takes office in January. He has named retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who served as Gen. Stanley McChrystals top intelligence officer in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010, as his national security adviser. Flynn has described America as engaged in a world war with Islamic militants. ISIS has sent 1,000 to 1,500 fighters to Nangarhar, where its leaders seek to establish a base for their self-styled caliphate in the country. Villagers fear the groups outsized reputation more than the Talibans larger fighting force. Serajudin Shinwari, a farmer who lives near the Agha home, brought green tea and warm naan to the Afghan troops during their patrol in the village. His callused hands and deeply lined face offered evidence of a life devoted to the fields. The sight of the soldiers at once reassured and alarmed him. We are glad to see the military but we wonder when the next attack will happen, he said. We live in terror. There is a feeling of always being surrounded by the possibility of death. The Daesh ghost Capt. Fazel Safi stood at the side of a road while his platoon ran a security checkpoint near the village of Ghani Khel. A line of cars a quarter-mile long formed as drivers and passengers stepped out to submit to body searches. Earlier this year, as Safis men conducted a checkpoint in the same area, five insurgents in a vehicle opened fire. They killed one soldier and wounded a second before other members of the platoon shot the attackers dead. This day proved quiet. The motorists complied without complaint, and most chatted with the soldiers who patted them down. The absence of tension testified to the routine presence of troops in civilian life, and to the apparent allegiance of villagers here to the military. During its clash with insurgents that had ended two weeks earlier, the army received support from residents, who tipped off soldiers to the location of enemy positions and weapons caches. Still, even after pulling back to the mountains, ISIS lingered as a pathogen of the mind, preying on the anxieties of villagers. We can fight them physically, Safi said, but it is the idea of Daesh that creates fear. They torture and behead people, and everyone has seen the videos and the propaganda. They are afraid of the Daesh ghost. At age 32, Safi appears closer to 50, his bearded face clouded by the strain of a war in which he has fought since 2002. His stooped bearing evokes the weariness of a country weighed down by nearly four decades of bloodshed that began when the Soviet Union invaded in 1979. Each of us in the army wants to fight for Afghanistan, he said. But there are not enough of us. We cannot completely get rid of the Taliban and Daesh without more soldiers. In his report last month, Sopko, the special inspector general, labeled more than a third of the countrys 407 districts as either contested or under insurgent control or influence. The escalating violence has drained troop levels this year. The army has lost a third of its estimated 150,000 soldiers to death and injury, desertion and retirement. The attrition has coincided with recent reports of Afghan forces surrendering to the Taliban in several provinces. Sopko has asserted that the official count of 320,000 Afghan army and national police personnel may exaggerate the figure by up to 200,000. The plague of so-called ghost soldiers has infected the 201st Corps in Nangarhar. An Afghan military spokesman claimed that the company patrolling Achin and the surrounding region consists of 700 troops. Safai, the units deputy commander, gave the total as 600. Safi insisted there were no more than 430; lower-ranking soldiers corroborated that figure. The reduced manpower inhibits their efforts to tame the insurgency in an area roughly the size of the triangle between San Antonio, Laredo and Corpus Christi. Frustration and fatigue shadow the unit. We are willing to give every last drop of blood to fight the Taliban and Daesh, said Lt. Abdullah Momand, 26, who enlisted eight years ago. But it is impossible to stop them from attacking without more help from the U.S. You see how long the war has been going. We do not have the ability to end it on our own. Unlike American and other foreign forces, who deploy to Afghanistan knowing they will depart within months, Afghan troops cannot escape the war. Their fatalism deepens when the military deprives them of the basic materials of combat. Soldiers in Nangarhar ran low on ammunition and food while battling ISIS in late summer. Resupply shipments took days to arrive, a chronic problem across the Afghan armed forces rooted in corruption and negligence among senior defense officials. As fighting intensified, soldiers debated whether to walk away. It is hard to win a war without bullets, said Muhammad Yousuf, 23, an infantryman who enlisted five years ago. How can we win if we are dying? High rates of poverty and unemployment in Afghanistan entice young men to enlist. The unceasing danger and wretched living environs tempt them to quit. Afghan commanders, desperate to sustain the fighting strength of their units, exacerbate the discontent by typically allowing soldiers only a day or two of leave at a time, preventing them from returning home. The privations provoke thousands to shed their uniforms every year either by deserting or refusing to re-enlist. Yousuf had seen his newborn son once since his wife gave birth in January, and he held little hope that commanders would grant his request for a longer leave. He signed up to defend the country for his familys sake. He resents that peace remains an abstraction. My whole life, there has been war in Afghanistan, he said. But if I dont fight, what future will my son have? So I have to fight, and the army knows I have to fight. He sat atop a weathered picnic table outside his barracks on a base in Ghani Khel that the U.S. military turned over to Afghan forces two years ago. The sprawling complex exists in a state of slow-motion collapse, mirroring the decay of bases throughout Afghanistan that American forces once occupied. Most of the base lacks electricity because of a shortage of fuel to power generators. Viscous rivers of raw sewage run beneath latrines with broken plumbing; dry streams of trash snake through the grounds. Dozens of wooden barracks stand vacant and rotting while a few serve as garbage bins for discarded mattresses, lighting fixtures and other debris. Many soldiers choose to sleep outside rather than in buildings stained black by mold. Safi, the platoon captain, likened the condition of the militarys bases to the circumstance of Afghan troops. Both have deteriorated since U.S. forces withdrew. Our situation is very serious. It is hard to have confidence without more soldiers, more supplies, more petrol, Safi said. He gestured toward an unmanned guard tower. If you cant watch out for the enemy at all times, you will be in trouble. Fighting for soil and souls Dust swirled skyward as a convoy of Ford Ranger pickups clattered along a sinuous mountain road three miles from Pakistan. Maj. Safai and his soldiers intended to meet with Hamisha Gul, the district governor of Dur Baba, who lives in a village near an ISIS camp. Safais salt-and-pepper beard, barrel-shaped build and voluble manner bring to mind the character Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof. He had planned a different mission for today until a commander with the Afghan National Police refused to take part. The Ministry of Defense directs the army to lead combat operations and police forces to provide backup. The roles switch during house raids, with police in charge because of their ties to village residents and familiarity with ethnic and tribal sensitivities in a given region. Safai wanted to travel to a town in Achin to search for three suspected insurgents. He had spent the previous afternoon coordinating the mission with commanders of national and local police agencies in Nangarhar. He sat at a folding table outside his office to take advantage of the fading sunlight, juggling calls on the four cell phones he carries owing to the armys scarcity of functioning radios. We have many things that dont work: radios, trucks, guns, said Safai, 50, who joined the military in the late 1980s, a few years before the civil war that preceded the Talibans rise. We fight for our soil, we fight for our souls. But without equipment, how can we do our job? One of the police commanders called Safai later in the evening to tell him he had changed his mind about the house raids. His reversal derailed the mission, and Safai's irritation flared. This is the problem there is too much waiting, he said. The enemy doesnt wait to attack. But we have to wait to look for them. Reluctant to spend a day on base doing nothing, he arranged to meet with Gul at the governors estate in Dur Baba. The 90-minute route from the base in Ghani Khel passed over serrated mountain ridges and cut across emerald-green valleys. The imposing terrain offered a silent explanation for why ISIS fighters retreated to the area after troops pushed them out of Achin two weeks earlier. The trucks pulled into the dirt parking lot outside Guls residence. Maj. Muhammad Hakimi, riding with Safai, climbed out and nodded toward a ridgeline less than two miles away. Daesh is there, he said. They know we cannot come here and have a long fight. They know we do not have the men and equipment and support. He pointed at the bright blue morning sky. The only way you can do this is with planes and helicopters. U.S. air support gave the edge to Afghan forces in their offensive against ISIS in Achin. A comparable scenario has unfolded on dozens of occasions this year when the Taliban has seized control of district and provincial capitals, from Lashkar Gah in the south to Kunduz in the north. American fighter jets, attack helicopters and drones have thwarted insurgents from holding the ground for more than a few hours or days, firing on them until Afghan troops could regroup. The frequency of U.S. airstrikes has exposed the impotence of an Afghan air force comprised of 150 aircraft and an excess of crews untested in combat. The inexperience showed last month, when a helicopter pilots errant airstrike killed five soldiers as they battled Taliban insurgents in western Afghanistan. The U.S. military has committed a series of similar mistakes. Fifteen civilians died in Achin in late September in a drone strike that American officials claimed had targeted ISIS fighters. Earlier this month, U.S. airstrikes killed 30 civilians in Kunduz during heavy fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban insurgents, a year after 42 people died when a U.S. gunship bombed a hospital in the city. The United Nations reported in July that the war killed 1,601 civilians during the first half of the year, the highest six-month total since the agency started tracking casualties in 2009. The toll has inflamed public opinion against Afghan forces in some districts even as insurgents cause the vast majority of casualties. Gul, the Dur Baba district governor, welcomed Safai and his top officers by serving them plates of lamb, rice and naan. He has nurtured a strong relationship with the military as the war has found its way to a village that, aside from cell phones, appears almost untouched by time. A Taliban suicide bomber targeted Gul four years ago while he attended the funeral of a tribal elder. The blast killed 25 people, including Guls 26-year-old son, who attempted to grab the attacker. He regards the presence of ISIS fighters in the mountains above the village as an invisible fog that hangs over its 200 people, who live in mud-brick homes and whose days revolve around their crops and livestock. We are grateful for the militarys support, Gul said. But the enemy has eyes. They see that we are vulnerable. Later in the day, Safais soldiers went on a foot patrol, climbing to a ridgeline from where they could glimpse Pakistan in the valley below. As they walked back down to their trucks, a girl emerged from her familys home, her blue flowered dress and hijab a beacon in the gray-brown landscape. She handed the men bowls of yogurt milk. They took turns drinking and laughed at their milk mustaches. The sun seemed to brighten, and for a moment, in a village at the edge of nowhere, the war felt as remote as the rest of the world. Qadir Sediqi and Zubair Babakarkhail contributed to this report. mkuz@express-news.net Twitter: @MartinKuz In 1969, Indiana Sen. Birch Bayh introduced two proposals designed to dramatically reform the U.S. electoral process. The first one aimed to lower the voting age from 21 to 18. The other one called for the abolition of the Electoral College. Bayh succeeded with the voting-age plan, which was ratified in 1971 as the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Electoral College, however, proved a lot stickier. Despite 81-percent support in a Gallup Poll, and easy passage through the U.S. House of Representatives, Bayhs bill was filibustered to death in the Senate. Bayh had good reason for his Electoral College push. Only two months before he introduced his plan, the U.S. had almost seen its presidential election thrown into the House, largely because third-party candidate George Wallace carried five Southern states. With a shift of 42,000 votes in three states, Republican nominee Richard Nixon would have failed to achieve an electoral-vote majority and federal lawmakers would have chosen our president. Bayh called this situation which came with the possibility that the U.S. Senate could pick a vice-president from a different party than the president a near brush with catastrophe. To many supporters of Hillary Clinton, this years election went beyond a near brush all the way to full-blown catastrophe. As this column is being written, votes continue to be counted in California, and Clintons national popular-vote plurality is more than one million votes and growing. Nonetheless, Clinton lost the election to Republican nominee Donald Trump because her votes were concentrated in states she already was set to win, and she failed to carry five decisive swing states: Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. Clinton backers have reacted to this popular/electoral vote split in two contradictory ways. On the one hand, they have called for the Electoral College to be scrapped, bemoaning the undemocratic nature of a system that twice in the past 16 years has handed the election to a candidate who did not receive the most votes. On the other hand, they have pushed for Electoral College overreach, asking electors in states carried by Trump to flip their votes to Clinton. The first solution introduced in Congress this week by U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-California would provide a long-term reform, but do nothing for Clinton. The second approach, which qualifies as the ultimate political Hail Mary pass, would put Clinton in the White House, but create all kinds of national chaos. Before we look closely at Electoral College abolition, its important to dispel a percolating myth about this years election. As Clinton runs up a big score in California, were hearing some Democrats suggest that her performance this year nearly matches what Barack Obama pulled off in 2012, and is much better than Al Gore in 2000. This simply isnt true. If we took California out of the mix in 2012, Obama still would have carried the national popular vote by 1.9 million votes. By contrast, if we take California out of the mix this year, Clinton loses the popular vote by 2.1 million. Thats a four-million vote swing in the Republican direction, and it tells the story of this election. (Without California in 2000, Gore would have lost the popular vote by only 750,000.) Id like to see this country move to a direct vote, but both Clinton and Trump knew the rules going into this years race. Heres the bottom line: Under our current system, piling up votes in California and underperforming in the rest of the country is a recipe for failure. Most of the arguments for keeping the Electoral College dont resonate with me. The idea that small states and rural areas will be ignored in a direct election ignores the fact that theyre already ignored. And we dont worry in our statewide elections that the concentration of votes in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio will overwhelm the rural vote, so why is it a problem on the national level? One argument that is somewhat persuasive and thoroughly dissected in Mark Westons new book, The Runner-Up Presidency is the idea that a direct vote could result in a flood of candidates, with some fringe figure claiming the presidency on the strength of less than 30 percent of the vote. Bayh addressed that question with his proposal, calling for a runoff if no one gained at least 40 percent of the vote. His plan was a sensible appeal to the concept of one-person, one-vote. But he learned the hard way that no one ever beats the Electoral College. ggarcia@express-news.net Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Environmental problems caused by poor sanitation cost Vietnam around $780 mln/year. Vietnam is facing numerous environmental problems caused by poor sanitation, said Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, top official from the health ministry during a meeting on November 19, otherwise known as World Toilet Day. The country loses about $780 million per year -- equivalent to 1.3 percent of GDP -- due to poor sanitation, according to the World Bank. Huong said that last year, 35 per cent of families in rural areas lacked access to standard toilets. More than five million people (5.5 percent of the total population) defecated in the open environment. Fish ponds continue to serve as toilets in the Mekong Delta, the center of Vietnam's agricultural and aquacultural output. A toilet suspended over a fish pond in the Mekong Delta. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Health Huong attributed a lack of sanitation facilities to poor public awareness and a lack of attention from local authorities. Poor sanitation has resulted in numerous preventable diseases among Vietnamese children and significant economic losses. During the meeting, Friday Nwaigwe of the The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), said 10-12 percent of Vietnamese children under 5 contract diarrhea and pneumonia. A third of child deaths are related to malnutrition brought out on by diarrhea and parasitic worms. Vietnam plans to ensure that all residential households have standard toilets by 2030. Related news: > UNICEF helps improve sanitation, water access in drought-hit Vietnam > A quarter of Vietnamese children stunted by poor diets Place Your Advert Register or sign in to advertise your job A string of rural crime incidents has led to some farmers and rural business owners to think twice and increase their security systems. A farmer in Wroughton, Wiltshire has vowed increase the security in his premises after finding thieves in the farm shop on Sunday 13 November. Niall Jones, who runs a farm and small shop in the village, said after initially leaving then returning to the shop, he saw a car parked and thought it was a customer. He told the Swindon Advertiser, "I thought it was a new customer but it was only when I put my head in the room that I saw everything was gone. I ran after them but the car shot down the lane without their lights on and that is when I managed to see that it was a small white hatchback." Mr Jones said the farm shop ran on 'trust' that people can pick up fresh eggs and pay by themselves. "It is a shame," he said. "There are lots of people who do come and buy off us but if we are doing to have things nicked then we have no other choice. It is really irritating because we are providing a service and the village love being able to pop in and buy eggs and we must have over 100 customers come here." "There is not a lot of money in farming anyway and when we took the farm on last year, we thought how can we sell our things and make it available to the village and community by providing a service," he told the paper. Wiltshire Police said they are still investigating the incident. In a separate incident, petrol engines worth thousands of pounds were stolen from a farmers shop in Berkeley Heath, Gloucestershire. Burglars struck at TCS Country Supplies between 6pm on Tuesday, November 15 and 7.40am on Wednesday 16 November. They forced entry to a warehouse attached to the shop and made off with boxes containing the engines, with a combined value over 20,000. They are believed to have made off in a stolen blue Land Rover Defender with the registration number M175 SCJ. '42.5 million a year' The cost of rural crime to the UK economy costs 42.5 million a year, according to reports. NFU Mutuals annual Rural Crime Report shows that despite little change overall, regionally, there were still winners and losers in the war on rural crime. The worst affected regions remain the North East and East of England, with claims costing 7.9 and 6.9 million respectively. Tom Shepherd, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Leicestershire said: "Rural thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and using computers rather than bolt cutters to steal from farms and country properties. "Farmers and police have been working hard to adopt high-tech security measures to tackle the problems which now include: cloning tractor identities, advertising non-existent machinery in agricultural publications and stealing the GPS computer systems which are a key part of modern farming." North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said: "Research suggests that our rural communities dont feel as safe as their counterparts in towns. A survey I commissioned as Chair of the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) showed that there is large-scale non-reporting of crime in the countryside and levels of satisfaction with the police are considerably lower than they are among town-dwellers." You can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to help in these two cases. 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. Vietlott announced a $2.5 million win on Sunday just days after a $2.9 million jackpot. Vietlott, the operator of an American-style lottery, announced that someone won VND56 billion (over $2.5 million) on Sunday, just days after a $2.9 million jackpot. The winning numbers, according to website of the state-owned company, are 09 23 33 38 41 42. A screenshot from the website of the Vietnam Computerized Lottery One Member Limited Liability Company (Vietlott). The draw represents the fourth winner since mid-October. In January, Vietlott signed an exclusive 18-year contract with Malaysian conglomerate Berjaya to launch computerized a computerized lottery. The Mega 6/45 is the company's first foray into the market and will be followed by other services. The name Mega 6/45 explains it all: players select six numbers from 1 to 45 and win a jackpot that starts at VND12 billion ($538,000) by matching all six numbers from the draw. Each ticket costs VND10,000 (40 cents). The jackpot prize will keep growing until there is a winner. The odds of winning have been estimated at around one in 8.14 million. Vietnam generally does not allow its citizens to gamble, but lottery tickets are popular across the country. Traditional lottery tickets in Vietnam have predetermined numbers printed on them, with the highest prize set at VND1.5 billion ($65,900). Facing tough competition from Vietlotts Mega game, the companies behind these traditional tickets have decided to raise the top prize by 33 percent to VND2 billion, starting next year. Vietnam's average annual income was around $2,100 last year, according to the World Bank. Related news: > Lucky Sunday: Vietnamese ticketholder wins $4 million lottery jackpot > Lottery winners hounded out of their home after $4 million jackpot win Kanye West stormed off stage just 30 minutes into his concert in Sacramento, California on Saturday (19.11.16). Kanye West The controversial rapper performed just a few songs before going on an extended rant where he took aim at Beyonce, Jay Z, Hillary Clinton, Facebook and the radio industry and leaving the stage. He said: "Beyonce I was hurt, I went down for seven years on your behalf. I put my career, my life, my public well-standing at risk. This is a moment in the matrix. "I heard you said you wouldn't perform unless you won Video of the Year over me and over 'Hotline Bling'. "In my opinion, now don't go dissing Beyonce, she's great. Taylor Swift is great. We are all great people. But sometimes we be playing the politics too much and forget who we are - just to win. "F**k winning, f**k looking cool, f**k being cool. "At the risk of my own success. I've been sent here, at the risk of my own life, at the risk of my own career, to give ya'll the truth. "Jay Z, call me. I know you got killas. Please don't send them at my head. Just call me--talk to me like a man." Just days after endorsing US president-elect Donald Trump, he also blasted his defeated rival Clinton, saying: "This Saint Pablo tour is the most relevant (thing) happening. If your old ass keeps following old models, you'll be Hillary Clinton." Fans were already upset when Kanye took to the stage an hour and a half late for the show on his 'Saint Pablo' world tour and they were left infuriated by his rant and decision to cut the gig short. Site Blocked In order to access website you need to accept our cookie policy. View cookie policy. Accept TEL AVIV, Israel, 2016-11-20 16:47 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gazit-Globe (NYSE:GZT) (TSX:GZT) (TASE:GZT), one of the world's leading multi-national real estate companies focused on the management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets, announced today that it will release its third quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. The financial statements will be available on the Company's website.On the same day, following the release of the financial results, Gazit-Globe's senior management will hold a conference call and live webcast to review and discuss the third quarter 2016 financial results at 10:00 am Eastern Time / 4:00 pm Central European Time / 5:00 pm Israel Time.The discussion will be followed by a Question & Answer session.The conference call can be accessed by dialing:United States 1888 668 9141Canada 1866 485 2399United Kingdom 0800 917 5108International / Israel +972 3 9180687A presentation will be available on the company's website / Investor Relations at: www.gazit-globe.comWebcast link: http://www.veidan-stream.com/?con=Gazit_Globe_Q3_2016_Results_Conference_CallA replay of the call will be available on Gazit-Globe's website for future review.About Gazit-GlobeGazit-Globe is one of the largest owners, developers and operators of predominantly supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets around the world. Gazit-Globe is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:GZT), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:GZT) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:GZT) and is included in the TA-25 and Real-Estate 15 indices in Israel. As of June 30, 2016 Gazit-Globe owns and operates 429 properties in more than 20 countries, with a gross leasable area of approximately 6.5 million square meters and a total value of approximately US$ 21 billion.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONInvestors Contact: ir@gazitgroup.com, Media Contact: press@gazitgroup.comGazit-Globe Headquarters, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972 3 6948000 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/19/16 -- The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be welcoming the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, during her first visit to Canada in her capacity as President. The Chamber and its members will be hosting a number of events featuring the President in Toronto and surrounding areas during her visit from November 20-22, 2016. The Croatian President will, among other activities, be meeting with Croatian-Canadian community and business leaders and professionals; addressing Croatian-Canadian students at a youth mentorship event in Norval; meeting with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic in Kitchener; touring the innovation ecosystem (including the University of Waterloo, the Lazaridis Quantum Nano computer centre, Communitech, and Velocity) that is part of the Toronto-Waterloo Region Corridor; meeting with representatives and students of Croatian language studies at the University of Waterloo; meeting with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell in Toronto; visiting the Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research at the University of Toronto; engaging in a roundtable discussion with leading female executives in Canada; and meeting with business leaders on Bay Street in Toronto to discuss potential investment opportunities in Croatia. To conclude her visit to Canada, the Croatian President will deliver a keynote address to nearly 1,000 members and friends of the Croatian community in Canada at a sold-out gala dinner and fundraiser being organized by the Chamber at the Burlington Convention Center. The event will benefit the restoration of the Vukovar water tower, one of the most famous symbols of Vukovar and the suffering of that heroic city as well as the Croatian War of Independence during the early 1990s. "We are honoured to host the Croatian President during her visit to Canada," said Ivan Grbesic, a member of the board of directors of the Chamber and one of the coordinators of the visit. "Significant time and effort was invested in ensuring that this working visit would contribute to expanding existing ties and exploring new opportunities between Canada and Croatia, especially given the recent signing of the CETA trade deal. The visit will also be a historic one for members of our Croatian-Canadian community in general and one that will be remembered for years to come given that it is the first time that a sitting Croatian President will visit our community since Croatia declared its independence 25 years ago", he added. "We also expect that this visit will lay the groundwork for an official visit to Ottawa by the Croatian President or recently elected Croatian Prime Minister in the near future". President Grabar-Kitarovic became the first female and youngest president of the Republic of Croatia in 2015 and is one of seven female heads of state in the world today. Her election as President capped a two-decade career in politics and diplomacy, including key roles as: the country's first female Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Croatia's Ambassador to the U.S., and the Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy at NATO (the first woman Assistant Secretary-General ever in the history of NATO and the highest-ever ranking female official to have served within NATO's governing structure). Prior to visiting Norval, Kitchener, Toronto, and Burlington, the President is attending the Halifax International Security Forum on November 19-20, 2016. About the Chamber Founded in 1995, the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit network of Croatian-Canadian businesses, professionals and organizations that has emerged as the voice of Croatian-Canadian business in Canada. Canada has one of the largest and most successful Croatian communities outside of Croatia and the Chamber brings together businesses, professionals and organizations with strategic relationships (economic, commercial, political, and cultural) in both Canada and Croatia. Contacts: Ivan Grbesic Director, Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce contactus@croat.ca (416) 846-1220 Wanita Kelava Manager, Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce contactus@croat.ca (416) 641-2829 Fundinfo, a Zurich, Switzerland-based online platform for fund information and mandatory fund publications, received a significant investment from HgCapital. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The company will use the funds to further expand its services (in the areas of fund information processing, publishing and dissemination, as well as automated fund analysis and selection) and regional coverage. Led by Philipp Portmann, fundinfo provides an online platform for fund information and mandatory fund publications. The platform provides free access to more than 17 million fund documents, data about over 25,000 funds and 160,000 share classes, fund manager videos, ratings and NAV prices of products from more than 800 fund houses. FinSMEs 20/11/2016 An aedes aegypti mosquitoes is seen in Panama City. Photo by Reuters/Carlos Jasso The epidemic appears to grow after the city reported 19 infections within 3 days. Ho Chi Minh City health officials confirmed five more cases of the Zika virus on Saturday, raising Saigon's total to 57. Officials in over half the city's districts have reported cases of the virus. Binh Thanh District topped the list with 11 cases, followed by District 2 with 10. The citys health department has established six special task forces charged with detecting new cases, spraying insecticide on a large scale and calling on local residents to eliminate any standing water in and around their homes to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Ho Chi Minh declared a pandemic of the mosquito-borne disease in October. Vietnam now has a total of 67 cases of the virus reported throughout the Mekong Delta and Central Highlands. Zika causes only mild symptoms in most people, but pregnant women experience a high risk of giving birth to babies with microcephaly (e.g. an abnormally small head). Doctors in Dak Lak Province have described a 4-month-old with Zika-related microcephaly as the first infant casualty of the pandemic. Another baby born to an infected woman in HCMC was recently reported healthy. Doctors are monitoring the baby and three other pregnant women who tested positive for the virus. The World Health Organization said that Zika outbreaks have been reported in around 70 countries and territories; more than 2,000 babies have been born with Zika-related microcephaly and other birth defects. Brazil has reported over 1,800 cases while the U.S. has reported 23. Vietnams health ministry said people should take precautions against exposure to mosquitoes and practice safe sex to prevent the virus from spreading. Health officials said both men and women should avoid traveling to places where Zika cases have been confirmed if they plan to have children. Related news: > Zika no longer a world public health emergency: WHO > Ho Chi Minh City confirms 8 new Zika cases in 4 days > Vietnam confirms first microcephaly case likely linked to Zika 2007 The seventh (and then last) Harry Potter book was released. 2011 The eight (and then last) Harry Potter film was released. 2013 A film based on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (a false document book from 2001) was announced. 2015 The next installment of Harry Potter, a West End play called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, was announced. 2016, July The play, and a book based on the script, is released 2016, November Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is released In a one sentence the film, written by JK Rowling herself, can be best described thus: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them salved the scars left by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In a span of six months, the film, based on an original screenplay by the author, has returned the hope of magic to Potter fans. In July this year, ahead of the much anticipated release of the Cursed Child, I had mapped out why and how JK Rowlings legacy of magic endures for almost two decades. A large part of this was the constantly flowing original material, straight from the author more than 18000 words of content were added on Pottermore, aside from the several short stories, 'news reports', and tweets that let out hitherto unknown information about the series and characters. And a potential next installment, as a play and as a prequel in the form a film, was enough to whet our appetites. However, soon after the script of the play released, there were several aspersions cast on this legacy. While a bestselling book, there were several things wrong with the Cursed Child. The disillusionment was so widespread, there were doubts about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as well. It would only be fair to say that while the excitement was great, the expectations werent very high. There were some unsavoury comparisons to a George Lucas and a certain Prequel Trilogy as well. However, in the end, the concerns proved to be unfounded. The magic of Rowlings quill continues with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The film opens with the now familiar montage of Warner Brothers logo accompanied by the opening bars of Hedwigs theme. Thats enough to make nostalgia take over. But the greatest strength of this latest addition to the Potter-verse is that it does not bank on nostalgia to establish itself. Instead, its a pretty solid, independent piece of work that stands on its own good film-making. At the same time, it does a fantastic job of establishing a connect with the Potter-verse we know. There are a number of references and Easter Eggs in the 133 minutes of the film that will delight fans some of the more obscure hints will probably receive screams, some familiar imagery will bring out a smile and the climax will come as a surprise. The story itself is a classic heros journey, peppered with a dose of magic, endearing side characters, an ambiguous force of evil, lots of magic, gratuitous and often gorgeous use of special effects, well-timed comic relief, more magical exploration, and a very admirable, adorable performance by Eddie Redmayne. Vintage Rowling. Note: Spoilers ahead, be warned The most obvious callback is the very British protagonist in New York, Newt Scamander, and his Hogwarts story. He was expelled from the magic school for letting out dangerous creatures (reminds us of a smaller, neater Rubeus Hagrid) despite having the support of Albus Dumbledore. Mind, this is the 1920s so Dumbledore was just a Transfiguration teacher, under Headmaster Armando Dippet. Despite his expulsion, Newt remains fond of his school and even does the typical student thing where you argue over whose alma mater is better with the Ilvermony-educated witches in America. Eagle-eyed fans will recall Ilvermony from the Pottermore quiz and back story. (Fact: Hogwarts is better. Also, keep an eye out for Newt in a Hufflepuff scarf. One can take a student out of Hogwarts, but can you Hogwarts from them?) Another Easter Egg (not to be confused with the eggs thrown around in his briefcase) is the mention of one Leta Lestrange as Newts estranged lover. There seems to be very little detail about her, but the name (and Redmaynes heartbreaking acting) is enough to signal a major potential plot point. But perhaps the most striking shout out was the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. It makes a brief appearance when Auror Percival Graves, played by Colin Farrell, gives a Hallows locket to Credence, played by Ezra Miller. He says its an important object, which he can use to summon the Auror, and he trusts it with a very few. This appearance of the Hallows takes an even more intriguing shade when you realise that he is not Auror, but the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald himself, in disguise. What exactly is Grindelwald doing, handing about Hallows lockets to potentially combustible people? There is definitely more to it than meets the eye. One other throwback to the past (or future?), although very subtle, that hit home was the passing reference to Ariana Dunbledore. Though not by name, News talks to Credence, who is revealed to be the Obscurus terrorising New York, about knowing another young girl who had to be shut because of her unpredictable magic powers. Knowing what we do of the tragic Dumbledore history, and the fact that this series traces the rise of Gellert Grindelwald, this passing mention can have big implications. Speaking of the evil himself, the dreaded Grindelwald does show up, making the most direct connect with the Potter-verse, and he is played by Johnny Depp. Not just any Johnny Depp, a very made-up Joker-esque Johnny Depp, complete with white face, hair and a villainous grin. His reveal is quite spectacular the ambiguous Auror played by Farrell turns out to be Grindelwald, right in the heart of the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) aka the American Ministry of Magic. While we await more details on what exactly was Grindelwald doing in 1926 America, it definitely teases out a healthy triumph of good vs evil arc in the upcoming films. Of course, there were several let downs in the film as well. The two intertwining storylines Newt and his suitcases journey in New York and the growing presence of evil in the city seemed to lack cohesion, at least till the interval. The jumps from Newts magical, comical quest to find his fantastic beasts (but Redmaynes mating dance was definitely worth it) to the gloomy, horror-film like treatment of the Graves-Credence plot were not smoothly juxtaposed. Although it did all come together in the end, in breathtaking fashion, when the fantastic beasts helped to take out the evil in a visually amazing manner. From a textbook to a film, the path of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has been well paved for the proposed franchise of films. Although the merits of five-film series seem dubious as of now how much can one fit in five films based on original screenplay without becoming repetitive the series is well on its way of taking the magic of Harry Potter to a whole new level. A prequel series, which might not only show the fall of Grindelwald but the rise of Voldemort as we, has a great responsibility resting on it. But if Rowlings screenwriting debut is anything to by, Cursed Child seems to a blip in the legacy of Potter. In simple words, the magic continues. Ever since rumours of the Coldplay concert in Mumbai had been doing the rounds, Indian fans were already saving up to purchase the tickets. Then Hugh Evans and Global Citizen moment finally did it they brought the band to Mumbai as part of the Global Citizen Festival. Chris Martin, the creative director of the Global Citizen festival was, of course, one of the main attractions on Saturday. The Coldplay concert had tickets starting from Rs 5,000 and going up to Rs 35,000. Sixty thousand people won their tickets through volunteering for Global Citizen sustainable goals drive. The concert saw a whopping 80,000 people in attendance. Cloudy, with a chance of Coldplay From fans who had designed their own shirts to people flying in from Hyderabad and Delhi specially for the concert, Coldplay was obviously the main attraction for everyone. On the day of the concert, fans lined up since 9 am to get in the concert gates opened at 10.30 am and closed at 1.30 pm. The amount of time you spent in the queue waiting to get into the concert was inversely proportional to the amount you paid. For silver and gold pass holders who paid Rs 10,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively to see their favourite band, entry was easy: they were ushered in at 11 am. For the rest yellow pass holders, who had won the tickets through volunteering there was a long line to get in. The facilities were set up to perfection. There are were portable bathrooms and a first-aid counter set up, with security keeping a watchful eye on the crowd. The first faux pas on the part of the organisers was that there was no drinking water available at the venue. The organisers kept queues of people waiting from 11 am to 1.45 pm after which they distributed free water to redeem themselves. The shadow of demonetisation was obvious as the organisers put up this sign: The performances Among the Indian celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan, Sonakshi Sinha, Alia Bhatt, Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Monali Thakur, Katrina Kaif and many more graced the stage to talk about the Global Citizen moment. Their speeches, however, were only met with a lukewarm response and sarcastic grunts and gruffs as the crowd became more and more impatient for Coldplay. The crowd didn't seem to be too excited about Demi Lovato, but then she didn't seem equally enthusiastic about the concert herself, and the few songs that she sang were not very well received by the audience. In comparison, Karsh Kale and the Midival Punditz were more warmly received. On the other hand, the crowd literally rose to greet Amitabh Bachchan, who came in to read Tu Khud ki Khoj Mein Nikal from his film Pink. He was also cheered onstage when he joined Farhan Akhtar to sing 'Yaari' from Wazir. Farhan also held the crowd's interest as he performed songs from Rock On. AR Rahman performed a short but rich set of songs. He sang 'Andha Arabic Kadaloram' from the film Bombay to roaring applause as the crowd sang along to the choral refrain Humma Humma. He also sang Dil Se and Tu Hi Re. The crowd cheered further when Amitabh joined him on stage. The Vamps, the British boyband who had previously collaborated with Vishal Shekar for the song 'Beliya' for Shivaay, sang a full set for the show. "I have never performed in front of 80,000 people," 21-year-old frontman Brad Simpson remarked. Jay-Z's first time in India saw him perform for 45 minutes, with hits like '99 Problems', 'Empire State of Mind' and 'Nigas in Paris'. The crowd sure seemed to be having a good time. The organisers had reserved the best for the last. Ranveer Singh performed for 15 minutes and got the loudest cheers till then. Modi speaks One of the most interesting aspects of the concert was the political undertones of the festival. In a rare occurrence, Poonam Mahajan (BJP), Aditya Thackeray (Shiv Sena) and Milind Deora (Indian National Congress) took to the stage to discuss UN's sustainable development goals for India. Sachin Tendulkar and Ratan Tata made a rare appearance, with Tata even pledging Rs 300 crore towards the sustainable development goals to end open defecation. Other than Chris Martin, the other most warmly received rockstar was Narendra Modi, who received one of the loudest cheers, as he joined the concert through a live video link. Modi, who was present at the 2014 Global Citizen Festival in New York with Chris Martin, chose to stay back to attend the Winter Parliament session in Delhi. The highlight of his speech was his joke on demonetisation: Hello, my young friends. Namaste. I see you are having a good time. I know that I stand between you and Coldplay and so will make this brief. This is a welcome break from my usual routine of old files and cold Delhi. I congratulate Hugh Evans, Shiv Khemka, Gauri Easwaran, Poonam Mahajan and the many others who have worked hard to put this together. To make public policy cool, is no mean task!" "Thank you guys for having me over. You have been smart in asking me to only address the gathering, and not sing. Else, I am pretty sure your audience would be asking you for their money back. And that too in 100 rupee notes." (Some jeered, some laughed, but the audience reacted loudly to this) 'Para-Para-Paradise' time "Ye hamari khushkismati hai ke hum itne khoobsurat desh mein aaye hain," Chris Martin said to the crowd. Coldplay's set was the most awaited one, and the band made it up to the crowd who were waiting for hours. They performed for a full 120 minutes, instead of 90, where they sang their hits like 'Paradise', 'Yellow' , 'Fix You' and ending the concert with a mashup featuring AR Rahman singing 'Vande Mataram', and his own version of Ae Dil Hai Mushkil's 'Channa Mereya'. And as Chris Martin promised, this will not be the band's last time in the country. However much paint you put on an autorickshaw, it will not become a BMW, says a man to an aspiring actor in Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan. The reference is to the listeners looks, which in this film is almost entirely a commentary on the average Malayalis obsession with light complexions and contempt for dark skin. Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan (KRR) is the story of a young man in the town of Kattappana in Kerala who wants to be a movie star. Krishnan a.k.a. Kichchoos father is a loader. His mother died when he was born, a fact that Senior holds against him. Kichchoo is taunted by the community his own parent, family friends, schoolmates and others for his skin colour, but their attitude changes when he bags a small role in a big film. The snide remarks however return when he spends a decade playing an extra even if a familiar face in Malayalam cinema. Director Nadirshahs film takes us through Kichchoos struggles with his career, unrequited love and the crippling bias he faces at every turn. Anyone who is acquainted with Kerala will tell you that in the collective psyche of Indias most literate state, light is beautiful and dark is inadequate if not ugly. In a 1997 interview, Arundhati Roy told India Todays Rohit Brijnath this about her growing up years in Kottayam: I was the worst thing a woman could be in Kerala thin, black and clever. If north Indians are by and large convinced that they are better-looking than their fellow Indians south of the Vindhyas, it is equally (sadly) true that Keralites place north Indian beauty on a pedestal higher than their own. KRR is a stinging indictment of Keralas white colour preference couched in rib-tickling comedy. Just as importantly though, Team KRR unwittingly reveals that although they have good intentions, they too have not entirely been able to get past their own social conditioning. And so, while the nasty barbs thrown at Kichchoo are never glorified in the narrative, the casting tells its own story. Kichchoo falls for Ann Maria who is projected as a beauty. Kani is the next-door neighbour who he barely notices although she is in love with him she is projected as a plain Jane. Ironically, both women are played by extremely pretty actresses with one telling contrast: in the role of Ann Maria is the light-skinned Prayaga Martin while Kani is portrayed by the dark-skinned Lijomol Jose. The fact that Nadirshah thinks Martin is a stunner and Jose is ordinary reflects his own subconscious predispositions. Likewise, the hot guy in the film (the one Kichchoo thinks Ann is hooking up with) is pointedly north Indian. And yes, the Rithwik Roshan of the title is an amusingly distorted reference to Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan whose looks light eyes, light skin and tall, muscular frame evidently constitute Nadirshahs ideal of Indian male beauty. Until the director overcomes his own deep-seated prejudices, there is Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, a film worth watching despite its flaws because at least it means well. KRR is written by Bibin George and Vishnu Unnikrishnan who also wrote the directors first film, the 2015 hit Amar Akbar Anthony. Unnikrishnan also plays Kichchoo while Dharmajan Bolgatty steps into the role of his best friend Dasappan. They are a hoot together and for the most part their conversations had me giggling helplessly. The talented supporting cast includes veterans Salim Kumar and Siddique as Kani and Kichchoos respective fathers. Nadirshah and his actors are blessed with impeccable comic timing, thus giving KRR an unrelenting pace. Film buffs will enjoy the insights into the workings of Mollywood and the multiple references to Indian cinema across languages. For the most part, KRRs humour is at once heart-wrenching and hilarious. It is used cleverly to soften the slap this film lands on the collective faces of the audience who must confront their own colour obsession while watching it. There is so much to love in it the comedy, the messaging, the acting that its failings hurt more than they might in a crude, unthinking film. For instance, KRR is that rare Malayalam film which chides a man for assuming that a woman was leading him on merely because she was friendly. It is also that rare commercial Indian film that acknowledges the possibility of a friendship between two people of the opposite sex after the woman has rejected the mans romantic overtures. But the films gender politics is confused and disappointing. For example, Team KRR serves up a running joke about stalking featuring a likeable comedian, rounding it off with the common and dangerous Indian cinematic cliche of a woman who is at first disgusted by her stalker but then becomes interested in him. In a film that is clearly designed to be sensitive, this disturbing track unintentionally reveals as much about Keralas reality and Team KRRs mentality as the story it intentionally tells. Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan is entertaining and moving for the most part. Perhaps a day will come when Team KRR is cured of their own prejudices, enabling them to make a film that is truly worth celebrating. This one is a baby step on a dismal cinematic and social landscape. Perhaps the reason that Solange is remembered by most readers, is for the leaked videotape, now scrubbed from the internet, where she can be seen in an elevator with her sister and her husband. Of course her sister is Beyonce Knowles and the man that the superstar is married to is Jay-Z. In the video, Solange can be seen raining punches and kicks on the rapper, while Beyonce looks on. Does it have something to do with Jay-Zs rumoured affair with, "Becky with the good hair? It could. Family drama aside, Solange is sure to dislodge that memory, with the release of her album A Seat at the Table, as she has created a stunning sonic document of the black experience in America in 2016. The album follows a joyous 2012 EP, True, that featured summery pop, and glittering synths that could brighten anyones mood. Prior to True, she had released two albums, her 2003 debut Solo Star, and Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dream, which she put out in 2008. A Seat at the Table, has moments of lightness, like the two highlights Dont Touch My Hair and Cranes in the Sky, but for the most part, the album is a meditation, that manages to illuminate what life is like inhabiting a black womans body today. Individual songs jump out at you, but heard as a whole, the album takes on a weight that is at odds with its gossamer tone. Both the aforementioned songs also have videos, which were released the day after the album. Those short films, which feature protracted gazes and top shots of Solange and others occupying space, manage to seem both longer than necessary, and yet almost meaningless. But in 2016, when Black Lives Matter, the election of Donald Trump to President and more are roiling the US, the act of occupying space and claiming ones heritage can make for radical images that use the simplicity of filling the camera lets with political power. That political power carries over to its songs, which are broken up by interludes that among other things, detail her parents individual experiences with racism (on two separate spoken word snippets) alongside other voices like those of Master P, the musician and entrepreneur. On F.U.B.U, Solange creates a world for all my niggas, and addresses those that cant sing along, Dont feel bad if you cant sing along/Just be glad you got the whole wide world, pointing out the structural inequality in which African-Americans have to live. These observations pepper an album that manages to sound like multiple waves crashing into the shore, with songs cresting before slowly dissipating, each reminding listeners whether through its musical influences (the music of Aaliyah and Erykah Badu both come to mind) or the lyrics about a black womans place in the world, and the silent power that shes been capable of commanding. In many ways, the album reflects the letter that Solange penned, on her record labels website in September, which discussed the antagonism she faced when out at a Kraftwerk concert. A Seat at the Table starts with the almost church-like intonations of Rise, before moving onto the staccato beats of Weary where Solanges soul-indebted voice shines. The album manages to bring together an array of writers and producers who are well known in their own right. Dirty Projectors Dave Longstreth, TV On the Radios Dave Sitek, Majical Cloudzs Devon Walsh and Matthew Otto, Ahmir Thompson, better known as Questlove, and Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend are some of the names that have worked as either writer or producer on the album. Lending their voices to specific songs are Lil Wayne, Sampha and Kelala. Scales, which features Kelala, is a soulful examination of the symbols that are held up as signs of success in black culture like jewellery and more, and the inherent difficulty in earning the respect of your family and peers, while also being financially successful. The contradictions that are faced by members of the African-American community, especially its men are brought to the fore. That the album can be consumed piece-meal as a collection of singles, or as a whole, is a testament to Solanges vision. Ultimately, the album serves as a mirror for African Americans whose paradoxes arent seen by the world at large, and by the privileged, who dont realise how lucky they are. Juhu, like any of Mumbais other busy suburbs, can be chaotic and noisy. But the building at the end of a narrow lane, which sits right by the edge of the Arabian Sea, has an air of quiet. This is the home of Twinkle Khanna, former actress, designer and writer, and her actor husband Akshay Kumar. They live here with their two children. On the second floor of the building is the office area for Grazing Goat, Kumars production house. It is here that I am to meet Twinkle Khanna, to discuss her new book a collection of short stories titled The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad (published by Juggernaut). Lakshmi Prasad is Khannas second book, the follower to her successful literary debut Mrs Funnybones. It comprises four short stories, mostly fiction (except for the last one, which is based on Arunachalam Muruganathan, the sanitary napkin crusader), and each takes on a different theme: the importance of the girl child, a single womans disastrous experiences with settling down, the camaraderie between two sisters now grown old and mature love, and of one mans mission to make sanitary napkins accessible to all women. Khanna walks briskly into the office; for a day filled with interviews about the book, she is dressed in ripped jeans and a formal jacket, with her hair slicked back in a no-nonsense ponytail. Then she kicks off her heels and settles cross-legged on the couch and instantly seems approachable, casual. Making the switch to fiction with The Legend of Laksmi Prasad, she tells me, has been easy. Actually all my editors find it really odd when I say this, but I find fiction easier to write than non-fiction, she says. What happens with a column is that I have a particular amount of days (in which to write it), and I need at least one smart line in every column. One zingy line. So I have to take a topic which may not necessarily be humorous, give it a twist, give it a perspective because there are other people writing about it and even the elements that I add from my own life are partly fictional As far as fiction is concerned, you get more time. I get two weeks to do my research, fill in the details, do a plotline. Whereas I just have to jump into (my columns). The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad started out as a very different book. In fact, it wasnt about Lakshmi Prasad (the girl in the first story) at all. Instead, it was a novel one that Khanna began writing when she was 18, left unfinished, and revisited nearly two decades later, after Mrs Funnybones was complete. That abandoned novel has been parsed down into a short story in Lakshmi Prasad, and is without a doubt, the best among the lot. It tells the story of Noni Apa, an elderly woman whose low key life gets its spark from her close relationship with her sister, and later, a musically-inclined gentleman. The description perhaps doesnt do justice to a story thats rich in detail and emotion, no less poignant for being fairly sedate. That was the last story I wrote says Khanna. Noni Apa is a story Ive been trying to write since I was 18 with different characters, different points of view. When I was writing it the first time, there was a grand-daughter, who was the protagonist. When I took it up the second time after Mrs Funnybones she was 40. But finally, when I actually wrote the story, the old ladies are the protagonists and I think thats the way it was always meant to be. What really comes through in this particular story is the bond between the two sisters Noni Apa and Binni whove navigated the vicissitudes of life together. Khanna has said that her own relationship with sister Rinke Khanna was the inspiration, in a way, for the fictional characters. As far as my sister and I are concerned, what I drew upon is the unshakeable bond weve always had. We are a year-and-a-half apart, and we will always have each others backs no matter what. We laugh at the same things. So the element that these two sisters have, where they tease each other mercilessly or have this banter going on, is something I have with my sister it doesnt matter if today were 40, have husbands and children, live in different cities; what I have (with Rinke) is unchangeable. While elements from life have found their way into Khannas stories, theres also a lot of detailing that comes from research (I have to look up everything! she says) and from conversations with friends, experts. So from describing an ICU set up in the late 80s to the exact distance between stations on a railway line and how long a train might stop there Khanna invests meticulous attention in getting it right. She has notebooks filled with pointers before she even gets down to writing the actual story. Khanna admits the approach to writing is one she has to life as well. I am very disciplined, that is my nature, she explains. Im one of those people wholl print out two weeks worth of colour coded menus. I cant cook, but I definitely need to feed my family! I get up very early. By the time the kids go to school, its 7 am. I get to my desk by 7.30; if I go for a walk, then by 8.30. I write for two hours. Its quiet. Nobody at that time needs anything of me. And then I get ready and go off to the office. Over the last month-and-a-half, that schedule has changed, as Khanna wrote for seven hours a day to meet her publishers deadline. So I really had to rush to finish it which is great, because I think if you really need to finish a book, thats the only way to do it., she says, adding that writers block is not something she faces. The ease with which shes slipped into the role of writer may seem surprising considering that apart from a few morbid poems and half a book that she wrote during her teens, Khanna entirely gave up writing for 20 years. Looking back, she says she doesnt know why the break occurred, just that it did. I dont knowI didnt even think about it, other than maybe one day, when Im 60, and the kids have all grown up and Ill have a lot more to say. Khanna is glad, however, that she took up writing again when she did: I have a very young child my daughter is 4 and Ive always been working but I was really fortunate that (rediscovering writing) happened to me because it blew any midlife crisis I may have had out of the orbit. I didnt have the space in my mind to think about (growing older). I was so busy thinking about everything else! A voracious reader since she was a little girl (Wodehouse and Asimov were early favourites; F Scott Fitzgerald is a more recent one), Khanna, however, says shes never wanted to model her writing on that of any author although she often wishes she could write as well as the ones she admires. Whats moulded her writing more, are her life experiences growing up amid strong women. I grew up in a household of very strong women, says Khanna. My mother, my aunts, my grandmother they were all very independent. There was no concept really of living according to norms or rules, of things that women are supposed to do or not, that was not what I grew up with... What I grew up with, was a house filled with people who were painting or sketching, playing the guitar. I had an aunt who also wrote really bad poetry, like me! Crocheting or knitting So we were constantly doing something, and there were nine of us, in this house. I think my childhood was bohemian in a way and that not really having to subscribe to convention has really helped me in my life. Khannas formative years were important in another way: As an overweight oddball, she used humour to deflect barbs. There were two sides to my personality at the time, says Khanna. Ive never been able to tolerate unfair things or behaviour. So I was very quick with both my tongue and my fists. And I didnt fit the mould: physically, and in other ways also. I was the fattest girl in my class and I had a little moustache. So I had to do something to break out. And in a way Im glad because had I relied on my looks, what would I have today? I didnt have a choice. I had to have a quick comeback if people teased me about my weight or my name. Khanna today may be a far cry from that awkward adolescent, but the quickness of her quips remains intact. That may have something to do with finding her creative and professional niche; first, as a designer, and now as a writer. Her years as an actress she discounts as not being creatively fulfilling. My acting career was not something that I was inclined towards or I had the aptitude for. People get their knowledge in different ways: kinetically, auditorily or visually. I cant imbibe anything by listening, its always what I read. So that was a big disadvantage in the acting profession, where you have to respond to a lot of things by ear. Also Im a very practical person, the emotional side of me is very limited. I dont think I could draw on those to perform. It was a very frustrating time in my life. All I would want to do is come home. Khanna is already thinking about ideas for her next book it could be a novel set in a dystopian future, or another collection of short stories, she says. Is there any pressure now, to live up to her Mrs Funnybones image? Yes definitely in the beginning when it started, I felt, oh I have to live up to this for instance, if I had to go up on stage, says Khanna. Then I realised its always been like that: Im always a little shaky, with my knees wobbling before Ive to go up. But once Im up there Im fine. I have to eventually just be myself, and thats good enough. FRANKFURT Europe's largest carmaker Volkswagen sees building its own factory to make electronic vehicle batteries as a logical move as it expands production of low-emission cars after its emissions scandal.Volkswagen and its labour unions agreed on Friday to cut 30,000 jobs at the core VW brand in exchange for a commitment to avoid forced redundancies in Germany until 2025. The cuts came with a management pledge to create 9,000 new jobs in the area of battery production and mobility services at factories in Germany as part of efforts to shift towards electric and self-driving cars."If more than a quarter of our cars are to be electronic vehicles in the in the foreseeable future then we are going to need approximately three million batteries a year," Chief Executive Matthias Mueller told Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. "Then it makes sense to build our own factory."Volkswagen currently relies on external battery suppliers for the electric vehicles it makes. Mueller said that Volkswagen has been in talks with ride-hailing service Uber on potential cooperation but the carmaker would not settle for the role as a mere supplier."They (Uber) saw us more in the role of a supplier. But we said: Okay guys, this is a contest which we are happy to take on. We will remain in command," Mueller said. Automakers like VW are developing electric vehicles and billing themselves as mobility companies that don't merely sell cars but also get involved with alternatives to conventional car ownership such as ride-hailing.Mueller confirmed that Volkswagen had set aside 18 billion euros ($19.1 billion) to cover the cost of its diesel emissions cheating scandal. Volkswagen does not expect the German government to make tax demands to cover any revenue losses related to the scandal, a company spokesman said on Saturday.($1 = 0.9447 euros) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze; Editing by Keith Weir) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Dear honoured, esteemed, revered hundred rupee note sirji, I have to say I am ashamed of the way we have treated you in the recent past. The way we have badmouthed you and sat around discussing how you were incapable of getting us anything worthwhile. Tossed you into a dark and dingy corner of our minds with none to do you reverence. Ha! A hundred rupee note, what a cruel joke, how far does it go, not even worth peanuts. We scoffed you for sure and you waited your turn. I always had a sneaky feeling you would make a comeback from the glorious days of the seventies and eighties and we could see a movie in 'dress circle' for Rs 4.40 and buy coffee at the Taj for Rs 10 and a whole family could live off you for a week in comparative luxury. A tin of pure ghee was Rs 6 and four of us could have Chinese dinner for one of you with tip included. We joined the Times as journalists in 1969 on five of you a month and we lived damn well and three of you could fly us from Mumbai to Delhi. And a bottle of rum cost Rs 8. Ho! ho! ho! I am not pumping sunshine (of course I am), but I always felt that after you had faded into oblivion and counted for nothing but chump change that you would make a comeback and what a comeback it has been. Not even in your heydays have you been so coveted and so much in demand today what with everyone chasing you and wanting you to fetch up in their lives. It must be a wonderful feeling and I am so happy for you. Just to have you in our pockets is such a warm, fuzzy sensation. Please do not see this as sucking up to you (which it blatantly is but I cannot admit it) but I have always been one of your well-wishers and I still give my sister only Rs 100 on Rakhi (in your honour, not because I am downright stingy) and you are always welcome to bring all your siblings and stay with us. Come in your thousands and we will find room for you. In fact, so moved am I by your resurrection that I wish to publicly extend to you my humble apologies for the past misconduct and for treating you badly. It was entirely shortsighted and all I can say is may there be more and more of you 'phoolo jeeyo with abandon. India needs you (I need you) and woe to those who were nasty about you and disrespected you. I have always been a fan and a supporter as you can see by the fact that I was always placed one of you in the donation box at the mandir as a sign of my respect for your glorious history. Even as I conceal my transparent servility and abject, craven sycophancy beneath a cloak of goodwill, all I want to say is that you are worth more than your bigger brothers and Id rather have twenty of you than one of them. Once again, please accept my regret for the many times that I foolishly took you for granted and I confess that when in 2012 I lost one of you I did not mean to say no big deal that was just a turn of phrase and if you come to our house in Delhi today we have made a garland out of you and greet you each morning with folded hands. Please do not desert us in this time of need. The demonetisation drive has hit terrorist organisations with large money caches lying waste, even though some may be laundered white money through the illegal money exchange racket, some glimpses of which are on electronic media. But there would plenty frustration, which may be vented through sabotage and terrorist acts. So, more violence should be expected. It would also be good if capacity building in local police is examined to provide succor during disasters like what has happened to the Patna-Indore train. In the instant case, visuals of local police standing around awaiting arrival of NDRF teams and the Army is not reassuring. This could well be part of training and equipping for civil defence-cum-disaster relief incorporating the public and NGOs. Delhi police is ready with its team of plain clothes officers consisting farmers, homemakers, self-employed individuals, jhuggi dwellers, social workers, retired officials, students, advocates and army veterans (total 264 people including 49 women) enrolled under the police mitra scheme for prevention of crime, maintenance of law and order, and communal harmony. Good initiative, but why not pan-India when we needed the billion-eyes-on-the-ground concept a decade back, being sixth on the global terrorist index? Demonetisation has brought relative peace to Jammu and Kashmir, for whatever period of time, because the separatists are unable to pay daily stone-pelting wages to their street gangs. Yet the number of schools burnt or ransacked keep going up 34th school targeted yesterday over past 100 days, even as ceasefire violations by Pakistan continue unabated. The police in Jammu and Kashmir have recovered not only fake Rs 100 notes but also machines owned by local criminal gangs for printing fake currency. But if Rs 100 notes too are being faked, then these could also be used for stone pelting, even if the number of employees reduces. Besides, payments received via hawala are generally never traced, as per police officials. Significantly, production of fake Indian currency in Pakistan is in government mints. No matter which paper or ink is used in the new Re 2000 and 500 notes, these being faked by Pakistan at a future date can hardly be ruled out. Chinese assistance to Pakistan in faking our new currency notes can also be taken for granted, being within ambit of the Chinese concept of 'unrestricted warfare. As for the Maoists, they will regain wealth though extortion, looting and poppy cultivation in due course of time. NIA reports of 2013 revealed that Kashmiri terrorist groups had received US$ 100 million for terror operations in past two years, over the past 10 years, some Rs 600 crores were diverted to J&K terrorism from within India, Rs 98 crores were diverted in one single year from the Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Fund, and that the Jammu and Kashmir Affectees Relief Trust (JKART) has been facilitating Pakistani infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, goods sent through trucks to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were intentionally overpriced two-three times in the vouchers and additional money received was diverted for terrorist operations. It is unthinkable that Jammu and Kashmir politicians did not get share from the pie. Under the NIA Act, the NIA can take over any case related to terror suo motu except in Jammu and Kashmir where it needs the state governments permission before it can start any investigation. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra had suggested that the Ranbir Penal Code be brought under the NIA Act, but whether this has been implemented is not known. So, terrorist funding in Jammu and Kashmir apparently is easier than balance India, even though transactions of some Rs 38 crores from 17 accounts in four banks of South Kashmir were under NIA scanner in August this year for suspected terror links. Demonetisation has hit political parties too, though the general belief is that big fish will remain untouched beyond some financial penalties, not targeting them personally through early prosecution and exemplary message to the rank and file. Then, it is not only the low-level politicians who are dependent on Maoists and radical support but there are also politicians of various hues that have links with inimical organisations. According to veteran RAW officers, politicians of various hues are under ISI blackmail having used hawala which is handled by D company franchisee of ISI. Some actions by these individuals have been obvious but they continue to flourish because of political clout and vote bank politics. As in the case of terrorist organisations, demonetisation having hit black money stocks of political parties too may result in venting anger through violence. India has been witness to criminalisation of politics, as also the perpetrators getting away completely or lightly. Finally is the question of foreign funding of political parties that have been legalised, which cannot be without adverse fallouts, coming with a price tag. What portion of this comes from our adversaries via third party is also difficult to establish. Such funding would aim for a certain type of government in India, depending on the individual / group / national interests of those providing the finances. Some may want a strong India, but most may not. When the string of IEDs blew up at the pre-general election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Patna (IED under the dais he was speaking from luckily did not fire), can you really pinpoint who wanted him assassinated Maoists, radicals, another political party or those furnishing election funds from abroad? For that matter, a cross-section is wondering whether the chaotic manner in which the demonetisation scheme is being executed (no matter perception building through media) is by design to show the prime minister in poor light. The bottom-line is that while euphoria over terrorist funding being hit by demonetisation is justified, we need to go into the roots within the country for black money, terrorist funding and endemic corruption. Modi has the best of intentions but the system needs a major top-down overhaul, not to forget we have the worst bureaucracy in Asia past 20 years. When the equivalent of Lok Ayukta was established in Singapore (then high on corruption), overnight 150 politicians, officials and mafia dons were jailed. Can there be similar action in India? The author is veteran Lt Gen of Indian Army. Two of the things that Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would bring to Delhi were decisiveness and governance. He has other qualities also of course, and people voted for them just as they did for these two named above. Modi is not a dynast and he has worked his way to where he is based only on merit. He has the reputation of being honest and there are no reports of high-level corruption in the Union Cabinet as there were in the time of Manmohan Singh. However, these two qualities have been on display recently and we should look at how they have affected India. Decisiveness is the ability to take decisions quickly and firmly. This is often seen as a virtue. Being indecisive is seen as a weakness though often indecision is only another name for thinking something through carefully. And if there is uncertainly or turbulence beyond tolerable limits, one does not decide. On the other hand, the virtue of being decisive can also be seen as certitude, meaning being sure one is right intuitively rather than through knowledge. Sanjay Gandhi was also decisive. He was a barely literate (Class 10) man who was given great power. He wielded it poorly and Indians suffered in unimaginable ways for his arrogance and his confidence that he knew what was right for all of us. The second ability, governance, can be described by another word used by military historians. That word is 'grip'. It means the ability of a general to be in total charge of his command. Knowing what his side is capable of and being prepared. Julius Caesar had grip and he had control over his armies in a time when communications was poor and supply lines very long. Though his record in battle is mixed, Gen Montgomery is thought to have had grip. He was not clueless as many other generals on the British side in the Second World War were. Narendra Modi showed us his decisiveness when he acted to make useless the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes Indians held. This was sold as an act that would end or severely attack black money. We have not yet been told how that will happen except for Modi saying that the corrupt and the wealthy sitting on piles or warehouses of cash would now only have worthless paper. Those who have run business, and I have owned and run a manufacturing and a services business, know that black money does not work like that. It is used, just like white money is used, as a means to expand business. It is held in goods and in property. In the purely liquid form, as cash, it is not particularly useful. The second reason given was that it would dent terrorist activity because that was being done by counterfeit money. Almost anything today can be sold as a good idea to Indians if it can be attached to terrorism. The media is less likely to question it. Anyway, so Modi showed a flash of decisiveness. As a result of it we are living through days when the wretched of India, the hundreds of millions of poor who live on cash alone, are being used in an experiment. The opposition is terrified of Modi, with a couple of parties excepted, and that means that the demonetisation has not itself been opposed so far. Because this terrorism issue was stuck to it, Congress is too afraid to demand a rollback. They are not sure of the public mood and believe that there is enthusiasm for the act. Meanwhile, this act of casual cruelty is bringing suffering and trauma to millions. Watching the Gujarati news channels, I was struck by how the English ones seem to be reporting from another country. Modi has told us the suffering Indians are going through will be justified by the dividend we will reap on 1 January. We shall see. But meantime, having shown us decisiveness, he now needs to show us governance. The government has bumbled along since Modi's triumphant announcement. It has been doing things seemingly in reactive mode. It has been raising and lowering withdrawal limits, relaxing rules for some states arbitrarily, and introducing ad hoc administrative measures like inking of fingers. Where is the talent and ability needed to bring calm to the chaos that anyone could have anticipated when the government makes a move of this magnitude? It would not be incorrect to say that at the moment it seems to be missing. This is his chance. With the country in a crisis that directly affects not a handful of people (as terrorism does) but hundreds of millions, we will know if Modi has grip. Pukhraya (Kanpur Dehat): The whole world came crashing down around 20-year-old bride-to-be Ruby Gupta after the Indore-Patna Express derailed on Sunday as she is yet to trace her father. Ruby, who was left with a fractured arm, was on her way to Mau in Azamagarh from Indore for her wedding scheduled on 1 December when the train derailed. The eldest of her siblings, Ruby was travelling with sisters Archna (18), Khushi (16), brothers Abhishek and Vishal, and father Ram Prasad Gupta, who is missing. Also travelling with them was a family friend Ram Parmesh Singh. "I cannot find my father and I have been looking everywhere for him. Some people told me to look in hospitals and in morgues but I am clueless as to what to do. I have a fractured arm and my sisters have also sustained injuries," she said. "I do not know if my marriage, which was to be held on 1 December, will go as planned or not. I want to find my father now. I have tried calling everywhere, but I do not know what to do now," she said. Ruby also cannot trace the wedding clothes and jewellery she was carrying along. She has not filed a complaint yet. Though the cause of the derailment that has left 98 dead was not known immediately, sources said the nature and timing shows that the accident was caused by a rail fracture. However, the exact reason would be known only after an inquiry. The major bust coincided with pledges to step up enforcement during a conference in Hanoi. Anti-smuggling officers seized a 4-kilogram rhino horn at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Friday. The suspected smuggler, Nguyen Duc Nguyen, 40, reportedly claimed to have purchased the item from a man in the north-central province of Nghe An and intended to sell it in Ho Chi Minh City. Police said the horn would have fetched around VND4 billion ($177,000) on the Vietnamese black market. Vietnam's average annual income was around $2,100 last year, according to the World Bank. Nguyen and his rhino horn. Photo courtesy of the police. In July, customs officers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport also arrested a Vietnamese national for attempting to smuggle VND4.5 billion ($201,000) worth of rhino horn concealed in tins of powdered milk formula. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) established a global ban on the trade of rhino horn in 1977. Conservationists say Vietnam and China are the world's two largest consumers of rhino horn. Though the government officials have, at times, refuted that charge, Vietnamese representatives promised to strengthen enforcement and improving cross-border cooperation during the Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in Hanoi this week. Related news: > Light at tunnel's end: Vietnam pledges tough action against illegal wildlife trade > Vietnam destroys huge ivory, rhino horn cache The AOB (Andhra-Odisha Border) Committee, a crucial military zone of the CPI (Maoist), which remained headless after the bloody encounter killings of its top leaders including Bakuri Venkataramana alias Ganesh on 24 October in Malkangiri, now has a woman as its chief. Kakarala Madhavi, the new Secretary of the AOB Committee of the armed rebels will now call the shots at what is considered the last post of the Maoists. This post is a prestigious one amongst the group it was earlier held by Maoist legends like Devanna and Azad. Kakarala Madhavi, 34, is a native of Rajamahendravaram of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, the same area where popular film star and MP Jayaprada hails from. Madhavi was the choice for commander in view of her experience in the region and also her rapport with the local tribals in the border district of Malkangiri. Madhavi is the daughter of Kakarala Subba Rao, a veteran character theatre actor and a member of the Virasam (Viplava Rachayitala Sangham or Revolutionary Writers' Association). There is confusion as to whether she is Padmakka or Radhakka, two daughters of Rao, who had both joined the Peoples War Group (PWG) before it became the CPI (Maoist). "My daughters were addicted more to Left philosophy and Communist literature than me," Subba Rao had said in an interview with a TV channel recently. A college drop-out, Madhavi had joined the movement 10 years ago under the influence of her fathers active involvement in the Communist movement. In fact, she had also played a role in a drama on Lenin, staged by her father, who was a theatre artiste, writer and also a director. She had worked as a deputy commander, commander and also a member of zone committees, finally making it to the central committee now. She had worked not only in the Nallamala and Dandakaranya forests but also in Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and also in some front organisations cultural, farmers and youth wings of the CPI (Maoist). Madhavi is perhaps the six or seventh woman top leader in the hierarchy as of now. Sources told Firstpost that an emergency meeting of the central committee of the Maoists held in the jungles of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh a few days ago had placed on record the contribution of the 31 slain rebels to Left wing extremism. Of the slain Maoists, 11 were women, including two deputy commanders. The central committee also appointed another senior Maoist woman field operative Pothula Kalpana, 34, as the person in charge of military operations in the area. The Committee had justified the appointment of young women to key posts by saying that this move was to win the confidence of locals and tribals in the AOB region. The highest body of the CPI (Maoist) had said that internal lapses in guerrilla strategy had cost too many lives in the 24 October encounter. "Treachery, gross negligence and overconfidence" had led to the massacre at Janthi village in AOB, said a document of the central committee. Women in revolutionary groups Lack of recruitment of educated activists as well as desertion of the movement by aged sick seniors had forced Maoists to recognise the value addition made by women cadres and elevate them in several key positions. "Maoists took the calculated risk as women cadres were more committed, duty conscious and loyal to party hierarchy than men cadres," said former DGP of Andhra Pradesh Dinesh Reddy, during whose period the AP police struck terror in the Dandakaranya forests in Telangana. After a series of police-driven media exposures on the plight of women cadres in Maoist groups in the 1990s, the central committee of the PWG had framed guidelines and mandatory approval by the committee for inducting cadres in armed dalam (group), front organisations, the Peoples Guerrilla Land Army (PGLA) and also the special military commissions. At a time there were nearly 175-250 women members in the field and also in front organisations, but the number has now dwindled to less than 100, according to police. "Very few women except those linked to top guns in Central Committee or those married to dalam commanders or dalam members are continuing. There are no single women, said a senior police official. A major reason for teenage girls to join the dalams was to escape from the traditions of early marriage when they were in school or junior college. I joined the dalam to escape from family pressure to marry and stop my education. Now everything is lost as I dont have any studies either, said 19-year-old girl Renuka, a Maoist rebel who met this writer in the 1990s in Karimnagar, Telangana. Two years later, she surrendered and returned home; went back again and was killed in a shootout. A college drop-out, Madhavi had joined the movement 10 years ago under the influence of her fathers active involvement in the Communist movement But things have now changed for women activists who are chosen to head crucial committees including intelligence, suicide strike teams and are also key contributors to policy decisions in dealing with the tribals and landless poor. The central committee had acknowledged the role of women cadres in a document released two years ago on how the Salwa Judum domination in Chhattisgarh was throttled and tribals Khoyas and Kondadoras were won back to their side. Women have been an active part of war machinery of the CPI (Maoist) and its earlier avatar, the PWG. The number of women cadre has been on the rise since the late 1990s. Replying to a question in Parliament on 13 July, 2013, then Minister of State for Home Affairs, RPN Singh had said that 40 percent of Maoist cadre were women. I was motivated by the fiery, inspiring songs of a visiting Maoist squad sung in my village, said V Sujata, a 20-year-old Dalit armed activist in the Sircilla belt of Karimnagar, in 2005. Local police had painted her as a loose girl and that jeopardised her family efforts to get her married off. She had taken to Maoism to escape from community penalty to the family. In 2008, Sujata went back to her village as a deputy commander of a dalam and took revenge on the police and also other villagers who had maligned and harassed her. Her dalam had cut the hands and ears of her detractors. Sujata was however killed in an encounter in 2009 near AOB. But that explains the real reason why teenagers wants to join the Maoist movement they want to escape from age-old customs and ridiculous social ostracisation, said Professor Hargopal, a civil rights activist of Telangana. Changing roles of women in Maoism Unlike Sujata, there were many others like Anupuram Anasuya, wife of Anupuram Komarayya, of the North Telangana Special Zone Committee (NTSZC) who went to jungles out of commitment, leaving her infant behind, and who died in a later encounter defending her husband and the movement. Similarly, Polam Bharathi, wife of Polam Sudharshan Reddy, joined the dalam, but quit after her husband was killed in an encounter. Many others like Nelakonda Rajitha alias Padmakka, an undergraduate, had married Sande Rajamouli (a Politburo member and chief of Central Military Commission) and was killed in an encounter in 2002. Women joined the rebel fold and even went underground, living in exile, to escape from the exploitation of powerful people in the village, says popular civil rights activist Kancha Ilaiah. Most women activists like Nirmala (wife of Chandra Pulla Reddy) and Anuradha Ghandy (wife of Kobad Ghandy) were highly educated, urban ideologues and leaders. For instance, Anuradha Ghandy, a Sociology lecturer, had led the all-India womens movement but died of cerebral malaria in the Dandakaranya jungles. Police said girl cadets who wanted to become like Madhya Pradeshs notorious Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi, were used as decoys during raids and ambushes. They were also used as errand girls to collect funds, medicines, food from villages and also as personal couriers of the top leaders. While most men cadre ran away fearing the heavy firepower of security forces, women cadres remained on ground and returned fire and often helped the top cadres to escape even at the cost of their own lives. In order to give women cadres a safe and secure career, the CC had always encouraged them to get married to the men of their choice in the armed units, says another document of the CPI (Maoist). The committee also invited women cadets with a minimum 3 years experience to visit Abuj Marh in Chhattisgarh once in two years to undergo special indoctrination and military training to prepare them for higher responsibilities, as many male cadres were deserting the movement due to sickness or family issues. But the disturbances since the Green Hunt operation had put this exercise on hold, said another police official. Women activists have thus become the vanguard of the Maoist operations during the toughest situations. Nirmala Chatterjee, a leader of the Maoist Communist Centre and widow of Sagar Chatterjee, had led the Maoist attack on Chandrapura Railway Police station in West Bengal in 2005. In a recent document, Ganapathi alias Muppala Lakshman Rao, numero uno of the CPI (Maoist) had written Women activists, particularly from Dalit and tribal backgrounds, have been a main source of strength for the Maoist movement, and only the functional and organisational deficits of the movement had shortened their utility, the document quotes. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he said in a tweet. Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said. Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 At least 45 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours of Sunday. With inputs from PTI A fence of 'an absolutely new design' is being built along the Line of Control (LoC) at the edge of the Kashmir Valley. Fifty kilometres of this new fence has been built this year. The Army is confident that it will be more effective than the fences that have been built since 2003-04 according to Lt Gen DS Hooda, the Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Command. It has been redesigned to withstand the pressures of weather as well as the wiles of infiltrators and other enemy tactics. So far, the fence has been a white elephant with barbs. One, it collapses under the weight of tons of snow every year. Two, it costs the earth to build, rebuild and maintain. Three, it doesnt seem to have made very much difference to stemming infiltration. Since it came down every winter and was rebuilt every summer, the construction of the fence has been something of a continuing process a very costly one. That should have been predictable when the idea was conceived. For most parts of the LoC get up to ten metres (30 feet) of snow every winter more than enough to push those fences into the ground. Since they could only be rebuilt when the snow melted after April, reconstruction generally continued until September every year. Multi-layered fence The current fences consist of barbed wire strands and coils. The strands are strung along high iron girders. A few of those strands are electrified. The coils are lower but far more forbidding, since there are barbs all over their bunched strands. At most places along the LoC, the fence is actually a series of two or three fences, placed some distance apart. The calculation is that invaders who get past one fence might get caught or held up at the next one. Even the first fence is well within the Indian side of the LoC. Construction and repair right at the LoC would be fraught with danger, since Pakistani bunkers and machans could open fire at any point. Work on the new fence has gone well this year in both Baramulla and Kupwara districts, despite the armys preoccupation with external and internal strife. The army brass are confident that the entire length of about 300 kilometres would be covered over the next two summers. The new fence has stronger supports and includes cement grouting to help hold firm. The engineering challenge is huge, in light of heavy snowfall every winter. The sheer weight of the snow brings down the wire strands and girders. To be sure, even the old fences do look forbidding. But it has become obvious over the past couple of years that their effectiveness is limited. Large numbers of militants are reported to have crossed over during the past couple of years. The army estimates that a hundred militants got through during the first ten months of this year, three times more than the entire year 2015. First real test This is the first time the fences have faced a real test since they were built from 2003-04. The mobilization of troops right along the international borders in Punjab and Rajasthan, by India and then by Pakistan too, throughout 2002 had forced Pakistan to severely curtail infiltration. The two armies had been in eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation following the attack on Parliament House in December 2001. After the armies were pulled back, Prime Minister AB Vajpayee reached out to make peace with Pakistan in April 2003. Pakistan responded at the end of that year and a potentially historic breakthrough was agreed at Saarcs Islamabad summit in January 2004. As peace talks made tremendous headway over the next couple of years, the militancy which had begun in 1988 petered out around 2006. Already, fighting in those last years had been limited largely to those who had already been in the field by the end of the 1990s; not much infiltration was attempted after the end of 2001. Ineffective, and too late When there was massive infiltration, throughout the 1990s, there was no fence. Thousands of Kashmiris crossed both ways in peak months such as April 1990. The proportion of Pakistani and other foreign militants expanded from December 1992 on, until it was more or less a proxy war during the decade from 1996 to 2006, with Kashmiri militants playing largely supportive roles. The current militancy began around 2009, when police atrocities, administrative unresponsiveness, religious radicalization, and a well-orchestrated `narrative caused a few Kashmiri boys of the generation born during the earlier round of militancy to go underground. These generally 'snatched' a weapon from a police or paramilitary soldier, but did not cross the LoC for training. For example, the internet-based star, Hizb-ul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, never apparently crossed the LoC. Nor did he or his young Kashmiri comrades do much as militants, compared with those who have infiltrated from Pakistan to join them. Even three years ago, the army brass and New Delhis high profile 'strategic thinkers' were oblivious to new infiltration. They insisted there was none. Meanwhile, the ineffective fence kept coming down annually, and getting rebuilt; large amounts were happily spent. Now that infiltration has become far too obvious to miss, lets hope the new design is effective and thus worth the huge cost and effort. Heres some sobering news for those who like to stock liquor at home: it cannot be more than two bottles anymore in Maharashtra. Though, it is indeed a fact that a while ago the policy had been relaxed and was in force till Saturday. Two Marathi newspapers, Pudhari and Loksatta cited V Radha, the state excise commissioner as saying the tightening of the recently-relaxed rule was already in force. She was on a visit to Ralegansidhi for consultations with Anna Hazare. Firstpost has not verified this independently. The relaxed rules had allowed storing 48 beer bottles of 650ml each or 24 wine bottles (750ml) or 16 hard liquor bottles (750 ml) at home for a month. Permit holders were combination of all three categories, provided the total content in all bottles put together does not exceed 12 units of pure spirits. Apparently, this was a response to anti-liquor civic society, which had feared that kind of stocking would amount to virtually converting a home into a liquor store of sorts and encourage alcoholism. Hazare is one of the key leaders of anti-alcohol campaigns. While 'reforming' the village he now lives in, he was not averse to thrashing alcoholics; booze was banned by him stocking, selling, or consuming. He has been pressing for such a policy across the state, but prohibition is unlikely for now. Probably he is agreeable to limiting consumption. This points to a clear series of flipflops, welcomed in some quarters and frowned at in others, depending on who likes liquor and who doesnt. The Congress-NCP government had set the limit to two units a week, that is, eight units a month. Incumbent government brought back the 12-unit limit allowed some five years back. Since Morarji Desais time, Mumbai and Maharashtra have had the permit method where a drinker needed one on health grounds to consumer it. They were served in bars which came to be known as permit rooms but it was a lax system. Later, bars were allowed to issue temporary one-day permits too, making the medical requirement a farce. The states excise revenue is high, at upwards of Rs 13,500 crore and another Rs 80,000 crore by way of VAT, in the previous fiscal, according to Livemint, which it can ill-afford to forego mainly because, as in virtually every state, the resources are inefficiently managed, building up huge debts. This new restriction could dent the revenues. A unit is equal to a litre of country liquor or IMFL with a pure spirit content of about 40 percent. Beer and wine have lesser content, of 12-13 percent and proportionately, the unit is calculated. This is a useful formula: multiply the standard millilitre unit fixed by 12 permissible units, then divide it by the number by the quantity of bottles in millilitres. The two newspapers reported that steps were afoot to strengthen the gram suraksha dal by giving them a legal status so they could help enforce official restrictions on storage, which implies also consumption control. If there are complaints against illicit distillation, complaints could be lodged on toll-free 180008333333 or by WhatApp to 8422001133, Loksatta said. The issues plaguing Balochistan gained prominence in the public discourse following Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech on Independence Day, in which he empathised with the people there and vowed to extend support to the troubled country. Modis words have resonated as various leaders of the Balochistan independence struggle have found a prospective ally in India. One such leader, Naela Qadri Baloch, now views the struggle with renewed hope. Naela is a writer, filmmaker and president of the World Baroch Women Forum. However, she maintains that her struggle for liberation is not limited to women but extends to all quarters of Balochistan. She began her activism by leading the Baloch student organisation during Benazir Bhuttos campaign to liberalise Balochistan. However, she went on to escape the country and has been living in political asylum in Canada since 2012. Naela recently participated in a panel discussion titled 'Balochistan: Strategic Importance in Regional Security' in Mumbai. Excerpts from her comments on stage and an exclusive interview with Firstpost before the event: Could you give us a glimpse of the ground reality in Balochistan? Balochistan is one big concentration camp. Just like how the Nazis were wiped out by killing and torturing them, Balochistan is also suffering the same fate at the hands of the Pakistan army. Balochs are tortured, their body organs are snatched out of their bodies and they are left to die a slow death. To what extent is the Pakistani establishment military and civilian government involved in the situation there? The pain that is being inflicted on the Balochs are not at the hands of some terrorist organization like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. What does ISIS have to do with Balochistan? Is Syria and Iraq not enough for them? It is the Pakistani army which is carrying out these brutal activities in Balochistan. Yes, it is the army. Can you imagine the army of your country coming down to hunt you? The army protects all the projects that China is executing in Balochistan. Balochs are forbidden from even loitering around these projects. During the launch of one of such projects, everyone including the Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was present. But Balochistan did not have even a single representative. We have no role to play in 'our development as they just want to exploit Balochistan for its gold, oil and marine life. We are done with the drama that the Pakistan government indulges in after every terror attack. The fact is that they fund each and every terrorist group on earth. You name it and they are there! Pakistan creates terror, sells it and then plays the victim card. As far as China is concerned, it is the Chinese who trained the Pakistan army to torture us. No Baloch freedom fighter has managed to return since 2008. But prior to that, those who did, including my husband, remember distinctly that the Chinese were also present in the Pakistan army camps, where they were held. What are the chief demands of the Balochis? Our only demand is independence. Pakistan is not made as a peace-loving country. They just know how to inflict torture. The only choice we are left with is to fight. Either we will embrace death or make our country independent. There are animals who have become extinct without knowledge of the fact that they are endangered. The world knows that we are endangered. Yet, it is silent. So we will fight till the last Baloch lives. We have never accepted slavery. We saved Gwada from Vasco da Gama twice. We still have the canons and guns of the Portugese as souvenirs with us. Even the British could never conquer us. But they managed to divide us by bribing the tribal community. The tribal sardars are the cheapest commodity of Balochistan. What sort of assistance do Balochis seek from India, particularly its government? It is time that India stands by Balochistan. It should serve a litmus test of nationalism for everyone, particularly the youth. If someone claims to be a nationalist in India, they should stand by Balochistan. The Indian government, media, think tanks and youth must come out in support of Balochistan. This is the time to isolate Pakistan. I am glad that Narendra Modi brought up the issue in his speech. But speaking is not enough. We need more planned surgical strikes in Pakistan. Why do you think it took until this year's 15 August speech by Modi to raise the issue of Balochistan? Balochistan was always under a black cloth. People in India did not even know the gravity of the tension here. When Pakistan occupied us in 1948, we even turned to then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for help. But at that time, even India was dealing with its own issues as it had just attained freedom. But even years later, when I came to India after 2000, they refused to grant any aid as they did not want to interfere in the internal issue of Pakistan. But the fact remains that it was Pakistan which interfered in our internal issue. When I sought support in India, everyone in Pakistan laughed at us. They even tortured our men dubbing them as R&AW agents. This is the first time that India has responded to our call. We are so humbled that one of our men even offered to donate his kidney to Sushma Swaraj, the minister of External Affairs. What are your biggest concerns vis-a-vis the impact of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor on Balochistan and its people? China and Pakistan have carried out five nuclear tests in the gold mines of Balochistan. We are not allowed to go near those sites. Similarly, even the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a strategic project. It is not a development project. China just wants to encircle India from all sides from the north-east through Arunachal Pradesh, from the south through the South China Sea and now from the north-west through Rajasthan, Gujarat and nearby areas. Balochistan is just a victim in Chinas efforts to contain India. Have the Balochs received support from groups within Pakistan? The Balochs had a support system in certain sections of the Pakistani media, particularly the newspaper Dawn. But the Pakistan establishment silenced them. In fact, Dawn published its newspaper without advertisements for several days. Instead of the advertisements, they had a note printed on the front page which stated: `There are no advertisements because the Pakistani government has ensured that we do not get any. Eventually, even they had to give in. Now, Pakistani media is not allowed to seek information on the sea pact, the road construction or any 'development project for that matter, in the name of threat to national security. But what about our security? There seems to be a consensus that the latest demonitisation move by the Modi government is not enough to eradicate the disease of black money in the country. The eradication needs more measures, the most important being issues of the funding of political parties (political funding) and the public funding (state funding) of elections. Perhaps, this was in the mind of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he said the on the eve of the ongoing winter session of Parliament that he was open to the idea of state funding of elections in the country. However, the Prime Minister should realise that State-funding of elections will be an incomplete exercise in the absence of a transparent system. Because both the issues are interrelated: political transparency in the country involves both political funding and electoral funding. Once political parties make public, details of who gives them money and how much, the process will have an undoubted restraining influence on their electoral expenses. And once electoral expenses come down, the state may find it feasible to finance the elections, thereby eliminating the ever-growing evil influence of money and muscle on the electoral outcomes. Political funding has another aspect which, generally, is not taken much note of. And that is the fact that political parties need funds not just to contest elections, but to maintain their establishments. Because, with the Indian polity becoming highly competitive, political parties can no longer afford to come in contact with people only during elections. They have to be in touch with people all the time. This process has become highly complex and, hence, needs money, which cannot be met from the public exchequer. There is thus the need for a comprehensive system of regulations that will ensure the disclosure of the private sources of finance and setting a maximum limit for it rather than banning it outright. It is not that attempts have not been made in India in the past in political funding and public funding of elections. In 1968, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had banned corporate funding of political parties. However, in 1985, the Companies Act was amended to allow corporate donations to political parties under certain conditions, the important one being that companies could donate a maximum of five percent of their average net profit over the previous three years, subject to approval by the board of directors and disclosure in the profit and loss account statement in the audited annual accounts of the company. Under the VP Singh regime, then Law Minister Dinesh Goswami had come up with many suggestions regarding political and electoral reforms. One of them was some limited state funding in the form of partial support in kind for vehicle fuel, rental charges for microphones, issuance of voter identity slips and additional copies of the electoral rolls. The Goswami Committee also advocated a ban on corporate donations to political parties. Similar suggestions were also given in 1998 by a parliamentary committee under the chairmanship of late Home Minister Indrajit Gupta. But the one suggestion that was implemented by the government it was a partial subsidy to the political parties was that it allocated free time for seven national and 34 state parties on the state-owned television and radio networks for electioneering. Airtime was distributed on the basis of a formula based on a certain minimum time topped up by additional time in proportion to vote share in the last elections. The Gupta Committee had recommended that all parties receiving a state subsidy should receive donations above Rs 10,000 by cheques/bank drafts. For the funding of elections, it had suggested the creation of a separate election fund to which the central and state governments would together contribute Rs 6,000 million annually. However, nothing came of it as most of the state governments expressed their inability to do so. Interestingly, the Gupta Committee had not made any specific recommendation on the advisability of allowing corporate donations to political parties. It may be noted that last significant changes on the subject were made by the NDA government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2003. Accordingly, company and individual contributions to a political party became 100 percent tax-deductible (subject to the limits of 5 percent of average net profit over past three years). It also became mandatory for political parties to submit to the Election Commission a list of donations they received of over Rs 20,000, in order to be exempted from income tax. Outside spending by parties and independent supporters during elections were now to be reported by the candidate and counted for the purpose of the expenditure ceiling (travel costs for a recognised national partys top 40 leaders, and a registered state partys top 20 leaders, to a candidates constituency during an election campaign were, however, not to be counted as part of a candidates expenditure). Another significant change in the 2003 law was that a candidates expenditure ceiling increased to Rs 2.5 million for a Lok Sabha election and Rs 1 million for an assembly election. This limit was further raised in 2011 to Rs 4 million and Rs 1.6 million for the Lok Sabha and Assembly election respectively. It is not that attempts have not been made in India in the past in political funding and public funding of elections Be that as it may, existing laws and regulations concerning Indian political parties are not adequate enough to ensure financial transparency. The five percent limits of corporate financing is grossly inadequate, something the Manmohan Singh government wanted to change but did not. Existing partial and state help to the parties during elections (preparing the voter-list, free air time and conduct of elections) are neither here nor there. Secondly, the absence of public funding means (something that exists substantially in all the West European countries such as Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands), parties and candidates continue to raise and spend money on their own, and, in the process, depend on the unaccounted contributions and kickbacks from the businessmen, who, in turn, need friendly political parties/governments for "regulatory" and "allocative" favours (plethora of rules while starting a business, particularly in acquisition of land and the environmental clearance). And the whole process becomes all the more vicious when there is no effective system of internal democracy, transparency, and accountability within our political parties. Of course, it is a fact that no country has so far evolved a perfect system on political funding. We know how expensive the elections in the United States are. Here, the candidates, rather than parties, are collecting funds individually (funding to the parties does not exceed eight percent of the expenditures incurred by the candidates). And this has been particularly so after the famous Buckley vs. Valeo decision of the US Supreme Court in 1976 that overturned the then federal law of limiting campaign spending, specifically the third party campaign contributions (directly to the candidates) and activity. The Courts ruling was based on the rationale that any limit on individual expenditure is violative of free speech under the First Amendment of the US Constitution. However, the redeeming feature in the American system is that it is still more transparent than ours in the sense that all contributions there above certain low limits have to be disclosed by the recipients and donors. The British system, which has influenced ours, should be more relevant to us as the parties in Britain, as in India, play a much larger role than individuals. In 1997, the British government set up a committee under the chairmanship of Lord Neil of Bladen to study the entire gamut of funding political parties. The committee came out with its report in 1998 and the British government accepted most of its recommendations. It put a ban on the foreign donations to political parties and made it mandatory for the parties to declare the donations at the level of 5,000 pounds or above. Political parties were barred from rejecting donations from anonymous sources or from a person not registered as a voter in the United Kingdom or from a group or company not incorporated in the United Kingdom. However, it was not enough. In November 2011, the Committee on Standards on Public Life, chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly, published a report on "Political Party Finance. Ending the big donor culture". The report made five main recommendations: (a) Contribution limit of 10,000 pounds per donor, party and year; (b) this limit should not apply to affiliated trade union affiliation fees if such fees are raised by an "opt in"; (c) existing limits for campaign spending should be cut by about 15 percent; (d) in addition to the present "policy development grant" eligible parties should be granted public funding at the rate of 3 pounds per vote in Westminster elections and 1.50 pound per vote in devolved and European elections; (e) income tax relief should be available for donations up to 1,000 pounds and membership fees to political parties. Many of the recommendations above are relevant in the Indian context too. Of course, every country has to take into account its own political circumstance and history while learning any lesson from abroad. What we need is a balanced package of measures so that the system of funding of political parties and elections is not abused. For a beginning, as Professors MV Rajeev Gowda and E. Sridharan have argued, our political parties should learn "to rely more on grassroots small-sum donors, which tends to make them more internally democratic and transparent" and the government "to introduce public funding of parties in proportion to the amounts they raise openly from identified small-sum private donors". According to them, "State funding based on a transparent formula might encourage a shift towards broad based, small-sum, grassroots financing of parties. It could also lead to greater membership participation and internal democracy. To promote these ends, we suggest that public funding be conditional on parties adherence to internal democracy, transparency and accountability; otherwise, the existing party leadership can be expected to deploy public funds for their discretionary use." There could be other ways for a beginning too as long as the key opens the door of transparency. By Jeff Mason | LIMA LIMA Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Saturday for a "smooth transition" in Beijing's relationship with Washington and praised outgoing President Barack Obama for strengthening ties between the two nations.During a meeting in Peru, Obama again urged all sides in the dispute over the South China Sea to reduce tensions and resolve their disputes peacefully.He also encouraged China to advance economic reforms, including a transition to a market-determined currency exchange rate.The meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific forum is expected to be the last between the two leaders before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House. Trump has been sharply critical of China."We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship," Xi said at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter."I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward," he said.Trump, a Republican, has accused China of being a currency manipulator and promised to slap big tariffs on imported Chinese goods. He has called climate change a "hoax" designed to help Beijing. "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," Trump wrote in a tweet in 2012.Obama and Xi pushed for an international agreement forged in Paris to combat global warming. Obama called that an example of the benefits of the two countries working together. "Now we face the work of making sure our economies transition to become more sustainable," he said.Trump's election has raised questions about whether the United States would try to pull out of the accord, a key legacy accomplishment for Obama, a Democrat. China also helped negotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, another big piece of Obama's foreign policy that Trump has threatened to dismantle."I would like to work with Mr. Trump to expand our two countries' bilateral, regional and global cooperation, control our differences in a constructive manner, and together achieve wins without conflict or confrontation and with mutual respect," Xi said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.Obama did not mention Trump in his remarks in front of reporters. "Mr. President, I would like to commend you for the active efforts you've made to grow this relationship," Xi said to Obama.Obama noted that the two leaders would discuss areas of disagreement, including "the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights," he said."I continue to believe that a constructive U.S.-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said.The two leaders addressed the threat of North Koreas efforts to advance its nuclear weapons, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the White House said. Obama also raised the issue of excess capacity in industrial sectors including steel, the White House said, and urged the rapid launch of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, in line with a G20 leaders agreement in Hangzhou, China. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten in Beijing; Editing by Mary Milliken and David Gregorio) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Mohammed al-Ramahi and Azad Lashkari | BASHIQA, Iraq BASHIQA, Iraq The bells have rung out after two years of silence in the Mar Korkeis church in the town of Bashiqa, some 15 km (10 miles) north of Mosul, Islamic State's last major city stronghold in Iraq.Kurdish Peshmerga fighters retook the town on Nov. 7, ending two years of rule by the hardline Sunni group which persecuted Christians and other minorities in the Nineveh plains, one of the world's oldest centres of Christianity.Women trilled to celebrate the moment when a new crucifix was erected on the church, replacing one that was broken by the Islamic State militants.The town is largely empty as the Peshmerga have not finished clearing explosives and mines left behind by the insurgents in their fight against U.S.-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces who launched an offensive on Mosul on Oct. 17."We want people to be patient and not to return here until we completely clear the area, as we want to ensure their safety," said Peshmerga Brigadier General Mahram Yasin. After seizing the Nineveh plains in 2014, Islamic State issued an ultimatum to Christians: pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die by the sword. Most abandoned their homes and fled to the nearby autonomous Kurdish region.The priest at the Mar Korkeis church, Father Afram, said he would prefer Bashiqa to remain under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and not revert to the Iraqi central government in Baghdad, about 400 km (250 miles) to the south. "Of course we would prefer to be part of the KRG, because of our proximity to the area and because, for the past 13 years, the regional government has been looking after us," he said."Nobody from Baghdad came here to say hello, at all," since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he said. Christianity in northern Iraq dates back to the first century AD. The number of Christians has fallen sharply during the violence which followed the 2003 toppling of Hussein, and Islamic State's takeover of Mosul two years ago saw the city purged of Christians for the first time in two millennia.From a Mosul mosque in 2014 Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria. The recapture of Mosul would mark the effective defeat of the group in Iraq. (Writing by Saif Hameed; editing by Jason Neely) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Adama Diarra and Souleymane Ag Anara | BAMAKO/GAO BAMAKO/GAO Malians burned ballot boxes and protested against long-delayed local elections this weekend to fill posts left vacant in the north since Islamist militants hijacked a 2012 Tuareg rebellion and ousted the government.The jihadists were driven out a year later by a French-led military operation, but have continued to launch strikes on army and U.N. targets from their desert bases and have intensified their insurgency in recent months and spread further south.Opposition parties as well as a medley of armed groups participating in a U.N.-led peace process have criticised Sunday's poll, pointing to deep divisions still affecting the former French colony three years after the war.While locals formed orderly lines outside of polling booths in the capital Bamako, voting was cancelled in districts around Timbuktu after ballot boxes were burned by unidentified armed men, residents and officials said."The current situation is not right for elections because the majority of our population are scattered in different refugee camps," said Amgar Ag Yehia, a Timbuktu resident who boycotted the vote. "If the government does not cancel the elections, the risk is that the (security) situation gets even worse," he added.On a main road near the entry to the northern town of Gao, locals had gathered stones and aligned them to read "No elections here", forcing cars to drive around them.In Kidal, 250 kilometres to the north in a region that Tuareg separatists call "Azawad", Tuareg women draped in colourful cloth marched in the streets for the second day. "No elections in Azawad before the appointment of intermediary authorities," said one of their signs, referring to a timeline they say was previously agreed as part of the U.N.-led peace process."We have already delayed these elections four times so that they can be inclusive and four times is enough," President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita told reporters after voting on Sunday. Mali's constitution bars further delays. The opposition Union for the Republic and Democracy party denounced what it called fraud in the vote preparations that it said would benefit Keita's government. A government spokesman was not immediately available to comment on the allegations.United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement late on Saturday asking the Malian government to "pursue a constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to defuse tensions that may arise before and after the poll".The United Nations has deployed a 13,000-strong peacekeeping mission to help stabilise Mali but it is often the target of attacks and has reported more than 100 fatalities. (Reporting by Souleymane Ag Anara in Gao and Adama Diarra in Bamako; Editing by Tom Heneghan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Struggling with an Addiction? Whether you're struggling with an addiction, becoming sober, or further along your recovery journey, learning the facts about addiction can be an valuable step in the process. Get started here. We know some visitors come to the website because a domain name leads them to here. If you are interested in buying The good times just keep on rolling for the marijuana industry. Heading into Election Day, half of the country had already legalized medical marijuana, while four states (Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska), along with Washington, D.C., had legalized the purchase of recreational pot for adults ages 21 and up. The rapid expansion of marijuana approvals in recent years can be attributed to a major shift in public opinion toward weed. In the mid-1990s, just a quarter of respondents in Gallup's annual poll wanted to see marijuana legalized nationally. Today, that figure stands at 60%, an all-time high. By a similar token, 84% of Americans in a 2015 CBS News poll said they'd like to see medical cannabis legalized nationally. This changing opinion of cannabis has led to a "green revolution" -- and some very rapid growth rates for the industry. ArcView Market Research anticipates growth of 30% per year through the end of the decade for the legal pot industry, while investment company Cowen & Co. recently released a report that suggests legal marijuana could explode from a $6 billion industry today to a $50 billion industry by 2026. This works out to a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%. In order for these growth rates to become a reality, a majority of the nine marijuana initiatives and amendments being voted on this year had to pass -- and that's exactly what happened on Election Day. Here's how cannabis fared on Election Day The only initiative to fail was Arizona's Prop 205, which seemed like a long shot to pass anyhow in a traditionally Republican state. Still, the recreational marijuana measure only failed to pass by 2%, meaning a few years from now Arizonans could have legal weed in their state. The remainder of the initiatives mostly passed with ease. For recreational marijuana: California's Prop 64 won approval with 56% of the vote. Massachusetts' Question 4 passed with 54% of the vote. Nevada's Question 2 legalized recreational pot with 55% of the vote. Maine's Question 1 squeaked by with 50.2% of the vote, a 2,600-vote margin. For medical marijuana: Florida's Amendment 2 received 71% of the vote, more than the required 60% to change the state's constitution. North Dakota's Measure 5 won in a landslide with 64% of the vote. Arkansas's Issue 6 erased a previous defeat in 2012 and won with 53% of the vote. Montana's Initiative 182 passed with 58% of the vote, thus repealing constraints put in place by Senate Bill 423 on the state's medical marijuana industry. It was very close to being a clean sweep for weed. The marijuana movement continues to gather steam, with 28 states now having legalized medical marijuana and eight having legalized recreational marijuana. Here's where marijuana is currently legal, courtesy of Statista. Image source: Statista. Marijuana marches on, but investors are still being left behind The fact that eight out of nine states wound up passing the marijuana initiatives or amendments is great news for the industry and suggestive that growth will continue. However, these approvals haven't changed the outlook for investors one iota. They're still largely on the outside looking in. Even with so many states now looking "green," marijuana remains an illicit schedule 1 substance at the federal level, which comes with some inherent disadvantages for the businesses themselves. For example, cannabis companies are still largely struggling to get basic financial services ranging from a line of credit to a simple checking account. At last check, just 3% of the roughly 6,700 banks in the U.S. were willing to work with marijuana companies. Despite some states have workarounds in place, these financial institutions fear the potential for federal prosecution down the road since they're insured by the FDIC and marijuana remains illegal federally. This essentially means most pot companies are being forced to deal with cash, which is a security risk and an expansionary inhibitor. Corporate income taxes are another big issue for pot businesses. Practically every company in the U.S. is allowed to take normal business deductions -- but not marijuana companies. Because they sell a federally illicit substance, U.S. Tax Code 280E prohibits them from taking normal business deduction, leading to them paying tax on their gross profits instead of net profits. Having less money left over after taxes also constrains expansion. Beyond these disadvantages, the cannabis industry is also stuck in somewhat of a catch-22. If marijuana remains federally illegal, then its expansion remains limited by state approvals. This is troublesome because there are about two dozen states that don't have access to the initiative and referendum process (I&R). The I&R process means it's up to state legislators to approve marijuana initiatives, and a number of the non-approved states are led by Republicans who, in general, don't favor marijuana's expansion. In other words, medical marijuana's expansion could be nearing a plateau, while recreational marijuana's expansion could slow down within a few years. On the other hand, if marijuana is rescheduled and deemed to have medical benefits, it would place weed under the strict regulations of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA can regulate marketing and packaging, would be expected to closely monitor the growing and processing of pot, and most importantly could require that costly clinical trials be run to confirm the medical benefits of marijuana. Long story short, the industry could be buried by costs and regulations. Though marijuana's expansion has been an exciting thing to watch to the majority of Americans who support it, investors would be smart to stick to the sidelines and allow this industry to mature before they consider putting their hard-earned money to work. If they don't, their investment could go up in smoke. President-elect Donald Trump said he "worked hard" to keep a Ford (F 0.22%) factory from moving to Mexico. But media reports said on Friday that Trump's statement wasn't true, that Ford never intended to move the factory. It's true that Ford never planned to move the factory. But it's also true that there was some basis for Trump's statement. Here's the story. Ford was never going to move this factory to Mexico First, some background. The factory in question is Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant, in Kentucky. The Louisville factory makes two products: the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC crossover SUVs. Here's the president-elect's tweet from Thursday night. I worked hard with Bill Ford to keep the Lincoln plant in Kentucky. I owed it to the great State of Kentucky for their confidence in me! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2016 Is it incorrect? Technically, yes. Ford had never considered moving the factory to Mexico. Even if Ford wanted to do that (which it doesn't), such a move would effectively be impossible under the company's current agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which represents Ford's hourly workers at the factory. But Donald Trump wasn't exactly wrong, either Ford did consider moving production of the MKC elsewhere. Not to cut U.S. jobs, but so that it could make more Escapes at the Louisville plant. For a while, Ford was selling all of the Escapes it could make in the U.S., and dealers were clamoring for more. During contract negotiations last year, Ford had given the UAW a heads-up that it might move MKC production to another plant. It didn't say where, and it was presented as a possibility, not a definite plan. Ford now says that it had planned to move production of the MKC, and it confirmed that its factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico was the likely destination. But, according to Ford spokesperson Christin Baker, Ford changed its mind. Baker confirmed that Ford told Trump that the MKC would stay in Louisville, and that Bill Ford had spoken to Trump on Thursday. Late on Friday afternoon, the UAW and Ford released a joint statement saying that the change in place was due to "changing business conditions" and that "our president-elect tweeted about this on Thursday evening after Bill Ford spoke with him and let him know of the change in plans." So what really happened? Ford concluded that it didn't need the added production capacity for the Escape right now, because the U.S. new-car market is slowing a bit. It decided to let Donald Trump know, probably as a way of extending an olive branch -- and Trump garbled the message somewhat in his tweet. The real story here is that the president-elect was tough on Ford during his campaign, and the Blue Oval has been working to build a better relationship with Trump and his incoming administration. Ford will want to have Trump's ear when it comes time to review U.S. fuel-economy regulations next year -- and if or when Trump tries to deliver on his promise to overhaul or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would be an expensive mess for Ford. Long story short: Things didn't happen quite the way Trump said they did. But I suspect the Blue Oval was happy to hand Donald Trump the appearance of a victory now, in hopes that Trump's administration will hear Ford's concerns later on. Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported that Ford had told the UAW that production of the Lincoln MKC might move out of the country. The Motley Fool regrets the error. California has one of the higher state income tax rates in the nation, especially for high earners. There are nine different California tax brackets ranging from 1% to 12.3%, plus an additional 1% surcharge on incomes above $1 million. Fortunately, there are some tax credits you might be able to take advantage of to help reduce your tax bill. Child care expenses could be a big credit The Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit is well-known on the federal level, and is worth from 20% to 35% of up to $3,000 in qualifying expenses for one child, or up to $6,000 in expenses for two or more children. Qualifying expenses include day care, after-school care, in-home nannies, and day camp, just to name a few. In addition to the federal credit, California offers its own Child and Dependent Care Expenses credit. Most requirements are the same. For example, the child or dependent must be under 13 years of age or a disabled spouse, and the expenses must have been incurred so you could work or look for work. The dependent must have lived with you for more than half of the year, and the taxpayer must have earned income for the year to qualify. Unlike the federal credit, however, it is limited to a maximum adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 and the care must have been provided within the state of California. The credit is worth a certain percentage of the Federal credit, depending on your income. Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) California CDC Credit $40,000 or less 50% of federal credit $40,001-$70,000 43% of federal credit $70,001-$100,000 34% of federal credit Over $100,000 No credit For example, if your AGI is $80,000 in 2016 and you paid $6,000 in child care expenses for two children, this would translate to a federal tax credit of $1,200 (20% of the expenses). From the chart above, you can see that California will give you 34% of your federal credit amount, which in this case works out to $408. Do you pay rent? If you pay rent in California and owe state income tax, the Nonrefundable Renter's Credit could put some money back in your pocket. This isn't a huge credit -- it's worth $60 for single taxpayers and $120 for married taxpayers filing a joint return or those filing with head of household status. However, when it comes to your tax refund, every little bit helps. To qualify, you must have been a California resident for the entire year, and must have paid rent for at least half of the year at a property that was your primary residence, located within the state. Your California adjusted gross income (AGI) for the year must be $38,259 if you're single or $76,518 if you're married filing jointly or head of household. Minors or taxpayers who lived with someone who claimed them as a dependent are not eligible. How much could California tax breaks mean to you? This isn't meant to be an exhaustive list, as there are several more credits and deductions you might be able to take advantage of. Check out the California Franchise Tax Board's website for information on deductions and credits you may be able to take, and as always, consult a tax professional if you're not certain whether you qualify for any of them. Last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service, nearly 149 million taxpayers filed federal income tax returns, yielding more than $1.75 trillion in income for the government. Despite these enormous figures, about 80% of taxpayers who filed federal returns also received refunds. You could rightly say that tax time is a period of forced savings for many Americans. However, with President-elect Donald Trump readying to take office in two months, tax policy in America could be nearing a shift. Not only has Trump proposed an overhaul of the U.S. tax code, but he'll also be working with a Republican-led Congress. It's pretty rare for an incoming president to have a unified Congress of the same party. In other words, tax changes are probably a matter of "when" not "if" at this point. Trump lays out his vision for individual and corporate taxation Trump's revised tax proposal, released during the summer, calls for a simplification of the individual income tax schedule from seven brackets to three. For added context, here's what the current individual tax brackets look like: And here's what they'd look like if Donald Trump gets his revised proposal through Congress: According to Trump, who also aims to axe the Alternative Minimum Tax, estate tax, and gift tax, Americans from top to bottom are going to save money under his tax plan. On paper it would make sense to put more money into the pockets of consumers since we're a consumption-driven economy. If consumers have more money, they'll be more likely to spend it. Trump also wants to completely reform corporate income taxes. With the exception of Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. has the highest marginal corporate income tax rate in the world. Trump's belief is that restrictive corporate taxes are inhibiting hiring and business reinvestment. By lowering the tax rate from 35% to 15%, he'll presumably allow U.S. corporations to be more competitive globally, pumping up the U.S. growth rate in the process. According to Trump, if the full scope of his tax plan were implemented along with other proposals that include $1 trillion in infrastructure spending over 10 years, America could grow its GDP by as much as 4% per year. Trump's tax plan could have numerous flaws Though it's possible Trump could be right, there are a number of potential flaws with Trump's tax plan as it stands now. 1. It could increase income inequality Perhaps the biggest concern with Trump's tax plan is what it might do to further income inequality in America. An analysis by the Tax Policy Center found that the bulk of the benefit would be felt by upper-income earners. The bottom 80% of income earners would see an effective marginal income tax cut of between 0.6% and 1.7%. For a family earning between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, we're talking about a tax cut of about $560. That's certainly better than nothing, but it's minuscule compared to the tax breaks seen in the upper quintile. The Tax Policy Center's analysis suggests that the top 20% of income earners will see an effective marginal tax reduction of 3.2%, the top 1% will see their effective marginal tax drop 6.5%, and the top 0.1% could net a 7.3% effective marginal tax decrease. Per Lily Batchelder, a law professor at New York University and visiting fellow at the Tax Policy Center, "A millionaire... would get an average tax cut of $317,000." Growing income inequality could have adverse effects on society. Most notably, the gap between healthcare and education among the rich and poor could widen. Lower-income folks may not have the financial capacity to seek preventative medical care, or they may not be able to afford college or a trade school to get the skills needed for socioeconomic advancement. Well-to-do individuals and families don't have these financial constraints, thus they often have the educational credentials needed to get higher paying entry-level jobs, and they tend to live longer than lower-income individuals since they have regular access to preventative care. Trump's tax plan could be a hard sell to the American people given the lopsided benefits for the richest Americans. 2. It'll likely increase our national debt A second worry with Trump's tax plan is that it could balloon our already climbing national debt, which currently stands at more than $19.8 trillion. On one hand, reducing individual and corporate tax rates and financing a $1 trillion spending plan in infrastructure over 10 years sounds great. It would presumably put more money back in the pockets of businesses and consumers, create new jobs, and lead to faster GDP growth than we're experiencing now. But the other side of the coin is that it would almost assuredly reduce the amount of tax revenue collected by the federal government. On a static basis, an analysis conducted by the Tax Foundation estimated a 10-year reduction in tax revenue collection of between $4.4 trillion and $5.9 trillion. On a dynamic basis, which factors in the expectation of higher GDP growth and a broader tax base, the net effect is a $2.6 trillion to $3.9 trillion federal revenue reduction over the next decade. In other words, national debt could balloon to around $25 trillion, including regular budget deficits, by 2025. It's worth noting that not all debt is necessarily bad. But if the federal government allows the national debt to get out of hand, then the percentage of the federal budget being apportioned to service that debt could grow. If this were to happen it could choke some of the most vital social programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and it could cause the federal government to drastically pull back on its reinvestment plans in infrastructure and other areas of the economy. 3. Certain businesses may receive little help A final issue with Trump's tax plan is that it won't help all types of businesses. Though the corporate tax rate would be expected to fall to 15%, certain types of pass-through firms, such as partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships, would be facing the top individual corporate tax rate of 33%. In other words, Trump's tax plan isn't very friendly to certain types of small businesses, while at the same time it's bending over backwards to help domestic large corporations. However, these same large corporations could get the shaft if they operate overseas. Part of Trump's plan includes a special repatriation tax rate of 10% for the nearly $2.5 trillion in corporate profits being held overseas. You might assume once this income is brought back to the U.S. and businesses pay the special 10% rate that would be the end of it. But that's not the case with Trump's proposal. U.S. multinationals could face double taxation since they're already paying tax in the foreign countries they're operating in, and they could be required to pay the new 15% corporate income tax in the U.S. as well. In short, Trump may be overstating the positive impact his tax plan will have on businesses. It's important to keep in mind that what Trump proposed on the campaign trail and what actually gets passed through Congress could be different. This means some of these aforementioned flaws could be resolved in the months and years to come. In the meantime, we can only watch and wait to see what's on Trump's plate once he gets into the Oval Office. American Water Works (NYSE: AWK)stock has poured money into investors' portfolios over the long term.Since it went public in April 2008, it's has returned 350%. That's nearly four times the S&P 500's 91% total return over the same period. American Water -- like many dividend-paying stocks -- has had a sizable price run-up over the last year and half, which has driven up its valuation. While the pullback that began this summer could continue over the medium term, it remains an attractive investment for the long term. Here are 10 reasons to buy American Water and hold it forever. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Potable running water will never become obsolete American Water supplies a product that investors never have to worry might become obsolete or less popular. There are very few products that one can say this about. Tech companies of all stripes could be disrupted. Many consumer product companies are subject to the whims and changing tastes of consumers. 2. The distribution method isn't likely to change Investors in search of a "buy and hold forever" stock also need to consider how likely it is that the way in which a company's product isbrought to end users could be disrupted. Let's take electricity, for example. Like drinkable running water, electricity will never become obsolete. However, that doesn't mean that electric utilities can't be disrupted. In fact, their disruption has already started. We should increasingly see more homeowners going "off the grid" by installing rooftop solar systems coupled with energy storage devices. The distribution system for potable water -- via pipes from a central source -- isn't likely to ever change. Unlike electricity, it's a physical product and a very heavy and high volume one at that. 3. Water has a favorable supply-demand equation Economics 101 tells us that the prices of goods and services are driven by supply and demand, at least over the longer term. The supply-demand equation favors water stocks: The supply of fresh water is limited and could shrink because the Earth has been in a long-term warming trend. Demand for potable water should grow because the population is increasing, and more people in emerging markets are moving into the middle class. And there's one more huge factor that bolsters the favorable equation for providers: Fresh water has no substitutes. 4. Water utilities are natural monopolies There are various ways to invest in water, but a major reason water utilities are attractive is that their core regulated businesses are natural monopolies. A "natural monopoly" is a monopolyin an industry in which high infrastructure costs and other barriers to entryrelative to the size of the market make it very unlikely new competitors will enter it, even if they're legally able to do so. This gives the first company to enter a market a humongous competitive advantage. 5. American Water is the giant in the industry Here's how American Water stacks up to the next two largest players operating in the U.S. -- Aqua America (NYSE: WTR) and American States Water (NYSE: AWR) -- with respect to market caps and balance sheets as of the end of last quarter. (Aqua America had $3.7 million in cash and equivalents; the number is obscured in the chart.) Data by YCharts. That industry-leading size provides it with a significant competitive advantage over its peers in its core regulated business, which accounts for the lion's share of its total earnings. It also provides it with more resources to pursue acquisitions in an extremely fragmented sector. 6. Its geographic diversity is tops The company's industry-leading geographic diversity also provides it with a considerable competitive advantage. It runs water systems in 47 U.S. states and one Canadian province, and operates as a regulated utility in 16 of these states. Aqua America has regulated operations in just eight states, while American States Water has a regulated business only in California. This wide footprint means that American Water can often expand near its existing operations without adding full new work forces. Moreover, this feature makes it less vulnerable to region-specific challenges, such as droughts. 7. American Water has experience in desalination It seems likely that an increasing number of desalination plants -- which convert seawater into drinkable water -- will be built in the U.S., especially in drought-stricken California. If this proves true, American Water's experience in this area could benefit it in several ways. Certainly, experience should help it operate these plants more efficiently. The company operates a desal plant in Tampa, Florida. It also has a desalination project in the works in Monterey, Calif, that's slated to begin operating in late 2019 or early 2020. 8. It has a strong projected growth rate American Water remains on track to meet its long-term goal of growing earnings per share at an average annual rate of between 7% and 10% through 2020. This is strong growth for a utility -- and, indeed, solid growth for any well-established company. 9. It has a conservative dividend policy American Water's target is to pay out between 50% to 60% of its net income in dividends. This conservative policy means that the company's yield -- currently 2.1% -- is traditionally among the lowest in the industry. However, there are upsides for investors other than those whose primary goal is maximizing current income. Maintaining a conservative dividend policy means that American Water has more money available to pursue attractive growth opportunities. Moreover, a conservative dividend policy generally means a company has more room for continued dividend hikes. 10. Its shares have outperformed since its IPO As stated in the opening, American Water stock's total return since its IPO in 2008 is nearly four times the broader market's return, as the chart below shows. The stock has also significantly outperformed Aqua America and American States Water. Data by YCharts. A stock's past performance doesn't guarantee future performance. However, past performance over the long term provides a good indication of a company's sustainable competitive advantages and how successful top management has been at exploiting those advantages. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than American Water Works 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 American Water Works 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 Beth McKenna has no position in any stocks mentioned, though is quite thirsty after writing this article. 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. When investors think about "hot" stocks, they likely think of ones that have posted big gains recently. When they think about "cheap" stocks, they often look at beaten-down ones with low P/E ratios. Image source: Getty Images. But if we look carefully enough, we can still find "hot" stocks that have posted huge gains over the past year but still have low P/E ratios. For this article, I'll examine two stocks that have rallied more than 75% over the past 12 months but still have P/E ratios which are much lower than their industry averages. HPE Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE), which retained Hewlett-Packard's enterprise hardware, software, and services businesses after splitting with HPlast year, rallied more than 75% over the past 12 months. That's surprising, since analysts expect HPE's revenue to fall 1% next year on sluggish enterprise spending, macroeconomic challenges, currency headwinds, and tough competition. However, HPE's rally was mainly fueled by spin-offs and cost-cutting measures. In a surprising move last year, it killed off itspublic cloud platform. Earlier this year, it agreed to spin off and merge its weak IT services business with Computer Science Corp. (NYSE: CSC) in an $8.5 billion deal, and to do the same with its "non-core" assets (application delivery management, big data, and enterprise security) in an $8.8 billion deal withMicro Focus International. It also laid off hundreds of workers, implemented new cost-cutting strategies, and aggressively repurchased stock. Those moves are expected to boost HPE's earnings by 7% next year, but the skeptics believe that this strategy won't generate fresh sales growth for the company. It's moving into higher-growth markets with smaller acquisitions likesupercomputer-maker SGI, but its expansion pales in comparison to that of IBM, which acquired a dozen companies this year. Despite those concerns, HPE remains a very cheap stock at 10 times earnings -- which is much lower than the industry average of 21 for IT services companies. Daqo New Energy Daqo New Energy (NYSE: DQ) is a Chinese polysilicon producer. Its customers process its polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells, and modules for various solar power solutions. The solar industry fell out of favor for many years due to both a brutal price waramong solar cell makers, which sunk price of polysilicon, and low fossil fuel prices making solar power less economically attractive. Image source: Getty Images. Over the past decade, shares of Daqo have also fallen over 90%. But over the past 12 months, the stock has rallied 80%. That's because Daqo generated robust sales growth on big orders from within China, while technical improvements havereduced its production costs to offset polysilicon's price declines. Daqo's revenue rose 17% annually to $54.3 million last quarter, compared to 107% growth in the previous quarter and a 2% decline in the prior-year quarter. Its non-GAAP net income more than doubled to $13.2 million, while its GAAP-adjusted net income more than tripled to $11.3 million. Those year-over-year comparisons sound impressive, but Daqo's overall orders, average selling price, revenue, and net income all still declined sequentially from its strong second quarter. Analysts currently expect Daqo's revenue and earnings to respectively rise 32% and 305% this year. Therefore, the stock's current P/E of 6 -- which is much lower than the industry average of 26 for semiconductor equipment and materials makers -- seems to reflect bearish expectations for the overall solar market instead of any major problems with Daqo's core business. But are HPE and Daqo bargains? Both HPE and Daqo were "hot" because investors liked specific things that they were doing -- like HPE's increased cash flow from its spin-offs, and Daqo's ability to pump out polysilicon with lower production costs. But the stocks also remained "cheap" due to unresolved issues, like HPE's dubious ability to grow its top line and Daqo's to withstand the pressures of the solar market. Therefore, investors should carefully weigh these pros and cons before buying either stock as a value play. 10 stocks we like better than Daqo New Energy 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 Daqo New Energy 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 Leo Sun has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image source: Getty Images. Virginia's top state income tax rate of 5.75% is toward the lower end of states that have an income tax, but with the maximum rate applied to all taxable income above $17,000, it's fair to say that most people will pay this rate. Fortunately, there are several Virginia-specific tax breaks that can save you money, and here are three you definitely don't want to miss. A double tax benefit for college savings An excellent way for Americans to save for college expenses is a 529 savings plan. As I've written before, these plans work like a Roth IRA in the sense that contributions are not deductible on the federal level, but any qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Some states offer additional tax incentives for 529 savers, and Virginia happens to be one of them. The Virginia529 inVEST plan allows contributions of up to $4,000 per account, per year to be excluded from the contributor's Virginia income. This gives participants a double tax benefit, with a deduction on some of their contributions and tax-free withdrawals for qualifying expenses. Virginia's 529 plan has some rather attractive features in addition to the tax benefits. For starters, its $500,000 account limit is among the most generous in the country and should take care of four years' worth of expenses at pretty much any college in the U.S. Additionally, the plan's investment options have relatively low expense ratios in the range of 0.04% to 0.67% and a management fee of just 0.10%, so more of your investment gains stay in your account. Long-term care insurance Virginia offered a tax credit for long-term care insurance premiums, but it was repealed in 2013. Fortunately, these expenses are still deductible from your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) for Virginia state tax purposes. To be eligible for the deduction, the expenses in question must not have already been claimed as a deduction on your federal tax return. Long-term care insurance premiums are considered a medical expense, and all taxpayers who itemize can deduct medical expenses in excess of 10% of their AGI (7.5% if over 65). At Virginia's top tax rate, this implies a discount of $57.50 for every $1,000 in long-term care insurance premiums paid, for most taxpayers. As I've written before, long-term care insurance can be a great idea to protect your retirement savings, even before any tax incentives. Child and dependent care If you were eligible to claim a credit for child and dependent care expenses on your federal tax return, you are also eligible to deduct those expenses on your Virginia state tax return. The limits for the deduction are the same as the limits for the credit -- $3,000 for one dependent, and $6,000 for two or more. Here's an overview of the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and its eligibility requirements, but in a nutshell, the credit is worth 20% to 35% of your qualified expenses, up to the limits. To be eligible, the child must be under 13 years old, and you must be working, looking for work, or attending school full-time while the expenses were incurred. One potential mistake to avoid is entering the federal credit amount on your Virginia return instead of your actual child care expenses. For example, if your federal credit is 20% of $3,000 in expenses, this translates to $600. However, be sure to enter the $3,000 on your Virginia tax return, not $600. Doing so could cost you over $100 in Virginia taxes you shouldn't have to pay. Take advantage These tax breaks can be pretty lucrative, so be sure to take advantage. This is especially true if you have been saving for your child's education in another type of account, or have been putting off getting long-term care insurance. By saving in a 529 plan and taking advantage of the long-term care and child and dependent care deductions, you could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every year. The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. 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. The 21st century hasn't been easy for yield-hungry Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) shareholders. The company froze its quarterly payout at $0.28 from 2001 through 2007, and the last four payments of $0.38 constitute a dismal growth rate of about 2.65% over the past 16 years. Despite such cautious raises, the dividend is teetering on the edge of sustainability. Can Opdivo sales grow fast enough to support further increases, or should investors brace for a pay cut? Let's take a closer look at Bristol's finances and the competitive landscape to uncover its main growth-driver and find out. Stretched thin During the first nine months of 2016, Bristol-Myers Squibb paid $1.9 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and generated about $3.6 billion in net income over the same period. On the surface, a 53% payout ratio -- the percentage of net income distributed as dividends -- during this period hardly suggests a problem. Bristol's free cash flow of just $578 million in the first nine months, however, tells a much different story. Free cash flow is cash generated by operations minus capital expenditures spent to keep those operations humming along, but income investors like to view it as funds available to distribute as dividends or share buybacks. It's a useful barometer in situations like this, because it generally strips away non-cash charges and events unrelated to operations that impact net income figures. It can get a bit complex, but you don't need an accounting degree to understand that a business simply can't distribute more cash than it generates for very long. BMY Dividends Paid (TTM) data by YCharts. The disparity between Bristol-Myers Squibb's net income and free cash flow this year owes largely to asset sales and $500 million in deferred income tax payments. In February, the company sold a collection of not-yet-approved HIV assets to a joint venture formed by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, known as ViiV healthcare, for $350 million up front. In May, it sold its interest in an over-the-counter drug business for another $317 million. The candidates sold to ViiV could generate up to $5.4 billion in milestone payments, plus royalties, but this revenue stream is far from guaranteed, given the increasingly competitive HIV space. Trouble bridging the gap Bristol-Myers Squibb exited September with about $4.2 billion in working capital.This might be enough to continue raising its dividend gradually, but it needs to ramp up sales in the years ahead to avoid slashing the payout. Until recently, Bristol's star cancer immunotherapy looked like it was up to the task, but a recent clinical setback cast a shadow over Opdivo's growth story. The exciting therapy blocks the PD-1 shutoff switch on immune cells, which many tumors exploit to avoid attack. Unfortunately, it's not the only drug of this class. Keytruda from Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) operates the same way, and Tecentriq from Roche acts on tumor cells to block the same switch. Over the past year, Opdivo sales soared after the FDA expanded its label to include patients with the most common type of lung cancer, but only when their disease progresses during or after standard chemotherapy treatment. Bristol tried to prove Opdivo could also work in newly diagnosed, untreated patients, but the drugfailedto outperform standard chemo in a head-to-head trial with this group. Among patients with PD-L1 -- a protein that throws the PD-1 shutoff switch on immune cells -- on 5% or more of their tumor cells, at least half treated with standard chemo progressed after 5.9 months, versus just 4.2 months in the group treated with Opdivo. Opdivo's growth story took another turn for the worse in October, when the FDA approved Merck's Keytruda for a similar population. Its main competitor became the first chemo-free option for newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with PD-L1 on at least half of their tumor cells. Compared to standard chemo, Keytruda lowered the risk of disease progression or death by about 50%. Down, not out In the U.S., lung cancer is the most deadly malignancy, and it looks like Keytruda will soon knock Opdivo out of the lead in this important indication. Luckily for Bristol, Opdivo has the jump on Keytruda in kidney cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma. Although its lung cancer setback might knock a few billion off the therapy's peak sales potential, Opdivo sales are still expected to top out around $10 billion by 2025. Image source: Getty Images. Third-quarter Opdivo sales suggest an annual run rate of about $2.8 billion. If Bristol's main growth-driver doesn't disappoint again, then maintaining and raising its dividend at a faster pace than investors have grown accustomed to isn't out of the question. Bristol tends to announce payout raises in December, and another $0.01 bump would provide a 2.77% forward yield. If you're uncomfortable with future increases that are largely dependent on Opdivo's continued success, then it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Bristol-Myers Squibb 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 Bristol-Myers Squibb 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. Cory Renauer has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can follow Cory on Twitter @TMFang4apples or LinkedIn for more healthcare industry insight. 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: Getty Images Fortune ranks her as the secondmost powerful woman in business today. The publication also ranks her as the 14thmost powerful woman in the entire world. The company she runs occupies the 44th position on the Fortune 500 list. Simply said, PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi needs no introduction. After a hugely successful career, Nooyi took the helm at the beverage giant in late 2006. In her more than a decade at the helm, Nooyi has more than doubled PepsiCo's revenuewhile also aggressively diversifying the company's product portfolio as demand for healthier foods upended the industry. Like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Indra Nooyi is a leading voice on leadership, business, and diversity in the workplace. Here are nine inspirational and interesting quotes from Indra Nooyi that will make you a more insightful investor and person. Indra Nooyi quotes on leadership Without question, Nooyi's work ethic and personal leadership have been fundamental in making her the great CEO she is today. Nooyi's family played a critical role in cementing her legendary work ethic. Growing up in India, if the young Nooyi claimed she was unable to perform a task,her grandfather would reportedly make her write "I will not make excuses" 200 times. In light of this, it should come as no surprise that Nooyi's deeply instilled sense of responsibility remains as fierce as ever, a sentiment she captures nicely in the following two quotes: This hands-on management style has served Nooyi well at a time of great upheaval for the broader beverage and snack food industry. Steering PepsiCo toward a healthier and more diversified mix of products required that Nooyi gain the support of her employees throughout the company. Indeed, Nooyi views the ability to inspire people as one of the most important qualities of a leader: Indra Nooyi on women and minorities in business As a woman and a minority in an executive role, Nooyi is uniquely qualified to speak about the racial and gender disparities in the workplace. Interestingly, though, Nooyi's traditional Indian upbringing can at times make her viewpoints seem at odds with more common perspectives toward diversity in the workplace, as the following quote illustrates: Nooyi's characteristic brutal honesty also extends to women's ability to balance career achievement with family life. In discussing Anne-Marie Slaughter's article "Why Women Still Can't Have It All" in 2014, Nooyi expressed her views on work-life balance for women, echoing the sentiment of the original article: However, this isn't to say Nooyi holds a negative view of diversity in the workplace. Case in point, she fully recognized the benefits of leveraging the diverse perspective of all PepsiCo employees to help improve the company: Indra Nooyi on business and PepsiCo PepsiCo's place in the middle of the public health crisis surrounding obesity also makes the CEO an interesting public figure. Rather than skirt the issue, Nooyi prefers to meet the challenge head-on: However, as the head of one of the world's largest soda companies, Nooyi cannot simply shutter the sugary products to which PepsiCo owes its roots. Instead, she advocates meeting somewhere in the middle, as you can see here: In a broader sense, the actual process of overhauling PepsiCo's product offerings also contained lessons about how the business world as a whole has changed in recent years. Echoing a consistent refrain among business leaders today, Nooyi believes that the pace of innovation and disruption has accelerated, as the following words demonstrate: With her decades of experience at the highest levels of the corporate world, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi is uniquely qualified to discuss business, leadership, and diversity in the workplace. Understanding these important issues is critical for investors everywhere, so hopefully you found these Indra Nooyi quotes interesting and informative. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than PepsiCo 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 PepsiCo 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 Andrew Tonner has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends PepsiCo. 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. ELKO The patient killed in Friday nights fiery medical plane crash was a miner who was planning to retire soon, and the nurse was an Elko woman who got her dream job with American Medflight just a few weeks ago and was recently engaged to be married. They were two of four victims killed when an American Medflight plane crashed into the Barrick Gold Corp. parking lot around 7:20 p.m., setting off a series of explosions and destroying vehicles but harming no one on the ground. Also killed were the pilot, Japanese immigrant Yuji Irie; and paramedic Jake Shepherd of Utah. Edward Clohesey Clohesey, 67, was a Spring Creek resident and a heavy equipment operator at Bald Mountain, which was sold by Barrick to Kinross Gold Corp. last year. We are greatly saddened by the loss of Ed Clohesey, said Randy Burggraff, general manager of Kinross Bald Mountain. He was an employee at the Bald Mountain mine for over 11 years and was a dedicated and kind equipment operator in our Mine Operations Department. Ed was known for sharing his positive and happy attitude with anyone he encountered. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the others who died in this tragic accident. Clohesey was born in Seattle. According to his family, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Germany guarding Pershing missiles. He worked in mobile home manufacturing in Yelm, Washington, and later as a maintenance and construction supervisor on Afognak Island, Alaska. His family described him as an accomplished hunter, who enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being a member of the Wild Bunch motorcycle club. Clohesey had suffered a heart attack in July and was being treated by Dr. Rodney Badger at Northeastern Nevada Cardiology. Badger said Clohesey was experiencing chest pains and rapid heartbeat around 5:30 p.m. Friday, after which the decision was made to transport him to a hospital in Utah for open heart surgery. He was really looking forward to retirement, Badger told the Deseret News. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Clohesey is survived by his two sons, Lance and Andy, and his granddaughter Aurora. Tiffany Urresti Tiffany Urresti, 29, was a flight nurse who had been with American Medflight for about a month, according to her parents Debbi and Jim Urresti. They said she had worked as an emergency room nurse at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital before that. Urresti also was a former firefighter. Elko Fire Chief Matt Griego talked about Urrestis involvement with the volunteer fire department and said her father has been with the department 30 years. It hits home. The crew is coping as well as they can, Griego said. He said Urresti was known statewide for her service and there has been an outpouring from all over the state. She had recently become engaged, according to Griego. He mentioned her fiance, Elko Regional Airport Assistant Director Jim Foster. They were to be married in May. Her parents said Tiffany had dreamed for years of working as a flight nurse. Nevada Regent-elect Cathy McAdoo, a longtime friend of the Urresti family, called Tiffany a dynamic woman who did a lot. She cited Urrestis long commitment to fire service and the goals she met in becoming a registered nurse, gaining her bachelor of science degree in nursing and becoming a flight nurse. A memorial service for Urresti is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Elko Convention Center. In lieu of flowers the family suggested donating to a Legacy Scholarship that has been set up in her name at Elko High School. Jake Shepherd Jake Shepherd was a paramedic for Mountain West Medical Center in Tooele County, Utah. Lt. Ray Clinton with the Tooele County Sheriffs Office told Fox13 News that Shepherd lived in Logan and commuted to work. He leaves behind a wife and three children, according to KUTV News in Salt Lake City. His friend Travis Allred said Shepherd died doing what he loved, being a flight paramedic for American Medflight. Allred set up a GoFundMe page to help Shepherds family. Yuji Irie Yuji Irie, 63, was a Japanese immigrant to the United States, according to American Medflight. A statement from the company said He wanted to fly his entire life, and never stopped in pursuit of his passion. Indeed, he became a skilled aviator and had saved hundreds of lives over a long career at American Medflight. He was based in Ely, Nevada, the toughest base for inclement weather in the American Medflight system. Despite the fact that Ely often experiences some of the most challenging weather conditions in the lower 48 states, Captain Irie was always ready to fly patients to urban medical centers where they could receive life saving care. His skill as a pilot far exceeded even the best of aviators. John Burruel, American Medflights president and CEO, remembered Irie as someone who was unstoppable: Ive always said that if I had 50 Yujis, this company would be unstoppable and wed achieve anything we set out to do. He had the best work ethic Ive ever seen and he cared for people with endless energy and compassion. Capt. Irie held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and a First Class Medical Certificate. He dreamed of building his own aircraft and someday flying it back to Japan. Image source: Getty Images. What happened Oil prices rallied this week, ending Friday up more than 3% on renewed hope that OPEC members would come to a deal to cut and cap crude output. That ended a run of four straight weekly declines and ignited a rally in oil stocks. That said, rising crude prices were far from the only catalysts driving oil stocks higher this week, and the biggest gainers each had company-specific positives that accelerated their rallies. Those stocks, according to data fromS&P Global Market Intelligence, wereWestern Refining (NYSE: WNR), Aegean Marine Petroleum (NYSE: ANW), California Resources (NYSE: CRC), EP Energy (NYSE: EPE), and Enerplus (NYSE: ERF): WNR Price data by YCharts So what Western Refining led the way this week after fellow refiner Tesoro (NYSE: TSO) bought it in a cash-and-stock deal that valued it at $6.4 billion. The transaction will create a refining, marketing, and logistics leader that will control 6% of the country's refining capacity. Tesoro believes that the deal will be 10% to 13% accretive to earnings per share by 2018, while driving robust growth opportunities going forward, especially for crude oil logistics assets in the Permian Basin. Fueling Aegean Marine Petroleum's rally were its expectations-beating third-quarter results. The company earned $0.36 per share, which was $0.03 higher than the consensus forecast, due to rising oil prices and higher sales volumes. Further, the company sees the potential for stronger sales ahead due to the increase in the Baltic Dry Index, which suggests that dry bulk traffic could soon begin to grow, which would lead to more fueling opportunities for Aegean Marine Petroleum. California Resources' stock jumped this week after George Soros revealed that he had purchased a stake in the oil producer. While Soros only opened a small position, and it was just one of several oil stocks he bought last quarter, the purchase was viewed as showing his confidence in the company's future. Image source: Getty Images. While rising oil prices helped fuel EP Energy's move this week, the company also benefited from an action it took to bolster its liquidity. On Wednesday, the company announced that it was offering $350 million of senior notes due in 2023 to pay down its revolving credit facility as well as for general corporate purposes. However, thanks to healthy market demand, it upsized that offering a day later to $500 million and extended the maturity to 2024. One factor driving that demand was the fact that EP Energy's credit rating agency changed its credit outlook from negative to stable because the new notes would boost the company's liquidity and support its ability to increase capital spending next year. Finally, Canadian oil and gas company Enerplus jumped after reporting solid third-quarter results and a positive outlook for 2017. One of the highlights of the quarter was the company's success at pushing its operating costs down 25% year over year. In addition to that, Enerplus released its preliminary guidance for 2017, saying it sees liquids production increasing by 15%, driven by 25% production growth in North Dakota. Enerplus expects to achieve that healthy growth rate while remaining within cash flow at $50 oil, thanks to its ability to cut costs. Now what The oil sector is starting to grow a bit more optimistic that OPEC will get its deal done, which should lead to a better oil price environment next year. That is optimism is enabling some oil companies to raise capital due to increased investor support, while others are growing more confident about releasing growth-focused forecasts. That said, there's still a concern that the OPEC deal could fall through, which would detail this enthusiasm, especially if the cartel members reverse course and unexpectedly boost output. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than California Resources 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 California Resources 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 Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) could give GE a run for its money in microwave ovens. It's been nearly a decade since we first learned of Raytheon's groundbreaking Active Denial System for nonlethal crowd control. Essentially a big satellite dish sitting atop a power source, ADS is a directed-energy weapon that fires microwave beams that excite water molecules in a target's skin. This creates a sensation of intense heat (without causing any actual damage) that causes the target to instinctively flee the source in panic. And as it turns out, Raytheon has not been resting on its laurels since inventing ADS. Instead, it's refined and advanced the use of microwaves to tackle a new target: Drones. Raytheon's Phaser: A bit bigger than the Star Trek version. Image source: Aviation Weekvia YouTube. Target: Drones As reported earlier this week by Aviation Week, Raytheon's latest microwave weapons system carries the Star Trek-kian moniker "Phaser." Similar to ADS in appearance, the new high-powered microwave weapon (HPM) blasts microwaves into the air at incoming drones. These microwaves first heat up and then disable the drones, causing them to crash to Earth. According to AW, Raytheon says the weapon -- which actually began testing in 2013, but was not revealed until last month -- has proven effective in shooting down "drone swarms over a wide area." Indeed, according to Raytheon, Phaser doesn't even have to target a specific drone to shoot it down. Rather, any object flying into the beam emitted by Phaser "will be destroyed." Target: Costs From an effectiveness perspective, that's already impressive. But Phaser also promises to address the cost concerns of an Army facing tight budgets. A single MIM-104F Patriot PAC-3 missile (produced by Lockheed Martin, but fired from a Raytheon launch system) costs $3.4 million to produce. That's a lot of money to spend to shoot down a drone that might cost just a few tens of thousands of dollars. Advances in laser technology already promise to cut that cost down to less than "a dollar a shot." And now, Raytheon is making another order of magnitude improvement. According to Raytheon executive Steve Downie, Phaser can shoot down a UAV for mere "cents per firing." The cost, says Downie, is literally "negligible compared to a missile." What it means to investors In a world of stagnant-to-declining defense budgets, it's hard to overemphasize the attractiveness of directed-energy weapons such as lasers, ADS, and now, Phaser. For one thing, it costs a lot less to generate the electricity to power a directed-energy weapon than it does to build an antiaircraft missile. For another, it costs money to ship, store, and carry a physical missile into battle. In contrast, the electricity needed to power a directed energy weapon is a "bullet" that can be generated on-site -- no logistics chain required. To date, we've seen no signs of the Army awarding actual contracts to acquire Phasers for its forces. This, combined with Raytheon's silence on the weapon system's cost, makes it difficult to assign a value to this new product for investors in Raytheon stock. Still, the weapon's attractiveness to military logistics specialists is self-evident, and the potential for profit is clear. At a P/E ratio of 19.4 and a P/S ratio of 1.8, Raytheon stock may look expensive today. But if it continues breaking barriers and inventing innovative weapons like this one -- weapons as cost-effective as they are just plain effective-- there's every reason to believe that Raytheon stock will keep on growing. 10 stocks we like even better than Raytheon 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 Raytheon 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 Rich Smithdoes not own shares of, nor is he short, any company named above. You can find him onMotley Fool CAPS, publicly pontificating under the handleTMFDitty, where he's currently ranked No. 314 out of more than 75,000 rated members. 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: Getty Images. Property tax in the U.S. varies depending on the state where you live. Real estate taxes as a percentage of the home and land's value are lowest in Hawaii and highest in New Jersey, and they range from average rates of 0.28% to 2.29%.Here's the national average and a state-by-state breakdown so you can see how your state compares. A wide range of property tax rates Due to the wide variety of real estate tax rates levied by each state, on a $200,000 home, your property taxes could be as low as $560 per year or as high as $4,580, depending on where the property is located.The national average property tax rate is about 1.3% of home value. Here's a list of the tax rates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, listed from the lowest tax rate to the highest, to give you an idea of what you can expect when you go to buy your next home. Data source: WalletHub. A couple of notes. First, keep in mind that this is state average data, and that property tax rates can vary significantly within the same state. You can find property tax data for individual homes through county records, or on certain real estate websites such as Zillow. Second, the tax rate is only one half of the equation. If a state has a low property tax rate but high property values, you can still pay an above-average property tax each year. For example, Washington D.C.'s 0.57% average property tax rate combined with the median home value produces an average property tax bill of $2,601. This is among the highest in the nation, even though D.C. has the 5th lowest property tax rate as a percentage of home value. What it means to your homebuying budget Property taxes are a big factor in home affordability. Not only are they a continuing cost you need to worry about, but they're also typically included in your monthly mortgage payment. While the exact percentage varies, lenders generally want to see a mortgage payment that is no more than 28% of your monthly income. This includes not only principal and interest, but also property taxes and hazard insurance. Consider this example. You work in Philadelphia and have the choice of living in either Pennsylvania, where the average property tax rate is 1.51% of a home's value, or nearby New Jersey, where the rate is 2.29%. You earn $6,000 per month, which translates to a maximum mortgage payment of $2,160 based on the 28% ratio. Based on a 4% mortgage rate, 20% down, and $800 per year for homeowner's insurance, you can expect to afford a $334,760 home in Pennsylvania, while in New Jersey your maximum budget would be limited to $301,400 simply because of the higher property taxes. The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. 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. Dividend investors always have to balance the desire for a high yield against the risk that the yield is unsustainable. As a dividend investor myself, I know how hard that can be. Right now, I believe the yields offered by CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) and Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) are simply too high to be sustainable. As a result, reduced payouts could be coming for both of these high-yield dividend stocks. Here's why their big dividend yields aren't worth the risk. 1. A highly leveraged telecom play CenturyLink recently completed the purchase of Level 3 Communications. The goal of the acquisition was laudable, in that it expanded CenturyLink's business offerings. However, it also required the company to materially increase its debt load. Long-term debt roughly doubled from about $18 billion to around $37 billion in less than a year. Leverage has remained relatively constant, with long-term debt at around 60% of the capital structure. However, CenturyLink paid a roughly 40% premium for Level 3, so there's a fair amount of goodwill (the amount it paid that exceeded Level 3's book value) associated with this transaction. In fact, at the end of 2017, CenturyLink reported that nearly 60% of its consolidated assets consisted of goodwill. If the deal doesn't work out as planned, CenturyLink could end up writing down the value of its goodwill, which would reduce shareholder equity and make its leverage position look much worse. That could easily push the company to prioritize debt reduction over dividends. CenturyLink Free Cash Flow Per Share (TTM), data by YCharts. Meanwhile, there are specific dividend issues to worry about, too. Dividends come out of cash flow, not earnings, so the fact that the company's payout ratio is greater than 100% is more a warning sign than anything else. However, CenturyLink's trailing 12-month free cash flow fell dramatically leading up to the merger and hasn't been enough to cover the annual dividend recently. The stock's nearly 11% yield reflects this concern. There are some signs of improvement, but investors should wait until this telecom provider has proven it can support its hefty debt and the dividend on a sustained basis before jumping aboard. There's simply not a lot of room for error. 2. Struggling to adjust Barnes & Noble has managed to muddle through the internet's dramatic impact on book retailers. That's an impressive feat, given that competition from online book retailers led to the bankruptcy of peers like Borders and the closure of many mom-and-pop booksellers. However, Barnes & Noble's results haven't been pretty of late. For example, revenue has fallen year over year for six consecutive quarters. That, notably, includes two holiday seasons in which Barnes & Noble's results were relatively weak compared to previous years. The company has lost money in eight of the last 10 quarters, including, somewhat shockingly, in the most recent holiday quarter: the key selling period for retailers. Barnes & Noble's payout ratio is well over 100%, and free cash flow hasn't come close to covering the dividend. This is not a great story, especially when internet sales continue to grow at the expense of brick-and-mortar stores. But that's not the only trouble brewing at Barnes & Noble. The company just parted ways with its CEO, who lasted barely a year in the position. The previous CEO was fired in 2016, so the company has now gone through three CEOs (including an interim CEO) in roughly three years. That's a lot of turmoil in the company's leadership ranks at a very difficult time. Each time a new CEO is named, there's a chance that he or she will decide to clean the slate, which could easily mean cutting or eliminating the dividend to free up cash. The risks at Barnes & Noble vastly outweigh the benefits if you are looking for reliable income. "Maybe" isn't worth a high yield CenturyLink has made a big, debt-fueled acquisition that has yet to fully play out. Barnes & Noble is struggling to adjust to a changing retail landscape while also dealing with turbulence in its executive suite. And neither company is comfortably covering its dividend payments with free cash flow right now. Of the two, CenturyLink appears to be in the better position, but that's really not saying much. If you are tempted by the huge yields these two companies are offering today, take a step back and look at their numbers. I think you'll agree that the risks outweigh the rewards right now. 10 stocks we like better than Barnes & NobleWhen 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 quadrupled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Barnes & Noble 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 June 4, 2018 Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Image Source: Getty Images. Several states have tax-free weekends in 2017 with no state sales tax on certain types of products. They are generally around back-to-school shopping time, but some states also have tax-free weekends at other times during the year. Here's your guide to all the sales tax holidays in 2017, when they are, and what is included in each. Back-to-school tax holidays in 2017 Tax-free weekends usually come around the time when parents are buying school supplies for their children. Because school-year start dates vary considerably, these are at different times between late July and late August. As of this writing, there are 17 states with tax-free weekends (or weeks) in 2017. Here are the details about the dates and what items are included, in chronological order: Source: www.freetaxweekend.com. A couple of notes here. First, notice that some of these are longer than a weekend. Many are three days, and some are a full week, like the tax holidays in Maryland and Connecticut. Second, and most important, is that the chart above only lists broad categories of products included in the tax holiday. Each state has its own rules and details. For example, Georgia's tax-free weekend includes computers and components that are $1,000 or less, clothing that is $100 or less, and school supplies that are $20 or less. Missouri, on the other hand, limits total tax-excluded school supplies to $50 per purchase, but allows computers and accessories of up to $3,500 to be included. For full details on your state's tax holiday, you can check outwww.freetaxweekend.com. Other state tax holidays In addition to the back-to-school tax holidays, several states have other tax-free shopping periods at various times during the year. Five states have tax holidays for Energy Star products, two have tax holidays for hurricane preparedness equipment, and one has a tax holiday for firearms, ammunition, and hunting supplies. For 2017, here are the details of these tax holidays: Source: www.freetaxweekend.com. As with the back-to-school tax holidays, there are state-specific rules and limitations for each one of these, so check out the full details for your state if you're interested. How much could you save? Your potential tax savings depend on your state and its specific rules regarding the maximum tax-free purchases. For example, if you live in South Carolina and buy a $1,000 computer, $500 worth of clothing, and $200 in school supplies, this translates to over $100 in savings. If your state has a tax holiday in 2017 and you'll need some of the excluded items, then it can be well worth taking advantage of. The $15,834 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $15,834 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after.Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. 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. Pardon the pun, but the marijuana industry is growing like a weed. Heading into Election Day, half of the country had already approved medical cannabis, and another four states (along with Washington, D.C.) had approved the sale of recreational pot. After Election Day, four more states had gained recreational approval (California, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts), while residents in Florida, North Dakota, and Arkansas approved their respective medical cannabis initiatives/amendments. According to New Frontier Data, in partnership with ArcView Group, the legal weed industry could be worth $21 billion by 2020, up from an estimated $7.9 billion in 2016. We only need to look at rapidly changing opinions on marijuana to understand why we're witnessing a "green revolution." National pollster Gallup, which has measured public opinion on pot from time to time over nearly five decades, found in its 2016 survey that 60% of respondents want to see it legalized nationally, an all-time high. It's also more than double the 25% approval rating cannabis received just two decades ago. Even the pot industry has its shortcomings But marijuana's expansion hasn't been without its fair share of speed bumps. Image source: Getty Images. In August, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency denied two petitions that would have possibly rescheduled cannabis. The DEA cited a lack of understanding of the safety of the drug, minimal understanding of its chemical makeup, and a lack of clinical evidence of its medical benefits, as reasons why it was choosing to leave its scheduling unchanged. Keeping pot as a schedule 1 substance means it remains federally illegal and is not recognized as having medical benefits. This DEA decision also perpetuated two substantial disadvantages for the industry, including an inability for marijuana-based companies to take normal business deductions on their taxes and a difficulty in securing basic banking services ranging from checking accounts to lines of credit. Both factors work to slow the pot industry's expansion efforts. Last week, in the wake of election euphoria, the marijuana industry hit yet another speed bump. This study could leave marijuana users "heartbroken" At the annual scientific conference of the American Heart Association, researchers from St. Luke's University Hospital Network released their findings from a large, backward-looking clinical study. Needless to say, the findings may be a bit "heartbreaking" for regular marijuana users. Image source: Getty Images. Lead investigator Dr. Amitoj Singh and his team attempted to connect the dots to see whether there was a link between marijuana use and stress cardiomyopathy. Stress cardiomyopathy is a sudden weakening of the heart muscle that can affect its ability to pump blood throughout the body. As the name implies, it's often brought about from emotional or physical stress, and in rarer cases can lead to more serious effects, such as cardiac arrest. Using National Inpatient Sample data between 2003 and 2011, researchers analyzed patient admissions and outcomes with stress cardiomyopathy, paying close attention to those cases where the patient was an identified marijuana user. In all, 33,343 patients were examined, 210 of which were noted marijuana users. What the researchers found were two very distinct groups. On one hand, the non-users with stress cardiomyopathy tended to be older women who had a host of cardiovascular risk factors to begin with, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism. However, the marijuana users were typically young males with far fewer cardiovascular risk factors. The researchers noted that the marijuana users were three times as likely (2.4% vs. 0.8%) to go into cardiac arrest than the patients who didn't use marijuana, and they were four times more likely (2.4% vs. 0.6%) to require an implanted defibrillator to detect and correct an abnormal heart rhythm compared to non-users. Image source: Getty Images. With this initial data, researchers were able to dig a bit deeper and exclude all of the known causes of stress cardiomyopathy to establish that marijuana itself could be the cause. Their findings showed that weed led to an almost two times-greater likelihood of stress cardiomyopathy. At the same time, Singh and his team also note that some of the marijuana users smoked tobacco and other illicit substances, too, so pointing the blame solely at marijuana may be premature. According to Singh, "This is a retrospective study, so we cannot determine causation. Further research is needed to evaluate this study, especially considering the current increase of recreational marijuana in our country." A fitting reminder of the challenges that lie ahead Even though the researchers at St. Luke's University Hospital Network were crystal clear that more analysis needs to be conducted, this study, like the many before it, stands as a glaring reason why Congress and the DEA aren't likely to legalize medical cannabis anytime soon. One of the more interesting Catch-22s of pot is that lawmakers on Capitol Hill want to see more all-encompassing clinical data that lays out the benefit and risk profile of the drug. Yet the restrictive nature of weed's scheduling makes it very difficult for universities and researchers to get their hands on the drug to conduct tests. Further, even if tests are conducted, they're not likely to be accepted as valid by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This one-door-leads-to-another approach could slow down medical marijuana's progress at the federal level for years to come. Image source: Getty Images. Even if medical cannabis is rescheduled, it isn't necessarily a reason to jump for joy. Rescheduling marijuana could mean putting the drug under the strict regulation of the FDA. The FDA has the power to control marketing and packaging, and would almost assuredly oversee the growing and processing of medical cannabis -- and most importantly, it could require that strictly controlled and costly clinical trials be run to confirm the purported medical benefits of pot. Small businesses would probably struggle to survive in such a high cost regulatory environment. Thus while it may be encouraging to see America "go green," it's important that as investors we embrace a longer view. Namely, that the marijuana industry still has plenty of hurdles to overcome before it's a long-term, viable, and investable business model. A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here. Sean Williamshas no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen nameTMFUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle@TMFUltraLong. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy. For more than 6 years, Donald Trump fought hard against a civil lawsuit in which former customers of his now-defunct Trump University accused him of fraud. Less than two weeks after being elected president, he agreed to a $25 million settlement. "We definitely detected a change of tone and change of approach" after the election, plaintiff attorney Jason Forge said when the agreement was announced Friday. About 7,000 students would be eligible for refunds if U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel approves the settlement. Under the terms, Trump admits no wrongdoing in settling two federal class-action lawsuits in San Diego and a civil suit brought by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The agreement came 10 days before jury selection was scheduled to begin in San Diego in the oldest case, which was filed in April 2010. The complaint accused Trump University, which wasn't an accredited school, of defrauding students who paid up to $35,000 a year to enroll in programs that promised to share Trump's real estate secrets. Trump denied the allegations and said during the campaign that he would not settle. He told supporters at a May rally that he would come to San Diego to testify after winning the presidency. "I could have settled this case numerous times but I don't want to settle cases when we're right. I don't believe in it. And when you start settling cases, you know what happens? Everybody sues you because you get known as a settler. One thing about me, I am not known as a settler," Trump said at the time. Two days after the election, Trump's lead attorney in the San Diego cases, Daniel Petrocelli, said he was "all ears" to settlement talks and accepted an offer to have U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller of San Diego broker negotiations. Forge said the agreement was reached an hour before a hearing for Curiel to weigh Trump's latest request to delay the trial until after the Jan. 20 inauguration. The plaintiffs' attorney said Miller's role as a mediator was "very critical." "We were at each other's throat for 6 years and were able to find the common ground with them and do something good there," Forge told reporters. The agreement canceled the trial and lifted what would probably have been a major headache for Trump as he works to fill key executive branch positions and get acquainted with foreign leaders. The trial was expected to last several weeks, guaranteeing daily news coverage of a controversy that dogged him during the campaign. Trump's political rivals seized on the lawsuits to try to portray him as dishonest and deceitful. Trump brought more attention to them by repeatedly assailing Curiel, who oversaw the San Diego cases. Trump suggested the Indiana-born judge's Mexican heritage exposed a bias. The thousands of former students covered by the San Diego lawsuits will be eligible to receive at least half and possibly all their money back, as much as $35,000, said Jason Forge, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs' attorneys waived their fees. Schneiderman called the agreement a "stunning reversal" for the president-elect, saying Trump "fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes." Trump's attorneys said the settlement allows the president-elect to focus full attention on his transition to the White House. "He was willing to sacrifice his personal interests, put this behind him, and move forward," Petrocelli said. Alan Garten, the Trump Organization's general counsel, said he had "no doubt" Trump would have prevailed at trial. The lawsuits allege that Trump University gave nationwide seminars that were like infomercials, constantly pressuring people to spend more and, in the end, failing to deliver on its promises. The San Diego trial would have been pinned on whether a nine-member jury believed Trump misled customers by calling the business a university and by advertising that he hand-picked instructors. Court documents unsealed in May revealed strategies for enticing people to enroll even if they couldn't afford it. The documents outlined how employees should guide people through "the roller coaster of emotions" after they express interest and tells employees to be "very aggressive during these conversations to in order to push them out of their comfort zones." Transcripts of about 10 hours of Trump depositions provided additional material to rivals, though Curiel denied a request to release video of Trump's testimony that would have likely been used in campaign attack ads. Trump acknowledged in the depositions that he played on people's fantasies, and he could not recall names of his employees despite his advertising pitch that he hand-picked them. Trump has repeatedly claimed a 98 percent customer satisfaction rate on internal surveys. Plaintiffs countered that students were asked to rate the product when they believed they still had more instruction to come and were reluctant to openly criticize their teachers on surveys that were not anonymous. The settlement came a day after watchdog groups and ethics experts who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations sent a letter to Trump urging him to make a clean break from his business to avoid "embroiling the presidency in litigation." One of the authors, Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer at the White House under President George W. Bush, said the Trump University settlement might backfire if lawyers think Trump is eager to settle to avoid court cases while president. "The plaintiffs' lawyers," he said, "are going to smell blood in the water." ___ Klepper contributed from Albany, New York. Associated Press Business Writer Bernard Condon in New York contributed to this report. Image source: iStock/Thinkstock. One of the reasons investors are often drawn to bank stocks is because they tend to pay generous dividends. But just like any other industry, some banks stocks are more generous than others when it comes to their quarterly payouts. Which are the best from the perspective of an income-seeking investor on the hunt for a high yield? You can find the answer in the table below. Here are the five highest-yielding big bank stocks, all of which yield more than the S&P 500. Data source: YCharts.com, The Wall Street Journal. There are three stocks in particular on this list that investors might want to consider. First and foremost is New York Community Bancorp (NYSE: NYCB), a regional bank based in, you guessed it, New York City. Not only does it sport an industry-leading 4.3% yield, but it's also proved to be one of the safest and most profitable bank stocks over the past two decades. After adjusting for splits and dividends, New York Community Bancorp's stock has climbed from $1.25 per share at the beginning of 1994 all the way up to nearly $16 a share today, according to historical price data from Yahoo! Finance. That equates to upwards of a 12,000% gain. Over the same stretch, the S&P 500 is up 370%. New York Community Bancorp has accomplished this by focusing on a unique niche in the banking industry -- financing rent-controlled apartment buildings in New York City. Because these buildings are invariably full, as they offer below-market rents, the buildings' owners default at a much lower rate that other types of borrowers. This has saved New York Community Bancorp from enormous losses even during the depths of the financial crisis. The one thing investors need to be aware of, however, is that New York Community Bancorp is diversifying away from this niche. This is largely due to its 2015 acquisition of Astoria Financial, which operates different business lines than its now-parent company. Also, because the deal pushed New York Community Bancorp above the $50 billion asset threshold, it became subject to the Federal Reserve's annual stress tests, which could constrain the bank's dividend in the future, as the Fed can now exercise veto power over the bank's quarterly payout. In the first time in over a decade, in fact, New York Community Bancorp last year cut its dividend from $0.25 per share down to $0.17 per share. The timing wasn't a coincidence, and it remains to be seen whether further cuts are in the cards. Either way, current and prospective investors in the bank should keep their eyes on this. NYCB Dividend data by YCharts. The second and third high-yielding bank stocks that are worth singling out are Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and BB&T (NYSE: BBT). These are solid, stable stocks that any dividend investor can add to an income-seeking portfolio and not lose sleep over. Yes, Wells Fargo got into trouble recently for opening authorized accounts for its customers, which you can read more about here, but none other than Warren Buffett is Wells Fargo's biggest shareholder and has said unequivocally that he still considers it to be an incredibly good investment. BB&T is of the same ilk. While it's a large bank in its own right, with $223 billion in assets on its balance sheet, it's still a fraction of the size of Wells Fargo, which has nearly $2 trillion worth of assets on its balance sheet. This means that BB&T has more room to grow. Furthermore, as a much smaller bank than Wells Fargo, BB&T isn't subject to the same stringent regulatory regime that the so-called too-big-to-fail banks are. This allows BB&T to operate more freely than its larger counterparts and thus gives it a benefit in terms of profitability. In short, if you're on the hunt for a great dividend investment, then you might want to take a look at one of these five bank stocks with above-average dividend yields, with the three discussed at length being worthy of particular attention. 10 stocks we like better than Wells Fargo 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 Wells Fargo 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 Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of Wells Fargo. 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: Cannabis Culture via Flickr. The good times just keep on rolling for the marijuana industry. Heading into Election Day, half of the country had already legalized medical marijuana, while four states (Washington, Colorado, Oregon, and Alaska), along with Washington, D.C., had legalized the purchase of recreational pot for adults ages 21 and up. The rapid expansion of marijuana approvals in recent years can be attributed to a major shift in public opinion toward weed. In the mid-1990s, just a quarter of respondents in Gallup's annual poll wanted to see marijuana legalized nationally. Today, that figure stands at 60%, an all-time high. By a similar token, 84% of Americans in a 2015 CBS News poll said they'd like to see medical cannabis legalized nationally. This changing opinion of cannabis has led to a "green revolution," and some very rapid growth rates for the industry. ArcView Market Research anticipates growth of 30% per year through the end of the decade for the legal pot industry, while investment firm Cowen & Co. recently released a report that suggests legal marijuana could explode from a $6 billion industry today to a $50 billion industry by 2026. This works out to a compound annual growth rate of nearly 24%. In order for these growth rates to become a reality, a majority of the nine marijuana initiatives and amendments being voted on this year had to pass -- and that's exactly what happened on Election Day. Image source: Getty Images. Here's how cannabis fared on Election Day The only initiative to fail was Arizona's Prop 205, which seemed like a long shot to pass anyhow in a traditionally Republican state. Still, the recreational marijuana measure only failed to pass by 2%, meaning a few years from now Arizonans could have legal weed in their state. The remainder of the initiatives mostly passed with ease. For recreational marijuana: California's Prop 64 won approval with 56% of the vote. Massachusetts' Question 4 passed with 54% of the vote. Nevada's Question 2 legalized recreational pot with 55% of the vote. Maine's Question 1 squeaked by with 50.2% of the vote, a 2,600-vote margin. For medical marijuana: Florida's Amendment 2 received 71% of the vote, more than the required 60% to change the state's constitution. North Dakota's Measure 5 won in a landslide with 64% of the vote. Arkansas's Issue 6 erased a previous defeat in 2012 and won with 53% of the vote. Montana's Initiative 182 passed with 58% of the vote, thus repealing constraints put in place by Senate Bill 423 on the state's medical marijuana industry. It was very close to being a clean sweep for weed. The marijuana movement continues to gather steam, with 28 states now having legalized medical marijuana and eight having legalized recreational marijuana. Here's where marijuana is currently legal, courtesy of Statista. Image source:Statista. Marijuana marches on, but investors are still being left behind The fact that eight out of nine states wound up passing the marijuana initiatives or amendments is great news for the industry and suggestive that growth will continue. However, these approvals haven't changed the outlook for investors one iota. They're still largely on the outside looking in. Even with so many states now looking "green," marijuana remains an illicit schedule 1 substance at the federal level, which comes with some inherent disadvantages for the businesses themselves. For example, cannabis companies are still largely struggling to get basic financial services ranging from a line of credit to a simple checking account. At last check, just 3% of the roughly 6,700 banks in the U.S. were willing to work with marijuana companies. Despite some states have workarounds in place, these financial institutions fear the potential for federal prosecution down the road since they're insured by the FDIC and marijuana remains illegal federally. This essentially means most pot companies are being forced to deal with cash, which is a security risk and an expansionary inhibitor. Corporate income taxes are another big issue for pot businesses. Practically every company in the U.S. is allowed to take normal business deductions -- but not marijuana companies. Because they sell a federally illicit substance, U.S. Tax Code 280E prohibits them from taking normal business deduction, leading to them paying tax on their gross profits instead of net profits. Having less money left over after taxes also constrains expansion. Image source: Getty Images. Beyond these disadvantages, the cannabis industry is also stuck in somewhat of a catch-22. If marijuana remains federally illegal, then its expansion remains limited by state approvals. This is troublesome because there are about two dozen states that don't have access to the initiative and referendum process (I&R). The I&R process means it's up to state legislators to approve marijuana initiatives, and a number of the non-approved states are led by Republicans who, in general, don't favor marijuana's expansion. In other words, medical marijuana's expansion could be nearing a plateau, while recreational marijuana's expansion could slow down within a few years. On the other hand, if marijuana is rescheduled and deemed to have medical benefits, it would place weed under the strict regulations of the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA can regulate marketing and packaging, would be expected to closely monitor the growing and processing of pot, and most importantly could require that costly clinical trials be run to confirm the medical benefits of marijuana. Long story short, the industry could be buried by costs and regulations. Though marijuana's expansion has been an exciting thing to watch to the majority of Americans who support it, investors would be smart to stick to the sidelines and allow this industry to mature before they consider putting their hard-earned money to work. If they don't, their investment could go up in smoke. A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here. Sean Williamshas no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen nameTMFUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle@TMFUltraLong. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy. President-elect Donald Trump said he "worked hard" to keep a Ford (NYSE: F) factory from moving to Mexico. But media reports said on Friday that Trump's statement wasn't true, that Ford never intended to move the factory. It's true that Ford never plannedto move thefactory. But it's also true that there was some basis for Trump's statement. Here's the story. Ford was never going to move this factory to Mexico Ford said that production of theLincoln MKC willstay at its plant in Lexington, Kentucky. Ford had previouslyplanned to move MKCproduction to Mexico. Imagesource: Ford Motor Company. First, some background. The factory in question is Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant, in Kentucky. The Louisville factory makes two products: the Ford Escape and Lincoln MKC crossover SUVs. Here's the president-elect's tweet from Thursday night. Is it incorrect? Technically, yes. Ford had never considered moving the factory to Mexico. Even if Ford wanted to do that (which it doesn't), such a move would effectively be impossible under the company's current agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which represents Ford's hourly workers at the factory. But Donald Trump wasn't exactly wrong, either Ford did consider moving production of the MKC elsewhere. Not to cut U.S. jobs, but so that it could make more Escapes at the Louisville plant. For a while, Ford was selling all of the Escapes it could make in the U.S., and dealers were clamoring for more. During contract negotiations last year, Ford had given the UAW a heads-up that it might move MKC production out of the country. It didn't say where, but the safe assumption was that MKC production would move to a factory in Mexico. Ford now says that it had planned to move production of the MKC, and it confirmed that its factory in Cuautitlan, Mexico was the likely destination. But, according to Ford spokesperson Christin Baker, Ford changed its mind. Baker confirmed that Ford told Trump that the MKC would stay in Louisville, and that Bill Ford had spoken to Trump on Thursday. Late on Friday afternoon, the UAW and Ford released a joint statement saying that the change in place was due to "changing business conditions" and that "our president-elect tweeted about this on Thursday evening after Bill Ford spoke with him and let him know of the change in plans." So what really happened? Ford concluded that it didn't need the added production capacity for the Escape right now, because the U.S. new-car market is slowing a bit. It decided to let Donald Trump know, probably as a way of extending an olive branch -- and Trump garbled the message somewhat in his tweet. The real story here is that the president-elect was tough on Ford during his campaign, and the Blue Oval has been working to build a better relationship with Trump and his incoming administration. Ford will want to have Trump's ear when it comes time to review U.S. fuel-economy regulations next year -- and if or when Trump tries to deliver on his promise to overhaul or scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would be an expensive mess for Ford. Long story short: Things didn't happen quite the way Trump said they did. But I suspect the Blue Oval was happy to hand Donald Trump the appearance of a victory now, in hopes that Trump's administration will hear Ford's concerns later on. Forget the 2016 Election: 10 stocks we like better than Ford 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 Ford 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. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford. 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. ELKO Friday nights fiery American Med Flight crash left four people dead and an entire community wondering just what went wrong. The victims included two local residents, patient Edward Clohesey of Spring Creek and nurse Tiffany Urresti of Elko. Also killed were Tooele County, Utah, paramedic Jake Shepherd and pilot Yuji Irie, hometown unknown. Clohesey was being transported to the University of Utah Medical Center because of heart problems, according to his doctor. Authorities are still trying to determine why the plane crashed after takeoff from Elko Regional Airport around 7:30 p.m. What we do know is that an American Med Flight described as ... Cheyenne Twin Engine Piper II, took off in a northeasterly direction headed to Salt Lake at around 7:30 p.m., said Police Lt. Rich Genseal. As the plane climbed we believe at this point it experienced mechanical problems. We are not sure if it lost power or an engine. We know it lost altitude and crashed in the Barrick parking lot. Police Chief Ben Reed said that one minute after taking off, the plane made a sharp turn and fell to the parking lot. According to Genseal, the plane was engulfed in flames upon impact. Residents and law enforcement were saddened by the loss and deeply affected by the fact that both Urristi and Clohesey were locals. Tiffany was one of our volunteer firefighters, said Fire Chief Matt Griego. It hits home. At the time of this writing, little was known about Clohesey other than that he was a Spring Creek man and was the patient. The plane came down several hundred feet before an apartment complex, said Genseal. The parking lot was empty of people at the time. For us this could not have been a safer place for him to land. There couldnt have been a safer place for him to come down without causing additional casualties. We need to credit the pilot on that. Genseal also mentioned that a hotel and casino are nearby the parking lot where the plane came down. He also said it was fortunate that Barrick Gold Corp. employees had all boarded the buses and left the vicinity before the crash. A number of vehicles were destroyed by the crash. A lot of us knew either one or multiple members on this plane. It pulls at the heart strings, said Genseal. Its neat to see the community turning out and putting out flowers, said Genseal. Their attitudes toward law enforcement that have been here all night supplying coffee and doughnuts and stuff to eat. Its huge, because they understand the magnitude of it. At first we were told of explosions, said Griego about the tragedy. They were updated en route that in fact there was an aircraft down in the parking lot. One engine pulled near the apartment complex and the other proceeded into the parking lot to attend to the blaze and rescue attempt, Griego said. There was a very intense fire when firefighters arrived. There were multiple explosions. Engine one parked near the apartments to isolate any flames and the other engine proceeded into the parking lot to attend to the fire to do direct attack on the fire. We had approximately seven vehicles as well as the aircraft involved in the fire. It was a pretty extensive fire when the crews arrived, he added. Griego went on to mention Urrestis involvement with the volunteer fire department and her father, Jimmy, has been with the department 30 years. It hits home. The crew is coping as well as they can. Urresti, 29, was known statewide for her service and Griego said there has been an outpouring from all over the state Sadly, Urresti had recently become engaged, according to Griego. He mentioned her fiance, Elko Regional Airport Assistant Director Jim Foster. Law enforcement said that they are still processing the scene and will document vehicular damage so people can report evidence to their insurance agents. Genseal said the Federal Aviation Administration is on the scene and that someone from the National Transportation and Safety Board is en route. Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital has been offering counseling for those impacted by the crash, according to spokseman Steve Burrows. We are in shock and deeply saddened by yesterdays plane accident, said a statement from the hospital. We are in contact with the local authorities who are investigating this matter and we must direct any inquiries to them. Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy. Ashton Kutcher knows how to stay calm under pressure. The 38-year-old actor found his panel interrupted at the Airbnb Open 2016: A Festival of Hosting event in Los Angeles on Saturday, when a woman stormed the stage to protest Airbnb's listings in the West Bank of Israel. WATCH: Find Out What Ashton Kutcher Wanted to Name His Baby Boy (Before Mila Kunis 'Knocked Down' The Idea) Ariel Gold, a member of CODEPINK, a female-led grassroots organization supporting peace and human rights initiatives, took the stage to urge Kutcher to "use his power and influence" to pressure Airbnb to remove their listings in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. WATCH: Mila Kunis Flaunts Baby Bump Weeks Before Due Date Kutcher, who started investing in Airbnb in 2011, remained calm throughout the ordeal and took a moment to address Gold's protest. "[A world] doesn't discriminate against one another," he said to the crowd. "We can get to know each other intimately and understand our collective narrative is a narrative for everyone, and that we all can belong in a world together without borders." "I can appreciate that this doesn't happen seamlessly," he continued. "I can appreciate that this doesn't happen easily. I can appreciate that where there is change, there will be a fringe case that feels objectified, but this company is about bringing people together, and about loving one another." "You're welcome to a world where we all belong," Kutcher said to overwhelming support from the audience. "And if you want to sit down and have a conversation about it, I'm happy to have that conversation with you." RELATED: Ashton Kutcher Officially Confirms He's Having a Boy, Admits He Hoped Baby No. 2 Was a Girl Kutcher isn't the only one taking a stand against discrimination. In fact, his wife, Mila Kunis, recently took to Kutcher's website, A Plus, to publish an essay on gender equality. "I'm done compromising; even more so, I'm done with being compromised. So from this point forward, when I am confronted with one of these comments, subtle or overt, I will address them head on; I will stop in the moment and do my best to educate," she wrote. "If this is happening to me, it is happening more aggressively to women everywhere," she added. Lauren Jauregui has some pointed words for Donald Trump supporters. In an open letter to those who voted for the president-elect, the Fifth Harmony member reveals she's bisexual, lambasting those who voted for Trump for considering themselves "superior to the rest of us." RELATED: 'Hamilton' Cast Delivers Powerful Message to VP-Elect Mike Pence: 'We Hope You Will Work On Behalf Of All Of Us' "To every single Trump supporter trying to say that voting for Trump does not mean that you are racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic, assholes that you just like the way he didn't really care what people thought and just said whatever he wanted," she began in the letter posted Friday to Billboard.com. "Your words are worthless, because your actions have led to the single-handed destruction of all the progress we've made socially as a nation. You are HYPOCRITES." Though the 20-year-old is "so proud" to be a "bisexual Cuban-American woman," Jauregui expressed appreciation for her genes a "lighter complexion and green eyes" that she says has granted her "privilege" in America. WATCH: Wait, Is Kanye West REALLY a Donald Trump Supporter? -- See the Rapper's Democratic Campaign Contributions "I am grateful and will continue to speak on behalf of the women around the world and in our very own country who do not experience a fraction of that respect because of the color of their skin or what they choose to wear, or how their hair looks, or how much makeup they have on or any other absurdity that we women are reduced to," she wrote. Jauregui attributes her broad world views to traveling as part of Fifth Harmony. Recalling growing up Roman Catholic and attending private Catholic school, the songstress says she's "studied WAY more than most of you have studied the religion or the Bible for that matter." She called Trump supporters "selfish" and "un-CHRIST-like." "You chose hatred," she added. Her advice for Trump voters? "Travel and read a history book." RELATED: Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui Thanks Fans for 'Love and Concern' After Onstage Breakdown It is almost impossible to prophesize which lawmakers might matriculate into congressional leadership positions. One lawmaker may appear to hold the inside track one day. And then the next, the dynamic evolves and the universe is different. That politician is suddenly on the outs. This phenomenon unfolds constantly. Former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., was poised to succeed then-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. The same with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. The latters opportunity to succeed Boehner lasted all of a hot minute. And just two weeks ago, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was the person in the catbird seed. Until Ryan wasnt. Remember, Ryan was supposed to face trouble from the conservative House Freedom Caucus. Could Ryan cobble together enough votes on the floor because of the enmity between him and then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump? And then if Mr. Trump won, Ryan was supposed to be out the door as President Trump surely wouldnt stand for his nemesis occupying the speakers chair. Now Ryan finds himself in better standing among House Republicans then before -- thanks to President-elect Trump. And three weeks ago, some Democrats most-loyal to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., were touting her return regardless of the election results. If she did not work hard and did not listen to others and did not engage with her colleagues, then you would see challenges and rumblings like youre seeing on the other side, Rep. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat and a Pelosi partisan, argued in October. But we dont have that because she works hard every day. How quickly things change. Pelosi appeared a few days ago to be ensconced in her position for at least another Congress, regardless of whether Democrats picked up seats in the House. Then Democrats forced her to reschedule leadership elections planned for last week. Now the California Democrat faces a bona fide challenger in Ohio Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan. We dont want to rush a vote to leadership for them to think that everything is business as usual, said Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona. Everything is not good. Business as usual is no longer going to work. Gallego co-spearheaded the effort to postpone the leadership elections to November 30. I dont care. Im agnostic, Pelosi told fellow Democrats in a testy closed-door caucus as members advocated the later vote. Weve been through hell. And its only going to get worse as (Trump) makes his appointments and we have this fight. The outcome of leadership elections dont hinge on partisan politics. The essence of leadership elections are particle politics. Molecular, sub-atomic political physics determine who winds up serving in congressional leadership posts. The behavior of a proton here. A quark there. They all spin around the congressional particle accelerator and impact which lawmaker advances into leadership. The movements are so tiny, so miniscule, that its virtually impossible for someone to predict the outcome of leadership races. Consider this: Anyone remember Rep. Tom Reynolds, R-N.Y.? Didnt think so. But thats the point. Just a decade ago, Reynolds was thought to be the next speaker of the House. And then he wasnt. Look that one up sometime. Pelosi further infuriated some Democrats when she handed out an agenda plan for next year at a recent caucus meeting. Skeptical Democrats told Fox the maneuver was tone-deaf as they wanted more deliberation. Without even asking anybody for a vote, I have over two-thirds of the caucus supporting me, Pelosi said as Ryan plotted his bid. Its a funny thing. When somebody challenges you, your supporters turn out. In addition, Pelosi is a fundraising juggernaut. Tim Ryan or anyone else would struggle to match her. Time is a critical factor in the leadership election. The later date grants Ryan time to organize against the California Democrat. What does it mean to Pelosi? Not very much because well be out for Thanksgiving, she said with a shrug. One could divide the House Democratic Caucus into three groups. First, weld together the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Theyre generally aligned with Pelosi and offer her the largest chunk of her support. Then, theres the Midwesterners. Toss in some lawmakers from New York state and Pennsylvania as well, even though the geography moniker doesnt match. Theyre classic Rust Belt Democrats. This is the turf where Democrats lost the presidential election as disaffected, union members and former Democrats aligned with Trump. This sect is a new voice in the Democratic Caucus -- and where Tim Ryan could find strength. Finally, theres a coalition of younger House Democrats. They split their allegiances. But there is tension between this youthful wing and the old guard that Pelosi appears to represent. Part of Pelosis biggest problem is that she has been the leader or the Speaker for 14 years. Its rare that experience works against someone. But it might in this instance. Democrats know that she led them to the majority in 2006. She reminded reporters that she knows how to get it done. But some Democrats wonder whether her time has passed. Tim Ryans appeal is unique. First, hes not named Pelosi, which to some Democrats might be the best thing he has going for him. Secondly, Ryan is only 43, though hes served in the House since 2003. But whats most appealing is the fact that his district in northeastern Ohio and the Mahoning Valley is quintessential Trump country. Ryan contends he wasnt looking to challenge Pelosi, though some close to her dispute that. They note Ryans flirted with two gubernatorial bids and one Senate run. Some speculate he could run for governor in 2018. This all started by people calling me, not me calling people, Ryan said. I think there was some attraction to somebody from Youngstown, Ohio, who was sent all around the country for Hillary Clinton to talk to union workers and try and connect with people that I know how to connect with. One can crystallize the appeal of Ryan through the mindset of Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio. She is the most-senior woman in the House, first elected in 1982. Kaptur represents a very similar district compared to Ryans in northern Ohio. Shes suspicious of trade pacts and worked against passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and similar treaties. Just after the election, Kaptur was firmly in Pelosis camp. Ive signed a letter that the women (members) are signing on her behalf, she said last week. But obviously if someone from our region were to get into the race, I would have to reconsider. Examine the math of what it takes to become the next House Minority Leader: Democrats are expected to hold 194 seats in the new Congress. One uncalled House race remains: Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., against Democratic challenger Doug Applegate. The number could change. But Issa leads. Democrats will hold four of the non-floor voting delegates to Congress from the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These figures are members of Congress for all intents and purposes. They cant vote on the House floor. But Democrats permit them to vote in their own internal caucus. So, the total number of ballots cast in the leadership election is likely to be 198. That means an even 100 votes are whats necessary to win. Thats a high bar for Ryan or anyone else in a race with Pelosi. The California Democrat rings up big numbers among the CBC and CHC groups that gets her within striking distance of 100 right there. And even though Ryans appealing to Rust Belt Democrats, its doubtful hell claim many of them. The same thing with the Young Turks because many owe their very presence in the House to the Pelosi machine. Its hard for Ryan to reach the magic number of 100. Some Democrats speculated to Fox News that Ryan might run, then bow out before the vote, having successfully made his point. Just the fact that Ryan took on Pelosi is great politics in his part of Ohio -- even if he gets his clock cleaned. That helps Ryan in his district, to say nothing if he pursues another office down the road. There are some Democrats who think his chances to truly challenge Pelosi already expired. Granted, a protracted period might help Ryan gin up support. But one senior Democratic source thinks time could work against Ryan. A quick surgical strike Thursday may have been the best way to go, said the source of the anticipated election last week. No one would have seen it coming. If Ryan loses, Democrats must consider how to address those who support him. A model for that exists under the incipient leadership of Senate Minority-elect Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Schumer tapped Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, for his leadership squad, then simultaneously went to the other end of the spectrum to usher Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., into the fold. Manchin says working-class voters abandoned Democrats because they heard no economic plan from failed Democratic White House nominee Hillary Clinton. The social rhetoric (of Trump) didnt bother them because they were so mad at everything else, Manchin said. Manchin notably squabbled with outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and refused to support the Nevada Democrat in the 2014 leadership election. But Manchin sees an opportunity with Schumer at the helm. You think Id be standing up here if I didnt think it would be different? Manchin asked. You didnt see me standing with Harry, did you? Questions about who might succeed Pelosi have floated around the Capitol for years. Theres a reason why few have heard much lately from House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md. Theres a rivalry between Pelosi and Hoyer that goes back to the 1960s when they interned in the same Senate office together. Pelosi -- a Maryland native -- successfully blocked Hoyer at every opportunity to climb the leadership ladder. For now, Hoyer keeps quiet, letting the controversy swirl around Pelosi. Hoyer wont run against Pelosi in a straight up race. Shed beat him. But if Pelosi were out of the mix, Hoyer might be hard to defeat. If Pelosi wins, well, some Democrats will grouse that its business as usual. Thats a scenario which enraptures Republicans. I kind of like Pelosi around, quipped Kevin McCarthy. As long as Pelosi is leader, I think we keep the majority. And if Tim Ryan were to succeed, it may be outright bizarre to have him as minority leader and Paul Ryan as House speaker. It would be good for the Irish, suggested the Ohio Democrat. President Obama spoke privately Sunday with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an international summit in Peru. The world leaders spoke during a break in a roundtable discussion at the APEC Summit meeting. Obama, who leaves office in January, was seen saying OK, then shaking hands with Putin before returning to his seat. White House sources told Fox News the leaders talked informally for about four minutes. They said Obama urged Putin to uphold his countrys commitments under the so-called Minsk agreements, which attempts to stop the military fighting between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian forces along the Russia-Ukraine border. Obama also purportedly talked to Putin about international diplomatic efforts to stop the bloodshed and destruction in Syrias years-long civil war. President-elect Donald Trump is perhaps looking for a Democratic political ally in Sen. Chuck Schumer, considering the native New Yorkers long-time acquaintance. But the new Senate minority leader on Sunday made clear his limitations about any bipartisan efforts with the next president -- especially on ObamaCare or easing banking regulations. Schumer told Fox News Sunday that he and Trump could compromise on several different issues, considering Trumps campaign echoed the views of Democrats. He suggested bipartisan support on tax reform, a comprehensive transportation bill and an infrastructure spending bill -- even within the first 100 days of the Trump administration, which begins January 20. I think blue-collar America voted for Donald Trump more on Democratic issues than on Republican issues, said Schumer, who next year replaces retiring Nevada Sen. Harry Reid as the chambers top Senate Democrat. We will work with him on those issues. As Schumer spoke Sunday on several morning talk shows, Trump tweeted: I have always had a good relationship with Chuck Schumer. He is far smarter than Harry R and has the ability to get things done. Good news! However, Schumer, now among the last of the old guard Washington Democrats, made clear that Trump will get a fight if and when he tries to fulfill campaign promises to repeal ObamaCare and the Dodd-Frank banking-reform law. ObamaCare, he won't be able to do it, Schumer said. Forget about repealing or modifying Dodd-Frank. Trump could perhaps use his executive powers. And while Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, they still don't have the 60-vote majority in the Senate needed to pass most legislation in the upper chamber. Schumer also expressed opposition to Trumps vow to build a wall along the southern U.S. border to keep out illegal immigrants unless he includes a plan for immigration reform. Put it all together, said Schumer, who disagrees with the largely-held conservative argument that the first step to reform is to secure American borders. Schumer, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also made clear that Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trumps pick as the next U.S. attorney general, is going to need a very thorough vetting. Sessions, a former federal prosecutor, made comments in the past about gays, minorities and women that have hurt his career. Many of those statements, they're old, but they're still troubling, Schumer said in the pre-taped interview. There are lots of questions that have to be asked. He suggested his support for Sessions will depend largely on whether Sessions is committed to having a strong Civil Rights Division in the Justice Department. Vice President-elect Mike Pence expressed confidence earlier on Fox News Sunday that the Senate confirmation hearings on Sessions will consider the "totality of his record" and that Sessions will indeed be confirmed. "I'm confident he'll be our next attorney general," Pence said. Schumer also said Sunday that he and Trump have spoken a few times since Trumps upset White House victory earlier this month over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. First time says congratulations, let's work together, Schumer said. Second time we talked a little about infrastructure. He said Trumps infrastructure plan has to be large and bold and that it cannot be done merely through just tax credits or by cutting the basics like Medicare and education. The GOP chairman of a top committee in Congress on Saturday asked the nation's intelligence chief and defense secretary to appear and answer questions about reports that they recommended the ouster of the director of the National Security Agency. In a statement issued late Saturday, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said he sent a letter to Defense Secretary Ash Carter and National Intelligence Director James Clapper asking them to appear before the committee to "discuss the veracity of press reports" that they recommended the removal of Adm. Mike Rogers, who oversees NSA and the new U.S. Cyber Command. Nunes referred to a report in The Washington Post, saying that Carter and Clapper wrote a letter to President Barack Obama last month recommending Rogers' removal. It's unclear why they would recommend dismissal. The Defense Department and Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the news report. Rogers has been mentioned as a candidate for a position in President-elect Donald Trump's administration, an idea that gained traction when Trump met with Rogers, whose tenure at the NSA has been tainted by breaches of classified material from the agency. He said Sunday during an event in Canada that "he's responsible for his own actions" but decline to on comment on "anything in the media." Rogers took the helm at NSA in 2014 after former contractor Edward Snowden stole massive amounts of classified documents and shared then with journalists, who disclosed widespread surveillance. Reforms to prevent future thefts were imposed, but more recently, the FBI arrested NSA contractor Harold Martin III, who they say had stolen enough classified material to fill roughly 200 laptop computers. He has also been in the middle of a debate over whether the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command should be run by two people, not one. Nunes defended Rogers. "Since Adm. Rogers was appointed as NSA director in April 2014, I have been consistently impressed with his leadership and accomplishments," Nunes said in the letter. Nunes asked Carter and Clapper to provide the committee with times and dates the two could testify by 5 p.m. Monday. He also said he planned to hold an open hearing soon to discuss how the intelligence community would be affected by a proposed separation of the NSA and Cyber Command. Fox News' Joseph Weber contributed to this report. Tommy Ballard, the father of missing Bardstown, Ky., mother Crystal Rogers was shot and killed Saturday morning. MISSING KANSAS NEWBORN FOUND IN DALLAS; 2 IN CUSTODY Tommy's father Till Ballard said Tommy was shot in the back around 8 a.m. while hunting with his son and 12-year-old grandson on the family's property. "Tommy always said 'I'll spend my last dime trying to find Crystal.' I guess he's found her now," Till Ballard told WDRB News. ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD ORGANIZES SEARCH FOR TEEN MISSING NEARLY A WEEK Trooper Jeff Gregory with Kentucky State Police said Tommy Ballard's death has been labeled a "death investigation." "I don't know all the information as far as who a perpetrator or who would've fired the shot is," said Trooper Gregory. "I can only give out what I have and hopefully we'll have more to give you later on." Tommy's daughter Crystal Rogers was last seen in July 2015. The 35-year-old mother of five's car was found abandoned on the side of the Bluegrass Parkway. Since her disappearance, Crystal's parents have been involved in countless searches for her. According to Till Ballard, his son was planning a large-scale, out-of-town search for next week. Click for more from WDRB. A man granted a new trial on charges he started a blaze that killed three firefighters has been released from prison after 20 years behind bars. Gregory Brown Jr., 39, walked out of the Allegheny County Jail on Friday evening, free from state custody for the first time since 1996, when he was charged in the fire at his mother's East Hills home. "I'm innocent. I'm happy to be out," said Brown, who was greeted by his attorneys and several relatives. He embraced his mother, Darlene Buckner, and they walked out with their arms around each other. "This is the moment I've been waiting for, for a long time. And I'm very happy for this day," she said. Prosecutors had alleged that Brown, then 17, poured a half-gallon of gasoline on some clothes in the basement of the four-story home and started the blaze in 1995 in hopes of collecting $20,000 in insurance money for a down payment on a new home. Pittsburgh fire Capt. Thomas Brooks, 42, and firefighters Marc Kolenda, 27, and Patricia Conroy, 43, suffocated when their air tanks ran out as they tried to escape from the rapidly burning home, authorities said. Brown was convicted of murder, arson and insurance fraud and sentenced to three life terms. His mother was convicted of insurance fraud and was placed on probation. Brown's conviction was thrown out after the defense said prosecutors and a federal agent failed to turn over evidence that witnesses were offered money in exchange for their testimonies. Brown was scheduled to go on trial again in January, but prosecutors turned over jurisdiction to the federal courts. Federal prosecutors obtained an indictment on a charge of malicious destruction of property by fire resulting in death, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Brown expressed gratitude to his legal team for his release, repeating that he was innocent "like hundreds of others in here in my position." "I just got lucky," he said. "I got the right legal team behind me. Others don't. So, you know, it's bittersweet." Defense attorney David Fawcett, who has condemned the move of the case to federal court, stopped his client from speaking, citing the pending trial, after Brown told reporters: "There wasn't even a crime committed. It wasn't even an arson." "It was a tragedy and we pray for the families of the firefighters. But as we've said from Day One, one tragedy should not beget another," Fawcett said. He said he had advised his client to enjoy his time with his relatives. "God bless him and the time he's going to have with his family." The city of Bloomington, Indiana, has renamed Good Friday and Columbus Day because the names imply a cultural insensitivity, according to the Bloomington Herald-Times. The new, more politically-correct names will help make the holidays more inclusive, the mayor said. PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY FOUNDED BY JEFFERSON ASKED TO NOT QUOTE JEFFERSON The change was made Friday by Mayor John Hamilton, who sent a memo to city employees. "We are terrifically proud of our diverse workforce at the city," Hamilton wrote. "That diversity makes us stronger and more representative of the public we proudly serve. These updated names for two days of well-merited time off is another way we can demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity." NYU BRINGS BACK PROFESSOR WHO BLASTED PC CULTURE, GIVES HIM A RAISE The Herald-Times reports that "all city employees receive paid time off for Columbus Day, a federal holiday ... and Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday. In the future, the city will be calling these paid days off 'Fall Holiday' and 'Spring Holiday.'" Good Friday is not a federal holiday but is observed by many Christians as the day Jesus Christ was crucified by the Romans. Columbus Day is a federal holiday noting the arrival of the Italian explorer in the Americas, on Oct. 12, 1492. Columbus Day has come under fire from liberals who claim the discovery of the Americas by Europeans led to centuries of oppression of Native Americans. Dissing and dismantling the holiday became more a left-wing cause when the late Howard Zinn, a political science professor at Boston University, spent the first chapter of his 1980 book, "A People's History of the United States," flaying Columbus. "To emphasize the heroism of Columbus and his successors as navigators and discoverers, and to de-emphasize their genocide, is not a technical necessity but an ideological choice. It serves -- unwittingly -- to justify what was done," Zinn wrote in his celebrated left-wing tome. The news likely does not come as a surprise to residents of the city of Bloomington. The city and surrounding Monroe County -- thanks mostly to the presence of Indiana University -- are overwhelmingly liberal. The county gave Clinton 58.6 percent of the vote -- almost a 14,000-vote margin over Trump. The news of Bloomington's Columbus Day erasure came the same day that Columbus Eastern High School defeated Bloomington High School South. Columbus, Indiana -- the home to Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president-elect -- is Bloomington's eastern neighbor. It was so named in 1821. A Phoenix-area man who's the son of Mexican immigrants was named Sunday as one of 32 American men and women chosen as Rhodes Scholars who will pursue post-graduate studies at Oxford University. Oscar De Los Santos, who was born and raised in Los Angeles but currently is living in the Phoenix suburb of Laveen, was among the recipients from 882 applicants who were endorsed by 311 colleges and universities. In an email to The Associated Press, De Los Santos said he was excited for the opportunity to study at Oxford but disappointed to see that appeared to be the only Latino selected this year. "I would like to express my disappointment that I was the only Latino Rhodes Scholar selected this year," he said. "I personally know hundreds of talented, deserving young Latinos around the country who would contribute to and benefit tremendously from the Rhodes. I'm disappointed that powerful institutions continue to underestimate and marginalize the talents of people of color." At Oxford, De Los Santos plans to read for a master of public policy and a master of studies in theology with a focus on Christian ethics. "I'm the child of Mexican immigrants, an anti-hunger advocate and a former teacher and political organizer. My degree choices are a way for me to respond from a sense of moral urgency to help marginalized people," he said. De Los Santos said his parents "were undocumented immigrants when they came to this country, but they're citizens now." He was one of the top graduates from the University of Southern California in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in political science. De Los Santos graduated as a Truman Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa, with USC's Order of the Laurel and Palm its highest honor, which is reserved for 20 undergraduates each year. The city council of Los Angeles honored him as an emerging leader. De Los Santos served as an intern to the National Economic Council and the House of Representatives and worked as the youngest Florida field organizer for the 2012 Obama campaign. He currently is a lobbyist and manager of public policy for the Association of Arizona Food Banks. In the 2015-16 academic year, De Los Santos taught English and social studies to sixth-graders at the Champion South Mountain School in Phoenix. At Oxford, he plans to read for a master of public policy and a master of studies in theology with a focus on Christian ethics. The scholarships cover all expenses for two or three years of study at the prestigious university in England starting next October. In some instances, the scholarships may allow funding for four years. The American students will join an international group of scholars chosen from 18 jurisdictions around the world. A total of 95 scholars will be selected worldwide this year. The scholarships are worth about $68,000 per year. The first class of American Rhodes Scholars entered Oxford in 1904. New Jersey State Police on Sunday located a downed aircraft in the Bass River State Forest, secured the site and turned the investigation over to federal officials, police said on Facebook. The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration had arrived at the crash site by Sunday evening and were beginning an investigation. NJSP Aviation and Urban Search and Rescue Units had been scouring the area after the two-passenger aircraft did not arrive at its intended location on Saturday night. The airport the plane departed from or the plane's intended location were not immediately known. It was also not known how many individuals were on the plane or what may have caused the incident. Officials tracked the aircraft pilots cellphone, leading them to the location where the plane went down. Police initially responded to the state park at about 11 a.m. local time. A helicopter located the plane about four hours later and police rescue teams began racing to the scene. Bass River State Forest is a nearly 24,000-acre park in Burlington County. Its about 30 miles north of Atlantic City. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are looking for a Washington state woman after she was abducted from her Kennewick home and a ransom was demanded. Kennewick Police Sgt. Ken Lattin said 69-year-old Sandra Harris was taken Friday by someone she knew. Lattin said her abductor then used Harris' cellphone to call her husband at work to demand an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for her return. "This was not a random act," Lattin said. "They're not related. We're not exactly sure what the nature of the relationship was, but this was not random." Local and federal law enforcement agencies contacted a kidnapper and negotiated for several hours, ultimately agreeing to pay the ransom. Authorities made the money exchange just before 10 p.m. near the town of Eltopia, and shortly after they arrested a suspect: 49-year-old Theresa Wiltse of Connell, Washington. Wiltse was driving a rental car with California plates, according to a statement from police, and she was the only person in the car. Wiltse is being held in the Benton County jail without bond on suspicion of kidnapping. It wasn't immediately clear if she had retained an attorney. "There's possibly another suspect or suspects involved, or it's possible she acted alone," Lattin said. He said they didn't know what condition Harris is in or where she might be. Abductions for ransom are rare in the United States. "They are unusual for us here as well," Lattin said. "I've been here 28 years, our chief has been here 35 years plus, and that's not something that has happened during our lifetime here in Kennewick." Authorities in Texas were hunting for a gunman Monday accused of killing a detective after shooting him twice in the face while he was writing out a traffic ticket to a driver. San Antonio police Chief William McManus identified the fallen officer as Benjamin Marconi, 50, a 20-year veteran of the force. Marconi was shot to death in his squad car late Sunday morning outside police headquarters, police said. According to Fox San Antonio, the U.S. Marshals service took a person of interest into custody at around 9:20 p.m. local time but no further information was given on the person. However, police said early Monday that the search for a male suspect was still underway and that no arrest had been made. McManus said he doesn't believe the suspect has any relationship to the original driver who was pulled over, and no motive has been identified. "This is everyone's worst nightmare. You never want to see anything like this happen," said McManus, who then ticked off several other cities that recently had police officers targeted and killed. "Unfortunately, like Dallas, like Baton Rouge, it's happened here now." Police released a still image of the suspected gunmans vehicle speeding away from police headquarters and another image of a person sought "in connection with the shooting." Authorities were still looking through video footage to help identify the gunman. A reward of up to $10,000 was offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the detectives murder. "We consider this suspect to be extremely dangerous and a clear threat to law enforcement officers and the public," said McManus, who added that after the shooting officers had been instructed to not make traffic stops alone. The chief said investigators are looking into all leads and motives, including whether it could be related to an officer-involved shooting earlier Sunday in the city. In that incident, McManus said, police fatally shot a man who pointed a gun at officers outside an apartment following a seven-hour standoff. "Hopefully, we'll solve this one real quick," McManus said. Some streets downtown were blocked off with police tape as officials investigated the slaying. In St. Louis, a police sergeant was hospitalized in critical condition but expected to survive after being shot twice in the face Sunday night in what the police chief called an "ambush." Police reported early Monday that the suspect was later killed in a shootout with police. Police Chief Sam Dotson said the 46-year-old officer was shot twice in the face. "Fortunately for the blessing of God the officer's going to survive," Dotson said during a brief news conference after the shooting. He declined to name the officer but said he is a married father of three who has been with the department for about 20 years. The officer was not involved in a call or a traffic stop but was sitting in traffic about 7:30 p.m. Sunday when another car pulled up alongside his marked police vehicle. The officer told police he heard at least two shots. "This officer was driving down the road and was ambushed by an individual who pointed a gun at him from inside of his car and shot out the police officer's window," Dotson said. Police reported that officers later pulled up behind the suspect's vehicle and that he fled on foot. Police said the man fired shots at the officers, who returned fire, killing him. No officers were shot. Two other police officers were also shot Sunday night, but it wasn't clear whether the incidents were targeted attacks. An officer with the Gladstone, Missouri, police department near Kansas City was shot, along with a suspect. A Sanibel, Florida, officer was shot in the shoulder during a traffic stop Sunday night, and was treated for his injuries and released. "It's always difficult, especially in this this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country," McManus said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the San Antonio slaying a "horrific act of violence." Abbott said in a statement that "attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice." San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and the entire police force. The shootings came less than five months after a gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And earlier this month, two Des Moines, Iowa-area police officers were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. The Associated Press contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Authorities say a San Antonio police officer has been fatally shot while writing a traffic ticket outside of police headquarters. San Antonio police Chief William McManus said the officer was killed late Sunday morning. He says the suspect has not yet been apprehended and a motive is not known. McManus says the officer had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his vehicle writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He says the driver of that vehicle got out, walked up to the officer's driver-side window and shot the officer in the head. The officer was pronounced dead at a hospital. He was a 20-year veteran of the police force. McManus says, "This is everyone's worst nightmare." next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The mother of 12-year-old Tamir (tah-MEER') Rice says she's trying to find a path forward. She spoke with The Associated Press last week, almost two years after a white Cleveland police officer killed the black boy with a pellet gun at a city recreation center. Samaria Rice says she is working to create a foundation in Tamir's name to provide scholarships and mentor children. She says she is using a portion she's owed from a $6 million settlement of a lawsuit she filed against the city. She also says she is angry and frustrated that the officers involved in Tamir's death haven't been held accountable. She says Tamir would still be alive if he had been white. A city spokesman didn't respond to messages from the AP. British police say they have arrested 15 demonstrators protesting plans for a new runway at London's Heathrow Airport. A group of climate-change activists lay down across an access road to the airport early Saturday. Others gathered nearby holding signs reading "Heathrow expansion will destroy thousands of homes" and "Protect the planet, no more runways." London's Metropolitan Police force says officers made 15 arrests "for obstructing the highway and public order offences." Last month, the British government approved plans to build a third runway at Heathrow despite concerns about air pollution, noise and the destruction of hundreds of homes. Protest group Rising Up! said the runway had been approved "despite mass opposition from local residents and the fact that doing so is incompatible with the U.K.'s own laws on climate change." next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The Dalai Lama has preached to thousands of supporters in Mongolia, on a visit set to test the country's ties with China, its powerful neighbor. It was the first appearance in five years in the heavily Buddhist country for the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, who Beijing has condemned as a separatist. Saturday's visit comes as Mongolian leaders are seeking a $4.2 billion loan from Beijing to pull it out of a deep recession. China's Foreign Ministry strongly urged Mongolia on Friday to deny the Dalai Lama a visit for the sake of a "sound and steady" development of bilateral ties. Mongolia Buddhism is closely tied to Tibet's strain and traditionally reveres the Dalai Lama, who made his first visit to the country in 1979. An Egyptian court has sentenced the head of the journalists' union and two board members to two years in prison and 10,000 pounds (around $650) fine for harboring two wanted journalists. The ruling on Saturday against Yahia Qalash, head of Egypt's press union, and two others comes after a seven-month trial. The case goes back to April when the security forces raided the syndicate building to arrest two journalists, who were wanted over protests against the president's decision to transfer Egyptian sovereignty over two strategic Red Sea Islands to Saudi Arabia. The move infuriated journalists. They staged protests, demanded the interior minister's resignation, and a presidential apology. Instead, Qalash and two others were detained, questioned, and charged for giving shelter to two wanted men. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 A few hundred people have protested in Paris against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, expressing their concern about whether he will respect human rights, women and minorities. Protesters, including many Americans living in France, took to the streets Saturday in the Eiffel Tower neighborhood behind a large banner "Paris against Trump." Youssef Al-Moughrabi, born in California and studying in Paris, told The Associated Press that "we are not contesting election results. But in every democracy I believe there is a government and there is an opposition, in a healthy democracy, and we are the opposition." Many placards could be seen in the crowd with messages against racism, misogyny, Islamophobia, "homophobia" and "white nationalism." As U.S.-backed Iraqi forces close in on the Islamic State's hub of Mosul, the leader of the terror network has become so insecure about his own safety that he refuses to emerge from his underground hideouts and never sleeps without his suicide vest on, Reuters reported. DUTCH INTELLIGENCE EXPERTS SAY ISIS HAS 60-80 OPERATIVES IN EUROPE Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi "has become intemperate," losing self-control and showing more signs of paranoia, according to messages sent from inside Mosul to the Iraqi military. Reuters reported Wednesday it had viewed the messages. Iraqi troops pushed deeper into eastern Mosul Saturday, backed by aerial support from the U.S.-led international coalition -- but faced stiff resistance from ISIS fighters, Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi of the Iraqi special forces said. SAUDI-LED MILITARY COALITION DECLARES 48-HOUR CEASEFIRE IN YEMEN Meanwhile, al-Baghdadi "has cut down on his movements and neglects his appearance," according to the message from the person inside Mosul. "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." Two weeks ago, al-Baghdadi released a new message urging his followers to keep up the fight for Mosul. His rallying cry came in a sermon-like recording, more than half an hour long, distributed by the militant group's al-Furqan media arm. It was not clear when the recording was produced. The city of more than one million people and the surrounding territory fell to ISIS fighters during the militant group's surprise attack in June 2014. Al-Baghdadi visited the city soon after the takeover, and from inside Mosul declared an Islamic caliphate that at one point covered nearly a third of Iraq and Syria. In his recording, al-Baghdadi rallied his fighters especially in Mosul and called on them to obey orders while remaining resilient and steadfast. "Oh you who seek martyrdom! Start your actions! Turn the night of the disbelievers into day," he says, according to a translation provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, a U.S. organization that monitors militant activity online, which reported the al-Baghdadi recording first. "Totally decimate their territories, and make their blood flow like rivers," al-Baghdadi also says. The Associated Press contributed to this report. South Korean prosecutors said they believe President Park Geun-hye conspired with a secretive confidante who allegedly manipulated government affairs and exploited her presidential ties to amass an illicit fortune. LARGE ANTI-PARK PROTEST PLANNED IN SEOUL, 4TH AMID SCANDAL The damning revelation came as prosecutors Sunday indicted Park's longtime friend Choi Soon-sil on suspicion of interfering with state affairs and bullying companies into giving tens of millions of dollars to foundations she controlled. Prosecutors are also preparing to question Park, which could happen in the next few days. The prosecution on Sunday also indicted two former presidential aides who allegedly conspired with Choi. Park is facing growing calls to resign over the scandal critics say has undermined the country's democracy. Emboldened by the huge protests in recent weeks, opposition parties have been stepping up pressure on Park to quit. On Saturday, police said about 170,000 people turned out for the latest anti-Park protest in streets near City Hall and a boulevard fronting an old palace gate in Seoul. Demonstrators also marched in streets near the presidential offices, carrying candles and illuminating cellphones, and shouting "Park Geun-hye step down" and "Arrest Park Geun-hye." Spanish police have arrested two Moroccan men for allegedly serving as recruiters for the Islamic State group. Spain's Interior Ministry said police arrested one man in Madrid and the other in the town of Roda de Ter near Barcelona on Saturday. Spanish authorities say the pair allegedly "focused on the recruitment of young Muslims" with the goal of "inciting the execution of terrorist acts." Police say the two suspects used social media to spread IS propaganda that included "videos of violent acts chosen to justify the cruelty shown toward the victims." Spain says 163 suspected Islamic extremists have been arrested in the country since 2015. Turkey's state-run news agency says six people have been detained in the investigation of a mine collapse that killed at least five miners. Anadolu Agency says rescue teams recovered the body of the fifth miner, Sefik Tuncer, on Saturday. Four miners were found dead on Friday. Rescue operations are underway for 11 miners still missing, although a government official said Friday that hopes of finding them alive are slim. The privately-owned copper mine in Siirt province caved in late Thursday. Siirt Governor Mustafa Tutulmaz has said authorities think a landslide triggered by heavy rains caused the collapse. However an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Anadolu says authorities detained six people for alleged negligence, including the mine's field operations manager and the owner of a subcontracting firm. At least eight children were killed Sunday in Syria when rockets struck a school in Aleppo, in a sixth straight day of airstrikes that included a barrel bomb that killed a family of six, Reuters reported. A teacher was among the dead, the Associated Press reported. The shelling killed at least eight children among 10 deaths in the Saria Hasoun School, bringing the death toll to about 300 since Tuesday, the start of one of the heaviest bombardments in the countrys six-year civil war. Medics cited by Reuters said the al-Baytounji family had suffocated to death because of the barrel bomb, which fell at about midnight and reportedly was laced with chlorine gas. The two medics identified the family in a film that was released online. The video showed the bodies of four children lying shoulder-to-shoulder on the floor, each showing blue lips and dark marks around their eyes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, however, which monitors the war, reportedly could not confirm that chlorine gas was used. The Syrian government forces have used chlorine gas bombs made by oil drums filled with high explosives and dropped from helicopters at least three times during the war, the United Nations found, although government officials deny the charge. At least 54 people were killed in bombing attacks on Saturday, and air strikes continued to hit several districts of eastern Aleppo on Sunday, the Observatory said. On Friday alone, airstrikes hit four hospitals in east Aleppo, effectively rendering all hospitals in the enclave of 275,000 people out of service, according to the opposition's Aleppo Health Directorate and the World Health Organization. Footage obtained by the Associated Press shows what appears to be a waiting room at the hospital as people milled about, including nurses in blue uniforms. The airstrike then hits, turning the room into a swirl of gray dust. Debris is strewn around and part of the false ceiling collapses. RUSSIA'S LONG-RANGE MISSILES STRIKE SYRIA The civil war in Syria pits President Bashar Assad against mostly Sunni rebels. Assad is backed by Russias air force, Iran and Shiite militias, while Sunni rebels are joined by groups supported by the United State, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, according to the Reuters report. The Syrian government on Sunday refused a U.N. proposal to grant the rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo autonomy in order to restore calm to the war-torn city. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said the state's institutions "must be restored" across the city and the militants expelled. At least 164 civilians have been killed since the government renewed its assault on the besieged enclave six days ago, according to the Britain-based Observatory. The U.N. estimates 275,000 people are trapped inside. By Saturday, the government had damaged or destroyed every hospital in the east, according to the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports doctors and hospitals in Syria. Rebels outside the city have meanwhile launched two unsuccessful offensives to break the government's siege and shelled the government-held western districts. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura had proposed that the Syrian government grant eastern Aleppo autonomy in exchange for peace, and called on the estimated 900 Al Qaeda-linked militants in the east to depart to other rebel-held territory in Syria. But al-Moallem refused the offer in a meeting with de Mistura in Damascus on Sunday. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the foreign minister said restoring government rule was a matter of "national sovereignty." He said Damascus would not allow the people of eastern Aleppo to be "hostages to 6,000 gunmen." The Associated Press contributed to this report. France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy conceded defeat Sunday in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next year's presidential election. Ex-prime ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe both outpolled Sarkozy in early returns, and stand to advance to the Nov. 27 runoff. In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Fillon in the second round. With more than 3.2 million votes counted of an estimated total over 5 million, Fillon had 44 percent, Juppe 28.1 and Sarkozy 21.1. Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared to Sarkozy's more brazen demeanor. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Israel's prime minister has made his first comments on a brewing scandal over the purchase of German submarines, saying his only consideration was fortifying the country's security. Benjamin Netanyahu's comments Sunday come amid calls for an inquiry after it was revealed his personal attorney, David Shimron, had represented the German company building the submarines. The reports into Shimron's involvement in the sale raised concerns over a potential conflict of interests. Suspicions of impropriety were heightened after former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said he was sidelined on the plans. Israel has ordered six submarines from Germany over the past two decades. Israel decided to buy three new ones to replace its older submarines. Netanyahu says the purchase is essential to Israel's security and that was "the only consideration that guided me." Norwegian police are investigating a pedophile network suspected to involve at least 51 people, and which includes the abuse of infants and at least one case of a suspect acknowledging abusing his own children. Police have arrested 20 men so far in western Norway, with three convictions, in Norway's largest abuse case to date, Deputy Police Chief Gunnar Floystad said. The 31 other suspects are from other regions in Norway. Floystad told reporters Sunday that many of the suspects are highly educated, and include lawyers and politicians. He said he could not reveal more details pending the conclusion of the investigation, known as "Dark Room," which began in 2015. Prosecutors said the perpetrators met on the dark web, using encryption and anonymity to hide their tracks. A day after a mass anti-government rally it organized, the Malaysian electoral reform group Bersih voiced concern Sunday over the arrest of its chairwoman under a security law meant for terrorists and the detention of more than a dozen people. Police say 15,500 protesters took to Kuala Lumpur's streets on Saturday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak over a financial scandal. Bersih estimated the crowd at 120,000. Bersih official Wong Chin Huat said the security sweep and chairwoman Maria Chin's detention without trial under the Security Offences Act were vindictive and aimed at silencing dissent. "The crackdown shows that Najib is feeling insecure. It is a sign of panic," Wong told The Associated Press on Sunday. "But the people have sent a clear message. They want reforms and they want Najib to step down." Police raided Bersih's office on Friday and took Chin in for investigations into "activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy." Chin was formally detained Saturday under the security law and can be held without trial for 28 days. Bersih said on Facebook that its lawyers finally met Chin on Sunday after having no access to her since she was detained. The group said Chin was being held in solitary confinement in a small cell with no windows and two small lightbulbs. It said Chin was not given any bed or pillow, and had just the cement floor and a slab of wood. One of Bersih's lawyers, Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, said by phone that the law has been abused to punish Chin. If convicted, she said Chin faces up to 15 years in jail. Apart from Chin, Fadiah said 15 other politicians and activists, including three Bersih officials, have also been detained. Prime Minister Najib, who is attending an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru, was quoted by Malaysian national news agency Bernama as saying that Saturday's rally calling for him to step down was unconstitutional and that Malaysians were fed up with demonstrations. "We, Malaysians, must uphold the principle of the rule of law. Otherwise there will be chaos in the country and the people will suffer," said Najib, who earlier had slammed Bersih rallies as a tool for the opposition to unseat the government. An August 2015 Bersih rally that also demanded that Najib quit drew around 50,000 demonstrators. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of the activists, describing them as prisoners of conscience. Instead of investigating allegations of corruption and rights abuses, the government is "silencing people for raising these concerns," the group said. Najib has kept an iron grip since graft allegations emerged two years ago involving the indebted 1MDB state fund. He founded the fund in 2009 to promote economic development, but it accumulated billions in debts over the years. The investigations into 1MDB in the U.S. and several other countries are centered on allegations of a global embezzlement and money-laundering scheme. The U.S. Justice Department said that at least $3.5 billion had been stolen from 1MDB by people close to Najib and initiated action in July to seize $1.3 billion it said was taken from the fund to buy assets in the U.S. The U.S. government complaints also said that more than $700 million had landed in the accounts of "Malaysian Official 1." They did not name the official, but appear to be referring to Najib. Support for Najib's National Front has eroded in the last two general elections. It won in 2013, but lost the popular vote for the first time to an opposition alliance. Pope Francis pulled shut the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, formally ending the Holy Year of Mercy he declared to stress the need for greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world. After closing the ornate door, Francis urged some 70,000 people attending Mass in St. Peter's Square to stay open to reconciliation prospects. "Let us ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences, opening every possible pathway of hope," the pope said during his homily. A day earlier, at a ceremony to give the church 17 new cardinals, the pope lamented a surge of hostility and polarization in the world, especially toward those many consider enemies simply because they are from different faiths, races or nationalities. "As God believes in us, infinitely beyond any merits we have, so, too, we are called to instill hope and provide opportunities to others," Francis said Sunday. The Holy Year of Mercy, which started on Dec. 8, 2015, drew roughly 20 million pilgrims to Rome, where they passed through the open Holy Door at the Vatican and at other Rome basilicas. A long line of faithful snaked through the square Saturday evening for the last opportunity to pass through St. Peter's Basilica Holy Door, which is off to the side of the main entrance. Hours later, the pontiff slowly and firmly pulled close one side of the ornately paneled door, then the other side. The door will be re-sealed until another Holy Year is declared, whenever that might be. Catholics worldwide also could pass through Holy Doors in designated churches closer to home during the last year, as Francis sought to put less attention on the church headquarters in Rome and more on adherents in the farthest reaches of the globe. Francis opened one of those Holy Doors himself, at the Cathedral of Bangui, during a pilgrimage in late 2015 to the Central African Republic, a country bloodied by sectarian fighting between Muslims and Christians. A Central African Republic prelate from that country was one of 17 churchmen officially given the rank of cardinal by the pope on Saturday. The new cardinals joined the rest of the cardinals during Sunday's Mass. Francis made clear that his papacy, which began in 2013, would continue to press for dialogue and other peaceful means to end conflicts and bring people closer together. At the end of the Sunday's Mass in the square, Francis signed a letter addressed to all the church. The Vatican said the letter expressed the pope's intention that the church "can continue to live out the mercy with the same intensity felt during the entire special Jubilee" Holy Year. The pope handed out copies to various representatives of the Catholic world. They included a family of parents; children and grandparents from the United States; a nun from Mexico and a nun from South Korea; the archbishop of Manila; priests from the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Brazil; and a woman in a wheelchair, among others. The Vatican plans to release the text of the letter on Monday. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 The Catholic Church in Rwanda apologized on Sunday for the church's role in the 1994 genocide, saying it regretted the actions of those who participated in the massacres. "We apologize for all the wrongs the church committed. We apologize on behalf of all Christians for all forms of wrongs we committed. We regret that church members violated (their) oath of allegiance to God's commandments," said the statement by the Conference of Catholic Bishops, which was read out in parishes across the country. The statement acknowledged that church members planned, aided and executed the genocide, in which over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. In the years since the genocide which was sparked by a contentious plane crash that killed the then-president, a Hutu the local church had resisted efforts by the government and groups of survivors to acknowledge the church's complicity in mass murder, saying those church officials who committed crimes acted individually. Many of the victims died at the hands of priests, clergymen and nuns, according to some accounts by survivors, and the Rwandan government says many died in the churches where they had sought refuge. The bishops' statement is seen as a positive development in Rwanda's efforts at reconciliation. "Forgive us for the crime of hate in the country to the extent of also hating our colleagues because of their ethnicity. We didn't show that we are one family but instead killed each other," the statement said. Bishop Phillipe Rukamba, spokesman for the Catholic Church in Rwanda, said the statement was timed to coincide with the formal end Sunday of the Holy Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis to encourage greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world. Tom Ndahiro, a Rwandan genocide researcher, said he hoped the church's statement will encourage unity among Rwandans. "I am also happy to learn that in their statement, bishops apologize for not having been able to avert the genocide," he said. Managing Oneself By Dawson Wheeler Time Money Management Skills Book Released Author Dawson Wheeler has just released his new book Managing Oneself: Improving Your Time And Money For Surviving In Today's Economic Turmoil. The book reveals skills to improve time and money management in order to survive during economic turmoil and achieve financial freedom. -- A new book on improving time and money management skills for surviving in economic turmoil, Managing Oneself by Dawson Wheeler, has been released. The book focuses on money and time management as an important aspect of business in order to achieve financial freedom in today's economy. More information Managing Oneself by Dawson Wheeler can be found at: https://amazon.com/Managing-Oneself-Improving-Surviving-Financial-ebook/dp/B01MRF6L9Z/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1479167100&wr=8-13&keywords=managing+oneself. There are life benefits to acquiring time managements skills including less stress, getting more done, less rework, less life friction and problems, more free time, less wasted time, more opportunities, improved reputation, less effort and more time where it matters. Proper time management in the workplace has a number of positive effects, ranging from making a person a more focused and valuable employee to reducing the stress of their job the Houston Chronicle reports. Time is a commodity on any job, and employers value employees who can get the maximum amount of good work done in the minimum amount of time. Dawson Wheeler reveals time and money management skills in his new book Managing Oneself: Improving Your Time And Money For Surviving In Today's Economic Turmoil. In his book he says that money and time management has become an important aspect of business and that without it people cannot achieve financial freedom in today's economy. The book shares ways readers can manage themselves better so that they can become more efficient in the things they do and the resources they have in order to cope better in life, especially during economic turmoil. It shares how to manage time and money. Managing Oneself focuses on managing time and money in order to create a domino effect to allow people to live better even under the most challenging circumstances. It shows how today's economic turmoil produces stress that can be more than enough to make people sick physically, emotionally and mentally. The book explores the fact that although people may not have total control over the things that happen in their lives - economic turmoil, an ever increasing workload and other responsibilities - they do have control over the way they do things. They can control how they react to things that happen in their lives. Managing Oneself teaches about a number of topics about time and money including effectiveness and efficiency, time, time management power habits, money management and investing. More information on Dawson Wheeler and Managing Oneself: Improving Your Time And Money For Surviving In Today's Economic Turmoil can be found at the website listed above. For more information, please visit http://www.engagementfitness.com Contact Info: Name: Jeremy Folkestad Organization: Engagement Fitness Address: 127 Arlington Drive Phone: 7802452617 Release ID: 147925 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) Beverly Hills Sinus is Proud to Announce an Addition to their Prestigious Group Beverly Hills Sinus is proud to announce the newest addition to the group, Dr. Evan Walgama! Dr. Walgama specializes in chronic sinusitis, sinonasal tumors and endoscopic skull base surgery. He enjoys treating the most difficult cases, particularly those patients who have required previous surgeries. -- Beverly Hills Sinus Center is happy to announce the newest addition to their prestigious group, Dr. Evan Walgama! Dr. Walgama is a fellowship-trained sinus and skull base surgeon and will serve as Co-Director of the Beverly Hills Sinus Center in Cedars Sinai with Dr. Arthur Wu. He has trained under many nationally prominent sinus surgeons throughout his education and is proud to offer the highest level of care available to Los Angeles patients. Dr. Walgama specializes in chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, sinonasal tumors, and endoscopic skull base surgery. He enjoys treating the difficult-to-control sinusitis cases, particularly those patients who have required multiple previous sinus surgeries. His goal is to perform surgery that optimizes further medical management and keeps patients from having to return to surgery. He also treats complex skull disorders such as pituitary tumors, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, chordomas, and benign or malignant nose, sinus and nasopharynx tumors. These challenging cases are often handled in collaboration with other top tier physicians to ensure the best possible outcome. Dr. Walgama graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors degree in philosophy. He received his M.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and was a junior member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He completed a five-year residency in Otolaryngology at the same institution where he served as chief resident at Parkland Memorial Hospital. He then completed a one-year fellowship in Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery at Stanford University under the mentorship of Peter Hwang, MD. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Walgama is active in clinical research. He has presented original research at national meetings and publishes in peer-reviewed journals. He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Rhinologic Society. The Beverly Hills Sinus Center is known as a center of excellence in Southern California for compassionate care and cutting edge research in the field of nasal and sinus diseases. Located in the world renown Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Towers and headed by Dr. Arthur Wu, the Beverly Hills Sinus Center is the premier sinus center serving the Greater Los Angeles Area. Dr. Walgama joins Dr. Arthur Wu at the premier Beverly Hills ENT facilities. Click Here for additional information or contact Beverly Hills Sinus Center at (310) 423-1220. For more information, please visit http://www.beverlyhillssinus.com Contact Info: Name: Dr. Arthur Wu Organization: Beverly Hills Sinus | ENT & Sinus Surgeon | Dr. Arthur Wu Address: 8635 W 3rd St. Suite 590W Phone: (310) 423-1220 Release ID: 147931 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) Legal Startup Announces Local Attorney Search Service Lawyers Near Me releases teaser information on the upcoming launch of its new local attorney search service. Further information can be found at http://lawyersnear.me. -- Local attorney search engine startup, Lawyers Near Me, today announced the official launch date of its upcoming local lawyer search service. Rumours are already starting to circulate among observers and commentators within the legal world, as the 'Live' date of the search service draws near. Lawyers Near Me has also released three things fans, reviewers and critics can expect from the official public launch on December 1st, 2016. Launch details can be found at http://lawyersnear.me/launch The first thing consumers should expect is a big improvement in the quality of their legal advice.. Lawyers Near Me makes this happen by ensuring that consumers hire the best local lawyers, not just the first listed in the Yellow Pages. Lawyers Near Me places a great deal of emphasis on real ratings and reviews from actual clients. Being able to quantify the reputation of legal firms and lawyers before engaging makes all the difference to consumers' experience. Lawyers Near Me will be celebrate its launch by providing free local attorney search for the first month operation before introducing a paid search service. It is their hope that providing free local attorney search will give consumers a chance to try the service and see how much better it is to the alternatives. Finally, industry commentators and observers will be interested to know what went into the creation of Lawyers Near Me's local search service. It has taken 6 months to put together, from start to finish, from the initial idea to fully implementing the service ready for launch. Ryan Francis, co-founder at Lawyers Near Me adds "We think the classic recommendation from a friend isn't a great way to find a good lawyer. Lawyers Near Me changes that by allowing consumers to search by specialty, such as Divorce or Real Estate, as well as city, town or zip code. Then adding real ratings from actual clients makes it easy for our users to find the genuinely best local lawyer for their needs". Further information about Lawyers Near Me's local attorney search service can all be found at http://lawyersnear.me/launch For more information, please visit http://lawyersnear.me Contact Info: Name: Ryan Francis Organization: Lawyers Near Me Address: 7500 Kirby Drive Release ID: 147902 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Free Freightnet Membership List your company in the Freightnet directory. It's Free, it's Easy and your company can be displayed in front of potential freight buyers within 24 hours. NOTE: this is an archived page and the content is likely to be out of date. Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. today announced the development of a new thin-film process technology that increases oxygen-producing efficiency by more than 100-fold. This is compared to using photocatalyst material, as is, with photoreactive electrodes that produce electricity and oxygen through the interaction of sunlight and water, used in artificial photosynthesis (1). The results of this development could be used to increase energy storage capacity through artificial photosynthesis, and hold the promise of becoming a fundamental technology relating to energy and the environment, thus contributing to a more sustainable future with solutions to the problems of global warming and natural resource depletion. Details of this technology were published in the English scientific journal Scientific Reports (online edition) on October 19, 2016. Background Reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases and developing renewable energy that can be stored are urgent issues for building a society that will be sustainable in the future. Artificial photosynthesis uses sunlight, water, and CO2 to produce oxygen, hydrogen, and organic compounds that can be used as stored energy, making it the subject of increasing interest. Issues To artificially produce storable energy in the form of hydrogen and organic compounds requires efficiently extracting reaction electrons from a photocatalyst material using the energy in sunlight, and at the electrode, efficiently reacting with water or CO2. In the past, semiconductor materials and relatively coarse-grained photocatalyst materials have been used in low-density rigid structures for the photoreactive electrodes where sunlight and water react. However, as the usable wavelengths of light in sunlight (visible light) fall in a narrow range, it has been difficult to achieve a sufficient current flow from the chemical reaction. About the Technology Fujitsu Laboratories has improved on methods for forming thin films (nanoparticle deposition(2)) of electroceramics on flexible mounting sheets to create capacitors and other passive elements. It has also developed a process technology for layering thin films on a substrate using a nozzle to spray the raw-material photocatalyst-material particle that fragments the particle on a thin plate. Key features of the technology are as follows. Analyses of the internal structure of the material were performed jointly with the Crystal Interface Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. 1. Expands the usable wavelengths of sunlight After creating a film of the raw-material photocatalyst-material particle, it is formed into a crystalline structure having deviation at the molecular level, which broadens the spectrum of sunlight that can be absorbed from a maximum wavelength of 490nm using existing technology to 630nm with this technology, more than doubling the usable sunlight that is captured (Figure 1). Figure 1: Reflectivity of sunlight with the new material 2. High electrical conductivity The film has a good crystalline structure lacking in macro- or micro-level flaws, and a precisely formed structure with excellent electrical conductivity between the particles in the material (Figure 2). This enables electrons electrically excited by photons in sunlight to be efficiently transmitted to the electrodes. Figure 2: Process technology for film with high electrical conductivity 3. A structure formed of nano-sized particles ensures a large surface area to react with water The film's surface structure increases the surface area that can react with water, and is formed into a systematically structured crystalline surface that boosts electron density throughout the material's crystal structure. This effectively promotes much greater interaction between water and sunlight (Figure 3). Figure 3: Structure of light-reacting electrodes for artificial photosynthesis [High electron density crystal layer is highly structured and near film surface] (Image courtesy Crystal Interface Laboratory at the University of Tokyo) Results Compared to using photocatalyst material as-is, this technology more than doubles the usable amount of light that can be gathered from sunlight, and increases by more than a factor of 50 the surface area of the material that can react with water. Taken together, these advances have been confirmed to increase the efficiency in producing electricity and oxygen by more than a factor of 100. Future Plans Fujitsu Laboratories is continuing to work on further advances in photocatalyst materials and process technology to improve the characteristics of photoreactive electrodes, and is working on developing technologies for the dark-reaction part (CO2-reducing reactions) and the overall system, with the goal of implementing artificial photosynthesis technology. Fujitsu Laboratories seeks to contribute to a more sustainable society through renewable energies, and to develop the foundation for sustainable energies and the environment. Related link An artificial photosynthesis anode electrode composed of a nanoparticulate photocatalyst film in a visible light responsive GaN-ZnO solid solution system Google Nexus 7 (2016) Latest News & Update: HTC Working Again With Google For A New Gadget? Exactly when everybody imagined that Google Nexus 7 (2016) won't see the light of the day. They are most likely misjudged on the grounds that most recent bits of gossip propose that HTC is eager to work with Google for the new gadget. Google Nexus telephones and tablets have turned into the defining moment of all Android gadgets amid a specific period. Be that as it may, when Google propelled or launch the Pixel telephones, the exceptional telephones obscured the Nexus line-up and abruptly turn into a thing from the past, which conveyed pain to the devoted fans, also the declaration made by the search giant to end the Nexus mark or brand. It's fortunate, it appears as though Google is blending something for the Nexus mates as the most expected tablet called Google Nexus 7 (2016) is probably going to be introduced in 2017, yet not under the agreement of Huawei. As indicated by GSM Arena, Huawei turned down the assembling contract offered by Google when they discovered that the item won't be co-branded , which implies, the gadget might be named Pixel made by Google and no Huawei logo should be incorporated wherever. Of what should be introduced in December has been put on hold. As indicated by a few reports, Google has considered another producer of Google Nexus 7 (2016) tablet, the Chinese assembling organization HTC, which communicated their fervor over the new venture with the gigantic search. MoKo Google Nexus 7 2013 FHD 2nd Gen Case - Ultra Slim Lightweight Smart-shell Stand https://t.co/gl7bvQ4OOl pic.twitter.com/l7E7A42WiN Becky Messer (@MesserBecky) November 9, 2016 All in all, Google Nexus 7 (2016) tablet has the most elevated probability to hit the stores in 2017. As indicated by PC Advisor, the tablet is relied upon to run the Andromeda OS, controlled by Snapdragon 829 processor with Adreno 530 GPU, 64GB interior storage limit and 4GB of RAM and 7-inch QHD AMOLED screen display. In the interim, fans are sitting tight for the official declaration from Google and HTC with respect to the launching date of Google Nexus 7 (2016). As bits of gossip propose, the 7-inch tablet is required to have a sticker price around 199 pounds in U.K. 'Making a Murderer' Season 2 Latest News & Update: Opposed Freedom for Brendan Dassey Netflix's documentary hit "Making a Murderer" has garnered a lot of attention and controversies as it focused on cases regarding the alleged murder of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey . The series exploded in popularity and brings the case and others involved to the national spotlight. According to AP news, the release of "Making a Murderer" subject, Brendan Dassey has been blocked by the panel of federal appellate judges this Thursday, just days after the approval of the lower court for him to be released from jail under supervision. Dassey's lawyers, Laura Nirider and Steve Drizin are disappointed on the court's decision and said that their fight and appeal will still go on. In the article written by The Guardian, Wisconsin's attorney general, Brad Schimel filed an emergency motion to block Dassey's release as he offered a detailed confession to the crime with the assistance of a clinical social worker. Hence, the decision of the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. Dassey was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2007 for the death of photographer Teresa Halbach due to the rape and murder charges filed against him. During the unsupervised interview of the investigators, he confessed that he helped his uncle Steven Avery to rape and kill Halbach. Both of them were found guilty in separate trials. "Making a Murderer" 10-episode series get the national attention from the Halbach case especially in the case of Dassey since it was perceived by his lawyers as "indefensible" treatment from his first trial attorney. Steven wanted me 2 share a letter from him thanking everyone 4 ur support. He is doing great & very hopeful. @ZellnerLaw #FreeStevenAvery pic.twitter.com/aYKONVTKtp Carla Chase (@averydassey) November 17, 2016 Meanwhile, Avery just wrote a letter thanking his supporters and attorney, Zellner, and hoped for a positive outlook on his situation. In the letter posted by his niece Carla Chase on Twitter, he wrote that everything is well for now and that he has the best lawyer in the world. Google Daydream View News, Updates & Specs: Google Daydream Views Best Part Is Its Controller! The highlight about Google's newly produced virtual reality headset is not the headset at all. Google Daydream View that's worth $79 would pale against Samsung's Gear VR headset if it were not for its controller. The controller is a handy device that reacts to gestures and other kinetic motions. The product was released last Thursday, no rush in acquiring one, however, the virtual experiences built for Google Daydream View is still inadequate because as for now, it is only compatible with Google's new Pixel and Pixel XL phones. "The View is the first of what Google reports will be several headsets made for Daydream, a VR platform that was introduced in Android 7.1 Nougat", a report from The Verge. What made Google Daydream View better than Samsung's Gear VR? On a physical level, the Google Daydream View is not much dissimilar from Samsung's Gear VR but according to the previous source, what made Daydream better than Gear VR headset is its accessibility. With Samsung's Gear VR, the person still has to move his head to point a cursor, then reach for a button located on the headset. But with Google Daydream View, the person can just aim and press button on the controller. Sensors built in the device command the headset of what the person tries to do whether it's swinging a racket or casting a fishing rod, the headset's display responds accordingly. Beyond the controller, there are no new modifications on Google Daydream View. It does not include improvements like eye-tracking or rear/front cameras. It does not also emulate the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift's real world motion, which has room scale tracking and full-fledged virtual hands. But despite the limits, virtual reality videos are attracting numerous game developers and are likely to appear mobile headsets than Rifts or Vives. Queen Elizabeth Snubs Bishop's Promotion For Calling Prince William, Kate Middleton 'Shallow Celebrities' & The Royals 'Philanderers' Queen Elizabeth has snubbed the bishop who classified Kate Middleton and Prince William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as "shallow celebrities." Pete Broadbent, the Bishop of Willesdon who is known to be frank and straightforward, has made quite a name for himself by labelling the royals in an unappealing manner that has not been agreeable to Queen Elizabeth II, one of the world's most influential. Bishop Pete Broadbent Remarks Got Him In Trouble With The Royals The 64-year-old Republican bishop, who has more explicitly named Prince William and Kate Middleton as such, is the heritor of the Queen's imperial diocese. Broadbent has made his antagonism towards the royals very public, even on Facebook and Twitter. He was provisionally suspended before for this. In the past, the bishop has called Prince Charles "Big Ears" and the royal family "philanderers." He also called Princess Diana a "Porcelain Doll." On one occasion, he said that the royal family's origin was "corrupt and sexist." On top of that, he professed that the marriage of Kate And William would not last more than seven years, according to BBC News. It's no surprise that Her Majesty is rather opposed to bishop Pete Broadbent's assumption of the position. Queen Elizabeth II Passes Over Broadbent Dr. Richard Chatres, the ex-Labour Councillor, earlier announced his retirement as Dean of the Chapel's Royal following 11 years in the role. Nevertheless, the Queen Mother asked Dr. Chatres to stay on his role until a new bishop is named. This was somehow regarded by the Liberals as giving a "cold shoulder" toward Broadbent. In a report from Evening Standard, London Tory MP David Burrowes, chairperson of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, said Broadbent "is a zealous follower of Jesus Christ, Spurs and the Labour Party. In his eminent position, he must discontinue his party political and anti-monarchy opinions." Marc Anthony, Shannon de Lima Split: Onstage Kiss With Ex-Wife JLo Caused The Breakup? The married couple, Marc Anthony and Shannon de Lima, have reportedly split after two years. What could have been the reason for this? Marc Anthony, and Shannon de Lima began dating in year 2012. This happened months after he and sexy artist Jennifer Lopez put an end to their seven- year marriage. Anthony and De Lima had a private romantic wedding last November 11, 2014. It was held in the Dominican Republic. De Lima is Anthony's fourth wife. Anthony and his former flame, Maria Von Ritchie Lopez, was once married and had a daughter named Ariana. His second wife was the former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres, and resulted to two children. The "On the Floor" hit-maker Jennifer Lopez was his third wife, to which they had twins. Anthony and DeLima's relationship wasn't perfect. They had a short break in 2013, but got back shortly. A month after that, the two got married in an intimate and private ceremony, according to Daily Mail. Although Anthony and Lopez had a long history, the former couple were in good terms. Anthony and Lopez shares 8-year-old twins Max and Emme. Just this Thursday, November 17, Anthony and Lopez shared the stage at the Latin Grammy Awards. As reported by E! Online , the two surprised everybody with a kiss after they performed their new single, "Olvidame y Pega la Vuelta." Could this have added fuel to the fire in Anthony and de Lima's rocky marriage? Anthony and de Lima's split was so timely. This is probably an implication that the kiss was not a good thing. However, despite the smooch that Anthony and JLo shared, the two are absolutely just friends. "Marc is a living legend. He is a magical and pure artist giving away classics that will stay forever. He will always be many things in my life: my mentor, my soulmate, a father. He isn't just the Person of the Year, he is the person of an entire lifetime, for all of history." These were the sweet words Lopez had for Anthony during her short speech. Angelina Jolie Champions International Policy For Children Post-Divorce; Bent On Fighting Crimes Against Children Angelina Jolie has returned to the limelight for the first time after her divorce filing. The award-winning actress chronicled a video message for the International Criminal Court on Friday. This is the actress way of championing children's rights as the Dutch-based tribunal launches its policy on children welfare. On a clip posted on Twitter, the Oscar-winner said that successful prosecution, whether at the ICC or elsewhere is part of the long and vital generational effort. That is the light in which she believe the court's new policy on children should be seen. She was further quoted saying that she particularly welcome the commitment to include charges for crimes against children wherever the evidence permits as part of a more systematic approach. She then congratulated the office of the chief prosecutor and all those working on the policy. Angelina Jolie has started her work as part of the UN in 2001. The actress made 40 missions over 30 countries over the following decade. She was later appointed as Special Envoy for the UN Commissioner for Refugees in 2012, according to Time. Among her advocacies are conservation and community development, child immigration and education, human rights and women's rights. Her humanitarian works have been recognized all over the world. She received Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to UK and for her campaigns to terminate sexual violence in war regions. The humanitarian also stated in her video message: that mankind owes to children. She remarked that we know we aren't giving the best to children. Further she said that there can be no complete justice without consideration for the victims of the war crimes themselves, and the practical assistance they need to move on with their lives and overcome the harm they have suffered. That is why the work of the Trust Fund is important and must be supported and strengthened over time, the actress concluded. The video captured on Twitter came almost a month after Angelina Jolie filed for a divorce from her husband Brad Pitt. Angelina Jolie gets full custody of their six children; Maddox, 15 year-old boy she adopted in Cambodia, Pax 12 year-old boy she adopted in Vietnam, Zahara, 11 year-old she adopted in Ethiopia, their 10 year-old first born Shiloh, and the 8 year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. Angelina Jolie recently directed a film about human rights activist Loung Ung which will be streamed on Netflix by 2017. She co-authored the biopic based on Ung's 2006 memoir entitled "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers." Pokemon GO Version 2 Latest News & Update: New Set of Pokemon Revealed; Pokemon GO Plus Device in Shortage There is a possibility that new Pokemon will be added to "Pokemon GO" around Dec. 7. Fans are expecting Niantic to make an announcement prior to that date. Earlier this month, it was revealed that 100 new Pokemon will make their way to the immensely popular game. The names appeared in a code. The new Pokemon have not been caught yet. Moreover, a Starbucks internal memo could have revealed the release date of the new Pokemon in "Pokemon GO." A self-proclaimed Starbucks employee revealed on Thursday on a "Pokemon GO" subreddit an internal memo showing a new marketing campaign that will coincide with the "Pokemon Version 2." BGR has shared the leaked image from the Starbucks employee. However, serious Redditors have pointed out issues regarding the internal memo. The memo has no proof that it is from Starbucks and there is a glaring spelling error that occurs thrice. The letter writes "Pokemon" as "Pokeman." If at all the letter is legitimate, fans could be looking at a "Pokemon GO" and Starbucks partnership where Niantic may put a PokeStop at all Starbucks. There is no certainty that the "Pokemon GO" event mentioned actually refers to the "Generation 2" Pokemon. The supposed Starbucks employee has even gone to the extent of saying that he can provide proofs to the mods if required. However, most of the time, these kinds of leaks turn out to be fake. Hence, fans should not get their hopes up on this. Meanwhile, fans who have not been able to get their hands on the "Pokemon GO" Plus device should be aware of the fact that the device is hard to find these days. The company has even reportedly acknowledged the shortage in supply of the wearable and issues an apology to consumers. Stay tuned on GameNGuide for more updates on "Pokemon GO" Plus and "Pokemon Version 2." Apple Siri Specs, Features, News & Update: Apple Is Working Payment Features iMessage Apple Siri is the best voice controlled Virtual Assistant featured on Apple's smartphone's operating system. Now Apple is also working on support for payments inside iMessage. Right now Apple Siri already featured PayPal payments, though this is not integrated on Apple's messaging platform yet. The support for payments on which Apple is working isn't the speculated peer-to-peer payment feature. Apple Siri can detect payment apps users have installed on their devices by which it could complete payment transactions through chosen method as per BGR. Apple Siri is a great help with regards to sending money to people within iMessage, through chosen payment options. Apple is interested in bringing iMessage into higher assistant capabilities, it is described to act accordingly with the queries performed inside an iMessage chat. PayPal Australia has introduced a pay by Apple Siri option. Use your voice to send money. https://t.co/GHBmfkF9Sm pic.twitter.com/wAv7XOGugH Chris Griffith (@chris_griffith) November 11, 2016 Apple Siri could also determine whether the people you're chatting is free to meet or the time they could possibly arrive at your destination. It is the only one that needs calendar and user's location. Tech Radar also wrote that Apple Siri helps people to choose best time to get together. Google may surpass Apple with regards to this, but Apple has prioritized to protect user privacy above all else. Google already had an assistant that user needs to tap its chosen data before it could perform appropriate actions. Now Google's newly released Allo messaging app has been decided to encryption after it needs to communicate with Google servers. However, fans can expect Apple to change security settings just to bring Apple Siri into iMessage, as it offers several safety suggestions which is the top priority of Apple. New Windows 10 Phone Release Date, Specs & Features: HP, Microsoft Collaborate To Design The Next Generation Smartphone Device Two tech aces HP and Microsoft are likely to join hands for manufacturing yet another user-friendly device Windows 10 phone. This is the first time when Microsoft has come in the news after the shattering of its Nokia division. Windows 10 Phone Release Date The announcement regarding the coming together of the two companies might be made soon with Windows 10 smartphone production being completed by February 2017. According to the reports, the new smartphone to be made by an association of HP and Microsoft will not only be a customer-focused device but will also be available at a user-friendly budget. The estimated time of the launch of Windows 10 phone is approximately a year following the plans of HP of offering HP Elite x3 for business-focused users. Hence, it is being considered as a successor of the same as mentioned by Tech Times. Windows 10 Phone Specs: HP, Microsoft Divide Responsibilities Where HP will look after the sales and manufacturing of Windows 10 smartphone, Microsoft will see to the financial parameters as and when required for the product development. Although Microsoft will have a financial role in the production of the device yet it is expected the company would participate in giving technical suggestions. As a result, the new version of the Windows handset is likely have some of the Lumia features as well in it, Gizbot stated. Microsoft is expected to have a "virtual trackpad" in the latest version of the Windows phone. The virtual one is similar to the physical trackpad that is found on laptops where you also get two buttons for clicking left and right. With the help of the new virtual trackpad feature in the Windows 10, the tablet users will be able to keep control over external displays without having to use a mouse. This way a user will be allowed to manipulate the cursor and communicate with those using non touch displays. South Korea Refuses Using Local Mapping Data Due To Security Concerns; Google Disappointed South Korea has refused to use local mapping data offered by Google and held security reasons responsible for such decision. The refusal came on Friday following the Alphabet Inc.'s unit's request to the nation to utilise its global maps service. Google vs South Korea On Local Mapping Services Google is known for handling its map services at centers outside South Korea and it wanted the nation to share its data with it. The verdict of refusal has, therefore, imposed restrictions on the use of the map services by people living in the nation. Like people of other countries, South Koreans will not be able to use an y app that could helps them with directions, Top Tech News stated. The nation's government said that it would permit Google to use its mapping data if it would promise not to disclose information about the military facilities across the nation via its satellite maps. It requested the company to blur those parts for security reasons if they really desired South Korea to use the mapping services. Land ministry official Kim Tong-il said that the nation made its position clear from the beginning. It always maintained that it would export the local mapping data to Google if it deleted the security stuff. He added that the company has denied their proposal and refused to delete those details. Google Releases Statement On South Korea's Security Concerns On the other hand, Google has expressed its disappointment over the refusal from South Korea. "We've always taken security concerns very seriously and will continue to provide useful map services in compliance with Korea's current map data export regulation," Google spokesperson Taj Meadows said in a statement. According to Indian Express, the tensions between North Korea and South Korea have been escalating at a higher pace. It might be the reason behind the later refusing to export its mapping details to Google. Giving such data to Google, which does not operate on domestic data servers might prove harmful for the southern Korean nation. Prison Break Season 5 Air Date, News, Spoilers & Update: Yemen Escape Impossible; T-Bag, Foe Or Ally; Sarah Reunites With Michael? After its long hibernation, "Prison Break" has finally been confirmed to air in Fox TV for Season 5. Now, new reports are claiming that the series will be a platform for the biggest prison escape. To make things complicated for the two brothers, Lincoln and Michael, T-Bag will bring havoc to the series. In the previous seasons of the "Prison Break", the filming locations gave the storyline a stronger plot, entertaining the viewers with thrilling cross cultural conflicts. Now, the production team is bringing the viewers to Yemen for another concrete and realistic scenario. Spoilers released online suggest that Michael and the rest of casts will go through hell to escape Yemen. As reported by iDigitalTimes, the prison escape will not be the hardest for Michael and others, but the hardest will be escaping Yemen. Fans will surely enjoy the new location and new cell friends of Michael in "Prison Break" Season 5. As reported by Deadline, "Prison Break" Season 5 will bring in some of the old favorite casts from the previous seasons. One of the most controversial persona of the series is T-Bag, played by Robert Knepper. In the upcoming season, T-Bag will be the one to break the news to Lincoln about Michael being alive. As seen in the past, T-Bag prioritizes his own well-being, so he must be getting something in return for breaking Micheal's whereabouts. There are no reports yet, as to the character of T-Bag, since the "Prison Break" production team has been silent about it the moment the trailer was released. However, rumors are rife that T-Bag is getting someone out of Yemen, which he believes is possible if it is planned by Michael himself. Meanwhile, Sarah Tancredi, played by Sarah Wayne Callies, is also back on "Prison Break" to work with Lincoln (Dominic Purcell) for the escape plan. New cast, Mark Feuerstein, who plays the character of Jacob, Sarah's husband, will either allow the reunion of the couple or help in Michael's destruction. Fans can expect the series to air early next year. Stay tuned for more Gamenguide update. At the workshop (Photo: VNA) Economics, trade and investment cooperation has become a foundation and a significant driving force to propel the bilateral relations forward, he said, noting that two-way trade has increased by 20 percent over the past four years to reach USD45 billion at present, and the US is a leading trade partner and the seventh biggest investor of Vietnam. President Tran Dai Quang recalled that during US President Barack Obamas visit to Vietnam last May, Vietnamese and US leaders recognised the remarkable contributions of the US business community to developing the two nations comprehensive partnership. The two sides also considered trade and investment promotion a focal point for mutual benefits as well as for peace and stability in the region and the world, he added. The President informed the US businesses about the socio-economic situation in Vietnam, and reaffirmed the Vietnamese States policy of accelerating the renewal process across the fields to obtain rapid and sustainable development. Vietnam is improving the legal framework to create a stable and healthy business environment, as well as bettering the infrastructure system, facilitating foreign investment attraction, and protecting the environment, he said, reiterating the countrys consistent policy of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of overseas investors. He also informed the businesses that Vietnam is making preparations for the hosting of the 2017 APEC Year, with central city of Da Nang selected to be the main venue./. Exclusive: RComm, Aircel, and MTS Combinedly to Become a New Brand in 2017! Features oi -Chakri Kudikala After their recent merging with Aircel and MTS, RComm seems to be on a roll. Now, all the three companies are reportedly forming a new brand. With the advent of Reliance Jio, things have quickly changed in the country. Other incumbents are feeling pressure with the new entrant's free offerings and the results are already showing up. RComm, one of the leading players in the Indian telecom industry recently merged with two other telecoms in India. One is the small player, MTS, which already shut their operations in the country and the another one is Aircel. SEE ALSO: Lenovo and Paytm Join Hands to Enable Cashless Purchases Aircel is a big player in the Indian telecom industry from its existence, but the company has recently merged with RComm to counterattack Reliance Jio. The Anil Ambani-led company has seen a downside in recent times, but their merging with Aircel has surely boosted the company. SEE ALSO: Exclusive: India to Soon Get 70,000 Public Wi-Fi Hotspots From All Telecoms According to our sources, all the three companies are trying to from a new brand in 2017. Here's everything you need to know. Aircel-RComm-MTS; A New Brand The merging of these three telecom brands is now the most hyped one over the internet. And, to not disappoint the customers, they are forming a single brand in early 2017. Huge Investment Both Aircel and RComm are investing huge on improving Indian telecom sector. A total 18,000 crores are being invested by both of them. Click Here for New Smartphones Best Online Deals To Combat Reliance Jio! One of the major reasons for them to merge with each other is the new entrant Reliance Jio. Reliance Jio's Welcome Offer is going to expire on December 31, but the company has much more affordable plans than others. Combo Plans is the Future Also, in future, these company will be concentrating on only combo plans, which means user either gets a free data with a pack or free voice calls, same as the Reliance Jio. More than 36 Percent of Aircel Users Refill With 1GB of Data It is revealed that more than 36 percent of users in Aircel refill with 1GB of data and more. 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 Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi (left) Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi made the remark at a meeting with Deputy Standing Secretary of the municipal Partys Committee Tat Thanh Cang in the city on November 19th. He said the Japanese government, localities and businesses hope to push ahead with cooperation with Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular in all fields, adding that the rapid increase in the number of Japanese investors in the city over the past time demonstrates the Japanese sides wish for bilateral stronger cooperation. According to Kishi, Japans official development assistance (ODA) projects, including transport infrastructure ones, are being carried out on progress and with quality in HCM City. Cang proposed that Japan continue supporting the city to implement projects using Japanese ODA, especially the Ben Thanh metro station and the metro line 3A connecting the city with southern Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces. He expressed his wish for stronger collaboration with Japan in various fields from health, culture, and education to trade, investment and hi-tech agriculture. The official urged Japan to speed up the implementation of the Cho Ray hospital project, organise a Vietnamese cultural week in Japan, and support human resources training at electronic chip production factories. Local authorities are willing to create the best conditions for Japanese firms to invest in development projects in the city, and pledged to closely work with enterprise to ensure the efficiency of ODA-funded projects, he said./. Outsider Picks by Trump Could Give US Intelligence a Jolt By William Gallo, Jeff Seldin November 18, 2016 President-elect Donald Trump's first selections for key national security posts may say little about his foreign policy vision, but they do seem to emphasize a commitment to take the country's intelligence agencies out of their comfort zone. Trump on Friday announced his intention to nominate Mike Pompeo, a Republican congressman from Kansas, to lead the CIA, and his selection of retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as his national security adviser. Pompeo, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, quickly received praise from veteran lawmakers and members of the U.S. intelligence community for his serious and nuanced approach. Flynn, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), has been more controversial, chastised by critics for his abrasive management style as well as for his outspoken views on fighting Islamic militants. Both outsiders But one thing the men have in common is that while they are familiar to U.S. intelligence agencies, they are, in a sense, outsiders. Unlike current CIA Director John Brennan, who began his career with the agency, Pompeo's only intelligence experience comes from his service on the House Intelligence Committee. Flynn, though a known quantity in intelligence circles, was reportedly pushed out as director of the DIA, in part because of clashes with other U.S. intelligence officials. Such appointments would seem to support early talk from those close to the Trump transition team about changing the approach at the U.S. intelligence agencies while at the same time reinvigorating them after years of stagnation. "You're going to see innovation return," said Tony Shaffer, a retired intelligence officer who worked with Flynn. "A lot of what I've seen in the Obama White House is akin to doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for a different result," said Shaffer, now vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Operations at the London Center for Policy Research. "There's a lot of passion. People are excited about trying to roll in and do some good things." Comfort zones Juan Zarate, who served as a deputy national security adviser for combating terrorism under President George W. Bush, called Pompeo and Flynn "serious national security professionals," but cautioned each would most likely face challenges in his new role. "Probably a good idea for any transition into any department or agency is to be conscious that every department and agency has its own culture, its own rhythm, its own history," Zarate said, adding that this will be especially important for Pompeo as he prepares to take the reins at CIA, pending eventual confirmation in the U.S. Senate, "He's obviously going to have to be attentive to that and do some look-backs to make sure he doesn't misstep the way others have," he said. Former CIA Director Michael Hayden offered a similar sentiment. "Not that the congressman's asked me for any advice, but when you go to Langley [CIA headquarters] for the first time, get out of the car alone," Hayden said Friday during a discussion at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies in Washington. "Don't bring your own ecosystem. Go into the agency and embrace the agency." Hayden said Flynn, whom he described as hardworking and bright, would also be forced to make some key adjustments. "Most of his life experience has been at the tactical level, where he has been incredibly successful, so I think this job is going to extend him," he said. "It's going to demand he up his game to be more broadly strategic." Unlike Pompeo's position, Flynn's appointment does not require Senate confirmation. No foreign policy preview It's not clear what, if anything, the appointments indicate about Trump's foreign policy priorities. "It doesn't, and it shouldn't," said James Woolsey, a former CIA chief who has endorsed Trump and serves as one of his advisers. Neither appointee, according to Woolsey, will be in a position to create policy. "If you get involved in advising on policy, your colleagues in State, Defense, and elsewhere will think you are spinning intelligence in order to support the policies you favor," he said. Still, it appears that both Flynn and Pompeo may challenge what have become institutional norms when it comes to their approach on the war against Islamic extremists. Obama critic Since retiring from the military, Flynn, 57, has been a harsh critic of President Barack Obama's strategy in fighting the Islamic State terrorist group, and his criticism has often crossed the line into denigrating Islam and Muslims. The former three-star general has referred to Islam as a cancer. He has called it a "political ideology," rather than a religion. In a tweet from February, he said: "Fear of Muslims is RATIONAL." As CIA chief, Pompeo, 52, also appears set to challenge the status quo. He supports the CIA's now-suspended "enhanced interrogation program," which included waterboarding and other methods many say amounted to torture. Those involved in the CIA interrogation program "are not torturers, they are patriots," Pompeo said in 2014, adding that the programs were "within the law, within the Constitution and conducted with the full knowledge" of appropriate lawmakers. Pompeo, a graduate of Harvard Law School and the U.S. Military Academy, also drew criticism in 2013 after he suggested Muslim leaders who didn't publicly condemn terror attacks were "potentially complicit" in the attacks. Trump's transition team on Friday defended both men as capable and experienced. "Flynn is widely regarded as one of the most respected generals and intelligence officers of his generation," said Jason Miller, Trump's transition communications director. "I don't think there are many people who have a deeper understanding of the capabilities of the U.S. military and intelligence apparatus." Miller declined to comment on Pompeo's views on torture, saying he had not yet discussed the issue with him. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US military officials urge Obama to remove NSA chief Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 10:45PM High-ranking military officials in the United States have urged President Barack Obama to remove the director of the notorious National Security Agency. Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper recommended the commander-in-chief to dismiss Admiral Michael S. Rogers last month, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Post on Saturday. The revelation came as Rogers was being considered by President-elect Donald Trump as the director of national intelligence, in charge of overseeing 17 American spy agencies. Without bothering to notify his superiors, Rogers met with the future president at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday. He was assigned as the NSA and US Cyber Command chief in April 2014 after the extent of the spy agency's activities was revealed by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. The Obama administration seeks to create separate chains of command at the NSA and the military's cyberwarfare unit but some lawmakers, including Republican Senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, oppose the change. They argue that the Cyber Command should be able to maintain its access to the NSA's resources. The NSA's widespread surveillance of Americans and foreign nationals, as well as political leaders around the world, was exposed by Snowden in 2013. Snowden, who lives in Russia where he has been granted asylum, has said that US government surveillance methods far surpass those of an 'Orwellian' state, referring to George Orwell's classic novel "1984," which describes a society where personal privacy is continuously invaded by spy agencies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 18, 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. Operation Inherent Resolve - Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists Strikes in Syria Attack, bomber, fighter, remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 16 strikes in Syria: -- Near Raqqah, three strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed two ISIL-held buildings, a fighting position, and oil production equipment. -- Near Ayn Isa, 10 strikes engaged three ISIL tactical units; destroyed seven fighting positions, two vehicles, a vehicle bomb, a checkpoint, a bunker, and damaged a supply route. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, three strikes destroyed three oil wellheads, three oil tanker trucks, and oil production equipment, and damaged two supply routes. Strikes in Iraq Attack, fighter, remotely piloted aircraft and rocket artillery conducted 12 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Huwayjah, two strikes engaged two ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL-held buildings, two tunnels, and a vehicle. -- Near Qaim, two strikes destroyed an ISIL weapons cache. -- Near Kisik, a strike destroyed a mortar system and suppressed a bunker. -- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units; destroyed five mortar systems, two ISIL-held buildings; damaged a fighting position, a tunnel, and a bunker; and suppressed a mortar system. -- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed a bunker. -- Near Sinjar, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. 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 Carter Praises Special Operations, Criticizes Continuing Resolution By Karen Parrish DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2016 America's special operations forces are a potent part of the "Force of the Future," Defense Secretary Ash Carter told reporters yesterday in Florida. Carter visited Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base as part of a four-day trip that also included stops in California and Texas. Both Florida installations are critical to national security, he said, adding that he's grateful to the local communities for the support they provide to service members. Carter noted that Hurlburt Field is home to some of the nation's most elite warfighters. "Very specifically, today we were looking at a number of the special operations forces' assault capabilities," he said. "This is a kind of capability that we use nearly every day, somewhere in the world." Carter said his most important responsibility as defense secretary "is to approve those operations, and obviously I do that with the greatest care, because there's risk associated with them -- but we do them with professionalism and skill unrivaled anywhere else in the world." Counter-ISIL Campaign Carter said special operators play a key role in the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He added that he is encouraged at "all the cities in Iraq and Syria that have already been seized from ISIL" and the envelopment of Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in Syria "with motivated and capable local partners." "We will have a victory that sticks," he said. " We're obviously trying to accomplish that as quickly as possible, and the forces I was visiting with today are an essential part of that. We're working them very hard; their op-tempo is extremely hard. That is necessary, but it's also difficult for them and their families." Carter said he wanted service members and their families "particularly to know that we were thinking of them at this holiday time." Carter said Eglin is important as home to platforms like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and "the most lethal, the most precise" advanced munitions capabilities. "That is one of the themes in our investments in both our 2017 budget and our 2018 budget," he said. "It was important to see the progress that those programs are making, and they're doing very well. But they're absolutely necessary." Concerns on Budget Stability The secretary responded strongly to a reporter's question about the prospect of a continuing budget resolution. "It's not an efficient way to run the Department of Defense," he said. " This is the eighth consecutive year in which the Department of Defense has not had an appropriations bill at the end of the fiscal year." Stop-gap funding under continuing resolutions is an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars and is unfair to troops, the secretary said. "They deserve budget stability and the knowledge that Congress is supporting them with the funding that they need," Carter said. Advanced programs and defense industry partners are also adversely affected by continuing resolutions, the secretary said. "There's nothing good to say about the absence of a budget," he said. "And the troops deserve better." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of the Secretary General's phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 18 Nov. 2016 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke by phone today with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The Secretary General congratulated the President-elect on his election victory and said that he was looking forward to working with him and his national security team. The President-elect and the Secretary General both underlined NATO's enduring importance, and discussed how NATO is adapting to the new security environment, including to counter the threat of terrorism. Secretary General Stoltenberg also thanked the President-elect for raising the issue of defense spending during the campaign, which has been a top priority for the Secretary General since his appointment in 2014. The two leaders agreed that progress has been made on fairer burden-sharing, but that there is more to do. The Secretary General said he looked forward to welcoming President-elect Trump to Brussels for the NATO Summit next year to discuss the way forward with Allied Heads of State and Government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A strong transatlantic bond in uncertain times - Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at an event hosted by the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 18 Nov. 2016 (As delivered) So Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, first of all thank you for this very warm welcome. And thank you to the German Marshall Fund and to Ian for hosting me and all of us today. The German Marshall Fund is a truly transatlantic organization and the German Marshall Fund is important for many reasons but especially because the German Marshall Fund is really contributing to strengthening the transatlantic bond and to build bridges across the Atlantic. And the GMF has been doing that for decades. And this is as important as ever in the uncertain times we are living in today. I will give a speech and then afterwards I am happy to answer your questions and to take part in a dialogue with all of you. But let me start by just stating the following and that is that Europe needs America and America needs Europe. So, this morning I want to talk about what binds us together. To explore the fundamental connection between the transatlantic bond and European security. And to outline what I believe we need to do to sustain that bond, and maintain that security. ****** Today marks exactly one hundred years since the final day of the Battle of the Somme. One of the bloodiest campaigns in the First World War. A battle in which over a million men were killed or wounded. On the eve of the First World War, British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey had been sure that peace would prevail. That if war threatened, European nations would, in his words, "call a halt, and recoil from the abyss". He was wrong. Like so many others. The European powers could not call a halt. The result was utter destruction. Two decades later, Europe was once again engulfed by war. And the sons of those Americans and Canadians who had fought in Flanders Fields were asked to fight their way across the beaches of Normandy. But soon after the liberation of Europe, an Iron Curtain fell and divided the continent. Two World Wars and the Cold War have taught us that the security of Europe relies on the United States. And that the United States has a profound strategic interest in a stable and secure Europe. Today, the United States continues to demonstrate its commitment to Europe's security. It will deploy a new armoured brigade to Europe. And deliver equipment and supplies to support future reinforcements, if needed. And at the same time Europeans have always been there for Americans too. Since NATO was founded in 1949, America has had no more steadfast and reliable partner than Europe. Europe is America's best friend. NATO has been a unique force multiplier. A platform from which to project strategic interests. And for working seamlessly with Allies and partners around the globe. So we have to remember that the only time when NATO has invoked our collective defence clause, Article 5, was in solidarity with the United States. As a direct response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Since then hundreds of thousands of European troops have served in Afghanistan. Over a thousand have paid the ultimate price. And NATO continues to play a crucial role in the fight against international terrorism. Every NATO Ally is part of the US-led coalition to counter ISIL. Drawing on decades of experience working together in NATO exercises and operations. Our AWACS surveillance aircraft support coalition air operations. NATO is training Iraqi officers to better fight ISIL. And we work with others throughout North Africa and the Middle East to help them improve their security. Europe and the United States are close economic and trade partners. Together, they account for one third of world trade and half of global economic output. A stronger, safer, and more prosperous Europe means a stronger, safer, more prosperous United States. That is an essential lesson of twentieth century history. And we should not forget it. Especially in uncertain times such as these. Russia, breaking international law. Turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East. The refugee and migration crisis. International terrorism. Hybrid warfare. And cyber-attacks. These are pressing challenges. Requiring unity and resolve. And a strong transatlantic bond. To do that, we Europeans recognise that we have work to do. Crucially, Europe must do more on defence and security. And an important part of that is closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union. I welcome ongoing efforts to strengthen European Defence. But we need to ensure it is done in a way which strengthens not weakens the transatlantic relationship. For me, as Secretary General of NATO, there are three key points. More money for better capabilities. Complementarity, not competition. And involvement of non-EU Allies. First, some words about more money for better capabilities. It is no secret that the United States has called for European Allies to spend more on defence. We have heard that call many times, from many American leaders. From President Obama and from President-elect Trump. From every senator and congressman I've met since becoming Secretary General. And delivering on defence spending has been my top priority since the day I took office. I raise this in every NATO capital I visit. And I welcome the fact that Europeans are now stepping up. At our Summit in Wales in 2014, all Allies made a pledge. To stop cuts in defence spending. And to gradually increase spending towards the goal of 2% of GDP within a decade. Last year, for the first time in many years, we stopped the cuts across Europe and Canada. This year, I expect a 3% real increase in defence spending in Europe and Canada. But other than the US, only four NATO Allies currently spend 2% of GDP on defence. If all Allies did, that would mean an extra hundred billion dollars. A one hundred billion dollar boost to our capabilities. That's roughly equivalent to the combined budgets of the largest defence spenders in Europe: the UK and France. Every year. So we still have a long way to go. But we are heading in the right direction. This week, the EU also took steps in the right direction. Agreeing on measures to implement the Global Strategy in the area of security and defence. They should lead to more efficient spending and better defence capabilities. One issue we need to address better is the fragmentation of the European defence industry. Let me give you some examples. The United States has one type of infantry fighting vehicle. In Europe, we have 19. The United States has three types of air to air missiles. In Europe, we have 13 different types. The United States uses 4 different types of naval frigates. In Europe, we have 29. Think what that means for our ability to work together and fight together. And the unnecessary costs involved. So, we need to spend more and we also need to spend better. That leads me to my second point: complementarity, not competition. NATO nations and EU members simply cannot afford two sets of forces and capabilities. We share 22 members so to duplicate would be like competing with ourselves. I know that when it comes to European Defence, a number of proposals have been put on the table. And that debate continues. I took part in this discussion when I attended the recent EU Defence Ministers meeting in Bratislava, and again this week in Brussels. It was clearly stated that there is no intention to create a European Army; or establish a military headquarters similar to that of NATO's SHAPE. And it was also made clear that NATO remains the foundation for the collective defence of those countries that are part of the Alliance. So at least some of the ghosts of the past appear to have been laid to rest. To make sure that remains the case, we must have full transparency and the involvement of non-EU NATO Allies. That is my third point. Allies such as the United States and Canada to the West; Iceland and Norway to the North; And Turkey and Albania to the South-East, are not members of the EU. But, together, they are essential for European security and will continue to be. After Brexit, non-EU Allies will account for 80% of NATO's defence spending. Three of the four NATO battlegroups to be deployed in Poland and the Baltic States will be led by non-EU Allies. So, we cannot afford to decouple European Defence from non-EU NATO Allies. They all have an important stake in European security. And we must continue to acknowledge that. One way of doing so is by developing stronger NATO-EU cooperation. This will also reinforce the transatlantic bond. The Joint Declaration that I signed together with Presidents Tusk and Juncker in Warsaw in July raised our cooperation to a new level. Both organisations face security challenges of a new depth and complexity. And neither has the tools to overcome those challenges alone. NATO has a unique set of experience, expertise and capabilities. A tried and tested command structure. Key enablers such as AWACS surveillance planes. And high-end fighting capabilities. Our ability to do both collective defence and crisis management complements perfectly the wide range of capabilities the EU has to offer. Together, we can be a formidable force for good. Our combined efforts in the Aegean have been a major step forward. Helping to cut the lines of illegal migration. Last week, we launched the maritime security Operation Sea Guardian. With ships, submarines and maritime patrol aircraft operating in the Central Mediterranean. Which will also be used to support the EU's Operation Sophia. NATO and EU cyber defence teams already participate together in exercises. And have agreed to exchange information about threats, and share best practices. We are working to implement the joint statement we made in Warsaw. And this is one the most important things when it comes to how to further strengthen the cooperation between NATO and EU and we are doing so with full respect for both organisations' distinct mandates, decision-making autonomy and institutional integrity. Next month, High Representative Mogherini and I will present concrete proposals to further strengthen NATO-EU cooperation. In seven key areas: Countering hybrid threats, operations, cyber defence, defence capabilities, supporting the defence industry on both sides of the Atlantic, exercises, and training and capacity building for our partners. When NATO and the EU work together we can deliver real security. For our nations. And beyond. Ladies and Gentlemen, Exactly one hundred years after the final day of the battle of the Somme we must remember: Peace and security in Europe cannot be taken for granted. In these uncertain times we need strong American leadership. And we need Europeans to shoulder their fair share of the burden. But, above all, we need to recognise the value of the partnership between Europe and America. A partnership on which we all rely. And which we all need to nurture. Because united we are stronger and we are safer. Thank you. Moderator: Secretary General thank you very very much for that. You touched on a lot of extraordinarily important things and I'm sure you've spurred a lot of thought out in our audience, but before we come to all of you we wanted to have a little bit of a conversation up here and maybe elaborate on some of these things and maybe talk about some of the things that you might not have mentioned but you might like to mention. And maybe I can start this way I was very struck by your evocation of the Somme and it also reminded me in a way of a comment that we had from the famous historian Margaret McMillan at our Brussels Forum last year where she talked about the speed with which stability disintegrated in Europe in 1914 in a period of weeks, and at a time when I think most of us would agree things moved more slowly. And I'm wondering whether you would agree that we've been in some sense too complacent about European stability, maybe even about our critical alliance relationships. Is that a danger at a time of great political flux on both sides of the Atlantic? Jens Stoltenberg (NATO Secretary General): We always have to be focused on potential dangers and one of my main messages in the speech today is that actually we are faced with more instability, more unpredictability and a more dangerous world than we have been for some decades especially after the end of the Cold War. But at the same time I'm actually impressed by the way NATO has been able to respond and by the way NATO allies have been able to adapt and respond. So that's in a way the big difference if you compare today with the previous centuries that we are responding, we are adapting to a more dangerous world and therefore I'm optimistic when it comes to our ability as a Trans-Atlantic alliance to continue to keep Europe stable and to respond to all the challenges we see both to the South and to the East. Moderator: The Summit in Warsaw was widely hailed as a success and it accomplished a lot but clearly it, as you would imagine, left a lot of unfinished business as well. I mean could you say a few words about that, I mean looking towards the next Summit, looking towards the NATO agenda over the next months, a year, what is there at the top of the agenda for you? Jens Stoltenberg: The Warsaw Summit in a way had three main topics. One was collective defense in Europe, responding to a more assertive Russia in the East but also partly in the South. Projecting stability, to address instability to our South with terrorism, ISIL, Iraq, Syria, and strengthen NATO- E.U. cooperation, and the good thing is that on all these three different areas we are able to both identify a lot of progress which has already been implemented and to outline the way forward with a united alliance behind. Just briefly on collective defense in Europe we have done more over the last couple of years than for many many years. We have implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defense since the end of the Cold War. We will deploy four battle groups in the Baltic countries and Poland. We have established small headquarters in seven countries in the eastern part of the alliance, I think actually its eight, and we have tripled the size of the NATO response force so we can reinforce quickly if needed and we have established this new high readiness joint task force. So, we have already done a lot when it comes to collective defense in Europe and we agreed to do more at the Warsaw Summit. On top of that I'm also, as I say, at least encouraged by the fact that we are now seeing the increase, we are seeing the first steps towards increased defense spending in Europe and Canada. And to be honest with you I was not certain that that was going to happen because even if that was decided at the Wales Summit it has happened before that politicians meet, make decisions at the international meetings and then go back home and do not implement but this time actually the politicians met, made decisions and went home and started to implement. So that is really encouraging, still a long way to go but 3 percent real increase in defense spending in Canada and across Europe in 2016 is a significant step forward. And Estonia is already at 2 percent, soon the two other Baltic countries will be there, Poland is at 2 percent, Romania is close and, for instance, Germany has also now started to increase defense spending, and then you have U.K. and others which are already at 2 percent so Europe is moving in the right direction. This has been my main topic in all my meetings with Heads of State and Government and also some Ministers of Finance in my different meetings in NATO capitals since I took over in October 2014. So collective defense we are delivering. On projecting stability, well we decided to continue in Afghanistan, that's part of our efforts to fight terrorism and we are stepping up our efforts to support the international coalition fighting ISIL. And then we have this new renewed efforts to strengthen NATO-E.U. cooperation. Only during this year we have been able to agree or have in place a formal arrangement between NATO and the E.U. regarding cyber defense. That is really an area where we have to, as I say, share best practices, work together and we also were able to implement an arrangement regarding the Aegean Sea, how to exchange information. So the fact is that during this year we have been able to reach more formal arrangements between NATO and the European Union than in the previous decade. So we are moving forward on NATO E.U. cooperation and then we had of course the joint declaration between the Presidents Tusk and Junker and now we are following up that. So, my message - it was a brief question and a long answer - is that Warsaw was a success partly because we were able to take stock a lot of achievements, implementation but partly also it was because we were able to outline the way forward and NATO stands united in a way, what should I say, uncertain time. Its good to see that NATO is so united as we are. Moderator: And in balancing the challenges in the East and in the South that you've spoken about they are of course a very, very different kind and I was wondering if you could say a word about how the alliance balances that in terms of its own strategy. Do you need to think about a new strategic concept or do you sort of have the conceptual tools already in place to be able to deal with this? Jens Stoltenberg: So first of all there's no way NATO can choose between either addressing the instability, the turmoil to the South, North Africa, Middle East or collective defense in Europe. We have to do both at the same time. Second, we have to understand that when we address instability to the South or even as far away as Afghanistan that is about our own security. The reason why we are in Afghanistan is to protect ourselves because the reason why we went into Afghanistan was in direct response to an attack on the United States. And the reason why we are so focused on the turmoil and the violence in Syria and Iraq and why NATO allies support U.S. led coalition and why NATO supports the U.S. coalition is of course that's something which endangers our own security with terrorist attacks in our own streets. So we have to be focused on both and that's also one of the reasons why we need more capabilities, more defense spending to be able to do more responding to uncertainty. Last thing is that for instance Russia is of course now present in the East, as Russia has always been but Russia is also present in the South in Syria, so to distinguish between East and West, no sorry East and South, and the different kinds of instabilities and threats is not as easy as it was before. Moderator: Let me, maybe if I can just pick up on that point with Russia, I mean, simply understanding what Moscow wants is not an easy task and if you have a thought about that it would be great but beyond that the question of risk reduction with Russia, how we avoid accidents whether its in the Baltic or its in the Black Sea or its in the Eastern Mediterranean where, as you say, Russia is increasingly present again. Where do we stand on that part of the agenda? Jens Stoltenberg: In the Warsaw, or at the Warsaw Summit we also agreed and we had the united alliance behind a very clear message about defense and dialogue, and I welcome very much that there is such a strong support for both messages. We need strong defense, we need deterrence and we are implementing and we are strengthening our defense on deterrence but at the same time we are underlining and underscoring the need for political dialogue with Russia. And I believe in political dialogue with Russia because Russia is our biggest neighbour, Russia's there to stay, there's no way we can isolate Russia. We have to manage our relationship with Russia and especially in times with when tensions run high its especially important to keep channels for political dialogue open with Russia, to address different issues but in particular everything related to transparency, risk reduction, because with more military activity close to our borders it is even more important that we try to have mechanisms in place to avoid incidents, accidents and if they happen make sure that they don't spiral out of control. You saw the downing of the Russian plane over Turkey last year and we have seen some incidents with very unsafe behaviour and of course we have to try to avoid that. We have a lot of exercises, non-notice exercises and all of this can create dangerous situations. So we have been able to have two or we had this year we had two meetings of the NATO-Russia Council and we sit down there and discuss with Russia, transparency, risk reduction and we continue the dialogue with Russia on these issues because with more military activity close to our borders its even more important to avoid any miscalculations, misunderstandings, incidents or accidents. Moderator: Do you feel the Russians are open to this conversation? Jens Stoltenberg: Yes, I feel they are open to the conversation. They have participated in the two meetings of the NATO Russia Council where exactly these issues have been addressed and I have also had meetings with Foreign Minister Lavrov and so they are open. That doesn't mean that we agree, that doesnt mean that we have been able to find solutions to all the problems. Some of them are, for instance, connected to something called the Vienna document which is a document regulating transparency, international observers to different military exercises and Russia has used many different kinds of loopholes and avoided international observation and inspection of their exercises. This is something also which is undermining the transparency and the predictability which the Vienna document aims to achieve and that's one of the reasons why we are strongly in favour in NATO of the efforts to try to modernize this document to also include, for instance, short-notice exercises because the current regulations do not include short-notice exercises or no-notice exercises so therefore there is no international observation. There are so many of these no-notice exercises that perhaps we should look into whether short-notice exercises should then trigger short-notice international observation or inspection. So these are some technical issues but they are important because they are addressing how can we have the mechanisms, the tools in place to make sure that we have maximum transparency, predictability related to, for instance, exercises, military activities to keep tensions low. Moderator: Do you think in that context but also in the broader strategic context that the alliance needs to have a look, a fresh look again at its nuclear strategy or its nuclear component of its strategy as it is? Jens Stoltenberg: NATO remains a nuclear alliance and we deal with every issue related to nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence with a very responsible approach because we know that this is something we have to deal with with all the, what should I say, in a careful and measured way. Our aim is still a world without nuclear weapons but we have stated that as long as there are nuclear weapons NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. And at the Warsaw Summit we repeated that because our deterrence is based on everything from our conventional weapons, our ability to respond to hybrid threats, to cyber threats, high-end capabilities up to nuclear and that will continue to be so. Moderator: Okay, Secretary General maybe just finally I could step out a little bit and ask you to sort of broaden the focus somewhat and say a word about NATOs approach to global partnerships, like-minded countries around the world where NATO can help, where others can help NATO, where there's business to be done. How do you see that evolving? Jens Stoltenberg: NATO is a regional alliance. NATOS responsibilities is to protect and defend all allies, North America and Europe but to do so it is in our interest to have global partnerships and to build global partnerships and we have seen that in many different ways. For instance, in Afghanistan the strength of NATO has been strengthened by global partners from Australia and New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, they have participated either with troops and/or with financial support. So for NATO global partnerships is partly about us helping other countries, working with countries in Central Asia, in Africa but also about many as you alluded to, many countries outside the North-Atlantic area helping us in our missions and our operations so we will continue to be focused on global partnerships. Moderator: Maybe you'll allow me a last question and I cant help asking you, you've been very you know candid about the need for the new American administration to engage on these issues and to commit, re-commit if I can say to the alliance in traditional ways, well have to see. But you know at some point I suppose you're going to have a conversation with President-elect Trump or President Trump if he comes to the NATO Summit in May which I'm sure whenever it is in the spring that it happens. What's on your agenda, what are you going to say to him? And what do you expect - really openly - what would you expect him to ask of you as well because that's an important conversation? Jens Stoltenberg: I will welcome him to the NATO Summit in Brussels and I look forward, I'm looking forward to welcoming him because I'm absolutely confident that President Trump will maintain American leadership in the alliance and will maintain a strong U.S. commitment to European security. That's important for Europe but its also important for United States because a strong NATO is also important for the United States as we have seen for decades. Two World Wars and the Cold War taught us that NATO is important for stability in Europe, but stability in Europe is also important for the United States. And I'm absolutely certain that Donald Trump, President-elect Donald Trump, will therefore maintain a strong U.S. commitment to the alliance. I look forward to our next Summit which will then take place in Brussels. My staff is in contact with his staff the transition team - and I expect to talk to him very soon and then I will welcome him to Brussels and I will also address the need to continue to adapt NATO to a more challenging security environment, both collective defense and projecting stability, fighting terrorism, stability in our neighbourhood and I'm looking forward to work together with him. Moderator: Thank you. Well let me open it up to all of you and if you would, there are microphones that will circulate around, and if you would just catch my attention but also please tell us who you are and where you're from that would be super and maybe if I could go just on the aisle right here first. Q: Thank you. Colonel Sablon from the Belgian Armed Forces. Concerning Trump and his declaration do you think it will give a sort of electro-shock to the European member States to not only to talk about do more for their defense to spend more for the defense budget but its not the first time as you say that American leadership say that make that statement but do you think it will give a better impulse to the member States following this Trump declaration? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg: So during the election campaign President elect Trump stated clearly that he is a big fan of NATO and that he is all for it but he also underscored the importance of increased defense spending among European allies and a fairer burden sharing. That has been the message from so many American leaders for so many years. It has been a very clear message from President Obama, it has been a message from all the Senators and all the Congressmen I've met in Washington the time I've been Secretary General and it has been my top priority. So, increased defense spending is the message from President Obama, from President-elect Trump, from me and actually from all leaders of NATO States and Governments because we decided in Wales that we should stop the cuts and start to increase, and the good thing and encouraging thing is that we have started to deliver. I'm not underestimating how far we have to move because there's a very long way to go but it is encouraging to see that after years of reductions, 2015 just some few months after we made the decision to stop the cuts we stopped the cuts, and we had a small increase in defense spending in 2015. Then in 2016 we have - the best estimates tell us - 3 percent real increase in defense spending across Europe and Canada. And as I told you this around, if all NATO allies reach 2 percent it will be $100 billion U.S. dollars which is equivalent to the total spending of the two largest European defense spenders - U.K. and France every year. And of course the picture when it comes to defense spending is still very mixed because some allies have continued to reduce and some allies have just increased very little. But the picture is much better than it was just a couple of years ago and we will continue to push on that. That has been the main message in my meetings with President Obama and I expect that defense spending to be the main message from President-elect Trump and I will tell President-elect Trump as I told President Obama that my main priority is to make sure that European allies increase defense spending. And the last thing I will say about that is that I of course its important that I tell that to Defense Ministers but to be honest all the Defense Ministers I meet they agree so that's not the problem and then I tell it to the Prime Ministers, they also normally agree, the problem is the Minister of Finance. So I have started to meet them too, and I tell them too, and then I tell them that when I was Minister of Finance, Minister of Finance back in Norway in the 1990s I was cutting defense spending I was very good at that. But then when I became Prime Minister we started to increase defense spending in Norway because I actually think its absolutely understandable that many European allies reduced defense spending during the 1990s as we did in Norway when I was Minister of Finance because then tensions went down but the problem is that now tensions are going up. So if you cut defense spending when tensions are going down you have to be able to increase defense spending when tensions are going up. So I tell them to listen to Prime Minister Stoltenberg not Finance Minister Stoltenberg, and that works. Moderator: If I could go just in the front here please if you have a microphone, Mark please, do you have a microphone just up here, thanks. Q: Marc Otte, I am the Director General of the Egmont Institute in Brussels. Thank you Secretary General for an optimistic message after all because we need that. I want to come back on your insistence on E.U.-NATO cooperation and on complimentarity - not competition - I think its very important. I think it was the spirit since the beginning it has not always been implemented. There was one partner that has always been a bit difficult in that respect and its Turkey, whether its the Berlin Plus Agreements or other attempts at cooperation now that this cooperation is all the more important and as you underlined non-E.U. NATO countries contribution is essential, the problem seems to be a bit on the E.U. side, now the relations with Turkey are deteriorating seemingly by the day and its also about values but the alliance is also an alliance of values not only a military alliance so how do you see the way out of this now that sometimes politically the President of Turkey seems to cozy up to President Putin and where if sometimes in Syria and Turkey there seems to be a difference in the war aims between Turkey and other NATO allies? Jens Stoltenberg: Turkey is a key ally for NATO for many reasons. One reason is just the location of Turkey, the strategic geographical location of Turkey bordering Russia in the North and the Black Sea, Georgia and then bordering Iraq, Syria to the South with all the turmoil, violence, ISIL and so just the strategic geographical location of Turkey makes Turkey a key ally. And not least with all the instability in the Middle East, with the refugee and migrant crisis I think its important to remember that Turkey holds around 3 million refugees and this is of course of great importance for Europe that we work with them, also addressing the migrant and refugee crisis. NATO is part of that with our presence in the Aegean Sea. That has been a successful presence, also partly because NATO has delivered some practical help to FRONTEX and the local Coast Guards but also because NATO has been a platform for cooperation between Turkey, a non-E.U. NATO ally, with the European Union, FRONTEX. Turkey is also important because they contribute to our missions and operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo and other places and therefore especially when we see challenges both to the East and to the South we have to remember that Turkey is of great importance for the alliance. I actually think that it is good that leaders in NATO speak to Russian leaders, or to President Putin. Many leaders in NATO have done that and that's a normal thing. It doesn't mean that we agree but it means that we have dialogue and after the downing of the Russian plane last year I actually called for direct contact Ankara-Moscow because I think its better to talk than not to talk. And I think also it is important to understand that of course there's a big difference between, for instance, the threats posed by ISIL. ISIL is an organization we try to eradicate not talk to but eradicate. Russia is a challenge; its a neighbour but its going to be there so we have to talk to them so therefore I welcome that there are direct contacts between President Putin and President Erdogan. The last thing Ill say about this is that I visited Turkey in September and it made a big impression on me to see the Parliament being destroyed by artillery and by bombs from F-16s so during the failed coup attempt they actually bombed the Parliament with the Parliamentarians inside and that was a real it was an attack on the democratic institutions in Turkey and I met with many parties, several parties in the Parliament and they all told me how strongly they condemned the failed coup attempt. Turkey has the right to prosecute those behind the failed coup, but of course it is important that this is done in accordance with the rule of law and I also welcome that there is contacts between the European Council and, sorry the Council of Europe and Turkey because I was told so when I visited Ankara that that's the way also they are working on the issues, making sure that this is done in a way which is in accordance with the rule of law. I will go back to Istanbul, Turkey on Sunday and I'm looking forward to continue to discuss the wide range of challenges we face in that region and how we can work closely with Turkey addressing all those challenges. Moderator: Thank you. If I might just go right on the aisle actually the two of you can maybe Terry first if you don't mind. Q: Thank you. Moderator: You'll both have a chance so please go ahead. Q: Excuse me I am member of European Parliament. I am (inaudible) Lepen (sic) and I make this dialogue. I I am, what you say about easy about Moderator: If you could tell us who you are? Q: We have to eradicate easy (inaudible) and we have to we have to discuss this (inaudible) I do this. I do this it was not so easy in Dunbas and also in Russia and it changed. I hope that this will a new reality a new partnership a new dialogue and this is very important but now we have new reality in U.S. a new politic it is so a challenge for NATO for a new deal for reset and what will be this reset? Will be the truth about failure in Iraq and Libya and Syria and Ukraine is not more democracy. In Turkey I think you have speak I approve what you have speak and also a new reset we have to pay more but also NATO has to understand that we are an alliance of independent States so what is with our reset with a new reality, with a new politic, with a new partnership? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg: The NATO is an alliance of 28 democracies and in democracies people elect different governments and for almost seven decades we have lived with the fact that in European, no sorry in NATO allied countries we have governments, political leaders coming from different political parties with different views on many things but the good thing is that we have always been able to agree on the fundamentals, on the important things that we stand together and protect each other. So of course we come from different political families, we have different views on many things but as long as we are able as NATO allies to stand together and protect each other then NATO delivers the defence and deterrence which is NATOs core task. And as I said Im absolutely certain that that will be the case also with the new U.S. Administration. It will stay committed to the alliance, to the security of Europe; strong NATO is good for Europe and for the United States. Then it was about, it was about many other issues but I cant remember to be honest. I think I mentioned the most important one. Moderator: Thank you. Teri please. Q: Thank you, its not going to get any easier now. Mr. Secretary General you mentioned that you're heading to Ankara, sorry Istanbul on Sunday Do you plan to bring up human rights with President Erdogan? There are basic fundamental principles that NATO allies are expected to adhere to; I'm wondering are you comfortable with how things are unfolding in Turkey right now? You have NATO, you have Turks stationed at NATO installations now becoming asylum seekers themselves due to policies in this country which is an ally so Id be interested in your - in your are you comfortable with the way this ally is handling human rights and what about these officers? Thanks. Jens Stoltenberg: It is right some Turkish officers working in NATO command structure, some of them have requested asylum in the countries where they are working and as always this is an issue which is going to be assessed and decided by the different NATO allies as a national decision and a national issue. We have seen a number of changeovers in the NATO command structure where Turkish personnel has been changed and I expect Turkey to continue to fill all its posts at the NATO command structure and again this is a national decision of Turkey to decide who is filling the different posts of Turkish posts in the NATO command structure. When it comes to the situation in Turkey more in general as I stated Turkey is a key ally because of its strategic location close to Russia in the North, Black Sea, the turmoil the violence in the South with ISIL, Iraq, Syria in the South. Turkey is also important for the migrant and the refugee crisis and a buffer for the rest of Europe and I think it is very important that the rest of Europe understands the important role Turkeys playing in managing the migrant and refugee crisis. NATO is based on some core values, democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and I expect all allies to live up to those values. When I visited Turkey in September the message from the Turkish leadership was that they would prosecute those responsible, and Turkey has the right to prosecute those responsible, those behind a failed coup attempt but the message was also that this would be done in accordance with the rule of law. They also told me that they are in contact with Council of Europe because the Council of Europe is responsible for the European Convention on Human Rights and that they are working with the Council of Europe to make sure that the rule of law is implemented in accordance with the Convention. And I'm looking forward to going back to Istanbul on Sunday also because the reason why I'm going to Istanbul is to attend the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is an open democratic forum with people from - or with Parliamentarians - from all the NATO allies and that's an open forum where I expect to have an open debate. Again different views, different positions but being exchanged between allies, Parliamentarians from NATO allies in Istanbul in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and I think that just in one way underlines the importance of NATO; that NATO is a platform for also exchange of views and I expect that to take place in Istanbul when I meet them on Monday. Moderator: Can I just go right on this side over here please and do please tell us who you are and where you're from. Q: Thank you Ian. Excuse me, Julian Barnes with the Wall Street Journal. Secretary General as we've seen NATO make decisions over the the last couple of years bridging the divide between southern-focused allies and eastern-focused allies there has been an important role for the United States in building consensus, helping Europe overcome its divisions on security questions. Do you at all worry that a different more transactional approach by a new Administration might mean that there is less of a U.S. role in forging coalitions and could that mean that NATO moves slower in the future? Jens Stoltenberg: So I'm confident that the new Administration will continue to provide U.S. leadership in NATO because that is in the interest of the United States. The different coalitions that have been forged and established either as a among NATO allies but outside the NATO framework like, for instance, the coalition fighting ISIL or the coalition which NATO is leading in Afghanistan are both examples of coalitions which are absolutely in the interests of the United States. So, I'm confident that United States will continue to see that this kind of coalitions where NATO allies participate is something which is of great advantage for the United States. The biggest coalition ever has been the NATO operation in Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of European soldiers and also from Canada has been part of a military operation. NATOs biggest military operation ever as a direct response to an attack on the United States. So, its in a way not possible to understand how the United States should have less interest in having that kind of coalitions where European allies are actually helping United States as they often help us and the same with the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL. This is not a NATO-led coalition but NATO plays a key role providing direct support with AWACS planes, with training Iraqi officers, also with the work we do for instance in Jordan and Tunisia and in the wider region but also the fact that the efficiency and the strength of the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL is very much based on the ability to work together which has been developed through decades of NATO exercises and decades of working together in military operations, NATO military operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere or in the Balkans. So, a strong NATO is good for Europe and its good for the United States and we have seen that over decades, not especially when NATO allies in different ways have contributed, helped, fought along with the U.S. in different coalitions fighting terrorism, instability. Moderator: Well go just in the back, my colleague please. Q: Hi my name is Corinna Horst I work for the German Marshall Fund but I'm also President of Women in International Security and I would like to ask you a slightly different but I think very related question. As you're trying to make the business case for NATO again are you at all considering diversity and what I mean by that and if you look at what private sector is doing really paying attention to diverse teams and diverse companies so they're reflective of the societies that they are serving or the clients that they try to attract its about covering each others blind spots and bringing new perspectives to the way of thinking and in your case it would be sort of policies and sort of directions moving forward. And I also would like to ask you and its related to this but you know diversity is more for me then just gender its about age, its regional representation, its political representation but I also in light of the new elected President I would like to know what does it really mean for you to be a feminist? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg: First of all NATO is an alliance of 28 nations, soon to be 29 and NATO, what should I say, organize, or is an alliance in composing countries from also United States all the way from the Pacific, all the way over the Atlantic to north with Norway and to the south with Turkey and then Baltic countries and and many different countries. So there is no lack of diversity, we have a lot of diversity in NATO. So my main challenge is not in any way to create diversity, my main challenge is to create unity out of all this diversity. Having said that of course I welcome diversity I think that's one of the strengths and one of the good things with NATO is that we are a big alliance with 28 members, with people and cultures representing a wide range of diversity so that's the reason why I'm all for NATO because NATO is an alliance of representing different people, different societies, different diversities - - all of the North Atlantic area but where we agree on some core values and we agree on the importance of defending each other. So we are united in defending diversity and that's the beauty of NATO. I am a feminist because I believe in equal rights between men and women and for me, to be honest, its a bit strange for me to have to say that because for me that has been obvious since I was born - or at least as long as I can remember, and if you have met my Mother you will understand why. So, she taught me in a way the importance of feminism and of equal rights between men and women and I think perhaps I told some of you before that my first official post or appointment was to Chair the Norwegian Royal Commission on the role of men in the Norwegian society and that was a Commission which was established back in 1986 and it published many reports on how Norwegian men could contribute more to equal rights between men and women and we also put forward a very concrete proposal, many proposals but one of the most important ones was to have a leave for the Fathers which was exclusively for the Fathers when they became Fathers, when the family got a child. And I think now its 12 weeks in Norway, actually it was 14 when I was Prime Minister, it was cut to 10 I think, but that doesn't matter, at least it is some weeks which are exclusively reserved for the Father so in Norway men are staying home alone with the newborn children and I think that's good for the children, its good for the Mother and its good for the Father. Its a bit shocking for the Father but it contributes to equal rights between men and women. Moderator: Just in the front here please if I could have a microphone. Q: Thank you, yes Brooks Tigner, Jane's Defence. I just have one question to clarify the budget situation. Europe is faced with rapidly growing instability, you've said that yourself even more so than a year ago. So the Wales Summit and the 10-year schedule, do you think its still appropriate today or should the number of States, nations agree formally to accelerate that schedule? Growing instability, ten years to get there - is that good or bad? Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg: Yes, I don't see any reason to change that decision. We actually reiterated the decision at our Summit in July, stopped the cuts, gradually increase, reach 2 percent. But of course there are many ways to reach 2 percent, you can go like this or you can go like that so in a way its better to the sooner the better, but the three main pillars of the decisions stop cuts, gradual increase, and reach 2 percent is a very robust message and its sufficient but I will push for as rapid implementation as possible and as I also said it is encouraging to see that we have started to move but its a very long way to go at least for some allies and therefore we should not relax and I'm expecting this to continue to be or, I'm not only expecting this will continue to be my main priority and I'm absolutely certain that President-elect Donald Trump would also make this his top priority in the engagement with European leaders. Moderator: Thank you. Secretary General I'm also very conscious of your time and so maybe if I could group take two and with apologies to the many hands I see out there that would be great. Right here please. Q: Thank you Secretary General. (inaudible) from the Global Relations Forum I have two questions. The first one is do you that think European countries shouldn't get apart from the increased capabilities a stronger leadership, a stronger voice, and more articulated interest in order to make constructive proposals and not to be always in a wait and see attitude? And my second question is a bit confronting is it how European countries able to care themselves of their security, I mean apart from the United States you mentioned the fight against ISIL in Afghanistan where would it be without the United States? I mean so I'm its not only about interest capabilities but also about leadership and finally is this strategy, how the strategy interest of the U.S. not moving towards the East? Thank you. Moderator: Right, well let me go right next door here. Thank you. Q: Thank you very much. My name is (inaudible) I'm head of the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Office here in Brussels. You stressed so much the need of more intense cooperation between NATO and E.U. but if you look at the European global strategy the new one its talking about strategic autonomy so my question would be how do you see the complimentarity between the E.U. and NATO? What can the E.U. maybe already do better than NATO or what would you envision should be the complimentarity between the two? Moderator: Okay and thank you very much and I will apologize to all of you. I know there are a lot of a lot of hands but maybe we can turn to you Secretary General for those last two on U.S. leadership and the pivot the pivot question and the question of complementarity between the E.U. and NATO. Jens Stoltenberg: So first of all I think it was Ursula von der Leyen, the German Defense Minister she has stated several times in the media that a stronger European defense is not an alternative to NATO, it is about strengthening the European pillar within NATO and I welcome that and I absolutely agree with her. So as long as stronger European defense is not something that is competing with or is presented as an alternative to NATO but is strengthening NATO, strengthening the Trans-Atlantic bond then its absolutely fine. And and in one way it would be strange to say that it is a problem that Europeans start to strengthen their defense because that's actually what NATO has been calling for for decades. So if the Europeans now start to deliver on that why should we regard that as a problem. So stronger European defense meaning for instance by addressing real problems like for instance the lack of capabilities its good for Europe, its good for E.U., its good for NATO, its good for the Trans-Atlantic bond and it will contribute to fairer burden sharing and therefore I think also would contribute to an even stronger commitment by the United States to the Trans-Atlantic alliance because one of the challenges for the Trans-Atlantic bond is of course if the burden sharing remains as an unequal as it is today, that can really undermine the Trans-Atlantic bond. So the only thing I'm worried about is that if the European Union started to develop command structures which are duplicating the command structures we already have in NATO, we don't need that, we have challenges enough with filling or in a way, those command structures are filled with people from the European Union, not all of them but many of them and again as Ursula von der Leyen stated in a meeting I attended that that will be to compete with ourselves because 22 European Union members are also member of NATO so that would be really to just duplicate ourselves. Its no problem, of course Europe should have an articulated voice and Europe has an articulated voice as the United States has, as Canada has and as even Norway has. So we are an alliance of 28 independent sovereign nations and we all have articulated voices and that's again no problem as long as were able to meet, sit together and agree on collective defense, acting together and defending each other. So that's not again a problem its something we welcome, we like that, that's the reason why we are in favour of NATO because of 28 independent articulated voices standing together. And that unity is much stronger than a unity which is enforced on us, this is something we do by our own free will that we are part of this alliance. I'm actually now answering both questions in one. Moderator: Perfect. Jens Stoltenberg: Then, complimentarity with the E.U. NATO has some unique capabilities, capacities. I mention them for instance high end fighting capabilities, we have the command structure, we have some some specific enablers like AWACS and soon drones and other enablers but perhaps the most important thing we have is in a way the forces which are owned by the nations but which have been trained together, which are able to work together and with trust can do high-end collective defense if needed. For instance the NATO response force and so on. E.U., they have military capabilities but they also have civilian tools, diplomatic tools, economic tools, so many other tools that NATO does not possess and sometimes we also have some overlapping tools like for instance on cyber E.U. has a lot of competence, E.U. has a lot of tools, NATO has a lot of tools and the thing we have to make sure is that we are working together and if a member State or ally is under cyber-attack we have to be able to assist, help that State together and that's exactly what we are doing now - deploying, exercising together sharing best practices and being prepared to assist together a member State, infrastructure the same. So, so again as long as we have a pragmatic, relaxed approach I'm absolutely certain that well find ways to work together not duplicating each other but in a way be a formidable force for good because we work together in a good way. Moderator: Secretary General thank you very very much. I think you'll all agree that we have had a very articulated voice from you and a very candid one on a lot of different issues. Its exactly the kind of conversation we hoped to have and we thank you very much for that once again. Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you. Moderator: Thank you very much. Jens Stoltenberg: It was a great pleasure. Moderator: Before we go let me also just express my thanks to my GMF colleagues here in Brussels and elsewhere for this and to all of you who've joined us here in the room but also via live stream we look forward to having you with us again soon. Thank you. Jens Stoltenberg: Thank you. Moderator: Thanks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Makin Island arrives in Singapore Navy News Service Story Number: NNS161118-04 Release Date: 11/18/2016 8:19:00 AM By Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis Grube, USS Makin Island Public Affairs CHANGI, Singapore (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 18. The port visit will allow Sailors from Makin Island and Marines from the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to experience the local culture and conduct professional military exchanges with members of the Republic of Singapore Navy. This will be the ship's first port visit since departing Naval Station San Diego for deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation, Oct. 14. Makin Island's Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Melson, said port visits and liberty give the crew and embarked Marines a valuable opportunity to gain appreciation for Singapore's culture. "The Makin Island team is grateful for the opportunity to visit Singapore," said Melson. "Our Sailors and Marines are looking forward to experiencing Singapore's culture and the chance to interact with the local population as we continue to strengthen our partnership." While in Singapore, Sailors and Marines plan to conduct local community engagement activities coordinated by Makin Island staff, as well as host a ship tour for members of the Republic of Singapore Navy. "Engagements like those we have planned in Singapore are a traditional part of Navy and Marine Corps service," Makin Island Command Chaplain, Cmdr. Thomas Ianucci said. "Our Sailors and Marines embrace the chance to serve the community, whether at home or abroad, and it's something we are proud to be able to accomplish in Singapore." For many Sailors and Marines aboard Makin Island this will be their first opportunity to experience a foreign port. "I'm excited to learn about and experience a different culture," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Devin Langer, from Austin, Texas. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm going to make the most of it." Makin Island, the flag ship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, with the embarked 11th MEU, in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Makin Island's visit to Singapore follows their participation in exercise Tiger Strike 2016, which concluded Nov. 13. Tiger Strike is a U.S.-Malaysia bilateral exercise designed to enhance interoperability, tactical proficiencies, and military-to-military partnership between participating forces. The 7th Fleet area of operations includes more than 48 million square miles of the Pacific Ocean, running from the international dateline to the eastern coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic to the Kuril Islands, Northeast of Japan. While in 7th Fleet, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU will be assigned to Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force, headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US wrapping up sale of 104 warplanes to Qatar, Kuwait Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 10:48PM The US State Department has authorized the sale of 104 F-15 Strike Eagle and F/A-18 warplanes to Qatar and Kuwait, a move that Washington says is aimed at bolstering foreign policy interests. With an estimated cost of $21.1 billion, the deal with Qatar would include 72 F-15s together with "weapons and related support, equipment, and training," said the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement. "This proposed sale enhances the foreign policy and national security of the United State by helping to improve the security of a friendly country and strengthening our strategically important relationship," the agency added. American officials claim that the sale of the multi-role fighters would not affect the military balance of the Middle East, which is already struggling with years-long foreign-backed militancy and Western intervention. Additionally, America's "defense readiness" would not take a hit from the deal, the statement further noted. The deal would benefit American aerospace giant Boeing the most, but other companies like Lockheed Martin and Britain's BAE Systems would benefit too. If Congress approves the deal, Boeing would be allowed to extend the aircraft's production line. The company had earlier warned that it was going to shut down both production lines by the end of this decade due to excessive costs and inadequate demand. Saudi Arabia and Israel are two other regional customers for the twin-engine aircraft. The State Department has also authorized a deal with Kuwait, another Arab state in the Persian Gulf region, which had put an offer for 32 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets worth $10.1 billion. Each F/A-18 Hornet, and its upgraded version, the F/A-18 Super Hornet, costs at least $57 million, making it "the most cost-effective aircraft" in the US aviation fleet, costing less per flight hour than any other in the US forces inventory, the Navy says. The massive deals came as Middle Eastern nations had been experiencing budget pressure due to the plummeting oil prices. A number of US senators have been building up pressure on the administration of President Barack Obama to approve the deals, although some government officials had initially opposed them, saying they would risk Israel's security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi mercenaries kill 24 Yemenis in mortar attack on bazaar Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 6:15AM At least two dozen people have lost their lives after Saudi-backed militants loyal to the former Yemeni government launched a mortar attack on a bazaar in the southwestern province of Ta'izz. The attack occurred on Thursday in the Suftail area of Hawban District, situated to the northeast of Ta'izz City, the provincial capital, Yemen's al-Masirah television network cited local health officials as saying. Some 27 others were also injured as the projectiles hit the densely-populated bazaar. Saudi Arabia has been a waging a destructive military campaign against Yemen since March 2015 in an attempt to restore Yemen's former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, a close Riyadh ally, to power. Riyadh's military has also been providing air cover to its mercenaries operating on the ground against Yemeni army forces and allied Houthi fighters. Saudi, pro-Hadi militants trifling with truce The Thursday bloodshed flew in the face of a ceasefire announced by the US, which was to take effect on Thursday. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the Houthi Ansarullah movement, which has been defending Yemen against the war, and the Hadi side had agreed to a cessation of hostilities starting on November 17. Kerry also said that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which is assisting Riyadh in its war on Yemen, "have both agreed to try to move forward with this. They believe it makes sense." Later in the day, Ansarullah expressed readiness to end fighting and join a national unity government in the conflict-ridden country. However, the former Yemeni government said it was not aware of such a peace initiative The Hadi side "is not aware of the statements made by Mr. Kerry and does not consider itself committed to them," said Yemen's former foreign minister, Abdel Malek al-Mekhlafi said. Mekhlafi was also quoted in media as saying that Kerry's announcement had not been coordinated with the former Yemeni administration. Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Saudi military, Major General Ahmed Assiri, also said "until now there is no demand" from the Hadi side to observe the US-announced truce. Reports also said on Friday that Saudi warplanes had violated the ceasefire on three occasions, targeting the Baqim District of Sa'ada Province in northwestern Yemen. The Saudi military is accused of recurrently violating previous truces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Names CIA Director, National Security Adviser, And Attorney General RFE/RL November 18, 2016 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has moved to fill some of the top positions in his government by selecting a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, a national security adviser, and an attorney general. Trump said in a statement he had chosen Representative Mike Pompeo (Republican-Kansas) to be CIA director, retired General Michael Flynn for the post of national security adviser, and Senator Jeff Sessions (Republican-Alabama) as the country's top prosecutor. Pompeo and Sessions require confirmation by a majority vote in the Senate; Flynn does not. Trump said Pompeo will be a "brilliant and unrelenting leader" as chief of the CIA. Pompeo is a member of the Republican Party's conservative wing, the Tea Party, having been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. He graduated top of his class from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated from Harvard Law School before spending five years in the army. Pompeo, 52, has been critical of the deal that the United States and five other world powers signed with Tehran to curb Iran's controversial nuclear program. He said on November 15, after the passage of a bill extending sanctions on Iranian weapons programs, that he voted for the legislation to keep "Americans safe" and to stand "against Iranian aggression." Trump said he was happy to have Flynn by his side to "defeat radical Islamic terrorism." Flynn, 57, served as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 to 2014, a position he was nominated for by President Barack Obama. He served in the military from 1981 to 2014, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, before retiring with the rank of lieutenant general. Flynn graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College as well as the Naval War College. He says he considers radical Islam the greatest threat to global stability and has been critical of the Obama administration's policies in fighting the Islamic State (IS) group. Flynn has said Washington could work with Russia to fight IS and other Islamic extremists. His appearance at a dinner in Moscow -- sitting next to President Vladimir Putin -- honoring the state television station RT alarmed many who noted his previous accommodating views of Russia's role in Ukraine. Trump said Sessions, his pick for attorney general, was "greatly admired by legal scholars" and possesses a "world-class legal mind." Sessions, 69, has been a senator since 1996, running for the seat after serving as attorney general of his home state of Alabama. One of the most conservative members of the Senate, Sessions upholds a tough line against illegal immigrants and on border security. He failed to gain a federal judgeship in 1986 after allegations he had made racist comments to African-Americans while attorney general. Sessions was the first U.S. senator to pledge his support to Trump as a Republican candidate for president and was considered by Trump as a vice-presidential candidate. He served in the army reserve before getting his law degree from the University of Alabama. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and The New York Times Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-trump-appointments-cia -pompeo-sessions-attorney-general/28126465.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 Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha, who is also co-chair of the committee, informed participants about key contents of the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He proposed several priority tasks for the committee, including working for the early signing of a new-generation free trade agreement, approving the fifth phase of the bilateral rice farming development project, and promoting the implementation of joint projects on the cultivation of coffee, corn and soybeans, and on aquaculture. The committee also needs to work out specific contents for cooperation in the fields of tourism, health care, vaccine and drugs production, science-technology, telecommunications and cultural exchanges. Another important task is to remove hindrances facing the two countries investment projects. Cuban Minister of Overseas Trade and Investment and co-chair of the committee Rodrigo Malmierca, for his part, thanked Vietnam for its support to Cubas aquaculture and agricultural production over the past years. Malmierca underlined administrative and tariff incentives offered to foreign investors in Mariel special development zone, which houses Cubas only deep-water seaport. He also spoke highly of potential of bilateral cooperation in the fields of tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, biology, health care and telecommunications. The session is due to last till November 23./. Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, Nov. 19, 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 19 strikes in Syria: -- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed an oil well head. -- Near Raqqah, two strikes engaged an ISIL storage facility and destroyed seven oil storage tanks and four oil transfer compressors. -- Near Ayn Isa, 13 strikes engaged 10 ISIL tactical units, damaged a supply route, and destroyed five fighting positions, a roadside bomb, a bomb-making facility, and an artillery system. -- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes destroyed four oil well heads. -- Near Tamakh, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle. Strikes in Iraq Attack, bomber, fighter, and remotely piloted aircraft conducted eight strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government: -- Near Bashir, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Kisik, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL-held building and a mortar system. -- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit, suppressed a mortar system, and destroyed an ISIL headquarters building, a weapons cache, five ISIL-held buildings, three mortar systems, two vehicles, and a watercraft. -- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed a 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 a strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO DSG and CMC attend Halifax International Security Forum NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 19 Nov. 2016 NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller and Chairman of the Military Committee Gen. Petr Pavel attended the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada on Friday and Saturday (18-19 November 2016). On Saturday, Deputy Secretary General Gottemoeller participated in a panel discussion on the enduring importance of NATO, entitled "NATO: Necessary". Her co-panellists were Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, and US Senator Jeanne Shaheen. In her remarks, Ms Gottemoeller stressed that NATO has been a foundational bond between Europe and North America for almost seven decades. Looking forward, "NATO has some heavy lifting to do on complex issues like command and control," she said, "but I'm optimistic." On Friday night, General Pavel participated in a panel on Russia with Defence Minister Hannes Hanso of Estonia and Bohdan Yaramenko, Chairman of Maidan of Foreign Affairs, a Ukrainian NGO. Commenting on the Forum, General Pavel said: "the discussions and views on the 'new democracy' where social media, polarization and referenda are common sense, were very interesting. How we can cope with these new phenomena in this challenging time frame. Where are we now and where do we want to go to." The Halifax International Security Forum, of which NATO is a partner, is a leading security conference which has taken place annually in Halifax, Nova Scotia since 2009. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistani army says it shot down Indian drone near Kashmir border Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 6:12PM The Pakistani military has shot down an Indian "spy drone" in the disputed Kashmir region shortly after four Pakistani children were killed by Indian mortar fire. The Indian drone had crossed 60 meters over the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan when it was shot down and captured by Pakistani troops, Pakistan's army spokesman Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa said on Saturday. "Indian Quad Copter has been shot down by Pakistani troops at 1645, fell in Pak territory& taken over by Pak troops," he said in a message posted on Twitter. Meanwhile, the death toll from a mortar shelling by Indian forces in a village along the LoC rose from three to four after another child died of injuries, officials said. "Death toll from today's firing by Indian troops has reached four," Raja Arif Mahmood, a local administration official in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, told media. The incident was confirmed by local police. Earlier in the day, the Pakistani military said its troops had fired retaliatory shots into India. The latest exchange of fire comes just a day after Pakistan's navy claimed it had detected and stopped an Indian submarine from entering its territorial waters in the Arabian Sea. The decades-long territorial dispute between the two nuclear countries has intensified in recent months. Peace talks between the two neighbors collapsed in 2008 following terrorist attacks in Mumbai. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fresh Saudi bombardment violates Yemen truce Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 11:6AM Saudi Arabia's warplanes have conducted fresh airstrikes against Yemen, violating a 48-hour ceasefire which the kingdom announced earlier. Yemen's al-Masirah television said Saudi jets bombarded a district in the southwestern province of Ta'izz several times. Similar attacks were carried out in the Salif district of Hudaydah Province, the Maran neighborhood of Sa'ada Province and the Bani Hushaysh district of Sana'a Province, the report said. Yemen's army forces also foiled an attempt by Saudi mercenaries to advance in the Baqa border region and killed dozens of them, it added. The attacks came shortly after Saudi Arabia said it had decided to begin a 48-hour ceasefire from 12:00 noon in Yemen's timing (0900 GMT) on Saturday. The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said the naval and air "blockade", however, would remain in place and surveillance jets would continue to fly over Yemen. The announcement followed a request for a ceasefire by Yemen's resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi -- himself based in Riyadh -- to Saudi King Salman, a Saudi statement said. Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman, a spokesman for Yemeni forces, confirmed that they would abide by the ceasefire if the other side observes it. "Based on the agreement reached in Muscat [on Monday], we affirm our commitment to the ceasefire if the other party respects it," Luqman said. Saudi Arabia has come under international criticism for the sheer size of casualties and destruction which its war has brought on Yemen since March 2015. The war has killed at least 11,400 civilians, according to a recent tally by a Yemeni monitoring group. Saudi military spokesman Ahmed Asiri acknowledged in February that the kingdom was stuck in a "static war" against its southern neighbor. While the war has proven big business for the US and the UK, it has taken a massive toll on the Saudi kingdom's economy. The US military provides aerial refueling to Saudi bombers conducting airstrikes on Yemen. Washington has also been providing logistic and surveillance support to the kingdom in the bloody campaign. The British government has been training Saudi pilots in both the oil-rich kingdom and Britain, The Independent daily revealed in October. London is also one of the biggest arms suppliers to Riyadh, including cluster bombs which have been used in Yemen. In October, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said Saudi Arabia was using starvation as a tactic in its war against Yemen through its crippling blockade which the US helps to implement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia announces 48-hour ceasefire in Yemen Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 3:27AM Saudi Arabia has announced a renewable 48-hour ceasefire to begin at noon Saturday in Yemen, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reports. "It has been decided to begin a 48-hour ceasefire from 12:00 noon in Yemen's timing (0900 GMT) on Saturday," the kingdom said in a statement. It said the truce will be extended if Yemen's Houthi movement shows commitment to it and if the group allows "humanitarian aid" into areas under siege. The Saudi naval and air "blockade", however, will remain in place and surveillance jets will continue to fly over Yemen, the statement added. The announcement followed a request for a ceasefire by Yemen's resigned president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi -- himself based in Riyadh -- to Saudi King Salman, the statement said. There was no immediate reaction to the announcement by the Houthi Ansarullah movement which is fighting the Saudis and its allies in Yemen. The Ansarullah movement expressed its readiness to observe a ceasefire on Wednesday after US Secretary of State John Kerry said Saudi Arabia and the Houthis had agreed to observe a cessation of hostilities. Saudi military spokesman Ahmed Asiri acknowledged in February that the kingdom was stuck in a "static war" against its southern neighbor. While the war has proven big business for the US and the UK, it has taken a massive toll on the Saudi kingdom's economy. The US military provides aerial refueling to Saudi bombers conducting airstrikes on Yemen. Washington has also been providing logistic and surveillance support to the kingdom in the bloody campaign. The British government has been training Saudi pilots in both the oil-rich kingdom and Britain, The Independent daily revealed in October. London is also one of the biggest arms suppliers to Riyadh, including cluster bombs which have been used in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has come under international criticism for the sheer size of casualties and destruction which its war has brought on Yemen since March 2015. The war has killed at least 11,400 civilians, according to a recent tally by a Yemeni monitoring group. In October, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child said Saudi Arabia was using starvation as a tactic in its war against Yemen through its crippling blockade which the US helps to implement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top IS Commander Killed In Drone Strike In Afghanistan RFE/RL November 19, 2016 A top commander of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group has been killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike in eastern Afghanistan. Mullah Bozorg, a leader of the IS group in Afghanistan, was killed along with seven fighters in the eastern province of Nangarhar late November 18. "The airstrike was carried out on [November 18] in Lagharjo area of Kot district," said Attaullah Khugyani, a spokesman for the provincial governor. He added that weapons, ammunition, and explosives belonging to the group were also seized and destroyed. "A commander of Daesh was killed in Kot District of Nangarhar Province," the Afghan Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement on November 19, using the Arabic acronym for the group. IS militants have been active in Nangarhar, where they have seized pockets of territory in the past two years. The group has recently spread to the neighboring provinces of Kunar and Zabul, located along the porous border with Pakistan. The extremist group has also claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in Kabul, the most recent a November 16 attack that killed six people near the Defense Ministry building. In October, the IS group claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Shi'a worshippers in Kabul and the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif that killed dozens of people. The United States has stepped up air strikes against IS militants and rival Al-Qaeda fighters in the past year. The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, Army General John Nicholson, said in September that there are up to 1,300 IS militants in the country who receive money, guidance, and communications support from IS leaders in Syria and Iraq. He said most IS fighters were former members of the Pakistani Taliban, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group fighting against Islamabad. With reporting by dpa and Khaama Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- islamicstate-pakistan/28128629.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 Pentagon Plans To Stop Buying Russian Helicopters For Afghanistan RFE/RL November 19, 2016 The Pentagon has notified Congress that it plans to stop buying Russian Mi17 helicopters for Afghanistan and will start buying American helicopters. "I'll never understand why the U.S. government sent taxpayer money to Russia for helicopters in Afghanistan while Russia was supporting the Assad regime in Syria and invading eastern Ukraine," said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy in announcing the decision on November 18. "When the Pentagon buys helicopters, they should be made in America," he said. The Department of Defense, after buying Russian helicopters for Afghan forces, said it will transition to buying Sikorsky Blackhawk helicopters that are made in Connecticut, Murphy's home state. Ironically, sanctions imposed on Russia by the West for its aggression in Ukraine have hampered the delivery of Russian helicopters and parts to Afghanistan in the last two years. "In the face of Russia's attempts to undermine our foreign policy goals in the Middle East and its continuing aggression in Ukraine, it is time that the United States end its reliance on Russian-made helicopters for operations in Afghanistan," said Representative Rosa DeLauro. "We must prioritize American manufacturers and our hardworking men and women at home," said DeLauro. With reporting by TASS Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/pentagon-plans-stop -buying-russian-helicopters-afghanistan- mi17-blackhawk/28127483.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 Yemen: UN envoy announces resumption of cessation of hostilities 19 November 2016 Announcing the resumption of a comprehensive of hostilities in the war-torn Gulf nation, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, has called on all parties to ensure that it leads to a permanent and lasting end to the conflict. According to a statement issued today, Special Envoy Cheikh Ahmed received assurances from all Yemeni parties of their recommitment to the Terms and Conditions of the Cessation of Hostilities of 10 April 2016. The cessation will re-enter into force at 12:00 Yemen time (GMT+3) today (19 November), for an initial period of 48 hours and that it will be "renewed automatically if respected." In the statement, Mr. Cheikh Ahmed "welcomed the restoration of the cessation of hostilities, which is necessary to avoid further bloodshed and destruction and should allow for the expanded delivery of humanitarian assistance." The Special Envoy also welcomed the commitments he received from both sides to reactivate the De-escalation and Coordination Committee (DCC) and to deploy its members to Dhahran Al Janoub. The DCC members will work alongside UN experts who have already deployed to restart the DCC's work in support of the cessation of hostilities. Further in the statement, Mr. Cheikh Ahmed reminded all Yemeni parties that the Terms and Conditions of the cessation of hostilities included an obligation to allow free and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all parts of Yemen, in addition to a full and comprehensive halt to military activities of any kind. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen 48-Hour Cease-fire Begins By Steve Herman November 19, 2016 A 48-hour truce by Saudi-led military forces in Yemen began Saturday (at 09:00 UTC) and will be extended if the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels maintain a commitment to it and allow aid into areas under siege. The agreement is intended to lead to the formation of a new government. Consent to the truce was separately reached with President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi and the Houthi rebels, diplomats tell VOA. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has made Yemen a top priority for his remaining weeks in the position. During his just-completed eleven-day, around-the-world trip, Kerry met various officials, worked the phones and secretly met with Houthi leaders in Oman to finalize this latest cease-fire pact. U.S. Ambassador Matthew Tueller and Deputy Assistant Tim Lenderking met with Hadi on Thursday while ground fighting and airstrikes continued in Yemen. The Shiite rebels had earlier confirmed their endorsement of the U.S.-brokered deal, which Kerry first revealed in a joint interview Tuesday in Abu Dhabi with VOA and Reuters. Yemen's government, however, had initially rejected the agreement, saying it was because they had not been involved in the talks between Kerry and the Houthi delegation. The peace agreement compels Hadi to transfer power to a newly appointed vice president. The Houthis are also to get a share of power. Government forces, which are backed by a Saudi-led coalition, on Thursday pushed back rebels from several districts in Taiz. The Houthis have carried out hundreds of unlawful detentions and torture since capturing the country's capital, Sana'a, according to Human Rights Watch, which said it has documented two deaths in custody and 11 cases of alleged torture and abuses. The Houthis emerged from their northern enclave in 2014 to take Sana'a and much of the northern part of Yemen, forcing President Hadi to flee the country and take refuge in Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led airstrikes and ground fighting have killed 10,000 civilians, displaced three million and brought others in the country of 27 million people to the brink of famine, according to U.N. agencies. "There's a humanitarian disaster in Yemen," said Kerry on Tuesday. "There's serious security and economic and political and humanitarian challenges and our sense is, and most of the parties we talked to, agree, in fact all the parties we talked to agree that there's no military solution. So, if that is the fact, then you've got to get into what is the political solution." There is widespread skepticism among observers that such an agreement will hold. "Unfortunately, I have little expectation the peace deal will last," said Hrach Gregorian, director of the international peace and conflict resolution program at American University in Washington. "I don't know that the regime of President Hadi has any remaining political legitimacy or the capacity to govern, so any deal that is struck will need to address the issue of effective post-war governance," Gregorian told VOA. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Two astronauts return from China's longest-ever space mission Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 9:50AM Two Chinese astronauts have successfully returned to the Earth from China's longest manned space mission to date. China's Shenzhou 11 space capsule landed in the northern region of Inner Mongolia on Friday, after detaching from the Tiangong 2 space laboratory and heading home Thursday. "The Tiangong 2 and Shenzhou 11 flight duties were a complete success," space mission chief commander Zhang Youxia said. The astronauts, Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong, have lived and worked 30 days aboard the Tiangong 2 lab, which is being used by Beijing to carry out experiments ahead of a longer-range plan to have a permanent manned space station around 2022. The two still remain inside the capsule for medical examination, but, Zhang, are in good condition. In another manned space mission in 2013, three Chinese astronauts spent 15 days in orbit and docked with a space laboratory, the Tiangong 1. The Tiangong-2, which was launched on September 15, is a key part of China's space program with the eventual aim of launching a permanent 20-ton space station into orbit. Beijing is planning to launch its permanent station before 2024, when the International Space Station (ISS) is retired, according to Xinhua. Meanwhile, the Russian Soyuz spacecraft lifted off from a Russian-leased launch facility in Kazakhstan on Friday to carry three astronauts from the United States, Russia and France for a six-month mission on the ISS station. The spacecraft is expected to dock at the station on Saturday evening, when the three will join an American and two Russians already aboard. The crew members will conduct more than 250 science investigations in fields such as biology, Earth science, human research, physical sciences and technology development, until May 2017. The spacecraft is carrying NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson the oldest woman on space French Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Tran Dai Quang (R) meets with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla (Source: VOV) The two reached the agreement at their meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 18th, on the sidelines of the 24th High-level Week of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum from November 17th-20th. They also reached consensus on strengthening coordination at multilateral forums, especially in maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and promoting effort to address disputes in the East Sea peacefully and in line with international law. President Tran Dai Quang proposed Vietnam and Indonesia soon organise the seventh meeting of the joint committee to seek specific measures towards achieving the target of USD10 billion in bilateral trade in 2018. He asked Indonesia to give humanitarian treatment to detained Vietnamese fishermen in the spirit of the two countries traditional friendship and cooperation. The Vietnamese President extended an invitation to visit Vietnam in 2017 to Indonesian President Joko Widodo. For his part, Vice President Jusuf Kalla confirmed that Indonesia always wants to increase the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, especially in people-to-people and business exchanges./. Veteran US Astronaut Sets Another Record in Orbit By VOA News November 19, 2016 The International Space Station has gained three new residents, including the oldest and most experienced female astronaut ever to orbit the world. A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying the fresh crew docked Saturday at the space station, 400 kilometers above Earth. The new arrivals at the orbital research laboratory American astronaut Peggy Whitson, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy joined the three men already on board, one American and two Russians. Whitson, who will be the mission commander once her team settles in orbit, already holds the record for time spent in space by a woman over 400 days during her various missions. Over the course of the next six months, she will celebrate her 57th birthday in the weightless conditions of Earth orbit, as she extends her time-in-space record every day. Before their launch Thursday from Kazakhstan, Pesquet paid tribute to Whitson's leadership and seniority, but said he was carrying with him a small piece of a meteorite from Mars that will become "the most experienced space traveler there is in the world." The French astronaut, making his first spaceflight, said his intention was to show that human and robotic explorers of outer space "are all working together." He intends to bring the stone back to Earth next year and place it aboard a Mars rover for a return flight to its home planet. Third space flight Whitson, a biochemist by training, is making her third flight to the space station. Prior to this mission, no woman older than 55 had flown in space. Novitskiy is making his second spaceflight. The new crew's arrival at the space station Saturday coincided with the 47th anniversary of mankind's second landing on the moon on November 19, 1969, by American astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean. The past few days have been busy with space-related activities. As Whitson and her crew were heading into orbit, two Chinese astronauts touched down safely in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia after a successful monthlong mission in orbit, demonstrating the progress China has made in its quest to establish a permanent space station. Major General Jing Haipeng and Colonel Chen Dong spent 33 days in orbit, a new record for Chinese manned space missions. They lived aboard the Tiangong space lab, which is a prototype for a permanent orbital laboratory that China hopes to establish by 2020. While in orbit, the Chinese astronauts tested new hardware for use in space, including a remotely operated robotic arm to transfer cargo, and also released a microsatellite to fly around the Tiangong lab, inspecting and photographing it. The small device also is said to be equipped to divert any space debris on a collision course with the main spacecraft. First satellite launch Since the first satellite was launched from Earth into orbit the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1, in 1957 space debris has been accumulating steadily. Some scientists estimate up to 100 million pieces of space junk are currently floating around Earth, posing an increasing threat to the safety of both manned and unmanned satellites high above. About 27,000 pieces of orbital debris currently are being tracked by ground stations on Earth, according to Britain's Royal Astronomical Society, which met Friday in London to discuss the growing problem. Many bits of debris are too small to track accurately, but they nevertheless pose a risk to any other objects they encounter. "Tackling the problem of space debris is one of humankind's greatest environmental challenges, but also perhaps the one that is the least known," said Hugh Lewis, head of astronautics research at the University of Southampton in England. "Every day we use and rely on services provided by satellites without ever realizing how vulnerable they are," Lewis added. Satellite launches Meanwhile, the European space program launched four more Galileo satellites this week, moving a step closer to completing its own satellite-based navigation system, which will compete against the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS. The four satellites the most the European Union has sent aloft at one time were carried into orbit Thursday by an Ariane rocket launched from a spaceport in French Guiana. And as astronaut Whitson's crew was maneuvering toward docking Saturday with the International Space Station, the U.S. space agency NASA was preparing to launch another rocket carrying a new weather satellite into orbit. Also Saturday, a weather satellite called "America's most advanced eye in the sky" was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The $1 billion satellite, part of an $11 billion effort to revolutionize forecasting, will be able to relay more frequent and higher-definition images of severe weather patterns, the U.S. space agency said. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) spacecraft launched Saturday is "really a quantum leap above any satellite NOAA has ever flown,'' Stephen Volz, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's director of satellites, told The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kim Jong Un Guides Firing Contest among Women MLRS Gunners of KPA Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS) Pyongyang, November 19 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, guided a firing contest among women multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) gunners selected from the large combined units of the KPA. He organized this contest all of a sudden and guided it on the spot in order to estimate and confirm the combat capability of women gunners through the firing contest among MLRS batteries for eliminating enemy helicopter-borne troops dropping on a landing area for an assault, and take steps and raise a hotter wind of training in the entire army the way the anti-Japanese guerillas did in Mt. Paektu. He was briefed on the mode and method of the contest at an observation post and issued an order to start the contest. Watching women gunners rapidly taking firing positions, he said the women gunners are doing really well though it would be hard for them to pull MLRS on the ankle-deep sand. Saying that there is a gap between men and women in the limits of their physical strength but there is no difference between the men and women soldiers in their loyalty to the Party and the revolution, the country and its people, he underlined the need to train the women soldiers as indomitable fighters steadfast in their revolutionary spirit to help them do their shares in the great war for national reunification. When the order to fire was given, the women gunners fully demonstrated their marksmanship of never missing targets they have cultivated through a high-pitched movement for becoming crackshots. Observing the contest, he stressed that commanding officers should be well aware of why he organized the contest all of a sudden. He underlined the need for them to prepare all gunners to be capable of hitting targets whenever and wherever they are ordered to fire. To this end, the training of artillery units should be conducted under the simulated conditions of an actual battle, he emphasized. The training irrelevant to an actual war is not necessary no matter how frequently it is conducted and soldiers would have to pay dearly in combat for such training, he said, adding ardent patriotism and loyalty of the commanding officers and their warm love for soldiers are manifested in remaining strict with soldiers in training. He gave instructions to round off the combat readiness of the KPA and bolster up its artillery force. The women MLRS battery under the 9th Corps of the KPA came first in the contest and prizes personally prepared by him were conveyed to the winners. He shook hands with the winners one by one and had a photo taken with the participants of the contest. -0- (2016.11.19) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran fulfilling heavy water obligations under JCPOA: AEOI Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 1:38PM Iran has remained committed to its obligations, including those concerning its heavy water stockpiles, under last year's landmark nuclear agreement signed between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of countries, a senior Iranian nuclear official says. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has fulfilled its obligations on heavy water stockpiles based on the JCPOA (the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), and remains committed to it," the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz Kamalvandi, told IRIB on Friday. Kamalvandi made the comments in reaction to a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last week that claimed that Iran's stocks of heavy water had slightly exceeded the 130-tonne level set out in the JCPOA. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano on Thursday chided Iran for exceeding the agreed limit on its stockpiles and said, "It is important that such situations should be avoided in future in order to maintain international confidence in the implementation." Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China plus Germany signed the JCPOA in July 2015 and started implementing it in January 2016. Under the JCPOA, Iran undertook to put limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran. The deal requires Iran's storage of uranium enriched to up to 3.67 percent purity to stay below 300 kilograms. Tehran has also agreed to keep its heavy water stockpile below 130 metric tonnes. "According to the JCPOA, we were required to offer on the international market any excess over 130 tonnes of heavy water and we have so far sold 70 tonnes," Kamalvandi said. He added, "Negotiations are under way with interested countries, the Europeans in particular," to sell the rest. The nuclear official emphasized that Iran would remain committed to its undertakings under the JCPOA on heavy water restrictions "so long as the JCPOA is in place." Last week, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner played down concerns about Iran exceeding the heavy water stockpile limit. He said it was "important to note that Iran made no effort to hide this" and that he was "not sure whether that constitutes a formal violation." The AEOI head Ali Akbar Salehi said in October that the Islamic Republic had sold 32 tonnes of heavy water to the United States and delivered 38 tonnes of the nuclear substance to Russia. "European firms, including German and French ones, seek to purchase Iran's heavy water and we have expressed our readiness in this regard," Salehi added. Pointing to the increasing demand for heavy water worldwide, Salehi noted that Iran has become a major international supplier of the substance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran Nuclear Deal Opponents to Trump: Don't 'Rip it Up' By Masood Farivar November 18, 2016 Republicans and other long-time opponents of an international nuclear agreement with Iran have walked back calls to scrap the deal and are now urging the incoming Trump administration to stiffen it rather than unravel what President-elect Donald Trump once termed as "the worst deal ever negotiated." With Iran and European allies imploring the new administration to honor the accord that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, fear is growing that a unilateral withdrawal from the deal would leave the U.S. internationally isolated and might even push Tehran to reinstate its suspected nuclear weapons program. That fear is shared by the deal's critics. The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a conservative think tank in Washington, was an early supporter of the "stop the Iran nuclear deal" campaign and pressed members of Congress last year to block it. While it remains critical of what it sees as a dangerous and flawed agreement, it now opposes rescinding it. "There are risks of the U.S. withdrawing," said Orde Kittrie, a senior fellow at the foundation and a professor of law at Arizona State University. "If the U.S. withdraws from the deal, Iran would feel free to cast off the restrictions on its nuclear program. It would be very hard to reinstate the sanctions. U.S. allies would be very upset." No legal reason Legally, the new president will have the authority to simply walk away from the pact, legal scholars say. The deal was deliberately structured not as a treaty but as a non-binding international agreement, and the U.N. Security Council resolution that endorsed it does not require its members to abide by it. "There would not be any direct international legal consequences if the U.S. were to change its view," said Edward Swaine, a law professor at George Washington University and a former counselor on international law at the U.S. State Department. Another early critic of the deal was Eliot Cohen, a professor at the Johns Hopkins University and a former State Department official known for his hawkish foreign policy views. Cohen said he was not "in favor of the Iran deal," but he now opposes its abandonment. "If the president wanted to [rescind the agreement], yes, the president can do that but a normal president would not do that just because of all the expectations of our allies..." he said Wednesday at a conference sponsored by the Middle East Institute, a nonpartisan Washington think tank. Congressional opponents have walked back from calls to kill the deal altogether. After failing to block the agreement last year, Republican members of Congress are now pushing for tighter restrictions on Iran on top of renewing non-nuclear related sanctions dating back to the 1990s. "I don't think there is going to be a push to throw this deal out the window," Kittrie said. "My sense is you're going to have a push from Congress to implement the deal vigorously and to basically push back against Iranian mischief in the region." 'Worst of backroom deals' The agreement, signed by Iran and six major world powers, imposed severe curbs on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting crippling international sanctions releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. The Obama administration and other proponents of the deal argue it will restrict Iran's ability to build a nuclear bomb for the next 10 to 15 years. President-elect Trump and other critics say the U.S. made too many concessions and received no guarantee that Iran will not pursue its nuclear ambitions or run roughshod in the Middle East. The concern that Trump intends to "rip up" the deal dates back to comments he made last year on NBC's "Meet the Press." Though he called the deal "horrible" and said it could lead to a "nuclear holocaust," he equivocated when asked whether it would survive a Trump administration. "It's very hard to say. We're ripping it up," he said. Like other deals he's inherited, he said he'd "police that contract so tough that they don't have a chance." Trump's national security appointees are among Iran's harshest critics in foreign policy circles and have taken a similar stance. Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo, named on Friday to head the Central Intelligence Agency, has called the agreement the "worst of backroom deals," and claimed that it raises the risk of allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. Michael Flynn, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency who was appointed as Trump's National Security Adviser, has strongly come out against it. Rather than abandoning an agreement that U.S. allies support and Iran is widely believed to be complying with, Kittrie said, the Trump administration will likely toughen its stance against Iran, demanding more intrusive inspections of the country's nuclear program and take steps to rein in "Iranian mischief outside the nuclear program." Iran's quandary Iran has rejected calls to renegotiate the deal and its foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, last week urged Trump to honor it, saying it's not a bilateral agreement "for one side to be able to scrap." Ali Akbar Velayati, the top foreign policy adviser to Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, echoed Khamenei's tough stance: If the administration pulls out of the agreement, "Iran will set it afire," he said in comments Wednesday by Iran's official news agency. A U.S. withdrawal from the agreement will present Iran with a conundrum. On the one hand, Iran can resume its nuclear enrichment program, arguing that the deal does not have the force of law with one of its signatories out. On the other hand, Iran has reaped vast economic benefits from the lifting of international sanctions and may decide to stick with the agreement in order to expand its ties with Europe, Russia and China. "The Iranians will have to decide whether the European markets are worth it or one could imagine Iran simply saying, 'The deal is off,' and we'll unwind all the way back to where we were five, six years ago," said Duncan Hollis, an international law professor at Temple University. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader appoints new Iranian Army second-in-command Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 4:53PM Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan as the second-in-command of the Iranian Army. In a decree on Saturday, the Leader urged Pourdastan to improve the intelligence and operational capabilities of the Iranian Army. Ayatollah Khamenei said the appointment has been made as per a proposal by Commander of Iran's Army Major General Ataollah Salehi with regard to Pourdastan's competence and dutifulness. Pourdastan formerly served as commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces. Meanwhile, the Leader appointed Kiomars Heidari as the new Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces. Ayatollah Khamenei, in his decree on Saturday, urged Heidari to make efforts to improve defense capabilities of units proportionate to the requirements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, France stress JCPOA implementation Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 6:20AM Iran and France have laid emphasis on the full implementation of a nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic and six other countries, including the European state. During a Friday meeting in Paris between French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, the two sides stressed the importance of full commitment to the provisions of the deal, which is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The JCPOA was reached between Iran on the one side, and France, China, Russia, Germany, the UK, and the US on the other. There have been concerns among Iran's European and other partners that an incoming US administration may breach the JCPOA or even stop implementing its commitments altogether. US President-elect Donald Trump, a business tycoon who has no background in diplomacy and governance, had threatened on his campaign trail to "tear up" the deal or renegotiate its terms. French President Francois Hollande said recently that he doubts Trump would scrap the agreement. "This accord gives us all security Could the US with Donald Trump put into question this accord? I don't think so," he said, addressing concerns about a potential US breach. Iran has, however, stressed that it has no concerns about such a scenario. In a speech on Wednesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran is prepared for any "possible eventuality." The JCPOA has been endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution, which means the deal is effectively international law. In the Friday meeting with Takht-e Ravanchi, Ayrault, the French foreign minister, referred to a January trip to France by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said the visit and the signing of bilateral documents during the trip were positive developments. He expressed hope regarding a more expeditious implementation of the bilateral agreements, which have already taken effect. During President Rouhani's visit, several memoranda of understanding were signed on cooperation in various sectors, including telecommunications, environment, tourism, agriculture, higher education, and transportation. The January presidential visit took place following the implementation earlier that month of the JCPOA. Takht-e Ravanchi likewise assessed the current status of the bilateral ties, especially in the economic area, as satisfactory and hoped for better banking and financial relations between Iran and France. Concerning regional developments, Takht-e Ravanchi welcomed the recent long-awaited election of a president in Lebanon, insisted that the drawn-out Syrian conflict had to be resolved only through political channels, and emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities in Yemen and the transfer of humanitarian aid to the impoverished country. He concluded by calling attention to the threat posed to both the region and Europe by terrorism, and insisted on the need for talks and cooperation toward confronting the scourge. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi volunteer forces retake more areas in Nineveh from Daesh Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 5:41PM Iraqi fighters from pro-government Popular Mobilization Units have reportedly liberated more areas in the embattled northern province of Nineveh as they are joined by government forces in arduous battles to drive the Takfiri Daesh militants out of the conflict-ridden Arab country. The commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, said on Friday that soldiers from the 9th Division of Special Forces have wrested full control of Tal Waei village south of Mosul, situated 400 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad, Arabic-language al-Forat news agency reported. It came shortly after Iraqi security forces recaptured the village of Omarkan, which lies north of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and slightly over 30 kilometers south of Mosul. Separately, the media bureau of Popular Mobilization Units, commonly known by the Arabic name Hashed al-Sha'abi, has released photographs which show a network of tunnels burrowed deep into the earth close to a former Iraqi Air Force base in the city of Tal Afar, located 63 kilometers west of Mosul. Beds can be seen along the tunnel network with rudimentary wiring delivering electricity. The tunnels were apparently used by Daesh members to bring in weapons and supplies for fellow militants occupying the area. Yusif al-Kallabi, a spokesman for Popular Mobilization Units, told public broadcaster al-Iraqiya on Wednesday that volunteer fighters had liberated Tal Afar airport, dealing a significant blow to Daesh in the campaign to recapture Mosul, situated 400 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad. "Tal Afar will be the starting block for the liberation of all the area...to the Syrian border and beyond the Syria border," Secretary General of Iraq's Badr Organization Hadi al-Ameri commented in a video clip about the capture of the base. Also on Friday, volunteer forces cut Daesh's supply route between Tal Afar air base and the city center. They are now helping Iraqi Army bomb disposal teams in the clearance of the military site and surrounding areas from abandoned explosive ordnance. Furthermore, Hashed al-Sha'abi fighters are reportedly advancing on the al-Khidr al-Ilyas and al-Zariqi villages in the vicinity of Tal Afar. After months of preparation, Iraqi army soldiers, backed by pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units and Kurdish Peshmerga forces, launched an operation on October 17 to retake Mosul from the Daesh terrorists. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has vowed that Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, will be fully recaptured by year-end. More than 56,000 people have been displaced because of the fighting from villages and towns around the strategic city to government-held areas, according to UN estimates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi soldiers advance deeper into eastern Mosul Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 11:10AM Iraqi forces move to reinforce their toehold in the eastern part of Mosul amid their ongoing push to liberate the key northern city from the clutches of the Takfiri Daesh terror group. A soldier reportedly died on Friday as the troops moved towards Mosul's Muharabeen district, building on their gain a day earlier of liberating the adjacent Tahrir area. A month into the launch of the Mosul liberation operation, the Iraqi armed forces are now pitting their airpower, automatic fire,and artillery against Daesh's snipers, mortar fire and explosive-laden vehicles. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has vowed that the joint forces, comprising the military, Kurdish fighters, and Shia volunteers, will liberate Mosul by yearend. The city fell to Daesh in 2014, the year when it unleashed its campaign of terror against the Arab nation. Also on Friday, the troops liberated a village north of the site of the ancient Assyrian town of Nimrud, 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Mosul, which they had retaken last weekend. Meanwhile, footage showed Iraqi volunteer forces discovering a mortar launcher manufacturing site, which had been set up by Daesh in the power station supplying the al-Shourah District, some 45 kilometers (27 miles) south of Mosul. The volunteer fighters known as Hashd al-Sha'bi also discovered Daesh's tunnels in the Tal Afar District, 63 kilometers (39 miles) west of Mosul. Separately, the terror outfit claimed responsibility earlier in the day for an attack the previous night in which a bomber struck a wedding near the western city of Fallujah, killing at least 10 people and wounding 32 others. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq: Sustained funding 'crucial' as Mosul displacement grows, says UN refugee agency 18 November 2016 The United Nations refugee agency today stressed the crucial need for sustained funding to support humanitarian operations for the displaced from Mosul, a major Iraqi city where, for the past month, Government forces have been fighting to expel violent extremists. "There has been a marked increase over the past week in the number of people fleeing after fighting intensified in the more densely-populated urban areas of Mosul," Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters at the regular bi-weekly news briefing in Geneva. He said that of the 60,000 people who have fled their homes since the start of the military campaign on October 17, about 40,000 have done so since the beginning of November. Close to half are children, according to UN data and UNHCR surveys. Households headed by females, some of whom are survivors of abuse, account for much of the rest. "The need for sustained funding support as winter approaches, and a redoubling of efforts to reach those displaced by the fighting, many of whom now live in rudimentary conditions in camps, is crucial," Mr. Edwards emphasized. UNHCR currently has six camps open, hosting well over 14,000 people and with a capacity for 54,600. Three more are under construction and one is in planning, he said. All told, the 10 camps will have capacity for 17,000 plots. Additional land is required for UNHCR's total planned 20,000 plots (with six people on average per family tent/plot), in order to provide shelter for 120,000 people in camps. If needed, UNHCR and its partners, including the Government of Iraq, can potentially host 700,000 people, including a number of shelter solutions outside of camps. But funding for this is crucial, he stressed. So far, more than 5,705 emergency relief packages have been distributed by UNHCR. And with winter approaching and temperatures declining, the focus is on protecting people against the weather and keeping them safe and warm. The plan is to reach 1.2 million people in Iraq with special winterized kits including blankets, heating stoves, plastic tarpaulins and water and kerosene jerry cans. UNHCR is also providing cash assistance and plans to winter-proof 53,000 tents. UNHCR is also bolstering protection monitoring and psychosocial and legal assistance through mobile teams to ensure timely interventions when problems are identified. Among the main concerns are family reunifications, supporting female-headed households, a lack of documentation and supporting victims of abuse. UNHCR is also supporting an initiative with BBC Media Action and Radio Nawa to initiate a programme to help newly-displaced families access timely information. This week, 2,000 small transistor radios were distributed in UNHCR's Hasansham camp. Radio Nawa has installed a new transmitter to reach the camp. UNHCR is also calling again on all parties in the fighting to respect the rights and lives of civilians, and emphasizes the importance of freedom of movement for residents of Mosul. "Civilians should not be prevented from leaving the city and should have access to safe areas. Equally, civilians must not be forced to return to unsafe areas," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi forces retake Mosul southern front, kill 950 Takfiris Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 5:38AM In their latest push to liberate Mosul, Iraqi forces say they have won back full control of the city's southern front, killing over 950 members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group. Federal police chief General Shaker Jodat said late Friday troops had purged 1,850 square kilometers of Mosul's southern front of Daesh militants and freed more than 10,000 families, the al-Sumaria news website reported. The Iraqi soldiers destroyed 25 car bombs, 83 motorbike bombs, 92 explosive belts and some vehicles equipped with weapons and missiles during their advances in the area, Jodat said. He further noted that police forces had confiscated 36 mortar shells containing chemicals. Meanwhile, Iraq's War Media Cell reported that Hashd al-Sha'abi forces had detained seven Daesh elements in the eastern province of Diyala. Sadiq al-Husseini, the chairman of the security committee in Diyala provincial council, said that the arrests had been made in three different operations across the region. New mass grave found Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have found a mass grave containing the remains of suspected victims of Daesh executions in a village recently retaken from the Takfiri terrorists near Mosul. A team of AFP journalists visited the site behind a small sand-covered hill outside the village of Tall ad-Dhahab about 10 km south of Mosul on Friday, the news agency said. Iraqi Lieutenant Yahya Jumma said locals believe that some 40 people may be buried at the ground. "The majority of the victims were members of the security forces, army and police," he said, adding the terrorists brought them by pickup trucks. "There were around 40 people according to eyewitnesses who saw them," he said. The visiting journalists reported meter-high mounds at the entrance to the shallow pit and an overpowering stench with bone fragments scattered around the area. They said scraps of clothing and several bullet casings could be seen at the site. Iraqi forces have discovered a number of Daesh mass graves in the country's liberated districts, among them the one found last week near the agricultural college of the town of Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul. Authorities are conducting an investigation at the site with Human Rights Watch estimating that the graveyard could contain some 300 bodies. Hashd al-Sha'abi cuts Mosul-Raqqah supply route Hashd al-Sha'abi forces on Friday said that they were set to cut the road to Syria that has been used by Daesh as a supply route over the past two years. "We are now in the process of cutting the main supply road between Mosul and Raqqah, which runs behind the [Tal Afar] airport," commander Shiekh Abu Karra Abadi told the Middle East Eye news portal. "It was crucial for us to clear all this area to the west and cut the road so the Iraqi army can clear Mosul of Daesh without them being able to flee," he added. The volunteer forces wrested control of Tal Afar airport in western Mosul late on Wednesday. Abadi said Daesh elements had retreated, some into Tal Afar city and some to Mosul. He hundreds of the militants had put up resistance to defend the supply route to Syria. Secretary General of Iraq's Badr Organization Hadi al-Ameri also said the Iraqi soldiers were in control of the area south-west of Mosul and would continue advancing until closing the Iraq-Syria border. Gains across Nineveh province Also on Friday, Iraqi fighters from pro-government Popular Mobilization Units liberated more areas in the embattled province of Nineveh, with Mosul as its capital. The commander of Nineveh Liberation Operation, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, said that soldiers from the 9th Division of Special Forces have wrested full control of Tal Waei village south of Mosul, Arabic-language al-Forat news agency reported. The development came shortly after security forces recaptured the village of Omarkan, located north of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and slightly over 30 kilometers south of Mosul. Pro-government Sunni tribal fighters killed Meanwhile, Daesh terrorists have reportedly killed seven pro-government Sunni tribal fighters and five policemen in a town south of Mosul. The victims were killed at two fake checkpoints set up by Daesh in Shirqat. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Addressing the meetings session on preparations for the 2017 APEC Year in Vietnam, Deputy PM Minh said Vietnam proposes the theme of the year as Creating new driving force for a common future based on the APECs common need of new momentum to promote integration and connectivity in the new context and maintain peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region. Around 200 activities, including eight ministerial-level conferences, will be held across Vietnamese cities and provinces, while the 25th APEC Summit will take place in Da Nang, he revealed. Ministers extolled Vietnam for her careful preparation and welcomed the theme of the event. They expressed their belief that the APEC Year 2017 will contribute to widening and deepening regional collaboration and connectivity. Another focus of the 28th AMM was human development one of the top priorities of APEC cooperation. The participants emphasized the importance of education, innovation, vocational skills training, corporate culture, and information technology to human resources development in the digital era. They held that it is necessary to improve the quality of and increase the access to education services, while ensuring job generation and quality life for all, especially women, youngsters and people with disabilities. They welcomed the Joint Statement adopted at the sixth APEC Education Ministerial Meeting (AEMM) in Peru in October and agreed to further enhance education cooperation to develop high-quality human resources. As APEC observers, representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) proposed developing cooperation for sustainable growth and jointly building a post-2020 vision for APEC. Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh said digital technology is a push for fundamental changes of economic sectors and it is expected to spur the global economy. APEC should step up collaboration in education and digital connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas to reduce poverty and empower women and girls. He stressed that developing human resources is one of the priority measures of Vietnam to realise its socio-economic development strategy through 2020. The same day, the 28th AMM concluded with the passing of a Joint Statement on measures to boost APEC cooperation, which will be submitted to the 24th APEC Summit on November 19th-20th. On the sidelines of the event, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh had bilateral meetings with foreign partners, including the Foreign Ministers of the US and Papua New Guinea. The countries agreed to exert more efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordinate with Vietnam for the success of the APEC Year 2017./. Displacement Spikes as Fighting in Mosul Intensifies By Lisa Schlein November 19, 2016 More than one month after the start of the battle for Mosul, the United Nations reports a marked increase in the number of people fleeing densely-populated urban areas of the beleaguered Iraqi city. The United Nations reports a tripling of the number of displaced people over the past two weeks from under 22,000 to nearly 60,000 now. U.N. data show nearly half of those fleeing their homes in Mosul are children. Women, girls and female-headed households, who make up much of the rest, often are survivors of sexual and other human rights abuse. Spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke, says people trying to reach safety encounter many dangers along the way. "They face risks from direct and indirect fire, explosive remnants of warthat is unexploded ammunition lying around, and improvised explosive devices, but also possible retaliation from ISIL," said Laerke. "And, we have heard also in the past that they are at severe risk of being used as human shields." The U.N. reports more than 40,000 displaced people are sheltering in formal camps run by the Iraqi government in three governorates. The U.N. refugee agency currently has six camps open, hosting well over 14,000 people, with a capacity for 54,600. Thousands of other displaced people are living with relatives and in informal settings, such as unfinished construction sites. A spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, Joel Millman - who has just returned from Iraq - says he was most impressed by the resiliency of families, many of whom have been forced to flee their homes several times. He tells VOA the relief felt by people liberated from Islamic State was palpable. "The way they described the kind of intimidation and the random daily cruelty of some of these gunmen in their small townsThey are so glad that this is over and that they are out of that," said Millman. "The things they would say aboutour children are not going to be sold as sex slaves in the market place anymore. That saidpeople really need a kind of guarantee or some sign that it is not going to happen again in five or 10 years." More than 100 U.N., international, and private humanitarian agencies are assisting people affected by the ongoing military operations in Mosul. They reportedly are increasingly worried about the ability of families caught in the conflict zone to reach safety and assistance. The United Nations warns as many as one million people could be in great danger from cross-fire, snipers, improvised explosive devices and other risks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi Coalition Pushes for Full Control of Jihadist Stronghold West of Mosul By VOA News November 19, 2016 Iraqi coalition commanders said Saturday that Shi'ite militia allied with the government were in full control of Islamic State military installations at Tal Afar, as the coalition pressed to gain full control of the city west of Mosul from IS fighters. A statement published by the umbrella organization known as the Popular Mobilization Units a grouping of 40 Shi'ite militia said its forces had also cut the main east-west road linking IS-occupied Mosul with the Syrian city of Raqqa, which jihadists claim as the capital of their so-called caliphate. The Iraqi advance on Tal Afar, once home to 200,000 people, came as coalition forces sought to encircle Mosul and eventually regain control of the embattled city, which IS seized in 2014. Elsewhere, heavy fighting was reported on Mosul's eastern perimeter early Saturday as coalition forces backed by U.S.-led air power sought to penetrate deeper into the heavily fortified city. Kurdish news reports from the scene quoted coalition commanders as saying two more neighborhoods had been seized after close-quarters combat Friday that saw IS forces rake coalition fighters with heavy sniper and mortar fire. Separately, to the northeast of Mosul on Saturday, Kurdish peshmerga fighters joined locals in the freshly liberated town of Bashiqa, as Christians rang church bells and sang hymns while others climbed to the roof of a church to replace a cross destroyed by jihadists in 2014. "The first thing they did was break the cross," said the Reverend Afram al-Khoury, in comments quoted by the Associated Press. "We want to replace it and tell Daesh that the cross is still here and we are not leaving at all," al-Khoury said, using the Arabic name for IS. The coalition offensive to recapture Mosul, which was launched October 17, is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. forces departed the country in 2011. The fighting has driven thousands of civilians from the once-vibrant city, with U.N. monitors saying 60,000 have fled Mosul in the past two weeks. New U.N. analysis identifies nearly half of those refugees as children, with women and female-headed households accounting for most of the rest. U.N. officials have warned that as many as 1 million civilians in and near Mosul will most likely face great danger as the offensive unfolds in the coming weeks and months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Violence has displaced 30k in Myanmar's Rakhine: UN Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 3:43PM The United Nations says violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state has left up to 30,000 people displaced since October. "Up to 30,000 people are now estimated to be displaced and thousands more affected by the 9 October armed attacks and subsequent security operations across the north of Rakhine state," a spokesman for the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Friday. Rakhine has been under a military lockdown since last month, when an alleged attack on Myanmar's border guards left nine officers dead. The government accused Rohingya Muslims of being behind the assault. Since then, government forces have left dozens of the Rohingya dead during what they call search operations for the alleged attackers. According to the UN, the Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. The OCHA said that of the 30,000 figure, 15,000 were people who were believed to have fled their homes after the eruption of a new wave of government crackdown in the troubled region on November 12. "This includes as many as 15,000 people who, according to unverified information, may have been displaced after clashes between armed actors and the military on 12-13 November." On November 16, the London-based Arakan Rohingya National Organization said at least 150 Muslims had been killed since November 12. Rakhine has been the scene of communal violence at the hands of Buddhist extremists since 2012. Hundreds of people have been killed and tens of thousands have been forced from homes and live in squalid camps in dire conditions in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar: UN urges aid access, warns of rights violations after 'lockdown' in northern Rakhine state 18 November 2016 Deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of civilians in the northern part of Rakhine state in Myanmar, United Nations entities today urged the country's authorities to take immediate actions to address humanitarian and human rights situations. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urged the Myanmar Government to immediately allow humanitarian actors to resume the life-saving activities for some 160,000 civilians, which were suspended on 9 October. "We are urging the Government of Myanmar to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law and its international obligations," UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards told reporters at the regular news briefing in Geneva. Rakhine state has been plagued with violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, a minority group. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), tens of thousands of people have fled their homes amid a security operation triggered by armed attacks on border posts in October. Residents, including members of the Rohingya minority and other Muslim communities, are reported to have suffered serious human rights violations including torture, rape and sexual assault, summary executions, and the destruction of mosques and homes. OHCHR said humanitarian programmes providing health, food, education and nutrition assistance have been suspended and civilians are reported to be caught up in military action including attacks by helicopter gunships. "We appeal for calm and for humanitarian access to assess and meet the needs of thousands of people who have reportedly been displaced from their homes by the ongoing security operation. The affected population is believed to be in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care," said the UNHCR spokesperson. UNHCR is also appealing to the Government of Bangladesh to keep its border with Myanmar open and allow safe passage to any civilians from Myanmar fleeing violence, he added. Meanwhile, a UN human rights expert has called on the Government of Myanmar to immediately tackle the deteriorating human rights situation in northern Rakhine state, noting that a two-day visit by a Government-led delegation to the area in early November, which included a UN official and nine ambassadors, had produced only limited results in terms of addressing the humanitarian crisis. "The Government has now admitted using helicopter gunships in support of ground troops, and there are unverified claims of reprisals against villagers who had shared their grievances with the delegation," said the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee. She criticized the authorities for placing the region on "lockdown" for six weeks and expressed particular concern at reports from the area that the security operation had been stepped up since the international delegation conducted its visit. "It is not acceptable that for six weeks there was a complete lockdown, with no access to the affected areas," she said. "The security forces must not be given carte blanche to step up their operations under the smokescreen of having allowed access to an international delegation. Urgent action is needed to bring resolution to the situation," she added. Ms. Lee said allegations of human rights abuses, including the alleged rape and sexual assault of women and girls, needed to be investigated. "State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi has recently stated that the Government is responding to the situation based on the principle of the rule of law. Yet I am unaware of any efforts on the part of the Government to look into the allegations of human rights violations," said Ms. Lee. It is crucial to recognize the issue at hand as objectively as possible and immediately embark on a transparent, non-partial, independent investigation, she said. Ms. Lee echoed a statement by the Chair of the Rakhine Advisory Commission, former UN chief Kofi Annan, for all communities to renounce violence and for security services to act in full compliance with the rule of law. She expressed hope that even before the Commission publishes a report next year, the Government would start taking interim measures in line with past recommendations to prevent further restrictions and violations of human rights suffered by the Rohingya population as well as other religious and ethnic minorities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bangladesh prevents 125 Rohingya Muslims from entering country Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 6:27PM Bangladeshi coast guards have pushed back 125 Rohingya Muslims, mostly women and children, as the desperate group attempted to enter the Bangladeshi territory to flee violence and persecution back in their home country Myanmar. Bangladeshi authorities on Friday prevented the refugees, crammed into seven wooden boats, from ducking on the Bangladeshi side of the Naf River, which separates Bangladesh's southeastern border from western Myanmar, said Nafiur Rahman, a local coast guard official, on Saturday. "They included 61 women and 36 children. We resisted them from entering our water territory," he said, adding that all of them had been nationals of Myanmar, escaping an uptick of violent clashes in neighboring Myanmar's Rakhine state. 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. Since then, Bangladesh has heavily boosted security measures in a strip of land along its border with Myanmar and deployed hundreds of troops to patrol the area in a bid to push back the potential waves of Rohingya Muslim refugees, who flee the resurgence of violence and persecution back home. Myanmar's western state of Rakhine has also been the scene of communal violence at the hands of Buddhist extremists since 2012. Hundreds of people have been killed and tens of thousands have been forced from homes and live in squalid camps in dire conditions in Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. On November 16, the London-based Arakan Rohingya National Organization said at least 150 Muslims had been killed since November 12. Myanmar's 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. According to the UN, the Rohingya are one of the most persecuted minorities in the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan's navy pushes Indian submarine out of its waters Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 5:51PM Pakistan's navy says it has "pushed" an Indian submarine out of the Pakistani waters amid rising tensions between the two countries. The navy said in a statement on Friday that it had detected the submarine south of the Pakistani coast on November 14 and banned it from entering the waters. "Thereafter, despite the submarine's desperate efforts to escape detection, it was continuously tracked by Pakistan Navy Fleet units and pushed well clear of our waters," the statement said. The Pakistani navy also released footage and photographs of a submarine said to be the one that was forced to move away. India denied Pakistan's claim with its navy spokesman Captain DK Sharma saying it was "all blatant lies." Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained in recent months, with New Delhi blaming Pakistan-based militants for a raid on an army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir in September, which killed 19 soldiers. Islamabad denies any role in the deadly incident. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Koreans rally anew against President Park Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 6:49AM South Koreans have taken to the streets in the capital, Seoul, and elsewhere in fresh rallies demanding the resignation of the scandal-hit President Park Geun-hye. Up to half a million protesters are expected by organizers to participate in the Seoul rally, and the same number in other cities, on Saturday for the fourth straight week in a row. The mass anti-Park demonstrations, accompanied by fierce opposition at the parliament, have posed a real challenge to the president, who has nevertheless been defiant of calls on her to step down. Park's scandal involves her long-time friend and confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is accused of influence-peddling. Choi, 60, is said to have used her influence to extort money from large companies like Samsung to non-profit foundations which she set up and used for personal gain. She is also accused of interfering in government affairs, despite holding no official position. Reports of the influence Choi wielded over Park have seen the president's approval ratings plunge to 5% which is a record low for a sitting president. But President Park has offered two formal televised apologies and reshuffled her ministerial cabinet and aides in an attempt to appease the protesters. Park has also agreed to relinquish some of her extensive presidential powers and submit to a probe by an independent special prosecutor to be appointed by the parliament. Meanwhile, a smaller rally was held by Park's supporters in downtown Seoul on Saturday. Conservative groups, including a fan club of President Park called "Parksamo," gathered in front of the Seoul Train Station to oppose calls for the resignation of the president. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Economics Minister's Arrest: Part of Crackdown on Government 'Liberals'? By Danila Galperovich November 19, 2016 The arrest of Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev on Monday for allegedly accepting a large bribe has triggered speculation that hardliners at the top of Russia's power hierarchy are moving against so-called system liberals in the government, including officials involved in formulating economic policy. The Investigative Committee, Russia's equivalent of the American FBI, claimed Ulyukayev had been caught red-handed receiving a $2 million bribe extorted from the state oil company Rosneft in return for supporting Rosneft's acquisition of a controlling share in another oil firm, Bashneft. Rosneft is headed by Igor Sechin, a longtime associate of President Vladimir Putin, widely seen as the second most powerful person in Russia. Ulyukayev denied the extortion allegation, but Putin fired him Tuesday, and he has been placed under house arrest while awaiting trial. Some observers believe Ulyukayev was set up. "You would have to be insane, both legally and politically, to threaten Rosneft in some way and to extort $2 million from Igor Ivanovich Sechin, who is actually one of the most influential people in our country," Alexander Shokhin, a former deputy prime minister who now heads the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, told the Business FM radio station. Likewise, Alexei Navalny, the leading anti-corruption crusader and Putin critic, said his foundation had found evidence that Ulyukayev hid money in a bank account in Cyprus, but added that he did not "believe for a second" the allegation that Ulyukayev extorted a bribe from Rosneft. On Wednesday, Russian law enforcement agencies searched the offices of Rusnano, the state nanotechnology corporation headed by Anatoly Chubais, architect of Russia's controversial 1990s privatization program. While the search was carried out as part of a corruption case unrelated to Ulyukayev's, some observers speculated it may have been part of a broader campaign targeting more liberal, Western-leaning officials. In June, Nikita Belykh, the governor of Russia's Kirov region who once headed a liberal political party, was arrested on bribery charges. Andrei Kolesnikov, a senior associate at the Carnegie Moscow Center, told VOA's Russian service that Ulyukayev's arrest was a "classic in the genre of 1937" the height of the "Great Terror," Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's purge of the then ruling Communist party. "The security services obviously have carte blanche for the surveillance of almost all the elite, although the most intense blows are being inflicted on the liberal elite," said Kolesnikov. "Since the arrest of Nikita Belykh, being under surveillance is becoming a trend. This is a very serious signal to all the elites that no one can feel safe, no matter what high position they hold." Some observers are asking whether hardliners in Russia's security services may be acting on their own initiative without getting a green light from the Russian president. Andrei Soldatov, an expert on Russia's security services and chief editor of the Agentura.ru website, thinks not. He told VOA there is no reason to think that Putin was presented with a "fait accompli" with Ulyukayev's arrest. In fact, Putin needs "targeted repression," and the pretext for such actions are secondary, Soldatov said, adding that more such moves should be expected. Some observers caution that while the corruption charges against Ulyukayev and other liberals may be politically motivated, it does not mean the accused officials are not corrupt. "I don't think there is a single person in the Russian leadership who is not corrupt," Vladislav Inozemtsev, an economist and member of the presidium of the Russian International Affairs Council, told VOA. "The very idea of corruption is so deeply rooted in the 'power vertical' that it is impossible to survive in this government without it, especially for a long time. "It makes no difference whether a person is a liberal or a 'silovik' (a hardline security official): if someone is in the government and involved in the processes that have been going on there for the last 15 years, they are, for me, a potential criminal." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish tank shelling kills at least 5 Syrians, wounds dozens near Aleppo Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 10:24PM At least five civilians have been killed and some 43 others sustained injuries after Turkish troops opened artillery and tank fire on the outskirts of the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo. The Turkish army launched the deadly attack against al-Bab city, located some 40 kilometers northeast of Aleppo, Bizaah town, some three kilometers east of al-Bab, and Saflaniyeh village on Friday, Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Ahed news website reported. It added that at least 12 of the wounded were in critical condition. The Turkish forces are currently supporting the foreign-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) militants in their advance towards al-Bab and their planned offensive against Aleppo's industrial area, which is under the control of the Syrian army. Over the past four years, Aleppo has been divided between government forces in the west and terrorists in the east, making it a frontline battleground. Backed by Russian air cover, the Syrian army launched operations to reunite the divided northwestern city in September. On August 24, Turkish special forces, tanks and jets backed by warplanes from the US-led coalition launched their first coordinated offensive in Syria. On the same day, Damascus slammed the intervention as a breach of its sovereignty. Turkey claimed the incursion was meant to engage both Daesh terrorists in the Syrian-Turkish border area and Kurdish fighters, who were themselves fighting Daesh. Ankara, however, has long been criticized for refusing to seriously fight Takfiri terrorists. The country also stands accused of allowing potential militants to use its territory for travel and shipment of arms into Syria, and buying smuggled oil from terrorists. In another development, Daesh militants killed Naser Hajjar, the administrative manager of Aleppo University Hospital in a mortar attack on Friday. Elsewhere in the country, the Takfiris abducted at least 30 Syrian citizens, who were trying to move from Rakban refugee camp, located in the Jordan-Syria border area, to al-Dhamir town near the capital Damascus. Daesh's use of chemical weapons Meanwhile, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said in a report on Friday that it had probed 20 cases of the use of toxic arms by Daesh terrorists against Syrian people during the past three months. Ahmet Uzumcu, the director general of the global watchdog, further said that OPCW experts believed that the terror group might have itself manufactured mustard gas used in Syria and Iraq, in an "extremely worrying" development. He went on to say that they had received cases of "use of chlorine and unidentified agents in Aleppo and in northern parts of Syria," such as Idlib, adding that a day earlier the Syrian authorities had sent to the watchdog fresh reports of chemical weapons use against civilians. Daesh has frequently used chemical weapons in both Syria and Iraq, where it is mainly active. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council extends the mandate of joint UN-OPCW body on chemical weapons in Syria 18 November 2016 The Security Council has extended, for an additional year, the mandate of the United Nations-Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Joint Investigative Mechanism, the body tasked with identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in the Syrian conflict. Unanimously adopting resolution 2319 (2016) late last night, the 15-member Council also recalled its decision that Syria "shall not use, develop, produce, otherwise acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons, or, transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons to other States or non-State actors." Further in the resolution, the Security Council encouraged the Mechanism to engage with relevant regional States in pursuit of its mandate, including to identify any involvement of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh), the Al-Nusra Front or other non-State actors in the use of chemicals as weapons in Syria. Set up by the Council in 2015, the Mechanism was mandated to identify, to the greatest extent feasible, those involved in the use of toxic chemicals as weapons in Syria. Earlier, a fact-finding mission mandated by the OPCW had determined that a specific incident in the Syrian conflict involved or likely involved the use of toxic chemicals as weapons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hilltop village of Tal Saman freed from Daesh Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 10:36PM An alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters -- the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces -- has seized the strategic hilltop village of Tal Saman from the Daesh terrorist group in Syria. Tal Saman, located 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Daesh's de facto Syrian capital of Raqqah, was encircled by the SDF forces on Friday and was freed from the Daesh terrorists after about a day of heavy fighting inside the village. The US-backed alliance, which launched an offensive to retake Raqqah on November 5, faced a stiff resistance by the terrorists in Tal Saman because the village is on a hill that offers a view of surrounding rocky desert terrain and villages near the Raqqah stronghold, which has been under Daesh control since 2014. According to Nasser Hajj Mansur, an adviser to the SDF general command, the US-led coalition had supplied the alliance with "arms, equipment, troop transport, armor and ammunition." Meanwhile, the Syrian army, backed by Russian air cover, is pushing ahead with its operation to take full control of the city of Aleppo. The Syrian army has set up a number of humanitarian corridors for people to quit Aleppo. However, terrorists are said to be preventing civilians from leaving the city in a bid to use them as human shields. The Takfiri elements have also mined the streets leading to the exit routes and threatened to kill anyone who defies their order. Aleppo has been divided since 2012 between government forces in the west and the militants in the east. Since March 2011, Syria has been hit by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies. Backed by Russian air cover, the Syrian military is engaged in an operation to rid the country of Daesh and other terrorist groups. The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura have put the death toll from the conflict at more than 300,000 and 400,000, respectively. This is while the UN has stopped its official casualty count in the Arab country, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Terrorists kill 17 protesting closure of Aleppo exit routes: Russia Iran Press TV Sat Nov 19, 2016 7:2AM Russia says foreign-backed militants have opened fire on Syrians protesting the closure of a humanitarian corridor out of the battered city of Aleppo, killing 17 civilians and wounding over three dozen more. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Major General Igor Konashenkov, said on Saturday that the incident took place in the terrorist-held eastern Aleppo on Thursday. Some 500 Syrian people participated in demonstrations across the militant-blockaded areas of Aleppo with at least 200 of them trying to cross into Aleppo's government-controlled western parts, but the terrorists clamped down on the protesters, Konashenkov said. He noted that the militants sought to disperse the demonstrators by "shooting from a heavy machine gun and then mined all the approaches to a checkpoint and placed snipers on the roofs of nearby houses," Russia's Sputnik news agency quoted the official as saying. "Seventeen people died at the site, including two teenagers of 13 and 15 years of age, over 40 people were wounded," he added. Konashenkov also pointed out that the terrorists hunted for the presumed organizers of the rallies, arrested 10 and took all to an unknown location. "They were all executed on the same day," he further went onto say. Syria has been hit by deadly militancy it blames on some Western countries and their regional allies since March 2011. The Syrian army has set up a number of humanitarian corridors for people to quit Aleppo. However, terrorists are said to be preventing civilians from leaving the city in a bid to use them as human shields. The Takfiri elements have also mined the streets leading to the exit routes and threatened to kill anyone who defies their order. Russia has been conducting an aerial campaign against Daesh and other terror outfits in the Middle Eastern country at the Damascus government's request since last September. Terrorists killed in army ambush Meanwhile, a number of terrorists with the al-Nusra Front group, which has recently renamed itself, were killed in the explosion of a booby trap set up by Syrian government forces on a highway stretching from the capital, Damascus, to the city of Sweida in southwestern Syria. The Syrian government forces later released video footage showing the militants walking into the booby trap. The Syrian air force also bombarded the positions of militants on the northern and eastern outskirts of the western city of Homs. Similar aerial operations were carried out against militant positions in Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the capital. Meanwhile, Kurdish forces are reported to be engaged in fighting with Daesh terrorists to the north of the city of Raqqah, where the terrorists are concentrated. Daesh has declared the city its so-called headquarters in Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military personnel jailed for spying to lose pensions ROC Central News Agency 2016/11/18 20:36:45 Taipei, Nov. 18 (CNA) Military personnel will have their pensions revoked if they are jailed for national security or state secret offenses, according to an amendment that cleared the Legislative Yuan on Friday. The amendment to the Act of Military Service for Officers and Noncommissioned Officers of the Armed Forces was introduced following the arrest in recent years of several active and retired members of the military charged with spying for China. Formerly, only military personnel convicted of sedition, treason or corruption committed during active service, those sentenced to life imprisonment or death in criminal cases and individuals discharged from the military in accordance with the Arm Forces Penalty Act were deprived of their pensions. Under the amendment, the list of offenses for which commissioned and non-commissioned officers can have their pensions revoked was expanded to include national security or state secret violations committed during active service. In addition, personnel sentenced to a prison term of no more than seven years for misconduct in office will have their pensions reduced, the amendment stipulates. Commissioned and non-commissioned officers who have retired, will also have their pensions forfeited in the event they are sentenced to death, life imprisonment or jailed for seven years or more as a result of any of the aforementioned violations, the amendment states. Retired military personnel sentenced to a prison term of no less than three but no more than seven years will see their pension cut by 50 percent; those imprisoned for no less than two years but no more than three years will have their pensions reduced by 30 percent; and individuals who receive jail terms of no less than one year but no more than two will receive a reduction of 20 percent, according to the amendment. In such situations, retired members of the armed forces will be required to return any excess remuneration already paid, the amendment stipulates. The revision will come into force once it has been promulgated by the president, a formality that usually takes about two weeks. (By Wang Cheng-chung and Y.F. Low) ENDITEM/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO confirms Turkish officers seeking asylum in member states Iran Press TV Fri Nov 18, 2016 2:26PM NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says some Turkish officers with the military alliance have applied for asylum in member countries where they serve in the wake of Ankara's post-coup purge. "It is right that some Turkish officers working in NATO command structure, some of them have requested asylum in the countries where they are working," the NATO chief said in a press conference in Brussels on Friday when asked about the issue. Stoltenberg did not mention the name of the countries and said each NATO ally would decide on whether or not to grant asylum. Elsewhere in his remarks, the NATO chief said, "We have seen a number of changeovers in the NATO command structure, where Turkish personnel has been changed." "I expect Turkey to fill all its posts at the NATO command structure." "This is a national decision of Turkey to decide who is filling Turkish posts in NATO command structure," Stoltenberg added. The statements come two days after German media quoted a German official as saying that several Turkish soldiers at NATO's central command in Ramstein had sought asylum in Germany. German Interior Ministry spokesman Johannes Dimroth said last month that 35 Turkish diplomatic passport holders had formally applied for asylum in Germany. The actual figure of the asylum seekers, he said, could be higher. Ankara has arrested over 37,000 people and dismissed or suspended more than 100,000 others in the civil service, judiciary, police, military and elsewhere since the failed coup of July 15. Stoltenberg also stated that he would pay a visit to Istanbul on Sunday. He was also there in September, when he sought to reassure Ankara that NATO would continue to support Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey Mulls Buying Advance Russian Air-Defense System November 19, 2016 Russia and Turkey will open negotiations about the possible purchase by Ankara of the advanced Russian-made S-400 air-defense system. Aleksandr Fomin, head of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, told Interfax on November 18 that an intergovernmental commission will "hold a meeting soon" to discuss a possible sale of the S-400. Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said on November 17 that Ankara is considering purchasing the Russian system, but he also said he hoped the country's NATO allies might offer other solutions. Turkey held talks on buying a similar air-defense system from China last year, but withdrew from the talks after NATO allies objected. The S-400 is a mobile air-defense system capable of hitting targets at a wide variety of ranges. In addition to shooting down conventional aircraft of all types, it is able to defend against ballistic and cruise missiles. Based on reporting by Interfax and dpa Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/turkey-russia-s400- air-defense-system/28127748.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 Trump Adviser Wants To Extradite Turkish Cleric Blamed For Coup Attempt RFE/RL November 19, 2016 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be national security adviser has suggested that Washington should improve its relations with Turkey by extraditing a cleric whom Ankara blames for a coup attempt in July. Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, the former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency whose appointment was announced on November 18, described Fethullah Gulen on his blog site for The Hill newspaper as "a shady Islamic mullah residing in Pennsylvania" who is hiding a "radical Islamist" agenda. "Gulen's vast global network has all the right markings to fit the description of a dangerous sleeper terror network. From Turkey's point of view, Washington is harboring Turkey's Osama bin Laden," Flynn wrote on election day. "We should not provide him safe haven." Flynn noted that Gulen followers have been donors to the Clinton Foundation, a global charity headed by the family of Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. "It is time we take a fresh look at the importance of Turkey," he wrote. "We need to adjust our foreign policy to recognize Turkey as a priority. We need to see the world from Turkey's perspective." In light of Flynn's comments, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed Trump's victory as a "new era" in Ankara's relations with Washington and has stepped up demands that Gulen be immediately handed over since the November 8 election. The Obama White House, to Erdogan's frustration, has said it will let the Justice Department decide whether there is any legal merit in Turkey's extradition request in what likely would be a long, bureaucratic process. Gulen has never been charged with a crime in the United States, and he has consistently denounced terrorism, as well as the failed coup in Turkey, as have the schools and charitable organizations associated with him. One of Gulen's lawyers, Jason Weinstein, called Flynn's comments about Gulen "troubling," but expressed confidence that the United States will continue to handle the matter fairly. "We hope and expect that the law will be followed here and that politics will not interfere with the judgment of career officials at [the Justice Department]. If the law is followed, then we are confident that Mr. Gulen will not be returned to Turkey, where he is certain to be subject to torture, a sham trial, and execution," Weinstein said. With reporting by AP, dpa, and TASS Source: www.rferl.org/a/trump-adviser-flynn-wants -extradite-turkish-cleric-gulen-turkey-erdogan- blamed-coup-attempt/28127523.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 First Ukrainian President Says Sanctions Not Enough, Must Negotiate For Peace RFE/RL November 19, 2016 Ukraine's first president, who help usher in the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union 25 years ago, said Ukraine's leaders today must find a similarly peaceful resolution of the separatist conflict in the east. "We heeded our peoples then and signed the [dissolution] accords, and so why can't the country leaders today tap a solution consonant with the aspirations of their nations, which don't want a war?" Leonid Kravchuk said at an Atlantic Council event in Washington on November 18. While Kravchuk said the West must keep up economic pressure on Russia by maintaining sanctions until it agrees to stop its aggression in Ukraine, he added that "you will not achieve order in the world only through sanctions." Ukraine's only option in the end is to negotiate peace, he said. "We have only one prospect ahead of us, and it implies dialogue and agreements," Kravchuk said. "Other prospects are nonexistent...I'm confident Ukraine has no other pathway than that of peace." Kravchuk has previously said that while he is ready to take up arms to defend his country, he believes Russia would quickly defeat Ukraine if an all-out war broke out between them. Kravchuk has also said previously that Ukraine might have to accept Russia's 2014 annexation of the Ukrainian Black Sea region of Crimea in order to regain control over territory in the east that is held by Russia-backed separatists as part of a peace settlement. "Donbas will return without fail, and we will not have to wait long," he told TASS in August. "As for Crimea, we will have to wait for a long time...Crimea was drawn into Moscow's orbit, so it is already part of the Russian federal system." In August, he called on Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to ditch the Minsk peace process sponsored by Germany and France, which has been stalled, and instead try to negotiate a settlement directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia maintains that it is not a party to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, although Moscow provides military, political, and economic support to the separatist movements. The International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this month determined the conflict in Ukraine to be "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." Also speaking at the Atlantic Council event, Gennady Burbulis, a close aide of the late Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who signed the 1991 agreement that dissolved the Soviet Union, said the West's harsh line against Russia has been ineffective at bringing about peace in Ukraine. Burbulis, who said the Soviet Union was doomed to fail, called for a softer, more nuanced dialogue with today's Kremlin. "There is no other way than consensus, but consensus implies a different understanding of politics, a different culture of relations, not guided by the principle, 'I am stronger and you are poorer,'" he said. Stanislav Shushkevich, who in 1991 was head of the Belarusian parliament and who also signed the agreement dissolving the Soviet Union with Yeltsin and Kravchuk, said that despite the success of the peaceful transition to a post-Soviet world back then, stubborn ethnic and territorial disputes have emerged and not all the old Soviet ways have disappeared. "A whole range of symbols of the old Soviet Union have been resurrected because the mentality of Soviet people has been preserved," he said. With reporting by AP and TASS Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/first-ukrainian -president-kravchuk-says-ukraine-must-find-peaceful-solution -separatist-conflict-russia/28127481.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 Danvilles Ballou Park is one of the oldest municipal parks in Virginia. At 107 acres, it was Danvilles largest park until the Dan Daniel Memorial Park, which has 170 acres, opened. But a new park now being planned along the Dan River will have just a few acres. It wont be a small version of Ballou or Dan Daniel Memorial parks. Rather, it will become another attraction in the fastest growing part of Danville, the River District. This is an opportunity to build an open air, public space alongside the Dan River in our downtown that we cannot afford to waste I want to see a world-class park where children can play safely, families have fun together, tourists want to visit and members of our community regularly meet and have conversations, wrote Karl Stauber, the president and CEO of the Danville Regional Foundation, in a recent column on these pages. Danville wants to build the new park between the White Mill building and the King Memorial Bridge. At a recent community meeting, some of the first plans for that park were discussed with the public. Getting Danvillians involved in the planning stage was an important part of a process. River District development has recently become controversial in Danville because there are many other parts of the city that need attention. But there are no other parts of Danville that have the same inventory of old and historic buildings, access to the Dan River and a small population. It was only a matter of time before the River District was developed and complemented other nearby projects, like the Crossing at the Dan and the Riverwalk Trail. Over the past five years, River District development has turned millions of dollars of public and private investment on Craghead, Bridge and Main streets into growing neighborhoods with new businesses, apartments, restaurants and shops. The next step in that process is a people magnet that promises to mix public recreation, scenic views and gathering spots near the Dan River. Thats the logic behind this proposed park. Danvilles River District is one of the oldest parts of the city, but the development of a new park on the riverfront will position it as a regional destination. We support the development of this park because it will help Danvilles River District continue to grow. Security and Risk Management Consolidation/Optimization Cloud Services Budget, Cost Control, Fiscal Management Legacy Modernization Enterprise IT Governance Data Management and Analytics Enterprise Vision and Roadmap for IT Agile and Incremental Software Delivery Broadband/Wireless Connectivity A new president of the United States will be coming into office.And perhaps for you a new governor, county executive, legislature or city council with different perspectives is waiting in the wings. How will their business priorities affect you?HR is telling us that our aging workforce is set to retire in an improving economy, raising the questions: Can we attract young talent on a government salary? Where is culture change needed? Does my executive team need a refresh?Meanwhile, technology is changing all around the world with new innovative approaches being announced daily. Can we replace the legacy equipment that is so pervasive in government?Perhaps the most central questions revolve around enterprise technology and cybersecurity protections moving forward. What should be the focus of strategic and tactical plans? Which projects need to be immediately pushed across the finish line? What new infrastructure items should be moved to the top of the list in the new cycle? Should we finally cancel that flailing system development effort?All the time, the nagging question persists. Is my job in jeopardy?And for those with track records of success and no worries about job security, perhaps youre wondering: Am I keeping the main thing the main thing ? Or even, what is the main thing?Which leads us back to setting government CIO priorities as we head into 2017.What are Government CIO priorities? Several state and federal government CIO survey results were recently released. The National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) released their 2017 State CIO Priorities this past week, with all 50 state CIOs participating in the survey.On a NASCIO call this week with corporate partners, Doug Robinson, the NASCIO executive director, said that acquiring talent was tied at No. 11 with several other priority items. Also, in a press release , Robinson said, No major surprises in the priorities for 2017. State CIOs continue to recognize the importance of IT Governance as they address enterprise security, cloud services and drive IT consolidation. Agile software delivery makes it in the top ten for the second time, which reinforces the results from our recent national survey.Meanwhile, over on the federal government side, a Grant Thornton survey of federal CIOs and CISOs in September 2016 also highlighted the need for better cybersecurity as the top priority.The other top priority initiatives highlighted in the report include IT modernization, talent challenge, improving IT acquisition and moving to the cloud.As far as advice for the new administration taking office in 2017, the report (on page 3) offers this advice to the new administration:Three years ago when I was still the Michigan CISO, I wrote this blog describing why cybersecurity was back on top of the CIO must do list. The list describes these five reasons:1) The number of security incidents occurring now.2) The bad guys are getting much better and it is hard to keep quality good guys (white hat hackers).3) The scope and complexity of securing major new computer systems.4) The ubiquitous use of technology in every area of life.5) The people problem in security.Despite the list of examples being different under each point, I still believe this list is valid. For example, we now have more Internet of Things (IoT) items, including autonomous vehicles, drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and more under No. 4. We also have an even greater shortage of cyber pros with experience under No. 5.Back in early 2015,magazine offered this article on why government CIOs continue to list security as their top priority. For more details, this article highlighted the 2014 Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study , and the 2016 Deloitte-NASCIO Cybersecurity Study is available now.I also recognize that many new government CIOs will be reading this article over the coming year. You may be wondering where you can turn for guidance. Here are a few ideas to help with your homework: Federal CIO Council: www.cio.gov Federal IT Dashboard: https://itdashboard.gov/ National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) Website www.nascio.org Visit these award-winning State IT Best-practices to review top projects http://www.nascio.org/Awards/SIT National Association of Counties (NACo) website http://www.naco.org/ National Governors Association Center for Best Practices website https://www.nga.org/cms/center And for some lighter reading, I like this FCW.com article written earlier this year on, 7 things no one tells a new CIO . I especially like the positive ending which, after describing all the challenges and obstacles that government technology leaders must overcome highlights that (most) CIOs love their jobs and find a lot of meaning and fulfillment in helping society in measurable ways.These are exciting, challenging and truly unprecedented times for government CIOs. Most public- and private-sector experts believe that software is still eating the world . Heres a quote from a relatedarticle: No matter your industry, youre expected to be reimagining your business to make sure youre not the next local taxi company or hotel chain caught completely off guard by your equivalent of Uber or Airbnb. But while the inclination to not be 'disrupted' by startups or competitors is useful, its also not exactly practical.For government CIOs (and CISOs) to thrive in 2017 and beyond, they must keep reinventing their organizations just as businesses like Amazon are reinventing themselves. From new partnerships to new technologies to new skills required to manage contracts, CIOs and CISOs are driven to reassess whats working and what isnt.And yet, the resources and conflicting priorities in the public sector place technology leaders in an unenviable position to do more with less at a time when everything is connecting to the Internet and cybersecurity challenges are growing.While political changes are a fact of life, the next few years promise to be unlike anything we have ever seen. But we are not the first people to think like that.Remember when this was written: It was best of times, it was the worst of times. ...It still is. The Chinese Embassy in Germany has confirmed local authorities have launched an investigation into a sexual assault that victimized a female Chinese student in Dusseldorf. The Chinese Consulate-General in Dusseldorf has contacted with local police, urging them to do everything possible to solve the case. Further investigation is still underway, says an Embassy statement. A Weibo post, allegedly from the victim, claims that she was raped and mugged by a refugee. She reported the assault to the police afterwards and warned students in the country of similar assaults. The post also says that two large refugee camps were set up near her school within the past year. The decision to bring such important data to light comes as Saudi Aramco is preparing to partially privatize its assets, an IPO that could bring in some $100 billion. The IPO will be a monumental event, one that the Wall Street Journal says could offer Wall Street some of the largest fees in history . One of the oil worlds longest and best kept secrets may finally be revealed. Saudi Arabia is preparing to unveil how much oil it holds, a closely guarded state secret that has been kept quiet for decades. Saudi Arabia often trades off with Russiaand more recently, with the USas the worlds largest oil producer. But while it produces at similar levels as Russia and the US, it is long been a vastly more influential player in the oil world. That is because of two reasonsthe size of its reserves, and the ability to use latent spare capacity to quickly adjust supply, affording it an outsized influence on crude oil prices. But while everyone believes Saudi Arabia has some of the largest oil reserves in the world, perhaps rivaled only by Venezuela, there has been a lot of uncertainty and skepticism over exactly how much sits beneath the Saudi desert. The worlds largest oil field, Ghawar, has been producing since the 1950s, raising speculation about the longevity of the supergiant oilfield. It alone is thought to hold around 75 billion barrels, and it churns out more than 5 million barrels every single day. Surely, it cannot continue like this indefinitely, but the Kingdom has not revised its official reserves for years, which have stood at 260 billion barrels since the 1980s. It is hard to overstate how valuable this information is, and how fiercely Saudi leadership protected it. However, the collapse of oil prices since 2014 has pushed the Saudi budget deep into the red. The Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is undergoing an historic transformation of the Saudi economy, a multi-decade plan to diversify the countrys economic base and create new sources of revenue. At the heart of the plan is spinning off roughly 5 percent of Saudi Aramco, the most valuable oil company in the world. Saudi officials believe that the company is worth between $2 and $3 trillion. But in order to settled on a valuation and launch an IPO of some of Aramcos assets, investors need to get a look beneath the hood. That is why Saudi Arabia is now prepared to unveil not just its financials, but also the long sought after data surrounding its oil reserves. Everything that Saudi Aramco has, that will be shared, that will be verified by independent third parties, Khalid al-Falih, Saudi Arabias energy minister, told the Financial Times in an interview. That would include, reserves... costs [and] profitability indicators. He went to lengths to emphasize Saudi Arabias seriousness about the IPO, in an effort to dampen skepticism. This is going to be the most transparent national oil company listing of all time, he said. There is a great deal of suspicion regarding Saudi Arabias insistence that its reserves still stand at 260 billion barrels. After all, how could such a figure stay constant when it is producing 9 to 10 million barrels every day, which adds up to a few billion barrels each year? Aramco would have to add billions of barrels of newly discovered reserves on an annual basis in order to prevent its reserve base from declining. It is doubtful that it has done that consistently since the 1980s. But nobody knows except the Saudis. As the FT notes, this figure will have massive ramifications for both Saudi Arabia and the global oil market. Right now, everyone is operating under the assumption that Saudi Arabia can continue to pump at its current pace for another seven decades. Long-term oil forecasts are predicated, in part, on Aramcos ability to do that. More important for Saudi Arabia itself, its credit rating as well as the fortunes of its economy over the coming decades is also predicated on that assumption. A sharply lower reserve estimate could send oil futures up if fears over supply surface, and it might also affect Saudi Arabias credit rating. Aramco is preparing to launch the IPO in 2018, which means that it will need to publish data on its oil reserves before then. The oil worlds biggest secret could soon be publicly released. Link to original article: http://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/Are-The-Saudis-About-To-Reveal-The-Best-Kept-Secret-In-Oil.html You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A distraught couple rapped on the door of Fleishers Craft Butchery in Cos Cob the night before Thanksgiving last year, store manager Greg Bardwell said. They didnt have a turkey and asked if he had any leftovers. By chance, he had a few extra birds. Bardwell was glad he could help the couple, but he cautions others against waiting until the last minute. A wealth of logistics are involved with ensuring Fleishers customers get their birds fresh from a local northeastern farm, and it limits their number of spares. Turkey logistics The tricky numbers game based on some guessing, Fleishers CEO Ryan Fibiger admitted started a year ago for this Thanksgiving. Fibiger touched base with his farmers after the holidays to confirm his turkey-purchasing plans for this year. Six months ago, farmers called Fibiger to confirm the number of birds he needed. This is where Fibiger resorted to some guessing. He can look back at how many turkeys he sold last year at some Fleishers locations, but those numbers are only a starting point, as Fleishers has opened a new butchery since last year. He settled on 2,200 birds for this year and will allocate them to Fleishers five shops, which include locations in Greenwich and Westport. He partnered with four turkey farms. A large portion come from Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm in Moosup. High standards Fibiger, a banker-turned-butcher, is serious about the quality of proteins sold at his shops. He and his butchers commonly visit farms before they agree to work together. First, he assures they abide by his basic mandates: no antibiotics, no growth hormones and only pasture-raised animals. Fibiger emphasizes this point as central to his decision to pivot careers and open his first butchery. Fleishers has a lofty goal of being a big influence on the food industry. Before farm-to-table had become trendy and restaurants touting the tagline multiplied, Fibiger set out to make people more aware of the origins of their food. A primary mission for Fleishers is education. It runs butchery apprenticeship programs, from which many butchers whove opened up shop across the country have graduated. Customers are often invited to classes, some free, to learn cutting and cooking techniques. Every year, Fleishers staff members go on a tour to meet the farmers and animals. The most recent company trip took place two weeks ago, and Bardwell, the Cos Cob stores manager, said he took selfies with the turkeys to show customers. Ive seen enough commercial poultry farms to see the difference between them and those we partner with, Bardwell said. The smell, noise, sound and ambiance is so different. He said he has shown many customers the photos so they understand the process. A life of little stress for Ekonk turkeys Last week, Fibiger visited Ekonk again and walked around the 10-acre turkey pen. It was his third time meeting with Rick Hermonot, who owns the farm with his wife and their daughter, Katherine Hermonot. The last visit was a year ago, when another farm shorted him several hundred birds days before Thanksgiving. He described frantically driving to places like Ekonk to see if they could help make up the gap. The last thing you want to do is ruin someones holiday by telling them you dont have their turkey, Fibiger said. He ended up finding enough to cover all orders, but Fibiger said hes thankful no similar problem has arisen this year. While Fibiger chatted with the Hermonots and ambled among the turkeys, which followed the group around the pen, the 460 birds hed ordered were being processed on site. A family farm on the scale of Ekonk is rare, but slaughtering the turkeys in the place theyre raised and sold is almost unheard of, Fibiger said. Ten years ago, the Hermonots were raising around 50 turkeys annually, mostly as a hobby. This year, they raised 3,500, making it the biggest pasture-raised turkey farm in the state. Their ability to process the birds in a building just a few feet from where the turkeys roam is significant. Turkeys dont handle stress well, Rick Hermonot said. So, they literally die of heart attacks when theyre in transit to (be) processed. Aside from losing fewer turkeys, the reduced stress on the birds right before their death also benefits whoever ends up eating them. Less stress right before death increases the quality of the meat, Katherine Hermonot said. From start to end, Ekonk turkeys live less stressful lives because they are never locked up in their barn and are always able to roam freely around their pen, she said. All this means Ekonks turkeys are fresher and thus cook faster, so she warns customers to be wary of overcooking their birds. All the extra effort and cost associated with raising turkeys this way is worth it to the Hermonots because the quality of life for them is important to us, said Katherine, who talked while petting the feathers of a turkey standing beside her. Cutting the price After leaving the farm, Fibiger said these visits are needed to reset and remind me why we do this. Its important to me that I can go see the turkeys and know how theyre being raised. Sometimes, hell give out the phone numbers of the farmers to customers so they can talk to them and visit, too. Many of Fleishers products are more expensive than those bought from the grocery store, Fibiger said, but knowing where your food comes from and being able to talk to the person who makes it is important. Nonetheless, Fibiger understands the cost doesnt make it an option for everyone. Integral to his vision for the company is changing that. A lot of people see value in what we offer, he said. But we need to figure out how to make this accessible to as many as possible. Fleishers is accepting pre-orders for turkeys that can be purchased by calling 203-226-6328 for Westport and 203-900-1800 for Greenwich. MBennett@hearstmediact. com, 203-625-4411; Twitter @Macaela_ A C-47 aircraft, contributed by the Flying Tiger Historical Organization in the United States, lands at the Liangjiang airport in Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nov. 19, 2016. The plane used in the Australian battleground during World War II reached south China's Guilin, after it repeated a flight of the dangerous "hump route" over the Himalayas, a route flown by the famous U.S. Flying Tigers. It will be permanently displayed at the Flying Tigers Heritage Park in Guilin. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) NANNING, Nov. 19 -- A military transport plane used in the Australian battleground during World War II reached south China's Guilin, after it repeated a flight of the dangerous "hump route" over the Himalayas, a route flown by the famous U.S. Flying Tigers. The C-47 aircraft, contributed by the Flying Tiger Historical Organization in the United States, landed at the Guilin Liangjiang airport after three months of travel from Australia. It will be permanently displayed at the Flying Tigers Heritage Park in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. C-47 aircraft were used by the Flying Tigers, a U.S. air squadron that helped the Chinese fight the Japanese during WWII. The American Flying Tiger Historical Organization purchased the plane in Australia and repaired it for flight. The plane left Australia on Aug.15, and passed through Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar and Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, before arriving in Guilin. Larry Jobe, head of the U.S. organization, said the trip was supposed to take about ten days, but it actually took three months. The crew changed the engines twice and made an emergency landing during the trip. The money to buy the plane and fund its journey was donated by Flying Tigers history lovers and Chinese living in the United States, according to the organization. The American Volunteer Group, which was later given the "Flying Tigers" moniker, was formed in 1941. The OnePlus 3T went official this week, the second phone by the company with a letter in its name after the OnePlus X. The 3T is a proper flagship though, unlike the X, and catch that - the 'T' is like Apple's 'S' plus one letter. For all the promises that the original OnePlus 3 will coexist alongside the 3T, the company announced it's being discontinued in the US and Europe. Oh, well. A few other announcements took place this week, among them a total of three vivo smartphones - the V5, X9 and X9 Plus. All three sport a 20MP selfie camera, but the X's have it as part of a dual 20MP/8MP setup. Meanwhile, Huawei proved quite gracious and unveiled a Mate 9 Pro - most of the Porsche Design goodness (including the 5.5-inch dual-curved QHD display) at half price. The Chinese company also shed some light on the whole Google Pixel conundrum - Google wanted no maker badge on its Phone, Huawei refused, HTC stepped in. Qualcomm mentioned the Snapdragon 835 in a QuickCharge 4.0 announcement (the news really being that there may not be an 830), Meizu Pro 7 may be powered by the Kirin 960, and a smaller 5.5-inch version of the Xiaomi Mi Mix could be headed our way. LG boasted that it has sold 200,000 V20s in the US for 10 days, while analysts are painting a grim picture on the iPhone 7's sales figures for the coming months. As usual, links to all of these stories (and some more) can be found below. OnePlus discontinues OnePlus 3 in US and Europe The device will be replaced by the newly-unveiled OnePlus 3T in these regions. OnePlus 3T's Dash Charge goes up against Google Pixel XL's USB-PD in video battle of fast charging tech OnePlus unveiled the 3T yesterday, as you may know. It's a OnePlus 3 lookalike that comes with improved specs, one of which is a bigger battery capacity. The 3,400 mAh cell should hopefully ensure a g... Huawei Mate 9 Pro goes official - it's the same as Porsche Design The rumors turned out to be true - Huawei has just announced the Mate 9 Pro in China. It's identical to the Mate 9 Porsche Design sans the luxurious branding. Sony Xperia XZ and X Compact start receiving November security updates The update arrives as build number 39.0.A.3.30 for the former and 34.1.A.3.49 for the latter. New Samsung Galaxy Note7 update encourages users to get replacement/refund The update is rolling out in Canada, where users on Bell's network are currently getting it. 5.5-inch version of the Xiaomi Mi Mix purportedly leaks This could be announced soon and should interest people who consider the original Mi Mix simply too big. iPhone 7 demand to significantly decline into January Analyst makes predictions about the iPhone 7's demand. Says demand is steadily decreasing due to lack of "spec surprises". Samsung reveals its Black Friday 2016 deals Samsung has unveiled its Black Friday deals for this year. The South Korean company has set up a dedicated page on its website where you can find discounts on various Samsung products including mobile... Haiti - Special Elections : Voters vote, PNH very present #HaitiElections "Despite the light rain in many parts of the country, this does not prevent citizens from fulfilling their civic duty," said the Ministry of Communication. Voting started at the Voting Center of the Cite Lescot vocational school, about fifty people are in line, voters vote in total security, protected by PNH agents. At the Lycee Pinchinat voting centre in Jacmel, we are told that voters are searched by police officers before they can enter. In Jeremie, voters are still awaiting the opening of the offices at the Voting centre of the Hortensius Merlet National School. A low turnout has been observed in some voting centres in downtown Port-au-Prince. Former President Michel Martelly, accompanied by his wife, went a little before 8:00 am to the Lycee Nationale de Petion-ville to vote, encouraging the population to vote, when he left the voting centre he was acclaimed by the crowd. In Jeremie, more than a month after the passage of Hurricane Matthew on the Great South, some of the population went to the polls. At 8:00 a.m. it started to rain. This morning, after 2 hours late, the voting process has just begun at the Fito Gracia High School in Grand-Goave, a voting centre comprising 14 polling stations. "I am positively impressed by the organization in place," said Elisabeth Beton Delegue, the French Ambassador to Haiti who was at the Voting centre Villa d'Accueil. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Special elections : Several irregularities, problems of list, affluence variable... #HaitiElections The Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) reports several irregularities in Petion-ville, campaign signs posted too close of the Voting centre, no IDs for political party representatives. An incoherent use of indelible ink on the fingers of voters, groups of political party observers exchange money outside. 4 women voters did not find their names on the lists to the Votiong centre School Virginie Sampeur at the level of the Champ de Mars. In Port-Salut, we are told that there is little voter turnout that seems discouraged... At Cap-Haitien it rains, in Port-au-Prince the weather is overcast... In Kenscoff, in the voting centers functioning correctly, there are few voters. FLASH : To find your voting center call toll free numbers 8828 (Natcom), 8830 (Digicel), by SMS 8829 (Natcom), 8831 (Digicel) to identify your polling station. The de facto President Jocelerme Privert, accompanied by his wife Ginette went to cast his vote at National School of Petit Trou de Nippes. In Port-Salut there is information that at the Congregation Carpentier Voting centre, people who voted in the last elections in the same Centre are no longer on the list. A voter who voted in Port Salut last year must now go to Port a Piment, another must go to Ile a Vache to vote. At the Voting center Marche du Canape-Vert, there is a good crowd. In Les Cayes of Voting centres used as shelters since the passage of Matthew were transferred... The PNH encourages all citizens to vote in order and discipline. The PNH asks all the population, on election day to go out to vote without violence. It asks for it collaboration, if it notices some difficulty in the areas where it votes, not to hesitate to contact the institution at 114. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Education : Schooling of 490,000 students affected by Matthew In its last report the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates that, at the level of education, out of the 1,991 schools evaluated to date, 495 in the past week, around 1,633 have been damaged, what's affects around 490,000 children. Stating that the unoccupied schools in the South have gradually reopened as from 18 October. The Ministry of Education has reported that 215 schools in 4 out of 6 districts have resumed classes for about 50,000 students. Through implementing partners, UNICEF has started rehabilitation efforts in 30 schools: 22 in GrandAnse and 8 in Sud. By early December, 24 schools in GrandAnse should be ready to welcome children back to classrooms. The Departmental Directorate of Education announced that 29 schools reopened, and 3,409 children returned to school in GrandAnse on 7 November. UNICEF partners in the education sector have committed to rehabilitate approximately 59 per cent of affected schools. For the remaining 41 per cent, funds are still lacking to cover rehabilitation activities, including school supplies and furniture, until the end of the year. OCHA points out that due to unseasonably heavy rains resulting in flooded roads and property damage, the number of children who have returned to class this week remains very low. In highly-affected communes such as Abricot, on the north coast of GrandAnse, schools remain closed. Data collection by the local Directorate of Education is ongoing in the area. Haiti - Special elections : Logistical problems, arrest of a candidate, violence... #HaitiElections It is reported that ballot boxes for the Archaie were delivered to Jeremie. FLASH : The candidate for the Senate Dormeville Gerard (Randevou) was arrested in Gonaives, according to information available, he was trying to disturb the order in a voting centre. Camille Edouard Jr. the Minister of Justice asks to call 49 29 01 01 to give good information on the electoral fraud, informing that it is not necessary to reveal his identity. In addition he announces that a dozen drones fly over the whole territory this Sunday in order to record all the infractions related to the conduct of the poll. "I guarantee that the police will respond spontaneously and directly to any emergency call during the election day." The Digicel 8831 SMS information system is full... Recall that to find your voting center call 8828 (Natcom), 8830 (Digicel), by SMS 8829 (Natcom), 8831 (Digicel) to identify your polling station. This morning, the absence of Members of Polling station is responsible for the delays observed in several Voting centres. On the Carrefour road, PNH picks up the tires. A voter would have been shot down (verification in progress) by a security guard in the Voting centre Republic of Ecuador located in Delmas 41, more information to follow... Members of LAPEH have declared that they can not find their representative card, and that their name is absent from the list of voters. For the CEP, the voting process started at 6 a.m. is going very well, in the centres and polling stations. Friday, Stephane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement concerning the electoral process in Haiti "Peaceful, inclusive and transparent elections on November 20 will help ensure Haitis stability as well as respect for Haitians democratic rights. Haiti needs democratically elected representatives accountable to the Haitian population and capable of providing long-term assistance for the well-being of all Haitians. Canada has supported the electoral process since 2015, notably through the observer missions, which will be present for the November 20 elections as well. We recently dispatched more police officers to serve in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti [MINUSTAH] in order to beef up security [...]" HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Special elections : Several hundred fraud reports #HaitiElections In Cap-Haitien a member of Pitit Desalin who wanted to make mess was arrested. The Anti-Fraud Emergency Center of the Ministry of Justice has already received more than 300 reports of fraud. 80% of the calls received are linked to the voting centers. Please contact us at 4929-0101 only for cases of fraud. The candidate Dr. Maryse Narcisse (Fanmi Lavalas) has just voted at the national school of Freres. Some hours after the opening of the voting center of Lycee of Cite Soleil the affluence was weak. The situation is calm and on the spot a strong police presence is visible. Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles went to Chansolme to fulfill his duty as a citizen "I invite all citizens who hold their cards to fulfill their civic duty." 13 arrests have taken place so far, of which 7 for rocks launched, 1 candidate for the Senate https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19287-haiti-special-elections-logistical-problems-arrest-of-a-candidate-violence-haitielections.html and 4 for disturbance of public order. The PNH recalls article 201 of the electoral decree of March 2, 2015, which stipulates "is punished with imprisonment from six (6) months to three (3) years and a fine of ten thousand (10,000) to one hundred thousand (100,000) gourdes, tha fact by any person: a) To prevent or attempt to prevent the operation of a polling station; b) o disturb the order by assault or violence or by any other maneuver detrimental to the electoral process." In addition, several vehicles were seized in Boucan-Carre as part of the election day. At midday, at the exit of the churches there is a clear increase of the presence in several voting centers, notably at the level of Cite Soleil. The candidate Jude Celestin (LAPEH) went to the Voting centre of the Lycee of Petion-ville in order to fulfill its duty of citizen. The candidate Moise Jean Charles (Pitit Desalin) will go to Milot in order to vote. According to Ariel Toussain, President of the Communal Electoral Office (BEC), everything is going very well in St-Marc for now. In Gressier, the Haitian National Police (PNH) moved three vehicles parked less than 100 m from the Voting centre. In Pestel the citizens came out under rain to go vote. "I have just voted to express my solidarity with the electoral process. I invite all the people to do the same. Elections must be conducted in an impartial and neutral manner. The State is getting away from the process," declared Camille Junior Edouard Minister of Justice when he voted this morning at the Petion-Ville High School. Juan Raul Ferreira, Head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States, declared "I would like to take this opportunity to invite all citizens of Haiti to come out and vote en masse. Thank you and good vote." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Special elections : A wounded by bullet in Ouanaminthe, weapons seized in Cap-Haitien... #HaitiElections In a press conference, the CEP informed that at Vallieres, Northeast and Roseau in the Grand'Anse, four voting centres could not open their doors because of bad weather. According to Leopold Berlanger, President of the CEP "We see that it was a calm and serene day that has gone smoothly so far", voking isolated incidents in Port Margot (fire attempt - two ballot boxes burned) to isance and Trou du Nord, as well as several arrests "[...] when we take the day roughly and according to the testimony we have, the day is going well in a satisfactory way, that is to say without major incident, without serious violence, without disturbance of polling and no tension in the streets... citizens freely exercise their right to vote [...]" Concerning a possible extension [the offices close at 4:00 p.m.] he indicated that at 4:00 p.m. voters who will still be in line can vote. For voting centers that have opened late, evaluation will be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on attendance. On the other hand, in Ouanaminthe (North East), there was a gunshot wounded in a confrontation between supporters of two candidates to the Senate of Northeast. 5 people were arrested including a police officer in Cap-Haitien and weapons were seized according to the spokesman of the PNH. he National Police arrested 8 individuals and seized three vehicles in the Artibonite. 18 troublemakers arrested throughout the territory according to the mid-day report. It would seem that an unknown number of police officers, representatives, and supervisors are deprived of their right to vote if they are not in their respective areas, the CEP will have to explain. We are told a great affluence to the Voting centre Don Bosco (Vertieres) in Cap-Haitien in the North. At St. Anne's Church (Soleil 19) ), individuals exert pressure on voters by telling them for who to vote. The voting takes place well at downtown Petit-Goave. People began shyly to vote in the various voting centers. The police provide security for voters. No incidents so far recorded. HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave) See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19289-haiti-special-elections-several-hundred-fraud-reports-haitielections.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19288-haiti-special-elections-over-10-arrests-and-irregularities-haitielections.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19287-haiti-special-elections-logistical-problems-arrest-of-a-candidate-violence-haitielections.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Special elections : End of the Election Day #HaitiElections At 4:00 pm the electoral day ends, although voters still in the queue will be able to vote, and the voting centers that have opened late will be studied on a case-by-case basis and in relation to attendance to determine whether or not there is an extension. Now begins the tallying step followed by tabulation that will last 10 days, from 21 November to 30 November, preliminary results for the presidential and legislative 1/3 senate are scheduled on 1 and 2 December according to the revised electoral calendar of the CEP. The representatives of Fanmi Lavalas reported several incidents of bullying of voters in the Archaie. Incidents have been reported in Cite Soleil where individuals have pressured voters to vote for Fanmi Lavalas. In Dame-Marie some fifty citizens were not able to find their names on the lists. One person reported that his name was on the lists inside the voting center but not outside, this problem was also found at Les Cayes. In Aquin (South) it is estimated that 100 voters had to return home because their names were not on the lists. To Cite Soleil the representatives of the PHTK and Fanmi Lavalas indicated that the names missing on the lists were a big problems. Jameson Jeune-Gens, was arrested in the commune of commune after he tried to enter the Makandal National High School Voting Center with an illegal weapon and 12 bullets. The partial record of the elections of 20 November is 18 arrests, 4 vehicles seized 2 rifles seized / 1 gun caliber 9mm. A landslide would have occurred at Marfranc, the road is cut between Jeremie and Moron up to Carcasse. There would be 5 communes completely isolated, which would be complicated the following of electoral process for this area. According to the former mayor of Port-au-Prince at the Stadium there are voters who arrive and who discovers that others have voted in their place. "Whatever the individual choice, we all voted for Haiti," declared former Prime Minister Evans Paul. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19290-haiti-special-elections-a-wounded-by-bullet-in-ouanaminthe-weapons-seized-in-cap-haitien-haitielections.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19289-haiti-special-elections-several-hundred-fraud-reports-haitielections.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19288-haiti-special-elections-over-10-arrests-and-irregularities-haitielections.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-19287-haiti-special-elections-logistical-problems-arrest-of-a-candidate-violence-haitielections.html HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/11/20 | Source Saenuri Party lawmakers hold an emergency meeting in the National Assembly on Sunday. President Park Geun-hye's grip on the job is looking increasingly tenuous as prosecutors prepare to question her after 1 million people marched on Cheong Wa Dae on Saturday to demand her resignations. Advertisement Park's close friend Choi Soon-sil, the focus of an influence peddling scandal that leads straight to Park's inner sanctum, is expected to be indicted this week, which is likely to scuttle any remaining deniability in the bizarre affair. Meanwhile the opposition parties have switched from signaling willingness to let Park limp to the end her term with many of her powers devolved, to joining calls for her resignation. Park apparently wants to address the public for a third time this week, a course of action in which she has notoriously little practice, after two earlier apologies failed to rein in the ire. The Chosun Ilbo asked pundits what her remaining options are. Orderly Resignation If Park is removed from office now and a new presidential election held within 60 days, it would lead to chaos as ill-prepared candidates jump into the race. This is why both ruling and opposition parties are calling for an orderly resignation. Park would step down in due course by creating the least amount of uproar, and an acting leader would steer the nation until the reins can be handed over to a new president. This is stipulated in Article 71 of the Constitution. An ordinary prime minister has limited powers to appoint and sack Cabinet members. But a prime minister assuming the role of an acting leader would wield the same power as a president, including full control over the military. Opposition party lawmakers say Park is no longer in a position to handle domestic affairs, but Cheong Wa Dae officials point out that ceding full control of national and foreign affairs to the prime minister could violate the Constitution. The appointment of an acting leader would solve those dilemmas. Immediate Resignation vs. Impeachment Park's other choices are to resign immediately, be impeached or try and hold the line. If Park steps down immediately, the incumbent prime minister rather than an acting leader would take over, according to the Constitution. Elections would follow within 60 days and also cover mayors and provincial governors. That would mean UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose term ends on Dec. 31 and who is the favored candidate of the conservative camp, would probably be unable to run as the 60-day period gives him no time to campaign. Minjoo Party lawmakers (left) and People's Party lawmakers join a mass rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday. Impeachment is possible if the president has violated the law or Constitution. It needs a majority of lawmakers (151) to propose it and more than two thirds (200) to agree. A decision must be reached within 180 days after an impeachment proposal is ratified by the National Assembly. Once the Constitutional Court authorizes the impeachment, an election is held within 60 days, but the entire process takes about eight months which would mean June of next year if the process starts now. Opposition lawmakers have 171 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, so they will needs to persuade 29 ruling-party lawmakers to support them. Six out of nine Constitutional Court justices must come on board as well. The last option is for Park to try and remain in office as protests mount and any willingness to cooperate among civil servants and politicians gradually erodes. This would probably mean extended chaos and paralysis of all government business. Yuan Longping (2nd L), renowned Chinese developer of hybrid rice, in seen in a rice field in Longtian Township of Xingning, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 19, 2016. A hybrid rice project headed by Yuan has achieved an annual yield of 1,537.78 kilograms of rice per mu (about 0.07 hectares) of farmland, authorities announced Saturday. (Xinhua/Wu Tao) Yuan Longping, renowned Chinese developer of hybrid rice, has set a new world record. A hybrid rice project headed by Yuan has achieved an annual yield of 1,537.78 kilograms of rice per mu (about 0.07 hectares) of farmland, authorities announced Saturday in Xingning City in south China's Guangdong Province. The amount of the double-cropping rice is equal to that produced over three seasons in the past, marking a big breakthrough, said Luo Xiwen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. "This is the fifth generation of hybrid rice technology," Yuan told Xinhua. "The quality of the rice is as good as Japan's renowned Koshihikari rice." The project was launched in 2015. Known as China's "father of hybrid rice," Yuan began theoretical research about 50 years ago and continued to set new records in the average yields of hybrid rice plots. China's Ministry of Agriculture officially launched a hybrid rice breeding program in 1996. Four years later, a first-phase target of 10.5 tonnes per hectare was achieved by Yuan's research team. The fourth-phase target of 15.4 tonnes per hectare was reached in 2014. About 65 percent of Chinese depend on rice as a staple food. Published on 2016/11/20 | Source China has overtaken the U.S. as the top destination for Koreans studying overseas. Advertisement According to the Education Ministry, 66,672 Koreans were attending schools in China as of April 1, accounting for 29.8 percent of Koreans studying abroad. Some 63,710 Korean students, or 28.5 percent, were at U.S. schools. In 2009, the number of Korean students heading to China passed the 60,000 mark for the first time. This year's total marked an increase of 3,749 over 2015. By contrast, the number of Koreans studying in the U.S. has been on the decline since reaching a peak of 75,065 in 2010. The figure for this year was down by 4,395 on-year. Of those studying in China, 35 percent were attending a university or graduate school. The rest were there for some other purpose, such as learning Chinese -- in stark contrast to their counterparts in the U.S., some 82 percent of whom went there to earn a degree. Australia was the third-most popular destination among Koreans studying overseas, chosen by 7.3 percent, followed by Japan (6.8 percent), the U.K. (5.3 percent), and Canada (4.9 percent). Read this article in Korean Published on 2016/11/19 Kobiz highlights films with leading ladies in their new infographic, Netflix scoops up the distribution rights for the disaster film "Pandora", hear what production designer Jang Geun-young has to say about his latest work after returning to the industry, and Paul Quinn talks about a Korean classic on his podcast. Advertisement "We Fight, and We Band Together" How many Korean films do you know that feature a leading lady? According to Kobiz's Kim Hyun-jung, "It has been rare to see films with females as the sole lead in domestic films", but the times are slowly changing. In this latest infographic from Kobiz, you'll find a number of films, including "Coin Locker Girl", "Memories of the Sword", and "Love, Lies". Can you think of other Korean films where the ladies take the lead? ...READ ON KOBIZ "Netflix Buys Exclusive Distribution Rights for South Korean Film "Pandora"" Korean films will soon be reaching out to a much larger audience as Netflix claims the international licensing agreement for the disaster film "Pandora". The film, directed by Park Jeong-woo ("Deranged", "Big Bang", "Dance With The Wind"), stars Kim Nam-gil, Kim Young-ae, Moon Jeong-hee and Jung Jin-young in a (nuclear) disaster film about a president who sacrifices citizens in order to prevent a bigger catastrophe. "We hope the nuclear-themed Pandora can win much love from the audiences worldwide", said NEW CEO Kim Woo-taek. ...READ ON THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "Production Designer JANG Geun-young of ASURA" Jang Geun-young is a production designer who has worked on such films as "Volcano High", "Save the Green Planet", and, after a ten-year absence, "The Phantom Detective" and "Asura: The City of Madness". In this post on Kobiz, one of Korean cinema's leading news sources, you'll hear from the man himself about what brought him back into the fray, what it was like working on his two latest films, and what he hopes to be working on in the near future: "I'd like to work on films of more diverse styles, like costume dramas, war movies or fantasy adventures". ...READ ON KOBIZ "What's Korean Cinema? 25 "The Aimless Bullet"" Paul Quinn of Hangul Celluloid explores the 1962 drama "The Aimless Bullet" on his latest podcast, "What's Korean Cinema?". Yu Hyun-mok's classic tale is considered to be one of best Korean films of all time, so if you haven't caught it already, be sure to give Paul's podcast a listen and decide for yourself if you really want to miss out on this brilliant piece of cinema history. ...LISTEN ON PODCAST ON FIRE Published on 2016/11/20 | Source The number of North Korean defectors arriving in South Korea has crossed the 30,000 mark. The Unification Ministry on Sunday said the total now stands at 30,005 after seven arrived here via a third country that afternoon. Advertisement The first defector arrived in South Korea in June 1962, and their number exceeded 10,000 in February 2006 and 20,000 mark in November 2010, an exponential curve. Defections declined after a peak of 2,914 in 2009 because surveillance was tightened, but this year 1,155 defectors arrived from January to October, up about 18 percent on-year. The numbers ballooned during the famine of the 1990s, when more than a million North Koreans starved to death. At the time they fled hunger, but now more and more cite disaffection with the regime. More and more members of the elite make their way to the South. Some 66.8 percent said they were upper or middle class when in the North in 2014-2016, up from 23.5 percent in 1999-2001. "Their children's education and future are main reasons for officials to flee the North", a ministry official said. "North Korean officials stationed overseas are most worried about orders from Pyongyang to return with their children who are studying in foreign countries", a source said. "Foreign-educated children will most likely to fail to adapt to a life in Pyongyang". Published on 2016/11/20 | Source Up to 1 million Koreans of all ages and from all walks of life took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday evening demanding President Park Geun-hye's resignation over a widening crony scandal. Advertisement Even notoriously low police estimates came in at 260,000 protesters, who packed the main thoroughfare in downtown Seoul starting at 3 p.m. so tightly that an organized march by the militant Korean Confederation of Trade Unions was unable to proceed. According to Seoul city officials, some 8.64 million people got off of the subway stop near Gwanghwamun on Saturday, some half a million more than the average number in November last year. "If you consider the number of people who came aboard chartered buses from all over the country for the rally, the attendance figure announced by organizers was not overly exaggerated", a police officer admitted. Organizers said it was the biggest rally in Korea's modern history and even bigger than the crowds that gathered during pro-democracy protests in June of 1987 that led to military dictator Chun Doo-hwan agreeing to hold elections for a new president. Major freeways were congested from Saturday morning with long lines of buses carrying protesters from all over the nation. So many people bought tickets that seats on inter-city buses were sold out and the only few spaces available on the KTX high-speed trains were first-class seats. Opposition lawmakers and civic activists also took part, including some from the ruling Saenuri Party who claimed they were only there to gauge sentiment. But ordinary citizens formed the bulk of the protesters and their numbers swelled as the evening continued. Protesters marched as far as roadblocks 900 m from Cheong Wa Dae, chanting slogans calling on Park to resign. This was the first time a major protest came so close to the presidential office. Police originally wanted ban the march to Cheong Wa Dae, but a last-minute court order overturned the decision so protesters' voice could be heard by the president. (L-R) Tianjin Vice-Mayor Duan Chunhua, National Development and Reform Commission Vice-Minister Lin Nianxiu, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Bregier and Aviation Industry Corporation of China president Lin Zuoming lead a ground-breaking ceremony for an A330 Completion and Delivery Center at Airbus Tianjin facilities in Tianjin municipality, March 2, 2016. [Photo/IC] The European Commission will invest 3 million euros ($3.18 million) to set up a research and innovation center in China as part of its efforts to deepen EU-China scientific and technological cooperation. The European Research and Innovation Center of Excellence is the first EC-funded center in China that focuses on research and development. It will be headquartered in Beijing, and have networks in other cities on the mainland. Its services will range from organizing events to increasing exchanges between Chinese and European researchers, to producing reports about the situation in China on scientific and technological innovation. It will also help private companies from European Union countries do research and seek development in China and find Chinese partners. The project will start working from January 2017 and is expected to come into full operation as early as 2019. "The aim is to establish a center here in China that can help European researchers on the first step toward the Chinese market, help them contact with Chinese companies and, at the same time, enable Chinese researchers to interact better with the European side," said Sara Medina, member of the board of SPI, a Portugal-based consulting firm which focuses on promoting EU-China scientific and technological cooperation. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 Trend: Within the framework of the 62nd session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul committee of defense and security of organization adopted a resolution supporting the territorial integrity of sovereign states, Siyavush Novruzov, deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, told Trend. Siyavush Novruzov participated in this session. He said the issue of the occupied territories was discussed during a committee meeting. A member of the US delegation put forward a proposal that the territorial integrity of all sovereign states must be recognized, he added. The corresponding resolution was adopted after the discussions, he noted. Novruzov said despite the fact that the Armenian delegation opposed the adoption of the resolution, but to no avail. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 Trend: Lifan 820 Premium car, produced at the Nakhchivan automobile plant (NAZ), was presented in Baku Nov. 20. NAZ presents new Lifan models to the customers every year, Polad Sadikhov, deputy director of the plant, told Trend. "This is the newest premium car produced at the plant, he added. The car with a 2.4 liter engine, six-speed automatic transmission, 161 horsepower, maximal speed - 180 km / h, is provided with all safety and comfort systems." He added that the first batch consists of 100 cars and it is intended for the domestic market. "As far as the demand increases, more cars will be produced," Sadikhov said. The Nakhchivan automobile plant launched its activity in January 2010. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 20 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The sixth international cotton exhibition-fair and conference "Cotton Products of Turkmenistan and the global market" will be held in Ashgabat on December 3-4, the Turkmen government said in a message. "The annual forum is important for exchanging experience and establishing cooperation with interested foreign partners, demonstrating the country's achievements in the cotton production and processing," the message said. According to the message, the organizers of the event are Turkmenpagta State Concern, State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan. Cotton is the main raw material for the textile industry of Turkmenistan. Moreover, it is an important export product. The country supplies cotton to China, Russia, the UK, South Korea, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia, Singapore, Ukraine and Baltic countries. Cotton products are sold through auctions in Turkmenistans commodity and raw materials exchange. President-elect Donald Trump got off to a great start when he graciously claimed victory and said it was time to "bind the wounds of division ... to come together as one united people. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans." However young Democrats refused to accept Trump, saying he isn't their president. The University of Michigan offered its traumatized college students coloring books and Play-Doh to calm them. The University of Kansas reminded its stressed-out kids that therapy dogs were available. Cornell University, an Ivy League school, held a campus-wide "cry-in," with campus officials handing out tissues and hot chocolate. Many colleges said their students were excused if they were too upset to come to classes. Are American students in college or kindergarten? When I was a kid and acted like them I got a therapy spanking. They need to put down their selfie sticks and get over the election and more importantly get over themselves. Many have a problem with self-worship. Self-worship has led to skyrocketing mental problems in America. C.S. Lewis said, Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin and decay. But look for Jesus and you will find Him and with Him everything else thrown in!" It's ironic that the Clinton campaign attacked Trump before the election saying that because Trump wouldn't commit to accept the election outcome he was an enemy of the constitution. Now Democrat billionaire George Soros is funding and organizing protest using Democrat organizations Moveon.org and Black Lives Matters. Anti-Democratic, Democrats are protesting saying Trump will destroy America while they destroy America. These sore losers are close-minded, intolerant and mean-spirited and Trump phobic. They have an irrational fear of a Trump Presidency. Pray for revival! Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 By Azad Hasanli Trend: The World Bank (WB) will make a decision regarding financing of the construction of the Azerbaijani part of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) project until late November 2016, the WB Baku office told Trend. The source said that the WB is expected to allocate a loan worth $400 million to the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC. The WB is in negotiations simultaneously with Turkey's Botas Petroleum Pipeline Corporation and Southern Gas Corridor CJSC for financing TANAP. Earlier, the WB Baku office said it is possible that the WB will provide loan guarantees through the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA, an institution of the World Bank Group) for financial support to the Azerbaijani part in the TANAP project. TANAP project envisages transportation of gas of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field from the Georgian-Turkish border to the western borders of Turkey. Turkey will get gas in 2018 and after completing the construction of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), gas will be delivered to Europe in early 2020. It's been 125 years since Dracula was published. And it's still scary. Igor Sechin, the chief executive of Russias oil giant Rosneft, told reporters he was about to go to Venezuela, where his company is involved in five oil production projects, Sputnik reported. Asked on the sidelines of the APEC economic leaders summit in Lima, Peru, when he planned to go to Venezuela, he replied "about right now." This remark comes after Venezuelas Oil Ministry said earlier in November that Sechin was coming to the country sometime this month, after his meeting with Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino in Moscow in October. Venezuela has the worlds largest proven oil reserves. Rosneft extracts roughly 9 million tonnes of crude oil a year in this South American country. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Slovenian President Borut Pahor is expected to pay an official visit to Iran, Tehran on Nov. 22. Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture has announced that the president will head a large trade delegation during the visit, IRNA news agency reported. Traders from both countries will attend a session in Tehran to discuss ways for expansion of cooperation. Over the past year, Iranian and Slovenian officials have made efforts aimed at expansion of trade ties. The sides have already signed a memorandum of understanding in this regards. The volume of trade turnover between the two countries stood at 96 million euros in 2011 which dropped to 46 million euros in 2012 and 25.5 million euros in 2013. According to the official announcements, industrial exports account for 75 percent of the European countries GDP. CLAREMONT It was all about appreciating diversity at Oxford Elementary School on Nov. 16 with an early celebration of the upcoming Hmong New Year. Oxford Elementary has one of the largest Hmong student populations in the Catawba County Schools (CCS), and taking time to recognize the holiday has been on the schools calendar for years. Its part of a regular effort by the school to help immerse students in other cultures. Oxford Elementary held a similar event for the Hispanic celebration, Day of the Dead, at the beginning of the month. Kay Ying Lo, who works in the CCS International Newcomer Center, said promoting cultural awareness is a key objective because of Catawba Countys diversity 28 languages are spoken in the school system. The Asian population for 2016 in CCS is 1,082, and the Hispanic student population is 2,469 out of 16,452 total students. One of the most exciting things about it is I can see the kids, the sparks in their eyes, and the Hmong students, they look so proud that theyre able to wear their clothing to their school to represent they are Hmong, Lo said. Students and visitors were introduced to Hmong food, music, traditional games, history and the language. Hmong people generally come from the hill and mountain area just south of China, information at hmongculture.net says. Hmong people lived in China for 2,000 years before generally migrating south in the 1700s. Most Hmong in the United States come from Laos, but there are many others from Thailand, Vietnam and China. Hmong people have their own language in a couple different styles of dialect. River Bend Middle seventh-grader Chialy Xiong is a former Oxford Elementary student and was one of the Hmong dancers at the celebration. She said her fellow students dont usually ask about the Hmong culture except when there are special events. I think its a private thing but sharing it is very good, and its very good to have diversity in school because America is very diverse, so its good to learn other peoples cultures, Xiong said. Chialy Xiong and Pada Xiong, an Oxford Elementary sixth-grader, performed a traditional spring planting dance. For Oxford Elementary principal Kelly Nicholson, this week's event was another good example of how her school teaches its students they are all, one big melting pot of cultures. It takes all of us to keep our world rolling and it teaches them to be respectful of differences we have but also see the similarities, Nicholson said. It just helps strengthen our culture they love being able to put themselves in that other culture. "They love dressing upour Hispanic students are precious when they put on the Hmong attire and then our Hmong children are the same way when they do the face painting for the Day of the Dead celebration. Linh Her is a parent of Hmong children at Oxford and also sees the annual New Year's event as a way diversity is being embraced in local communities. Everybody is aware of each others cultures, Her said. Its a good program to show other students the different ethnicities that surround them." Retired Newton attorney Thomas W. Warlick recently was honored by Newton-Conover Rotary Club for what is believed to be record-breaking perfect attendance. Warlick, who joined the civic organization in 1959, was cited for 53 years of perfect attendance. The Newton native is believed by regional officers of Rotary International to have achieved the most years of perfect meeting attendance of any member in the world-wide organizations District 7670. The district includes a number of clubs in western North Carolina. The presentation at one of the groups weekly luncheon meetings at Catawba Country Club was made by Newton resident Bill Shillito, a former district governor in Rotary International. Warlick was also cited for his longevity by the Rev. Robert Silber, 2016-2017 president of the Newton-Conover organization. The recipient is a former president of the Newton-Conover club, elected to lead the group for the 1970-1971 year, and has been honored with its two most distinguished recognitions. In 1997 he was presented the Vocational Service Award, renamed in recent years to honor the late Charles Corriher of Newton, a charter member of the club. The club was organized in 1948 and chartered in early 1949. That award is given annually to local men and women, both members and non-members of the club. Warlick was also bestowed the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Humanitarian Award in 2014. That citation is named for the late Conover physician, who was also a charter member of N-C Rotary. It is given each year to a member of the local organization. He is also a Paul Harris Fellow, recognition given to Rotarians around the world who financially support the Rotary Foundation in its public service projects in many nations. It was noted the perfect attendance citation can go to members who make up missed meetings of their hometown club by attending similar Rotary gatherings when they are out of town. Warlick, who has traveled in many parts of the world, has participated in make-up meetings at Rotary clubs around the globe and brought back to the N-C club banners from the groups he has visited during his more than a half century of membership. Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin is not choosy about his films, as he is still new in the industry. The 29-year-old, who is playing the antagonist in the just released John Abraham- Sonakshi Sinha starrer Force 2, says he cannot afford to say no to any role right now. A lot of people have asked me how I choose my roles. But the truth is that I dont think I am in that kind of space yet where I can say no to a film, he says. Tahir played the villain in his last film Mardaani (2014). He insists the two characters are not similar. The audiences will see the difference between the two characters when they see this film. I think the challenge, for me at least is not to pick a genre. The challenge for me is to pick a different way to do a role which falls in the similar genre. I prepare for the role differently. The Delhi born actor loves playing dark roles. My motto for this year is In 2016 being dark is the new cool. I get the feeling that audiences have become mature and they understand that not every character is in black or white. There can be grey shades to it. And for that reason antagonists are getting pretty popular these days. Internationally if you see, Narcos and House of Cards are all very dark shows with very dark characters, he says adding, The audience may hate the character but they will love the actor. As long as the actor is able to maintain an emotional relatability with the audience, he or she will be loved by them. Thats what is happening. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shraddha Kapoors rock musical drama film Rock On 2 failed to create any Magik among the audience. Its sad the film has not done well. It feels bad because you spend so many days working for a film and a Friday decides its fate, said Shraddha on the sidelines of Global Citizen Festival India. Her co-star Farhan Akhtar however, chose to sidestep the question. When asked if he is disheartened with the response to Rock On 2, Farhan said, We will talk about it some other time. I wish people liked the film and it did better. The film has been receiving mixed responses and I still hope people go and watch it, Shraddha added. Talking about her next project, the 29-year-old actor said she is nervous to play the role of mafia don Dawood Ibrahims sister in Haseena. More than excited, Im nervous to play Haseenas role. It is going to be a difficult one as I have to portray the character from the age of 17 to 44. So, I hope Im convincing in it, she said. When asked if she would be making use of prosthetics to look older, the Baaghi actor chose to remain tight lipped. On a related note, the Aashiqui 2 star will next be seen opposite Aditya Roy Kapur in Ok Jaanu that hits theatres on January 13, 2017. Rock On 2 had one of the worst openings of the year. It has so far made approximately Rs 10 crore at the box office. Follow @htshowbiz for more Tehran, Iran, November 20 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Export Development Bank of Iran is currently connected to partners in 42 countries, the banks Director of International Affairs Hamid Reza Mabudi said. However, he noted, banking ties with US counterparts are still severe, ISNA news agency reported November 20. Mabudi said that Irans dollar accounts in foreign countries have been opened following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). After the JCPOA, as the first step, the countrys banking system was connected to the world system SWIFT, paving the way for Iranian banks, Export Development Bank in particular, to establish connections with banks across the world, he said. However, having banking connections is not enough per se to carry out banking transactions, he said. What is needed is to open accounts with different banks. At present, Iranian people or banks are not restricted in having dollar accounts around the world, he said. They can have dollar accounts in foreign banks, but the payments that are made in the dollar should not be carried out by US banks. While passing through the sleepy neighbourhood of George Town in Allahabad, I heard that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was expected to arrive there shortly, unannounced. I knew one of her close relatives stayed in George Town. So, I waited there in my quest for news. In a short while the PMs cavalcade arrived. She alighted from her car in the portico and went inside. She was accompanied by former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Sripati Mishra and two other senior party leaders. While waiting for Mrs Gandhi, I realised another journalist friend had joined me outside the bungalow. Like me, he was passing through the neighbourhood. In those days, cities like Allahabad had very few journalists. That the media would assume such an enormous, multi-faceted avatar was something beyond our imagination. After a few moments of anxiety, we saw Mr Mishra emerge in the verandah. I beckoned him towards us in a loud voice. Here, I should inform todays generation that in those days the security apparatus of politicians wasnt elaborate. Although Mr Mishra did not recognise me, he moved a few steps forward. When he was informed that both of us were journalists who wanted to meet the PM, he mumbled something and went inside the bungalow. A few minutes later, Mrs Gandhi emerged. The attendant had opened the door of her car, but she suddenly turned around and said something. One of the security personnel ran towards us and said the PM was calling us inside. We were taken inside the bungalow. I asked her some questions. She replied to a few of them and peered at me to ask: Are you really a journalist? You look more like a collegiate. And then without waiting for my answer, she said if you are journalist, you should get well educated. I hope you know that Allahabad has seen journalists such as Pandit-ji (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Rao Saheb (Balakrishna Rao). Before I could answer, she had already got into her car. Read: Modi wishes Gujarat on New Year, pays tribute to Indira Gandhi, Sardar Patel It had been five to six years since the Emergency had been lifted. Operation Blue Star was about to taint her reputation in a few months. Allahabad by nature is a rebellious city. A few people there called her a dictator but she was available to the common man and journalists much more than todays ordinary leaders. Her queries that day didnt sound like an admonition to me but lessons from a family elder. Present-day politicians who keep transgressing their limits can learn a few lessons from her. When the woman who began her prime-ministerial career with the nickname goongi gudiya (dumb doll) fell to bullets fired by her own bodyguards in her official residence in 1984, the nation cried for her. As a journalist, Ive witnessed the shameful riots that followed her assassination. But if you leave aside the rioters, many homes did not light a fire to cook dinner that fateful night. Presidents, vice-presidents and PMs from 127 countries turned up at her funeral ceremony. Nobody had seen Yasser Arafat, the iron man of the Third World, crying like a baby before that. Read: Indira Gandhis Emergency and the story of a Punjab student leader She was without dispute one of the most influential women of her era. It was her will-power that broke Pakistan into two despite the worlds opposition. She abolished privy purses at a time people blindly worshipped royalty and by nationalising banks and other public institutions, she announced that she was not one to bow before any corporate house or foreign power. She wasnt fazed even when American President Richard Nixon called her an old witch. Instead, Indira Gandhi boosted Indias ties with top Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev to carve out a new platform in international diplomacy for the country. The list of developmental measures she took on the domestic front is long. Still there are attempts to paint her as authoritarian and a promoter of dynastic rule and the culture of sycophancy. Just compare Indira Gandhi with the politicians of today and youll immediately get the answers to your apprehensions. Read: Congress remembers only the Gandhi family, not Patel or Bose: Javadekar Her opponents want to remember her only for the Emergency and Operation Blue Star but how can they forget that she won the Lok Sabha election and a number of assembly polls? Not just this, the Congress formed a government in Punjab twice after her tragic assassination. It was the magic of her charismatic personality that made people pull a curtain over her historic blunders by voting her party in. In a democracy it is the peoples verdict that matters the most. Were Indira Gandhi alive today, she would have stepped into her centenary year on November 19. The body may wither but famous people actually die when they are no longer part of peoples memories and discussions. In a country where close to 60% of people have been born after her death, why does Indira Gandhi return to be a part of peoples discussions 32 years after her assassination? The answer to this question holds clarifications for all those who level allegations against her. One hopes the centenary year does greater justice to Indira Gandhi. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan letters@hindustantimes.com Twenty-years, onemonth and two days that is the time convict number 31 spent behind bars in Tihars jail number 2. Convicted for the murder of his wife in the infamous Delhi tandoor case, Sushil Sharma is out on parole after 20 years. He has served the longest sentence for life imprisonment in Tihar without a parole. Sharma recently visited a hospital in south Delhi to attend to his aunt, a coma patient. In a short interview, he spoke about what exactly happened on the night of July 2, 1995 - the day he reportedly shot his wife Naina Sahni in a fit of rage. Initially reluctant to speak, Sharma now 54 years old said, That one day is a blur in my life. Till today, I do not know what happened. It happened in a fraction of a second and that one second has cost me 20 years. Sharma who was then Youth Congress president shot his wife Naina Sahni as he objected to her relationship with a male friend. On that night, Sharma had returned home and found his wife talking to a male friend on phone. He suspected her of having an affair. Naina on seeing Sharma reportedly hung up but when Sharma dialled the phone again and heard the male friend on the other end, he shot Sahni with his licensed pistol. There are times I look back on that day. I try hard but I cannot piece together the sequence of events. All the memories have melted in the 20 years of sweat in prison. My parents have also suffered in the last 20 years and there is no one to look after them, he said. Post his release, Sharma has been busy taking his old parents, aged 80 and 79 to the hospital for treatment. Hours after he was released on Friday night, Sharma first took his mother to a temple near north-west Delhi. Sharmas cousin Vaibhav who was with him at the hospital said that inside jail, Sharma had been working as computer teacher to fellow inmates. His behaviour according to jail authorities has always been good. This has been noted by the Supreme Court too. He was never a criminal and did not have a single complaint or case against him. Normally prisoners with good conduct are released after 14 years but in his case, he is the only prisoner to have served 20 years, said Vaibhav. While there are media reports that Sharma had chopped his wife, the Supreme Court order reads medical evidence does not establish that the body was cut. There is also no recovery of any weapon like a chopper which could suggest that Sharma had cut the body Murder was the outcome of a strained personal relationship. Delhi Police is reviewing safeguards in Aerocity, a hub of luxury hotels, near the high-security airport area following inputs that a few hotels do not comply with guidelines. With their proximity to Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) runways, the hotels have to follow strict rules outlined by Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) such as no entry of firearms, limited rooftop access, biometric system for access control and ex-servicemen put in-charge of security, among others. Threat perception has increased recently. We were told that hotels have started flouting norms. We have also received applications from a few more hotels, which will open for commercial operation, said a senior police officer. Apart from reviewing security and granting approval for the new ones, cops are scrutinising the existing ones. They are specially focusing on hotels facing the runways. With more commercial establishments, including a mall and a convention centre proposed as the biggest in the city, set to expand the controversial Aerocity project, police want a separate station for the 45-acre area. Read more: IGI airports domestic terminal on Delhi Metro grid this year In 2011, a Delhi Police audit found that constructing hotels in Aerocity would be a security hazard, and objected to their construction. However, the project proceeded with special security rules. Many hotels in city have people from army or police background in order to maintain security. After 26/11 attacks, hotels came under scanner and at Aerocity it is mandatory for hotels to follow the guideline issued by the BCAS, the official said. The guidelines mandate that all employees in Aerocity area have to undergo background security checks and the management has to maintain records. Also, security in-charge of hotels have has to be ex-servicemen with experience dealing with terror strikes. Except the armed personnel of the government, no one is allowed to enter with firearms in the hotels. Also only authorised persons have access to roof tops. All buildings in the Aerocity area have a dedicated security wing to ensure implementation of all desired security procedures, the official added. Only visitors with bookings in hotels are allowed in Aerocity. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday described his former law minister Somnath Bharti as an embarrassment to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and said he should surrender in a case of attempt to murder and domestic violence filed by his wife. The chief ministers comment was in sharp contrast to some senior AAP leaders earlier contention that Delhi Police were showing uncharacteristic haste in trying to arrest Bharti and that he was yet to exhaust all his legal options. Somnath shud surrender. Why is he running away? Why is he so scared of gng to jail? Now he is becoming embarasment for party n his family (sic), Kejriwal said in tweet in the morning. He shud cooperate wid police (sic), the chief minister added in another tweet. Somnath shud surrender.Why is he running away?Why is he so scared of gng to jail? Now he is becoming embarasment for party n his family(1/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 23, 2015 He shud cooperate wid police(2/2) Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 23, 2015 Somnath Bharti, a controversial AAP legislator who had a run-in with the law earlier too, has gone into hiding after the Delhi high court on Tuesday rejected his anticipatory bail petition in the case filed by his wife Lipika Mitra. He had approached the high court after a lower court issued a non-bailable warrant for him. Bharti was named in a First Information Report (FIR) by police under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to domestic violence and attempted murder. Police filed the FIR following a June 10 complaint by Mitra, who alleged that Bharti had been abusing her since their marriage in 2010 and also said he beat and tortured her and even tried to kill her once. Mitra further alleged that in March, 2013, Bharti had physically abused her, tried to strangle her and ordered his dog to attack her. She said she had sustained multiple injuries. Bharti has refuted the allegations against him and said Delhi Police were working at the behest of the Prime Minister's Office to tarnish his image. On Tuesday evening, the Delhi Police picked up his brother Loknath Bharti and private secretary for questioning and said ten other people are also likely to be arrested for allegedly harbouring the former Delhi law minister. The 10 people include some AAP workers based in Delhi and Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Six teams of the southwest Delhi Police were constituted under the supervision of RA Sanjeev, DCP (southwest), to raid places Bharti visits across the city. The teams raided Bhartis residence in Malviya Nagar and his offices in Dwarka, but he was not found at either of the two places. Raids continued till late in the night and as many as 15 potential places were searched to arrest him. His mobile phone was also found switched off or out of reach, police said. Read:Cops pick up Bharti's brother, pvt secy; 10 accomplices face arrest HC says Somnath violent, outrageous; denies anticipatory bail The face-off between the government and judiciary over the appointment of judges appears to be worsening with both refusing to budge from their stated positions. A panel of top three Supreme Court judges led by chief justice of India TS Thakur has overruled the Centres objection to 43 names cleared by the collegium for appointments to the high courts of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. The panel, which met on November 16, rejected a request from the Centre to reconsider its recommendations. Read | SC refuses to accept rejection of 43 collegium recommendations The Centre and apex court have been at loggerheads over judicial appointments since the court struck down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act. The law was brought in to end more than 20-year-old practice, unique to India, of judges appointing judges under the collegium system, with the government having no say in the process. The relationship has taken a turn for the worse since August 15 when Justice Thakur publicly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not talking about judicial appointments in his Independence Day speech. Now the government is left with very limited options. Under the collegium system, the government can return the names recommended by the collegium only once and if the same names are reiterated by the collegium, the government is bound by it. The entire tussle is over who will appoint judges. But the most important point is being glossed over who should be appointed as judges and in what manner? Both sides have so far failed to reach a consensus over the memorandum of procedure for the appointment of judges in a transparent manner as mandated by a December 2015 constitution bench ruling. Read | Centre mulls free legal service as yardstick for appointment of lawyers as HC judges The judiciary must realise that the elected government has a stake in the matter. If it is not allowed to have its say in a legitimate manner, it is bound to try other methods. As judiciary and government continue to indulge in this turf war, millions of litigants are waiting for justice. Most high courts are functioning at less than 60% of their strength even as the collegiums recommendations for appointments have been pending for months. More than 450 posts of judges, out of the sanctioned strength of 1,079, are vacant while close to 3.9 million cases are pending in 24 high courts. The Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 31, has seven vacancies. This situation is counterproductive. The endeavour should be to get more judges appointed without controversy as the backlog of cases is enormous and people are suffering. This public spat does not help anyone, least of all litigants. The judiciary and government ought to sit together and work out a solution instead of indulging in this very public battle. The human resource development (HRD) ministry has reportedly approved a proposal on not detaining underperforming school students only till Class 5, and sent it to the law ministry for vetting. It was learnt that as per the revised proposal, states would be able to decide whether to detain students from Class 6 onwards. Under the existing no-detention policy, students are promoted automatically to higher classes every year until the eighth grade. However, if the new proposal comes into force, the no-detention policy will be retained only till Class 5. After that, the onus would be on the states to decide whether to hold examinations in classes 6, 7 and 8. Further action will be taken after the law ministry examines the proposal, said a senior HRD official. Sources said the law ministry will recommend whether an amendment would be required for bringing about the change. The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) the primary education advisory board comprising the education ministers of all states had recommended in October that the no-detention clause in the Right to Education (RTE) Act be amended. HRD minister Prakash Javadekar then clarified that states would be empowered to evolve their own policy of detention. To ensure that students are given a fair chance, states will allow a re-test to students who have been unable to clear the examination. The ministry hopes to introduce the policy from 2018. The existing no-detention policy, introduced in 2010 when the UPA was in power, has been blamed for falling standards among school children. Besides, the HRD ministry has also decided to reintroduce the compulsory class 10 examination in CBSE schools. Read| No detention policy: J-K govt to promote all students, except of Class 10 and 12 Actor Brad Pitt thinks his children are being turned against him and reportedly even stormed out of a meeting with his children. The Allied actor is concerned that his estranged wife and actor Angelina Jolie is trying to turn their six children -- Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne -- against him and have even stopped calling him daddy, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Kris Herzog, a bodyguard who works for both the family and Jolies father Jon Voight, says that Pitts two supervised visits with his brood have not gone well. Brad is so angry. From what Ive heard from Brad and Jon, even the kids are turning against him. Hes alleging they wont even speak to him and they wont call him daddy or father. Theyve had two meetings with Los Angeles family services and in both none of the kids would talk to him, Herzog told Grazia magazine. He stormed out of the second one really angry, it was the straw that broke the camels back. This fight is going nuclear now, he added. Newly single #BradPitt stepped out in public for the first time following his split from #AngelinaJolie. He attended a private screening of the film "Moonlight". And was joined by Actress Julia Roberts. Eric Charbonneau/Invision for A24/AP Images #Fashiontomax #BradPitt #JuliaRoberts Report by @UfuomaUmusu A photo posted by FASHION TO MAX official (@fashiontomax) on Nov 8, 2016 at 8:54pm PST Herzog has also claimed Pitt has already moved on from Jolie and is secretly seeing someone else. Hes started seeing another famous actor. She is a personal friend of mine and has told me they are sleeping together. I cant disclose who it is but she is almost as big as Angelina, he said. Despite the Fury stars frustration with his estranged spouse, he is unwilling to play dirty in their custody battle because he doesnt want to upset the children further. Follow @htshowbiz for more Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said extending help to victims of the Indore-Patna express train derailment was his governments priority. He announced assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of those who were killed, Rs 50,000 each with serious injuries and Rs 25,000 with minor injuries. Speaking at a function in Lucknow on Sunday morning, Yadav said he had a word with railway minister Suresh Prabhu and assured all possible help in the rescue operations. The chief minister and others observed a two-minute silence at the function to mourn for those killed in the accident. When the media asked him if he would demand railways minister Suresh Prabhus resignation, the chief minister said his first priority was to rescue people and save lives. He also said that some of his ministers would visit the accident site to ensure that help is being provided to the victims. The chief minister has instructed the principal secretary, health, to ensure there is no shortage of medicines and blood for treatment of the injured. More ambulances and roadways buses were rushed to the spot for speedy relief operations, Yadav said. #UPCM @yadavakhilesh instructs PS Health to ensure no shortage of medicines and blood for the treatment of patients from train accident. CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) November 20, 2016 He instructed director general of police Javeed Ahmad to deploy traffic police along the route to ensure green corridor for ambulances to reach hospitals. Many of the injured were admitted in district hospital in Kanpur dehat. The state police chief has been asked to personally monitor the relief operations. Yadav asked state chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar to pool in all resources from the neighbouring districts to enable quicker relief operation. He further instructed chief minister to personally monitor the relief operations. The state government made use of its ambulances and special state regional transport buses in the rescue work. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 The Prime Minister said that Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 At least 100 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours on Sunday. Read | I cannot find my father: A bride-to-bes frantic search at train mishap spot Click for Live updates of the Indore-Patna Express accident The Madhya Pradesh police have tightened security across all 40 police stations in Bhopal following an alleged threat by the banned outfit Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). Police sources said a letter and a video were sent to some police officers threatening attacks on the police control room, random police stations in Bhopal and the local police in general. Intelligence agencies are also said to have alerted the police. IGP, Bhopal, Yogesh Choudhary who held a meeting with the citys police brass, instructed all officers and town inspectors to keep a strict vigil in their areas, quiz any suspicious person and inform superior officers in case of any suspicious activities. Choudhary, however, refused to comment on any specific threat. We have been trying to beef up the security for the past few days. On Sunday, we took all the necessary measures to tighten the security, he added. The police control room (PCR) of Bhopal has been barricaded from all sides. The entry of common people has been banned at PCR. In case of emergency, outsiders would be allowed to enter the PCR only after showing their identity cards. Barricades have also been put up at the police stations and complainants are not allowed to enter without showing their identity cards. The security has also been tightened up at the railway station. Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel are also carrying on a massive checking drive at Bhopal railway station with sniffer dogs. Beggars have been evicted from the station as part of the security drive. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tehran, Iran, November 20 By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend: Over 1,000 buses have been stationed at Irans border crossing of Mehran to retake religious tourists home from Iraq. On November 19, some 92,000 Iranians used 800 buses to go home from Mehran, according to Alireza Shahraki Sanavi, an official with Irans Road Transport Organization, IRNA news agency reported November 20. This year close to 3 million Iranians traveled to Iraq to observe the Shia pilgrimage on the day of Arbaeen (which this year falls on November 20). Called the biggest human gathering in history, Arbaeen this year drew over 20 million lovers of the third Shia Imam Hussain in the Iraqi city of Karbala. According to Shahraki, other than Mehran, 350 and 250 buses are also stationed in the border crossings of Shalamcheh and Chazzabeh respectively, where smaller numbers of pilgrims used to go to Karbala. The government this year authorized the bus transport syndicate to increase bus fares for Arbaeen travels to two times the regular fares because the buses would have to go empty on one side of the trip. The BJP turned up the heat on opposition parties a day before the second week of Parliaments winter session, in an apparent bid to corner them on the demonetisation debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech at Agra, during which he touted the move to scrap high-value bank notes as pro-poor and pro-middle class, may further irk the opposition and reduce chances of Parliament functioning normally this week. Read| I am not for sale, thunders PM Modi; talks of cheap loans BJP chief Amit Shah quipped on Sunday that opposition parties were climbing the same tree like rats, cats and snakes to escape the demonetisation flood, and appealed to the people to help Modi change the country by giving him 15 years from panchayat to Parliament. Addressing BJP booth workers in Chandigarh, the party president specifically targeted Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for opposing demonetisation. Shah said he was not surprised by Gandhis reaction because the last two UPA tenures were synonymous with scams. The Congress will meet other constituents of the opposition on Monday morning to strategise ways to debate the demonetisation issue. Monday morning plan. #Parliament Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha leaders of about 10 opposition parties meeting at 9.30 am. Hmmm, tweeted Trinamool Congress national spokesperson Derek O Brien. The main opposition party has asked the government to form a joint parliamentary committee for probing allegations of prior information on demonetisation being leaked to BJP leaders, among other issues. With the BJP launching a counter-attack on Rajya Sabha leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azads remarks regarding demonetisation-related deaths, the opposition wants to change the narrative and bring the matter back on track. Though the opposition wants Modi to respond to their questions from the floor of the House, he is yet to oblige them. Why did he choose to speak at Agra when Parliament is waiting for his clarification? asked a Congress leader. Sources close to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said she may ask her MPs to protest more aggressively against Modi from Monday. While the Congress is in no mood to relent either, the government hopes that smoother disbursement of money through banks and ATMs in the coming days will blunt the oppositions attacks. Read| Demonetisation: Modi has banked on personal equity to effect behaviour change Delhi high court has set free two men of the charge of gangraping their colleague, saying there was inconsistency in the womans version about the incident. Holding that the two convicts, who have been in custody since June 2009, deserve the benefit of doubt, justice SP Garg directed their release from jail immediately. ...Nothing has come on record to show if during her employment in the factory for about a month, the appellants had an evil eye on her or had attempted any time to outrage her modesty. No complaint whatsoever was filed by the victim against any of the appellants any time. Considering the inconsistent and conflicting versions narrated by the prosecutrix (woman) at different stages of investigation, conviction and sentence of the appellants cannot be sustained in the absence of independent corroboration. The appellants deserve benefit of doubt, the court said. The courts verdict came on an appeal filed by the duo who had challenged their conviction and 10 year jail term awarded by the trial court here in July 2014. Besides the sentence, the two were also fined Rs 10,000 each. The high court set aside the trial courts order and said that on perusal of statements of the prosecution witnesses and various exhibits on record, they revealed infirmities or inconsistencies which have emerged on record making it unsafe to base conviction on the solitary testimony of the prosecutrix without independent corroboration. As per the police, the woman was gangraped by the two when she on June 14, 2009 went to the factory premises of one of the two accused. She had gone there to collect her wages, police had said. One of the accused during the trial had claimed innocence and told the court that the physical relations with the woman were with her consent. The presumption of culpability against an accused in a dowry death case under the Evidence Act would be activated only when there is a proof that a deceased woman had been subjected to cruelty for demand of dowry, the Supreme Court has ruled. The provision to secure convictions in dowry death cases was inserted in the Evidence Act, which provides that instead of presumption of innocence, the accused would be presumed prima facie guilty in such homicides if a woman dies within seven years of marriage and there is proof of cruelty. In a major verdict, a bench of justices Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy has said if prosecution fails to prove by coherent evidence that an accused charged in a dowry death case has harassed the woman to demand dowry, the person cannot be held guilty by taking refuge of presumption under the Act. The presumption (under section 113B of the Evidence Act) as to dowry death thus would get activated only upon the proof of the fact that the deceased lady had been subjected to cruelty or harassment for or in connection with any demand for dowry by the accused and that too in the reasonable contiguity of death, the bench said. Such a proof is thus the legislatively mandated prerequisite to invoke the otherwise statutorily ordained presumption of commission of the offence of dowry death by the person charged therewith, it said, while acquitting some in-laws of a woman who was found hanging in her matrimonial house in 1996. The petitioners, who were initially acquitted by the trial court, had approached the apex court against their conviction by the Madhya Pradesh high court under Sections 498-A (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty) and 304-B (dowry death) of the IPC. The husband of the deceased woman had committed suicide in June 1998 when the case was pending before the trial court. The prosecution had claimed that the husband and in-laws of the deceased woman were demanding dowry and had subjected her to harassment and torture. In its judgement, the apex court also said that proof of cruelty or harassment by the husband, his relatives or persons charged in dowry death cases was a sine qua non (indispensable condition) to inspirit the statutory presumption. If the prosecution fails to demonstrate by cogent, coherent and persuasive evidence to prove such fact, the person accused of either of the above referred offences cannot be held guilty by taking refuge only of the presumption to cover up the shortfall in proof, it said. In the present case, the bench said the prosecution had failed to prove the crucial ingredient of cruelty and harassment by direct and cogent evidence and conviction of these persons on the basis of materials on record would not be out of risk. Four army jawans were injured as Pakistani army resorted to heavy cross-border firing in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night, the third ceasefire violation since Saturday. Pakistani army resorted to heavy cross-border firing in the Rajouri sector, in which four of our soldiers have been injured, an army officer said. He said the army was giving befitting response to the Pakistani fire and the exchange of fire was on till last reports came in. Sundays violation of the ceasefire came a day after a BSF jawan and a woman were injured and two houses damaged when Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera and Sunderbani sectors of Rajouri with mortar attacks and small arms fire. On Saturday morning, Pakistani army resorted to violation of the ceasefire in the Nowshera sector and in the afternoon, it started firing in the Sunderbani sector targeting Indian posts and civilian areas. On Thursday, Pakistani army had targeted Indian posts and civilian villages along the Line of Control in the Pallanwala sector of Jammu district. Pakistani troops on Tuesday targeted Indian posts with heavy firing and shelling for four hours along the LoC in Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, forcing Indian troops to retaliate. There have been around 286 incidents of firing and shelling along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistani troops that have resulted in the death of 26 people, including 14 security personnel, since the surgical strike on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28. Four boys were killed when a passenger train ran over them near Behali in Assams Biswanath district early Sunday. District police officials quoted locals as saying that the boys, all adivasis, were walking along the track on their way home from a seasonal fair beside the railway line. It was very foggy when the mishap happened about 2am, a police officer said. Northeast Frontier Railway officials said there was no scheduled halt for passenger trains near the spot where the children were run over due to poor visibility. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal condoled the deaths and directed irrigation minister Ranjit Dutta to visit Borgong and talk to the victims families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood his ground on Sunday despite the Oppositions growing clamour against his governments move to recall 500- and 1,000-rupee notes, saying his decision will favour the countrys poor and middle class. The Modi government abolished the two high-value notes in an effort to stop corruption, circulation of illicit funds or black money and counterfeits, and to choke terrorist funding. Uttar Pradesh ne bikau maal nahi bheja hai (UP has not sent a man who can be bought), said Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha. The corrupt people wanted such a government who will dance to their tunes, sleep on their bribes. Lekin aapne koi bikau maal nahi bheja (to Delhi), he said at a BJP election rally in Agra. He praised the poor and middle class for supporting him and launched a veiled attack on West Bengal chief Mamata Banerjee and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati staunch opponents of the notes recall. Some people have lost everything Do you want to become an MLA? Bring this amount of cash. Then the cash was hoarded. But these notes belonged to the poor and middle class, Modi said, referring to Mayawatis alleged fund-raising style. Read| Demonetisation has hit those seeking money for poll tickets: PM Modi Some of Mayawatis former party leaders such as Swami Prasad Maurya have accused her of auctioning tickets for the 2017 polls in Uttar Pradesh. The BSP chief dismissed the charges. It is the BSPs firm belief that the BJP and the PMs good days are over and bad days will come soon, she said. West Bengals Banerjee, who led a march to President Pranab Mukherjee against the demonetisation exercise, came in for some sharpshooting from Modi. I know who all are protesting against me. The whole country knows who were involved in chit fund. Many people invested but because of the blessings of politicians their money vanished. And they are asking questions to me, he said. He referred to the Rs 2,500-crore Sharada chit fund scam in which several leaders of the states ruling Trinamool Congress got embroiled. In her riposte, the feisty West Bengal chief minister tweeted: Pradhan Mantriji, you are equating corruption with anyone who opposes your policy. Are you the only magician? The Prime Minister spoke extensively about the demonetisation drive at the Agra rally, although he has yet to speak in Parliament on the issue. Opposition parties are upset with his silence in Parliament. This is a test by fire, he announced as opposition parties got ready to stall Parliaments winter session on the issue. The people of my country will pass it like gold. People still returned empty-handed from banks and ATMs because of the cash crunch, but Modi sought to look at the brighter side. Banks will give this money as cheap loans to the poor and middle-class. He admitted the hardship people were facing, which his government says will be a temporary phase, but reminded the people that the life of the corrupt will be ruined forever. Dand diya hai (We have punished the corrupt), he said. Read| Demonetisation move has upset the corrupt: Takeaways from Modis address in Agra The central government is trying to find out just how much land it owns so that idle tracts can be put to use to generate revenues. Its early days for the mammoth exercise, but initial data show 31 of 52 central ministries together own 16,701 sq km of land, or 11 times the size of Delhi. This excludes big land-owning ministries, such as the railways and defence, which are yet to provide data. The Prime Ministers Office is monitoring the project, which will be complete by early next year. The potential of such a land bank is far-reaching, given that the government needs large tracts for urbanisation, including developing 100 smart cities. China, for example, has monetised land to fund infrastructure projects. Some states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Gujarat have taken baby steps towards it. Its a good beginning. Once the government has an inventory of how much land asset it has and fixes its value, it can leverage it to raise resources effectively for developing its cities, funding infrastructure projects, etc, said Arun Maira, a former member of now-defunct Planning Commission. In 2014, an inter-ministerial panel suggested for the first time that the government measure its land. After this, a land inventory committee was then set up under Shaktikanta Das, the economic affairs secretary. The urban development ministry is the coordinating agency for the exercise. The Centres land holding will go up substantially once the remaining ministries, including defence and railways, submit their details. A 2010-11 federal audit report pegged the defence ministrys land holding at 7000 sq. km. The railways are said to own 4,750 sq. km. Only eight central ministries have so far provided details of their land ownership on Government Land Information System, a web portal created to collate the ministries-wide data. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hundreds braved chilly weather on Sunday to attend the funeral of Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Rayees Ahmad Dar, who was killed in an encounter in south Kashmir the day before. The 25-year-old militant was buried in his native town of Kakpora amid pro-azadi sloganeering even as protests had erupted in the area after the news of his death spread. As a precautionary measure four centres for the ongoing Class 10 and 12 board examinations were shifted to Pulwama from the tensed Kakpora and the adjoining Pahoo areas for exams scheduled on Sunday and Monday. DC Pulwama Muneer-ul-Islam said all 302 class 10 students whose centres were shifted for Sunday appeared for their exams without any problem. All the exam materials were shifted at night from Kakpora police station to Pulwama police station. Adequate seating arrangements were also made, he added. The funeral, however, did not cause any law-and-order problem, a police officer at Kakpora said though emotional pictures of women crying over the body were shared on social media. Dar was killed in Pulwama district after a joint party of police, CRPF and the army surrounded Begumbagh area near Kakapora on Saturday following inputs about the presence of militants. Police said he was shot dead after being cornered in a house. He had gone missing after he went to visit his nephew on October 6, said his family members, who had put out a missing notice last month. The notice, written in Urdu, said: Despite searches we could not find him. His mother is ill and the family is worried. Police confirmed he was missing for some time now. Residents said Dar held a diploma in civil engineering. Pulwama superintendent of police Rayees Mohammad told HT that they were verifying the slain militants qualification. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON On a day when over 100 people were killed in the worst rail accident in recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked railways to work towards achieving the zero accident target to make train journeys safe. The derailment of the Indore-Patna Express at Kanpur dehat will be probed, said the Prime Minister at the Rail Vikas Shivir (rail development camp) at Surajkund on the outskirts of Delhi where he along with railwaymen observed two-minute silence to condole the loss of lives. Describing the accident as unfortunate, Modi asked railway officials to ensure fool-proof system in train operation to achieve zero-accident target, according to sources present at the Shivir. Later addressing a rally at Agra, Modi expressed his concern and sympathy for those killed and injured in the tragedy, which is the worst rail accident in recent years. He said the accident will be probed. The Prime Minister, who spent more than two hours at the Rail Vikas Shivir, was given thematic presentations on various aspects of the railways, and later addressed the railway officers. He also visited the gallery created for showcasing railways new initiatives. Night vision camera developed by the railways to help loco pilots, a new faster and lighter mode of transportation called Caterpillar train, water vending machines, food box to keep food hot at rail premises, green initiatives like harnessing solar and wind energy were among those exhibited at the gallery. The three-day Shivir, organised to generate innovative yet practical ideas in the most crucial areas of rail operations and chart out a roadmap for substantial progress of the sector, concluded Sunday. On the opening day, Modi had addressed railway employees via video conferencing and said the Indian Railways should transform with the change of the century and focus on new speeds, progress and new capacity along with gaining financial strength. The venue at Surajkund was divided into various areas named after iconic trains services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Humsafar, Tejas, Gatimaan, Uday, Antyodaya and Jan Shatabdi. Making Indian Railways the preferred freight carrier in India, reducing the operational cost, improving non-tariff revenue and increasing the investment in rail infrastructure substantially were among the other issues were taken up during the event though the accident cast a spell on the participants, according to sources. The income tax department has warned that people found depositing their unaccounted old currency in someone elses bank account will be booked under the Benami Property Transactions Act that carries a penalty, prosecution and rigorous jail term of a maximum seven years. In a related development, official sources said that the department has detected over Rs 200 crore in undisclosed income after it conducted over 80 surveys and about 30 searches in cases of suspicious usage of the scrapped currency. About Rs 50 crore has also been seized in these operations since November 8, they said, across various states. The sources said the taxman has initiated a country-wide operation to identify suspect bank accounts where huge cash deposits have been made post November 8, when government demonetised the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. Such instances where the suspicion is found to be true will be prosecuted under the Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988, applicable on both movable and immovable property, that has been enforced from November 1 this year. They said the Act empowers the taxman to confiscate and prosecute both the depositor and the person whose illegal money he or she has adjusted in their account. The CBDT has asked the Income Tax department to closely monitor all such transactions where people are using bank accounts of other persons for hiding and converting into white their black money using the old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Already some instances have been reported in this regard and the department is set to issue notices under the Benami Act, the sources told PTI. Primarily, they said, the notices will be issued in cases of huge cash deposits beyond the threshold of Rs 2.5 lakh but cases where a suspicious report is received from the bank or the Financial Intelligence Unit below this threshold will also be investigated. Such an arrangement where a person deposits old currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 in the bank account of another person with an understanding that the account holder shall return his money in new currency, the transaction shall be regarded as benami transaction under the said Act. The person who deposits old currency in the bank account shall be treated as beneficial owner and the person in whose bank account the old currency has been deposited shall be categorised under this law as a benamidar, a senior official explained. The Benami Act, the official said, provides that the benamidar, the beneficial owner and any other person who abets or induces the Benami transaction, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a period ranging from 1-7 years. The benami amount in the bank account deposited post demonetisation will be seized and confiscated and the accused will also be liable to fine which extends upto 25 per cent of the fair market value of the benami property, the official said. The Income Tax department has stepped up its action to check black money transactions, money laundering and tax evasion in the wake of the de-monetisation and has issued hundreds of notices of enquiry to charitable and religious trusts to show their account balances and to those who have deposited huge cash in their bank accounts. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 By Fatih Karimov Trend Irans Central Bank is negotiating with foreign payments network companies to offer service to Iranians, Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Chief Valiollah Seif said. Talks are underway with international credit card issuers including Master Card and Visa in this regard, Seif said, IBENA news agency reported. He further said that the central bank is preparing the infrastructure for use of the international credit cards inside Iran. Seif added that talks are finalized in some issues with the foreign companies. However, he underlined that some of the companies that provide credit card services are American and Iran cannot work with them as the US sanctions against the Islamic republic remain in place. Seif said that Iran can only work with branches of these companies in other parts of the world. Earlier, Iranian media outlets quoted Mahmoud Vaezi, the countrys ICT minister, as saying that Irans Post Company has signed a deal with a foreign firm to offer MasterCard service to Iranians, meanwhile the US-based MasterCard rejected any cooperation with Iran. MasterCard spokesman Seth Eisen told Trend Aug. 15 that the company has no activity in Iran. Last March, it was announced that the Central Bank of Iran adopted a policy of holding regular talks with Visa and MasterCard to have their services in the country. Iranian officials had already said the country is preparing a ground for the people to use credit cards provided by Asian banks until the restrictions for using the international electronic payment operators, like Visa and MasterCard, are removed. Earlier, in February, iyzico a Turkish credit card company signed a deal with Iran enabling its customers to process transactions from some 230 million payment cards, which until recently were not connected to any financial system outside Iran. The Turkish company signed the deal to enter Iran after restrictions excluding the country from the SWIFT banking system were removed following implementation of the nuclear deal. Muslim leaders from across the country on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the countrys largest rally protesting the governments move to abolish triple talaq. Minority MPs and ministers of West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress who shared the stage also expressed their solidarity. In no way we can allow the abolition of triple talaq. From this stage, we are asking Narendra Modi to stop his dictatorship. He should withdraw his announcement of a uniform civil code. We are not going to tolerate this, said Trinamool Congress MP Sultan Ahmed at the Park Circus Maidan, where the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) organised a mammoth rally at the culmination of its three-day conference in the city. The gathering of more than two lakh people made it probably the biggest protest against the uniform civil code. The Maidan was filled to capacity and the crowd even spilled on to the road, affecting traffic movement at the seven-point crossing and adjoining areas for hours. Prominent Muslim leader and state mass education and library minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury passed athe Bengal governments message. He said that in a meeting on October 22, chief minister Mamata Banerjee clearly mentioned that the state government in no way would support the decision of the NDA government at the Centre. She said the central government had written to her seeking the state governments opinion on abolition of triple talaq and introduction of a uniform civil code. Mamata Banerjee said her government has officially replied that it doesnt support the idea. The state government is with us, Siddiqullah assured the crowd. Earlier on Sunday, after the 25th general meeting of the AIMPLB, the organisations secretary, Zafaryab Jilani, said the decision of the Modi government was intended to gain some political dividend in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh election. Most of the electoral promises of the government, before coming to power, have remained unfulfilled. So in order to divert public attention from the burning issues, Modi is raising such topics. It is a Modi vs secularism issue. They are following their political manifesto of implementation of uniform civil code and are interfering with the Muslim personal law, he said. Meanwhile, the law board on Sunday announced a helpline and a phone app for Muslim women to help them out with family issues. The helpline has been registered and the cell phone app and a WhatsApp group are on the way. The helpline will work across the nation in eight regional languages apart from English and Urdu. Apart from the helpline, a website is up and running. The AIMPLB also set up a womens wing after 43 years of the organisations establishment. One person was killed and three others were injured in three bomb blasts here on Sunday. The blasts came at a time when security had been beefed up in view of the International Sangai Festival in the heart of Imphal city beginning from Monday. The first blast was reported at 8 a.m. at Singjamei in which one Vinod Rai hailing from Bihar was killed. His scrap shop is located near the site of the explosion. Two CRPF troopers were hurt when hand grenades were hurled on the campus of All India Radio at 5.14 p.m. One Assam Rifles trooper was injured in another blast at 5 p.m. near the office of the defence wing public relations officer. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh condemned the violence and told IANS that the violent incidents shall give a wrong message to the delegates coming here for the Sangai Festival from India and abroad. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts so far. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the time to address a rock concert, but not Parliament where the opposition has been demanding his response to the problems being faced by the people after demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Congress said on Saturday. 55 dead. Millions in queues. Crores suffering. Modiji has no time for Parliament but has time to address rock concert instead. Tragic indeed Modiji! As India suffers, bleeds and several die, your self-promotion in a rock concert is almost cold-blooded... Self-styled Rock Star rocks Indias poor to misery, evades the Parliament & addresses Rock Concert via video. Way to fight black money, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said in a series of tweets. Self-styled 'Rock Star' rocks India's poor to misery, evades the Parliament & addresses Rock Concert via video. Way to fight black money. Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 19, 2016 Modi appeared in a video address before thousands of people who had gathered in suburban Bandra Kurla complex in Mumbai for the Global Citizen Festival. The festival featured performances by international as well as Indian celebrities. Apart from Coldplay, Jay-Z, Demi Lovato and The Vamps, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, A R Rahman, Ranveer Singh and Katrina Kaif were among the performers. India stands in lines, poor languish in queues for withdrawing their own money. Modiji addressing Coldplay rock concert, Surjewala said. Modi is absconding from Parliament, he refuses to face the House despite the fact that the Rajya Sabha has been demanding reply from him, he said. The government should be accountable to Parliament, it is unfortunate for the country that Modi doesnt feel need to address the House, he said. Later, replying to a question on Priyanka Gandhis involvement in campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, Surjewala said the final call will be taken by the party president and vice-president. Prahlad Modi, the younger brother of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday asked his community members to prefix Modi to their names. After coming here I am only hearing one thing, Narendra Modi is the pride of India and his community. But why we, the members of Teli Samaj (oil-makers community) are not ready to prefix Modi to our names, Prahlad said here at an all-India meet of young men and women of the Sahu community. Leaders of his community, for their selfish motives, use names of sub-castes such as Sahu, Chauhan, Parmar, Rathod and Jaiswal, he said. Goddess Karma Devi was a Teli and we are her children and we are Teli and Modis, he added. We should resolve today that henceforth our name would begin with Modi, Prahlad said, adding if we start with the prefix Modi, I believe that our communitys population will add upto 14 crore (across India). He also said the community was a divided lot due to groupism and because of the political parties which fooled them. He called for unity of the community. The Patidar and Rajput communities too have sub-castes but their identity as Patidar and Rajput is intact, Prahlad said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams were attacking him as they had been hit hard by the demonetisation of Rs 1000 and 500 notes, in remarks seen as a sharp attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished... Look at history and they are questioning me, he said in a seemingly indirect attack at Mamata. The chief minister has been vociferous in her attacks on Modi and even rallied some members of the opposition to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan in protest against the demonetisation. Read | Demonetisation has hit those seeking money for poll tickets: PM Modi Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, the ruling party in West Bengal, have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams. Modi also used the occasion to hit at governments in the past 70 years, saying nobody had taken on the corrupt to protect their power. This was largely seen as an attack on the Congress, the BJP-led NDAs principal opposition party that has also been championing the protest against demonetisation. The Prime Minister further urged people to not allow the rich to use their Jan Dhan Yojana accounts to launder their black money, saying they could get into unnecessary trouble with the law. Also read | As it happened: Rs 5 lakh crore deposited after demonetisation, says PM Modi BJP president Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress and its vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday saying he could not see the developments under the Modi government because he is wearing Italian glasses. He also ticked off Rahul for questioning the saffron partys contribution in the past two and a half years. Rahul baba is opposing because he is immature. Rahul Gandhi cannot see the countrys development as he is wearing Italian spectacles, he said while addressing the partys booth level workers for Chandigarhs municipal elections next month. Rahul Baba is asking our contribution to the country. I want to tell him that we gave the country a prime minister who can speak, Shah said. Read | Demonetisation is a massive scam, says Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai You had made such a person as Prime Minister whose voice was heard only by you (Rahul) and your mother (Sonia Gandhi). Are you asking us Rahul Baba what we have done? He did not stop there but went on to ridicule the Congress number two. I can understand, he is not experienced, but I feel like laughing, when his advisers, who are experienced even do not advise him what to speak, Shah said. The BJP chief also sought to deflect criticism of the government for difficulties the common man is going through since the demonetization announcement earlier this month. Till November 7, they were asking what steps our government has taken to tackle black money. But after November 8, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi banned currency of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denominations, there is hue and cry among the opposition parties. All the parties, who are opposing this demonetisation are exposed now. He also sought to highlight the Modi governments scam-free record. Not even a single charge of corruption has been leveled against any of our ministers, but during Congress regime, there were scams after scams totaling Rs 12 lakh crore. Shah also hit out at the Congress for following dynastic policies. Have you even seen a poor person becoming Prime Minister, but in BJP any booth level worker can become PM. Even media persons sitting here can tell who will be next president of Congress. They all will say, it is Rahul Gandhi, he said. Also read | Rahul Gandhi to counter Modis personality cult with issue-based politics Kanpur Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reached Kanpur with a team of doctors and officials in the wake of the train derailment that claimed more than 100 lives on Sunday. He met the injured at LLR Hospital. Our priority is to provide medical facilities to the injured people. Those who are from Madhya Pradesh can be shifted to Indore for treatment, Chouhan said. Chouhan was accompanied by minister Narottam Mishra, other officials and a team of 30 doctors who will stay in Kanpur to assist in rescue and relief operations. Indore-Patna Railway accident has deeply distressed me. I am leaving for Kanpur to meet the injured and take stock of situation. ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) November 20, 2016 The MP chief minister announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed, Rs 50,000 to seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 to those with minor injuries. Most victims of the tragedy were from Madhya Pradesh, followed by Bihar, according to reports. Read | Kanpur train tragedy: Death toll rises to 100, rescue ops on The number of Indians to have died during the haj stampede has risen to 14, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said on Friday, as New Delhi stepped up efforts to assist the injured in the tragedy near the holy city of Mecca. Our consul general Jeddah reports loss of 14 Indian lives in stampede. We have 13 injured in hospital (sic), Swaraj said in a tweet on Friday morning, a day after over 700 people and were killed in the worst disaster to strike the annual haj pilgrimage in 25 years. The exact number will be known after confirmation by Saudi authorities, she said in another tweet. At least 863 others were injured in the incident during the stampede that took place when pilgrims were on their way to perform the stoning of the devil ritual in the holy city in Saudi Arabia, agency reports said. The number of Indians dead in the accident rose sharply from the initial four after New Delhi rushed aide workers to help local authorities in the identification process. Swaraj, who was in monitoring the rescue and possible evacuation of the injured later, had said in earlier tweets that Indian volunteers have reached in large numbers and are assisting the local authorities. She said, Our embassy officials have reported that the process of identification of bodies is on. This will take at least 24 hours.Eleven Indians had died around two weeks earlier when a massive crane fell in Meccas Grand Mosque, killing over 100 people and injuring over 200.BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also said on Friday that the government was monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia and trying to help the people in best possible way. Thursdays disaster was the worst to occur at the pilgrimage since July 1990, when 1,426 pilgrims suffocated in a tunnel near Mecca. Both incidents occurred on Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), Islams most important feast. The haj, the world's largest annual gathering of people, has been the scene of numerous deadly stampedes, fires and riots in the past, but their frequency has been greatly reduced in recent years as the government spent billions of dollars upgrading and expanding haj infrastructure and crowd control technology. A packed schedule awaits Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi when he returns from his trip to Aspen, in the United States. After tasting success in its agitation on pro-farmer land issues, the party now wants to turn its focus to sugarcane farmers who are severely affected due to shortage of rains in large parts of India, including states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi, leading his party in its pro-farmer, pro-rural line of politics, is planning to demand a hefty compensation from both states and the Centre for farmers. Politically too, the Congress stands to gain if it takes on the farmers cause in these states. While the BJP is leading the government in Maharashtra, Mulayam Singh Yadavs Samajwadi Party, which recently made an exit from the JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar, is heading the state government in UP. Gandhi, according to his key aides, had also planned to reach out to cotton farmers and may go on a padyatra in Karnataka to express solidarity with them. In states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, a minimum 10% shortfall in cotton production is expected due to deficient rains. The padyatra is initially planned for two days, but only after Gandhi returns the details will be finalised, a key aide said. A number of state visits will also be finalised after he returns. Invitations are pending from many state units and Gandhi has to take a call on where all he wants to visit, said the aide. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Amid a divide between ruling coalition partners PDP and BJP over beef ban issue, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Sayeed has asserted that such issues would "not shake us" and that his government will complete its full term despite "certain complications" which he expected from the beginning. He told his party colleagues, including ministers and legislators, at a meeting that "some issues" would be there between PDP and BJP as it is an alliance between "north pole and south pole", but the government will not be affected as it is focussed on governance, according to some party leaders. Sayeed was speaking at the meeting where the situation prevailing in the state was discussed. "It was a routine meeting called before the start of the assembly session (on October 3). I will call it a pre-session get-together," PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Beg told PTI. Beg said the overall situation in the state was discussed in the meeting, where the party patron said the coalition government would last its full term of six years. Asked if the controversy over beef ban was discussed, he said though there was no specific discussion on the issue, Sayeed said "such issues would not shake us". A recent high court directive for implementation of a 150-year-old law has created a divide between the alliance partners with PDP saying the prohibition cannot be accepted while the BJP is pressing for its strict enforcement. PDP leaders have said consumption of beef will continue to be allowed in the state notwithstanding the HC directive even as BJP said the sentiments of Hindus should be respected in the larger national interest without any provocation. Beg said the chief minister maintained that "some issues would be there" but "PDP will not compromise on its basic principles". According to the PDP chief spokesman, Sayeed said "it was expected and we knew at the time of forming the alliance that there will be certain complications as it was an alliance between the north-pole and south-pole. But our focus should be on the governance." The chief minister said "the coalition is a necessity and the alliance with the BJP was to respect the mandate that the elections threw up." He said Sayeed looked quite confident to carry on and asserted that "there will be no problems". He said PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who is currently in Saudi Arabia as part of Haj delegation, will preside over a separate meeting of party legislators to chalk out a strategy for the assembly session scheduled to begin on October 3. The chief minister also hosted a dinner for all those who attended the meeting. Tehran, Iran, November 20 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Two new power plants about to be built in Iran will receive a funding of $10 billion, according to Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi. He said the first installment of the budget will be paid in two weeks, Tasnim news agency reported November 19. Salehi was speaking on the sidelines of the brick-laying of three nuclear medical centers in Bushehr Province, southwestern Iran. The three medical centers include a nuclear emergency clinic and two nuclear hospitals. The official said the power plants will be able to produce 200 thousand cubic meters of fresh water per day as well. The new power plants are expected to be commenced by 2026. The construction will be carried out by Russia. The two power plants would save 22 million barrels of crude oil (equivalent) in the power sector. Russia has constructed Iran's first nuclear power plant, Bushehr, with 1,000 megawatts capacity and it is preparing for building new plants in the country. Iran has plans to increase its nuclear power generation capacity to 2,000 megawatts by 2035. The cabinet has approved Indias climate action plan for 2030 that gives a push to sustainable growth through ambitious targets for renewable energy, efficiency and emission intensity while seeking technology and money to cope with global warming. The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day before he left to participate in the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York on Wednesday also decided to release Indias Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) on October 1, the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The INDCs will have a message from Gandhi saying that earth has enough resources to meet peoples need, but will never have enough to satisfy peoples greed and would seek that the Paris climate treaty be a global architecture based on climate justice and equity. Countries are expected to submit their climate action plans called INDCs by October-end expected to be a part of the new climate treaty in Paris this December. Around 40 countries including the worlds biggest carbon emitters, the US and China, have already submitted their INDCs to the United Nations while Brazil and South Africa are expected to do so in the next few weeks. The big expectation from Indian INDCs would be on the renewable energy front where the government is likely to state that green power will contribute 40-45% of the countrys electricity mix by 2030, sources said. About half of the green power is expected to come from solar and wind similar to what China had committed by 2030. It will mean Indias installed capacity of renewable energy by 2030 would be 393 Gigawatts (GW), more than double of Prime Minister Narendra Modis target of 175 GW for 2022. By 2030, Indias total electricity generation capacity would be 820 GW, of which 49% is expected to come from thermal sources, 2% more than its share in the electricity mix in 2012. The figures presented by the Niti Aayog to the environment ministry were adopted at a meeting with the PMO earlier this month. India is likely to voluntarily reduce its carbon intensity to GDP ratio that of carbon dioxide to a measure of economic output by 35% of the 2005 level by 2030, sources said. Before the Copenhagen climate conference in 2009, India announced its carbon intensity reduction target of 20-25% by 2020 as compared to Chinas emission intensity target of 40-45% for the same reference period. India is on track to meet the target. We can simply meet the target by increasing efficiency of thermal power plants from the existing 30% to 50%, a senior government official said. The government has a target of saving up to 30,000 MW of power through energy efficiency by 2030. Sources also said that Indias INDCs were comprehensive and will address all aspects of climate change adaption, mitigation, finance, technology transfer, capacity building and transparency in action. The INDCs also mention the 100 Smart Cities programme, target of generating energy from waste, Rs 800 crore for electric vehicles and steps taken to reduce air pollution in urban centres. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indian Space Research Organisation released a special Mars Atlas to celebrate the first anniversary of India's globally acclaimed Mars mission on Thursday, marking the feat of the Orbiter whose life is now expected to last many more years. It contains a compilation of images acquired by Mars Colour Camera (MCC) and results obtained by other payload in a form of scientific atlas. ISRO will also be bringing out a book, 'Fishing hamlet to Mars' on November 5 to mark the anniversary of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), whose success has boosted India's global standing as a space power. It was on this day last year that India scripted space history when it successfully placed its low-cost Mars spacecraft in orbit around the Red Planet on its very first attempt, breaking into an elite club of three nations. The space probe entered the Mars orbit on September 24, almost a year after its launch, and made its home around the Red Planet. European Space Agency (ESA) of European consortium, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the US and Roscosmos of Russia are the only three other agencies which had so far sent their missions to Mars. Only 21 of the total of 51 missions sent to Mars by various countries have been successful before MOM. The Mars mission of the ISRO is aimed at establishing the country's capability to reach the red planet and focus on looking for the presence of methane, an indicator of life in Mars. The make-or-break tricky manoeuvre was carried out on this very date last year, with clockwork precision on the refrigerator sized spacecraft as planned in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who exultantly described it as "a historic occasion", saying the country has achieved the "near impossible". The life of the Mars Orbiter Spacecraft which now ISRO says can last "many years" was earlier intended for only six months, and later extended for another six months in March this year. "Mars (mission) is expected to last for many years now, because it has gone through solar conjunction also; so we don't see much of a problem," ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar had said here on Monday. "We had planned it only for six months. Then we were not expecting so much fuel to remain after we completed our insertion activity," he said. According to Kumar, about 35 kg of fuel was still left and "all other subsystems are working fine and so far we have not had any failures". Releasing the Atlas, Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO said Mars Orbiter spacecraft marks one year of its life around the red planet today. After successfully completing one year of the mission life around Mars, now a large data set has been acquired by all five payloads of MOM, it said. The Space Applications Centre, (ISRO), Ahmedabad, has brought out the Mars Atlas which contains a compilation of images acquired by Mars Colour Camera (MCC) and results obtained by other payload results, the space agency said. The images from MCC have provided unique information about Mars at varying spatial resolutions. Former Chairman of ISRO Dr K Radhakrishnan, during whose tenure the mission was accomplished, has listed out the five contributing factors for the success of MOM. He said learning from others' failures, the team's preparedness for contingencies, rigorous execution, thorough feasibility study leading to a robust mission planning, and resolve to contribute might for national pride- have contributed for the success. The Rs 450-crore Mangalyaan is the cheapest inter-planetary mission that, at just USD 74 million, costs less than the estimated USD 100 million budget of the sci-fi blockbuster "Gravity" and a tenth of NASA's Mars mission Maven that entered the Martian orbit couple of days before MOM. ISRO had launched the Mars Orbiter Mission's spacecraft on its nine-month long odyssey on a homegrown PSLV rocket from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on November 5, 2013, and it had escaped the earth's gravitational field on December 1, 2013. India became the first country in the world to have successfully launched its mission to the Red Planet in the very first attempt. Mars Orbiter has five scientific instruments - Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP), Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyser (MENCA), Mars Colour Camera (MCC) and Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS). After India's much-hailed missions to the Moon and Mars that boosted ISRO's global standing in space technology, the next inter-planetary expedition to be launched is under discussion, ISRO Chairman has said. A team of medical specialists on Friday conducted an inspection of the Choithram hospital that has applied for setting up of a liver transplant centre. The 10-members team of the Indore Organ Donation society, including sub divisional magistrate, two doctors from the Medanta Hospital, one from CHL hospital, a representative from the joint director of healths office and five doctors from MGM medical college. The team inspected the premises to verify in the hospital fulfills the three conditions required for setting up of an organ transplant centre, including availability of manpower, equipment and qualifications of experts who will perform transplants. A report has been sent to the dean of MGM medical college who will be going through the observations and before granting the permit to set up the centre, said Dr Sanjay Dixit, vice-dean of MGM medical college. A decision by the dean is expected to arrive by Tuesday, he said. An MOU was signed between the Choithram hospital and a Delhi-based hospital that will provide manpower and training of healthcare staff of the organ transplant centre. The Choithram hospital has given an undertaking to the MGM medical college, saying that the first ten transplants will be carried under the supervision of experts from the mentor hospital. If Choithram hospital gets the nod, it will become the first organ transplant centre in Indore and the third in the state. Donated cadaver organs in the city will be used for the transplants. At present donated organs are either sent to Delhi or Mumbai. A liver harvested from a city patient was transplanted on another in Bhopal. It was the first liver transplant in the state. From today, you dont have to pay fines for minor traffic violations. The decision was been taken by Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar following the cash crunch after the demonetisation of the Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been in the forefront of protest against the decision of the Modi government, arguing that people should not be inconvenienced by the Centres sudden move. Read: Cash Crunch: Soon, you can swipe cards to pay traffic fines in Kolkata She has gone around Delhi and Kolkata and spoken to people at banks and ATMs and has also asked her party MPs to demonstrate outside the Parliament against the Prime Ministers decision. Incidentally, Mamata Banerjee is also in charge of the state home department. However, several police supers of the districts, including neighbouring Howrah, told HT on Saturday night that they havent received any such instruction from the government. But the waiver of traffic fines would not include serious cases that fall under the IPC. Read: Policing the police, Kolkata traffic sergeants get body cameras So, from Sunday, if you jump a red light or go around in your two-wheeler without a helmet, you need not bother about paying fines. But you could be cautioned and counselled, said a senior police officer, adding, We will just educate the people. Another senior cop told HT, From Sunday, we will begin a form of Gandhigiri with those caught without helmet, driving without valid papers, driving without insurance and driving license, signal violation, rash driving, parking at no parking zones and driving without seat belt. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON If you live in an apartment or inside a gated community, you have probably encountered the deceptively named Resident Welfare Association (RWA). These RWAs - groups of residents who are elected to form a council of sorts - make up rules that the community is expected to live by. The rulebook is often sweeping - it can regulate just about everything, from parking and playgrounds to who should be let into your home. So FYI. Can I rent my house to a single man or woman? Can I rent it to a non-vegetarian? Can I park my two-wheeler inside the colony? Come on, I live here! I have a pet NO PETS IN THE GARDEN! We have two young children... They cannot play in the garden. Wait.I need permission from the RAW for a private cable TV or internet connection? Are you telling me my male friend is not being allowed inside the colony because I am a single woman? At this point youre probably going. Read more: The Reign of Delhis RWAs The Justice Vishnu Sahay Commission probing the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots has indicted BJP MLA Sangeet Singh Som and other political leaders of the region for their role in the violence that killed 62 people. In its 775-page report, the commission has also indicted local officials and given suggestions on how to check the recurrence of such incidents in Uttar Pradesh. Though senior officers of the state government remained tight-lipped on the issue, sources said Soms role had come into question along with that of lower-rung police officers. Som and some officers have been indicted for their role, a senior official said on the condition of anonymity. Som denied any role in the riots and said the commission worked liked a committee of the Samajwadi Party (SP) government. We reject the commissions report as it did not probe even a single BJP worker. We have sufficient evidence to nail the SP leaders. So, a CBI probe should be conducted, Som said. The SP alleged that most of the leaders chargesheeted in the riots were from the BJP and accused the party of defending and even rewarding them. Most of the leaders who have been chargesheeted and are facing trial for heinous offences in the riots are from BJP, SP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said. He said his party would take action against any leader found complicit and will not try to defend them like the BJP. The Congress demanded strict action against those who participated, perpetrated and instigated riots and are responsible for the killing of innocent people, irrespective of their party affiliations. It is a very serious report. It has vindicated what we have been saying from day one, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in Delhi. BSP supremo Mayawati demanded the report be made public and alleged the SP and BJP colluded in the riots. Though riots in SP regime are routine, Muzaffarnagar riots showed lax attitude of SP and its connivance with BJP, she said in a statement. (With agency inputs) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Mumbai crime branch last week arrested a 25-year-old for allegedly stealing mobile phones from local trains and selling them in Thailand. According to the police, the accused, Noorulla Ehesanulla Khan, lives with his parents, wife and a son in Agripada. We received a tip-off that a man will pick up a consignment of stolen phones from Maratha Mandir fly abroad the same night with it. We then laid a trap and caught him. During the investigation, the accused confessed to the crime, said an officer. Khan ran a gang of mobile thieves and also had tie-ups with other gangs, which gave him 40% share of the loot. The accused, who has been in the business for the past five years, has been arrested only once. Khan has been using this modus operandi for the past three years. After his arrest, he promised his wife he would stop stealing and started working at mobile repair shop. He worked there for a year, after which he formed a gang to steal mobile phones, said the officer. The accused would sell the phones in Bangkok and would buy electronic items in return. He would then sell the gadgets in the city, he said. The police have, so far, recovered 25 mobile phones, of which two were stolen from Kurla and Andheri. The accused has been booked under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and Bombay police Act, and he was produced in court and has been remanded in police custody. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A 48-year-old woman was duped of Rs3 lakh by an unidentified person who befriended her on Facebook posing as an official from the US Army posted in Afghanistan. The Powai police said the fraud was perpetrated by several people, one of whom was arrested from Delhi on Saturday. The imposter told the woman he wanted to give her his medals and money, as he has no relatives to give these items to. The police have not ruled out Nigerian fraud. According to the police, the woman a housewife received a Facebook friend request from a man calling himself Micheal Coleman. He told her he was currently serving his country in Afghanistan. The two formed an emotional bond after Coleman told the woman his wife had passed away. He added that he was an orphan and had a troubled childhood, but managed to beat the odds by joining the army. The woman believed the stories he concocted. Coleman told her he wanted her to have his personal belongings medals, awards and money after he died. He then put her in touch with his friend Austin Joel. Under the pretext of sending her Colemans belongings, Joel told the woman he needed money to clear customs procedures. She paid him. Finally, she approached the Powai police station on June 27, after realising she had been duped. The police registered an FIR and arrested Richard David Shemri, 30, a Manipur resident working in a BPO in Delhi. He was brought to Mumbai. The woman had deposited the money in his bank account, of which he withdrew Rs20,000. The police are trying to recover the rest of the money. Dos and donts by cyber experts Never accept friend requests on Facebook, if you dont know those people. The site is commonly used by conmen posing as US or UK nationals If any of your online friends whom you have never met in person are asking for money so they can send you gifts, do not listen to them. Report the issue to the local police or cyber police Do not allow strangers to access your Facebook profile, which includes your personal information such as your birthday, the school you went to, your workplace and photos that can be misused Past incidents June 2016 - A woman from Chhattisgarh was duped by an imposter who befriended her on Facebook and posed as an England-based man named Frank Williams. He told her he came to meet her at the airport and was stopped by customs, which asked him to pay Rs25,000 for carrying excess luggage July 2016 A woman was duped of Rs1.30 crore by an imposter who posed as a man named Richard Anderson. He promised to give her Rs9 crore to start an old age home. She was asked to deposit the money to clear tax hurdles September 2016 A 64-year-old woman was duped of Rs94 lakh by an imposter who posed as Harley Benson, a London-based professional. The man promised to marry her. She deposited the money over four months, thinking she would get a gift worth 95,000 Euros, which had been confiscated by a customs official Officials speak Several such cases have been registered with us across Mumbai. Women are befriended on Facebook by strangers who form an emotional bond of friendship or love with them, then get them to deposit money in a bank account. Their main modus operandi is to lure the women with gifts or belongings and then get them to deposit smaller amounts as custom clearance, tax or fees. After delivering the money, the women realise they have been duped when they do not get the gifts promised, said an official from the cyber police in Mumbai. Additional counters were opened at all banks and help desks were set up outside to help senior citizens on Saturday so that did not have to stand in queues to withdraw money. The Indian Banks Association had said that senior citizens could go to any branch on Saturday to exchange scrapped notes. Bank officials said the rush on the weekend was lesser than previous days and exchange and withdrawal of money went off smoothly. Banks opened a single window for senior citizens and even made seating arrangements for them. They could withdraw Rs 2,000 from their bank and get the same amount exchanged. Banks were giving new Rs 500 banknotes in return of the scrapped currency. Prem Singh (73), who had come from SAS Nagar to the State Bank of India (SBI) Sector 17 branch to deposit money, complained that he had to wait for nearly two hours. But the banks provided had made seating arrangement, he said. They also have to have to their lunch. We are seated comfortably here, he said. Suresh Kumar Jaiswal (67) said, There used to be two additional counters for senior citizens here. They closed them and instead of increasing their number. In Panchkula, Jatin Sapra, a businessman, decided to help his maternal and paternal grandmothers, aged 68 and 70. He stood with them in a queue at the Sector-11 branch of Allahabad Bank. They are both widows, and their pension accounts are with the SBI branch which was too crowded. I brought them here as I have a account at the Allahabad Bank so that we could withdraw some money from my account for the time being, said Sapra. KC Arora (65), a local resident, said he was happy to see the bank officials being cooperative. Getting out of the Sector-10 branch of Canara Bank, he said he got some time to meet his son-in-law who had come from Delhi. RD Agarwal (78), who has retired from the Central Bank of India, was struggling as he was carrying a walking stick. After a week-long protest outside the deputy commissioners office, members of different labour and farmer unions shifted their protest to the residence of finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa on Saturday. The agitators marched towards Dhindsas residence and sat on a protest outside his residence. The culprits are in contact with the police and the police have not arrested them. It is a condemnable and shameful act said Mukesh, president, Zameen Prapti Sangharsh Committee. As the finance minister is supporting the accused, who attacked Dalits, we decided to stage protest outside his residence, he added. However, the police said that raids were being conducted to arrest the accused, We are working on the case and accused will be arrested soon, said Harwinder Singh, station house officer, Lehra police station. Members of labour and farmer unions have been on protest after the death of 70-year-old Dalit woman Gurdev Kaur, who died at the PGIMER in Chandigarh last Friday night. The woman was among 30 people, who were injured in a clash between Dalits and upper caste landlords over common land on October 5. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 By Fatih Karimov Trend Anonymous hackers hacked the official website of Irans Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. The technical department of the chamber is working to restore the website, Mohammad Reza Arab, head of the press office of Irans chamber said, Mehr news agency reported Nov. 20. The perpetrators have not been reveled yet, he added. In recent months, anonymous hacking groups attacked on Iran's official websites, Iran's culture ministry, the legal deputy of the judiciary, as well as the interpreting administration of the judiciary. The websites were restored later, suffering "no damages", Iranian media outlets reported citing officials. The hackers were reportedly "outside of Iran", but little was known about them. National BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday termed Punjab Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal as the most Pious Chief Minister the country is having at present. I am in politics since my childhood. I dont have any hesitation in admitting that the country is not having any pious and Pavitra Chief Minister than Badal saab, said Shah after addressing state convention of booth level workers of Punjab. Praising the Chief Minister, Shah said, A person who committed his entire life for the state and went to jails for the state on various issues, for the Sikh community and for the peace of the state. No person alive on in this country could match his stature and contribution. Shah also exhorted the workers to vote for SAD-BJP in the state keeping in mind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Punjab CM Badal as a face. Your vote to the SAD-BJP would mean giving more strength to Modi, who is working overnight to flush out different filths lying in the country, the BJP national chief said. Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal was also present on the occasion. Police were deployed in large numbers in parts of Chandigarh on Saturday, a day before President Pranab Mukherjee and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin are scheduled to visit the city on Sunday. BJP national president Amit Shah will also be in the city to address a party workers sammelan at Ramleela Maidan. He is likely to reach the city around 10:30am. The two presidents will attend the ongoing Agro-Tech fair being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Sunday. They are likely to reach the venue at 11:30am. IGP chairs security meet with officials Over 1,500 UT cops will remain deployed pertaining to the visit of the presidents in the city, a senior officer said. Cops were seen doing rehearsals on Saturday at Parade Ground, Sector 17. Moreover, traffic cops were seen controlling the traffic from early morning. Security arrangements were planned and discussed during a meeting chaired by Tejinder Singh Luthra, inspector general of police with senior police officials including SP traffic and all the DSPs. Harrowed commuters Commuters suffered major harassment in Sector 17 as entry point towards Parade Ground and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was barricaded. People had to take longer routes to enter Sector 17 from the same side. The service lanes were choked due to diversion of traffic by the police. I understand that security of the countrys President is important but there can be better ways of controlling or managing traffic. There was no need to divert the route a day before, said Sandeep Kaushik, who had a heated argument with a cop. Traffic was also hit on road connecting Sectors 42, 35, 22 and 17. The Punjab government and the government of Ontario province of Canada on Saturday agreed to work in collaboration with each other for giving a boost to agricultural diversification and food processing industry in the state. A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Ontario, led by minister of agriculture Jeff Leal, who called on the CM at his residence on Saturday morning. The move is aimed at transforming Punjab from a food growing state to a food processing hub, an official release said. Meanwhile, the Guru Angad Dev Animal and Veterinary Sciences University (GADVASU) and the University of Guelph (Ontario) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in fields of livestock agriculture, aquaculture, food processing and veterinary medicine in the presence of the chief minister, cabinet minister Adaish Partap Singh Kairon and Jeff Leal. Both the governments agreed to mutually work to prepare a framework for the support and cooperation of the two states in field of diversification of agriculture, food processing, dairy, fishery and piggery sector. It was decided that both the states would ensure the mutual trips of faculty, students and progressive farmers for better exchange of expertise in these fields. It was also decided that University of Guelph and the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) would explore the feasibility of better coordination in these fields. The All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) on Saturday announced a fresh calendar for their agitation to press for quota and release of those arrested during the violent February stir. The fresh agitation would be third after the February stir, during which unprecedented large-scale violence rocked eight districts of the state, killing at least 30 and destructing properties worth crores. The second was organised in June, which ended peacefully. The four phases would begin with submission of memorandum of their demands and end with indefinite dharnas. The decision was taken at a Jat mahasabha chaired by AIJASS national president Yashpal Malik, held at Jat Bhawan in Rohtak on Saturday. The first phase would begin from November 28, when Jats from 100 constituencies will submit memorandums to respective MPs, highlighting injustice the community is facing. If the MPs dont raise our demands in the Parliament, we will start negative campaign against them. Bharatiya Janata Party MPs Raj Kumar Saini, Ashwini Chopra and Rao Inderjit Singh would not be given memorandums for their anti-Jat statements, Malik said. In the second phase, on December 12, Jats in Delhi would give memorandums to BJP national leaders, asking them to remove the three MPs from the party and from their posts in the Parliament for spreading hatred against the community, said Malik. In the third phase, beginning December 13, Jat leader Mahendra Poonia would begin a padyatra to promote brotherhood in the state. If by the end of the padyatra no step is taken in their favour, the agitation will enter the fourth phase, during which Jats across the state would sit on indefinite dharnas, said Malik. The Jat leader said the government had failed to fulfil their demands despite making promises. Their demands include Jat quota, release of those arrested in February and rollback of cases against Jats during the stir. The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2016 begins Sunday evening, with the prestigious lifetime achievement award conferred on Korean director Im Kwon-taek at the opening ceremony. South Korea is the focus country of the 47th edition of IFFI and it is only befitting that the countrys best known filmmaker gets the opening act. I am very happy and I take this as a message that I should continue making films with the same passion that I have done till date, Im told mediapersons in Goa on Sunday. He has directed more than 100 films in a career spanning more than 50 years and is credited with the film movement New Korean Cinema or Korean New Wave. Along the way, Im has collected several honours, including best director at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival for Chi-hwa-seon (Strokes of Fire), the story of a 19th century Korean painter who changed the direction of Korean art. Talking about Indian cinema, the 80-year-old filmmaker said he was found of Shah Rukh Khans work. He also liked 3 Idiots and Slumdog Millionaire. He made a film on Buddha and reincarnation, Im said to a question about Indian influence on Korean cinema, adding it would be a great to co-produce films with Indian directors. But, his first brush with India wasnt all that memorable. The director was here 20 years ago for a film festival in Trivandrum, now Thiruvananthapuram. Cultural differences made him run back, but once home, he missed India and its culture. Im Kwon-taek is keen on co-production with Indian directors. (HT Photo) Like all directors, money is a worry for Im as well. I have mostly made films on human stories and I made them in a short span so budget was not an issue. But the few films that required more, I have had to wait for years to get producers on board, the writer-director said. The 47th edition of IFFI will run till November 28 during which the Indian Panorama section will showcase 22 films. Fifteen films from across the world, including two Indian films, Ishti and Sahaj Paather Gappo, will compete in the international section. Twelve films that won awards at Cannes this year will also be screened, including, I, Daniel Blake, which bagged the Palme dOr, the highest honour. A special tribute section will honour Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda and Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami. The two giants of world cinema passed away this year. Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is popular overseas, particularly in Malaysia. (AFP) ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Activists and medics say tribal clashes erupted in southern Libya after three young men turned a pet monkey loose on a high school girl. The girls family sought revenge after the monkey scratched and bit her last week, and killed all three men along with the animal. Bader al-Daheli, a civil activist, told The Associated Press on Sunday that the two main tribes in the southern city of Sabha, Awlad Suleiman and Gadhadhfa, are each backed by a set of armed groups. Abdel-Rahman Areish, the head of Sabha hospital, says 20 people have been killed and 50 wounded. Libya slid into chaos after the 2011 ouster and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Much of the country is effectively ruled by a patchwork of local or tribal militias. A Protestant pastors daughter who grew up behind the Iron Curtain, Angela Merkel rose to become the chancellor of Europe who has outlasted a generation of world leaders. Unlike her one-time partners on the global stage, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac and Silvio Berlusconi, Merkel is still in power and running for another four-year term. During her reign, she has taken centre stage in Europes debt turmoil and refugee crisis, sparred with Russia over Ukraine and now, after Donald Trumps election, is being widely hailed as the torch-bearer of western liberal democracy. With a doctorate in quantum chemistry, Merkel, 62, is known for a methodical and pragmatic approach to problem-solving, rather than for soaring oratory or big-vision statements. Seemingly devoid of vanity and indifferent to the trappings of power, she lives in a Berlin flat with her media-shy scientist husband Joachim Sauer, shops in a local supermarket and spends holidays hiking in the Alps. Germans seem to like it that way, given how past ideologues have plunged the country into catastrophe, and have re-elected Mutti (Mummy) twice since 2005. Merkels image as a reassuring leader was upturned last year when she took the unusually bold step of throwing open German borders to an influx of refugees from Syria, Iraq and other conflict zones. The biggest gamble of her political life won her praise from grateful asylum seekers who tearfully cheered Mama Merkel. A migrant holds a portrait of German Chancellor Angela Merkel after arriving to the main railway station in Munich, Germany, in 2015. (Reuters file) But it also fuelled a surge in racist hate crimes and rightwing populism, angered Merkels coalition allies and saw her isolated within the European Union. Even if the 2015 influx of almost 900,000 migrants spelt Merkels biggest domestic crisis so far, she has since seen her approval ratings recover to around 60 percent as new arrivals have tapered off. Despite the political damage, she heads into the 2017 campaign season as the strongest candidate, with no serious rival for the top post or likely challenger in her own conservative ranks. Behind the Wall Merkel was born Angela Dorothea Kasner in 1954 in the port city of Hamburg, but within weeks her father, a Lutheran clergyman, moved the family to a small town in the communist East, at a time when most people headed the other way. Seven years later they were living behind the Wall. Biographers say life in a police state taught Merkel to hide her true thoughts behind a poker face. Like most students, Merkel joined the states socialist youth movement, but she rejected an offer to inform for the Stasi secret police while also staying clear of risky pro-democracy activism. The best student in her class, she excelled in maths and Russian, which would later help her keep up the dialogue with President Vladimir Putin, who was a KGB officer in Dresden when the Wall fell in 1989. Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a joint news conference in Moscows Kremlin in 2012. (Reuters file) During that momentous upheaval, the 35-year-old Merkel was working in a Berlin laboratory but quickly joined the nascent group Democratic Awakening. The group merged with the Christian Democrats of then chancellor Helmut Kohl, who fondly if patronisingly dubbed Merkel my girl. Merkels mentor was not the last politician to underestimate her and pay the price. When Kohl became embroiled in a campaign finance scandal in 1999, Merkel openly urged her party to drop the self-declared old warhorse. The bold move kicked off her meteoric rise as youngest-ever and first female German chancellor in 2005. Free world leader In a party dominated by southern Catholic men, the twice-married, childless woman from the communist East was and remains an outsider. As party leader she has remade the CDU, anchoring it in the political centre by pushing social policies, abolishing compulsory military service and scrapping nuclear power. During the eurozone crisis, Merkel preached fiscal discipline and kept a tight grip on the nations purse strings, soothing the angst of a thrifty populace fearful about its pensions. Especially in southern Europe, Merkel has drawn open hatred as a puritanical austerity queen sometimes caricatured in Nazi garb. Her image flipped with the refugee influx, when news weekly Der Spiegel portrayed her as Mother Angela with a nuns habit. With Brexit, the Trump election and the rise of rightwing populism across Europe, new challenges await. Merkel would have preferred to deal with Hillary Clinton, but after the election of Trump, who has called her refugee stance insane, she promised him close cooperation -- provided it is based on democracy, freedom and respect for the law and the dignity of man. In a world shell-shocked by Trumps election, many now see Germanys bland, cautious veteran leader as a beacon of hope. Oxford Universitys Timothy Garton Ash wrote that Im tempted to say that the leader of the free world is now Angela Merkel. Battle-hardened Pakistan army is equally ready to fight conventional wars after registering an unprecedented level of successes in its war against terror, army chief General Raheel Sharif has said. Visiting troops and war veterans at Sulemanki Sector on Saturday, Raheel said that the military has always measured up to any challenge. While interacting with the troops, the army chief said that Pakistan Army proudly carries its heritage and tradition of soldiering and chivalry. Taking inspiration from our war heroes and their spirit of sacrifice, Pakistan Army has always measured up to any challenge. With an unprecedented level of successes in war against terror, we have become the most battle-hardened Army and are equally ready for conventional war, he was quoted as saying by a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations. On Monday, Raheel had attended the funeral of seven Pakistani soldiers who were killed during border skirmishes with the Indian army. The Pakistan army chief had warned India that Pakistan army will continue to respond effectively, leaving no stone unturned to defend motherland. He appreciated the troops for keeping vigil along the Line of Control, working boundary and international border. Raheel is due to retire on November 29 after a three-year stint. Earlier on Friday, General Raheel visited Government College University (GCU) Lahore, his alma mater and interacted with the students and faculty members. It is one of Britains most known buildings that is home to the royals, but a government move to provide 369 million to repair Buckingham Palace has sparked growing calls that the repair should not be funded by the taxpayer but by the royal family itself. The Theresa May government this week gave the go-ahead for essential works to be carried out over 10 years that include replacing electrical wiring, water pipes and the heating system, installed in the aftermath of the Second World War. But anti-monarchy campaigners have called for Queen Elizabeths official funding grant to be scrapped and Buckingham Palace handed back to the people. A petition calling on the royal family to meet the repairs cost soon attracted nearly 85,000 signatures. The petition says: Buckingham Palace is about to be given a 369 million refurbishment. Tax payers are paying for it. The Crown and its estates should be made to fund its own renovations. The opposition Labour, however, supported the official go-ahead: Its a national monument ... national heritage. Its going to be treated that way, in the same way as the House of Commons. When you have these old buildings they have to be looked after, said shadow chancellor John McDonnell. The online petition says it was important that the Crown should meet the costs because of a national housing crisis, the NHS is in crisis, austerity is forcing cuts in many front line services. Now the Royals expect us to dig deeper to refurbish Buckingham Palace. The Crown's wealth is inestimable. This is, in a word, outrageous, it says. Graham Smith of the anti-monarchy group Republic said: This is an absolute disgrace. An indictment on the Queens scandalous mismanagement of royal finances over six decades. MPs have repeatedly called on the palace to fund repairs by opening it up to tourists all year round and theyve refused. The obvious question is, why have the royals let it get into this state? Why haven't they raised revenue through opening up all year round? If the royals can't look after the buildings and raise their own revenue to fund maintenance, its time to give them up. Smith, who said the royal family costs the British taxpayer over 334 million a year, called for an independent inquiry and full disclosure into their spending. The monarchy's costs need to be stripped right back, put the institution on a proper budgetary footing and allow parliament to approve the budget each year, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg called on world leaders Saturday to forge a more connected planet, something he said was under threat after Donald Trumps US election win and Britains Brexit vote. Zuckerberg said in a keynote speech at an Asia-Pacific leaders summit that while globalization and interconnectedness have their problems, the world must fight the urge to disconnect. As we are learning this year in election after election, even if globalization might (boost) prosperity, it also creates inequality. It helps some people and it hurts others, he said. The 32-year-old billionaire said there was a fundamental choice to make in reacting to that inequality. We can disconnect, risk less prosperity and hope jobs that are lost come back. Or we can connect more, try to do more great things, try to work on even greater prosperity and then work to aggressively share that prosperity with everyone. The second option is better, but also harder, he said in his speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru. Disconnecting is relatively easy. But connecting requires making big investments in infrastructure and generating the political will to make hard long-term decisions, he said. Facebook has made headlines with its projects on connectivity and internet access. The social network has developed solar-powered drones and a satellite to beam internet service to remote areas. The company has helped more than 40 million people get online, Zuckerberg said. His comments Saturday came amid deep global uncertainty in the wake of the unexpected poll results in the US and Britain. Trump and the Brexit camp both appealed to working-class voters who feel threatened by globalization and immigration, running on a populist politics of disillusionment with an increasingly borderless world. Trump vows to protect American jobs from cheaper labour overseas, while Brexit campaigners promise British workers will fare better outside the European Union than in it. Facebook, the worlds largest social network with 1.79 billion users, has been criticized by some as helping Trump to victory by giving a platform to fake election news and extreme-right blogs with untruthful attacks on Trumps opponent Hillary Clinton. Zuckerberg has dismissed claims his company influenced the vote as pretty crazy. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a "smooth transition" in Beijing's relationship with Washington and praised outgoing President Barack Obama for strengthening ties between the two nations, Reuters reported. During a meeting in Peru, Obama repeated the U.S. urging that all sides in the dispute over the South China Sea reduce tensions and resolve their disputes peacefully. The meeting is expected to be the last between the two leaders before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House. Trump has been sharply critical of China. "We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship," Xi said at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter. "I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward," he said. Trump, a Republican, has accused China of being a currency manipulator and promised to slap big tariffs on imported Chinese goods. He has also called climate change a "hoax" designed to help Beijing. "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," Trump wrote in a tweet in 2012. Obama and Xi pushed for the international community to back an agreement forged in Paris to combat global warming. Obama called that an example of the benefits of the two countries working together. "Now we face the work of making sure our economies transition to become more sustainable," he said. Trump's election has raised questions about whether the United States would try to pull out of the accord, a key legacy accomplishment for Obama, a Democrat. China also helped negotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, another big piece of Obama's foreign policy that Trump has threatened to dismantle. Neither Xi nor Obama mentioned Trump in their remarks in front of reporters. "Mr. President, I would like to commend you for the active efforts you've made to grow this relationship," Xi said to Obama. Obama noted that the two leaders would discuss areas of disagreement, including "the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights," he said. "I continue to believe that a constructive U.S.-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said. A 21-year-old Indian-American man has been sentenced to more than three years for trying to fly overseas to join Islamic State terrorist group, bringing an end to a case that garnered national headlines two years ago. Mohammed Hamzah Khan, dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit and black skull cap and sporting a thick, dark beard, showed no reaction as the judge at a federal court in Chicago handed down the 40-month sentence, the Chicago Tribune reported. District judge John Tharp said though Khan had faced up to 15 years behind bars, hed instead been given a second chance - the opposite of what he would have faced under IS brand of justice. Instead of a public beheading, youve been given a public trial proceeding, Tharp said at the conclusion of a two-hour hearing. The enemy government has not tried to kill you. It has tried to help you. Khan has already been in custody for two years and with good behaviour hed be eligible for release in August next year when he plans to enroll in college. But in addition to the prison time, the judge ordered Khan to remain under court supervision for at least 20 years after his release, one of the longest periods of government monitoring ever ordered in Chicagos federal court. According to his lawyer Thomas Anthony Durkin, Khans family emigrated from India but has lived in the Chicago suburbs for many years. Khan was born in the US, graduated from high school and attended one year at Benedictine University in Lisle. He has no prior criminal history. The sentencing brought an end to a case that garnered national headlines in October 2014, when Khan, then 19, was arrested at OHare International Airport as he tried to board a jet to Vienna with a connection to Istanbul. Traveling with Khan were his sister, then 17, and 16-year-old brother, who were both questioned at the airport by the FBI but were not charged. Khans arrest came as US national security and counterterrorism officials were voicing growing concern over radicalised Americans traveling overseas to join IS, which at the time was seizing large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria and committing high-profile beheadings of journalists, aid workers and other captives. According to his plea agreement, Khan and his sister had been talking online with Islamic State members in Syria who offered to help them get to the Middle East to join the terrorist organisation. Khan admitted plotting to travel to Turkey so the contact could guide him and his siblings across the border, according to reports. To fund the trip, Khan got a job as a stock clerk at a Menards store in July 2014. By September, he had saved enough to buy three round-trip tickets for himself and his siblings at a cost of $2,679, according to his plea agreement. Khan told agents he expected his position with IS to be some type of public service, a police force, humanitarian work or a combat role, according to the charges. The Islamic State affiliate in Egypt says it has beheaded two men that it mistakenly described in a statement as priests, but were later identified by locals as leading religious figures from among Sinais Bedouins. Pictures were posted on the Twitter accounts of the groups supporters. They showed one of the men, elderly with a white beard and kneeling in an orange jumpsuit with his neck pressed against a steel stand. Masked IS executioners dressed in black raised long swords over his head. Locals identified the man as the blind Sufi sheikh Suleiman Abu Heraz, who was abducted two weeks ago from his farm south of the peninsulas town of el-Arish. The second man was identified as sheikh Said Abdel-Fattah, a top Religious Endowment cleric abducted a month ago. Narendra Modi is right to support the aspirations and issues of the people of Balochistan, said Hamid Karzai, former president of Afghanistan. I endorse the prime ministers stand, Karzai, in Mumbai to present the annual Harmony Foundation prize, said Karzai, speaking by phone, also said Modi did the right thing by approaching Nawaz Sharif. The Pakistani prime minister is a patriot and Islamabad has good intentions when it came to relations with India and Afghanistan, he said. We are all neighbours so we cannot afford any other approach. However, Karzai said, the leaders of Pakistans military-intelligence establishment have to learn they cannot treat their neighbour in the manner they are doing. This establishment continues to use extremism as a tool in their relations with Afghanistan and towards India. They must learn that there is a price for such a policy, including how such extremism is affecting their own country. He praised India for providing helicopter gunships to the Afghan army last year, the first lethal military aid New Delhi has ever provided Kabul. It was a good step and we value this, along with the training of our officers, Karzai said. Asked what he would like to see from India, he said, I would ask India to be a lot more forthcoming in raising Afghanistans capacity to defend our country. Karzai noted how his successor to the presidency, Ashraf Ghani, had tried the right thing by reaching out to Pakistan and trying to be a good neighbour. The rapport he thought he had established, however, did not give the results he wanted. Ghanis more recent hardline position toward Pakistan is only what the people of Afghan expect from him as president, Karzai said. He hoped the incoming Trump administration in the US would look at the root causes of the present problem in Afghanistan namely, the safe havens, finance and ideological support that the Taliban were receiving from Pakistan. The war on terrorism, he warned, was not going well. Extremism and radicalism are increasing. He noted China was also concerned about extremism and radicalism, having been a victim as well. China and Afghanistan developed close relations during my presidency, Karzai said, adding he continues to be consulted by Beijing. I tried to get them to see the Afghan problem from an Afghan perspective, Karzai explained. I tried to get them to control, even stop, Pakistan and its use of extremism. In a surprise move, Nepal on Sunday announced the cancellation of all agreements with Indias Infrastructure Leasing and Finance Services for construction of a fast track road linking Kathmandu and Tarai. The Nepal government and IL&FS had signed an agreement in March to prepare the detailed project report ( DPR) of the $1 billion road project. At a meeting of the parliaments development and finance committees, Ramesh Lekhak, Nepals planning and infrastructure minister announced all pacts signed with IL&FS are no more valid and all public announcements made by the Nepal government to develop the project are nixed. There was huge uproar in Nepal over awarding the projects to an Indian company after the then Sushil Koirala-led government decided to award the contract to IL&FS. IL&FS had spent over 40 million rupees for DPR and other paperwork, which the Nepal government has to compensate the Indian firm. Some experts expressed concern over the financial arrangement wherein Nepal has to reimburse the Indian firm. The government of K P Oli, which took over after Koirala, decided to construct the project using its own resources and allocated 5.5 billion rupees to construct the project. Given the strategic importance of the road, the current government has listed it as a national pride project. Minister Lekhak said, Now all bodies concerned should make decision standing together in course of taking the nation's pride project ahead. Lekhak said the government has tabled a proposal for constructing the 76 kilometres of the road with its own investment. In October last year, Nepals Supreme Court had issued an interim order halting the governments preparations to award the project to the Indian developer. During the International Conference on Nepals Reconstruction in June 25, 2015, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had pledged to expedite construction of the projects. Work on construction of the Kathmandu-Nijgadh fast track road and the Nijgadh airport with Indias participation be expedited. These projects will create new job opportunities, contribute to revenue, and facilitate long-term recovery, she had said. Nepal on Sunday abruptly cancelled all agreements with the Indian construction firm ILFS to build a 76-kilometre-long fast track road, connecting the Nepalese capital with the southern Terai region near the Indian border. The surprise move to cancel the agreements with Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd came after a meeting of the development and finance committees of legislature-parliament. Minister for physical planning and infrastructure development, Ramesh Lekhak said the government was committed to complete the $ 1 billion project with domestic resources. Now all bodies concerned should make decision standing together in course of taking the nations pride project ahead, Lekhak was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post. He said the government has tabled a proposal with the Cabinet for constructing the road with own investment. The fast-track road would connect Kathmandu to Nijgadh in the southern Terai region, where a new international airport has been planned. ILFS had already prepared a detailed report for the project that would have reduced the travel time from Kathmandu to Nijgadh to under an hour. According to a feasibility report prepared by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2014, the road project was estimated to cost $ 960 million. The latest DPR has given a price tag of $ 1,117 million, reports have said. During the International Conference on Nepals Reconstruction held in June last year, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had asked the Himalayan country to allow India to develop the fast-track road and the international airport in Nijgadh. Previously, the KP Sharma Oli government had decided that the road project would be constructed by Nepal, instead of providing the contract to the Indian company. On Sunday, finance minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara expressed commitment to ensure funds for national pride projects including the Tarai-Madhesh fast track and the Nijgadh international airport. The problem however is not lack of funds but inability to spend it. The problem in capital expenditure has not improved, he said. Chairperson of development committee Rabindra Adhikari, chair of finance minister Prakash Jwala, member Surendra Bahadur Pandey, Keshav Badal and others spoke of the need for unity among all the political parties to move ahead with the Nijgadh International Airport project and the Kathmandu-Tarai fast track road project. They suggested the government to allocate all the unspent budget every fiscal year for the fast track road project and complete it in a fast-track manner, the report said. US President Barack Obama did in Latin America what he tried to do in Europe: tell worried citizens not to draw negative conclusions about the man he once called unfit to serve in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump. In the last stop of an international farewell tour that included visits to Greece and Germany, Obama continued his efforts to calm anxieties since Republican businessman Trump beat Democratic rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential race. My main message to you ... and the message I delivered in Europe is dont just assume the worst, Obama told a group of young people during a question-and-answer session in Peru on Saturday. Wait until the administration is in place, its actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgments as to whether or not its consistent with the international communitys interest in living in peace and prosperity together. Trump won the election after promising to build a wall on the US border with Mexico, rip up trade deals and ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States. Obama has sought to soothe fears by pledging to ensure a smooth transition of power and expressing optimism that the president-elect would shift away from inflammatory campaign rhetoric once he faced the realities of the job. It will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, because as Ive always said, how you campaign isnt always the same as how you govern, Obama said. But Obama has couched his assurances largely in hopeful language that Trumps team would see the merits of policies that Democrats championed despite Trumps pledged to dismantle them, from the Iran nuclear deal to an international pact to fight climate change. And the president, who campaigned vigorously for Clinton and showed visible disdain for Trump before his victory, has offset his words of reassurance with subtle digs at his successor by emphasizing themes of democratic values in Europe and Peru that Trump has been criticized for ignoring. Youre seeing some countries that are going backwards rather than forwards in terms of freedom of the press, in terms of freedom of the Internet, in terms of respecting political opposition and civil society, Obama said on Saturday. Trump barred some news organizations from covering events during his campaign and threatened during a televised debate to jail Clinton for her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Though Obama came on his trip able to assure European countries that Trump would respect U.S. commitments to NATO, his other assurances, including for Latin American policy, seemed based more on optimism than knowledge of Trumps plans. With respect to Latin America, I dont anticipate major changes in policy from the new administration, he said, citing trade as a key exception. Trump announced hawkish picks for attorney general, national security adviser, and CIA director on Friday that suggest he is setting up his administration to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. At least eight children were killed on Sunday by rebel rocket fire that hit a primary school in the government-held west of Aleppo city, state media said. State news agency SANA said 10 people had been killed and 59 wounded in the rocket fire on the Furqan neighbourhood. The news agency reported additional rebel fire on other parts of west Aleppo, which is regularly targeted by the opposition forces that hold the eastern part of the divided city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, gave a toll of eight children killed, saying they were all aged between six and 12. An AFP photographer at the school shortly after the attack saw adults rushing children away from the building and trying to comfort crying infants. State television showed some of the wounded being treated in a hospital, including a child in a blue top whose face was covered in blood being attended on a stretcher. In a corridor, a young boy in a red T-shirt with his arm in a make-shift sling was shepherded by his distraught mother, as another boy with his head bandaged was carried in. Government forces are currently waging a ferocious assault against east Aleppo, targeting it with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire. They renewed their fire on the east on Tuesday, after a period of relative respite, in a bid to recapture the rebel-held side of the city. The Observatory says at least 103 civilians have been killed in east Aleppo since government forces resumed the assault. A meeting President-elect Donald Trump had with business partners from India last week has added to concerns about how he will separate his presidency from his sprawling business ventures in the US and abroad. There were no announcements about this meeting by the Trump transition team, which otherwise sends out short readouts about all of the president-elects meetings in Trump Tower, where he is putting together his administration, or outside. There was no response from the campaign about details or comments, till the filing of this report. A spokesperson did confirm it to The New York Times, and the three businessmen who are from Mumbai, posted pictures of their meeting on social media. The businessmen who met Trump were Sagar Chordia, director of Panchshil Realty, Atul Chordia, also of Panchshil Realty, and Kamlesh Mehta, a managing director at real estate firm Tribeca Developers, which is said to represent Trump in India. According to them, Trump was full of praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trumps three adult children Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump who runs his business, were also present at the meeting. The Trump Organization has five projects in India, including a Trump Tower, a 46-apartment block with Panchshil Realty in Pune, and an apartment project in Mumbai with Lodha Group. These are not Trump constructions, but projects using his brand. But Trumps meeting with business partners added to fears that the presidency could be used to further his business interests, or those of his family. There may be people for whom this looks OK, said Robert L Walker, the former chief counsel of the Senate Ethics Committee, who advises corporations and members of Congress on government ethics issues. But for a large part of the American public, it is not going to be OK. His role as president-elect should dictate that someone else handles business matters, he told The New York Times. A $10,000 bracelet worn by Ivanka Trump, the president-elects daughter, at an interview he did after his victory, along with his family, was promptly used in an advertisement by her company to market it, leading to all-around outrage. The company withdrew it shortly, blaming it on a junior staff member. There have also been concerns about the Trump familys role, generally. Ivanka Trumps husband, Jared Kushner has been a trusted and close adviser of the president-elect and there are reports of him joining the administration. And The Washington Post has reported that Trump International, a DC luxury hotel the president-elect inaugurated during the campaign, recently invited representatives from embassies here to encourage them to have their leaders stay there during their visits. There is pressure on the president-elect to announce a plan on how he will separate himself and his presidency from his multibillion-dollar businesses, and he and his lawyers have spoken of him handing over charge to a blind trust. Trump has said he will be happy to transfer control, completely, to his children, who are already running large chunks of the business Trump International, for instance, was Ivanka Trumps project; and Eric Trump runs Trumps wine venture. Trump Organization has said that a plan was being put together to separate the president-elect from his businesses and that the structure that is eventually chosen will be fulfil all legal requirements. Police say a Brooklyn man was fatally shot during a skirmish with two police officers in a housing project hallway on Saturday. New York housing police Chief James Secreto says one male and one female officer encountered the man around 1 p.m. Saturday on the ninth floor of the Van Dyke Houses in the Brownsville neighborhood. The New York Police Departments Housing Bureau officers were responding to a 911 call reporting a suspicious person. When they asked for his ID, a scuffle ensued, and Secreto says the man grabbed one officers collapsible, metal baton and struck both officers in the head. The chief says the officers then fired. One officer suffered a gash, the other contusions. They were hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities did not immediately release the names of those involved. EU leaders agreed at an emergency refugee summit on Thursday to boost aid for Syrias neighbours, including one billion dollars through UN agencies, as well as strengthening their borders to deal with a wave of migrants. Tensions have erupted between overstretched European nations as they face their worst refugee crisis since World War II, but the blocs president Donald Tusk said the leaders had turned a corner during surprisingly calm talks in Brussels. Tonight we have a common understanding that we cannot continue like we did before, Tusk told a press conference. Its a quite symbolic moment -- I am absolutely sure that we have stopped with this risky blaming game. The EU leaders agreed to mobilise an additional one billion euros for the UN refugee agency and the World Food Programme to help refugees in the region around Syria, former Polish prime minister Tusk said. Brussels would also increase help to Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, as well as to Balkan countries on the main migrant route to the EU which have been stretched by the huge numbers of people coming through, he said. French President Francois Hollande said his country would give 100 million euros over two years, while British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged 100 million pounds (137 million euros, $153 million). External borders But Tusk said EU leaders had also agreed to strengthen the blocs outer frontiers, adding that there had been a change in the way of thinking about our external borders. There have been growing fears that the EUs cherished Schengen passport-free zone could buckle as states reintroduce border checks to stem a flow of migrants inside the bloc, many of whom are heading for Germany. Tusk said they also agreed to set up controversial hotspot reception centres in frontline states -- probably in Greece and Italy -- to more quickly sort genuine conflict refugees from economic migrants. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said the summit took place in a better than expected atmosphere, after a furious row erupted on the eve of the summit over plans to relocate refugees from frontline states. In a rare move on the eve of the summit, interior ministers had forced through a deal to relocate 120,000 refugees in the teeth of opposition from eastern state Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia. The relocations are just a fraction of the 500,000 migrants who have come to Europes shores so far this year and the estimated four million camped on Syrias borders. But the move deepened a split between the EUs richer western states led by the power couple of Germany and France and the poorer former communist eastern members, who said Brussels had no right to override their sovereignty. Eastern anger Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said he was going to file an appeal with the EUs top court rather than accept the diktat from Brussels. Hungarys hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orban then hit out at Germany, telling Chancellor Angela Merkel there should be no moral imperialism when it came to European discussions on migrants. Orban, who has angered some other EU states by building a razor wire anti-migrant fence on the border with non-EU Serbia, then piled on pressure on Greece to do more to deal with refugees. If the Greeks are not able to defend their own borders, we should ask -- kindly because Greece is a sovereign country -- to let the other countries of the EU to defend Greeces borders, he said. The scale of the challenge was evident in Croatia, where nearly 9,000 migrants entered on Tuesday alone, a record daily number since they started to arrive a week ago after Hungary built a fence on its border with Serbia. Over the last week, more than 44,000 refugees have entered Croatia from non-EU Serbia. Tusk warned that the conflicts in Syria and Iraq and elsewhere would not end any time soon and that there would be millions of potential refugees trying to reach Europe, not thousands. US President Barack Obama had on Tuesday pressed European nations to take their fair share of refugees, despite accusations that Washington has done little to address the crisis. With millions of Syrians forced into camps across the Middle East, tens of thousands crossing Europe on foot and hundreds washing up dead on beaches, America has promised to take in at least 10,000 Syrian refugees next year. That figure is dwarfed by a million asylum seekers that Germany is expecting to welcome by the end of this year. UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura is going to visit Damascus on Sunday where he will meet with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, Sputnik reported. The source said that de Mistura and Muallem were going to discuss the situation in Syria particularly, in Aleppo. Syria's civil war between government forces and a wide range of insurgents, including opposition groups and terrorists, such as Daesh and Jabhat Fatah al Sham, both outlawed in Russia, has raged for some five years and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Over recent months, Aleppo has been a battlefield between government forces, jihadists, and numerous opposition groups. Militant-held eastern Aleppo is encircled by government forces and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the city. Fresh from enrapturing crowds all over Washington, Pope Francis is bringing his message of humility and hope to Capitol Hill as he becomes the first pontiff in history to speak to a joint meeting of Congress. Lawmakers of all political backgrounds and religious affiliations have thrilled to the pope's arrival, pledging to pause from the bickering and dysfunction that normally divide them and hear him out Thursday morning. Tens of thousands of spectators will be watching from the West Lawn of the Capitol and many more on TV from around the world as the pope addresses a House chamber packed with Supreme Court justices, Cabinet officials, diplomats, lawmakers and their guests. After the sergeant at arms announces him by bellowing "Mr. Speaker, the pope of the Holy See," Francis will enter the chamber and climb to the dais where the president delivers the annual State of the Union address and monarchs and heads of state have addressed Congress. Behind him will sit Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, the first and second in line to the presidency, both Catholics. Ahead of Francis' remarks lawmakers of both parties have busily sought political advantage from his stances, with Democrats in particular delighting in his support for action to overhaul immigration laws and combat global warming and income inequality. One House Republican back-bencher announced plans to boycott the speech over Francis' activist position on climate change, which the pontiff renewed alongside President Barack Obama on Wednesday. But Boehner, a Republican and a former altar boy who invited the pope to speak after trying unsuccessfully to lure the two previous pontiffs to the Capitol, has dismissed concerns that the politically engaged Francis will stir the controversies of the day. "The pope transcends all of this," Boehner said. "He appeals to our better angels and brings us back to our daily obligations. The best thing we can all do is listen, open our hearts to his message and reflect on his example." For Congress and Boehner, the pope arrives at a moment of particular turmoil, with a partial government shutdown looming next week unless lawmakers can resolve a dispute over funding for Planned Parenthood related to the group's practices providing fetal tissue for research. Boehner himself is facing a brewing revolt from tea party members who've threatened to force a floor vote on whether he can keep his job. Francis is certain to steer clear of such controversies, though his opposition to abortion could bolster Republicans in their efforts against Planned Parenthood. And for members of Congress his visit may prove little more than a brief respite from their partisan warfare, offering moments of unusual solemnity, uplift and pomp, but without fundamentally shifting the intractable gears of the US political system. Indeed there's little sign on Capitol Hill of significant action on the social justice issues dear to Francis' heart. But on Wednesday the pope said simply that in addressing Congress "I hope, as a brother of this country, to offer words of encouragement to those called to guide the nation's political future in fidelity to its founding principles." Francis enjoys approval ratings the envy of any US politician as he's singlehandedly remade the image of the Catholic Church toward openness and compassion, yet without changing fundamental church doctrine. Addressing a chamber full of elected officials Thursday, he may be the most adept politician in the room. After speaking in the House chamber Francis will visit the Capitol's Statuary Hall and its statue of Father Junipero Serra, the 18th-century missionary whom Francis elevated to sainthood Wednesday in the first canonization on US soil. He will then briefly step out onto a Capitol balcony to address the crowds on the West Front. From there he will stop at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, and then depart for New York for more prayer services and a speech to the United Nations. For Francis, it's been a whirlwind three-day visit to Washington, the first stop on his three-city US tour. On Wednesday he was cheered by jubilant crowds as he visited the White House, paraded around the Ellipse and spoke to US bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. Francis emphasized one of the defining messages of his papacy, to focus less on defending church teaching and more on compassion. The pope told the American church leaders that "harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor" and he encouraged them to speak with anyone, no matter their views. In his first comments in the US on the clergy sex abuse scandal that erupted in 2002, the pope praised the bishops for a "generous commitment to bring healing to victims" and for acting "without fear of self-criticism." An organisation for abuse victims quickly disagreed. "Almost without exception, they have shown cowardice and callousness and continue to do so now," said Barbara Dorris, president of SNAP, or Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Later Wednesday, Francis celebrated a Mass of Canonization for Junipero Serra in Spanish. Several thousand of the 25,000 tickets to the event were set aside for Spanish-speaking people, many from California, where Serra did his work. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception erected a temporary sanctuary outdoors for the Mass, which lasted into the evening. As Pope Francis drew nearer and nearer in his open-sided popemobile and the crowd in Washington whooped, squealed and quivered, the little girl with black pigtails spotted her chance. Her name was Sofia Cruz, and her story soon went around the world: how a five-year-old had the bravado to deliver a message to the pope on behalf of the United States millions of undocumented migrants. In a flash, Sofia clambered over a metal barrier, darted out onto stately Constitution Avenue and headed straight for the pontiff -- Secret Service agents be damned. Guards nabbed her about half-way there, but the pope waved for them to bring her to him. For her trouble, she got a gentle hoist, a hug and a kiss from Pope Francis himself. And as the crowd roared with surprise and excitement, Sofia slipped the pontiff her letter. Born on US soil to Mexican parents, Sofia traveled across the country as part of a group of a dozen faithful, her father among them, from Nuestra Senora Reina de los Angeles parish in Los Angeles. She handed the pope a letter asking him to support the drive to legalize undocumented migrants living in the United States, the parish said when contacted by AFP. The spokeswoman was unable to confirm whether her own parents were undocumented. Britains Guardian newspaper later spoke to the child, who told it she had learned by heart the contents of a letter, in Spanish and English. I want to tell you that my heart is sad, it quoted her as saying. All immigrants just like my dad help feed this country. They deserve to live with dignity. They deserve to live with respect. They deserve an immigration reform. Joseph Reblando, another pope-greeter, happened to be standing right next to the girl and her dad and caught it all on film. She came back and her father was just in tears. And the whole crowd in my section were just going nuts, he told AFP afterwards. Backers of immigration reform were also swift to seize upon the poignant episode in the hours that followed. A 5-yr-old girl shared her story with Pope Francis today&highlighted why we need #ImmigrationReform, tweeted the Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. Thus went one small slice of Pope Francis ride through crowds of faithful in downtown Washington on Wednesday, along the National Mall, past the Washington Monument, after talks with President Barack Obama during his first US visit. The day held other unexpected moments, and gestures of papal affection: earlier, at Francis behest, a baby was held up to him for a kiss on the forehead. Thousands of people lined the streets for a brief glimpse of the 78-year-old Argentine pontiff, who stood, smiled and waved from his shiny white popemobile. Those who could perched on sidewalk benches. Kids rode their parents shoulders. A large screen TV aired Obama and the pope speaking earlier at an outdoor ceremony at the White House. The waiting crowd roared when Obama noted the US is home to some 70 million Catholics, and cheered again when the pope said, in halting English, God Bless America. Ask just about anybody in the crowd and theyd rave about the man, about his shift away from stressing church doctrine against same sex marriage, say, and focusing more on fighting global warming, helping the worlds poor and its refugees and migrants. I think this guy is very different. Hes kind of a futuristic pope, so down to earth, so humble, so loving, and leading by example, said Cristina Temboury, 46, a civil servant. "He is a fantastic leader, somebody we need, she added. Puthupparampil Scaria, a 59-year-old Catholic born in India, put it this way: He is so genuine. He is more like a pastor than a pope. Tembourys only lament of the day was what she called a catastrophic cellphone blunder: at the moment of truth, after so many hours of waiting, she had the thing set on selfie. I took 15 pictures of myself as the pope was going by, she said, laughing. One older Catholic, retired electrical engineer Don Sasnacht, 72, called Francis amazing and praised his communications skills in particular. He admitted he finds hard to stomach the widespread impression that Francis is less rigid on hot button social issues such as gay marriage. Still, he said he is willing to forgive the pope on that one. It comes with the package. I mean, when was the last time you saw a president that you agreed with 100%?, Sasnacht mused. CyanogenMod is an important part of the Android platform, since it showed its openness in both the software and hardware faces. Fans are delighted that the custom ROM has been released its latest update is fully based on the Android 7.0 Nougat. It is now available for the download for a number of smartphones. CyanogenMod 14.1 based on Android Nougat 7.1. It is now expanding to more devices as it continues to develop its own custom ROM. The devices are now likely to not get the update officially anytime soon. While the first batch included only a handful of smartphones, the CM team has announced more devices that will get the CM 14.1 Nightlies. The second batch of update is now available for the Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi, Nexus 7 2013 4G, OnePlus One, OnePlus 2, Sony Xperia V, Sony Xperia TX, Sony Xperia T, Sony Xperia SP, Moto G 2015. The official nightly builds of CM14.1 has been released last Nov. 8 and the initial devices supported were Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, LG G3 & G4, Xiaomi Mi3, Samsung Galaxy S5 and Zen Fone 2, reports TechTimes. According to XDA Developers, first set of CM14.1 nightlies is having some missing features. The complete list has not been provided but its developers have confirmed the absence of the CyanogenMod Theme Engine. However, these features are expected to be coming out as new builds are released. There are also some key issues that are only spotted as of now. For example, there is the problem downloading the CM14.1 in the some of the Nexus 6 devices. The file size showing is 500.27 MB but it is getting on zero MB when downloaded. For those who are new to CyanogenMod, installing the custom ROM will unlock new and powerful features in to your Android device and it will allow you to completely change how your handset's user interface looks. The custom ROM could even introduce performance enhancements since it can implement tweaks like over clocking. Below is the full list of the latest devices eligible for the CyanogenMod 14.1 update. OnePlus One OnePlus 2 Moto G 2015 Nexus 6 Nexus 7 2013 WiFi Nexus 7 2013 4G Sony Xperia V Sony Xperia TX Sony Xperia T Sony Xperia SP @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple already had announced that the latest iOS 10.2 updates will be released in December. This means that Pangu, the popular hacking group, will be releasing their newest jailbreak tool after months of silence possibly in a bid to outsmart Apple. A gaze into the previous releases of Pangu gives us a clue on what could be in store next month. Rumor has it that Apple has already completed its updates and may be releasing it next month, while the gadget geeks are eagerly anticipating the Pangu iOS 10 jailbreak tool that often follows Apple's updates. Pangu will be able to complete the software in the time for Christmas. Though, with no official word about it yet the users are advised to take this with a grain of salt. If we look into the Pangu's jailbreak release timeline then it will give the clues. The Pangu team had a working iOS 10 beta 1 jailbreak that they demonstrated last July at the Mosec 2016 in a Beijing-based security conference as noted by iDigital Times. This was fixed by Apple in its iOS 10 beta 2 update. Pangu replies by releasing the semi-tethered iOS 9.3.3 jailbreak in August, but that is one only work with 64-bits devices. There have been no updates from Pangu after that regarding the future iOS 10 jailbreak which possibly because the team is waiting for the release. In only between the matter of days or weeks, Apple will be releasing its update and the jailbreak community is all set to see what Pangu is keeping with him. Popular hacker, Luca Todesco, has already demonstrated on twitter a working iOS 10 jailbreak tool, but he is not sharing this with the public yet. Pangu has remained silent in the last couple of months that means the two things. First is that the Chinese hackers have come up with an iOS 10 jailbreak tool and waiting for the right time to release it. Other is the group has failed to jailbreak Apple's most secure operating system and is still trying to develop one before Apple's iOS 10.2 update is released in December. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US intelligence agency is all set to let out the secret regarding aliens and UFOs, explains Paradigm Research Group (PRG), a UFO disclosure advocacy. It was a government whistle-blower who let the cat out of the bag. PRG's executive director, Stephen Bassett, has been lobbying Congress members and the executive branch to declassify all the files that were linked with UFOs and extra-terrestrials. "Persons who are directly involved in the management of the extraterrestrial issues want disclosure to take place under President Obama and are ready to work with the SecDef (Secretary of Defence) if approached," an emailed statement from the intelligence agency said. HNGN reported earlier that Clinton had been willing to disclose the secrets in case she won the elections. She said she understood that ETs may have visited the Earth. She had also said that she would set up a task force to probe into Area 51, which was a secret USAF base in Nevada. Stephen Bassett is called the "only registered UFO and alien disclosure lobbyist" in America. He almost convinced President Obama to admit before the end of his presidency that intelligent ETs have touched down on Earth earlier. "This [UFO Disclosure] will be a reality this year and across the front pages of newspapers across the world. The most significant news story that has ever been broken," Bassett said. It was due to the defeat of Hillary Clinton that hopes of disclosure got dashed. Hence, it is quite important to reveal the facts now, says PRG. Clinton can push the Obama government to make the disclosure before he leaves the White House in January. "What is going on here? PRG has publicly stated the agenda of the Clinton team has been to disclose the extraterrestrial presence to the American people (and the world) if and when she became president of the United States. That option is removed," the emailed statement by PRG said. "The Clintons now have a choice to make of historic proportions." The PRG said the process is time-sensitive. "Disclosure would need to happen early enough for the nation to absorb such extraordinary information and settle down prior to the inauguration. There would also be time to prepare various government agencies for the engagement of the media and the public going forward. Then the new president would be stepping into a relatively stable and organized post-Disclosure status." The disclosure could be made by January 6, much before Trump gets sworn in on January 20. Hence, the current government needs to arrive at a decision quickly. YouTube/Earth Mystery News - EMN @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Donald Trump has continued to call for an apology from the Hamilton cast into Sunday morning. On Friday night, Vice President-elect Mike Pence attended a performance of the highly successful hip-hop-inspired play, at the end of which, actor Brandon Victor Dixon spoke on behalf of the cast, directly addressing Pence, and raising concerns he and many others had with Trumps vision for the country. We are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, he said. Trump later called this direct address of pence very rude as well as likening it to harassment, and this morning has shared further thoughts on Twitter. The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior, he wrote. Trump reportedly tweeted and quickly deleted another thought Saturday afternoon, where he criticized Dixon for not memorizing his statement. While he has continued to criticize the casts speech, Trump has yet to actually address their concerns. He also shared some thoughts on SNL, who ran another skit on the President-elect starring Alec Baldwin Saturday night. He called the show one sided and [not] funny at all. Dont attend a Saint Pablo show if youre not ready for the infamous Kanye rant. His last two shows have been characterized by his surprising confessionals much more so than any music. On Thursday (Nov. 17), Kanye revealed to his audience in San Jose, and thus the world, that he favored Trump in the recent election, praising different aspects of his campaign throughout the show. On Saturday night in Sacramento, Kanyes words, once again, provoked unrest in the stadium. He went on an impassioned rant that involved Drake, Frank Ocean, Beyonce, and Jay Z. He eventually got so heated that he suddenly ended the show. He had only performed three songs. Though he performed two of those songs with an old friend from whom hes recently been estranged. A fresh-outta-rehab Kid Cudi appeared on stage to officially squash the beef (which was addressed by Cudi on Twitter and by Kanye in another Saint Pablo outburst) by sharing a sincere hug. Cudi also assisted Ye on Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1, their collab on The Life of Pablo, and he stayed on stage for Waves. Kanye called Cudi the greatest of all of us while venting about the shortcomings of radio, putting Drake and Frank Ocean into separate categories during his speech. Elsewhere, he addressed how Beyonce had hurt him recently, especially after he went down 7 years after storming the stage when Taylor Swift beat her out for Best Female Video at the 09 VMAs. I had heard you say you wouldnt perform unless you won video of the year over me and Hotline Bling, Kanye revealed, referring to the victory of Formation at the 2016 VMAs, held in August. Both Beyonce and Jay Z seem to be avoiding contact with Kanye. Last month, Ye told a crowd in Seattle that Jay Z and the beef between TIDAL and Apple prevented an official Watch The Throne remix of Drakes Pop Style. He also lamented that Hov didnt come visit him after Kim had recently been held at gunpoint during a robbery in Paris. After speaking on Beyonce, Kanye moved on to her husband. Jay Z, call me bruh, he pleads. You still aint called me. Jay Z, I know you got killers. Pleased dont send em at my head. Just call me. Talk to me like a man. Heres a video of Kanye ending the show. Get ready to have a field day, press, he shouts to an enraged audience while making a quick exit off of his flying stage. Kings Center DeMarcus Boogie Cousins was at the show, and he shared a reaction video after Kanye bounced on all of Sacramento. Kanye West Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas leader Xi Jingling spoke of how to connect Russias Eurasian Economic Union to Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt, at a meeting in Lima, Putins spokesman said, Sputnik reported. "The leaders spoke in favor of boosting cooperation with the APEC," Dmitry Peskov told reporters on the margins of the Asia-Pacific economic summit in Peru. "The leaders spoke in detail about the schedules of their future high-level contacts, discussed how to couple the EAEU and Silk Road projects." The EAEU is a Russia-led regional economic union that aims to tear down trade barriers between its members, namely Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. China has been spearheading its own economic area, which was proposed by President Xi in 2013. It will facilitate the direct flow of goods from the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea. The project is intended to connect China with Europe and strengthen economic ties between Asia, Europe and the Gulf states. After two solid releases, Lil Uzi Vert vs The World and The Perfect Luv Tape, its about time for Uzis third mixtape of 2016. He revealed today that he would soon be dropping 1017 vs The World, a joint mixtape with Gucci Mane. Uzi is one of the few rising stars in trap who hasnt yet collaborated with Guwop. If they manage to drop the tape before the years up, 1017 vs The World will be the fourth project Wop has been a part of since finishing his nearly three-year prison bid about five months ago. Check out all of both Uzi and Guccis 2016 releases below. Lil Uzi Vert Lil Uzi Vert vs The World The Perfect Luv Tape Gucci Mane Everybody Looking Woptober Free Bricks 2: Zone 6 Edition (with Future) Lil Uzi Vert Steven Senne/STF A federal judge in Dallas is giving Exxon Mobil Corp. a chance to question a state law enforcement officer who is investigating whether the energy company hid damaging data about climate change from investors. U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade this week ordered Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey to appear in the city on Dec. 13 to face questions from Exxon Mobil lawyers. The Texas-based company claims her probe into the company's public statements about global warming is politically motivated. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate It happens all the time. At the taco truck, Raul Orlando Edwards placed his fajita order: "Senorita, por favor, pongale la cebolla bien cocida" ("I'd like the onions well-done.") "Man," said the African-American behind him in line, "how did you learn to do that?" Meaning: Why, for a black man, is your Spanish so good? "I'm Latino," Edwards answered. The director of the Strictly Street Salsa Studio and founder of the Afro-Latino Festival of Houston, he's a Panamanian-Jamaican immigrant. The guy stated the obvious: "I thought you were black!" "I'm blacker than you are!" Edwards replied. And, he says, they laughed. These days, in both Texas and the U.S. at large, skin color is an ever less reliable indicator of identity. According to a 2015 Pew survey, about a quarter of U.S. Hispanics identify themselves as Afro-Latino. Like Edwards, the vast majority (70 percent) are foreign-born. Afro-Latinos generally are descendants of African slaves brought to Spanish and Portuguese colonies in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most are biracial or multiracial. Being Afro-Latino, says Alain Lawo-Sukam, professor of Hispanic and Africana Studies at Texas A&M University, is less about skin color than about identity and a sense of belonging. By their very existence, Afro-Latinos challenge the traditional "one-drop" view of race in the United States: the idea that one drop of African blood makes a person black. Afro-Latinos like Edwards aren't simply black, white or Hispanic. They're a combination - and as such, a vision of the United States' racially and ethnically complex future. They're a minority inside a minority; a melting pot within the melting pot. "Our identity," says Edwards, "is like the drop that is spilling the glass of the black-and-white system." "Here is a group that we don't think of much, but that's an expression of the new America in the 21st century," says Stephen Klineberg of the Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban studies. What are you? In Texas, Jasminne Mendez says, "people always ask me, 'What are you?', 'How did you get here?' - as opposed to in New York or Florida, where they are more familiar with Afro-Latinos." A poet and teacher, Mendez was born in the U.S. to Dominican parents. "For African-Americans, whites, and even some Latino people, I am just another black girl until they hear me speaking in Spanish, and then they don't know what to make out of me," she says. Often, Afro-Latinos' English attracts attention as well. Whites, Edwards says, sometimes tell him, "Oh, you speak so well." They do not say "for being black," but he feels sure that's what they mean. "I learned English from books and don't speak with the slang they associate with wrong stereotypes of a black person," he says. "I don't understand the slang yet," he laughs. "I am barely Googling the meaning of LOL." "I had never thought of myself as belonging to a specific community based on racial factors," says Heydel Cepero, a video producer from Cuba who now lives in Houston. On the island, he notes, as well as in many Latin American countries, it's common to see a wide range of skin colors. Spanish speakers use many matter-of-fact descriptors for mestizos, or mixed-race people - words commonly considered no more insulting than "blue-eyed" or "dark-haired." "Mulatos" have black and white parents or grandparents, sometimes with Asians in the mix. "Jabaos" have light skin, and often blue or green eyes, but African features. "Morenos" describe dark skin and dark eyes in some countries or a brunette, a la Eva Longoria, in others. And in Latin America, different attitudes go along with the different language. Though skin-tone words exist, the question "what are you?" is almost always answered not with one of them, but with a reference to geography. A person from Monterrey would tell another Mexican that he's a "regiomontano"; a woman from Havana would tell another Cuban she's a "habanera." But here in Texas, Cepero says, Americans seem unsatisfied with the answer that he's Cuban, or Caribbean, or Latino, or American. "I am a product of la mezcla (the mixture)," he says. "I have never thought in terms of racial percentages, but here I would have to explain that I have an unknown percentage of black with 40 percent Spanish, 10 percent Asian." Avoiding stereotypes It's difficult to know how many Afro-Latinos are in the U.S. and Houston. As Lawo-Sukam explains, the concept "Afro-Latino" only recently has begun to gain traction as a recognized American identity. The U.S. Census doesn't track Afro-Latinos. In part, that's because the census doesn't count "Hispanic" as a racial category, but as a separate ethnic category - which, everyone seems to agree, leads to confusion. (For 2020, the Census plans a revamp of its racial categories.) Asked to name their race, many Afro-Latinos chose to check "white alone." In the U.S., says professor Lawo-Sukam, Afro-Latinos often wish to avoid negative stereotypes that they don't believe fit them. But there's another factor at play as well. In Spanish-speaking countries, being white doesn't necessarily mean being Caucasian. Whiteness, there, is considered not an absolute matter, but one of degrees. The difference in attitude is rooted in history. Though both British and Spanish colonizers brutally exploited African slaves and indigenous populations, the British had a more segregated model than the Spaniards; in Spanish and Portuguese colonies, the races were more prone to mix. When mestizo families began to ascend the social ladder in many Latin American countries, "white" evolved as a term more related to class. In the Pew survey, more Afro-Latinos identify themselves as white (39 percent) than black (18 percent). A majority say their racial background is Hispanic (67 percent). Still, in the city of Houston, a sizable number of Hispanics do not declare themselves to be white: 27 percent of Hispanics identified themselves as "black alone," "some other race alone," or "two or more races" combined. A transracial world Afro-Latinos are an example of the richer identities that are molding the new America. "We are falling in love with each other and making multiracial babies in a way that has never seen before," professor Klineberg says. Between 1990 and 2010, black-white intermarriage in the U.S. has increased 600 percent, Klineberg says. Among U.S.-born Latinos, 28 percent of marriages are with non-Latinos. Houston reflects that trend. Asians, for example also are intermarrying. In the last three years in this city, a third have been tying the knot with non-Asians, he says. While racism is a great social concern in the current America, "We are moving to what some people are calling a transracial world," Klineberg says. "We are going beyond race because ethnicity and race (identities) become less and less important (as we mix), and the great challenge in Houston and America is not going to be an ethnic divide. It's a class divide." Afro-Latinos, Lawo-Sukam says, are uniquely able to bridge the gaps between the United States' largest racial groups. They can connect blacks and whites, Latinos and African-Americans. Mendez agrees - particularly in light of racial tensions unleashed in the presidential election. "We could be a nightmare for some politicians if we forge a unity among races by using our natural affinity with all of them," Mendez says. "I feel that I can speak for the experiences of many people." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Blame it on the French-blue LaCanche range. That's what set interior designer Cathy Chapman in motion when restaurateur Tracy Vaught and her husband, chef Hugo Ortega, hired her for what they hoped would be the final installment of the renovation of the River Oaks home that has been in Vaught's family for three generations. When Chapman and Vaught started talking about how she would change the look of the home's interior - architect Rudolph Colby did the structural redesign - Vaught mentioned that she had her eye on a beautiful blue range for the kitchen. "That's what started the whole discussion," Chapman said of the home's downstairs aesthetic. "I thought, 'Wouldn't it be cozy to have a blue sitting room off of the kitchen?' " Most of the home is neutral, but the sitting room - initially envisioned as a china room - became a place to showcase the couple's favorite cookbooks and display just a few serving pieces of Vaught's white china. The room originally had plain walls and windows, but paneled bookcases were added, and the walls and ceiling were painted dark blue. Two velvet chairs match the blue mood, but a lighter rug, ottoman and small white table brighten it up. From it, a wide doorway leads into the spacious kitchen and that gorgeous range. Vaught had been looking for ideas on Pinterest, and when she and Chapman entered the Walker Zanger stone and tile showroom at the Houston Design Center, she stopped in her tracks. The tile she had pinned was right there in the showroom. Its blue-gray-tan motif blended nicely with Calacatta marble countertops in the light-filled kitchen. Glossy white cabinets line two walls, and a 10-foot island topped with satiny French oak holds court in the center of the room. "It's a classic look, and I don't think they'll ever get tired of it," Chapman said. The kitchen has one more jewel, a range hood of brass, chrome and stainless steel, designed by Colby and custom-made by Lone Star Range Hood Co. The home's new dining room is bathed in neutrals, tan and brown, and their regal dining table is surrounded by comfortable upholstered chairs. There's a formal living room, filled with a mix of traditional and updated pieces in tan, gray and ivory. There's a striking chest in one corner, covered in black and white inlaid bone for a zebra-stripe effect. Don't let the word "formal" fool you, though: The placement of a big TV above the fireplace and plenty of comfortable chairs and sofas makes this a living room that's likely to get used, Chapman said. Despite the reconfigured floor plan and all of the new furniture, there are many nods to the home's earlier days. There's a photo of Vaught's grandmother on her wedding day in the 1920s propped up in the downstairs powder room, and her grandmother's music box - a lovely wind-up piece that plays 10 songs - sits just inside the living room. Throughout the home are paintings and portraits made by Vaught's great-aunt, a reminder of the people and places important to the family. Home's history The nearly 5,000-square-foot Tudor-style home, built in 1935 and purchased by Vaught's grandparents, served its original owners well. Jack Boothe Blalock and his wife, Sophia Williams Blalock, raised their children, Brenda and Jack Jr., in the home, and Sophia's mother, Eutie Williams, lived there, too. Once Vaught's mother, Brenda Webre, grew up and had a family of her own, this home was a place her two daughters - Vaught and her sister, Terry Webre - remember visiting for family events and holiday parties. After both Sophia and Jack Blalock died, the home sat vacant for some time. No one wanted to sell it, but no one wanted to move into it either, Vaught said. "Back in the day, this house was pretty swank," Vaught said wistfully. "We had buzzers around, like you could buzz the maid. If you were in the dining room, you could buzz for service. Somebody cooked it, and somebody served it." Now, Vaught and Ortega live more simply. They prepare and serve their own meals, with Vaught often starting dinner and Ortega, a James Beard-nominated chef, taking over midway through. They bought the home in 1994, a few years before their daughter - Sophia Ortega, the fourth generation to live in the home - was born. They decided to update the house, thinking it wouldn't take too long. "I thought I could redo it in five years, and that would be that," Vaught said. "It took me forever. I finally finished when she was going off to college." During the first installment, upstairs, the family lived in the downstairs, using living areas for mock bedrooms. Since there was no full bath on the lower level, they showered at the River Oaks Country Club for eight months. When the downstairs installments came around and they had no kitchen, they ate their meals in their restaurants - Backstreet Cafe, Hugo's and Caracol - for eight months. When they tired of that, they ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at home. "You do what you have to do to make it work," Vaught said. A livable space Life in 2016 is different from life in 1935. In addition to inadequate wiring and plumbing, the home didn't have enough bathrooms, and they weren't in the right places. The kitchen was designed for a servant to prepare meals, not for a restaurateur-chef couple who spend a lot of time in the kitchen themselves. With Colby's help, the home was gutted and reinvented. "The thing that really grates on you is the lighting. There would be one single pendant in a room, and it cast shadows, making it hard to read," Vaught said. "You'd have to buy all these extra lamps and lighting fixtures." The dining room and sitting room swapped places. What used to be her grandmother's office is now her daughter's bedroom. What used to be a guest room is now an office. Outdoor space was enclosed. The kitchen absorbed the breakfast nook. Walls came down. Doorways were moved. Cabinets are now plentiful, and the butler's pantry has a coffee station that can serve as a bar during parties. Compared to today's expectations, closet space was nearly non-existent. Before the renovation, Vaught said she had to keep her clothes tightly edited. "It's not a gigantic closet, but it's a lot more than I ever had," she said of her new closet. "Some people have huge rooms. I don't go out that much. I only have, like, four dresses. This is great for me. I love it." Despite the long process and years of upheaval, Vaught said she'd do it all over again. "I feel very fortunate. I practically moved heaven and earth to have it and then fix it. I gave up a lot of things to do that," Vaught said. "A neighbor across the street is a developer, and he stopped me and said, 'A lesser man would not have attempted that.' He watched it over the years like, 'What are they doing now?' " A young man came to the Rev. George Mason, wanting to talk about his parents' wedding. The youth, of course, hadn't been at the wedding. But Mason had, and he remembered it well. Some 800 or 900 people. Pillars of the community. One of the largest weddings in the history of Dallas' Wilshire Baptist Church. "You performed the wedding of my parents in this church," the young man said to Mason. "If I fall in love and want to get married, my question is, will my church community support me?" The youth would want to marry a man. And in that moment, as in other moments in recent years, Mason realized something that would have shocked him when he started out as a pastor 37 years ago: He would want to officiate at that gay wedding. Now, after putting the issue to a contentious popular vote that has torn his congregation, Mason, 60, can do just that. Wilshire Baptist Church voted 577 to 367 to welcome LGBT people as full participants in every aspect of the church - as members, as lay leaders, as potential clergy, and yes, as brides and grooms. As soon as the Dallas church completed its vote last week, the Baptist General Convention of Texas started proceedings to kick the church out of the denominational body. "All Texas Baptists are loving, respectful and welcoming to all people. But while we are welcoming, we are not affirming," said a spokesman for the denominational association, which often goes by the name Texas Baptists. The spokesman talked with on the condition that his name not be published. That's not enough for Wilshire Baptist Church. It voted that it wants to affirm. "It became increasingly difficult for me to justify, as I kept looking in the eyes of people that I loved and seeing the presence of Christ in them, and as I honestly looked at the Scripture and realized that it was not as clear as I thought it was," Mason said. Those passages that say homosexuality is sinful? As Mason read them again, over the course of months of study with his congregants, he came to see them as narrower condemnation of abusive sexual practices of biblical times, not condemnation of loving homosexual relationships. "My judgment is that God is doing something beautiful here," he said. "I'm going to err on the side of love and grace." Mason said that his church has no married gay couples in its membership of about 1,000 people, but it does have gay members, including some couples. One LGBT person has been nominated as a deacon year after year, but Mason has told the nominating committee that he's not sure the church would accept an LGBT person in that position of lay leadership. Now it will. The vote was highly contentious. Mason said that a group of 250 members sent a letter to every person in the congregation urging them to vote against inclusion. Now that the question passed, Mason expects about 100 members will leave, a major blow to the church. In addition, the Texas Baptists sent a letter during the voting process, which spanned two Sundays, warning Wilshire Baptist that it would be forced out if it approved LGBT inclusion. The Texas Baptists spokesman said the organization, which happened to be having its annual meeting this week, approved motions on Tuesday about how to handle churches that don't believe marriage and sex are only for heterosexual couples. He said the Texas Baptists' executive board can formally tell Wilshire Baptist and one other church that they are not in "harmonious cooperation" with the convention. The other church, First Austin Baptist, had quietly decided it approved of same-sex marriage earlier, but it had slipped under the convention's radar until now. Baptists are known for their strong autonomous churches. Churches choose to affiliate with state organizations, such as the Texas Baptists, and national ones, of which the largest is the Southern Baptist Convention. But the organizations' policies are not binding on the individual churches. The Texas Baptists are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, but Wilshire Baptist left the national organization - one of the best-known conservative evangelical denominations - about 25 years ago, Mason said. Instead, Wilshire Baptist joined the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, a smaller denomination that is theologically and politically more moderate. When Wilshire Baptist announced its decision on LGBT inclusion, Mason said, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship didn't object; it sent flowers for the pulpit. Wilshire Baptist does not share the theology of evangelical churches, which believe that only those who accept Jesus as their savior will be saved from hell. "We don't get into the question of who's in or who's out. That's up to God. We just announce the good news," Mason said. "God's in the sorting business, not us." He's not sure that his church's popular-vote model offers a path that any evangelical churches might use to move toward LGBT inclusion. But if any churches of any persuasion want to consider it, he said, he would be happy to talk with them about it. Now he's talking to the members of his church - especially the young ones. In the past three years, five young adults, whose families had all belonged to the church for generations, came to him to tell him they were gay. They weren't struggling with their sexuality. They had embraced it. "Am I supposed to tell them that they should be struggling with it? Or am I supposed to tell them that they are loved by God, and ask them to live out their faiths as their full selves?" Mason said. "I've come to the conclusion it should be the latter." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Church bells were ringing when the baby was born, and for the mother, they were a joyous portent. Maybe after months of anguish - brutal beatings by her husband and emotional violence that would sear the heart - things finally would get better. But things only got worse. Beatings continued. The woman fled. The man followed. Court battles began. At last, the woman, once a financially secure professional, found herself in Houston, alone with her daughter and running out of money. Today, thanks to a Presbyterian program for single mothers and their families, the promise of the bells finally is coming true. Residing in a furnished apartment provided by Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services in Texas, the woman - she spoke anonymously - is reconstructing her life. Her daughter, now 4, is in school, beginning her's. "Just to sleep at night in peace - peace means so much to me," the woman said, fighting tears as she told her story. "Just to play with my daughter, to paint her toes. She likes to sing and dance out of joy. ... This is God." Such tales of travail and redemption are familiar to Celeste Ross, the Austin-based charity's southern regional director, and her staff at the eight-unit apartment complex in the southwest side's Meyerland neighborhood. Begun in late 2014, the program has served 12 families, including 21 children. It has a waiting list of prospective occupants dating back to its earliest months. All of the residents have been homeless or on the brink of homelessness. "They've led difficult lives," Ross said of the tenants. "Our intake is focused on women who have fallen through the cracks. ... Our goal is to leave them with normal lives." Under the program - one of four the agency runs in Texas - women and their children are provided up to 18 months of lodging. The two-bedroom apartments, each with about 1,000 square feet of space, are fully equipped with modern appliances and stocked with food. As tenants, the women have access to one-on-one and peer counseling. Through a network of social-service providers, they can pursue education, obtain financial advice, polish parenting talents or shore up eroded social skills. A nearby library provides access to research sources and computers. The apartment complex is staffed by single-parent family coordinator Raina Bailey, who lives on site, and counselor Michelle O'Neill. O'Neill provides additional support with home visits after families have left the complex. Once employed, the women pay a portion of their net income as rent. The sum is returned as a savings account when they leave. Statewide, the program reports a 90 percent success rate in preparing single mothers for a self-supporting life, either as wage earners or full-time college students. In coming months, Ross said, the residential complex may be opened to men who, like women in the program, need help in pulling their lives together. "Right now," she said, "if the man doesn't have a substance abuse problem or a prison record, there's nothing out there to help him." Although lauded in the charitable, social service community, the Presbyterian program has had detractors. When plans for the apartment complex were announced in 2012 - land for the homes was donated by adjoining St. John's Presbyterian Church -nearby residents rebelled. Pickets appeared at the church on Sunday mornings, and nasty notes were affixed to cars in the parking lot. Amy Hoechstetter, general manager of Meyerland Community Improvement Association, did not respond to an inquiry for this story. But when the apartment complex opened in 2014, she said the Presbyterian charity responded to residents' concerns about crime and other issues "almost with disdain." Noting that her organization took no position on the project, she nonetheless asserted that charity bosses "really need to try harder to communicate." Ross said she understood neighbors' "not in my back yard" concerns, but, she said, "I don't think they were familiar with Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services. We have experience managing quite a few properties around the state." The agency operates homes for single mothers and their children in San Antonio, Weatherford and Waxahachie. Police in those communities said the facilities were peaceful, creating few if any law enforcement issues. The Rev. David Roschke, retired pastor of the neighboring Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, said the Houston facility is a "magnificent program." "It's an internship in parenting, and who can't be for that?" he said. "We still live in the neighborhood, and the children's home has had a quiet presence. The Presbyterians have been informative, transparent and patient." Added the Rev. Taylor Fuerst, former pastor of Westbury United Methodist Church, another St. John's neighbor, "Presbyterian Children's Home and Services is such a well-respected agency that it was bound to be a good thing from the start. They were so thoughtful of how they run their programs that they truly are a benefit to the community. It was a wonderful thing." Despite the earlier protests, Roschke theorized most neighborhood residents supported the facility. "It just took a while for them to find their voices. As they did, the others came to think the same way," he said. "Meyerland is a welcoming, inclusive community." Consisting of four brick duplex buildings on manicured grounds adjacent to St. John's Presbyterian, the apartment complex easily blends into its neighborhood surroundings. "This is not a locked facility," Ross said. "We want to foster an ability in these women to lead a normal life - to take care of themselves and be safe." While some of the tenants have endured domestic violence, the apartment complex is not an emergency shelter for abused women. All the tenants have been screened for substance abuse and criminal history. Security cameras monitor the grounds, and women and children have been drilled on how to manage unwanted visitors. Should an authorized individual appear, tenants are to retreat behind locked doors and summon police. Only once have police been called to the site to deal with a male intruder. The man left the site before officers arrived. Two women and their families have been asked to leave the apartments after they failed to observe curfew or other basic rules governing the facility. Ross said most of the program's beneficiaries, like the mother of the 4-year-old girl, cheerfully abide by house regulations. So grateful was the woman for the secure home and the advice and assistance she received in rearing her child, that she vowed to pursue a career with non-profit organizations. An accountant, she previously had pulled down an upper-middle-class wage as a supervisor at financial institutions. Even in the world of spousal abuse, her case had been extreme. First her husband encouraged her pregnancy, then demanded she obtain an abortion. He beat her brutally on multiple occasions, once targeting her swelling abdomen and pledged to murder her and their child. "I lost everything in my life," she said, adding that her relatives turned their backs in her time of crisis. She was days away from terminating her pregnancy when, by chance, she viewed a religious television broadcast featuring Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen. "He said it is God who approves who comes into the world," she recalled. "He said you don't need the father's approval ... I asked God to tell me what to do ... I didn't want to kill a baby." Tolling church bells accompanied the birth, but the woman's worries persisted. Her husband reappeared and demanded custody of the infant. After the breakup, the woman and child lived in at least nine locations, each time fearing that the violent man would find them. At last the woman found herself in a Houston hotel room, facing the potential of life on the street. When she learned of the Presbyterian program, she applied - and begged God to be accepted. "When I made my application, I prayed, 'God, please, God, let me stay.' " An interview with Bailey led to her approval. As months passed, she said, her life assumed normal dimensions, with daily pleasures usually easily overlooked. "I was sitting outside the other day, enjoying the weather, just looking up at the sky," she said. "It was beautiful." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate IN SAN ANTONIO Jacell Rodriguez charged in to her mother's bedroom, knife in hand, the voice screaming in her head. "There's a man telling me to kill you and kill myself, and I kind of want to!" the 11-year-old yelled, as her bleary-eyed mom tumbled out of reach. "I was terrified," said Stephanie Rodriguez, recalling the incident. "I knew she was not stable ... and she was capable of doing it." Rodriguez managed to wrestle the knife away from daughter and calm her that December 2012 night, but she knew she needed to get her help. She checked Jacell into Clarity Child Guidance Center, a psychiatric hospital, medical records show. She left her job as a financial manager. She took Jacell to a private psychiatrist. And she told Jacell's school about her daughter's problems. Jacell already should have been on the radar of North East Independent School District, records show. After years of making the honor roll, her grades had dropped, and she had failed state tests in math, reading and writing the previous spring. Rodriguez formally asked the district in early 2013 for special education services mandated by federal law for all disabled children, including those whose mental illnesses affect their educational performance or impair their ability to form relationships with teachers or peers. She showed school officials a note confirming that Jacell had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, mood disorder and oppositional defiant disorder, among other conditions. She gave them the records from Jacell's stays in the psychiatric hospital. She even provided documents showing police had come when Jacell had tried to stab her brother weeks earlier, records show. But none of that was enough to persuade the district to evaluate Jacell for special ed services. "Jacell does not need a behavior plan at this time because her outbursts are rare," school officials wrote in a May 2013 memo. Instead, the district put Jacell in Section 504, a program for disabled kids who need accommodations but not services. The accommodations allowed her to "remove herself from difficult situations" and see a counselor, but only if she requested it. For the next 18 months, Jacell's struggles with mental illness worsened. She fought suicidal and homicidal thoughts, scaring her family and landing her in hospitals for weeks at a time. Her mother, desperate for help, kept asking the school for services. In late 2013, the district promised to conduct a full evaluation to see if Jacell qualified for special ed. But the evaluation was delayed for another year, in part because officials said they could not evaluate her in the hospital. Finally, in November 2014, the evaluation took place. "Results of testing indicate that Jacell is experiencing significant levels of depression and anxiety," the evaluation found. "Based on these test results, Jacell does qualify for special education." By then, it was too late. Rodriguez ended up losing trust in the school and never regained it. Earlier this year, she pulled her daughter out. Jacell is home-schooled now. She likes to write, go grocery shopping with her mom and play video games with her older brothers. She's up one minute, down the next. She laughs. She gets antsy. When she's nervous, she runs outside and rides her bike up and down the street. "I don't think they understand kids like me," she said. North East ISD provides special ed services to 67 percent fewer mentally ill students than it did in 2004, when the Texas Education Agency first established its 8.5 percent benchmark for special education enrollment statewide. North East ISD's sharp decline in services to mentally ill students comes despite an overall enrollment that has grown by 20 percent over the past 12 years. In a statement, spokeswoman Aubrey Mika Chancellor said the district works diligently to identify and provide services for children with disabilities. "This student's case is no exception," she said. "The District followed the law at all times regarding her case and she has received services and support for which she is eligible to receive." IN HOUSTON Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle Demarcus Fuller has had trouble in school since kindergarten. The Houston ISD sixth-grader is a slim 12-year-old with a sharp jaw and a mohawk haircut. He dreams of serving in the military as a sniper. He's always been a handful, and he was diagnosed with ADHD in 2013. His mother, Nicole Rechner, requested a special ed evaluation back then, records show, but no test was conducted. The problems really began last spring. In March, with the pressure of state tests looming, Demarcus broke down and told a private psychiatrist he did not want to live anymore. Doctors sent Demarcus to Kingwood Pines Hospital, a children's psychiatric hospital north of Houston, medical records show. "I was absolutely crushed," Rechner said. "I went to the school in hysterics and yelled and cried and blamed every single person there for allowing this to happen to my son." The boy spent nine days at the hospital, but that was not enough for HISD to acknowledge he needed special services, school records show. Nicole Rechner talks about her son, Demarcus School officials observed Demarcus for several days but never interviewed him face to face. Months later, they issued their determination: No special ed required. The school put Demarcus in Section 504, which the federal government has explicitly said cannot be used as an alternative if special education is needed. His accommodations included "extended time" on tests, a "consistent predictable schedule" and "preferential seating," records show. This year, employees at his new middle school have already suspended Demarcus four times and meted out two detentions, records show. Administrators recently agreed to evaluate him for special education, but only after Rechner raised the issue at a "listening session" with new Superintendent Richard Carranza. She hopes to have the results back soon. "This has gone on long enough," she said. Houston ISD, which has had a 53 percent drop in the rate of mentally ill students getting special education, responded to a comment request by saying it "has systems in place to locate, evaluate, and identify students with disabilities." District administrators are working with campuses to ensure policies are followed, a spokesman added. Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle IN GEORGETOWN When Katelyn Miller started at Gateway College Preparatory School in this Austin suburb, her mother told school officials about her mental health issues. The family had moved to Texas from Oregon in 2015, and the move hadn't been easy for Katelyn. The 16-year-old, who loves to paint and dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, had battled depression and bipolar disorder and was on probation for having run away over the summer. At Gateway, the issues affected her schoolwork, ending a string of high grades and leaving her uninterested in homework, according to her mother. School officials made a safety plan but never suggested special education, records show. "I didn't even know that was available," said her mother, Alise Bettelyoun. In early October, Katelyn cut herself and sent a picture to fellow students. It was a cry for help the charter school did not answer, emails show. Instead of offering to see if Katelyn needed counseling or other services, the school tried to expel her, claiming she had sent it over the school server. Outraged, Katelyn's mother hired an advocate, Louis Geigerman. The school eventually rescinded the expulsion and agreed to conduct a special education evaluation. Bettelyoun said school officials told her they changed their minds when they realized the picture was not sent on the server. She does not believe that was the reason. "If I hadn't (hired an advocate), I don't think they would have changed their minds at all." Reporter Brian M. Rosenthal contributed to this story. AUSTIN - A dedication ceremony Saturday for a monument recognizing the contributions of African-Americans to Texas was followed by racially motivated protests on the state Capitol grounds that resulted in eight arrests. The long-awaited Texas African American History Memorial was unveiled Saturday on the Capitol's south lawn, close to other monuments that honor Confederate soldiers for their service during the Civil War. The monument depicts the African-American experience in Texas, from exploration in the 1500s to slavery and emancipation to achievement in arts and science. "The fact is African Americans have shaped this land that we are on today since long before it was even named the state of Texas. They fought for their own freedom. They fought for the freedom of Texas and the freedom of the United States of America," Gov. Greg Abbott told the crowd at the ceremony. Of the 21 monuments on the capitol grounds, this is the second dedicated to an ethnic group. A Tejano Monument to Mexican-American history was installed in 2012. Shortly after the ceremony, a group of about 20 White Lives Matter supporters gathered to protest hate crime laws that they say favor minorities. "Equal justice under law" was on a sign held up by one man, who dressed all in black with what appeared to be a Kalashnikov semi-automatic rifle slung on his shoulder. They were quickly surrounded by about 400 counter-protesters, some of whom shouted "Nazi scum!" White Lives Matter protest organizer Ken Reed, of Houston, said the group was unaware of the monument unveiling event when it planned the protest. Reed, wearing a Donald Trump hat, said into a bullhorn that his group was concerned with "white people's preservation." "You all are anti-white and anti-American," he told the counterprotesters. He said he found it "ironic" that counterprotesters were calling for equality because that's what his group wants as well. "All we're saying is that the hate crime law is unjustly applied to white people," he said. Counterprotester Marie Catrett, 40, of South Austin, said she was there to stand up for the rights of people of color and said the monument to honor African-Americans was overdue. "They are full of hatred," Catrett said about the White Lives Matter group. "They don't represent our community or our values. I think Austin desperately needs people to show up and stand up against racism, now especially." She said she was proud to see the hundreds of counterprotesters dwarf the White Lives Matter crowd. Riot police were summoned, with about 60 state troopers on the scene and a state Department of Public Safety helicopter buzzing overhead. Horse-mounted officers from DPS and the Austin Police Department were also involved. DPS spokesman Sgt. Victor Taylor said four protesters were arrested on assault charges, two on evading arrest, one on disorderly conduct and one on "interference with public duty." Two of those arrested were on Capitol grounds and the others on adjacent streets. "Some protesters assaulted other protesters," Taylor said. "We don't know for sure which side they were on. A lot of them were co-mingled." This report contains material from the Associated Press. Russian President Vladimit Putin spoke with his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Sunday, Sputnik International reported. Peru has been hosting APEC's all-year-round meetings that culminated with the economic leaders' summit in its capital city of Lima, which started on Saturday. During the summit, the leaders of the 21 APEC states are expected to work out a strategic vision and guidelines for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region for 2017. "At the beginning of the working session [Putin and Obama] greeted each other and spoke briefly," Peskov said. The White House later commented on the talks between the two leaders. Obama and Putin discussed Syria during their brief meeting and agreed that US and Russian top diplomats will continue discussing the ways to resolve the Syrian crisis. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Blowing diesel smoke black as coal, Santa's sleigh rolled into Houston on 18 wheels on Saturday. Santa himself was a string bean, a 6-foot-6er so lean that his furry red suit hung in folds. None of that mattered much, though, to the folks at Direct Hope's Street Santa bash. Christmas, after all, is where the heart is. Temperatures still were in the 50s when the first guests - almost all of them homeless - arrived at the vacant lot across from a U.S. 59 overpass in downtown Houston. Before the morning passed, almost 400 of them would dine on chef-prepared pork chops and be fitted out with blankets, books, shoes, socks and underwear. Some got free flu shots. Wide-eyed kids got a personal moment with Santa - actually 49-year-old Louis Gould, a once-homeless man who rebuilt his life with Direct Hope's help - and a trip to the festively decorated, toy-filled truck. Saturday marked the second time Direct Hope, founded by lawyer DeLainey Mulcahy and her friend, Brooke Rives, a magazine advertising saleswoman, hosted the pre-Christmas event. The nonprofit - so new that it doesn't have a website - is known best for its hot Sunday dinners for the homeless at a downtown park. The organization also helps those in need connect with agencies that can assist with housing, transportation, substance-abuse counseling and health care. "When they find housing," said Rives, "we provide a decorator to help them furnish their new homes. We do everything we can to help integrate them back into the community." Mulcahy said the effort began when she noticed homeless people congregating at businesses near her Upper Kirby-area home about two years ago. Accompanied by her children, she began handing out canned food. Word of the private kindness soon spread to her friends - and their friends - until the effort grew into an organized Sunday feed at McKee Street's Bute Park. "We started with an SUV loaded with food from Costco," she said. "Then there were four SUVs, then eight. We have a very diverse group of volunteers. We may be unique in that we have children. The youngest one here today is 3." 'Living under bridges' Not all of those at Saturday's event were homeless, but generally, Mulcahy said, Direct Hope's clients are among the most desperate. "They're living under bridges," she said. Gould knows what it's like to live under bridges. Today, he is employed and housed, but for the better part of five years, his life was in free fall. His decline began with a difficult divorce and the loss of custody of his then 4-year-old son. "I couldn't understand. I became depressed. Things just went downhill," he said. "Everything was lost. I just gave up all hope." Then he met Rives, Mulcahy and the other Direct Hope volunteers at a Bute Park dinner. "They were awesome," Gould said. "It was like they were there every Sunday, even in the cold rain. They would smile and talk." The women's quiet support bolstered Gould's growing desire to "get out of my rut." "I started trying again," he said. "I'd make and keep my appointments. I tried to get housing." The transition was a struggle, but he succeeded. He found work with an auto auction company. He reconnected with his son, who, he found, now resided with Gould's mother. "He wasn't going to school," Gould said. "Now he is, and he's making A's and B's. God is good." 'All about the kids' Last year, Direct Hope invited Gould to handle Santa duties. "I never imagined I'd be doing something like this," he said. "It's one of the most enjoyable things in my life. It's all about kids." He beamed beneath his snowy beard as he recalled his first outing in the red suit. "The most memorable thing," he said, "was this little girl. She told me I was the best Santa ever." There was no question that he would return for this year's Street Santa event. As the morning incrementally warmed, children clustered around the big man as he glad-handed his way through the expectant throng. The Santa suit rippled in velvet waves of crimson as he walked. Mulcahy frowned in perplexity, then smiled. "We forgot to bring the pillows," she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Ricky Hall's family clustered together in Ben Taub Hospital, discussing in hushed tones whether he should live or die. In a rolling conversation punctuated by the whirs and beeps of ICU machinery, they traded memories of a life lived on the fringes, of expectations and disappointments. Inside room 4E25, the 46-year-old languished in a hospital bed on that mid-October evening, breathing only with the help of life-support machines. The decision seemed both insurmountable and inevitable. "He wanted to die," said his mother, Elizabeth Keith. "I just want to let him die." It would be a dispiriting end for Keith's troubled middle son after a dizzying series of struggles with mental illness, jail and suicide attempts. Admitted to Ben Taub with seizures, he was shot by a deputy sheriff a few days later after taking a medical student hostage. The shooting left him unconscious with major brain damage and little hope for recovery. Keith looked down at her son, grappling with the decision, hoping to find peace for both of them. On a television looming over his bedside, political pundits traded barbs about an election Hall wouldn't live to see. B B B The phone rang while Keith was watching television in her Pasadena home. A friend on the line offered condolences for Ricky's death. At first, Keith thought her friend was confused. Surely she was just hearing about Keith's oldest son, who died in 2012. Stunned, the 66-year-old turned back to the TV to watch the news about a shooting about Ben Taub. Her son had been seriously injured. Throughout his life, Hall had suffered from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other mental health problems. In late September, he was arrested for parole violation and a trio of new charges for forgery, credit card abuse and robbery threats. A day later, he was hospitalized for seizures. Six days later, while Hall waited to be released from the hospital back to the Harris County Jail, something went wrong. He picked up an edged weapon - possibly the metal band from a set of headphones - and pressed it to the throat of a medical student who had come into his room. He told the sheriff's deputy who rushed to the scene that he'd kill the woman if the officer didn't shoot him first, according to authorities. The deputy opened fire, hitting Hall twice. The shooting set Keith on a desperate mission to locate her son. The sheriff's office said he was at the hospital, but Ben Taub repeatedly assured her he was not. Eventually, her brother-in-law, Ben Hogan, appealed to local news outlets, including the Houston Chronicle, for help. On Oct. 17 - 11 days after Hall was shot - Keith finally got a call about her son. "Is this a good phone number to reach you? The doctor is going to call you," the woman said. "He's not in good condition." B B B The next day, Hall's mother, aunt, uncle and cousin suited up like surgeons to head into the ICU room. Hall looked emaciated. His eyes fluttered, and it seemed as if he could be half-asleep. "Can he hear us?" his aunt Linda asked. One doctor said he couldn't; another said it was possible. After the shooting, Hall suffered blood loss and underwent major surgery, the doctor said. One of the bullets pierced his chest and damaged his right lung, critical blood vessels and part of his liver. He sustained massive brain injury from a loss of oxygen. Still, he had some brain activity: On the Glasgow Coma Scale, where 15 is a fully conscious person, Hall scored a 9. The news complicated the decision facing the family. Typically, organs are usable for donation only if they're harvested within 90 minutes of the termination of life support, an organ donor representative said. With that much brain activity, Hall might not die within that time frame. He could linger for weeks or months in an unconscious state. Donation seemed like a long shot. If his family wanted to pursue that possibility, they would have to wait at least four or five days - maybe longer, given the details of his case - before they could turn off life support. For four hours, the family wrestled over the decision: Turn off the equipment now? Or wait, in hopes of making an organ donation? The talks continued until well after midnight, when his exhausted relatives made a decision. They would forego the donation plans and end life support later that afternoon. B B B As a child, Ricky Hall was a bundle of energy. He tried to climb a tree when he was 8 months old and once escaped from his mother in a grocery store only to be found drinking pancake syrup in the middle of an aisle. "Before he was 2, he had a head full of stitches," he mother recalled. "The people at the hospital knew me. It was like, 'Oh, little Ricky did it again.' " The youngster was prescribed Ritalin and put in special education classes. His mom took a job at the school cafeteria to help keep an eye on him. But it wasn't enough. "He wasn't invited to birthday parties because he was just too active and just too into things," Keith said. Hall was arrested the first time when he was about 17. That was when she finally learned her son's problems were more than hyperactivity. "When he got into the jail system, the psychiatrists said he was bipolar and I said, 'What is that?' " Keith said. She also learned that her son heard voices and, as he got older, frequently tried to end his life. Once in Los Angeles, he threatened to jump off a building. Another time, he overdosed on medication. "But he never died, and that's why I told him, 'The Lord don't want to take you, Ricky,' " his mother recalled. " 'You'll end up as a vegetable at the hospital.' " For almost 30 years, his mother visited him regularly as he bounced in and out of jails, prisons and mental hospitals. But when he got out of prison in 2013, he seemed to be doing well. He was taking his medication, living at home and working, at least some of the time. Then, in August, he fell back into destructive patterns. He repeatedly used his mother's credit cards and checkbook without her permission. A retiree on a fixed income, Keith said she had no choice but to report him to police. Once he found out about the pending charges, he skipped a parole meeting. But it didn't take long for police to catch up with him. "The last time he called he said, 'Mom I need to talk to you. I love you and I'm sorry for what I did,' " Keith said. "And that was the last time I heard from him." B B B Keith and Hogan returned to the hospital later that afternoon and found their way to the interfaith chapel. Lifelong Baptists, they held hands and asked God for guidance. Hogan said a few supportive words for Keith before acknowledging Hall's last acts. "I do not condone what Ricky did," he said. Keith nodded silently. For the next 45 minutes, the two talked through their decision and about the dying man four floors up. "He's just been through hell - excuse me," Keith said, looking up to the heavens. "I just want him to be in peace, to let him go. He's read that Bible so much, back and forth." They seemed resigned to their decision. "He was a troubled young man and I don't know that they could have raised him any different to make him any better, because of his physiology," Hogan said. "He is what he is - or he was what he was." When they made it back to the ICU, E! News was dishing on the latest celebrity gossip as the family called for the hospital chaplain. At 7:35 p.m., medical staff disconnected the whirring machines. Three minutes later, Ricky Hall was dead. B B B Almost a month after the shooting, Hall's mother and uncle collected his belongings - two plastic bags of clothes, Wal-Mart gift cards, hotel room keys and other assorted items. They were still waiting last week for his ashes. "He didn't really have any friends that we could have a funeral," Keith said. Hall's family is left with countless questions: Why wasn't he under closer guard at the hospital? Did officials know about his history of mental health problems? Why didn't the sheriff's office call family members sooner? "We're not trying to be crusaders, but just need some 'closure,' " Hogan said. The sheriff's office declined to discuss the protocol for guarding inmates who receive medical treatment outside the jail. The case is under investigation. "It would be premature to comment on policies and procedures until (the investigation) is completed," spokesman Thomas Gilliland said in an email. The name of the deputy who fired the fatal shot has not been released, just one of many things the family still doesn't know. What they do know is that Hall wanted to die. If nothing else, his mother was able to honor his final wish. "He said he would never go back to prison," Keith said. "And he didn't." LIMA, Peru - Trying to tie up loose ends of his foreign policy agenda, President Barack Obama on Saturday instead found world leaders more focused on someone else: President-elect Donald Trump. Global hand-wringing over America's next president has taken much of the wind out of Obama's final overseas trip. Adopting an altruistic tone, Obama has offered frequent reassurances that the U.S. won't renege on its commitments. Yet he's been at a loss to quell concerns fully, given new signals from Trump that he intends to govern much the way he campaigned. Let's not have cities with parks in them; let's have cities that are parks. That was the vision expressed by Tim Beatley, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities at the University of Virginia and speaker at the annual Houston Parks Board luncheon held in October. Houston, with its massive freeways and endless strip shopping centers, has a long way to go to realize the dream of becoming fully integrated with the natural world, but as a start, our city can make the most of its abundance of major regional parks. A combination of public and private funds have been used in recent years to upgrade Hermann Park, Buffalo Bayou Park and soon-to-open Emancipation Park. Eighteen months after City Council approved the master plan for Memorial Park, it's time for our city to embrace this next ambitious reimagining of community green space. The first major project under the master plan has kicked off: It's a revitalization of the eastern segment of the park that borders the Crestwood neighborhood. While another stretch of well-maintained green space designed to provide a respite for Houstonians is needed, the city's Parks and Recreation Department, the Memorial Park Conservancy and the Uptown Tax Increment Reinvestment zone also are embarking on a course more unusual in the history of Houston's green space. The partners are placing an emphasis on the land's rich history. The new design will return the landscape to forests, savannah, wetlands and prairie, a setting similar to what the Karankawa Indians experienced when they lived in the area centuries ago. In addition, the park will feature landmarks that refer to the former World War I training camp, Camp Logan, situated there from 1917-1919. The camp is the only World War I training camp in the United States that is not paved over, according to Shellye Arnold, CEO of Memorial Park Conservancy. Many people may recognize the name of Camp Logan only in association with the Camp Logan Riots of 1917. But Camp Logan was also a temporary home for many soldiers who departed to fight in the Great War, and the master plan calls for the park to include remembrances of them. The historical slant is particularly appropriate as Memorial Park was named as a tribute for those who fought in the war at the time billed as the "War to End All Wars." One planned remembrance will be simple steel handrails enclosing the foundation of latrines and bathhouses that were constructed for Camp Logan. But the master plan also envisions a deeper tribute. The partnership is planting a grove of trees to represent the soldiers who trained at the camp and died in service of their country. Rather than a wall with the soldiers' names on it, the trees will be lined up in regimens to evoke the gravity of military sacrifice. This living memorial will give our community and nation an opportunity to experience history in a public space rather than merely reading about it in textbooks. While the master plan is being implemented, city leaders, along with adjacent landowners, should give high priority to a plan for pedestrians, joggers and cyclists to move more easily from the much-improved Buffalo Bayou trails ending at Shepherd to Memorial Park. No one disputes that our city's neighborhood parks need more attention. But Memorial Park is the city's largest urban park with thousands of daily visitors, drawing users from 170 regional ZIP codes and more than 300 national ones, according to three 2015 snapshot surveys conducted by the Memorial Park Conservancy. The generation of Houstonians that purchased Camp Logan and created Memorial Park bestowed a gift on future residents. Now it is our turn to be grateful stewards of that treasure. We can do that not only by making it more accessible to Houstonians and visitors, but by revamping it in a way that reminds us of Houston's history. Information flow Regarding "America's news 'ecosystem' is in need of a tune-up" (Page 33A, Nov. 13), Joshua Benton's essay ends with a criticism of Facebook and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg for not being more diligent in filtering content of information on its site. His premise is that companies that allow all information to be disseminated clouds the "real" information that traditional outlets, including the Chronicle, "objectively" screen and publish. As a former newspaperman and current professor of journalism, his opinion is biased as is that of every human being, and my "biased" opinion is that filtering content is not a task, or requirement, that I believe companies like Facebook need undertake. Bill Spear Bartlett, Houston Classical blunder Regarding "Obsession with race is getting us nowhere" (Page A23, Friday), Jonah Goldberg's column is just a standard right-wing rant against higher education. He quotes some silly statements by some academics. Some academics do make silly statements. So do some right-wing pundits. Goldberg, committing the classical logical blunder of generalizing from an inadequate and biased sample, concludes that academe has repudiated objective reasoning. In the classes I taught this term, works of the following authors were assigned: Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Locke, Mill and Kant. None of these authors repudiates objective reason, and neither do I. In fact, the main purpose of my courses is to help students develop their abilities to think critically and objectively, and, so far as I can tell, this is a goal shared by all of my colleagues. The real motivation for the anti-academic animus of Goldberg and his ilk is that objective research stubbornly refuses to line up behind the right's ideological agendas. Truth, it seems, has a liberal bias. Keith M. Parsons, Friendswood A new administration Regarding "Trump empire a 'tangled web' (Page A1, Thursday), let's see if we understand this arrangement. Trump tells us he will extricate himself from his businesses by turning over the management to his family, namely Donald Jr. And presumably there will be no interactions or discussions of any business matters, yet his family members are an integral part of his transition team. As it stands are we expected to accept the notion that his presidency will be conducted from the White House whilst none of his family, except perhaps his wife, will actually live in the White House or have access to him or be frequent visitors at the White House? We know so little about this man who refuses to release his taxes, not even previous years during which he is no longer under audit. Is this what "draining the swamp" is supposed to look like? David L Gordon, Pasadena Local leadership Regarding "City's next step" editorial (Page A35, Nov. 13), I was an early supporter of Mayor Sylvester Turner's campaign last year. And while I have been happy to see the numerous things he has accomplished since his election, I have never been more thankful for it than on Nov. 8. Since Donald Trump's election as president, it has been local officials who have pushed back on his extreme, hurtful proposals. The mayors of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have already resisted, pledging to protect their constituents, be they white or black, documented or undocumented, Christian or Muslim, man or woman. Turner needs to do the same, and I have no doubt that he will. Much to the chagrin of nativists, Houston is a sanctuary city that protects the undocumented when they wish to report crimes. We boast that we are a tolerant, diverse and cosmopolitan city. It needs to stay that way, even under President Trump. The state of Texas, being led by those who cannot and will not stand up to Trump, will not protect the most vulnerable among us. It is up to Houston, and Houston alone, to fight back against fascism and demagoguery. It will be a tall order, but I have faith in Turner's ability to do so. In a time when trust in our leaders and institutions has declined so much, I have never been more thankful to have supported and voted for our mayor. Noah M. Horwitz, Houston Move rightward Rather than face the reality that their policies have been rejected by Americans nationwide, in the typical progressive manner the Houston Chronicle editorial "City's next step" simply calls for more of the same failed policies including more oppressive regulation, support for the failed Obamacare model of federal government control and its high cost and limited service, support for crony capitalism in green energy, minimum wage increases proven to reduce jobs for the poor and destroy businesses and higher taxes. This election continued the repudiation of this very same failed Obama/progressive/Democratic Party agenda because it simply doesn't work. Jim Robertson, Houston This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The Mexican undersecretary of foreign affairs for North America, Jose Paulo Carreno King, said in an interview during a two-day visit to Texas that, now that Donald Trump is U.S. president-elect, Mexico is not going to duel over the anti-Mexican rhetoric that characterized his campaign. Instead, Carreno said, his government is going to be vigilant about the policies implemented as Trump makes the transition to the presidency. With 11 consulates, Texas has the largest Mexican diplomatic presence in the U.S. Carreno visited with the Mexican consuls in Austin last week. Here's an edited excerpt of the Chronicle's interview with Carreno: Q: What are the important, post-U.S. presidential election issues facing the Mexican government? A: The issues haven't changed, so far, because the presidency hasn't changed yet. We believe that the important issues for both countries are more or less the same: border security, migration flows, economic development and competitiveness. There are always new challenges with every new administration. But we also think that new opportunities come as well with every new government, and we are willing to build on mutual interests with the upcoming government. Q: The president-elect hasn't backed away from things he said during his campaign, such as that Mexico will pay for a border wall, or that he is going to deport Mexicans, who he called criminals and rapists. Do you expect the same relationship with Trump as with previous presidents? A: This electoral process has been very atypical. Mexico and Mexicans were at the center of the agenda, and Mexico and the Mexican people didn't like that. We were treated in a way that doesn't match with the reality of the Mexico-U.S. relations, or of the Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the U.S. We have realized that we should be much more proactive, emphatic and effective in coming to the United States and explaining the large scale of our (bilateral) relations, and the importance in this country of people with Mexican origins. Q: What is the Mexican government doing in that direction? A: We believe the Mexican history with the United States hasn't been properly told. So we are working to update the narrative, the perceptions and the realities of the relationship between the two countries. We are talking with the private sector, with the civil society, organizations... The secretary (of foreign affairs, Claudia Ruiz Massieu) has visited the United States more than 30 times this year, either alone or with me. I am also leaving to Los Angeles (Tuesday) to meet with organizations there. The Mexican government is not going to duel on the rhetoric of the (Trump) campaign. We are going to focus on what we could build. Q: There have been reports about nervousness among some immigrants and their families. A: One of the messages I brought to the consuls from Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu is, "Let's be patient and wait to see what exactly the government is going to do (when Trump takes office)." And the message from the Mexican government is that we are going to be very vigilant, and very close to all the Mexican people. We are going to go to everywhere they are to reiterate that we are with them. We are going to use all the resources possible and use every legal tool to support them and to safeguard their rights. But until we know for sure what the upcoming government is going to do... I believe we should work on an agenda that builds upon what we already have, not just from the Obama administration but from the last three or four decades. I would say that the simplest way to frame it is, wherever (Mexico and the U.S.) have worked together, we have done better. We are optimistic that we will be able to convey this same message to President-elect Trump's team, and we can move on and keep working in the same direction. olivia.tallet@chron.com "I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but some day someone will - and hopefully sooner than we might think right now. And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams." -Hillary Clinton The 2016 presidential campaign was about many things, but it was front and center about how this country views the female half of its population. What opportunities are available to every little girl out there. What characteristics we as a culture apply to them and they then incorporate into their self-images. If they are to follow their dreams into realms dominated by men, will they face the all-too-common pejoratives and slander and stereotypes that were heaped on Hillary Clinton? The notion that women lie, that women lack stamina, that ambitious women are untrustworthy and conniving, that women should stay home and take care of their families, that women's hormones make them too emotionally unstable to command the nation's military and intelligence apparatus or manage a corporation, that a woman's value lies in her looks, that boys will be boys and we should just get over our sensitivities to locker-room talk. Every hateful word spit at Mrs. Clinton struck each of us like a hammer. When Texas' own Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller called her a c**t on social media, he defamed each of us. The frightening images of crowds chanting hateful, misogynist, sometimes violent threats against the first woman to represent a national party in a presidential election were nothing if not intimidating, the kind of intimidating that would make a grown woman shrink from pursuing many professions. Imagine how it looked to a little girl. We have had a couple of weeks to absorb not only the idea of a President Donald Trump, but also how he wound up in the most powerful office in the world. No need repeating the list of offenses he committed in his campaign; they have been catalogued endlessly. But time has allowed for a more hopeful assessment. As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Today, we can document that the arc is indeed long. It has been 150 years since Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the suffragettes set out to give American women the right to vote. It took half a century, but in August 1920, the 19th Amendment became part of the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing women's suffrage. The bending toward justice began soon after in our fair state, and has been slowly inching forward. Just five years after passage of the 19th Amendment, Texas elected Ma (Miriam A.) Ferguson the first woman governor to gain office without stepping in for her husband. True, Pa (James E.) Ferguson was governor before she was (he was impeached for too many misdeeds to mention here), but she ran for the office twice and won both times (1925-27; 1932-35). And the state came very close to fielding the first woman in a presidential campaign when President Eisenhower urged Houston's Oveta Culp Hobby to run in 1960. She had served in his administration as the first woman secretary of the newly formed Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Another of the state's firsts, Kay Bailey Hutchison, who in 1993 was first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, was cited by the New York Times as a likely prospect to break that highest of glass ceilings. In 1973, Houston sent the first Southern African-American woman, Barbara Jordan, to the U.S. House of Representatives and, in 2010, elected the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city, Annise Parker, who served three terms. Granted these firsts have spanned almost a century, not exactly the speediest of progress, but the momentum is building everywhere. Twenty-five years ago, 6 percent of Congress was made up of women; with this election, it will be 19 percent. About 42 percent of law school graduates were women; 2017 projections put the mark at about 50 percent. The first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor, took office in 1981; today, a third of the court is female. Zero percent of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies then, 4.3 percent now. While the march forward in these and other professions may not seem like much to crow about, it is in keeping with the long arc bending toward justice. Whatever this campaign may have looked like, however hostile to women, there is no going back. You could see the determination in all the women and their daughters dressed in suffragette white on Election Day, carrying suffragette yellow roses. Or wearing Hillary Clinton pantsuits. Who could fail to be impressed by the 3 million people who joined the Facebook page Pantsuit Nation and the hundreds who lined up to leave their "I voted" stickers on Susan B. Anthony's tombstone in Rochester, N.Y. Women readily acknowledge and pay homage to what and who came before. We know about setbacks and pushing forward against the tide. And we will be back at the polls in our suffragette white in 2020, which turns out to be the 100-year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. We will not be intimidated. Smith is a Houston writer. A police officer was wounded Saturday in a terrorist PKK attack on a police unit in the southeastern Diyarbakir province, according to a security source, Anadolu reported. The source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking with the media, said one terrorist was killed during clashes after the attack in the Baglar district. The wounded officer was rushed to a hospital in the region, the source said. The PKK listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July last year and has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,100 security force members and civilians, including women and children. In a separate incident, six people were wounded after a grenade was thrown into a cafe by an unidentified person in the Kayapinar district of Diyarbakir, police said. Security forces have begun investigations of both attacks. 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. 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. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke about a possible meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump in December during a visit to the US, the Turkish Milliyet newspaper reported Nov. 20. Earlier, during a telephone conversation, President Erdogan congratulated Trump on his victory in the presidential election. According to the message, the politicians discussed the strengthening of relations between the two countries and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The presidential election was held in the US November 8. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump won the election. The newly elected president will take office on January 20. "Thought I would write a review as all I'm seeing is parents desperate to get their hands on one. So this one is one week old and has been played with for a few hour! The best bit was it hatching and then we had to break it out as it wasn't working! It grew up from a baby to fully grown in a few hours, it doesn't talk it just records the child's voice and plays it back, has a few games that are boring and once played they don't want to play again. All you can do is feed it by tilting it forward, stroke it when it gets cold and pat its head if it's scared. Also once you take it out of the box it starts hatching takes around 20 mins to an hour so make sure your children are ready to sit with it and help it hatch. Overall not worth the money." Sparkle The exact number of trans people killed each year is unknown. The deaths are collated from newspaper and media reports from around the world. What we do know is that being transgender puts your life at risk. On Thursday 13th October at 10am I was assaulted in a busy town centre, just minutes from where I live. "You f*cking weirdo" yelled aggressively straight at me, followed even more unpleasantly by them spitting directly into my face, then turning around and strolling off. I was left devastated, alone and broken. Advertisement However, my fate is nothing compared to what happens to trans people around the world. Just five days earlier in Cleveland, USA, a boy found the body of Brandi Bledsoe. Brandi was found wearing just her underwear, with plastic bags covering her head and her hands. Brandi was a 32 year-old trans-woman of colour, murdered. Brandi is just one of the many trans people killed throughout the world each year. Each year for TDoR (Transgender Day of Remembrance) we remember them, because they were known to us. We also need to remember that this is not just about trans women. The entire trans community is becoming more visible in public and in the media. Raising awareness of our existence, our hopes and our rights. In February (2016), a 30 year-old transgender man was stabbed to death in Salford, UK - a death of another trans victim which tore their family apart. My desire to simply disappear into gender norms is partly fuelled by the hatred some people have for trans people, hatred for me and what I represent. Advertisement There is hope. The people who attend TDoR are not just trans people. They are friends, they are family, they are colleagues. Most importantly, they are allies. They don't hate me - they are proud of me. Some of them love me, because I have the courage to be myself, and they are standing in solidarity with us all so that one day the hatred and intolerance trans people suffer at the hands of others in my country and around the world will stop, forever. The people who stand side-by-side with me at TDoR give me hope. And we need hope. We need hope because trans people are being born every day, you just can't see it. You just don't know it until they realise that sometimes not everyone fits into the gender they were born with. The recent media attacks on Mermaids, a UK charity offering support to gender variant children and their families, has devastated lives. Hatred and bigotry is learnt behaviour - and where better to learn this from than the headlines of a national newspaper? With a little knowledge and a lot of ignorance you can do untold damage to, not just young people's lives, but their relatives too. I thought we were making progress, but now parents fearful of what their trans children are saying to them about their gender identity, and these parents are too frightened to help their sons and daughters for what it might say about them. Child abuse? No, the only abuse is to do nothing, to not want your offspring to live, happy and fulfilled lives. We must change the rhetoric. Gender dysphoria, the medical term for being trans is literally killing people - through suicides and murder - and it doesn't have to be this way. The solution is simple. Let trans people live their lives in the gender they identify as, and treat them like any other person, with respect and dignity. Advertisement This second article in my series about the absurdly productive trans-national art star Jan Fabre (the first is here) has very little to do directly with him or his work. Rather, it is about the State Hermitage Museum, one of the wonders of the world. We take a look at it because it is on this field which Fabre agreed to stake a claim. The Hermitage is interesting in itself, but it is also difficult to evaluate Fabre's work in his sprawling solo show "Knight of Despair/Warrior of Beauty" without some sense of the museum in which it is set. As in real life, there is too much of the Hermitage for it to be adequately covered in any one session. How can I tell you the entire story of the thrones and crimson cloth, the robot peacocks and gold chandeliers, the frescoed arches and dim forgotten halls? I can't, and I saw only the tiniest fraction of it myself. Jordan Staircase at dusk, Winter Palace, State Hermitage Museum Therefore we narrow our view to a few of the masterpieces in this realm of wonders, and let them stand for the rest. A museum with these alone would be enough. But of course there is endlessly more to the real thing. Advertisement The first is Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son. I have written about this painting before, but now I've seen it for myself. Here is what I had to say previously: "Consider for a moment the father and son in Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son. Having returned to his father, the son kneels, clothes tattered, one foot bare where his shoe has fallen apart. He slumps against his father, head shaven and bowed, eyes closed. The father hunches over the son, bowed as well, worn with age and concern, blinded by his emotion. He has returned to the realm of touch: he rests his hands on his son's shoulders, in an all-encompassing gesture of relief, of forgiveness and ingathering. It is impossible to look at this painting without being struck blind, like the father, and awakened to the inner truths it conveys: that we are all going home, that we all need to be forgiven and don't deserve it - and that we are all waiting for those who have left, and that we have already forgiven them for their part in whatever it was that drove us apart." Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal Son, 1668 Having seen it for myself, I have only one thing to add: the prodigal son really does look just like my friend Max Ritvo, an accomplished poet who passed away in August at the age of 25. Max's chemotherapy stole his hair, as the prodigal son's hair is lost. Max's face was tall and thin, with a strong jaw, prominent cheekbones, and a sharp nose, like Rembrandt's prodigal son. Like Rembrandt's prodigal son, Max tended to tuck his head into a hug. Like the prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke, Max was wealthy - in talents and gifts: knowledge, humor, wit, eloquence. And like Luke's prodigal son, Max had to abandon all his riches and return, though he would object to the phrasing, to his Father. Max isn't here to object, so I can phrase it as I please. The hands that embrace the prodigal son need not be that Father's in particular. They could be anyone's. They could be mine. These things I thought when I looked at this painting, which is enormous, and also mighty, in person at the Hermitage. Advertisement detail, Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal Son Let us turn to another Rembrandt at the Hermitage, Sacrifice of Isaac. Rembrandt evokes the drama of the scene with a painfully vertical composition - Isaac below Abraham below angel. Each figure is connected to the others by the hands - Abraham's left hand covers Isaac's face, and the angel's hand pulls Abraham's right hand, his killing hand, away. The angel's other hand rises up toward heaven, whence his order came. As for Isaac, with his oddly womanish chest, his hands are bound beneath him and invisible. The hands rise from powerlessness toward power in this arcing vertical composition. At the mid-level, from Abraham's killing hand, the knife is falling. The painting catches it mid-air. An instant of time passes in Sacrifice of Isaac, short enough for that knife to appear suspended in empty space. Rembrandt, Sacrifice of Isaac, 1635 Consider first the psychology of this painting, especially of that hand covering Isaac's face. It has several meanings. First, it is a utilitarian gesture: pushing back the head, as if Isaac were a farm animal, exposes his neck and chest to the blade. Second, it is a gesture of mercy: though Abraham operates under the necessity of God's cruel order, he retains the freedom to spare his son the sight of the descending knife, to impotently attempt to spare him some measure of terror, of hopelessness. And finally, it is a gesture of self-preservation: Abraham cannot bear to look Isaac in the face as he murders him. In hiding his face, he already makes his son into a thing. It is just about possible to apply the blade to a thing, but not to his son, surely not his son. We did the same in gross anatomy: a linen shroud over the face of the cadaver, and these were the bodies of strangers already dead, on whom we worked with our scalpels, but the linen helped, even so. Above psychology, however, is philosophy. This is a painting of a turning point in the history of civilization and religion: the emergence of a god who rejects human sacrifice. Before the god of Abraham is the savage age of Moloch and Taranis and Huitzilopochtli - not "before" chronologically, but morally before, eons before. Before the god of Abraham, human beings are treated as objects, as instruments of utility. Everything miraculous about them may be demanded as a burnt offering to the god. The god creates, and devours his creation. I believe the Elohim who sends Abraham up that awful Mount Moriah is the same kind of monster as those forgotten older gods. But the Yahweh who sends the angel to stop him is a god horrified at his own command, a god who can learn and has learned. After Moriah, there is a better way. Men begin to worship an asymmetric god, a god who creates but is constrained from destroying. After Isaac, the life of man is an end in itself. It is no longer available as the meal of the divine. We take this for granted, and have taken it for granted for thousands of years. But all good ideas have a beginning. We do well not to forget. Rembrandt has not forgotten. His mastery of light and dark, of composition and anatomy, allows him to express his deep understanding of psychology. His psychology, in turn, serves to illustrate his insight into the philosophy of god and man. A sufficiently good artwork is not an artwork. It is a truth, and not just any truth, but a truth of the most utter and necessary kind. Behold da Vinci's Benois Madonna, the Madonna and child with flowers, that dear, dear painting: Leonard Da Vinci, Benois Madonna, 1478 Like so much of da Vinci's work, the superficial beauty of the thing is virtually an obstacle to comprehending its greatness (attribution of the painting is disputed; I don't care; it's great even without the Name). Its parts are harmoniously orchestrated into a pleasing whole, its lights and darks swirl around one another, the faces have the exactly-so grace of da Vinci's sense of features. Zoom for a moment into the flowers the infant Jesus is playing with: detail, Leonard Da Vinci, Benois Madonna They are cruciform flowers. The scene appears lilting and innocent, but da Vinci prefigures the end at the beginning. This is not particularly what makes the painting so special. It is a common trope in Madonna and child paintings. No, what makes the painting special starts, as with Rembrandt, in psychology, and uses psychology as a springboard to moral philosophy. Zoom back a little bit and consider the scene. Advertisement detail, Leonard Da Vinci, Benois Madonna, 1478 A very young Madonna is laughing as she holds up the sprig of Cruciferae flowers to Jesus. Her gesture is like her expression: she holds the flowers delicately, with humor. Jesus, on the other hand, is all business. He is before the age at which infants first laugh. He is very serious as he seizes hold of her hand with his left hand, and touches the flowers with his right. He inspects the flowers carefully. This is what play is like at its earliest infant stage - intensely curious, unselfconscious, unsmiling. Jesus's solemn concentration is what has made Mary laugh. She laughs because he's funny, and she loves him, and she's happy. There is absolutely nothing special about this scene. All decent mothers of healthy children have experienced it. Da Vinci minutely observes and records here a thing that happens every single day under every flag in the world. There are many Madonna and child paintings, but very few in which the humanity of Jesus is so adeptly translated into a gesture so common as to be universal, and yet simultaneously miraculous, one of the constant real miracles of life on Earth. This has a meaning. The great lesson of Abraham and Isaac is that no human life should serve any longer as a mere tool of the god. This lesson was learned long ago, but it still demands Rembrandt to teach it to us again, to help us understand its profundity. The great lesson of Mary and Jesus is that each individual human being is precious. No life is the same as another life. We are not fungible. The loss of any one life is a specific and unique tragedy beyond comprehension. Because Jesus condescends to be human, his death is able to stand for all deaths, and not only for all deaths, but for each death. Each death becomes monumental, as his death is monumental. In approaching him, we are forced into individual dignity. This is one of the paths by which he redeems us. Da Vinci teaches this lesson, which also needs to go on being taught, by depicting Mary as just some girl, and Jesus as just a little baby, anybody's baby, hers, mine, yours. Now look, I'm Jewish, and very proudly so. But I am not parochial in my admirations. What we are talking about here are two of the milestones in the moral history of the human race. The majesty of what we conceive of as human has a long history. It took a lot of building. Isaac and Jesus and their grieving parents helped to get us so far as we have come. And alongside the development of moral philosophy, it was necessary for these discoveries, these innovations, to be taught. Rembrandt and da Vinci are two of the great teachers of humankind, and these paintings we have been talking about are pivotal scenes in the moral education of the human race. Advertisement They are housed some dozens of yards from one another in the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. They are among the several reasons it is a wonder of the world. Next time we talk about scientists and magicians, and finally make our way to Jan Fabre. Since the election earlier this month, the explanation for Donald Trump's surprising victory that appears to be getting the most traction is that it was due to the Democratic Party losing touch with white working class voters and not offering solutions to the problems they confront in a changing economy. This trope, however, is not analysis. It is an ahistorical right wing talking point and should be understood as such. The notion that the Democratic Party abandoned the white working class is appealing because it plays on liberal guilt, allows conservatives to nurture a subtext that coastal liberals are somehow not really Americans, and makes it easy to ignore the nature of half a century of Republican efforts to win these votes. The kernel of truth on which this story is built is that the Democrats did not win a majority of white working class votes in this election. That is, of course, true, but can also be said of every presidential election since 1964. Trump did better among these voters, but the reasons for that go well beyond anything the Democratic Party did this year or in any other recent election. Advertisement Despite this, it is true that many Democratic presidential candidates in recent years were not of the white working class and therefore not familiar to them. Michael Dukakis, John Kerry, Barack Obama and the 2016 iteration of Hillary Clinton are not the kind of people who would fit in well at at UAW hall or a blue collar bar. Their policy proposals, however along with those of Democratic leaders in Congress and other recent Democratic presidential candidates, tell a different story. To a great extent, Republican policies at the state and national level have contributed to the plight of these communities that the Democratic Party abandoned. It was Republican policies and Presidents that weakened labor unions and opposed increasing the minimum wage, thus reducing the economic power of these white voters. Conservative environmental policies led to worse health conditions in many of these communities. Republican budgets meant there was less money for social services that had played an important part in holding these communities together. Over the next decades, these conditions will only get worse as a new GOP administration committed to fiscal irresponsibility, climate change denial and massive tax cuts to the wealthy come into office. Yet, for some reason, we continue to say the problem is that the Democrats did not reach out to these voters enough. The truth is that the Democrats continued to reach out to white working class voters, and to offer policies aimed at helping them, long after these voters abandoned the Democratic Party. What the Democratic Party did not do, is walk away from their, admittedly sometimes inadequate, commitment to civil rights for people of color, women and LGBT voters. Those commitments, and the willingness of an increasingly emboldened Republican Party to exploit hatred and fear at every turn, are what has cost the Democrats white working class votes. Advertisement The Republican Party exploited this to create a rift between the Democrats and the white working class voters who, for most of the middle of the 20th century, had been their most loyal voters. Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy, Ronald Reagan's imaginary Welfare Queen and George H. W. Bush's Wille Horton commercial are just some of the many examples of how the Republican Party used race and racism to appeal to the white working class. It is important to remember these precedents because they allow us to put Donald Trump's campaign in context. Trump's may have been the most racist presidential campaign in modern history, but he was most certainly not the only Republican to do down that road. Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 20 Trend: A Turkish serviceman was killed and three were injured in the attack of militants of the Islamic State (aka IS, ISIL, ISIS or Daesh) terrorist group in Syria, Turkish Milliyet newspaper reported. On Aug. 24 morning, the Turkish Air Force, with the support of the coalition aircraft, launched an operation to liberate the city of Jarabulus from the IS militants in northern Syria, near Aleppo. The operation was dubbed the Shield of the Euphrates. Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has so far claimed over 500,000 lives. Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The IS, YPG and PYD are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Washington DC: Goodyear Satire Co.-- StoopidNewz.com is fake news? I would NEVER have figured that out on my own. Thank you, my overlords at Facebook , Google, Fox News and the New York Times. Thank you for warning me about websites that don't tell the truth. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Fake news sites are not the problem. Real news sites that lie to advance their own agendas are the problem. You may recall the Associated Press (AP) announced Hillary won the California primary the night before the election. Was it to sabotage Bernie Sanders' chance to make a strong showing? If so, that's an agenda-driven lie. Advertisement The New York Times, purveyor of lies that drew the nation into an interminable war in Iraq, and then Afghanistan and Syria, leading to the deaths or tens of thousands of Americans, hundreds of thousands of olive-skinned people and the expenditure of trillions of George Washingtons. That's an agenda-driven lie. Fox News is the new alt-wrong clearinghouse for conspiracy nuts hoping to pull the Trump Cabinet of Dr. Caligari from the Twilight Zone of Insanity into the traditional right-wing realm of the End Times. Fox News seems to have a longstanding problem with the truth. Fox News anchor apologizes for false report of 'likely' Clinton indictment. Thanks for telling us we can believe you but not newsnewsnewsnewsnews.org . Its clear the major news media knows what fake news is, since they have a lot of experience publishing it. There is no truth when 76% of what your President Elect says is a lie and a compliant media doesn't call him out on it. Advertisement Every article about the Trump campaign contained fake news.Yet the media reported it as truth under the guise of "Trump said it; we're just reporting that." But their reporting was based on a lie. Encouraged by Democrats (and not reported to the public but for a criminal hack), the media treated political neophyte Trump as a serious candidate;when he was really just a Purveyor of Fine White Whine. Wolf Blitzer should be cast in a new version of Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist play "No Exit" and be forced to watch reruns of his daily, endless, breathless reports about Hillary's emails, as if they were news. That is hell. Let NBC's Matt Lauer drive the bus carrying minorities to the border. Maybe Donald Trump will be there to grab those two pussies. The Truth About Fake News What makes me qualified to write about fake news? I write it, and I've been the subject of it. One of my recent articles was declared false by none other than the experts at snopes.com. For a political satirist, being tagged FALSE by Snopes is a badge of honor. It's amazing to me that enough people wondered whether that was true to cause snopes.com to take notice. What isn't amazing to me is that Bush and Cheney were not prosecuted. They could have plea-bargained it down to "not wearing a seat belt", I'd have been happy. I'd have even paid their $20 fines. Just so this country goes on record standing up for truth or justice or Pokemon Go, I really don't care. Just so it stands for something. The Smurf way of life. Anything. How can fake news be a problem in a land where most people believe a burning bush spoke the word of God? Science tells you most brooks need to study for 100 years before they can babble. Advertisement If I was a burning bush, I wouldn't be speaking in tongues about God, I'd be yelling: "Water! Put this goddamned fire out!" See, the problem isn't The Onion, Andy Borowitz or the Goodyear Satire Co. The problem is the government. We rely on our government of the people, for the people and by the people and expect them to not lie to the people. We have a government that looks the other way when Russians hack one political party and not the other, and an FBI whose director verbally gang rapes that party's female candidate for the Presidency. The good news is: before long, we will all have dual Russian-American citizenship. When did Vladimir Putin become our BFF? We have a government that uses irony to fill high office. There'll be a climate change denier in charge of the EPA. We could have Mitt Romney as Secretary of Labor. He knows all about American jobs. He's shipped tens of thousands of them to China. And President-Elect Trump has narrowed his finalists for Secretary of Defense to three men. Larry has better foreign policy experience and Curly has the longest fingers but Moe is the quickest to put up his hand to block. Advertisement The problem is we have a government at war with its citizens and nobody in the mainstream media is calling them out on it. So "fake" news sites have to do it for them. What have we wrought? Parallel Universes of Facts. There's a conservative universe that has no climate change, no evolution and the world is 5000 years old. (That's 35,000 dog years.). Believers in these facts read The Crusader or the Washington Times and believe everything they read. And there's a parallel universe where evolution controls the destiny of species in a world that's 4.543 billion years old (the same in dog years), where fossil fuels are warming the Earth to such an extent that we'll have to shuck this mortal orb within 1000 years, and where the FBI investigates and, if there's no prosecutable crime, honors the presumption of innocence and lets it go. Believers in these facts read the Washington Post, the New York Times and tea leaves at Starbucks. It's just like there are dog people and there are cat people. So mainstream media: clean up your act and stop your moralizing. Government: you work for us. Get your thumb off the scale of justice. And citizen journalists will do our best to keep you honest-ish. We're smart enough to choose our own news without your lying help. IMAGE:Social Media Opens Doors For Meeting New People (public domain) via Wikimedia Commons In this week's episode of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer speaks with Kali Nicole Gross, Wesleyan University professor of African-American Studies and author of the recent book Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Dismembered Torso. The two discuss tensions between African-Americans and the criminal justice system today and in the past. Listen to the interview below: The book, Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Dismembered Torso, is about a lurid crime involving an African-American woman and her lover in Philadelphia in 1887. Gross is also author of the book, Colored Amazons: Crime Violence and Black Women in the City of Brotherly Love, 1880-1910. Advertisement Gross and Scheer also talk about life for African-American women in the U.S. northeast after slavery was abolished and how slavery "deformed" White Americans as well as doing enormous harm to Blacks. Adapted from Truthdig.com Read the Transcript Below: Robert Scheer: Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence. I'm Robert Scheer, and the intelligence comes from my guests. In this case, it's Kali Nicole Gross, a professor of African-American studies at Wesleyan University and author of the new book, Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Dismembered Torso. I have to say this ruined my last few days, reading this book, not because -It is brilliantly written and documented too, and in great detail, about a serial killer who happened to be a Black woman in the late part of the 19th Century. It's not at all depressing. I would recommend it as an interesting read, but it really takes you through...I think I can use the word 'sordid' here. Kali N. Gross: Yes. Robert Scheer: A sordid world, not just in terms of the principal character, but the world that she was forced to live in, basically, a White world. A world in the period after the official end of slavery but a continuation of a really oppressive life, basically centered in Philadelphia. I should say that you wrote a previous book that was very well received on that same period called "Colored Amazons: Crime, Violence and Black Women in the City of Brotherly Love, 1880-1910." Advertisement You kind of own this area, and I figure it has something to do with your own education. I teach at the Annenberg School at USC and I noticed you got your Doctorate and everything at the sister school, at University of Pennsylvania, right? Kali N. Gross: Yes. Robert Scheer: Not at the Annenberg school but there. How did you go from the academic specialty to what is truly a grisly subject of murder and serial killing? What is the purpose of the book? Kali N. Gross: The purpose of the book? Well, to just start me off with a soft ball, why don't you Robert? I'll tell you, this book had its origins in my first book. I was doing research on Black women in the criminal justice system in Philadelphia. This is the birth place of the penitentiary, in addition to being the birth place of the nation, and I came across this dusty scrapbook that was maintained by the guards at Eastern State Penitentiary. They, apparently, had taken newspaper clippings of their most infamous charges. I came across this case about a dismembered torso and all these crazy antics, and I just could not put it down. Initially, the book just germinated out of my own interest. I was as curious and as titillated, I guess, as the 19th Century readers. I was just struck that there was a Black woman at the heart of the story. Robert Scheer: Maybe you could summarize that story? Kali N. Gross: They actually organized it in order of how the story emerged, in spite of the fact that she had already been imprisoned there. A torso basically surfaces in this pond which is just outside of Philadelphia. It's headless and limbless, this torso of a man, but the coloring is such that they're not able to discern his race. This is a huge crisis for the investigators but also, really, the country at this point. It's after slavery, it's after Reconstruction. This is the period when we start to hear fears about miscegenation. Advertisement You know how there's the documentary coming out, a film, I think, about the Loving case in Virginia that finally got rid of the ban on interracial marriage? This is the period where a lot of those bans started because they were concerned that race mixing would ultimately lead to this infiltration of White society. When this torso surfaces, there's a lot of anxiety about just who this victim is and how he came to this unfortunate end. The fact that they thought it was a White man worked in his favor because they really committed all their efforts to trying to solve the case. One of the things that was harrowing in the course of doing the investigation about the case is that throughout the investigation and the trial, various body parts of other Black folks surfaced. Once they decide that it's not a part of this case, it just automatically fades into the background. There's no investigation into what happened to them, how they met this unfortunate demise. Robert Scheer: I do want to say about your book, because I've stressed that it's about murder, it's grisly. It's also about a very strong woman who's an improbable central character to observe. You do come away kind of respecting her, I think is the right word, or at least acknowledging her independence, her toughness. She's a survivor of a long line back from slavery. What is, to my mind, the incredible strength of this book, we have this fairy tale that denies, and the fairy tale is, "Sure we had slavery but that ended and we went on to a nice life. Why do we still have problems?" What your book does, because it's really great history...The way you've woven the tale of this woman is you give us all the clippings, all the news reports, the texture of life, not in the deep South primarily, although people have come from the South, but there in the City of Brotherly Love. Advertisement Kali N. Gross: Exactly. Robert Scheer: As you just mentioned, that's where the penitentiary system started. It really goes to the basic question, first of all, are Black people humans? Because you have a scene in there where somebody just describes, "They're like the cattle, they don't have souls." A denial of the whole Black church experience at all or relation to Christianity. Also, it makes very clear and in a detailed way the discrimination against Black people, the isolation and so forth, after the end of slavery. And in the North, the contempt, the alienation and so forth. It actually takes a murder story and uses it in occasion to acquaint people with the history of what was life like back then, and it's not a pretty tale. Kali N. Gross: No, and so in some respects this gets back to your first question, when you asked me what was the point or why did I want to write this book. It was...It started out with my fascination about this case but then the more I learned about it, it was this woman who was unlike any other Black woman that I had read about in history, and I'm saying this as a historian. I was fascinated and intrigued, and I liked the fact that she was deeply flawed...I hope that comes across in the book. I tried to read her in the context of the period, and you're right, it is ugly, it's sordid, it's violent. She comes into her womanhood during the civil war, this bloody violence that goes on in the country. Black women were particularly vulnerable to rape and brutalization. Even before that, she lived in a town that was notorious for a really brutal slave-owning family. There was this kind of violence in the society and in the culture, already there is this back-drop so that once you have slavery abolished, you have Black folks trying to actualize their rights and enjoy their freedom, but it's deeply fraught. The whole country is scarred. There's real trauma. She emerges with this little baby in tow that is mulatto, and the circumstances of that child's origins are pretty murky. She is a survivor in many respects. She migrates up North, she marries a fairly good guy and tries to make a go of it, but she's got real problems with anger, with violence. She uses it to create space for herself in a world where it usually didn't exist for Black women. Robert Scheer: What I thought the value of the book, aside from that it's a very good read, exciting, and you want to know how it all goes; it explains the deformity of life in America. That this country, particularly as regards to the issue of race and slavery, set out to deliberately deform and deny the humanity of Black people and others, Native Americans and there's a whole history, but particularly around the issue of slavery which then extends to life in the North in a very basic way. Advertisement There's a modern significance to that because it deals with criminality, it deals with law enforcement, it deals with the behavior of authorities and even though you're talking about distant events, there's an echo in today's policing issues. Kali N. Gross: Yes. Robert Scheer: When I look through some of your articles, you write about contemporary policing issues. I read those, and then I went back to your book and I had to remind myself we're talking about a half century or more a distance, a century distance from those events. Kali N. Gross: Right, and... the point of it is that I can't tell you how astonished I was to see how closely, or how much, the events that were taking place with respect to policing and investigations and race; all the issues around brutality and racial profiling, how closely aligned they were to cases and ongoing issues today. It was shocking for me, and in some respects I'm almost embarrassed to say that because as a historian, part of why I do what I do is because I want history to be a beacon, to speak to today, to resurrect these histories so that we can learn from them. I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was but really, it was uncanny in certain respects. It was also instructive for me because it showed, early on, how the Black community isolation from unbiased protection is related to crime in the Black community. Whenever we have these cases that arise, currently around shootings of unarmed Black folks with White police officers, one of the push-backs right away is, "Well, why don't they care about 'Black on Black crime,' or crimes that take place in the community?" My answer to that's always, one, 'we do but also that the two issues are actually related.' They're both an artifice of Black folks' inability to benefit from unbiased criminal justice. Robert Scheer: Yeah, that's the heart of the whole book because the police are presumably there to protect people, and you have a lot of detail actually; how many there were and what their skillset was and limitations and so forth. Again, the modern echo is, they're alienated from a community and so either you surround that community and then ignore it and let them kill each other..., make life miserable for people who don't want crime and are afraid of it, or you go in and you're very aggressive. Advertisement There's a phrase in your book, I don't know if you intended it to have this modern application, called preventive policing. That's a hot issue now in cities in America. They're very actively using computers, databases and so forth as a project...I don't want to be conspiratorial here, but Palantir is a company founded by the CIA that's very involved with that. It happens here in Los Angeles, it happens in New Orleans, New York, and so forth. It really has a lot to do with a very sophisticated racial profiling of people and then predicting who's going to be a criminal, and then you go after them and you find evidence of crime. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. I was surprised that that shows up in your book, describing again a period of another Century. Kali N. Gross: There's also, in the back-drop, this idea that crime or criminality is inherent. That you have professional criminals, people who are inherently criminal. The police force and the detectives that are emerging are committed to a kind of muscular policing. They want to get ahead of it and do this preemptive, preventative surveillance of people who they believe might commit crimes, who have committed crimes in the past, or...in some instances, they detain Black folks who they didn't believe belonged in certain places or who were carrying goods that they didn't believe they owned. They had police manuals that instructed them to detain folks who looked like they were from outside of the state. It left Black folks vulnerable, but it also left poor Whites vulnerable, and also immigrants. European immigrants were incredibly vulnerable to being detained and harassed too. Advertisement Robert Scheer: Yeah. Let me ask you, I didn't get a sense from the book, was there any effort at all to have a police department that was somewhat more representative of the community? You mentioned when the immigrant populations were becoming more prominent in Philadelphia, there was some pressure on ..I guess you wouldn't use the word police reform, but some challenge to the thing. Was there any sense at all about representation of race, gender, what have you? Kali N. Gross: Still, there are these moments where you do actually have some Black police officers in Philadelphia at this time. There's not a huge amount of work done on them so it's unclear to me whether they policed all communities or only Black areas. I don't have a good sense of what their numbers are. Also with respect to women...Women become involved with policing in a couple of key ways. You start to have middle class reformers being really concerned about the treatment, and particularly the vulnerability of women, in these all-male spaces. Rape and sexual abuse and sexual harassment during confinement, and even in custody, was fairly rampant. They do start to install female matrons or police matrons or women who were there basically to receive female prisoners. They also started to work inside the prisons on women's wards. Robert Scheer: This is Scheer Intelligence. I'm speaking with author and professor, Kali Nicole Gross. We'll be back after a short break. We are back with Scheer Intelligence and my guest is Kali Nicole Gross, author of the book Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Disembodied Torso. You were saying about the female aspect of this. Kali N. Gross: Right, so they set...There were women who actually worked in stations and also within the penitentiary on female wards to help protect the women's virtue when they were in custody. This could be an interesting segue into the other lurid aspects of this story which revolve around Tabbs' sex life. This is the tail-end too of the Victorian period, where the ideals of chastity and morality, and certainly fidelity and marriage, were touted by everyone. African-American, as well as White people really believed in those values and strove to at least publicly represent them. For all intents and purposes, Hannah Mary Tabbs did just that. Advertisement One of the things that was also a shock about this case is that once they suss out the identity of this victim and they realize he's involved in this adulterous relationship with this older woman, it really becomes a sensation. I was pretty surprised myself because as the investigators hone in on her and another suspect, and they start to suspect that her home serves as the crime scene, when they go and investigate, they actually find the victim's clothes, or her lover's clothes, are in the home that she also shared with her husband. Initially, I couldn't make head nor tails of it, like, "Well, did they work out some sort of arrangement?" We find out. I came across this pension record from the civil war, that it turned out he actually fought on the side of the colored troops, clearly, and had been injured. It said that he had been ruptured in the groin. I basically put together and speculated that he must've had some kind of performant problem and that she and he worked out this arrangement where he knew that she was engaging in these extra-marital affairs and seemed to tolerate it. Robert Scheer: Quite an effort. Let me talk about this female character you have. Kali N. Gross: Sure. Robert Scheer: She typically would be a male character, except you're following fact rather than fiction. She's strong-willed, she takes a younger lover in this case, that seems to suit her needs. She intimidates people. She's very aggressive and that's not the image of the Black woman coming out of slavery that one had. That one had the view of always being vulnerable and a victim and so forth. She made her own reality in which she takes charge, for better or worse. Kali N. Gross: She does. I definitely was fascinated by her. I tried to be objective in writing the book, and I'm sure there are many points where I failed along the way. Yeah, she did a really good job at manipulating people. She knew how to present herself in the White world. She maintained good jobs, she demurred to White authority publicly. By all accounts she was a very good cook so she got lucrative positions and never had any trouble. Within the Black community, where she knew folks were isolated and couldn't go to the police or count on protection in the same ways, she did, she relied on intimidation. She threatened people. She brutalized folks in her family, in her neighborhood, in her lover's neighborhood. She was known as an all-around tough customer and that gave her a lot of room. People tended to steer clear and stay out of her way. Robert Scheer: The character we're talking about is Hannah Mary Tabbs. The book is "Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Dismembered Torso." As I said at the beginning, it's not...One of the good things about doing these podcasts, I feel compelled to read books and often they're books I wouldn't have read and this is one, by the title, that I would not have read, although I was familiar with your work a scholar. I soon then was not disappointed that it ends up actually having a great deal of heft, scholarly and historical heft. Actually, the question really is, how typical was this woman to write a book about, or was she just a hook for weaving a whole good, not only good, brilliant, account of life in that period? Or, were there other strong women, not just doing illegal things but were there other...Where'd she come from? Advertisement You said she worked in these White households, most often she deferred. The whole point really of the book is she couldn't have gotten away with this if she was inflicting damage on White people, it was all Black people. Kali N. Gross: No. Robert Scheer: That's really a big point about the non-policing, and a good sense of the Black community, which many people would argue continues to this day in terms of real safety. How typical was she of a kind of emerging female strength. You used the word 'Amazons' for your previous book, so maybe we should talk about that book as well. Kali N. Gross: Right, so my first book looked at the ways that Black women were caricatured as being criminal, violent, dangerous, fiendish. That they were these Amazons that basically robbed White men of life, liberty and property. That character actually came up to camouflage the fact that there were White men who were going after Black prostitutes who would manipulate the race code to rob the men, and because it was such a taboo for White men to be cavorting with Black women, they tended not to press charges. Even when they did, the judges would usually throw the cases out, assuming that the White men who wanted to sleep with Black women got what they deserved. When newspapers covered those cases, instead of talking about these White men going to Black women, would be prostitutes, and ending up being the victims of badger games, they stigmatized and maligned the Black women as these colored Amazons that just grabbed these men off the street and took money out of their pockets. Advertisement Anyway, the point about talking about that caricature is that is was sort of a myth, but it haunted all Black women who went before the justice system. What's also ironic about Tabbs' case, is that even though that she actually is violent and does a lot of destructive things, she's able to manipulate the White public gaze in such a way so they actually see her as a woman who has some sort of respectability. They just can't believe that she could've committed the crime. A part of that has to do with her racial miming. She turns on her southern accent, she demurs to White authority, she doesn't look them in the eye. She knows how to manipulate and play White people. With respect to where she comes from, I think that she really is a combination of the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of Black womanhood at this time. On the face of it, she was not dissimilar from masses of Black women who migrated north into Philadelphia at this time. Like 90% of working Black woman, she worked as a domestic. She was married. She was raising her "niece". On the face of it, she wasn't particularly extraordinary at all and yet this case revealed this whole other life and world that she had created. Robert Scheer: The strength of your book is in its complexity. These are not stereotypical characters. People who are written about as complex, their origins, their make up, even their pigmentation varies, there's no such thing as just Black or something. One distinction that I found very instructive, is that the slavery did not stop being a force, that the experience of Blacks in America was permanently, at least up to the present, but certainly during the period you describe, altered to form...Whatever the right word is, distorted, by slavery and it continues. You've just referenced it now, there's a way of looking at White people. I once did a profile of Willy Brown who went on to be one of the top politicians in California and Speaker of the Assembly and Mayor of San Francisco, and all that. He described growing up in Mineola, Texas, and just the nuances he could ... He would watch his father step down into the street on a narrow sidewalk to let White teenagers pass. That sort of thing. While it in the day of segregation, but you never went to a movie theater that was integrated. You're dealing, however, with Philadelphia not Mineola, Texas, and yet you're describing a pretty rigid racial distortion in the experience of a Black person growing up in the City of Brotherly Love. Advertisement Kali N. Gross: One of the things that folks forget is that Philadelphia had, at one time, slavery as well. During the colonial period, Philadelphia, like every other colony including New York and all these other northern territories, they all had slavery. It isn't until after the founding of the country that they start to shift and gradually abolish slavery. What happens is that once they abolish slavery, they automatically make the prison system more robust. It's not a coincidence that at the same time you have in Pennsylvania this 1780 Act for the gradual abolition of slavery, that you have, on its heels in 1790, the establishment of the nation's first penitentiary. Robert Scheer: Yeah. Kali N. Gross: Philadelphia has this reputation for abolitionism and Quaker roots and all these high-minded ideals around liberty and egalitarianism, but it was marred by the same racism that I think you're pointing out. I do understand one thing about...When we think about slavery in this country, it definitely has impacted Blackness and the experience of Black people, but for me it's deformed Whites in the country as well. The behaviors that we see exhibited by the police, the brutality, the harassment, even the violence of the justice system, also to me is based on the ways that they too have been marred by this institution. Robert Scheer: I want to get at two themes that are dealt with in the book, and again in a complicated way, and one is the whole role of sex. That's the subtext of a lot of these issues in the treatment of Black woman as sex objects, their availability. Going back to the old case of Thomas Jefferson, it's one of the things...He was probably one of the better individuals around among our founders, and yet...Maybe he even had a less oppressive relationship, but it's just, boom, it's there. It's there. I wonder what insight you gained into all of this, and again, its effects on Whites as well as Blacks. Kali N. Gross: There's a way in which Black women have concealed their sexuality at this time period because they were so vulnerable to rape and sexual assault, and this is in the north and the south, particularly as domestics where they were working in White homes and they knew that if something happened, no one was going to be punished. They weren't going to get anybody convicted of their rape in the justice system, so they tended to adopt this strategy where they tried to conceal sexuality. Advertisement Some historians have written about this. Darlene Clark Hine calls it the 'cultural dissemblance'. They try to conceal their sexuality as a way to stave off these attacks. Normally we don't have a lot of information about how Black women themselves, behind closed doors, imagine or understood themselves or their sexuality. That's part of why I was so intrigued by this case also that, in spite of the respectability politics, in spite of the dangers, and the customary efforts that Black women went to to conceal their sexuality and to push back against the idea that they were low, common women, that they were all prostitutes and unrapeable, is that do have this women taking charge in way and seeking pleasure nonetheless. Robert Scheer: We did run out of time. That's it for Scheer Intelligence. The book is "Hannah Mary Tabbs and the Dismembered Torso." I want to make clear, the subject is depressing, the read is not. Kali N. Gross: Thank you. Robert Scheer: It is detailed, it's informative, it is extremely well written, so I don't want to turn anybody off. If you want to understand this country and the 40 years or 50 years after the civil war, and understand it in the context of Philadelphia, it's probably the best thing, or it's the best thing that I know of, that you can read. As a man of the theater I am not a big fan of anyone booing anyone - but I am a huge fan of the actor who courageously addressed the soon to be VP and asked him to represent everyone. Not a rude question to ask - not in a democracy. That he even had to ask it is a shame that belongs to Trump and Co. It was a question that flowed naturally from the appointment of Jefferson Beauregard Sessions and others of his ilk. Incidentally, I may sound ungenerous toward Trump voters but I don't think you voted for an overhaul in government - you voted for dirty air and dirty men; you voted for cruelty (the mocking of the man with the neurological disorder) you voted for mysogeny - the man on the bus and the pussy grabbers - you voted for greed - the man who swindled those who took his college courses, and saddest of all you voted for voter repression and racism - toss in a handful of homophobia, a smidgeon of anti-semitism, and fact is folks, you voted for evil. Now all of us are obliged to live with it. But some of us - young and old - will keep protesting it and fighting it as long as we live. Thank you, Hamilton cast members. The theater must treat this government as it did the South African government during apartheid. No, sir, we are not here to entertain you. The general election ads from the 2016 presidential campaign represented a referendum on each candidate's character. And in this ad race, there were no winners. Both the Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump campaigns featured the takeaway message that their opponent is not fit to lead. Even though Trump won the election, he will face significant obstacles in reestablishing the credibility he needs to lead a very divided electorate. Fear and anger were the key emotions of TV ads from both campaigns and two Super PACS. Trump must now find a way to mitigate national anxieties in the wake of a polarizing election. Advertisement Ad research Our research team with the Political Advertising Research Center at the University of Maryland studied the political advertisements produced during the general election - from July through the end of October. Our team studied ads produced by the Clinton campaign and the Trump campaign. We also studied ads from two Super PACs: one Clinton-leaning (Priorities USA Action) and the other pro-Trump (Rebuilding America Now). In order to gain a comprehensive picture of the ads, our team examined the ad spending and ad strategies of the general election and produced A Report on Presidential Advertising and the 2016 General Election. Our team coded the content of each ad using four tenets: 1) whether content was positive, negative or comparative, 2) whether ads focused on issues, character or a combination of character and issue, 3) the emotional appeals used based on six primary emotions: anger, fear, sadness, joy, love and surprise, and 4) the subject matter. Together, these tenets helped reveal the broader strategy of each campaign - a strategy that focused more on the weaknesses of the opponent rather than the strengths of the candidate. We also studied where the money was spent during the ad cycle of the general election. Ad spending The Clinton campaign vastly outspent the Trump campaign in terms of TV ad buys. As of Oct. 25, 2016, Clinton's campaign had spent between US$142 and $172 million on TV and radio during the general election. In addition to Hillary for America's spending, Super PACs and other outside support groups spent $103 million. Advertisement Although the Trump campaign increased its ad spending in the final weeks of the campaign, it didn't top the Clinton budget in terms of overall spending. As of Nov. 2, 2016, Clinton had spent $211.4 million in TV ads, while Trump had spent only $74 million. The Clinton campaign spent three times more money on TV and radio advertising than the Trump campaign, yet Clinton's final total was still far less than we have seen in the last two elections. Clinton's spending seems almost modest when compared to Obama's $404 million budget in 2012. One reason for the general drop in spending is that the 2016 candidates focused more energy on electronic ads and social media than television spot ads. According to Borrell Associates, a market research firm, digital spending for 2016 was estimated at $1.6 billion - a 576 percent increase since 2012. Despite an increase in ad spending on social media, which caters to younger voters, TV remains the most dominant platform for political ads with a 70 percent share of ad revenue. The target audience for political ads is not clear-cut. TV ads often target older voters, yet most TV ads are also uploaded to YouTube and other social networks that are predominantly used by younger audiences. "President Trump" is a dangerous proposition. Mitt Romney, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio agree.https://t.co/fUkISvgaXC Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 4, 2016 Advertisement While Clinton launched her first general election ad in July 2016, Trump's first general election ad came out in the third week of August. Both campaigns heavily targeted battleground states: Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Clinton campaign also focused on Arizona, Nevada, Nebraska and Texas while Trump invested much of his resources in Nevada, Arizona, Wisconsin, California and Colorado. Clinton's ad strategies Clinton's campaign organization, Hillary for America, produced 38 televised ads between July 7 and Oct. 25. Over half of Clinton's ads overtly attacked Trump, frequently using the words and images of Trump as ammunition. An additional 24 percent of the ads represented an implicit attack on Trump, juxtaposing him as the negative counterpart to Clinton's positive character. Ads such as "Myself," "Families First" and "General Allen" serve as part of a series of comparative attack ads questioning Trump's fitness. In another ad, titled "America's Bully," Clinton tells a young girl, "We shouldn't let anybody bully his way into the presidency." The ads addressed Trump's temperament and intelligence, contrasting him with Clinton's moral character, government experience and steady nature. In attacking Trump, the ads primarily appealed to emotions of fear, sadness and anger. Trump's ad strategy Trump relied on character attacks as the subject matter for approximately 35 percent of the TV ads he released. Of the 17 ads released by his campaign from August through late October, six were categorized as character attacks. In "Immigration," "Economy," "Dangerous" and "Change," the Trump campaign contrasted the character of the candidates. But by the end of October, Trump released three positive character ads in a row that featured more "campaign biographies" of the candidate. In these commercials, Trump showboated his success and promised to bring the same leadership of success to the presidency. These ads were aimed at both overcoming his negative image among American voters and demonstrating his ability to govern successfully. Advertisement Overall, Trump's campaign strategy focused on building a more positive image of himself while denigrating Clinton's character. For instance, in his ad "Deplorable," the narrator queried: "You know what's deplorable?" The answer: "Hillary Clinton viciously demonizing hard-working people like you." The incendiary language that Clinton used ("deplorable") and Trump applied to Clinton ("demonizing") exacerbated the anger and fear animating the campaign ads of 2016. Super PAC ad strategy The Super PACs echoed the strategies of the candidates' official campaigns. In fact, for most of the ads produced by Priorities USA Action, the message was that Trump is "dangerous" and "unfit" to be the president. Many of the ads featured the mothers of children who have been hurt, killed or emotionally affected by the types of "hate," "bullying" or "disrespect" that Trump exhibited during this campaign. The audience was invited to empathize with the grieving mothers and to consider the futures of their own children. Trump-leaning ads from Rebuilding America Now predominately traded on voter anger and contempt for Clinton. Nine of the 11 "negative" ads attacked Clinton's character in some way, frequently using Bill Clinton's indiscretions as an index of her own immorality. The 2016 takeaway While character attacks have always been a feature of campaign advertising, during the 2016 election, these formed the mainstay strategy for both the campaigns. Advertisement Between 1952 and 2008, 31 percent of the general election ads were character-based. In 2016, character ads made up 76 percent of the television campaign ads from the general election. The Clinton and Trump campaigns, as well as the Super PACs, attacked the opposition through appeals to fear and anger over positive emotions like joy and love. Our analysis suggests these negative appeals helped deepen the anxiety and cynicism that dominated the campaign climate in ways unmatched in recent memory. The consequence is an electorate openly expressing fear of the other side. As the Pew Center reports, "[m]ore than half of Democrats (55 percent) say the Republican Party makes them 'afraid,' while 49 percent of Republicans say the same about the Democratic Party." If the campaign of 2008 was known as one of "hope" and "change," the campaign of 2016 may well go down in history as one of "fear" and "anger." Additional UMD PARC Research Team Members: Alyson Farzad-Phillips, Nora Murphy, Claudia Serrano Rico, Kyle Stephan and Gareth Williams. Advertisement Notes from Indian Country By Tim Giago (Nanwica Kciji, Stands Up For Them) Native Sun News Today There is a saying amongst the Lakota that when the Pilgrims first landed at Plymouth Rock they fell on their knees and prayed and then they fell on the Indians and preyed. So much fabrication has been woven into the landing of the Pilgrims and their dealings with indigenous people they met that first year it is hard to separate fact from fiction. The Mayflower landed on Cape Cod on Nov. 11, 1620 at a place that would become Provincetown. The landing site proved to be unsuitable. Robert Coppin, the Mayflower's pilot, remembered another site more suitable to permanent settlement. Advertisement On Dec. 16, 1620 the settlers sailed into the harbor the Indians called Patuxet. There are no 17th Century sources that mention landing on a rock, but the Pilgrims called the landing site Plymouth Rock nonetheless. We were all taught about the first winter in which many settlers died until only 52 of the original 102 remained alive. The history books also teach us that the Indians helped the settlers survive by teaching them how to plant corn, squash, and other vegetables. The Wampanoag were the first Indians to actually meet and speak with the Pilgrims. An Abenaki named Samoset who spoke English he learned from fishermen who visited the coast introduced them to a man named Tisquantum or Squanto. Squanto had been taken to England as a prisoner and spoke fairly fluent English. Squanto met the Pilgrims in peace. Strangely enough, most early works of art depicting the first harvest feast of the Pilgrims shows the settlers fleeing from a hail of arrows. Squanto actually met the Pilgrims in a peaceful fashion. Advertisement The first modern image showing the Indians and settlers enjoying a feast in harmony did not occur until after the so-called Indian wars were settled. It was only after the Indians became the Vanishing Americans that they became an integral part of the Pilgrim story. A stanza from the poem by Felicia Hemans (1793 - 1835) about the landing of the Pilgrims goes: Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod! They have left unstain'd what where they found -- Freedom to worship God. Perhaps a century later, an Indian poet would have written: Hau, call it stolen ground, The soil where first they trod! They have left a stain over all they found, And took our freedom to worship God. The indigenous people of what was to become New England had little to be thankful for in the ensuing years. Many died of smallpox, measles, and other diseases to which they had no immunity or they died at the hands of the settlers. Their villages were burned to the ground and their women and children sold into slavery or murdered. Bounties were placed on those who survived and soon hunters and trappers showed up at the trading posts collecting money for their "redskin trophies." Advertisement George Washington chose a day to give thanks for the establishment of a "new nation" in 1789. After the War of 1812 James Madison called for a day of thanks in 1815. History does not expound upon the fact that it was the combined Indian forces of Creek and other Southeastern tribes that helped turn the tide in favor of the Americans at the Battle of New Orleans, a battle that was essential in turning the war against the British. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln, at the urging of Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey's Lady's Book, set aside the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day. In 1941 Congress passed a joint resolution making the fourth Thursday of November the official holiday of Thanksgiving. During the 1960s Indian activists began to gather at Plymouth Rock on Thanksgiving Day to protest the treatment of the indigenous people and to rail against a holiday based on fiction. Little did the Pilgrims know that the Indigenous people had celebrated with feasts and dancing to offer thanks for special happenings in their lives for hundreds of years. It is a general belief that the United States government began to visualize Indians as part of the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock in order to demonstrate a move toward diversity. Immigrants from many nations, some not so fair and blonde, landed at Ellis Island in search of freedom and a new life. The troops of the U. S. Seventh Cavalry had celebrated Thanksgiving just five weeks before they slaughtered 300 innocent Lakota men, women, and children at Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890. Advertisement With the Indian wars far behind, and the Indian, now listed as "The Vanishing American," it was now almost romantic to create a story about the time the Pilgrims brought the Indians to their table at Thanksgiving to share a sumptuous meal centered around the turkey. Hutchinson council kills idea for Woodie Seat underpass at Avenue B Design consultants advised a vehicle underpass would cost at least $2.5 million and create liability for the city. Loitering concerns kills walking path Ankara, Turkey, Nov. 20 By Atilla Caner Trend: The recognition of the 1915 events as "Armenian genocide" does not change anything, Hulusi Akar, head of the Turkish General Staff, said. Akar made remarks at the 62nd session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Istanbul. Akar said that "genocide" against the Armenians has never occurred in the history of Turkey. "The recognition of the 1915 events as "genocide of Armenians" does not mean that the genocide was carried out against the Armenians," he said. Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire allegedly carried out "genocide" against the Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. Turkey in turn has always denied "the genocide" took place. While strengthening the efforts to promote the "genocide" in the world, Armenians have achieved its recognition by the parliaments of some countries. Clarksburg School Building Committee Begin MSBA Process CLARKSBURG, Mass. The School Building Committee has officially begun the planning process with the Massachusetts School Building Authority and looks to go out to bid the summer of 2018. Brian Laroche of owner's project manager Potomac Capital Advisors and architect Margo Jones told the committee Thursday they were recently on the phone with the MSBA setting up their timeline and submission dates and are aiming to have everything ready for a town meeting approval next fall. "By that time, we have all the information we want to get out to the community like the cost, what we recommend and what has been approved by the MSBA," Superintendent Jonathan Lev said. "Hopefully by September or October, we will be ready to take it to a special town meeting." Laroche the committee must keep up with a fast-paced schedule and by its January meetings have a draft of six or seven alternative plans to provide the MSBA. He said currently they are in the discovery phase and engineers must survey the building and see what the designers have to work with. "We are gathering information and understanding the possibilities of what the structure will allow us to do," he said. "Once we get all of that, we can really start looking at our options." He added that they are supposed to explore a renovation, a base renovation, new construction or a combination of renovation and reconstruction. This includes locations for new construction Jones, of Jones Whitsett Architects, presented the visioning findings to the committee. Earlier this month, an education planner visited the school and helped a group of parents, teachers and administrators figure out what they wanted in the building. She said the specialist also presented them with 21st-century teaching techniques that could be facilitated by a more modern building. "The economy of the future requires a different way of thinking than jobs did in the past so we are not just teaching kids how to be obedient and stay in line," she said. "We are trying to get them be creative and make things and be smart that way." Principal Tara Barnes said teachers rated what types of learning they felt was the most important. Among the top scorers were project-based learning, teacher collaboration, cognitive diversity, multiple intelligences and learning space flexibility. Haiti - Elections : Rehabilitation of CTV, mission accomplished The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) rehabilitated 156 voting Centres in the South and Grande-Anse that had been damaged by Hurricane Matthew. Very quickly, the FAES engaged thirteen local construction firms coming from the two departments concerned in order to carry out the works. On November 13, the institution headed by Lucien Francoeur was able to hand over the 156 Voting centres to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). In addition, FAES has 30 new schools across the country that the team of Leopold Berlanger will be able to use during the elections. The Director General of FAES congratulates his team and the various construction companies who gave the best of themselves in order to accomplish this task on time. IH/ iciHaiti Sanji of "One Piece" as seen in the movie trailer. (Photo : YouTube/ NeuroAMV2) "One Piece" chapter 846 has somehow introduced some shocking revelations and a major twist of events that somehow points out to the rumored new manga arc, which would somehow complement the highly speculated upcoming movie in the U.S. With the arrival of the much-awaited chapter of the manga series, fans are somehow stunned to learn that Sanji has inconclusively turned his back to the Straw Hat pirates. And with his usual personality, Straw Hat captain, Luffy, still refused to believe the incident and still waiting for his Nakama to return. Advertisement And with the given major plot twist being presented with the latest addition of the manga chapter, there are now speculations in various social media platforms and forum sites that the incident in chapter 846 is somehow a precursor or introduction of another story arc, probably delving deeper more on the life of Sanji and his adventures away from his family and prior to meeting the Straw Hats. As per Manga Fox, the current manga chapter is Totto Land Arc, which continues from chapter 823 of the Zou Arc. This particular arc which focuses on Sanji's retrieval may be up to something unprecedented, especially after Sanji has disowned Straw Hat Pirates and is now willing to acknowledge the fact that he is really a Vinsmoke. Thus, making the next chapters more interesting. Meanwhile concerning anime movie, fans in North America should be rejoicing for "One Piece" movie is set for release on January 10 up to 17 as Anime News Network boldly claimed. It can be remembered that "One Piece Film: Gold," earned $50,000,000 during its summer release last year, which somehow ignited interest from anime fans worldwide including the United States. And in order to be more viewer friendly, the said upcoming U.S. release of the anime movie will not require familiarity or previous in-depth manga background from audiences. Avid fans and new viewers alike may be able to enjoy the film without qualms for prior knowledge of the manga and anime series. With the upcoming movie and the uncertainty on how the manga will depart from "One Piece" chapter 846 to potentially introduce the rumored new arc, it would be best to wait and see how the manga series will gradually unfold next adventures. Imperial Valley News Center Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Washington, DC - Today, during a town hall with 1000 young leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean, President Obama will announce a series of investments and new programs in support of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) which was launched in 2015. Through YLAI, the United States is investing in the next generation of Latin American and Caribbean leaders, and has committed significant resources to enhance leadership skills, bolster entrepreneurship, and connect young leaders with one another, the United States, and the American people. Signature additional investments in YLAI and young people across the hemisphere include: Growing the YLAI Network The YLAI Network is a growing online and in-person community of nearly 20,000 young people-- entrepreneurs, activists, and public servants--working together to solve shared challenges for their continent and the world. Through YLAI Empowers, YLAI Network members will now have access to an array of online courses and training materials, along with virtual mentoring and networking opportunities. YLAI Empowers will also provide access to tailor-made training videos on leadership, business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management featuring U.S. university professors and experts in their field. USAID will leverage $150,000 to support the creation of a collaboration platform where members can work together on projects, business, and share expertise to increase the impact of the YLAI Network in communities across Latin America and the Caribbean. The platform will be developed in collaboration with YLAI members. Increasing Access to Mentorship from the Private-Sector The U.S. State Department, in partnership with the private sector, will launch the YLAI Professional Fellows Reverse Exchange Program to implement collaborative community projects and strengthen partnerships between companies and organizations in the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean. U.S. Government funding of $125,000 and private sector cost-sharing of over $75,000 will fund projects and travel for 45 U.S. Fellowship Hosts to visit YLAI Fellows home countries to expand YLAIs impact and build lasting partnerships. New Entrepreneurship Grants The U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs YLAI Small Grants will leverage $125,000 in U.S. Government funding to build public private partnerships for community training projects for YLAI Professional Fellowsover the next two years in the form of small-business entrepreneurship grants. These grants will support robust communities of entrepreneurs and the expansion of businesses and social ventures across Latin America and the Caribbean. The U.S. Department of State has set aside $250,000 USD to be used by YLAI Fellows, in coordination with our U.S. Embassies, for follow-on projects, programs and activities to keep the momentum going after their U.S. exchange program and strengthen the broader YLAI Network. Increasing Digital Literacy for Entrepreneurs The U.S. Department of State will host a series of YLAI TechCamps, starting in Paraguay in 2017, for social entrepreneurship with participants from neighboring countries. Participants will gain new digital literacy and technology skills to enhance the work they are doing to make social change in their community. Bolstering Innovation and Connectivity for Civil Society The Latin America and Caribbean Civil Society Innovation Initiative (CSII) Hub (LAC Hub), supported through the Stand with Civil Society Initiative, will connect civil society organizations in Latin America to each other and to key allies across sectors through peer-to-peer investments and digital tools. The LAC Hubestablished by representatives from 44 organizations from 23 countries across Latin America and the Caribbeansupports the work of civil society by amplifying their voices and developing innovative approaches that expand the reach and impact of civic activism in open, closing, and closed spaces. YLAI participants will partner with the LAC Hub to provide their expertise to an online marketplace of civil society innovators who are looking for partners to expand the impact of their work. The LAC Hub is one of six regional CSII Innovation Hubs globally. Investing in Youth to Curb Crime and Violence The U.S. Agency for International Development is investing $40 million in the Community, Family, and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Program to reduce youth involvement in crime and violence in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean. CFYR builds youth resilience to create pathways away from crime and toward productive participation in the community and economy. CFYR will also build the capacity of service providers to administer risk-screening tools and to deliver quality services that meet identified needs in collaboration with communities and families, and through partnerships with the government and private sector. Increasing Global Competency through 100,000 Strong in the Americas The 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund will launch the first Peru-specific grant competition in 2017 that will stimulate and facilitate 20 new higher education institutional partnerships exclusively between Peruvian and U.S. colleges and universities on topics including water, climate change, STEM, and environmental sciences. This $600,000 Peru-specific Innovation Fund grant opportunity is made possible due to the public-private sector collaboration and commitments of the U.S. Department of State, Sempra Energy, and CAF: The Development Bank for Latin America. This Innovation Fund grant competition up will benefit student mobility between Peru and the United States, creating new opportunities for students to work and study in teams and increase regional education cooperation and competiveness. A patient's foot is chained at a Liberian mental facility Aug. 28, 2003 in Monrovia, Liberia. (Photo : Getty Images/Spencer Platt) Adolescents everywhere suffer from anxiety and sadness, but it is startling to note that teens in the United States have been found to be afflicted by a major depressive episode (MDE). This condition is more widespread among people aged between 12 and 20 years, who reported 12-month prevalence. Advertisement In medical science, MDE is commonly defined as low mood for at least two weeks. The symptoms of this condition comprise low self-esteem, lack of interest in enjoyable activities in addition to problems with concentration, energy and sleep. Findings of a new study published in the journal Pediatrics suggest that the national trends in depression in adolescents as well as young adults showed that the number of teens who reported MDE jumped from 8.7 percent in 2005 to 11.5 percent in 2014. Following analysis of data from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, the study did not find an equivalent raise in treatment of mental health for adolescents and young adults. Out the 172,495 adolescents and 178,755 young adults who answered questions related to 12-month MDE, 15,529 (8.7 percent) and 15,603 (8.6 percent), respectively, met criteria for the condition. Compared to adolescents without MDE, people with MDE included a inconsistent number of older adolescents, adolescents with no parents or with single parents, non-students, unemployed individuals and adolescents suffering from substance use disorders. According to scientists, this suggests an increasing number of young people are still being under-treated or not undergoing any treatment for their symptoms at all. On the other hand, even in the case of some people who received medical help, treatment was likely to be very intense. It often involved specialized care by in-patient as well as outpatient providers, including prescription drugs. This information will probably not surprise school counselors and clinicians, who have already witnessed an increase in anxiety, depression and other related incidents of self-harm first hand, Time reported. A staggering number of children are under pressure owing to these issues. Over three million adolescents in the age group of 12 and 17 years reported no less than one major depressive episode in 2015; the magazine reported quoting the Department of Health and Human Services. Another two million kids are said to be suffering from severe depression that hampered their normal functioning. The magazine quoted Ellen Chance, co-president of the Palm Beach School Counselor Association, as saying that anxiety and depression are having a negative effect on the children's behavior and ability to learn in her region. This, she said, may result in several kids dropping out of school. It is essential to make resources to these students to enable them to function properly in school, she added. Increasing number of U.S. adolescents reporting major depressive episode (MDE). Watch below: White House Administration Announces New Actions to Bring Clean Energy Savings to All Americans Washington, DC - Through President Obamas Clean Energy Savings for All Initiative and beyond, we are making progress opening up opportunities for all Americans to go solar and retrofit their homes and businesses to be more energy efficient. Since President Obama took office, the amount of electricity we generate from the sun has increased more than 30 fold, we added solar jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the economy, and weve cut the price of residential solar energy systems more than 50 percent. In fact, earlier this week the U.S. Department of Energys SunShot program announced a new target to cut the cost of solar in half by 2030. At the same time, energy consumption in 2015 was 1.5 percent lower than it was in 2008, while the economy grew by 10 percent over the same period. And we have improved the energy efficiency of more than one million low and moderate income homes. Today, in coordination with a White House Clean Energy Savings for All Summit in Baltimore, Maryland hosted by Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Labor Secretary Tom Perez, the Obama Administration is taking the following new actions: Launching a Challenge to Bring Solar Energy to Dozens of Low and Moderate Income Communities: The U.S. Department of Energys SunShot Initiative is launching a new Solar In Your Community challenge to expand solar access to Americans who have been left out of the growing solar market, including low- and moderate-income (LMI) households, state, local and tribal governments, and non-profit organizations. One hundred teams across the country will compete for cash prizes and technical assistance as they demonstrate innovative business and financial models that expand solar access to underserved groups. The teams with the most scalable, replicable solar business models will be eligible to win $1 million in final prizes, including a $500,000 grand prize. This challenge will reduce market barriers to solar deployment by spurring dozens of projects across the nation, with an emphasis on new and emerging solar markets. The challenge will help to achieve President Obamas goal to bring 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar to low and moderate income families by 2020, test new business models that expand solar access, build local capacity to support community-scale solar projects, and establish resources that will aid in expanding solar access to underserved communities. Growing the Reach And Impact of the Obama Administrations National Community Solar Partnership: Last July, the Administration launched the National Community Solar Partnershipa collaborative effort between DOE, HUD, USDA, EPA, representatives from solar companies, NGOs, and state and community leaders which works to unlock access to solar for the nearly 50 percent of households and businesses that are renters or do not have adequate roof space to install solar systems, in particular, for low- and moderate- income communities. Since we launched the partnership last year, more than 150 companies, organizations, and universities that represent 36 states have joined the effort to increase access to community solar, growing the number of members to 155, including the following 27 new partners joining today: President Obamas Meeting in Berlin with the Leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom Washington, DC - President Obama met in Berlin Friday morning with Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, Prime Minister Renzi, President Rajoy, and Prime Minister May to discuss common challenges facing the transatlantic community. The leaders agreed on the necessity of working collectively to move the transatlantic agenda forward, particularly on bringing stabilization to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as securing diplomatic resolution to the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine. The leaders also affirmed the importance of continued cooperation through multilateral institutions, including NATO. President Obama expressed confidence that, even at a moment of great change, democratic values have done more to advance human freedom and progress than any other system in history, and will continue to do so going forward. On Syria, the President emphasized that de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict are the only viable ways to end the suffering, prevent another migration crisis, and move toward a political transition. The leaders expressed grave concern about the humanitarian situation in Aleppo, agreed that increased attacks against the city by the Syrian regime and its supporters, including Russia and Iran, should be immediately halted, and called for humanitarian access to the city to be restored. The President thanked his counterparts for their significant contributions to the Counter-ISIL campaign, particularly in Iraq. He briefed them on progress made in liberating Mosul, and allagreed on the need for stability after the citys liberation. The President also urged his European counterparts to continue efforts to expand EU-wide information sharing to help disrupt terrorist travel and thwart plotting against targets across Europe. On Libya, the leaders discussed support and assistance for the Government of National Accord (GNA) as well as the importance of GNA-led stabilization efforts in the city of Sirte after it is cleared of ISIL fighters. The President and his counterparts discussed ongoing efforts to address irregular migration to Europe and agreed on the necessity of maintaining existing lines of effort to meet the challenge, including through NATO-EU cooperation in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and focusing on migrations root causes. The leaders also took stock of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. They unanimously agreed on the continued need for Russia to fully meet its commitments under the Minsk agreements and that Ukraine-related sanctions against Russia must remain in place until it does so. The leaders expressed concern over the continued lack of a durable ceasefire and reaffirmed the importance of creating a security environment that is conducive to moving forward with free and fair local elections in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Finally, the President thanked his colleagues for their close cooperation throughout his Administration, and urged his European counterparts to continue seeking solutions to common challenges with the incoming U.S. administration on the basis of the core values that define the United States and Europe as open democracies. 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 }} Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the prequel spin-off to J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series, stars Eddie Redmayne in the lead role as magizoologist Newt Scamander. With five films confirmed - all of which will be directed by David Yates - it's a sure bet that Redmayne will be reprising his role for several years to come. However, it's been suggested that he won't be the focus of all future outings. Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them Clip - Just A Smidge Elaborating, he continued: "I've heard that Dumbledore has been confirmed, too. And Credence and Grindelwald. I think they will be the main players." Introducing a character only to sideline them in future instalments is an intriguing prospect, even if Fantastic Beasts does make an attempt to set up plot strands that'll undoubtedly have the microscope placed upon them in sequels to come. Ahead of the film's release, which is in cinemas now, Redmayne called for better treatment of Hufflepuff's in a tongue-in-cheek PSA. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them boasts an ensemble cast including Katharine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo and, in a brief cameo as Dumbledore's lover-turned-adversary Grindelwald, Johnny Depp. You can read our review here. 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 }} If Emilia Clarke had any concerns at all about her future post-Game of Thrones, she needn't bother - she's just been cast in the young Han Solo film. Number two of three planned Star Wars prequel anthology films, the untitled project - which will be directed by The LEGO Movie duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller - will show Harrison Ford's legendary character in his formative years. It is unknown who Clarke will play, or even if she'll play the female lead, but fans believe she will most probably appear as Solo's wife (the one before Princess Leia comes along in Episode IV - A New Hope). Naturally, the official press release is giving nothing away merely stating the Daenerys actor is "...going to meet Han and Chewie." Alden Ehrenreich beat out the majority of Hollywood to score the lead role, while Community actor Donald Glover - who'll also star in Marvel film Spider-Man: Homecoming - will assume the role of his aide, Lando Calrissian. The first Star Wars prequel, Rogue One, is released in cinemas next month. It follows a team of rebels who plot to steal plans that go on to create the Death Star; you can watch the first featurette here. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Show all 45 1 /45 Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Clarke currently stars in HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones as the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. Video shows huge spoiler for Game of Thrones season 7 Having racked up film roles in Spike Island, Terminator: Genisys and Me Before You, this will mark the British actor's most high-profile cinematic outing to date. In the meantime, her Thrones character will next be seen in season seven in summer 2017 with the series culminating in its eighth run the following year - months ahead of the young Han Solo film's December 2018 release date. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A chef has revealed how fungus can be used to make a tender roast chicken with a delicious, crispy skin. (Yes, fungus and meat. But stick with us). The secret ingredient is Aspergillus oryzae, also known as koji, which is a type of fungus that has been used in Chinese and East Asian cooking for over 2,000 years. Koji is used to turn soy beans and bean paste into soy sauce, and added to rice to make sake wine. Chefs also use rice that has been treated with koji and then dehydrated to cure meats and add flavour to sauces. The enzymes in koji turn carbohydrates from grains and vegetables into simpler sugars, and also break down proteins in meat. Nick Blue, a chef at Sardella in Clayton, Missouri, told food website Bon Appetit that a day before roasting a chicken he grinds two tablespoons of granular rice koji into a fine powder, then mixes it in a small bowl with one or two tablespoons of salt. Britain's most popular foods Show all 12 1 /12 Britain's most popular foods Britain's most popular foods Butter Britain's most popular foods Bananas Britain's most popular foods Grapes Britain's most popular foods Chilli Britain's most popular foods Olive oil Britain's most popular foods Salmon Britain's most popular foods Pasta Britain's most popular foods Pizza Britain's most popular foods Ready meals Britain's most popular foods Peanut butter Britain's most popular foods Low cal diet drinks Britain's most popular foods Prepared sauces (curry/bolognese) Working from the neck end of the bird, he rubs the mixture under the skin and inside the cavity. He then seasons to taste, and chills the bird overnight before roasting. The result is a crispier, more tender chicken with sweet and savoury notes. While your local supermarket might not stock koji products, they can be found in Japanese and Chinese stores, as well as online. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} It isnt unusual to look at your bank statement after a night out and feel a twinge of regret upon realising just how much you spent on drinks. But there arent many people who have spent over 7,000 in one sitting, let alone on one shot. That, however, is exactly what Chinese businessman Jason Wong did in Hong Kong last week. Fortunately for Wong, it wasnt a drunken mistake but rather a calculated decision of which he was most proud. The shot in question was a Cognac Croizet Cuvee Leonie 1858, which was sold by the shot for the first time ever at the InterContinental Hong Kong. The reason that the cognac is so expensive is that the vines that grew the grapes to make it were all destroyed by a virus in the 1870s. There are now just a few bottles remaining. Whats more, its reported that Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower drank the cognac whilst discussing D-Day in 1944. As the bottle was opened to a satisfying pop, the crowd in the hotel clapped and oohed. Visibly shaking as he pours the measure - no doubt terrified of dropping the bottle and spilling a small fortunes worth of alcohol - the staff-member manages to hand Wong the glass without spilling a drop. I have waited for this for a long time, says Wong, the Chairman of Eyarn Lighting Ltd, before taking the shot. He downs it in one before giving a thumbs-up to the crowd and showing them his bill to prove just how much it cost. Lets hope that was one tasty shot! Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Give Thanks and Eat Pie at Dominique Ansel Bakery London Chef Dominique of the newly opened bakery is bringing Thanksgiving tradition across the pond with an assortment of sweet signature pies. Fan favourites served at Dominiques famed Pie Nights in New York will be making their British debut. Until Sunday 27 November, individual slices of Extra-Silky Pumpkin, Salted Caramel Apple and Bourbon Pecan Pies will be available in-store (6 per slice). Recommended How to carve the perfect turkey Accompaning the pies is Blossoming Hot Chocolate chefs homemade hot chocolate, served with a marshmallow flower bud that blooms to reveal a chocolate Bon Bon inside (5.50). Guests can now also pre-order whole pies online (35) for pick up in store between the same time period. Eat, then dance off your Thanksgiving dinner at The Blues Kitchen Blues Kitchen Shoreditch The Blues Kitchens legendary Thanksgiving feasts take place across all their venues on 24 November. An epic menu includes a New Orleans Gumbo: smoked sausage, chicken, okra, peppers & long grain rice, served with corn bread. This is followed by slow-roast turkey & ham served with all the American trimmings chestnut stuffing, candied yams, cornbread, carrots, greens, red onion gravy and cranberry sauce. Still hungry? Try the Sweet Potato Pie with bourbon and orange cream for dessert. Priced at 29.95 per person, it includes a welcome Brooklyn Pumpkin Ale. After the feast, itll turn wild as it does every year, as people give thanks on the dance floor with live New Orleans brass & piano, rhythm & blues and soul. Thanksgiving at Village East Village East Village East will mark the American holiday by hosting its annual Thanksgiving Feast with a sharing dinner priced at 35 per head. The Bermondsey-based modern brasseries main event will feature roasted Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings, served family-style for sharing. Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. The successful candidate will help them to test, perfect and launch new products all over the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news MSG additive used in Chinese food is actually good for you, scientist claims For years, weve been told MSG (the sodium salt of glutamic acid) - often associated with cheap Chinese takeaways - is awful for our health and to be avoided at all costs. But one scientist argues it should be used as a supersalt and encourages adding it to food. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Lettuce prices are rising Not only are lettuces becoming an increasingly rare commodity in supermarkets, but prices for the leafy vegetables seem to be rising too. According to the weekly report from the Governments Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a pair of Little Gem lettuces had an average market price of 0.86 in the week that ended on Friday, up from an average of 0.56 in the previous week thats an almost 54 per cent increase. Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties Accompanying the turkey will be cornbread & sausage stuffing, maple-butter sweet potatoes, truffled mac & cheese, creamed corn casserole, sprouts & bacon, green beans almondine, calvados gravy, and cranberry & orange relish. And if youve got room finish up with one of two classic American pies Pumpkin Brulee Pie and Chocolate Pecan Pie. Thanksgiving at The Riding House Cafe The Riding House Cafe (Paul Winch-Furness) (Paul Winch-Furness | Photographe) The annual feast at the Riding House Cafe will kick off with a welcome cocktail, oozing with Thanksgiving flavour. The Nickle Jack is a festive mix of Applejack brandy, Scrumpy reduction, roasted pumpkin & autumn spice puree, and candied waffle. Dinner features roasted Norfolk Bronze turkey with all the trimmings, served family-style for sharing and comes in at 40 a head. Accompanying the turkey will be cornbread & sausage stuffing, maple-butter sweet potatoes, truffled mac & cheese, creamed corn casserole, sprouts & bacon, green beans almondine, calvados gravy, and cranberry & orange relish. And of course pies make up the dessert - Pumpkin Brulee Pie or Chocolate Pecan Pie. 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 }} Academics, researchers and students should not be used as pawns in political negotiations over Brexit, the Prime Minister has been warned, as education leaders urge the government to protect EU researchers working in the UK from future immigration controls. Speaking at a national demonstration in London, General Secretary of the University and College Union (UCU) Sally Hunt called on Theresa May to show some humanity, do the decent thing and stop using EU staff and students as pawns in Brexit negotiations. An estimated 15,000 people from across the education sector joined in demonstration against cuts, exploitation and the rising cost of education in one of the largest marches of its kind on Saturday. The march was organised by the National Union of Students and UCU to protest the Higher Education Bill, which includes plans to allow universities in England to increase tuition fees above the current cap of 9,000 per year. Numerous concerns have been raised over the new bill, which academic leaders say threatens the reputation and future of the further and higher education sectors by slashing funding. In her speech, Ms Hunt set out the unions opposition to rising fees, spiralling student debt and privatisation, as well as calling on the government to give European academics the right to stay. The plea follows warnings from the prime minister that EU nationals cannot be guaranteed the right to stay in the UK post-Brexit without reciprocal arrangements in place. Student news in pictures Show all 34 1 /34 Student news in pictures Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain a student demonstrator during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures South Korean policemen detain student protestors during a protest against South Korean President Park Geun-Hye outside the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea. The protesters demanded that the parliament takes steps to impeach President Park Geun-Hye EPA Student news in pictures Filipino demonstrators face off with anti-riot police during a protest near the US Embassy in Manila, Philippine EPA Student news in pictures Hundreds of protesters including Indigenous People, students and militant groups marched towards the US Embassy to protest against the presence of US military troops and condemning the violent dispersal which left at least forty people hurt including twenty police officers and three people who were run over by a police van EPA Student news in pictures A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students Student news in pictures A man holds up a photograph of a missing student with a caption reading 'We are missing 43,' during a meeting marking the 25-month anniversary of the disappearances of 43 students in the southern state of Guerrero, in Mexico City. A federal judge in Mexico has ordered that a once-fugitive police chief be held on charges of kidnapping in the disappearance of 43 students AP Student news in pictures Miguel Perez, an intern student from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, puts away his cell phone before walking into the operating room at the Dr. Isaac Gonzalez MartInez Oncological Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Once they complete their general surgery training, many residents are moving to the United States in search of better wages, one of the main factors linked to the current shortage of specialists in the Island Student news in pictures Fewer EU students have applied to start university courses in the UK next autumn. There was a 9% fall in the numbers who had applied for courses, according to admissions service UCAS. PA wire Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Masses of protesters jammed the streets of Venezuela's capital on the heels of a move by congress to open a political trial against Maduro, whose allies have blocked moves for a recall election AP Student news in pictures University students protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela AP Student news in pictures Thousands, most of them high school students, march during a demonstration in Madrid, Spain, on a one day strike to protest about the country's education law that increases the number of annual exams AP Student news in pictures Students gather on the west mall to confront the Young Conservatives of Texas student organization over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action Student news in pictures Donald Parish Jr, right, confronts Electrical and Computer Engineering senior Dewayne Perry over a controversial bake sale on The University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas. The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter at the University of Texas-Austin sparked the protest with an affirmative action bake sale. The club encouraged students to buy a cookie and talk about the disastrous policy that is affirmative action AP Student news in pictures Brigham Young University announced that students who report sexual assault will no longer be investigated for possible violations of the Mormon-owned school's strict honor code that bans such things as alcohol use AP Student news in pictures Students of secondary education march to protest against the final examinations and LOMCE (The Improvement Quality Education Law) law, after a call by trade unions, in Murcia, Spain EPA Student news in pictures South African police have used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of protesters who had marched to the parliament building to call for free university education, where the finance minister was giving a budget speech AP Student news in pictures Police break up student protests outside the parliament in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures South African Policemen fire rubber bullets at student protestors in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures A student protestor is hit by a rubber bullet in Cape Town, South Africa AP Student news in pictures An injured student is helped by colleagues during protest outside the parliament during South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's medium term budget speech in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters Student news in pictures Plaintiffs and bereaved families of elementary school students killed in the tsunami that followed a major earthquake in northeastern Japan in 2011, show banners that say 'victory in a suit filed with the Sendai District Court' in Sendai. A Japanese court ordered municipalities to pay $13.7 million dollars to families of school children who were swept away to their deaths by the 2011 tsunami Getty Student news in pictures A group of student at Ewha Womans University calls for a thorough investigation into those involved in years of engagement with state affairs backstage by Choi Soon-sil, a personal confidante of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, at the school's front gate in Seoul, South Korea EPA Student news in pictures Students raise placards during a strike action called by the student union, in Madrid against university entry exams Getty Student news in pictures Libyans throw a newly graduated student into a fountain as they celebrate during the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Libyans celebrate as they attend the graduation ceremony for students from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Al-Arab University in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi Getty Student news in pictures Thousands of Thai Catholic students take part in mourning tributes and in singing the Thai Royal Anthem to honour late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Saint Dominic School in Bangkok, Thailand EPA Student news in pictures Students of Silpakorn University paint portraits of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures A student of Silpakorn University paints a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the university campus in Bangkok Getty Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend PA wire Student news in pictures St Andrews University students take part in a foam fight known as Raisin Monday in the Lower College Lawn behind St Salvator's Quadrangle following the Raisin Weekend, an annual tradition where student 'parents' inflict tasks on the unfortunate first-years they have adopted as 'children' as part of a mentoring scheme PA wire Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) take part in a practice in Havana, Cuba Reuters Student news in pictures Students at the Cuba's National Ballet School (ENB) wait in line to enter a classroom in Havana, Cuba Reuters After the June referendum result, the government reassured EU students currently in higher or further education that they would continue to be able to access student funding support while studying in the UK. Concerns have been raised over the future of research funding, however, should the UK universities lose EU funding once separated from Europe. Green Party deputy leader Amelia Womack took to the stage to back academics at Saturdays demonstration, and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also pledged support for campaigners, arguing the case for free education. National Union of Students vice president for higher education, Sorana Vieru told the crowd: This huge upheaval of higher education is not about the needs of students, but about the needs of businesses. Its mantra is education for profit, not for public good. The union has called on students to boycott the National Student Survey - an annual census it claims will allow the Government to hike tuition fees further. One college lecturer taking part in the demonstration told The Independent: There are people here from every corner of education, each with real concern over the future of the industry. [Im] marching for free education and in defence of post-16 education. Today is significant because its students and lecturers united against the profitisation of the sector. The Higher Education and Research Bill is due to have its third reading in Parliament on Monday. 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 cast of Hamilton have rejected Donald Trumps claims that the Vice President-elect Mike Pence was harassed at a production of the show. On Friday evening, Mr Pence watched the critically-acclaimed show on New Yorks Broadway where he was booed by the audience as he entered the theatre. After the show finished, the cast, led by actor Brandon Dixon, welcomed him to the show by reading an open letter where they also pleaded with him and his new government to protect, respect and work on behalf of the diverse America the actors represent. 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 On Saturday, the President-elect called the speech harassment on Twitter and said the theatre must always be a safe and special place branding the cast of the award-winning musical very rude. Dixon rejected the claims, replying: Conversation is not harassment sir. And I appreciate Mike Pence for stopping to listen. The shows creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who bowed out of the lead role of Alexander Hamilton in July after a year long stint, supported his cast saying he was proud of the musical and Dixon for leading with love and proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theatre. Other entertainers supported the cast, including Selma director Ava DuVernay and Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes who both rejected the idea the cast should apologise. 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 }} Donald Trump has accused the cast of Hamilton of exhibiting terrible behaviour after claiming they harassed the Vice President-elect Mike Pence. On Friday evening, lead actor Brandon Dixon delivered an open letter to Mr Pence after he watched the production. They asked the Indiana politician to respect the diverse America they represent which Mr Trump claimed was harassment and called on the very rude cast to apologise. Despite the actors rejecting this claim, Mr Trump showed no sign of slowing down one of his first public rows since being elected, branding the casts behaviour terrible. President Trump protests Show all 20 1 /20 President Trump protests President Trump protests Patrons hold a sign as people march by while protesting the election of Republican Donald Trump as the president of the United States in downtown Los Angeles, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators rally following the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators march following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests Thousands of protesters rallied across the United States expressing shock and anger over Donald Trump's election, vowing to oppose divisive views they say helped the Republican billionaire win the presidency AFP/Getty Images President Trump protests Demonstrators protest outside the Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois Getty President Trump protests A police officer aims a launcher after demonstrators threw projectiles toward a line of officers during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests An officer examines a vandalized police vehicle as demonstrators riot in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators take over the Hollywood 101 Freeway just north of Los Angeles City Hall in protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests A woman holds up a sign reading 'Trump you are an Idiot' as demonstrators gather during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump outside the City Hall building in Los Angeles, California EPA President Trump protests A masked demonstrator gestures toward a police line during a demonstration in Oakland, California Reuters President Trump protests Demonstrators protest against the election of Republican Donald Trump as President of the United States, near the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Las Vegas, Nevada Reuters President Trump protests Musician Lagy Gaga stages a protest against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on a sanitation truck outside Trump Tower in New York City Getty President Trump protests A woman yells as she takes part in a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A man dressed in red-white-and-blue sits on the curb during a protest against President-elect Donald Trump in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests A protester sets off fireworks during a protest against President-elect Donald Trumpin Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood AP President Trump protests University of California, Davis students protest on campus in Davis, California, U.S. following the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States Reuters President Trump protests An Oakland police officer checks out damage after a window was broken by protesters at a car dealership in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests A protester faces a police line in downtown Oakland, Calif AP President Trump protests President-elect Donald Trumpis victory set off multiple protests AP President Trump protests A fire burns during protests in Oakland, Calif AP The 70-year-old also called the production highly overrated in spite of the Pulitzer Prize, 11 Tonys and Grammy award the show has won in just the first year of its Broadway stint. Dixon initially responded to the President-elects claim Mr Pence was harassed by pointing out: Conversation is not harassment Sir. After being roundly booed by the audience as he walked to his seat to watch the hip-hop musical in New York City on Friday evening, Mr Pence was addressed by Dixon as the ensemble stood holding hands on stage. Dixon asked the boos to stop, profusely thanked Mr Pence for attending the show and pleaded with him: We sir are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us. An expert scans sample displayed on the monitor. (Photo : YouTube/ DNews ) HIV and AIDS had long puzzled medical science and most experts not only of its definite origin, but most especially of its potential cure. Having similar inclination to solve such global health problem, a Lakota East High School student managed to think of a cure for the dreaded diseases. Advertisement Sam Pannek of Liberty Township shared to his professor, Jim Williams, his idea that may potentially stop the global crisis brought about by HIV/AIDS. Upon hearing the concept formulated by his student, Williams responded positively saying that such idea might work. The outside of the box kind of thinking by Pannek at that moment made him felt certain that he had a solution, if not a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. "I would get bored, so I would think about ways to solve problems, to cure diseases...It popped into my head: What if we block the receptor," Pannek told Cincinnati. However, such concept formulated by Pannek and was positively affirmed by his high school teacher is not something new according to experts. As per Cincinnati, the idea has been tried before by experts. Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum, professor of clinical medicine at the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine, stated that though the idea was impressive especially coming from high school students, but sadly it does not work on everyone. "We really don't know about the safety of it. Will that cause an immune response and make people sick instead?" Fichtenbaum Cincinnati. Although the idea presented by Pannek and his colleagues has been shut down by experts, another known attempts to cure HIV/AIDS have proven to be fruitful. As per ABC News, the Berlin patient, Timothy Ray Brown, who is believed to be the first person ever been cured of HIV still remains negative of AIDS after undergoing a stem cell transplant. Aside from the Berlin patient, another person suffering from HIV/ AIDS known as the Barcelona patient has been reported by to have been cured of HIV after using blood transplants from the umbilical cords of individuals with a genetic resistance to HIV as suggested by a team of Doctors in Barcelona. Despite some news suggesting HIV and AIDS cure, only a few has been considered as a standout and has been medically accepted by the scientific and medical community. Guess we would just have to wait for further update and conclusive developments regarding a cure for HIV/AIDS. 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 four-year-old girl whose pain and suffering from a rare form of cancer was shared through an arresting image captured by her father, has died. Jessica Whelan, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma 12 months ago. In a heartfelt message, Jessicas father Andy Whelan posted on his daughters dedicated Facebook page the news that she had finally found her peace. I feel both sadness and relief in informing you that Jessica finally found peace at seven oclock this morning. No longer does she suffer, no longer does she feel the pain of the physical constraints of her body. Now my princess has grown her angel wings and has gone to up to play with her friends and loved ones. She will now watch down over her little brother and ourselves until one day we are reunited again, he wrote. Jessica Whelan (Facebook/Andrew Whelan) Mr Whelan thanked everyone who had been a part of the familys journey with Jessica, and asked for privacy following her death and signed off as a heartbroken daddy of the most amazing and beautiful girl. Jessica Whelan sings 'Let it Go' Neuroblastoma is rare form of cancer that commonly affects babies and children under the age of five. It is a cancer of the specialised nerve cells and is most commonly found in the adrenal glands of the abdomen, and the nerve tissue that runs alongside the spinal cord, in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis, according to Macmillan cancer support. Less than 100 children in the UK are diagnosed with it each year. Earlier this month Mr Whelan had shared an image of Jessica reeling in pain, entitled the real face of cancer. This photograph was made in a moment that we as parents could offer her no comfort, her pushing us away while she rode out this searing pain in solitude, he wrote at the time. The family had set up a GoFundMe page for Jessica after being told she had months to live, to be able to pay for as many enjoyable life experiences as possible before her death. The family closed the donation campaign two weeks ago after Jessica began to deteriorate, at which point people had donated over 97,000 to Jessicas cause. 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 }} The NHS has referred hundreds of its patients and staff to the police under a controversial anti-terrorism programme. Since July 2015, the Governments Prevent scheme has required all public bodies to report people they believe to be at risk of radicalisation. In the year since it was introduced, 420 people were referred to the scheme by the NHS over fears they could be vulnerable to extremism, reported BBC Radio 5 Live. The Government says Prevent aims to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. However, 90 per cent of investigations into those reported by the NHS came to nothing, according to information obtained by 5 Live from the National Police Chiefs Council. The Home Office has said more than half a million frontline public sector workers including at least 150,000 public-facing NHS staff, such as doctors and nurses have been trained to spot and report potential extremists in their workplaces. One NHS employee in the West Midlands told the broadcaster she was referred to the scheme when she became more interested in her religion around Ramadan. Ramadan 2016 - All you need to know When I went into work after Ramadan, wearing the scarf, I was getting all this odd behaviour, she said. I was asked every single day what my religion was by my colleagues, and I felt I had to explain myself. One day she received a letter from HR informing her she had a meeting with a safeguarding lead nurse, at which a police officer from the counter-terrorism unit was present. I thought: what have I done? she said, adding she was gobsmacked when she was told she had been referred under an anti-terrorism programme. There was no need for it. I had done nothing wrong, so I knew I had nothing to worry about, but I was really emotional, because I didnt know what was to come. She said she was told the case would not be taken further, but was then visited by the police at her house and has since given in her notice and left the job. The figures show monthly referrals to the police increased by two thirds from 21 to 35 after the Prevent programme was introduced. David Anderson QC, head of the governments terror law watchdog, has called for an overhaul of the Prevent programme and said it was seen as a spying programme by many in Muslim communities. There is a strong feeling in Muslim communities that I visit, that Prevent is, if not a spying programme, at least a programme that is targeted on them, he said in October. Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire Show all 9 1 /9 Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire As Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce part of a burnt wall is seen at the mosque that was attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. Joe Raedle/Getty Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: A Law enforcement official walks near the scene of a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce which is the mosque that was attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Wilfredo Ruiz, from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, (2nd L) speaks to the media with other officials in front of the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce as Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the center, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Hamaad Rahman (C) whose father is an Imam of the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce arrives to speak to the media as Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the center, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images Police say arsonist set Florida mosque on fire FORT PIERCE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Law enforcement officials investigate a fire at the Islamic Center of Fort Pierce, which was the mosque attended by the Pulse nightclub gunman, who killed 49 people in Orlando on September 12, 2016 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officials are investigating the fire as an arson and say that surveillance cameras show a person approaching the mosque moments before the blaze on Monday morning. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Getty Images In some cases, it is even felt it is targeted not just at Islamist terrorism or extremism, but at the practise of Islam. People who pray or who wear the veil, for example, are sometimes felt to be under suspicion. The Department of Health said in a statement: Radicalising vulnerable people and encouraging terrorist acts is something which NHS staff should treat as a safeguarding issue. 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 }} The Queen will reportedly invite Donald Trump to Windsor Castle as part of a Government strategy to foster closer ties with the President-elect. Mr Trump will be welcomed as part of an official state visit in the summer of 2017, with plans in the process of being finalised by senior Whitehall officials. An official invitation is expected to be sent to the White House following the Republican leaders presidential inauguration on 20 January, with the Queen expected to send a congratulatory message. Two ministers and a senior official close to Downing Street confirmed discussions with Mr Trumps team were due to begin to ensure his availability for June or July next year. A source from the Prime Ministers office also confirmed that Mr Trump would visit in 2017, according to The Times. Mr Trump has already met with one Briton following his election victory, Brexiteer Nigel Farage. The pair who have both sought to present themselves as anti-establishment were photographed in front of a gold-plated lift at the meeting at Trump Tower in New York. Fellow Leave advocates Arron Banks, Andy Wigmore and Raheem Kassam were also in attendance. One member of the group said Mr Trump was looking forward to meeting the Queen. Hes a massive Anglophile. He was really, really keen. His late mother, Mary, loved the Queen. He said, Im going to meet her, too. I cant wait to come over to England. My mum would be chuffed to bits when I meet the Queen, he said. The Queen has been labelled Theresa Mays secret weapon to encourage closer ties between the UK and the US, one the Prime Minister will be eager to deploy faced with Mr Farages closeness to the president. A source The Times: The Government has decided that their secret weapon to get in with Trump is to offer him an early visit to the Queen, him and Melania staying at Windsor Castle. Another cabinet source said: The Queen is the key here. Shes not a secret weapon, shes the biggest public weapon you have. Nigel Farage cant get [Trump] in front of the Queen. In their first official phone call, Mr Trump told Ms May that his Scottish mother had been a royalist and reportedly asked Ms May to pass on his best wishes to the Queen. Full details of the visit have reportedly not been disclosed as a matter of protocol, ahead of Ms Mays meeting with Barack Obama in Berlin on Friday. I know that there are plans for a state visit, the official said. They didnt want to say it because its disrespectful to Obama, but once Trump is in theyll move quickly in No 10. London in summer is a very attractive place for anyone to come. It will be the first offer. Queen's properties from throughout her reign Show all 7 1 /7 Queen's properties from throughout her reign Queen's properties from throughout her reign 1. Buckingham Palace Getty Queen's properties from throughout her reign 2. Windsor Castle Getty Queen's properties from throughout her reign 3. Sandringham Palace Corbis Queen's properties from throughout her reign 4. Balmoral Castle Rex Queen's properties from throughout her reign 5. Palace of Holyroodhouse Getty Queen's properties from throughout her reign 6. Hillsborough Castle Rex Queen's properties from throughout her reign 7. Delnadamph Lodge Creative Commons A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the details of the visit would rest with the Government. State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the Government, they said. Last week, Downing Street announced the President-elect had urged the Prime Minister to meet him in Washington as soon as possible after his inauguration next year. However, Ms Mays office faced embarrassment when it emerged Donald Trump had extended a much more casual invitation allegedly saying: If you travel to the US, you should let me know. The news followed reports that Britain had been near the back of the queue of countries the newly-elected president spoke with following his victory. Before contacting Ms May, Mr Trump spoke with nine world leaders in Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, Israel, Turkey, India, Japan, Australia and South Korea. A No 10 spokesperson said: We gave a readout at the time I am not going to elaborate on that anymore. The invitation from the President-elect was a very warm invitation to come and see him as soon as is possible. 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 }} Chancellor Philip Hammond will pledge more than 1bn on road-building in his first Autumn Statement this week, as the Government aims to bear down on stagnating economic productivity. The Government says road congestion costs the economy 13bn a year and that building and upgrading more highways will help reduce it, while getting more Brits to work on time. Philip Hammond will unveil 1.1bn funding to upgrade arterial roads, as well as 220m to specific tackle pinch points on Highways England roads. The Chancellor is also expected to back the National Infrastructure Commissions recommendation for an expressway between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge and provide 27m of funding for the project. The infrastructure cash will come from a new, more flexible spending framework to be unveiled by the Chancellor, it is understood. Mr Hammond has already dropped George Osbornes plan to eliminate the deficit by 2019-2020, and is expected to adopt new rules that would make it easier to fund infrastructure investment from the public purse. But the renewed embrace of car travel comes just a week after the Government mothballed key rail electrification projects in Englands regions. An electrification scheme between Bath and Bristol was delayed indefinitely on Wednesday, while Transport Secretary Chris Grayling defended scrapping of a similar electrification scheme between Hull and Selby as good for passengers. Other suspended schemes included one between Oxford and Didcot Parkway, as well as branch lines in the Thames Valley. The road-building programme also comes despite decades of evidence suggesting that building more highways simply induces more demand and does little to ease congestion possibly making the policy unsuitable for raising productivity. A study this year by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute found that congestion tends to maintain equilibrium when more roads are built, echoing the findings of dozens of previous studies, according to a 2002 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Planning Literature. Successive governments have repeatedly promised to build more roads, but a previous construction push by George Osborne resulted in embarrassment in 2013 when it emerged a number of the projects commissioned would have little or no economic impact. Mr Hammonds push for more road cash is the Governments answer to Britains stagnating productivity levels which have plagued the UK economy in recent years. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2022 Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive for a visit to Hillsborough Castle Getty UK news in pictures 12 September 2022 Crowds line the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, as King Charles III joins a procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles Cathedral following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS UK productivity finally recovered to its its pre-crash level in October of this year, but Britain is still lagging behind its competitors in the G7 group of industrialised nations when it comes to the all-important indicator.The rise left productivity between a quarter and a third lower than it is in France, the US and Germany. A poll this weekend found Mr Hammond and Theresa May leading on economic competence, with 44 per cent of voters telling pollsters Opinium that they trust the Tory team to manage the economy, compared with just 18 per cent saying the same for Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow Chancellor John McDonnell. A Department for Transport source said the road expansions would benefit motorists and create thousands of jobs. We are building and improving roads because they are at the very heart of what makes communities work linking people with jobs and businesses with customers, he said. Our investment will benefit motorists by making their journeys safer, quicker and less congested - whilst creating thousands of jobs across the country. 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 }} European leaders have reportedly come to a 27-nation consensus that the UK must be forced into a hard Brexit in order to counter the rise of populist movements which could break up the European Union. Senior EU officials fear allowing Britain to exit on its own terms could empower far-right candidates in France and Germany, which represent an existential danger to the bloc. One EU diplomat told told The Observer: If you British are not prepared to compromise on free movement, the only way to deal with Brexit is hard Brexit. You can have 'hard Brexit' or no Brexit at all, EU council president warns UK "Otherwise we would be seen to be giving in to a country that is leaving. That would be fatal. Speaking in the wake of Donald Trump's election as president of the United States, Ukip interim leader Nigel Farage warned it could be "game over for the EU" if Marine Le Pen, leader of the Front National, wins France's presidential election. It came as Ms May faced fresh calls to deliver a hard Brexit from a group of 60 Conservative MPs, including prominent former cabinet ministers. Cameron-era ministers Michael Gove, Iain Duncan Smith, John Whittingdale and Theresa Villiers urged the PM to pull Britain out of the European single market and the customs union. They claimed getting out of the single market free trade zone was crucial for the UK to become free of Brussels regulations. Pulling out of the customs union, which sets common tariffs for goods from countries outside it, would be the only way to strike trade deals with other nations, they said. Eleven Labour, DUP and Ukip MPs also reportedly backed the call. Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty Ms May has previously said she would try to restrict freedom of movement between the UK and EU, a policy which is incompatible with membership of the single market. A Government spokesperson said: "We are committed to getting the best possible deal as we leave the EU: one that is unique to Britain, not an off the shelf solution. "It's not about binary choices - there is a huge range of possibilities for our future trading relationship with the EU. That's why the Government is painstakingly analysing the challenges and opportunities for all the different sectors of our economy. "The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants UK companies to have the maximum freedom to trade with and operate in the Single Market and to let European businesses do the same here. "Beyond that, it's not in the UK's interest to give a running commentary on our thinking that could undermine our negotiating position." Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The EUs hardline stance against the UK in the upcoming Brexit negotiations doesnt make a lot of sense, the Chancellor has said, as he warned that the talks will bring uncertainty to the British economy Philip Hammond urged EU countries to think very carefully about what they want before hanging Britain out to dry in any post-Brexit settlement. EU leaders have repeatedly said the UK will not get trade concessions if does not participate in freedom of movement with the bloc upholding one of its founding pillars. They have also threatened to withhold so-called passporting rights for the City which would pull the rug out from under the UKs financial sector. Recommended Sixty Tory MPs demand Theresa May commits Britain to a Hard Brexit An EU diplomat said this weekend that watering down that negotiating stance could be seen to be giving in to a country that is leaving and embolden far-right parties on the continent who could do untold damage in the long-run. Mr Hammond told BBC Ones Andrew Marr Show on Sunday: This will be a long process. Part of this process will be about the Europeans themselves thinking very carefully about what they want, because some of what Im hearing from European politicians I understand in terms of political rhetoric, but doesnt make a lot of sense in terms of economics. He said he believed the EU benefited from the City of Londons access to the single market, before adding: It has to work for Britain and the European Union. This is a negotiation and its got to be a win-win outcome. Mr Hammond also admitted the negotiations outcome would bring uncertainty for the British economy. Youve seen the range of independent forecasts that are out there and many of those forecasts are pointing to a slowing of economic growth next year and a sharp challenge to the public finances. There are a range of reasons for that, he said. As we go into a period where there will be some certainty around the negotiations. Despite the warning that uncertainty could damage economic prospects Mr Hammond resisted calls on the programme to actually reveal the Governments starting position, aims or approach to Brexit, saying only in unhelpful relative terms that he wanted the best deal or the best access. The complete transparency blackout from No 10 and the Government in general has led to accusations that the Government is in fact dreadfully split on the issue and does not in fact have a plan to disclose. Mr Hammond, who is understood to favour a more cautious approach to Brexit, tacitly acknowledged the suggestions of a split but downplayed their significance. I think youd be surprised by the degree to which the Cabinet is coming together around a view of the challenges and the opportunities as we move this debate forward, he said. What experts have said about Brexit Show all 11 1 /11 What experts have said about Brexit What experts have said about Brexit Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond The Chancellor claims London can still be a world financial hub despite Brexit One of Britains great strengths is the ability to offer and aggregate all of the services the global financial services industry needs This has not changed as a result of the EU referendum and I will do everything I can to ensure the City of London retains its position as the worlds leading international financial centre. Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Yanis Varoufakis Greece's former finance minister compared the UK relations with the EU bloc with a well-known song by the Eagles: You can check out any time you like, as the Hotel California song says, but you can't really leave. The proof is Theresa May has not even dared to trigger Article 50. It's like Harrison Ford going into Indiana Jones' castle and the path behind him fragmenting. You can get in, but getting out is not at all clear Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Michael OLeary Ryanair boss says UK will be screwed by EU in Brexit trade deals: I have no faith in the politicians in London going on about how the world will want to trade with us. The world will want to screw you that's what happens in trade talks, he said. They have no interest in giving the UK a deal on trade Getty What experts have said about Brexit Tim Martin JD Wetherspoon's chairman has said claims that the UK would see serious economic consequences from a Brexit vote were "lurid" and wrong: We were told it would be Armageddon from the OECD, from the IMF, David Cameron, the chancellor and President Obama who were predicting locusts in the fields and tidal waves in the North Sea" PA What experts have said about Brexit Mark Carney Governor of Bank of England is 'serene' about Bank of England's Brexit stance: I am absolutely serene about the judgments made both by the MPC and the FPC Reuters What experts have said about Brexit Christine Lagarde IMF chief urges quick Brexit to reduce economic uncertainty: We want to see clarity sooner rather than later because we think that a lack of clarity feeds uncertainty, which itself undermines investment appetites and decision making Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Inga Beale Lloyds chief executive says Brexit is a major issue: "Clearly the UK's referendum on its EU membership is a major issue for us to deal with and we are now focusing our attention on having in place the plans that will ensure Lloyd's continues trading across Europe EPA What experts have said about Brexit Colm Kelleher President of US bank Morgan Stanley says City of London will suffer as result of the EU referendum: I do believe, and I said prior to the referendum, that the City of London will suffer as result of Brexit. The issue is how much What experts have said about Brexit Richard Branson Virgin founder believes we've lost a THIRD of our value because of Brexit and cancelled a deal worth 3,000 jobs: We're not any worse than anybody else, but I suspect we've lost a third of our value which is dreadful for people in the workplace.' He continued: "We were about to do a very big deal, we cancelled that deal, that would have involved 3,000 jobs, and thats happening all over the country" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Barack Obama US President believes Britain was wrong to vote to leave the EU: "It is absolutely true that I believed pre-Brexit vote and continue to believe post-Brexit vote that the world benefited enormously from the United Kingdom's participation in the EU. We are fully supportive of a process that is as little disruptive as possible so that people around the world can continue to benefit from economic growth" Getty Images What experts have said about Brexit Kristin Forbes American economist and an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England argues that the economy had been less stormy than many expected following the shock referendum result: For nowthe economy is experiencing some chop, but no tsunami. The adverse winds could quickly pick up and merit a stronger policy response. But recently they have shifted to a more favourable direction Getty Were doing a huge amount of work, David Daviss department, Liam Foxs department, and some of the messages we hear from people who havent gone into this issue in such great depths bely the complexity of this deal. We want to get the best deal we can possibly get. Warring factions of the Conservative party ramped up their lobbying of the leadership this weekend with a small group of pro-Remain MPs calling for the Government to drop its Supreme Court appeal. This was shortly followed by 60 eurosceptic MPs calling for a Hard Brexit leaving the customs union and single market. Theresa May has said only that she will trigger Article 50 in the first quarter of 2017. 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 City of Brussels has announced it will name a public space after Jo Cox. The Labour MP, who was stabbed and shot to death outside her constituency office in June shortly before the EU referendum, worked in Brussels for six years before becoming an MP. The Yorkshire politician campaigned in favour of remaining in the EU and took part in the protest against the Brexit flotilla outside the Houses of Parliament the day before her death. On Thursday, Brussels City Council officials announced they had added her name to the list of prominent female politicians, artists, writers, scientists and athletes with links to the area who will have streets, squares and buildings named after them in the city. The initiative was originally launched in September 2014 to promote greater gender equality in the Belgian capital. Commenting on the move, the secretary general of the European Womens Lobby, Johanna Maycock, said: Jo was a close friend and exactly the kind of person that we want to see in politics: an extraordinary feminist, brilliant and fearless. She was motivated by a passion for womens rights and social justice and held the conviction that we can and we must fight for a better, more just and more egalitarian world. It comes after Ms Cox was posthumously awarded a joint peace prize by the Rising Global Peace Forum shared with the White Helmets a volunteer force saving the lives of civilians in rebel-held Syria. Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes and candles are placed by a picture of slain Labour MP Jo Cox at a vigil in Parliament square in London AFP Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Tributes to Labour Party MP Jo Cox are placed on her houseboat in Wapping in London REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures The Union flag at half-mast on top of Portcullis House in London after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (2R) and deputy leader Tom Watson (L) light candles as they attend a vigil to slain Labour MP Jo Cox in Parliament square in London AFP/Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and deputy leader Tom Watson (rear) arrive to leave tributes at Parliament Square PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People leave St Peter's Church after a vigil in memory of Jo Cox REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Flowers left at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminste, following the death of Labour MP Jo Cox PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People react as they look at tributes left for Labour Member of Parliament Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A man writes a message at Parliament Square PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People stop to look at tributes left at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A woman arrives to lay flowers at a statue to Joseph Priestly in Birstall near to the scene where Labour MP Jo Cox was shot AFP/Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Tributes at Parliament Square opposite the Palace of Westminster PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A woman places candles in tribute to Labour Party MP Jo Cox REUTERS Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A member of the public signs a memorial for British MP Jo Cox in Parliament Square, London EPA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People sign messages of condolence for MP Jo Cox during a vigil in Parliament Square in London Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Flags at half mast outside Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, after Labour MP Jo Cox was shot and stabbed to death in the street outside her constituency advice surgery in Birstall PA Jo Cox tributes - in pictures People arrive in Market Square with floral tributes after the death of Jo Co Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes are placed in Market Square next to the statue of Joseph Priestley following the death of Jo Cox Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures Floral tributes are brought to the scene after the death of Jo Cox Getty Images Jo Cox tributes - in pictures A police officer carries bunches of flowers at the scene of the shooting of Labour MP Jo Cox in Birstall REUTERS Speaking about the award, which will presented by former Archbishop Desmond Tutu during a ceremony in Coventry this week, her husband Brendan Cox said: Jo was inspired by the White Helmets because they personified some of the best about humankind in some of the worst circumstances. These are the people who run towards danger when others run away. Jo worked on Syria for many years and she focused on it not because it was high profile but because it was the clearest case in the world of where civilians were at risk and the international community was ignoring their plight, saving up all sorts of problems for itself in the future. Thomas Mair is currently standing trial for her murder in Birstall, West Yorkshire on 16 June. He denies the charges. 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 }} Tony Blair is positioning himself to return to British politics, it has been reported. The controversial former Prime Minister is engineering a comeback because he feels he can fill a political vacuum caused by Theresa May being a light weight and Jeremy Corbyn being a nutter, The Sunday Times reports. A source said Mr Blair is sourcing premises near Westminster in order to relocate 130 staff to the UKs political hub. A source allegedly told the newspaper: Hes not impressed with Theresa May. He thinks shes a total lightweight. He thinks Jeremy Corbyns a nutter and the Tories are screwing up Brexit. He thinks theres a massive hole in British politics that he can fill. In response, a representative or Mr Blair reportedly said he has not made a decision to relocate the company there. Since leaving Downing Street in 2007, Mr Blair has worked on a number of international political projects including charity work, diplomacy and work as an envoy for the Middle East. He established Tony Blair Associations to provide, in partnership with others, strategic advice on a commercial and pro bono basis, on political and economic trends and governmental reform. Due to his controversial instigation of Britains involvement in the Iraq War, Mr Blair has focused primarily on international politics, while avoiding involvement in British issues. Two weeks after the Brexit vote, the Chilcot Inquiry released a damning assessment of Mr Blairs decision to invade the country. The former Labour politician has stood by his decision and said he was acting in what he believed was good faith based on intelligence information he had seen regarding the invasion. In October, Mr Blair called for a second Brexit referendum to be held when it becomes clearer what EU withdrawal would actually look like. He said: If you want to retain that access to the single market there will be various obligations that are imposed upon you, in relation to the free movement of people, to legal obligationsyou are going to have to work out at that point, are the freedoms that were going to enjoyreally so substantial that we want to leave the European Union?. Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown Show all 5 1 /5 Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown 443422.bin DAVID SANDISON/THE INDEPENDENT Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown 443421.bin AP Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown 443418.bin PA Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown 443420.bin PA Finally Tony Blair reveals his side of the feud with Gordon Brown 443419.bin PA Another possibility is that you actually go for a much harder form of Brexit, you leave the single market altogetherthen youre going to be able to calculate, how much pain, how much difficulty, economic/social restructuring, is going to be necessary to make a success of that. Mr Blair added that people supporting Remain are: the insurgents now. We have to build the capability to mobilise and to organise. We have to prise apart the alliance which gave us 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 }} What does an expert look like? If you took the example of news media, it would invariably be a man; usually in Britain, anyway a white, middle-aged man. Women make up roughly half of the worlds population and have also increased their representation in public life over the past 10 years. And yet when journalists reporting for television, radio or newspapers turn to an expert, it tends to be male. But while you may have started to notice that every panel on TV has three men to every woman, you might not realise just quite how extensive this imbalance is. Since 1995, the Global Media Monitoring Project has carried out research into gender and the media. Every five years, volunteers around the world record a snapshot of the gender representations in news stories over one day. The methodology of the survey has been updated and improved with each survey and 114 countries participated in the last one. Sadly, the results have changed comparatively little. According to the Who Makes the News report, compiled from the findings in 2015, in newspaper, television and radio news women accounted for just 24 per cent of the people heard, read about or seen. That figure hasnt changed since 2010. In addition, only 10 per cent of all stories focused on women, a figure unchanged since 2000. You might assume those numbers are skewed by countries where women play less of a role in society. However, Lis Howells of City University in London has analysed the numbers of female contributors on the UKs flagship broadcast news programmes including ITVs News at Ten, Channel 4 News and the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. Her research has shown that male contributors still outnumber women by three to one and thats an improvement from six to one in 2011 thanks in part to a campaign by Broadcast Magazine. But there is an additional problem. When women do appear in broadcast news, according to journalism academics Karen Ross, Karen Boyle, Cynthia Carter and Debbie Ging, they invariably fall into several stereotypical categories. Increasingly they tend to be interviewed about their personal experience often as victims of crime, or as parents or as consumers. They also appear far more often than men in health stories. Where they tend to appear far less is as authoritative or elite sources in political or economic stories. The Fawcett Society highlights that the press also tends to mention what women are wearing. This is also true of the coverage of sportswomen. Meanwhile, the images of women we are given in many newspapers are generally sexualised and stereotyped. Its an issue the campaign group Object highlighted to the Leveson Inquiry into press standards. Anna Van Heeswijk, chief executive of Object, told the inquiry that in many cases there was no marked difference between pornography and some of the pictures in the UK tabloids. As a political journalist for the BBC Northern Ireland programme Hearts and Minds for around a decade, I spent a lot of time trying to find female contributors but if women simply didnt want to take part, it then seemed acceptable to fall back on the male experts who were generally available and spoke well. As a listener to the media I used to produce, a lot of the time I still hear the same men on air that I was interviewing five years ago. Everyday sexism Its easy to understand why women can be reluctant to be interviewed for broadcast. When a woman gives her opinion in public theres always the chance she is opening herself up to abuse. The renowned professor of classics, Mary Beard, suffered intense online trolling after appearing on television. And when the Guardian analysed 70m online comments on its articles, it found that of the ten people who received the most abuse, eight were women. In addition to that, women tend to find it harder than men to ignore imposter syndrome where they feel as if they are not qualified to talk about a given subject, even if they are experts. And while there have been campaigns by broadcasters to offer media training to women, unless these potential new contributors are flagged up to journalists, they are unlikely to be used. The issue of women in news and current affairs broadcasting was the subject of an inquiry by the House of Lords Communications Committee in 2015. Its report called on public service broadcasters to reflect society by setting the standard in ensuring gender balance. Similarly, the National Union of Journalists highlighted the low numbers of female senior managers in news organisations and the Lords committee report backed the unions recommendation that this be addressed through positive action in recruitment and promotions. Token efforts In 2014, Danny Cohen, then the BBCs director of television, told The Observer that the BBC would no longer broadcast all-male panel shows. This seems like a step forward, but there is a danger of that smacking of tokenism as Buzzfeed has shown. Despite refusing to join Broadcast Magazines campaign (the BBC explained as a public broadcaster its primary role is to ensure the people who appear on our programmes are qualified to tackle the issues we explore), the corporation launched an Expert Women training course in 2014. A number of organisations have begun to compile their own lists of female experts in an attempt to counter the argument that women speakers are not out there. In the Republic of Ireland the group Women On Air has increased the number of women appearing on the national broadcaster RTE through their creation of The List. The Womens Room which campaigns on the issue has a database of female experts. But this is not a problem that women should have to solve. Many are now challenging and mocking gender inequality when they see it. The Twitter account Academic Manel Watch (@manelwatchire) was set up to object to the use of all-male panels in Irish academia. It follows on from the successful AllMalePanels blog with its distinctive Hoffsome stamp. And thats a badge of honour that no organisation should want to be awarded. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com). Julia Paul is a lecturer in the School of Arts, English and Languages at Queen's University Belfast Montenegro Names Two Russian Spies that Masterminded Failed Coup detat against it Montenegrin police arrest one of the pro-Russian plotters involved in the failed coup detat . (Photo : Police Directorate of Montenegro) The names of two Russian citizens, probably spies working for the Russian government, were revealed by Montenegro as masterminds of a failed coup d'etat that would have installed a pro-Russia government had it succeeded. In addition, the Montenegrin government is accusing the pro-Russia Democratic Front, the country's main opposition party consisting of communists and anti-government rebels, of aiding the coup. Advertisement Montenegro's Special State Prosecutor's office accused two Russian citizens, Eduard Vladimirovich Shirokov and Vladimir Nikolaevich Popov, of organizing a criminal group with the aim of murdering Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and installing a pro-Russia government that would have cancelled Montenegro's bid to join NATO or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It said both Russians, who have fled to Russia, organized this criminal group in September in the territory of Montenegro, Serbia and Russia. The Russians issued orders to carry out an "undetermined number of criminal acts of terrorism and the murder of highest ranking representatives of Montenegro," said the special prosecutor. Other accused and arrested putschists are Aleksandar Sasa Sindjelic, Bratislav Dikic, Predrag Bogicevic, Nemanja Ristic, Milos Jovanovic, Mirko Velimirovic, Kristina Hristic, Branka Milic, Milan Dusic, Dragan Maksic, Srboljub Djordjevic, Aleksandar Curovic, Aleksandar Aleksic, Nikola Djuric, Sinisa Cetkovic, Dejan Stanojevic, Milos Acimovic, Ivica Matic and Perica Andric. Prosecutors said Shirokov and Popov met in Moscow on September 26 with Sindjelic, head of the nationalist Serbian Wolves organization, to arrange the coup d'etat. They gave Sindelic 200,000 euros to carry it out. Some 20 Serbian and Montenegrin citizens, including Sindjelic, were arrested in Montenegro on October 16 in connection with the alleged plot. Shirokov and Popov are in hiding in Russia. It is unclear if Montenegro will ask for their extradition to face criminal charges. Sindjelic admitted he was involved in the plot hatched by "two nationalists from Russia" whom he had met while fighting for Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It was Sindjelic's job to recruit other plotters; transfer money; provide weapons; buy police equipment (uniforms, shields, batons, body armor, tear gas, gas masks and other equipment) to be used by the plotters members during the attack on the Parliament of Montenegro. The Serbian Wolves or the Wolves of Vucjak, of which Sindjelic is a member, was a paramilitary unit active in the Croatian War of Independence and the Bosnian War. On the other hand, Bratislav Dikic (a former Serbian police general), had the job of organizing the criminal gang and recruiting potential rebels. He was to have triggered a clash against Montenegrin police at a protest rally organized by the Democratic Front. Dikic would have led rebels in seizing the building housing the Parliament of Montenegro and arresting members of Parliament. Montenegrin prosecutors allege Dikic was given a specially encrypted and hack-proof mobile phone he was to have used to communicate with Shirokov and Popov. They also claim the Democratic Front supported the aborted coup. "Along with DF politicians gathered at the rally, they (plotters) would cause clashes with police officers and forcefully enter the Parliament, where they would remain for at least 48 hours and declare the election victory of DF and other opposition parties," said the prosecutors. As can be expected, Russia denied any involvement in the failed coup d'etat, but has taken no action to denounce it or its plotters. 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 }} US President Barack Obama has told Latin America, dont assume the worst about the Trump administration, ahead of the billionaires entrance to the White House. Speaking on the last stop of his farewell tour, Mr Obama continued his attempts to calm anxieties about the election of Donald Trump, who campaigned on the policies of building a wall along the US-Mexico border and ripping up trade agreements. My main message to you...and the message I delivered in Europe is: don't just assume the worst, Mr Obama told a group of young people in Peru during a town hall event. Wait until the administration is in place, its actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgements as to whether or not its consistent with the international communitys interest in living in peace and prosperity together. Mr Obama has radically shifted his tone when speaking about Mr Trump a man he once described as not fit to be president since the unanticipated election result. He has sought to soothe fears by pledging to smooth the transition to the Trump administration and expressing optimism the Republican would act differently in office than he did on the campaign trail. It will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new President-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, because as I've always said, how you campaign isnt always the same as how you govern, he said. Mr Obama embarked on a tour of Europe to assure nations in the bloc that Mr Trump would continue Americas commitments to Nato an organisation of which Mr Trump has been highly critical. But his other assurances, including for Latin American policy, do not seem to be based on inside knowledge of the Republicans plans. He said US-Latin American relations would not dramatically shift, according to the Wall Street Journal, stating: With respect to Latin America, I don't anticipate major changes in policy from the new administration. He said he expected this to include the re-establishment of US relations with Cuba. Yet he added trade was likely to be a key exception, since Mr Trump has been deeply critical of deals such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the North American Free Trade Agreement. There are going to be tensions that arise, probably around trade more than anything else, because the President-elect campaigned on looking at every trade policy and potentially reversing those, he said. 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 Mr Trump announced his picks for attorney general, national security adviser, and CIA director on Friday, suggesting the Republican administration will take a hard line on illegal immigration and focus on pursuing Islamist extremists. Animosity between Mr Obama and the President-elect has been apparent since Mr Trump voiced his support for the birther conspiracy theory, which claimed Mr Obama was born in Africa and so impugned the legitimacy of his office. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Syria and Ukraine on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president. The two leaders were seen chatting at the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. The White House said the conversation lasted four minutes. Recommended Obama urges Donald Trump to stand up to Putin Although reporters present couldn't hear what they said, the White House said Obama encouraged Putin to uphold his country's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. The White House said Obama also called for U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to keep working in initiatives with other countries to lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory US approach to Russia. Under Obama, the US has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a partner-like dialogue, the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the US also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the U.S. also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected the claims of interference in the US election. The meeting came as Obama prepared for planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the US and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt US workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Besides participating in meetings Sunday with other world leaders attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Forum taking place in Peru's capital, Obama was sitting down first with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a U.S. ally and partner in the trans-Pacific trade deal. The president also planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose nation is another TPP partner. Before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Washington, Obama was to answer questions from the journalists who accompanied him to Greece, Germany and Peru. Trump's election overshadowed every stop on Obama's trip. The president went to once unimaginable lengths to defend the real-estate mogul and reality TV star who he had repeatedly denounced during the campaign as temperamentally unfit and uniquely unqualified to be president. I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said in response to a question about Trump during a forum here Saturday with some of Latin America's future leaders. As I've always said, how you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern, he added. Obama's suggestion is that Trump could soften some of his more hard-line positions on immigration, terrorism and other issues once he confronts the reality of having to run the country. But the candidates Trump announced this past week for key national security posts Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions for attorney general, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA sent a signal that Trump intends to lead exactly as he said he would during the campaign. Leaders in every region of the world have expressed concern about Trump's stances on immigration, trade, NATO and other matters. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The incoming chief of staff said Donald Trump paid $25 million to settle lawsuits alleging he defrauded thousands of students to avoid "distraction" when he became president. "All of the history, he wants to put behind him and lead for all Americans. The Trump University issue is in the same vein," said Reince Priebus. The president-elect settled three lawsuits - two in California and one in New York - which alleged he had lured students to attend his now defunct Trump University, paying as much as $35,000 per year to learn business and real estate tips from "hand picked" instructors. "[] you know, when the presidency hits you, and its at your front door, and you realise that youre president of the United States for all Americans, there are some things that are important to you and some things you just decide, 'look, lets move on, were not admitting wrongdoing, lets just start leading this country without distraction," said Mr Priebus. Mr Trump has strongly denied fraud, and claimed his university got high approval ratings. But he changed his mind and decided to settle, less than two months before he enters the White House. "I think Americans should look at this as a real positive sign about what kind of great president he is going to be," added Mr Priebus during an interview with CNN. Mr Trump wrote on twitter that not going ahead with the Trump University lawsuits was the "only bad thing" about winning the White House. "I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential reward because as president I have to focus on our country," he wrote. The settlement, which will be divided between former students minus legal fees, was hailed by New York attorney general Eric Scheniderman as a "major victory" for the more than 6,000 plaintiffs. The trail for one of the cases was due to start on 28 November. "We are pleased to announce the complete resolution of all litigation involving Trump University," the Trump organisation said in a statement on Friday. "While we have no doubt that Trump University would have prevailed at trial based on the merits of this case, resolution of these matters allows President-Elect Trump to devote his full attention to the important issues facing our great nation." 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 }} Two top law professors have urged Donald Trump to divest from his new hotel in Washington DC after it was used to entertain and give a sales pitch to foreign diplomats, potentially violating the US constitution as soon as he enters office. Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota law professor who was chief ethics counsel to George W Bush, told Think Progress that the President-elect could be in breach of the Emoluments Clause, which prohibits presidents from buying influence with federal officials or receiving special treatment. The clause states: No person holding any office of profit or trust under the United States shall, without the consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. Donald Trump calls for a Muslim registry in the United States Mr Painter explained that Mr Trump and diplomats can do business, but if they pay over fair market value it is considered a gift, breaching the constitution. As Mr Trump trades on the value of his own name, diplomats would arguably be staying in his hotel to benefit from the added value of doing business with the US president. A spokesperson for the Trump Hotel in Washington DC could not be reached by The Independent to confirm that the group of 100 diplomats had attended the hotel on Friday evening. It had better stop by January 20, said Mr Painter. 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 He advised the President-elect to sell the hotel or give it to his children and pay the gift tax before his inauguration. Mr Trump opened the hotel on 12 September, in front of the nations cameras. While it would be unlikely for the constitution to be used against him or for another Washington DC hotel to sue Mr Trump, Mr Painter said one possible result for Mr Trump could be impeachment. Laurence Tribe, professor of law at Harvard University, agreed with Mr Painter. He said that Mr Trump was uniquely suable as, contrary to his predecessors, he has business competitors. The potential ongoing conflicts of interest come despite Mr Trump vowing that his children would manage a blind trust to house his business assets once he enters the White House. Mr Trump frequently lambasted the Clinton Foundation on the campaign trail, saying it was not clear where the Clinton Foundation ended and the state department began. Incoming Vice-president Mike Pence was asked on Fox News whether the Trump Organisation would become like the Clinton Foundation on steroids. I am very confident, working with the best legal minds in the country, that the President-elect and his family will create the proper separation from his business as he goes forward, he said. Mr Trump has already come under scrutiny for allowing his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, to sit in on a first meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan with Japanese prime minster Shinzo Abe. He has denied that he tried to obtain security clearances for his children and son-in-law to gain access to highly classified briefings. 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 signalled that retired general James Mattis is a likely pick for the top job of defence secretary. Mr Trump called him "James Mad Dog Mattis" and told reporters he was "the real deal", tweeting praise about the retired general after an hour-long meeting on Saturday. Mr Mattis served 44 years, rising through the ranks of Marine Corps, and led a task force into southern Afghanistan in 2001 as well as a Marine division during the Iraq invasion in 2003. Recommended Donald Trump is meeting with Mitt Romney for possible Cabinet position The four-star general was praised for leading Marines in the 2004 battle of Falluja in Iraq, described as one of the bloodiest of the war. The following year, however, he was condemned for saying "its fun to shoot some people" while talking to service members in San Diego. "Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," he said during the panel discussion. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling. "You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." Obama: I'll weigh in on Trump's presidency if necessary He was promoted to run the US Central Command in 2010, responsible for all US forces in the Middle East. Like Mr Trump, he is a critic of president Obamas nuclear deal with Iran. He would need a waiver from congress to be eligible for the top job, however, as he would normally be required to be out of uniform for at least seven years before taking on the Pentagon responsibility. Vice president-elect Mike Pence told Fox News that Mr Mattis had a "legendary military career". Mr Trump has now selected Alabama senator Jeff Sessions to run the justice department, retired army lieutenant general Michael Flynn as national security adviser and US representative Mike Pompeo as CIA chief. Mr Sessions has been criticised for his litany of past racist comments and Mr Flynn has called Islam a "cancer". Mr Trump is also considering former opponent Mitt Romney as secretary of state. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke praised Donald Trumps pick for National Security Advisor for promoting an anti-Semitic tweet over the summer. Dukes endorsement of General Michael Flynns tweet comes as each of the President-elects appointments have drawn criticism for their racist views including the choice for Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, a man once deemed too racist to serve as a federal judge. Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY Mr Flynn was met with fierce criticism in July after he shared a tweet in response to the Hillary Clinton campaigns suggestion that Russia was behind the emil hack of the Democratic National Committee. The corrupt Democratic machine will do and say anything to get [Clinton] into power. This is a new low, he tweeted, linking to a tweeted from a user called Saint Bibiana. It said: CNN implicated. The USSR is to blame! Not anymore, Jews. Not anymore. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn (Ret) says islam is a political ideology and not a religion Mr Flynn deleted the tweet shortly after he sent it out, saying the earlier retweet was a mistake. He claimed that he only intended to tweet a link to the CNN clip of Clinton campaign manager Robby Mooks statement. Despite Mr Flynns disavowal of the tweet, Duke championed the choice of Flynn as national security Isis with an anti-Semitic remark of his own. Great pick! he tweeted. Gen Flynns retweet shows he knows that the Saudis, Isis, and the Jewish-NeoCons are the real enemies - NOT Assad and NOT Russia! Mr Flynn has made clear his views against Islam. In February he called fear of Muslims rational. He has also referred to Islam as a political ideology that hides behind religion. People who have worked closely with Mr Flynn while he ran the Defence Intelligence Agency said that the incoming National Security Advisor does not have a firm grasp of facts a common criticism of Mr Trump himself. Mr Flynn had previously asserted that Shariah Law is expanding in the US, according to the New York Times, an outrageously false claim. Such claims from the man who will be among the new Presidents top aides had been dubbed Flynn facts. 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 town in New Zealand has created the first penguin underpass in the country to help a colony of the birds cross a busy road that lies between the sea and their nests. Little blue penguins, or Kororas, are the worlds smallest penguins and in the New Zealand town of Oamaru they have been forced to cross a busy road in the harbour to get from the sea to their nests after sunset in order to feed their chicks. Dr Philippa Agnew, a Blue Penguin Colony research scientist, told the Timaru Herald: At the boat ramp each evening during the summer, the penguins face crowds of people trying to get close to them and also traffic trying to use the same road an unfortunate reality of urban living. Not only did the lights from the cars often blind the penguins when crossing it, but the penguins themselves are something of a tourist attraction, which has created its own problem. One of the issues with the crowds of people is their attempts to take pictures of the penguins, which get disturbed by the flashes from tourists cameras. The creation of an underpass for the penguins is a first for New Zealand and one which was backed by the town council, Oamarus local tourism body, and civil works companies, the colonys general manager Jason Gaskill told CNN. He told the broadcaster that since the tunnel was completed, the feedback has been almost universally positive. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony said in a statement on its Facebook page that the penguins are now happily taking to their new underpass and posted a video of them using the tunnel. 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 }} As speculation rages over whether German Chancellor Angela Merkel will enter in the country's general election next year, a new poll has suggested the majority of Germans would like her serve again. Some 55 per cent of Germans said they wanted Ms Merkel to serve a fourth term, while 39 per cent were against her continuing as Chancellor, according to a Emnid survey for German Newspaper the Bild am Sonntag. The survey found Ms Merkel's support was highest among her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party supporters, with 92 per cent backing Ms Merkel serving a fourth term, and women, with 66 per cent saying they would like her to run in the 2017 general election. Ms Merkel refused to comment on the possibility during a press conference with the US President Barack Obama last week, saying she would announce her plans when the time was right. However, the 62-year-old is expected to speak about her decision to run for re-election at a news conference on Sunday night at her party's Berlin headquarters. CDU politician Norbert Rottgen told CNN on Tuesday that he believed Ms Merkel would run for another term and German Member of the European Parliament Elmar Brok, told newspaper Rhein Neckar Zeitung on Saturday, "everybody knows that Merkel will run for office again." The iron Frau: Angela Merkel Show all 11 1 /11 The iron Frau: Angela Merkel The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351161.bin EPA / WOLFGANG KUMM The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351162.bin GETTY IMAGES / REUTERS The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351163.bin AFP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351164.bin The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351165.bin REUTERS The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351166.bin AFP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351167.bin AFP / GETTY IMAGES The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351168.bin The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351169.bin AP The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351170.bin EPA The iron Frau: Angela Merkel 351171.bin REUTERS Sunday's survey is a boost for Ms Merkel after her support took a hit this year in opposition to her open-door immigration policy in response to Europe's refugee crisis. In August, a poll for the Bild am Sonntag found Ms Merkel's popularity had declined with 50 per cent of German against her serving a fourth term in office, while her party slumped in the nation's regional elections as support for the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) grew. However, after Britain's Brexit vote, Donald Trump's shock US presidential election victory and the rise of right-wing populist movements in many European countries, many are looking to Ms Merkel as a beacon of stability in uncertain times. Following Mr Trump's victory, Oxford University's Timothy Garton Ash wrote: "I'm tempted to say that the leader of the free world is now Angela Merkel." UK's May pledges close ties with Germany in Merkel meeting If she runs again in the 2017 general election many political experts have pinned Ms Merkel as favourite to win. Current polls suggest another "Grand Coalition" will be formed after the election next year, with the conservative bloc of the CDU and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU) up 10 points over the Social Democrats (SPD), Deutsche Welle reports. Ms Merkel has governed Germany since 2005 as its first female Chancellor, by standing again she could end up serving 16 years in office. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A group of Italian hotels are offering a free holiday to couples that conceive during their stay there. The hotels in Assisi are part of the Fertility Room project, a scheme aimed at tackling the countrys low birth rate as well as encouraging tourism to the city. Ten hotels are currently signed up to the initiative, launched on Friday, which offers a reimbursement or future stay free of charge to guests who conceive during their visit. Couples must provide a birth certificate showing their baby was born nine months after their stay in order to claim the offer. The projects organizers a group of tour operators in Assisi - said on their website: "Giving birth to a child is an act of deep love, which should be encouraged despite the multitude of difficulties in life. Here's how a simple idea can draw attention to the subject of reproduction and, at the same time, encourage people to discover or rediscover an idea filled with beauty and universally recognized values. However, local officials have failed to endorse the scheme. Assisis Mayor Stefania Proietti told local newspaper Assisi Oggi that the scheme had no official connection to the citys administration. Umbria regional councillor Claudio Ricci said in a statement that the region would be investigating the campaign to assess whether it was fitting for the public image of Assisi and the promotion of the region. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty He said the campaign seemed incongruous with Assisis reputation as a historical and cultural centre as well as the birth place of the Pope Francis. Since the 1960s, Italy's birth rate has halved to 488,000 babies born in 2015. Last year experienced the lowest birth rate since Italy united as one country in 1861. Earlier this year a campaign by Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin to reverse the falling birth rate sparked backlash after posters used to promote the countrys first Fertility Day on 22 September were branded insensitive and insulting to those unable to conceive. One campaign poster showed a young woman holding a sand timer with the phrase: Beauty has no age. But fertility does. In response best-selling author Roberto Saviano wrote on his Facebook page: It means, simply, hurry up and have children: You dont have a stable job? What does it matter. You are not certain that your partner is the right one? Come on procreate, do it lightly. The campaign was eventually scrapped. 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 }} French leftist voters have reportedly engaged in a plot to derail far-right leader Marine Le Pens election bid by infiltrating the conservative primaries. According to surveys, as many as 15 per cent of an electorate who brought socialist President Francois Hollande to power in 2012, will today sign a charter stating they share Republican values of the Right and the Centre, in an attempt to stop former president Nicolas Sarkozy from being nominated. Many believe Mr Sarkozy could lose against Ms Le Pen in Mays presidential elections, and against the backdrop of the UKs Brexit vote and Donald Trumps US election win, some fear France could be next in line to confront the rise of global populism. Left-voting business owner Violette Lacloche said she was not prepared to see that happen and would be voting for former prime minister Alain Juppe, who she believes would be a better contender against Ms Le Pen. In 2002, we left-wingers voted for Jacques Chirac to stop Jean-Marie Le Pen from becoming president, Ms Lacloche told Politico. Its the same thing this time around, just much sooner. We all know that the presidential election is being played out now. One 32-year-old Parisien, who wished only to be known as Amaury, said he would also be backing Mr Juppe. Polls are becoming less and less reliable and arent able to grasp peoples deepest convictions. I prefer to stay on the safe side and vote for Juppe, he told Liberation. Seven candidates are competing for position in Sundays primaries, and a second vote will be held next week to decide between the two frontrunners. The three leading candidates are Mr Sarkozy and former prime ministers Francois Fillon and Mr Juppe. Mr Sarkozy was said to be outraged by the leftist "coup", telling his supporters at a rally last week: "I will not let the Left steal this election from you! For many left-wing voters, Mr Trumps shock election win was enough to motivate them to act early against the Front National. At one time, I was thinking voting for Juppe in the second round would be enough. But the election of Trump remotivated me. We need to protect our interests, one voter told Liberation. Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president and candidate for the French conservative presidential primary, votes in the first round of the French center-right presidential primary election in Paris, France, November 20, 2016 (REUTERS/Eric Feferberg/Pool) However, some believe that even Mr Juppe, recognised as a moderate conservative, wont be able to stop the wave of populism. The wave of populism could carry us into 2017. So can an old career politician like Juppe be the solution to this wave? Or will he be fated to be knocked out like Hillary Clinton, who became a figurehead for nothing other than the establishment? Amaury said. Many leftist voters who responded to a Politico survey admitted they would not want to be outed for voting in the conservative primaries, and many allegedly asked for anonymity. In particular, prominent socialists and media personalities were said to be concerned about being branded "hypocrites" if they were caught entering a polling station. However, left-wingers were not the only group rallying to hijack Sunday's Conservative vote. Far-right supporters of Ms Le Pens party were also planning to turn out in high numbers, according to Politico. Many believe Ms Le Pen could be edging ever closer to victory next spring, with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls warning of the dangers of electing a far-right president. The far-right leader currently holds 29 per cent of the national vote when pitted against Les Republicains Nicolas Sarkozy, who is eight points behind, and holds a 15-point lead over the Left partys Jean-Luc Melenchon, in the latest poll released by Ipsos. Second round opinion polls have consistenly given Mr Juppe a significant lead over Ms Le Pen. BIGBANG comeback 2016 very soon (Photo : YouTube/GlobalVIPs) BIGBANG comeback 2016 is on! YG are trickling teasers here and there for the upcoming comeback of the company's most successful idol group. YG teased the new album and music video of the group on Instagram. YG posted a short clip of the behind-the-scene of BIGBANG's new music video. According to Korean website Soompi, BIGBANG was previously in Chungcheongbuk province filming a music video. They are back in Seoul to film another one. This hinted that the boy band will release two title tracks soon. Advertisement Several reports claimed that the members are in the final stages of preparation for their full-length album "MADE," and their new track is already in a state of completion. The legendary male group has not confirmed the actual release date of their new album. It is most likely a surprise release by the end of the month. There are speculations that BIGBANG will have a dramatic comeback and their first performance will be at Mnet Asian Music Awards 2016. The group debuted in 2006 and the surprise release of the album will mark their 10th anniversary. The group will also hold a concert in Seoul in January. Meanwhile, it seems that 90s boy group Sechs Kies comeback will happen first than BIGBANG's. YG lighted up a teaser for "Who's Next". The teaser is a photo of light bulbs, the one in the middle is lighted. The glowing yellow light indicated Sechs Kies official colors. YG previously confirmed that Sechs Kies and BIGBANG comebacks were pushed back in December. YG CEO Yang Hyun Suk said that both comebacks will happen before mid-December, according to Soompi. Watch BIGBANG's music video below. 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 }} Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in his centre-right Les Republicains party's presidential primary. The former President, who lost the French election to Socalist Francois Hollande in 2012, announced his withdrawal after coming third with 21.4 per cent with three-quarters of the vote counted. In a speech to the media and his supporters he backed his former deputy Francois Fillon saying he respected the decision of France to choose "others to lead them". He said he would now retire from public life and wished the French people "luck" for the future. The contest marks the first time the US primary system has been used for choosing candidates and any French citizen willing to pay 2 and sign a form saying they are committed to the values of the party can vote in the election. The top two candidates in the poll Mr Fillon and Alain Juppe will now go head to head in a run off vote on 27 November. Mr Sarkozy was hoping to take a stab at regaining the presidency by courting votes who may be tempted to vote for Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader of the Front National (FN). But the move seems to have backfired with many people voting in the primary to stop Mr Sarkozy getting onto the ballot paper. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty One voter, Emeline, said: I am not at all on the Right, I'm very much on the Left and I really want to block Sarkozy and I know that the Left won't get to the second round (of the presidential election) so I just want to stop Sarkozy and Marine Le Pen. French elections are held in two stages: if no candidate gets more than 50 per cent of the vote in the first round, the two leading candidates go head to head in a run off vote. With Mr Hollande remaining one of the most unpopular leaders in recent French history it is unlikely he will get into the final ballot especially as his more popular economics minister Emmanuel Macron running as an independent against him so many fear the Les Republicains candidate will be the only person standing between Ms Le Pen and the Elysees Palace. Their fears were compounded by a poll by released by Ipsos Mori on Sunday which suggested Mr Sarkozy would trail between Ms Le Pen by eight points when pitted against each other in a head to head contest in contrast to Alain Juppe who was ahead by five points in a similar contest. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} One of Swedens most infamous serial killers is reportedly facing extradition to Germany to face new charges against him, 24 years after being sent to prison. German police are pushing to extradite Laser Man John Ausonius, in order to question him over the alleged murder of 68-year-old Blanka Zmigrod, who was shot in the head on her way home from work in 1992. Ausonius shot eleven people between August 1991 and January 1992, in racially motivated attacks on migrants in the Stockholm and Uppsala areas. Following his arrest in 1992, police started tracing his travel abroad and found he had been in the restaurant where Ms Zmigrod worked in Frankfurt a week before she was killed. He allegedly argued with her during the encounter over a Casio electronic calendar he believed she had stolen. Police also confirmed the weapon used in the murder had the same 6.35mm calibre as Ausoniuss, athough he claimed to have sold it in Germany some time before her death. German police interviewed Ausonius for the first time in 1996 at Kumla Prison, but he was never charged. I question whether they really have the right to bring a prosecution after all these years, Ausonius told Aftonbladet newspaper. Thats the question we need to answer before I know what I will say over whether I will go down there or not. I have nothing against going. I think I will be acquitted and that the case will be closed. But it has to be done correctly. Ausoniuss lawyer Thomas Olsson said he was unsure that German police had a legal right to make an extradition request under European law after so much time. To defer investigating a suspicion until after so many years have passed, and we are talking of about 20 years, is of course totally unacceptable, he said. Ausonius was named "Lasermannen" by the Swedish media after he used a rifle equipped with a laser sight to kill one of his victims. The 63-year-old is being held in a low-security prison and is allowed out four times a year unsupervised for eight hours at a time. He denies having any involvement in Ms Zmigrod's death. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Thousands have taken to the streets of Istanbul and other cities in Turkey to protest against a bill that would allow child rapists to walk free if they marry their victims. The countrys government insists the law would help resolve legal challenges caused by widespread child marriage in the country, yet critics argue the bill legitimises rape. In Istanbul, protesters clapped and chanted: We will not shut up. We will not obey. Withdraw the bill immediately. About 3,000 people gathered in Istanbuls Kadikoy square, many waving placards that said: Rape cannot be legitimised, and AKP, take your hands off my body in reference to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) that proposed the bill. Similar demonstrations were held in other cities, including Ankara, Izmir and Trabzon. If the law passes, men who sexually abuse girls under 18 without force, threat or any restriction on consent and marry them could have their convictions quashed or avoid prosecution. The proposed change would apply to cases between 2005 and 16 November 2016. Women in Istanbul shout and hold placards saying rape is a human crime (AFP) Protester Cigdem Evcil told the BBC: I am a mother. How am I supposed to react to this? I can`t believe it, it's not normal, it doesn't make sense. If I let this happen to my daughter, if the mothers in this country let this happen, it means we are not mothers. Another protester told Associated Press: Pardoning the crime of sexual assault, or dropping it due to prescription, is out of the question. People who commit sexual assault and rape crimes cannot be cleared. One of the women protesters who gave her name as Ruya told AFP: We will not allow the AKP to acquit and set free rapists in this country. Women will resist and take to the streets until this law and similar other laws are withdrawn. Another protester, a middle-aged man named Ugur, attended the protest with his 14-year-old daughter. I am concerned about my daughter's future, he told AFP. [The] AKP is passing any law they want in the parliament. The AKP enjoys a comfortable majority in the 550-seat parliament, holding 317 seats. That's the maximum we can do. To protest, he added. Women gathered in Ankara holding signs saying: We will not let you. Rape cannot be legalised' (AP) The UN childrens fund said it was deeply concerned about the draft bill. These abject forms of violence against children are crimes which should be punished as such, and in all cases the best interest of the child should prevail, said spokesman Christophe Boulierac. MPs approved the draft law in its initial reading on Thursday and it will be voted on again on Tuesday, but following the contriversy Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildrim has ordered the AKP to suspend talks with the opposition about the law. Mr Yildirim said the bill was intended to release men jailed after marrying underage girls in religious ceremonies who had received the consent of a girls family. He rejected suggestions that the plan amounted to an amnesty for rape. Critics argue the bill is an amnesty for rape, a claim the ruling AKP disputes (AP) Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag similarly rejected the claim, saying: The bill will certainly not bring amnesty to rapists. This is a step taken to solve a problem in some parts of our country, he told a Nato meeting in Istanbul. Yet Turkish bar association Izmir Barosu said in a statement: This proposal is clearly an attack on protecting children from sexual abuse. We must make clear that any regulation against the protection of sexual abuse of children has no place in the public conscience. The proposed regulation is intended to institutionalise child abuse. Physical and sexual violence against children and women is a crime. Recommended Tensions flare as Turkey heads to vote on new Erdogan powers The proposals have been criticised by pro-government groups. The Womens and Democracy Association whose deputy chairman is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's daughter Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar said a major problem with the bill would be proving what constituted force or consent. It said: How can the own will of such a young girl be identified? We would like to draw attention to issues that might arise in case of it coming into force. A petition on change.org urging the authorities to stop the legislation has accrued more than 600,000 signatures. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty The bill comes after Turkeys constitutional court in July annulled part of the criminal code which classified all sexual acts with children under 15 as sexual abuse, a change that also prompted uproar. Although the legal age of consent is 18 in Turkey, child marriage is widespread, particularly in the south-east. The country has one of the highest rates of child marriage in Europe, with an estimated 15 per cent of girls married before their 18th birthday. 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 }} Turkey could join the Shanghai Pact with Russia and China instead of the European Union, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said. Mr Erdogan said Turkey should "feel relaxed about the EU and not be fixated" about joining it, as his country's decades-long hopes of joining the EU reached their lowest point in the aftermath of the failed 15 July coup. Some may criticise me but I express my opinion. For example, I have said why shouldnt Turkey be in the Shanghai Five? he told Turkish journalists on a plane from Uzbekistan, Hurriyet Daily News reported. In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) also known as the Shanghai Pact is a loose security and economic bloc led by Russia and China, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Mr Erdogan said he had already discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. He has floated plans for Turkey to join the SCO several times, a move which could scupper the country's long-standing EU membership bid. The SCO option became clouded when the Turkish air force shot down a Russian war plane last November. In August, Turkish media reported Mr Nazarbayev mediated a deal between Ankara and Moscow to smooth over the dispute. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987 and accession talks only began in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. Boris Johnson urges EU to go soft on Turkey's plan to reintroduce the death penalty Brussels has harshly criticised the Turkish government's crackdown on alleged coup plotters, urging Ankara to comply with rights and freedoms criteria. Mr Erdogan is looking to expand his powers by changing Turkey's constitution. This week, Mr Erdogan warned the EU to decide by the year's end on its membership bid, threatening call a referendum on whether to continue membership discussions. Turkey and the EU agreed to speed up membership talks in March as part of an accord on curbing the flow of refugees into Greece. The deal was made in return for several incentives for Ankara including EU cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as visa-free travel to Schengen area for Turks. 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 }} Rescue workers in Aleppo say they have run out of body bags after a catastrophic day of air strikes knocks out the last remaining medical facilities in the city. The air assault on the Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital means every single hospital in the eastern parts of the city still under rebel control have been hit by Syrian and Russian air strikes since the summer. The White Helmets, the volunteer rescue force who help civilians caught in the crossfire, said It is a catastrophic day in besieged Aleppo with unprecedented bombardment with every type of weapon. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said barrel bombs, mortar rounds and air strikes fell upon the rebel districts throughout the night with the charitys chief Rami Abdel Rahman saying People went to sleep to the sound of bombardment and awoke to the sound of bombardment. The World Health Organisation confirmed all the hospitals in the area would be unusable for several days following the attack which was condemned by the US and the UN. At least 27 people, including children, were killed in the attack and a photograph passed to The Independent showed babies being removed from incubators during the attack. There are unconfirmed reports that two doctors were among the dead. The attack is the latest in a renewed campaign against Aleppo after the Syrian government texted every person still inside the rebel-controlled areas to get out within 24 hours last week. Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Show all 16 1 /16 Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo A girl who fled areas of conflict rides a vehicle in Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city, Syria REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel fighters from the Jaish al-Fatah (or Army of Conquest) brigade have a tea in a building under construction Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo A rebel fighters' armoured vehicle in Dahiyet al-Assad Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel fighters from the Jaish al-Fatah (or Army of Conquest) brigades sit on a tank Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Abandoned magazine of shells after rebel fighters took control of Dahiyet al-Assad Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel fighters ride a pick-up truck with civilians who fled areas of conflict in Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo A rebel fighter gestures with a girl who fled areas of conflict while they ride a pick-up truck in Dahiyet al-Assad Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Smoke rises near a damaged road in Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Syrians carry their belongings as they leave the southwestern frontline neighbourhood of Dahiyet al-,Assad Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo A view shows a damaged minaret of a mosque after rebel fighters took control of Dahiyet al-Assad, Syria Reuters Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel groups have pledged to push from newly captured positions in the Dahiyet al-Assad district towards Hamdaniyeh. Rebels and allied jihadists launched a major offensive on October 28, 2016 to break through government lines and reach the 250,000 people living in the city's east Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel groups have pledged to push from newly captured positions in the Dahiyet al-Assad district towards Hamdaniyeh Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Rebel fighters from the Jaish al-Fatah (or Army of Conquest) brigades hold a position at an entrance to Aleppo, in the southwestern frontline neighbourhood of Dahiyet al-Assad Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Smoke billows from the frontline district of Dahiyet al-Assad following an attack by rebels on Syrian regime forces in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo Syrians carry their belongings as they leave the southwestern frontline neighbourhood of Dahiyet al-Assad Getty Dahiyet al-Assad - Aleppo People who fled areas of conflict ride a pick-up truck in Dahiyet al-Assad, west Aleppo city, Syria Reuters Last week the UN warned that Aleppo had exhausted all its food rations and are facing the prospect of starvation if aid does not reach them before winter sets in. Aid has not been able to reach the city since a major supply line was cut off by Assads forces in July and aid convoys were suspended after one was bombed in September. Pictures sent by activists in East Aleppo show markets are nearly bare but locals are said to be attempting to cope with the situation as best they can. City farms on rooftops and in courtyards have sprung up offering vegetables such as spinach, parsley and radishes though they remain expensive to buy for most families. Recommended Rebels turn on each other as Assad regime tightens grip on Aleppo Fruit and vegetables are at least five times more expensive than they were before the war and sugar is ten times the price. Meanwhile, vital supplies for children have already run out with the city losing its supply of formula milk a month ago. The assault is another setback for the people of East Aleppo after they loss control of all the territory they gained in the city and its surrounding villages during Russias humanitarian pause earlier this month. Last week the Observatory said the government had recaptured the western district of Dahiyat al-Assad and the village of Minyan just outside the city right before the fresh bombardment began. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} If Brexit put the wind up the European political establishment, Donald Trumps election triumph in the United States has brought on a full-scale panic attack. It remains to be seen of course whether the two events are really connected in the way that those peddling anti-elite narratives like to suggest. Nevertheless, with important elections looming in several key EU countries, there is a sense that recent history in America and Britain could repeat itself on the continent. The first test of the new European populism will come next month in Austria, with a rerun of presidential elections that were dogged by irregularities when first held earlier this year. Norbert Hofer of the far-right Freedom Party lost the original ballot by 31,000 votes he will be hoping it is his supporters, rather than his opponents, who have been emboldened more by events in the interim. A win for Mr Hofer would undoubtedly fuel the anti-immigration, nationalistic fire of Alternative for Germany (AfD), the party that has made such startling gains on the other side of the Austrian border since being established in 2013. The decision by Angela Merkel to seek a fourth term as Chancellor when the German people go to the polls next autumn is perhaps a sign of the seriousness with which the AfDs challenge is being taken by leaders of the ruling Christian Democratic Union party. While controversy over her policy towards refugees arguably aided the AfDs rise, Ms Merkel remains popular and is widely regarded as having the best chance of stemming the populist tide. Yet perhaps the biggest test of all for those who envisage the end of the existing liberal order will come in between Austrias and Germanys elections, when the people of France vote for a new President this coming April. Unlike Austria, France is a world power; and unlike in Germany, there is in the French Republic a figure on the far right who has the rhetorical nous and longstanding knowledge of the political game necessary to present a realistic leadership bid. She may not have the novelty of Donald Trump, but Marine Le Pen senses that she can repeat the shock of his success. With the Socialist Party in a mess, most predictions point to a second-round run-off between Ms Le Pen, leader of the Front National (FN), and whoever leads Les Republicains (LR), Frances traditional centre-right party of government. Frontrunners to lead LR into next years election have included former President Nicholas Sarkozy, who has moved to the right in an effort to confound Ms Le Pens growing popularity. Alain Juppe, who was a deeply divisive prime minister in the 1990s, has taken a softer stance on the key subject of immigration. Francois Fillon, meanwhile, has presented himself as the flag-bearer for economic liberalism. In any other circumstances, last weeks decision by former Socialist Emmanuel Macron to run as an independent candidate next year would have thrown Frances political establishment into disarray. As it is, his participation is viewed largely through the prism of how it might affect the anti-Le Pen vote. Indeed, at every turn it is the Front National leader who confronts the mainstream candidates and influences their thoughts. No wonder it is Ms Le Pen, rather than any of the seven candidates, who has dominated Les Republicains primary contest. The storm clouds which are gathering over America as Donald Trump prepares to move into the White House are ominous enough, even if their shape is unrecognised in the US. Europe, however, still just about remembers the horror that can result from popular, untrammelled nationalism. Liberals across the continent will be rooting for whoever takes on Marine Le Pen in France next year and, for Ms Merkel in Germany, hoping that lightning does not strike twice. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A few days ago, Jesse Jackson called for President Obama to grant Hillary Clinton a pardon for crimes she may or may not have committed. It follows some deft sidestepping of the question by White House spokespeople about what the President might do. You get the impression that Obama doesn't really want to, but that he might have to if Donald Trump or his allies look like embarking on another hate campaign. The safest and best thing all round would be for Mr Obama to go ahead and openly front up his decision. All agree even President-elect Trump agrees that America has been through a difficult year, culminating in the most bitter presidential election in living memory. All agree, in Donald Trump's words, that the time has come to bind the nation's wounds. Well, we know one way to bind one of those wounds: a presidential pardon for Hillary Clinton. The advantages of such a move for the American people are clear. First, it would help finally close the chapter on that presidential election. The arguments about that are still going on, and especially about what the damage to Hillary Clinton's campaign was. She herself has said it stopped her momentum. Donald Trump calls for a Muslim registry in the United States Now the retiring (but not shy) Democratic Party minority leader in the Senate, Harry Reid, says of FBI director James Comey: "He can be fat and happy in his office, having thrown the election to Donald Trump. If he feels good about that that's nice. There is no question in my mind she would have won this election without any problem if Comey had not been the Republican operative that he is." The interventions of Comey were certainly controversial, and arguably unjust, even if in the end they were effectively retracted. Following that, a pardon for Clinton would be the least the executive branch could proffer to her. It is a matter of natural justice. Without a pardon these allegations about emails and the Clinton Foundation will politicise the judicial process. Neither is in the national interest. Second, a pardon by President Obama might do Trump a huge favour by relieving the Republican of a clear campaign commitment to appoint a special prosecutor to go after her. Now that Trump has bigger things to worry about, it might suit him to have Hillary cleared away. He doesn't even need to criticise the President too harshly. America can move on, and Obama's broad shoulders can shoulder the blame. Ideally, a magnanimous President Trump would in due course drop the Hillary thing, but that would expose him too deeply to the charge of hypocrisy. 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 Third, there are good and bad precedents for such a political pardon. Bill Clinton and George W Bush issued some rapid and controversial pardons for their associates, not least vice-president Cheney's aide Scooter Libby, who was actually convicted of his misdemeanours. A more distant and, I suspect, nowadays widely accepted example, was the pardon granted by President Ford to his predecessor. The parallels with Nixon are far from precise, but Gerry Ford's words in a TV address in 1974 echo powerfully today: "During this long period of delay and potential litigation, ugly passions would again be aroused. And our people would again be polarised in their opinions. And the credibility of our free institutions of government would again be challenged at home and abroad...In the end the courts might well hold that Richard Nixon had been denied due process, and the verdict of history would be even more inconclusive...My conscience tells me clearly and certainly that I cannot prolong the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter that is closed." America would do well to close the chapter of the 2016 election once and for all. Hillary Clinton, and the US, has suffered more than enough. It could be that in the delicate Obama-Trump transition, including Trumps generous words about Secretary Clinton's public service, there has been an effective but secret agreement to drop the Hillary thing. Who knows, and it would be justified; but an open pardon, fully justified would be a better method of closure. It would be the last brave, statesmanlike act of many from President Obama. The Irish mushroom industry is now a major contributor to the Irish economy, employing more than 3,000 people. Earlier this week, I caught up with Leslie Codd, managing director of Codd Mushrooms in Carlow to learn about his business. Set up in 1989 and located on the family's farm outside Tullow, the company employs 225 staff and has an annual turnover of approximately 20m. As experts in the production, packaging and marketing of mushrooms for the retail and catering sectors, the company has grown to become the largest supplier of mushrooms to the Irish market, supplying approx 52pc of all mushrooms consumed in Ireland. Among the firm's many customers are Aldi, Dunnes, Tesco and BWG. In addition to the home market, the company also exports about 5pc of its total produce to the UK. Growing up in Cavan/ Monaghan, my memory of mushroom-growing is one of large poly tunnels packed with black plastic bags in which the mushrooms grew. As Leslie showed me around his 200,000 sq ft state-of-the-art production facility, I realise just how far the sector has now advanced. For instance, the mushrooms are now grown in large metal trays. Known as Dutch Shelving, these trays are racked as many as six high and run for hundreds of feet. Each is filled with around nine inches of compost or, to give it its more technical term, substrate. This substrate contains a mix of chicken manure and straw (which provides nutrients for growth), gypsum (a lime-like material that helps to maintain the proper pH levels of the substrate) and mushroom spawn or seed. On top of this is a layer of peat moss used to help retain moisture. "It normally takes about 18 days from when the trays are filled until the start of cropping or harvesting," said Leslie as he showed me around the expansive facility. "Cropping can then go on for a further 11 to 18 days after which each production unit is then cleaned out, sterilised, refilled and left ready for the next crop." I discover too, that many of types of mushrooms sold in our shops are based on their age or how long they have been allowed to mature before being picked. For example, the younger ones are button mushrooms. These are firm with a delicate flavour. The next oldest are cup mushrooms, which are now the most popular and most versatile. And as they finally mature, the mushrooms become known as flats. These are larger in size and have an intense robust flavour, similar to field mushrooms. "We also sell other popular varieties such as chestnut mushrooms, which have a more intense flavour than white varieties," said Leslie as he lifted a tray to show me their mottled light-brown colour. "Then we have the portabello mushroom, which is larger and has a meaty texture - making it an ideal substitute for meat. We also produce a range of conveniently pre-sliced packs for those with busy lifestyles." Picking is labour intensive and carried out by hand. The Dutch Shelving or long metal trays are designed so that pickers can fully reach in from either side while adjustable metal platform enables them to reach the higher shelving. Once picked, the mushrooms are then graded, weighed and vacuum cooled before being packed and labelled for distribution. With more than seven large articulated trucks of freshly-picked mushrooms leaving the facility every day, the scale of operations here is huge. Growing the business from scratch has taken time though. Leslie Codd grew up on the family farm where the production facility is now located. "I never actually had a job or worked for anyone else," said Leslie. Immediately after school and keen to pursue a career in agriculture, both he and his brother Raymond went on to study with Teagasc. Straight afterwards and still only 18, Leslie and his brother set up their fledging mushroom business in a small rented facility in nearby Myshall. Using small conventional tunnel units, they began supplying a broker who was targeting the UK. After only a year in business, the pair built their own facility in Tullow and soon after, expanded their operation to include a second facility in Baltinglass. "It became increasingly clear to us that, to secure our future in the industry, we needed to cut out the middle men and gain control of our own distribution channels," said Leslie. "We decided to invest in building our own packaging line and quickly got to work on targeting potentially customers directly. Our first large retail customer was Aldi who were followed shortly after by Dunnes Stores, Tesco and BWG." Soon the business was doing so well that Leslie and Raymond could no longer keep up with orders. In 2008, they closed their first two units and invested over 5m in constructing their new facility on the family's farm, a move that enabled them to centralise their activities, create further capacity and achieve greater operational efficiencies. Following completion of the new build they later merged with a similar-sized mushroom company, further increasing their turnover and providing them with the scale they needed to maintain a profitable outlook. Leslie and Raymond have complementary skills and aptitudes. Leslie acts as the company's managing director and looks after finance, customer relations, marketing and strategy while Raymond, as operations director, is responsible for taking care of production, ensuring efficiency of the plant as well as overseeing all expansions and site developments. It's a combination that has produced a winning formula. "However, we owe much of the success of our business to the passion and dedication of our staff," said Leslie. "When we look back to where it all started in 1989, we had just five staff. Today, we have 225. " Unlike many other Irish mushroom producers, the business has not been severely affected by the fallout from Brexit. This is largely due to the fact that 95pc of everything the company produces is destined for the Irish market. "However, we are very focused now on growing our business in the UK. Because local origin is an important consideration for many UK retail buyers, we have decided to enter a joint venture arrangement with an existing Liverpool-based mushroom business and to invest a further 5m in building another new state of the art facility there similar to what we have here in Carlow," explains Leslie. It's been an exciting business journey for Codd Mushrooms. Fresh from being a finalist in this year's EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programme, Leslie Codd has much to be proud off. Having gone directly from school into working for himself, both he and Raymond have managed to develop a successful and sustainable Irish food business that continues to grow and expand. His dream now is to see the company grow its turnover to 50m and its employee numbers to more than 500 for 2020. Based on his ambition, management capability and achievements to date, I have no doubt but that he will make this a reality also. The story of Codd Mushrooms also goes to demonstrate just how important our indigenous Irish businesses are to the national economy as well as to the many local communities who rely on them for much needed employment. Here's to Leslie Codd and to the many more unsung heroes of the Irish SME sector. For further information: www.coddmushrooms.ie Irish dairy farmers are fearful of the effects that Brexit will have on the dairy industry and for now have only speculation to go on. The reality is that regardless of trade tariffs, the cows still have to be milked every day and a home must be found for that milk before it perishes. Currency fluctuations that are pushing sterling weaker are also making it easier for UK processors to export goods and making it harder for Irish companies doing business there. Long before Brexit ever happened, dairy farmers were wondering when the turbulent times would end and their sector would return to profit? European Milk Board general director Silvia Daberitz says removing quotas certainly provided challenges for farmers but she fears the bigger challenge is yet to come. Ms Daberitz said: "Brexit will have consequences for many sectors. The dairy sector is one of them. The EU as a whole will see an impact. Some 64m people live in UK, which is a net importer of dairy products. "Particularly, neighbouring countries such as Ireland are highly dependent on the British market. The EU and the UK have to find a good agreement in order to limit disturbance to a minimum. "The common market should be maintained, ideally with common standards and without any tariffs. Of course, it cannot be a unilateral agreement, according to which the UK obtains free market access while not providing the same access to the EU. "The EMB stresses the importance of finding a reasonable, fair and balanced solution. Both UK and EU farmers as well as UK and EU citizens would benefit from an agreement which would not lead to significant shifts in trade of dairy products between the UK and the EU." Expand Close Silvia Daberitz / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Silvia Daberitz Quotas Looking back at how the current milk situation has been affected by the past and the ultimate abolition of milk quotas in 2015 Ms Daberitz said the current crisis has forced many farmers out of business. She said: "EU milk policy took a turn in 2003 when deregulation of the milk market started. This policy peaked in 2015 with the abolition of production quotas, which were introduced in 1984 as a response to massive overproduction. In the last 30 years, these quotas kept the EU from continuing to produce milk lakes and butter mountains. "As a preparation for the end of quotas in 2015, the production limits were already raised by 9.8pc in the ten years from 2005 to 2015, with visible effects on farm-gate prices. "Supply had not been in balance with demand. "Overproduction occurred with the result that in 2009 farmgate prices plummeted to around 25c/kg of milk, causing a loss of revenue of around 11bn for European dairy farmers. "This milk price crisis forced many farmers out of business and heavily burdened the financial reserves of those remaining. "Since the end of the milk quota system on March 31 2015, the dairy market has faced an even bigger challenge, because the successor system lacks effective instruments for preventing a damaging surplus of production. "Already in 2014 higher prices and expectations of a quota-free market triggered a 4.3pc production increase in the EU. "Additional volume increases of 10pc in New Zealand and 2.4pc in the US, together with EU production, have resulted in a surplus on the world market of over 11m tons of milk. Problem "It is obvious that so far the ability to produce milk has not been an issue for the EU. The problem lies elsewhere: the challenge actually consists in not producing too much milk. "The market is saturated and the additional volume is putting immense pressure on farm-gate prices. That is also becoming clear in 2015, with an additional production volume of 2.8pc in the EU between April and July compared to the same period in 2014. "Prices have dropped dramatically, so that at the end of the summer in 2015 farmers in the Baltic States were already being paid less than 20c/l. "In Italy farmers were paid around 34c and in France around 32c, while Spanish prices had already fallen well below the threshold of 30c. "In Belgium the price was around 25c in the middle of 2015, in the Netherlands it was 24-28c and in Germany it was 25-30c/l. "These prices cannot cover production costs, as shown by studies from individual countries. These studies show production costs of 45c/l and 39c/l for France and Italy, respectively. "In Belgium, production costs are 46c and in the Netherlands 42c/l. This huge gap between costs and prices means that losses for dairy farms are very high. "Therefore a reasonable reaction from the EU would be to recognise market signals and slow down production throughout the EU. "That requires an adequate framework implemented by EU policymakers. Only then is an EU-wide reaction possible," she said. Crisis Ms Daberitz says the dairy industry will remain prone to crisis while there is nothing to tackle it on an EU basis. She said: "Milk prices have been so bad that many farmers had given up their businesses after trying to get along for quite a while with prices that did not even cover the cost of production. "The voluntary milk supply reduction scheme, that became effective in October, is another important factor. "It co-ordinates compensations for farmers who are producing less milk on an EU level and has significant effects on the volumes as well as psychological effects on the prices. "But the dairy sector will remain prone to crisis as long as there is no regular crisis instrument on EU level. "As long as decision-makers do not agree on such a sustainable instrument, price slumps will happen regularly," she said. Microsoft Surface Phone (Photo : Twitter / Evleaks) The long rumored Microsoft Surface Phone 2017 release may finally take place next year. Tech giant Microsoft may announce the smartphone alongside the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 in February. Reliable German Windows-centric website Dr Windows revealed that it has received "concrete evidence" that HP is working in partnership with Microsoft in making a powerful Windows 10 smartphone. Advertisement The website added that the new Microsoft Surface Phone is the rebranded Lumia handsets as it will inherit Lumia's best features such as ClearBlack screens, Glance and more. However, the details of the smartphone are still under wraps. There are rumors that Microsoft announced a smartphone internally that is for release in February 2017. This fueled the rumors that the smartphone will be released alongside the popular Microsoft Surface Pro 5 tablet-laptop hybrid. There are whispers that the two new devices will be announced at the Mobile World Congress 2017 or at a separate event to highlight the inception of the new devices. Currently, the tech giant has released updates to its current flagship device Microsoft Surface Pro 4. This puzzles consumers as it seems that Microsoft is promoting the laptop-tablet hybrid. Apparently, the tech company is delaying the Surface Pro 5; hence, the upgrades on current device. Microsoft just announced the new Surface Studio and Surface Book i7 at the Windows 10 event on Oct. 27 as new members of the Surface family. It is most probably that Microsoft delayed the release of Surface Pro 5 to avoid stealing the spotlight of the new devices and the media and consumers will focus on the features they offer. Moreover, holding back the Pro 5 will prevent it from cannibalizing the sales of the new Surfaces. There is no official announcement from Microsoft yet. Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches are a far cry from a typical Irish breakfast. Produced by Peacock Foods, they consist of a bread roll filled with a flat sausage, egg and cheese. Sometimes the roll is replaced with croissant or bagel but they are always frozen, and heated up by consumers who buy them in packs of four. When Greencore entered the US eight years ago, it never envisaged that frozen breakfast sandwiches would be key to them cracking the US market. But ceo Patrick Coveney said after trying to push its British and Irish model in the US, it has learned to adapt to American retail and consumer habits. This led to the acquisition of Peacock Foods last week for $747.5m (703m). "We have slightly different views than when we entered the States eight-and-a-half years ago," he said. "We have worked for some time to figure out what is the right way of getting into the grocery channel - and the challenge we've had is that there is a not an equivalent level of private-label participation." When Greencore makes sandwiches for Marks & Spencer, they are sold as Marks & Spencer sandwiches. Not so in the US retail groups. "You do not find large grocery chains in the States running large, successful, well-invested own-brand programmes in these categories. You just don't find it," said Coveney. This realisation followed some considerable efforts to apply aspects of Greencore's own model in the US. "We've actually tried over the years to get our own way into private-label programmes," said Coveney. "We have tried with several retailers to build out private-label programmes in convenience foods, and it hasn't worked. It hasn't worked because that is not how the grocery model works in the United States at the moment." Coveney has been very keen to ramp up Greencore's presence in the US. One senior market source said this had been a concern, given the stark difference between the US convenience food market and the lunch trade in Ireland and the UK. During the recession, Greencore's 1 sandwich helped it weather the storm of depressed consumer spending. The popularity of pre-packaged, thinly-filled sandwiches are in contrast to Americans' preference for made-to-order sandwiches, packed full of ingredients. However, this deal is seen as an acquisition which reflects Greencore's deeper understanding of the market. Coveney told the Sunday Independent that Greencore had been looking for a sizeable acquisition in the US for 18 months. Peacock and Greencore were introduced to one another in early March, initially to learn from each other about each other capabilities. "They would be much larger scale than us and better equipped to do large production runs at massive scale, whereas our capabilities lie in innovation and very fresh food. "As we got to understand and know the business better, it became much more of an acquisition opportunity for us," he said. The approach took place in June and a deal was formally agreed in July, before due diligence was initiated. Investors like the deal, which was reflected in an immediate lift in the share price. However, the US is not without its challenges. Warren Ackerman of Societe Generale raised the possibility of some headwinds ahead for Peacock in a Greencore analyst call. He questioned whether or not Greencore was "comfortable" with frozen breakfast sandwiches accounting for 30pc of sales. "I know the category is growing at 6pc at the moment," he said. "But arguably it's intrinsically unhealthy and not something millennial consumers will want to buy going forward and certainly, the frozen category has been under significant pressure." However, Coveney said he believed in the future of sandwiches as a consumer product. Ackerman also questioned the description of Peacock's brand Jimmy Dean as a market leader in the frozen breakfast category, pointing out that Nestle's Hot Pockets have long claimed the title. Coveney dismissed this, and said that Peacock uses the Nielsen measure which gives Jimmy Dean market leader position - but it is a reminder that some heavyweight rivals are already competing in the category. Another question being raised by Greencore analysts is whether or not it can continue growth at the business. "They are paying a full price and are buying it from private equity who have pushed it fairly hard for the past few years," said one market source. "When they sell, it usually means they got their share out of it." Indeed, revenues for Peacock has almost doubled between the year to September 2013 and the year to September 2016 from $517m (486m) and $993m (934m). Operating profit has also been pushed up in recent years, growing from $9.6m (9.03m) in 2013 to $35.6m (33.4m) in 2016. The question is how much more upside Greencore can now eke out of it. Coveney is confident that he can do plenty with Peacock, pointing out that the company is stepping up its share of business "materially" with customer Kraft in 2017. "They also have very strong growth in the salads market," Coveney said. "We think there is quite a lot of headroom for further growth in the business." Fintan Ryan of Berenberg is among those who believe the Peacock's deal has the right ingredients for success. "It does look like 2017 will finally be the year when the US business starts to deliver consistent profitability," he said. This follows two to three years of heavy capacity and infrastructure investments that have weighed on margins. "This acquisition is the icing on the cake in really scaling up and transforming the US business by filling in some channel gaps for its sandwich and salad business while offering future potential for growth building off the Peacock capacity footprint," he added. David Holohan, chief investment officer at Merrion in Dublin, also welcomed the deal, which he said was not without risk. "It adds a further level of diversification to them both in terms of product mix and in terms of a new geography for them to get bigger in. It reduces the focus on the UK, which has obviously served as somewhat of a headwind for them recently post-Brexit," he said. "The risk is simply the scale of the business. Obviously it's their largest deal, which introduces risks, but I don't think on a macro level there are any policies Trump would unveil that would have a significant impact. "Obviously if the US was to reduce its tax rate that would benefit any companies with subsidiaries in the US." There have also been some questions raised by the level right issue, which is significant. Shareholders will be asked to stump up 439m (510m) in a rights offering. Holohan believes Coveney's deal is a good once for investors."He's structured it well. The mixture of debt and equity makes sense, it allows leverage in the company to remain comfortable post the deal and investors will actually be happy with how it's structured. "It's quite transformative for them. Greencore's market capitalisation is around 1.2bn (1.13bn) and what they're acquiring is just under $750m (706m), so it is very sizeable both in the context of Greencore. From an Irish corporate perspective, it would be one of the biggest US businesses bought. "People have taken a 'wait and see' approach with Greencore to identify what their next big move would be, whether it would be further into the UK or further into a new geography. "The decision to move to the US in that sense is something that I think will be taken very well." The Simpsons creators are not happy about their now infamous prediction of Donald Trump's presidency. Back in 2000, the Bart to the Future episode featured the billionaire as the US President when Bart is shown a future vision of his life. In the introduction for the Sunday night's episode, Bart writes on the chalkboard 'BEING RIGHT SUCKS' in reference to their forecast 16 years ago. The Simpsons updates its 2000 prediction of a Trump Presidency... #TheSimpsons pic.twitter.com/Myf5rYb9Dj The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 14, 2016 Earlier this year, writer Dan Greaney described it as a "warning to America". "And that just seemed like the logical last stop before hitting bottom. It was pitched because it was consistent with the vision of America going insane," he told the Hollywood Reporter. "The important thing is that Lisa comes into the presidency when America is on the ropes, and that is the condition left by the Trump presidency.What we needed was for Lisa to have problems that were beyond her fixing, that everything went as bad as it possibly could, and that's why we had Trump be president before her." We need your consent to load this Social Media content We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preference The curious case of McMulkin was outlined in a Court of Criminal Appeal judgment by Mr Justice John Edwards delivered on November 10 but published last Friday. Stock photo: Getty Images A trusted family man who was never in trouble in his life embarked on a crime spree across the country at the age of 62, possibly because of a brain injury he suffered 25 years before. James McMulkin, now 66, racked up 52 convictions in three years for stealing power tools and equipment, north and south of the Border. His late conversion to crime was linked to a head injury caused by an iron rod that plunged through his skull in 1989. A psychiatrist said it was "strongly possible" he suffers from frontal lobe syndrome, a brain disorder that can cause personality changes and impair thinking. The curious case of McMulkin was outlined in a Court of Criminal Appeal judgment by Mr Justice John Edwards delivered on November 10 but published last Friday. He dismissed an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the two-year suspended sentence for theft he handed down in Carlow Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year was too lenient. The ruling outlines what the sentencing judge called McMulkin's "sudden" transformation from "trusted member of society, a trusted father, a trusted husband" to "a thief and a fraudster". McMulkin, who lived in Kildare with his wife and two daughters, worked for more than 30 years as a digger driver and had an "impressive" employment history with several well-known contractors. He rose to the rank of foreman, was trusted and well regarded by his employers, and worked on various motorway and road construction projects. In 1989, he suffered a "devastating accident" when an iron bar fell from a height, went through his left eye and went out the back of his skull. McMulkin was fitted with a prosthetic eye and was treated at the National Rehabilitation Hospital over several months for his head injury. He never returned to his former work, and was forced to retire in 2010. Two years later, "all of a sudden", he began a string of offences that continued over three years. McMulkin later claimed a Romanian called Joe put him up to it, asking: "Would you do a few jobs?" He agreed. His modus operandi was the same in every case. He targeted hardware shops to 'buy' power tools and equipment using credit card details. While the cardholders were reimbursed, the retailers carried the loss. McMulkin - who once parked his car in front of a CCTV camera - was apprehended. He pleaded guilty to 52 offences in Northern Ireland in 2014, and served nine months in jail. On his release he reoffended and pleaded guilty to theft at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court in a case that was heard last year. Prior to his sentencing, McMulkin was examined by a psychiatrist who noted how during the consultation he popped his prosthetic eye "in and out... with some inappropriate mirth". He noted personality characteristics such as his "altered emotional behaviour", "unwarranted cheerfulness" and his "expression of needs and impulses without consideration of consequences". In his report to the judge, he said there was a "strong possibility" that McMulkin suffered from frontal lobe syndrome and recommended further investigation of the consequences of his head injury in 1989. His GP, however, portrayed McMulkin as a man "on the brink of suicide", who was having difficulty dealing with day-to-day things in his life. Although his two adult daughters ostracised him, the sentencing judge heard "heart-rending" evidence from his wife, who was in a nursing home and needed him. He had been "a trusted member of society, a trusted father, a trusted husband and then he turns into a thief and a fraudster". The sentencing judge gave him the "benefit of the doubt" with a suspended two-year sentence. On Friday, Mr Justice Edwards ruled the sentence was not unduly lenient. The working group, chaired by Junior Finance Minister, Eoghan Murphy, also plans to strengthen the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, in an attempt to reduce the need for solicitors. Solicitors cashing in on personal injury claims will be targeted as part of the Government's response to the drastic rise in motor insurance costs, the Sunday Independent can reveal. The Government's working group on insurance costs has committed to examining the "impact of legal fees on personal injury awards". The planned clampdown on legal fees is among 40 recommendations to be included in a report published next month that aims to bring Ireland's soaring insurance costs under control. The working group, chaired by Junior Finance Minister, Eoghan Murphy, also plans to strengthen the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, in an attempt to reduce the need for solicitors. A senior Department of Finance source said solicitors had been "striking it rich" with property conveyancing during Celtic Tiger years. "When that tap was turned off they had to look for another source of convenient revenue and you just have to look at the amount of solicitors in this area," the source said. Anti-fraud initiatives also feature heavily in the full list of 40 recommendations, seen by the Sunday Independent. They include an "insurance fraud database", similar to the UK's which lists fraudulent claimants and "exploring the potential for further cooperation between the insurance sector and An Garda Siochana in detecting fraud". In the UK, insurers fund a specialist unit in the City of London Police dedicated to insurance frauds. Other recommendations include getting rid of the paper-based motor insurance disc; a fully functioning database that would allow gardai check insurance compliance and a raft of proposals to introduce more transparency on insurance prices for customers. The minister also plans to set up a personal injury commission to examine payouts for injuries, such as whiplash, which have risen substantially in recent years. The recommendation to explore closer co-operation between insurers and gardai comes amid a reported increase in "organised" insurance fraud and claims from insurers that the Data Protection Act, which protects citizens' personal information, has hampered them from sharing information on multiple claimants. Aviva said it is currently investigating around 2,000 fraudulent claims. They include two separate investigations into members of the same families who have submitted claims to the value of 3m. In a statement to the Sunday Independent, members of one family in Munster submitted 100 separate personal injury claims relating to around 30 "minor" accidents. A second family in Munster is suspected of staging accidents in shopping centre car parks. According to Aviva, "two of these accidents involved the same person in the same vehicle colliding with innocent parties reversing from a parking spot". Aviva said that criminals appear to be funding their lifestyles with the proceeds of accident claims. "However Data Protection legislation protects these criminals by restricting our ability as insurers to share information on their fraudulent activities," it said. Another of the main insurers, AXA, said it has opened over 600 investigations this year alone into suspect insurance claims, from motor insurance to household claims. The insurer has identified organised rings involved in staged traffic accidents in Cork, Donegal and Galway, where 190 people have submitted personal injury claims in what investigators suspect are 35 "staged" accidents. The amount of money being pursued is more than 2m. "The sharing of data by insurance companies would assist in the investigation of suspected insurance fraud. AXA would welcome any database that would assist in protecting our honest policy holders," the insurer said in a statement to the Sunday Independent. Insurance prices have risen by 56pc since January 2011. The cost of motor insurance has gone up by 66pc and by 25 per cent in the last 12 months. I was about 20 at the time and a law student when I first came up close and personal with violence in the home. It was a chilling encounter. I had volunteered to work part-time for the Free Legal Aid Centres in Dublin. One evening, a woman, probably in her 30s, came in. There were bruises all over her face and arms. She had two very young children with her - a beautiful little boy whose hollow, gazing brown eyes I still remember, and a girl slightly older, quiet and pale, who just stared at her mother throughout the meeting. He had come home angry again, she said, and he was drunk again. I took careful notes. No, she said, if I didn't mind, she would not give me her name or address. This fragile, kind-eyed woman just wanted a bit of advice, she said, quietly but firmly. Her husband regularly beat her, she explained, but only when he was angry, which she kept repeating. Her children were silent. This time was the worst though, she said. He was very angry and had kicked her in the head for what seemed like an age, as she lay on the kitchen floor. I had grown up with the gentlest of men, my late Kerry father, who would never have harmed anyone, especially not my mother whom he adored. This was my first experience of what we call domestic violence. It was shocking. How could a man beat his wife, kick her in the head? I felt numb. I had to do something, rescue this woman, save her. I said that we needed to involve gardai. Had she been to hospital yet? Was she in a safe place now? I said there were refuges where she could go to with the children and she would be safe. I could arrange that. Gardai could speak to her husband. She suddenly got up and said she had to go home. He would have calmed down now, she said. All would be okay. I said I thought that was unwise and would she just wait a while. No. She left and I never saw her again. I have often wondered about her. Did she ever break free from his control? Did she stay, permanently terrified of when he might next be 'angry', suffering these horrendous beatings for decades? It's hard to imagine, but there is an even more awful possibility. Maybe she had finally found the immense amount of courage needed to leave him. Maybe he knew. Maybe he saw his control slipping away, because control of one human being by another is at the very core of domestic violence. And maybe she was another victim of the ultimate in domestic violence. Maybe he murdered her. That awful meeting as a wide-eyed young student, and wondering what might have happened to that bruised and frightened woman, has given me a lifelong interest in trying to help expose the horror and reality of domestic violence. Expand Close Mum Sarah Hines was brutally killed by her ex-partner John Geary who then turned on his five-month-old daughter Amy. Photo: Press 22 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mum Sarah Hines was brutally killed by her ex-partner John Geary who then turned on his five-month-old daughter Amy. Photo: Press 22 On Tuesday's RTE Prime Time, I will be speaking to families who did suffer the ultimate in domestic violence, whose lives have been destroyed by their loved ones being murdered by someone the victims once loved. Ann Walsh was only 23 when she was murdered in 2005 in a most brutal way, by her ex-boyfriend, Raymond Donovan, in Kilrush, Co Clare. Ann was dragged along the road by the hair to the back of an overgrown churchyard before Raymond killed her. Expand Close Three-year-old Reece, pictured as a baby. Photo: Press 22 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Three-year-old Reece, pictured as a baby. Photo: Press 22 In Kilrush, as we arrived outside the Walsh home during the week to speak to Ann's mother, also named Ann, and her brother Stephen, I was anxious that our visit might upset them, by bringing terrible memories flooding back. But for a family that has suffered such a terrible loss, that was never going to be an issue. They wanted to talk. They want their Ann remembered. "We always think of her, every second, every minute, every hour of every day. We will never forget her never, never ever forget her," her mother told us. Although suffering a deep sadness, they were so welcoming. Photographs of Ann were everywhere. Stephen explained that after her death their family was torn apart and has never recovered. Only 16 when Ann was murdered, her younger brother says he spent years being angry. His mother has been ill most of the time since the murder, and Ann's dad goes to her grave every single day and is too broken hearted still, to ever talk about what happened to his little girl. Expand Close When Sarahs friend Alicia Brough returned to the house, Geary killed Alicia and three-year-old Reece. Photo: Steve Humphreys / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp When Sarahs friend Alicia Brough returned to the house, Geary killed Alicia and three-year-old Reece. Photo: Steve Humphreys Donovan was given a life sentence; in Ireland the average time served for life is 12 years. The Walsh family are distraught that Ann's killer may soon be allowed out of prison on parole, while their innocent, beloved daughter and sister "will never see daylight again". One of the other families I spoke to was the family of Paul Byrne. His brother Noel, a gentle, quietly spoken man, explained to me that his brother was married to a woman called Tanya Doyle whom they had all initially liked having as part of the family. Things were not as they seemed and they later found out that she had a violent temper. I was struck by how many times Noel told me when we were together how much his brother loved Tanya - "he would not allow any family member to say anything about Tanya at all and I think that was a sign of the love and admiration that he had for her". Noel explained how even after a horrendous attack in 2006 when he was stabbed by his wife, his brother worked hard to repair his relationship with Tanya. Three years after the 2006 attack, Paul and Tanya were living together but in separate bedrooms. Noel was due to meet his brother on the night of September 4, but couldn't get through to him. He didn't know that Paul's phone had been used to make a 999 call to gardai just after 7pm as his wife Tanya began stabbing him in a frenzied attack. The phone call was recorded and each stab was audible as Paul took his final breaths, telling his wife: "You've stabbed me in the heart, you'd better call an ambulance." But she refused. The final words on the recording were her asking: "Where did you put your f***ing phone, you bastard, it's still on." Noel and his family will never get over what happened. They successfully campaigned to prevent her from benefiting from Paul's pension. "I still feel sad, there is not a day that goes by that something wouldn't trigger a thought, or a memory, surrounding something that he might have suggested, or he might have done, you know, a family event where he would be missed." But it is not only the immediate family who can be affected by domestic homicide. Maria Dempsey's daughter, Alicia Brough, was brutally killed in 2010 while she was supporting her friend Sarah Hines, whose ex-boyfriend John Geary had a history of violence towards her. Alicia had taken Sarah's three-year-old son Recce to the butchers to buy food for dinner and when she returned she walked in on an unspeakable and terrifying sight. Geary had brutally killed Sarah and she was lying on the kitchen floor. He was sitting on the couch holding their dead five-month-old daughter, Amy. Alicia tried to take the baby off him and he attacked and killed her before turning on Recce. The little boy witnessed all the other deaths before being killed himself. "It really hurts," Maria told us, "to think that a three-year-old child seeing his mum dead and he has seen his sister dead. And the man, who was a stepfather, and Amy's father, was attacking Alicia." Sarah's mother, Abina Ring, had a heart attack after meeting with gardai a month before the court case and learning the extent of her daughter's injuries. In court, she said: "The callous murder has had a devastating effect on us. We will be haunted forever." Geary was sentenced to four life sentences in 2013 but the judge explained he could not make them run consecutively as another court could set that aside. Maria wants to make Alicia, Sarah, and the children Recce and Amy's lives matter by trying to help others who are affected by domestic violence, encouraging them to speak out. "I will talk about our family pain because I don't want her death to be for nothing. I want it to count." In the future, she hopes that communities might see the warning signs that were there with Geary. It was a privilege to speak to all of these families and I want to thank them all for sharing their stories with us. Domestic violence is generally rooted in control, that's why domestic murders often happen when the victim finally tells the violent partner that they are leaving. The perpetrator can come from any class, race or creed. We all need to become more aware of just how big an issue domestic abuse is. Lack of awareness can mean that the warning signs are missed, that the victims aren't helped in time. I hope our programme on Tuesday will go some way to highlighting the gravity of the situation, and that by speaking out the families I spoke to may give others -especially anyone who is in a violent relationship right now - the courage to speak to someone about it, to no longer be afraid. There is help out there. Get it before it's too late. 'Prime Time', Tuesday, 9.35pm RTE One Premium Gene Kerrigan Opinion This time, we did the right thing The people act in solidarity. Children donate their pocket money and adults offer the use of a spare room. Refugee fundraising goes on in all the usual places, with the Late Late Show leading the way. When the Ukrainians needed help, we did the right thing. You don't hear many people talking these days about how pleased they are with how rents are rising in Ireland. Residential rents have risen nearly 20pc in a year in some parts of the country and according to Daft.ie, rents are now a staggering 10pc above their previous peak in 2008. This is despite the fact that property prices are still a third off their boomtime peak. In broad terms this means that average yields - income from property as a proportion of the cost of property - are up by more than a half. So while these rising rents spell misery for most people, it's a great time to own a load of properties in Ireland, especially if you bought them on the cheap when Nama was having the sale of the century. David Ehrlich, for example, is pretty pleased with the whole rent situation. David is the Canadian head of property company Ires Reit, and he is effectively the biggest residential landlord in Ireland with 2,377 properties and plans to get that number up to 5,000. "It's a great market," Ehrlich told the Irish Times on Friday. "We've never seen rental increases like this in any jurisdiction that we're aware of." Then, perhaps remembering his audience, and that this may be read by real members of the public, rather than just the lads in the boardroom, David adds, with regards to soaring rents that, "I truly feel badly for the Irish people." You can taste his salty tears from here. Though his package of three-quarters of a mill plus share options last year will no doubt take some of the pain out of it for him. Ires Reit was attracted to Ireland by the high birth rate and probability of a rebound in the economy, but what made it possible for them to come and do so well was the Government putting in legislation for Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) and also, of course Nama. If it wasn't for Nama, David admits, it would have been impossible to come into the Irish market. Which is interesting, when you think about it. The Government and Nama clearly made Ireland the best little country in the world for huge landlords to buy property. This was clearly a deliberate policy by the Government. Fair enough. But why, while on one hand we have a policy of making it easier for the big guys to buy property here, do we also have a policy of making it increasingly difficult for the little guy to buy property? Did we ask for this? Was there some overwhelming popular demand for this? Was this floated in an election campaign? Did we protest outside Leinster House, saying "please sirs, save us from ourselves. Stop us from bloody buying bloody property, because we can't stop ourselves". I don't remember that, do you? Yet somehow, someone, somewhere decided that we should make it almost impossible for the young to buy houses unless they or their parents have loads of cash, while at the same time making it handier for guys like David and his gang to buy property to rent to those same young people. There is, you could say, a clear policy here of social engineering, a decision to push young people out of home ownership and into renting at hugely inflated rents. And indeed, to add to this mess, not only are rents going up, but prices are being driven up too. So even if you could get the kind of huge deposit demanded by the Central Bank these days, you're going to be paying a rapidly inflating price and competing with property investors to buy your home. The point of the Central Bank mortgage rules was supposed to be that they would curtail property prices, but the new Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show that while the Central Bank restrictions may have led to a temporary pause in property prices, they have actually driven up rents and prices. Property prices rose by 7pc nationally in the last year, 11pc outside Dublin. Meanwhile, rents rose by even more as all the people who are being locked out of the property market competed for rental properties. And with rents are going up so much, property has become very attractive to investors. Some 29pc of properties bought in Dublin in the last year were bought by investors. And so even if you have a deposit and the opportunity to buy a property you are slugging it out with investors who are chasing huge yields. And remember, the higher rent is, the more a property is worth to an investor. And as David Ehrlich says: "We've never seen rental increases like this in any jurisdiction that we're aware of." This property guru, who's been a round the block a bit when it comes to real estate, is saying he's never, in his 65 years, seen anything like it anywhere. So in short, Government policy is preventing ordinary working people from being able to buy houses, forcing people into the rental market, forcing rents up, forcing property prices up and encouraging big landlords to come in and scoop up property. When, you might ask, did we all vote for this? Of course the Government will argue that their hands are tied on this and that it is the Central Bank who is largely responsible for locking people out of the property market with their mortgage restrictions. And the Central Bank will tell you that these mortgage restrictions are there not to lock people out of the property market, but to save us all from ourselves, because the last thing any of us want is a repeat of the great property unpleasantness that nearly beggared the country. But the funny thing is, that as most of us remember it, it wasn't really the ordinary Joe Soap that beggared the country by buying a house to live in. Indeed, most people who bought a house to live in, even if the value of that house is drastically reduced, continue to pay off their mortgages. They may have had their own lives ruined, they may be stuck in unsuitable starter homes or apartments, they may have put off having a family or decided not to have a second or third child. But the cost was largely all to themselves. The vast majority of people who bought homes to live in haven't cost the State a cent. They didn't receive a haircut, and they will pay back the mortgage, with interest. As far as the rest of us remember it, it was property investors that beggared the country, people who got up to their necks in debt buying rental properties. And as most of us remember it was them and big developers who got the haircuts, who never paid off their loans, who had to go into Nama, at vast expense to the state. So, how come then, the policy in this country is to make it difficult for people to buy their own homes, while making property more attractive to investors, and encouraging big developers and landlords? And why are these allegedly cautious policies having the effect of creating double-digit property price growth in parts of the country? Will slight tweaks to the rules by the Central Bank this week really change anything? Rampant property price growth and fevered investors trying to get in on the gold rush. Does this remind you of anything? Though at least this time the big guys are foreign property funds. And doubtless if it all goes belly up, they'll be OK, like the big guys always are, though they will "truly feel badly for the Irish people". An Iraqi special forces soldier stands by destroyed shops as he patrols at an al-Tahrir front line area in Mosul (AP) Iraqi troops fortified their positions on Sunday in areas of Mosul retaken from the Islamic State (IS) group as their advance toward the city centre was slowed by sniper fire, suicide bombings and concerns over civilians. A few hundred civilians emerged from rubble-strewn areas on Sunday. They included women and children, some of them carrying bags, small suitcases or waving white flags. Mosul is still home to more than one million people. "The biggest hindrance to us is the civilians, whose presence is slowing us down," Major General Sami al-Aridi of the special forces told The Associated Press. "We are soldiers who are not trained to carry out humanitarian tasks." The government sent six trucks loaded with food aid into the recently-liberated areas. Chaos broke out in one area when residents climbed on top of the trucks and began helping themselves. "It's hunger that makes people behave like this," said Mohammed Farouq, a 27-year-old resident. "Some families took many boxes while others did not take any. This is unfair." Mr Al-Aridi said his men were searching homes in areas retaken from IS, looking for militants and vehicles rigged with explosives. Troops in those areas continue to be hit by mortar rounds, sniper fire and suicide bombers, he said. In the newly-liberated areas, roads are blocked by car wrecks and sandbags while tanks are deployed on wider streets. Snipers on high buildings watch for suicide bombers or other intruders. Brigadier General Haider Fadhil said four civilians were killed and another four wounded when a suicide car bomb exploded before it could reach the troops it was targeting late on Saturday. The troops laid siege on Sunday to the Al-Zohour area, about five miles from the city centre. The arrival of the troops at the area's fringes prompted hundreds of civilians to emerge from their homes waving white flags. The Iraqi military launched a campaign on October 17 to retake Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the extremist group's last major urban bastion in the country. Most gains have been made by the special forces operating in the section of Mosul east of the Tigris river. Other forces are advancing on the city from different directions and the US-led coalition is providing airstrikes and other support. Human Rights Watch said in a report on Sunday that Sunni militiamen fighting alongside the Iraqi military detained and beat 22 men from villages near Mosul and recruited 10 children from displaced camps in the area to join the fight against IS. "The Iraqi authorities should investigate any alleged acts of torture and cruel and inhuman treatment in custody, and charge those responsible for war crimes, including anyone with command responsibility who should have known about the crimes and failed to take all reasonable measures to prevent them," said the New York-based advocacy group. AP The WHO representative in Syria said a UN-led group of aid agencies based over the border in Turkey yesterday confirmed all hospitals in eastern Aleppo are out of service. Photo: Reuters All hospitals in Syria's besieged rebel-held eastern Aleppo are out of service after days of heavy air strikes, its health directorate and the World Health Organisation (WHO) said this weekend, but a war monitor said some were still working. "This destruction of infrastructure essential to life leaves the besieged, resolute people, including all children and elderly men and women, without health facilities offering life-saving treatment, leaving them to die," said Aleppo's health directorate in a statement sent to Reuters by an opposition official. The WHO representative in Syria said a UN-led group of aid agencies based over the border in Turkey yesterday "confirmed all hospitals in eastern Aleppo are out of service". However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said that some hospitals were still operating in the besieged parts of Aleppo but that many residents were frightened to use them because of shelling. Medical sources, residents and rebels in eastern Aleppo say hospitals have been damaged by air strikes and helicopter barrel bombs in recent days, including direct hits on the buildings. Intense air strikes have battered eastern Aleppo since Tuesday when the Syrian army and its allies resumed operations after a pause lasting weeks. They launched ground attacks against insurgent positions on Friday. Syrian state television said on Tuesday that the air force had targeted "terrorist strongholds and supply depots" in Aleppo. Russia has said its air force is only conducting air strikes in other parts of Syria. The Damascus government describes all the rebels fighting it as terrorists. Both countries have denied deliberately targeting hospitals and other civilian infrastructure during the war, which began in 2011 and was joined by Russia's air force in September 2015. The war pits President Bashar al-Assad backed by Russia, Iran and Shia militias against a medley of Sunni rebels including groups supported by the US, Turkey and Gulf monarchies, as well as jihadist groups. Aleppo, for years split between a rebel-held east and government-held western sector, has become the fiercest front in the five-year conflict. Reuters Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy delivers a speech after being defeated in Paris (AP) Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next year's French presidential election. Former prime ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe both outpolled Mr Sarkozy in early returns and stand to advance to the November 27 run-off. In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Mr Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Mr Fillon in the second round. With more than 3.2 million votes counted of an estimated total of more than five million, Mr Fillon had 44%, Mr Juppe 28.1% and Mr Sarkozy 21.1. Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared to Sarkozy's more brazen demeanour. AP A newborn girl was found safe and well two days after she was allegedly abducted after her mother was shot and killed. The young girl, named Sophie Gonzales, was found on Saturday morning at a house in Dallas, Texas, a total of 585km from her home in Wichita, Kansas. Police took two adults into custody after the child was recovered. The newborn's mother, Laura Abarca-Nogueda, was shot and killed and the child, aged 6 days old, was taken from the scene on Thursday, People reports. A motive has not yet been established for the killing. Wichita Police Department public information officer Sgt. Nikki Woodrow released a press statement on Twitter. Baby Sophia has been located safe in Dallas Tx early this morning. Thank you to everyone for shares, and positive thoughts! pic.twitter.com/CQ1c5SiDCm Sgt. Nikki woodrow (@Sgtwoodrow) November 19, 2016 She said a possible suspect was identified on Friday and police established the child was most likely in Dallas. An infant, believed to be Sophia Gonzales, was recovered alive in the residence, Woodrow confirmed in the statement. We are thankful Sophia will soon be reunited with her family." The baby girl was set to return to her father on Saturday afternoon and police said they are now investigating a homicide-abduction. Wichita Police Department confirmed the suspects in custody knew the family, but did not detail the relationship. They described the case as "complicated". Premature babies later lying under a blanket on the floor apparently in a civilian house - while nurses try to support their health (Yasser Al-Rahil) Premature babies in Aleppo have been removed from their incubators after air strikes destroyed hospitals across the city, prompting condemnation of the Syrian government and Russia by the US and the UN. Harrowing video footage obtained by The Independent shows tiny babies being removed from their incubators in a smoke-filled ward, with nurses reduced to tears as they detach the tubing providing support and wrap the babies in blankets. A photograph provided to The Independent by a Syrian journalist shows premature babies later lying under a blanket on the floor apparently in a civilian house with medical tubes around them as a nurse tries to provide them with some form of support in a bid to keep them alive. The childrens hospital was destroyed on Thursday on the third day of a renewed assault by the Syrian regime and Russia against opposition-held districts in Aleppo. Four other hospitals in the east of the city and the surrounding rebel-held countryside have also been hit and damaged since the offensive began on Tuesday, with Syrias health directorate and the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting that all hospitals in the besieged part of the city are now out of service. The death toll has reached at least 92 people since the start of the offensive, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. At least 27 people, including children, were killed in eastern Aleppo on Saturday alone in intense air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery rounds, according to the Observatory. The death toll is expected to rise due to the number of seriously wounded. Saturdays bombardment destroyed rescue and medical facilities in eastern Aleppo, while schools in the area, many of which operate from basements due to frequent attacks, announced in a statement they would be closed on Saturday and Sunday for the safety of students and teachers, after the barbarous aerial strikes. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close An injured boy reacts inside a field hospital after airstrikes on the rebel held areas of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Injured boys react at a field hospital after airstrikes on the rebel held areas of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail A man assists an injured woman inside a field hospital after airstrikes on the rebel held areas of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail An injured boy sits near a man as they warm themselves by a fire in a rebel held area of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Medics treat an injured child inside a field hospital after airstrikes on the rebel held areas of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail A Harakat Nour al-Din al-Zenki fighter watches news about Donald Trump's election as president on his smart phone in the rebel held beseiged area in Aleppo, Syria November 9, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail/File Photo Men are pictured next to damaged buildings at a site hit yesterday by airstrikes in the rebel held al-Shaar neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail Men walk past damaged shops at a site hit yesterday by airstrikes in the rebel held al-Shaar neighbourhood of Aleppo, Syria November 17, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An injured boy reacts inside a field hospital after airstrikes on the rebel held areas of Aleppo, Syria November 18, 2016. REUTERS/Abdalrhman Ismail People went to sleep to the sound of bombardment and awoke to the sound of bombardment, Rami Abdel Rahman, head of The Observatory told AFP. Theres barely a neighbourhood that has been spared. People dont leave their homes. Yasser Al-rahil, journalist and member of the Revolutionary Forces of Syria media office, who provided the photograph to The Independent, said the recent bombardment of hospitals was resulting in high numbers of injured people dying in the hours after they are hurt. Mr Al-rahil told The Independent: We have counted more than 2,000 artillery shells and nearly 250 air strikes since midnight on Friday, which have left 28 dead and 150 wounded. The number of people dead is increasing due to the fact that many of the wounded are in a serious condition and there is no adequate treatment. All hospitals in the liberated areas are out of service as a result of systematic shelling over the past two days, so the wounded are being treated anywhere available away from the bombing. Following the latest assaults by the regime the US National Security Advisor Susan Rice condemned heinous bombings of hospitals in rebel-held eastern Aleppo Saturday, warning the regime and its Russian backers they are responsible for long term consequences. Mr Rice said in a statement: The United States condemns in the strongest terms these horrific attacks against medical infrastructure and humanitarian aid workers. There is no excuse for these heinous actions. The Syrian regime and its allies, Russia in particular, bears responsibly for the immediate and long term consequences these actions have caused in Syria and beyond. In response to the statement Mr Al-Rahil told The Independent the Syrian people in the east of Aleppo were tired of words from the international community, saying: We do not want to condemn it. We want to stop this holocaust in Aleppo. Civilians in eastern Aleppo are tired of words from the international community. They want Russia and the Assad regime to stop bombing them. Two top UN officials said they were extremely saddened and appalled by the recent escalation in fighting in several parts of Syria. Humanitarian coordinator for Syria Ali al-Zaatari and regional humanitarian coordinator Kevin Kennedy also said they had shared a plan to deliver aid, and evacuate the sick and wounded from east Aleppo. It is imperative all parties agree to the plan and allow us to secure immediate, safe and unimpeded access to provide relief to those most in need, they said. Both Russia and Assads government have denied deliberately targeting hospitals and other civilian infrastructure during the war, which began in 2011 and was joined by Russias air force in September 2015. The charity Doctors Without Borders said in a message there had been more than 30 hits on hospitals in eastern Aleppo since early July and that medical supplies had been depleted with no possibility of sending more supplies in. Health and rescue workers have previously been able to bring damaged hospitals back into operation but a lack of supplies is making that harder. Aleppo has been divided since 2012 between the rebel-controlled area in the east and government control in the west. The opposition has been under siege by the regime for nearly four months, creating food and fuel shortages. More than 250,000 people remain in the opposition-held part of the city. (Independent.co.uk) Markets see a day in red Indian equity markets saw a day in red today. Nifty 50 ended the day, down by 62.55 points. Sensex ended the day, down by 215.26 points. Top Gainers today were Hindalco, Sun Pharma, ITC. Top Lo... November 02, 2022 | 4:08 pm Pudumjee Paper PBT rises 57% during Q2FY23 Pudumjee Paper Products Limited (PPPL), has reported impressive results for the six-month period ended September 30, 2022. During the six-month period ended September 30, 2022, the C... 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From the quintessential bhadrolok (gentleman) who can recite poetic or dramatic lines from Shakespeare to the romantic Bengali poet in his shabby overalls, the handwoven bag dangling precariously from his shoulders or the argumentative neighbourhood kaka (uncle) with the parar bhaanrer cha (tea served in earthen pots) along with the ruckus created by politicians all over Kolkata in the name of development. But that is not all. Bengal is also know for something special - beautiful, melt in your mouth mishti (sweets). Specifically, a popular sweetmeat made from Chhena, which is a fresh, unripened curd cheese made from buffalo or regular cow milk. Chhena has become a quintessential part of Bong cuisine. From the very popular sweetmeats to the internationally renowned rosogolla or the homemade chhenar dalna along with its compressed brother paneer, Chhena has quite a noticeable market among Kolkatas F&B market. Umang Sharma The quest for Chhena took us down the labyrinthine lanes of North Kolkata to a non-descriptive alley overlooked by a palatial house near Notun Bazaar, Rabindrakanan. Situated near Kumartuli, in North Kolkata, we met up with the sexagenarian owner of Makhan Lal Das Mistanna Bhandar to find out the history behind the unripened cheese and how popular is it till date across Kolkata. Chhena or curdled milk has become an integral part of Bengali cuisine over the years. While the actual dates of its initiation into Bengali cuisine does vary, as the owner of Makhanlal Das, Nimai Das says that Chhena has played a role in Bengali cuisine since its inception. Historical records state, that the Portuguese introduced Chhena to Bengal, and sweet-maker Nabin Chandra Das experimented by mixing the cottage cheese with Suji (semolina) leading to the sponge Rasogolla. Ledikeni a browned Chhena sweet was so named because it was prepared especially for Lady Canning by Bhim Nag, famous sweet seller. Empress Gaja was prepared at the Sovabazar Rajbari for Queen Victoria. Umang Sharma Cottage Cheese came to Bengal a century back and managed to transform the Bangali bhodroloks sweet tooth and in the process changed the face of the confectionery business like never before. Earlier, the sweetmeat shops made sweets from milk and Khoya but once its immense potential was discovered skillful craftsmen kneaded Chhena to produce endless varieties of Sandesh and Rasogolla in different size, shape and texture. The city, it turned out, fell in love with cottage cheese and soon started needing an immense quantity of Chhena daily to indulge in the sinful delicacies. The trend never subsided. Most of Chhena is procured from Tarakeswar, a town and a municipality in Hooghly District of West Bengal, and its surrounding areas. A large number of milk farmers who own the livestock make Chhena by adding sour substance like lemon to the milk and leaving them overnight. Majority of the transaction takes place during the wee hours of the morning. At Bowbazar Chhena market (deals both in wholesale and retail), the price of Chhena fluctuates everyday depending on the market trend. Usually, the buyers and sellers haggle a lot before purchasing the product. Chhena is sold on basis of weight. Vendors have regular customers. The shopkeeper ensures his own tidy profit before selling it to a customer. Umang Sharma Chhena is preserved in a cool temperature and preservatives like a bit of sugar is added to keep it fresh. Traders keep patting to reduce water content. As a trader pointed out, Preserving Chhena during summer is a problem because of the intense heat. We have to incur a lot of losses during this season as Chhena does not remain fresh beyond eight to 12 hours. Chhena is usually kept in a basket wicker wrapped in a soft white cloth. This allows for the excess water to drain out and keep it fresh. A little walk further down the street, one comes to the Chatu Babu and Latu Babu Bazaar in North Kolkata, one of the two major places to get Chhena, the other being the equally old Bowbazaar Chhena market. One such old Chhena dealer near Chatu Babu and Latu Babu Bazaar, Dinu said, Calcutta is one such place in the country where there is a wholesale market of the commodity. Though no one can trace the history of the market, vendors of this market believe that the market was brought to Calcutta by the British Raj when Calcutta was the capital of the country. We here are doing business for generations, though our younger generation is not too keen on following up with it, am sure there will be others who will gladly take up the profession to earn a few bucks. Umang Sharma The Chhena market is not all rosy, believe some traders. Cut throat competition plays a major role in determining prices as well. One such trader from Bowbazar who wished to remain anonymous said, The market is not easy, there are a lot of options out there and many a time, Chhena and Paneer become afterthoughts in most homes nowadays. Furthermore, we have many competitors under the same roof. There are a lot of times when we lure customers by reducing prices marginally or by giving some extra cheese to the customers. We try to avoid stocking Chhena as they get sour within a day. Be it the old market near Chatu Babu and Latu Babu Bazaar or the one near Bowbazar crossing with its wooden pillars and primitive architecture, the markets at both places see a horde of traders selling their ware somewhat effortlessly, despite occasional complaints of less profit. Walk up and they will lure customers with cries of selling the warmest and best Chhena in the market and are more than eager to cut up little bite sized portions for one to try before coming to a decision about which one to buy. Amid a series of dialogues and banter one realises that the method of selling Chhena in Kolkata has remained largely unchanged over the years, it is a combination of the silkiness of the produce paired with the silken dialogues of the trader which has kept the market alive and unchanged. With every passing day, sweetmeat shops are also leaving no stones unturned to make different varieties of sweets to tickle the pallets of sweet lovers of Kolkata. The Chhena markets in Kolkata are one of the largest markets in Asia, claims some traders. Most of the commodity is also exported to nearby districts and neighbouring states. Chhena being a milk product is rich in calcium and is a healthy option for people who love to relish on sweets. Brooklyn Bridge is world famous and we all know how London Bridge fell down. And then theres the Golden Gate Bridge. Each of these bridges is iconic in its own right, but there are some other equally stunning bridges around the world, each with a fascinating story to tell. Curious to know where they are located? Read on: 1. Living root bridge, Meghalaya, India khbuzz A man-made wonder, this bridge is the creation of the Khasi tribe that resides in Meghalaya. The tree trunks form the foundation and the roots grow over them, after being nurtured for several years, to form a bridge across the stream. The knotted web of rubber tree roots resembles a scene from a fantasy film; the work is intricate and sturdy. These bridges are a common sight in Meghalaya, however, the one near the village of Nongriat is the most famous. Its over 180 years old and is built in a double decker style. 2. Si-o-Se Pol, Isfahan, Iran persianblog The original name for this bridge is Allahverdi Khan, and it is named after the general who commissioned it to be built. It is located near the Charbagh area in Isfahan, Iran, and the river Zayendah used to flow under. However, it has dried up now. The name Si-o-Se Pol comes from the Farsi term which means 33, and refers to the number of arches this structure has. 3. The Wind and Rain Bridge, Chengyang, China paradiseintheworld Wind and Rain bridges are common sights in the Guangxi province of China. These covered bridges provide shelter from the rain, and are constructed with porches and pavilions. The Chengyang Bridge is considered the most famous. What makes it so intriguing is that its made of wood, but without using any nails and rivets. Simpler materials have been used to connect the pieces of wood. The walkway is lined with small benches, for those who want to rest a little and soak in the surroundings. 4. Stari Most, Bosnia speakzeasy This humped bridge is a popular tourist attraction because of its historical significance. It was commissioned during the Ottoman Empire and designed by Mimar Hayruddin, who faced a death threat from the Sultan if it didnt turn out well, or if the bridge collapsed. The bridge was in perfect condition for 427 years, till it was destroyed in 1993 during the war between Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 1998, UNESCO formed a committee to oversee the re-construction of the bridge, which was completed in 2004. An annual diving competition is held in July, where people jump off the bridge and challenge themselves. 5. Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy Attractions Glimpse A trip to Florence is incomplete without taking a stroll across Ponte Vecchio, and stopping at some of the shops that line the bridge. This three-tiered medieval bridge was constructed over the Arno River. In spite of the German invasion during WW II, the bridge was not destroyed and it also withstood the weight of the water when the river flooded in 1966. Details about its original architect are sketchy, but what is known is that it was built to allow easy passage for the Medici Family from Palazzo Pitti to Palazzo Vecchio. 6. Pont du Gard, Vers, France provencalvoice The Pont du Gard is a fine example of Roman architecture. The Roman engineers built it as a three-storeyed aqueduct over the Gordon River. Limestone is the main material and mortar has been used to design the highest part of the structure. Built in the 1st century AD, its a timeless masterpiece. 7. Confederation Bridge, Canada youtube Moving on to more recent designs, the Confederation Bridge in Canada is the longest bridge in the world to cross ice waters. It connects Prince Edward Islands to New Brunswick. An interesting fact about it is that since its construction in 1997, the production of potatoes in this region has increased considerably. It took four years to build and nearly $ 1 billion was spent. 8. Helix Bridge, Singapore whenonearth Made entirely of stainless steel, the Helix Bridge is the worlds first double helix bridge. A pedestrian bridge, it connects the Marina centre with the waterfront area. It has been designed by the same construction firm which built the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Built in 2010, it has a mesh design, and is now an important landmark in the city. Lets cross these bridges when we get there, shall we? Susami is a fishing town in Japan's Wakayama Prefecture with a unique mailbox that's also a Guinness World Record holder from 2002. It's the country's deepest underwater mailbox at 10 metres deep in Susami Bay. Twitter It was set up in 1999 to promote the country's ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, and the idea was first suggested by 70-year-old Toshihiko Matsumoto, the then-postmaster of the town. This mailbox receives anywhere between a 1000 and 1500 pieces of mail annually which an employee of the Yamatani Dive shop swims to collect. It's the same shop that provides water-resistant postcards and oil-based markers for those interested in sending mail. The Japan Times Since sea water takes a toll on the cast-iron mailboxes, they're changed every two years. Last night, I realised the power of four Marathi words Mala Jau Dya Na(please let me go). I delivered these lines at the gates to the Coldplay concert to an aged guard who paid heed to my desperation. My sweaty, puppy face must have got him thinking how it would be a paap if he didn't let this girl, who would break into tears at any moment, and whose entire life depended on that one entrance, through. God bless that man, who is the sole reason I got to witness one of the most magical nights of my life. He said, bara jaa (okay go), and I ran like a mad person with a thumping heart. I felt like Jack from the Titanic who won a ticket in a poker game and goes running towards his dream - mine being the Coldplay stage here.) via tumblr So after hiding from the drone cameras and fearing I would get thrown out, I managed to watch Coldplay performing LIVE! I now have a great story to tell my grandchildren, but since that's too far away, let me tell you guys what happened at the concert. 1. People were standing in the sun from 12 pm and the Coldplay performance only started at 8:30 pm! Gates are about to open! Are you ready? #GlobalCitizenIndia pic.twitter.com/thdH3c4LKa Global Citizen India (@glblctznIN) November 19, 2016 It was so damn hot outside. However, fans didnt care about their vanishing makeup or dehydration. They stood for 9 long hours waiting for their favourite band to perform. And it was totally, totally worth it. 2. Big B stunned the crowd with the Shillong Chamber Choir The crowd got goosebumps when Amitabh Bachchan recited a poem on women empowerment to the tunes of the Shillong Chamber Choir. That baritone added to the mellifluous choir...what a winning combination! 3. A.R. Rahman made the evening more memorable By singing Dil Se and Humma Humma, Rahman showed us why he is one of the most renowned musicians in the world. Take a bow, Mr Rahman, it was a mind-blowing performance. 4. Jay-Z rapped to Chaiya Chaiya and Mundeya tu bachke rahi It was so refreshing to see Jay-Z rap to the desi tunes of Chaiya Chaiya and Mundeya tu bachke rahi. Not many knew his complex song lyrics (including me), but we all, shook a leg to his jam. 5. I missed out on Ranveer Singhs performance because two huge men came ahead of me I just could not see Ranveer perform to Vaat Laagli and Nashe Si Chad Gayi because two men stood ahead of me. By the time I got ahead, the performance was over. 6. PM Narendra Modi did a VC like a boss Who wouldve thought PM Modi would address 80,000 people via a video conference call? That was something. Also his level of coolness went up when he quoted Bob Dylan and when he said that he wouldnt come between us and Coldplay. We all went, awww. 7. We thought Coldplay would start after PM Modi but we were wrong The audience is going crazy as the @elektrovertz drop some beats! #GlobalCitizenIndia pic.twitter.com/eHmkxNS0gT Global Citizen India (@glblctznIN) November 19, 2016 Australian DJs Electroverts tried to calm the crowd as Coldplay was setting up. People started screaming COLDPLAY COLDPLAY out loud, without acknowledging their performance. Ouch! 8. Finally the time we were all eagerly waiting for arrived... OMG OMG OMG, they are coming cried people unanimously. They cried, goosebumps erupted when the four band members took over the stage. It was MAGICAL. 9. PARA PARA PARADISE It was a beautiful 'Paradise' where Chris Martin sang and got 80,000 of us overwhelmed with feelings. It was joy, victory, positive energy floating in the air and blessings for us all. 10. He lay down and sang Fix you Because thats how you listen to Fix You, while lying down tired in your bed. However, Fix You purified us. Lights really guided us home and they ignited our bones and we fixed ourselves. 11. The fireworks, confetti, the balloons everything was just PERFECT! It was like a damn movie where fireworks and confetti appeared from nowhere and made you happy. People gathered the fallen confetti as concert souvenirs. Even I did! Still cant get over it. 12. Chris Martin sang Channa Mereya And we all went, WHAAAAAAAAA! Yes, he did. It was so unpredictable, right? But yes, it happened. 13. When we thought the show was over, he called A.R.Rahman to sing Maa Tujhe Salaam People left thinking the show was over. BUT WAIT, THE SHOW WAS STILL NOT OVER. CHRIS CALLED RAHMAN TO JAM ALONG WITH HIM. Sorry for the caps, but that happened and he sang Vande Mataram along with Rahman. Wow. Just wow. 14. After introducing his band members, Chris bid adieu :( He introduced drummer Will Champion, bass guitarist Guy Berryman and lead guitarist Johnny Buckland to the crowd. He thanked PM Modi for letting them play in India and promised to come back again. 15. It took time to sink in People were smiling, hugging, and making out after the show. The ground was the happiest place on earth and will always carry some beautiful memories. Thank you, Coldplay. You guys were phenomenal! The views expressed in this blog are the author's own How many of us know that the motifs and designs used in making the Bengali alpana today have their parallel in motifs seen on pots and vases of Mohenjodaro and Harappa? Drawn in freehand style and depicting the hopes and wishes of one and all, the beautiful tradition of alpana has educated and bonded communities for at least 40,000 years now. Rabi Biswas Taking its message beyond the boundaries of Bengal is Rabi Biswas. For about a decade now, this man from Bengals Nadia district is conducting workshops across the country in order to revive its fading glory and make it popular. Having learnt a lot about this art from his grandmother Sumitra Mondal, he explains that each alpana is connected to moral stories and broto a ritual carried out at a specific time of the year to pray for fulfillment of a desire. For example, hyachra broto alpana is drawn by married women in the family and seeks deliverance from skin diseases. This ritual and alpana is done in the Bengali month of Falgun (February-March in Gregorian calendar) when time is ripe for ailments like pox and measles in Bengal. Thus, all the motifs drawn in the alpana have medicinal properties bitter gourd and pumpkin flowers, banana trees, herbs, etc, and show how these are connected to sun, earth and the moon, explains Biswas soon after concluding one of his workshops at Indian Museum, Kolkata, on September 25. Interestingly, alongside students, many women also attend these workshops to get some easy designing tips and tricks. Rabi Biswas Done primarily in white, alpana is drawn using the ring finger of the right hand and has a specific set of motifs to be drawn. However, there are no rules about their shape, size, measurements or placement, leaving ample scope for creativity. While learning how to draw at the workshops, the women find other things the ancient tradition has to offer. Coupled with its ritual, the hyachra broto alpana informs one of how to tackle skin diseases naturally. Praying to the deity for problem-free life is a symbol of having faith. It keeps the society together. Science cannot answer all questions always, says Biswas, who is pursuing Masters in History of Art at Kala Bhawan, Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan. Each design and motif used in drawing a traditional alpana has a meaning, a purpose to serve. Biswas decodes some of these alpanas for us: 1. Purnipukur broto alpana: Done in the month of Baishakh (April-May), this alpana is drawn by unmarried girls invoking the goddess to keep the lakes and ponds in the community filled with water and keep their soil fertile. It uses supari (betel nuts), paan (betel leaf), etc. 2. Dosh-putul broto: Or, broto of ten children, this alpana depicts 10 dolls holding hands while standing in a circle and reinforces the feeling of harmonious living of a family. 3. Shejuti broto alpana: This alpana involves drawing of 52 motifs that include everyday items such as household utensils and tools used in various professions in a community. Also included are birds, animals and plants among other things. Even a 5-year-old child draws this alpana. It then becomes an educational tool for the child to know what is what. Otherwise, this alpana represents all the things needed to live a comfortable happy life, says Biswas of the alpana which is popular in Neranjan Nagar near Mayapur, West Bengal. Rabi Biswas 4. Lokkhi broto alpana: Drawn to invite the deity of wealth and prosperity, this alpana is perhaps among the most popular ones being practiced today. It uses motifs such as the owl, lotuses, paddy bins, footprints of the deity and climbers. The alpana invokes the goddess to bless the home with wealth and prosperity. 5. Prithibi broto alpana: This alpana worships nature and makes use of motifs like lotus and conch shells. Unmarried girls do this ritual and alpana, praying for peace on the planet and a good partner for life, says Biswas. 6. Nabanno broto alpana: Drawn in Ogrohaeon (November-December) this alpana is made near paddy bins to pray for a good harvest and wealth. Conch shells are primarily used in drawing this alpana. 7. Aranyo shashti broto alpana: Also called the Jamai Shashti alpana, this alpana has the motif of a cat and invokes the forest goddess and is drawn in the month of Jaishto (May-June). The mother-in-law draws this alpana in the kitchen and invites her son-in-law for a meal, wishing his family wealth, a prosperous and healthy life, says Biswas. Rabi Biswas In case one thinks that drawing an alpana is a womans domain, Biswas, who has authored a book based on his research on the subject, says that even men used to perform the rituals and draw alpanas about 60 years ago. Its just that with time, they withdrew from the field and women took over. Traditionally done in the courtyard of mud-houses in villages, alpana is made using rice powder paste on a base of cow dung, water and mud. But since mud-houses have given way to brick and mortar ones, Biswas prepares alpanas on handmade papers processed with cow dung and water. Selling these alpanas at fairs across the country is an important source of livelihood for him alongside the money earned from workshops. His dedicated work in the area has got him attention of organisations like Daricha Foundation and INTACH, which help him get more workshops. Rabi Biswas On cemented floors, white clay can be used as an alternative to rice powder paste. But Biswas informs that the much-simpler option of alpana stickers have made inroads in villages too, curtailing the practice of drawing by the hand to a significant extent. Further, engagement of women in activities such as watching television for long and making bidis and selling supari has taken them away from alpana. Rabi Biswas Most people do not know that the stickers are only aesthetic designs done on computers. They are bereft of any motifs. It defeats the purpose of the Bengali alpana bringing together people to draw motifs and observe rituals together and communicate with each other, says Biswas. Demonetization has almost become a lethal disease, killing more than 55 people in the last 13 days. The news that jolted the lives of 1.2 billion people in India a week ago is just not coming to rest. Many people have died out of anxiety, shock, and unavailability of cash. imgur Adding to the aforementioned, last week, banks declared a day, dedicating its services to senior citizens for exchange and deposit of demonetised currency notes. An 80-year-old woman died while waiting for her turn in a bank in Karnal. Also read: BJP Leader Collects 11 Lakh In Cash For Liver Surgery To Save His Life, Hospital Tells Him His Money Is Just Paper Now Kaushalya Devi, a resident of Sector 16, Karnal, died of a heart-attack while waiting for her turn to come. imgur The incident took place at Central Bank of India's branch at Chaura Bazaar in Karnal. As the bank opened, hundreds gathered outside, to be able to fetch money, subsequently causing a stampede like situation. The 80-year old was also present there with her son. It is a small space. Since there were hundreds of people queued up, it was extremely suffocating inside. I requested the bank staff to attend to her [Kaushalya Devi] since she had been standing in the queue for long. She was referred to the cashier. She collapsed in the cashiers room, said her son Shivraj Sharma. Also read: From Infants To 96 Year Olds, Here Are The 47 People Who Have Died Due To Demonetisation Although the day was reserved for senior citizens, people of all age reached the bank, forcing the authorities to entertain them. And one can't even blame them because the entire nation is suffering from the cash crunch. Almost every bank is running out of cash more often than not, adding more to the existing crisis. Contrary to the perception that drug research is mostly focused on the diseases of the elite, the antimalarial drug pipeline has increased nearly three-fold since 2008, with at least three new medicines expected to be launched in two to five years. HealthClub India, where a lot of clinical trials have already begun, is likely to get a breakthrough anti-malarial drug Tafenoquine by 2018. The drug, a one-day two-dose treatment, has already entered phase-three trials and once approved will replace the current 14-day treatment for plasmodium vivax malaria, which is prevalent in India. At least two other molecules artefenomel and KAF 156 are also in advanced stages of development with researchers expecting a positive outcome over the next five years. The overall research pipeline for anti-malaria drugs has grown from a mere 17 projects in 2008 to 46 in 2016 so far. The development is driven by increased funding towards anti-malaria programmes worldwide over the last decade. Livemint Spending on malaria rose to $2.7 billion annually in 2015 from $130 million in 2000. Investment towards drug R&D alone has grown from $4 million in 1999 to over $750 million by end of 2015. Africa, South America and countries in Southeast Asia are also likely to witness several antimalarial drug launches over the next five years. "The progress in drug research and development has been a game-changer for malarial control programme worldwide and this is driven by increased international funding," said Janice A Culpepper, a senior program officer for malaria at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle. While the Gates Foundation has been leading the drive to eradicate malaria from the world and has set 2040 as its deadline, it has partnered various other public health organisations. "While malaria is preventable and treatable, eradication requires new tools and has changed the way the foundation views product development," says Culpepper. Drugs India "There is a need to work very hard to reduce the timeline for regulatory approval, pre-qualification that is going to define how we achieve the 2040 timeline for an eradication of malaria globally," Moonen said. WHO says India accounts for 70% of the malaria cases in the Southeast Asia region. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting his "corporate friends" while carrying out demonetization and sought to link him with some "big politicians" whose names had come up during a probe by CBI and Income Tax department. PTI Addressing an emergency session of Delhi Assembly, he also asked why Modi was not taking action against those named in the list of Swiss Bank account holders as well as in Panama papers. The day-long special session convened to discuss the demonetization issue saw acrimonious scenes with the opposition BJP leader Vijender Gupta repeatedly raising objections to the chief minister dragging Modi's name into the debate. When attempts by Speaker Ram Niwas Goel to rein in Gupta failed, he was marshalled out and the debate continued. PTI The Delhi Chief Minister also made several allegations against Modi relating to the period when he was the Gujarat chief minister. Kejriwal also wondered whether Modi would follow BJP patriarch LK Advani's example, who had "set a precedent" by resigning when his "initials LKA" had surfaced in the hawala scam. The Delhi CM also questioned the lavish spending at the daughter's wedding of Karnataka mining baron and former BJP minister in the state G Janardhana Reddy. "Weddings are getting held up across the country but Reddy has spent Rs 500 crore as per reports. Why is the IT not raiding Reddy? Vijay Mallya who has Rs 8,000 crore debt was allowed to flee by BJP. Rs 1.14 lakh crore of big corporates loan was waived. indianexpress "Congress did not take action against 648 Swiss bank account holders, even Modiji did not did not even write to the Swiss government. That list has the names of PM's friends, Panama list includes his friends' name," he alleged. "And common men are lectured about patriotism. The question is whether people's money in banks is safe or not? They take money from the rich and force people to queue up outside banks. In the name of the strong tea, you have fed them poison. You are the PM of black money holders, rich and enemy of the poor," Kejriwal said. The Delhi Assembly also passed a resolution urging President Pranab Mukherjee to refer the allegations of receipt of bribes by persons "holding high offices from Birla and Sahara Groups to Supreme Court of India with the request to order suitable inquiry". BCCL Earlier, the members also observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to those who lost lives while standing in queues outsides banks and ATMs to withdraw money. Gupta and BJP MLA Jagdish Pradhan walked out protesting against it. Demonetised currencies are proving nothing more than scrap even for thieves. Late on Friday night, a gang of burglars broke into a sub-branch of State Bank of India in Gorabazar area of Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh and decamped with only coins of over Rs one lakh value, leaving the notes as it is. BCCL A gang of thieves broke into the SBI's sub-branch at PG College campus under Kotwali police station. After damaging the CCTV network of the bank building, they destroyed the safe of the bank, which was full of packets of demonetised currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500. Instead of touching them, the thieves took only the big plastic bag that contained coins of over Rs one lakh and fled the scene. The incident came to light on Saturday morning when the college and bank staff noticed that all the locks of bank were lying broken. Ghazipur SP Arvind Sen told TOI, "This sub-branch of SBI is of Rs 10 lakh transaction capacity and it mainly serves the college staff and students. When the officials of this sub-branch went to the currency chests of bank on Friday afternoon, they failed to get cash. The officials got coins of over Rs one lakh value and returned with the same." Reuters As the banking time got over, the officials put the coins in the safe, in which the demonetised currency notes collected during banking hours were also kept, before the bank's closing in the evening. Sen said that not a single packet of demonetised currency was touched by the thieves. Police suspected that somebody, who was aware of the arrival of coins, could be involved in the incident. Sen said that as the CCTV network had been damaged completely, police faced problems in identifying the thieves, adding, they would be arrested very soon. Reeling from fever for two days and turned down by two city hospitals over demonetised notes, a seven-year-old boy succumbed to his life on Thursday afternoon. In tears, the boy's father who works as a mechanic in Shahjahanpur said his son's treatment was delayed as he only had the proscribed notes with him and both hospitals refused to accept them. Reuters/Representational Image According to sources, Mohammed Azhar, the boy, was suffering from what was suspected to be viral fever. He was taken to a primary health centre in Shahjahanpur and later referred to a city hospital when his condition deteriorated. Family members first took him a city hospital which refused to admit him over banned notes. The boy was then rushed to another facility which also refused to start treatment unless the medical cost was paid in legal tender. "Even the chemist refused to accept the notes, forcing us to watch out son die in front of our eyes," said Shahnawaz Alam, the boy's father. He is survived by his parents and three other siblings. PTI/Representational Image Alam, who lives in a rented house in Khudaganj area of Shahjahanpur, said he deposited an advance of Rs 2,000 in Rs 100 notes at the second hospital. He was left with only some demonetised notes and was later asked to deposit the remaining amount by hospital authorities. Unable to do so, Alam ran from pillar to post but failed to gather the requisite money and lost his son. The Sinjar Women's Units (YJS), an all-female unit of Kurdish-trained Yazidi fighters has promised to be the first line of offense in an attack on ISIS in Northern Iraq. This, they say , is revenge for fellow Yazidi women who were made slaves of the jihadi group. AFP "We have not forgotten those Yazidi women sold in the slave markets of Mosul or burnt alive," the Sinjar Women's Units (YJS) commanders said in a statement. "We know that the people Isis holds ... are waiting for us to rescue them. We will not stop until we liberate our women and take revenge." ISIS Kills 250 Women Who Refused To Become Sex Slaves The Yazidis have been victims of brutality by ISIS since the terrorist group invaded large parts of Iraq in 2014 AFP Thousands were killed in their raid of Sinjar, and survivors reveal how jihadis forced girls and women into sex slavery and prostitution. Now, the YJS, created to strengthen the Kurdish Peshmerga and male Yazidi fighter offensive, is planning to retake their region, driving out ISIS from Sinjar. ibtimes 10,000 women have assembled to be on the front lines, fighting with Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq and fighting back jihadis territory invasion. ISIS fighters don't marry for life - these are just "temporary marriages", so that they are thrown into a life of sexual slavery. It's not only the women, but also their entire families are murdered for refusing to become sex slaves, according to Kurdish Democratic Party spokesman Said Mamuzini. "At least 250 girls have so far been executed by the IS for refusing to accept the practice of sexual jihad, and sometimes the families of the girls were also executed for rejecting to submit to IS's request," Mr. Mamuzini told London-based Kurdish news agency 'AhlulBayt.' According to an official from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party Ghayas Surchi, human rights were being widely violated in all IS-held territories, particularly the women's rights as they're seen as commodities and have no choice in choosing their spouses. Horrific Accounts By Yazidi Women Reveal How ISIS Militants Gang-Raped Them In Public Force Of The Sun Ladies - The Army Of Former Yazidi Sex Slaves To Fight ISIS These Kurdish Female Fighters Will Do Everything To Rob The ISIS Of Their Paradise "When they see a woman they run away" There's another reason this offensive can disrupt ISIS battle formations - they're genuinely afraid of women fighters. According to local folkore, jihadis are afraid of women fighters, as being killed by a woman in battle doesn't allow them to go to heaven. After a paediatric hospital in Aleppo was hit by non-stop airstrikes this week, hospital staff was forced to move premature babies, from cots and incubators in smoke-filled rooms to the building's basement. The moment the pro-#Assad coalition bombed a kids' hospital in #Aleppo, which was treating the children they had gassed. pic.twitter.com/d6KBXUHa3m Kyle W. Orton (@KyleWOrton) November 19, 2016 According to Doctors Without Borders functioning hospitals in East Aleppo have been hit by 29 such attacks, and many have closed down. How can a #bomb hit a children's hospital in east #Aleppo & no one be held accountable? In 2016. Where will it end? #NotATarget pic.twitter.com/gVjZ2lA0EL Alva White (@AlvaAlva) November 17, 2016 Teary eyed nurses were forced to detach life-support tubing from incubators as they wrapped the babies in blankets. Our only children hospital hit by the bombings. Yesterday and today very bad, fearful. - Fatemah #Aleppo Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana) November 16, 2016 In this photo, premature babies can be seen placed on the floor of a civilian house with medical tubes around them. The children's hospital was completely demolished on Day 3 of a Syrian regime raid against opposition-held districts in Aleppo. 4 other hospitals were damaged, and are not functioning according to a World Health Organisation report. A children's hospital in eastern Aleppo was bombed https://t.co/3CfCGLeRid pic.twitter.com/uxPEEVO8EI Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 19, 2016 27 people, including children were killed in Eastern Aleppo over the weekend, hit by air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery rounds. Air raid hits children's hospital in Aleppo forcing medical staff to evacuate newborn babies still in incubators https://t.co/3CfCGLwsGN pic.twitter.com/niQJDgyFc2 Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) November 19, 2016 "People went to sleep to the sound of bombardment and awoke to the sound of bombardment," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of The Observatory told AFP. "There's barely a neighbourhood that has been spared. People don't leave their homes." 100+ dead across east Aleppo since Tuesday, many of them children. Here, a young girl reportedly hit by a tank shell: pic.twitter.com/9c2bUwVsAR Louisa Loveluck (@leloveluck) November 18, 2016 Inside Syria Part 2: Aleppo, Once A Thriving Cultural City, Today Deserted Of Life And Joy More Bloodshed Reported As Nearly 500 Killed In Aleppo Bombings, UN Says Food Running Out Fighters of the Islamic State have used wooden replicas of tanks and Humvees as decoys in air raids by the US-led military coalition supporting Iraqi forces in Mosul operations. These, and even bearded mannequins simulating jihadist fighters were found by Iraqi forces at a training site in Mosul. #Iraqi army finds tanks & vehicles made of wood belonging to #ISIS to camouflage in #Mosul. funny pic.twitter.com/izNEoeqvH2 Mustafa Habib (@Mustafa_Habib33) November 12, 2016 Mosul is the Islamic State's last major stronghold in the country, which government forces have almost surrounded but only breached so far from one direction. From a distance, the models can be mistaken for real vehicles and people. "As our troops advanced toward the areas we were charged with the liberating, Daesh used tanks and vehicles made of wood to divert the military planes," Lieutenant Colonel Abbas al-Azaji said on Sunday, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Aerial bombing has allowed Iraqi forces to retake ISIS -occupied territory, land it had seized in 2014. "We call it tactical deception. Daesh has been doing it and that's certainly a tactic that enemies like to use," Baghdad-based spokesman U.S. Air Force Col. John Dorrian said. "It is actually not as troubling as a lot of the other things we've seen," he said, like setting fire to a sulphur plant and igniting oil wells south of Mosul. A bill in Turkey, if passed, would not punish men for child sex assult if they married their victim. This has caused massive fury among critics who are accusing the government of encouraging rape of minor with the proposals. Reuters The countrys opposition, celebrities, and even an association whose deputy chairman is the daughter of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed alarm over the move. But the government insisted the legislation was aimed at dealing with the widespread custom of child marriages and the criticism was a crude distortion of its aim. This bill, if passed, will become yet another rape law that supports men over women or the victim. The measures were approved in an initial parliamentary reading on Thursday and will be voted on again in a second debate in the coming days. If passed, the law would allow the release from prison of men guilty of assaulting a minor if the act was committed without force, threat, or any other restriction on consent and if the aggressor marries the victim. The legal age of consent in Turkey is 18 but child marriage is widespread, especially in the southeast. yahoo Dozens protested the bill in central Istanbul, tearing up copies of the proposed legislation and brandishing slogans like rape is a crime against humanity. Until she is 18, a child remains a child, that is why this has to be condemned, said protester Fadik Temizyurek. Essentially the bill, which was brought to parliament by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), pardons rape. The AKP is pushing through a text which pardons those who marry the child that they raped, said an MP for the opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP) Ozgur Ozel. On Twitter, the hashtag #TecavuzMesrulastirilamaz (Rape Cannot be Legitimised) became a top-trending topic as users took to social media to express their anger. And a petition on change.org urging the authorities to block the legislation has received over 600,000 signatures. Representational image/Reuters The pro-government Womens and Democracy Association (KADEM), whose deputy chairman is Erdogans younger daughter Sumeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, said one of the biggest problems of the bill would be proving on a legal basis what constituted force or consent. How can the own will of such a young girl be identified? it asked. We would like to draw attention to issues that might arise in the case of it coming into force. Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty Internationals Deputy Europe Director, said the parliament bill risks sending the wrong message and could lead to further abuse. It is impossible to guarantee that there was, in fact, full and informed consent of the girl, not just of her family, she said. Several passengers including a 4-month-old baby were stranded at Gombe Lawanti International Airport, Gombe on Sunday following failure of Arik Airline operators to airlift them as scheduled. Some of the disappointed passengers told DAILY POST from the airport via telephone that the health and safety of the baby and other children that were of concern to everyone. They described the attitude of the operators of the airline as non-challant because there was no notification until about 3 pm when Arik announced the cancellation. Chairman of opposition political parties also known as G23 in Kaduna State, Olaitan Turaki, who was also among the stranded passengers called on President of Nigerian Senate, Bukola Saraki and Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and other stakeholders to look into frequent disappointment by the airline. I and my family including our 4-month-old baby are stranded at Gombe Airport by Arik Airline. We dont know what to do because the airline did not give us prior notice; no SMS, no email. We drove from Biu local government area of Borno State to the airport only to be told after we have waited for two hours behind schedule that the flight has been cancelled. We want to follow this case with all seriousness and will file a suit against the airline in the court of law. I want to call on National Assembly leaders to as matter of urgency, call the airline operator to order or even ask them to close shop if they dont have enough planes to fly Nigerians instead of endless disappointment and provocation they subject Nigerians to often. They have been doing this without anybody checkmating their barbaric activities. The reason behind the cancellation remained unknown to us. How can we be subjected to this high level of injustice in our own country? Airline business is not what one can force himself into. You must be capable and have enough planes to operate. We are not happy at all by the act of Arik Airline. It was a very serious disappointment to us. No accommodation, no care whatsoever. The flight schedule dated Sunday November 20, 2016 showed that the passengers were scheduled to leave Gombe Lawanti International Airport at 13:20 and arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 14:25. Source: Dailypost A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja listened to an Audio recording of a conversation purporting to reveal how an advertising firm, Afromedia Plc, was defrauded of N514.4 million by a former Director of the firm, Mohammed Gobir. Gobir, who was also the chairman of Business Development Committee of Afromedia Plc, was arraigned before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 17-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence, stealing, fraud, use of forged documents, and possession of forged documents. He was also accused of fraudulently obtaining $1 million (about N198,870,000.00); N514,457,151.87; $2,102,740 (about N418,171,903.80); N123 million and 51,000 (N14,667,898.25) at various times from the cpmpany. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Managing Director of Afromedia, Mr Akinola Olopade while testifying presented to the court as evidence, a Feb. 11, 2013 audio conversation he had with Gobir. The recording was played to the hearing of a packed courtroom. In the recording, Gobir claimed that N250million which was part of the money he owed Afromedia was about to be cleared in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), he also further claimed that he had gotten a text message alert from the bank. The prosecution, led by Mr A.B.C Ozioku, however, claimed that despite Gobirs claims that he did not defraud the company, the audio recording was proof of his dishonesty as there was no money with the CBN. Counsel to Gobir, Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), however, objected to the remainder of the audio recording being played in court. To see that justice is done, let us be served copies of the compact disc (CD) to enable us prepare for cross-examination, he said. Justice Raliatu Adebiyi noting that part of the audio conversation was in yoruba ordered that a yoruba interpreter should transcribe the audio recording. The Chief Registrar of the court shall employ a yoruba translator who will transcribe the CDs and copies of the transcript will be served on all parties. The cost of the translation will be borne by the prosecution, Adebiyi said. The judge adjourned the case to January 2 and 30 for continuation of trial. According to the anti-graft agency, the accused person had between January 2009 and December 2011, with an intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N514, 457. 151.87, from the the firm by falsely pretending that the amount represented the cost of facilitating and securing the sum of $70 million USD, from his account with NATVEST Bank, London, United Kingdom. The EFCC also alleged that the businessman obtained the sum of $2.102 million USD, and the sum of 51, 000 British Pound Sterling, under false pretence that the sums will be used to facilitate and securing the sum of $70 million USD, from his account with NATVEST Bank, London, United Kingdom, as your investment fund in Afromedia Plc out of the sum of $250 million USD. Gobri was further accused by the EFCC to have dishonesty converted the sum of $1 million USD, and the sum of N123 million belonging to the firm to his personal used. The commission alleged that the accused person had on November 14, 2012, andSeptember 12, 2015, forged a document belonging to Hot Forex a plc, captioned Disclosure of fund depositor with Natwest Bank International London, purportedly signed by one Mr. Raymond Spinger, and communicate same to Mr. Akinola Irewunmi Olopade, the Afromedia Plcs managing director/Chief Executive Officer, with intent that the said document may be used or acted on as genuine to the prejudice of Mr. Akinola Irewunmi Olopade or any other person. The accused person was also alleged to have on July 5, 2010, and December 2012, fraudulently used a Royal Dutch Exchange Bureau Plcs document dated July 5, 2010, and captioned Re: Update in the Natwest Bank deposits-OT21991($250m USD),and purportedly signed by one John Williams Smith, Director of Personal and Administration and communicate same to Mr. Akinola Irewunmi Olopade, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Afromedia Plc, with the intent that the said document may be used it acted as genuine to the prejudice of Olopade or any other person. He was also alleged to have forged an EU waiver certificate dated June 30, 2010, an used fraudulently claimed that it was issued by Royal Dutch Exchange Bureau Plc, to him as the beneficiary and signed by the Registrar, and communicate same to Mr. Akinola Irewunmi Olopade, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Afromedia Plc, with an intent that said document may at be used or acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of Mr. Olopade or any other person. Accordong to the prosecutor, Ozioko, the offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 1(1)(a), 1(3), 285(8), 9(b), 278(1)(b), 363(1), 2(b), 364(1) of the Criminal laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003, and sections 6, 8(b), 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud related offences Act No. 14 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Source: Leadership The Borno State Government on Saturday donated N10 million to the family of the late Lt. Col. Abu Ali, who died while fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the state on November 4, 2016. Gov. Kashim Shettima made the donation when he visited the widow of the deceased in Kaduna State. Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Shettima on Communication and Strategy, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri. According to the statement, the Borno State Governor presented a N10 million cheque to Samira, the widow of fallen soldier and one of Nigerias bravest war hero. The late Ali was killed in Malam-fatori, headquarters of Abadam local government area of Borno on November 4, 2016. Shettima described the late officer as a hero who sacrificed his life for peace to reign not only in Borno but in the entire North East and the country at large. He prayed for the repose of his soul and for the family to bear the irreparable loss. Shettima also took time to interact with the mother of the late officer as well as his children, assuring them that the deceased sacrifices would not be in vain. The Nigerian Army said its newly-created 6 Division in Port Harcourt was established to organize and improve its internal security operations in four states of the Niger Delta. Kasimu Abdulkarim, the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC), of the Division , disclosed this to journalists on Saturday in Port Harcourt. Mr. Abdulkarim, a major general, said the military had recorded success in the war against terror and was committed to combating emerging security threats in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. According to him, the Division will cover the armys 2 Brigade Akwa Ibom; 16 Brigade Bayelsa and 63 Brigade in Delta, respectively, with divisional headquarters in Port Harcourt. This arrangement will help to curtail activities of militants, banditry, inter-communal clashes, illegal bunkering, kidnapping, robberies, Niger Delta Avengers and pipeline vandalism prevalent in the area. Insecurity in these states negatively impacts on our national economy resulting from sabotage by criminal entities within the region. Everything must be done to protect and defend our fledgling democracy with focus to prevent insecurity in the area of our responsibility, he said. Mr. Abdulkarim said his mission was to structure and enhance the operational capability of the division and improve combat readiness of the troops. He said the task included a review of existing intelligence architecture, accountability, inclusiveness, rule of law, troops discipline and respect for human rights. The GOC said the division would work with the media and the public to promote civil-military relations with focus on improving intelligence gathering. Officers and soldiers of 6 Division must collectively evolve media management skills in the exploit of mass and social medias growing power instead of fighting it. Our personnel must be honest, trustworthy and professional in their conduct to earn public confidence in our internal security operations, he said. He urged governments and communities in the four states to cooperate with the division to enable it achieve its mandate to improve security in the region. The Presidency again on Sunday shifted the timeline during which it plans to employ 200,000 graduates, saying beneficiaries will resume work on December 1. That was the second time the Federal Government would be shifting its position on the employment scheme which it earlier promised would start in October. Two weeks ago, Vice-President Osinbajo was quoted as attributing the failure of the government to engage the graduates in October as promised to the need to get the required equipment. He then assured Nigerians that the graduates would be engaged in the next two weeks. But a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, on Sunday gave an indication that the graduates would not start work up until December 1. Akande said while the 200,000 graduates were selected about two weeks ago, their names had been sent to state governments and the Federal Capital Territory who would deploy them to their specific programme assignments. He said while beneficiaries names would be published this week on the N-Power internet portal, they would start receiving messages informing them of their selection from Monday. Source: Punch At least 25 people were killed on Saturday night when gunmen stormed three Zamfara State communities, an official said. The lawmaker representing Zurmi West in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Yusuf Moriki, told the reporters that the incident occurred at Dole, Tudun Bugaje and Kwangwami communities in Zurmi Local Government Area. Mr. Moriki said 25 were killed, while many others were injured during the attack. So far, we have the record of 25 people who were killed during the attack, while many others injured have been taken to hospital for treatment, he said. The bandits attacked the villages on Saturday night after carrying out similar attacks in some communities at neighbouring Shinkafi Local Government Area, the previous day. Saturdays attack occurred about two weeks after gunmen killed over 40 people in another attack in Zamfara. Recall how the gunmen suspected to be cattle rustlers stormed a mining site in Gidan Ardo Village of Bindin district of Maru Local Government Area. Witnesses in the area said the gunmen, numbering over 70, rode into the mining site at around 3 p.m.on November 7 and shot anyone on sight, killing over 40 persons and injuring several others. Another 40 people were kidnapped by gunmen in Maru Local Government Area of the state on Friday. Speaking on Saturdays attack, the police spokesperson, Dan Awunah, said seven of the victims were members of the communities where the hoodlums attacked. He told the News Agency of Nigeria that two others were policemen. He said the Police Mobile Force and the Counter-terrorism Unit had been deployed to the area to restore law and order. While speaking further on the killings, Mr. Moriki commended security agencies in the state for measures so far taken to restore peace and stability in the area, but urged them to do more. He appealed to the people of the area to remain calm as the state government in collaboration with security agencies, was making efforts to restore peace and stability in the area. He also urged them to continue to pray and seek Gods intervention in the insecurity challenges facing the state and the country. In the latest episode of Kanye West pulling a Kanye, Mr. West walked out on thousands of fans in Sacramento just thirty minutes into his performance. It is the second incident during his Saint Pablo of walking off stage, the first after news broke that Kim Kardashian had been robbed in Paris. The situation on Saturday night was a lot different as his action drew the ire of fans who booed and chanted before leaving the venue. Its hard not to feel hard done, considering that his fans paid a hefty$250 to attend the show. The Sacramento leg of the tour witnessed some drama as Kanye went off about JayZ and Beyonce to a confused crowd. Beyonce, I was hurt, I heard that you said you wouldnt perform unless you won Video of the Year over me and Hotline Bling, But sometimes we be playing the politics too much and forget who we are just to win, He then addressed JayZ and challenged him to call him and talk to me like a man Yes latest outburst comes days after he revealed that he would have voted for Donald Trump. At least 16 people have been killed, while 50 injured after four days of clashes between rival tribal militias in the city of Sabha, Libya, which was reportedly triggered by a monkey that snatched the headscarf off of a tribal girl. The monkey, which belonged to a shopkeeper from the Gaddadfa tribe, pulled the headwear off a schoolgirl from the Awlad Suleiman tribe who was passing by with a group of other girls, reported Reuters, citing locals. Awlad Suleiman fighters retaliated in response, killing three members of the Gaddadfa tribe along with the monkey in a wave of violence involving heavy weapons. There was an escalation on the second and third days with the use of tanks, mortars and other heavy weapons, a local resident told the agency by phone, adding there are still sporadic clashes and life is completely shut down in the areas where there has been fighting. Sabha is located in a tribal part of southern Libya. Like other parts of the country, it remains plagued by violence amongst rival factions. The region is also a major hub for arms smuggling, refugee trafficking, and other illegal activities. The Gaddadfa and the Awlad Suleiman are the two most powerful factions in the Sabha region. By Sunday, the Sabha Medical Centre had received the bodies of 16 people killed in the clashes, as well as some 50 wounded, said a spokesman for the facility. There are women and children among the wounded and some foreigners from sub-Saharan African countries among those killed due to indiscriminate shelling, he said. Libya, which was once one of the richest countries in Northern Africa, has been in chaos after a NATO-assisted uprising toppled its then leader, Muammar Gaddafi, in 2011. The country now serves as a major hub for human smugglers who transport refugees across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. There are strong indications that the police have submitted to the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, another report on the investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015. SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that in the fresh report, the police indicted the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu. It was gathered that the Special Investigation Panel, headed by the retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, explained that a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, could not have committed the alleged offence without the connivance of the two principal officers. The SIP was set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to investigate high-profile cases. The Federal Government had, on October 6, 2016, withdrawn the charges of criminal conspiracy relating to the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, filed against the Senate President and his deputy at an Abuja High Court. The government, it was reported, had found out that the investigation was inconclusive and the evidence was not strong enough to sustain a diligent prosecution of the accused persons. Following this discovery, the Ministry of Justice filed an application to amend the charges. In the new charges, only Maikasuwa and a former deputy clerk, Mr. Ben Efeturi, were listed as the accused persons. Saraki and Ekweremadu were earlier charged alongside Maikasuwa and Efeturi for allegedly forging the Senate Standing Orders, which were used for the inauguration of the Eight Senate. All of them pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Yusuf Halilu and were granted bail on June 10, 2016. Following the amendment of the charges, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), directed the police to conduct fresh investigations into the case. Saraki, Ekweremadu may face conspiracy charge again. A top police operative, who confided in SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday, said the SIP had addressed the loopholes the AGF identified in the former report. He said, The police have concluded investigations into the case and submitted the report to the NPCC. This was done about a month ago. Giving an insight into the report, a top source at the Force Headquarters said, Conspiracy is a very wide offence and Maikasuwa couldnt have done what he did without the connivance of Saraki and Ekweremadu. There is no doubt about it; they were the beneficiaries and they have to be joined in the case. When asked if the panel made any recommendation for the prosecution of the beneficiaries of the forgery, he stated, There is no need to make any recommendation to prosecute them because the investigation did not exonerate them. On the non-interrogation of Saraki and others by the former investigators, the source stated, It is not totally out of point. It is for Saraki, Ekweremadu and others to defend themselves in court. The fact that they were not questioned did not mean they didnt commit the offence as alleged. The circumstances were that the investigators could not reach them just like the way the House of Representatives leadership was dodging police summons on the budget padding probe. He added that the evidence and corrections made on the report had been sent to the AGF by the police. He stated, There were certain documents and evidence they asked us to fine-tune, which we did. We got all the necessary documents, including the Hansard, where publications were made and notices were given. We looked at the Hansard. Was there any amendment during the 7th Senate? There were no amendments; nothing was adopted during the 7th Senate. We got the papers and there was nothing like that. So, where did Ekweremadu and Maikasuwa derive their authority from when no amendment was done on the floor of the Senate? Another highly-placed source, who was familiar with the police probe, informed one of our correspondents on Saturday that the SIP was able to gather the necessary evidence about how the alleged forgery at the Senate was carried out. The source said it was now up to the AGF and the NPCC to decide whether to re-arraign Saraki, Ekweremadu and others or not. It was gathered that the detectives were able to verify the extent of amendment to the Senate Standing Orders 2011, the individuals who authorised it, and the official who ordered the printing of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015. The source added, The SIP, through painstaking efforts, was able to identify who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, to senators-elect and it also obtained the complete Hansard of June 9 and 24, 2015, which indicated what transpired on the floor of the Senate as well as other relevant evidence. These were issues the former probe did not resolve. It is now up to the government to decide whether Saraki and Ekweremadu should be re-arraigned or only Maikasuwa and Efeturi would carry the can. One of our correspondents gathered that the SIP had to bypass the Clerk, National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to get the necessary evidence and documents relating to the case. When contacted on Saturday, the spokesperson for the AGF and the NPCC, Mr. Salisu Isah, said he was not aware of any fresh development in the case. Just give me some time to find out and revert to you, he said. Besides the AGF, who is the Chairman of the NPCC, the committee consists of 19 members, including the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun and Mr. Dipo Opeseyi. When contacted on Saturday, Saraki decline to comment on the matter, while Ekweremadu said he was not aware of the new development in the forgery case. The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said, I have no comment on the matter, when he was called on the telephone by one of our correspondents. Ekweremadu, who spoke through the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, said, We are not aware of that when he was told that the police had submitted a fresh report to the AGF-led committee. Another aide to Ekweremadu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, wondered why the police would file another report from a fresh investigation when the security agency had sworn to an affidavit that it had concluded its investigations into the case and presented it before a court. Source: Punch The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, says the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN), Anchor Borrowers Programme has boosted local rice production. The Sultan spoke at the launch of the dry season wheat farming and distribution of wheat seeds to farmers under the Anchor Borrowers Programme, in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Mr Isaac Okorafor, Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, via a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, said the Sultan commended the CBN for making dry season farming possible. The Sultan enjoined farmers to continue to be diligent in their farming activities as oil would only provide funds but would not put food on the table. He harped on the need for partnership among all levels of government in order to end the farmers and herdsmen crisis. He stated that inability to resolve the crisis could frustrate governments efforts at food security. Kebbi Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said that tremendous success had been achieved since the launch of the Anchor Borrowers Programme. Bagudu who is also the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Rice and Wheat, revealed that where farmers have benefited from the programme, their yields increased tremendously. The governor said that adequate funding would guarantee diversification and transformation of the agricultural sector to ensure sufficient rice production in the country. Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, said that almost 85 per cent of the states estimated population of about five million were engaged in farming as their main occupation. Tambuwal disclosed that with the advent of the Anchor Borrowers Programme, 12,000 wheat and 25,000 rice farmers had been registered. He said that the state government would continue to pursue policies to ensure the improvement of agriculture and its value chains. CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, said that President Muhammadu Buharis administration was committed to reduce heavy reliance on imported food into the country. He commended the Sokoto State Government for meeting its equity counterpart funding, noting that the state could now access the N220 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS). 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. A man was dramatically rescued by firefighters from a burning house in Limerick last night, writes David Raleigh. The man, aged 60, was discovered unconscious by firefighters in a corridor in the house, at Coonagh, after members of Limerick City and County Fire Service were dispatched to the scene around 10.30pm. The man's wife managed to escape the blaze through a door at the rear of the property. Busy night! Crews mobilised to "Persons Reported" Domestic Fire in Coonagh. BA crews rescued occupant. Condition serious but stable. Limerick Fire & Rescue (@LimerickFire) November 20, 2016 A bedroom located at the front of the house was completely destroyed in the fire and the rest of the property was badly damaged by smoke. "A call came into Limerick city fire and rescue service that a house was on fire with a person trapped inside," said a source. "Three units were dispatched to the scene. On arrival the fire service found the house to be well alight with neighbours confirming that there was a 60-year-old man trapped inside. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the house to search for the man and he "was quickly located unconscious on the floor of the house". "His wife was (also) there but she managed to get out herself through the back door." "It looked like he had been trying to escape the fire when he was probably overcome by the smoke. He did intake a lot of smoke." Firefighters had arrived back to their base on Mulgrave Street shortly after putting out a industrial fire at a furniture store in Annacotty when they were alerted to the house fire. "Crews had returned about half an hour from having fought a large enough fire in Annacotty. "It first looked like that could have be an all nighter but luckily the fire was put out after an hour. "If all of the Limerick fire crews had been at that they may not have made it to the house fire as quickly as they did." "There is someone looking after that man who was rescued because he was lucky the firefighters arrived when they did. If they were delayed two or three minutes he may have died." The unconscious man was carried out of the house by firefighters and given oxygen before he regained consciousness at the scene. "He was treated on scene by paramedics and removed to hospital," the source added. "His condition is believed to be serious but stable," they added. An investigation is underway into the cause of the blaze, however foul play is not suspected. The rematch had Irish fans dreaming of beating the All-Blacks twice on the bounce but for the national airlines of both countries, the stakes were higher. Some pre-match posturing saw Aer Lingus and Air New Zealand end up placing a wager on social media. Burma Ethnic Armed Groups Launch Joint Offensive in Northern Shan State Burma Army helicopters, trucks, and soldiers at northern Shan States Lashio airport on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. / Lawi Weng / The Irrawaddy LASHIO, Shan State Ethnic armed groups launched three attacks on Burma Army and police posts in northern Shan States Muse Township early Sunday morning. Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) secretary Col. Tar Bong Kyaw told The Irrawaddy on Sunday that two TNLA battalions under Brigade 5 attacked border police and Burma Army posts in Muse Economic Zone and that five police were wounded and guns were seized. Our troops continue to attack other Burma Army bases there, he said. A joint force of Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) troops attacked at Mong Ko town at 3 a.m. and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) attacked at Juku Pang Sai at 6 a.m., he said. Fighting continued Sunday with roads closed and local residents fleeing across the Chinese border due to the fighting, according to local sources. We could hear artillery shelling from here, said Zu Shan from Shan States Tachileik Township. A resident of Muse Townships Nang Og village told The Irrawaddy that one of her friends had been wounded in the village close to Muse Economic Zone and was in serious condition. An Irrawaddy reporter saw two military helicopters and many trucks carrying Burma Army troops at the airport in northern Shan States largest town, Lashio, on Sunday afternoon. The reporter was told by soldiers to stop taking photos as they were preparing for a military operation. The four ethnic armed groups have formed an alliance against the Burma Army. None of the groups have signed the 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and KIA were the only group to attend the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conferencealso called the Union Peace Conferenceheld in late August. The TNLAs Col. Tar Bong Kyaw said that the Sunday attack came because of recent Burma Army offensives against the ethnic armed groups. The Burma Army has launched a lot of military offensives in ethnic areas. For the TNLA, it has become hard to be based in the jungle, he said. The Burma Army and the KIA have also regularly clashed since a KIA offensive in September. Sundays attack also had political motivations, Col. Tar Bong Kyaw told The Irrawaddy. The Burma Army Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy government should be working towards genuine peace and should not ignore fighting in ethnic areas, he said. Col. Tar Bong Kyaw said he wanted the international community to know that ethnic groups cannot hide in the jungle any morethe time has come to fight in the towns. A Rare Look Into the Lives of North Koreans by David Guttenfelder 11/20/2016 ISO 1200 Magazine 0 Comments Working for the Associated Press in Pyongyang, North Korea, Guttenfelder has made more than 40 trips to the country over the years, documenting the lives of North Koreans and revealing candid moments from within a country that carefully manages the images it reveals to the world. Guttenfelder takes to the stage to share stories and photos from his time in North Korea. About Author: David Guttenfelder is a National Geographic Photography Fellow focusing on geopolitical conflict, conservation and culture.Guttenfelder spent 20 years as a photojournalist for the Associated Press based in Nairobi, Abidjan, New Delhi, and Tokyo covering news in nearly 100 countries around the world. See more of David's work www.davidguttenfelder.com David Guttenfelder is a National Geographic Photography Fellow focusing on geopolitical conflict, conservation and culture.Guttenfelder spent 20 years as a photojournalist for the Associated Press based in Nairobi, Abidjan, New Delhi, and Tokyo covering news in nearly 100 countries around the world. Text, image and video via National Geographic SUBSCRIBE Get Latest Videos,Promotions & Exclusive Offers Via Email: We don't send spam! Few Westerners have spent as much time in North Korea as National Geographic photographer David Guttenfelder , and no Western photographer has had better access to one of the world's most secretive countries. 32-year-old Shaimaa El-Sabbagh was shot dead while taking part in a protest march in central Cairo in 2015 Relatives and advocates of slain protester Shaimaa El-Sabbagh have called for solidarity as the retrial of the police officer accused of killing her gets underway, and expressed concerns about his conduct in court. El-Sabbagh was shot dead when a peaceful demonstration in central Cairo was dispersed by police in January last year. The march was organised by Egypts Socialist Popular Alliance Party, of which El-Sabbagh was a member, on 24 January, to mark the fourth anniversary of the revolution. The 32-year-old poet and activist died after being hit by birdshot fired by the interior ministrys central security forces (CSF). In June 2015, a Cairo court sentenced CSF officer Yaseen Hatem to 15 years in jail for "wounding that led to the death" of the mother of one, as well as "deliberately wounding" other protesters. However, on 14 February this year, the Court of Cassation overturned the sentence and ordered Hatem be retried. On Sunday, the second session in Hatem's retrial will be held in the South Cairo Criminal Court. Ali Soliman, one of the lawyers advocating for El-Sabbagh in the case, told Ahram Online that the first session in the retrial was held in mid-October, but did not receive any media attention, which he said was vital to this case. The socialist party and the victim's family called last week for an online solidarity campaign with El-Sabbagh under the hashtag "retribution for Shaimaa El-Sabbagh." The call was taken up by some on social media. "The defendants lawyers are attempting to question the evidence of the case, which is why they asked for eyewitnesses to be re-heard, to hold a new discussion with the medical examiner, and to re-watch the videos in the next session, Soliman said. This is all in an attempt to decrease the sentence to three to seven years through a claim of unintentional murder," Soliman added. In February 2015, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi asked the interior minister to investigate the case publicly and transparently. El-Sisi described El-Sabbagh as "my daughter," adding that an individual's mistake does not make the entire institution responsible. The initial court verdict against the CSF officer was deemed the toughest such sentence against a policeman for killing protesters since the 2011 uprising. "We proved before that the crime was intentional, from a very close range, eight metres away, which is a killing space; the court convicted the defendant to 15 years because of this," said Soliman. "The defendant is still convicted even though he was released by the Court of Cassation, but in the last session, he came to court with his gun, which was very provocative and scary for El-Sabbaghs family, he added. The policeman's lawyer, Fareed El-Deeb, said in the court session in February that the march where El-Sabbagh was killed took place under exceptional circumstances due to the timing of the anniversary, adding that if his client had an intention to commit murder, dozens of casualties would have occurred. Osama El-Sehly, husband of the slain activist, told Ahram Online that he has chosen not to attend the retrial. "I do not trust that the defendant will stay convicted,I dont trust the system of justice, and the state's willingness to be ruled by law", he added. "Many police officers who were involved in murdering protesters were not convicted. But the evidence in Shaimaa's case is very clear and it was also clear that she was peaceful. She is a mother who was holding flowers," El-Sehly said. Search Keywords: Short link: Sadat denied that he had leaked a draft NGO law to the Dutch ambassador in Cairo Egypt MP Anwar El-Sadat told reporters Saturday he feels optimistic that he will not be referred to the parliament's ethics committee to be investigated for "leaking a draft NGO law" to foreign embassies in Cairo. Sadat said that he was already questioned by parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Aal for two hours last Thursday. "Abdel-Aal was very gentle and he only sought to learn the truth in a very friendly atmosphere," said Sadat. Sadat, the nephew of late President Anwar El-Sadat and former head of parliament's human rights committee, said "I was surprised [to learn] that Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali had accused me of leaking a government-drafted NGO law to the Dutch ambassador in Cairo." "I told speaker Abdel-Aal and his two deputies during the questioning session last Thursday that I have never met with the ambassador of Holland in Egypt," said Sadat, adding that "I said I know a lot of foreign ambassadors in Egypt but I have never met with the ambassador of Holland and I do not even know what his face looks like." Sadat has also denied an accusation that he forged the signatures of some colleague MPs in support of two independent draft laws on NGOs and transitional justice. "I told speaker Abdel-Aal that other MPs faced the same accusations and when these were proven false you [Abdel-Aal] apologized for them," said Sadat, adding "I said 'why should I do this?' My personal life shows that I am the last one to resort to rigging practices." Sadat, chairman of the Liberal Reform and Development party, said speaker Abdel-Aal did not allow the questioning session to be recorded in audio-visual terms. "Speaker Abdel-Aal also prevented other MPs from attending the questioning session," said Sadat. Sadat also revealed that he had asked Abdel-Aal to withdraw his complaint against his assistant Khaled Heikal. "Heikal is my personal assistant who was arrested last week after speaker Abdel-Aal filed a complaint against him with the prosecutor-general, accusing him of libel, slander and insulting [Abdel-Aal] personally on his [Heikal's] Facebook account," said Sadat, adding that "I admitted that my assistant Heikal made a big mistake by insulting the parliament speaker, but I also implored speaker Abdel-Aal to intervene personally so that Heikal can be released." "Speaker Abdel-Aal was badly hurt by Heikal's insults, but I hope from a humanitarian point of view that the speaker will intervene so that Heikal can be released very soon and return to his family," said Sadat. After he was arrested last week, Heikal was placed into custody pending investigation by supreme state security prosecutors. Heikal faces charges of libel and slandering parliament speaker Abdel-Aal in comments on his personal "Facebook" account, regarding a recent court ruling which had ordered that the two Red Sea islands Tiran and Sanafir remain in Egyptian, rather than Saudi, hands. Search Keywords: Short link: Cited as Hollywood's highest-paid actress, Angelina Jolie was born on June 4, 1975 in Los Angeles, California in the United States of America. She is also filmmaker, and humanitarian. Over the years, she has received numerous awards including Academy Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards. Once married to Brad Pitt, she recently made her first public appearance since their divorce. Since the recent separation of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on September this year, the media has been silent concerning their life after divorce and how each one of them is dealing with the situation. According to E-online , the actress was seen in a video recorded for the International Criminal Court supporting the new policy concerning children. The social world has currently received a video clip showing the actress in her black blazer, straight hair on a simple but elegant make up. It made her shine with beauty as always seen on her past pictures or videos on the social sites such Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. On this video clip Jolie was featured saying, "Successful prosecution and new legal benchmark, whether at the ICC or elsewhere is part of the long and vital generational effort...." She went on supporting the recent court policy regarding crimes or abuse children and are exposed to. According to Daily Mail, she specifically thanked the chief prosecutor and his office, and all people who worked hard to make this policy regarding children a reality. To the community Jolie spoke on the importance of each one playing his or her role in protecting the rights of children and their freedom worldwide. Meanwhile, Pitt has been working on his film production company known as Moonlight together with Julia Roberts. He is expected to show up on the red carpet soon. Since her separation from the actor Brad Pitt in September, Angelina Jolie has stayed absent from the public eye. This is probably to give room for the two divorcees to work out their divorce settlements and custody arrangements over their six lovely children. Upper Egypt and Red Sea governorates witnessed power cuts early Sunday due to severe fog that led to a breakdown in operations at Samalot power station in Minya and the Aswan High Dam. Power has been fully restored to all upper Egypt governorates, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy spokesperson Ayman Hamza announced to state news agency MENA. Citizens in the Upper Egypt governorates of Minya, Souhag, Qena, Assiut, Aswan, Luxor; and Red Sea governorate cities of Hurgada, Safaga, and El-Koseir complained of power cuts early this morning which resulted in the termination of some water stations, hospitals, and bakeries. An intensive morning fog led to a temporary breakdown in power stations from Samalot to Naga Hamadi (Qena governorate), and caused operations at the High Dam to halt for two hours. The Meteorological Authority predicted severe morning fog in delta, Cairo, and north coast areas on Sunday, and moderate fog in Sinai and northern Upper Egypt governorates, according to last Wednesday's four-day forecast. Search Keywords: Short link: Guardian ad Litem volunteers needed The Forsyth County Guardian ad Litem program is accepting applications from people who would like to serve as volunteer advocates for children in foster care. Training is provided, with the classes beginning Jan. 21. To learn more or to apply, go to www.volunteerforgal. org or call (336) 779-6650. Newcomers group to meet Tuesday The Newcomers and Neighbors of Winston-Salem will meet at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1416 Bolton St. For more information, email wsnandn@aol.com or go to www.wsnewcomers. blogspot.com. Angel Tree program looking for sponsors The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem needs corporate angels to take part in its annual Angel Tree program. Companies can decorate a tree, box or barrel and collect toys at their locations, or email the Salvation Army to say how many Angels they want to adopt. More than 7,000 local children ages 12 and younger receive Christmas gifts from the Angel Tree. The children are members of families that apply for Christmas assistance with the Salvation Army. All families are screened for eligibility before being accepted into the program. To become a corporate angel, contact Maj. Deborah Colbert at deborah.colbert @uss.salvationarmy.org or call (336) 723-6366, ext. 109 Literacy project to hold info sessions The Augustine Literacy Project, a program of READWS, needs volunteers to serve as tutors to public school students. Information sessions about the program will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 360 Hopkins Road, Kernersville. A five-day training session will be held beginning Jan. 5 at Cash Elementary School, 4700 Old Hollow Road, Kernersville. A 10-day training session is scheduled to be held beginning Jan. 23 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 520 Summit St. For more information or to register, email pam @readws.org or call (336) 723-4391, ext. 1509. GriefShare helps deal with the holidays GriefShare will hold a seminar on Surviving the Holidays on Dec. 3 at Oaklawn Baptist Church, 3500 Kernersville Road. Sign-in will be at 1 p.m., and the seminar will take place from 1:30 to 3:45 p.m. The registration deadline is Nov. 28. The cost is $5, and each participant will receive a DVD, Survival Guide and other handouts. Discussions will explore creative and helpful ideas to make the holiday season less painful. For more information or to register, call (336) 788-2569 or go to www.grief share.org/holidays. GriefShare seminars are sponsored by Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, Glenn View Baptist Church, Oaklawn Baptist Church and the Senior Center of Kernersville. Tax-preparation volunteers needed The Experiment in Self-Reliance needs volunteers to help with its free tax-preparation program. The Forsyth Free Tax Program provides free tax-preparation services for low and moderate income residents at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites throughout Forsyth County. The program utilizes volunteer tax preparers who are certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Volunteers will receive training to provide tax help to families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Volunteers will work at one or more of the tax sites according to their availability. Tax sites are generally open during the day, at night and on weekends, with flexible hours. Positions include intake coordinator, tax preparer, quality reviewer and greeter. No prior experience is needed. For more information, contact Delores McCullough at (336) 722-9400, ext. 172, or email delores.mccullough@eisr.org. Walmart Foundation, company give grants Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have awarded more than $694,000 to nonprofit agencies in North Carolina. Communities in Schools of Wilkes County, received a $25,000 grant for its New Century Scholars program. Y-USA/YMCA grants support yearlong meal programs nationwide, providing 15 million meals to 480,000 children through federally reimbursed after-school and summer meal programs. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina, received a grant for $55,000. ReStores collecting food donations Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County ReStores are accepting food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina through Nov. 30. Customers who bring three nonperishable food items will receive a 10 percent discount off their entire purchase; customers who donate six nonperishable food items will get a 20 percent discount. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi arrived Sunday in the Portuguese capital Lisbon for his first official visit to the country following the inauguration of Marcelo De Souza as president in March. On the three-day visit, President El-Sisi is set to meet with his Portuguese counterpart, the prime minister, the parliament speaker, in addition to the heads of academic, economic and international institutions. He will also attend meetings with Portuguese businesspersons on boosting investments in Egypt. Several Portuguese companies have shown interest in taking advantage of investment opportunities available in the Egyptian market, especially after the latest economic measures adopted in the country; mainly the liberalisation of the local currencys exchange rate, said Portuguese ambassador in Cairo Madalena Fischer. Presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef Said in a statement that President El-Sisi gave an interview with Portugal state news agency LUSA where he conveyed a message of appreciation and respect to the state of Portugal, pointing out the visit is a first for an Egyptian president in 24 years. El-Sisi assured Egypt's wish to enhance economic ties with Portugal, adding that trade between the two countries increased by 38 percent in 2015. Congratulating the Portuguese people on the election of Antonio Gutierrez as the new secretary-general of the United Nations, El-Sisi praised the balanced and rational stances of Portugal toward the political situation and developments in Egypt. During the interview, El-Sisi said that Egypt represents a role model of religious tolerance and mutual existence and conveyed his administration's keenness to endorse the principles of human rights and equality. El-Sisi also mentioned his meeting with Pope Francis in 2014, where he expressed his personal respect for the head of the Catholic Church and invited him to visit Egypt. President El-Sisi also highlighted Egypt's counterterrorism efforts in North Sinai, stressing Cairo's efforts to balance between maintaining the country's national security and preserving democracy and human rights. Can you name the only two presidents who have won the popular vote in three consecutive elections? The first and most obvious would be Franklin Roosevelt, who won four consecutive elections between 1932-1944. The other would be Grover Cleveland, who accomplished this feat between 1884-1892. The glaring difference between the two: Cleveland lost his 1988 reelection bid to Benjamin Harrison, but won the popular vote. Therefore, Cleveland has the historical distinction of being the 22nd and 24th president, and was also the last person to win the popular vote but lose an election for 112 years. Winning the presidential election without winning the popular vote has only occurred five times in the nations history. It did not happen at all in the 20th century, but weve witnessed this phenomenon twice in the 21st century. Democrats have won the popular vote four out of five times this century, but have lost three of the five elections. It does appear that Hillary Clintons margin over Donald Trump may be the largest over any candidate who failed to win. But thats good for trivia questions and moral victories. Here are Clintons thoughts on the Electoral College after she was elected to the Senate in 2000: We are a very different country than we were 200 years ago. I believe strongly that in a democracy, we should respect the will of the people and to me, that means its time to do away with the Electoral College and move to the popular election of our president. Theres no doubt the current system is flawed. As Robert Speel, associate professor at Penn State University, recently pointed out in a Time Magazine article, Trumps margin of victory in Pennsylvania and Florida was roughly a combined 200,000 votes, which garnered 49 electoral votes in the current winner-take-all system. Conversely, Clinton won Massachusetts by nearly one million votes, and won 11 electoral votes. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced legislation last week to get rid of the Electoral College, after Clintons loss despite leading in the popular vote. This is a ceremonial exercise that will obviously go nowhere. Im certain that abolishing the Electoral College would be high on the Republicans list had they lost in a similar fashion. The problem I have with recent calls to abolish the Electoral College is that they come on the heels of defeat, making such appeals reactionary. I am usually suspect of reactionary proposals because they tend to possess an overreliance on a preferred outcome (In reaction to X, I am proposing Y so that Z will occur). Did the problems that exist today with the Electoral College, exist in 2008? What about 2012? Under the nom de plume, Publius, James Madison wrote in Federalist no. 10 that delegates distrusted the passions of the people. Madison and others questioned the ability of average voters to make a reasoned decision in electing a president. Are Madisons contentions in 1787 applicable today? The Electoral College in its present form is problematic, but to offer it as the reason Clinton lost is reactionary and shortsighted. Clinton lost, in part, to the power of the Apathetic Party flexing its nihilistic muscles. At the time of this writing, according to CNN, 26.3 percent of eligible voters supported Trump, while 26.5 voted for Clinton. It marked the lowest voter turnout in 20 years. American democracy cannot survive if it continues on this declining path of sub-60 percent voter turnout. And quite frankly, that is unacceptable. Both Clinton and Trump received fewer votes than Mitt Romney, who lost to President Obama in 2012. Even Obamas historic election in 2008 garnered only 33 percent of the voting populace. How does America address the growing decline in voter participation? Or is it a problem that warrants consideration? Paul Weyrich, co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, stated in 1980: I dont want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down. When Weyrich says our leverage, he was speaking specifically about the ability of conservatives to win elections. But hes absolutely right in that American elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country. Though right about the past, are his sentiments in the best interest for a nation going forward still, at least on paper, in pursuit of that more perfect union? Time will tell. RALEIGH When North Carolina voters in 17 counties cast their ballots this year, they had the option of voting yes or no for proposed increases in local sales or property taxes. In effect, however, voters in all 100 counties got their say on tax policy. The message most sent was unmistakable: dont raise taxes. First things first. There were 17 tax-hike referenda on county ballots. In 14 counties Bladen, Carteret, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Henderson, Jones, Mitchell, Pasquotank, Rockingham, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes and Swain voters were asked to raise the sales tax by a quarter-point. In all 14 counties, voters said no, often by large margins. In Gates County, voters also said no to a supplemental property tax for school construction. In the final two cases, the trend went the other way. In Halifax County, voters approved a supplemental property tax for schools. And in Wake County, voters approved a half-cent hike in the sales tax for public transportation. But neither margin was overwhelming. In fact, in populous and Democratic-trending Wake where 57 percent opted for Hillary Clinton and 60 percent picked Roy Cooper the transit tax passed with only 53 percent of the vote. Speaking of Clinton and Cooper, taxes werent just on the ballot as a collection of county referenda. The races for president, governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate and state legislature all featured lots of advertising, debate and media coverage about the issue. The tax plans of Clinton and Donald Trump contrasted sharply. Deborah Rosss record of voting for higher taxes in the General Assembly became a flashpoint in her race with Richard Burr. In dozens of state house and senate races, Democratic challengers attacked Republican incumbents for slashing taxes too much over the last six years, and promised to rescind at least some of the tax cuts to pay for more state spending on education, health care or unemployment benefits. In the vast majority of contested races, North Carolinians opted for the candidate least likely to raise their taxes, or mostly likely to cut them. But what about Cooper? He significantly outpolled most of the Democratic ticket, essentially tying with Pat McCrory in the race for governor despite the general Republican tilt of the election. Does that constitute a contrary signal about public opinion on taxes? No, and this is an important point. Roy Cooper did not promise to rescind any of McCrorys cuts in personal, corporate or payroll taxes. Indeed, he pointedly refused to endorse any increase in state tax rates, even when asked repeatedly about the question by debate moderators and reporters. If he had, I would submit, Cooper would have lost lots of votes from among the suburban and rural voters who split their tickets between him and GOP candidates for other offices. Fiscal liberals often accuse fiscal conservatives of an unjustified fixation on the tax issue. They are mistaken. Elections are about bestowing the governments coercive power to tax, spend, and regulate on particular leaders. At stake are the core questions of how much to use those powers, and to what ends. Since 2010, state Republicans have chosen to shrink the size and scope of government. Theyve cut taxes by billions of dollars. Theyve kept budget growth at a modest pace, which has had the effect of reducing the size of state government relative to the states economy to a projected 5 percent of gross domestic product next year, down from an average of about 6 percent of GDP when Democrats ran the legislature. At roughly the same time, Republicans won control of most of North Carolinas county commissions and put a similar check on local taxes and spending. In 2016, voters had ample opportunity to weigh in on these developments. They defeated almost all tax hikes on the ballot. And when there was a clear contrast between candidates on taxes and spending, the fiscal conservatives usually won. Of course, North Carolinians believe in spending money on core services. But most favor doing so by setting priorities, not raising taxes. Reynolda House hires director of public programs Reynolda House Museum of American Art has named Chris Jordan director of public programs. Jordan comes to Reynolda House from the New Winston Museum, where he was most recently interim executive director. He starts at Reynolda House Nov. 28. Milton Rhodes, the former president and chief executive of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, will replace Jordan as interim director at the New Winston Museum. As director of education and programming and then curator of education at the New Winston Museum, Jordan organized exhibitions and events, including Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Winston-Salems Wheels of Change, The War at Home: Exploring Winston and Salem during the Civil War and the Salon Series. At Reynolda House, Jordan will be responsible for planning such programs as free community days, special tours, gallery talks, symposia and the museums Reynolda After Hours events. Jordan will also play a key role in the museums new mobile audio-visual tour to debut in mid-2018, for which Reynolda House recently received a $143,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The mobile tour, which will cover Reynolda House grounds, art collection and archives, will be accessed through a free app that visitors can download before their visit or at the museum. Originally from Charlotte, Jordan has a masters degree in history and museum studies from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Winston-Salem with his wife and young daughter. Piedmont Wind Symphony expands youth program The Piedmont Wind Symphony is expanding its Wachovia Winds youth ensemble program to include the Wachovia Winds Youth Symphonic Band. Wachovia Winds youth ensembles offer instruction and performance opportunities to serious music students. The symphonic band will be an auditioned group that brings together wind, brass and percussion students in the Triad. It will be led by Danny Green, artistic director, and Phillip Riggs, a 2016 Grammy-in-the Schools Award-winning music educator, who co-founded the group with Green. An intermediate group will be led by Patricia Hughes Ball, the band director at West Forsyth High School. Students may submit audition videos online. For requirements, visit www.wachovi awinds.org or email wachoviawinds@gmail.com. Reddit Email 545 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The new National Security Adviser to incoming President Donald J. Trump, Lt.-Gen. Michael Flynn, has called Islam a cancer and maintained that it is a political ideology masquerading as a religion. He made this generalization about the religion of 1.6 billion people out of the 7.4 billion humans on the planet, i.e. 21.6% of everyone alive. Moreover, because of high birth rates in Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia, the proportion of the world that is Muslim will increase dramatically through the 21st century, so likely they will be a third of humankind. Michael Flynn: Islam Is A Cancer, Political Ideology That Hides Behind Religion One of Flynns arguments is that Christians dont kill people in the name of Christ. But of course they do. Christian president George W. Bush said God had made him president, and Bush told French president Jacques Chirac that he went to war in Iraq because Iraqis are the Gog and Magog of the Bible, barbarian hordes menacing Christendom. I wrote at the time of this revelation, a bewildered French President Jacques Chirac told a journalist in a book published this spring that Bush had tried to enlist him in the Iraq invasion one last time in February, 2003, by emphasizing that the threat of Gog and Magog had gathered in the Middle East against the West and only overthrowing Saddam would forestall a catastrophe of biblical proportions . . . Chirac called a Swiss theologian to have him explain what this Gog and Magog was whereof Bush spoke. Chirac complained that the problem with people in the Bush administration was that none of them knew anything about the really existing Arabs. Chirac reads Arabic, and he used to ask the Bush people he dealt with to name one Arab poet. None could. France has been directly involved in the Arab world since Bonaparte invaded Egypt in 1798, so French political leaders could only lament the earnest evangelical nonsense spewed by crazies who had taken over Washington. A majority of US air force pilots who bombed the bejesus out of Iraq for 8 years thought of themselves as Christian warriors putting down a Muslim horde, just as Bush did. Indeed, American evangelical militarism is well-documented by social scientists. Im not sure why it is worse for American Christians to kill Iraqi families from the skies than for Muslim fanatics to wield less high tech weapons. I have also pointed out that the Christian Lords Resistance Army in Uganda initiated hostilities that displaced two million people . . . As is common among these Washington gadflies with extreme views such as Flynn, he is not consistent. He seems to be in the back pocket of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan , a big supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and of Hamas in Gaza, and leader of a country of 75 million . . . Muslims. (There is nothing wrong with all this, it is just weird that Flynn supports Erdogan and Turkeys pro-Muslim Justice and Development Party or AKP, while demeaning all Muslims as a cancer and denying they belong to a religion). So is Islam a religion? I guess it would depend on how you define a religion and who gets to do the defining. Anthropologist Clifford Geertz put it this way: A religion is a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods in men by formulating conceptions of a general order of existence and clothing those conceptions with such an aura of factuality that the moods and motivations seem uniquely realistic. Islam would obviously fit this definition. In American law and practice, it is the Internal Revenue Service that defines a group as a church, i.e. organized religion, because it has to determine whether groups are eligible for tax exemption. These are the criteria the IRS uses: Distinct legal existence Recognized creed and form of worship Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government Formal code of doctrine and discipline Distinct religious history Membership not associated with any other church or denomination Organization of ordained ministers Ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed courses of study Literature of its own Established places of worship Regular congregations Regular religious services Sunday schools for the religious instruction of the young Schools for the preparation of its members Again, Islam obviously meets these criteria, with a recognized creed (there is no god but God and Muhammad is is prophet), forms of worship (5 daily prayers, Friday communal prayers), forms of religious governance (mosque congregations), formal code of doctrine, distinct religious history (I have written a lot on this subject), clerical corps who undergo seminary training, literature of its own (Quran, hadith), mosques, regular religious services (communal prayers), and schooling for youngsters. In fact I am not aware that the IRS ever had any question but what Islam is a religion (church) according to American law. Not only is Islam a religion, but the US courts have even recognized Santeria as a religion, and overturned municipal statutes forbidding adherents from practicing animal sacrifice. Santeria is an assimilation of Yoruba religion to Roman Catholicism in the Caribbean, and if it is a religion in American law, then Islam certainly is. Ironically, Flynns line on Muslims being a political movement rather than a religion is exactly the one the ayatollahs in Iran use to deny Bahais their religious rights. So everything Flynn said is false. Christians have made piles of bodies as high as mountains in committing violence against non-Christians, ever since they took over the Roman Empire. Islam is experienced as a moral and spiritual good by over a fifth of humankind, not as a cancer. Muslim radicals are a tiny fringe and not representative of the religion as a whole. And the religion is really a religion by any definition you would want to pick, not a political grouping. You only hope that all these crackpots Trump is elevating to the highest offices in the land have been shining us on all these years with their lunatic theories and that once in power theyll start acting like responsible adults. The court ordered the release of Alexandrani pending investigations following a near one-year detention A Cairo criminal court has ordered on Sunday the release of journalist and researcher Ismail Alexandrani, detained over charges of joining the now banned Muslim Brotherhood group and spreading false news. Alexandrani, 32, was arrested at Hurghada Airport upon arrival from Germany in December 2015. The investigative journalist, who specialises in Sinai affairs, has remained in detention since his arrest. Later on Sunday, the prosecution appealed the court's decision. The date to hear the appeal has not been set yet. According to his family, Alexandrani was delivering lectures in Europe about the political situation in Egypt, prior to his return in December. Since his arrest, several rights groups have condemned Alexandrani's detainment and the charges against him. Search Keywords: Short link: The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit [official website] on Friday upheld [opinion, PDF] a Kentucky countys right-to-work ordinance. The court ruled Hardin County was not preempted by federal labor law, particularly section 4(b) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) [text], from banning agreements between workers and unions requiring workers to join a union, a move which many believe will result in the proliferation of similar local-level laws restricting the role of labor unions in the workplace. The labor unions challenging the local law had argued only State right-to-work legislation was expressly reserved from preemption, but the court found use of State within Section 4(b) was inclusive of political subdivisions, including counties. According to one of the challengers attorneys in the case, the unions will likely ask for the Sixth Circuit to reconsider the case [Reuters report]. Currently, 25 states have right-to-work laws [JURIST backgrounder]. The US Supreme Court [official website] heard oral arguments [JURIST report] in January on the First Amendment rights of public teachers who do not wish to pay union fees. The Supreme Court split 4-4 [SCOTUSblog] in the case, defaulting to affirming the lower court decision, though the teachers have expressed interest in having the case reheard after the ninth justice is seated. Last year the Wisconsin Senate approved [JURIST report] Senate Bill 44, which provides that employees cannot be required to join a labor organizations. In November 2014 the Indiana Supreme Court upheld [JURIST report] the states right-to-work law, stating it did not violate the states constitution. In August 2013 the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled [JURIST report] that Michigans right-to-work law applies to civil service employees. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) [official website] called upon [press briefing summary] the Myanmar government Friday to take immediate action in addressing human rights and humanitarian concerns in the northern part of the Rakhine state. UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said they were calling upon the government to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with rule of law and its international obligations. Tens of thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes due to a major security operation in response to armed attacks on border posts in October. As a result, numerous minority groups have been subjected to various human rights violations [press release] including torture, rape, sexual assault, summary execution and destruction of mosques and homes. Ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims have faced the brunt of these human rights violations. In addition, many of the countrys humanitarian programs providing food, shelter, and education have been halted and civilians have found themselves in the middle of ongoing military attacks. In an attempt to address these concerns, the UNHCR has pleaded with the government of Bangladesh to keep its borders with Myanmar open in order to facilitate safe passage of Myanmar refugees. UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee [official profile], also expressed displeasure [press release] with the governments inaction in regards to addressing the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar. Specifically she said the security forces must not be given carte blanche to step up their operations under the smokescreen of having allowed access to an international delegation. Lee also voiced concern that the Myanmar government has not investigated the human rights violations. Human rights has been on the forefront of Myanmars new democratic government since ending a decades-old military rule. In June a UN expert presented [JURIST report] a report on religious, free market, political, and nationalist or cultural fundamentalism, stating that fundamentalist intolerance is growing throughout the globe and is directly contributing to infringements of the rights to association and peaceful assembly. Early this month, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed [JURIST report] shock at the increasing number of children recruited and killed in armed conflicts in several countries; the government of Myanmar alone released [JURIST report] 46 underage child recruits from the military in March as part of a UN join action plan made in 2012. In May Human Rights Watch urged [JURIST report] the Myanmar Parliament to reconsider a proposed law that they say has the advocacy organization says has the potential to limit free expression and peaceful assembly. Also in May US Secretary of State John Kerry offered support to Myanmars newly democratic government and urged [JURIST report] the country to push more democratic reform and address human rights issues. Nubian activists say they are protesting against the sale of village lands in a government-run auction Related Nubians protest at Egypt tourist site demanding right to return to ancestral lands Not less than 150 Egyptian Nubians continued their sit-in for the second consecutive day on the Abu Simbel-Aswan highway in Aswan governorate as security forces refused to allow them entry to Toshka to protest against the sale of land there to non-Nubians. On Saturday, a group of Egyptian Nubian activists organised a convoy called "The Nubian Return Caravan" where Nubians from all over the country headed in 25 buses to Toshka and Forkund villages to start a sit-in against a presidential decree to allocate land in both villages for investment development. "The sit-in will continue despite the attempts of security to disperse it," Mohamed Azamy, the head of the Nubian Union and one of the "caravan" organisers, told Ahram Online from the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan. According to Azmy, not less than 150 protesters are still participating in the sit-in. "More people are expected to come from other Nubian villages in Aswan to support us later today," he added, expressing fears that clashes may break out between the newcomers who want to join and security forces. Late Saturday, three Nubian protesters were injured as security forces attempted to disperse tens of demonstrators who blocked a number of major highways and railways in Aswan, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported. The protesters were objecting to how security forces stopped Nubian activists from advancing to the Toshka and Forkund areas to hold their sit-in there. Asked about whether the Nubian activists have been contacted by officials, Mohamed Azamy said that security officials asked them to end the sit-in before discussing their demands. Development project In August, Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi issued a presidential decree allocating 922 feddans including land in Toshka area to the new Toshka development project. In October, the Egyptian government announced that it would sell parts of the new Toshka development project in an auction for investment as part of the "1.5 million project", a new national mega-project. Nubian activists say that thousands of feddans that belonged to old Nubian villages were allocated to the 1.5 million project and will be sold to investors. They had already objected to another presidential decree issued in December 2014 that designated masses of lands along border areas as army territory that should not be populated. Among those pieces of land are 16 old Nubian villages activists demand to return to. Originally, Nubia stretched for about 350 kilometres from Dabud village to the south of Aswan to Adendan village in the Halfa Valley in modern-day Sudan. According to Nubians, they are 44 old Nubian villages from which they were forcibly displaced during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1960s. In a statement issued earlier this month, the Nubian Return caravan said that both presidential decrees were unconstitutional, citing Article 236 of the current constitution in support to their cause. The 2014 Egyptian Constitution stipulates in Article 236 that "the state works on developing and implementing projects to bring back the residents of Nubia to their original areas and develop them within 10 years in the manner organised by law." Nubians consider this article as a victory for their cause after decades of marginalisation by the state as well years of unanswered demands to return to their land. In media statements earlier this month, Aswan's governor stated that the Egyptian Nubians had the priority to buy the land of Toshka and Forkund before others. "We will not buy our own land," Azmy told Ahram Online, commenting on the governor's statement. On social media, "Nubia" and "The_Nubian_return_carvan" in Arabic have been trending in the past 48 hours on Twitter and Facebook with updates from Aswan. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's state security prosecution referred on Sunday 292 alleged members of the Islamic State militant group to a military court on charges of plotting to assassinate President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and launch terrorist attacks in the country, state news agency MENA said. Judiciary sources told local media that the military prosecution will release detailed confessions from a number of the suspects. According to year-long investigations carried out by the state security prosecution, the suspects plotted two assassination attempts against President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, with the first in 2014 as he performed a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, MENA said. The alleged attempt, which also targeted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, involved members from terrorist cells in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The prosecution did not specify how the plot was foiled. The second attempt was allegedly orchestrated by a terrorist cell consisting of seven members six former police officers and a dentist who planned to attack the president's convoy using explosive charges as it travelled in Cairo. The suspects were also responsible for carrying out a number of high-profile attacks in North and South Sinai, including the bombing of a tourist bus in the resort town of Taba in February 2014 that killed two South Koreans and an Egyptian driver. 'Bearded police officers group' The assassination attempt on Sisi was part of a larger plan to overthrow the current regime that would also involve the assassination of former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim over the 2013 dispersal of Cairo sit-ins supporting ousted president Mohamed Morsi, according to the prosecution. Authorities say the six former police officers involved in the plots were members of the "bearded police officers" group formed in 2012, whose members said they would grow their beards in accordance with their interpretation of Islamic doctrine. At the time, the interior ministry blocked this move, saying it violated police and military codes. The group members were then sent to the ministry's reserve forces. Authorities say these former security officials planned to use their expertise to target the presidents convoy as it moved through Cairo. Investigators say all the members of the terrorist cells advocated the Jihadist ideology and believe that state officials and members of the army, police and the judiciary are infidels. In October, the prosecutor-general ordered the state security prosecution to open an investigation into terrorist groups' plans to execute wide scale terrorist operations in Greater Cairo. Earlier this month, Egyptian authorities detained five people who they say are leaders of the little-known terrorist groups Hasm and Liwaa Al-Thawra. Search Keywords: Short link: HYANNIS, Neb. If the incoming leader of the free world ever pulls on a pair of cowboy boots and treads the sandy soils of Grant County, he can shout This is Trump country! to the endless horizon. Bigly, he might add for emphasis. Unlike the tears, protests and Not My President posters that erupted in urban Nebraska after Donald Trumps improbable White House victory, most residents of rural Nebraska had smiles on their faces and a little more giddyap in their strides. Relieved, said Cliff Dailey, a businessman and elected official in Hyannis, a village of 185 people roughly 365 miles northwest of Omaha. Id say they were just relieved. Everybody was just shaking their heads and smiling and saying I cant believe we won. When he says everybody, hes hardly exaggerating. Trump won 367 votes in Grant County, while Hillary Clinton received just 20. Thats 93 percent of the vote versus 5 percent. Overall, Trump claimed about 60 percent of ballots cast in Nebraska compared with Clintons 34 percent. But in a region where the tallest thing is a grass-covered sand dune, it wasnt nearly that close. Grant County narrowly finished first in rural Nebraskas stampede for Trump, just ahead of Hayes County. But the brash New York real-estate developer won at least 85 percent of the vote in another 17 of Nebraskas 93 counties. Such lopsided percentages make rural Nebraska stand out among Trumps other strongholds nationally. In Grant and Hayes, Nebraska has the third- and fourth-highest Trump-supporting counties in the nation, based on a World-Herald review of official state election websites and election results collected by the Associated Press and posted on the Politico website. Only two small-population counties in Texas edged out the top Trump counties in Nebraska. Grant and Hayes Counties in Nebraska were more pro-Trump than any county in the deeply red states of Wyoming, West Virginia, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Alabama, Kentucky, South Dakota, Tennessee and Arkansas. Kansas, South Dakota and Montana each had a single county give more than 90 percent support to Trump, but none of those intensely pro-Trump counties could surpass Grant and Hayes Counties. It should be noted that states and counties are still finalizing their election results. Its not immediately apparent why a reality TV star from Manhattan would appeal so strongly to voters in the Nebraska Sand Hills and Panhandle, places where the only subways youll find are a brand of sandwich. But whats also known as Nebraskas 3rd Congressional District has a long tradition of voting for Republican presidential candidates. Strong GOP support in the 3rd District is a major reason why Nebraska hasnt helped elect a Democratic presidential candidate outright since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 although voters in Omahas 2nd Congressional District did send one electoral vote to President Barack Obama in 2008. Historically, the GOP is even more firmly entrenched in Grant County. Not since 1936, when Franklin D. Roosevelt sought his second of four terms in the White House, have the countys voters elected a Democrat. County Clerk Christee Haney said about 40 of the countys 640 residents are currently registered as Democrats, and Im not even sure theyre Democrats in their hearts. Rural Nebraska has gradually been turning a deeper shade of red for decades. The showdown between Trump and Clinton appears to have accelerated that trend. Since the 2000 presidential election in Nebraska, 67 counties have seen a decline in registered voters, according to Matt Waite, a professor of practice at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Of those 67 counties that lost voters, 64 of them went stronger for Trump than any other presidential candidate in the past five elections, Waite said. And 61 of those shrinking counties became more Republican as a percentage over the same period of time. Cattle ranchers, farmers and business owners in rural Nebraska cite a long and familiar list of Trump promises they liked: cracking down on illegal immigration, reducing regulation on business and agriculture, protecting the rights of gun owners, repealing the Affordable Care Act and checking the growth and power of the federal government. But more than anything, they said they voted for Trump because of what he wasnt: an establishment Democrat who promised to continue the policies of Obama. Drain the swamp. Lets make some changes, lets get the establishment out of there, said Pat Keslar of Hyannis, a motel owner who also breeds American quarter horses and hunting Labrador retrievers. Most of the Republicans interviewed for this story said Trump wasnt their first choice to lead the party. But not Keslar, who heard Trump speak in person several years ago at a motel industry conference. Keslar said he believes Trump can make the federal government more efficient and pro-business. Thank God for the Electoral College, he added. Like other Trump supporters, he said some of the statements Trump made about women are not right, but he quickly pointed at former President Bill Clintons checkered history of dealing with the opposite sex. Nearly the entire population of Grant County 98 percent identifies itself as non-Hispanic whites, according to records of the U.S. Census Bureau. The estimated median income in 2014 was a little over $45,000 and the majority of jobs are tied to agriculture and the school system. Mona Vinton, who operates a ranch in Grant County with her husband, Dan, rejected the notion that racist beliefs or intolerance of non-Christians may have factored in to Trumps rural support. Like others, she blamed the media for perpetuating a stereotype, along with one that says rural residents are uneducated and misinformed. Vinton said her first choice among the Republican field of candidates was retired surgeon Ben Carson, who is African-American. To me, theres only one race: the human race, she said. But thats not to suggest that immigration isnt a major concern in places like Grant County. Residents repeatedly expressed support for Trumps promise to build a wall on the nations southern border and to vet immigrants from Middle Eastern nations. Dailey, who serves as chairman of the Hyannis Village Board, said wanting to have secure borders and control who enters the country is about national security, not discrimination. The rising cost of health care is another big issue in rural Nebraska. Dailey, 60, owns a convenience store and a tire and trailer shop called Cow Country Sales and Service. He said the private health insurance he buys for himself and his wife recently increased by several hundred dollars and now approaches $2,000 per month. If Trump doesnt repeal Obamacare, Dailey said he hopes the incoming administration can at least find a way to bring costs down. James Doc Moore is a retired history professor from Cornell University who now lives in Sioux County in far northwestern Nebraska. He serves as the Democratic Party chairman in a county where Trump got 84 percent of the vote. Based on numerous conversations with Republican friends and neighbors, Moore said hes convinced what happened at the polls was more anti-Obama than it was pro-Trump. They did definitely like the plain, straight talk, he said. They really liked that. Being a Democrat takes commitment in some parts of rural Nebraska right now, said Vince Powers, the outgoing chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party. He blamed the saturation of conservative talk radio, television and social media for creating an ideological echo chamber in cattle country. Democrats currently have 83 county chairmen in Nebraska. Among the 10 counties without one is Grant County, said Bud Pettigrew of Valentine, the party official in charge of recruiting county leaders. Some Democrats in the reddest counties keep a very low profile, Pettigrew said, especially if they own businesses. He said some zealots in his community have stolen Clinton signs and even bumper stickers off his car. A few have gotten in his face, he added. This is America, he said. You should be able to express your political beliefs without fear of violence or intimidation. Terry Sigler of North Platte is a longtime party organizer who fondly recalls the days when Democratic candidates such as J.J. Exon, Bob Kerrey and Ben Nelson could compete and win in statewide elections. Back in the 1980s and early 1990s, a call for help to place yard signs throughout the 3rd District would attract several hundred volunteers. A recent call for the Clinton campaign drew maybe a dozen people, Sigler said. Party chairmen in western Nebraska were given only a handful of Clinton signs so resources could be concentrated in Omaha. Even though North Platte has a large number of railroad workers who belong to a labor union, Clinton got only 18 percent of the vote in Lincoln County. I have one bright side, Sigler said. The younger progressives are starting to get involved, the Bernie (Sanders) supporters. Dick Peters, an 88-year-old former auto mechanic from Hyannis, is one of the few people who was alive the last time Grant County voted for a Democrat. His grandfather voted for FDR in 1936 and always told Peters that the rich got richer and the poor got poorer under the Republicans. Im a firm believer in what my granddad said, Peters added. Peters voted for Clinton and hes not afraid to admit it. And he argued that Obama has been a good president, saying the country is in far better shape now than it was in 2008. Kimberly Nuss is a registered independent in Hyannis who said she leans left in most elections. There was never a chance she would vote for Trump, she said, largely because of the offensive things he said about women. Yet she said she can separate a political figure she opposes from the community where she lives. The 36-year-old school art teacher moved to Hyannis from Lincoln nine years ago. She said she loves the Sand Hills and its people, calling Hyannis a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It has not been her experience that people in cattle country are close-minded or racist, she said. And she spends her days working with bright children who know theres a diverse world beyond the buff-colored hills of their home. Its OK for me to be the weird Hillary supporter, she said. People need to know its OK not to think the way everybody thinks. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Following the sentencing Saturday of the head of the press syndicate and two of its board members, journalists are being called on to discuss a collective response The Egyptian press syndicate's board called journalists to an open meeting Wednesday at 2pm to discuss consequences of the recent conviction and sentencing of the head of the syndicate and two board members, and steps that should be taken in response. The call comes hours after a Cairo misdemeanor court sentenced Saturday syndicate chairman Yehia Kalash and two other board members Gamal Abdel-Reheem and Khaled El-Balshy to two years in prison on charges of harbouring fugitives inside the syndicate's headquarters. The court set bail at 10,000 EGP pending appeal. The statement issued by the board considered the verdict to be another move in a six-months old crisis engineered by the government against the syndicate. The board decided to take all legal actions to appeal, stressing that this verdict will not distract the syndicate from the basic issues currently facing journalists, such as the new media law and economic crises. In mid-April, Journalists Mahmoud El-Sakka and Amr Badr were arrested inside the Journalists' Syndicate headquarters on charges of inciting violence against the state ahead of the 25 April protests against the Egyptian-Saudi Red Sea island maritime border agreement. The three union leaders were later accused by prosecutors of harbouring fugitives and referred to court. El-Sakka and Badr were recently released on bail pending trial. Anger: then and now The 1 May raid on the headquarters of the syndicate by the interior ministry to arrest El-Sakka and Badr caused widespread anger among journalists, who organised a three-week long sit-in inside the syndicate. Hundreds of journalists turned out and packed two meetings of the general assembly in one week, despite a virtual siege imposed by the interior ministry on the union's premises. However, the journalists' reactions on Saturday to the unprecedented verdict against their chairman seemed narrower, as only dozens of journalists gathered inside the syndicate to protest. Eman Ouf, a journalist who is member of the Front to Defend Journalists and Liberties, and who participated in Mays sit-in, told Ahram Online that the verdict was not shocking to her, describing it as "political." According to Ouf, the "verdict resulted from the journalists failure to take a unified stand in May despite clear recommendations made in the general assembly meeting." The members of the syndicate's high board were divided between adopting the general assemblys demands or adopting a lower tone in an attempt to reach a compromise with the state, said Ouf. Unfortunately, [the board] chose the latter, so the general assembly lost interest. "The matter is now in the hands of the judiciary," said Salah Eissa, a writer and member of the Higher Council of Journalism (HCJ), describing the verdict as shocking, while blaming the current situation on "attempts that happened in the beginning of the crisis to make it look like a face-off between journalists and the state. The conflict involved two state institutions, the press syndicate and the interior ministry; it could have been resolved through negotiations. The HCJ issued a statement calling for the adoption of such solution in order to preempt attempts of the enemies of the 30 June revolution to create a rift between the syndicate and the state," added Eissa. "The syndicate, of course, has all my solidarity. Yet, I am sure the verdict will be overturned in the appeal. The Journalists' Syndicate received messages of solidarity from a number of regional and international bodies. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Egyptian authorities to let the Journalists' Syndicate and all members of the press do their jobs without fear of reprisal". The Tunisian Press Syndicate threatened to take action on moving the headquarters of the Arab Journalists Union from Cairo as a sign of protest against the states "oppressive measures against journalists". On Sunday, a delegation from the Lawyers' Syndicate, led by syndicate's hrad Sameh Ashour, visited Kalash to announce their solidarity. Ashour announced in the visit that he will join the press syndicate's defence team in the case. Search Keywords: Short link: 230 Shares Share In my previous post, Have physicians finally joined the working class, I discussed the changes in the health care system regarding physicians roles in these systems. In this post, I propose two strategies that could help physicians regain some influence over their work and to participate fully not just in the execution of strategy from management but also have an input in creating it. Building unions There has been a resurgence of interest in in physicians ability to collectively bargain the terms and conditions of their employment. There have already been a few examples of physicians having successfully organized to defend their contracts and improve working conditions. This includes examples such as the Oakland-based doctors and dentists union who sued Californias State Labor Board in the early 1990s. The group won the right to renew a labor agreement with state employees, and negotiated pay raises for their members, instead of being forced to follow the proposed budget cut plan. Another similar example is a union formed by hospital employees in an Oregon hospital who successfully fought a hospital administration plan which would have outsourced their jobs to a management company. Given the relative inaction of medical societies on this front, there are increasing calls for leadership in organizing of what is typically a fragmented workforce into union-like entities referred to as solidarity networks. These solidarity networks/unions aim to accomplish the daunting task of bringing physicians from different specialties together under a single umbrella to enhance the collective economic and professional status. In addition, for this formula to work, unions must include both employed and independent doctors (since both groups are affected by largely the same forces), and must deal with the contentious politics of health care. However, as one author eloquently puts it: And then theres politics, but I have faith that intelligent and educated people understand by now that the sole difference between progressive and conservative agendas is a personal preference to have your serfdom managed either through a government intermediary, or directly by the business overlords. Creating financial systems where clinicians have more input on strategy and operational decisions Nothing represents the alienation of doctors from their work more clearly than the financial system of the typical mid-sized hospital. Even though doctors make the bulk of decisions that affect the financial health of a hospital, they rarely get involved in the financial deliberations and programs of the health care system. There is often a clear separation between physicians and administrators on these matters. Most health care organizations use a method called full costing to analyze their costs. The full cost of a unit delivered is the combination of the direct cost plus what is called fair share. Direct cost is related to the actual cost incurred by the cost object, and a fair share which is the additional overhead of the institution (administration, finance, and IT). Fair share is determined by dividing the overhead cost of the whole system on all clinical departments using an arbitrary method like each departments clinical hours or square space. While this sounds easy to accomplish in theory, in practice it often becomes a contentious issue for health administrators. Even though several authors have demonstrated the shortcomings of this method to accurately depict the dynamics of the business of health care, it is still very popular among managers for variety of reasons. These reasons include that it enables the hospital to fulfill its reporting obligations to regulatory agencies, it makes it easy to prepare financial statements, and a cynical person will add that it allows administrators to do their job without needing the clinician inputs. Alternative costing methods such as the differential costing method, which classifies cost into four categories: a) variable, b) fixed, c) semi-variable, and d) semi-fixed. Deciding to which categories each item belongs to requires both financial input and clinical input. Even so, it provides a more accurate picture of the underlying costs of operation a healthcare business, and it helps in integrating physicians in the decision-making process. Physicians are typically responsible for the variable direct cost of a business, which represents 35 percent of the total cost. This contrasts with the fixed and direct cost (65 percent of total cost), over which physicians have little control. The current ways of cost containment through resource utilization and increased efficiency might have yielded positive results if variable costs made up most total cost which they do not. Hence, implementing efficiency measures and resource utilization will not likely yield major reductions in cost per patient, unless this could be accompanied by a reduction in fixed costs. This implies that physicians must become more aware of the different drivers of cost in their institutions, and push for more transparency and inclusion in the decision process. In previous decades, medical practitioners were an effective professional class with a major voice in how services were organized and delivered. However, they have now been reduced to a guild that is good at protecting their own reimbursement, but without enjoying political clout to change the system that they and their patients complain so much about. A major factor in this decline is due to the loss of their control of the means of production. Physicians need to organize to regain influence on the way their jobs are organized and executed, and to get more involved in the financial decisions at their institutions. Andres Barkil-Oteo is a psychiatrist and can be reached on Twitter @andre06511. Image credit: Shutterstock.com New initiative, DaysE, is grabbing national attention and awards as it scales from local to global. Kilkenny based, DaysE channels the energy that people or businesses are wasting into communities who can benefit from it. DaysE (Donate as you save Energy) is a social enterprise model facilitating collaboration between community and business partners on efficient energy use. This month the DaysE chain of partners from Kilkennys business and community life came together for an event to celebrate the success of their project which was grant aided through the Better Energy Communities 2015 (BEC) supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Representatives from Camphill Communities Ireland, DaysE, industry sponsors including contractors and utility company sponsor SSE Airtricity, SEAI and Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency (CKEA) all enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on a job well done. Colm Byrne, DaysE Founder explains the concept of DaysE by giving an example. The Newpark Hotel implemented significant energy efficient measures during 2015. These resulted in 20% savings in thermal energy use. The units of energy saved were verified by DaysE and the hotel management pledged this quantity of units of energy towards the cost of energy upgrades in Camphill Communities in the county. Energy credits are generated by energy savings and can be of value to utility companies. Utility companies are obligated to assist in Ireland reaching a 20% cut in energy use by 2020 and in some cases will purchase energy credits to help achieve their targets. The Newpark Hotels energy credits, to continue with Colms example, were purchased by SSE Airtricity, the energy credits partner for the scheme . The resulting funds were put towards the cost of energy efficiency measures in Camphill Communities. Oisin Burke, SSE Airtricity, was on hand for the symbolic handover of the cheques to the beneficiary Camphill Communities of County Kilkenny. Mark Dunne, General Manager of the Newpark Hotel describes their involvement in the project as a no-brainer. He continues We have exceeded our projected savings by almost 50%, reducing our energy spend significantly. To be able to support Camphill communities by donating energy credits is the icing on the cake for us. Two weeks ago Camphill Communities Ireland won the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards 2016 Community Award for their lead in this Better Energy Communities project. At the same ceremony DaysE scooped the Innovation Award and one of its industry partners, Hybrid Energy Solutions who will be providing off-grid power systems for DaysEs planned Tanzania project, scooped the Design Award. DaysE now plans to take the model global and in collaboration with Kilkenny based Hybrid energy Solutions ltd, will bring energy to schools in Tanzania in 2017. Learn more at www.dayse.org The UN's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura will visit Damascus on Sunday for talks with the foreign minister, the country's Al-Watan newspaper said. "UN envoy Staffan de Mistura will arrive tomorrow morning in Damascus. His visit will last a day and he will meet with (Foreign Minister) Walid Muallen and high-ranking ministry officials," the newspaper reported on Saturday. Al-Watan is close to the government in Damascus, which is waging a battle against an uprising that began with anti-government protests in March 2011. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since then, and the government is currently waging a fierce assault on the rebel-held part of second city Aleppo. Search Keywords: Short link: 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 ... CAIRO, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Egypt's finance ministry may delay issuing $2-2.5 billion in international bonds until mid January due to market volatility, state news agency MENA said. "There is volatility in the global market at the moment and we will wait for a few days to determine our position on whether to issue the bonds by the end of November or the beginning of next month or wait until mid January," Amr El Garhy told reporters, MENA said. On November 9, El Garhy was quoted as saying in a research note by EFG Hermes that Egypt's finance ministry will set the week of Nov. 23 as a date for beginning a Eurobond roadshow with a target size of $2-2.5 billion. El Garhy said the bond will help bridge a projected funding gap of $32-34 billion over the coming three years. Egypt has been struggling to attract hard currency and revive its economy since a 2011 uprising that drove away tourists and foreign investors. Earlier this month it floated the pound. A day later, the finance ministry said it is considering postponing but still plans to issue an international Eurobond by the end of the year but will decide on the appropriate timing once it has gauged the impact of Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. election on global markets. (Reporting by Omar Fahmy; writing by Amina Ismail; editing by Louise Heavens) CAIRO, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Yields on Egypt's three- and nine-month Treasury bills fell at an auction on Sunday, data from the central bank showed. Yields on the 91-day bill dropped to an average of 17.744 percent from 18.028 percent the last time similar bills were sold. Yields on the 266-day bill declined to an average of 17.610 percent from 18.715 percent at the last similar auction. Bank of America Merrill Lynch recommended in a recent report that investors buy 6-month Egyptian T-bills without hedging them. (Reporting by Asma Alsharif, Editing by Lin Noueihed) Union petition calls for St. Michael leadership's ouster A union leader said of the hospital's short staffing in the ER that the crisis was 'extraordinary.' The Herald reports: A British tourist allegedly gang-raped in Dubai faces a prison sentence and needs 24,000 (NZ$42,200) for legal fees after police accused her of having extra-marital sex. The 25-year-old woman was reportedly arrested and charged after going to the authorities about the alleged attack by two Britons last month. She is now on bail, but is not allowed to leave the country and is said to be absolutely terrified of being imprisoned for breaching strict laws on sex. The woman, who cannot be identified, was on holiday in Dubai when her ordeal unfolded, The Sun reported. She is said to have been lured into a hotel room by two British men, who are alleged to have both raped her while filming the attack. The womans family claimed the men flew home to Britain just hours later. When she reported the attack to police, the alleged victim was then herself charged with having sex outside marriage. The Herald reports: Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says putting any more ratepayers money into a $500,000 branding project is a dead duck. Goff has told managers of the councils promotions arm, Ateed, that if they want to proceed with the Global Auckland branding project they have to find money from the private sector. Im not interested in spending any more ratepayers money in this area, Goff said in an interview with the Weekend Herald. It is early days but I am very impressed with Goff. He has twice nixed ATEED spending and also got rid of the Councillors on the Auckland Transport Board. If he carries on like this, all power to him. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey should not be "fixated" on joining the EU and has reiterated the idea of joining Russia and China in a Eurasian security group, local media reported Sunday. His comments come as Turkey's decades-long hopes of joining the European Union have reached a nadir, driven by the aftermath of the July 15 botched coup. "Turkey should first of all feel relaxed about the EU and not be fixated" about joining it, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on a plane from Uzbekistan, Hurriyet newspaper and other media reported. "Some may criticise me but I express my opinion. For example, I say 'why shouldn't Turkey be in the Shanghai 5?," he said. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- also called the Shanghai Pact -- is a loose security and economic bloc led by Russia and China. Other members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Erdogan said he had already discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Erdogan has several times floated plans for Turkey to join the SCO, a move that could scupper its long-standing EU membership bid. The SOC option became clouded, though, when a Russian warplane was downed by the Turkish air force last November. Turkish media reported in August that Nazarbayev mediated a deal between Ankara and Moscow to smooth over the dispute. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987 and accession talks only began in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. Brussels has harshly criticised the Turkish government's crackdown on alleged coup plotters, urging Ankara to comply with rights and freedoms criteria. Erdogan this week warned the EU to decide by year's end on its membership bid, threatening to otherwise call a referendum on this matter. Turkey and the EU agreed to speed up membership talks in March as part of an accord on curbing migrant flows into Greece. The deal was clinched in return for several incentives for Ankara including EU cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as visa-free travel to Schengen area by Turks. But the process, which was already in difficulty, is on a sharp downward spiral following Ankara's crackdown after the attempted coup. Mass arrests and job dismissals and measures against the Turkish press have triggered a sharp reaction from EU politicians and rights watchdogs. Some European parliamentarians have even backed calls for membership talks with Ankara to be halted. Search Keywords: Short link: Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today A mix of clouds and sun, with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 77F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 57F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. After six months of heavy fighting, Libyan forces have advanced so deep into the strategic city of Sirte that they can pick out the Tunisian and Egyptian accents of their Islamic State group enemies as they trade insults over the frontline. Victory is imminent on this remote front of the war against Islamic State group, with the last few militants staging a last stand in a small area of just one square kilometer (0.4 square mile), U.S. and Libyan officials say. But the battle has been long and hard, and holds lessons for U.S. backed forces trying to force Islamic State group out of the much larger Iraqi city of Mosul more than 2,500 km (1,500 miles) away. "We faced unbelievable resistance. They won't leave their posts even when houses are collapsing on them," said Osama Issa, a 37-year-old businessman fighting with Libyan forces in Ghiza, the last neighbourhood of Sirte that IS group holds. "They know they will die anyway so they fight well." Defeat in Sirte will damage the group's ability to show it is expanding globally and deprive it of a foothold outside Iraq and Syria. Losing it and Mosul in quick succession would dent its morale and possibly its ability to recruit followers. But the militants in Sirte have inflicted heavy losses on the Libyan fighters -- at least 660 have been killed and 3,000 wounded -- and held out longer than expected. They have proved their skills in guerrilla warfare, shown the vulnerability of advancing forces that lack expertise in urban warfare and highlighted the limited effectiveness of air strikes when frontlines are so close. The battle has also underlined the importance of trapping fighters during battle because many have escaped from Sirte -- a Libyan commander put the number at 400 -- and are now staging attacks behind frontlines with increasingly sophisticated bombs. Growing rivalry between the various factions in the Libyan forces also serves as a warning to the diverse groups fighting Islamic State in Mosul: the end of the battle may bring political chaos and the risk of new military conflicts. The Islamic State group gradually took over Sirte from early 2015, taking advantage of the chaos in Libya since the start of a civil war in which long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. Sirte, Gaddafi's former hometown, became its main base in North Africa. Just as in Iraq and Syria, militant commanders began to impose their strict vision on Sirte, banning shisha pipe smoking and forcing woman to wear all-covering robes. Later, they enslaved migrant women, imposed taxes and meted out punishments such as public whippings and crucifixions. Forces from the nearby city of Misrata, aligned with the U.N.-backed government in the capital Tripoli, started the military offensive to recapture Sirte in May after Islamic State threatened their security. The last militants are holding out in the Ghiza neighbourhood of the Mediterranean port city, using improvised tunnels, booby traps and snipers. Hiding among collapsed rooftops and in rubble-packed streets in Ghiza, they have sand-filled fridges and tunnels which provide protection against shelling and air strikes. The Libyan forces have been backed by hundreds of U.S. air strikes and helicopter raids, and small teams of U.S. and British military advisors. They are now using Soviet-era tanks to blast paths through rubble as they go from house to house, trying to end the militants' resistance. "We hear them at night shouting to us, telling us they are coming for us," said Asruf el Qat, a student fighting in the rubble of Ghiza's many collapsed villas. "It's snipers, and landmines. We advance, they throw grenades. It's a dirty war." Sniper fire crackled as Qat's brigade kept watch though holes in walls, and occasional shells whistled overhead. Another brigade armed with AK-47 assault rifles -- some of them older men in uniform, others students in jeans and flip flop shoes -- prepared to flush out a sniper holed up nearby. Leader of IS group Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called this month for militants to travel to Libya. It was not his first call for Libya recruits -- Tunisians, Sudanese and Egyptian fighters fought in the city. But Sirte as a base is finished. "Sirte was supposed to be a fallback from Iraq and Syria. That's now gone," said Geoff Porter at North Africa Risk Consulting. "Strategically, the Islamic State group could point to Sirte and tell its followers that it really was global and growing. It can't do that anymore." Misrata intelligence officials say there were once 2,500 militants in Sirte, the majority of them foreign militants. Sirte is now largely deserted. No life has returned to the outer districts of a city of 80,000 residents, where buildings are pockmarked with shell craters and bullet holes. Few signs of Islamic State's rule remain. A large Libyan national flag now flies at the Zafaran roundabout, where militants once crucified victims. The group's tax symbols are still spray-painted on shop walls. The Libyan forces are mostly civilians who fought Gaddafi and returned to help against Islamic State group -- students, mechanics and former army officers among them. "Maybe it will take a week or two from what I can see now (to end Islamic State's resistance in Sirte)," said Salah Al Houti, 22, a student fighting with the Libyan forces. "They stocked supplies and food underground." Libyan commanders say their advance has been slowed by casualties and a lack of ammunition, and complain they received none of the night vision equipment and other weaponry they asked for their allies to deal with snipers. Fears about trapped civilians, at times used as hostages, have increased caution about air strikes and shelling. "It has been the same situation as in Iraq and Syria. They (Islamic State group) are using tunnels and using civilians as human shields," Misrata intelligence chief Brigadier Mohamed Gnaidy said. "They are professional fighters. Their objective is to kill as many of us as possible." Libyan commanders hope victory in Sirte will remove the threat of Islamic State group across the whole country. But the fighters who escaped before Sirte was completely surrounded are still a threat. Some may have fled south, potentially reinforcing links between the group and militant groups in the arid Sahel region, including Nigeria's Boko Haram, and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Others now stage guerrilla attacks near Sirte with devices detonated by remote control. They had previously used long wires to trigger roadside bombs or planted landmines. Another growing problem is the rivalry among fighting groups. Some are turning their attention to renewed fighting with other factions to the east, where Khalifa Haftar, a former Gaddafi ally, is leading the Libya National Army force that does not recognise the Tripoli U.N.-backed government. Haftar's forces took over four key oil ports from a rival faction this year. He has allowed oil exports to reopen for the National Oil Corporation but many in Misrata see him as a military strongman in the making. "I fought in three wars, and the fourth might be against Haftar, and who knows about a fifth," said Abdulminam Abu Breda, a car mechanic who fought in battles for the control of Tripoli and is now fighting in Sirte. Search Keywords: Short link: By Park Jae-hyuk Daiso-Asung and Henkel Homecare Korea will reveal the ingredients in their chemical products, agreeing to a request from the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM). Daiso had initially refused the environmental civic group's request, saying such information was confidential between manufacturer and seller. However, the company changed its mind and sent an official document again to KFEM on Saturday. "We will reveal the ingredients after discussions with manufacturers and importers," it said in the document. A Henkel statement said, "We will post the entire list of ingredients of our chemical products on our website by March 2017." Lush co-founder Rowena Bird / Courtesy of Lush Korea By Park Jae-hyuk The first Lush Prize Asia took place at CGV Cheongdam Cine City, southeastern Seoul, Friday. Hosted by the U.K-based cosmetics company, the Lush Prize has annually rewarded scientists, trainers, lobbyists, campaigners and young researchers with 250,000 pounds ($309,000) since 2012 to support initiatives to end animal testing. Lush held additional awards ceremonies in Vancouver and Seoul this year to support young researchers in North America and Asia to continue their work. Three Asian researchers Yonsei University College of Dentistry researcher Kim Mi-joo from Korea, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine student Tatsumi Kumiko from Japan and the Center for Alternatives Research & Evaluation researcher Yu Chen from China received a total of 30,000 pounds at the event held in Seoul. The Korean doctor has developed alternatives to animal testing in the field of testing the biological safety for dental materials. She said, "Our lab hardly had enough funding, as public awareness of animal testing in the field of dentistry has been low." The three winners of the first Lush Prize Asia are, from left, Tatsumi Kumiko from Japan, Kim Mi-joo from Korea and Yu Chen from China. / Courtesy of Lush Korea Before the beginning of the event, The Korea Times interviewed Lush co-founder Rowena Bird, sales director of Korean branch Veronica Kim and international PR manager Karen Huxley. Bird emphasized animal testing cannot prove any safety for a certain product. She said people opposed to Lush's efforts have "the fear of change and do not want to look forward, but just take the easy path through." Huxley said 95 percent of clinical failure for new drugs appeared safe in animal tests, citing a presentation by Humane Society International at the Asian Congress held in Japan last week. "We've moved from telephones to computers to fax to email to text messages to social media," Bird said. "Now through computer science you can actually map the pathway (of toxins) through the human body, which is more realistic and obvious." Kim said Korean customers, who are very hygienically sensitive, have been misled by information saying that animal testing is mandatory to prove the safety of certain products, which is not true. The Korean branch, where she works, hosted three expos to raise public awareness of animal testing, which enabled the Korean government to institute a ban on animal testing in the cosmetics industry coming into force next February. The government also supported establishing the first laboratory for alternative testing in Hwasun County, South Jeolla Province, which opened Wednesday. Bird said Lush's efforts may not seem "businessy" in the short run, but customers who recognize their efforts are finally coming back in the long run. Kim added the Korean branch has enjoyed at least double-digit growth every year for the past 15 years. Meanwhile, scholars from Korea, China, Japan and Europe delivered speeches on trends and future outlooks on alternatives to animal testing in each area during the event. Lush Korea CEO Christina Woo said, "I wish Korea will continue to play its own role until the day when animal testing completely disappears." The prosecution's briefing of its investigations into the influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil is broadcast on a screen in central Seoul, with Cheong Wa Dae seen behind it, Sunday. Prosecutors acknowledged Park as a suspect in the scandal, saying she is an accomplice of irregularities allegedly committed by Choi and the President's former aides. / Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han Prosecution calls Park accomplice; Choi, aides indicted By Kim Bo-eun The prosecution called President Park Geun-hye an "accomplice" to her friend Choi Soon-sil and pledged to investigate the President as a "criminal suspect" in the unfolding influence-peddling scandal, Sunday, dealing a severe blow to Park who faces growing calls to step down. Announcing its indictments of Choi and two of Park's key aides over the extortion of billions of won from top conglomerates, the prosecution said it specified in its indictment that Park "conspired" with them in the alleged irregularities. It is the first time for the prosecution to name an incumbent President as a criminal suspect. Public attention is now focused on how the prosecution will proceed with its investigation of Park, especially after the President's legal representative said she will not cooperate with the prosecution's questioning. "We have named the President as a suspect, believing she was an accomplice of (Choi and her aides in the scandal)," said Lee Young-ryeol, head of the prosecution's special investigation team, in a press conference at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul. The announcement comes as the prosecution indicted Choi, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Policy Coordination An Chong-bum and former Presidential Secretary for Private Affairs Jeong Ho-seong. "Based on evidence we have secured so far, we have concluded that Park is complicit with many illegal acts allegedly committed by Choi, An and Jeong," the prosecutor said. Although the prosecution was unable to question Park ahead of the indictment of the three suspects, prosecutors said they collected sufficient evidence such as notes in An's notebooks and phone conversation recordings on Jeong's cell phones to conclude that Park was an accomplice. Students demand President Park Geun-hye's resignation over the influence-peddling scandal centering on her confidant Choi Soon-sil, during a rally on Jongno, central Seoul, Saturday. / Yonhap Clashes with President supporters avoided By Choi Ha-young Saturday's mass candlelit rallies against President Park Geun-hye showed the people calling for her resignation is strengthening amid the swirling influence-peddling and corruption scandal involving her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil. The rallies spread throughout the country as citizens have become more infuriated at Park's bid to return to normal operations of state affairs, turning a deaf ear to persistent popular demand that she step down and take responsibility for the unprecedented scandal. The larger-than-expected turnout at the demonstrations proved that the people will not condone the President's involvement in the corruption scheme. Organizers of the candlelit rally in Gwanghwamun Square, downtown Seoul, initially expected a much smaller turnout than the previous rally on Nov. 12 where 1 million took to the streets in the area. However, it was contrary to the expectations: while up to 500,000 participants were forecast, 600,000 joined the demonstration in Seoul alone, with another 350,000 participating in gatherings at different locations across the country, according to the organizers. The higher number demonstrated the people's anger is not subsiding but is continuing to grow, especially after Park resumed her official functions and refused the prosecution's call to be questioned by last Friday, contrary to her initial promise to cooperate with the investigation. The people also pledged stronger action for Park's resignation, particularly in protest of Thursday's comment by Rep. Kim Jin-tae of the ruling Saenuri Party that the rallies will die down soon. Kim said, "A candlelight is just a candlelight. It is blown out by wind. Public sentiment can change at any time." However, his remarks only added fuel to the fire. Many held posters that read: "A candlelight is not blown out but spreads when the wind blows." The Seoul rally drew a large number of high school seniors who finished this year's college entrance exam Thursday. One of the high school seniors said she couldn't bear the influence-peddling scandal because it's not the democracy she has studied. "The President should return the authority to the people, because that's what we delegated," said Jang Seol-ah, 19. Park Ji-woo, 19, another high school senior, said, "Park's resignation is not the end of the issue. The concentration of power (in the hands of the President) is a fundamental problem. And we can't expect a fair and thorough investigation by prosecutors." She refuted some conservative, elderly activists' claims that the students did not come on their own but progressive groups mobilized them. "I can't understand that they say we are unreasonable and immature," she said. "They are the ones who elected the President." Many also expressed anger at preferential treatment in admissions and grading which Ewha Womans University gave to Choi's daughter Chung Yoo-ra, a dressage competitor. "I was so sorry to hear that two students lost the opportunity to study at Ewha due to Chung," said Cho Min-joo, 18. "That's why I am here." Oh Young-seo, 19, claimed the right to vote to build a better society. "High school students have their own judgment. Young people will be able to make wise decisions by having political experience from a young age," he said. A group of senior citizens supporting President Park Geun-hye oppose calls for her resignation during their demonstration in front of Seoul Station, Saturday. / Yonhap Park supporters fight back Separate from the anti-Park rally, Park followers staged a protest in support of the scandal-ridden head of state, breaking their silence for the first time. Members of Park's longtime fan club "Park Sa Mo" (literally, people who love Park Geun-hye) and 80 conservative groups gathered in front of Seoul Station at 2 p.m. to advocate for her. The organizers said the number of participants reached 70,000, while the police estimated it at 11,000. Carrying national flags and bundled up in winter jackets and sunglasses, the pro-Park activists, many of whom came from the provinces by bus, chanted slogans such as: "Protect the constitutional order" and "Root out communists." The protesters, mostly white-haired senior citizens in their 60s to 80s, lashed out at opposition politicians for what they claimed was an "irresponsible" political attack on the President. Some called them "spies from North Korea" or "communists." "If Park resigns, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will attack Seoul," said Hwang Hye-jeong from Busan, 54, who was distributing fliers promoting Park's achievements in office. "Even though the United States helps us, we can't trust Donald Trump." Many of them supported Park because of the legacy of her father, Park Chung-hee, who took power in a military coup in 1961 and is credited with Korea's rapid economic growth and industrialization. "We overcame hunger thanks to Park Chung-hee, but young people, who have never starved, are being selfish," Hwang said. Distrust was widespread among the senior citizens. "It's distorted," said Park Sook-ja, 72, referring to Park's all-time low approval rating of 5 percent. Some admitted the President was wrong, but said Choi is the main culprit and Park can only be blamed for "believing her too much." One speaker even advocated for Choi. "We should respect Choi and her former husband Chung Yoon-hoi who took care of Park when she was lonely, even though they are greedy," said Kim Kyung-jae, president of the Korea Freedom Federation. After the rally, they marched toward Sungnyemun but police blocked their advance to the venue reserved for part of the anti-President protest. During the march, they chanted "Park Geun-hye," holding banners that read "I love you, President. Cheer up." By Jun Ji-hye Eight presidential hopefuls of the opposition bloc agreed Sunday to ask the National Assembly to begin discussions to impeach President Park Geun-hye over a massive political scandal involving her and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil. The agreement followed their "emergency political meeting" at the Assembly to seek ways of resolving the national chaos sparked by the political turmoil. Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and Ahn Cheol-soo, former co-chairman of the second-largest opposition People's Party, were among the participants. "We confirmed that the facts constituting Park's crimes are now clear and significant, and they constitute legal conditions required for her impeachment," they said in a statement. "We ask the three opposition parties and the National Assembly to begin discussions to push for the impeachment of the President in parallel with a national drive to oust Park." The statement came soon after the prosecution announced the results of its interim investigation, saying Park is suspected of having played a part in the corruption and influence-peddling scheme involving Choi and key aides. Park allegedly "colluded" with Choi, suspected of interfering in various state affairs and bullying local conglomerates in collaboration with two then-presidential aides, according to the prosecution team. The opposition heavyweights called on Park to completely stand back from managing ongoing state affairs such as the signing of a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan and the publication of state-authored history textbooks. Other participants are former co-chairman of the People's Party Chun Jung-bae, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, South Chungcheong Governor Ahn Hee-jung, four-term lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum of the DPK, Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung, and minor opposition Justice Party Chairwoman Sim Sang-jeung. They also urged the prosecution to question Park as a suspect without delay and disclose all relevant facts to the public. Such a demand was made as the prosecution wanted to conduct face-to-face questioning of the President last week, which did not take place. Park's lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha called on the prosecution to postpone the questioning and replace a face-to-face investigation with a questionnaire. "The crux of this case is the fact that the President, who has to safeguard the Constitution, has violated the basic law," Ahn said. The participants then asked the three opposition parties to promptly come up with follow-up measures to minimize a possible power vacuum that could result from Park's resignation or impeachment, including the Assembly-led appointment of a prime minister and formation of an "interim" Cabinet. Following the prosecution's announcement, members from the ruling Saenuri Party, who have confronted Park and her loyalists within the party, also said the Assembly should immediately begin procedures to impeach Park. The members, including former governing party chairman Kim Moo-sung, said that the party should also discuss whether to file a complaint with the intra-party ethic committee to forcibly terminate Park's party membership. The opposition parties also joined forces to further raise pressure on Park to step down. "President Park has now become a suspect," DPK spokesman Youn Kwan-suk told reporters. "She should follow the people's demands through a decision to resign voluntarily rather than make the worst choice that would plunge the nation into a bigger crisis." The People's Party also echoed the DPK's view. "The country will function and move forward when the President, whom the prosecution portrays as an alleged accomplice, moves out of the presidential office," spokesman Lee Yong-ho said. Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday that President Park Geun-hye will not accept the prosecution's request for questioning over the Choi Soon-sil scandal, claiming the prosecution's accusations were all based on speculations. / Korea Times file Cheong Wa Dae hits back with denial of all allegations By Kim Hyo-jin Cheong Wa Dae disputed, Sunday, the prosecution's interim investigation results identifying President Park Geun-hye as an accomplice in the corruption scandal involving her confidant Choi Soon-sil. The presidential office claimed the results are based on "imagination and speculation." It also retracted previous statements, now saying it will refuse the prosecution's request to question Park. It went even further, saying the President is willing to face impeachment rather than come under a "biased political attack." "We cannot trust the prosecution's objectivity and fairness, so we will never respond to its request to conduct in-person questioning," Yoo Yeong-ha, Park's lawyer, told reporters. "Rather, we will prepare for the planned impartial independent counsel." After the prosecution announced that Park had colluded with Choi and former presidential secretaries An Chong-bum and Jeong Ho-seong in "considerable parts" of their alleged criminal acts, presidential spokesperson Jung Youn-kuk said, "It is deeply regrettable that the prosecution argued as if Park has committed serious crimes in its findings." Stating his refusal to cooperate with the ongoing prosecutorial investigation, Jung said the presidential office would rather face impeachment proceedings. "If the unfair political offensive continues based on biased arguments by the investigation team, state affairs will be thrown further into confusion," he said. "We hope we can end the controversy by going through a Constitutional process." Israel's prime minister has made his first comments on a brewing scandal over the purchase of German submarines, saying his only consideration was fortifying the country's security. Benjamin Netanyahu's comments Sunday come amid calls for an inquiry after it was revealed his personal attorney, David Shimron, had represented the German company building the submarines. The reports into Shimron's involvement in the sale raised concerns over a potential conflict of interests. Suspicions of impropriety were heightened after former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said he was sidelined on the plans. Israel has ordered six submarines from Germany over the past two decades. Israel decided to buy three new ones to replace its older submarines. Netanyahu says the purchase is essential to Israel's security and that was "the only consideration that guided me. Search Keywords: Short link: Chinese authorities sent a message to its fishermen to respect maritime laws and abstain from resisting inspections by the Korean Coast Guard, citing crackdown measures being implemented to cope with illegal fishing, the government here said Sunday. The Korean Coast Guard discovered the message that was sent from the marine affairs unit of China's Shandong Province to its fishermen, while questioning a Chinese fishing boat that was caught fishing off the western coast Thursday. The message, spread via the Chinese global positioning system (GPS) Beidou, said, "The South Korean government has strengthened its control over the West Sea and has implemented an 'act first and report later' guideline for its Coast Guard." Korea has made clear that its security forces have been authorized to use firearms and even crew-served weapons to apprehend fishing boats operating illegally within its exclusive economic zone. The message added, "Fishing boats must stick to the law and not resort to violence," and urged Chinese seamen to "firmly stop violating the fishing policies of other countries." The Chinese authorities' warning to its fishermen came after two incidents earlier this month, where the Coast Guard used weapons against illegal fishing. The first incident took place Nov. 1, when the Coast Guard fired about 700 rounds from a ship-mounted M60 in the process of capturing two Chinese fishing boats operating illegally off the coast of the South Korean port city of Incheon. The second took place Nov. 12, when the Korean patrol boats fired 95 rounds to chase off around 30 Chinese boats. After the first incident, China called in the Korean ambassador to express strong displeasure with what it sees as a "violent" crackdown, although both confrontations caused no casualties or damage. Illegal fishing has been a source of diplomatic tensions between the two countries in recent months. Since a Chinese vessel intentionally crashed into and sank a Korean patrol boat in October, Korea has toughened measures against illegal fishing in its waters. The number of illegal Chinese boats reported off the West Sea has decreased after the Korean authorities beefed up their crackdown. (Yonhap) AZERBAIJAN Baku to hold energy forum The fourth "International Caspian Energy Forum Baku 2016" will take place in Azerbaijan's capital on March 15 next year, the Embassy of Azerbaijan said. Heads of government institutions, ministries, committees and agencies of Azerbaijan and countries across the Caspian-Black Sea and Baltic regions will attend the event organized by the government and the Caspian European Club. The club, led by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, is a large and dynamically developing regional organization that brings together over 5,000 member companies and organizations from 50 countries operating in the Caspian, Black Sea and Baltic regions. The Caspian European Club was established in June 2002 through the involvement of the Caspian Energy International Media Group and with the support of the biggest oil and gas companies operating in the Caspian-Black Sea region. NETHERLANDS Dutch Prince to visit Korea Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands will visit Korea to promote startup business project "StartupDelta2020" on Nov. 21-23, the Dutch Embassy said. "As the Netherlands is known as a leading startup ecosystem in Europe, Prince Constantijn will promote the Netherlands as the place to be' and gateway to Europe for Korean companies," an embassy spokesperson said. A business delegation will accompany Prince Constantijn and launch the "Startup Mentor Network Korea," consisting of entrepreneurs and senior executives of Dutch companies based in Korea who are ready to help Dutch startups take a first step here. The "Get in the Ring Special Edition" will also take place during the visit at the NAVER D2 Startup Factory in Seoul, where Dutch and Korean startups will pitch their products and services to incubators, accelerators and investors, the embassy said. PORTUGAL Portuguese food to tempt Korean gourmets The Embassy of Portugal will bring representatives from five food and beverage companies to Seoul on Nov. 21-23 to introduce the country's fine range of products that have gained international attention. The "Discovering Portuguese Food & Beverage" event, co-organized by Trade & Investment Agency AICEP Seoul and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), will present a range of products _ including canned fish, fruit juices and olive oil by A Poveira, Sumol+Compal, Hit Group, Azcoa and Nutrigreen _ to Korean buyers and media at the KITA office. "The Korean market is very appealing to Portuguese companies," Joana Neves, head of mission for trade and investment at the embassy, said. "It's a demanding market where the quality, sophistication and differentiation of Portuguese products can be valued and recognized. PortugalFoods has the answer to the Korean trends demand, providing buyers a one-stop-shop' concept, with an approach that enables companies to benefit from strategic synergies." PortugalFoods is an association that represents the European country's food and beverage companies, helping them expand overseas. "Over the past few years, Portugal has become a reliable and high-quality supplier in the food and beverage sector," Neves said. "More and more Portuguese companies are launching competitive, innovative and appealing products to international markets, responding to global trends and consumer needs and engaging its tradition with knowledge and innovation." INDIA India wants to attract Korean investment Indian Ambassador to Korea Vikram Doraiswami organized an event to promote investment opportunities in his country at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul on Nov.9. "Korea Plus" saw 200 representatives from over 150 companies present information on various opportunities. According to the embassy, "Korea Plus" is a unique team of handpicked Indian and Korean members working in New Delhi to facilitate joint ventures, new investment and Korean business in India. Korea Plus reports regularly to the highest authorities in the Indian Government, helping fast track important programs, projects and businesses. At the event, the ambassador encouraged Korean businesses to take the opportunities in India head on, and shared examples of early movers. He also stressed the "fulfilment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment in establishing the Korea Plus' team, set up to facilitate Korean business in India." Nagaraj Naidu, joint secretary of the Investment and Technology Promotion Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, also attended the promotion, highlighting the "sweeping reforms in India and the headline projects currently under way." A special guidebook on investment, in Korean, was launched at the event, along with a book on Indian tea called "Chai," produced by the Tea Sommelier Institute Korea. A website with information for investors is also set to be launched soon, the embassy said. Around 30 wine educators, sommeliers and importers participate in the one-day certificate course at the Gangnam Wine and Spirits Academy on Oct. 31. / Courtesy of the New Zealand Embassy By Rachel Lee New Zealand recently offered a wine certificate program for the first time in Korea for those wishing to learn more about the country's wines, the New Zealand Embassy said on Nov. 14. Around 30 wine educators, sommeliers and importers participated in the one-day certificate course at the Gangnam Wine and Spirits Academy last month. New Zealand Winegrowers and the embassy co-hosted the event. New Zealand Winegrowers is a national organization for the country's grape and wine sector. It has about 850 grower members and 700 winery members. New Zealand Ambassador Clare Fearnley said at the event there was no "better time to be learning about New Zealand wine, which is now duty free following entry into force of the Korea-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA)." Since the trade deal came into effect last December, New Zealand wine exports to Korea have grown 34 percent, according to the embassy. Wine expert Bob Campbell lectured on different aspects and facets of New Zealand wines and wine regions at classes and tastings. New Zealand Winegrowers awarded a certificate to those who successfully completed the course, saying they have become "equipped to pass on an understanding of New Zealand wines to others." As part of efforts to promote the products, the organization and 13 wineries hosted a promotion in Seoul that attracted over 300 experts from the Korean wine industry. Trade Commissioner Ryan Freer said the Korean wine market is growing fast, with more Koreans now enjoying the "quality and distinctive wines that only New Zealand's unique climate and soil can produce." According to the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, the FTA is expected to reduce tariffs on exports to Korea by 56 billion won in the first year. Overall, about 98 percent of tariffs on New Zealand exports to Korea will be eliminated. It is estimated there will be a $6 billion benefit for Korea by 2030 and $4.5 billion for New Zealand. Korea is New Zealand's sixth-largest trading partner. Key tariffs to be eliminated include the duty on kiwifruit (45 percent), butter (89 percent), beef (40 percent), wine (15 percent) and up to 11 percent on most processed wood products. New international sanctions being ironed out after North Korea tested its fifth nuclear device in September will include tighter exemption rules regarding the export of coal, diplomatic sources in Seoul said Sunday. Official insiders said that talks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) are in their final stages, and will include more stringent guidelines on the "livelihood exemption" clause in Resolution 2270 announced in March to penalize the North for its fourth nuclear test in January and the long-range missile launch in the following month. The existing exemption allows exports if cutting them off will hurt ordinary people's livelihoods. "The change should oblige the importer to prove that the coal it is buying from the North does not in any way support the country's nuclear and ballistic missile programs," said an official, who declined to be identified. The revisions will mainly affect Chinese companies who have been importing North Korean coal despite the international trade embargo imposed on the reclusive state. Such imports have been cited as a serious loophole that is hurting the integrity of the UNSC sanctions and making it easier for Pyongyang to brush aside pressure to halt its weapons of mass destruction program. Coal is the North's main export commodity and key source of foreign currency. "If an agreement is reached that can close the loophole, Pyongyang will certainly feel the pinch," another government insider said. He then said that with most of the sticking points having been resolved, there is a good chance that a new resolution will be approved by the UNSC as early as this week. The official said there is even the possibility that it will touch on the North's deplorable human rights record. Diplomatic observers said it has taken the international body some time to reach an agreement on sanctions, because China has been weary of putting too much force on its neighbor out of fear it could cause the country to collapse. Beijing, while adhering to nonproliferation, does not want to see the Pyongyang regime fail. In particular, Chinese policymakers are opposed to the idea of seeing a pro-U.S. South Korea right on their front doorstep in the event North Korea implodes. (Yonhap) Park now a suspect in Choi's extortion case, but in denial President Park Geun-hye is in denial, forfeiting her dignity if any is left and, in a sadistic act, trying to take the nation down with her. On Sunday, prosecutors cited the President as a "conspirator" in its indictment of Choi Soon-sil, Park's confidant of 40 years, on charges of using presidential powers illegally and collecting chaebol donations in collusion with Park. This means Park is now a criminal suspect. However, she is constitutionally protected from indictment and subsequent punishment. Although prosecutors plan to question Park this week, it could require an independent counsel's probe and an impeachment process to prove Park's wrongdoing and punish her, if she refuses to step down. Park's former senior secretary An Chong-bum was also indicted for collecting tens of billions of won from big companies for two foundations led from behind scenes by Choi, while charges against long-term aide Jeong Ho-seong included transfer of presidential documents to Choi. Park broadly acknowledged the two acted under her instructions and apologized. After the prosecutors' announcement, Cheong Wa Dae expressed deep regret. The presidential office's reaction came in the context of a sense of defiance. Park denied a request by prosecutors for questioning, saying she needed more time to prepare. This was speculated as a legal sleight of hand to make it difficult for prosecutors to include Park in the indictment against the trio. Judging by the scarcity of specifics in the indictment, Park partially succeeded. Park has obviously engaged in a "waiting game" to see whether the candlelit protests would prove sustainable. By some accounts, the protests have waned after peaking with a turnout of 1 million people. On Saturday, the protests went nationwide but the crowds were smaller. Also, the presidential office started to challenge reports through its website, for instance, insisting that Park was on the premises during what is called the "seven missing hours" right after the April 16, 2014, Sewol ferry sinking. Some argued she was having a tryst with a lover, while others claimed she was receiving cosmetic treatment. The President may think if she holds on long enough, her supporters will come to her rescue and she could turn the tables and finish her term. But this would be another colossal mistake that tops her careless association with Choi. True, the opposition parties are in disarray, finding no united way of challenging Park, while the candlelit turnout may get smaller from time to time. In the eyes of the people in many surveys, she is no longer fit for the role. A recent poll by Hankook Ilbo, sister paper of The Korea Times, showed that nine in 10 want Park deprived of presidential powers. Opinions differ only on how this should be done. So Park should not wait for the storm to blow over it will not happen until she is out. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem said on Sunday that Staffan De Mistura, the special envoy of the United Nations secretary general, had proposed that rebel-held east Aleppo have an autonomous administration but that Damascus rejected this. "This was completely rejected... This is a violation of our sovereignty," he said in a televised news conference after holding talks with De Mistura in Damascus on Sunday. Search Keywords: Short link: The Syrian government on Sunday refused a U.N. proposal to grant the eastern districts of Aleppo autonomy as part of an approach to restore calm to the war-torn city. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said the state's institutions "must be restored" to the city once militants have been expelled from the opposition-controlled eastern districts. Speaking following a meeting with the U.N.'s Special Envoy Staffan De Mistura, al-Muallem gave no indication his government would ease its assault on Aleppo's eastern districts in a campaign that, as of Saturday, has left all hospitals serving the enclave out of service. Al-Moallem added that Syria doesn't accept leaving some 275,000 people in east Aleppo as "hostages to 6,000 gunmen." "We agreed on the need that terrorists should get out of east Aleppo to end the suffering of the civilians in the city," he said. De Mistura did not make any remarks following the meeting. At least eight children were killed in Aleppo Sunday when rockets struck a school in the contested city's government-run quarters, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported. Syrian state news reported a teacher was also killed in the barrage that struck the al-Furqan school near the Sabeel neighborhood in Aleppo. The Observatory said at least 37 civilians have been killed since mid-day Saturday by the government's artillery and aerial blitz on the besieged eastern enclave, where 275,000 people have been trapped with dwindling food supplies since July, according to U.N. estimates. De Mistura warned in an interview with the U.K. newspaper The Guardian earlier this week that the government was chasing a "pyrrhic victory" in Aleppo if the government does not arrive at a political settlement with the opposition. He warned the military's unrestrained approach would drive more moderate rebels into the ranks of the Islamic State group. Search Keywords: Short link: More than 20 people were killed in fighting this week between rival tribes in southern Libya, a medical official said Sunday, in violence reportedly sparked by an incident involving a monkey. Witnesses said several homes were hit by rockets and shells in the confrontation. Nasser al-Jehimi of the medical centre in Sebha said 21 people were killed and around 100 others injured in clashes since Tuesday in the city between Awled Suleiman tribal members and the Guedadfa tribe of Libya's toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The casualty toll was for the Awed Suleiman tribe alone as information was not immediately available from another hospital being used for their rivals. The cause of the fighting was unclear, but Libyan and social media said it erupted after a monkey belonging to one tribe attacked a child from the other camp. There was no official confirmation of the report. Salah Badr, a member of Sebha city council, declined to give specifics but noted that relations between the two tribes had been strained for many years. "A minor incident sparked the fire," he told AFP. Since the downfall of Kadhafi in Libya's 2011 revolution, the country has been riven by deadly unrest and political divisions. Regular inter-tribal clashes in Sebha have left several dozen people dead. Search Keywords: Short link: President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Syria and Ukraine on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president. The two leaders were seen chatting at the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. The White House said the conversation lasted four minutes. Although reporters present couldn't hear what they said, the White House said Obama encouraged Putin to uphold his country's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. The White House said Obama also called for U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to keep working in initiatives with other countries to lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory U.S. approach to Russia. Under Obama, the U.S. has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a "partner-like dialogue," the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the U.S. also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the U.S. also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected the claims of interference in the U.S. election. The meeting came as Obama prepared for planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the U.S. and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt U.S. workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Besides participating in meetings Sunday with other world leaders attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Forum taking place in Peru's capital, Obama was sitting down first with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a U.S. ally and partner in the trans-Pacific trade deal. The president also planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose nation is another TPP partner. Before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Washington, Obama was to answer questions from the journalists who accompanied him to Greece, Germany and Peru. Trump's election overshadowed every stop on Obama's trip. The president went to once unimaginable lengths to defend the real-estate mogul and reality TV star who he had repeatedly denounced during the campaign as "temperamentally unfit" and "uniquely unqualified" to be president. "I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be," Obama said in response to a question about Trump during a forum here Saturday with some of Latin America's future leaders. "As I've always said, how you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern," he added. Obama's suggestion is that Trump could soften some of his more hard-line positions on immigration, terrorism and other issues once he confronts the reality of having to run the country. But the candidates Trump announced this past week for key national security posts Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA sent a signal that Trump intends to lead exactly as he said he would during the campaign. Leaders in every region of the world have expressed concern about Trump's stances on immigration, trade, NATO and other matters. Search Keywords: Short link: The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary Read more Dan Fogler must believe in magic, because landing his latest role in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them felt to him like it had been preordained by the cosmos. I asked the universe, the stand-up comedian, musician and Tony Award-winning actor revealed, Please give me a part where I can play the full spectrum of my abilities. After an elaborate array of auditions and screen tests, the universe answered. Fogler was cast as Jacob Kowalski, the only character in J.K. Rowlings magical world without any magical powers. But what Kowalski lacked in wand skills he made up for in heart. The no-maj (Rowlings American slang for muggles) steals many of the films major scenes, and he does it all without any incantations or Polyjuice Potions. Advertisement In college, I learned that my favorite parts were the sad clown parts, Fogler said. Those are the ones I love because you get to do everything. You get to be funny, make them laugh one minute and make them cry the next minute. Thats what I saw in this character. Even the similarities between Fogler and Kowalski feel oddly enchanted. On his way to Beijing, the next stop on the globe-trotting press tour for Fantastic Beasts, the actor revealed how Kowalski was practically family. Warning, minor spoilers ahead. How did you get involved with Fantastic Beasts? I auditioned like everybody else in the world for this part. I went in and I thought I nailed it. Then I got a call to come to L.A., and I auditioned with David Yates and Fiona Weir, the casting director. I thought I did a really good job there too, and Im pretty sure they were wiping away tears when I was leaving. Then I didnt hear a damn thing. Then they were just auditioning everybody in the world again, and then I got a call for a screen test. I met Eddie [Redmayne] and Alison [Sudol], and that was really good too. Then they said, If we do call you again, then its going to be for another 5 million screen tests, so I was like, Oh dang. I was traveling back and forth to the U.K., and it was a really hectic time because I was also doing the Spelling Bee show. The same day as the screen test [in the U.K.], I got off the plane and ran to the Town Hall theater [in New York] and performed Spelling Bee for the 10-year reunion and that was insane. Then I went to Comic-Con. I asked, Should I be on call in case I have to go to the U.K. again? And they said, Nah, go to Comic-Con, man. So I went to Comic-Con in San Diego 2015, and thats where I heard it. My agent called and said, Yo, what are you doing? I told them where I was and they said, Well, you know Comic-Cons going to be a lot crazier next year, and they were right. They were absolutely right. Cut to the next year, this last Comic-Con was just Hall H filled to the brim with screaming fans. Its pretty life-altering. I think I brought some real authenticity to it. I grew up in Brooklyn. When I read the part, I thought, Oh, man, I know this guy. Dan Fogler Had you ever been on a Hall H panel before for Comic-Con? I was there for [the ping-pong film] Balls of Fury, and we were just like, Everyone in the back move forward. Fill in the seat there. So this was a lot different. [Giggles.] Did you feel like you had an advantage while auditioning because youre actually from New York? I think I brought some real authenticity to it. I grew up in Brooklyn. When I read the part, I thought, Oh, man, I know this guy. Hes one of my ancestors. I have a great-grandfather, Isaac, who was a baker in New York on the Lower East Side. Its really surreal stepping into the role. I felt like it was written for me. I felt like he was family already, so I loved him. Then I paid homage to a lot of my favorite actors from that era, like Chaplin and Buster Keaton. When Eddie and I are together, its like Laurel and Hardy or Abbott and Costello. I tried to infuse him with all of that great, elegant kind of comedy, that real physical kind of comedy. Also [James] Cagney. I liked how Cagney stood. He was very conservative in his motions because Im such a broad, wacky guy, I thought that it helped me stay in the period. Cut to me flailing and running like a maniac. [Laughs.] These are all brand new characters that didnt come from a book but from J.K. Rowlings screenplay. Did you get to talk with Rowling for additional research? In rehearsal, she gave me a nice hint. She said, I love what youre doing. Keep doing what youre doing, and, I love Jacobs character. I was like, Do tell. And she said, He reminds me of Ron. Thats great because Ron, he gets to do everything. He gets to be the clown and the hero and he gets the girl. This is going to be fun. Whenever [Rowling] came on set, she would give us little hints about our futures, so that instills you with confidence that she is formulating a repertoire for you. She told me where this characters going, and man, its an incredible transformation. Hes also the only nonmagic person out of the whole main cast. Why do you think that makes him special? I think its incredible. Hes back from [World War I] and somehow, hes been able to maintain a philosophy of compassion and kindness, and hes running into the fray with these wizards, and he doesnt have a wand. This guys really brave. I think those qualities make him a quite magical person even if he doesnt know how to wield magic. The film culminates in this wonderful sequence in the rain what was it like shooting that scene? That was lovely. That was like Shawshank Redemption, you know that moment in the rain that [Tim Robbins] has? It was so epic and everything was leading up to this wild moment, and it was just perfect the way it was directed. For me, [shooting] that moment was the last day of sleep-away camp. You made these lifelong friends and youve had your first kiss and your first girlfriend and the end of the summer your parents come and you got to leave. I remember many summers where I was going home just blubbering like an idiot, and thats what this felt like when I had to leave this little motley family. Final question. How long did it take you to find Kowalskis giggle after drinking the giggle water in the magical jazz club? I had that in my pocket. One of my little bag of tricks. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers meredith.woerner@latimes.com Twitter: @MdellW ALSO: The complicated, controversial history of Batman: The Killing Joke Harley Quinn and the Jokers bonkers Suicide Squad costumes are full of insane details For the love of monsters: An insider tour of Guillermo del Toros Bleak House before his LACMA show An Anaheim police officer shot and killed a man suspected of assault with a deadly weapon during a confrontation Saturday night, authorities said. Anaheim police and the California Highway Patrol were pursuing two individuals in a 2003 Honda Pilot about 9 p.m. after their SUV tried to hit a vehicle on the 91 Freeway near East Street, then rammed another, said Sgt. Daron Wyatt of the Anaheim Police Department. The two individuals were later seen running from their car, police said. Officers followed one of the men, 29-year-old Adalid Flores, to the courtyard of a residence in the 1300 block of North East Street, where he was shot by an officer, authorities said. Advertisement Flores was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, authorities said. Officials said no weapons were found at the scene of the shooting. No information was available about whether the other individual in the car was apprehended. The officer involved in the shooting was wearing a body camera, Wyatt said. He declined to release the officers name. The incident is under investigation by the Orange County district attorneys office as well as the Anaheim Police Departments homicide detail, Major Incident Review Team and the Office of Independent Review. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. anna.phillips@latimes.com Twitter: @annamphillips UPDATES: 4:22 p.m.: This story has been updated Orbit Pavilion: In the Arts & Books section elsewhere in this edition, an article about the NASA Orbit Pavilion at the Huntington Library in San Marino says that in the Huntington Five program, the library will collaborate with five other institutions each year. It will collaborate with one each year. The error was caught after the section went to press. Homeless project: In the Nov. 18 California section, an article about plans to use city-owned land to build housing for Los Angeles chronically homeless population incorrectly stated that a parcel at 11681 W. Foothill Blvd. was in Sunland-Tujunga. It is in Lake View Terrace. UC tuition protest: In the Nov. 18 California section, an article about UC students protesting a possible tuition hike referred to Juniper Cordova-Goff as a he. It should have said she. Advertisement 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. During his final debate against Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump bemoaned the state of Americas schools. Our inner cities are a disaster, he said. They have no education. It was a sweeping statement, unaccompanied by a solution. But if the president-elects education plans havent been spelled out in detail, he has given some broad indications. Advertisement He has said he might eliminate or scale back the U.S. Department of Education. He wants to create a new school voucher program, support home-schooling, beef up childcare subsidies. Educators across the country are waiting and wondering. Usually they know more by this point. Traditionally, for example, both candidates appear before the American Federation of Teachers union to be considered for endorsement, said the unions president, Randi Weingarten. Trump didnt come and the transition team has not returned her calls. In the U.S., states and school districts control most education dollars and school-level decisions. Still, Trump has some power to act alone and with the help of Congress in ways that might affect California schools. For example, some expect Trump to give the state more breathing room in an ongoing fight over how schools should be rated. Other possible moves: Michelle Rhee meets with Donald Trump. Could his education secretary be a Democrat? 1) He could cut federal education funding. The federal government funds a number of education programs. On average, these dollars made up about 8.7% of school districts budgets in the 2013-2014 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In California as well as for the Los Angeles Unified School District, they have a slightly bigger share: 11%. Schools on Native American reservations and military bases dont have local tax revenue bases, so they rely on federal money. These schools were hurt most by previous budget cuts. Such schools in California include Sherman Indian High School in Riverside and Noli School in San Jacinto. While Congress has to approve budgets, the president kicks off the process with his proposal for spending. What he can do is cut the budget of education, said California State Board of Education President Mike Kirst, who briefly worked in the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. He seems to have other priorities, so education might be cut. 2) Minority, disabled and transgender students, and students who are in the country without legal permission, could lose a layer of protection. Some of Obamas most controversial education policies have come out of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and the Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights. In 2014, the two departments told school districts they could not discriminate against students based on immigration status. The office directed districts to establish families proof of residency without asking for citizenship papers. In May, the Obama administration directed schools to let transgender students use bathrooms that match their gender identities. More than 10 states sued. In July, the administration classified ADHD as a specific disability whose status shields students from discrimination. But nothing enshrines these directives in law so they can be rescinded without congressional approval. I believe on day one, theyll rescind all of these letters, said Michael Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a right-leaning think tank based in Washington, D.C. How would this affect local schools? According to Judy Chiasson, Los Angeles Unifieds coordinator for Human Relations, Diversity & Equity, the school district and the state have particularly strong protections in place, including for transgender students. A state can give more protection [than is required], but not less, Chiasson said of transgender students. What happens at the federal level would not preclude a district...from being able to protect students from discrimination. 3) He could take on fewer investigations into school districts wrongdoing or sexual assault on college campuses. The Education Departments Office of Civil Rights is tasked with investigating school districts and universities accused of violating students civil rights. The office has been the firepower behind the federal governments war against rape on college campus. Last summer, San Bernardino County reached an agreement with the federal government after the office found it to be violating federal law in its treatment of students with disabilities. Due to federal budget cuts, staffing has declined from about 1,200 in 1990 to 563 in 2016. At the same time, the number of complaints it receives has grown dramatically, particularly over the course of the Obama administration. In 2015, the office reached over 1,000 resolutions and opened more than 3,000 investigations. Under President George W. Bush, the office still enforced civil rights law but was known for doing desk audits checking websites and making calls primarily instead of conducting interviews in person, said Dianne Piche, a former OCR deputy assistant secretary. Trump has called for shrinking the federal government, including the Education Department. He can cut the office of Civil Rights, Kirst said. I see a lot less going on there. Its asking a leopard to shed its spots to expect this president to take a similar stand against words and actions hes characterized as no more than locker room prattle, said Mark Rosenbaum, a Los Angeles-based civil rights attorney at Public Counsel. You can reach Joy Resmovits on Twitter @Joy_Resmovits and by email at Joy.Resmovits@LATimes.com. ALSO Michelle Rhee meets with Donald Trump. Could his education secretary be a Democrat? Obamas final foreign trip was his last chance to warn the world about Trump, and to warn Trump about the world Trump won by rejecting the political rules. Will the GOP Senate give him more leeway with Cabinet nominees? A pregnant woman was killed in a drive-by shooting at a busy intersection in Visalia, but doctors still managed to successfully deliver her baby boy, police said Saturday. Vanessa Oviedo, 27, and Andrew Aguirre, 23, were in a car near the intersection of Ben Maddox Way and Houston Avenue in the Central California city on Thursday night when a gunman in another vehicle opened fire on them, police said. Oviedo, who was 35 weeks pregnant, was fatally shot in the head, authorities said. Aguirre, who was driving, was shot in the leg. Three other people in the car, including an 11-month-old child, were unharmed. Advertisement Aguirre drove to Kaweah Delta Medical Center, a nearby hospital. Doctors performed an emergency C-section on Oviedo and were able to deliver her baby, who is in stable condition, police said. Aguirre was treated and released. Detectives said they believed the victims were targeted and were investigating possible gang involvement. The Associated Press contributed to this story. soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @skarlamangla ALSO Firefighters battle blaze at historic Union Station After warm Saturday, close to 100%' chance of rain Sunday evening Suspected supplier arrested after four men overdose, one fatally, in Newport Beach The 9th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven will be performed by the BA Chamber Orchestra, BA Youth Orchestra, BA Symphonic Choir and soloists, conducted by Hisham Gabr On Saturday, 26 November, one of the greatest classical music works, Ludwig van Beethovens Symphony No 9 (The Choral Symphony) will be performed by the artistic forces of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Conducted by Hisham Gabr, the performance of the symphony will combine the BA Chamber Orchestra, BA Youth Orchestra, BA Symphonic Choir and soloists soprano Mona Rafla (Egypt), alto Rodica Ocheseanu (Romania), tenor Khalil Saeed (Tunisia) and baritone Haithem Hadhiri (Tunisia). The Symphony No 9 is Beethoven's last completed symphony and one of the best-known works of classical music, included in the Memory of the World International Register compiled by UNESCO as the greatest testimonies of human history. The great pinnacle of Beethovens greatness, the work is admired by musicians and music lovers alike, mainly due to the final cantata that comes in its last, fourth movement, Ode to Joy sung to the poem by Friedrich von Schiller. The symphony premiered 7 May 1824 in Vienna. Because of his deafness, Beethoven stood behind the conductor, with his back to the audience and at first did not see the standing ovation and the audience who, according to witnesses at the time, asked the composer to the stage five times. The evening will also include Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from the composer's opera Prince Igor. Programme: Saturday, 26 November, 7pm Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Great Hall, Alexandria 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: A Hawthorne police officer was shot in the leg Saturday afternoon while exchanging gunfire with a suspect, who was armed with a machete and a handgun, authorities said. The shooting occurred after officers responded about 4:20 p.m. to a report of a customer refusing to leave a storage facility in the 4800 block of Rosecrans Avenue in Hawthorne. When they discovered that the suspect was armed, two officers exchanged fire with him, said Lt. Gary Tomatani of the Hawthorne Police Department. Advertisement The suspect also suffered a gunshot wound in the torso, Tomatani said, adding that the man is expected to be arrested. His name was not available Saturday night. The officer, a six-year veteran of the department, and the suspect are expected to survive. Another officer who fired shots received a minor injury in one arm, according to police. victoria.kim@latimes.com For more California news, follow me on Twitter @vicjkim ALSO Suspected supplier arrested after four men overdose, one fatally, in Newport Beach Doctors deliver baby after pregnant women is killed in drive-by shooting Assault suspect taken into custody after prompting evacuation at USCs Doheny Library Will the Middle East slide into even greater chaos during Donald Trumps presidency? Some potential scenarios: An expanded offensive against Islamic State could take precedence over all else. Syrias president could cling to power. Russias regional ambitions could go unchecked. Strongmen could flourish, and sectarian rivalries become more inflamed. Already fading hopes for Israeli-Palestinian peace could dim even more. Of course, its hard to say what Trump will do when he takes office in January. During months of campaigning, the GOP candidate was long on bombast but short on specifics, firing off machine-gun bursts of rhetoric that veered wildly from one day to the next. Muslims whether refugees, militants or ordinary citizens were often painted as a distinct threat. Advertisement Leaders across the region are watching to see which of the Republican president-elects pronouncements can be written off as electioneering bluster, and which seem destined to mark U.S. policy making in one of the most highly volatile parts of the world. Islamic State, and the question of how best to confront it, lies at the heart of what many in the foreign-policy establishment regard as some of the more combustible elements of the incoming presidents world view. In statements before and after the election, Trump has indicated that a stepped-up fight against the group is sufficient reason to team up with Russian President Vladimir Putin, openly distrusted by the Obama White House, and to abandon support for the rebel factions seeking to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad. Assad a leader the Obama administration has said should face justice for war crimes against his own people posited this week in an interview with a Portuguese broadcast outlet that Trump could prove a natural ally in the fight against extremists. Assad routinely portrays all those seeking to oust him as terrorists. After the Nov. 8 election, Islamic States propaganda machine celebrated Trumps victory. It pointed to Trumps harshest campaign positions including his call to ban Muslims from entering the United States as proof that the president-elects true agenda was a war on Islam, and that Muslims could never achieve acceptance in Western societies. Trumps win of the American presidency will bring hostility of Muslims against America as a result of his reckless actions, which show the overt and hidden hatred against them, declared the Islamic State-affiliated al Minbar Jihadi Media network, according to the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist communiques. The outlet heralded glad tidings in the imminent demise of America at the hands of Trump, according to SITE. Some analysts, though, expressed doubts that even Trumps most bellicose remarks provided any real recruiting boost to Islamic State, which has seen its so-called caliphate shrink dramatically over the last year. U.S.-backed forces are laying siege to Mosul, the groups major urban foothold in Iraq, and moving to isolate Raqqah in Syria, its self-declared capital. Islamic State recruiting has been going down for reasons that have nothing to do with Donald Trump, and a lot to do with being defeated militarily, said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Id be reluctant to say he has advantaged them so far. As Trump surrounds himself with some senior aides who have little or no experience in the foreign policy arena, some analysts are predicting a rude awakening when he learns that many of his most strident pledges contradict each other. Particularly delicate is the ever-sharpening rivalry between the regions Sunni Muslim powers, led by Saudi Arabia, and the other regional heavyweight, Shiite Muslim Iran. Their proxy struggles have fueled catastrophic conflict in places like Yemen, where 18 months of fighting between a Saudi-led military coalition and Shiite Muslim Houthi rebels have left some 10,000 people dead. Trump has said he would scrap the landmark nuclear accord with Iran a pledge that may be impractical because there are other signatories but such a step, like the striking of the deal, would roil those regional struggles. If [Trump] goes after Islamic State, that strengthens the hand of Shiite actors, Syria and Hezbollah, said Osama Abi-Mershed, director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. But if hes serious about going against Iran, there will be resistance from Putin, and it would be in the interest of the Sunni regimes. When it comes to winning trust among ordinary citizens in the Arab world, some analysts say, Trump may benefit from the fact that the bar for success has been set relatively low. Many across the region are deeply disillusioned by the consequences of U.S. policy, including Washingtons inability to stem nearly six years of bloodletting in Syria, continuing bloody fallout of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, and mistrust of Muslims as an ongoing motif since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But views expressed by Trump and some surrogates have generated a new wave of anxiety. The president-elect had said early in the campaign that he would set up a database of Muslims living in the United States, stirring alarm among Muslims at home and abroad. This week, a member of Trumps transition team, Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, suggested the new administration might set up a national registry for immigrants from countries where terrorist groups were active. And prominent Trump supporter Carl Higbie said in a broadcast interview this week that precedent had been set by the United States World War II-era internments of Japanese Americans now officially viewed as a deeply shameful historic episode. The sardonic and widely followed Libyan American commentator Hend Amry tweeted: Ill submit my religious identity to Trumps Muslim registry when with an image of hanging icicles and a road sign reading Hell. As president, Trump will have to deal with the fallout from powerful forces unleashed by the Arab Spring uprisings nearly six years ago, which produced a splintering that has not yet fully played out ongoing conflict in Libya, flaring instability in Egypt, and eroding human rights in Turkey and in American-allied Persian Gulf states. Human rights groups have raised fears that the new era will bring a halt to U.S. diplomacy that seeks to rein in abuses by authoritarian-minded governments. Two regional strongmen Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi warmly welcomed Trumps election. The Obama administration has applied sporadic pressure over well-documented rights abuses by Sisi, who took power in a military coup that toppled elected Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. But in talks with Trump on the sidelines of the U.N. Security Council in September, Sisi positioned himself as a bulwark against Islamic extremists. In NATO ally Turkey, Erdogan is bristling over criticism of a wide-ranging purge following a failed coup against him in July, and has taken a sharply anti-Western stance of late. On Thursday, in a speech delivered in Pakistan, Erdogan said the West supported Islamic State an echo of Trumps charge that President Obama and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton founded the group. Turkeys role in the Syria conflict has been particularly fraught because of its intense hostility toward Kurdish-led Syrian rebels, which the U.S. supports and considers the best foot soldiers against Islamic State. Erdogan considers them aligned with the Kurdish separatists of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, in Turkey, on whom the Turkish leader has been waging war. Elsewhere, the struggle between Israelis and Palestinians may see a reversal of decades of U.S. policy. The Obama administration made no headway in advancing the U.S. support for a negotiated dual-state solution, but Trump has appeared to lean notably in the direction of Israels right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had icy relations with President Obama. The president-elect has suggested that Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank decried by the Palestinians as undermining any future state is not an obstacle to peace, and has also said he would move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which Palestinians would view as a blow to their hopes that a sector of the city would be their capital. Trumps election does not bode well for the Palestinians, said Diana Bhuttu, an analyst and former adviser to Palestinian negotiators, adding that she feared his presidency would legitimize Israels denial of freedom to the Palestinians. Trump has at times advocated intervention including bombing the hell out of Islamic State but at times suggested that involvement in Middle East conflicts is not in U.S. interests. In the Arab world, many believe that his election may usher in a more hands-off era and that it would not necessarily be a bad thing. Hes basically isolationist, said Mahmoud Mattar, a merchant in Damascus Old City. The only thing I like about him is that he wants nothing to do with the rest of the world. Special correspondent Nabih Bulos in Damascus contributed to this report. laura.king@latimes.com @laurakingLAT Surveying the noisy lunchtime crowd at the popular City O City restaurant here, owner Daniel Landes considered his options. A few days earlier, Denver voters had approved the use of cannabis in bars, restaurants and other public places, opening for Landes and other business owners a new world of possibilities. There was the comedy club Landes owned upstairs. Maybe a cannabis and comedy night? And the yoga studio. Perhaps a pot-inspired yoga practice? Advertisement This has been the missing ingredient, Landes said. You have people coming to Denver to enjoy legal pot, and they have had no place to use it. You have people coming to Denver to enjoy legal pot, and they have had no place to use it. Daniel Landes, Denver restaurant owner But the options quickly narrowed late Friday after state licensing authorities weighed in with a new rule saying bars and restaurants with liquor licenses could not allow pot use on the premises. The Colorado Department of Revenue said it made the decision after talks last summer with the liquor industry, health experts and groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In a news release, state officials said the new rule prohibiting dual consumption of alcohol and pot is in the best interest of public health and safety. Using both substances, they said, increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes more than using just one. The Colorado Restaurant Assn. agreed, saying marijuana use in bars and restaurants will dramatically increase the liability risks for these establishments. The surprise move put a damper on what many were heralding as the next step in the normalization of cannabis in Colorado and the nation. Pot advocates accused the state of openly fighting a turf battle on behalf of the liquor industry. The state denied that, saying the ruling was not tied to the passage of the new marijuana measure. They seem to think its fine for patrons of bars and concert venues to get blackout drunk, but unacceptable for them to use a far less harmful substance like marijuana instead, said Mason Tvert, spokesman for the National Marijuana Policy Project. This rule will not prevent bar-goers from consuming marijuana, but it will ensure that they consume it outside in the alley or on the street rather than inside of a private establishment. This latest twist in Colorados roiling cannabis landscape is probably being watched closely by the ever-increasing slate of states who have legalized pot. In 2012 Colorado and Washington became the first states to make recreational marijuana legal. The District of Columbia and six other states have followed, including California this month. The newcomers are looking to these pioneers for clues into what works, what doesnt and how to navigate the inevitable conflicts with the federal government which still considers pot an illegal drug. Backers of Denvers new marijuana law, known as Initiative 300, say even if its been somewhat neutered, it still goes a long way toward addressing a central paradox of Colorados weed policy pot may be legal here but finding a place to eat, vape or smoke it is another matter. Tourists who visit Denver for the marijuana quickly discover that hotels, bars and restaurants usually ban it. Some end up smoking pot in their rental cars or in a handful of legalized cannabis clubs or marijuana-friendly bed and breakfasts. You have seen a dramatic rise in arrests in Colorado for public consumption of pot. People are using it in the parks and sidewalks where they shouldnt, said Kayvan Khalatbari, co-owner of Denver Relief Consulting, who campaigned in favor of the initiative. Our hope is that [Initiative 300] will reduce public consumption. He also thinks it will open up new venues for marijuana use in places such as art galleries and massage therapy businesses. Two years ago, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra tried to hold a public fundraising event in Denver called Classically Cannabis with attendees invited to bring their own pot. The orchestra switched the event to a private affair after the city warned that public consumption of marijuana was illegal. While that sort of event will likely be easier to organize now, the new law comes with considerable caveats. Businesses wanting to allow weed on the premises must first win approval of at least one neighborhood organization. Customers, who must bring their own pot, can vape or use marijuana edibles inside but have to smoke outside. That could annoy neighbors or run afoul of the states strict clean air standards. And the law is actually a four-year pilot program that ends in 2020 unless voters make it permanent. Despite the challenges, many believe the measure will help normalize pot use. This is a groundbreaking law that reflects the shift in public attitude toward marijuana, Tvert said. The first was legalizing marijuana and now the next step is to ensure that adults who legally purchase it have a place they can legally use it. Stacey Mulvey, 38, is a Denver yoga instructor eager to include pot in her classes. This law enables me to be able to start my own place and be above board in a community that approves, she said. Mulvey has created marijuasana, a yoga practice blending cannabis with physical movement. It deepens the experience on a physical and emotional level for me, Mulvey said. Its something that I really hope people take the opportunity to experience. Not everyone is so enamored of the law. In fact, the Nov. 8 vote was so close it wasnt officially called until Nov. 15, with 53.5% of residents voting in favor of it. Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, opposed the measure. Rachel OBryan, campaign manager for the main group opposing the initiative, Protect Denvers Atmosphere, led the fight against the measure. Do I think Denver will be the Amsterdam of the U.S.? she asked. Yes at least temporarily. She is calling on the Colorado attorney general to investigate the legality of the ordinance, which she sees as threatening both the literal and cultural atmosphere of Denver. We used to have a problem with people smoking pot in the parks and now they will be smoking in our neighborhoods, she said. Daniel Landes is trying to figure out how marijuana laws will affect his popular City O City restaurant in Denver. (David Kelly / For The Times ) Back at City O City, Landes, 45, was still debating how best to take on this new challenge. There is a lot of pent-up demand for this kind of thing, he said. But I want to see what hoops I have to jump through first. Aside from expanding his business, Landes sees something bigger here. He believes Colorado should lead the nation in innovative approaches to marijuana. We started it and we should remain the tip of the spear, he said. Its a competitive world. The pot industry is huge and only getting bigger. Kelly is a special correspondent. ALSO Obama confronts an uncertain future on trade with the likely death of his signature TPP deal North Carolina governors race still undecided with thousands of votes to be finalized In a first for Latin America, Uruguay rolls out program legalizing marijuana More than two centuries after killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, Aaron Burr exchanged fire with another prominent politician on Saturday. His opponent was President-elect Donald Trump, who had taken umbrage at how his vice president-elect had been treated the previous night at the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. Trump and Burr then squared off and opened fire on the business moguls dueling ground of choice: Twitter. Hamilton, which has won 11 Tony awards, depicts the lives of Alexander Hamilton and Burr, early American leaders and onetime friends. Their lives intersected a final time during a duel in 1804 that pitted Burr, a sitting vice president, against Hamilton, a former Treasury secretary. Advertisement Flash-forward to Friday night: Vice President-elect Mike Pence was taking his seat at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York to see the critically acclaimed smash hit, which is sold out until August, when the audience showered him with cheers and loud jeers. After the show, actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Burr, took the highly unusual step of standing on stage with the entire cast behind him to deliver an impromptu speech to the vice president-elect on American values. We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, Dixon said. We truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us. Pence left the auditorium before Dixon had finished his soliloquy, but reportedly heard all of the remarks over speakers in the hallway. Though Pence did not make an issue of the audiences boos or Dixons spiel, Trump was clearly upset, claiming that the honor of his vice president-elect had been besmirched. Saturday morning, Trump chastised the shows cast on Twitter and demanded an apology. Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing. This should not happen! Trump tweeted. The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize! Trump is not usually one to demand safe spaces something Republicans in his mold typically mock as a byproduct of political correctness run amok. Dixon wasted little time firing back at Trump, Tweeting that conversation is not harassment sir, before adding that he appreciated Pence for showing up. The dispute and videos of Dixons speech spread across social media, sparking the hashtag #boycotthamilton. Completely inappropriate for the cast of #Hamilton to address Mike Pence like this, tweeted the GOP Report, which identifies as a conservative blogger helping to unify the USA under Donald Trump, the one person who can end corruption in Washington. Celebrities were quick to respond, as were liberal theatergoers hoping their conservative friends might unload the hard-to-get tickets. See the most-read stories this hour Boycott Hamilton? Good luck with that, tweeted actor Jeffrey Wright (Westworld). Tickets are already sold-out past President-elect Trolls impeachment. Wright later messaged that Pence probably should have chosen another show to attend: This ones called Hamilton. About an American political leader, outspoken firebrand. Oh & an immigrant. Actor-comedian Patton Oswalt joked that a boycott of Hamilton would be greatly appreciated, particularly if it comes at the right time. You know what? tweeted the entertainer. I support #Boycott Hamilton. I hope it intensifies especially that first week of March, maybe that Sunday matinee? Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels tweeted, For everyone who is going to #Boycott Hamilton, my family, friends and I will fall on the sword and take your tickets #wegotyou. Wilber reported from Washington and Braxton from Los Angeles. del.wilber@latimes.com Follow @delwilber on Twitter ALSO Tracking down guns used in crimes and terrorist attacks is still surprisingly low-tech Aspiring agents learn from mistakes of FBIs shameful investigation of Martin Luther King Jr. How these Brooklyn prosecutors work to get innocent convicts out of prison A federal judge in Tucson has ordered the Border Patrol to improve conditions at its holding facilities in most of the state, saying the agency was not following its own standards by keeping migrants in crowded, cold cells without proper bedding. Judge David Bury issued the temporary order Friday requiring the Border Patrols Tucson sector to provide clean mats and thin blankets to migrants held for longer than 12 hours and to allow them to wash or clean themselves. Bury said plaintiffs presented persuasive evidence that basic human needs of migrants were not being met. Advertisement The case was brought last year by the ACLU, the law firm Morrison and Foerster, and immigrant rights organizations on behalf of migrants who say the Border Patrols holding facilities in Arizona are unsanitary, extremely cold and inhumane. Migrants regularly call holding cells hieleras, Spanish for freezers. We believe that the conditions were so below par that when you have people, whether its two nights or one night sleeping on the floor, that is just below any constitutional standards or norms of decency, ACLU senior counsel Dan Pochoda said. Bury issued the temporary injunction after a hearing earlier this week at which both parties made arguments. The Border Patrol has defended its practices and said its committed to the safety, security and welfare of detainees. It maintains that it provides migrants with basic human needs in accordance with its own policies, and that agents provide medical care, warmth, sanitation, food and water, and allows detainees to sleep. But photos released this year after a legal battle by the government to keep them under seal show men jammed together under a thin thermal blanket and a woman using a concrete floor strewn with trash to change a babys diaper. Other photos show rusty toilets, dirty toilet paper on the floor and a malfunctioning water fountain in detention areas. The cells shown in the images are designed to provide short-term shelter for detainees until they can be processed, the agency said. Migrants are usually deported or transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has long-term detention centers. ALSO Unscrupulous attorneys prey upon immigrants held in federal detention, advocates say Meet the new think tank in town: Alt-right comes to Washington to influence Trump Obama administration bans Arctic offshore drilling through 2012. But will Trump reverse it? 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, 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. When Hillary Clinton lost her White House bid, it was a jagged exclamation mark punctuating several painful years for Democrats. Come January, the party will have at least 11 fewer U.S. senators, 63 fewer House seats and perhaps a dozen fewer governors than in 2009, during President Obamas first year in office. Nationally, there will be about 900 fewer Democratic state lawmakers. By some benchmarks the control of state capitols, for instance the Democratic Party is in worse shape than it has been in more than a century. Advertisement But Democrats, after several periods of exile from the White House, are no strangers to the political wilderness nor fractious infighting over how to find their way back. The most immediate battle is for leadership of the Democratic National Committee. The contest will pit Washington insiders against Beltway outsiders, liberal backers of Bernie Sanders against more centrist Hillary Clinton holdovers, and advocates of a full-time chairman versus those who feel it is fine to hold another job as well serving in Congress, for instance. Several contestants have emerged, including Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor who ran the national party in the run-up to Obamas 2008 election, and Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, a favorite of Sanders and the incoming Senate Democratic leader, Charles E. Schumer of New York. The vote will take place sometime after President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20. The broader fight grows out of Clintons stunning defeat. (Few will very loudly criticize Obama for having failed to strengthen the party, or lay down a firmer foundation, during eight years as Democrat in chief.) Instead of expanding the political map against Trump into the Republican-leaning reaches of Arizona and Georgia, Democrats are reckoning with the loss of Michigan and Pennsylvania, states they won in the last six elections, and Wisconsin, which had not voted for a Republican for president since 1984. How does the party come back? Thats the million-dollar question, said Jill Hanauer, a longtime Democratic strategist who has focused on expanding the Obama coalition of minorities and young voters into swing and red-leaning states. If anyone thinks they can answer that today, dont listen. Its just begun. The last time the party faced such deep existential angst, after three straight losing presidential campaigns, Democrats shifted their philosophical course and moved closer to the middle, nudged by a fresh-faced Arkansas governor named Bill Clinton. Paul Begala, who helped Clinton win the White House in 1992 and worked this year for a political action committee backing his wife for president, acknowledged it was time for a new set of Democratic leaders to emerge. That said, he suggested the partys message should be a throwback to the one that helped elect Bill Clinton in a time of similar voter anxiety and frustration: Its still the economy, stupid, Begala said. If Democrats cant speak to the pain of poor people and working-class people, then we dont deserve to be a party. Paul Begala If Democrats cant speak to the pain of poor people and working-class people whether in Appalachia or the inner cities then we dont deserve to be a party, Begala said. Few in the party would disagree. But every campaign requires an allocation of limited time and money, and much of the unfolding debate will focus on where Democrats need to devote their energy and resources: winning back disaffected voters, especially white members of the working class, or coaxing new ones blacks, Latinos and millennials to the polls. In Missouri, Democrat Jason Kander came within three points of unseating Republican U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt in a state Trump carried by 19%. He did so by performing well in party strongholds like Kansas City and St. Louis but also, Kander said, by campaigning hard in the rural stretches of the state. If a voter thinks youre not focused on them, youre not going to get their vote, he said. But Cornell Belcher, a Democratic pollster who specializes in African American voters, warned against focusing too much on the proverbial angry white male who helped deliver Trumps upset victory. Its hard for me, making a cold calculation, to understand why we spend even more money and even more effort going after an increasingly resistant, shrinking marketplace, Belcher said. If we expand the electorate, we have a majority. Thats where the future is. Obama, in a news conference Sunday night after wrapping up an international summit meeting in Peru, waded into the debate, urging Democrats to pursue even those voters who might appear unreceptive. Doing better involves us working at the grass roots, not ceding territory, going out into areas where right now we may not stand a chance of winning, he said. A strategy that is just microtargeting particular, discrete groups in a Democratic coalition sometimes will win you elections, but its not going to win you the broad mandate you need, he warned. Beyond the ideological argument, Democrats are also talking about process. After past setbacks, the party overhauled its presidential nominating system and changed the political calendar, ideas being floated once more. Supporters of Sanders and former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley, who ran against Clinton in the primaries, are still furious at the favoritism shown by the Democratic National Committee and insist on reducing the influence of super delegates elected leaders and others who hold significant sway in choosing the nominee. There is no doubt the Democratic Party would have been stronger in 2016 if we had a field of seven to 10 strong candidates senators, governors, mayors who were actively debating the future of our country, said Lis Smith, who helped manage OMalleys campaign. We need to open up the whole party, not make this a cabal of insiders who are nostalgic for names from the past. Reformers also want more open primaries, allowing independents and others to vote for the Democratic nominee, the way they can in November. The idea, advocates say, is to better test the partys eventual nominee. We need to replicate the battlefield of the general election as closely as possible and nominate candidates who demonstrate they can win in such an environment, said Tad Devine, a senior campaign advisor to Vermont Sen. Sanders, who beat Clinton in Michigan and Wisconsin. In the past, tinkering with the nominating process hasnt always produced the hoped-for outcome. In 1972, an effort to reduce the role of party insiders and give voters greater say resulted in the nomination of George McGovern, who was buried in President Nixons reelection landslide. After another Republican rout in 1984, when President Reagan carried 49 states, Democrats sought to give party centrists greater influence by creating Super Tuesday, a day of balloting heavily concentrated in conservative-leaning Southern states. Despite that, the party ended up with Michael Dukakis, a northeastern liberal, as their nominee. As for who runs for president in 2020, there are plenty of prospects leafing through the directory of Democratic U.S. senators offers a good start none of whom rise to immediate advantage. Four years before winning the White House, Obama was a state senator from the South Side of Chicago who gained notice for delivering an uplifting speech at the Democrats 2004 convention. He ran in 2008 as a long-shot against the heavy favorite, then-New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. So the next president of the United States, if a Democrat, could well be someone few today can imagine; even on election day, some of those working hardest for Trump never thought he could pull it off. mark.barabak@latimes.com On Twitter @markzbarabak ALSO Why California went its own liberal way in the election What to make of Trump one week in: Hes unpredictable and keeping his options open Were called redneck, ignorant, racist. Thats not true: Trump supporters explain why they voted for him Texas was Obamas chief antagonist. In Trumps America, California is eager for the part UPDATES: 5:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a comment by President Obama at a news conference. The article was originally published at 3:30 a.m. President-elect Donald Trump won election by torching every rule in the political book, calling government officials very, very stupid and promising to hire the best people to fulfill every dream youve ever dreamed. Now, as Trump assembles his governing team, he and the Republican-controlled Senate are facing their first test of what that means, and whether the old confirmation rules where those serving the president are subject to intense scrutiny over past comments, deeds and potential conflicts of interest still apply. Republican senators already have begun to debate how much leeway to give Trump, and which, if any, battles to fight with a leader who ran against both Washington and the Republican Party that many of them continue to revere. Advertisement The GOP will hold a narrow majority in the Senate when Trump takes office in January. Nominees no longer need 60 votes to win approval, except to the Supreme Court, thanks to rule changes Democrats made in 2013 to make confirmations easier. Even though Trumps nominees can win confirmation without Democrats, they can only afford two Republican defections to secure victory if Democrats are united. That places extraordinary power and pressure on Republicans who choose to dissent from Trump, should they decide to do so. The risks are many. Voters who backed Trump, having chosen the ultimate outsider, may want more of the same from the people leading government agencies. And Trump showed during the election that crossing him invites retribution that could exact a large political price among Republican voters. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), selected Friday as attorney general, was rejected by the Senate for a federal judgeship in 1986 over accusations of racism and is the Senates leading immigration hard-liner. As a sitting senator, however, he likely has a leg up in winning confirmation from his colleagues, but that is not a sure thing. Two of Trumps leading candidates for secretary of State, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former U.N. ambassador John Bolton, could also face opposition. Kentucky Rep. Sen. Rand Paul, an early GOP opponent of Trumps, took a public step last week in declaring opposition to both men because they supported the war in Iraq. Giuliani, one of Trumps closest advisors, also faces scrutiny for his work on behalf of foreign governments and an Iranian opposition group that was officially designated as a terrorist organization at the time Giuliani represented them. Most Republicans have yet to weigh in on Trumps future picks, particularly as many names remain in the talking stages. Still, they have urged Trump not to defy all convention, pointing to the complexity of leading government agencies. Theyre large. Theyre bulky. Theyre complicated, said Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican. It takes a little bit of time to get up to speed on them. I would hope that hes not just trying to pick different people, he said. Hes trying to pick competent people. Some Democrats believe Trump will flood the Senate with so many controversial picks that lawmakers will be forced to accept some who would ordinarily provoke a fight. Theyre going to throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Senate, said Jim Manley, a former Democratic leadership aide. Manley named several Republicans, including Sens. Jeff Flake of Arizona and Susan Collins of Maine, who might join Democrats in opposition to some of Trumps picks. Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, a conservative Republican who was one of Trumps most high-profile critics during the campaign, might also be a target for Democratic alliances. But Manley did not believe they could count on more than a few battles. Steven S. Smith, a political scientist at Washington University in St. Louis who specializes in Congress, agreed. I dont think any of those Republican senators are going to make opposition to Trump nominees a habit, he said. They are going to be very selective. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who shares Pauls skepticism of domestic spying programs and other instruments of the war on terror, predicted an alliance between him and Paul could pose a hurdle to some of Trumps plans. Registries of Muslims constitutional values, Wyden said. What the Senate has historically said is you get beyond partisanship. But Paul drew an immediate rebuke from one of his colleagues. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, another Republican who waged a short bid for the presidency and was critical of Trump during the campaign, said Paul has little influence in the Senate. The fact that Rand Paul doesnt like either one of them helps me reach my decision, Graham said of Giuliani and Bolton. Trumps selections deserve the benefit of the doubt if they are qualified, Graham said. He pointed to some of President Obamas choices for Supreme Court and key Cabinet posts who earned his vote, despite ideological differences, because they met the qualification test. So far, Graham said Thursday, there is no one being talked about by Trump whom he could not stomach. Graham even offered unsolicited praise for Jared Kushner, Trumps 35-year-old son-in-law, who would face potential problems with anti-nepotism laws and conflicts of interests should he serve in the White House. If his son-in-law is a valued advisor, Im all for his son-in-law helping him be a good president, he said. Trumps selection Friday of Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.) to lead the CIA is an example of a sharply ideological nominee whose credentials are not likely to be questioned. The former Army officer, a Harvard Law School graduate, was one of the most relentless critics of the Obama administrations handling of the 2012 assault on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, an issue that united Republican partisans even as it infuriated Democrats. Trump may reserve his most controversial choices for slots that do not require Senate confirmation. One of Trumps first selections, Steve Bannon for a lead White House advisory role, has immediately put Democrats on edge and made some Republicans uncomfortable because he has been accused of promoting white nationalism. Ret. Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, Trumps pick for national security advisor, has made inflammatory comments about Muslims. He also has drawn fire for his role as a paid lobbyist for foreign clients. Both have been chosen for jobs on which the Senate has no say. Democrats see Bannon as an ominous sign that Trump will not make efforts to modify the sharp rhetoric and racially charged campaign promises he made before the election. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who lost his bid for the vice presidency with Trumps election, said he did not want to prejudge Trumps other choices. But like many Democrats, he was eager to throw the spotlight on Bannon. We should never normalize connections to anti-Semitism or white nationalism, he said. And so thats something that were going to continue to make sure that we talk about because that shouldnt be a one-day news story and then, Well, OK, thats the new normal. Still, it is unwise to underestimate how senatorial egos can ensure that few, if any nominees emerge from the confirmation process without at least a few blisters. Even administrations with more expertise and preparation than Trumps have faced excruciating battles, and losses, from those in their own party. Obama wanted former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services, but withdrew the nomination, despite holding a big Senate majority, because Daschle had underpaid income taxes. President George W. Bush had to withdraw Harriet Miers nomination to the Supreme Court, despite GOP control of the Senate, in part because senators thought she lacked relevant experience and was too much of a presidential crony. President Bill Clinton dropped two picks for attorney general after news surfaced that they had employed nannies who came to the country illegally. And President George H.W. Bush suffered a big defeat his first year when the Senate rejected his nomination of former Sen. John G. Tower of Texas to be secretary of Defense. Bush underestimated the number of senators whom Tower had alienated over the years, and allegations of drunkenness and multiple affairs led to his rejection, 53 to 47. Times staff writers David Lauter and Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. noah.bierman@latimes.com Twitter: @noahbierman ALSO Pence says Trump will be able to separate his business and presidency What to make of Trump one week in: Hes unpredictable and keeping his options open Texas was Obamas chief antagonist. In Trumps America, California is eager for the part Mann penned part of his 1947 novel "Doctor Faustus" in the house located in the ocean-front Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the edge of Los Angeles Germany has purchased the Californian property where writer Thomas Mann lived for a decade in exile from Nazi rule and hosted other cultural workers persecuted by the regime, the foreign ministry said Friday. Mann, one of Germany's most renowned writers, penned part of his 1947 novel "Doctor Faustus" in the house located in the ocean-front Pacific Palisades neighbourhood on the edge of Los Angeles. The German Nobel literature laureate had lived at the property from 1942 to 1951 with his family after fleeing Adolf Hitler's rule. Mann, a strident critic of the Nazis, was also stripped of his German nationality. "Thomas Mann's house was like the 'White House for exiles'. This was the home for many Germans who fought together for a better future for our country, who battled for an open society and helped built the foundations of common transatlantic values," said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a statement. Among exiled Germans who spent time at the US villa were poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht, the philosopher Theodor Adorno and filmmaker Fritz Lang. Germany plan to host young resident artists at the house, which was purchased for $13 million (12.2 million euros) according to Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily. Steinmeier said he hoped the site would help to contribute to transatlantic dialogue at a "stormy time, when we need more than ever cultural anchors with our most important partner outside Europe." The foreign minister had said the election of Donald Trump would make transatlantic relations "more difficult" with the United States likely to make more decisions on its own. Search Keywords: Short link: With a gloom hanging over them after the election of Donald Trump, leaders of the California Democratic Party this weekend began plotting how to combat the policies of the incoming Republican president, discussing how to reach out to the millions of disaffected voters who supported the president-elect. The two-day strategy session, held by the partys executive committee near Mission Bay, was part therapy session and part pep rally. Democrats commiserated about the implications of the GOP controlling the White House and Congress, but also celebrated an election that handed the Democrats a near iron grip on California. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, who is campaigning to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told a packed hotel ballroom of hundreds of party loyalists that the grassroots activism that turned California solidly blue needs to be replicated in every county across the nation. Advertisement We lost this election for three reasons: turnout, turnout and turnout, Ellison said. Were not seeing some sort of electrification of the conservative voter. We are not getting our people out to vote. Some of the states most influential Democrats criticized the party for failing to recognize the economic despair felt by Trump supporters across the U.S., including in pockets of inland California. Others insisted the party strayed too far from its liberal base, losing young voters and other progressives who put President Obama into the White House. Environmental activist Tom Steyer, a San Francisco hedge fund billionaire who had been thinking about a 2018 run for governor, said he may now forgo that opportunity because of the threats posed by the Trump administration against efforts to combat climate change, protect immigrants and other Democratic policies that reflect California values. Instead, he said, he may plow his efforts into protecting California laws to reduce carbon emissions and working to expand the states progressive policies across the nation. Donald Trumps election was a shocking mistake of historical proportions. His dangerous ideas and policies threaten the freedom, the safety and the prosperity of every American, Steyer said. This is our moment. We will rise to the occasion because there is no one else. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who announced a bid for governor just after the Nov. 8 election, said many voters in the Rust Belt and Americas heartland as well as in Californias Central Valley and northern areas flocked to Trump because they felt bypassed by the new economy and overlooked by leaders in Washington and Sacramento. Supermajority hanging in the balance, state Senate race margin narrows to just 187 votes >> Yes, were the sixth-largest economy in the world, and yes, were growing jobs, but were not growing them everywhere. And a lot of people feel left out, he said. There are 3 million people [in California] who voted for Trump. Weve got to ask them why. State Controller Betty T. Yee also warned fellow Democrats that, despite the state partys successes on election day, they should not dismiss the swell of support for Trump and other Republicans throughout the country, in large part because many Americans are struggling financially. One of the immediate things we have to do is to be sure that the red wave does not hit California. And it has the very potential to do that, Yee said. There are pockets of this state that have not been touched by government, by anyone who wants to bring services to them. Donald Trumps election was the main topic at a meeting of the California Democratic Party executive committee on Saturday in San Diego. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times ) Throughout most of the day, party leaders tried their best to highlight the significant gains made by Democrats in California in the election. Democrats secured a supermajority in the Assembly and are on the verge of doing the same in the state Senate, which would give them the political power to raise taxes and send proposals to the ballot without Republican support. Dana Dean, president of the Solano County Board of Education, said Democrats made history this election. Not only did the Democrats select the first woman ever to be the presidential nominee of a major political party, but Hillary Clinton also won the popular vote, she said. . Its OK to take a moment and say, Whoa, that hurt, Dean said. But we also have to realize all that we accomplished. Among the California Democratic Party leadership, there were strident calls for action to block or undercut Trumps efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, deport millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally and set aside environmental protections. Eric Bauman, chairman of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, called on Gov. Jerry Brown and the California Legislature to scrub the state Constitution, laws and statutes to find any legal means available to to protect every Californian against new conservative policies of the Trump administration. Bauman, who is running to be the next state party chairman, said that California Democrats must do everything they can to protect abortion rights, same-sex marriage and healthcare for every child, documented or not. Kimberly Ellis of San Francisco, who also is in the running to be the next party chair, dismissed the concerns that the party did not do enough nationally to appeal to voters won over by Trump, saying thats not the solution to our long-term problem. Ellis, executive director of Emerge California, an organization dedicated to increasing the number of Democratic women in elected office, said that instead the party should focus on addressing groups she said are threatened the most by a Trump administration: women, people of color, Muslims, the LGBT community and young voters. The Democratic Party, here in California and across the nation, has a lot of work to do, Ellis said. phil.willon@latimes.com Follow @philwillon on Twitter ALSO Texas was Obamas chief antagonist. In Trumps America, California is eager for the part In Trump they trust: Why these Californians voted red California Sen. Dianne Feinstein preps for Supreme Court fight as top Democrat on Judiciary Committee In an era when theres almost nothing that cant be found out quickly, the long wait for final results from an election in California feels interminable. And yet, theres a pretty simple reason why it takes so long to count all the votes. California is not just home to more voters than any other state in the U.S. But it also has more election laws designed to maximize a voters chances of casting a ballot. We dont put up any of the barriers that you see in other states, said Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. Advertisement Full California election results Lawmakers through the years have taken a decidedly pro-voter approach when enacting new election laws, none more consequential than the expanded use of absentee voting. In some states, you still need a good reason to not show up in person on election day. Permanent absentee voting, which became open to everyone in 2002, is now used by more than 52% of all California voters. Absentee ballots, though, arent always cast early. Some voters deliver them to polling places on election night, and others put them in the mail at the last minute. But thats OK under a new state law allowing ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if they arrive no more than three days late. In Californias most proactive counties, election officials reach out to voters who forget to sign the absentee ballot envelope. If the voter can be contacted in time, the ballot is counted. Election day has become election month in California Then there are provisional ballots, designed for instances when a voters registration status cant quickly be verified at a polling place. While some believe that local election officials need more guidance on the use of provisional ballots, state laws were designed to honor the voters intent as often as possible. If someone shows up at the wrong polling place, and thus votes on some races in which theyre not eligible, election officials will remake that ballot to remove the ineligible choices and count the others. A federal report last year showed that some states, including Michigan and Wisconsin, dont allow out-of-precinct provisional ballots to be counted in any races. California is moving in the other direction. Under a sweeping election law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in September, counties will swap ballots of any voters who show up in the wrong part of the state. Another new law will allow anyone you choose to turn in your ballot. We dont put up any of the barriers that you see in other states. Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation. As more ballots show up on election day or later, officials spend more of their time verifying documents in the days and weeks afterward, thus delaying the final vote tally. Recent data suggest almost four in 10 California ballots cast on Nov. 8 were not counted by the time the sun rose on Nov. 9. Elections are not the most expensive government service, but they also arent cheap. And state government, more often than not strapped for cash in recent years, hasnt always required local officials to use the entire array of voting options available. Doing so would trigger a mandate that then must come with the money to carry it out. Advocates say pro-voter laws are a hollow victory if theyre not used. Voter participation in California, while no doubt higher this fall than in other elections, has lagged in recent years. We live in a state with pro-voting laws, said Alexander. But we dont live in a state with a pro-voting culture. john.myers@latimes.com Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast ALSO: Californians have a long, love-hate relationship with ballot propositions More Californians will vote by mail under a new law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown California politics news feed Battling Bad Behavior at 30,000 Feet (On the Spot, Nov. 6, by Catharine Hamm) was enjoyable and informative, but one situation was not mentioned: dealing with a sick fellow passenger. My fiancee and I recently returned from Texas. We were seated in front of a woman with a loud, constant cough, so we were concerned about germs. I advised a flight attendant and asked him for medical masks one for the woman, two for us and he quickly retrieved them. We offered one to the woman, who was appreciative, and we used ours. Unfortunately, after our trip, my fiancee had five days of coughing and congestion. Advertisement I urge passengers who must travel with a cough to be considerate of fellow passengers and carry a mask or ask the attendant for one. John Loggins Rancho Palos Verdes :: Most travel writers criticize passengers who recline their seats. I fail to comprehend their thinking. In my mind, if the seat reclines (not in the exit rows or the last row), its my right, and the space to do so is mine. It is especially helpful on red-eyes and long flights. I seldom recline myself, but the right to do so is implied by the mechanical ability of the seat to do so. Larry Lee San Jose :: The article was spot-on in all aspects except for the seat recline. I am a frequent flier for business and would prefer the extra space when the seat in front of me is not reclined so I can work, but that is a luxury and not an expectation. I am 6 feet 2 two inches, so reclining my seat gives me just a little more space to be less cramped. It is my right to recline. Refraining from reclining is also supporting the airlines efforts to minimize space for passengers. What I would like see more of is consideration by travelers on how their overhead storage actions affect others. Examples: not placing carry-ons in the optimal direction and placing a carry-on in a front-of-the-plane overhead bin when the owners seat is in the rear. Both of these actions slow the boarding process and increase the risk of a late departure leading to a late arrival. Glenn Sussman Laguna Niguel I agree with everything in the article, other than maybe it didnt go far enough. It is really about educating those who dont fly often about the etiquette of being considerate of fellow travelers. Heres my pet peeve: When getting in or out of your seat, lean on the back of your seat for support. Dont pull on the headrest of the seat in front of yours. And now that smoking is no longer allowed, its time to pull the alcohol as well. Larry Butler Studio City Amtrak refund? Well The article Europe Watches the Skies (More for Your Money, Nov. 6, by George Hobica) needed to include the rail system. In August, we traveled the high-speed train from London to Edinburgh, Scotland, on the Virgin line. We were forced to stop about an hour outside of London for more than two hours because someone had jumped onto the tracks. about 30 miles ahead our location. Virgin offered a full refund of the one-way fare to any passenger who took the time and energy to apply for it. Even though it was not Virgins fault, the reimbursement made the delay easier to endure. Could you imagine Amtrak or any airline doing that here? Kevin Kellerman San Clemente In a narrow dirt lane where children scamper and play, Garba Buzus rubber sandals slap the ground as he walks. His black prayer beads dangle and swing in his right hand. His shoulders are bent, and his body rolls like a ship with every pace along the alleys of this northern Nigerian city. He wears an enigmatic smile. The children freeze shyly when he walks by. Mothers throw themselves to the ground and bow low. Old men clap their hands together, faces creased with joy. Advertisement He nods, acknowledging them all. These are Buzus streets, in sprawling neighborhoods of narrow alleys, tiny dwellings and open gutters. Goats amble about, water sellers push their heavy carts, and the smell of charcoal fire drifts in the evening air. People shout bundi as he passes, a sign of reverence meaning blessings. He built the houses in these neighborhoods several thousand of them and dozens of shops, according to aides and offered them rent-free to poor families. A partial tour of his holdings by car takes an entire morning. He receives dozens of visitors every day and has vowed never to send anyone away without help. Not that he doesnt have his own responsibilities: He has four wives, 25 children and more than 1,000 relations and hangers-on who live in his compound. Its by providence, he says. I cannot say I will allow a person to go away empty-handed, without some little satisfaction of the needs they came for. I never lack in giving something that they need. Widows, orphans, all kind of people come to me. Buzu is pious, humble and strict. Born in neighboring Niger, he moved to Maiduguri, a center of religious learning, as a young man 37 years ago to teach Arabic and the Koran. He shared a shabby room as a tenant. But as his following grew, people made donations in return for his prayers. He built a house for himself, and later added rooms and built more houses for his students and many relations. From there, it grew. I divided the property I used to buy into two parts, and I still do. One half, I build houses and give to under-privileged people. The other half, I buy and sell for profit. It started gradually, and its still expanding. His house is a down-at-the-heels maze of compounds, with worn dusty rugs, peeling ceilings and a frightening tangle of electrical wires instead of a fuse box. The place has an ancient feel to it. In one courtyard, his wives and children sit quietly. In another, men unload bags of wheat and rice, ready to be handed out. Every Friday, a camel is led in to be slaughtered and the meat distributed. He runs an informal Islamic school, where men and boys pray and write out the Koran in elegant ink calligraphy on yellow parchment. For much of the day, he receives visitors on a small elevated platform on his airy rooftop, surrounded by broken down couches, some with no legs, others with the insides spilling out. Several of them are occupied by sleepy young men, prayer beads dangling. Two shifts come morning and evening to recite the Koran, in musical chants. Children living in one of the Maiduguri, Nigeria, neighborhoods where Garba Buzu offers houses to families rent-free. (Robyn Dixon / Los Angeles Times ) An elderly man with a walking stick, white flowing garments and a beard staggers up the two flights. He has come nearly 200 miles, a six-hour drive, from Gombe in Adamawa state, traversing dangerous areas to see the charitable man. Buzu prays with him and offers a donation. You should spend this judiciously. Buy things you want, especially kola nuts, he says, referring to a large bitter nut that contains caffeine and is seen as sacred in northern Nigeria. Parked in Buzus compound are 13 battered, dusty cars, a tractor and a motorized rickshaw that look as if they havent been driven in years. When a well-heeled visitor tells Buzu hed like one of the cars, Buzu smiles and responds, That wont be a problem. All the time, his prayer beads swing. Charity is mandated in Islam as an act of purification. And in northern Nigeria, well-off men often support large extended families who have little means of their own. But few men give away as much as Buzu does. Whenever I give things out, I always receive more blessings, he says. This has kept me going. When I do such things, I feel very happy. Ibrahim Ahmadu, 42, never asked for help. But 22 years ago, Buzu gave him a newly built shop rent-free in a city where rents rise so fast that shops often fail. It was a huge surprise, says Ahmadu, a father of three, perched on a chair in his barbers shop, surrounded by clippings of hair. He made me become self-reliant by working hard to be my own man. Despite his popularity, Buzu does have enemies. Four years ago, the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram started threatening the neighborhood. The militants warned Ahmadu to close his barbers shop. One morning, two gunmen sped up on a motorcycle as Buzu was crossing his compound and fired six shots at him, but missed. Their motive is not clear. I think they wanted to kill me so my people would suffer and be left in deplorable conditions, says Buzu. Then they might turn to Boko Haram. Inside the compounds where the people live, clothing is strung across narrow alleys; children skip ropes made of woven plastic bags, and women fry dough. Some women have small tailoring businesses, and others embroider mens hats to sell. Some grind grain to make bread that will be given out to people. Yagara Hamidu, 21, a heavily pregnant refugee from Monguno, north of Maiduguri, stands in the doorway of her small home. She fled the town last year when Boko Haram attacked, killing her brother and grandfather. When she arrived in Maiduguri with her husband, they heard about Buzu. People were heaping blessings on him, and they were saying he is giving out houses. Buzu put the couple up in his home for a week, then offered them the house she is standing in. In a city with millions of refugees, thousands of them living in the open, she says, I have peace of mind and a roof over my head. All shades of people come to Buzu, rich and poor, young and old, men and women, says Ismail Adamu, 60, his deputy and longest associate. The needy are helped by him, but the wealthy come to find solutions to their problems. They give him money, and this is used to build houses and give out food. He never keeps it for himself. A teenage girl enters and genuflects timidly. Buzu asks the nervous girl who she is. My father said I should come. I am your granddaughter, she says. He sends her to the womens quarters downstairs, gaining another dependent, just like that. robyn.dixon@latimes.com Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT ALSO Thousands rally in Malaysia to demand the scandal-ridden prime minister resign Nearly 100 killed as train derails in India; crews work to free trapped passengers Obama confronts an uncertain future on trade with the likely death of his signature TPP deal Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next years presidential election. Former Prime Ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe both outpolled Sarkozy in early returns and stand to advance to the Nov. 27 runoff. In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Fillon in the second round. With more than 3.2 million votes counted of an estimated total of more than 5 million, Fillon had 44%, Juppe had 28.1% and Sarkozy 21.1%. Advertisement Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared with Sarkozys more brazen demeanor. The Syrian government refused the U.N. envoys latest proposal for a truce in Aleppo on Sunday, calling on insurgents to withdraw and saying it would not grant autonomy to the rebel-held east in exchange for calm. Foreign Minister Walid Moallem said restoring government rule was a matter of national sovereignty and that Damascus would not allow the people of eastern Aleppo to be hostages to 6,000 gunmen. We agreed on the need that terrorists should get out of east Aleppo to end the suffering of the civilians in the city, he said. Advertisement Moallem spoke after meeting with U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura, who acknowledged a major disagreement with Moallem and said a creative if interim solution was required to halt the violence. We are only proposing that there should not be a radical dramatic change in the administration of Aleppo until there is a political solution, he said. The envoy warned in a recent interview with the U.K. newspaper the Guardian that the government was chasing a pyrrhic victory in Aleppo if it does not reach a political settlement with the opposition. De Mistura warned that the militarys approach would drive more moderate rebels into the ranks of Islamic State. At least 172 civilians have been killed since the government renewed its assault on the besieged enclave six days ago, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The U.N. estimates 275,000 people are trapped inside. By Saturday, the government had damaged or destroyed every hospital in the east, according to the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports hospitals in Syria. The government denies striking hospitals, and De Mistura said there was a difference of opinion about the attacks. He said he had proposed sending an observer team to inspect all the hospitals in Aleppo, but that the idea was not discussed further. De Mistura has proposed that the Syrian government grant eastern Aleppo autonomy in exchange for peace, and called on the estimated 900 Al Qaeda-linked militants in the east to depart to other rebel-held territory. Moallem also called on the militants to withdraw, and said he hoped that U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps incoming administration would cut off support for terrorists in Syria and rein in the states backing them, a reference to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. President Bashar Assad said this week that Trump could prove to be a natural ally to Damascus. On Sunday, pro-government forces advanced into parts of the strategically important Hanano district, according to state media and the Observatory. The regime is targeting everything that moves, said Ammar Sakkar, an officer with the Fastaqim rebel faction in the city. He said the government had captured the Zuhour hill, which overlooks parts of the east. Rebels outside the city have launched two unsuccessful offensives to break the governments siege and have shelled the government-held western districts. Earlier Sunday, at least eight children were killed when rockets struck a school in government-held western Aleppo, the Observatory said. Syrian state media said a teacher was also killed in the attack. In the opposition-run village of Nusaybeen, outside Damascus, activists said at least one child was killed in a presumed government airstrike on a primary school. The government has stepped up its attacks outside Damascus in the western Ghouta region after forcing rebels in eastern Ghouta to surrender earlier this year. The Observatory says at least 30 civilians have been killed in western Ghouta over the past 4 days. In Aleppo, an airstrike early Sunday killed a family of six in their home in the Sakhour district in the east, according to the activist-run Thiqa News Agency. Witnesses said they smelled chlorine gas, and rescuers said the family appeared to have suffocated from toxic gas. The allegations could not be independently verified. A U.N. investigative team has said the government has used chlorine as a chemical weapon on at least two occasions during the 5 1/2 -year conflict. Two days, 63 patients, and the constant fear the next arrival may be the enemy Menar Hassan, age 8, cries as doctors try to doctor her wounds after a suicide truck bombing. Her father died at the scene and had to be left in the rubble. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) The teenage girl arrived barefoot at the Iraqi Army field clinic, bleeding from the scalp. In her arms, she cradled a baby with a bandaged head. Then came her 4-year-old brother, in a blood-soaked Angry Birds sweatshirt. Then an elderly woman vomiting blood in the grass. Then a 5-year-old boy hobbling to a cot on injured legs, shards of glass in his hair, screaming for his dead father. Its the beginning, said one of the Iraqi doctors, Maj. Gen. Raad Mohssan Dakhel, as he watched families fill the clinic set up in the carport of a house the army had seized from Islamic State. In coming days, it will be thousands. Troops picked up the 21 civilians after a suicide bombing in Mosuls eastern Intisar neighborhood and dropped them here, about 18 miles east. Doctors had been bracing for this influx of collateral damage ever since Iraqi troops entered the city a week earlier, part of their nearly month-old campaign to take back Iraqs second-largest city from Islamic State. Over a period of two days, 63 patients arrived, along with five dead soldiers. The carnage tried the clinics five staff members and even the veteran doctors. There were moments of frustration, anger and doubt. And for the three doctors, a growing awareness that the enemy could be coming in the door on a field stretcher. The soldier walked in with his cousins blood splashed down the leg of his uniform. Salam Jabar Fayad, 38, said his cousin, a fellow soldier, had been killed in a mortar attack in Intisar while trying to help a family of civilians. He was giving food and water to the family. He was trying to save them, Fayad said. Fayads own right hand was bandaged. When his cellphone rang, he answered using his left, saying only, He got martyred. Capt. Osama Fuad Rauf, who had been busy dealing with the dead mans body, glanced at Fayad. Is he wounded? the doctor asked, ushering him in for treatment. Fayad and his cousin had joined the army a decade ago, serving in the same battalion. Death split us, he said as the doctor examined his hand. The days are filled with moments of frustration, anger and doubt about whether the victims being treated are the innocent civilians they claimed to be or Islamic State followers. Fayad, overcome by emotion, left the clinic and walked a ways down the dirt road, turned his back on the doctors and wept briefly before returning. Fayad has four other relatives in the Iraqi military. One showed up later, distraught. Why didnt you do anything for him? he wailed. It was mortars, what could I do? Fayad murmured, eyes downcast as clinic staff members led the relative away to see the body in a cooled truck they call the fridge. The day before, a father came looking for his son and found his body in the fridge. The body of a major decapitated by a suicide bomb was kept there too, until it had to be sent home without his head because they couldnt find it. A soldier refused to leave his dead comrades body to be shipped back to Baghdad, and had to be handcuffed. Later, another soldier would pry his way into the fridge to see a fallen friend. Fayad would not go to a hospital for treatment. He was bent on revenge. He watched as clinic staff loaded his cousins corpse into an ambulance for transport to Irbil. As doctors and soldiers looked on, Fuad recited the Fatiha, the opening verses of the Koran, over the body: Guide us, oh Lord, on the straight path, the path of those upon whom you have bestowed your bounties, not of those inflicted with your wrath." Maj. Gen. Raad Mohssan Dakhel treats a soldier hit by shrapnel from a car bomb. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Mohssan, chief surgeon for the Iraqi Armys 9th Armored Division, has led the medical response to a slew of Islamic State offensives in recent years: Baiji, Fallujah, Qayyarah, Tikrit and Ramadi. At 52, he has more than 25 years experience at war. He fought Americans as part of Saddam Husseins army during the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 U.S. invasion. Later, he became an ally of the Americans and was trained in Georgia and Louisiana. Friends still send him gifts like his American combat boots and green U.S. 101st Airborne fleece. He and the other doctors all tuck pistols into their belts. The week before, they had posted extra guards outside and stayed up all night, worried militants would emerge from tunnels in the hills. The doctors know the damage wrought by Islamic States heat-guided missiles and chemical weapons, mortars loaded with chlorine. You cannot run from the heat missile: Weve seen a lot torn up from that, said Fuad, 33, who learned English from watching Friends and tries to distract soldiers with jokes. Capt. Osama Fuad Rauf, 33, center, and Maj. Mohammed Hassan Abdullah, left, 35, treat a soldier who was wounded in the fight against Islamic State near Mosul. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) When the doctors arrived at the house that would become their clinic, a Christian church leaders home that Islamic State had seized to use as a workshop, they found two dead fighters in the garage. About 90% of the homes in Karemlis were booby trapped, littered with mines that army teams were destroying in controlled explosions that echoed through town. Its a gang bang war. Its not country against country, Fuad said as he lounged on a blue chair swing outside the clinic, smoking and savoring potent Iraqi coffee before the afternoon rush of wounded. Moments later, an ambulance zoomed up bearing a soldier bleeding from his arms and chest. Mahmoud Ismail, 27, a gunner, had been blocks away from his familys home in Intisar when he was attacked. He had phoned his daughters, ages 6 and 8, to say, Baba is coming. Its a gang bang war. Its not country against country. Captain Osama Fuad Rauf Capt. Osama Fuad Rauf works on a patient as others hold a cellphone for additional light at the Iraqi armys 9th Armored Division medical clinic. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) He had not seen his children since Islamic State seized the city two years ago, had never even met the youngest, a boy born after he fled. As he neared his house, Ismail paused to warn a neighboring family to stay indoors, even though they were excited to see him. I said, We came to save you, to free you from Islamic State, then mortars, Ismail said. Doctors stitched up his right arm by the light of a staffers cellphone, waving off flies. Snipers were responsible for many of the fatalities doctors saw. One of the victims was an Army sniper himself: Hamza Hasan Salman, who arrived too late to be revived. I did CPR but Fuad muttered, frustrated. Same problem: Sniper. Killed directly, Mohssan said. Dirty sniper, the doctor added, pointing out that the soldier was shot in the groin, a direct hit to the femoral artery. The doctors say Islamic State marksmen have been aiming for soldiers arteries and joints, a tactic that cripples rather than kills instantly, allowing militants to also target soldiers who come to the aid of the wounded. He can shoot him in the head, Mohssan said. But he will shoot him in a place where three more will come to help. Wounded soldiers and civilians are carried into a field hospital. Right, Maj. Gen. Raad Mohssan Dakhel stitches up a soldier's face after he was injured by a suicide bomb explosion. At the Iraqi Armys 9th Armored Division medical clinic, set up in a private home, doctors including Capt. Osama Fuad Rauf, center, gather around the body of a deceased soldier before he is taken to Irbil and on to Baghdad. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) The doctors radios buzzed with news that another soldier had been critically injured when a heat-guided missile struck his tank. The clinic was already full of wounded soldiers, wailing and moaning as doctors probed bullet holes and stitched faces torn by shrapnel. Fuad worried aloud that the latest victim wouldnt arrive in time. Our doctor just called from the front saying they cant stop the bleeding, he said. Times reporter Molly Hennessy-Fiske reports from a field hospital in Karemlis, Iraq. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times) The patient was two and a half miles from the front line at another abandoned house outfitted as a first aid station in the village of Scheherazade. Mohssans clinic was 25 miles further east, across a dirt road bisected by Islamic State trenches and plagued by snipers and mortar attacks. Ambulances were regularly shot at; some broke down. Night had fallen. I dont know if hes going to make it, Fuad said. The soldier ended up in the fridge. Murtada Abdul Amir, right, was struck in the shoulder by the same bullet that hit his friend Muaz Hameed Hussein, left. Capt. Osama Fuad Rauf checks Husseins status. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) By dinnertime, the doctors were exhausted, looking forward to beans and rice inside the boarded-up house, full of Christian relics they had salvaged including Aramaic books, rosaries and Christmas ornaments. Then an ambulance pulled in, and Fuad ducked out. Head injury, he called from outside. Mohssan followed, also leaving his food behind. The soldier was unconscious, pupils dilated, his chest and head . He was young and thin, and blood could be heard gurgling in his lungs. Airway? Mohssan said as his staff moved the soldier to a cot and went to work. I think I have bleeding. Airway, airway! Wounded Iraqi soldier Murtada Abdul Amir, 20, describes being struck in the shoulder by the same bullet that killed fellow soldier Muaz Hameed Hussein, 21, as they fought militants at a mosque. (Video by Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times) A wounded soldier winced as he watched from an adjacent stretcher. They had been shot with the same bullet. It struck Murtada Abdul Amir, 20, in the left shoulder before felling his friend. The clinic staff strapped an oxygen mask to the unconscious soldier, 21-year-old Muaz Hameed Hussein, who had been fighting militants at a mosque. His chest continued to rise and fall as Amir watched him silently. Hes brain dead, Fuad sighed, pinching Husseins bare leg no response. Nor would there be. Monday dawned with more bad news from the front: Another suicide bomb had exploded near a SWAT team in Intisar, killing two. A survivor arrived wrapped in a flowered blanket with shrapnel in his face and a mangled left hand, moaning and trembling. SWAT team member Hussein Ali, 21, sits beside his comrade Bassem Bilal, who was badly injured in a suicide car bombing. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Fuad examined him. The officer had lost a lot of blood and was shaking with fear. Hes going to lose his hand. Its all smashed up, the doctor said quietly. Officers who delivered the wounded man said they had tried to shoot the suicide driver, but the car careened into them. Were short on anesthetics, Fuad said. They were also short on painkillers. Mohssan planned to go buy some later that day, using his own money and donations from fellow doctors. They didnt have sterile bedding either. A friend of the general might bring some later. Until then, they would make do with salvaged comforters and pillows. At mid-afternoon, an ambulance pulled up with the body of a 34-year-old SWAT officer killed in a bombing. Riding shotgun was his older brother, a fellow officer. Jawad Mustafa, 35, had already lost a brother two years ago during the offensive in Ramadi, in western Iraq. He set his brothers pack in the clinic driveway. Then he paced, rubbing his brow, as vultures circled overhead. The doctors were looking forward to a late lunch of tebsi baitinjan, tomato eggplant stew, when civilians injured in a suicide bombing arrived from Intisar, a mad rush of walking wounded. Almost all of them were shoeless. One woman wore mens sandals she had grabbed from a neighbors house as they fled. A massive truck bomb had hit two houses where 75 neighbors were sheltering. At least one man, a graduate history student, had been trapped in the smoke and rubble and left for dead, relatives said. Abdul Jabar, 50, whose children were injured, said their houses had been pummeled with shelling for four days. Let Mosul residents get out of Mosul. All of them will die under Daesh, he cried, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The doctors moved from patient to patient, wiping blood from victims eyes and stitching head wounds. A boy rested on a Disney princess pillow, steeling himself for stitches. Wafa Abdel Raza, 39, holds her son Mahmoud Setar, 4, as the doctors give him oxygen and and fluids. The boys head was badly injured when a truck bomb exploded near their home. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Fuad, who has two young daughters at home in Baghdad, tried to distract 4-year-old Mahmoud Setar by inflating a latex glove for him to play with. The boy just stared, silent and still. Next to them, Mahmouds 17-year-old sister Doha Abdul Setar was scowling, adjusting her gold earrings and checking her headscarf after one of the doctors, Maj. Mohammed Hassan Abdullah, stitched her scalp. She seemed to blame the violence on the Iraqi army. If you guys didnt show up, this never would have happened, she told the doctor as she pulled close her 5-month-old son Marwan, his head wounded by debris, and prepared to nurse him. Dohas mother warned her not to talk about Islamic State. Hassan asked where the teenagers husband was. Still in Mosul. He was in the police, she said. The doctor thought she was lying. Was her husband a militant? he wondered. Then her 4-year-old brother fainted, and Hassan turned to help. Medics held an oxygen mask to the boys face and tried to find a vein for an IV. He lay motionless in his mothers arms at first, then started wailing weakly and bucking his legs. Good sign, Mohssan said. Other children were crying. It hurts, it hurts! I swear Im dying! screamed Menar Hassan, an 8-year-old girl in a red dress whose father had died in the bombing. She gripped her uncles hand as Fuad stitched her cheek. Mohssan surveyed the cots full of bloodied, broken bodies, then turned to a bearded 20-year-old man in an aqua sweatshirt. Why didnt one of you just kill them? If each one of you had a knife and killed one Daesh fighter, this would be over, the surgeon said. The man looked at him blankly. We didnt have any weapons, he said. The general was suspicious. Almost all of the civilians claimed to have relatives who were police. Yet they had not resisted. In a besieged city, where were they getting food and education, if not from Islamic State? Only later, after Hassan had finished treating the injured and accompanied them by ambulance to a displaced persons camp, would he be sure. Civilians are taken to Irbil hospital. The man at right was taken into custody on suspicion of being an Islamic State fighter. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) As they stopped at a checkpoint, the men in the civilian party attempted to flee. The doctor and a clinic guard whipped out their pistols, handcuffed the men and turned them over to camp security. The security officers recognized three of the men as Islamic State supporters from a village outside Mosul. The families hadnt been residents of Intisar at all; they had come in before the army arrived. The officers checked a government list of ISIS militants. The mens names matched. They were detained, while the rest of the family members were taken to the camp and a hospital in nearby Irbil. Hassan warned hospital staff to ensure they didnt escape. He called the next morning to double-check. Fuad was shaken. He was haunted by the memory of the scowling teenage girl. We treated ISIS without us knowing, he said. molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com Twitter: @mollyhf Produced by Sean Greene Denver, Colorado can soon become the most visited American city by people who want to smoke marijuana legally and in public. A new law approved in Denver will soon allow people to smoke marijuana in bars and restaurants. Said law is expected to boost the city's cannabis-tourism industry. Dubbed "Initiative 300," the new law allows businesses to apply for permits that will allow their respective establishments to designate marijuana consumption areas within their premises. Places such as coffee shops, restaurants, and bars will be among those where smoking marijuana can soon be allowed, Fortune has reported. Other businesses frequently accommodating out-of-staters are very excited with the new measure. Lodgings, dispensaries, and farms are just some of these. Before, public places where people can smoke marijuana are very limited. Although purchasing marijuana isn't very difficult, places where people can smoke them are far and few. That can change soon with Initiation 300, what with its intent to allow the proliferation of more safe spaces for marijuana smoking. Said measure can also aid in the opening of more marijuana-friendly businesses as well. Initiation 300 is one of a kind in the US, in that it's capable of drawing several tourists from other US states and countries. Southwest Alternative Care founder and Seed and Smith CEO Truman Bradley said that whether people like it or not, the law would be a draw for tourists as safe places for marijuana smoking are relatively rare elsewhere at the moment. Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2012. Last year alone, around 17% of more than 100 million dollars-worth of marijuana has been sold to recreational users. According to The Cannabist, searches in the web for marijuana tourism are increasing, with two US states - Colorado and Washington, being among the most popular places. Denver marijuana consultant and pot-in-bars measure campaign manager Emmett Reistroffer said, "This is about personal responsibility and respecting adults who want to have a place to enjoy cannabis." The government took important decisions, but what is more pressing is how matters will be dealt with after taking these decisions When I read the reply of Egypts Prime Minister Sherif Ismail to the parliaments inquiries concerning the governments performance regarding the problems which the country is suffering from, particularly the rise in prices and the crisis of flashfloods, I noticed two things I could not help but write about. However, I am convinced that it is necessary to wait a little bit in order to understand what will happen after the flotation of the pound. The first thing is his reply saying that the Egyptian economic crisis started in the eighties and has continued until now, and that this crisis has worsened to the extent that it has become necessary to take tough decisions. As for the second, it is his statement that what took place in Ras Gharib was due to climate change and was not included in the preparations against the floods because what happened was not expected and was unprecedented! As a matter of fact, the prime minister was right on both counts. However, the real crisis in both issues is the way in which the matter was handled. Regarding the deterioration of the economy, the state is still using the same mentality in regards to reformation, which is applying the International Monetary Funds recipe based on cancellation of subsidies, pound flotation and imposing new taxes without conducting any real reformation in the states administrative system in a comprehensive way. I am totally convinced of these measures validity. However, I firmly believe that every time the state ignores the most important measure, which is setting up an integrated system of the available human resources in order to specify the real needs of the workforce in the states administrative apparatus, after redistributing it according to their real expertise and efficiency so as to obtain the utmost benefit to the state and before resorting to the new civil service law. The second matter concerns the Ras Gharib crisis and what happened due to climate change and not expecting those flash floods; I also see that it needs reviewing with the environment minister, because he was -- and I think that he still is an active member in a programme managed by the German science centre in Cairo titled the Cairo Climate Talks. Throughout the years a number of local and international environmental experts have participated in the programme where conceptions of the expected climate change scenarios were laid down. They were very similar to what actually did happen. Did the environment minister form an Egyptian scientific committee charged with mapping the expected climate changes in Egyptian territory? I think the real problem is not in the measures taken by the government, but in the need that it should clarify how matters will be tackled after taking those decisions. For instance, after the subsidies are completely cancelled, will the government pump the subsidy money to citizens in the form of salaries, pensions and insurances increases in order that people can overcome hardships that will arise due to price rises? Many a time we have heard about whats called the parallel economy. It is worth several billions and it doesnt pay taxes to the state because it is a random economy. Will it be legalised? Will the government insist on collecting its arrears of taxes unpaid by businessmen? Will the state set clear conditions concerning which industries will be exempt from taxes? That will be provided on condition that these industries are committed to manufacturing one hundred percent of their products locally after a certain specified time? If they dont abide by this, the state would impose taxes on them in a way that secures those factory owners that do, and saves money needed for development at the same time. All these questions need answers from the state, answers that are not of the type we didnt expect this or that. Because the states should have a clear vision and a government apparatus capable of forecasting and expecting things that may affect development in the country according to real, comprehensible scientific studies. Search Keywords: Short link: VW making big push in China to cement largest automaker title Nov 20, 2016, 1:55pm ET Partnerships with ride-hailing services and new energy vehicles could take title away from GM for good. Volkswagen is expanding its footprint in China in the hopes of out-selling rival GM in its largest market. To accomplish this, according to Reuters, VW seeks to forge a partnership with Didi Chuxing, China's largest ride-sharing service, and will invest heavily in so-called "new energy vehicles," which are essentially low-emissions vehicles incentivized by the Chinese government. Didi Chuxing recently bought out Uber's Chinese arm to become the largest ride-hailing company in China. It has a presence in over 400 cities and over 300 million users, or roughly the population of the entire US. Volkswagen acknowledged on Thursday that it was in talks with Didi Chuxing, possibly to forge a partnership similar to that of GM and Lyft or Uber and Toyota in the US. The second prong of VW's strategy involves NEVs, which include plug-in electrics. VW's first China-built NEVs will go on sale later this year, under the Audi brand. VW hopes to sell 400,000 NEVs by 2020 and 1.5 million by 2025. NEV sales have quadrupled in the past year to 331,000, says Reuters, giving VW a prime position to dominate the market if all goes according to plan. VW and GM are currently rivals in capturing the title of largest automaker in China. Live images by Ronan Glon. UPDATE: Man charged in Lehigh County bank robbery South Whitehall Township police on Sunday searched for a suspect believed to have robbed the PNC Bank on Broadway. A Lehigh County 911 dispatcher confirmed the robbery, but didn't have further details. A phone call has been placed to police for more information. The suspect entered PNC Bank, 4602 Broadway, at about 11:30 a.m., according to a witness at the scene. The bank was open for business at the time of the robbery. The Morning Call newspaper reported the suspect handed the teller a note and showed a gun. Police are looking for a white male with a beard, 6 feet tall, and wearing a gray hat, tan pants and a gray hooded sweatshirt, according to the report. A police dog was dispatched to the scene to help investigate. It remains unclear if the suspect actually took anything. The suspect fled in an unknown direction. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. 80crash.jpeg At least three people have died after a box truck crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a family's car on Interstate 80 in Monroe County on Nov. 18, 2016. (Photo courtesy Robert Halberstadt) ( ) An online fundraiser has been launched to pay for funeral expenses of the brother and sister of a Lackawanna County police officer who were killed in a crash along I-80 in Pocono Township. The GoFundMe fundraiser, started by family friend Stacey Kordish on behalf of Aleksey Dmitriev, aims to raise $20,000 to help pay for funeral expenses for Dmitriev's 14-year-old sister and 12-year-old brother. Dmitriev is a Moscow Borough police officer who graduated from the Lackawanna College Police Academy and currently serving as an EMT. Dmitriev also is related to a Coolbaugh Township volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician, according to the Pocono Record. Dmitriev's father and stepmother remain hospitalized with critical injuries, as well as his 15-year-old sister with moderate injuries, according to the posting. The fundraiser also plans to help pay with mounting medical costs. By Sunday morning, 231 people raised $13,270 toward the goal. "The family has many struggles they must now face," Kordish states in the posting. "Surmounting medical bills as well as unplanned funeral expenses are further adding to their hardship. Please take the time to donate to this heartbroken family as any help is needed and deeply appreciated. May we keep him and his family in our thoughts." The Lackawanna College Police Academy also has taken to Facebook, urging the public on the department's Facebook page to donate. Donors also can contribute through the police academy. A graduate of our Police Academy, Officer Aleksey Dmitriev, lost his 14-yr-old sister and 12-yr-old brother in a... Posted by Lackawanna College Police Academy on Saturday, November 19, 2016 The crossover crash occurred about 4:30 p.m. in the area of the Tannersville interchange (Exit 299), near the popular Crossings Premium Outlets. Luigi Depari, 61, of Allentown, was behind the wheel of a box truck headed east when it crossed the median and collided with a car in the westbound lanes, according to a report by the Pocono Record. Depari was reportedly thrown from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene. The highway was closed for several hours Friday evening. Sammy Rutkowski, 12, in the back seat of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Andrea Rutkowski, 14, of Tobyhanna, Pa., was pronounced dead shortly before 2 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township. She died from complications of injuries suffered in the crash, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Aleksey Dmitriev's parents, Thomas and Galina Rutkowski, ages 53 and 45, were airlifted to an area trauma center. The 15-year-old girl suffered moderate injuries. The GoFundMe posting states the family was returning home from a birthday celebration for the 15-year-old when the accident occurred. State police and coroners from Monroe and Lehigh counties are continuing the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the state police Swiftwater barracks at 570-839-7701. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Scott Sylvainus Scott Sylvainus, an Upper Nazareth Township supervisor and a financial advisor with Mutual of Omaha, said people should prepare now for their long-term care plans. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo) When the day comes that your health fails and you are not able to perform daily activities like bathing, cooking and cleaning, will you have the money set aside to help pay for those needed long-term care costs? That's the conversation many financial planners would like people to have long before their -- or a loved one's -- faculties diminish. "So many people fail to plan," says James Luce of Lehigh Valley Eldercare. "Then when it's too late, instead of an advance plan, it becomes a crisis plan. It's a tough season of life when that happens." (Courtesy photo) About 70 percent of people who reach age 65 will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Long-term care focuses not necessarily on medical needs but on typical activities of daily living. Examples of assistance include housework, shopping, taking medications and using the toilet. Unless an individual is independently wealthy, that person will find themselves in a difficult position financially when seeking a home health aide, assisted living facility or 24-hour care nursing home, according to James Luce, a representative with Lehigh Valley Eldercare. "One thing I want to say is that so many people fail to plan," Luce said. "Then when it's too late, instead of an advance plan, it becomes a crisis plan. It's a tough season of life when that happens." The Long-Term Care Group, a data collection agency, reports the average cost by state for various long-term care services. In Pennsylvania, costs for a home health aide average $63,000 for a year, according to the group. A one-bedroom unit in an assisted-living facility costs about $56,000 annually and a semi-private room in a nursing home can cost $108,000 per year. The average yearly price tag in New Jersey for an aide is $53,000; $76,000 for assisted living; and $125,000 for a nursing home. Luce said it is very difficult for most people to come close to paying those bills without having long-term care insurance. Scott Sylvainus, a financial advisor with Mutual of Omaha, said while about 70 percent of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care, only about 11 percent actually have a plan in place when the need for those services arises. Medicaid is a federal and state insurance program that covers long-term care for low-income and needy people. "The government plan is an option for some people," Sylvainus said. "The only problem is you have to become destitute to qualify." People who need long-term care would have to burn through all but $2,500 of their assets to qualify for Medicaid, Sylvainus said. Long-term care insurance would help prevent someone from spending money they may have set aside to take care of a spouse or had planned to leave as a legacy for children. "Someone may work his whole life to build something for himself and his family to live the American dream," Luce said, "only to lose it all to pay for long-term care." Sylvainus and Luce each said people should consider paying into a long-term care insurance plan as soon as they are able. Premium costs are lower for younger people and insurance programs may not accept people who have existing health issues for that type of insurance. Sylvainus gave an example of a person who might require long-term care at the age of 83. A person who acquired long-term care insurance at 55 would pay less in total premiums through the years than someone who waited to buy the insurance until they were 65 or 75. The average age of a new applicant for long-term care insurance is 57, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. The older one gets, the more likely the individual will be rejected by the insurance carrier due to unacceptable health. Fourteen percent of applicants in their 50s are rejected, according to the association. That number goes up to 23 percent for people age 60 to 69; 45 percent for those in their 70s; and an 80 percent rejection rate for those who are 80 years or older. "The earlier you can get in, the better," Sylvainus said. "If you wait too long, then it could be too late for you to qualify." Sylvainus said it may be in a person's best interest to not only consider insurance for themselves but also for their parents. A person planning their own retirement needs to consider the possible financial burden of paying for the care of a parent, Sylvainus said. "It definitely should be part of everyone's retirement planning," Sylvainus said. Long-term care insurance could allow someone to continue to live at home while receiving assistance, which is not an option for a person who relies on Medicaid for support. Medicaid requires a person to go into a nursing home. Luce said many people do not realize that long-term care costs in the U.S. are "horrifyingly expensive." "There are options for people who have the courage to plan ahead," Luce said. "I talk about the stuff that nobody wants to talk about. Appropriate planning gives people the freedoms they want and need." John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook. By Conor Ganly, Deputy Editor, Leinster Express Like him, loathe him or disagree with what he said on a lot of things, Donald Trump won because he reflected the anger of many Americans left behind or ignored by the political elite. He stood up for the masses. Politicians around the world should take note. All politics is local and Trump in many ways made local peple national. Last week Laois politicans had a chance to nationalise a local issue. They had a chance to stand out from the crowd of 'doff the hat' 'pothole councillors' and make a stand on a life and death issue - Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Last month, 19 Laois county councillors agreed to go to Dublin to protest against a downgrade of the hospital. They were due to travel last Wednesday as one in solidarity with the hospital and the 80,000 people in Laois who may use this facility during their lives. Talk is cheap and action speaks louder than words. Before they were due to travel Minister for Health Simon Harris said he would not meet them or Laois TDs before a plan was complete. In fairness, the Minister has said this many times so the councillors should have known there was little chance of a meeting with him when agreeing to travel. Minister Charlie Flanagan was out of the country on business but they could meet him at any point in Laois. So what happened? Our politicians decided to back out and not go. Why? Well, because: 'what would be the point of walking up and down outside the Dail for half an hour'? The argument was made by a FG man that councillors are 'politicians not protestors'. Well FG & FF councillors are not funeral undertakers but go to many funerals. A Sinn Fein man said he wouldnot go because it would be 'grandstanding' - well SF men did a lot of that at riots over the years. Councillors love to complain that they have no power. They give out about the TDs who took their power. They complain about the 'bureaucrats' who control the purse strings. A lot of this is true. But councillors still have the power of the ballot box behind them. The people who vote for them gave them the authority to speak up for them on the small but also big issues. The people of Laois didn't just give them the authority to rant and rave, make idle threats, but do nothing when the heat comes on. The people didn't just vote for them to spend countless hours fixing potholes and looking for cash for footpaths or public lights. These are important jobs, but sometimes local politicans have to stand up and be counted for the people on a life and death issue. Portlaoise hospital is a life and death issue. It is far from perfect and it needs fixing and investment. Some lives have been lost there through negligence but many more lives have been saved through great care. Laois councillors should have gone to Dublin last week and picketed outside the Dail. Who knows, it could have been a quiet news day and they might have got the Save Portlaoise Hospital Campaign into national headlines. Regardless, they have a duty to protest in person where a wrong his being done to the people of Laois. They are also paid public representatives. So what if they are ignored, at least they would shown some courage and have stood up for their people and done their job. Dense and sometimes freezing fog is making for hazardous driving conditions for Laois motorists and those travelling on motorway though Laois. After a bright start to the day, fog descended in the Portlaoise area on Sunday making visibility difficult for driving after a night of hard frost in Laois. While it lifted for a while, heavy fog again descended and is likely to last through the night. Met Eirean has issued a Status Orange Fog Warning for Ireland. It says the fog will be widespread this evening and early tonight and will be dense in places. Some pockets of freezing fog are likely also said the forecast. The warning is valid from lunchtime Sunday 20 November 2016 13:00 to Monday 21 November 2016 09:00 AA Roadwatch has repeated the warning especially for people driving on the M7 Limerick/ Dublin motorway. Met Eireann forecast that winds will increase overnight. Lowest temperatures between freezing and minus 3 degrees. Monday will start cold but it will become increasingly windy during the day and by afternoon northerly winds will be fresh to strong and will reach gale force along the coast. There'll be sunshine early in the day but will become increasingly cloudy with outbreaks of rain developing later. Temperatures in the afternoon will reach just 4 to 7 degrees. When attending a funeral, Tommy McCarthy had the beautiful custom of placing on the coffin a single-stemmed flower, usually a rose. On Friday, November 4, his own funeral took place, and, aptly, flowers were on his coffin. He had died two days previously at St Jamess Hospital in Dublin. In his early 70s, he had been unwell for some months. At the requiem mass, Fr Eddie Lalor CC described Tommy McCarthy as loveable. He added: Portlaoise parish was blessed to have had him. SS Peter and Pauls Church was almost full for the mass and seven priests were on the altar, including Mgr John Byrne PP. Also there was Fr George Augustine, a former curate in Portlaoise, who travelled specially from Kilcock, Co Kildare, to say a final farewell to his friend Tommy. And a friend to many was Tommy, with his winning smile, infectious chuckle and greetings to people of all age groups. He was a familiar and popular figure on his well-laden bicycle with its racing handlebars in reverse position. Earlier this year, for the first time ever, he took up residence in a house. Situated on the New Road, or Well Road, just up the street from Humes pub, it was a source of pride to him and he insisted on displaying it to numerous visitors. Alas, he was not to know that his sojourn there would be so short. In his earlier years, Tommy had experienced hardship living by the roadside. In 1985, he moved to Egans sandpit on the New Road. In 1991, he relocated to a caravan at the rear of the Egan family home, where he remained until he was allocated a house. A member of the Egan family, on being complimented for being so good to Tommy, replied: It was the other way round. He was good to us. Indeed, Tommy was good to many New Road residents, particularly to the elderly, and he was kind to animals. Cats were his favourites. A daily mass-goer, he was never one to remain in a pew. He would walk around the church, spotting friends and acquaintances, shaking hands, and, sometimes, dispensing advice. Tommys sense of religion was innate and sincere. The story is told that on one occasion he approached a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, put his arms around it, and exclaimed: Hello, Mammy! Truly a prayer from the heart. The shrine in front of SS Peter and Pauls Church was important to him and when the rosary was said there he would distribute lighted candles to those present. The date of his burial, November 4, was the first Friday of the month and, poignantly, the rosary was recited at the shrine that evening. The sadness was palpable at Tommys absence. On a brighter note, he was a great fan of Elvis Presley and would do his own inimitable impression of the legendary rock star, and up to recent years he performed as a Wren Boy on St Stephens Day. Tommy fought his last illness bravely. As someone remarked: If he doesnt get to heaven theres little hope for the rest of us. He was laid to rest in SS Peter and Pauls Cemetery. Mourning him are his sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. By Seamus Dunne Im a new Liberal Democrat, though Ive called myself a social democrat for more than forty years now. In my youth I was an activist tribal Tory, but cast them forever from me before I was 25. Since then have been a fellow traveler of the soft Left, but now, as of three weeks ago, I am one of you. I realised after 23rd June that it was time to properly join in the fightback for the sort of political values Ive long held and that are at the heart of the LibDems. Given 5 minutes I could give you an erudite and historically pretty accurate explanation of what the LibDems stand for. Thats roughly four minutes thirty seconds too long. Like or not, brevity, clarity, simplicity and ruthless consistency are the vital elements of winning in todays febrile communications world. I know a bit about the art of communications, having worked in newspapers and spent 35 years in advertising and PR. Indeed, I spent ten of those years with Mrs Thatchers favourite ad man, Tim Bell. My value was probably that, not only could I make money, but that I saw the world through different eyes from the great majority of my personally delightful but unforgivingly Thatcherite colleagues. I was never, thankfully, invited to be part of anything with a Tory party label on it, but did relish helping the Yes to Europe campaigns in Malta and Sweden win their respective accession referendums. I learned many things in those advertising and PR years. The most fundamental is the question asked of all new clients. They were told they could give only one short answer to the question, what do you want to be famous for? This is a standard ad mans question and asked in the knowledge that most people can articulate only a tiny number of perceptions of a brand, organisation, product or service. No adequate substitute Im a classist when it comes to brand, and I believe that brand and reputation are the same thing and that we can learn a great deal from how great brands manage, adapt and nurture brands to reflect changing market conditions, but maintain their essential values and personality. For me, the most impressive brand I know is something that few would recognise if they saw it, not many understand what it does and hardly anyone ever holds or touches one. Its a silicon chip called Intel and its success is based on two words Intel inside. If it didnt say Intel consumers wondered if they were being sold a lesser technology. In the language of the ad man, the buyer is given permission to believe that Intel is a brand for which there is no adequate substitute. So, I began to bend my mind to how the LibDems might sum up their offer to the voter in a simple, differentiating, emotional and rationale phrase of explicit and implicit benefits and values. How can the party give the voter permission to believe and to believe there is no adequate substitute? A fundamental truth After long walks through the Kentish countryside I lit on the germ of an idea that I offer to you here. Like any communications idea worth its salt its rooted in a fundamental truth about its subject the LibDems and is very simple. I am talking about freedom. Its a word the LibDems should own in the way that Intel owns Intel inside. Liberals have championed the freedoms of democracy for longer than any other British political movement and that tradition continues. From the great Reform Act to fighting apartheid and standing up for LGB rights; the freedom to trade, to run a business for profit, to travel, speak and gather in support or protest. The freedom of a womans right to choose, the freedom of decent conditions for workers, the freedom of civil and human rights, the freedom of internationalism. The freedom from want in old age. The freedom from starvation in unemployment. These are freedoms to and freedoms from. Responsible, constructive, progressive freedoms that give the individual liberty which checks the power of the state but not the benign states ability to act. Indelible authenticity The Right has learned the value of endlessly repeated mantras. It colonised the idea of independence throughout the EU referendum. We cant allow them to colonise freedom. They will distort, abuse and traduce the most precious thing we have. The posture of the LibDems should perhaps be to offer the indelible authenticity of LibDem commitment to real freedoms the freedoms that others would diminish and combine it with an appeal to a new optimism based on new policies. The Liberal Democrats the party of freedom is an idea that makes my heart beat a little faster. It is after all the foundation stone of the LibDems and of how millions in the country see Britain, especially the young. It must be our job to develop policies that give the young of all abilities and all ambitions real reasons to believe they live in a Britain of broad vistas and great opportunities. And a young Britain that holds out the hand of freedom to others, that seeks to build a newer world; more open, more enlightened, more creative, more enterprising, more happy, more visionary, more free. * Martin Roche is a member of Canterbury Liberal Democrats 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 HOUSING Assistance Payment scheme headquarters in Limerick city is expected to generate in the region of 70 new jobs in the coming years, as part of its national expansion. HAP, which was piloted in Limerick in June 2014, has increased its 2017 budget by 244% in order to cater for a total of 31 nationwide clients by next April. The scheme, which operates its transactional shared service centre out of the Granary Building, Michael Street, is a non-capital social support for those with long-term housing needs. It allows all social housing organisations to process payments through one body, and pays landlords directly, while HAP tenants pay differential rent to the local authority, based on income and ability to pay. In 2016, HAP had a budget of 87.5m, which has risen to 213.5m for next year. This is 64% of Limerick City and County Councils forecasted 371m budget for 2017. It currently has 30 employees and 19 local authority clients, and is expected to get an extra nine clients by December 1. Amongst its biggest clients include Limerick City and County Council, and by April 2017, it will have Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council on board. At the beginning, Limerick City and County Council projected a budget of 400m to 500m, overseeing 70,000 houses, by 2020. Eoghan Prendergast, director of service with responsibility for HAP, said that new projections show that the Granary will be handling more than 600m by 2021. By then, HAP will have accumulated more than 1bn, he said. He told the Leader that the programme has been run efficiently and run very well. It is a big achievement for Limerick to get it in the first place, adding that it is a success story. He said that there has been a collection rate of 99% so far. Once you are assessed for a housing need and when the local authority in question says Yes, you can get housing, unless you go into a council house, if you are not getting a physical house from the local authority, you are automatically put into HAP. HAP is, or certainly is becoming, the biggest non-capital support scheme for people in private rental accommodation, he explained. According to the draft budget, the 213m mainly relates to payment to landlords next year. 24% of this will be funded by the schemes differential rent, while the balance will be met by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. MANY pieces from Hollywood icon Maureen OHaras wardrobe and personal collection have been donated to the Foynes Flying Boat Museum, and now much of her remaining memorabilia is set to be auctioned off in New York. While more than 50 of her dresses, all of her awards and a huge number of her other belongings now reside in the museum, some of her other items are expected to fetch thousands of dollars each. The Dublin-born actress had a strong affinity for Foynes, with her husband Captain Charles Blair having been the aviation pioneer who made the first non-stop commercial flight from Europe to New York. The pilot also flew the last scheduled flying boat out of Foynes by his airline, AEA, in October 1945. The memorabilia available for sale in New York includes secret love letters sent to Maureen by John Ford, the director of The Quiet Man, in the months before filming began in Ireland. According to Bonhams auctioneers, the letters were so intimate and intense that OHara herself planned to destroy them upon her death, but in later years changed her mind. They are expected to make hundreds of thousands of dollars. John Fords personal script for The Quiet Man, with notes by Maureen, is estimated to fetch up to $100,000. A mug that was given to Maureen by her co-star John Wayne, a tweed jacket that she wore during the film, and the jaunting cart used to carry cast and crew members are among the items for sale related to the famous film. A batch of so-called political correspondence, including Christmas cards from Bill and Hillary Clinton and the Reagans, are also up for sale for over a thousand dollars. But Limerick fans neednt worry about forking out thousands for a slice of Maureen OHaras glamorous history, as Foynes is proudly positioning itself as the destination of choice to view her extensive collection. THE MAN credited with inventing the solo run has his hurley back where it belongs in his mighty hand. Famed sculptor Seamus Connolly, who spent six months making the Mick Mackey statue, has repaired it after it was vandalised. On two separate occasions the most recent on Halloween night the bronze hurl was broken at either side of his grip. The work of art celebrating Irelands greatest hurler is one of Seamus favourite pieces. He admits to feeling very glum when he heard that it was damaged. At the time when it was erected in 2013 I said it to them that hurleys are vulnerable because they are bronze and they stick out. That it is likely at some point that it might get vandalised. You get very glum when you hear about this but Im just one person. You think of all the committees Ahane GAA Club, Tidy Towns etc who put a lot of effort in, said Seamus. The one saving grace is that the hurl was left where it fell. All you can do is get on with it. You can never get into the minds of people who go out deliberately to do something like that. If you are a person who makes things you are not a person who destroys things. Thankfully whoever broke it off didnt do the really bold thing and take it with them. If they had stolen it we would be casting new sections. We have the bits we are just putting it on again, explained Seamus. It sounds much easier than it actually was. On a rain sodden Friday morning, Seamus brother-in-law headed for Portlaoise to bring back a specialist generator at 5am. Because it is bronze you are trying to bring the foundry to the statue. The welder itself is very specialised, there are no generators available anywhere in the country except one from Portlaoise. I have to bring an amount of gear from Kilbaha to try and do the whole job on the spot. Other work needed to be done - it got a bit of a rocking as well, explained Seamus. In the pouring rain he ran a stainless steel rod up through the middle of the hurley and welded it back to the statue. It is fitting as Mick Mackey was a man made of steel when he donned the Ahane and Limerick jerseys. The hurley is back where it belongs. It took the whole day, it flogged down, it was the most miserable day and the generator had to be brought back that night. It is a pity these kind of measures have to be taken, said Seamus. Richard Harris, John B Keane and Paidi O Se are just some of the Irish legends Seamus has celebrated in life-size bronze but Mick Mackey is a favourite. I love every piece that I do. I was really happy with Mick Mackey when it was in clay. It is a very powerful piece because he has a great head - I was very happy with it, said Seamus. And now everybody in Castleconnell and Ahane GAA Club hope the statue honouring the legends memory will be left alone. Padraig Power, chairman of Ahane GAA Club that erected the statue, reported the vandalism to gardai and anyone with any information is asked to contact Castleconnell garda station on 061 377105. A CHRISTMAS miracle was celebrated in Limerick as two year old Neil Shanahan, who survived a fall from the sixth floor of the Strand Hotel earlier this year, switched on the festive lights in the city. Large crowds turned out for the Light Up Limerick event this Sunday evening, which kickstarts five weeks of seasonal celebrations in the city. Neil, who was accompanied by his parents Martina and Mike, was given pride of place. The Farranshone boy has defied the odds by not alone surviving the fall but making a steady and remarkable recovery. Martina said: Im not sure we can possibly have a better Christmas than this. We are here tonight at the invitation of Limerick City and County Council, turning on the Christmas lights when it could have been so different. It could have been the worst Christmas imaginable but its turned out to be the one we are most grateful for because Neil is with us. It does make us think, at the same time, of those who have not been so lucky and our hearts really go out to them. The Limerick youngsters father Mike added: We were delighted to be invited in for this. It was an incredible experience tonight. Neil, having had so many medics around him during his recovery, is well used to attention and he lapped it all up. He loved it. Mayor of Limerick Kieran OHanlon paid tribute to Neil, a very special young man. Were delighted to have had this incredible young man with us tonight. His story is one that gives us all hope and Christmas is a great time for hope. To see the smile on his face and his parents face was fantastic. The crowd was huge and there was an amazing buzz. Limerick is really the place to be right now in so many respects. Its a great start to what is going to perhaps the busiest Christmas ever in Limerick. Weve decorated it accordingly, putting our biggest ever spend into the lights display and no better boy to switch all this on than Neil, he said. The annual magical unwrapping of the festive season in Limerick got a significant boost, with the council splashing out 100,000 on a brand new Christmas lights display. An estimated crowd of 4,000 turned up according to the council for the the Light up Limerick switching on ceremony, organised by the authority in partnership with Limerick Chamber, which took place on Sunday evening at 6pm outside Brown Thomas on OConnell Street on a specially constructed stage. Prior to the switching on, the crowds were entertained by street performers and musicians, with soprano Sinead OBrien, Unity Gospel Choir and Jason Hennessy warming up the crowd. Snow cannons created a real festive spirit, while the skies also lit up at the end of the event with a dazzling pyrotechnics display. Laura Ryan, head of marketing and communications with the council, said that Limerick was undergoing a real renaissance at the moment and, in keeping with that, Limerick City and County Council is investing more heavily than ever in turning it into one of the top Christmas playgrounds in the country this year. People who come to Limerick this Christmas, including from neighbouring counties and further afield, will get a real sense of celebration from the moment they turn into the city centre. Christmas has always been special in Limerick and this year it will be more than ever and with an open invitation to all to come and enjoy, she added. Chamber president James Ring said we have much to celebrate in Limerick today as its a city very much on the up, adding that the rise in sentiment and confidence here permeates Christmas also. Whether its coming to shop or socialise in Limerick this Christmas, people will definitely get an air of celebration and it started brilliantly tonight with the switching on of the lights, he said. Light Up Limerick was the starting point for five weeks of celebrations that also includes Musical Treats on OConnell Street, a Christmas Craft Fair on Bedford Row, Santas Post Box, Limerick on Ice, The Enchanted Christmas Carriage, a host of live music at Dolans and Live at the Big Top, ten Days of Christmas themed markets at the Milk Market, Christmas at King Johns Castle and the Shannon Airport Christmas Racing Festival. For more, see www.limerick.ie/christmas. 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. Kid Astray is a band with a unique Indie/Pop with a hit of electronica style band originating in Sandvika, Norway. Band members include Benjamin Giortz on Vocals and synth/piano, Elizabeth Wu on vocals and synth/piano, Even Steine on guitar, Alexander Meek on guitar, Hakon Carlin on bass/synth, and Jakob Bechmann on drums and vocals. They becamse a band by meeting in an arts based highschool, in 2010. The band is currently with Indie label, Cosmos Music. The label began in 1966, in Stockholm,Sweden. Their artist lf many talented and international artists, and are always looking for more. Their goal is to find, to develop, and to market great musical talent in almost any genre. This week, I chose the song Still Chasing Nothing which was released in May 2015. This is an upbeat and fun song, about a relationship strictly based on infatuation and coming to the realization that its nothing more than that and probably will not ever be. The song features some unique vocals, constant synth throughout the song, and nice distribution of backup vocals. The whole song is just so clever and I have not been able to stop listening to it. Additionally, the music video is super cool and I think whoever is reading this NEEDS to watch it! If I were to relate it to another band, Id say its a cross between Atlas Genius and St.Lucia, but still so different. Archaeologists excavating a monastery in the Tuscan town of Lucca have unearthed a unique 400-year-old dental prosthesis which appears to predate modern tooth bridges. The appliance consists of five teeth three central incisors and two lateral canines aligned in an incorrect anatomical sequence. Belonging to different individuals, the teeth were linked together by a golden band. To build the prosthesis, the root apex of each tooth was removed and a longitudinal cut was made along the roots. "The teeth were then aligned and a subtle golden lamina was inserted into the fissure," Simona Minozzi, Valentina Giuffra, at the division of paleopathology of Pisa University, and colleagues wrote in the Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research journal. "Micro-CT scan revealed the presence of two small golden pins inserted into each tooth crossing the root and fixing the teeth to the internal gold band," the researchers said. RELATED: Oldest Dentistry Found in 14,000-Year-Old Tooth The prosthesis was anchored to the individual's teeth through two S-shaped ends featuring two small holes. Strings were probably used to hold it in place. Using a scanning electron microscope, the researchers found that the golden lamina is a metal alloy made of 73 percent of gold, 15.6 percent of silver and 11.4 percent of copper. Appliances to hold loose teeth in place had been described by the innovative French surgeon Ambroise Pare (15101590) who served as royal surgeon for a number of French kings, and by Pierre Fauchard (16781761), who was widely considered the father of modern dentistry. But until now, no direct evidence of such devices had been found. "This is the first archaeological evidence of a dental prosthesis using gold band technology for the replacement of missing teeth," Minozzi told Discovery News. CT images of the prosthesis reveal the small pins placed into the root and blocking the teeth at the internal gold lamina. (Image credit: Simona Minozzi) She noted that the 16th and 17th-century descriptions of dental devices are similar to the appliances already used by the Etruscans more than 2,500 years ago. "The golden prosthesis is much more complex because the gold lamina ran inside the dental roots and the teeth were blocked with golden pins," Minozzi said. The prosthesis was found in the monastery of S. Francesco at Lucca, during excavations funded by the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Lucca. Two large stone tombs contained the remains of the Guinigis, a powerful family who governed the city from 1392 until 1429. Over the years, skeletal remains of successive burials accumulated in the tombs, so it wasn't possible to provide an accurate dating for the device. "Some pottery fragments and devotional medals found in the same stratigraphic layer were dated to the beginning of the 17th century," the researchers said. RELATED: The Iceman Could Have Used a Dentist The prosthesis was found among the mingled remains of about 100 individuals. "We couldn't find the corresponding jaw, so we do not know who the appliance belonged to," Minozzi said. Minozzi and colleagues speculate the individual might have lost the teeth because of decay, gum infection or even age. Indeed, the examination of the 100 skeletons in the tomb revealed that half of them were over 40 at the time of death an advanced age for the time and many suffered from tooth diseases. "Among the aristocratic Guinigis, the presence of cavities, periodontitis and missing teeth was more than double compared to the Tuscan rural population," Minozzi said. RELATED: First Known Teeth Belonged to Fierce Fish According to dentist Umberto Pagliaro from Florence, the prosthesis is a unique example of technologically advanced dentistry. "The idea recalls the modern Maryland bridge technique," Pagliaro told Discovery News. Named after the University of Maryland, where it was developed in the late 1970s, this resin bonded bridge has two small "wings" on both sides which attach to the adjacent teeth on their posterior side. We may not know who wore the device, but researchers are certain it was fully functional. "Abundant calculus deposit on the teeth and the metal indicate it had been worn for a long period," Minozzi said. Originally published on Seeker. About 8,000 Terracotta Warriors were buried in three pits less than a mile to the northeast of the mausoleum of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huangdi. They include infantryman, archers, cavalry, charioteers and generals. Now new research, including newly translated ancient records, indicates that the construction of these warriors was inspired by Greek art. This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. Archaeological discoveries in China rarely get noticed. Recently, though, mitochondrial DNA tests conducted on human remains from Xinjiang, China's westernmost province, got the attention of international media. The results suggested the presence of "Westerners" in China as early as the third century B.C., during the lifetime of Qin Shui Hang (259-210 B.C.), the first emperor of China. It happened just as new and startling claims were being made about Emperor Qin's own tomb in Shaanxi Province the tomb most famous for its buried ranks of some 8,000 life-size terracotta warrior sculptures. In a BBC article, archaeologist Li Xiuzhen said that the many sculptures found in and around the tomb including the Terracotta Army, but also sculptures of musicians, dancers and acrobats were "inspired by ancient Greek sculptures and art." The alleged "Greekness" of the Terracotta Army went viral, but archaeologists in China (and around the world) were skeptical and dismissive. Two weeks after the story broke, Zhang Weixing, head of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, told the AFP that there is "no substantial evidence at all" for contact between ancient Greeks and those responsible for the Qin tombs. Li Xiuzhen even backtracked, protesting to Xinhua News Agency, China's largest official state press agency, that her words had been taken out of context. "The terracotta warriors," she clarified, "may be inspired by Western culture, but were uniquely made by the Chinese." She also told Xinhua that her ideas had been misrepresented after being placed alongside those of art historian Luckas Nickel, who had speculated that "a Greek sculptor may have been at the site to train the locals." Why were Xiuzhen's comments so controversial? For centuries, archaeologists and art historians have been eager to see the imprint of the Greeks in works of art and architecture throughout the world. But this view rests on a Eurocentric logic which has long assumed other civilizations were fundamentally incapable of creating highly technical, impressive and aesthetically pleasing works of art. The best and only way? In the West, classical Greek art and architecture is often presented as a singular achievement. The Greeks are credited with the invention of forms and techniques that were leaps and bounds ahead of their contemporaries. One commonly cited example of the ancient Greek genius is the entasis of the columns on Greek temples such as the Parthenon. Built with a slight convex curvature, they employ an architectural trick that creates an optical illusion of tall, straight columns. (Columns actually built without curvature will appear convex.) Entasis actually appears in early architecture around the world. Even so, in the early 19th century, some Europeans took its presence in early Japanese temples Greco-Buddhist art" was invented to explain the pleasing proportions and elegant poses of sculptures from ancient Gandhara (in modern-day Pakistan). The only way to explain their sophistication, Europeans believed, was the influence of Alexander the Great and his retinue of talented Greek artisans who had traveled to Gandhara in the latter part of the fourth century B.C. Art historian Michael Falser has recently shown how the concept of Greco-Buddhist art, or Buddhist art with a Greek "essence," is really a colonial notion that originated during British rule in India. In the West, examples of this art (represented largely by sculptures of Buddha), have since been largely interpreted as the result of Greek influence and thus, implicitly, as an early example of successful European attempts to civilize the East. Not giving credit where credit's due Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, explorers and anthropologists also explained exotic foreign customs through a lens of Greek traditions. They attributed an old Chinese custom of burning offerings from friends on the funeral pyre of the deceased to the Greeks. Meanwhile, they claimed household organization among Circassians, an ethnic group on the northeast coast of the Black Sea, was inspired by the Greeks. Likewise, travelers and archaeologists often fell back on theories of direct outside influence. How else could they explain sophisticated artistic techniques and engineering genius among "primitive" societies? In 1871 the German explorer Karl Mauch, on a quest to find the biblical region of Ophir, came across the ruins of the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, which had flourished from roughly the 11th to 15th centuries. Certain that no African people could have ever constructed such marvelous structures, Mauch vigorously publicized Great Zimbabwe as a city built by the biblical Queen of Sheba. This, he pronounced, was her Ophir, the source of the gold she sent to King Solomon (the Bible's proverbial "gold of Ophir") to use in the first Temple in Jerusalem. A century later, certain scholars came to doubt that the Olmecs, whose civilization thrived in parts of Mexico and Central America 3,000 years ago, could have crafted monuments as spectacular as the colossal stone heads of central Mexico. In an ironic twist, those scholars sought to explain the sculptures by postulating pre-Columbian contact not with Greeks or biblical rulers but with Nubians and other African peoples. The costly mirage of Western influence Whenever we say the cultural achievements of other societies are due to geographically remote but familiar genius and inspiration, there's a cost. In the cases of the Terracotta Army and Great Zimbabwe, European scholars have struggled to understand non-European architectural and artistic achievements without resorting to the explanation of ancient Greek or biblical civilizations. That kind of thinking also projected modern European tastes onto Chinese and African antiquities. Greek statues, so coveted by museums and collectors today, must also have been what the first emperor of China wanted for his own tomb (or so the thinking goes). This mirage of an ancient cultural global influence has an impact. It makes us forget the diversity of places that many look to for inspiration and validation. Erased are ideas of origins and narratives of belonging. Transcontinental traffic in the ancient world made it possible for Chinese silk to arrive in Roman Palmyra (in modern Syria). But would it make sense to explain this ancient capital as the product of ancient Chinese genius? As a thought experiment, it's worth considering one striking inversion of the familiar bias. In the summer of 1668, an Ottoman traveler from Istanbul named Evliya Celebi arrived in Athens. Like Mauch in Zimbabwe, Celebi was none too impressed with the contemporary, indigenous inhabitants that he encountered, infidels with "300 houses of idol-worship." Surely Greeks could not have built such a marvelous city, Celebi said. In his "Book of Travels," Celebi followed the precedent set by "all the Christian and Coptic chroniclers": he attributed the founding of Athens to the prophet Solomon and, like Mauch in Zimbabwe, to the Queen of Sheba. Johanna Hanink, Associate Professor of Classics, Brown University and Felipe Rojas Silva, Assistant Professor of Archaeology and the Ancient World, Brown University This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Glenda Rooney fondly remembers her husband Peter and is urging people to make this a Christmas to remember by supporting The Irish Hospice Foundations (IHF) Never Forgotten Appeal. I have many lovely memories of our Christmases together. Peter and I were teenage sweethearts and met at a dance when I was sixteen. Peter wasnt the king of romance, but he was a really good husband and we had a close relationship, said Glenda from Letterkenny, Donegal. Im very grateful for the care he got from the hospice team in his last few months; they looked after me as well as him. I remember the day, not long before Peter died when the hospice nurse put me in the bed beside him, tucked me in and put a do not disturb sign on the door. It was the best sleep Id had in a long time. Every year 29,000 people in Ireland die and on average 10 people are directly affected by a death. This means 290,000 people will experience the pain of loss this Christmas. We have all lost someone we love and who will be dearly missed this Christmas. I am urging you to remember your special someone this Christmas and support the vital work of The IHF as they help those nearing death or suffering from bereavement, continued Glenda. This unique Never Forgotten Appeal invites people to write a personal message to their loved ones which is handwritten into the 2017 Book of Remembrance. People can donate online at www.neverforgotten.ie. The 2017 Book of Remembrance will be proudly displayed in the IHF library throughout next year and you are always welcome to visit. IHF CEO, Sharon Foley commented: Grief is difficult all year round but special occasions like Christmas can be particularly hard for those who are bereaved. Lets cherish the memories of our loved ones who are deceased by making this a Christmas to remember. Our Never Forgotten Appeal is one way in which you can honour a loved one who has passed away. Last year we received many touching tributes and I was proud to share my own personal message. You can make a real difference with all donations going towards the work of the IHF and providing better care for those who are at end of life or bereaved, concluded Sharon. The IHF relies on public donations to fund services. Its work includes: Funding 85% of the start-up costs of the National Childrens Palliative Care programme including Irelands first Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant and Childrens Outreach Nurses 2,475 families cared for by IHF Nurses for Night Care service over the past 30 years; equating to 7,200 nights of care Hospice Friendly Hospitals programme is embedded in 48 hospitals nationwide Go to www.neverforgotten.ie to make a vital donation in memory of the one you love. The Diagnostic Imaging centre in St Francis Private Hospital will offer fast access to a range of medical scans, including MRI, Ultrasound, DXA and X-ray to patients in the Westmeath and surrounding areas. Commenting, Bressie said: I have had my fair share of injuries growing up considering the amount of sport I played and I always had to travel to Dublin or further for an MRI. It's great to now have that service in the town. David Dooley, Regional Manager from Alliance Medical Ireland said: With long waiting lists for scans throughout Ireland, there is a huge need for an accessible and affordable diagnostic imaging service for both public and private patients here. We have invested heavily in Ireland in the last year and will continue to do so to ensure patients in the country have fast access to the highest standard of medical scans both within hospitals and in primary care. Alliance Medical is a leading provider of diagnostic imaging across Europe. In Ireland it works extensively with the HSE, NHS independent and private hospitals, to provide access for patients to the highest quality medical imaging, including MRI, CT, X-ray, DXA (bone density scans) PET/CT and Ultrasound. Over 180 people are employed at Alliance Medical Ireland throughout its head office in Limerick and 19 clinical locations across the country including in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast. The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) is encouraging young people in County Longford to make sure they are registered to vote before the deadline for inclusion on the electoral register on Friday, November 25. James Doorley, NYCI deputy director explained: We are especially anxious to ensure that the 517 young people who have turned 18 in the last 12 months in 517 are included in the electoral register and will be in a position to exercise their democratic right to vote should any elections or referendums take place in the coming year. Any young person who is 18 years of age on or before February 15, 2017 next is eligible for inclusion in this updated voters list. The draft voters list was published on November 1st last and is available at local council offices, post offices, Garda stations and is available online at checktheregister.ie. The reality is that the vast majority of young people who turned 18 in the 9 months since the General Election in February 2016 will not be registered to vote. If you are not currently registered, you must fill in a RFA1 form and send it to your relevant local authority by November 25 next to be added to the register. This form is available from local county and city councils and available to download at checktheregister.ie, added Mr Doorley. Is it also possible for people already registered who have recently moved address or constituency to change their details and this can be done on the RFA1 form which must also be completed and returned by November 25 next. The amended Register of Electors comes into force on 15 February next. While it is possible to get added to the voters list even after this November deadline, getting on the so-called supplementary electoral register is more time consuming as it requires that the form is brought to and stamped at a Garda station. We would strongly encourage young people and indeed any voter not on the register or who wishes to change their details on the register to avail of this opportunity to get on the voters list. Excellent work was done last year to get young people on the electoral register, by organisations including the NYCI. However, with almost 60,000 young people nationwide turning 18 in the last 12 months, we need to work continually to ensure all are registered. For almost every election and referendum we get calls from young people who have missed the registration deadline and are disappointed that they cannot vote, we urge young people to make sure they are registered and not to leave it to the last minute, so that they can vote in any upcoming elections or referendums, concluded Mr Doorley. 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 Lifestyle / Travel A staggering 5,000 millennials selected Icelands Blue Lagoon as the most popular bucket-list travel experience. Nov 20, 2016 | By Madelaine Angelina A staggering 5,000 millennials selected Icelands Blue Lagoon as the most popular bucket-list travel experience. Arguably, Iceland anything makes for a good bucket-list experience but given the popularity boom this volcanic rock of 300,000+ has been experiencing in recent years, you might want to choose your specific destination with care. The No Regrets Travel List was compiled by youth travel company Contiki, with people aged 18-35 around the world naming their dream holiday experiences in a recent poll. From the 20 destinations that made it onto the list, Blue Lagoon in Iceland distinguished itself in first place. The milky blue pool has self-cleansing water that renews itself every 40 hours, reportedly boosting the health of those who bathe there. As mentioned, Iceland itself is a rising star in the worlds tourism industry, mostly thanks to innovative tourism campaigns. It has become a favorite of nature lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, with estimates of 2 million tourists in 2017, a five-fold increase from 2010. The country is also prominently featured in TV hit Game of Thrones, which depicts Iceland as a mythical land of ice and fire. That said, this is a list and Iceland just tops it. As you can see, the Pyramids of Giza also put in an appearance. Here are the top 20 travel experiences among Millennials for 2017: 1. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland 2. See the Great Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) 3. Walk the Great Wall of China 4. Chill out on the beach at Byron Bay (Australia) 5. Learn how to make pizza in Italy 6. Road trip along Route 66 (USA) 7. Gondola ride in Venice (Italy) 8. Kiss at the Eiffel Tower (Paris, France) 9. Watch sea turtles lay their eggs in Costa Rica 10. Picnic in the French countryside 11 . Party in Las Vegas (USA) 12. Visit Yosemite National Park (USA) 13. Watch the sunrise over Uluru (Australia) 14. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef (Australia) 15. See the Mona Lisa (Paris, France) 16. Try all the gelato in Rome (Italy) 17. See the Grand Canyon by helicopter (USA) 18. Cuddle a koala in Queensland (Australia) 19. Zipline through the rainforest in Costa Rica 20. Ride a bike through Amsterdam (Netherlands) Kashmir: A militant was killed during an encounter between security forces and militants in Kashmirs Pulwama district. Following information regarding the presence of militants in Begam Bag village, security forces were deployed in the area. Yesterday morning, Pakistan Army had fired at Indian outposts using mortars and guns and was retaliated by the Indian side. Thiruvananthapuram: KPCC President VM Sudheeran on last day opposed the idea of a joint LDF-UDF protest against the center's stand in the Co-operative bank issue. He also added that the protest should be staged in New Delhi. Alleging that the CPM follows the BJP's style of operation by trying to sabotage the District Bank Administrative Committees, Sudheeran pointed that the congress won't attend a joint strike with the Left front. Earlier, the fractions in the UDF also expressed their displeasure over the joint protest. Fear and the Good American There is no one I know or meet whose life hasnt been noticeably affected even interrupted and disrupted by Donald J. Trump. Many have been thrust into fear by his election. As a warning signal, fear can prompt vigilance, alertness, caution and preparedness, as it is now doing in many. In this respect, fear is a healthy response to a perceived or potential threat. But, if allowed it can be a self-defeating mechanism that scrambles rational thinking, weakens defenses and disorients reality. Fear can be provoked by real threats, imminent ones, as well as imaginary ones. Those who purposely provoke fear can do so to manipulate and control you. When that fails, they can employ punitive measures. When the object feared is real and cannot be controlled by the individual, when control depends upon the action of another or others, anxiety and panic can ensue. Donald J. Trumps powerful and potentially dangerous effect upon this country and the world remains unchecked and unbridled indeed sanctioned by over forty-seven percent of voters and the next ruling political party. But if any future action by the president-elect violates the United States Constitution and is not restrained by Congress and the Supreme Court, the rule of law in this nation will be gravely undermined. In consequence, every American will lose the same Constitutional protection violated in another; and be vulnerable to any similar act of violation. When the rule of law is broken for one, it is broken for all. When a scapegoat is created, every citizen is at risk of becoming one. When a wall is erected to bar an entrance, it also blocks an exit. The fear and cowardice of WWII Good Germans who did nothing to protect their neighbors from Nazis was succinctly captured in Martin Niemollers famous poem, First they came... (1946). When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat. When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist. When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out. Written and delivered after the war, Niemoller, along with nine other Protestant pastors, had already issued warnings and statements as early as 1936 describing the disposition of Good Germans toward Nazism and the fear that gripped most others. Our people are trying to break the bond set by God. That is human conceit rising against God, they wrote. Today his [Hitlers] thoughts are used as a basis not only for political decisions but also for morality and law. In 1937, Niemoller was imprisoned for seven years in Sachsenhausen and Dachau for dissent. The poem is asking us to review our role in troubling times when neighbors are set against each other by political, religious and media leaders competing to control the population and nation. ... In times when scapegoats are created to deflect blame. ... In times when lies are hatched to provoke hate, vengeance and violence. ... In times when economic systems have created fiercely competitive individuals incapable of cooperation. ... In times when long-standing international alliances splinter in the name of nationalisms. ... In times when social cohesion is torn asunder by ideologies that contradict both human wisdom and the highest truths preached by every religion in the world. Today we know who was a Good German in the Third Reich and who was not. But if fascism should come to America, I ask myself: Who will be a Good American and who wont? Will I be one or wont I? When they come for the immigrants, will I remain silent? I am not an immigrant. When they come for the Moslems, will I remain silent? I am not a Moslem. When they come for the refugees, will I remain silent? I am not a refugee. When they come for the journalists, will I remain silent? I am not a journalist. When they come for members of Congress, will I remain silent? I am not a politician. When they come for young black men and Latinos, will I remain silent? I am not black or Latino. When they come for gays, will I remain silent? I am not gay. When they come for women who had abortions, will I remain silent? I am not a woman. When they burn churches, mosques and synagogues, will I remain silent? I am not a member of those churches. When they come for those on their enemy list, will I remain silent? When they come for you, will I remain silent? If fascism comes to America, will you remain silent? (c) 2016 Michael T. Bucci (Michael T. Bucci is a retired public relations executive currently living in New England. He has authored nine books on practical spirituality collectively titled The Cerithous Material.) Notes: Martin Niemoller, Wikiquotes. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Martin_Niem%C3%B6ller Martin Niemoller Biography, Biography online. http://www.biographyonline.net/spiritual/martin-niemoller.html 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Grey Champion Assumes Command of America's Fourth Turning Crisis - Part 1 At each of these great gates of history, eighty to a hundred years apart, a similar generational drama unfolded. Four archetypes, aligned in the same order - elder Prophet, midlife Nomad, young adult Hero, child Artist - together produced the most enduring legends in our history. Each time the Grey Champion appeared marked the arrival of a moment of "darkness, and adversity, and peril," the climax of the Fourth Turning of the saeculum. - The Fourth Turning - Strauss & Howe In September 2015 I wrote a five part article called Fourth Turning: Crisis of Trust. In Part 2 of that article I pondered who might emerge as the Grey Champion, leading the country during the second half of this Fourth Turning Crisis. I had the above pictures of Franklin, Lincoln, and FDR, along with a flaming question mark. The question has been answered. Donald J. Trump is the Grey Champion. When I wrote that article, only one GOP debate had taken place. There were eleven more to go. Trump was viewed by the establishment as a joke, ridiculed by the propaganda media, and disdained by the GOP and Democrats. I was still skeptical of his seriousness and desire to go the distance, but I attempted to view his candidacy through the lens of the Fourth Turning. I was convinced the mood of the country turning against the establishment could lead to his elevation to the presidency. I was definitely in the minority at the time: Until three months ago the 2016 presidential election was in control of the establishment. The Party was putting forth their chosen crony capitalist figureheads - Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton. They are hand-picked known controllable entities who will not upset the existing corrupt system. They are equally acceptable to Goldman Sachs, the Federal Reserve, the military industrial complex, the sickcare industry, mega-corporate America, the moneyed interests, and the never changing government apparatchiks. The one party system is designed to give the appearance of choice, while in reality there is no difference between the policies of the two heads of one party and their candidate products. But now Donald Trump has stormed onto the scene from the reality TV world to tell the establishment - You're Fired!!! The linear thinking supporters of the status quo are flabbergasted and outraged by Trump's popularity. The ruling classes never anticipate the mood shift of the peasants as they look down on the masses from their gated estates and penthouse suites. The country is looking for someone who can tear down the entire fetid, corrupt, rotting structure. The onset of phase two of this Crisis in 2016 will produce a populace more desperate, less trusting of the establishment and likely to turn towards someone like Trump, in despair. - Fourth Turning - Crisis of Trust (Part Two) Strauss and Howe wrote their prophetic tome two decades ago. Their prognostications have played out exactly as they prophesied. They did not know which events or which people would catalyze this Fourth Turning. But they knew the mood change in the country would be driven by the predictable generational alignment which occurs every eighty years. Our regeneracy is now solidly under way. "Soon after the catalyst, a national election will produce a sweeping political realignment, as one faction or coalition capitalizes on a new public demand for decisive action. Republicans, Democrats, or perhaps a new party will decisively win the long partisan tug of war. This new regime will enthrone itself for the duration of the Crisis. Regardless of its ideology, that new leadership will assert public authority and demand private sacrifice. Where leaders had once been inclined to alleviate societal pressures, they will now aggravate them to command the nation's attention. The regeneracy will be solidly under way." - Strauss & Howe - The Fourth Turning Linear thinking pundits, politicians, businessmen, bankers, bureaucrats, and citizens fail to grasp the cyclical nature of history. They think themselves progressives, falsely believing humanity and history move forward in a straight line. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is why they throw hissy fits when their predictions and beliefs are thrown into disarray by events and mood changes in the country. The linear thinking establishment is losing their proverbial minds over Trump's landslide electoral victory, they never saw coming. They're flabbergasted, angry, and living in denial as history tracks a path it travels every eighty years or so. As the Greatest Generation departs this earth, there are few left who lived through the last Fourth Turning. That's why the living generations are always surprised when another predictable crisis arrives. We never seem to learn the lessons of history. Perpetual progress is a myth. Average American households haven't seen economic progress in decades. Education continues to deteriorate, as the young become progressively dumber. Well-paying goods producing jobs have been shipped overseas, replaced by low paying, no benefits service jobs. Government is corrupt, inept, and discredited. Our culture is degraded, decadent, depraved, and despoiled. Progress has devolved into regression. We've entered our saecular Winter and there is no turning back. It arrived with ferocious blizzard like conditions in 2008, and had been in a debt induced lull until this election. A bitter fierce wind has begun to whip across the plains and black swirling clouds portend a tempestuous future. As the gathering storm looms, the Grey Champion appears on the mountaintop. "Americans have always been blind to the next turning until after it fully arrives. Most of today's adult Americans grew up in a society whose citizens dreamed of perpetually improving outcomes: better jobs, fatter wallets, stronger government, finer culture, nicer families, smarter kids, all the usual fruits of progress. Today, deep into the Third Turning, these goals feel like they are slipping away. Many of us wish we could rewind time, but we know we can't - and we fear for our children and grandchildren. Many Americans wish that, somehow, they could bring back a saecular spring now. But seasons don't work that way. As in nature, a saecular autumn can be warm or cool, long or short, but the leaves will surely fall. The saecular winter can hurry or wait, but history warns that it will surely be upon us. We may not wish the Grey Champion to come again - but come he must, and come he will." - The Fourth Turning - Strauss & Howe To those who have never read the book or understand generational theory, they are appalled I would declare Donald Trump as the Grey Champion. They interpret the word "champion" as having a positive connotation. It has nothing to do with whether the Grey Champion is a good person, moral person, or likeable person. It doesn't even have to be one person. Ben Franklin and Samuel Adams, both from the Prophet generation, are considered the Grey Champions of the American Revolution Fourth Turning. One was a diplomat who used his guile and cunning to propel the revolution forward. The other was a firebrand, in the mold of our current Donald Trump. In most cases the Grey Champions are not revered or glorified until decades after the Crisis is resolved. Lincoln was and still is despised by just about everyone living south of the Mason Dixon line. Outraged businessmen attempted to convince Smedley Butler to lead a coup against FDR. Large swaths of Americans believe he is responsible for creating our welfare state and the unfunded liabilities which are playing a large part in this current Fourth Turning. The unintended consequences of decisions made in previous Fourth Turnings often become the catalysts for the next crisis. The Grey Champion or Champions are Prophet Generation leaders who command respect due to their age, attitude and warlike demeanor. They were born shortly after the previous Great War Crisis and became the narcissistic young crusaders during the Awakening, driven achievers during the midlife Unraveling, and principled moralists summoning great deeds during the next Crisis. They tend to inspire through their words and rhetoric, rather than through grand deeds. They are human beings, and as with all humans, they exhibit both positive and negative traits. Prominent positive traits include being principled, resolute and creative. Detrimental traits include being narcissistic, presumptuous, and ruthless. The Grey Champion arrives when the situation looks grim and the people need a jolt of courage to meet the frightful challenges ahead. One afternoon in April 1689, as the American colonies boiled with rumors that King James II was about to strip them of their liberties, the King's hand-picked governor of New England, Sir Edmund Andros, marched his troops menacingly through Boston. His purpose was to crush any thought of colonial self-rule. To everyone present, the future looked grim. Just at that moment, seemingly from nowhere, there appeared on the streets "the figure of an ancient man" with "the eye, the face, the attitude of command." His manner "combining the leader and the saint," the old man planted himself directly in the path of the approaching British soldiers and demanded that they stop. "The solemn, yet warlike peal of that voice, fit either to rule a host in the battlefield or be raised to God in prayer, were irresistible. At the old man's word and outstretched arm, the roll of the drum was hushed at once, and the advancing line stood still." Inspired by this single act of defiance, the people of Boston roused their courage and acted. Within the day, Andros was deposed and jailed, the liberty of Boston saved, and the corner turned on the colonial Glorious Revolution. "Who was this Gray Champion?" Nathaniel Hawthorne asked near the end of this story in his Twice-Told Tales. No one knew, except that he had once been among the fire-hearted young Puritans who had first settled New England more than a half century earlier. Later that evening, just before the old priest-warrior disappeared, the townspeople saw him embracing the 85-year-old Simon Bradstreet, a kindred spirit and one of the few original Puritans still alive. Would the Gray Champion ever return? "I have heard," added Hawthorne, "that whenever the descendants of the Puritans are to show the spirit of their sires, the old man appears again." - The Fourth Turning - Strauss & Howe The old man has appeared again. Just as he appeared eighty years after the glorious revolution behind the breastworks on Bunker Hill, providing spiritual inspiration to the farmer militia. The greying peer of Samuel Adams and Ben Franklin was just playing his role in the generational alignment which occurs every eighty years like clockwork. As the hour of darkness, adversity and peril arrives, the virtuous, fiery and unrepentant Gray Champion(s) appear through the fog of history like an apparition. As the clock counted down to 1860, seventy-nine years after the climax of the previous Crisis, ideologues, warriors and righteous politician Grey Champions like John Brown, William Tecumseh Sherman, Robert E. Lee and Abraham Lincoln stepped into the breach, as the terrible swift sword felled over 700,000 citizens. Seven decades later as financial markets collapsed, the world sank into a global depression, with world war just over the horizon, a moralistic no-nonsense prophet generation leader arose to lead his nation towards their rendezvous with destiny. As ancestral generations entered the constellation that reoccurs every eighty years, elder warriors FDR, Douglas MacArthur, and Winston Churchill appeared to revive the spirits of their countrymen and fight the scourge of fascism. No one can make the argument these three Crisis leaders were likeable. In fact, their personalities were grating and they were detested by friends and foes alike. What they did was ignore protocol, feelings, and minutia, to focus on the only thing that mattered - prevailing at all costs. The previous two Grey Champion leaders - Lincoln and Roosevelt - are still reviled by many Americans, as they were by millions during their time. Unconstitutional policies and executive actions during the gloomy ambiguous days of the Civil War, Great Depression, and World War II left a long lasting impression on the country and play a major role in our current crisis. Both centralized power with the Federal government, drastically weakening the power of the states. Both set the country on a path towards increased taxation, spending and waging war. Lincoln and FDR were elected Grey Champions, but Lincoln only received 39.9% of the popular vote in a four way race, while FDR won in a landslide with 57% of the vote over Hoover. It was clear Lincoln didn't have a mandate, as Southern states began seceding after his election. Lincoln's support in the North was halfhearted at best. Lincoln captured only 55% of the vote in the 1864 election, with only northern states voting. His cabinet of rivals despised him. They plotted against him, actively opposed his policies, and gloried in his failures. After four grim years of slaughter and failure, he was assassinated just as his armies' attained victory. To this day he is still despised by liberty minded states' rights proponents. Even though FDR won landslide popular vote victories in 1932 and 1936, his detractors and adversaries were numerous. FDR's confiscation of gold, antagonism toward big business, and dictatorial style, convinced a number of wealthy businessmen to approach General Smedley Butler to lead a coup against FDR and install a fascist regime to run the country. His New Deal "make work" projects and socialist policies were widely scorned by free market capitalists, as they prolonged the Great Depression. No one can assert Lincoln or FDR united all Americans in a common cause. Grey Champions are not universally adored or defended. They aggravated societal pressures that had been ignored or deferred by their predecessors. Compromise was not an alternative for these men. They were going to lead in a confrontational style suited to the times, using unyielding principles to vanquish their enemies. Grey Champions have a particular set of personality traits making them well suited to lead during a Crisis. They have the facility to overlook the complexities of life and focus on one simple imperative: society must prevail. In Part Two of this article I will assess the prospects of success for our new Grey Champion - Donald J. Trump and why this Fourth Turning is about to turn nasty. Join me at www.TheBurningPlatform.com to discuss truth and the future of our country. By James Quinn quinnadvisors@comcast.net James Quinn is a senior director of strategic planning for a major university. James has held financial positions with a retailer, homebuilder and university in his 22-year career. Those positions included treasurer, controller, and head of strategic planning. He is married with three boys and is writing these articles because he cares about their future. He earned a BS in accounting from Drexel University and an MBA from Villanova University. He is a certified public accountant and a certified cash manager. These articles reflect the personal views of James Quinn. They do not necessarily represent the views of his employer, and are not sponsored or endorsed by his employer. 2016 Copyright James Quinn - 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. James Quinn Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Trump Inauguration Day Protests Planned Protesting Trumps inauguration misses the point. Ive explained many times. Americas criminal class is bipartisan, democracy pure fantasy. Deep state duopoly power runs things - one-party state governance with two right wings, independents entirely shut out. Media scoundrels are press agents for wealth, power and privilege exclusively. Election-rigging made Trump president. Power brokers decided Hillary was too scandal-ridden to serve effectively. Her deplorable public record defeated her. Will Trump continue dirty business as usual or go his own way? Likely more of the former, less of the latter - with at least three reasons to be relieved he won. Hillary in power risked unthinkable nuclear war on Russia. Trump wants more normalized bipartisan relations, both countries cooperating in waging war on terrorism. Hillary is a longstanding Wall Street/war-profiteers tool. Billionaire Trump IS a monied interest, less beholden to other ones, hopefully more able to operate outside the box in some respects. He calls NATO obsoletecosting us a fortune. He wont end Americas dominant role, wants other nations sharing a greater burden, perhaps changing the alliances role. Hopefully he means less war, focusing mainly on defeating the scourge of terrorism. A good thing, using his language. Inauguration day and other anti-Trump protests are planned, orchestrated and implemented by elements not wanting their involvement revealed - Machiavellian dark forces infamous for dirty tricks, tactics serving their interests. The hashtag #DisruptJ20 is being used as a rallying cry to protest Trumps January 20 inauguration. Are paid demonstrators involved? Controlling elements called for blocking his peaceful transition. People nationwide are being asked to get involved, a #DisruptJ20 statement saying: Friday, January 20, 2017, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as President of the United States. We call on all people of good conscience to join in disrupting the ceremonies. If Trump is to be inaugurated at all, let it happen behind closed doors, showing the true face of the security state Trump will preside over. It must be made clear to the whole world that the vast majority of people in the United States do not support his presidency or consent to his rule. Trump stands for tyranny, greed, and misogyny. He is the champion of neo-nazis and white Nationalists, of the police who kill the Black, Brown and poor on a daily basis, of racist border agents and sadistic prison guards, of the FBI and NSA who tap your phone and read your email. He is the harbinger of even more climate catastrophe, deportation, discrimination, and endless war. He continues to deny the existence of climate change, in spite of all the evidence, putting the future of the whole human race at stake. The KKK, Vladimir Putin, Golden Dawn, and the Islamic State all cheered his victory. If we let his inauguration go unchallenged, we are opening the door to the future they envision. Trumps success confirms the bankruptcy of representative democracy. Rather than using the democratic process as an alibi for inaction, we must show that no election could legitimize his agenda. Neither the Democrats nor any other political party or politician will save us - they just offer a weaker version of the same thing. If there is going to be positive change in this society, we have to make it ourselves, together, through direct action. From day one, the Trump presidency will be a disaster. #DisruptJ20 will be the start of the resistance. We must take to the streets and protest, blockade, disrupt, intervene, sit in, walk out, rise up, and make more noise and good trouble than the establishment can bear. The parade must be stopped. We must delegitimize Trump and all he represents. Its time to defend ourselves, our loved ones, and the world that sustains us as if our lives depend on it -because they do. (Washington) DC will not be hospitable to the Trump administration. Every corporation must openly declare whether they side with him or with the people who will suffer at his hands. Thousands will converge and demonstrate resistance to the Trump regime. Save the date. A website will appear shortly with more details. #DisruptJ20 Around the US If you cant make it to Washington, DC on January 20, take to the streets wherever you are. We call on our comrades to organize demonstrations and other actions for the night of January 20. There is also a call for a general strike to take place. Organize a walkout at your school now. Workers: call out sick and take the day off. No work, no school, no shopping, no housework. #DisruptJ20 Around the World If you are living outside the US, you can take action at US embassies, borders, or other symbols of neocolonial power. Our allegiance is not to making America great again, but to all of humanity and the planet. #DisruptJ20 Spread the word. Join the fight. #DisruptJ20 Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/disruptj20 Signed, Agency CrimethInc. Workers Collective Its Going Down subMedia Earth First! Journal AK Press PM Press Indigenous Action New York Anarchist Action The Base NYC Anarchist Black Cross Pittsburgh Autonomous Student Network Pittsburgh Student Solidarity Coalition NightShade Pittsburgh Pitt Against Debt Pitt Students for a Democratic Society Steel City (A) Team UNControllables Antifa Seven Hills WNC Antifa Asheville Anti-Racism Black Rose Book Distro St. Louis Resonance: An anarchist audio distro Rose City Antifa Torch Antifa Network Central Oklahoma Black/Red Alliance (COBRA) Sprout Distro New Wave Army Puget Sound Anarchist Black Cross Four Corners Antifa killedbypolice.net Chicago Anarchist Black Cross NYC Anarchist Book Fair NYC ANARKOARTLAB Autonomous Actions Against PrisonsSeattle Antifa United Denver Anarchist Black Cross Loughborough Labour Party Words as Weapons Hackernol Stinney Distro The Roosevelt Group LeftSec/AnonAnarchistAction i2p Darknet anarchohacker collective Hispagatos International hacking collective Maryland Food Collective Shades of Silence Wildfire Anarchist Prison Newsletter Students Without Borders Solidarity Houston South Florida Smash HLS Students Against State Violence Bloomington Solidarity Network Anarquismo en PDF Burning River Anarchist Distro Lehigh Valley Vanguard UNIDOS POR LA REFORMA Rocky Mountain Antifa Hudson Valley Anarchist Network Proletarian Liberation Front Agencia de Noticias Anarquistas-ANA (Brazil) Morgantown Ultra Left Network New Brunswickers against Fracking Art Haus of Albany Black Powder Press WorkersAssemble Stand Up Fight Back CopWatch Patrol Unit Revolutionary Security Corps L.I.F.E.E. Organization Anonymous NYC Mutiny Antarsya Tempe Flatirons Anarchist Alliance Redneck Revolt Anarchist Initiative Ljubljana (Slovenia) Presidential inaugurations are usually dull affairs. Not January 20 in Washington if mass disruption happens like dark forces intend. By Stephen Lendman http://sjlendman.blogspot.com His new book as editor and contributor is titled Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III. http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html He lives in Chicago and can be reached in Chicago at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday through Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national topics. All programs are archived for easy listening. 2016 Copyright Stephen Lendman - 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. MARTINSVILLE Higher medical costs, especially pharmaceuticals; sicker enrollees that expected; more people than expected paying the penalty rather than signing up; and the expiration or lack of funding for risk mitigation programs are some of the reasons for sizable increases in premiums looming under the Affordable Care Act. Thats according to Henry County native Marilyn Tavenner, president and chief executive officer for Americas Health Insurance Plans, the trade association for the health insurance industry, and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She attended an event of the Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation Friday night at Chatmoss Country Club. The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, targets the small percentage of Americans who are self-employed or dont have access to employer-sponsored or government-sponsored (such as Medicare or Medicaid) health insurance plans, Tavenner said in an interview. According to Tavenner, her associations website and news media reports, Obamacare, which took effect in 2013, included programs called the 3Rs reinsurance, risk corridors and risk adjustments -- to reduce risks for insurers during the transition to and under Obamacare and to create a stable, affordable market for consumers. Two of those programs expire this year and Congress cut funding for the other one. Before Obamacare went into effect, insurance premium increases of 25 percent or more were not uncommon, Tavenner said. For a time, after Obamacare went into effect, insurance premium increases did seem to moderate going up in the 3 to 8 percent range but then increases became larger, she said. Some other reasons for increases in insurance premiums under Obamacare are sicker people than had been expected are signing up; and more people than expected are choosing to pay the penalty rather than sign up because they think its cheaper for them or that they think theyre healthy and dont need coverage, Tavenner said. Places hit the hardest by the premium increases include parts of Southside, an area Tavenner is very familiar with, having grown up in Fieldale. The Associated Press reported Oct. 24 that in 2017 before taxpayer-provided subsidies, premiums for a midlevel benchmark plan under Obamacare will increase an average of 25 percent across the 39 states served by the federally run online market, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Some states will see much bigger jumps, others less. Moreover about 1 in 5 consumers will only have plans from a single insurer to pick prom, after major national carriers such as United Health Group, Humana and Aetna scaled back their roles. Tavenner said the question now, with Donald Trump having been elected president, is how to repeal or replace Obamacare while keeping popular parts of it, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions and allowing children to remain on parents plans until age 26. Paul Collins reports for the Martinsville Bulletin and can be reached at paul.collins@martinsvillebulletin.com. SPRINGFIELD -- Brian Arnold of Springfield is one of about 200 construction workers on the job at MGM Springfield. He spends his days building and setting forms for concrete pours as contractors start hanging the flesh of a casino and hotel complex on the skeleton of steel taking shape at the 14.5-acre site. By the middle of summer 2017, about six months from now, that crew of 200 will swell to more than 700 construction workers. They'll be putting up drywall, installing ceilings, hanging doors, running wire, installing plumbing and more as work on the $950 million casino project hits peak activity, a phase expected to last for six months into early 2018. The casino will open at the end of that year. "I want to be here for all of it," Arnold, 42 and the father of three daughters, said as he heard union officials rattle off all the jobs to be done. "That's why I want to be here. I want to be a part of all those different facets. I want to be part of putting it all together." Arnold got on the job site as an apprentice carpenter through the Community Partners Network of Western Massachusetts. The network is an MGM effort to reach out to community groups like the AWAKE Inc., the Urban League of Greater Springfield, Veterans Inc., Neighbor to Neighbor and to construction trade unions including the Carpenters, Laborers and Iron Workers locals. And even as construction ramps up, MGM, the community groups and the unions are planning to use the structure to fill permanent operations jobs at the casino -- everything from dealers to engineers -- and to get workers who are minorities, women and veterans who joined the union to work at MGM on construction jobs up and down the Pioneer Valley. "It's really thinking about careers. Not just jobs," said Jason Garand, business manager for Carpenters Union Local 108 in Springfield. "We are putting in place a program that won't be here just for this project, but for the carpenters working on the job down the street and for the carpenters working on the job in the next town." There is more than $1 billion in large-scale construction projects either ongoing or in the planning stages in Hampden and Hampshire counties. That includes $300 million in buildings at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the $95 million CRRC MA USA rail car factory in East Springfield, the $455 million Pope Francis High School in Springfield, a $50 million dining hall under construction at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley and the Neilson Library renovation at Smith College in Northampton expected to start in 2017. Garand said he's been able to place a minority woman from Springfield on the Mount Holyoke job in a leadership position. "The program is too good for anyone to to walk away from it," Garand said. "And for any of this to work, the construction companies have to make money. That means our job is to give them the best prepared and best trained people we can get." The Community Partners Network of Western Massachusetts began about a year ago. It hosts meetings in the community to let people know opportunities are available and then helps smooth the way for people to get into union apprenticeship programs, said Chelan Brown, diversity specialist for construction at MGM Springfield. It focuses on women, minorities and veterans. Arnold is black and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He'd been working as a barber most recently before deciding construction was for him. Wilfredo Lopez of Neighbor to Neighbor, a community organization in Springfield, said many minorities, women and veterans in Springfield don't know about the opportunities that await in construction unions. They also may face barriers like the lack of a high school diploma, limited access to child care, a lack of some basic skills or the presence of a criminal record. Many prospective union apprentices need OSHA 10, a federally mandated course and exam in workplace safety and first aid. The Community Partners Network puts prospective students in those classes. "We take those barriers and we turn them into obstacles that can be overcome," Lopez said. "They don't go away. But we help people step over them." Brown said the Network is currently working with 208 individuals referred from partners in the Network or through the MGM Construction website. Of those 61 are union members. Thirty-one of them are new, who were accepted into trade unions with help from the Network. Another30 union members were on the bench, meaning not working, prior to working with the Network. Lopez said the people behind the Network hope to recruit even more people. Union apprentices rotate from working on a job site to one week of classroom training every three months. Apprentices make about $16 an hour, Garand said. After four years of on-the-job training, an journey-level carpenter makes $32 an hour plus benefits. That same worker can only expect about 1,500 to 1,600 hours of work each year because of slowdowns and gaps in between projects. Even so, it works out to $60,000 a year. "You are middle class," Garand said. "You are affording a home. You are paying for the kids' college." Lopez said the Network also encourages those planning construction projects to hire union labor. "We have all seen these big projects come in, and the crew is from out of state with the white vans," he said. "Then people in the community don't get those jobs." MGM agreed to use union construction workers as part of the process of getting state permission to operate here in Massachusetts. Labor unions were big supporters of the referendums that legalized casino gambling in Massachusetts. The company also agreed to diversity hiring goals. For construction, the goal is to have 6.9 percent of employees be women, 15.3 percent minorities and 8 percent veterans. Brown said MGM is exceeding those goals. Once the casino is open, half of the employees will be women, half will be minorities, four percent will be veterans, and Springfield residents will make up 35 percent of the workforce. Of course, one employee can satisfy multiple categories. But just because there are diversity goals in a contract doesn't mean women, veterans and people of color get on the job. Many projects have promised and not delivered, Garand said. "You can build the casino in a lot of different ways. The goal can just be a goal that isn't met" Garand said. "You can be serious about it or not." SPRINGFIELD Heaping helpings of Brahms and Bruckner transported an audience of 1,827 at Symphony Hall to the romantic musical vastness of 19th century Germany and Austria on Saturday evening. Maestro Kevin Rhodes and his colleagues began with Brahms' Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, with guest soloists Mark Kaplan (violin) and Clancy Newman (cello). The two soloists could hardly have been more different in their physical presentation of the music. Newman, the younger of the pair, attacked his music with histrionic slashes of the bow, rocking from side to side in his chair and employing a fast, tight finger vibrato that imparted a singular color to sustained pitches. Kaplan generally maintained a quiet, grounded stance, addressing his music with a fluid, organic motion, and preferring a more subdued vibrato. Despite the apparent difference in the visual component of their approach, Kaplan and Newman matched each other perfectly in the execution of Brahms' by turns argumentative and intimate duet writing. Each musician had mastered the individual challenges of the piece (including some fiendishly difficult double-stops in both parts) and turned their attention to the intricate dialog that makes the concerto unique in the genre. Rhodes and his colleagues provided balanced and nuanced accompaniment for the duo. In the lovely slow movement, Rhodes' gesture drew long, elastic phrases from the orchestra, supporting the soloists' arching lines and perfectly tuned unisons. The finale, one of those dancing bear movements that no one could write better than Brahms, displayed the soloists at the peak of their powers, and brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation. A magnificent performance of Anton Bruckner's Seventh Symphony consumed the concert's second half. Clocking in at around 65 minutes (the SSO's performance was shorter than some on recording) the Bruckner 7th presented a world of sound and idea unlike any other in the symphonic tradition. A devotee of Wagner, Bruckner could spin out an idea through an apparently endless sequence of harmonies, finding his way "home" to the tonic key after a glorious, colorful expedition around the circle of fifths. The first two movements, 20-plus minutes each, were the meat of the symphony, and the musicians delivered them exquisitely, balancing the texture so that each strand of the melodic tapestry could shine and show its color and shape in relation to the others. Rhodes took great care with the specifics of character and articulation, yet never lost sight of the big picture, always maintaining a sense of patience and careful pacing in the grand sweep of the music's evolution. There were a couple of moments of questionable intonation and an instant here and there where the ensemble was not exact, but the soul of the symphony was brought to life for all 1,827 concertgoers. As Rhodes remarked in his introduction to the piece, the idea of a regional orchestra like the SSO playing a Bruckner symphony is a daring and rare one. The high quality of the performance spoke volumes about the talent in the orchestra and the confidence in Rhodes' leadership, and is cause for celebration. After their excellent account of the Bruckner, the SSO Brass Quintet, led by South Hadley native and SSO principal trumpet Thomas Bergeron, is scheduled to open the new Wistariahurst Winter Ensemble Series on Sunday Nov. 20, at 12:30 p.m. The holiday season is making its way to Western Massachusetts, and so, too, is the Toy for Joy campaign, bringing Christmas spirit to children in need. The 94th annual Toy for Joy campaign kicks off today, seeking to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve. A collaborative effort by the Salvation Army, The Republican and MassLive, Toy for Joy has continued to grow over the years and works with donors to make sure children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties have toys and gifts waiting for them under the Christmas tree. In 2015, more than 20,000 children benefited from the campaign. "Toy for Joy has been synonymous with Christmas giving going on 94 years as we kick off this year's campaign," says Wayne E. Phaneuf, executive editor of The Republican. "The Republican's goal more than three generations ago was to make sure that no child would face the holidays without a toy and recognition that they mattered. Fast forward to today, and we still look towards a coalition of individuals, businesses and organizations to once again step up to donate to the Toy for Joy fund drive to make it a success." Last year, The Republican and Salvation Army welcomed MassLive as a partner in the Toy for Joy effort and also incorporated an online donation option for donors, adding convenience to contributing to the cause. MassLive president Allison Werder said she is "really happy to be participating again and hosting the online portal for Toy for Joy." According to Werder, with the growing numbers of businesses and individuals who are looking to contribute to Toy for Joy, having an online portal "makes sense." The online donation portal for last year's Toy for Joy campaign saw more than $13,000 in donations made. The 2015 campaign fell more than $16,000 short of meeting its goal and drew on a reserve fund established when previous years' campaigns exceeded the goal to meet the needs of families who registered for assistance. The work that Toy for Joy has done for almost a century has impacted far more than just the children serviced, according to Danielle Lataille, social services director at the Salvation Army's Springfield citadel. "A lot of our parents say to us that without this program there wouldn't be Christmas presents," she said. "There wouldn't be presents under the tree, and it just makes (parents) so happy and so joyful that they can take these presents, that they can wrap them, and they can make Christmas morning so special for their children. So, it does make Christmas miracles happen." Registration for families to receive gifts for their children will begin the week of Nov. 28 at Salvation Army headquarters in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. Along with online donations, contributions may be sent with the coupon published in today's print editions of the Sunday Republican to Toy for Joy, The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, MA 01102. Online donations can be made by clicking here. Toy for Joy registration Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 94rd annual Toy for Joy campaign. The Springfield citadel will assist families whose communities are not listed below: Greater Springfield Citadel: 170 Pearl St., Springfield; Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for info, call (413) 733-1518, serves Agawam, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Northampton, Palmer, Monson, Springfield, Ware, West Springfield, Wilbraham, Westfield, Southwick, Russell and Belchertown; Holyoke Salvation Army: 271 Appleton St., Holyoke; Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for info, call (413) 532-6312, serves Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby and Chicopee; Greenfield Salvation Army: 72 Chapman St., Greenfield; Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., for info, call (413) 773-3154, serves all Franklin County communities; Required documentation: Photo ID for parent/guardian, proof of address dated within last 30 days, birth certificates or passports for each child 16 years and younger and proof of financial need (MassHealth, Women, Infants and Children, current pay stub or other acceptable documentation) HULL A body was discovered on a beach in Hull on Saturday morning, said Acting Chief Robert C. Sawtelle of the Hull police department. Sawtelle said that at approximately 9:25 a.m. authorities were alerted to a person "lying on the rocks" on the beach in the vicinity of Pemberton Point. Both police officers and firefighters responded to the area where they found a dead, as well as a kayak that had been overturned. The identity of the victim is not currently being released. Sawtelle said that the Massachusetts State Police are assisting local Hull authorities in investigating the incident. WAREHAM A man was arrested in Wareham on Saturday morning after he was seen driving erratically in the wrong direction on Route 195 in Fairhaven. Jowaun Gamble, 23, was taken into custody by Massachusetts State Police troopers and now faces a number of charges, including operating under the influence, driving the wrong way on a state highway, speeding, resisting arrest, and several other offenses. Police say they received a call about a wrong way driver at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Saturday. Gamble was driving a 2015 Nissan Altima heading west on Route 195 in the eastbound lanes. A Trooper subsequently attempted to pull Gamble over but he refused to stop. Police finally used tire deflation tactics as a means of stopping Gamble--who reportedly lost control of the vehicle and was forced to stop in the vicinity of Exit 21. Gamble is scheduled to be arraigned in New Bedford District Court on Monday. BOSTON -- A Randolph man was convicted of wire fraud and perjury charges in federal court Friday after authorities said he lied about creating the "Kung Fu Panda" character and tried to scam DreamWorks out of millions of dollars. Jayme Gordon, a 51-year-old Randolph man, used drawings from a coloring book and traced them as part of his scheme, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said. Authorities said Gordon claimed he created the characters and story for the "Kung Fu Panda" movie and DreamWorks Animation SKG stole his idea. Gordon filed a lawsuit against the company in federal court claiming copyright infringement. "In February 2011, Gordon filed a copyright infringement suit against DreamWorks in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, and later that year, he proposed that DreamWorks agree to settle the suit by paying him $12 million," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. "DreamWorks rejected that proposal, and the litigation continued for another two years." The company spent $3 million to defend the case. Investigators said Gordon saw a movie trailer for "Kung Fu Panda" a few months before the movie was released in 2008. Gordon then revised his "Panda Power" drawings and story and renamed it, "Kung Fu Panda Power." The change was all part of the scheme, authorities said. "To further his fraud and persuade DreamWorks to agree to a settlement, Gordon fabricated and backdated drawings of characters similar to those in Kung Fu Panda, lied repeatedly during his deposition and destroyed computer evidence," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. During the civil case it was discovered that Gordon had traced some of his panda drawings from a "Lion King" coloring book. Gordon had said some of his sketches were created in 1992 or 1993, but the coloring book had not been published until 1996. Gordon testified that he didn't trace the drawings. He then claimed Disney appeared to have copied the "Lion King" character named Timon from one of his drawings. "After DreamWorks discovered the tracing from the coloring book, Gordon agreed to dismiss his suit," authorities said. "By this point, however, DreamWorks had spent more than two years defending the fraudulent suit, at a cost of approximately $3 million." Gordon was convicted by a jury on four counts of wire fraud and three counts of perjury. Sentencing is scheduled for March 30. Monroe Bridge Paper Mill Deerfield River.jpg Part of the former Ramage Paper Mill in Monroe threatens to fall into the Deerfield River. (Mary Serreze photo) MONROE -- Part of a decrepit former paper mill in northern Franklin County will be torn down before it tumbles into the upper reaches of the Deerfield River, polluting the waterway with asbestos and debris, reports the Greenfield Recorder. The state last week awarded the town of Monroe $520,000 in grant funding to help remove a cavernous, green-painted wooden structure, part of the former Ramage Paper Mill, and turn the site into a public park. Jeffrey Phillips of Connecticut, who bought the complex 20 years ago, has not responded to a Housing Court order to demolish the building, and not paid taxes since 1999, local officials say. Monroe Town Meeting members voted Nov. 14 to take the building by eminent domain. Hazardous materials on site include asbestos, florescent light tubes, tires, petroleum products and lead paint, according to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, which has helped coordinate the cleanup and redevelopment effort. In addition to local residents, stakeholders include TransCanada, which owns a hydroelectric dam just upstream from the building, and whitewater rafting companies such as Zoar Outdoor, which transport rafters to a launch pad across from the former mill. Class II to IV rapids are created when TransCanada releases water from its dam. TransCanada created and maintained the raft launching spot. Officials said they would like to remove the building before harsh winter weather sets in. If all goes as planned, park construction would begin in fiscal 2018. Total project grants include $30,000 from TransCanada, $100,000 from the council of governments to clean up hazardous materials; $150,000 from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental affairs for demolition; and $370,000 from the same state office to build a public park, reports the Monroe Town Meeting voters on Nov. 28 will decide whether to place a conservation restriction on the land, a condition of the state's $520,000 in grants. Government officials and representatives from TransCanada said demolition is necessary for public health and the environment, and that developing a riverside park could help boost the local economy. Monroe, with its 120 residents and median household income of $32,083, is one of the poorest communities in Massachusetts, according to the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The statewide median is $67,846. The town is located across the Deerfield River from Rowe, site of the former Yankee Rowe nuclear power plant. Both communities border Vermont. The area is frequented by hundreds of outdoor recreation enthusiasts on an annual basis. Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com maryknoll.JPG (Maryknoll Sisters website) Editor's note: This Saturday event at 2 p.m. has been moved to Collegian Court, 89 Park St., in Chicopee, due to a construction issue at the ICC venue. NORTHAMPTON - Maryknoll Sister Maura Clarke, the woman religious who is the subject of Springfield native Eileen Markey's biography, "A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura," was a member of a congregation founded by a 1905 Smith College graduate. In 2005, the Northampton college held a symposium in honor of the centennial of the graduation of Mary Josephine "Mollie" Rogers, and her founding of the first U.S.-based congregation of women religious devoted to oversees service. According to the website of the Ossining, N.Y.-based Maryknoll Sisters, the international order was founded, in 1912, by Rogers, a Roxbury native who grew up in a family of eight children. According to the site, Rogers, who worked at Smith after majoring in zoology there, and later obtained a teaching certificate, was invited by faculty member Elizabeth Hanscom to form a Mission Study Club for Catholic students in 1906. Inspired by the missionary work of Protestant women, Rogers asked the Rev. James A. Walsh, a priest in the Boston archdiocese involved in promoting the Church's missionary work, for help. According to the site, the collaboration led to the founding of the "Foreign Mission Society of America, now known as Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, by Father Walsh and Father Thomas Frederick Price, in 1911, and the Maryknoll Sisters one year later." Rogers, with assistance from the Dominican Sisters in New York and Wisconsin, entered religious life as Mother Mary Joseph, with her congregation approved by the Vatican in 1920. Convents were opened on both coasts, and missions abroad, in such countries as China, Korea and the Philippines. The sisters work with the marginalized during periods of conflict often put them in danger. Members were interned in Asia during World War II. Sisters voluntarily accompanied Americans of Japanese ancestry to interment in relocation camps in this country, according to the site. In more recent years, members have served in Bangladesh, Indonesia and Sudan. In 2005, Maryknoll sisters opened a mission in Myanmar. In 2013, Mother Mary Joseph, who died, in 1955, at the age of 73, was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Members of the order today work in 24 different countries. Markey will discuss her book Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield. Mayknoll Sister Ita Ford of Maryknoll, who had spent years working with the poor in Chile, Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel, who worked in El Salvador, and 27-year old Maryknoll lay missioner in El Salvador, Jean Donovan, who had grown up in Connecticut, were murdered with Clarke in El Salvador on Dec. 2, 1980. SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council's Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet Monday at City Hall to consider a proposal to resurrect a citizen Police Commission, including legal questions and issues. Representatives of the Law Department and Police Department have been invited to the meeting that begins at 4:30 p.m. in the council office. "We want to make sure all the facts are out there relative to the legality of the Police Commission at this point," said Councilor Thomas Ashe, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, who opposes the measure. A proposed ordinance to bring back a five-member Police Commission passed first-step approval at the last council meeting Nov. 14. The ordinance could come up for final passage by the council at its next regular meeting on Dec. 5. Ten of the 13 city councilors are endorsing the measure, more than enough to override a potential mayoral veto, council President Michael Fenton said. Under the proposed ordinance, the Police Commission would have oversight of the Police Department by setting policy and being responsible for hiring, promotions, firing and other discipline. Those duties, along with day-to-day operations are currently handled by a single police commissioner, John Barbieri. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said he strongly opposes the return of a commission, believing such oversight should remain with a top professional. Sarno added that the council cannot pass it without his approval under the "Plan A (Strong Mayor)" form of government in Springfield. Fenton said he believes the mayor is taking a "very peculiar" position that the council is trying to usurp his powers "given the existence of the Police Commission for decades under our current charter" prior to 2005. "He is the first mayor in the city's history to make this argument, but he is entitled to take that position," Fenton said. "The council is evaluating its legal options at this time." Fenton added: "Honestly, I laughed when I read that the Mayor accused us of trying to politicize the Police Department. It's absurd, especially coming from him in these circumstances." The ordinance would not take effect until Barbieri's contract expires in 2019, or on an earlier date if he ends employment. Ashe said legal issues will be discussed at Monday's hearing, as well as his concern that the citizen commission would undermine Barbieri, by essentially leaving him in prolonged "lame duck" status. The five-member commission oversaw the Police Department for many decades until it was terminated by the state-appointed Finance Control Board in 2005 and replaced by the single police commissioner. Previously, a police chief handled day-to-day operations, and the chief system would return under the new ordinance, councilors said. Ashe said he favors the single commissioner, who receives recommendations on discipline from an advisory board. Councilors favoring the Police Commission raised concerns about recent allegations of police misconduct, including that involving Detective Gregg Bigda, who was suspended for 60 days after allegedly threatening to kill and plant evidence on two young car theft suspects. The encounter was videotaped as the suspects were being held in cells at the Palmer Police Department. Some councilors have stated that Bigda should have been fired by Barbieri, not suspended. Dwight and Hillman.jpg One man was stabbed to death on the top floor of this parking garage associated with an apartment building at 122 Chestnut Street. The garage sits at the corner of Dwight and Hillman streets. Police stopped a man trying to leave the building and detained him. He was later arrested in connection with the homicide. (Dave Canton, Republican) SPRINGFIELD-- Springfield police took a suspect into custody just minutes after they believe he stabbed another man to death late Saturday night. Springfield Police Lt. Richard LaBelle said the two men apparently fought over damage to a car on the top floor of a parking structure on Hillman and Dwight streets at about 10 p.m. The fight escalated to the point that one man was stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene, LaBelle said. Officers initially responded to a report from neighbors of a disturbance at the parking facility associated with an apartment building at Chestnut and Hillman streets. As they worked their way up the interior stairs of the structure, they found a man trying to leave. He was detained, and LaBelle said an on-scene investigation indicated the man may have had a role in the stabbing. He was later arrested in connection with the homicide. LaBelle said there is no indication the two had a history prior to the stabbing. Neither the suspect nor the victim was identified pending further investigation. LaBelle said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the homicide. The stabbing marks the city's 12th homicide this year, following last week's shooting in the Six Corners neighborhood. In 2015, the city tallied 18 murders. NORTHBOROUGH -- A Northborough family woke up Sunday morning only to find a car had slammed into the front of their Hudson Street home after a police chase ended in town. Massachusetts State Police told CBS Boston that a trooper tried to stop a car for speeding on Interstate 290 just before 1 a.m. The chase ended when the car got off the highway and headed toward Northborough. Two people were inside the car, but they ran off. Law enforcement and police dogs converged on the scene, but could not find the people. Susan Cone and her husband, John Cone, were sleeping inside the family's duplex when their son woke them up. "My son came running down the stairs and he said 'What was that?' My husband jumped up," Cone said. "They went down to reopen the curtain and there was a car and a state cop in the front yard." Cone, 51, lives in the home with her husband and three children - all teenagers. Her elderly in-laws live in the other half of the building, which has been owned by the family for years. The home is located on 340-342 Hudson St., which is not far from I-290. Every family member was unhurt, but the home is now structurally unsafe, Cone said. "We have to go stay at a hotel," she said, noting the family will still be together for Thanksgiving. Cone described the car involved in the crash as a smaller SUV. The impact knocked her in-laws' door off the hinges and made it impossible for the Cone family to open the front door. "We couldn't get the windows open," she said. "We couldn't get the doors open." WORCESTER -- A teenager was arrested Saturday afternoon after police said he sped along city streets and nearly struck parked cars with a truck all while the owner of the truck clung to the vehicle. Police were called to Eastern Avenue around 12:50 p.m. for a report of an assault when they saw a white Ford Truck speeding on Catharine Street. The truck was driving erratically on the Worcester street, police said "The officer observed a young male operating the truck with another male hanging outside the driver's door by his arm," Worcester Police said in a news release. "It appeared to the officer that the male had his arm wedged in the driver's door window with the rest of his body hanging off the side of the truck." The man being pulled by the truck was the owner. He has been identified as a 45-year-old resident of Rutland. The victim was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries. Police did not have an update on the victim's condition Saturday night. The truck continued to speed along city streets and nearly struck several parked vehicles. The truck owner was almost hit by the parked cars, according to police. "Eventually the male was freed from the moving truck and fell to the ground," police said. "When the male fell he was nearly struck by the moving truck. Once he fell, the truck stopped. The operator put the truck in reverse and nearly struck the male again." An officer got out of his cruiser and yelled at the driver to stop. Police said the driver almost hit the officer with the truck before he sped off again. The officer got back into his cruiser and followed the truck as other officers helped the victim. The truck finally stopped on Eastern Avenue and the driver jumped out while the truck was still in gear. The truck rolled into a nearby fence and truck. Officers chased the driver through several yards and followed him as he tried to run into a Hooper Street apartment. Police caught him in the hallway of the building and he was arrested. "While officers escorted the driver to the street, he chest bumped one officer, yelled profanities at all the officers present, attempted to break free in order to flee, and kicked two officers," police said. "At this time the officers took the driver to the ground for their protection. After a few minutes the driver began to calm down." Police, who stated the driver is a juvenile, did not release his name. The teen, who is 17, was charged with using a motor vehicle without authority, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, driving negligently as to endanger, leaving the scene of an accident, unlicensed driving, destruction of property, vandalism, resisting arrest and two counts of assault and battery on a police officer. The MGM Springfield casino is coming, and it's time to get past the unfounded fears that an increase in crime will follow. This statement is not simple civic cheerleading. It is based on fact. A good comparison is Plainridge Park Casino, where results of the first public safety impact report commissioned by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission are in. They show no significant increase in crime after the opening of the casino, and a decrease in some areas. As mandated by the state legislature, the study analyzed data from the Massachusetts State Police and several communities affected by the Plainridge casino. The analysis showed no increases in robbery, burglary or theft and a significant decrease in auto thefts. The police chief of Plainville said he saw no major impact between the casino and crime in the nearby neighborhoods. "So far, so good,'' is how Police Chief James Alfred described it. That's a good way to approach MGM Springfield, too. Heightened activity and its potential for crime should not be taken lightly, but it's not. In fact, the expected 25,000 new downtown visitors per day stand as a deterrent to crime, not an invitation for trouble. In addition, MGM's host-city agreement with the city specifically finances more police downtown, and more sophisticated training for those officers. When MGM Springfield opens, authorities should be on watch against crime of a non-violent nature, notably credit card fraud. An expanded police presence and more training in safety and monitoring techniques nonetheless means the city and casino are becoming prepared for the start of a new era downtown. That era will be bolstered by a $950 million investment which serves as a cornerstone to a broader revitalization strategy. Decades of economic stagnancy or decline are about to be reversed by bold action and new activity. Predicting crime will increase is based on fear, not fact. The Plainville report is encouraging but should not be surprising. An underutilized downtown creates far more potential for crime than a vibrant one. As Springfield moves forward, the MGM project should not have to fend off baseless warnings when the facts show that with proper attention to safety and surveillance, the new downtown will not only be far more active and thriving than it has been, but safer, too. Montanans are equipping themselves with skills to create more inclusive and welcoming communities with the help of Empower Montana https://www.empowermt.org/ , a non-profit organization that trains citizens to strengthen Montana communities. The group has partnered up with the University of Montana this week to honor Missoulas first annual "Community Resilience Week." Empower Montanas Katie Koga says during a time when communities are seeing more and more divisiveness, its important to engage others in authentic dialogue. By Derek Minemyer Full Story: http://www.kpax.com/story/33748015/empower-montana-holds-training-session-for-missoulas-first-annual-community-resilience-week The coming rise of autonomous vehicles has already sparked fears that cars immune to human error wont incur the speeding and parking fines that keep city coffers stuffed. But there will be a healthy gap between the technologys arrival and its ubiquity. Thats what makes the Brigade useful. Brigade is a conceptual driverless motorcycle I have designed to keep the peace in small towns, and keep human officers doing more important work. Carrying a suite of cameras, sensors, projectors, and speakers, the electric two-wheeler would stay upright thanks to a built-in gyroscope. Charles Bombardier Full Story: https://www.wired.com/2016/11/charles-bombardier-brigade/ Christine Lorang said she was attracted to the University of Montana Western in Dillon because of the Experience One (X1) program that provides outdoor class settings and the opportunity for international travel. Montana Western is the only public four-year institution teaching under X1, where students take a single-class-at-a-time in 18-day blocks. Lorang is a 2013 graduate now serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal. Full Story: http://mtstandard.com/news/local/umw-s-experience-one-program-gets-high-marks/article_bce434ec-0aba-5b9f-9cbf-c6781fe178f9.html *** For the second consecutive year, Montana Western has broken the modern record for students enrolling at the university. Experiential Learning program has boosted enrollment, retention, class completion, graduation rates and placement. http://www.matr.net/article-73477.html While the United States faces a major environmental backslide under President-elect Donald Trump, a small eastern European nation has become the first to enshrine the right to drinking water in their constitution. The new amendment to Slovenias constitution states that drinkable water is a human right. Largely to prevent the commercialization of the countrys water resources, the Slovenian parliament just voted in favor of the new law. Prime Minister Miro Cerar, in favor of the amendment, described water as "the 21st centurys liquid gold." by Lacy Cooke Full Story: http://inhabitat.com/slovenia-becomes-first-eu-nation-to-enshrine-human-right-to-water-in-their-constitution/ Launched in 2011, the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in Africa and the Middle East recognizes the best tech start-up projects that make a positive impact on society or the environment in their region or align with sustainable development goals. The competition reflects the Groups drive to further socioeconomic progress in its operating countries, support social and environmental innovation and encourage entrepreneurship. A 12th edition that exceptionally recognized five winners This year, nearly 1,400 applications were submitted from across the 17 countries involved in the competition. The OSVP is split into two awards: The International Womens Prize, which awards 20,000 to the winner whose business venture is led by women entrepreneurs or with the primary purpose of improving womens lives by developing solutions to specific obstacles or issues they face. The International Grand Prix, which recognizes three projects that harness tech to make a positive social and environmental impact. The three winners receive the following: 1st prize: 25,000 2nd prize: 15,000 3rd prize: 10,000 For the second time in 12 years, the panel decided to award the Judges Choice prize 10,000 given to a project that is expected to make a particularly significant impact. Winners of the international competition At the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 25 to 27, 2022, Elizabeth Tchoungui, Executive Director CSR, Diversity and Philanthropy and Deputy Chair for the Orange Foundation, and Brelotte Ba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Orange Middle East & Africa, held a ceremony during which the winners were announced. The winner of the International Womens Prize is: iRole ! (Jordan) iRole! is a digital platform that connects women looking for remote work with organizations seeking to fill such vacancies. The winners of the International Grand Prix are: 3rd prize: Kamioun (Tunisia) Kamioun has developed an e-commerce platform to supply local convenience stores in Tunisia. 2nd prize: Biomass4GLC (Mali) Biomass4GLC produces and distributes biogas suitable for cooking in Mali by renting out connected systems. 1st prize: LifeBlood ( (Sierra Leone) LifeBlood is a digital health platform designed to solve the acute shortage of blood products available in the countrys healthcare system. The winner of the Judges Choice prize is: Abana (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Abana is a marketplace through which clothes designers can sell their creations to shoppers. A long track record of supporting entrepreneurship, responsible innovation and empowerment of women in Africa and the Middle East Across the continent, which is enjoying vibrant population growth and considerable economic momentum, young African entrepreneurs find themselves more in need of support than ever. As a long-standing driver of progress in Africa, Orange seeks to support young people by giving them the possibility to raise their profile, through the Orange Social Venture Prize. Orange puts in place tangible action to promote and improve gender equality, an area that has long been identified by the Group as a priority, for example by creating the International Womens Prize and including it in the OSVP. Part of the competition for three years now, this prize acknowledges projects designed to improve womens lives. Since the OSVP was launched in 2011, Orange has awarded 600,000 in prize money to over 30 winners and has financed mentoring and support for nearly 90 entrepreneurs from experts at Orange or its partners. Social entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East is more deeply rooted than ever in the lives of people, especially women. This trend is confirmed by the number of female candidates collected under the OSVP 2022 which is in line with the continental average, which is nearly 30% according to World Bank. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Articles similaires Advertisement 'I had two daughters now I have only one,' he said last night. The girl had wanted to be 'cryo-preserved' after her death, in the hope she could be 'woken up' if doctors found a cure for her rare form of cancer - and wrote to a High Court judge begging for her wishes to be respected.She died last month and is now suspended in freezing nitrogen at a cryogenic centre in the US. In a heartbreaking letter to the court, she said: "I don't want to die but I know I am going to...I want to live longer...I want to have this chance."The girl, known as JS, asked Mr Justice Peter Jackson to rule that her mother, who supported her desire to be cryogenically preserved, should be the only person allowed to make decisions about the disposal of her body.Fearing for her future should she ever be revived, the father known as Mr S fought to stop his 14-year-old daughter, JS, from going ahead with the controversial procedure - but eventually allowed her dying wish to be honoured. Yesterday, he spoke for the first time of his extraordinary court battle and revealed that he had been prevented from seeing her before she died and even after her death from a rare form of cancer.Her extraordinary case yesterday sparked a fierce debate over the ethics of cryo-freezing - and about the lack of regulation surrounding the cryonics industry in Britain and worldwide. The teenager, from London, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in August last year and announced her wish to be cryo-preserved after all treatment options failed. She researched the process online and told relatives in the months before her death: 'I'm dying but I'm going to come back in 200 years.'But after a decision that raises profound moral and ethical questions, the judge and the girl's doctors expressed serious misgivings about the process, which did not go entirely according to plan. Her mother spent the last hours of her daughter's life fretting about details of the freezing process, which was "disorganised" and caused "real concern" to hospital staff.The judge suggested that "proper regulation" of cryonic preservation - which is currently legal but unregulated should now be considered.Cryogenic preservation of bodies does not fall under the remit of the Human Tissue Authority, which regulates the freezing of sperm and embryos because it was "not contemplated" when the Human Tissue Act 2004 was passed. Cryonics UK, the non-profit organisation that prepared the girl's body for transport to the US, agreed with the judge.Source: Medindia Advertisement Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said, "Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health issues of our time. If we don't tackle it, we can go back to a time when even the simplest medical operations were not possible, and organ transplants, cancer chemotherapy or intensive care even less so". He added, "The European Commission will launch a new Action Plan next year so that we can, together with our partners in the EU Member States and internationally, continue to ensure that the prevention and control of antibiotic resistance is strengthened within a one-health approach".ECDC Acting Director, Dr. Andrea Ammon, said, "Antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae is of increasing concern in Europe. More than one third of the isolates reported to ECDC for 2015 were resistant to at least one of the antibiotic groups under surveillance, and combined resistance to multiple antibiotic groups was common. Moreover, the emergence of K. pneumoniae infections with combined resistance to carbapenems and colistin is worrisome and an important warning that options for treatment are now even more limited than in the past".Dr. Ammon added, "However, the decrease of antibiotic consumption in the community in six countries is a positive sign and shows that we are starting to use antibiotics more prudently. Prudent use of antibiotics is pivotal, both in the community and in hospitals, to ensure that these drugs remain effective".ECDC's data also show that antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli, one of the most frequent causes of bloodstream infections and community- and healthcare-associated urinary tract infections, requires close attention as the percentages of isolates resistant to commonly used antibiotics continues to increase throughout Europe. In contrast, the percentage of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) showed a significantly decreasing trend at EU/EEA level between 2012 and 2015. Despite this positive development, MRSA remains a public health priority as eight out of thirty countries reported percentages above 25%.Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe said: "Surveillance of antibiotic resistance is the backbone of our work in defense of antibiotics' effectiveness. Until we know where resistance is, we cannot prioritize action. This is why we focus on expanding the map of antibiotic resistance beyond the European Union countries through the Central Asian and Eastern European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (CAESAR) network. What the report indicates is of concern: our patients are exposed to resistant bacteria in hospitals due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics and poor infection prevention and control. We urge our leaders to use this evidence and accelerate their response to a major global health threat of our time".Activities promoting prudent use of antibiotics are organised in more than 40 countries across the European Region during the week of November 18, 2016, to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day. ECDC works jointly with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, and partners World Antibiotic Awareness Week.ECDC, in cooperation with the European Commission, will host an EU-level launch event entitled "European Antibiotic Awareness Day: the future is now". The planned interventions will not only present the current situation and future steps at EU level, but will also aim at highlighting how resistance to antibiotics is affecting our lives today and what can be done by different sectors to ensure that they remain effective.Following the success of last year's 24-hour Global Twitter conversation on antibiotic resistance and prudent use of antibiotics around the world, ECDC is again coordinating a Global Twitter conversation on 18 November, 2016, hosted jointly by participating organizations from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, and WHO Headquarters and the WHO Regional Offices. The hashtags that will be used are #AntibioticResistance and #EAAD2016.Source: Eurekalert While ColdPlay gave all they had to surprise and amuse their Indian fans at their Indian Concert, our ministers were busy making up controversies. National Congress Party leader Nawab Malik has started a rant that Chris Martin has insulted the Indian Tricolor. How? Well, take a look at this video. The Tricolor can be seen tucked in the back pocket of Chris trousers and we along with anybody with a proper functioning brain would agree that Chris meant no disrespect whatsoever. But it is what it is, this has successfully been made a mess out of by Mr. Malik and now hes asking BJP and Shiv Sena along with Coldplay to apologise. ! This is what Mr. Nawab tweeted! They may get in trouble for this. Probably an FIR is coming their way. #GCIOnVh1 #Coldplay #GlobalCitizenIndia pic.twitter.com/2wRvEA34Yj Rohit Vats (@nawabjha) November 19, 2016 How shameful is this act! 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. S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (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 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (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 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results The "Green Revolution" Creates Massive Opportunity For Investors (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot President: Moldova will defy Russian pressure, stay pro-West 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. AAR Corp. provides products and services to commercial aviation, government, and defense markets worldwide. The Aviation Services segment offers aftermarket support and services; inventory management and distribution services; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as engineering services. This segment also sells and leases new, overhauled, and repaired engine and airframe parts, and components; and provides inventory and repair programs, warranty claim management, and outsourcing programs for engine and airframe parts and components, as well as performance-based supply chain logistics programs in support of the U.S. department of defense and foreign governments. In addition, it offers airframe inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul, painting, line maintenance, airframe modification, structural repair, avionic and installation, exterior and interior refurbishment, and engineering and support services; and repairs and overhauls components, landing gears, wheels, and brakes. The Expeditionary Services segment provides products and services supporting the movement of equipment and personnel by the U.S. and foreign governments, and non-governmental organizations. This segment also designs, manufactures, and repairs transportation pallets, and various containers and shelters; and provides engineering, design, and system integration services for command and control systems. The company serves domestic and foreign passenger airlines; domestic and foreign cargo airlines; regional and commuter airlines; business and general aviation operators; original equipment manufacturers; aircraft leasing companies; aftermarket aviation support companies; and domestic and foreign military customers. It primarily markets and sells products and services through its employees and foreign sales representatives. AAR Corp. was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois. The culprit Santhosh was arrested on Tuesday night. He had molested a lady doctor a week ago while she was on her morning walk. The following companies are subsidiares of BorgWarner: Akasol AG, B80 Italia S.r.l., BERU AG, BW El Salto S.A. De C.V., BWA Receivables Corporation, BWA Turbo Systems Holding LLC, Borg Warner Europe Holdings (PDS) B. V., BorgWarner (China) Investment Co. Ltd., BorgWarner (Reman) Holdings L.L.C., BorgWarner (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner Aftermarket Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Alternators Inc., BorgWarner Arden LLC, BorgWarner Arnstadt RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Asia Inc., BorgWarner Automotive Asia Limited, BorgWarner Automotive Components (Beijing) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Automotive Components (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Brasil Ltda., BorgWarner Chungju Co. LLC, BorgWarner Comercial e Distribuidora de Pecas para Veiculos Automotores Ltda., BorgWarner Comercializadora PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Componentes PDS S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner Cooling Systems (India) Private Limited, BorgWarner Cooling Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Diversified Transmission Products Services Inc., BorgWarner Drivetrain Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Drivetrain Management Services de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Drivetrain de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Electric Motors L.L.C., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Emissions Systems Holding LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Emissions Systems LLC, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Portugal Unipessoal LDA, BorgWarner Emissions Systems Spain S.L.U., BorgWarner Emissions Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Emissions Talegaon Private Limited, BorgWarner Engineering Ketsch RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Engineering Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Esslingen GmbH, BorgWarner Europe GmbH, BorgWarner Europe Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Gateshead Limited, BorgWarner Germany Holding GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Holding Services GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REH GmbH, BorgWarner Germany REM GmbH, BorgWarner Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, BorgWarner Global Holding S.a. r. l., BorgWarner Heidelberg I RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg II RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Heidelberg REH GmbH, BorgWarner Heidelberg REM GmbH, BorgWarner Holding Inc., BorgWarner Holdings Limited, BorgWarner Hungary Kft., BorgWarner IT Services Europe GmbH, BorgWarner India Holdings Inc., BorgWarner Investment Holding Inc., BorgWarner Ithaca LLC, BorgWarner Ketsch Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Ketsch REH GmbH, BorgWarner Ketsch REM GmbH, BorgWarner Kft., BorgWarner Kibo RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Korea Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Korea Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Korea LLC, BorgWarner Limited, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH, BorgWarner Ludwigsburg RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf Plant RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner Markdorf REH GmbH, BorgWarner Markdorf REM GmbH, BorgWarner Massachusetts Inc., BorgWarner Mauritius Holdings Ltd., BorgWarner Mexico Holding BV, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings II LLC, BorgWarner Mexico Holdings LLC, BorgWarner Morse Systems India Private Limited, BorgWarner Morse Systems Italy S.r.l., BorgWarner Morse Systems Japan K.K., BorgWarner Morse Systems Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner Muggendorf RE GmbH & Co. KG, BorgWarner NW Inc., BorgWarner Netherlands Holdings (PDS) B.V., BorgWarner Oroszlany Kft., BorgWarner PDS (Anderson) L.L.C., BorgWarner PDS (Changnyeong) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Indiana) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Livonia) Inc., BorgWarner PDS (Ochang) LLC, BorgWarner PDS (Thailand) Limited, BorgWarner PDS (USA) Inc., BorgWarner PDS Brasil Produtos Automotivos Ltda., BorgWarner PDS Irapuato S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., BorgWarner PDS Technologies L.L.C., BorgWarner Poland Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Pyongtaek LLC, BorgWarner Romeo Power LLC, BorgWarner Rzeszow Sp. z o.o., BorgWarner Shenglong (Ningbo) Co. Ltd., BorgWarner South Asia LLC, BorgWarner Southborough Inc., BorgWarner Spain Holding S.L.U, BorgWarner Sweden AB, BorgWarner Systems Lugo S.r.l., BorgWarner Thermal Systems Inc., BorgWarner Thermal Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems Beijing Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Tralee Ltd., BorgWarner Transmission Products LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Arnstadt GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Korea LLC, BorgWarner Transmission Systems Tulle S.A.S., BorgWarner Trustees Limited, BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems France S.A.S., BorgWarner Turbo Systems Engineering GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC, BorgWarner Turbo Systems Worldwide Headquarters GmbH, BorgWarner Turbo Systems of Michigan Inc., BorgWarner Turbo and Emissions Systems de Mexico S.A. de C.V., BorgWarner UK Financing Ltd., BorgWarner UK Holding and Services Ltd., BorgWarner US Holding LLC, BorgWarner USA Industries L.L.C., BorgWarner United Transmission Systems Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Waterloo Inc., BorgWarner Wrexham Limited, Cascadia Motion LLC, Creon Insurance Agency Limited, Delphi Technologies, Dytech ENSA, Gustav Wahler GmbH u. Co. KG, Haldex, Kuhlman LLC, Kysor Europe Limited, M. & M. Knopf Auto Parts L.L.C., NSK-Warner (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K., NSK-Warner Mexico S.A. de C.V, NSK-Warner U.S.A. Inc., New PDS Corp., Old Remco Holdings L.L.C., Old Remco International Holdings L.L.C., Remy International, SeohanWarner Turbo Systems LLC, Sevcon, Sevcon New Energy Technology (Hubei) Company Limited, and Transmission Systems AutoForm LLC. Read More EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force's elite bomb squad will be helping to secure President-elect Donald Trump's compound in Florida in the months ahead. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight of the 96th Civil Engineer Group at the base -- the largest and the busiest of all the service's EOD units -- "have a couple missions already scheduled to go and support him for some holidays before he takes the oath," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Schott, the group's superintendent. "Being here in Florida, the President-elect also has a summer home here in Florida, so we will also be supporting that," Schott told Military.com on Thursday. He didn't say how many teams of airmen would head to Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, located in Palm Beach. It isn't the highest-profile stateside mission the unit will take up, Schott said. That designation "easily" belongs to Pope Francis's visit in 2015, he said. But Trump's inauguration will be the "biggest event" in 2017, requiring roughly 170 to 200 EOD teams from all the services, Schott said. The 96th will contribute around four to six teams, he said. The Air Force has 52 such units throughout the world. To become an explosive ordnance disposal technician in the service, airmen must complete the "third-toughest curriculum as far as courses go in the Defense Department," Schott said. About one-third of the airmen who go into the program and through the eight-month long tech school fail out, he said. The EOD flight at Eglin Air Force Base had 480 missions in the last fiscal year, which included testing runs on base to protect President Barack Obama. "We did 50 VIP protected missions," this year, Schott said. "Because it's an election year, we stay pretty busy on the trail with the campaign with the candidates, the conventions." The Air Force's explosive ordnance disposal technician field currently has around 1,200 airmen, Schott said. To work in theaters, especially the Middle East, and to do missions stateside, the Air Force is working to boost the EOD tech field to 1,400, he said. Since 2001, more than 20 Air Force EOD techs from the 96th have been killed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Senior Airman Scott Francisco, 96th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight journeyman. Another 140 technicians were seriously injured or very seriously injured, meaning one to multiple lost limbs or loss or impaired eyesight, Schott added. And those with invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), for airmen in EOD has increased to around 300 airmen. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related Video: Robotic Systems Assessment The heads of the Pentagon and the country's intelligence community think President Obama should remove National Security Agency Director Adm. Michael S. Rogers, according to The Washington Post. Rogers, meanwhile, is purportedly being considered by President-elect Donald Trump to replace Clapper as the director of national security, which oversees all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies. The recommendation by Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. to oust Rogers was reportedly made last month, several U.S. officials told the newspaper. The chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), sent a letter late Saturday asking Carter and Clapper to appear before the panel to discuss the report. Obama could be delaying such action because he's already trying to work through another Clapper-Carter recommendation -- create separate chains of command at the NSA and the U.S. military's cyber-warfare unit. The Post story follows Rogers traveling Thursday to New York to meet with Trump without notifying superiors, which purportedly upset top administration officials. The White House, Pentagon and Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. 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. Vice Adm. Robert Burke is the chief of naval personnel. He assumed the role in May and is responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources for the U.S. Navy. This views expressed in this commentary are his own. Earlier this month, Fleet Master Chief April Beldo and I travelled to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to visit sailors operating on the Navy's front lines. During the visit, sailors not only impressed us with their mission-focused, can-do attitude, but also with their initiative, creativity and thoughtful questions on some of our recent personnel changes -- including the Navy's enlisted rating modernization effort. Two questions came up frequently: "Why do we need to change?" and "How will the new system work going forward?" Throughout our 241-year history, the Navy has embraced change as technology has evolved. And while there is a need to balance history, culture and heritage, we must not shy away from adapting to meet the needs of a 21st century Navy -- including the way we manage our people. Our personnel system has not fundamentally changed since the 1970s, and just like our ships, aircraft and weapons systems, it needs updates to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. The Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority challenges us to think about how we will adapt to potential adversaries. Look at how our force changed during World War II, Vietnam, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. We have rarely fought how we planned, and that has consequently driven real-time changes to how we organize, man, train and equip our forces. The Navy's rating modernization effort will put processes in place and provide us with the agility to retrain and repurpose elements of our force to meet rapidly changing threats. This is about warfighting readiness. Additionally, this effort is consistent with Sailor 2025, which seeks to modernize our industrial-age personnel system by providing sailors choice and flexibility. Each year, the Navy brings in approximately 40,000 sailors and sends that same number of sailors home. This operating model assumes a near limitless supply of individuals that are willing and able to join the Navy each year -- an assumption that very few non-military employers use. The Navy's rating modernization effort will provide sailors the options and tools they need to stay Navy by allowing them to move to occupations that better suit their talents, or better meet the Navy's rapidly changing needs. This model will improve the sustainability of our personnel system, improve retention opportunities and enable better "fit," each of which also contributes to increased warfighting readiness. To be clear, we will not require every sailor to change their occupation, nor do we expect sailors to become "generalists." Instead, this is about allowing interested and willing career-minded individuals to adapt and expand their skill sets. So how do we think this new system will work? Over the past several weeks, we've been working hard to map out what rating modernization will look like and how it will affect sailors as we move forward. We've also received some great feedback from the fleet and are incorporating some of those ideas into our efforts. Today, there are 89 ratings in 12 career fields and many of those ratings have multiple career tracks. For example, within the "Hospital Corpsman" rating there are 29 different career tracks. Although that rating could be manned at 113 percent, 13 of those 29 career tracks could be undermanned. And even though we are short personnel in 13 specialties, overall advancement opportunity would be low. This is a perfect example of what can and does happen in many rates today. Additionally, our current enlisted personnel assignment system is largely driven by rank and rate, which can cause units to have gaps in some critical skills even when it is 100-percent manned on paper. Neither does the current system capture the full spectrum of qualifications and experience like it should. To address those challenges, we are looking at redefining Navy Occupational Specialties (NOS) along the lines of Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs). Many ratings like "Hospital Corpsman" have multiple NECs grouped inside them. Of the 40 NECs a "Hospital Corpsman" might have, there are 29 different combinations of NECs that define the rating's various career tracks. For example, under this model those NECs that define the "Dental Technician" rating would form a NOS around that specialty. Another example would be an "Emergency Medical Technician," where the collection of that rating's NECs would form the NOS. This would help improve "fit," as well as advancement for sailors. When we are complete, there could be hundreds of NOSs, as compared to today's 89 ratings. Our new Billet Based Distribution (BBD) system that came online earlier this year allows us to track each job by its unique combination of NECs. And as we continue to refine BBD and other Sailor 2025 initiatives like Ready Relevant Learning (RRL) and our "Detailing Marketplace" (a kind of "LinkedIn" for the Navy), we will be able to target the specific training and experience a Sailor needs to move to a particular assignment. Then, as a sailor comes up on their detailing window, the conversation would not only be about the 50 or 100 assignments available in that current career track, but which ones might also be possible with additional training. For example, if you are a "Yeoman" today, you might be eligible for assignments in the "Personnel Specialist" or "Aviation Maintenance Administrationman" ratings going forward. Not only would this improve the number and type of assignments sailors could choose from, but it also might allow an opportunity for individuals to move to a career track that has better advancement opportunity. To make this work, we will need to deliver on several things, including developing "progressive" NECs that capture experience and proficiency, as well as implementing RRL, which will help provide mobile, modular training during sailors' careers. We will need to complete the modernization of our integrated pay and personnel system, and create a single, authoritative database that captures a sailor's combination of NECs, experience and proficiency -- a snapshot of their "DNA." We'll also need to overhaul advancement exams and look to make them NEC-based, which will give us a better indication of a sailor's current skills and experience, and eliminate general rating material that does not directly apply to sailors' real jobs. Last, we'll need to develop more reciprocal agreements with the Department of Labor and state governments to expand our credentialing and licensing efforts for sailors. Did we choose an easy path forward? Absolutely not. But I believe this change needs to occur, and now is the right time to do so. We have a lot of work to do, and as you might imagine, these changes are going to take time to implement -- perhaps several years. As we go forward, you can continue to expect lots of discussion and we'll give you plenty of notice before any changes are made. We have also widely expanded the Navy-wide working group tackling this effort, and every fleet, force and command master chief and Navy counselor knows how to provide input. You also have a direct line to me in order to make sure your ideas are heard send them to NavyRatingMod.fct@navy.mil. The Navy's mission has not changed and neither have the bonds that unite us. We are one Navy Team and our loyalty is to our nation and to our Navy. America is counting on us. -- If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration. The cast of Hamilton addressed Vice President-elect Mike Pence with a powerful speech after he attended the Friday night performance of the hit hip-hop Broadway musical. Check out the full speech here. It took place during the curtain call as Pence was leaving the theater. Vice president-elect, I see you walking out but I hope you will hear us, said Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr. He told the audience, Theres nothing to boo here, were all sharing a story of love. Tonight, VP-Elect Mike Pence attended #HamiltonBway. After the show, @BrandonVDixon delivered the following statement on behalf of the show. pic.twitter.com/Jsg9Q1pMZs Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016 Rolling Stone has written up a thorough account of what happened at the performance HERE. Pence and his entourage, including Secret Service and members of his family entered the Richard Rodgers Theater to a mixture of cheers and boos. https://youtu.be/xdwFX4EwpZ4 From RS: Throughout Fridays performance, the audience responded loudly to key moments in Hamilton knowing that the conservative-leaning vice president who lobbied for anti-gay legislation in Indiana was in the building; actor Javier Munoz, who plays Alexander Hamilton since Mirandas departure, is HIV-positive and gay. Following the line, Immigrants, we get the job done, a minutes-long standing ovation broke out, and actor Rory OMalley, who plays King George in the musical, had to stop his performances several times as the audience responded to lyrics like When people say they hate you and Do you know how hard it is to lead, lines OMalley aimed toward Pence specifically. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the production received Pences request to attend the nights performance earlier that afternoon. Heres what producer Jeffrey Seller said that rather than rejecting his request opted for the curtain call speech. The statement was written with creator and former Hamilton actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, director Tommy Kail and the cast. The cast, the creators, we all felt that we must express our feelings to vice president-elect Pence. This is not a normal time, this is not a normal election. This has not been a normal result. And in a democracy, one must let his and her voice be heard, and we were not going to the show tonight without expressing how we feel, said Seller. Everybody should be able to see this show, regardless of their politics, but it does just so happen that the politics of this administration have been so negative toward minorities, people of color, gay people that we felt the need to speak up. As a cast comprised of minorities, women, gay people, it was necessary. We had to speak. We had to express how we feel. Miranda responded on twitter Friday night: Proud of @HamiltonMusical. Proud of @BrandonVDixon, for leading with love. And proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theater. Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 19, 2016 A president-elect with the ability to be the bigger man might have used this opportunity to extend an olive branch to his opponents. But no. This is Donald J. Trump were talking about. Saturday morning he does that thing he dohe rattled off a series of angry tweets, demanding the cast of Hamilton apologize. Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 And heres a tweet posted hours later that was deleted afterwardprobably by someone on Trumps staff: ETA: Trump tweeted about Hamilton AGAIN early Sunday morning. The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 Conveniently for Trump, the Hamilton kerfuffle has driven Fridays big news off the front page. The president-elect SETTLED the various lawsuits against him from people who charge they were the victims of fraud via his Trump University. Trump will pay out $25 million to the plaintiffs, without having to admit to wrongdoing. Heres the statement from the New York Attorney General: In 2013, my office sued Donald Trump for swindling thousands of innocent Americans out of millions of dollars through a scheme known as Trump University. Donald Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes. Todays $25 million settlement agreement is a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university. I am pleased that under the terms of this settlement, every victim will receive restitution and that Donald Trump will pay up to $1 million in penalties to the State of New York for violating state education laws. The victims of Trump University have waited years for todays result and I am pleased that their patienceand persistencewill be rewarded by this $25 million settlement. Trump couldnt resist responding to the settlement in typical fashion. I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 T20 World Cup 2022: Kohli, Rahul Fifties Power India to 184/6 vs Bangladesh in Adelaide IND vs BAN 2022: Virat Kohli Becomes All-time Leading Run-getter in T20 World Cup History '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 Indians catcher Chris Gimenez will reject an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus and become a free agent, reports Jordan Bastian of MLB.com (Twitter link). Cleveland outrighted Gimenez off its 40-man roster Friday, but the club is interested in bringing him back on a minor league deal, according to Bastian. The soon-to-be 34-year-old Gimenez has had three separate major league stints with the Indians (2009-10, 2014, 2016), who selected him in the 19th round of the 2004 draft. He rejoined the Tribe in a May trade with the Rangers and ended up hitting .216/.272/.331 in 155 plate appearances, contributing to a lifetime line of .218/.297/.335 in 776 PAs with four different teams. Defensively, Gimenez earned mixed reviews as a pitch framer in 2016, but he did win the favor of right-hander Trevor Bauer. If he re-signs with Cleveland, Gimenez will once again provide organizational depth behind fellow backstops Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez. Injuries helped limit Gomes to just 74 games this past season, thus leading to a career high in major league playing time for Gimenez. Jeanice Swift.jpg Superintendent, Jeanice Swift, hosts "Continuing the Conversation" meeting at Clague Middle School, Tuesday, January 20, 2015. Nicole Hester | The Ann Arbor News (The Ann Arbor News file) ANN ARBOR, MI - Facing declining enrollment after a series of budget cuts and staff concessions, Ann Arbor Public Schools took a risk to try and improve its financial position. Three years later, the school district is seeing those efforts pay off - literally - as evidenced in the 2015-16 financial audit the board of education reviewed on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Board secretary Andy Thomas called 2013 his "worst nightmare" as a school board member. That was the year AAPS fell into a downward spiral toward deficit spending that has trapped other schools across the state. The state reduced its per pupil foundation allowance in 2011-12, and AAPS began looking for ways to cut expenses. In 2012-13, the district had to spend a significant amount from its fund equity to balance the budget. The cutbacks that came in 2013 and 2014 drained AAPS' fund balance down to less than 5 percent of the district's total annual expenditures.The state requires schools to keep a fund balance of at least 5 percent, and the school board would like to keep the reserves between 6 and 15 percent of annual operating expenses each year. The graph shows Ann Arbor Public Schools' fund balance over the years. The school board would like the fund balance to be between 6 and 15 percent of the district's total annual expenditures. "2013 was really the year that things took a nosedive," Thomas said. "My recollection of the budget process that year is literally my worst nightmare. ... I did not run for school board so I could close the middle school pools or so that I could eliminate reading intervention specialists or so that we could reduce the number of high school counselors or middle school counselors or so that we could increase class size beyond what is reasonable. We also had to go back and negotiate some pretty significant concessions from all of our employees." Ann Arbor schools also saw a drop in enrollment of about 200 students in the 2013-14 school year. Because state funding is tied to student enrollment, AAPS found itself with even less revenue and needing to make another round of cuts, which made the district less attractive to families and threatened to keep AAPS stuck in the cycle of declining enrollment followed by budget cuts that lead to further declining enrollment. "When we think about programming - the one thing that we can pull students in with - at that point, we had to diminish our programming in order to keep ourselves afloat fiscally," said Superintendent Jeanice Swift. "School districts don't often pull out from that point. We get at a point where the downward trend starts. It's extremely difficult for school districts - particularly in Michigan with our funding mechanism - to ever pull out of that." The school board hired Swift as superintendent going into the 2013-14 school year, and trustees decided to take a chance on her vision to turnaround the district. "2014 was a pivotal year," said board vice president Christine Stead. "That was, if you all recall, Dr. Swift's first year of implementing new programs. She came to our district, she listened to the community, she launched seven new programs with her team that one year. And that's the difference. That student growth that started to show up in 2014 is the difference between a continued drop in fund equity. ... We all together took a leap of faith to invest in those programs and position Ann Arbor Public Schools strikingly different than any other district in our county, and perhaps in the state of Michigan." Some of those new programs include expanded early childhood education; International Baccalaureate; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM); and Project Lead The Way. Implementing those programs required new curriculum, professional development for staff and school renovations in some cases. Now, the school board is seeing the return on that investment as Ann Arbor's enrollment continues to increase for the third consecutive year, and the district received a positive financial audit for 2016. AAPS has grown its enrollment by nearly 1,000 students since the 2013-14 school year. The graph shows Ann Arbor Public Schools' student enrollment over the years. The state distributes money to public schools on a per pupil basis. "For the third year in a row, you've had sizeable increases in your enrollment - 300-plus (students) - and that is one of the highest ... numbers that we see statewide," said Laura Claeys, one of the Plante Moran accountants who completed the audit. "So congratulations to that, and I know that comes with a lot of work. ... It really is a result of the programming options that you provide to (families), making sure that you're getting the word out and just the momentum that's building because they see the great things that are happening within the district." Board parliamentarian Simone Lightfoot was pleased to see the fruits of the board's efforts, noting that there is always some uncertainty in whether the results will match the board's intentions. "This is awesome given the challenges traditional public education is facing in this state and in this country," Lightfoot said. "That our voters and our staff and our board has put these results together, and then of course the students are just dynamic." Swift noted the community's contributions in improving the school district's financial status by supporting a 2015 bond and the special education enhancement millage that passed in May. Since the low point in 2014, AAPS has built up its fund balance from $8.82 million to $21.5 million by the end of the 2015-16 fiscal year. The fund balance represented 10.2 percent of the district's expenses in 2016. . A healthy fund balance allowed the school district to cover the emergency expenses of repairing the damage to Allen Elementary School caused by flooding in August and temporarily relocating the school while that work is completed. AAPS also has been able to grant modest pay increases to teachers the past two years. The district made a point to hire more staff to reduce its class sizes going into the 2016-17 school year, and now at least 94 percent of classes at each grade level are within the target class size range. "The story of our audit is a remarkable story this year," Swift told the board Wednesday. "It represents a narrative about fiscal responsibility. Quite frankly, when I arrived in Ann Arbor the fall of 2013, we were just such a long way from where we are today." Michigan Capitol Lawmakers will be in Lansing for a lame-duck session starting Nov. 29. Here are some issues that could come up. (File | MLive.com) LANSING, MI -- Lawmakers gather in Lansing again on Nov. 29 to suss out what they will accomplish and what they will let languish during this session's lame-duck period. "Lame duck" is the period where sitting Michigan lawmakers make their final decisions after new lawmakers have been elected but before those new lawmakers are in office. This year the Senate was not up for reelection but the House was. In January, a new crop of House members will start. Every bill in the legislative system right now will either be law -- if it gets approval from both chambers and the Governor -- or dead when session ends. Here's what to keep an eye on: Speed limits Nobody has put the brakes on a proposal to increase Michigan's speed limits yet. Bills that could increase speeds to 75 miles per hour some limited-access freeways in Michigan passed the House this Spring. The Senate Transportation Committee approved the package on Nov. 10, which means it's before the full Senate now for consideration. Teacher pensions Teachers are eyeing two bills -- House Bill 5218 and Senate Bill 102 -- would mandate 401(k)-style plans instead of pensions for teachers hired after a specific date. The idea has met opposition from teacher unions, but could come up during lame duck. Energy overhaul The Senate on Nov. 10 made a big push on a big package, pushing through a statewide energy overhaul that's been in the works for more than two years. The Senate-passed version includes a 15 percent renewable energy mandate by 2021. Now the issue is in the House, which is sure to put its own twist on the legislation (their committee-passed version looks different than what came out of the Senate.) But will the two sides come to an agreement on this long-debated issue before the year ends and the bills expire? It's a lame-duck question. FOIA expansion The House passed laws in September that would expand the state's Freedom of Information Act, which allows citizens to access records, to the governor's office. The bills would also subject the legislature to a separate Legislative Open Records Act. Currently neither the governor or legislature are subject to FOIA. While the bills passed the House easily, there seems to be less appetite in the Senate, where they've been referred to the Government Operations Committee. That committee has a reputation around the capitol for being where bills go to die. Municipal employee health care Retired local police, fire and municipal workers often get health care benefits when they retire. But with rising health care costs and dipping revenues, local governments are eyeing these liabilities. No legislation has been introduced on the topic, but labor groups are bracing for a possible push during lame duck. No-Fault Senate Bill 248, which aims to reduce auto insurance costs by making changes to the state's no-fault system, whipped through the Senate but has been stuck in the House since April 2015. A House Spokesperson said in September that no-fault was still a goal for 2016. Dan Gilbert brownfields Big Detroit investor Dan Gilbert of Rock Ventures is backing some bills in Lansing that would allow "transformational" brownfield projects to partially finance through tax capture. Gov. Rick Snyder has expressed concerns about the idea, but it could have legs in the legislature, where they would still have to go through both chambers before they could make it to the governor's desk. Uber, Lyft bills Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are regulated by a patchwork of local governments in Michigan right now, but pending legislation would create a statewide regulatory framework. Bills passed the House last year, but have been pending in the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee. The bills came up for a hearing last month, but the chairman said at that time members had not had enough time to review the bills and would not vote at that time. But those could be ripe for lame-duck action. MANCELONA, MI -- Dave Mahan was in his office when two undergraduate students walked in with bad news. Alison Goetz and Jessica Tinklenberg had been analyzing samples of macro invertebrate organisms collected from one of Michigan's best trout streams, and the pair had made an unfortunate discovery. New Zealand mud snail -- a tiny but troubling invasive mollusk which state experts thought had made its first Michigan foothold in the Pere Marquette River near Baldwin last year -- was in the Boardman River, too. And the exotic invader had been there since at least 2013. From left: Alison Goetz, Dave Mahan and Jessica Tinklenberg. Goetz and Tinklenberg were Mahan's students at the Au Sable Institute for Environmental Studies. They discovered New Zealand mud snails in the Boardman River this year and proved the invasive species was in the river since at least 2013. "They are so small, they're easy to miss unless you're looking for them," said Mahan, now-retired director of the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies. But that's what ecologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Department of Environmental Quality have been doing this year after the tiny creatures were discovered on a canoe trip last summer. Since then, more than 20 Michigan rivers and tributaries in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have been scoured for signs of the invader, which experts are worried could become a disruptive nuisance on par with the invasive zebra and quagga mussels if large populations overtake state inland waters. Field teams have searched boat launches and other "high risk" sites in rivers like the Betsie, Platte, Manistee and Rogue for the snails, which are easily mistaken for a spot of mud on fishing gear. First discovered in the United State nearly 30 years ago, three genetic variations of the resilient snail are known to inhabit U.S. waters -- including four Great Lakes -- where they can cluster in density, reproduce asexually from a single female and have virtually zero nutritional value as fish food. In Montana, they've reached densities of 300,000 per-square-meter. "We don't want New Zealand mud snails to become the zebra mussels of our rivers," said Mahan. "I'm not saying it's going to happen, but unfortunately, the potential is there." Another unwelcome invasive headache When Goetz and Tinklenberg realized they were finding New Zealand mud snails in the Boardman River samples this June, their discovery deepened the mystery surrounding the invasive snails' emergence in Michigan. The snails have now been confirmed and are quickly multiplying in three popular coldwater trout streams: The Pere Marquette, The Au Sable and The Boardman. Mahan realized that he'd been seeing the invasive snails along the Boardman River banks for several years, but hadn't registered that the tiny mollusk was anything other than just another of the multiple native snail species. Goetz, 22, a Thomas Edison State University graduate from Ohio, and Tinklenberg, 22, a Taylor University graduate from Kentwood, went back through archived riverbed samples collected in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and found increasing numbers of invasive snails that had previously been overlooked. After analyzing the numbers, the team concluded the snails have, in fact, been increasing rapidly in the Boardman River over the past three years -- even exponentially at one site downstream of the former Brown Bridge Dam. Whereas snails numbered in the double digits in samples from seven sites collected in 2015, they reached densities of nearly 2,000 per-square-meter this year. "Those are underestimates," said Mahan, because the samples were taken in the mid-stream riffle, not from the better snail habitat along the banks. "It is not unlikely they are all the way throughout the Boardman and into West Grand Traverse Bay," Mahan said, although that hasn't been confirmed. The emergence of New Zealand mud snails is not welcome news in Michigan, which has a rough ongoing history with aquatic invaders that become impossible to eradicate once they are introduced and spread around. The dreaded zebra mussel, discovered in Lake St. Clair in 1988, has disrupted every level of the Great Lakes natural ecosystem and has become a major headache for power plant intakes, water supply systems, industrial complexes and marinas. The overall estimated impacts cost north of $500 million per year. The new invader has been introduced to Australia, Europe, Asia, and North America. In the U.S., mud snails were first discovered in Idaho's Snake River in 1987. Since then, the snail has become established in ten western states, five Great Lakes states and Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. In rivers out west, the hardy invader has demonstrated tolerance for silt bottoms and the ability to thrive in disturbed watersheds. It has become the dominant macroinvertebrate in some streams. Nobody wants them in breeding in Michigan, which draws fly fishermen from across the country to its roughly 20,000 miles of cold, quality trout streams. To some degree, the threat has pitted the DNR and DEQ against anglers, whom officials think are inadvertently spreading the new pest around by not properly disinfecting their gear between trips. Since the Pere Marquette discovery, the state has stepped up reminders to anglers and boaters about the need to properly scrub gear between use in different lakes, streams and rivers. "I don't think it's coincidental these three streams they've have been found in are three of our best trout streams," said DNR fish production manager Ed Eisch. Genetic testing of the snails discovered in the Pere Marquette River show they are of a clone type that's been spreading through western U.S. rivers in Montana, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and California. The prevailing theory among state invasive species experts is that some fisherman unwittingly imported them to Michigan from out west. The snail's ability to completely seal its shell allows it to survive out of water for several weeks in cool, damp conditions. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "this sneaky snail has an uncanny knack for hitchhiking on wading gear, nets, boats, and trailers of fishermen, boaters and other water users." "One of the things I will frequently ask during my presentations is how many people in the audience have fished out west," said Seth Herbst, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator. Without fail, many hands usually go up. Mud snails were on the DNR radar prior to 2015, but once Sarah LeSage, the DEQ aquatic invasive species coordinator found them between Gleason's Landing and Baldwin in the Pere Marquette River -- a popular stretch for fishers, canoeists and kayakers -- the "issue was really elevated," Herbst said. Scrutiny focuses on Grayling hatchery This summer, heightened alert focused scrutiny on the Grayling Fish Hatchery after Mark Luttenton, a biology professor at Grand Valley State University's Annis Water Resources Institute, discovered the snails in samples of macro-invertebrates collected from different branches of the Au Sable River in June. Tourists at the Grayling Fish Hatchery. Luttenton suspected fish brought into the hatchery could have been the source for the invasive snail and the Au Sable, not the Pere Marquette, may have been the mud snail's initial Michigan foothold. The theory gels with the belief among an intergovernmental national mud snail management group that the western U.S. snails were introduced via aquaculture. The nonprofit conservation group Anglers of the AuSable -- which has challenged the hatchery's DEQ permit, claiming plans to raise 300,000 pounds of rainbow trout will pollute a beloved nine-mile section of the river known as the "holy waters" -- lobbied the DEQ, DNR, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Gov. Rick Snyder's office to inspect the hatchery for evidence of mud snails, claiming trout stocked around the state could be spreading them. In September, the agencies inspected the hatchery and, lo and behold, found snails. But that doesn't automatically pinpoint the hatchery as the source. "Because we had operated under the presumption they were present, we had already instituted a set of conditions that needed to be met if the operator of the Grayling facility was going to stock fish in public waters," said Eisch. Inspectors dissected 60 fish. Although snails were found in the hatchery raceways, there weren't any snails in fish guts. Eisch said inspections targeted fish that hadn't eaten for more than 24 hours, which should have increased the likelihood that hungry trout would have foraged on snails. But, they didn't. Per the DNR stocking permit, any fish that hatchery owner Dan Vogler loads onto a truck must have been fed within 36 hours to reduce the likelihood they'd be hungry enough to eat a mud snail -- which, because of their size and physical makeup, aren't digestible anyhow. The shell opening has a retractable cover that allows snails to seal themselves out of reach of digestive enzymes. Vogler also must use a microfilter when pumping water into a transport truck. Eisch said the hatchery uses well water for that task anyhow. "I'm quite confident he is not going to serve as a vector," Eisch said. When the DEQ followed up on Luttenton's discovery, they found snails above and below the hatchery -- a fact that would seem to clear Vogler of responsibility for the scourge. If the snails are present upstream, there's an argument the river brought them into his hatchery. New Zealand mud snails found in the East Branch of the Au Sable River in Grayling in June 2016. But Luttenton, who has testified as an expert witness for the angler group challenging the hatchery permit, said that just because snails were found upstream doesn't mean the hatchery is free from culpability. For one thing, the number of snails found downstream of the hatchery far exceeds the number found upstream. The DEQ found two snails immediately upstream at North Down River Road bridge this summer, he said. Downstream of the hatchery -- which sits along the East Branch and puts extra nutrients into the river that helps grow alage for snails to eat -- population density had reached 2,000 per-square-meter in August. It was half that in May. The DNR mandated the hatchery risk reduction procedures in July. "That's a pretty significant increase in a relatively short period of time for an invertebrate population," Luttenton said. "We think mud snails are going to reach some fairly substantial numbers over the next couple years in the East Branch." In the Au Sable main branch, very few snails have been found upstream of the confluence with the East Branch. Although snails can crawl upstream against the current, if they were actively crawling long distances upstream in quantity, Luttenton would have expected to see more west of the confluence. An angler could have introduced them upstream of the hatchery, but the area where the DEQ found them "isn't a real viable fishing location," he said. Also, "we'd be looking at a couple thousand there at this point rather than two." Luttenton believes the snails upstream of the hatchery "could be the result of fish escaping the hatchery that have eaten mud snails, swum upstream and when they poop, the snails are released back into the river," he said. Vogler disputes that scenario, calling allegations that his facility is a mud snail vector "absolutely preposterous." Vogler's Au Sable trout come from his other hatchery at Harrietta Hills in Wexford County, and eggs come from Troutlodge in Washington state. The fertilized eggs are packed "dry," he said. "These eggs are produced and incubated under carefully controlled conditions, not grabbed out of a stream that contains New Zealand mud snails," he said. "There is no realistic opportunity for the introduction of mud snails within this supply chain scenario," he said, adding that MDARD has inspected his records "to verify this process in response to the irresponsible accusations of the anglers." One certainty: They are here to stay Where did the mud snails in Michigan come from? No one knows for sure. The Pere Marquette snails are matched with rivers out west but genetic analysis of the snails in the Au Sable and the Boardman rivers are pending. Those results could shed some light on the origin point, or points. Because mud snails are established in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, it's possible the latest discoveries are of the genetic type already present in the Great Lakes region. The Midwest population matches mud snails that were previously introduced to Europe, lending credence to the theory they were initially imported to the Great Lakes region via ballast water. Luttenton thinks the genetics will show the Michigan snails are of the type inhabiting rivers out west because, other than a western genetic type discovered in Wisconsin, mud snails haven't been found in other Great Lakes states. If anglers are spreading them, why aren't more rivers infested? "I'd have thought by now we'd see snails in other coastal streams," he said. Discovery of the snails in the Boardman going back to 2013 has everyone scratching their heads. wondering if there have been multiple, separate introductions. A Michigan State University team is currently developing an "early warning" system that could help the state hone-in on mud snails by detecting their genetic material in river waters. "It's a priority issue, but right now we don't have a lot of manpower," said Herbst. One thing that's for certain is that these new invaders are here to stay. In their New Zealand homeland, mud snails have been found in nearly every type of aquatic habitat, including large rivers, forested tributary streams, thermal springs, ponds, glacial lakes and estuaries. "There's no getting rid of them at this point," said Luttenton. "We're just kind of holding on to see what happens." BLACKMAN TWP., MI - Firefighters were busy Sunday morning extinguishing two house fires in Blackman Township. Before 8 a.m. Nov. 20, a woman went to Henry Ford Allegiance Health for treatment of smoke inhalation after a fire started in her house on Vermont Street, off Springfield Street, likely destroying the home. She managed to escape and was expected to survive, Blackman-Leoni Townhsip public safety Officer Jan Ganzel said. A second fire on Bryant Avenue near W. North Street, reported after 9 a.m., damaged an empty, remodeled house set to be sold by the beginning of December. "Thank God nobody was in there," owner Steve Carlson said as he watched firefighters cut a hole in the roof above an area containing a bathroom and water heater. The damage was at the back of the smaller single-story structure. The front half appeared unaffected. Firefighters said flames were in the attic; the cause was under investigation. Carlson was standing on a nearby sidewalk with his realtor, who had gotten a phone call from a neighbor because his number was on the "for sale" sign staked in the yard. New owners were to close on the house Dec. 2. "I would assume it's off," Carlson said of the sale. He estimated he had put about $45,000 into the investment property. Jackson firefighters, assisted by crews from Summit Township, were the first to arrive on Bryant Avenue because public safety officers were tied up at the fire on Vermont Street. There, the flames were contained to an upper bedroom, but there was smoke and heat damage throughout the east half of the home, occupied only by the woman and some cats. The fire left the far eastern, front corner blackened and bare to the studs. Ganzel said it is "probably a catastrophic loss." It appeared to have started in a closet, but the cause was not known. BERRIEN COUNTY, MI -- Two Illinois men died after their vehicle struck the back of a semi-truck parked along I-94 because of another crash moments earlier. Berrien County sheriff's deputies said the crash happened along westbound I-94 near the 2.5-mile marker at 9:54 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Police said the trouble started when a semi-truck collided with another vehicle, driven by a Grand Rapids woman. The woman's vehicle went into the median while the semi-truck driver was able to pull off to the right side of the road. The driver of another westbound vehicle, carrying the two Illinois men, then lost control and the vehicle struck the rear of the semi-truck. Both men were 20 years old. Deputies said the Grand Rapids woman whose vehicle went into the median had minor injuries. The semi-truck driver, of Quebec, was not injured. Police did not release the names of the two men who died. Deputies also did not say if weather was a factor in the crash. Snowy and windy conditions prevailed in much of Southwest Michigan at the time. you are here: Today is the world wide Transgender Day of Remembrance, dedicated to educating people about the trans community and the important issues trans people face worldwide, from hate crimes, to healthcare hurdles, to employment discrimination. Created originally to honor Rita Hester, a highly visible member of the transgender community in her native Boston, MA where she worked locally on education around transgender issues. Rita was stabbed 20 times in her apartment. Almost two decades later, police still have not found Ritas murderer (or murderers). In 1999, one year after Ritas murder, advocate and writer Gwendolyn Ann Smith coordinated a vigil in Ritas honor. The vigil commemorated not only Rita, but all who were tragically lost to anti-transgender violence. Findings from the Injustice at Every Turn report conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the National LGBTQ Task Force showed alarming rates of violence and harassment expreienced by the more than 6,000 transgender repondents across a variety of contexts, including educational settings, at work, in interactions with police and with family members, at homeless shelters, accessing public accommodations, and in jails and prisons. Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people. The deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. The 2014 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-affected Hate Violence Report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects shows that, of the victims murdered, 80% were people of color, 55% were transgender women, and 50% were transgender women of color. Transgender women survivors of hate violence were also more likely to experience police violence, physical violence, discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, threats, and intimidation compared to those who were not transgender women Anti-transgender violence isnt just directed at adults. Statistics from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) show that in schools, 16.2% of transgender students report being physically assaulted as a result of gender expression, while 32.5% experience physical harassment. The Greater Dayton LGBT Center will host a Candlelight Ceremony today at 4pm to honor those lost to violence because they are Gender-Noncoforming. The Center is located at 24 N. Jefferson St, Suite 200 and all are welcome. Their will be a panel discussion with members of our local Transgender community, as well as welcoming remarks from Mayor Nan Whaley. There is no social issue more important than protecting children from abuse and neglect. At present, millions of children in the United States are living in households where abuse occurs. More than three million experienced abuse for the first time this year, and many will continue to be maltreated. Its nothing short of tragic, and the consequences for the children involved often last a lifetime. Dealing with maltreatment is difficult due to both the magnitude and complexity. Resources are insufficient, resulting in overloaded caseworkers, inadequate and disorganized documentation, and too few options in the form of quality foster care homes and support (or efforts to reduce the need for such care). Because of years of chronic underfunding and neglect, nowhere is the problem more acute than in Texas. In response to this situation in Texas, U.S. District Court Judge Janis Graham Jack ruled in December 2015 that the states foster care system was unconstitutional in that it failed to protect children from harm. She appointed special masters to come up with proposed solutions and reforms, and the recommendations were filed earlier this month. Thirty-one steps/processes/tasks are recommended, complete with subtasks, implementation dates, and monitoring methodology. Monthly face-to-face visits by caseworkers are recommended, including time alone with each child. Other improvements include better case file systems, 24-hour hotlines to report abuse and neglect, target caseload levels and changes designed to reduce turnover among workers, and multiple measures designed to increase the safety of children in foster care. Obviously, protecting young people from maltreatment is the primary goal of any and all of these actions. However, given the reality of finite and scarce resources, there will be (and, in fact, already has been in response to hundreds of unaddressed situations) serious debate about whether to commit new resources and, if so, how much. Failing to address this issue is not only a human tragedy, it is also very short-sighted. The cost of maltreatment is measurable from an economic perspective. A number of studies have quantified the direct social costs (health care, social welfare, juvenile and adult crime, and education costs) associated with child maltreatment. About two years ago, my firm compiled and analyzed available information, updated and refined cost estimates, and calculated the total economic costs as the various direct effects work their way through the U.S. economy in a pro bono effort to inform the discussion. Direct social costs of child maltreatment include incremental expenses for health care (childhood and adult), social welfare services, criminal justice (juvenile and adult), and education. These costs total hundreds of thousands of dollars per victim. Education level, productivity, and ability to work are affected, thereby reducing lifetime earnings. This loss, in turn, has ripple effects throughout the economy, which we are able to comprehensively model. The economic consequences of child maltreatment in a given year (2014, which is the year we performed the study) were estimated as they would likely be manifested over the life cycle of the affected individuals. (Given increasing costs of services, such as education and health care, the lifetime totals have likely risen over the past two years.) This approach, known as an incidence approach is commonly used in health-related studies and is appropriate for policy evaluation. We estimate that each individual occurrence of first-time child maltreatment costs the U.S. economy about $1.8 million in total expenditures, $800,000 in gross product and $500,000 in personal income over the lifetime of the affected individual. In Texas alone, child maltreatment in 2014 was estimated to lead to losses of $454.9 billion in lifetime spending, $206.7 billion in lost gross domestic product, and 2.1 million person-years of employment. (Because of cost increases in services as noted above, the failure to address the issue at its core, and the upward trend in the incidence of child maltreatment, these estimates are likely understated.) Part of the solution to child maltreatment is the availability of alternatives such as quality foster care. A well-functioning safety net system can both reduce the likelihood of further abuse and ameliorate the effects of past abuse. As noted, however, the Texas foster care system is broken. One promising initiative is Foster Care Redesign, which changes the way the Department of Family and Protective Services procures, contracts, and pays for foster care and other services to children in foster care and their families. Rather than a statewide model, the redesigned structure would be community based, with a single contracted entity (the Single Source Continuum Contractor or SSCC) responsible for ensuring the full continuum of foster care and other services for children in specific geographic areas (catchment areas). The SSCC would be accountable for these children achieving positive outcomes while in foster care. One reason for shifting to a community-based model is that Texas has one of the largest foster care systems in the United States, both in terms of numbers and geographic area. Administering the system from a central location in Austin has contributed to a number of challenges. In addition, complexities in oversight, payment, and other aspects of the process at times hampered the ability of the system to meet the needs of the youth of Texas. We estimate that every dollar of State funding required for Foster Care Redesign returns about $3.44 in ultimate revenue or reduced costs to the State. Redesign can initially be more costly, but the long-term benefits in terms of reduced social costs and increased earnings and productivity of the affected individuals lead to sizable fiscal benefits over time. The special masters report recommends that this method be considered as part of the ultimate restructuring. Child maltreatment is a tragedy that transcends dollars and cents. Nonetheless, budget priorities may well lead to only band-aid solutions. Based on extensive research, I can say with absolute certainty that spending which reduces child maltreatment or improves foster care will be repaid many times over. Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com). He also serves as Institute Distinguished Professor of Economic Theory and Method at the International Institute for Advanced Studies. Twenty years ago, Midlander Patti Hall created Odd Body as a children's story. The tale about a dragon landing in Midland from another planet had stayed in her closet after she finished it. The intention was to get it published, but at the time, that didn't happen -- and then her mother asked her about it. When I was close to retirement this past year, my mother asked what I did with that book, Hall said. I didnt think I still had it, but I found it. She will be reading her book to young audiences 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Midland County Public Library Centennial branch. With retirement around the corner, Hall wanted something to look forward to. She dusted off her story The Adventure of Odd Body and started pitching it to publishers last year. Halls sights were high. She started with publishings bigger houses, but she had her heart set on one. Want to know more? Visit theadventureofoddbody.com. See More Collapse Finding a publisher is not easy, but the first four wanted the book. The one I wanted though was Simon and Schuster, she said. Her reason for that was because she wanted to be in the same house as Stephen King. So she waited. Friends pushed her to accept the other offers but she opted not to. I mean Ive waited 20 years already, she said. So weeks went by before I got an email from Archway. Since her first conversation with Archway, a division of Simon and Schuster, in October 2015, Hall also illustrated her book, which was published in February. She retired in August from her job at West Texas Gas. With more time to focus on her creation, she took it a step further. For Hall, the book was more than a product. She wanted it to have an impact. It takes so little to make a child happy. And I really wanted to put something together for children who are in hospitals, she said. Hall had a plush doll made of Odd Body, and with the help of friend and publicist Rhonda Jernigan, have begun a campaign to provide packages to ailing children. Eventually, the campaign will be realized as a nonprofit. Patti has made an investment in all of this with her own money and time, Jernigan said. I really admire her for putting this together and looking for kids who can enjoy what shes done. The packages would contain the book, the plush doll, a letter from Hall and a thank you card that the recipient can send. I wanted to do something different, she said. I wanted to put a smile on a childs face. So much so, shes already working on the next Odd Body book. This time there wont be a lapse of time between writing and publication. The sequel is expected to have a spring release. WASHINGTON -- So, about that wall. After Donald Trumps upset win last week, Texas Republicans in Congress find themselves grappling with some of the president-elects campaign proposals. Foremost among them is the oft-touted, Mexican-funded, big, beautiful border wall that became a defining feature of Trumps stump speech. Now that he is preparing to take office, congressional Republicans are throwing cold water on the idea of a Great Wall of Trump in the Lone Star State. Im not in favor of the wall, Im in favor of an integrated system, said Rep. Bill Flores, outlining a strategy that would involve airborne and ground-based observation, among other security features. I would use a holistic approach to it. Its more than a wall. The idea of a wall, many Texas Republicans agree, was intended to symbolize increased border security. What President-elect Trump knows is that its a long border, and along that border there are certain things that make more sense, said retiring Rep. Randy Neugebauer. I dont think people are so concerned about what it is as they are about getting the job done. And what Trump ran on was, I can get the job done. The U.S.-Mexico border stretches nearly 2,000 miles, and estimates for Trumps proposal have put the potential cost anywhere between $5.1 billion and $25 billion. Todd Sternfeld, the owner of a concrete company in Texas, projected on National Public Radios Planet Money this week that the wall would require 250,000 truckloads of cement. There are places where a good solid barrier is a big benefit -- a wall, a fence, whatever it is, said Rep. John Carter. But parts of Texas you couldnt wall, and if you walled it, it wouldnt be worth doing because nobodys out there. The problem in Texas, Flores said, is that much of the land along the border is privately owned by ranchers and farmers, sovereign American territory that neither the landowners nor government would want to cede. He said he does not believe that the wall could be built in the middle of the Rio Grande that lines the states southern border. Trumps message resonated with the American people, and it was more the themes of the message rather than the exact words of the message, Flores said. So as long as they get to the same end state, and that is a secure southern border, its my belief they dont care if its a wall or if its just a system that gets them to that same place. That differs from what candidate Trump said in August, when he promised to begin work on Day One in office on an impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful southern border wall. Trump hedged on the proposal in his only post-election interview so far, telling CBS News last week that, for certain areas, he would accept a fence instead. But, he noted, hes got a construction background. Some Texas Republicans, such as Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler, would still like to see some form of wall -- he often points to the wall Israel built along the West Bank as a good example -- even if it does not cover the whole border. You dont need it down in Big Bend National Park, theres some places you dont, but some places you really do, and we need to do it, Gohmert said. The Israelis have shown whether you call it a fence or a wall, it can work if its seriously enforced. But Rep. Roger Williams said he would like to see more of an effort to recruit military veterans to join the Border Patrol, explaining that they are trained and ready. A wall does not feature into his plans. Weve got to secure our border, hardly anyone disagrees with that, Williams said. Personally, Im a guy who thinks we need more boots on the ground. We need more Border Patrol. Rep. Brian Babin sidestepped questions about Trumps shifting stance, focusing on the broader goal of halting illegal immigration. How effective a wall or a fence is compared to boots on the ground, interior enforcement, stopping catch and release, Babin began. Let me just tell you this, the bottom line is there was a ballot box revolution, and people are tired of an uncontrolled, unbridled illegal immigration going on and the American taxpayer having to pick up the bill. The wall as a metaphor for stronger border security appears to be a point of near consensus among Republican politicians in Texas. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who served as the Texas state chairman for Trumps campaign, suggested this week that it does not matter which methods are used as long as the border is secure. Former Gov. Rick Perry acknowledged over the summer that a literal wall would not happen, even as he campaigned on behalf of the New York real estate mogul, describing it instead as a technological or digital wall. And Republican Sen. John Cornyn, another Trump supporter, said on a tour of the border in March that a physical obstacle was not the solution but rather that a virtual border is needed. We already built most of the wall, thats the untold story, said Rep. Joe Barton of Arlington, alluding to the Secure Fence Act of 2006 that directed billions of dollars for various types of barriers. Theres some sort of physical barricade almost everywhere along the border that makes any sense. But while Flores said GOP voters will get it if Trumps wall takes other forms, other lawmakers acknowledge that the rabid supporters who grew accustomed to the candidates call-and-response routine during rallies -- Whos going to pay for the wall? Mexico! -- may be disappointed. Theyll be upset about it when the realities of the physical building of it and the timeline set in, said Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell. Its going to be incumbent on (Trump) to explain that wall means barrier, it means border security. --- Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Texas Tech professor has gone viral after leaving a printed note of each of his students' desks. After reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about schools that were providing comfort for students post-election, Terry McInturff decided to voice his opinion on the topic. OUTRAGED PROTEST: Students at the University of Houston join in walk-out protesting election results According to an article on Everythinglubbock.com, McInturff printed out the article along with his commentary and left a paper for each student to read. "After reading the article and reflecting on my often repeated statement to you that "I don't care how you FEEL, I care what you THINK," it occurred to me that perhaps I have been a bit too harsh. Therefore, in the spirit of dealing with the wounds of those feeling grief and unbearable angst over the election, Kim's tragic Paris robbery, the heart wrenching Brangelina break-up or other similar tragedy, I would like to do my part. While I can't offer "arts and crafts" or a "therapy dog," the Energy Commerce Department has arranged for free hugs from our therapy boa constrictor. Please go to room 139 to schedule a session should you feel the need." Though the comments were meant to be tongue-in-cheek, McInturff stands by his belief that students are too coddled, and that it's an educator's job to prepare young people to "hit the real world" whether they like the circumstances or not. Take a look through the gallery above to see reactions to the election results from across the nation. 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 [] New members inducted into Institute of ... Hundreds of New Yorkers were joined by Brooklyn community leaders, elected officials and even some celebrities Sunday in denouncing hate. Park was spray painted with swastikas Community rallies, says they condemn hatred against all religions A rally was held at the Adam Yauch Park in Brooklyn Heights, where spray painted swastikas were discovered Friday, along with messages supporting President-elect Trump. The park is named in honor of the late Beastie Boys rapper, who was raised Jewish. Community members say they are sending a message that they condemn hatred against all religions, and that they would like President-elect Donald Trump to denounce the hate acts. "He was also someone that taught non-violence in his music and his life, to all of us and to me," Yauch's bandmate Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz said. "But, this is more about someone in New York City linking Nazi Germany to Donald Trump in a 'hell yeah' kind of way." "As a New Yorker and a parent and an American, I thought it was really important to stand up and say this isn't OK. You know, hate crimes aren't OK, and especially this happening in Adam Yauch Park when Adam Yauch was so about peace and non-violence," actor Ben Stiller said. The swastikas have been painted over since the incident, and the site is now covered with flowers and messages of peace. The NYPD says there has been a recent uptick in sightings of the anti-Semitic symbol across the city. Police are investigating an incident at an Orlando apartment complex during which an unknown suspect or suspects shot out windows of an apartment while people were inside. Investigators said the incident took place at the Catalina Apartments located at 2715 L.B. McLeod Road. Eight people were inside the apartment at the time of incident. Officers said the residents dropped to the floor when the shots were fired, and did not call 911 until the shooting stopped. The suspect(s) reportedly jumped over a wall and ran to the complex next door. Bullet holes riddled the apartment and blew out all of its windows. No one was reported injured. No further information has been released. This is a developing story. Check back up for updates. A Santa Cruz County Sheriffs deputy shot and killed a man outside Watsonville early Saturday morning, saying the man had advanced toward him with a knife. The shooting took place shortly before 3 a.m. on the 800 block of Amnesti Road, where police found two people stabbed one with critical injuries and the other with serious injuries and were looking for the perpetrator. Both victims were taken to a nearby hospital. A contract for a body-worn camera program for the Midland Police Department will go before the Midland City Council this week. The City Council will vote Tuesday to approve a five-year contract, with a total cost of $651,338 with Taser International of Scottsdale, Arizona. The contract will allow for 133 cameras and an unlimited bundle plan and licenses. The first-year cost of $168,749, according to city documents, will be paid in full with a body-worn camera grant from the Governors Office. Years two through five will cost $120,604 each and will be funded through the budget process. The city issued 34 requests for proposals for the body-worn camera system and received four proposals, according to information in the city council agenda packet. Three of the four were invited to submit best and final offers. The city received final offers from two -- Taser International and ARC Government Solutions (Panasonic) of Austin. In a memorandum from MPD Deputy Chief Seth Herman to Police Chief Price Robinson, it was explained that Taser was a product when it came to software, integration, redaction (for open records purposes) and cost. Herman wrote that while the overall camera body was similar, Tasers software sets it apart. When it comes to integration, Herman wrote that Taser will provide a system that offers chances for savings and greater efficiencies compared to ARC Government Solutions. Herman wrote that with a system less efficient than Taser, the City Attorneys Office workload related to redaction would more than double, leaving one employee no time for other responsibilities. Lastly, Herman expects the city to actually see a savings with Taser. While ARC Government Solutions offered a lower best and final offer ($475,971), Herman wrote that additional server space and a second CAD/RMS interface would require an extra $225,000 in costs, increasing the amount the city would likely spend to more than $700,000. Herman did note in the agenda packet report that a two-week study was conducted to gauge indirect personnel costs associated with officers having to drive to the police department to tag videos with necessary meta data. Based on that study -- which showed an officer would spend just more than one minute tagging a video -- tagging nearly five videos per 12-hour shift and working 14 shifts a month, that the total cost of officers being off the street would be approximately $344,623 over a five-year period, or $68,924 a year. But Taser is cloud-based and wont require officers to go back to the PD to tag everything, city spokeswoman Sara Bustilloz said Friday via email. Body-worn cameras serve as tools in a law enforcement comprehensive problem-solving approach to enhance officer interactions with the public, build community trust and gather important evidence for use in the prosecution of crimes, according to a document quoted in a previous Reporter-Telegram article. Boise, Idaho Grassroots campaigns have sprung up around the country to try to persuade members of the Electoral College to do something that has never been done in American history deny the presidency to the clear Election Day winner. Activists are circulating online petitions and using social media in hopes of influencing Republican electors to cast their ballots for someone other than President-elect Donald Trump and deprive him of the 270 Electoral College votes needed to become the next occupant of the White House. "Yes, I think it's a longshot, but I also think we're living in strange times," said Daniel Brezenoff, who created a petition in favor of Hillary Clinton and is asking signers to lobby electors by email or phone. "If it was ever plausible, it's this year." Trump has won 290 electoral votes to Clinton's 232, with Michigan undecided, but Clinton is on pace to win the popular vote by at least 1 million ballots. Trump's opponents are motivated by the outcome of the popular vote and by their contention that the businessman and reality TV star is unfit to serve as commander in chief. Just one elector so far has wavered publicly on supporting Trump. Texas Republican Art Sisneros says he has reservations about the president-elect, but not because of the national popular vote. He said he won't vote for Clinton under any circumstance. "As a Christian, I came to the conclusion that Mr. Trump is not biblically qualified for that office," he said. He said he has heard from ecstatic Clinton supporters and even supportive Republicans, but also from outraged Trump backers writing "threatening and vile things." Sisneros signed a state party pledge to support the GOP's standard-bearer, but that was before Trump was the official nominee. He said one of his options is to resign, allowing the state party to choose another elector. Electors are chosen by party officials and are typically the party's most loyal members. Presidential electors are not required to vote for a particular candidate under the Constitution. Even so, the National Archives says more than 99 percent of electors have voted as pledged throughout the nation's history. Some state laws call for fines against "faithless electors," while others open them to possible felony charges, although the National Archives says no elector has ever been prosecuted for failing to vote as pledged. In North Carolina, a faithless elector's vote is canceled, and he or she must immediately resign and be replaced. Layne Bangerter and Melinda Smyser, two of Idaho's four Republican electors, said they have been flooded with emails, telephone calls and Facebook messages from strangers urging them to reconsider their vote. "It's just not going to work," Bangerter said. "I hope it dies down, but I don't see that happening." The volume and tone of the messages caught the attention of Idaho's secretary of state, who urged the public to remain civil as electors prepare to cast their ballots on Dec. 19 while meeting in their states. Republican Party officials in Georgia and Michigan said their electors also have been bombarded with messages, and Iowa reported increased public interest in obtaining contact information for electors. Michael Banerian, 22, one of Michigan's 16 Republican electors, said he has received death threats from people who do not want him to vote for Trump. But he said he is undeterred. "It's mostly just a lot of angry people who don't completely understand how the process works," said Banerian, a political science major at Oakland University. P. Bret Chiafalo, a Democratic elector in Washington state, said he and a small group of other electors from the party are working to contact their Republican counterparts and ask them to vote for any GOP candidate besides Trump, preferably Mitt Romney or John Kasich. Under the Constitution, the House currently under Republican control decides the presidency if no candidate reaches the required electoral vote majority. House members choose from the top three contenders. This isn't the first time electors have faced pressure to undo the results of Election Day. Carole Jean Jordan, a GOP elector from Florida in 2000, recalled the "unbelievably ugly" aftermath of the recount battle between George W. Bush and then-vice president Al Gore, a dispute that ended with the U.S. Supreme Court leaving Bush's slim margin intact and handing him the presidency. Jordan said Florida's electors were inundated with nasty letters from people saying they should not vote for Bush. Police kept watch over her home until the electors convened in Tallahassee to cast their votes. They stayed at the same hotel, guarded by security officers who also escorted them to cast their ballots at the state Capitol. Vatican City Pope Francis warned against what he called a "virus of polarization" and hostility in the world targeting people of different nationalities, races or beliefs, as he led a ceremony Saturday giving the Roman Catholic Church 17 new cardinals from six continents. Francis used his homily to also caution the new "princes of the church," as cardinals are sometimes called, to guard against animosity creeping into the church as well, saying "we are not immune from this." The pope spoke of "our pitiful hearts that tend to judge, divide, oppose and condemn" and cautioned somberly against those who "raise walls, build barriers and label people." Earlier this year, when asked about the plan by Donald Trump, then a Republican U.S. presidential candidate and now president-elect, to build a wall to keep Mexicans and others from illegally entering the U.S., the pope replied that anyone advocating building walls isn't a Christian. Francis, in a message a few days earlier to U.S. bishops, had urged them to help heal a society facing growing polarization. On Saturday, after receiving his red hat, Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, archbishop of Tlalnepantla, expressed concern about Trump's plans, including deporting large numbers of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, soon after assuming the presidency. "You can't divide a family. You can't divide a community. You can't divide the world," the prelate said in reply to a question by The Associated Press about Trump. The Mexican churchman added: "One thing is the election campaign. Another thing is reality." In Saturday's homily, Francis commented on how "we see, for example, how quickly those among us with the status of the stranger, an immigrant, or a refugee, become a threat, take on the status of an enemy. An enemy because they come from a distant country, or have different customs. An enemy because of the color of their skin, their language, or social class." He added: "The virus of polarization and animosity permeates our way of thinking, feeling and acting." Francis also lamented the tendency to "demonize" one's opponents, "so as to have a 'sacred' justification for dismissing them." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The levee that rings Oakland International Airport seemingly has nothing in common with the salt-crusted stretch of land and water alongside Menlo Parks Bayfront Park. One is a 7-foot-high line of boulders, an engineered barrier between the tidal flows that surge in through the Golden Gate twice daily and the runways used by 10,000 commercial flights every month. The other is quiet desolation, a white void dotted with stagnant pools of water. Both, though, are examples of the Bay Area shoreline at risk from the long-term effects of sea level rise and reminders that theres no single way to prepare for what might lie ahead. The correct remedy in some areas of shoreline will involve forms of natural healing, with restored and managed marshes that provide habitat for wildlife and trails for people. But when major public investments or large residential communities are at risk, barriers might be needed to keep out water that wants to come in. Its a future where now-isolated salt ponds near Silicon Valley would be reunited with the larger bay, while North Bay farmland is turned back into marshes. Levees that protect the lagoon-sliced suburb of Foster City likely would grow higher, as would the Oakland airports seawall. The troubling question is whether the region can adapt itself at the scale we need in the time we have. Projections done in 2012 by the National Research Council, a scientific think tank, suggest that looking ahead to 2100, the most likely scenario for bay rise is average tides 36 inches higher than todays. The worst-case scenario is more sobering, 66 inches. In either case, the tidal changes are expected to accelerate after 2050. Were in a big transitional period, said Allison Brooks, executive director of the Bay Area Regional Collaborative, an alliance of four state and regional agencies that play a regulatory role in planning in the nine Bay Area counties. Theres not going to be a magic bullet. Whatever the precise impacts of sea level rise, the mistake for us would be to treat it as one of those problems to be dealt with someday, down the road. Addressing the issue should be a Bay Area-wide priority on par with housing or transportation, and is one that will require government at all levels working together. Theres another ingredient that would help. We need the spark of imagination. This might sound frivolous, but its essential. No matter how grim the political climate in Washington, D.C., might be, the design community here and beyond can offer scientifically grounded visions of the future that stir a sense of potential rather than dwelling on apocalyptic what-ifs. A proposed competition would offer us the chance to move the discussion forward; the sooner that it begins the better off we all could be. I tell people, Give me an air boat and a box of dynamite, and Ill restore the marshes, said John Bourgeois, driving his Prius across bumpy levees on the south edge of the bay, Silicon Valleys tech campuses visible through the haze. But Id destroy the infrastructure. Bourgeois is executive manager of the California Coastal Conservancys South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project, which since 2004 has worked to bring 15,100 acres of former marshland back to life. About 3,750 acres have been restored so far in an effort that, when completed, will be the largest such reclamation in the Western United States. His tour of this site begins near a managed pond where white pelicans linger. Nearby are the lumpy remnants of a levee, bits of it left in place after it was breached so that salt marsh harvest mice, an endangered species, can scamper to safety during extra-high tides. Other levees, still intact, frame grids of water that were marshland before they were remade more than a century ago to extract salt from the bays briny flow. This methodically altered landscape bears witness to how we treated the bay between the 1850s when migrants descended on California seeking riches and the 1960s, when the idea of filling the bay became virtually taboo. First, a levee would be erected at the far edge of tidal flats. Berms added on the inland side allowed marshes to be flooded to create ponds of uniform depth. Bay waters were pumped into the first artificial pond in the sequence, then moved from pool to pool as evaporation took place. The process took about five years, each pond becoming saltier than the one before. The end result: mountains of white crystals waiting to be refined and sold. One functioning salt works remains north of Fremont, several thousand acres carved into ponds of different colors and operated by Cargill. Within the 10,000-plus unrestored acres that are overseen by the Coastal Conservancy, the next phase of restoration should begin in 2018 an $11 million rebirth of 730 acres on the shore of Menlo Park owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service known as Ravenswood Ponds. So much salt remains here that parts of the old, dried-up ponds look like disheveled ice rinks. Within 15 years, though, if all goes well, the area will be shorebird habitat as well as marshes intended to soften the force of rising waters. The wetlands will also protect neighbors like Facebooks main campus, which borders the area. By starting now, the restored tidal marshes should be hardy enough that as sea level rises, the remade wetlands will endure. Several feet of sediment needs to accumulate before vegetation can take hold, Bourgeois said. Once it does, marshes can keep pace with all but the most extreme projections through the end of the century. Starting the process sooner rather than later also allows time for trial and error. That approach came in handy on the bays northern rim, where one of the first large-scale conversions to wetlands occurred near Sears Point and Highway 37 beginning in 1996. Today, the former hay fields where a levee was breached are a sleepy rustle of cord grass and pickleweed sliced by blue rivulets of water that swell and contract depending on the tide. Initially, though, the 25-foot-wide gap made in the levee was too narrow to allow San Pablo Bay to reassert itself. Years passed before storms blew an opening wide enough to let sediment build up and vegetation take root. The conversion was a success, but took much longer than anticipated. Last fall, the Sonoma Land Trust undertook a similar effort on 1,000 acres next door, but created a breach 10 times the width of the 1996 gap. Portions of the shoreline, meanwhile, were molded into slowly rising slopes known as horizontal levees, where, if needed, marshes can migrate as sea level rises. Such levees are the current rage among marsh planners. Yet at this site, the mud dredged to form the slopes has such high acid levels that seeds placed there havent sprouted. The trusts program manager for the effort is Julian Meisler. This fall, he took stock of the situation and canceled an order for $10,000 worth of seeds that were to be planted there. Instead, Meisler ordered 125 tons of lime. A local farmer spread the material and then plowed it into the slope, reducing the acid levels so that native plants someday will sprout. Going from dry to wet overnight is the easy part, Meisler said during a visit to Sears Point, where he pointed with relish to a single tuft of cord grass poking above the muck. After that, everything takes time. To understand why Foster City doesnt have the luxury of cloaking itself in protective marshes, contemplate the view from Beach Park Boulevard: a 13-foot-high levee that stands between you and the bay. This community of nearly 35,000 people in San Mateo County sits on former tidal flats that were converted to ranch land around 1900. After T. Jack Foster bought the acreage in 1960, 18 million cubic yards of fill were used to raise future development parcels above sea level and shape lagoons that now hold boat slips for homeowners. Nobody anticipated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2014 would warn that Foster City could be in a flood hazard zone. To escape that designation, the city expects to spend $70 million to raise existing levees an average of 3 feet and perhaps millions more to take sea level rise into account. Some residents have called for a horizontal levee, but trying to redo the mudflats beyond Foster City would be hugely expensive and scientifically problematic. Instead, the engineering firm Schaaf & Wheeler has devised a system with a line of metal plates that could be driven into the current levee. Adding a knee-high wall to the path along the levees crest would add to the expense, but also would protect against the tide levels forecast through at least 2050. The City Council is scheduled to choose a preferred option early next year. The idea is to build a foundation for the future, said Schaaf & Wheelers Chuck Anderson. Everyone around the bay is going to be dealing with decisions like this. Thats already the case at Oakland International Airport, which is exposed to the bay on three sides. The main runways are fringed by bouldered riprap. But to the east, facing a bay inlet known as San Leandro Bay, airport property ends at the low bend of Doolittle Drive, a roadway owned by Caltrans that leads into the city of Alameda. San Leandro Bay includes restored wetlands managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. A study done for the Bay Conservation and Development Commission demonstrates that, with as little as 12 inches of sea level rise during storms and when tides are higher than normal, water could surge across marshes and Doolittle Drive onto the runways that serve private aircraft. Unlike its rival airport in San Francisco, which is gathering approvals for a $58 million shoreline protection project that includes 4 miles of taller seawalls, Oakland is taking a more episodic approach. Were studying the entire levee, but we may not have to fix the entire levee, said Richard Sinkoff, director of environmental programs and planning at the Port of Oakland, which owns and operates the airport. Were focusing on the areas that are most critical to protect the entire airport. That includes Doolittle Drive, the weak link in the chain. If we solve this particular stretch, were pretty much protected through at least 2050, Sinkoff said. A huge problem becomes a manageable issue. In an ideal world meaning a region with a holistic approach to the challenges posed by climate change the port, Caltrans, Alameda and the East Bay parks district would collaborate on an adaptation plan for San Leandro Bay. They would pool resources on an environmentally sensitive response that takes everyones needs into account. But if protecting the airport is a top priority for Oakland, a service road to Alameda probably isnt high on Caltrans to-do list. So the day may come when the port will need to bite the bullet and raise the edge of its property on the airport side of Doolittle Drive. Even though, realistically, the other upgrades will need to be made at some point as well, a duplication of efforts and expense for everyone involved. The regulatory dilemmas that hinder the Bay Areas ability to prepare for sea level rise are confounding, whether it is the four years to secure the approvals and permits for the Ravenswood Ponds or the bureaucratic thicket along San Leandro Bay. Its easy to respond by fixating on the need for government reform and comprehensive planning. But theres another avenue being pursued a path that could lead to solutions and strategies we might not otherwise find. That would be Resilient by Design a design competition on a grand scale that aims to tackle the local impacts of climate change and sea rise in ways that are creative and compelling, without crossing into the realm of sci-fi. We want new ideas. We also want ideas based on reality, said Margie Driscoll, one of two consultants working on the nine-county effort. Were keenly interested in making sure that they can be implemented. That aim distinguishes Resilient by Design from a previous effort. In 2009, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission held the Rising Tides design competition essentially a consciousness-raising exercise that drew crowds to the Ferry Building to see 131 submissions. The whole idea at that point was to get the Bay Area thinking about sea level rise rather than find actual workable responses, Driscoll said. This time, the competition is envisioned as a yearlong effort with a $5 million budget. After a request for qualifications, 10 teams would be selected. Each would include architects or landscape architects as well as firms with expertise in such fields as hydrology and marine engineering. Each team would be awarded a six-figure commission and assigned a distinct site along the bay. Theyd be given several months to work with local residents to devise a plan for their site that passes environmental muster and has community support. The model is New Yorks Rebuild by Design, which was held after the ravages of 2012s Hurricane Sandy and spurred such provocative notions as wave-calming oyster beds off Staten Island. But unlike New Yorks competition, the Bay Area effort isnt being funded with federal dollars provided after a natural disaster. Instead, Resilient by Design languished for months as San Francisco officials made fitful starts at raising the money needed to pull things off. Now theres a 10-member oversight board drawn from around the region and a fundraising consultant making the rounds of foundations and local corporations. The idea is a deeply researched set of proposals with lots of people involved, said Sam Schuchat, who heads the states Coastal Conservancy and is on the competitions board. If nothing else, well get fresh thinking from smart design teams, including thoughts on how to streamline the governmental maze. Another board member is Brooks, from the Bay Area Regional Collaborative. Our officials and politicians have been good at bringing this issue (sea level rise) forward, Brooks said. Whats been missing is turning from that to: What can we do about it? Brooks is right. The Bay Area deserves credit for not ignoring the likelihood that well need to learn to live with a bay much different than the one residents in the 1960s and 70s fought so hard to save. The ongoing restoration of the South Bay salt ponds as well as the flexibility shows that we arent burying our heads in the sand. So does San Franciscos requirement that development projects along the shore need to be elevated at least 3 feet above current ground levels. But these individual local initiatives must be paired with a regional approach one ambitious and wide-ranging enough to generate responses that can be put into action in years, not decades. Resilient by Design could do this by tapping into our shared imagination. It deserves support from local governments and businesses, as well as far-sighted foundations that recognize the best time to face the future is before a disaster strikes, not afterward. Climate change and sea level rise are ominous clouds on our horizon. But our region has faced adversity before. We have an opportunity, to begin to bring the challenge down to size. If we succeed, the rest of the world will take notice. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron A man who claimed to be a Donald Trump supporter was one of two men arrested for allegedly assaulting an African-American man at a Southeast Side food mart on Wednesday, according to San Antonio police. Dusty Paul Lacombe, 32, and Blake Manshack, 30, were both charged with misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury but were each out on $5,000 bond as of Saturday, according to Bexar County Central Magistrate records. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Antonio police say a fight in the parking lot of a North Side auto supply store ended in deadly gunfire Sunday morning. Suspects are being sought by police after three people were shot following a fight about 2:20 a.m., Sunday, in the 800 block of San Pedro Avenue, which police believe may have started at Hott Dawgz Lounge and spilled into the parking lot of a nearby store. One of the three victims later died at an area hospital, according to police. The two other victims were also transported to a hospital and police say they plan on questioning them further Sunday. Police had no other details about what started the fight, or on the suspect This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A man with a previous criminal history is dead after a standoff with San Antonio police ended in gunfire early Sunday morning on the Northwest Side. Police spokesman said the incident began about 10:30 p.m., Saturday, at an apartment complex at 5814 Shadow Glen when the ex-boyfriend of a woman broke into her apartment brandishing a gun. The woman told police her ex held the gun close to her head and fired a round, then he pointed the weapon directly at her face, police said in a news release. The woman managed to flee and call police who arrived and immediately established a quadrant around the apartment. SAPD negotiators arrived about midnight according to Chief William McManus, and attempted in vain for seven hours to convince the 25-year-old unidentified Hispanic male to surrender. McManus said the man fired several shots while barricaded inside the residence during the standoff. "Everyone is trained in crisis intervention," McManus said of the officers at the scene. "So they negotiated with him for seven hours trying to get him out without harm, unfortunately it ended as it did, with him pointing his gun at police officers." Police say about 5:30 a.m., Sunday, the man exited the apartment and pointed his gun at officers. He was then shot dead by three SWAT officers. McManus said it is unknown how many times the suspect was hit, but there were only three shots fired by SAPD officers. No one else was injured during the standoff and McManus noted the woman is physically fine, but shaken up. The three officers have been placed on administrative duty while the force's Officer Involved Shooting Team investigates. McManus confirmed the man did have a previous criminal history, but did not elaborate. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A veteran San Antonio police officer in the Special Victims Unit was shot and killed before noon Sunday while performing a routine traffic stop near police headquarters downtown, officials said, prompting a citywide search for the gunman. SAPD Chief William McManus said the shooting occurred on the south side of SAPD headquarters, at 11:45 a.m. where the officer, identified as Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, was issuing a traffic citation. As he did so, a black vehicle pulled up behind the officer's unit. The suspect got out of the car, walked up to the passenger window and fired one round into the patrol car, hitting Marconi in the head, McManus said. He said the suspect reached in and fired again, hitting Marconi a second time. RELATED: Hours-long standoff on Northwest Side with SAPD ends in gunfire, one dead The suspect then drove off, McManus said. Marconi was transported to San Antonio Military Medical Center, where the 20-year veteran was pronounced dead. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, 5-feet, 7 inches to 6-feet tall, wearing a gray shirt and black pants. According to police, the suspect was driving a black mid-size sedan with chrome wheels. A photo showing a person of interest was leaked on Facebook around 4:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. San Antonio police confirmed the authenticity of the photo Sunday evening, and released a statement saying the person could have information on the slaying of the detective. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 for information which leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects for the capital murder. According to chatter on police scanners after the shooting, police were searching the area near headquarters and the surrounding buildings for the gunman, while homicide detectives were interviewing witnesses who were either near a VIA bus stop, or on a VIA bus near where the shooting occurred. "Right now we are looking for a possible motive," McManus said. "We are looking for video footage that may help us identify this individual." He said this is everyone's worst nightmare, from the officers on the department, to officer families, to those who support the police department. "It's always difficult, especially in this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country," McManus said. RELATED: A man is dead following a fight that ended in gunfire Sunday morning Officials later ordered police officers not to attempt any traffic stops unless they had a cover officer. Marconi leaves behind two adult children, said Mike Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association. "I can tell you this: everyone was stunned and shocked," said Helle. "Even for myself, I'm still trying to come to the realization that this actually did happen to someone we knew in our family." Jesse Salame, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department, said Marconi was a friendly person who cared about his work and his colleagues. Marconi's colleagues from the Special Victims Unit gathered at San Antonio Police Department's headquarters on Sunday to support each other and express their condolences, Salame said. "He was a great guy," Salame said. "He cared about the job he did and the people he worked with." A Twitter profile that appeared to belong to Marconi included photos of the detective smiling with friends and family. On the profile, Marconi shared a photo of his father, who was also a law enforcement officer. He also expressed his condolences for officers killed in the line of duty, including five Dallas officers shot and killed in July, and for the victims of the Orlando LGBTQ nightclub massacre. And on Facebook, the Human Rights Campaign San Antonio said Marconi was a friend and supporter of the Human Rights Campaign. Jonathan Segura, who was visiting San Antonio from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, said he saw the shooting occur. It didn't seem like the suspect was drunk or on drugs, Segura said. Outgoing Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau said county deputies are actively looking for the suspect and assisting SAPD in any way they may need. In Texas this year, 17 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty. Of those, six were killed by gunfire, including five officers killed in a Dallas ambush in July, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. Since 1791, Texas has had the most law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty than any other state with 1,881, according to the site. In a news release, San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor said this type of crime cannot and will not be tolerated. She gave her condolences to the family of the officer and to the entire police force. "This type of senseless violence is unacceptable," Taylor said during an afternoon police press conference. Gov. Greg Abbott also condemned the killing and said attacks on law enforcement cannot be tolerated and must be met with swift justice. He asked all Texans to join together in prayer for the officer's family. RELATED: SAPD Officers who have died in the line of duty Fifty-two San Antonio police officers have died in the line of duty since 1857, according to statistics from the San Antonio Police Department. Charley Wilkison, executive director of Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, expressed sadness at "the senselessness of the tragedy" and the fact that Texas has the highest number of police deaths in the country. "I've been at CLEAT for 23 years. If there's one thing I wish I could've impacted it would've been to reduce the number of (police) deaths in the state." The last San Antonio police officer killed was Robert Deckard, Jr., who died in December 2013. Deckard, 32, was a seven-year veteran at SAPD who was shot Dec. 8, 2013 as he pursued two robbery suspects. The chase reached speeds of 115 mph, police said. Deckard died after 13 days in intensive care. Sgt. Kenneth Vann, Sr. was the last law enforcement officer killed from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. He was shot and killed in May 2011 during an ambush at a red light. San Antonio native Lucy Aldaba heard about the killing and decide to come to police headquarters to show her support. "I don't even know the officer's name, but it does hurt,' said Aldaba who brought flowers and a sign expressing thanks to officers. She said she has many friends on the force. "I think everybody should come and show appreciation in their own way, in whatever way they can, but take your city back." In the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, 16 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since 1840, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to honoring America's fallen law enforcement. On Sunday evening, the flags at police headquarters were lowered to half-staff. The streets surrounding the building reopened and people gathered to pay their respects and leave makeshift memorials. News researcher Michael Knoop contributed to this report Re: Palo Altos excellence makes the case for academic independence, by Josh Brodesky, Other Views, Oct. 29: Brodeskys column ignores that the Alamo Colleges is a learning ecosystem; mischaracterizes the five Alamo Colleges as competitors; and unfairly claims that Palo Alto Colleges anticipated receipt of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige award results from its institutional independence. We are proud that Palo Alto is at the national Baldrige level, but each of the Alamo Colleges brings its own strengths. Northwest Vista College was named the second best community college in Texas by bestcolleges.com; St. Philips Colleges culinary arts program is rated exemplary by the American Culinary Federation, and is one of only 25 globally with this distinction; Northeast Lakeview College recently achieved accreditation candidacy status from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; and San Antonio College was ranked ninth nationally as a top producer of associate degrees for Hispanics by Community College Week. The column myopically overlooks that each college has particular strengths. Each part contributes to the whole. Based on its outstanding performance as a collective, the Alamo Colleges district is eligible and will be submitting a Baldrige award application early next year. One must look through a wider lens to appreciate the full perspective. Ten years ago when the institutions in the Alamo Colleges system were acting as independent entities, fundamental operating systems were broken duplicative and conflicting. Alamo Colleges student-success outcomes were among the worst in the state and stakeholders expressed frustration with inconsistencies among the colleges. The board of trustees realized the need for improving the performance of the five colleges to remove barriers to student utilization and charged the new chancellor in 2006 with fixing and aligning the system. Palo Altos Texas Award for Performance Excellence, or TAPE, signifies that the colleges excellence is attributable to its status as a member of a districtwide learning system that has intentionally put into place policies, strategies and resources that support its Baldrige efforts. In 2007, Northwest Vista received the TAPE, based on the national Malcolm Baldrige quality standards, and competed twice at the national level. Since 2007, when the Baldrige model was introduced to the Alamo Colleges by Northwest Vista, the board has embedded it into its policy, integrating Baldrige standards into the Alamo Colleges performance excellence culture. After Northwest Vista won the TAPE in 2007, Palo Alto won in 2015, and the District Support Operations won in 2016, each ensuing application made stronger by the strengths and opportunities for improvement of its predecessors application. The Alamo Colleges Baldrige journey clearly demonstrates how the organization has continuously improved as a learning ecosystem. The column makes unsubstantiated claims that faculty and staff at Alamo Colleges lack morale and feel disconnected from district administration. The Alamo Colleges has created a better workplace for employees, resulting in better outcomes for students. In 2016, the five colleges awarded 12,003 degrees/certificates, a 224 percent increase in degrees/certificates awarded from 2006. The disaffected will always claim that the system is not working well and make some suggestion that system involvement muddles things. The reality is that systems learning and involvement have raised the standards in student success and efficiencies across the district. These performance-excellence efforts were undertaken by the board and chancellor to ensure that student success is paramount within a rapidly changing environment, and the college system thrives for the needs of our communities and students. The column alleges that some faculty perceive a lack of academic freedom at the Alamo Colleges. Despite the viewpoints of a few, the results of the Alamo Colleges efforts are reflected in the successes of the students and communities we serve. The Alamo Colleges currently enjoys its all-time highest student performance metrics, and our positive trajectory perfectly correlates with our efforts to act as an aligned system of colleges rather than one of stand-alone, stay-alone institutions. Yvonne Katz is chairwoman of the Alamo Colleges board of trustees. Protests erupted in dozens of cities and campuses as the nation awakened to the realization and fear of a Donald Trump presidency. He had won the majority of the Electoral College, if not the popular vote, in an election that surprised everyone. How could this happen? Political wonks will be analyzing the race to try to explain why they missed in their predictions. If there was any doubt at all, a look at the exit poll results show conclusively that the election was polarized chiefly along racial lines. Trump built a coalition of discontented white voters. As many as 3 out of 4 Trump voters said they were motivated by a desire for change. Most of those non-college educated whites did not vote for Trump because they believed in him or his policies whatever they were but because they were voting against Hillary Clinton, who was depicted as the candidate of the Washington elite. Trump had drawn the battle along racial lines from the time he announced his candidacy a year and a half ago, vowing to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and bar the door to Muslim refugees. He didnt stop there. He insulted his way to the top of a heap of 17 nominees with attacks on women, a Mexican-American judge and a handicapped journalist. His anti-immigrant rhetoric drew the endorsement of extremist groups, those alternative right-wing, or alt-right, groups that have long abandoned establishment conservatives and cling to conspiracy theories about how the federal government is plotting to take away their guns and their freedom. The federal government has no such intention. Still, the alt-right found a kindred spirit in Trump, who challenged President Barack Obamas legitimacy by questioning his citizenship knowing all the while that Obama is a U.S.-born citizen. One can only surmise and hope that Trumps birther theory and his appeals to racism and xenophobia were no more than campaign bluster designed to fire up the extremists among his working-class white base. But members of the extremist groups may see it differently as genuine promises that need to be acted upon. After the election, one white supremacist group, Oath Keepers, posted on its website: It is now up to us to keep the heat on Congress and Trump to fulfill the promises that were made by Mr. Trump. There is ample evidence to be seriously concerned about the danger that these radical groups pose to public safety. The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremist groups of all kinds, has documented more than 200 incidents of attacks and harassment of immigrants and minorities in the first two days after the election. And as President-elect Trump begins to define his agenda, there is even more reason to be worried about the influence of the alt-right movement on his administration. Steve Bannon, who was executive chair of Breitbart News before becoming Trumps campaign manager in August, was appointed to serve as chief strategist and senior counselor to President-elect Trump. The Southern Poverty Law Center calls Bannon the main driver behind Breitbart becoming a white ethno-nationalist propaganda mill, and asks that his appointment be rescinded. As campaign manager, Bannon was able to tap into a vast network of alt-right press to spread the lies and conspiracy theories Trump used to fuel his campaign. With Bannons appointment as one of the first actions as president-elect, the worry that Trump will not act in the best interest of all Americans is now a very real fear that he will cater to only the worst among us. Robert Brischetto is former executive director of Southwest Voter Research Institute. The Legislature should keep a couple of issues in mind if it attempts, as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants, to pass another voter ID law. Two federal courts, simply on the matter of the laws effect, have declared it a discriminatory violation of the Voting Rights Act. Moreover, still unsettled is the matter of intent whether the discrimination was purposeful. Last year, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld much of a 2014 ruling by Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos of the U.S. District Court in Corpus Christi. After the 5th Circuit ruling by a panel of judges, Gonzales Ramos ordered modifications to the law. That meant, for the recent election, that Texans could vote without a photo ID after signing a reasonable impediment declaration. But the 5th Circuit remanded the issue of intent to the lower court. And the appeals court pretty much gave the judge a road map on how to discern whether the discrimination was intentional. The briefing period for plaintiffs and the state will end within 30 days, and oral arguments could be heard in January on the matter of intent. At the least, the Legislature, unless it wants to be slapped with an injunction by Gonzales Ramos, will have to craft a voter ID law that includes the modifications she ordered. And if that effectively means a law that cant enforce a requirement for photo ID, whats the point? And if she rules that legislators intended to discriminate to suppress the votes of some 600,000 Texans adversely affected by the law, this could force the Legislature to adopt all or many of those amendments proposed previously by Democrats that would have ameliorated the laws effects, which fall mostly on the states minority voters. The plaintiffs in this case reasonably point to the Legislatures rejection of all those amendments in 2011 as signs of intent. The only kind of voter fraud that voter ID prevents is in-person voter impersonation, something experts have determined virtually does not exist. Patrick should rethink his desire for voter ID. And if a bill is introduced, legislators should reject it as unneeded and clearly intended to suppress Texans votes. Yves here. Note that political leaders in California have already vowed to press ahead with their more stringent climate-change-combatting programs. By Frank Ackerman, Senior economist at Synapse Energy Economics, and a senior research fellow at GDAE at Tufts University. Originally published at Triple Crisis In January Donald Trump will endorse climate denial, renouncing the Clean Power Plan and climate targets in general. This will damage the fragile global momentum toward emission reduction, established in last years Paris agreement. If the United States refuses to cooperate, why should much poorer, reluctant participants such as India do anything to cut back on carbon? But among many things that this dreadful election did not represent, it was not a statement of (dis)belief about climate change. Large parts of the country recognize the validity of modern science, understand the urgency of the problem, and remain committed to ambitious carbon reduction targets. Suppose that many of our state governments got together and told the rest of the world about our continuing commitment to action: we are still abiding by the U.S. pledges under the Paris agreement, or even planning to do more. Not just NGO reports, blog posts, or individual signatures, but an official, coordinated announcement from government bodies with decision-making power over emissions primarily states, perhaps joined by Indian tribes and major city governments. The participating states could in theory be on either side of the partisan divide, but of course one side is more likely to sign on at present. Think of Green-State America, initially, as the states that voted for Clinton, and have either a Democratic governor or both houses of the legislature controlled by Democrats. (As it happens, thats all the states that voted for Clinton except Maine and New Hampshire.) Those 18 states plus the District of Columbia account for 30 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The governor or the legislative leadership of each state could sign the Green-State Climate Agreement, pledging their state to continued dialogue, cooperation, and rapid reduction in emissions. Tribal leaders and city mayors could do the same for their jurisdictions. Green-State America is the worlds fifth-largest emitter, behind only China, the rest of America, India and Russia. We emit more greenhouse gases than Japan, Brazil, or Germany. If we were a separate country, our participation would be essential to international climate agreements. Even though we are states rather than a nation, we might be able to help reduce the international damage, by letting the world know that much of America still cares about the global climate. Why should we address global plans at the state level? The United States is a federation of states, governed by archaic eighteenth-century interstate agreements aka the wisdom of the Founding Fathers such as the electoral college. (If we were a one-person, one-vote democracy, Hillary Clinton would be our next president, just as Al Gore would have been 16 years ago.) The expected assault on environmental and other regulations is likely to include efforts to give more power back to the states, reducing the role of federal rule-making in favor of state-level pollution control. State-level international climate policy is just one step further down that road. Green-State America is less carbon-intensive than our neighbors; with 30 percent of national emissions, we have 43 percent of the U.S. population and 49 percent of GDP. Our emissions amount to 12 tons of CO2-equivalent per capita, compared to 21 tons in the rest of the country. There is more to be done to control carbon emissions in America but it will be easy for other states to join us, one at a time. And this could be a model for other issues. Green-State America might also want to support international treaties on the rights of women, the treatment of migrants, the rights of indigenous peoples, and more. For now, its time to act to protect the climate. Its time to tell the world that Green-State America keeps its promises, because climate change trumps the election returns. Though not an admission of guilt, settlement money at least helps (NaturalNews) Residents and business owners in Charleston, West Virginia, who suffered injuries from a chemical spill that occurred back in 2014, will soon be receiving $151 million worth of settlement payments from the two companies responsible. U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver has tentatively approved a proposal made by West Virginia American Water Co. (WVAWC) and Eastman Chemical to pay out a massive lump sum rather than face any further litigation.Problems first arose when Eastman Chemical decided to sell a chemical known as methylcyclohexane methanol, or crude MCHM , to another company called Freedom Industries, which decided to store it in a large tank near Charleston's Elk River. MCHM is extremely corrosive, and it apparently leaked out of the storage tank and into the river, where it ended up tainting the water supplies tapped to at least 224,000 local residents, 7,300 business owners and many others.When locals soon began experiencing eye irritation, nausea and vomiting following the chemical transfer, the cause was eventually traced back to the leaky storage tank. Implicated were West Virginia American Water Co., which plaintiffs in the later class action accused of delivering poisoned water to homes and businesses, as well as Eastman Chemical, which the lawsuit says had a duty "to warn its customer [Freedom] about storage incompatibilities."When the situation was identified, West Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency for nine counties throughout the state, effectively cutting off water service for about 300,000 people. Eventually the problem was resolved, but lawsuits emerged alleging negligence and failure on the part of the multiple companies involved to properly assess the risks of tank failure, as well as the tank's close proximity to a major water source serving the state's capitol region."All those people will be captured in the class," said Stuart Calwell, one of the head lawyers for the plaintiffs , to the. "It is in the best interests of the community."When all is said and done, WVAWC will have to pay up $126 million towards its portion of the settlement, while Eastman Chemical will be responsible for contributing $25 million. How this money will be disbursed is still being negotiated, but lawyers involved with the case say that every single individual who was affected by the spill, including everyday people who purchased bottled water and business owners who had to shutter their doors temporarily due to not having clean water , will receive compensation.The immense pain and suffering many in the area had to endure at the hands of a negligent water and chemical company, the plaintiffs and their lawyers say, is the biggest issue at hand. And while neither WVAWC nor Eastman Chemical have admitted any guilt in the settlement , their monetary payments will at least help allay the harm incurred and diffuse the situation, hopefully encouraging the companies involved to work harder towards preventing this type of thing from ever happening again."A resolution through a settlement allows us and our dedicated employees to serve our customers without the distractions of ongoing lawsuits," reads a statement issued by WVAWC."We worked with plaintiffs' counsel to negotiate a global settlement to resolve all litigation, and to provide benefits and closure to the community," another statement by Eastman Chemical reads.The facility in question where the poison leak occurred has since been torn down, and WVAWC faces an ongoing investigation as to its handling of the spill by West Virginia's Public Service Commission. And while local residents, businesses and wage earners are automatically included as members of the class by default, they all have the option to opt-out if they so choose, which would allow them the opportunity to file their own independent lawsuits against the two companies. Glyphosate: a 'wrecking ball' to the human body Health risks are only part of the damage caused by glyphosate Trump and others believe term limits would solve a lot of the corruption problems in D.C. Art of the (congressional) deal? (NaturalNews) One of President-elect Donald J. Trump's goals in office is to usher in congressional term limits. As one of his six measures to clean up the corruption and special interest collusion in the nation's capital, proposing a constitutional amendment that would curb the amount of time Americans could serve in Congress is first on the list.What chance does Trump really have in getting an amendment limiting congressional termsthough?Slim to none, most political analysts would conclude. The Republican majority may be prepared to work with the Trump administration to accomplish much of what he wants, but it's highly unlikely that they would vote to approve an amendment that would eventually put them out of a job.But what if, as part of an agreement to get the amendment passed and sent to the states for ratification (in which three-fourths of state legislatures would also have to approve a tall order),? Might that sweeten the deal, so to speak?It might.Many of Trump's campaign advisors know Washington, D.C., very well. They know that the halls of Congress are filled with careerist, narcissistic politicians who havedone quite well for themselves while "serving" their citizens. Take retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, for example: After decades in public service earning a modest salary, he's retiring a multi-millionaire So, they understand the "what's in it for us?" mentality quite well. In some respects, that's the mentality Trump's entire " drain the swamp " approach to cleaning up Washington corruption embodies.But then again, the greater good would be the opportunity to finally put in place congressional term limits that many political scientists and other observers say are vitally needed to keep deep-rooted corruption at bay.So, exempting the current batch of lawmakers, while imposing, say, two six-year terms on senators and six two-year terms on House members, on all newly-elected members after a certain date, could just get the amendment to the states, where some 80 percent of legislatures are Republican-controlled.As noted by Ashford University , the founding fathers did not include congressional term limits in the Constitution, though they were included in the Articles of Confederation. So they set House terms at two years, forcing those serving in the people's body to face voters often.At the nation's founding, senators were selected by state legislatures, but after problems arose with that process in the late 19th century , Congress eventually passed a constitutional amendment making senators elected directly by the people, as House members were. It was ratified on April 8, 1913.It seems as though many of the problems that led 19th-century lawmakers to change the Constitution political parties gaining control over the election process; rich, powerful interests getting the candidates they want in office are present again today.The only way to fix the problem, Trump believes, is to limit terms, like presidents (22nd Amendment).He's not alone. Former New Mexico and Massachusetts Govs. Gary Johnson and Bill Weld, respectively, both agree that their term-limited careers as heads of their state served the best interests of the people."This process of becoming career politicians is one reason Congress is so unpopular. It's unhealthy to be constantly seeking re-election. It's like a shepherd feeding himself on the lambs in his own flock, instead of fending for and protecting them," they wrote . Johnson was the Libertarian Party's presidential nominee and Weld was his running mate.And while many in Congress say putting limits on their terms would rob the country of experienced politicians, the public isn't buying that: Johnson and Weld note that three-quarters of Americans agree with them, and that career politicians are the only ones arguing that.Trump may get his wish if the author of "The Art of the Deal" can make one with Congress. Donald Trump is actually a very compassionate, caring human being who quietly helps those in need (NaturalNews) Over the last year and a half, the dishonest (and failed) left-wing media created a monstrous caricature of Donald Trump, scaring their audience half to death with slanderous depictions of the man that simply aren't true.As someone who has long stood up for truth and honesty against the corrupt establishment, I'm very familiar with how theworks, where dishonest, George Soros-funded disinfo publishers concoct false accusations to try to dehumanize their intended targets.I've labeled that practice journo-terrorism , and it explains why leftists are so terrified and freaked out by Mr. Trump's election victory. They believed the media's false caricature!I happen to know, through numerous friends and associates, thatwho truly has America's best interests at heart. His vilification at the hands of the dishonest media will stand as one of the most outrageous and undeserved attacks on any political candidate in the history of this nation.To help America wake up from the hypnosis of the lying media and move forward with, I've decided to point out a few surprising things the dishonest leftist media will never report about Donald Trump or myself. Take a look and see how surprised you are.... She immigrated to America, LEGALLY, over 20 years ago, and she recently voted for Donald Trump . (Yes, millions of immigrants voted for Trump. They love what he stands for!). The White House is about to be run by a man who loves immigrants so much, he married one! Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this makes him the first U.S. President to have been elected while married to an immigrant.. I'm roughly 10% Native American. I have red-toned skin and was raised in part by a grandmother who was taught Native American ways by her own mother and grandmother. (I'll be releasing a photo soon of my great great grandmother, who is obviously Native American.). Neither one of us have anything against people's sexual orientation or deciding with whom they want to partner or marry. Do you realize Donald Trump is the very first U.S. President to have been elected on a platform that openly accepts gay marriage?What we don't want, however, is the "gay mafia" shoving an aggressive gay agenda onto our children. By the way, the gay mafia has now transformed into the transgender mafia, and suddenly they're morphing into pushing for pedophilia rights, too, because "love wins" in their mind, even if it's a 40-year-old man trying to sleep with a ten-year-old child. Soon, they will probably call for "pedo-marriage rights" in America while claiming anyone who opposes the idea is a "hater." That's the kind of lunacy I oppose.. His many hotels and resort properties offer many organic choices, and that's increasing by the year. While we don't yet know Trump's position on GMO labeling and chemical agriculture, he's certainly not someone who can be bought off by Monsanto and Bayer. On that topic, he stands in great contrast to Hillary Clinton who was a Monsanto shill from the very start.through donations and non-profit efforts. Trump donates millions every year to various organizations all over the world, and I have a very long history of frequent donations to disaster victims, children's schools, veterans and so on. Not long ago, for example, I invented the Food Rising grow system , then raised enough money to donate over a hundred of them to schoolchildren all across America so they could learn how to grow their own food. (See a more complete list of donations below...). Some of my best friends in high school, for example, were fellow track team athletes who were African-American. Another great friend on the math team -- yes, I was also on the math team because I was a total math geek -- was from Guatemala.I lived in Taiwan for two years and can speak Mandarin Chinese, and I lived in Ecuador for two years and speak conversational Spanish, too. Both Trump and myself and traveled extensively all over the world, and we've engaged with people from a wide variety of languages, cultures and belief systems. We both haveand we understand far more about the real world than narrow-minded liberal snowflakes who have never left their college campus safe spaces.. Donald Trump didn't run for President because he loves power, he did it because he could not stand by and remain silent any longer while the corrupt democrats destroyed America. My reasons for running Natural News are much the same: I can't remain silent while our world is poisoned with herbicides, cancer-causing food additives and toxic heavy metals. We both have a strong, morally-grounded drive to speak out in defense of others... and we desire to make positive changes in the world that will help protect and empower future generations.Almost by definition, that passion for honesty and real progress involves doing battle with the corrupt, lying establishment that attacks all truth-tellers.. Here's another incredibly important realization about both of us: We don't answer to anyone else other than YOU! I don't have a boss and I can't be fired. That's why I can write the truth, day after day, with no fear of being ordered to stand down.As President, Donald Trump has no boss for the next four years, either (other than you). We the People elected him to office and gave him four years to show us what he can accomplish. And mark my words: He's going to accomplish more than any other President since Lincoln (who was also a Republican). You're going to be astonished at the speed of reform under President Trump. And in four years when he's up for re-election, you're going to happily vote him in for another four years because he's getting so much done.. Donald Trump is a warrior. He's a fighter and a winner. Many of the same words have been used to describe my own work at Natural News: We fight for you, for your interests and to bring you vital knowledge that can dramatically improve the quality of your life.In a world of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. It requires real guts and determination to stand your ground and denounce the corrupt liars in the mainstream media or the DNC. Some people who briefly experiment with telling the truth are quickly smacked back into conformity because they can't handle the heat. But people like Donald Trump and the Health Ranger . We fight back and we kick ass. We defeat the liars, the deceivers and the corporate bullies. Anyone who picks a fight with either of us knows they're in for a tumble.That's the warrior attitude that's necessary in this corrupt world to achieve any lasting defeat of evil or corruption. We stick our necks out to help improve society for us all. We take risks and put it all on the line -- our reputations, our businesses and our time and effort -- in a calculated gamble to win at making the world a better place for fellow human beings.I think this all explains why nearly 90% of Natural News readers supported Donald Trump in the election. If you like my own efforts to expose Monsanto, reveal the medical crimes of the CDC and unveil the toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the food supply, you'll love what Donald Trump is about to accomplish over the next four years. It's all about, reforming government to shrink its size and protect individual liberty, and halting the deliberate damage to America that was being caused by Barack Obama, a clever, anti-American radical who took office in 2008 with a plan for the step-by-step destruction of this nation.My advice in all this?, and you'll be astonished what he accomplishes in just the first two years of office. This man is a good man who deserves our support and our goodwill. He can truly put America back on the path of greatness, and he is driven by compassion for fellow Americans, not greed or power like Hillary Clinton. Have patience, because the federal government is a massive bureaucracy that moves very slowly. But also have faith that Donald Trump is a compassionate, intelligent human being who is genuinely working to save this Republic and restore America to greatness for ALL people, including the inner city unemployed.Stay informed at Trump.news As promised, here's a partial list of some of the donations I've made over the last eight years to help those in need: (and this list is tiny compared to the donations Donald Trump has made)In 2008, I directed a large-scale donation and distribution of Dynamo-Powered LED Emergency Tools for victims of hurricane Gustav That same year, I also donated $10,000 to disaster victims in China and Myanmar In 2009, our non-profit Consumer Wellness Center awarded grant money to a Michigan non-profit that delivers groceries to people who are economically disadvantaged In 2010, I directed Natural News and our non-profit CWC to donate $5000 in financial aid to Haiti earthquake victims In 2011, I directed Natural News to donate $12,000 to the Fukushima nuclear disaster rescue efforts in Japan.In 2013, Natural News donated $10,000 to victims of typhoons in the Philippines that killed tens of thousands.In 2014, the Natural News Store made a series of donations to the Organic Consumers Association, the Cornucopia Institute, the Autism Media Channel and several other compassionate organizations that help those in need.In 2015, I spearheaded the acquisition and distribution of $100,000 in food donations (including from Living Fuel) to aid the devastated victims of Texas floods . Here's a photo of some of the pallets of Living Fuel superfood we donated to victims:Last year I raised enough funds to donate over 140 food grow systems to schools and children across America Recently, I launched a new brand called, then donated a very large quantity of non-GMO vitamin C to a ministry in South Bend, Indiana called FeedTheHungry.org ), founded by Dr. Lester Sumrall and dedicated to distributing food and nutrition to those in need. Leftists are bigoted racists who are too delusional to realize they're bigoted racists The intolerant left pushed too far, too hard... now the backlash begins Left-wing media has zero credibility... still "crying wolf" with insanely exaggerated stories about Trump (NaturalNews) If you listen to the crybaby leftists across America today, they're all "frightened" or "scared" or "concerned" that Trump's America won't listen to their fragile identities and special needs. Yet these very same people werewhen they were ganging up on Christian bakeries and pizza shops, badgering them with endless condemnation and threats for daring to believe in Christian values.Notice how the "crybully" left is suddenly begging for mercy when the nation rejects their intolerance and bigotry? Suddenly they're demanding that Trump exhibit the kind of cross-party tolerance and politeness that they never demonstrated when it was their president in power.Now, even the cast of the Broadway production of "Hamilton" condemn and lecture Vice President Mike Pence about "inclusiveness" for people like them, yet they conveniently forget that just months ago, the same production put out a casting call for "Non-White Actors Only," openly demonstrating their inner bigotry and racism.You can't find a more racist (they hate whites), bigoted (they hate gun owners), intolerant (they hate all political opponents) and deceptive group in America today than liberals. To gain power,, pushing Black Lives Matter terrorism against police officers and ridiculously claiming that any person who doesn't agree completely with all their radical leftist cultural agendas is a racist, bigoted, homophobic deplorable.Most of all, they hate facts, and they do everything to try to censor conservatives who explain the facts to them. Just yesterday, for example, NPR announced they would no longer conduct "live" interviews with conservatives because Breitbart News' Joel Pollak mopped the floor with their host during a live discussion. NPR now insists they must "edit" all interviews with conservatives so that they can make them sound as stupid as possible. (God forbid allowing a conservative person to win a discussion! That's hateful!)What's especially fascinating about the bigotry and intolerance of the left is that. Even after losing the White House, the Senate, the House and now the U.S. Supreme Court, leftists are still living in a totally delusional bubble... a "cognitive echo chamber" of liberal nonsense that various parties pass around to each other until lies are magically transformed into "facts."Yet as Ron Paul's Liberty Report reveals , "liberalism" is really just a bunch of hate-filled, high-society snobsand delusion. Check out this graphic that shows the names of the journalists caught colluding with the Clinton campaign, courtesy of Wikileaks:What the intolerant, insane left does not yet realize is thatThe backlash against their warped worldview has already begun, and it's only going to accelerate. Rush Limbaugh explained it well in his Nov. 18 broadcast To leftists, you see, it's totally okay to openly advocate the assassination of Donald Trump, but had anyone threatened Barack Obama, that would have been "mean" and "racist" and "evil." As long as it's a conservative being threatened or mocked, you see, they're completely okay with it. And that exposes the failed, false philosophy of the left: They don't have universal compassion at all. They embrace malicious violence rather gleefully as long as it is directed to their political opponents.Or as the NY Post puts it , radical leftists have been "crying wolf" with so many lies about Donald Trump that nobody believes them anymore! In an article directed at the New York Times and Washington Post, a NY Post writer explains:Stay informed on all this at Trump.news and NewsTarget.com And remember to use GoodGopher.com as your search engine for independent news, as Google is now censoring all truthful websites that opposed Hillary Clinton. A study published by researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and a team of scientists is evaluating the relationship between changing sea ice and beluga whale migration. They are also assessing the summer residency patterns of a number of populations over two decades of dramatic sea ice changes in the Pacific Arctic. Working in collaboration with Native hunters in Alaska and Canada, the researchers discovered that beluga whales showed an ability to deal with a changing environment. In their research published in the Royal Society Biology Letters titled, "Genetic Profiling Links Changing Sea Ice to Shifting Beluga Whale Migration Patterns," scientists presented that beluga whales, popularly known as the white whale, (Delphinapterus leucas), showed a tremendous capacity to deal with greatly varying sea ice conditions from one year to the next over a 20-year time period as they return to their traditional summering grounds each year. With the increasing concern over global warming, declines in the Arctic sea ice show the most dramatic proof of climate change on ocean systems. "It was not clear how sea ice influences beluga whale migration patterns and their summer habitat use, and climate change has added urgency to determining how environmental factors might shape the behavior and ecology of this species," said Greg O'Corry-Crowe, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. His research focused on combining molecular genetic analysis with field ecology to study the molecular and behavioral ecology of marine apex predators. O'Corry-Crowe and his collaborators utilized a combination of genetic profiling, sighting data, and satellite microwave imagery of sea ice in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas. This resulted in discovering dramatic shifts in migration behavior during the years with unusually low spring sea ice concentration. There was also an increase in killer whale (Orcinus orca) sightings that reportedly preyed on beluga whales. Much of the data analyzed by O'Corry-Crowe and his collaborators were obtained using genetic fingerprinting to investigate the population of origin of whales returning to four traditional coastal sites in the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic between 1988 and 2007. They also gathered detailed beluga sightings and harvest data for the same period to assess inter-annual variation on the timing of return. Lastly, they evaluated sea ice data in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas to calculate seasonal and regional patterns of sea ice from 1979 to 2014. They also utilized data from tissue samples from 978 beluga whales that were gathered over a 30-year period. "Continued reductions in sea ice may result in increased predation at key aggregation areas and shifts in beluga whale behavior with implications for population viability, ecosystem structure and the subsistence cultures that rely on them," concluded O'Corry-Crowe. A team of scientists from the University of Illinois has devised a revolutionary way of boosting crop yield of tobacco plants by 20 percent by adjusting their genetic makeup. The study, published in the journal Science, says that by boosting the levels of three proteins that are connected to photosynthesis, crop yield could increase. During the tests, researchers used tobacco plants because it can be tweaked easily. The tobacco plants in the study achieved a 14 to 20 percent boost in crop productivity. The team is particularly focused on the plants' nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), a process where excess light absorbed by the leaves is released as heat energy. "Crop leaves exposed to full sunlight absorb more light than they can use. If they can't get rid of this extra energy, it will actually bleach the leaf," Stephen Long, lead author of the study, said via Phys.org. "But when a cloud crosses the sun, or a leaf goes into the shade of another, it can take up to half an hour for that NPQ process to relax. In the shade, the lack of light limits photosynthesis, and NPQ is also wasting light as heat." Using a supercomputer at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Long and his team discovered that during NPQ, the plant's ability to yield more crops reduces by 7.5 percent to 30 percent, depending on plant type and temperature. To address the problem, the researchers said that the plants might recover faster from NPQ if the three photosynthesis-related proteins will be boosted. To test their theory, the researchers inserted the three genes into a tobacco plant type called Arabidopsis. The seedlings grown from the said plant were tested through a fluorescence imaging technique, determining which of the plants have a shorter recovery time from changes in available light. Results showed that two of the plants had a 20 percent boost in productivity while the remaining tobacco plant had a 14 percent productivity increase. "Tobacco is grown for its leaves, which were substantially increased. But in food crops, it will be whatever we eat from the plant -- the fruit, the seeds or the roots -- that we will need to increase," Johannes Kromdijk, one of the study's authors, said. "That's pretty amazing. If this could be put into all of our food and feed and fuel crops, then it would solve certainly a decade or mores worth of our need for these agricultural products," UCLA biochemist Sabeeha Merchant, who wasnt involved with the study, told LA Times. A team of researchers led by the Northern Arizona University has finally identified a secret biological weapon during the Soviet Era. The said weapon caused the widespread anthrax outbreak in the city of Yekaterinburg in Russia back in 1979. The study, published in the journal American Society for Microbiology, says the team has decoded the entire genome of the bioweapon, Bacillus anthracis, by analyzing preserved bacterial spores from the affected area. The said bioweapon, according to Ars Technica, was unleashed from a secret bioweapons facility. There have been previous claims that the Soviets are using biological weapons for attack. However, there was no proof that the unleashed anthrax strain was genetically modified. By using a sequencing technology, the team, led by geneticist Paul Keim, managed to "pull out a full genome's worth of DNA code." The said code, though having damaged from formaldehyde in some spots, reveals that it is very similar to the anthrax strain of the Soviets. This genomic identity can now be used for forensic tracking of this weapons material on a global scale and for future anthrax investigations, the researchers wrote. The bioweapon was released to the public through a broken air filter, causing 66 people to die. IFL Science notes that the incident violated the Biological Weapons Convention, causing the Russian officials to cover their tracks, making it look as if the deaths were from bad food purchased from the black market. All of this is highly suggestive of a weapons program that identified a suitable strain, maintained master cell stocks to avoid extensive passage, and per- formed minimal manipulations in order to maintain virulence. This strategy must have been used to produce large quantities of highly virulent material, as evidenced by the anthrax deaths in 1979," Keim said. Read: A Powerful Solar Flare Almost Ignited a Nuclear War in 1967 Russian City Called 'Graveyard of the Earth,' Closed Off to Visitors New Device Allows Scientist to Uncover Holocaust Tunnel Without Disturbing Historical Sites Chernobyl Nuclear Site Has Become a Thriving Wildlife Haven, New Study Reveals A five-year offshore drilling plan has been set out by the Obama administration to block off any possible oil drilling activities in the Arctic Ocean, specifically in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas north of Alaska. Set out for 2017 to 2022, the new offshore plan may save the deteriorating conditions of the Arctic environment. This is an impressive victory for environmentalists as they have been continuously claiming that industrial activities such as oil drillings in the North have caused a severe decline in the populations of different species. These include walruses, whales, and many more. But though the five-year drilling plan has blocked industrial activities in the Arctic Ocean, there are still regions that have not been saved. Drilling is expected to continue in places such as Cook Inlet in Alaska and Gulf of Mexico, which includes the coasts off Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. According to a report from CNN, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said that the plan has considered a few factors during its proposal. They deliberated places with the lowest conflict, but with the highest resource potential. Since they saw that there are a number of detrimental issues to note with continuous activities along the Arctic environment, they decided that it would be best to leave it out of the five-year plan. They also decided to specifically note it as one of the places barred from industrial activities. About 400 scientists have signed the petition to ban offshore drilling along the coasts of the Arctic. This became an influential factor in the decisions made within the plan. A lot of environmentalists are afraid that President-elect Donald Trump can rewrite this blueprint once he takes oath in January. He has the capability to do so; however, the painstaking process of refurbishing the plan could take months or even years, giving enough time for environmentalists to think of another move. Cybercrime has been on the rise since the internet became an influential source of information. People are constantly provided with fake and misleadings new and are even robbed of their personal data. The increasing exposure of people to technology has also increased the opportunities for theft, fraud, and other crimes. In a world of cybersecurity "chaos," experts said that President-elect Trump might be falling behind cybercrime mitigation. A number of voters have pointed out that President-elect Trump's "visions" regarding cybersecurity are vague and typical. Some were even disappointed with how he responded about cybercrime when asked during the first debate. All these may give Americans a view of what they could expect from the new administration. For the past few years, there had been some high-profile cybersecurity threats against essential government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which hold sensitive information about citizens. From this, people have been made aware of the danger that these hackers can do. According to USA Today, cybersecurity experts such as Berkeley Center have provided the new Trump administration some much-needed guide on how to possibly protect the people from cybercrime. A few of the recommendations from the Berkeley Center include the formation of an agency that focuses on developing technologies to strengthen security against cybercrime. Furthermore, cybersecurity should be treated as a serious issue and included in the curriculum as an essential part of computer literacy. The administration was also advised to spend more to bring in cybersecurity experts from all over the world as the need for security becomes more evident. As the Trump administration is yet to decide on what actions to do against cybercrime and national security, everybody should keep themselves protected against possible threats. All are warned to stay vigilant and make intelligent decisions when using the internet. A federal banking regulator has imposed tighter restrictions on Wells Fargo & Co., requiring the banking giant to get advance approval from regulators before making a wide range of business decisions. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which oversees national banks, announced the action in a statement late Friday. The OCC will require the bank to get prior approval before making changes in its board of directors and senior executive officers and also before making "golden parachute" payments to departing executives. In a brief statement, the OCC did not offer any explanation of why it was altering the terms of the agreement it had negotiated with the bank in September. In that document, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $185 million fine to settle charges involving unauthorized customer accounts. In a statement concerning the new restrictions, Wells Fargo said it would comply with all requirements imposed by its regulators. "This will not inhibit our ability to execute our strategy, rebuild trust and serve our customers, and continue to operate the company for the benefit of all our stakeholders," the bank said. On Thursday, Wells Fargo disclosed signs that customers are pulling back from doing business with the bank following the disclosures of the sales practices scandal in which bank employees opened up to 2 million bank and credit card accounts without customer authorization. After the practices came to light, the San Francisco company has been reporting monthly customer traffic figures at its branches, something a bank typically would never share. The goal was to provide the public, and more importantly investors, a look into how Wells was being affected by the scandal. In its latest report, new customer account openings fell 44 percent in October from a year earlier, while account closures rose 3 percent from the previous year. The bank saw a 50 percent drop in credit card applications. Wells' own customer service metrics also plunged, with "customer loyalty" scores dropping to 52.3 percent, down more than 10 percent from a year earlier and from August, the month right before the settlement was announced. The sales practices scandal led to the abrupt retirement this month of the bank's CEO, John Stumpf. The bank also faces several lawsuits, as well as criminal investigations by the Department of Justice and the California Attorney General's Office. A suspect has been arrested in the fatal weekend shooting of a San Antonio police detective. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Monday evening that 31-year-old Otis Tyrone McCain was arrested without incident in the Sunday night killing of Detective Benjamin Marconi. He was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Monday after the car he was driving was stopped on Interstate 10. McManus had said previously that dashcam video from Marconi's patrol vehicle provided "a lot of information" for investigators about his death. The driver pulled up from behind the officer before killing him, authorities said. Police on Monday released video showing the suspect and said he is believed to be driving a black Mitsubishi Galant. "We consider this suspect to be extremely dangerous both to the police and to the public," San Antonio police Chief William McManus said at a news conference, adding that he thinks "the uniform was the target." McManus said that Marconi had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a vehicle pulled up behind him. He said the driver of that vehicle got out, walked up to the officer's driver-side window and shot the officer in the head. The man fired a second time, then walked back to his vehicle and drove away, McManus said. Marconi, a 20-year veteran of the force, was pronounced dead at a hospital. Our prayers go out to the family of Detective Benjamin Marconi, who was shot and killed today during a routine traffic stop outside of the San Antonio police headquarters," Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said in a statement. "To the San Antonio Police Department and law enforcement officers all across the State of Texas, our message is clear: we stand unequivocally with you, and we will not tolerate those who viciously and deliberately target law enforcement." In St. Louis, another officer was shot in the face but is expected to survive. The St. Louis police sergeant was hospitalized in critical condition after he was shot twice as he sat in traffic in a marked police vehicle about 7:30 p.m. Sunday. "This officer was driving down the road and was ambushed by an individual who pointed a gun at him from inside of his car and shot out the police officer's window," Police Chief Sam Dotson said during a news conference. Dotson declined to name the 46-year-old officer, but said he is a married father of three who has been with the department for about 20 years. "Fortunately, for the blessing of God, the officer's going to survive," Dotson said. Police reported early Monday that the suspect, who was wanted for other violent crimes, was later killed in a shootout with police. At least two other police officers were also shot in other cities Sunday night, but it wasn't clear whether the incidents were targeted attacks. The shootings came less than five months after a gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. And earlier this month, two Des Moines, Iowa-area police officers were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. "It's always difficult, especially in this this day and age, when police are being targeted across the country," McManus said. President Barack Obama said Sunday he doesn't intend to become his successor's constant critic but reserved the right to speak out if President-elect Donald Trump or his policies breach certain "values or ideals." Offering a rare glimpse into his thoughts on his post-presidency, Obama suggested once he was out of office he would uphold the tradition of ex-presidents stepping aside quietly to allow their successors space to govern. He heaped praise on former President George W. Bush, saying he "could not have been more gracious to me when I came in" and said he wanted to give Trump the same chance to pursue his agenda "without somebody popping off" at every turn. But Obama suggested there may be limits to his silence. "As an American citizen who cares deeply about our country, if there are issues that have less to do with the specifics of some legislative proposal or battle or go to core questions about our values and ideals, and if I think that it's necessary or helpful for me to defend those ideals, I'll examine it when it comes," Obama told reporters. Obama, who has consistently praised Bush for the way he's handled his ex-presidency, faces a conundrum about how to handle his own. Though he's vowed to ensure a smooth handover of power, Obama is keenly aware he's being replaced by a new president who holds antithetical views on issue after issue. The president spoke out vigorously throughout the campaign against Trump's calls for banning Muslim immigrants, deporting millions of people living in the U.S. illegally, repealing "Obamacare" and canceling the Paris climate deal, to name a few. Those policy proposals and others like them have stoked fear for many Americans who oppose Trump and are hoping vehement opposition from Obama and other Democrats might prevent Trump from implementing them. Though Obama didn't specify what might trigger him to break silence, he left himself a broad window of possibilities. His comments suggested he'd be most inclined to weigh in if Trump violated basic principles Obama has tried to uphold, such as minority rights, equal protection and respect for civilian life. Obama has long warned that Trump might impulsively use nuclear weapons, and has cast a dim view on ideas like a Muslim registry, which Trump's incoming chief of staff declined on Sunday to rule out. Yet Obama suggested that while he might not always hold his tongue, his goal wasn't to spend his time publicly disparaging his replacement. "My intention is to, certainly for the next two months, just finish my job," Obama said. "And then after that, to take Michelle on vacation, get some rest, spend time with my girls, and do some writing, do some thinking." Bush, like many ex-presidents, strictly avoided opining on politics during Obama's eight years. Former President Bill Clinton, after leaving office, focused his attention on global humanitarian issues, especially as his wife entered politics. Former President Jimmy Carter was more vocal in his views in his post-White House years, occasionally stirring up controversy with comments critical of Israel. Obama's remarks at a news conference in Lima offered some of his most specific indications to date of how he feels Democrats and Trump opponents should handle the next four years. Asked whether Democrats in the Senate should follow Republicans' example of refusing to even consider a Supreme Court nominee, Obama said they should not. "You give them a hearing," said Obama, whose own Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, has lingered for more than half a year due to the GOP's insistence that no Obama nominee be considered. Obama said he certainly didn't want Democrats to adopt that tactic spearheaded this year by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "That's not why the American people send us to Washington, to play those games," Obama said. He declined to weigh in explicitly on whether House Democrats should stick with Rep. Nancy Pelosi as minority leader, arguing it was improper to meddle in the vote. But he said of the California Democrat, who faces a challenge for the leadership post: "I cannot speak highly enough of Nancy Pelosi." Obama's remarks came as he concluded his final world tour as president. For Obama, it was the last time he'd take questions on foreign soil, a staple of his overseas trips that his administration has seen as an important symbol of America's commitment to a rigorous free press. On his final day in Peru, Obama chatted briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine and the Syria crisis, though Obama said the U.S. accusation that Moscow tried to influence the U.S. election didn't come up. The four-minute conversation, likely their last face-to-face interaction, came amid intense speculation about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory approach to Russia. Putin, speaking later in Lima, said he and Obama had a difficult working relationship but "always respected each other's positions and each other." He said he'd thanked Obama and told him he'd be welcome in Russia "at any time." Questions about Trump trailed Obama throughout his final overseas trip, as anxious world leaders quizzed him on Trump's stances on trade, foreign policy and the NATO alliance. Obama sought to reassure the leaders of Australia, Canada and other U.S. allies their longstanding ties with America wouldn't falter under Trump. Following the elevation of Chicago's Archbishop Blase Cupich to the prestigious position of cardinal on Saturday, the large Illinois delegation in Rome took time to celebrate and reflect on the historic event. St. Peter's Basilica provided the grand backdrop as Pope Francis elevated 17 new cardinals in all, including Cupich and two other Americans - Archbishop of Indianapolis Joseph Tobin and Dallas Bishop Kevin Farrell. [[402039115, C]] During the ceremony, the pope sent a clear message that people should not be seen as enemies because they are different, and requested an end to the animosity and infighting among one another - not just in Chicago, but worldwide. "I've had a number of conversations with him already about things, and he's been very frank with me and I with him," Cupich said of Pope Francis. An evening reception benefiting Catholic Extension gave the nearly 500 people with ties to Cupich who gathered Rome for the consistory a chance to celebrate. "Here's to our new Cardinal Cupich, long may he serve," Governor Bruce Rauner toasted at the reception. Rauner was part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's delegation of elected officials and civic leaders. The reception also provided one more opportunity to wave the Cubs' W flag, not just for Chicago's new cardinal, but for Pope Francis as well. "He indicated that he really liked the way things were going in Chicago and how things were going and keep up the good work," Cupich said of the pope, adding, "And I said, 'I like what you're doing - keep up the good work too.'" "Things like this change you forever, this gives me hope we can do better as a city," said Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson. Cupich is now the 7th Cardinal from Chicago to become one of just 120 men who assist the pope and shape the direction of the Catholic Church. The College of Cardinals also serve as the electors of the next pope and are considered the "senate of the church." The consistory, or coming together, came at a time when faith and politics seem to be colliding after a very heated election, but many who traveled to Rome said it gave them a time to reflect, rather than disagree. Authorities are searching for the driver in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Chicago's Near North Side early Sunday, according to police. Around 4 a.m., a 23-year-old man was in the crosswalk at the intersection of W Chicago Ave and N LaSalle Blvd when he was struck by a white SUV traveling southbound at a high rate of speed, according to police. The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. The Cook County Medical Examiners office could not immediately confirm the fatality. The driver of the SUV fled the scene south on LaSalle, officials said. Police continue to search for the vehicle, a white 2016 Jeep Compass bearing the Indiana license plate BU3440. Anyone with information on the incident or the vehicle is asked to call the Chicago Police Major Accidents Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521. Two teenage suspects have been charged in the fatal shooting of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis' grandson, Chicago police announced Sunday. Tariq Harris, 16, and Diajae Banks, 17, were charged as adults with first-degree murder and home invasion in the death of 14-year-old Javon Wilson. Both were denied bail on Sunday. Wilson was shot and killed Friday evening in a "dispute over gym shoes," according to Chicago police. He was inside his home in the 5600 block of South Princeton Avenue in the Englewood neighborhood on the city's South Side around 6:45 p.m. Friday when two teenagers forced their way inside, authorities said. During a confrontation that followed, police said one of the teens pulled out a gun and shot Wilson in the head. Officials initially investigated the incident as a home invasion, but CPD spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi tweeted Saturday morning that the shooting was "not random," confirming that it was a dispute over shoes. Wilson was a sophmore at Perspectives Charter School whose grades had recently improved, according to his family. "I do know that I grieve for my family," Davis said in a news conference after the shooting. "I grieve for the young man who pulled the trigger, I grieve for his family, his parents, his friends, some of whom will never see him again." Davis said two of Wilson's brothers, ages 14 and 8, a 16-year-old sister and an uncle were all in the home at the time of the shooting, while his mother had left the house to get some food. "Here he was in the house, in his home, minding his own business and some intruders would come and snuff his life away," Davis said, adding that better education, supervision and parenting might have prevented the killing. City leaders in Denton are set next month to discuss their options when it comes to single student apartments going up near the University of North Texas. Currently there are a couple dozen complexes in the area that offer by the bed rentals targeted at college students wishing to live off campus and on their own. UNT sophomore is one of them. He says he chose his Eagle Creek Apartment so he could focus on his studies without interruption at night. Im a social person, but living with them, sharing laundry cooking all that, its just, I like people but not for that aspect, said Lauterbach, I like doing that on my own. Hes far from alone. With UNT seeing larger enrollment numbers each year, more students are choosing that route. Now with demand growing, city staff report more interest coming in from developers wanting to build single room complexes within walking distance of the campus. That would put them in or near the neighborhoods that already stand there though; which happen to be some of the oldest and some of the citys most historic. Jon Seibert whos been a resident of the city since he came to attend UNT now fixes up a lot of the homes in the Oak-Hickory Historic District, and hes seen more and more of the properties turn into student rentals over the years. Now he, and other long-time residents worry about the effects more, larger student complexes would have on those established neighborhoods including property values taking hits, overall aesthetics going down, and historic statuses being put in jeopardy. We have a very small historical district and its disappearing, said Seibert. Currently, city staff members say two builders are looking at potential complexes in the area, but the processes are still awaiting key approvals and that council discussion to decide how to proceed with things like zoning. Our partners at the Denton Record Chronicle report that the discussion was delayed earlier this month and, at last check, was rescheduled for Dec. 13. Dallas police arrested a man who punched an off-duty officer in Uptown Dallas early Sunday morning. It happened in the 2500 block of Cedar Springs Road where the officer was working. Police said the officer was trying to arrest a man when the suspect punched the officer. The suspect was subdued and arrested for Assault on a Public Servant. Emergency crews took the officer to Parkland Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. The names of the suspect and officer have not been released. San Antonio police say they have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of Detective Ben Marconi. Otis Tyrone McKane, 31, was taken into custody late Monday afternoon. San Antonio SWAT team members pulled McKane over on Interstate 10 at about 3:45 p.m., according to Police Chief William McManus. A woman and a baby were in the car with McKane at the time of his arrest. No one was injured. McKane is a San Antonio resident. Further details have not been released. The 50-year-old Marconi was writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist when he was shot to death in his squad car late Sunday morning. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information on who targeted and fatally shot a San Antonio police officer during a traffic stop Sunday. McManus said Marconi was not far from police headquarters when he stopped to write a traffic ticket. While sitting in his vehicle, "a person pulled up behind the patrol car in a black vehicle, got out, walked up to the passenger window, fired one round in the vehicle, shooting the officer in the head, reached in and fired a second round, shooting him [the officer] a second time." "It's everyone's worst nightmare," said McManus. McManus said he doesn't believe the shooter has any relationship to the original motorist who was pulled over and no motive has been identified. Sunday's fatal shooting in San Antonio came less than five months after a gunman killed five police officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. "It's always difficult, especially in this this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country," McManus said. On Sunday afternoon, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued the following statement: "Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and harshly condemn this horrific act of violence. We ask that all Texans join us in praying for the officer's loved ones as they deal with the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy. Attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice, which is why I look forward to signing my Police Protection Act into law - making targeted attacks against law enforcement a hate crime. " "Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to the victim's family and harshly condemn this horrific act of violence. We ask that all Texans join us in praying for the officer's loved ones as they deal with the aftermath of this unimaginable tragedy. Attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice, which is why I look forward to signing my Police Protection Act into law - making targeted attacks against law enforcement a hate crime." Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also issued a statement: "We received the sad news today that another Texas police officer has been killed in the line of duty. It appears the officer may have been murdered simply because he was an officer. Jan and I ask you to join us in keeping his family in our prayers. "More law enforcement officers have been lost in Texas than in any other state. We cannot tolerate our police officers becoming targets on our streets when they are doing their job, which is why protecting law enforcement must remain a top priority for Texas." NBC 5's Holley Ford contributed to this report. The family of a Fort Worth woman is still searching for answers in her disappearance. Typhenie Johnson disappeared on Oct. 10, nearly six weeks ago. Her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Revill, is charged with her kidnapping. As the case winds its way through the legal system, complete strangers continue their efforts to find Johnson. Art Sahlstein has no ties to the Johnson family, but he was among those searching Saturday. Never knew them before, Sahlstein said. But his knowledge of the area she disappeared now binds them for life. They (Johnson's family) are amazing people." Sahlstein has lived and worked near the D/FW Airport area for nearly 40 years. So I'm familiar with the creeks, gullies, woods that are in and around the D/FW Airport area, he said. In fact, the only reason he had a map spread out on the bed of his truck Saturday morning was to help lead volunteers on a grid search, focusing on the last places Johnson may have been seen alive. Sahlstein says hes searched fields and woods almost every day since Johnson disappeared. There's been no sign of her yet but he says hes not giving up. It means a lot, said Typhenies mother, Deborah Johnson-Strub, who says she hardly knew a soul in Texas before the tragedy. She lives in South Dakota and says volunteers who started out as strangers have become family. I just pray to God, you know, that people are out there willing to help until we do find her, Johnson-Strub said. Sahlstein says hes compelled to keep searching because hes reminded of his own 21-year-old daughter every time he sees Typhenies face. This is so important because this could be my daughter that's missing. It could be any of our daughters, he said. Theyre asking anyone who lives near the area where searches are taking place -- near D/FW Airport-- to please contact police if you know anything that might lead them to Typhenie Johnson. The Johnson family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help them travel from South Dakota to Texas to search. Several U.S. allies took aim at Donald Trump's views on global trade, while China's president made an impassioned call against the sort of protectionism favored by the president-elect at a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders on Saturday. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum is taking place in Peru as world leaders are on edge over Trump's campaign pledges to protect U.S. jobs by backing out of the not-yet-implemented Trans-Pacific Partnership and renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said NAFTA benefits workers and companies on both sides of the border. Still, he expressed concern that the U.S. could be turning its back on a bilateral trade relationship responsible for moving $1 million worth of goods every minute. "In the face of Trump's positioning, we're now in a stage of favoring dialogue as a way to build a new agenda in our bilateral relationship," Pena Nieto told business leaders. "Mexico, like the entire world, is about to initiate a new stage with the U.S., and in commercial terms we want to give the right value to this strategic relationship between Mexico and the U.S." New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key spoke more bluntly, saying the "tremendous despair" triggered by Trump's trade views can't be allowed to slow down economic integration by the rest of the world. "Even if the United States doesn't want to engage in free trade, President Trump needs to know other countries do," said Key. He said it's still possible to save the 12-nation TPP negotiated by the Obama administration by introducing cosmetic changes making it acceptable to Trump or carving out a less ambitious pact among TPP signatories that leaves out the U.S. "I personally think that President Trump will be very much like chairman of the corporation Trump is," he said. "He's a flexible business guy. He's going to realize he has a role to play." Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered perhaps the most forceful defense of free trade, given the size of his economy. In his kickoff speech from Peru he said the best response to rising protectionism would be for APEC's 21 members to negotiate a free trade area encompassing the entire Pacific Rim. "Closed and inclusive arrangements are not the right choice," Xi said, taking a veiled stab at the TPP, which excludes China and is widely seen as an attempt to reassert U.S. dominance in Asia. "Building a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific is a strategic initiative critical for long-term prosperity." Xi's remarks came as Chinese state media blasted Trump for "trade-bashing" rhetoric that threatens global economic stability. "The billionaire-turned-politician needs to prove that derailing the global economy has not been one of the reasons why he ran for U.S. president," official Xinhua news agency said in a commentary piece published Saturday. Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, however, made a sign of support for China, promising Xi that he will align his foreign policy toward China-led Asian economic development, further reinforcing his shift toward China amid his hostile stance toward the U.S. Duterte and Xi met on the sidelines of the summit Saturday. Duterte also met with Russian president Vladimir Putin, whom he has called his political idol. President-elect Trump has also expressed admiration for Putin's leadership, while officials have accused Russia of trying to influence U.S. election results through hacking and leaked emails. Putin reportedly called Trump to congratulate him on his election win. Obama encouraged other leaders not to rush to judgment on Trump, saying at a town hall on the margins of the summit that it's too early to conclude that the new administration will wipe out trade deals and create international problems. "Don't just assume the worst," he said. "Wait until the administration's in place" before drawing conclusions. Donald Trump's criticism of the "Hamilton" cast on Twitter sparked debate on social media Saturday about the president-elect's motives for the tweets and the Broadway show's decision to address Vice President-elect Mike Pence. The cast spoke directly to Pence as he sat in the audience after a show Friday night, saying they hope the production inspired him to govern in a way that protects a diverse America. "We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our unalienable rights, sir," said actor Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, with the cast assembled behind him. Trump accused the cast of "harassing" Pence and demanded an apology on Twitter Saturday morning. Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 Trump's supporters called for a boycott of the wildly-popular Broadway show on social media. The hashtag #boycotthamilton began trending on Twitter Saturday afternoon. Im very dissappointed in the treatment of our Vice President Elect @mike_pence. Of course @realDonaldTrump will defend ALL #BoycottHamilton Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) November 19, 2016 So much hate and anger coming from Liberals. #BoycottHamilton Riverlife (@moharrison) November 19, 2016 https://twitter.com/TheGOPReport/status/799964435376906240 But, Trump's critics argued his tweets were a smokescreen to distract the media's attention from his settlement of the lawsuits brought against Trump University. I wonder if Pence went to Hamilton to take our focus off the Trump University fraud settlement. This administration is morally bankrupt. George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 19, 2016 Trump's Hamilton spat is a distraction, as @robfordmancs notes, but it's working. Overshadowed Trump University in US as soon as he tweeted pic.twitter.com/Ral5FApc4G Asa Bennett (@asabenn) November 19, 2016 https://twitter.com/ezraklein/status/800053967669510144 Other Twitter users chose no side in the debate, but looked to benefit if #boycotthamilton actually spread off Twitter. Incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday on NBC's "Meet The Press" that President-elect Donald Trump's team is not planning to create a Muslim registry, but would not rule anything out. "Look I'm not going to rule out anything," Priebus said. "We're not going to have a registry based on a religion. But what I think what we're trying to do is say that there are some people, certainly not all people... there are some people that are radicalized. And there are some people that have to be prevented from coming into this country. And Donald Trump's position, President Trump's position is consistent with bills in the House and the Senate that say the following: If you want to come from a place or an area around the world that harbors and trains terrorists, we have to temporarily suspend that operation until a better vetting system is put in place." Priebus further maintained that tougher screening was needed before the incoming administration could consider immigration. Los Angeles Rams cornerback Troy Hill was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after a crash on the 101 Freeway Saturday morning, authorities said. The California Highway Patrol received a report that a Mercedes Benz and a big rig had crashed on the westbound 101 Freeway west of Haskell Avenue just before 8 a.m., according to the CHP. When officers arrived, one of the drivers identified himself as Troy Hill, and said he was a player for the Los Angeles Rams. Hill was driving the white Mercedes when he swerved to the right and collided with the big rig, authorities said. Officers at the scene noted that Hill showed signs of alcohol intoxication and conducted a series of field sobriety tests. Hill was arrested after officers determined he was under the influence of alcohol, according to the CHP. Hill was taken to the Los Angeles Police Department's Van Nuys jail where he was booked for DUI. He was released after posting $15,000 bail, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The Rams acknowledged an "incident" involving Hill in a brief statement, but called it an "ongoing legal matter" and provided no more details. The team added that he will be inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. The University of Southern California's Doheny Memorial Library was evacuated Saturday afternoon as police searched for an assault suspect. The assault suspect somehow escaped while he was being arrested and is believed to be in the USC area, according to LAPD's Southwest Division. USC's Department of Public Safety sent an emergency alert to students around 4:45 p.m. asking them to exit the library. "You will be escorted by police out of the area," the email read. Aerial footage from NewsChopper 4 showed a large police presence outside Doheny Library. The unarmed suspect who engaged in "lewd behavior" inside the library was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. It was not immediately clear when the library would reopen. Around 150 anti-Trump demonstrators gathered Saturday night in Wilton Manors. Protesters of all ages and backgrounds marched down Wilton Drive Saturday evening. Some are in wheelchairs, others joined on a whim. "I was just on my way home," said protester Laurie Mauk. "The police were blocking the road. Then I saw the protesters, so I parked and joined them." Organizers say their peaceful protest is to rally against the division, hate, and violence that they believe comes with President-elect Donald Trump. Millennials in the group of about 150 people question what's at stake. "Defend our future. This man cannot control us," said protester Lauren Costantino. "I'm not standing for female oppression. I'm not standing for racism." Wilton Manors has a large LGBT community. Marriage equality, LGBTQ rights, and discrimination are legitimate concerns that must be addressed says Robert Steele. "We were the first male married couple in Broward on January 6 the year before last and so this is very important to us," he said. Other protesters question the Trump transition. Most recently Trump's selection of retired Army Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as national security adviser and Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Demonstrators wonder if the upcoming president is really draining the swamp, a popular Trump phrase throughout the election cycle. "No, he's just adding more alligators that's there," said Anita Blickensderfer. Sarah Elliot holds up a sign reading my body my choice. She says Trump's stance on women's reproductive rights is alarming. "Women's safety with him is kind of in question because of all the misogynist things he's said about women," Elliot said. Inauguration day is not until January 20, but this group of anti-Trump protesters are looking for answers sooner rather than later. "He hasn't address us. He hasn't said okay I hear you. Let me alleviate some of your fears," Steele said. "That's what he should do as president elect." This is latest in a number of anti-Trump protests in South Florida. Earlier this week, University of Miami students held a rally, and dozens of students walked out of Homestead and South-Dade high schools. Protests have also been held in Downtown Miami, Wynwood and Fort Lauderdale. So long fall, hello winter! Residents in the Tri-state area got their first taste of winter as snow blanketed parts of the East coast in the early hours of Sunday morning. As snowflakes fell through the morning, plenty of photos flurried throughout social media. The folks upstate werent the only ones to see snow for the first time this year New Yorkers in lower Manhattan got some snowflakes in the early hours of Sunday. A blanket of fluffy white snow covered Norwalk, Connecticut as many cities in the Northeast received their first snow of the year Sunday morning. Certain areas north of the city received nearly 4 inches of snow despite the forecast suggesting they'd only get a dusting. my current view in the Berkshires I was told to expect light snow showers ha ha. Over 4" so far. pic.twitter.com/ogq2CDaPGt NYCRobyn (@NYCRobyn) November 20, 2016 Some folks welcomed the snow, while others dreaded the impending cold. Did I just feel #snow fall on me? #nyc winters are a coming. Brrrr! Adrienne C. Moore (@amoore9) November 20, 2016 most ppl saw there first snow flakes last night with a lot of ppl wake up surprised north of nyc Lakewood Weather (@lakewood732) November 20, 2016 There was confusion about the sudden change in temps, but it was chalked up to crazy New York City weather. One New York man wanted to have the best of both worlds, so instead of flying to South Beach, he brought a palm tree and a pool up north. Police are searching for someone who punched a man in the face following an argument over religion on the subway. Two men were riding a northbound yellow line train at Court Street when they got into a disagreement over differing religions shortly before 9:30 a.m. last Sunday, police said. As the train pulled into the 14th Street-Union Square station, one of the men stood up from his seat and punched the 40-year-old victim in the face when the train doors opened. The suspect then fled the scene. The victim sustained an abrasion and a bruise to his right eye, police said. The suspect was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a green jacket. He is described as 6 feet tall with brown short hair. The investigating is ongoing by NYPD's Hate Crimes Task Force. Anyone with information regarding the incident should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. A 75-year-old man was killed when an airplane he was piloting crashed in a marshy area of New Jersey on Sunday, New Jersey State Police officials said. William Lindley, of Beechwood, was the only person on the plane when it crashed. State police officers received a call about a possibly downed aircraft in the Bass River State Forest just before 11 a.m., authorities said. The two-passenger aircraft crashed in a marshy area of the forest at around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, the FAA said. The aircraft departed Salisbury, Maryland yesterday and was en route to the Ocean County airport. Authorities said the plane didn't arrive as scheduled last night. After unsuccessful attempts to communicate with Lindley, police were able to track his cellphone and notify Tuckerton troopers of the plane's location. A multiagency search began Sunday morning and a Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted the plane a few hours later. It's not clear if the pilot was alone in the plane or injured in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. A multiagency search began Sunday morning and a Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted the plane a few hours later. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Dancin' and sweatin' may never be the same for Richard Simmons devotees: On Saturday, the fitness guru's exercise studio near Los Angeles held its final class. Since opening in 1974, Simmons' Slimmons Studio saw thousands of fans walk through its doors to experience the star's signature workout classes. And while some were hoping to see the "Sweatin' to the Oldies" star for one last session on Saturday, Simmons decided to mark the occasion with a heartfelt post on social media instead. "I will not see you today because I am not very good at endings. I would just spend the whole time hugging and crying. My eyes would get puffy and red, my hair would get all frizzy and I'd be a mess," he wrote to his Facebook followers Saturday afternoon. "I cannot bear to be sad today. And you shouldn't be sad either. This should be a celebration of our forty-plus years together dancin' and sweatin'. So let's turn this ending into a new beginning." Sweatin' With the Stars He continued, "When I opened Slimmons in 1974, I simply couldn't wait to tell everyone that food could be healthy AND delicious or that exercise could be fun! I worked my little striped shorts off to spread the message that you must move your body every day, that portion size matters and that while others may not always be kind to you, you must be kind to yourself." [[402123096, C]] Simmons' fame extended beyond his well-known "Sweatin' to the Oldies" fitness videos his high-energy, upbeat personality and sense of humor made him a popular television talk show guest. Earlier this year, a New York Daily News report suggested that Simmons was being held hostage, possibly by a long-time housekeeper, in his own home. In an interview on "Today," Simmons dismissed the rumors as "very silly." "I do what I want to do as I've always done, so people should just sort of believe what I have to say, because I'm Richard Simmons," he told "Today." But, the always high-octane Simmons has been steadily slowing in recent years. He suffered a number of knee injuries, and he also said that teaching thousands of exercise classes had taken a toll. After decades of helping others shed excess pounds and embrace healthier habits, the 68-year-old said now he'll be focusing on taking care of himself. "I am being kind to myself, and putting myself first. I am making changes and taking time to do the things I want to do. Please know that I am in good health and I am happy," he explained. "No one has ever been able to tell me what to do and the same is true today. I am still independent, determined and opinionated. I simply am making a new beginning for myself quietly and in my very own special way." He concluded, "Be kind to one another, be kind to your body and be kind to yourself. I love you." A Bucks County man who pleaded guilty to cyber stalking a teen girl was arrested again after he allegedly continued to harass her on social media and tried to meet with her at Starbucks. Shane Holderer, 55, of Pipersville, Pennsylvania, was arrested Thursday and charged with harassment. Holderer was convicted of stalking and harassing in a sexual manner a 13-year-old girl on social media between 2012 and 2013 and was sentenced to five years of probation with conditions that included no longer contacting her. On September 25, 2016, the same girl reported to police that she was once again being stalked and harassed on Twitter. The teen said she noticed three days earlier that a user she did not recognize had retweeted one of her tweets. The girl checked the account and discovered it contained several thousand tweets about her, according to investigators. She also said several of the tweets were sexual in nature and many mentioned explicit sexual acts that the user wanted to do with her. Investigators say they determined Holderer was the man behind the account based on the fact that many of the tweets were similar to the ones he made about the same girl back in 2012 and 2013 as well as the fact that the tweets referenced his personal life and family members. Officials also say Holderer had an Instagram account that mentioned the girl, her younger sister and some of her friends. Many of the posts on his Instagram were sexual as well, according to investigators. Investigators also believe Holderer created the account in October, 2013, shortly after he was charged in the initial cyber stalking case. Officials say Holderer made one Instagram post that included the cropped and zoomed in photo of the girls buttocks with the caption, God d*** thats a nice a**Admittedly I use the whole package for workout motivation. After determining Holderer was behind both the Twitter and Instagram accounts, a police officer took over the girls Twitter account and assumed her identity. Investigators say the officer and Holderer messaged each other back and forth for several days until they set up a meeting at the Starbucks Cafe on North Main Street in Doylestown. On Thursday around 6:45 p.m., Holderer arrived at the Starbucks where he was met by the officer. Holderer allegedly admitted to using his Twitter and Instagram accounts for things he shouldnt be using them for. He was then arrested and taken into custody. Holderers bail was set at $250,000. Hes currently in jail awaiting his next hearing. Protests continue in cities nationwide, including Philadelphia, more than a week after Donald Trumps presidential victory. Hundreds of people gathered at Thomas Paine Plaza on 1401 JFK Boulevard Saturday and marched to the National Constitution Center. This event is to protest president-elect Donald Trump, vice president-elect Mike Pence & the Electoral College, an organizer wrote. Trump is a racist, bigoted, misogynistic, narcissist who makes fun of the disabled and he does NOT represent me or the hundreds of millions of people who did NOT vote for him. The Trump protests in Philadelphia have remained peaceful and without incident for the most part though police detained four people during a demonstration in Center City Wednesday. State police say a 75-year-old Beachwood man was killed when his small plane crashed in the Bass River State Forest in Burlington County. Trooper Alejandro Goez identified the pilot as William Lindley. He says the Federal Aviation Administration is leading the investigation of the crash. Authorities say the Ryan Navion plane had departed from Salisbury, Maryland on Saturday but failed to arrive at Ocean County Airport in New Jersey on Saturday night as scheduled. After attempts to communicate with the pilot were unsuccessful, his cellphone was tracked to the area where the plane was found. A multiagency search began Sunday morning and a Coast Guard helicopter crew spotted the plane a few hours later. It's not clear if Lindley was alone in the plane. Ayesha Poole had a message for the driver who struck and killed her daughter and then fled the scene. "She was only eight," Poole said while in tears. "You hit her and she flew from the corner to the middle of the block! And you kept going! How?!" Family Photo Poole and other loved ones attended a vigil for 8-year-old Jayanna Powell Saturday. Jayanna and her siblings were walking home from school Friday around 3:15 p.m. and approaching the crosswalk at 63rd Street and Lansdowne Avenue in Philadelphia's Overbrook neighborhood when the crash occurred. "We was just crossing the street just to get the bus," Jayanna's 12-year-old brother Hassan Cox said. Cox said he was holding his sister's hand as they crossed 63rd Street when they were struck by a driver speeding through the intersection trying to catch a yellow light. The force of the impact was so strong that the girl was thrown 20 feet, her family said. A witness said the girl's backpack also tore open, splaying paper and books all over the street. Cox was knocked into a nearby car, the family said. Jayanna was rushed to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with serious injuries. She passed away around 6 p.m. Friday, police said. "You hit a baby and kept going," Poole said. "And didn't even care to think! Nothing! You left my baby helpless in the street!" Police are searching for a gray or silver Nissan Altima or Maxima with damage to the headlights and grille. The car was last seen heading southbound on 63rd Street. Cox described what the driver looked like during Saturday's vigil. "He was bald. He had a half-beard at his chin," Cox said. "He had white glasses on." Ronnie Thomas, the girl's grandfather, talked directly to the driver after his granddaughter's death saying "you should have stopped and made sure the two little kids are alright and then gone about your business." "But you didn't do none of that. You hit them and you ran," he said. "Who does that?" The girl's uncle said he's offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the driver. Anyone with information about the driver or whereabouts of the car is asked to call the Philadelphia Police tipline at 215.686.TIPS. President-elect Donald Trump tweeted about his meeting on Saturday with retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, calling the general "impressive." Trump referred to the general by his nickname, "Mad Dog Mattis," and said the four-star was being considered for defense secretary. Trump first complained Sunday on Twitter about Saturday Night Live and the Broadway play "Hamilton." He then tweeted that Mattis "was very impressive yesterday. A true General's General!" Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from San Diegos food and drink scene including the local winners of the Eater Awards, led by local celebrity chef Brian Malarkey. Brian Malarkey Named Eater's Chef of the Year The 2016 Eater Awards have just been announced, with Brian Malarkey winning chef of the year and his Little Italy hotspot Herb & Wood named restaurant of the year. Other Eater Awards categories scored by the editor's picks and readers include design of the year and best neighborhood trailblazer. North County Chef Competing on "Top Chef" The 14th edition of Bravo's reality cooking competition, Top Chef, debuts on Dec. 1 and this season features both new and returning contestants. Among the show alums is Casey Thompson, who appeared on season three and season eight; Thompson is currently the executive chef at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Gourmet Sandwich Concept Expanding to San Diego Mendocino Farms, a popular fast-casual, farm-to-table eatery with locations throughout Southern California, will open its first San Diego-area outpost next month in La Jolla, with a second coming to Del Mar next year, which will replace the soon-to-shutter Carnitas' Snack Shack in the Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Juice Company Taps Tasting Room in Miramar Cold-pressed juice brand Solti is building a new production facility in Miramar, which will include a tasting room featuring its organic beverages. Launching next year, the self-serve bar will offer tasters and growlers plus an array of raw and vegan food. Trendy Asian Dumplings Come to Convoy Kearny Mesa's new Facing East Noodle & Bar features the latest food trends from Taiwan, including sweet drinks, snacks, housemade noodles, and fusion version of Chinese soup dumplings. The pork fillings are infused with black truffle, foie gras and even cheese, tucked inside dough tinted with everything from squid ink to mushrooms and beets. Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here. The owner of a licensed medical marijuana dispensary is speaking out, saying illegal marijuana delivery services are taking business from those following the law; and they're putting people in danger. Ebon Johnson, owner of Mankind Cooperative has one of eight storefronts in the city that has a legal permit to sell medical marijuana. With that, he's also allowed to have a delivery service. He said business is way down because hundreds of illegal delivery services are taking over. "They're everywhere, Johnson added. They're doing it out of their house they'll take a little spot in a suite. There's no regulation." Johnson used to do about 55 deliveries a day before his store opened, when he too was operating a delivery service illegally. Now we're down to 15 to 20 deliveries a day, so it cut our business by two-thirds," said Johnson. He said the amount of illegal delivery services are growing by the day. "They just go out and do it like a drug dealer. Hey, call me up on weed maps, there's 400 people to choose from and if you're not going to provide it, someone else will," explained Johnson. Johnson charges sales tax and follows guidelines issued by the city, something that he said the illegal deliveries don't do. "They can do it out of their house. They don't have to pay employees, they're not reporting anything," he added. He said there's also major safety concerns. Delivery drivers get robbed because they don't know who they're delivering to. It even happened to Johnson when he first started. Since they're illegally selling, when a crime happens, they don't report it to police. "They don't call police so there's a lot of undocumented crimes out there," Johnson said. The issue was brought up by a prevention specialist to San Diegos City Council November 15, asking for an ordinance that would stop these illegal delivery services. A man accused of intentionally setting fires in North County was booked into jail Saturday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Diego Unit. Investigators charged 20-year-old Alexandre Corona-Montes with three felony counts of arson for setting three fires last Wednesday morning near Old River Road at Mission Road in an unincorporated area of Vista. Investigators from CAL FIRE, Vista Fire, California Highway Patrol and San Diego County Sheriffs Department collected evidence and interviewed several witnesses on Wednesday before arresting Corona-Montes. A man broke into a second floor Mission Valley apartment early Sunday morning and stole a woman's purse, threatening her with a gun when she spotted him, San Diego Police say. The home invasion happened at approximately 12:05 a.m. Sunday when a male suspect climbed onto a second story apartment balcony at a complex location on the 2200 block of Gill Village Way, police said. The man kicked in the balcony door and entered the apartment, police said. The noise awakened a woman asleep in the apartment. When she saw the suspect, she said he was holding her purse. The suspect pointed a gun at the woman and left the apartment through the front door, police said. Police said the suspect is described as 5 feet 8 inches and 190 pounds. At the time, he was wearing all black clothing. SDPD's Robbery Unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call San Diego police or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. No other information was immediately available. Police at San Diego State University (SDSU) warned students Saturday morning of two incidents in which thieves targeted students on campus, trying to steal their cell phones. The university issued a Community Safety Alert to students just before 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The bulletin outlined two similar strong arm robbery incidents that happened Friday night on campus, a half-hour apart. The first happened at 10:30 p.m. at 5150 East Campus Dr. As a student stood in front of an east side residence hall, campus police said a suspect grabbed the students cell phone and ran away with a second man toward the back of a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant at 5100 College Ave. The victim was not hurt. The second case happened at 11 p.m. in the 5100 block College Avenue. SDSU police said a man tried to snatch a students phone from their hand. The phone fell on the ground and the suspect fled with a second man to the parking areas on the east side. The victim in this incident was also unharmed. Police believe the same suspect was involved in both cases. SDSU police said witnesses described the suspect as being in his early 20s. He stood at approximately 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9 and wore dark clothing. His companion was described as being between 16 and 20 years old, tall and slender, and wearing dark jeans and a hooded sweatshirt with the hood covering his head. The university issued a similar warning in early October after two other cases involving the theft of students cellphones on campus. SDSU police said students should remain alert and report suspicious activity to 911. Campus police also advised students keep their phones out of sight when walking from one place to another. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on these crimes can call SDSU police at (619) 594-1991 or reach out via email to police@mail.sdsu.edu. Two Boston Police officers were injured on Friday night while placing a man in custody on Boston Common. Police said the officers were on foot patrol near Tremont and Park Streets at 5:39 p.m. when they saw the man smoking in the park, which is a violation. After speaking with the man, who was identified as Joseph Demaio II, 31, of New Haven, Connecticut, the officers learned he was wanted on an outstanding warrant for a parole violation in Connecticut. While attempting to place Demaio in custody, police said a violent fight broke out. At that time, a crowd had gathered around and some people began filming the incident on their cellphones. Police said additional officers arrived on scene and Demaio was placed in custody. The two injured officers were taken to an area hospital to be treated for head and knee injuries. They were later released. Police said Demaio received minor lacerations during the incident. Demaio is scheduled to appear in Boston Municipal Court on two charges of assault and battery on a police officer and disturbing the peace before he answers his parole violation in Connecticut. New Hampshire Gov.-elect Chris Sununu a Republican says he supports doing away with New Hampshire's same-day voter registration system. The Valley News reports that's drawing fire from Democrats, especially in college areas like Hanover, where many Dartmouth College students register as they go to vote on Election Day. Sununu says he favors changing the law to make it unambiguous and to allay fears that full-time New Hampshire residents' votes are being watered down by what he termed "drive-by voting." State Sen.-elect Martha Hennessey, a Hanover Democrat, calls Sununu's proposal to scrap same-day voter registration a "voter suppression strategy." Same-day registration has been popular in college towns that often vote Democratic. Year of Mercy ends as Holy Door closes in Norwich Year of Mercy ends as Holy Door closes in Norwich The Catholic Churchs Year of Mercy came to an end in the Diocese of East Anglia on Sunday November 20 when Bishop Alan Hopes closed the Holy Door of Mercy at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich as Pope Francis closed the Holy Door at St Peters Basilica in Rome. Keith Morris reports. A second Holy Door was also closed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham in North Norfolk. Both were opened on December 13 last year, at the start of the Year of Mercy. In a pastoral message delivered to the 650-strong congregation at the Cathedral, and also read out at Catholic churches across East Anglia, Bishop Alan said: The closing of the Holy Doors of Mercy across the world does not mean that we can forget about the real challenges this year has set us! Today prompts us to reflect on how we might keep those doors open in our own lives how we can go on receiving Gods forging love how we might continue to extend that mercy and love to our neighbours. In doing so we shall keep alive the vision that Pope Francis has of a Church brimming over with gods love and mercy. For this is the ongoing work of evangelisation that of ourselves and of the wider community. As a reminder of the Year, families from each parish across the diocese were invited to the Mass in Norwich and were given Mercy candles to take back with them to be lit throughout Advent and Christmas. A real fruit of this year, has been a rediscovery and a fresh application of the seven works and the seven spiritual acts of mercy, said Bishop Alan: giving food and drink to the hungry and thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and those in prison, burying the dead; helping the doubtful, sharing faith with others, loving wrongdoers, comforting the afflicted, forgiving others, being patient with those who hurt us, praying for the living and the dead. Kings Lynn Parish, for example, took on a year-long series of acts of mercy which included gathering food for the local Foodbank, raising money for the Water Aid charity, collecting clothing and other items for babies and young mums, visiting prisoners and raising funds for emergency cold weather pack for the homeless. During the year, Bishop Alan visited each of the 11 prisons across the Diocese to celebrate Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions) with the prisoners. One of the most beautiful things that Pope Francis said was that prisoners, who are obviously not able to make a pilgrimage to a Holy Door, could treat the door of their cell as the door of mercy, he said. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have walked through the Holy Door at Norwich Cathedral from right across the Diocese of East Anglia and from around the world, with visitors recorded from Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Croatia, Poland, USA, Canada, Argentina, Ecuador, Australia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and India among other locations. Pictured top, Bishop Alan Hopes closes the Door of mercy at Norwich RC Cathedral and, above, addresses parish representatives from across East Anglia. See a full picture gallery from the Closing of the Door of Mercy in Norwich below: Boyhood journey around Southern England and South Midlands BRITAINS railways in the 1960s come into sharp focus at a talk in Thatcham on Monday. Newbury and District Transport Group will host the presentation by Derek Spicer from Reading Transport Group. The talk takes the form of a journey around Southern England and the South Midlands, using photographs of locomotives, trains and stations. The photographs were taken by Mr Spicer as a schoolboy, on railtours and trips out, using his parents modest cameras. The evening starts at 7.30pm, at the community space at Kennet School. Free admission and parking. All are welcome. PHOTOGRAPH DEREK SPICER By Express News Service Some of the biggest and most lucrative sectors have taken a beating post-demonetisation of high denomination notes; and while many are optimistic about long term benefits, it is likely to take months NBFC AND MFI The demonetisation drive was a jackpot for banks, with their deposit base swelling but the Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) and Micro Finance Institutions have a very different story to tell. Not only have they felt the pressure during the first few days, they also expect impact lasting for several months. The sheer shock that the sector has taken was evident from the 16-20 per cent slump in stock prices of listed NBFCs. The reason is simple. These companies transact mostly in cash and the sudden ban on large denomination notes has put a full stop to their business. A large majority of NBFCs are also in the gold loan space and they pulled down shutters in just days after the announcement, when the weekly disbursal amount was restricted to only `20,000. Business has become unbelievably dull and I dont know whether these are short term ramifications or are here to stay, said Divya S, who works for Muthoot Financial Corporation Ltd. Neither are we able to lend to our clients, nor are they being able to pay the debts on their loans. While medium to short term impact is bad, most seem pretty optimistic about the long term benefits. Demonetisation will impact non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in the next 3-4 months and not in the long run, said Suresh Ganapathy of Macquarie Capital Securities. Due to monetisation there will be some disruptions in collection and loan disbursement as most of our customers are from the bottom of the pyramid. This will be for a couple of weeks and will come back to normalcy, said V P Nandakumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Manappuram Finance. According to Rishi Gupta, CEO & MD of FINO PayTech, MFIs and their customers will face some inconvenience, but with a rural economy driven by cash, there is no question of people losing faith in it. In the long run, digital money and cash will co-exist. We need to understand that the rural economy is cash driven wages, savings, transactions, even businesses. With restrictions on cash there has been an impact on new loan disbursals, he said. However, the question of how to survive the short and medium term impact is vexing. There has been a scramble to digitise. Henceforth, MFIs will employ innovative digital solutions to engage with customers in rural areas, Gupta added. The problem is that the bottom-lines of these companies, with nearly zero business, are likely to take big hits in the next quarters. REAL ESTATE One of the largest sectors staring at an abyss it has to leap over is the unwieldy, highly unorganised real estate sector. Long suspected as one of the largest breeding grounds of black money, the sector, already flagging for the last two years, has taken a body blow. Players and experts both state that a shrinking cash economy will see already poor demand fall even further. But the abyss is not endless and can be leaped over, says the industry. And the benefits on the other side might well justify the pain. If black money was one of the reasons real estate prices have remained inflated despite low demand, prices should come down to realistic levels. The end-users will be able to buy properties of their choice at affordable prices, says Ashwinder Raj Singh, CEO - Residential Services, JLL India. The legal banking/financing channels have so far accounted for only a small part of all transactions in the premium/luxury real estate space. Demonetisation is likely to result in luxury property prices dipping by as much as 25-30 per cent, as sellers struggle to offload properties, point out experts. The real estate sector will definitely be affected by the demonetisation 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. 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, added Singh. The move will lead to a sharp fall in land prices. The hike in land value in recent times was mainly triggered by black money accumulated in the system. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the economy is black money driven. About 10 per cent of the real estate market is driven by this unaccounted money. Immediately the inflated prices will come down to realistic levels, said S N Raghuchandran Nair, national vice-president, CREDAI There has been stagnation in sales in the real estate sales for some time mainly because of unrealistic prices. Owing to demonetisation, land prices will come down. As of now it is difficult to predict whether flat/apartment prices will be reduced, added Sanjeev Kumar G, founder prognoadvisor.com, a Financial planning firm. LUXURY Businesses in the luxury products segment have suffered a huge blow following the demonetisation move. Albeit temporary, those in the field believe it will still be months before businesses stabilise again. As of now, the priority is basic necessities, they say. People are just looking at buying what is necessary to survive, pointed out Manvir Ahuja, National Sales Manager, Pioneer India Electronics Pvt Ltd. This could be a temporary phenomenon. But as of now, what we see is that the customer is missing. It is not just ours, it has had an impact on all businesses. The sales of luxury products across segments have been affected by at least 50 percent and it will take at least another three to four months for normalcy to return, he added. Another sector catering to luxury products which has taken a significant hit is the jewellery business. Sales have dropped drastically in the last few days by at least 70 percent, according to Y S Ravi Kumar, President, Jewellers Association Bangalore. Jewelers have stopped taking new orders because they are unable to pay wages of workers. Even with pending orders, several customers have been unable to pick up the orders they had placed as stores are accepting only cards. The worst hit have been the middle and the lower middle class who had planned family events and were looking for gold purchases. The upper middle class customers who would anyway swipe their cards, are not affected. Even here, we find that people rarely use credit cards and mostly stick to debit cards, Kumar said, adding that it would take at least a year before sales picked up again. Automobile dealers have seen marked sales drops in all segments, but the impact is likely to be long term in the luxury automobiles segment. Other segments that have seen sales come to a screeching halt are high definition Television sets, costly furniture and home decor. These segments have usually gotten by on significant cash transactions, even high ticket ones. The move has pulled the rug from under us. I do not see any luxury product segment growing for the next year, said a manager of a multi-brand retail store. Some of the biggest and most lucrative sectors have taken a beating post-demonetisation of high denomination notes; and while many are optimistic about long term benefits, it is likely to take months NBFC AND MFI The demonetisation drive was a jackpot for banks, with their deposit base swelling but the Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) and Micro Finance Institutions have a very different story to tell. Not only have they felt the pressure during the first few days, they also expect impact lasting for several months. The sheer shock that the sector has taken was evident from the 16-20 per cent slump in stock prices of listed NBFCs. The reason is simple. These companies transact mostly in cash and the sudden ban on large denomination notes has put a full stop to their business. A large majority of NBFCs are also in the gold loan space and they pulled down shutters in just days after the announcement, when the weekly disbursal amount was restricted to only `20,000. Business has become unbelievably dull and I dont know whether these are short term ramifications or are here to stay, said Divya S, who works for Muthoot Financial Corporation Ltd. Neither are we able to lend to our clients, nor are they being able to pay the debts on their loans. While medium to short term impact is bad, most seem pretty optimistic about the long term benefits. Demonetisation will impact non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in the next 3-4 months and not in the long run, said Suresh Ganapathy of Macquarie Capital Securities. Due to monetisation there will be some disruptions in collection and loan disbursement as most of our customers are from the bottom of the pyramid. This will be for a couple of weeks and will come back to normalcy, said V P Nandakumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Manappuram Finance. According to Rishi Gupta, CEO & MD of FINO PayTech, MFIs and their customers will face some inconvenience, but with a rural economy driven by cash, there is no question of people losing faith in it. In the long run, digital money and cash will co-exist. We need to understand that the rural economy is cash driven wages, savings, transactions, even businesses. With restrictions on cash there has been an impact on new loan disbursals, he said. However, the question of how to survive the short and medium term impact is vexing. There has been a scramble to digitise. Henceforth, MFIs will employ innovative digital solutions to engage with customers in rural areas, Gupta added. The problem is that the bottom-lines of these companies, with nearly zero business, are likely to take big hits in the next quarters. REAL ESTATE One of the largest sectors staring at an abyss it has to leap over is the unwieldy, highly unorganised real estate sector. Long suspected as one of the largest breeding grounds of black money, the sector, already flagging for the last two years, has taken a body blow. Players and experts both state that a shrinking cash economy will see already poor demand fall even further. But the abyss is not endless and can be leaped over, says the industry. And the benefits on the other side might well justify the pain. If black money was one of the reasons real estate prices have remained inflated despite low demand, prices should come down to realistic levels. The end-users will be able to buy properties of their choice at affordable prices, says Ashwinder Raj Singh, CEO - Residential Services, JLL India. The legal banking/financing channels have so far accounted for only a small part of all transactions in the premium/luxury real estate space. Demonetisation is likely to result in luxury property prices dipping by as much as 25-30 per cent, as sellers struggle to offload properties, point out experts. The real estate sector will definitely be affected by the demonetisation 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. 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, added Singh. The move will lead to a sharp fall in land prices. The hike in land value in recent times was mainly triggered by black money accumulated in the system. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the economy is black money driven. About 10 per cent of the real estate market is driven by this unaccounted money. Immediately the inflated prices will come down to realistic levels, said S N Raghuchandran Nair, national vice-president, CREDAI There has been stagnation in sales in the real estate sales for some time mainly because of unrealistic prices. Owing to demonetisation, land prices will come down. As of now it is difficult to predict whether flat/apartment prices will be reduced, added Sanjeev Kumar G, founder prognoadvisor.com, a Financial planning firm. LUXURY Businesses in the luxury products segment have suffered a huge blow following the demonetisation move. Albeit temporary, those in the field believe it will still be months before businesses stabilise again. As of now, the priority is basic necessities, they say. People are just looking at buying what is necessary to survive, pointed out Manvir Ahuja, National Sales Manager, Pioneer India Electronics Pvt Ltd. This could be a temporary phenomenon. But as of now, what we see is that the customer is missing. It is not just ours, it has had an impact on all businesses. The sales of luxury products across segments have been affected by at least 50 percent and it will take at least another three to four months for normalcy to return, he added. Another sector catering to luxury products which has taken a significant hit is the jewellery business. Sales have dropped drastically in the last few days by at least 70 percent, according to Y S Ravi Kumar, President, Jewellers Association Bangalore. Jewelers have stopped taking new orders because they are unable to pay wages of workers. Even with pending orders, several customers have been unable to pick up the orders they had placed as stores are accepting only cards. The worst hit have been the middle and the lower middle class who had planned family events and were looking for gold purchases. The upper middle class customers who would anyway swipe their cards, are not affected. Even here, we find that people rarely use credit cards and mostly stick to debit cards, Kumar said, adding that it would take at least a year before sales picked up again. Automobile dealers have seen marked sales drops in all segments, but the impact is likely to be long term in the luxury automobiles segment. Other segments that have seen sales come to a screeching halt are high definition Television sets, costly furniture and home decor. These segments have usually gotten by on significant cash transactions, even high ticket ones. The move has pulled the rug from under us. I do not see any luxury product segment growing for the next year, said a manager of a multi-brand retail store. By Express News Service HYDERABAD: A day after a reseach scholar Moses Abraham attempted suicide on the University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus reportedly due to humiliation by his guide, the student unions on Saturday staged a protest at the administrative building with a demand for an inquiry and appropriate action against those responsible for the scholar to take the step. The university authorities, however, maintained that their is no point in pointing fingers at the guide. Abraham, a student of ACHREM department, slit his wrists with a blade in his guide GH Vaitheeswarans lab allegedly unable to bear the humiliation meted out by the latter. Meanwhile, terming varistys pro vice-chancellor Prof Vipin Srivastavas media briefing on Friday as shocking and insensitive, a group of students held agitation on the varsity campus. The agitating students submitted a representation to university registrar Sardar Singh in which they raised several demands. UoH students union president Kuldeeep said, Students union demand a proper institutional mechanism to put an end to the tragic incidents. We demand that the authorities initiate inquiry into the recent incident at ACHREM and take appropriate action, and implement institutional mechanism to end discrimination. Srivastava told Express that he had only stated to the media that Mosess supervisor had heard him talking to his father in the hospital saying that he happened to do a silly thing and he feels sorry about it. Asked as to why no official of the university (except for the registrar) was present when the students came for submitting a representation, Srivastava told Express that he is busy preparing a paper for an exam lined up for Monday and correcting answer sheets. Kuldeep said that the students have been told that the university vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile is in Delhi. Srivastava said, The students who are pointing fingers at the university do not even know the issues concerning Moses. Only we know that his father recently underwent a bypass surgery. The student for whom they (unions) are showing so much concern is sitting quietly in the city and is preparing for an exam scheduled for Monday. Also, a couple of people said that I have stated that he was under pressure because of his exams and that is why he took the step. I have not said anything like that. We plan to meet Moses on Monday. Asked about the administrations approach towards Vaitheeswaran, Srivastava said, There is no sense in pointing fingers at him. He teaches research methodology. He was guiding the students with their research. He told me over the phone that he is preparing a written statement in connection to the incident and he will submit it on Monday. HYDERABAD: A day after a reseach scholar Moses Abraham attempted suicide on the University of Hyderabad (UoH) campus reportedly due to humiliation by his guide, the student unions on Saturday staged a protest at the administrative building with a demand for an inquiry and appropriate action against those responsible for the scholar to take the step. The university authorities, however, maintained that their is no point in pointing fingers at the guide. Abraham, a student of ACHREM department, slit his wrists with a blade in his guide GH Vaitheeswarans lab allegedly unable to bear the humiliation meted out by the latter. Meanwhile, terming varistys pro vice-chancellor Prof Vipin Srivastavas media briefing on Friday as shocking and insensitive, a group of students held agitation on the varsity campus. The agitating students submitted a representation to university registrar Sardar Singh in which they raised several demands. UoH students union president Kuldeeep said, Students union demand a proper institutional mechanism to put an end to the tragic incidents. We demand that the authorities initiate inquiry into the recent incident at ACHREM and take appropriate action, and implement institutional mechanism to end discrimination. Srivastava told Express that he had only stated to the media that Mosess supervisor had heard him talking to his father in the hospital saying that he happened to do a silly thing and he feels sorry about it. Asked as to why no official of the university (except for the registrar) was present when the students came for submitting a representation, Srivastava told Express that he is busy preparing a paper for an exam lined up for Monday and correcting answer sheets. Kuldeep said that the students have been told that the university vice-chancellor Appa Rao Podile is in Delhi. Srivastava said, The students who are pointing fingers at the university do not even know the issues concerning Moses. Only we know that his father recently underwent a bypass surgery. The student for whom they (unions) are showing so much concern is sitting quietly in the city and is preparing for an exam scheduled for Monday. Also, a couple of people said that I have stated that he was under pressure because of his exams and that is why he took the step. I have not said anything like that. We plan to meet Moses on Monday. Asked about the administrations approach towards Vaitheeswaran, Srivastava said, There is no sense in pointing fingers at him. He teaches research methodology. He was guiding the students with their research. He told me over the phone that he is preparing a written statement in connection to the incident and he will submit it on Monday. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: Just days after the Intelligence Bureau had warned security forces of a possible attack by the militants in Assam, three Army jawans were killed and four seriously injured after suspected members of ULFAs Paresh Baruah faction and the SS Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) ambushed their convoy on Saturday. The attack was carried out at a dense forest in eastern Assams Tinsukia district, police said. An Army convoy was moving from Pengeri to Digboi today (Saturday) when it came under attack in Upper Dihing Reserve Forest at around 5.30 am, Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay told Express. We suspect that the attack was carried out by United Liberation Front of Assam, which was backed by other organisations. They (insurgent groups of the Northeast) have formed an umbrella organisation called United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW). But ULFA played the lead role, he added. Tinsukia police chief Mugdhajyoti Mahanta told PTI the ambush was carried out jointly by NSCN(K) and ULFA militants. The militants had blown up one of the vehicles of the convoy by triggering an IED blast and then opened indiscriminate fire before escaping, he added. Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to book. We will give them a befitting reply, he asserted. The incident came just three days after militants attacked a vehicle belonging to a tea estate between Pengeri and Doomdooma on Wednesday, thinking it was carrying cash. One person was killed and two others injured in that incident. GUWAHATI: Just days after the Intelligence Bureau had warned security forces of a possible attack by the militants in Assam, three Army jawans were killed and four seriously injured after suspected members of ULFAs Paresh Baruah faction and the SS Khaplang faction of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) ambushed their convoy on Saturday. The attack was carried out at a dense forest in eastern Assams Tinsukia district, police said. An Army convoy was moving from Pengeri to Digboi today (Saturday) when it came under attack in Upper Dihing Reserve Forest at around 5.30 am, Assam Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay told Express. We suspect that the attack was carried out by United Liberation Front of Assam, which was backed by other organisations. They (insurgent groups of the Northeast) have formed an umbrella organisation called United National Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW). But ULFA played the lead role, he added. Tinsukia police chief Mugdhajyoti Mahanta told PTI the ambush was carried out jointly by NSCN(K) and ULFA militants. The militants had blown up one of the vehicles of the convoy by triggering an IED blast and then opened indiscriminate fire before escaping, he added. Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to book. We will give them a befitting reply, he asserted. The incident came just three days after militants attacked a vehicle belonging to a tea estate between Pengeri and Doomdooma on Wednesday, thinking it was carrying cash. One person was killed and two others injured in that incident. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: In an inflammatory appeal to the public in connection with the crises caused by demonetisation, controversial Bihar politician Pappu Yadav, the MP from Madhepura constituency, on Sunday asked people to burn down ATMs that fail to produce currency notes. In these conditions, when the common man and farmers are facing crises of food, you must target ATMs and banks, which have become your greatest enemies... You should set them afire when they do not give you the cash you need, said Yadav in his address at a public gathering at Hajipur Muhalla near Biharsharif in Nalanda district. Yadav, who is the convenor of his one-year-old party, Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), also asked people to adopt similar violent means with hospitals if they refuse to accept the demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. When Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been asking Bihars people to destroy liquor manufacturing units by wielding sticks, why cannot the people burn down ATMs and bank branches? he asked. The Madhepura MP, who was elected to Lok Sabha on an RJD ticket in 2014 by beating JD(U) stalwart Sharad Yadav but was expelled from the party in May 2015 for anti-party activities, has emerged as perhaps the most caustic and rabble-rousing critic in Bihar of the Centres demonetisation move. Yadav, who is the husband of Congress MP Ranjeeta Ranjan of Supaul constituency in Bihar, had last week criticised the Centre for being ill-prepared before implementing the demonetisation move and demanded that the government should also target those temples and godmen who have played a part in the growth of black money. Farmers are facing the brunt of the demonetisation move. They are not getting the price of their produce... Instead of implementing demonetisation to curb the presence of black money, the government should bring all political parties under the purview of the RTI Act, said Yadav in his address. He also said if banks and ATMs fail to produce Rs 500 currency notes in a week, he would not let Lok Sabha conduct its usual business in the current session. PATNA: In an inflammatory appeal to the public in connection with the crises caused by demonetisation, controversial Bihar politician Pappu Yadav, the MP from Madhepura constituency, on Sunday asked people to burn down ATMs that fail to produce currency notes. In these conditions, when the common man and farmers are facing crises of food, you must target ATMs and banks, which have become your greatest enemies... You should set them afire when they do not give you the cash you need, said Yadav in his address at a public gathering at Hajipur Muhalla near Biharsharif in Nalanda district. Yadav, who is the convenor of his one-year-old party, Jan Adhikar Party (JAP), also asked people to adopt similar violent means with hospitals if they refuse to accept the demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations. When Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been asking Bihars people to destroy liquor manufacturing units by wielding sticks, why cannot the people burn down ATMs and bank branches? he asked. The Madhepura MP, who was elected to Lok Sabha on an RJD ticket in 2014 by beating JD(U) stalwart Sharad Yadav but was expelled from the party in May 2015 for anti-party activities, has emerged as perhaps the most caustic and rabble-rousing critic in Bihar of the Centres demonetisation move. Yadav, who is the husband of Congress MP Ranjeeta Ranjan of Supaul constituency in Bihar, had last week criticised the Centre for being ill-prepared before implementing the demonetisation move and demanded that the government should also target those temples and godmen who have played a part in the growth of black money. Farmers are facing the brunt of the demonetisation move. They are not getting the price of their produce... Instead of implementing demonetisation to curb the presence of black money, the government should bring all political parties under the purview of the RTI Act, said Yadav in his address. He also said if banks and ATMs fail to produce Rs 500 currency notes in a week, he would not let Lok Sabha conduct its usual business in the current session. By PTI PUNE: Entrepreneur and Congress supporter Tehseen Poonawalla today lodged a case against an unidentified person who allegedly threatened him and his family over phone. "On November 18, my personal assistant in New Delhi received a call on my cell phone. The caller informed that he wanted to help me against the Prime Minister. My assistant asked him to call my Pune office," he said in the complaint. Then another call came from a different number and this time he received it. "The caller repeated his offer to help me against the atrocities of Prime Minister. When I told him not to bother me, the caller suddenly changed his tone and started threatening me saying he knows that my wife and mother live alone in Pune and he knows about my and my brother's whereabouts," he said. The caller threatened him of dire consequences and promised to teach a lesson to his entire family while claiming that he was calling from Dubai, Poonawalla said. "In the past attempts of attack on me were foiled by police and I request police to forward the same (complaint) to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Intelligence Bureau," he stated in the complaint, addressed to the commissioner of police. Joint Commissioner of Police Sunil Ramanand said police were in the process of registering the complaint. PUNE: Entrepreneur and Congress supporter Tehseen Poonawalla today lodged a case against an unidentified person who allegedly threatened him and his family over phone. "On November 18, my personal assistant in New Delhi received a call on my cell phone. The caller informed that he wanted to help me against the Prime Minister. My assistant asked him to call my Pune office," he said in the complaint. Then another call came from a different number and this time he received it. "The caller repeated his offer to help me against the atrocities of Prime Minister. When I told him not to bother me, the caller suddenly changed his tone and started threatening me saying he knows that my wife and mother live alone in Pune and he knows about my and my brother's whereabouts," he said. The caller threatened him of dire consequences and promised to teach a lesson to his entire family while claiming that he was calling from Dubai, Poonawalla said. "In the past attempts of attack on me were foiled by police and I request police to forward the same (complaint) to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Intelligence Bureau," he stated in the complaint, addressed to the commissioner of police. Joint Commissioner of Police Sunil Ramanand said police were in the process of registering the complaint. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The government-Opposition slanging match over a Parliament discussion on demonetisation continued on Sunday with the Centre rejecting the Congress demand for a debate on the issue under Rule 56, which entails voting, saying "the meaning of the debate will be lost if we get bogged down by rules and regulations". While stating that the government was ready for a discussion under Rule 193, which doesn't entail voting, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "It (the Centre) is open to positive suggestions from the Opposition. But the rival parties, especially the Congress, do not have anything to say in this regard. On the first day of the session, we consented to a debate on the issue of demonetisation and black money without wasting any time. But on the second day, the Opposition, the Congress in particular, tried to run away from it," he said. "We are ready for a debate on every issue. We are prepared to answer every question. But we want the Congress to participate in the discussion," the Minority Affairs Minister said. On the other hand, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the Narendra Modi government had announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wanted a "serious" discussion on the issue under the rules that entailed voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. Sixty people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions." Asked if the Opposition would allow Parliament to function on Monday, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." The Congress leader claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard.The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of the One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes," the former Union minister added. NEW DELHI: The government-Opposition slanging match over a Parliament discussion on demonetisation continued on Sunday with the Centre rejecting the Congress demand for a debate on the issue under Rule 56, which entails voting, saying "the meaning of the debate will be lost if we get bogged down by rules and regulations". While stating that the government was ready for a discussion under Rule 193, which doesn't entail voting, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "It (the Centre) is open to positive suggestions from the Opposition. But the rival parties, especially the Congress, do not have anything to say in this regard. On the first day of the session, we consented to a debate on the issue of demonetisation and black money without wasting any time. But on the second day, the Opposition, the Congress in particular, tried to run away from it," he said. "We are ready for a debate on every issue. We are prepared to answer every question. But we want the Congress to participate in the discussion," the Minority Affairs Minister said. On the other hand, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the Narendra Modi government had announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wanted a "serious" discussion on the issue under the rules that entailed voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. Sixty people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions." Asked if the Opposition would allow Parliament to function on Monday, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." The Congress leader claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard.The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of the One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes," the former Union minister added. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service HOW BHARAT COPES: By not sowing until the last minute CHANDIGARH: Demonetisation has stopped Punjabs agriculture dead in its tracks. The farmers have not been paid for their paddy and cash has been sucked out of circulation. Sowing of wheat is 50 per cent of what it normally is every year, and 40 per cent of the potato crop is lying unsold. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 came bang in the middle of the potato season, mid-October to end-November. Some five lakh quintals of potatoes and potato seeds are supplied from Punjab to other states. But due to the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency, almost 40 per cent of the crop has been frozen in cold storage, explains Jang Bahadur Singh, secretary-general of the Confederation of Potato Seed Farmers of Punjab. And of the 60 per cent thats been dispatched, to states like UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam and Gujarat, a third of it is lying unsold in those states. As for the two-thirds that has reached the local markets, agents are saying they cant pay until they see some cash. Money rotation has stopped and we are unable to pay for labour here, says Jang Bahadur Singh. It has also become difficult for farmers to buy seeds and fertilisers. Omkar Singh, a farmer who has 18 acres in Gurdaspur, is as broke as his farmhands. I have a credit limit of Rs 10 lakh crop with my agriculture society, but I cannot clear my debts as I have no money. I have not been paid by the government agencies that procured my paddy. All money flow has stopped, he says. Omkar Singh went to pay off his debt with the little cash he had. But they refused to take his old notes. Now I am stuck. I cannot buy seed for the wheat crop, fertilisers, pesticides. My sowing has been delayed, adds Omkar Singh. Farmer Avtar Singh of Gurdaspur describes the full circle of his frustration: I have exhausted my crop credit limit and have to pay it back. My bank wont give me my money. The procurement agencies have not paid me for my paddy. And the credit society charges me 11.5 per cent interest on my loan while I stand in queue. I cant buy fertilisers, seeds or pesticides for the wheat crop. What should I do? '' Another Gurdaspur farmer, Manjit Singh, says he has sown just two acres of his ten. It took him four days to purchase wheat seed from the market. Dealers werent accepting old currency. And half of November is gone, he says. Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of Bhartiya Kisan Union, Punjab, says farmers have been the worst hit. In the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Sangrur, sowing of wheat is less than 50 per cent and a little better in Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar. However, Punjabs director of agriculture, J S Bains, says the sowing figures are not as bad as they are being bandied about. Yes sowing has been affected. Normally, 95 per cent sowing is done by November 15. This year, 70 per cent sowing has been done till date. Out of 17 lakh quintals of seeds required for the crop, some 12 lakh quintals have already been purchased by famers, he says. Not just farmers, Punjabs traders have taken a hit too. We used to sell 100 mobile phones per day but we are barely selling one or two now, says Jagmohan Singh, who runs a mobile phone shop in Gurdaspur. No one has any money. Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh says the RBI orders prohibiting cooperative banks from exchanging/accepting old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are to blame for the state of affairs in rural Punjab. The state has 12,673 villages, and farmers deposit their earnings into cooperative banks, which have not been allowed to exchange old notes. HOW BHARAT COPES: By not sowing until the last minute CHANDIGARH: Demonetisation has stopped Punjabs agriculture dead in its tracks. The farmers have not been paid for their paddy and cash has been sucked out of circulation. Sowing of wheat is 50 per cent of what it normally is every year, and 40 per cent of the potato crop is lying unsold. The demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 came bang in the middle of the potato season, mid-October to end-November. Some five lakh quintals of potatoes and potato seeds are supplied from Punjab to other states. But due to the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency, almost 40 per cent of the crop has been frozen in cold storage, explains Jang Bahadur Singh, secretary-general of the Confederation of Potato Seed Farmers of Punjab. And of the 60 per cent thats been dispatched, to states like UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam and Gujarat, a third of it is lying unsold in those states. As for the two-thirds that has reached the local markets, agents are saying they cant pay until they see some cash. Money rotation has stopped and we are unable to pay for labour here, says Jang Bahadur Singh. It has also become difficult for farmers to buy seeds and fertilisers. Omkar Singh, a farmer who has 18 acres in Gurdaspur, is as broke as his farmhands. I have a credit limit of Rs 10 lakh crop with my agriculture society, but I cannot clear my debts as I have no money. I have not been paid by the government agencies that procured my paddy. All money flow has stopped, he says. Omkar Singh went to pay off his debt with the little cash he had. But they refused to take his old notes. Now I am stuck. I cannot buy seed for the wheat crop, fertilisers, pesticides. My sowing has been delayed, adds Omkar Singh. Farmer Avtar Singh of Gurdaspur describes the full circle of his frustration: I have exhausted my crop credit limit and have to pay it back. My bank wont give me my money. The procurement agencies have not paid me for my paddy. And the credit society charges me 11.5 per cent interest on my loan while I stand in queue. I cant buy fertilisers, seeds or pesticides for the wheat crop. What should I do? '' Another Gurdaspur farmer, Manjit Singh, says he has sown just two acres of his ten. It took him four days to purchase wheat seed from the market. Dealers werent accepting old currency. And half of November is gone, he says. Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of Bhartiya Kisan Union, Punjab, says farmers have been the worst hit. In the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Sangrur, sowing of wheat is less than 50 per cent and a little better in Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar. However, Punjabs director of agriculture, J S Bains, says the sowing figures are not as bad as they are being bandied about. Yes sowing has been affected. Normally, 95 per cent sowing is done by November 15. This year, 70 per cent sowing has been done till date. Out of 17 lakh quintals of seeds required for the crop, some 12 lakh quintals have already been purchased by famers, he says. Not just farmers, Punjabs traders have taken a hit too. We used to sell 100 mobile phones per day but we are barely selling one or two now, says Jagmohan Singh, who runs a mobile phone shop in Gurdaspur. No one has any money. Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh says the RBI orders prohibiting cooperative banks from exchanging/accepting old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes are to blame for the state of affairs in rural Punjab. The state has 12,673 villages, and farmers deposit their earnings into cooperative banks, which have not been allowed to exchange old notes. Namita bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav along with his father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will inaugurate countrys longest 6-lane Greenfield Agra-Lucknow Expressway at Bangarmau in Unnao district on Monday. Spelling out the details of the project to the media persons, the state government spokesman said that 302-km six-lane Expressway expandable to 8-lane would start from Agra to reach Lucknow via Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Oraia, Kannauj, Hardoi,Kanpur Nagar and Unnao. It would reduce the travel time between Agra and Lucknow to three and half hours and further between Lucknow and Delhi to 5-6 hours, less than half the time it takes now and would also save the fuel consumption considerably, he added. Constructed in a record time of 23 months, this prestigious world class Rs 13,200-crore project would become operational for the public in the month of December. According to the state government spokesman , a three-km strip was built on the expressway to be used by Indian Air Force fighter planes for emergency landing during the war time. The land for this expansive 3,500-hectare project of Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), spread over 232 villages of 10 districts, was acquired amicably by the state government with mutual consent of over 30,000 farmers, said the spokesman. Apart from extra special farm mandis in Mainpuri and Kannuaj, smart city, logistic park and a film city are also proposed along the Expressway. Moreover, after being operational, this project will give a fillip to industries like agriculture, handicrafts, tourism and milk thereby, increasing the job prospects for the youth immensely. To create a green belt on both the sides of the expressway, over three lakh plants were being planted, said state government spokesman. Meanwhile, on Friday, Principal Secretary and UPEIDA CEO Navneet Sehgal, the man behind its timely completion, got critically injured in a head-on-collision on Agra-Lucknow Expressway near Hasanganj of Unnao district on Friday. The IAS officer was returning to the state capital in his official white ambassador after attending the trial of India Air Force fighter jets fly-by low altitude manoeuver on the expressway, when his car met with an accident. LUCKNOW: UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav along with his father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will inaugurate countrys longest 6-lane Greenfield Agra-Lucknow Expressway at Bangarmau in Unnao district on Monday. Spelling out the details of the project to the media persons, the state government spokesman said that 302-km six-lane Expressway expandable to 8-lane would start from Agra to reach Lucknow via Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Oraia, Kannauj, Hardoi,Kanpur Nagar and Unnao. It would reduce the travel time between Agra and Lucknow to three and half hours and further between Lucknow and Delhi to 5-6 hours, less than half the time it takes now and would also save the fuel consumption considerably, he added. Constructed in a record time of 23 months, this prestigious world class Rs 13,200-crore project would become operational for the public in the month of December. According to the state government spokesman , a three-km strip was built on the expressway to be used by Indian Air Force fighter planes for emergency landing during the war time. The land for this expansive 3,500-hectare project of Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), spread over 232 villages of 10 districts, was acquired amicably by the state government with mutual consent of over 30,000 farmers, said the spokesman. Apart from extra special farm mandis in Mainpuri and Kannuaj, smart city, logistic park and a film city are also proposed along the Expressway. Moreover, after being operational, this project will give a fillip to industries like agriculture, handicrafts, tourism and milk thereby, increasing the job prospects for the youth immensely. To create a green belt on both the sides of the expressway, over three lakh plants were being planted, said state government spokesman. Meanwhile, on Friday, Principal Secretary and UPEIDA CEO Navneet Sehgal, the man behind its timely completion, got critically injured in a head-on-collision on Agra-Lucknow Expressway near Hasanganj of Unnao district on Friday. The IAS officer was returning to the state capital in his official white ambassador after attending the trial of India Air Force fighter jets fly-by low altitude manoeuver on the expressway, when his car met with an accident. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The NIA on Saturday carried out searches on 10 premises of controversial televangelist Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai after registering a case against its founder and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the IPC. The agency has booked Naik on charges of inciting violence and promoting enmity between religious groups. An FIR has been registered against Naik under the stringent UAPA and we will soon summon him to join the investigation. If he fails to do so then, we will move the relevant court to declare him a proclaimed offender and that will allow us to attach his properties in Mumbai and elsewhere, an NIA official said. Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said Naik would likely be arrested if he came to India to join the probe. He has been booked under stringent non-bailable sections and it is unlikely that he will return to India anytime soon, a source said, adding that Interpols help would be sought to bring him here if failed to respond to the NIA summons. The agency, in association with the Mumbai police, searched some office premises related to the IRF and residential properties of the controversial Salafist preacher. We have seized several documents, hard discs and CDs from Naiks home and offices and they are being examined, another NIA official said. The sources said the Enforcement Directorate had also swung into action and sought from the ministry documents related to the dubious activities of Naiks NGOs so that alleged money-laundering aspects could also be probed. The NIA said it had tapes of his speeches through which he had allegedly incited violence. We will soon question Naiks associates and will probe the financial trail of the NGO and also examine the expenditure by Naik, an official said. The searches come days after the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to declare IRF an unlawful association for five years under the UAPA and the Centre formally banned the outfit through a gazette notification. According to the notification, issued on Thursday, the Centre said that five cases were already registered against the NGO in various states. The Centre cited Zaiks derogatory statements against Hindu gods and alleged praise for Osama bin Laden among the reasons for the ban. Investigative agencies have also alleged that Peace TV, which is partly funded by the televangelist, is airing objectionable programmes. NEW DELHI: The NIA on Saturday carried out searches on 10 premises of controversial televangelist Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai after registering a case against its founder and others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the IPC. The agency has booked Naik on charges of inciting violence and promoting enmity between religious groups. An FIR has been registered against Naik under the stringent UAPA and we will soon summon him to join the investigation. If he fails to do so then, we will move the relevant court to declare him a proclaimed offender and that will allow us to attach his properties in Mumbai and elsewhere, an NIA official said. Sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs said Naik would likely be arrested if he came to India to join the probe. He has been booked under stringent non-bailable sections and it is unlikely that he will return to India anytime soon, a source said, adding that Interpols help would be sought to bring him here if failed to respond to the NIA summons. The agency, in association with the Mumbai police, searched some office premises related to the IRF and residential properties of the controversial Salafist preacher. We have seized several documents, hard discs and CDs from Naiks home and offices and they are being examined, another NIA official said. The sources said the Enforcement Directorate had also swung into action and sought from the ministry documents related to the dubious activities of Naiks NGOs so that alleged money-laundering aspects could also be probed. The NIA said it had tapes of his speeches through which he had allegedly incited violence. We will soon question Naiks associates and will probe the financial trail of the NGO and also examine the expenditure by Naik, an official said. The searches come days after the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to declare IRF an unlawful association for five years under the UAPA and the Centre formally banned the outfit through a gazette notification. According to the notification, issued on Thursday, the Centre said that five cases were already registered against the NGO in various states. The Centre cited Zaiks derogatory statements against Hindu gods and alleged praise for Osama bin Laden among the reasons for the ban. Investigative agencies have also alleged that Peace TV, which is partly funded by the televangelist, is airing objectionable programmes. Santwana Bhattacharya By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Never do anything in secret or anything that you would wish to hide. For the desire to hide anything means that you are afraid, and fear is bad thing and unworthy of you That was President Pranab Mukherjee quoting Jawaharlal Nehrus Oct 26, 1930 letter to his 13-year-old daughter Indira from the Naini jail. Coming at a time when secrecy has been cited as a reason to explain away the unprepared demonitisation, the quote could hardly been seen as an unintended message.The centenary lecture delivered by the president was overloaded with suggestive messages for the Congress. It was as if, the old Congressman in him, not the president of India, was citing Indira Gandhis political life to tell the new-generation leaders that all it takes to overcome odds is determination and grit. It was at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1959 that Indiraji was first called upon to assume the leadership of the Congress party. She was then only 42 years old. During the 11 months of her presidentship, she quickly proved her mettle he said, leaving little to the imagination as to who this was meant for. Rahul Gandhi, about to assume charge of the party, was sitting on the dais. If the Congress had grievances against him for not going into any confrontation with the Centre, even while Arunachal and Uttarakhand were put under Presidents rule dismissing Congress regimes, he had answer for that too. Indira had introduced an amendment to Article 74 as part of the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 to ensure that the President had no elbow room for discretionary action. NEW DELHI: Never do anything in secret or anything that you would wish to hide. For the desire to hide anything means that you are afraid, and fear is bad thing and unworthy of you That was President Pranab Mukherjee quoting Jawaharlal Nehrus Oct 26, 1930 letter to his 13-year-old daughter Indira from the Naini jail. Coming at a time when secrecy has been cited as a reason to explain away the unprepared demonitisation, the quote could hardly been seen as an unintended message.The centenary lecture delivered by the president was overloaded with suggestive messages for the Congress. It was as if, the old Congressman in him, not the president of India, was citing Indira Gandhis political life to tell the new-generation leaders that all it takes to overcome odds is determination and grit. It was at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress in 1959 that Indiraji was first called upon to assume the leadership of the Congress party. She was then only 42 years old. During the 11 months of her presidentship, she quickly proved her mettle he said, leaving little to the imagination as to who this was meant for. Rahul Gandhi, about to assume charge of the party, was sitting on the dais. If the Congress had grievances against him for not going into any confrontation with the Centre, even while Arunachal and Uttarakhand were put under Presidents rule dismissing Congress regimes, he had answer for that too. Indira had introduced an amendment to Article 74 as part of the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 to ensure that the President had no elbow room for discretionary action. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: While the government said that Congress was running away from a discussion on demonetisation in Parliament even when the government wanted a positive debate, the Congress said it was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday accused the Congress of running away from a discussion on demonetisation in Parliament even when the government wanted a positive debate and was open to suggestions. He said the government was for a "positive" discussion on the issue in a conducive environment. "It is open to positive suggestions from the Opposition. But the rival parties, especially Congress, do not have anything to say in this regard. On the first day of the session, we consented to a debate on the issue of demonetisation and black money without wasting any time. But on the second day, the Opposition, Congress in particular, tried to run away from it," he said. "We are ready for a debate on every issue. We are prepared to answer every question. But we want that Congress stop turning tail and participate in the discussion," the Union minister of minority affairs said. Asked about Congress' demand that a debate on the issue of demonetisation be initiated in Parliament under Rule 56 that entails voting, he said, "The meaning of the debate will be lost if we get bogged down by rules and regulations." On the other hands, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said the Narendra Modi government announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wants a serious discussion on the issue under the rules that entail voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. 60 people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. Kharge said Congress was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions," he alleged. Asked if the Opposition will allow Parliament to function on Monday, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." The Congress leader claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard.The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes, Kharge added. NEW DELHI: While the government said that Congress was running away from a discussion on demonetisation in Parliament even when the government wanted a positive debate, the Congress said it was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Sunday accused the Congress of running away from a discussion on demonetisation in Parliament even when the government wanted a positive debate and was open to suggestions. He said the government was for a "positive" discussion on the issue in a conducive environment. "It is open to positive suggestions from the Opposition. But the rival parties, especially Congress, do not have anything to say in this regard. On the first day of the session, we consented to a debate on the issue of demonetisation and black money without wasting any time. But on the second day, the Opposition, Congress in particular, tried to run away from it," he said. "We are ready for a debate on every issue. We are prepared to answer every question. But we want that Congress stop turning tail and participate in the discussion," the Union minister of minority affairs said. Asked about Congress' demand that a debate on the issue of demonetisation be initiated in Parliament under Rule 56 that entails voting, he said, "The meaning of the debate will be lost if we get bogged down by rules and regulations." On the other hands, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said the Narendra Modi government announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wants a serious discussion on the issue under the rules that entail voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. 60 people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. Kharge said Congress was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions," he alleged. Asked if the Opposition will allow Parliament to function on Monday, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." The Congress leader claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard.The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes, Kharge added. Gustavo De Aristegui By As the UN Conference COP22 comes to an end in Marrakesh, many still doubt the importance of climate change and its impact on geopolitics, the economy, security, the well-being of billions of people and the future of the Planet. Calculations by experts are frightening, and the effects on food supplies, harvests, weather and almost everything, are undeniable. Some climate change supporters have used flawed data, and that has hurt the cause of fighting against this terrible Damocles sword. The fanatical amateurish paladins of climate change and their arch nemesis, the deniers of climate change, are equally irresponsible; this too serious to make it a bone of political contention. But lets focus on the real consequences for the world economy, and more specifically for the economies of emerging world powers. Much has been said about the need of a moratorium for those countries that are not yet fully developed, and that the biggest polluters have reached their incredible level of wealth on the back of every other inhabitant of the Planet. That may be true, but that is crying over spilled milk. The essence of the premise is wrongthe more developed the country, the more means it has to fight some of the consequences of climate change. The phenomena have burdened the lives of the poorest farmers, who have lesser access to clean water, their farms becoming wastelands, and desserts advancing at speeds unheard of for centuries. Cattle have less pastures to graze on and their owners have to look for new lands. This is happening in many countries in Africa, sometimes fuelling conflict between farmers and cattle herders. India has a phenomenal role to play in this field, not only because it is home to almost 17 per cent of the worlds population, but because by becoming a champion of green energies, clean water, river rejuvenation, sustainable development and clean industries, it will be doing Humanity a service, and itself. India is one of the hardest-stricken countries by climate change, and its governments have been committed to the cause. But what really is important is that Prime Minister Modis government is the most active and engaged Centre-of-Right Government, that promotes green energy, clean industry and sustainable development. This is an example of true world leadership. Indias clean energy mission is the largest single initiative of its kind in the World, and some of Indias leading industrial groups have become champions of solar or wind power in just a few years. India has a unique opportunity to become a leader in this change. It is growingly obvious that not having gone through some phases of development is a great advantage. African farmers went from cash economies to cellphone payment, which has boosted their productivity because many of them embraced the method because they did not have credit or debit cards, and therefore old habits to kick. The same applies to clean energy; fossil fuel-based energies will not be replaced overnight. Indias energy consumption has been growing and there are still enormous shortages to correct, but the clean energy strategy will greatly contribute to making India not only a herald of sustainable development, but a world leader in climate change. This is not just about developing solar and wind farms in India, this is about creating a top-notch, cutting-edge clean energy industry, based on solid research and development. There on, its about exporting it and developing cleaner energies around the world, a strategy that will boost Indias economy, create very high quality jobs, and help curb the disastrous effects of climate change. India will have made a quantum leap in its development and we will all be extremely thankful for it. gustavo de aristegui Former Spanish ambassador to India gmdea1967@gmail.com As the UN Conference COP22 comes to an end in Marrakesh, many still doubt the importance of climate change and its impact on geopolitics, the economy, security, the well-being of billions of people and the future of the Planet. Calculations by experts are frightening, and the effects on food supplies, harvests, weather and almost everything, are undeniable. Some climate change supporters have used flawed data, and that has hurt the cause of fighting against this terrible Damocles sword. The fanatical amateurish paladins of climate change and their arch nemesis, the deniers of climate change, are equally irresponsible; this too serious to make it a bone of political contention. But lets focus on the real consequences for the world economy, and more specifically for the economies of emerging world powers. Much has been said about the need of a moratorium for those countries that are not yet fully developed, and that the biggest polluters have reached their incredible level of wealth on the back of every other inhabitant of the Planet. That may be true, but that is crying over spilled milk. The essence of the premise is wrongthe more developed the country, the more means it has to fight some of the consequences of climate change. The phenomena have burdened the lives of the poorest farmers, who have lesser access to clean water, their farms becoming wastelands, and desserts advancing at speeds unheard of for centuries. Cattle have less pastures to graze on and their owners have to look for new lands. This is happening in many countries in Africa, sometimes fuelling conflict between farmers and cattle herders. India has a phenomenal role to play in this field, not only because it is home to almost 17 per cent of the worlds population, but because by becoming a champion of green energies, clean water, river rejuvenation, sustainable development and clean industries, it will be doing Humanity a service, and itself. India is one of the hardest-stricken countries by climate change, and its governments have been committed to the cause. But what really is important is that Prime Minister Modis government is the most active and engaged Centre-of-Right Government, that promotes green energy, clean industry and sustainable development. This is an example of true world leadership. Indias clean energy mission is the largest single initiative of its kind in the World, and some of Indias leading industrial groups have become champions of solar or wind power in just a few years. India has a unique opportunity to become a leader in this change. It is growingly obvious that not having gone through some phases of development is a great advantage. African farmers went from cash economies to cellphone payment, which has boosted their productivity because many of them embraced the method because they did not have credit or debit cards, and therefore old habits to kick. The same applies to clean energy; fossil fuel-based energies will not be replaced overnight. Indias energy consumption has been growing and there are still enormous shortages to correct, but the clean energy strategy will greatly contribute to making India not only a herald of sustainable development, but a world leader in climate change. This is not just about developing solar and wind farms in India, this is about creating a top-notch, cutting-edge clean energy industry, based on solid research and development. There on, its about exporting it and developing cleaner energies around the world, a strategy that will boost Indias economy, create very high quality jobs, and help curb the disastrous effects of climate change. India will have made a quantum leap in its development and we will all be extremely thankful for it. gustavo de aristegui Former Spanish ambassador to India gmdea1967@gmail.com Sujatha Narayanan By Twitter is the south Indian film industrys new word-of-mouth! I say new because it seems like its only now our film fraternity has fully understood social medias publicity potential. Bombay (I like these old names for cities, thank you!) is obviously way ahead in marketing and @iamsrk is my favourite Twitter-er. Rajinikanth and Shankars #2.0s poster was out online first. Suriya s first-day shoot for Vignesh Sivans Thaanaa Serntha Koottam (#tsk) and his new film with Selvaraghavan (#suriya36) was re-tweeted over one lakh times that even my 66-year-old mother who dabbles on the iPad to play scrabble with strangers around the globe knew of the actors #S3 teaser as well. Dhanush has twitter-promos too. His update on the sequel to Velailla Pattadhari (#VIP2) was preceded with a suspense tweet on a mass announcement from him. Trisha, Samantha and Shruti Haasans photo-tweets get maximum RTs while Khushbus motivational quotes and Aryas fitness-interactions are a rage. The #AYMblockbuster hashtag has Gautham Menon singularly promoting his film with explosive-exclusives across digital media while AR Rahman and Simbu went live on Periscope when they went to watch the film at Sathyam theatre. The upcoming Chennai-28-II is a hashtag universe of its own. Venkat Prabhu and Premji are superlatively popular on social media and almost all of the news on the film is out there online. The shoot-in-progress details, audio launch promos from Malaysia, behind-the-scene making videos, celebration of cast and crew birthdays and every possible announcement on the sequel is updated by director Venkat Prabhu and it goes viral immediately. The teams temple outings, foreign trips and music shows are also out there for us to know. Yuvan Shankar Rajas twitter-world brims with busy updates about his forthcoming projects and the theme-music from Nenjam Marapathillai with Selvaraghavan is a treat to listen to. Up until a few years ago, the PR machinery had to physically make publicity for a film happen with events, posters and press ads. Thats how word got around. Today, when Kadavul Irukaan Kumaarus release gets postponed from November 11 to 17 and then finally released on November 18, the Twiteratti goes abuzz ahead of the press! While social media is a boon for timely film promotions, I cant understand posting film reviews every 15 minutes. Here goes a tweet of mine which gets trolled till date #twitterreviews 1st half ok, 1song ok who asked? Watch the full film without looking at your phone. A film review is not breaking news. The films climax is revealed, plot-points get discussed, marks for movies float around even before half the world have gathered their wits and, now their purses as well, around a film. The mobile phone to be kept on silent should also be applied as a rule to resist the urge to type out a sensational line and yes, only negative lines get more RTs. I dont know why it is so, but if you hate the film so much, can you tell it AFTER we watch the whole film? Twitter is the south Indian film industrys new word-of-mouth! I say new because it seems like its only now our film fraternity has fully understood social medias publicity potential. Bombay (I like these old names for cities, thank you!) is obviously way ahead in marketing and @iamsrk is my favourite Twitter-er. Rajinikanth and Shankars #2.0s poster was out online first. Suriya s first-day shoot for Vignesh Sivans Thaanaa Serntha Koottam (#tsk) and his new film with Selvaraghavan (#suriya36) was re-tweeted over one lakh times that even my 66-year-old mother who dabbles on the iPad to play scrabble with strangers around the globe knew of the actors #S3 teaser as well. Dhanush has twitter-promos too. His update on the sequel to Velailla Pattadhari (#VIP2) was preceded with a suspense tweet on a mass announcement from him. Trisha, Samantha and Shruti Haasans photo-tweets get maximum RTs while Khushbus motivational quotes and Aryas fitness-interactions are a rage. The #AYMblockbuster hashtag has Gautham Menon singularly promoting his film with explosive-exclusives across digital media while AR Rahman and Simbu went live on Periscope when they went to watch the film at Sathyam theatre. The upcoming Chennai-28-II is a hashtag universe of its own. Venkat Prabhu and Premji are superlatively popular on social media and almost all of the news on the film is out there online. The shoot-in-progress details, audio launch promos from Malaysia, behind-the-scene making videos, celebration of cast and crew birthdays and every possible announcement on the sequel is updated by director Venkat Prabhu and it goes viral immediately. The teams temple outings, foreign trips and music shows are also out there for us to know. Yuvan Shankar Rajas twitter-world brims with busy updates about his forthcoming projects and the theme-music from Nenjam Marapathillai with Selvaraghavan is a treat to listen to. Up until a few years ago, the PR machinery had to physically make publicity for a film happen with events, posters and press ads. Thats how word got around. Today, when Kadavul Irukaan Kumaarus release gets postponed from November 11 to 17 and then finally released on November 18, the Twiteratti goes abuzz ahead of the press! While social media is a boon for timely film promotions, I cant understand posting film reviews every 15 minutes. Here goes a tweet of mine which gets trolled till date #twitterreviews 1st half ok, 1song ok who asked? Watch the full film without looking at your phone. A film review is not breaking news. The films climax is revealed, plot-points get discussed, marks for movies float around even before half the world have gathered their wits and, now their purses as well, around a film. The mobile phone to be kept on silent should also be applied as a rule to resist the urge to type out a sensational line and yes, only negative lines get more RTs. I dont know why it is so, but if you hate the film so much, can you tell it AFTER we watch the whole film? Shankkar Aiyar By Talk about evolution! Residents of Khawbung village in Mizoram have designed their own Any Time Money. They issue each other promissory notes to overcome the cash crisis. The history of money tells us that paper currencya byproduct of Chinese block printing during the Song dynastywas preceded by paper bills used during the Tang dynasty in the 7th century. It is not just the villagers of Khawbung who are travelling back in time. In many parts of rural India, traders of perishable goodsmilk, vegetables, poultry, et alrely on paper bills or the value of the word. Then there are those who are struggling for words to describe their state. Workers in Surat, Ichalkaranji, Tirupur and many other industrial towns are stuck without wages. Worse, the units also face partial or total shutdowns. It is estimated that there have been 55 deaths across the country post demonetisation. To appreciate the anatomy of the cash crisis, consider this. In 2015-16 private consumption expenditure accounted for over half the GDPfor over `80 lakh crore out of `135 lakh crore. Sure. Not all of it is in cash. But it is known that over 45 per cent of the economy is in the informal sectorthat is, fuelled by cash. The big employersagriculture, mining and constructionaccount for over `33 lakh crore of the GDP. With eight of 10 rupees sucked out, the wheels of the economy are stalling. The brunt of demonetisation, aimed at unearthing illicitly stored value, is felt most by middle and lower-middle class India, which is left without a medium of exchange for day-to-day economics. And demonetisation arrived bang in the busy seasonthe post-monsoon period of economic activity when consumption takes off. It is the start of the Rabiwhich accounts for nearly 40 per cent of agri outputand farmers are struggling to pay for inputs. It is the start of the construction season, which is cash-dependent. It is the start of the job season for the migrant unskilled worker. It is also the marriage season. To recognise the magnitude of the supply-demand gap, it is worth paying attention to what the babus did not. The government demonetised 23.2 billion currency notes worth `14.95 lakh crore. Demonetisation must be followed by remonetisation. Even if we assume 20 per cent of the notes will be extinguished, the government must replace over 18.6 billion notes. Indias currency printing capacity is 27.7 billion notes in a yearincluding 15 billion 10, 20, 50, 100 rupee notes. Even if the entire capacity was put in service, it would deliver 2.3 billion notes per month. Do the math for 18-plus billion notes. Once printed, the notes must reach granular India. India has 5,93,731 inhabited villages, of which 64,000 have no access to banks. Over 233 million people are unbanked. Add 4,041 towns, 3,894 census towns and 1,456 urban agglomerations. To service a population of 1,311 million persons, India has 1.34 lakh bank branches and 2.02 lakh ATMs (of which only 1.2 lakh are operational), 1.5 lakh post offices and business correspondents. Given the matrix of supply and demand, those serving the people in banks do deserve applause. Across India, there is consensus on three points. One: The objective of demonetisation is laudable. Two: The implementation has been appalling. Three: Institutional issues will follow individual hardship as the economy is hurt in the medium term. To be sure there will be a debate on where the buck stops, for accountability and answers on how this went so haywire. The blame game, though, can wait, what must be done cannot! Measures like use of indelible ink and cash disbursal at petrol pumps address the symptoms. The need is to bridge the gap between availability and need. Ergo, the government must look outside the system for real time solutions to alleviate the pain. To that end here are a few suggestions: Seek Expert Advice: Get the top bankers, the mobile players, the tech guys (the Nilekanis and Chandrasekarans), the card guys, the FMCG giants, the retailers (including the e-commerce and share-economy) guys into a room to hear some out of the box solutions. Prevent Hunger: The government has over 40 million tonnes of grains in its buffer stocks. Why not ask state governments to distribute the next three months PDS entitlements on credit or even free to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not left hungry. Enable Rabi Sowing: Allow farmers to use old notes to pay for seeds, fertilisers and inputs; allowing petrol pumps to accept old notes, and not seed outlets, is flawed politics and poor economics. By all means, induct an authentication process, even impose a cap on how much. Outsource Currency Printing: Offshore a part of the printing overseas. It has been done before. In 1997-98, currency worth a trillion rupees was printed in the US, the UK and Germany. Over 50 countries print their currency abroad. To mitigate risks, outsource small notes so capacity is freed at home for high-value notes. Pre-paid Plastic Currency: Why not look at creating pre-paid RuPay cards of different denominationsthat can be recharged like mobile couponsfor day to day use. The cards could be used in urban and rural regions, distributed and recharged by mobile/retail outlets. Induct Retail Players: Between them, consumer goods, agri inputs and mobile retailers would have more outlets than all the banks and post offices. It may be a good idea to enable these to dispense cash as it arrives from the mint. Promote Online Payments: Deploy discounts and schemes to make government dues payable online so that currency is available for circulation in public. Use UPI to roll out mobile payments. Incentivise Card-reader Penetration: Make card readers operable with mobiles, cheaper. Resolve vexatious issues to propel the use and penetration of digital payment systems in the rural economy. The disruption in the economy and the ensuing human cost is visible and undeniable. These are but some suggestions towards alleviating pain. The point is the economy cannot afford to be trapped inside the all will be well soon cocoon. It is imperative for the political regime to step in and seek solutions from outside the system There is a real risk of the cash crisis morphing into a crisis of confidence if not addressed urgently. As Benjamin Franklin, the man on the 100-dollar bill, said, Time is Money. Shankkar aiyAr Author of Accidental India: A History of the Nations Passage through Crisis and Change shankkar.aiyar@gmail.com Talk about evolution! Residents of Khawbung village in Mizoram have designed their own Any Time Money. They issue each other promissory notes to overcome the cash crisis. The history of money tells us that paper currencya byproduct of Chinese block printing during the Song dynastywas preceded by paper bills used during the Tang dynasty in the 7th century. It is not just the villagers of Khawbung who are travelling back in time. In many parts of rural India, traders of perishable goodsmilk, vegetables, poultry, et alrely on paper bills or the value of the word. Then there are those who are struggling for words to describe their state. Workers in Surat, Ichalkaranji, Tirupur and many other industrial towns are stuck without wages. Worse, the units also face partial or total shutdowns. It is estimated that there have been 55 deaths across the country post demonetisation. To appreciate the anatomy of the cash crisis, consider this. In 2015-16 private consumption expenditure accounted for over half the GDPfor over `80 lakh crore out of `135 lakh crore. Sure. Not all of it is in cash. But it is known that over 45 per cent of the economy is in the informal sectorthat is, fuelled by cash. The big employersagriculture, mining and constructionaccount for over `33 lakh crore of the GDP. With eight of 10 rupees sucked out, the wheels of the economy are stalling. The brunt of demonetisation, aimed at unearthing illicitly stored value, is felt most by middle and lower-middle class India, which is left without a medium of exchange for day-to-day economics. And demonetisation arrived bang in the busy seasonthe post-monsoon period of economic activity when consumption takes off. It is the start of the Rabiwhich accounts for nearly 40 per cent of agri outputand farmers are struggling to pay for inputs. It is the start of the construction season, which is cash-dependent. It is the start of the job season for the migrant unskilled worker. It is also the marriage season. To recognise the magnitude of the supply-demand gap, it is worth paying attention to what the babus did not. The government demonetised 23.2 billion currency notes worth `14.95 lakh crore. Demonetisation must be followed by remonetisation. Even if we assume 20 per cent of the notes will be extinguished, the government must replace over 18.6 billion notes. Indias currency printing capacity is 27.7 billion notes in a yearincluding 15 billion 10, 20, 50, 100 rupee notes. Even if the entire capacity was put in service, it would deliver 2.3 billion notes per month. Do the math for 18-plus billion notes. Once printed, the notes must reach granular India. India has 5,93,731 inhabited villages, of which 64,000 have no access to banks. Over 233 million people are unbanked. Add 4,041 towns, 3,894 census towns and 1,456 urban agglomerations. To service a population of 1,311 million persons, India has 1.34 lakh bank branches and 2.02 lakh ATMs (of which only 1.2 lakh are operational), 1.5 lakh post offices and business correspondents. Given the matrix of supply and demand, those serving the people in banks do deserve applause. Across India, there is consensus on three points. One: The objective of demonetisation is laudable. Two: The implementation has been appalling. Three: Institutional issues will follow individual hardship as the economy is hurt in the medium term. To be sure there will be a debate on where the buck stops, for accountability and answers on how this went so haywire. The blame game, though, can wait, what must be done cannot! Measures like use of indelible ink and cash disbursal at petrol pumps address the symptoms. The need is to bridge the gap between availability and need. Ergo, the government must look outside the system for real time solutions to alleviate the pain. To that end here are a few suggestions: Seek Expert Advice: Get the top bankers, the mobile players, the tech guys (the Nilekanis and Chandrasekarans), the card guys, the FMCG giants, the retailers (including the e-commerce and share-economy) guys into a room to hear some out of the box solutions. Prevent Hunger: The government has over 40 million tonnes of grains in its buffer stocks. Why not ask state governments to distribute the next three months PDS entitlements on credit or even free to ensure that the poorest of the poor are not left hungry. Enable Rabi Sowing: Allow farmers to use old notes to pay for seeds, fertilisers and inputs; allowing petrol pumps to accept old notes, and not seed outlets, is flawed politics and poor economics. By all means, induct an authentication process, even impose a cap on how much. Outsource Currency Printing: Offshore a part of the printing overseas. It has been done before. In 1997-98, currency worth a trillion rupees was printed in the US, the UK and Germany. Over 50 countries print their currency abroad. To mitigate risks, outsource small notes so capacity is freed at home for high-value notes. Pre-paid Plastic Currency: Why not look at creating pre-paid RuPay cards of different denominationsthat can be recharged like mobile couponsfor day to day use. The cards could be used in urban and rural regions, distributed and recharged by mobile/retail outlets. Induct Retail Players: Between them, consumer goods, agri inputs and mobile retailers would have more outlets than all the banks and post offices. It may be a good idea to enable these to dispense cash as it arrives from the mint. Promote Online Payments: Deploy discounts and schemes to make government dues payable online so that currency is available for circulation in public. Use UPI to roll out mobile payments. Incentivise Card-reader Penetration: Make card readers operable with mobiles, cheaper. Resolve vexatious issues to propel the use and penetration of digital payment systems in the rural economy. The disruption in the economy and the ensuing human cost is visible and undeniable. These are but some suggestions towards alleviating pain. The point is the economy cannot afford to be trapped inside the all will be well soon cocoon. It is imperative for the political regime to step in and seek solutions from outside the system There is a real risk of the cash crisis morphing into a crisis of confidence if not addressed urgently. As Benjamin Franklin, the man on the 100-dollar bill, said, Time is Money. Shankkar aiyAr Author of Accidental India: A History of the Nations Passage through Crisis and Change shankkar.aiyar@gmail.com T J S George By There is a relentlessness about the way caste and religion are taking over India. The traditional notion of lower and upper castes was shattered when Gujarats well-to-do Patels unleashed an agitation for reservation. Then it turned out there were Patels and PatelsLeuva Patels and Kalava Patels, happy OBCs, Kachia Patels and Anjana Patels, wannabe OBCs, and Muslim Patels (converted Patidars). Muslims in Gujarat have more sub-castes than their counterparts in the rest of India: Dawoodis, Ismailis, Khojas, Memons, Bohras, Lohanas. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs favourite political philosophy is anchored on the Ahinda theorya union of minorities, backward castes and Dalits who, according to a controversial caste census, outnumber the mighty Lingayats and Vokkaligas put together. There are of course Hosadevaru Vokkaligas, Gangadikara Vokkaligas, Morasu Vokkaligas, Namadhari Vokkaligas, Kunchitiga Vokkaligas and so on besides 42 types of Lingayats, irresistible votebank ground. This kind of arithmetic assumed almost vulgar proportions in UP-Bihar. Dalit messiah Kanshi Ram left nothing to the imagination when he coined slogans like Beat Brahmins, Banyas and Thakurs with shoes and vote hamara, raj thumara, nahi chalega. Mayawati who assumed power with the help of such slogans wrote new chapters in political cynicism. She tied up with the BJP at one point, destroying the Kanshi Ram legacy, then promoted new votebank concepts like Dalit-Muslim formula and later Dalit-Muslim-Brahmin formula. All this in a country that was singed by a religion-based partition. Pakistan declared itself an Islamic state and became increasingly fundamentalist as the years passed. Indias first generation leaders tried to avoid that path and built a constitutional base for a state where all religions would be equal. That seemed a practical approach in a country left with a large minority of Muslims and a highly splintered majority (Not only were communities like Sikhs and Dalit segments not Hindu; some Lingayat communities campaigned to be considered non-Hindu). Secularism worked magic in Europe by ending the churchs role in governance. The church was an armed entity that fought battles like the Thirty Year War (1618-1648). It was at the end of that war that the word secularisation was first used, meaning the transfer of church properties to governments. It thus came to denote something good and progressive in a country. Indias has been a different experience, so different that the notable historian T N Madan said pointblank: In the prevailing circumstances, secularism in South Asia as a generally shared credo of life is impossible, as a basis for state action impracticable, and as a blueprint for the foreseeable future impotent. This was in mid-1980s, well before the Narendra Modi phenomenon and the rise of the BJP as a political powerhouse. So why was he so certain? Secularism was impossible as a credo, he said, because the great majority of people in South Asia are in their own eyes active adherents of some religious faith. State action based on it was impractical because, among other things, it was difficult for the state to maintain religious neutrality since religious minorities do not share the majoritys view of what this entails for the state. And it was impotent for future planning because by its very nature, it is incapable of countering religious fundamentalism and fanaticism. When Madan made those prescient observations, he could not have imagined that religious fanaticism would become as strong as they are today. Babri Masjid was still standing and it wasnt clear that the Congress would decline to the point of leaving the BJP virtually opposition-less in the polling booths. In a country where a great majority are in their own eyes active adherents of some religious faith, the dangers inherent in religious fanaticism are obvious. Early warnings have already been sounded in India with lynchings and bombings and competitive murders by people who feel righteous about their actions. In vain did our early leaders counsel caution. Gandhi declared all religions as true because they gave meaning to the moral life. Nehru became the leading advocate of secularism in his age. Even Jinnah, never a practising Muslim, was secularist. Within days of Pakistans birth, he told his people: Bury the hatchet. What we see today is not a pretty picture. Religion may not be influencing statecraft in Europe and countries like China. But it has become the deciding factor in political actions in India. In his learned analysis of the issue, TN Madan asked, Is everything lost irretrievably? and replied ominously: I really have no solutions to suggest. We need to ask again: Is everything lost irretrievably? There is a relentlessness about the way caste and religion are taking over India. The traditional notion of lower and upper castes was shattered when Gujarats well-to-do Patels unleashed an agitation for reservation. Then it turned out there were Patels and PatelsLeuva Patels and Kalava Patels, happy OBCs, Kachia Patels and Anjana Patels, wannabe OBCs, and Muslim Patels (converted Patidars). Muslims in Gujarat have more sub-castes than their counterparts in the rest of India: Dawoodis, Ismailis, Khojas, Memons, Bohras, Lohanas. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs favourite political philosophy is anchored on the Ahinda theorya union of minorities, backward castes and Dalits who, according to a controversial caste census, outnumber the mighty Lingayats and Vokkaligas put together. There are of course Hosadevaru Vokkaligas, Gangadikara Vokkaligas, Morasu Vokkaligas, Namadhari Vokkaligas, Kunchitiga Vokkaligas and so on besides 42 types of Lingayats, irresistible votebank ground. This kind of arithmetic assumed almost vulgar proportions in UP-Bihar. Dalit messiah Kanshi Ram left nothing to the imagination when he coined slogans like Beat Brahmins, Banyas and Thakurs with shoes and vote hamara, raj thumara, nahi chalega. Mayawati who assumed power with the help of such slogans wrote new chapters in political cynicism. She tied up with the BJP at one point, destroying the Kanshi Ram legacy, then promoted new votebank concepts like Dalit-Muslim formula and later Dalit-Muslim-Brahmin formula. All this in a country that was singed by a religion-based partition. Pakistan declared itself an Islamic state and became increasingly fundamentalist as the years passed. Indias first generation leaders tried to avoid that path and built a constitutional base for a state where all religions would be equal. That seemed a practical approach in a country left with a large minority of Muslims and a highly splintered majority (Not only were communities like Sikhs and Dalit segments not Hindu; some Lingayat communities campaigned to be considered non-Hindu). Secularism worked magic in Europe by ending the churchs role in governance. The church was an armed entity that fought battles like the Thirty Year War (1618-1648). It was at the end of that war that the word secularisation was first used, meaning the transfer of church properties to governments. It thus came to denote something good and progressive in a country. Indias has been a different experience, so different that the notable historian T N Madan said pointblank: In the prevailing circumstances, secularism in South Asia as a generally shared credo of life is impossible, as a basis for state action impracticable, and as a blueprint for the foreseeable future impotent. This was in mid-1980s, well before the Narendra Modi phenomenon and the rise of the BJP as a political powerhouse. So why was he so certain? Secularism was impossible as a credo, he said, because the great majority of people in South Asia are in their own eyes active adherents of some religious faith. State action based on it was impractical because, among other things, it was difficult for the state to maintain religious neutrality since religious minorities do not share the majoritys view of what this entails for the state. And it was impotent for future planning because by its very nature, it is incapable of countering religious fundamentalism and fanaticism. When Madan made those prescient observations, he could not have imagined that religious fanaticism would become as strong as they are today. Babri Masjid was still standing and it wasnt clear that the Congress would decline to the point of leaving the BJP virtually opposition-less in the polling booths. In a country where a great majority are in their own eyes active adherents of some religious faith, the dangers inherent in religious fanaticism are obvious. Early warnings have already been sounded in India with lynchings and bombings and competitive murders by people who feel righteous about their actions. In vain did our early leaders counsel caution. Gandhi declared all religions as true because they gave meaning to the moral life. Nehru became the leading advocate of secularism in his age. Even Jinnah, never a practising Muslim, was secularist. Within days of Pakistans birth, he told his people: Bury the hatchet. What we see today is not a pretty picture. Religion may not be influencing statecraft in Europe and countries like China. But it has become the deciding factor in political actions in India. In his learned analysis of the issue, TN Madan asked, Is everything lost irretrievably? and replied ominously: I really have no solutions to suggest. We need to ask again: Is everything lost irretrievably? Prabhu Chawla By Prime Minister Narendra Modis soul searching revolves around the idea of Unity in Uniformity. His political and personal instinct veers towards the One Nation, One Election theory, even though the reasons for his assertion are private. However, the emerging epiphany is that governments of the states and the Centre should be chosen simultaneously to ensure that more time is spent on governance than on ballot battles. The storm of debate is yet to gather strength. However, there is one Indian election, which keeps its date with history once every five years. It is for the President of India. It reflects the collective mandate of all state Assemblies and Parliament, irrespective of the dates of different Assembly polls. 2017 is one such historic year, when Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa will elect new chief ministers, while the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and all the Assemblies together will choose Indias 14th President. President Pranab Mukherjee demits office in July next year. The search for his successor has already begun in the minds if not in the party offices of political leaders. To elect the Vice President, only members of both the Houses will be involved. For the BJP, choosing the 13th Vice President to replace Mohammad Hamid Ansari should not pose a problem since more than half the MPs of the combined strength of Parliament are tinged saffron in different hues. Last week, as demonetisation flavoured discourse and decibels in Parliament, the real debate in the crucibles of power was around the names of possible candidates for Indias highest constitutional post. None of the political parties, including the ruling BJP, has hinted at potential candidates. But middle-level leaders and workers have started floating their favourites. If the arithmetic of current alliances and the composition of the Electoral College are indications, Modi will need the support of at least two major regional parties for his candidate to win. If the BJP loses all five Assembly elections, Modi will face a humongous challenge in ensuring that his nominee will walk the red carpet of welcome through the portals of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The demonetisation drive on the eve of the state polls is undeniably meant to capture all the constitutional offices. Two scenarios are likely to emerge during the Battle of the Bhavan. Scenario One: The BJP and its allies win Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand comfortably, but lose other states. Subsequently, not only will Modi impose his preferred candidate on the party, but he can also mobilise significant support. It will be smooth sailing for the BJP in case others put up a symbolic fight. Who is likely to be Modis nominee? Keeping in view his style of choosing candidates for important posts, the PM will decide on a politician with whom he enjoys good personal rapport and who has kept a distance from BJPs GenPast. Sheer seniority and commitment to the Sangh ideology entitles 89-year-old L K Advani to be the front-runner. Though he is physically the fittest leader in the party, his age and his uneasy relationship with the PM is likely to play the spoiler. If Advani makes the cut, he will remain in office till he is 95an uncomfortable idea for Modi who prefers leaders to be below 75. Another ideologically strong contender is former party president Murli Manohar Joshi, whose name is being advocated by a section of the RSS leadership. He is 82, but his state of health will prevent him from being the primary choice for Raisina Hill. Moreover, he was not part of the BJP faction, which promoted Modi as the prime ministerial candidate in 2014. If both seniors are eliminated from the list, the BJP is left with just two other namesLok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. The 82-year old Naik began his career as an upper division clerk in Maharashtras Accountant General Office. He was associated with the RSS from childhood and is a most loyal karyakarta. He has never been associated with any cabal. Above all, he will never question the constitutional authority of the prime minister. On the other hand, Mahajan has the relative advantage of age. She is 73 and has been elected to the Lok Sabha for her seventh term. The law graduate is well respected in the Sangh Parivar for her simplicity and loyalty to their ideology. Known as tai (aunt) in social and political circles, the Speaker has shown her political acumen by managing the Lok Sabha adroitly during the last 30 months. If a woman has to be the BJ Ps nominee, Mahajan is perhaps the candidate with maximum chances. Since Modi is famous for his unpredictability, he is also capable of springing a surprise by naming a dark horse like Om Prakash Kohli, the current governor of his home state Gujarat. Scenario Two: The BJP loses all the state elections. Then, Modi will have to think of a name acceptable to allies JD(U), AIADMK, TDP as well as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Collectively, they can ensure the victory of this candidate. In which case, the PM will have to bow to consensus, and Advani is likely to be the strongest contender. If all non-BJP parties forge an alliance, they will put up a strong fight against the official candidate, and the outcome is anyones guess. However, the possibility of Pranab Mukherjee getting a second term will be brighter since he will get the support of the Congress and a section of the BJP by virtue of his stellar and non-partisan tenure as President. Family connections did not win Modi the national election in 2014. If he sweeps the Assembly elections in 2017, a member of his true family, the RSS, will be the occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. If Indias pratham sevak plays his cards well, the situation will arise whereby all three top posts of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister is held by RSS swayamsevaks by 2017. What better return gift can Modi give his organisation, which made him what he is today? Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla Prime Minister Narendra Modis soul searching revolves around the idea of Unity in Uniformity. His political and personal instinct veers towards the One Nation, One Election theory, even though the reasons for his assertion are private. However, the emerging epiphany is that governments of the states and the Centre should be chosen simultaneously to ensure that more time is spent on governance than on ballot battles. The storm of debate is yet to gather strength. However, there is one Indian election, which keeps its date with history once every five years. It is for the President of India. It reflects the collective mandate of all state Assemblies and Parliament, irrespective of the dates of different Assembly polls. 2017 is one such historic year, when Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa will elect new chief ministers, while the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and all the Assemblies together will choose Indias 14th President. President Pranab Mukherjee demits office in July next year. The search for his successor has already begun in the minds if not in the party offices of political leaders. To elect the Vice President, only members of both the Houses will be involved. For the BJP, choosing the 13th Vice President to replace Mohammad Hamid Ansari should not pose a problem since more than half the MPs of the combined strength of Parliament are tinged saffron in different hues. Last week, as demonetisation flavoured discourse and decibels in Parliament, the real debate in the crucibles of power was around the names of possible candidates for Indias highest constitutional post. None of the political parties, including the ruling BJP, has hinted at potential candidates. But middle-level leaders and workers have started floating their favourites. If the arithmetic of current alliances and the composition of the Electoral College are indications, Modi will need the support of at least two major regional parties for his candidate to win. If the BJP loses all five Assembly elections, Modi will face a humongous challenge in ensuring that his nominee will walk the red carpet of welcome through the portals of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The demonetisation drive on the eve of the state polls is undeniably meant to capture all the constitutional offices. Two scenarios are likely to emerge during the Battle of the Bhavan. Scenario One: The BJP and its allies win Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand comfortably, but lose other states. Subsequently, not only will Modi impose his preferred candidate on the party, but he can also mobilise significant support. It will be smooth sailing for the BJP in case others put up a symbolic fight. Who is likely to be Modis nominee? Keeping in view his style of choosing candidates for important posts, the PM will decide on a politician with whom he enjoys good personal rapport and who has kept a distance from BJPs GenPast. Sheer seniority and commitment to the Sangh ideology entitles 89-year-old L K Advani to be the front-runner. Though he is physically the fittest leader in the party, his age and his uneasy relationship with the PM is likely to play the spoiler. If Advani makes the cut, he will remain in office till he is 95an uncomfortable idea for Modi who prefers leaders to be below 75. Another ideologically strong contender is former party president Murli Manohar Joshi, whose name is being advocated by a section of the RSS leadership. He is 82, but his state of health will prevent him from being the primary choice for Raisina Hill. Moreover, he was not part of the BJP faction, which promoted Modi as the prime ministerial candidate in 2014. If both seniors are eliminated from the list, the BJP is left with just two other namesLok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. The 82-year old Naik began his career as an upper division clerk in Maharashtras Accountant General Office. He was associated with the RSS from childhood and is a most loyal karyakarta. He has never been associated with any cabal. Above all, he will never question the constitutional authority of the prime minister. On the other hand, Mahajan has the relative advantage of age. She is 73 and has been elected to the Lok Sabha for her seventh term. The law graduate is well respected in the Sangh Parivar for her simplicity and loyalty to their ideology. Known as tai (aunt) in social and political circles, the Speaker has shown her political acumen by managing the Lok Sabha adroitly during the last 30 months. If a woman has to be the BJ Ps nominee, Mahajan is perhaps the candidate with maximum chances. Since Modi is famous for his unpredictability, he is also capable of springing a surprise by naming a dark horse like Om Prakash Kohli, the current governor of his home state Gujarat. Scenario Two: The BJP loses all the state elections. Then, Modi will have to think of a name acceptable to allies JD(U), AIADMK, TDP as well as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Collectively, they can ensure the victory of this candidate. In which case, the PM will have to bow to consensus, and Advani is likely to be the strongest contender. If all non-BJP parties forge an alliance, they will put up a strong fight against the official candidate, and the outcome is anyones guess. However, the possibility of Pranab Mukherjee getting a second term will be brighter since he will get the support of the Congress and a section of the BJP by virtue of his stellar and non-partisan tenure as President. Family connections did not win Modi the national election in 2014. If he sweeps the Assembly elections in 2017, a member of his true family, the RSS, will be the occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. If Indias pratham sevak plays his cards well, the situation will arise whereby all three top posts of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister is held by RSS swayamsevaks by 2017. What better return gift can Modi give his organisation, which made him what he is today? Prabhu Chawla prabhuchawla@ newindianexpress.com Follow him on Twitter @PrabhuChawla By Express News Service MANGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government will provide loans to members of womens self-help groups at zero percent interest soon. This announcement was made at the birth centenary celebration of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi at Nehru Maidan here on Saturday. Inaugurating the event, he recalled various pro-people programmes of Gandhi during her regime. Noticing the bold decision of Indira Gandhi during freedom struggle of Bangladesh, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee lauded her and called her Durgi. The decision on nationalisation of banks allowed poor people access to banks. The Land Reform Act facilitated thousands of farmers to avail land. The economic policy introduced by Indira Gandhi helped India to be identified at the global level, he said. Siddaramaiah claimed he had introduced several pro-people programmes after being inspired by Gandhi. Congress had assured of introducing around 165 different programmes during the election, of which 125 have already been implemented. Though Congress government is doing well in the state, opposition parties are engaged in condemning the government. If BJP is trying to divide people in the name of Hindutva, Congress party is uniting the people, he said. On demonetisation Siddaramaiah condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not being well-prepared before going ahead with the decision of banning high value currency notes. The ban on currency notes is not new as the then prime minister Morarji Desai had also withdrawn currency notes. Though the intention of ban on high value currency notes was to curb the circulation of fake currency notes and check black money holders, none of the real culprits have been toiling in long queues in any part of the country to exchange their old currency notes. Modi did not take precautionary measures before executiing his plan, he said. MANGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government will provide loans to members of womens self-help groups at zero percent interest soon. This announcement was made at the birth centenary celebration of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi at Nehru Maidan here on Saturday. Inaugurating the event, he recalled various pro-people programmes of Gandhi during her regime. Noticing the bold decision of Indira Gandhi during freedom struggle of Bangladesh, former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee lauded her and called her Durgi. The decision on nationalisation of banks allowed poor people access to banks. The Land Reform Act facilitated thousands of farmers to avail land. The economic policy introduced by Indira Gandhi helped India to be identified at the global level, he said. Siddaramaiah claimed he had introduced several pro-people programmes after being inspired by Gandhi. Congress had assured of introducing around 165 different programmes during the election, of which 125 have already been implemented. Though Congress government is doing well in the state, opposition parties are engaged in condemning the government. If BJP is trying to divide people in the name of Hindutva, Congress party is uniting the people, he said. On demonetisation Siddaramaiah condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not being well-prepared before going ahead with the decision of banning high value currency notes. The ban on currency notes is not new as the then prime minister Morarji Desai had also withdrawn currency notes. Though the intention of ban on high value currency notes was to curb the circulation of fake currency notes and check black money holders, none of the real culprits have been toiling in long queues in any part of the country to exchange their old currency notes. Modi did not take precautionary measures before executiing his plan, he said. Kiran Prakash M S By What all can you do with Rs 500 crore? A lot, if you are willing to spend it in a way thats useful to people. Or just conduct a wedding, if you are Gali Janardhana Reddy. Though there is no way to tell how much money the politician-mining baron spent on his daughters gala wedding last week, media reports put the cost between Rs 100 crore and Rs 500 crore. Reddy, on his part, has promised to file details with the income tax department, but no one expects the truth. A wedding invite that came with an LCD screen, expansive movie-like sets that recreated the ancient temples of Vijayanagara empire at Bengalurus Palace Grounds, more than 50,000 guests who were treated to a sumptuous lunch spread of more than 100 dishes, heaps of diamond-studded jewellery and thousands of security personnel the wedding certainly was a lavish affair, probably the biggest that Karnataka has ever seen. The cost may be a subject of speculation but not the fact that money flowed freely at the ceremony. Five hundred crore rupees is the kind of money thatll be enough to serve three meals a day to the entire population of Ballari district for half a month at Rs 50 a meal. Ballari, Reddys home district that he plundered to build his iron ore-enriched business-cum-political empire, is one of the most backward in Karnataka. While how he pulled off such a flamboyant show in the middle of a crippling cash crunch and the Modi governments war on ill-gotten wealth has remained a mystery, the wedding underlined one factor that Reddy is back in Karnataka politics. In fact, the wedding was not about the big money that he spent, neither was it about the 21-year-old bride and her 25-year-old groom. It was about Reddy only about him. After being away from political limelight for about five years, he needed something like this to mark his presence on the states political stage. The presence of political bigwigs at the wedding, despite Reddys tainted past, is a testimony to the fact that he still has a few tricks up his political sleeve. BJP state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa, Union minister Sadananda Gowda, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who also heads the Congress in the state, and Power Minister D K Shivakumar were among the prominent politicians who chose to attend the wedding. That Yeddyurappa attended both the pre-wedding reception and the wedding next day shows how the BJP led by him is ready to embrace Reddy again. That two senior Congress ministers were present reveals how Reddys clout runs beyond political boundaries. But with Reddy returns the spectre of corrupt-manipulative politics that ruled the first half of the 2008-13 BJP regime. Reddy, who was said to have bankrolled many BJP candidates in the 2008 elections, started calling the shots as soon as the party formed the government. He, his brother Karunakara Reddy and close aide Sriramulu became ministers, and with a group of faithful MLAs, he arm-twisted the Yeddyurappa government into granting many concessions in his favour. It was during this period that he was alleged to have made crores of rupees through illegal mining. The government shut its eyes to his activities in Ballari. Yeddyurappa, who till then had a relatively clean image, was sucked into a web of corruption that finally cost him his job, and reputation. This continued till Reddys ouster from the Cabinet and later arrest in the illegal mining case in 2011. Reddy spent 40 months in jail. Yeddyurappa too was arrested and jailed in corruption cases. While the former chief minister has managed to shake off most of the cases against him, those against Reddy are yet to reach closure. Yeddyurappa is back at the helm of the BJP in the state. His taking over of the party reins in April this year also marked the return of his brand of politics in the BJP. He runs the party with the help of a trusted few, and there are already rumblings in the state unit. But the central leadership backs him to put the BJP on the path to recovery in Karnataka, the only southern state where it can be the ruling party. Reddys possible return to active politics is relevant in this context. With the Congress slowly losing its grip over the state and the JD(S) being reduced to a party with limited presence, the BJPs fortunes are on the rise. Reddy knows this. The support of the Reddy-Sriramulu team and a potent mix of caste politics and money power could tilt the balance in favour of the BJP in a contest with the Congress. A BJP win in the 2018 Assembly elections could mean the return of the Yeddyurappa-Reddy combination. Will it be 2008 again? kiranprakash@newindianexpress.com What all can you do with Rs 500 crore? A lot, if you are willing to spend it in a way thats useful to people. Or just conduct a wedding, if you are Gali Janardhana Reddy. Though there is no way to tell how much money the politician-mining baron spent on his daughters gala wedding last week, media reports put the cost between Rs 100 crore and Rs 500 crore. Reddy, on his part, has promised to file details with the income tax department, but no one expects the truth. A wedding invite that came with an LCD screen, expansive movie-like sets that recreated the ancient temples of Vijayanagara empire at Bengalurus Palace Grounds, more than 50,000 guests who were treated to a sumptuous lunch spread of more than 100 dishes, heaps of diamond-studded jewellery and thousands of security personnel the wedding certainly was a lavish affair, probably the biggest that Karnataka has ever seen. The cost may be a subject of speculation but not the fact that money flowed freely at the ceremony. Five hundred crore rupees is the kind of money thatll be enough to serve three meals a day to the entire population of Ballari district for half a month at Rs 50 a meal. Ballari, Reddys home district that he plundered to build his iron ore-enriched business-cum-political empire, is one of the most backward in Karnataka. While how he pulled off such a flamboyant show in the middle of a crippling cash crunch and the Modi governments war on ill-gotten wealth has remained a mystery, the wedding underlined one factor that Reddy is back in Karnataka politics. In fact, the wedding was not about the big money that he spent, neither was it about the 21-year-old bride and her 25-year-old groom. It was about Reddy only about him. After being away from political limelight for about five years, he needed something like this to mark his presence on the states political stage. The presence of political bigwigs at the wedding, despite Reddys tainted past, is a testimony to the fact that he still has a few tricks up his political sleeve. BJP state unit chief B S Yeddyurappa, Union minister Sadananda Gowda, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who also heads the Congress in the state, and Power Minister D K Shivakumar were among the prominent politicians who chose to attend the wedding. That Yeddyurappa attended both the pre-wedding reception and the wedding next day shows how the BJP led by him is ready to embrace Reddy again. That two senior Congress ministers were present reveals how Reddys clout runs beyond political boundaries. But with Reddy returns the spectre of corrupt-manipulative politics that ruled the first half of the 2008-13 BJP regime. Reddy, who was said to have bankrolled many BJP candidates in the 2008 elections, started calling the shots as soon as the party formed the government. He, his brother Karunakara Reddy and close aide Sriramulu became ministers, and with a group of faithful MLAs, he arm-twisted the Yeddyurappa government into granting many concessions in his favour. It was during this period that he was alleged to have made crores of rupees through illegal mining. The government shut its eyes to his activities in Ballari. Yeddyurappa, who till then had a relatively clean image, was sucked into a web of corruption that finally cost him his job, and reputation. This continued till Reddys ouster from the Cabinet and later arrest in the illegal mining case in 2011. Reddy spent 40 months in jail. Yeddyurappa too was arrested and jailed in corruption cases. While the former chief minister has managed to shake off most of the cases against him, those against Reddy are yet to reach closure. Yeddyurappa is back at the helm of the BJP in the state. His taking over of the party reins in April this year also marked the return of his brand of politics in the BJP. He runs the party with the help of a trusted few, and there are already rumblings in the state unit. But the central leadership backs him to put the BJP on the path to recovery in Karnataka, the only southern state where it can be the ruling party. Reddys possible return to active politics is relevant in this context. With the Congress slowly losing its grip over the state and the JD(S) being reduced to a party with limited presence, the BJPs fortunes are on the rise. Reddy knows this. The support of the Reddy-Sriramulu team and a potent mix of caste politics and money power could tilt the balance in favour of the BJP in a contest with the Congress. A BJP win in the 2018 Assembly elections could mean the return of the Yeddyurappa-Reddy combination. Will it be 2008 again? kiranprakash@newindianexpress.com By Express News Service MALAPPURAM: Unidentified assailants brutally hacked a Muslim convert to death on Saturday and fled the scene without anyone witnessing the attack at Farook Nagar in Kodinhi here. The mutilated body of Anil Kumar, 30, of Kodinhi, who became Faisal after embracing Islam about six months ago,was found in a pool of blood on the street at 5 am by the local residents. Faisal He had reportedly left home in the wee hours of Saturday to pick up the parents of his wife, who were to arrive at Tirur railway station from Thiruvananthapuram, before villagers found his body just in front of a grocery shop. Employed in the West Asia, Faisal had returned home only four months ago and was about to fly back to the Gulf on Sunday. Neighbours said he had feared for his life after receiving death threats from his family members. Faisal had his scalp almost slit open possibly by some sharp-edged weapons and his internal organs gouged out by the assailants. The autorickshaw he had used for his daily commute and a pair of slippers were found at scene. The police investigating the incident said the murder was carried out by more than one person, and they chose dawn as the time of the attack so they could easily escape. They police said the evidence collected from footage of a CCTV installed at a shop nearby showed the attackers came on two bikes and a car. The camera captured two motorcycles and a car, which could be a vital lead, the police said. Kannur range IG Dinenthra Kashyap, Malappuram police chief Debesh Kumar Behera, a forensic team from Thrissur, dog squad, and a team of fingerprints experts examined the site. Faisals wife Priya and his three children have converted to Islam recently. Priya has been attending a course at Maunathul Islam Sabha, Ponnani, after accepting Islam. His children have been attending Islamic Education Centre National School at Kodinhi.It is alleged that one of his brothers-in-law had strongly objected to the conversion. Meanwhile, the local residents took out a march in protest against the killing of Faisal who never had any party allegiance. Many shops remained closed to pay tribute to the deceased. The body has been handed over to relatives after the postmortem examination. MALAPPURAM: Unidentified assailants brutally hacked a Muslim convert to death on Saturday and fled the scene without anyone witnessing the attack at Farook Nagar in Kodinhi here. The mutilated body of Anil Kumar, 30, of Kodinhi, who became Faisal after embracing Islam about six months ago,was found in a pool of blood on the street at 5 am by the local residents. FaisalHe had reportedly left home in the wee hours of Saturday to pick up the parents of his wife, who were to arrive at Tirur railway station from Thiruvananthapuram, before villagers found his body just in front of a grocery shop. Employed in the West Asia, Faisal had returned home only four months ago and was about to fly back to the Gulf on Sunday. Neighbours said he had feared for his life after receiving death threats from his family members. Faisal had his scalp almost slit open possibly by some sharp-edged weapons and his internal organs gouged out by the assailants. The autorickshaw he had used for his daily commute and a pair of slippers were found at scene. The police investigating the incident said the murder was carried out by more than one person, and they chose dawn as the time of the attack so they could easily escape. They police said the evidence collected from footage of a CCTV installed at a shop nearby showed the attackers came on two bikes and a car. The camera captured two motorcycles and a car, which could be a vital lead, the police said. Kannur range IG Dinenthra Kashyap, Malappuram police chief Debesh Kumar Behera, a forensic team from Thrissur, dog squad, and a team of fingerprints experts examined the site. Faisals wife Priya and his three children have converted to Islam recently. Priya has been attending a course at Maunathul Islam Sabha, Ponnani, after accepting Islam. His children have been attending Islamic Education Centre National School at Kodinhi.It is alleged that one of his brothers-in-law had strongly objected to the conversion. Meanwhile, the local residents took out a march in protest against the killing of Faisal who never had any party allegiance. Many shops remained closed to pay tribute to the deceased. The body has been handed over to relatives after the postmortem examination. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: The weekend came with some relief for cash-strapped people especially senior citizens in the city where normal banking transaction had taken a toll since demonetisation of `500 and `1000 currency notes. All banks across the city were open on Saturday witnessing usual serpentine queue. But, for exchange of notes, it was exclusively for senior citizens. Though exchange of demonetised notes was restricted to senior citizens, there was normal queue with people carrying out banking operations not linked to cash transactions. Activities like updating and renewal of passbooks, issuance of cheque books, applications for debit and credit cards and PIN code requests for ATM cards picked up pace after more than a week. As per the Central Governments orders, people who had accounts in a bank were allowed to withdraw and/or deposit cash. Senior citizens had the privilege to exchange currency apart from cash withdrawal and deposit. A section of our staff has been asked to support the elderly for exchanging cash. Besides, the daily transactions which remained dormant for 10 days have resumed. We are trying to clear the backlog of customer requests by engaging additional staff, a senior manager of SBI said. The youngsters and middle-aged were not disgruntled for not being permitted to exchange money, rather they welcomed the move. My 70-year-old father had been struggling to exchange his limited reserve of demonetised notes due to rush in banks. But this Saturday, exchange made it easier for him, said Tapan Reddy, a private firm executive. After the new notes were supplied by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nationalised and private sector banks regulated ATM deposits. With an increase in frequency of cash refilling at teller machines, the scenario at ATM counters, which was chaotic for past few days, improved. Given the restriction on withdrawal limit upto a maximum of `2000, there is still an atmosphere of agony among citizens who beelined at ATM counters. People who have accounts in more than one banks are withdrawing `6000 to `8000 using multiple ATM cards. I have a single savings bank account and it is difficult to manage with a withdrawal of `2000 in a day, said Ashish Das, a school teacher. BHUBANESWAR: The weekend came with some relief for cash-strapped people especially senior citizens in the city where normal banking transaction had taken a toll since demonetisation of `500 and `1000 currency notes. All banks across the city were open on Saturday witnessing usual serpentine queue. But, for exchange of notes, it was exclusively for senior citizens. Though exchange of demonetised notes was restricted to senior citizens, there was normal queue with people carrying out banking operations not linked to cash transactions. Activities like updating and renewal of passbooks, issuance of cheque books, applications for debit and credit cards and PIN code requests for ATM cards picked up pace after more than a week. As per the Central Governments orders, people who had accounts in a bank were allowed to withdraw and/or deposit cash. Senior citizens had the privilege to exchange currency apart from cash withdrawal and deposit. A section of our staff has been asked to support the elderly for exchanging cash. Besides, the daily transactions which remained dormant for 10 days have resumed. We are trying to clear the backlog of customer requests by engaging additional staff, a senior manager of SBI said. The youngsters and middle-aged were not disgruntled for not being permitted to exchange money, rather they welcomed the move. My 70-year-old father had been struggling to exchange his limited reserve of demonetised notes due to rush in banks. But this Saturday, exchange made it easier for him, said Tapan Reddy, a private firm executive. After the new notes were supplied by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the nationalised and private sector banks regulated ATM deposits. With an increase in frequency of cash refilling at teller machines, the scenario at ATM counters, which was chaotic for past few days, improved. Given the restriction on withdrawal limit upto a maximum of `2000, there is still an atmosphere of agony among citizens who beelined at ATM counters. People who have accounts in more than one banks are withdrawing `6000 to `8000 using multiple ATM cards. I have a single savings bank account and it is difficult to manage with a withdrawal of `2000 in a day, said Ashish Das, a school teacher. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari today described Biju Patnaik as a man of unimpeachable integrity and a nationalist. "A true nationalist and still the interests of Odisha were always close to his heart," he said while addressing the Centenary Celebrations of Biju Patnaik at New Delhi. "He actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asif Ali and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, even while in British service. He was eventually caught and imprisoned by the British Government for 3 years," the Vice-President said. Ansari said there was a generation of leaders who played a role across national borders in service of good causes and Biju Patnaik was one such leader. His international profile was such that, in a rare occurrence, national flags of three nations- India, Indonesia and the USSR were draped on his body at his funeral, he added. Stating that Biju Patnaik was a firm believer in democracy and was a socialist at heart and he shared Pandit Nehru's vision of an India steeped in scientific temper and saw technology as the key to solving India's myriad problems, Ansari said he had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Odisha. Describing him as a natural entrepreneur, Ansari said he wanted agrarian feudalism to be dismantled and industrial revolution to take place. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and former Supreme Court Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik also addressed the function. Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister for Women and Child Development Usha Devi, ministers, MPs and MLAs from Odisha were present. BHUBANESWAR: Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari today described Biju Patnaik as a man of unimpeachable integrity and a nationalist. "A true nationalist and still the interests of Odisha were always close to his heart," he said while addressing the Centenary Celebrations of Biju Patnaik at New Delhi. "He actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asif Ali and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, even while in British service. He was eventually caught and imprisoned by the British Government for 3 years," the Vice-President said. Ansari said there was a generation of leaders who played a role across national borders in service of good causes and Biju Patnaik was one such leader. His international profile was such that, in a rare occurrence, national flags of three nations- India, Indonesia and the USSR were draped on his body at his funeral, he added. Stating that Biju Patnaik was a firm believer in democracy and was a socialist at heart and he shared Pandit Nehru's vision of an India steeped in scientific temper and saw technology as the key to solving India's myriad problems, Ansari said he had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Odisha. Describing him as a natural entrepreneur, Ansari said he wanted agrarian feudalism to be dismantled and industrial revolution to take place. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik and former Supreme Court Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik also addressed the function. Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister for Women and Child Development Usha Devi, ministers, MPs and MLAs from Odisha were present. By Express News Service BHUBANESWAR: Vice-President M Hamid Ansari on Sunday described Biju Patnaik as a man of unimpeachable integrity and a nationalist. A true nationalist and still the interests of Odisha were always close to his heart, he said while addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Biju Patnaik at New Delhi. Biju Patnaik actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders, even while in British service M Hamid Ansari,Vice-President He actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asif Ali and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, even while in British service. Biju Patnaik was eventually caught and imprisoned by the British Government for three years, the Vice-President said. Ansari said there was a generation of leaders who played a role across national borders in service of good causes and Biju Patnaik was one such leader. His international profile was such that in a rare occurrence, national flags of three nations - India, Indonesia and the USSR were draped on his body at his funeral, he added. Stating that Biju Patnaik was a firm believer in democracy and a socialist at heart, Ansari said he shared Pandit Nehrus vision of an India steeped in scientific temper and saw technology as the key to solving the countrys myriad problems. He also had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Odisha. Describing him as a natural entrepreneur, Ansari said Biju Patnaik wanted agrarian feudalism to be dismantled and the industrial revolution to take place. Addressing the function, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, Biju Babu is not only our inspiration but also an idea of continuity. He symbolises for us Odia self-esteem, empowerment and progress. Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik said Biju Babus first love was Odisha. Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister for Women and Child Development Usha Devi, several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Odisha were present. BHUBANESWAR: Vice-President M Hamid Ansari on Sunday described Biju Patnaik as a man of unimpeachable integrity and a nationalist. A true nationalist and still the interests of Odisha were always close to his heart, he said while addressing the birth centenary celebrations of Biju Patnaik at New Delhi. Biju Patnaik actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders, even while in British service M Hamid Ansari,Vice-PresidentHe actively joined the Quit India Movement in 1942 and collaborated with the underground leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asif Ali and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, even while in British service. Biju Patnaik was eventually caught and imprisoned by the British Government for three years, the Vice-President said. Ansari said there was a generation of leaders who played a role across national borders in service of good causes and Biju Patnaik was one such leader. His international profile was such that in a rare occurrence, national flags of three nations - India, Indonesia and the USSR were draped on his body at his funeral, he added. Stating that Biju Patnaik was a firm believer in democracy and a socialist at heart, Ansari said he shared Pandit Nehrus vision of an India steeped in scientific temper and saw technology as the key to solving the countrys myriad problems. He also had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Odisha. Describing him as a natural entrepreneur, Ansari said Biju Patnaik wanted agrarian feudalism to be dismantled and the industrial revolution to take place. Addressing the function, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, Biju Babu is not only our inspiration but also an idea of continuity. He symbolises for us Odia self-esteem, empowerment and progress. Justice Ananga Kumar Patnaik said Biju Babus first love was Odisha. Industries Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, Minister for Women and Child Development Usha Devi, several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Odisha were present. Ram M Sundaram By Express News Service HOW BHARAT COPES: Stay at home KANNANKOTTAI: Half a plate of boiled rice is what B Thatchayeni and her family have for the next 24 hours. With hardly anything left of the rice the farm worker had borrowed from her neighbour, and no money for vegetables, pulses or milk formula for her three-month-old baby, she has pinned her hopes on her husband Babu returning with money from the bank 10 km away. This was his third trip to the bank to exchange their only Rs. 1000 note. Babu and others from Kannankottai, a remote agricultural village 70 km from Chennai near Gummidipoondi in Thiruvallur district, waited in the queue outside Canara Bank at Madharpakkam to get a token to enter the premises the next day. Demonetisation has been a double-blow to the people of Kannankottai, who were still recovering from the drought this year. The economy has almost come to a standstill since demonetisation and the streets are deserted. Kirana stores have started to shut and people hardly step out. Villagers from Kannankottai | D Sampath Kumar However, the barter system has given some respite to Kannankottai, even if temporary. While caste Hindus in the village share milk from the cows in their backyards, Dalits in the Adi Dravidar Colony have to struggle to buy milk packets for their children. Some are at the mercy of hotels in the highway for rice as PDS outlets have not reached out to them since September. One woman, S Malliamma (54), legs swollen due to a ligament tear, said she sat outside a motel in Kemalur village since early morning for a half-cup of rice which the owner had promised to lend her. With poor bus connectivity and very few two-wheelers, Kannankottai depends heavily on share autos. Rubbing salt into their wounds, one of the two share autos connecting the village to the main road sprang a tyre, and its owner doesnt have new currency notes to replace it. So, villagers walk all the way to Madharpakkam or even Kavaraipettai town located 18 km away to catch a bus. And the buses do not accept demonetised notes. The small amount of gold and silver some of the villagers have has been of much use. The only pawn shop in the panchayat shut down a few days ago. With none of the landowners here taking up cultivation and the MGNREGA scheme coming to a halt, people have started taking up odd jobs in neighbouring towns for survival. But things got gloomier still after Nov. 8 as their new employers ran short of cash to pay them. We did not get our wages (Rs. 120/day) for five days. After repeated requests, the middlemen paid the wages of five people from our street (Rs. 3,000) on Tuesday, said J Munirathnam. The daily-wage labourer was made to walk all the way to the bank to get new notes and he returned empty-handed because of the queue there. Unlike cities, we prefer to have cash in hand to meet unexpected expenses, said E Govindasamy. For instance, if there is a disease outbreak, farmers have to buy pesticides, pay workers and get things done in a short span. You cant expect them to go to a bank or ATM located miles away then, he says. Expecting rains in November, many land owners had borrowed money to the tune of a few lakhs to invest in the new crop. But the monsoons has failed and local banks are not accepting demonetised notes. Though banks in the towns do accept them, many villagers have no knowledge of PAN cards or even have bank accounts. And those who do have accounts are being asked to furnish their source of income. Narrating an incident, D Dayalan, a villager, said a 17-year-old girl studying engineering approached a bank in the district to deposit Rs. 25,000 that her father had saved for her marriage over four years. Suspecting a sudden jump in income, the bank manager threatened to scrap her educational loan-cum-scholarship. Some who had taken crop loans are unable to repay them because agriculture cooperative societies were closed, What does the government expect us to do with these notes? asks Dayalan. HOW BHARAT COPES: Stay at home KANNANKOTTAI: Half a plate of boiled rice is what B Thatchayeni and her family have for the next 24 hours. With hardly anything left of the rice the farm worker had borrowed from her neighbour, and no money for vegetables, pulses or milk formula for her three-month-old baby, she has pinned her hopes on her husband Babu returning with money from the bank 10 km away. This was his third trip to the bank to exchange their only Rs. 1000 note. Babu and others from Kannankottai, a remote agricultural village 70 km from Chennai near Gummidipoondi in Thiruvallur district, waited in the queue outside Canara Bank at Madharpakkam to get a token to enter the premises the next day. Demonetisation has been a double-blow to the people of Kannankottai, who were still recovering from the drought this year. The economy has almost come to a standstill since demonetisation and the streets are deserted. Kirana stores have started to shut and people hardly step out. Villagers from Kannankottai | D Sampath Kumar However, the barter system has given some respite to Kannankottai, even if temporary. While caste Hindus in the village share milk from the cows in their backyards, Dalits in the Adi Dravidar Colony have to struggle to buy milk packets for their children. Some are at the mercy of hotels in the highway for rice as PDS outlets have not reached out to them since September. One woman, S Malliamma (54), legs swollen due to a ligament tear, said she sat outside a motel in Kemalur village since early morning for a half-cup of rice which the owner had promised to lend her. With poor bus connectivity and very few two-wheelers, Kannankottai depends heavily on share autos. Rubbing salt into their wounds, one of the two share autos connecting the village to the main road sprang a tyre, and its owner doesnt have new currency notes to replace it. So, villagers walk all the way to Madharpakkam or even Kavaraipettai town located 18 km away to catch a bus. And the buses do not accept demonetised notes. The small amount of gold and silver some of the villagers have has been of much use. The only pawn shop in the panchayat shut down a few days ago. With none of the landowners here taking up cultivation and the MGNREGA scheme coming to a halt, people have started taking up odd jobs in neighbouring towns for survival. But things got gloomier still after Nov. 8 as their new employers ran short of cash to pay them. We did not get our wages (Rs. 120/day) for five days. After repeated requests, the middlemen paid the wages of five people from our street (Rs. 3,000) on Tuesday, said J Munirathnam. The daily-wage labourer was made to walk all the way to the bank to get new notes and he returned empty-handed because of the queue there. Unlike cities, we prefer to have cash in hand to meet unexpected expenses, said E Govindasamy. For instance, if there is a disease outbreak, farmers have to buy pesticides, pay workers and get things done in a short span. You cant expect them to go to a bank or ATM located miles away then, he says. Expecting rains in November, many land owners had borrowed money to the tune of a few lakhs to invest in the new crop. But the monsoons has failed and local banks are not accepting demonetised notes. Though banks in the towns do accept them, many villagers have no knowledge of PAN cards or even have bank accounts. And those who do have accounts are being asked to furnish their source of income. Narrating an incident, D Dayalan, a villager, said a 17-year-old girl studying engineering approached a bank in the district to deposit Rs. 25,000 that her father had saved for her marriage over four years. Suspecting a sudden jump in income, the bank manager threatened to scrap her educational loan-cum-scholarship. Some who had taken crop loans are unable to repay them because agriculture cooperative societies were closed, What does the government expect us to do with these notes? asks Dayalan. NEW DELHI: Their soldier spirit refuses to die down. A group of 350 senior army officers, who revolted against the Armys promotion policy, is now seeking a review by the topmost court of the country. The Supreme Court in February found the policy biased towards officers of infantry and artillery cadre whose officers dominated decision-making. The last nine Chiefs of the Indian Army, since 1997, have all been from the infantry and artillery cadre. The apex court ordered creation of 141 slots at the rank of Colonel to be allocated to three combat support arms engineers, signals and air defence. But officers from logistics Services (which include Army Service Corps, Ordnance and Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) were denied additional promotion vacancies in the SC judgment and are still fighting a legal battle for their cause. Last week, a group of 26 officers filed a review petition seeking relief. The main ground of challenging the SC order is that the sanction from the government to the command exit model was never placed on record. This violated the right of the petitioners to scrutinise and argue the most vital evidence, states a petition filed by Lt. Colonel PK Choudhary and other officers. The petition challenged the ruling under which it has been recommended that the amendment for the Arms support on grounds of compassion but not the Services, thereby making the Services feel discriminated at those very supreme doors that they had knocked for justice against discrimination, states the petition. Logistics Services were ignored by the apex court on the basis of an army headquarters affidavit in which Army Service Corps (ASC) officers were mentioned non- operational. Services cadre has nearly 10,000 officers in its total strength of 2.6 lakh personnel and account for nearly 20 per cent of the Armys strength. The issue started in 2009 when Indian armys promotion policy was challenged in the Armed Forces Tribunal, calling it discriminatory and rigged in favour of the two biggest arms infantry and artillery by allocating them a large number of promotion vacancies at the commanding officer rank of Colonel. Calling themselves nothing less than combatant, officers from the Service cadre claim that operational logistics are as crucial as infantry or artillery units. Citing mortality rate of officers during 1999 Kargil War, they claim it was 3.17 (for every 1,000 men) in Services while mortality rate in Infantry was 2.77. In order to keep a younger profile of officers in the Indian Army, as a fallout of the Kargil war, a committee headed by former defence secretary Ajai Vikram Singh recommended additional posts. The committee found that age of Colonels, who command a battalion of 800-odd soldiers, was a little over 40 years while the same for Pakistan and Chinese armies was 37 years. The committee recommended a command-and-exit policy by which Colonels would serve as battalion commanders for two to three years and exit to a non-command post by the time they reach the age of 40. NEW DELHI: Their soldier spirit refuses to die down. A group of 350 senior army officers, who revolted against the Armys promotion policy, is now seeking a review by the topmost court of the country. The Supreme Court in February found the policy biased towards officers of infantry and artillery cadre whose officers dominated decision-making. The last nine Chiefs of the Indian Army, since 1997, have all been from the infantry and artillery cadre. The apex court ordered creation of 141 slots at the rank of Colonel to be allocated to three combat support arms engineers, signals and air defence. But officers from logistics Services (which include Army Service Corps, Ordnance and Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) were denied additional promotion vacancies in the SC judgment and are still fighting a legal battle for their cause. Last week, a group of 26 officers filed a review petition seeking relief. The main ground of challenging the SC order is that the sanction from the government to the command exit model was never placed on record. This violated the right of the petitioners to scrutinise and argue the most vital evidence, states a petition filed by Lt. Colonel PK Choudhary and other officers. The petition challenged the ruling under which it has been recommended that the amendment for the Arms support on grounds of compassion but not the Services, thereby making the Services feel discriminated at those very supreme doors that they had knocked for justice against discrimination, states the petition. Logistics Services were ignored by the apex court on the basis of an army headquarters affidavit in which Army Service Corps (ASC) officers were mentioned non- operational. Services cadre has nearly 10,000 officers in its total strength of 2.6 lakh personnel and account for nearly 20 per cent of the Armys strength. The issue started in 2009 when Indian armys promotion policy was challenged in the Armed Forces Tribunal, calling it discriminatory and rigged in favour of the two biggest arms infantry and artillery by allocating them a large number of promotion vacancies at the commanding officer rank of Colonel. Calling themselves nothing less than combatant, officers from the Service cadre claim that operational logistics are as crucial as infantry or artillery units. Citing mortality rate of officers during 1999 Kargil War, they claim it was 3.17 (for every 1,000 men) in Services while mortality rate in Infantry was 2.77. In order to keep a younger profile of officers in the Indian Army, as a fallout of the Kargil war, a committee headed by former defence secretary Ajai Vikram Singh recommended additional posts. The committee found that age of Colonels, who command a battalion of 800-odd soldiers, was a little over 40 years while the same for Pakistan and Chinese armies was 37 years. The committee recommended a command-and-exit policy by which Colonels would serve as battalion commanders for two to three years and exit to a non-command post by the time they reach the age of 40. Manish Anand By NEW DELHI: With the Winter Session of the Parliament in a gridlock over the Oppositions protest against demonetisation, the government is bracing to the prospects of a washout of the month-long sittings of the two Houses. The government is working on a strategy to bring the three enabling legislative proposals on Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the form of Money Bills to get away with the logjam in the Rajya Sabha. The NDA floor managers believe that the Opposition protest on demonetisation would prolong and the ruckus in both Houses would persist with political parties eyeing the Assembly polls in five states Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur. The GST will be rolled out from April 1 next year as announced. The logjam in the Parliament will not come in the way of passing three supporting legislative proposals Central Goods and Services Tax Bill (CGST), Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill (IGST), and Goods and Services (Compensation for loss of revenue) Bill. These Bills will only need the nod of Lok Sabha, which will be ensured even if there is ruckus in the House, said sources close to Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar. The government has also lined up a couple of key legislative bills moved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). Right to Education (RTE) (Amendment) Bill is on the legislative agenda of the government which will pave the way for the re-introduction of the Board examinations in schools. Besides, the Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill, which aims to grant full autonomy to the premier management institutions, is also high on the agenda. The government may take the Ordinance route to give effect to the changes in the two Bills and may look to get the parliamentary nod in the Budget session, which has already been preponed, sources added. The government may take the Ordinance routes on other legislative proposals as well, including Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, the HIV/ AIDS Prevention and Control Bill, Mental Health Care Bill, Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill. NEW DELHI: With the Winter Session of the Parliament in a gridlock over the Oppositions protest against demonetisation, the government is bracing to the prospects of a washout of the month-long sittings of the two Houses. The government is working on a strategy to bring the three enabling legislative proposals on Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the form of Money Bills to get away with the logjam in the Rajya Sabha. The NDA floor managers believe that the Opposition protest on demonetisation would prolong and the ruckus in both Houses would persist with political parties eyeing the Assembly polls in five states Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur. The GST will be rolled out from April 1 next year as announced. The logjam in the Parliament will not come in the way of passing three supporting legislative proposals Central Goods and Services Tax Bill (CGST), Integrated Goods and Services Tax Bill (IGST), and Goods and Services (Compensation for loss of revenue) Bill. These Bills will only need the nod of Lok Sabha, which will be ensured even if there is ruckus in the House, said sources close to Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Ananth Kumar. The government has also lined up a couple of key legislative bills moved by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). Right to Education (RTE) (Amendment) Bill is on the legislative agenda of the government which will pave the way for the re-introduction of the Board examinations in schools. Besides, the Indian Institute of Management (Amendment) Bill, which aims to grant full autonomy to the premier management institutions, is also high on the agenda. The government may take the Ordinance route to give effect to the changes in the two Bills and may look to get the parliamentary nod in the Budget session, which has already been preponed, sources added. The government may take the Ordinance routes on other legislative proposals as well, including Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, the HIV/ AIDS Prevention and Control Bill, Mental Health Care Bill, Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill. Ritu Sharma By NEW DELHI: The proposal to train Vietnamese pilots of Sukhoi fighter jets in India has hit financial glitches. The plan has been under negotiation for several years now and is important from Indias point of view to counter an assertive China in South China Sea. India has already trained 550 Vietnamese submariners in Visakhapatnam to operate its six newly acquired Russian-built kilo-attack submarines under a $2.6 billion deal. Vietnam, known for its land forces trained for guerrilla warfare, is steadily augmenting its naval and air power; something that India will be happy to help with. An official said, We are working on various training models for Vietnamese Sukhoi pilots. Financial matters are under consideration. Vietnam has Russian-built Su-30MK2 fighter jets in its inventory and; China also has a lot of Russian fighter jets and planes reverse engineered from them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced $500 million line of credit for defence purchases. It is not clear if it is in addition to the $100 million announced earlier. The financial considerations are also if the fighter jet training will be included in this credit line or would be apart from it. We should be able to work it out soon, sources said. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Vietnams defence procurement have registered a 700 per cent jump in 2015. Vietnam has traditionally cooperated with Russia on defence matter but its quest to modernise its forces has found ally in India. New Delhi also stands to gain from Vietnams geo-strategic location and stake in South China Sea, which conduits a large amount of Indian trade. Besides trade, India also has oil exploration going on in the region. Hence, Chinese aggressive posturing in the region has steered India to help Vietnam build a potent military to secure its 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The South China Sea has figured in the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries earlier this year. NEW DELHI: The proposal to train Vietnamese pilots of Sukhoi fighter jets in India has hit financial glitches. The plan has been under negotiation for several years now and is important from Indias point of view to counter an assertive China in South China Sea. India has already trained 550 Vietnamese submariners in Visakhapatnam to operate its six newly acquired Russian-built kilo-attack submarines under a $2.6 billion deal. Vietnam, known for its land forces trained for guerrilla warfare, is steadily augmenting its naval and air power; something that India will be happy to help with. An official said, We are working on various training models for Vietnamese Sukhoi pilots. Financial matters are under consideration. Vietnam has Russian-built Su-30MK2 fighter jets in its inventory and; China also has a lot of Russian fighter jets and planes reverse engineered from them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced $500 million line of credit for defence purchases. It is not clear if it is in addition to the $100 million announced earlier. The financial considerations are also if the fighter jet training will be included in this credit line or would be apart from it. We should be able to work it out soon, sources said. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Vietnams defence procurement have registered a 700 per cent jump in 2015. Vietnam has traditionally cooperated with Russia on defence matter but its quest to modernise its forces has found ally in India. New Delhi also stands to gain from Vietnams geo-strategic location and stake in South China Sea, which conduits a large amount of Indian trade. Besides trade, India also has oil exploration going on in the region. Hence, Chinese aggressive posturing in the region has steered India to help Vietnam build a potent military to secure its 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The South China Sea has figured in the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries earlier this year. Sanjay Singh By NEW DELHI: Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar will release the Sanskrit translation of Prime Minister Narendra Modis collection of poems titled Aankh Aa Dhanya Che on November 20 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The choice of Varanasi, Narendra Modis Lok Sabha constituency, to release the book is being perceived as an attempt by the government to promote Sanskrit in educational institutions. Aankh Aa Dhanya Che, written in Gujarati, was first released in 2007. Sources said students and university teachers, including BHU Vice-Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi, are expected to participate in the book release function. A senior government official said that the PM has chosen BHU to test the waters and experiment his governments move to propagate Sanskrit. The collection of poems was translated into Sanskrit by Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, an award-winning translator and scholar of Tamil literature. She is noted for studying texts in Tamil and Sanskrit. Her daughter, Jayanti Ravi, is a senior bureaucrat in Gujarat. Ever since the Modi government came to power, the language politics of Sanskrit has been on top of its agenda. NEW DELHI: Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar will release the Sanskrit translation of Prime Minister Narendra Modis collection of poems titled Aankh Aa Dhanya Che on November 20 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The choice of Varanasi, Narendra Modis Lok Sabha constituency, to release the book is being perceived as an attempt by the government to promote Sanskrit in educational institutions. Aankh Aa Dhanya Che, written in Gujarati, was first released in 2007. Sources said students and university teachers, including BHU Vice-Chancellor Girish Chandra Tripathi, are expected to participate in the book release function. A senior government official said that the PM has chosen BHU to test the waters and experiment his governments move to propagate Sanskrit. The collection of poems was translated into Sanskrit by Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, an award-winning translator and scholar of Tamil literature. She is noted for studying texts in Tamil and Sanskrit. Her daughter, Jayanti Ravi, is a senior bureaucrat in Gujarat. Ever since the Modi government came to power, the language politics of Sanskrit has been on top of its agenda. Aishik Chanda By KOLKATA: A major haul of 609 gelatin sticks, 200 detonators and 630 metres of codrex wire used in explosives from two Nepalese and an Indian in Pradhannagar area of Siliguri this month has put a big question mark on whether the Gorkhaland statehood movement is returning as an armed force, which it was during the latter half of the 80s. The location of Nepalese Dawa Tshering Bhutia alias Dawa Gurung, 50, his wife Puja Limbu, 35, and Indian national Krishna Prasad Adhikari, 40, was determined by the CID after interrogation of Bijay Rai Thulung, brother of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) member Sanjay Rai Thulung, sources revealed. Bijay, who was wanted in a 2014 case of smuggling of an AK-22 assault rifle and ammunition from Nagaland into Darjeeling, was arrested on November 5. Sedition charges have been pressed against Bijay. Sanjay Rai, who is absconding, may have taken shelter in Nepal. The three people arrested revealed during interrogation that they worked in the coal mines of Meghalaya, where they procured the explosives after coming in contact with Garo militants. The trio, as well as Bijay Rai, said several youth of Darjeeling hills have been trained in arms in Nagaland and have returned. The batches may have gone in small groups and have received training in arms and handling explosives in Nagaland, an official in state police headquarters Lalbazaar said. The explosives may be linked to Maoists of Nepal, who are not new to the region. CID West Bengal has informed the Indian Army and Meghalaya Police about the arrests. KOLKATA: A major haul of 609 gelatin sticks, 200 detonators and 630 metres of codrex wire used in explosives from two Nepalese and an Indian in Pradhannagar area of Siliguri this month has put a big question mark on whether the Gorkhaland statehood movement is returning as an armed force, which it was during the latter half of the 80s. The location of Nepalese Dawa Tshering Bhutia alias Dawa Gurung, 50, his wife Puja Limbu, 35, and Indian national Krishna Prasad Adhikari, 40, was determined by the CID after interrogation of Bijay Rai Thulung, brother of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) member Sanjay Rai Thulung, sources revealed. Bijay, who was wanted in a 2014 case of smuggling of an AK-22 assault rifle and ammunition from Nagaland into Darjeeling, was arrested on November 5. Sedition charges have been pressed against Bijay. Sanjay Rai, who is absconding, may have taken shelter in Nepal. The three people arrested revealed during interrogation that they worked in the coal mines of Meghalaya, where they procured the explosives after coming in contact with Garo militants. The trio, as well as Bijay Rai, said several youth of Darjeeling hills have been trained in arms in Nagaland and have returned. The batches may have gone in small groups and have received training in arms and handling explosives in Nagaland, an official in state police headquarters Lalbazaar said. The explosives may be linked to Maoists of Nepal, who are not new to the region. CID West Bengal has informed the Indian Army and Meghalaya Police about the arrests. Manish Anand By NEW DELHI: Demonetisation appears to have hobbled the Union governments disinvestment target of Rs 56,000 crore for 2016-2017 with a liquidity crunch. The NITI Aayog had prepared a disinvestment list of 26 public sector undertakings, of which the Cabinet had approved 17. The think tank had also, sources said, handed over a list of PSUs for strategic sale to China; a matter discussed during the Indo-China strategic economic cooperation meeting last month in Delhi. The private sectors appetite for investment now looks dubious, said a NITI Aayog source. With about four months left for the financial year to end, officials believe there is no option but to raid the deep pockets of giant public sector financial institutions like the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). NITI Aayog is for outright sale of PSUs like Cement Corporation of India, Tyre Corporation of India and Electronics Corporation, added the source. Missing the disinvestment target could be a headache for the Finance Ministry, following a domino effect on the fiscal deficit target, which the government is constitutionally bound to meet under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management (FRBM) Act. NEW DELHI: Demonetisation appears to have hobbled the Union governments disinvestment target of Rs 56,000 crore for 2016-2017 with a liquidity crunch. The NITI Aayog had prepared a disinvestment list of 26 public sector undertakings, of which the Cabinet had approved 17. The think tank had also, sources said, handed over a list of PSUs for strategic sale to China; a matter discussed during the Indo-China strategic economic cooperation meeting last month in Delhi. The private sectors appetite for investment now looks dubious, said a NITI Aayog source. With about four months left for the financial year to end, officials believe there is no option but to raid the deep pockets of giant public sector financial institutions like the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). NITI Aayog is for outright sale of PSUs like Cement Corporation of India, Tyre Corporation of India and Electronics Corporation, added the source. Missing the disinvestment target could be a headache for the Finance Ministry, following a domino effect on the fiscal deficit target, which the government is constitutionally bound to meet under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management (FRBM) Act. Pradip R Sagar By NEW DELHI: Indias military operations are hit due to the demonetisation. Its collateral damage. Not only militants, to some extent our operations also get hit, said an officer, posted in the Kashmir Valley. Security forces have gunned down 130 militants so far in the valley in multiple operations. According to military intelligence, though majority of inputs come from Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, the army also has its own intelligence-gathering network. Informers, who provide inputs to the army, need his remuneration in cash. Army sources claimed that for all human intelligence-based operations, liquid money is required. At least for the time being, we are dependent on technical intelligence, said an officer. A Commanding Officer of a unit gets substantial amount for intelligence-gathering and the network is completely based on cash economy. NEW DELHI: Indias military operations are hit due to the demonetisation. Its collateral damage. Not only militants, to some extent our operations also get hit, said an officer, posted in the Kashmir Valley. Security forces have gunned down 130 militants so far in the valley in multiple operations. According to military intelligence, though majority of inputs come from Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, the army also has its own intelligence-gathering network. Informers, who provide inputs to the army, need his remuneration in cash. Army sources claimed that for all human intelligence-based operations, liquid money is required. At least for the time being, we are dependent on technical intelligence, said an officer. A Commanding Officer of a unit gets substantial amount for intelligence-gathering and the network is completely based on cash economy. Namita Bajpai By LUCKNOW: If demonetisation is showing its impact on the hoi polloi, its ripple effect has conspicuously percolated deep into the layers of political derma in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. With the Supreme Court calling it a riot-like situation in the country and directing the Centre to ease it out as soon as possible in the wake of hardships to people, major political playersSamajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav Samaj Party and the Congresshave got into re-strategising mode in the state. While the BJP, the ruling party at the Centre, is continuing with its Privartan Yatra, its rivalssmarting under the impact of fiscal tsunamihave either gone into retardation mode or are changing their plans. The reason they give is the pain of the aam aadmi that has forced them to put their poll plans on the back burner for the time being, their poll juggernaut is almost standstill. As if somebody has drained out the petrol tank, says an observer. While UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Centre of going ahead with the ill-timed move with inadequate planning, BSP chief Mayawati has charged the BJP with being insensitive to the hardships people are facing because of the currency crunch. However, all three have slowed down their campaign programmes and are reviewing them. The SP has rescheduled Akhileshs much-hyped Vikas Rath Yatra. Its second leg was to start last week in Jhansi, but now party strategists have pushed it to month-end. The next date for the yatra will be decided after the Ghazipur rally to be addressed by Mulayam Singh Yadav on November 23, said party sopekesperson Mohammad Shahid. Mulayams birthday celebrations planned for November 22 by the Janeshwar Mishra Trust, managed by youth leaders close to the CM, have also been curtailed in terms of publicity. We will make the fallout of demonetisation our poll issue. People, especially, the poor and farmers, are suffering, said Shahid. BSP chief Mayawati BSP has also gone back to its drawing board. Known for holding mega rallies on the birth and death anniversaries of their icons B R Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, the party has planned small conventions instead of rallies on Ambedkars death anniversary on December 6, but in all the 403 Assembly constituencies. Party leaders deny the change in plan has anything to do with demonetisation. Instead of huge rallies at one or two places, small conventions will have a larger impact, said a senior SP leader. The Congress is also treading cautiously. They have held back their Dalit outreach programme, in which they had planned to send teams to Dalit-dominated pockets, including 8,000 villages, after its Rahul Sandesh Yartra ended on November 10. Ticket distribution has also been postponed to December-end. Earlier, the party had planned to start declaring candidates by early December. We had planned early ticket distribution but we have delayed the process, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar said. With The Election Commission indicating that the polls are likely to be announced after Janaury 15 when the voter list revision is finalised, UPs parties have got a breathing space to redraft their plan. LUCKNOW: If demonetisation is showing its impact on the hoi polloi, its ripple effect has conspicuously percolated deep into the layers of political derma in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. With the Supreme Court calling it a riot-like situation in the country and directing the Centre to ease it out as soon as possible in the wake of hardships to people, major political playersSamajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh YadavSamaj Party and the Congresshave got into re-strategising mode in the state. While the BJP, the ruling party at the Centre, is continuing with its Privartan Yatra, its rivalssmarting under the impact of fiscal tsunamihave either gone into retardation mode or are changing their plans. The reason they give is the pain of the aam aadmi that has forced them to put their poll plans on the back burner for the time being, their poll juggernaut is almost standstill. As if somebody has drained out the petrol tank, says an observer. While UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Centre of going ahead with the ill-timed move with inadequate planning, BSP chief Mayawati has charged the BJP with being insensitive to the hardships people are facing because of the currency crunch. However, all three have slowed down their campaign programmes and are reviewing them. The SP has rescheduled Akhileshs much-hyped Vikas Rath Yatra. Its second leg was to start last week in Jhansi, but now party strategists have pushed it to month-end. The next date for the yatra will be decided after the Ghazipur rally to be addressed by Mulayam Singh Yadav on November 23, said party sopekesperson Mohammad Shahid. Mulayams birthday celebrations planned for November 22 by the Janeshwar Mishra Trust, managed by youth leaders close to the CM, have also been curtailed in terms of publicity. We will make the fallout of demonetisation our poll issue. People, especially, the poor and farmers, are suffering, said Shahid. BSP chief MayawatiBSP has also gone back to its drawing board. Known for holding mega rallies on the birth and death anniversaries of their icons B R Ambedkar and Kanshi Ram, the party has planned small conventions instead of rallies on Ambedkars death anniversary on December 6, but in all the 403 Assembly constituencies. Party leaders deny the change in plan has anything to do with demonetisation. Instead of huge rallies at one or two places, small conventions will have a larger impact, said a senior SP leader. The Congress is also treading cautiously. They have held back their Dalit outreach programme, in which they had planned to send teams to Dalit-dominated pockets, including 8,000 villages, after its Rahul Sandesh Yartra ended on November 10. Ticket distribution has also been postponed to December-end. Earlier, the party had planned to start declaring candidates by early December. We had planned early ticket distribution but we have delayed the process, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar said. With The Election Commission indicating that the polls are likely to be announced after Janaury 15 when the voter list revision is finalised, UPs parties have got a breathing space to redraft their plan. Rakesh K Singh By NEW DELHI: Pakistan has activated two terror units to strike at the heart of Indian democracy, says a classified intelligence report. The Multi-Agency Centre, Indias top counter-terrorism unit, has warned of Lashkar-e-Taiba attacks during the forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Pakistan has also activated Sikh extremists to target leaders of the RSS, VHP and Shiv Sena to fuel communal tensions. A high-level alert by Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in possession of The Sunday Standard warns of a Pakistan-backed jehadi design to activate existing sleeper cells in India to unleash violence in the mainland and disrupt the electoral process. It said As per inputs received from reliable channels, two different modules of terrorists have been activated recently. The first module consists of Sikh militants who have been tasked to target leaders of RSS, VHP and Shiv Sena etc. with specific instructions to procure country-made weapons and execute the plan. The second module comprises of Lashkar-e-Taiba which has reportedly been tasked to destabilise the electoral process of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab, UP and Uttarakhand, read the alert. The alert comes weeks after Indias surgical strikes in PoK; LeT boss Hafiz Saeed had vowed to retaliate. The terror plan is meant to bolster dwindling financial support from radical donors in Gulf countries. A senior Intelligence official said, Scared of being further exposed in the international community, Pakistans ISI and their affiliates are seeking to procure explosives locally to deny Pak role in terror. Simultaneously, they are seeking to project terror attacks as the handiwork of local elements and therefore a homegrown problem. With this strategy, Pakistan will bank on plausible deniability. Terror groups backed by Pakistan agencies have been unable to strike in India in the last five years. NEW DELHI: Pakistan has activated two terror units to strike at the heart of Indian democracy, says a classified intelligence report. The Multi-Agency Centre, Indias top counter-terrorism unit, has warned of Lashkar-e-Taiba attacks during the forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Pakistan has also activated Sikh extremists to target leaders of the RSS, VHP and Shiv Sena to fuel communal tensions. A high-level alert by Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) in possession of The Sunday Standard warns of a Pakistan-backed jehadi design to activate existing sleeper cells in India to unleash violence in the mainland and disrupt the electoral process. It said As per inputs received from reliable channels, two different modules of terrorists have been activated recently. The first module consists of Sikh militants who have been tasked to target leaders of RSS, VHP and Shiv Sena etc. with specific instructions to procure country-made weapons and execute the plan. The second module comprises of Lashkar-e-Taiba which has reportedly been tasked to destabilise the electoral process of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Punjab, UP and Uttarakhand, read the alert. The alert comes weeks after Indias surgical strikes in PoK; LeT boss Hafiz Saeed had vowed to retaliate. The terror plan is meant to bolster dwindling financial support from radical donors in Gulf countries. A senior Intelligence official said, Scared of being further exposed in the international community, Pakistans ISI and their affiliates are seeking to procure explosives locally to deny Pak role in terror. Simultaneously, they are seeking to project terror attacks as the handiwork of local elements and therefore a homegrown problem. With this strategy, Pakistan will bank on plausible deniability. Terror groups backed by Pakistan agencies have been unable to strike in India in the last five years. By AFP ISTANBUL: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey should not be "fixated" on joining the EU and has reiterated the idea of joining Russia and China in a Eurasian security group, local media reported Sunday. His comments come as Turkey's decades-long hopes of joining the European Union have reached a nadir, driven by the aftermath of the July 15 botched coup. "Turkey should first of all feel relaxed about the EU and not be fixated" about joining it, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on a plane from Uzbekistan, Hurriyet newspaper and other media reported. "Some may criticise me but I express my opinion. For example, I say 'why shouldn't Turkey be in the Shanghai 5?," he said. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- also called the Shanghai Pact -- is a loose security and economic bloc led by Russia and China. Other members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Erdogan said he had already discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Erdogan has several times floated plans for Turkey to join the SCO, a move that could scupper its long-standing EU membership bid. The SOC option became clouded, though, when a Russian warplane was downed by the Turkish air force last November. Turkish media reported in August that Nazarbayev mediated a deal between Ankara and Moscow to smooth over the dispute. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987 and accession talks only began in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. Brussels has harshly criticised the Turkish government's crackdown on alleged coup plotters, urging Ankara to comply with rights and freedoms criteria. Erdogan this week warned the EU to decide by year's end on its membership bid, threatening to otherwise call a referendum on this matter. Turkey and the EU agreed to speed up membership talks in March as part of an accord on curbing migrant flows into Greece. The deal was clinched in return for several incentives for Ankara including EU cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as visa-free travel to Schengen area by Turks. But the process, which was already in difficulty, is on a sharp downward spiral following Ankara's crackdown after the attempted coup. Mass arrests and job dismissals and measures against the Turkish press have triggered a sharp reaction from EU politicians and rights watchdogs. Some European parliamentarians have even backed calls for membership talks with Ankara to be halted. ISTANBUL: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey should not be "fixated" on joining the EU and has reiterated the idea of joining Russia and China in a Eurasian security group, local media reported Sunday. His comments come as Turkey's decades-long hopes of joining the European Union have reached a nadir, driven by the aftermath of the July 15 botched coup. "Turkey should first of all feel relaxed about the EU and not be fixated" about joining it, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on a plane from Uzbekistan, Hurriyet newspaper and other media reported. "Some may criticise me but I express my opinion. For example, I say 'why shouldn't Turkey be in the Shanghai 5?," he said. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- also called the Shanghai Pact -- is a loose security and economic bloc led by Russia and China. Other members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Erdogan said he had already discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Erdogan has several times floated plans for Turkey to join the SCO, a move that could scupper its long-standing EU membership bid. The SOC option became clouded, though, when a Russian warplane was downed by the Turkish air force last November. Turkish media reported in August that Nazarbayev mediated a deal between Ankara and Moscow to smooth over the dispute. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987 and accession talks only began in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. Brussels has harshly criticised the Turkish government's crackdown on alleged coup plotters, urging Ankara to comply with rights and freedoms criteria. Erdogan this week warned the EU to decide by year's end on its membership bid, threatening to otherwise call a referendum on this matter. Turkey and the EU agreed to speed up membership talks in March as part of an accord on curbing migrant flows into Greece. The deal was clinched in return for several incentives for Ankara including EU cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as visa-free travel to Schengen area by Turks. But the process, which was already in difficulty, is on a sharp downward spiral following Ankara's crackdown after the attempted coup. Mass arrests and job dismissals and measures against the Turkish press have triggered a sharp reaction from EU politicians and rights watchdogs. Some European parliamentarians have even backed calls for membership talks with Ankara to be halted. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: While Indians are busy doing Jugaad to beat currency demonetisation, the Israeli president found much in common with Jugaad, as he described formation of Israel is Jugaad. Reuven Rivlin, president of Israel while speaking at the inaugural session of 12th edition of CII Agro Tech 2016 here today said, During my visit to India, I learned a new Hindi word called Jugaad. Jugaad means "a clever solution born out of trouble." If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word. Just imagine a small nation, spread across the world, suffering for being different, looking for a place to call home and building one for itself, almost from a scratch. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work, he said. He said, We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations. We both know that building a home means being able to provide food for your family, and that building a nation means to be able to produce and provide food for all: now, and for the next generations. It is about taking care of your home with your own two hands; it is about taking care of your people and your land. A few days ago I visited Karnal where Indians and Israelis are developing new kinds of cherry-tomato, which are an Israeli invention. When Indian experts and Israeli experts place solar panels on the roofs of trucks so that the solar energy will keep the food inside the trucks fresh and prevent food waste they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help the farmers keep growing their crops, they are doing magic together, he said and making a special reference to the Central governments Make in India programme, he added that, Israel not only thinks that it can Make in India, but also Make with India. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India said, Im happy to share the platform with the president of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value addition. Israel has created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I was a part of the decision making team in 1992 that entered into a partnership for defence equipment with Israel, and I am happy we can do so in the field of agriculture as well, Mukherjee said. The union minister for agriculture Radha Mohan Singh said, It is appreciable as how CII is bringing digital krishi to farmers. When we talk about Indias agricultural production, the states of Punjab and Haryana get a supreme mention because it was here that the Green Revolution started off. However, in the last few years, water levels in these states have depleted and we need to develop ways to use water more judiciously. Barak Granot, head of Economic and Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel said, As a step towards promoting the cooperation between India and Israel in the agricultural sector, Israel seeks to increase the number of Centres of Excellence across India. There are currently 15 such centres that enable rapid transfer of Israeli agricultural technology to farmers, including those in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and going ahead, these would be increased to 29. CHANDIGARH: While Indians are busy doing Jugaad to beat currency demonetisation, the Israeli president found much in common with Jugaad, as he described formation of Israel is Jugaad. Reuven Rivlin, president of Israel while speaking at the inaugural session of 12th edition of CII Agro Tech 2016 here today said, During my visit to India, I learned a new Hindi word called Jugaad. Jugaad means "a clever solution born out of trouble." If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word. Just imagine a small nation, spread across the world, suffering for being different, looking for a place to call home and building one for itself, almost from a scratch. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work, he said. He said, We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations. We both know that building a home means being able to provide food for your family, and that building a nation means to be able to produce and provide food for all: now, and for the next generations. It is about taking care of your home with your own two hands; it is about taking care of your people and your land. A few days ago I visited Karnal where Indians and Israelis are developing new kinds of cherry-tomato, which are an Israeli invention. When Indian experts and Israeli experts place solar panels on the roofs of trucks so that the solar energy will keep the food inside the trucks fresh and prevent food waste they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help the farmers keep growing their crops, they are doing magic together, he said and making a special reference to the Central governments Make in India programme, he added that, Israel not only thinks that it can Make in India, but also Make with India. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India said, Im happy to share the platform with the president of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value addition. Israel has created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I was a part of the decision making team in 1992 that entered into a partnership for defence equipment with Israel, and I am happy we can do so in the field of agriculture as well, Mukherjee said. The union minister for agriculture Radha Mohan Singh said, It is appreciable as how CII is bringing digital krishi to farmers. When we talk about Indias agricultural production, the states of Punjab and Haryana get a supreme mention because it was here that the Green Revolution started off. However, in the last few years, water levels in these states have depleted and we need to develop ways to use water more judiciously. Barak Granot, head of Economic and Trade Mission, Embassy of Israel said, As a step towards promoting the cooperation between India and Israel in the agricultural sector, Israel seeks to increase the number of Centres of Excellence across India. There are currently 15 such centres that enable rapid transfer of Israeli agricultural technology to farmers, including those in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and going ahead, these would be increased to 29. By Associated Press PHOENIX: Vandals broke into a shelter, left feces on crosses made by migrant men and trashed other parts of the building. Someone made a threatening call to a priest who helps serve warm meals to recently deported immigrants. The soup kitchen for deported migrants in the Mexican city of Nogales, on the border with Arizona, has seen a spate of crimes this year. Its leader says the incidents likely are tied to the center's growing involvement in helping migrants report crimes. "We've been robbed before, but we've never had a break-in like that," said the Rev. Sean Carroll, head of the center known in Spanish as a "comedor." His efforts won Pope Francis' praise last year. The break-in and vandalism at the Kino Border Initiative-run center are part of a border-wide problem of drug cartels that see migrant shelters as an impediment to their business because they protect migrants who otherwise could be forced into smuggling drugs or extorted for money to cross into the U.S. Carroll says migrants have increasingly told staff and volunteers they were robbed or kidnapped by criminal organizations hoping to seize on attempts to cross the border. "I think it comes in waves," said Maureen Meyer, a senior associate with the Washington Office on Latin America. "They're protecting something that criminal organizations use as a profit." In Nogales, staffers have escorted migrants to police departments and helped them file reports on at least 10 occasions this year, Carroll says. The kitchen served over 4,300 meals in October and provides shelter for a limited number of migrants. Carroll says staff already has safety measures in place, but is also working with Mexican police to increase patrols and possibly install security cameras in the kitchen. Mexican police told The Arizona Republic that the vandalism was not related to drug cartels. The Rev. Giovanni Bizzotto, director of a shelter in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, which sits on the border with Texas, says many migrants experience harrowing journeys that include extortion, kidnappings and robberies. Violence between drug cartels and against migrants in that part of Mexico has surged in the past several years, including the discovery of a mass grave that held over 70 migrants in the city of San Fernando, about 250 miles south of Nuevo Laredo. The U.S. State Department advises against unnecessary travel to many cities in the state of Tamaulipas. "We're right here in the middle of the situation," Bizzotto said. "The situation is very hard on the border, but we carry on with hope." The Rev. Pat Murphy, who operates a migrant shelter in Tijuana, Mexico, says he hasn't seen any issues with crime lately, but that could be because the shelter is open 24 hours a day and always has staff on hand. The shelter provides food, clothing, legal assistance and other services to deported immigrants or those who have just arrived in northern Mexico. In Nogales, Carroll said staff discovered the vandalized shelter Sept. 15. Besides feces, they found paint thrown around a table and soap tossed around. "It's a threatening environment for our staff at the moment," Carroll said. "We're moving forward, and obviously we continue to seek support for our mission, but the mission hasn't changed." PHOENIX: Vandals broke into a shelter, left feces on crosses made by migrant men and trashed other parts of the building. Someone made a threatening call to a priest who helps serve warm meals to recently deported immigrants. The soup kitchen for deported migrants in the Mexican city of Nogales, on the border with Arizona, has seen a spate of crimes this year. Its leader says the incidents likely are tied to the center's growing involvement in helping migrants report crimes. "We've been robbed before, but we've never had a break-in like that," said the Rev. Sean Carroll, head of the center known in Spanish as a "comedor." His efforts won Pope Francis' praise last year. The break-in and vandalism at the Kino Border Initiative-run center are part of a border-wide problem of drug cartels that see migrant shelters as an impediment to their business because they protect migrants who otherwise could be forced into smuggling drugs or extorted for money to cross into the U.S. Carroll says migrants have increasingly told staff and volunteers they were robbed or kidnapped by criminal organizations hoping to seize on attempts to cross the border. "I think it comes in waves," said Maureen Meyer, a senior associate with the Washington Office on Latin America. "They're protecting something that criminal organizations use as a profit." In Nogales, staffers have escorted migrants to police departments and helped them file reports on at least 10 occasions this year, Carroll says. The kitchen served over 4,300 meals in October and provides shelter for a limited number of migrants. Carroll says staff already has safety measures in place, but is also working with Mexican police to increase patrols and possibly install security cameras in the kitchen. Mexican police told The Arizona Republic that the vandalism was not related to drug cartels. The Rev. Giovanni Bizzotto, director of a shelter in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, which sits on the border with Texas, says many migrants experience harrowing journeys that include extortion, kidnappings and robberies. Violence between drug cartels and against migrants in that part of Mexico has surged in the past several years, including the discovery of a mass grave that held over 70 migrants in the city of San Fernando, about 250 miles south of Nuevo Laredo. The U.S. State Department advises against unnecessary travel to many cities in the state of Tamaulipas. "We're right here in the middle of the situation," Bizzotto said. "The situation is very hard on the border, but we carry on with hope." The Rev. Pat Murphy, who operates a migrant shelter in Tijuana, Mexico, says he hasn't seen any issues with crime lately, but that could be because the shelter is open 24 hours a day and always has staff on hand. The shelter provides food, clothing, legal assistance and other services to deported immigrants or those who have just arrived in northern Mexico. In Nogales, Carroll said staff discovered the vandalized shelter Sept. 15. Besides feces, they found paint thrown around a table and soap tossed around. "It's a threatening environment for our staff at the moment," Carroll said. "We're moving forward, and obviously we continue to seek support for our mission, but the mission hasn't changed." #PM-apology PM apologizes for quip at press briefing on Itaewon tragedy Prime Minister Han Duck-soo issued an apology Wednesday for making a quip at a media briefing with foreign journalists with regard to the Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon. "Re... #football Tottenham's Son Heung-min leaves Champions League match early after collision Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur was forced to leave his club's latest UEFA Champions League match early following a collision with an opposing defender. Son was subbed out in... On November 18, 2016, Princess Sofia of Sweden attended a dinner in Stockholm, where there is an auction for the benefit of Project Playground. A hundred guests attended the dinner and a total of a million kroner aid was collected at the auction and the dinner. Project Playground is a Swedish nonprofit organization that works for children and young people for the purpose of enhancing sportive and social activities. Princess Sofia wore a dark blue By Malina Meryl dress at the donation dinner. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Reporter Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 New Delhi: Ecstatic after clinching her maiden Super Series premier title at China Open on Sunday, Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu said she was left speechless with emotions as she has finally realised a long-time dream. The 21-year-old Sindhu registered a hard-fought 21-11, 17-21, 21-11 victory over China's Sun Yu to clinch the China Open, just months after becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver at Olympic Games in Rio in August this year. "It has been a dream for a long time to win a super series. After the Olympics, everyone was asking me whats next? It was important for me to get a super series title. Life changed a lot after the Olympics. People thought I will take a long time to get back. But I worked hard," Sindhu said. "This is my first super series title and I am very happy, I have no words to express. Last time I played Denmark final," she added. Talking about the tournament and today's match, Sindhu said: "I played well. It is a great day for me. I just thought i can give my best, because I practiced hard. I was quite confident. From the first round it was tough. "The first game was very easy. I am playing her after two and a half years, she is also tall like me and we both are attacking players. i lost the second game and in the third I started well and from 11-7, I maintained the lead." London bronze medallist Saina Nehwal and K Srikanth had won the China Open in 2014 and Sindhu said she was happy to emulate the former world No. 1. "I did what Saina did in 2014 and I am very happy." Talking about her semifinal clash with Korea's Sung Ji Hyun, Sindhu said: "It was such a tough match, one of my best wins. There were such long rallies. I was so far down in the second, but I could come back. I thought let me just play and see. I had made so many errors. There were so many rallies, each point was a rally. She didn't leave anything. I wasn't tired. Even though we played long rallies, we had breaks in between. Neither of us was leaving the shuttle. My jump smashes worked in the end." Mumbai: Dispelling rumours of fake Rs 10 coin in circulation, RBI on Sunday asked people not to give credence to such canards and continue to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions without any hesitation. It has been reported that some less-informed or uninformed persons who suspect the genuineness of such coins are creating doubts in the minds of ordinary people including traders, shopkeepers, etc, impeding the circulation of these coins in certain pockets of the country causing avoidable confusion, RBI said in a statement. "The Reserve Bank has advised members of the public not to give credence to such ill-informed notions and ignore them and continue to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions without any hesitation," it said. According to RBI as coins remain in circulation for longer periods, it is quite possible that coins of different designs and even shapes are circulating at the same time. One such change is introduction of 'Rupee symbol' in coins in July 2011, it said. An instance of this is the Rs 10 coin with rupee symbol and the same denomination coin without rupee symbol, it said, adding both of them are legal tender and equally good for transactions, though they may look a little different. It further said RBI puts into circulation coins minted by the Government of India and these have distinctive features. Coins in new denominations to meet transaction needs of public and coins in new designs to reflect various themes - economic, social and cultural - are introduced from time to time, it added. Banks took a break from catering to long queues on Sunday even as politics over the demonetisaton of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes continued. Training his guns on opposition leaders who have demanded a rollback, BJP chief Amit Shah said they were scared. Samajwadi Party, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee have joined forces since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetization. They are all scared, he said in Chandigarh. Taking on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shah said he may have missed the achievements of Modi government as he is wearing Italian glasses. Stay tuned for LIVE updates Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here. New Delhi: The AAP on Saturday reiterated that the Centre's demonetisation of high-denomination currency is the "biggest scam in independent India" and again demanded its rollback. "What Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to the nation is a scam in the name of demonetisation," Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said. The AAP leader told the media here that the move to demonetise 500 and 1,000 rupee notes was aimed at benefiting big corporates by waiving off their bank dues. "Rs 8 lakh crore dues are pending against his 10 capitalist friends and this (demonetisation) move is (aimed) to benefit them." He claimed Modi was waiving dues of big corporates who paid "bribes" to him (Modi). AAP's Delhi Convenor Dilip Pandey said: "This demonetisation move is a Rs 8 lakh crore scam, the biggest in independent India." Pandey said the rich people close to the Bharatiya Janata Party were unaffected by the cash chaos triggered by the November 8 demonetisation. "The poor are the ones being troubled a lot," he said, adding that the government should roll back this move. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told a news channel on Friday: "It is the biggest scam of independent India. It would be anti-national to support demonetisation in its present form. On November 17, Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned of a public revolt if the Centre's decision was not reversed in three days. New Delhi: Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said the Narendra Modi government announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wants a serious discussion on the issue under the rules that entail voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. 60 people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. Kharge said Congress was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions," he alleged. Asked if the Opposition will allow Parliament to function tomorrow, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." Attacking the government for failing to bring back black money stashed abroad, he said, "The Modi dispensation has completed two-and-a-half years in office, but has failed to come out with the list of people having accounts in Swiss banks." He claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard," he said. The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes, Kharge added. Early one morning in September, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Chief Minister of Assam, travelled to Hojai from Guwahati. He inaugurated a new railway track there and then proceeded onwards to Dibrugarh, another six- hour journey.Special teams from the Assam police had fanned out even before the CM left Guwahati to sanitise the route, secure the locations and make sure that the safety precautions for a chief ministerial visit were in place. Coordinating the whole operation was Subashini Sankaran, an Indian Police Service officer, who was appointed as the head of Sarbananda Sonowals security detail in July.Subashini is the first lady IPS officer in post-Independence India to be put in charge of a chief ministers security. For someone who doesnt have an IPS family background, Sankaran had to steel herself and break numerous stereotypes, especially in a role which leaves zero scope for error.It was a new thing for everybody but people slowly adapted to being comfortable about having a lady police officer as the chief ministers head of security, Subashini said when she met this correspondent at a coffee shop in New Delhis Khan Market last month.When they realized that everyone has to work in the same team the respect levels went up.Looking after the security of the chief minister mapping out the routes, coordinating with the teams that provide close proximity protection, briefing and debriefing the personnel is a full-time job, and 15-18 hour shifts arent uncommon for Subashini.In her downtime she reads biographies and listens to jazz and folk music to unwind.Subashini hails from a South Indian middle class family with roots in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Her maternal grandfather, M. Rajagopalan, started two magazines in the 1950s which are still being published, Motorindia and the Textile Magazine.In the 1980s Subashini's parents moved to Bombay, where she did her schooling in Thane and Kalyan and graduated with a degree in Sociology from St. Xaviers. She was adjudged the best student for the year 2005-06.She joined Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi for a Masters and M.Phil in Sociology. While there she started studying to join the services, despite not having a family background - her father worked in the industrial safety department of a private firm, her mother is a home maker and her sister an entrepreneur in the United States.She made the cut for the IPS and went for the training programme at the Sardar Vallabhai Police Academy in Hyderabad. She learnt the basics of Indian policing, handling the physical and mental demands that accompany being a law enforcement officer.Assam was allocated to her based on a system of cadre allocation that depends on personal preference, officer strength in state cadres and many other permutations and combinations.There is a paucity of women in combat roles and when people see Subashini in the chief ministers entourage they assume she is something other than the chief security officer.Her uniform black trousers, white shirt topped by a black blazer often makes them mistake her for a lawyer! Subashini has a way of dealing with such situations: a polite nod of the head and a smile.The uniform also helps conceal a weapon, which Subashini carries at all times.Assam, the largest of Indias northeastern states, is a challenging assignment in policing terms. Law & order, counter-insurgency, communal tension, smuggling, wildlife poaching and drug rings are things Assam Police have to contend with. Add to that ethnic strife and the challenges of manning international borders, which helps Assam cops develop a range of security skill sets. This experience was vital for preparing Subashini for her current role as the person responsible for protecting the head of government.Before her appointment as SP (security) to the chief minister, Subashini was posted to different parts of Assam. She started as an ASP on probation in Azara Police Station in Guwahati.After this came a posting in Biswanath District followed by stints in Silchar in Southern Assam and Tezpur on the banks of the Bramhaputra River as Additional SP.Each of these postings offered Subashini opportunities to hone her policing and people-management skills, something she says is very important for law enforcement officials.After all, people management comes in handy not just with the general public, but in interactions with your own men in the force. What also helps is that Subashini speaks fluent Assamese, which she has learnt on-the-go in her four years in the state.On December 23, 2014 militants from a splinter group of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland massacred 30 tribals in Sonitpur District. Subashini and her team reached the spot in under 20 minutes, given the sensitivity of the situation. Anticipating a law and order situation, the police ensured that the bodies were picked up before it inflamed passions further.Operation All Out was launched by the army and paramilitary forces soon after to flush out militants and the Assam police also participated, going on all-night operations.But thats not all. While in Biswanath Chariali, Subashini and her team busted a rhinopoaching ring operating out of nearby Kaziranga.In her Silchar stint she had to deal with the sensitive communal situation there. During the Assam assembly elections in 2016, she was sent to Hailakandi district as superintendent of police, where her task was to ensure peaceful polling, easier said than done in a sensitive district.The varied postings taught Subashini to do what was needed to maintain law and order. Talk when necessary, take firm action when necessary, is how she put it. Lawfully, of course, she added as a caveat.Her M Phil dissertation at Jawaharlal Nehru University on women and terrorism - she studied the suicide bomber squads of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam helped her understand law and order within a broader political and sociological framework.Women have reacted in different - and encouraging - ways wherever theyve encountered her. They have been more confident in approaching the police in the knowledge that a woman officer would be more sensitive to them.Girls have been inspired by seeing a woman in uniform. A man approached her at one of Sonowals election meetings and told her that his daughters were thrilled to see her and inspired by her.Subashini did not envisage being a role model, but she says that if it helps to empower girls and break gender stereotypes, it is something shes happy with. New Delhi: The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) along with the family members of missing student Najeeb Ahmed on Sunday reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav seeking his help against the alleged inaction of the Delhi Police and JNU administration in the matter. "We acquainted him with demands of 'JusticeforNajeeb' and made him acquainted with inactivity of Delhi Police and JNU adminstration. We also requested him to explore the possibilities of administrative intervention in searching Najeeb," said a statement issued by the JNUSU after the meeting with the UP CM in Lucknow. "The CM of UP promised us that he will explore the possibilities of administrative intervention by the UP government. Besides this, we also requested him to write to Home Minister, Prime Minister and the President of India and ask them to act promptly and transparently in this case," it added. Among the people meeting the CM were JNUSU President Mohit Pandey, its former Vice President Shehla Rashid, Ahmed's mother Fatima Nafees, and his brother Mujeeb. It has been 35 days since Najeeb Ahmed has been missing from the Jawaharlal Nehru Univesity's (JNU) Mahi-Mandvi hostel where he was assaulted by students affiliated to Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the night of October 14-15. A Proctorial Inquiry was formed at the University level to find the culprits, apart from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Delhi Police to trace Ahmed. The Inquiry in its November 7 report, found at least one student named Vikrant guilty of assaulting Ahmed on the said night, and served him with a show cause notice. New Delhi: Delhi Police will be rolling out advertisements in print and on FM radio stations asking people to share information regarding missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed. The advertisements will also contain sketches of Najeeb with a beard and other possible appearances he might have assumed, a senior police official privy to the probe said on Sunday. "Najeeb belongs to Badaun and has studied in Bareilly. He went missing from JNU and was last seen getting off from an auto at the Jamia. That is why these advertisements will be focused on these areas where Najeeb could allegedly be hiding or people have a connection with him," he said. Police had sought CCTV footage from Jamia authorities in connection with Najeeb's disappearance but it has been erased as the authorities store a day's clips for one month, prompting the probe team to seek help from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to retrieve the images. The Jamia Millia Islamia administration, after initial reluctance, had shared CCTV footage with the Delhi Police's Crime Branch but had informed it that the footage of the period before October 18 was not available. The probe team had traced an auto-rickshaw driver who told them that he had dropped Najeeb at Jamia on October 15. Meanwhile, a guard at JNU's Mahi Mandavi Hostel where Najeeb was staying had received a letter a few days ago which stated that the student was being held captive in Aligarh. However, on verification, the letter was found to be bogus. Najeeb went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with ABVP members the night before. The case was last week transferred from South District Police to Crime Branch in order to have a "fresh look" at the case. Lucknow: Fearing the repercussions of a divided house, ruling Samajwadi Party is contemplating taking back all its expelled leaders, if Rajya Sabha member Ramgopal Yadav's reinstatement is any signal. With Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections barely few months away, SP does not want to portary a picture of disunity knowing fully well that dents in its vote bank will help its opponents BSP and BJP in the battle of ballots. Some of the expelled youth leaders, close to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, have already met party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, triggering speculation of their early return to party fold. MLCs Sunil Sajan, Anand Bhadauria and Sanjay Lather, and youth leaders Gaurav Dubey, Digvijay Singh Dev and Brajesh Yadav among others met Mulayam and have reportedly tendered apology for their actions that had led to their expulsion from the party, SP sources said. The youth leaders are said to have pleaded with the party chief to allow them to work for the SP to strengthen it before the assembly polls. Mulayam has assured them that he would look into their request, the sources said. After the return of Ram Gopal, who was expelled from the party for six years, speculation was rife that others too will also brought back. Taking a strong view of the protests and sloganeering on the streets during the feud in the first family of Samajwadi Party, the state unit had expelled a number of youth wing leaders, who were said to be close to Akhilesh. Ram Gopal's return to SP is widely seen as a victory for the Akhilesh camp, which has been at loggerheads with Shivpal over party control and poll strategy. Party insiders said that Ram Gopal's return heralded return of expelled youth leaders of Akhilesh camp as the Rajya Sabha member had laid down a condition that all those scaked should be reinducted into the party if his expulsion was revoked. "Talks are going on and it is expected that all expulsions will be revoked after a warning to the youth leaders," a senior SP leader said, adding that party veterans Beni Prasad Verma and Reoti Raman -- close to Mulayam -- were working overtime to bring Ram Gopal and others back. New Delhi: Notwithstanding the suffering of the common people, Kailash Satyarthi supports the governments' demonetisation move as it will help curb trafficking, but the Nobel laureate and child rights crusader assert that unless and until children become a political priority, India will continue to be dogged by the evils of child labour and child trafficking. And endeavouring to ignite a social movement are his two initiatives: "Laureates & Leaders for Children" and "100 Million for 100 Million". The Laureates & Leaders for Children summit, to be held in December at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has attracted over a dozen Nobel laureates and global leaders, including the Dalai Lama, Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee , Australia's first woman Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Princess Charlene of Monaco, who will raise their collective voices against violence and discrimination against children. They will brainstorm and commit to action in their respective fields to accelerate progress and achieve breakthroughs to benefit children, by signing a declaration. The summit will also witness the launching of the "100 million for 100 million" campaign, which aims to mobilize, over the next five years, 100 million youth and children for 100 million underprivileged children across the world to end child labour, child slavery, and violence against children and promote the right of every child to be safe, free and educated. Having been at the forefront of the global movement to end child slavery for four decades now, Satyarthi is also aghast at the "paltry" government spending on children, who make up more than 40 percent of India's population. "We don't have progressive laws on child labour; our government spends a paltry four percent of its budget on children and we have a massive prevalence of child trafficking. All this will not change unless and until children become our political priority." "Trafficking is a thriving trade running into several lakh crores of rupees, a majority of which is black money. Yes, the demonetisation drive is causing sufferings to the people, but at the same time it has hurt the traffickers badly," Satyarthi told IANS in an interview. "But the fact remains that children are not our political or even social priority. So it is not surprising that we have one of the highest numbers of malnourished children, child labour and trafficking," he says. Pointing to the fact that child labour immensely contributes towards black money, Satyarthi blamed the latest law dealing with child labour for actually promoting the evil. "A child labourer is paid nearly one-fifth of what an adult gets and this allows an employer to save around Rs 200 on every child that he employs. While in their books they show they have hired adults, but in reality they employ children and in this way a lot of black money is generated." "You cannot have a law that permits child labour," he said, referring to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, which has cut down the list of hazardous occupations for children from 83 to include just mining, explosives and what is mentioned in the Factories Act." "We are fighting against this new law. It is imperative that the list of hazardous occupations is increased from the current three that it has now proscribed," said Satyrathi, asserting the several rounds of talks with the government have been fruitful and he was confident of the list being amended. He also lamented the lack of coordination and cooperation between various government departments. "There are a host of ministries involved but they hardly sit together and coordinate which eventually trickles down to the local level. The different departments are so fragmented that often the cause that they are fighting for gets lost." "In case of a rescue of a girl, say from trafficking, we have to deal with as many as nine different departments, including the Home Ministry, the Child Welfare Department, the Labour Ministry and the like. The lack of coordination between them often makes our job difficult," he said. The way forward, he says, depends only on a massive social movement. "We need to have a massive social movement, only then you can generate the political will necessary to improve the life of our children," Satyarthi concluded. It takes more than 3 masked men to take me down, I am a strong woman. Talking to @cnn @cnni A photo posted by Mallikasherawat (@mallikasherawat) on Nov 18, 2016 at 6:44am PST Chandigarh: Congress workers on Sunday held a protest demonstration against the demonetisation drive by the BJP led NDA government at the Centre. The Congress had announced its decision to show black flags to the BJP President Amit Shah, who was to address a party meeting here today, to protest the Centre's demonetisation move. They were to take out a procession from Sector 19 to Sector 27 - venue of BJP rally - located at a short distance, but the Chandigarh Police personnel foiled their attempt and prevented them from reaching the venue of Shah's party function. The police used force, including water cannons, to stop the Congress workers from marching ahead. The security arrangements in Chandigarh were at a very high-level today due to the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee and Israel President Reuven Rivlin for the inaugural function of Agro Tech 2016 Fair in the Sector 17 Parade Ground. Police personnel had been deployed in strength on various roads in the city to provide security to the visiting dignitaries and also to prevent protester's presence near them. Hyderabad: Asking the Opposition not to politicise the Centre's demonetisation move, Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya on Sunday requested all parties and Chief Ministers to come forward with their suggestions and work with the government to ease hardships faced by the people. "They (Opposition parties) should not politicise the issue. Let them come for discussion to show solutions and see that people's hardships are unitedly solved with their ideas," Dattatreya told reporters here. "Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao met Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the matter and like that I request all other Chief Ministers to give their suggestions definitely Central government is there to help the people. Tomorrow I will also meet the PM," he said. Dattatreya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to demonetise high-value currency is laudable. "I agree, after the ban of old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, people are facing problems...but they are supporting the Central government's move. They (citizens) too want this black money (menace) should be eliminated," he said. There are some technical problems with ATM machines and all will get activated and (new) Rs 500 notes will come into the market shortly, he said. Dattatreya said he has already requested Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitely to station more number of mobile ATM vans in labour markets and help unorganised sector workers. "On behalf of our ministry, we will educate the workers," he said. The senior BJP leader and MP from Secunderabad further said, "All our party cadres - MLAs, MPs - will go to villages and also educate people and work to solve their problems." On the Indore-Patna Express train derailment in UP today that claimed over 100 lives, Dattatreya said, "It is an unfortunate incident." Islamabad: Battle-hardened Pakistan army is "equally ready" to fight conventional wars after registering an "unprecedented level of successes" in its war against terror, army chief General Raheel Sharif has said. Visiting troops and war veterans at Sulemanki Sector on Saturday, Raheel, who is expected to retire from service later this month, said that the military has always measured up to any challenge. While interacting with the troops, Raheel said that Pakistan Army proudly carries its heritage and tradition of soldiering and chivalry. "Taking inspiration from our war heroes and their spirit of sacrifice, Pakistan Army has always measured up to any challenge. With an unprecedented level of successes in war against terror, we have become the most battle-hardened Army and are equally ready for conventional war," he was quoted as saying by a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations. On Monday, Raheel had attended the funeral of seven Pakistani soldiers who were killed during border skirmishes with the Indian army. The Pakistan army chief had warned India that Pakistan army "will continue to respond effectively, leave no stone unturned to defend motherland." He appreciated the troops for keeping vigil along the Line of Control, working boundary and international border. Raheel is due to retire on November 29 after a three-year stint. Earlier on Friday, General Raheel visited Government College University (GCU) Lahore, his alma mater and interacted with the students and faculty members. To revive his old memories, he visited various sections of the premier institute specially those parts where he had spent his days as a student. He emphasised on the youth to always focus on 3Cs (Character, Courage and Competence) and strive for honour and dignity through hard work and faith in Allah. Raheel, while expressing his optimism of a brighter future of the country, said that Pakistanis are a great nation and its human resource was its real asset. He also referred to the 'Zarbe Azb' military operations against militants in 2014. Pakistan's military launched the operations in North Waziristan to clear the area of militants and the successful ampaign has laid a strong foundation for peace and progress in Pakistan, Raheel said. Los Angeles: James Mattis, a retired 4-star Marine Corps general who has long voiced concerns about the threat posed by Iran, is being considered to become Secretary of Defence, US president-elect Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday. "General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who is being considered for Secretary of Defence, was very impressive yesterday. A true General's General!" Trump said in a tweet. Mattis, former Central Command leader, was one of several people who have met Trump and Vice president-elect Mike Pence. The 66-year-old Marine Corps general, who memorably said "it's fun to shoot some people", would add to a cabinet of national security super-hawks and signal a return to a more aggressive defence of American interests abroad. "To have someone like General Mattis to sit before us yesterday, someone with a legendary military career and to be able to talk to him about the challenges facing America and our national security - and I can tell you that the president-elect was very grateful," Pence said. In Mattis, Trump has a candidate who was held in high regard throughout the ranks of the Marine Corps during his 44 years of service. A seasoned combat commander, he led a task force into southern Afghanistan in 2001 and a Marine division at the time of the Iraq invasion in 2003, according to CNN. The retired four-star general, who was known as "Mad Dog," was lauded for his leadership of Marines in the 2004 Battle of Falluja in Iraq - one of the bloodiest of the war. But he also attracted controversy in 2005 when he said "it's fun to shoot some people" while addressing service members in San Diego. Mattis would require a waiver from Congress to be eligible for the post, since a retired officer is needed to be out of uniform for at least seven years before taking control of the Pentagon responsibilities. With Republicans in control on Capitol Hill and the general praise for the general's career, the waiver would likely be a formality to obtain. Trump also met Mitt Romney, a moderate Republican who had branded him a "con man, phony and fraud" during the election campaign. Appearing on Fox News, Pence said Romney, 69, is being considered for the position of Secretary of State. Governor "Mitt Romney came in. They had a good meeting. It was a warm and substantive exchange. I know he's under active consideration to be the secretary of state of the United States along with other distinguished Americans," Pence said. "We spent about an hour together with the team, the president-elect and I on one side of the table and some of the team on the other side with Governor Romney. And we talked through a lot of substantive issues," he said. Pence said he met the top Congressional leadership this week. "We had a substantive conversation. We're working with the majorities in the House and Senate to move forward an aggressive agenda," he said. "From there, we'll work on issues ranging from ending illegal immigration, reviving our economy through tax reform, rebuilding the military, restoring the infrastructure of this country," the vice president-elect said. The flashing lights appeared soon after Raul Diaz pulled the car out of his parents driveway in south Florida. It wasnt the first time the teen, a son of Cuban immigrants, had been stopped by the police. But this time, Diaz knew he hadnt done anything wrong. As he reached for his registration in the glove compartment, a pair of hands reached through the open car window. Diaz was pulled him out of the car his feet dangling in the air before being thrown to the ground, patted down and hauled against the side of the car. The incredulous teen asked what was going on as the officer screamed for him to shut up. Diazs passenger, his pretty girlfriend now wife was horrified. The officer looked inside the car and winked at her. The only reason I dont take this punk to jail is because of you, Diaz recalls the officer saying. There was no explanation as to what Diaz did wrong. Before the officer walked away, he warned Diaz that if he saw him again, he would not be as easy on the teen the next time. Diaz, now 50, credits such incidents for giving him a perspective others might not have and have shaped his approach to policing. *** As Diaz marks his first year as Lynchburgs top cop, there is evidence of that approach beginning to play out in the Hill City. He has put in place or expanded on several initiatives by the Lynchburg Police Department that involve getting officers more in touch with the neighborhoods and the people on their beats. He also has worked to step up minority recruitment in a department in which the vast majority of officers are white men. I think he came in with the community at heart, with the desire to know the community and be a support to the community, said the Rev. James Camm, pastor of Living Word Ministries, who is part of a faith-based collaboration with the police department. Ive noticed him in areas that other police chiefs would not go in. He wants to understand this community. Community building was an early goal expressed by Diaz, who was sworn in as Lynchburgs chief on Nov. 18, 2015. He replaced Parks Snead, a 30-plus year veteran of the Lynchburg Police Department. Earlier this year, Diaz implemented the Community Action Team, a group of four officers and a sergeant who specialize in outreach efforts such as a recent coffee with community at the Diamond Hill Center. The team strives to develop contacts in the community, such as with organizations like churches and neighborhood groups, that can assist the department in addressing problems, Diaz said. He said the goal is to one day expand the Community Action Team to 10 officers and two sergeants. Its really important we have open dialogue and be transparent with the community we serve, Diaz said. If we make this community a safe environment for people who want to live, work and play, then this community will thrive and the more this community thrives, the better we will continue to be. Gerald Cheatham, president of the Lynchburg branch of the NAACP, recalled Diaz speaking early on of his commitment to community policing, a philosophy in which officers go out into the citys neighborhoods, becoming more familiar with residents and building trust. Cheatham sat on a community panel that helped to interview what was at the time three finalists seeking to serve as the citys next police chief. The panel provided its input to then-city manager Kimball Payne, who made the final decision. Cheatham said the panel thought Diaz could bring some different perspectives on how to deal with Lynchburgs gang problems. He has definitely held true to community policing and the initiatives he has put forth are indicative of that, Cheatham said. He has made himself available to the community. An early focus made by Diaz was the challenge of minority recruitment in his police department. In September, 90 percent, or 157 of the 174 sworn officers, are white; about 7 percent, or 13 officers, are black. LDP also has three Hispanic officers and one Asian officer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the citys racial breakdown is 66 percent white, 28 percent black, 3 percent Hispanic and 3 percent Asian. Lt. Tony Crews, a 23-year veteran of the department, now serves as the lead recruiter. We really need to have a workforce that really mirrors the community in which we serve, said Crews, who is black. Crews said Diaz is building on a growing emphasis on qualified minority recruitment at the Lynchburg Police Department, challenging his officers to look outside the box. One such method is through cultivating relationships with high schools students interested in law enforcement, Crews said. The Community Action Team also can be used as a minority recruitment tool. Crews said officers speak or make contacts with churches and other organizations, he likes to ask CAT members how the department can get its message across to that group. We have more credibility when a relationship is started instead of were just asking for more minorities, Crews said. According to Crews, the department has doubled its budget for recruiting. It has two full-time personnel and training officers and the city has just hired a full-time public safety recruiter who will assist in recruitment efforts for the fire and police departments and for emergency services. Under Diazs leadership, the departments two fulltime personnel and training officers are now supplemented on an as-needed basis by an additional group of officers who have been trained in recruiting. Obviously we have more work to do, Diaz said. We work with groups in the community to try to get us more applicants to try to come in and work with us, and I think weve been successful to some degree. *** In the coming year, Diaz said he would like to continue the departments community bridge building efforts. Two such initiatives began prior to Diazs arrival. About 21 churches are involved in a collaboration between faith-based groups and the police department. Diaz has embraced the collaboration, said Camm, the pastor of Living Word Ministries. During Sneads tenure, the department began a community policing advisory group that meets monthly and consists of representatives from organizations that include local churches, businesses and nonprofits. The group has been in existence since 2015 and is an effort to provide information to the community about what we do, how we do, and why we do it, said the groups coordinator, Major Todd Swisher. The department, in turn, can gain feedback on how it can do things better, Swisher said. The community policing advisory group is not a citizen review board, a form of community oversight of police officers. While no one has approached him about the need for a citizen review board, if that is something the community desires, we can sit down and have a conversation, Diaz said. *** A goal for the coming year is to reconfigure the departments beat map. Currently, the city is divided into eight beats; the goal is to increase that number to 10. More compact beats will help a police officer know a community and the people within it. Also in the months ahead, the department is set to complete the issuance of body-worn cameras to all sworn officers, and to train each officer in fair and impartial policing. Currently, approximately eight police officers are equipped with a body-worn camera while a larger number of officers have been trained in fair and impartial policing, a six- to eight-hour course that focuses on implicit, or unconscious, biases that may influence decision making. The departments goal is to have each officer trained in fair and impartial policing and be equipped with a camera by September 2017. While cameras are a good tool that have been welcomed by city leadership, police officers and the community at large, they are not a panacea, Diaz said. The better way to handle legitimacy is by building relationships within the community, Diaz said. They know they can trust and believe when I say, without a video or with a video, I say, the officer did x, y, and z, and what the officer did was justified. If that community believes me, because they know me and they trust me and Im transparent and Im legitimate, then that goes a lot further then just simply a video. *** Diaz came to Lynchburg after serving 26 years with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Growing up, he admits he wasnt the best kid. He got into trouble, and while he was never arrested he had seen the back of a police car a few times. It didnt help the matter that when I was stopped, or I dealt with the officers, I wasnt nice. I was a punk, and I acted like a punk and that didnt help things, he said. At other times, he attributes being stopped as a result of being a certain age and ethnicity in an area that was populated by gangs and the sale of narcotics. One lesson the driveway incident taught Diaz is that each person looks at the same type of circumstances through different lenses. A person can believe he or she is being inappropriately stopped or having his or her rights infringed upon, while the officer can believe he is making the stop for a true violation and is within the confines of the law. What we have to do is try to get both sides to see it from the same lens, because if the officers are coming from, Im lawfully doing it, and the person that Im stopping recognizes thats whats being done to them is being done to them because its a legitimate violation of the law, then the response will be different as opposed to, Im stopping you because Im poor, or youre stopping me because I look different, or youre stopping me because of my ethnicity. If they feel the reasons theyre being stopped are legitimate, then theyre perspective will change, Diaz said. That doesnt mean they will be sunshine and lollipops, youre still not happy about it but you realize that this guy is doing what hes doing because its legitimate. A 21-year-old Danville man was killed and two other teenagers injured in a shooting at a party Friday night in Danville. The killing marked the 14th homicide in the city this year. Police responded to the 200 block of Kemper Road near the Danville Community College campus for a shots fired call at about 10:20 p.m., according to a news release. Officers found Jacquel Tashan Stamps, of Danville, dead in a driveway suffering from gunshot wounds. His body will be sent to the Medical Examiner's Office in Roanoke for an autopsy. Police also found a 14-year-old who had been shot on Neatherly Lane, according to the news release. He was transported to the hospital for injuries and later released. A third victim, a 17-year-old male, arrived at the hospital by private vehicle. He was also treated and released. Emergency crews were observed on the campus of Danville Community College Friday night. Police crime tape was draped along the intersection of Kemper Road and Boswell Street. This homicide comes less than 24 hours after a Danville 15-year-old was killed on Piney Forest Road. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Danville Crime Stoppers at (434) 793-0000, the Danville Police Department at (434) 799-6508 or at crimetips@danvilleva.gov. Josiah a target This was the claim of Josiahs mother, Jeanette Ramsahai, as she cried over her son, and about the fact that the justice system had failed her and her child. From victimisation by the police, to the abuse at juvenile detention centres and non-action by those who were supposed to help and protect citizens, Jeanette now has no faith in the system but it still praying to God for some kind of justice for her child. Josiah, 15, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope on Friday after an alleged shoot-out with the Tunapuna Police Task Force. According to a Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) press release, at around 11 am on Friday, officers responded to a call that a man was seen with a firearm at Maingot Road, Tunapuna. It stated the police officers arrived, announced their presence, and there was an exchange of gunfire. Later, Josiah Ramsahai, was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) where he succumbed to his injury. A 9 mm firearm was recovered from the scene, it said. The release then stated that Josiah was on 13 charges including possession of firearm, possession of narcotics, rape and larceny. However, when Sunday Newsday visited the family home on Dookie Trace, Tunapuna yesterday, they told a different story. His aunt, Kizzy Ramsahai said she had left Josiah at a shop after speaking to him, just minutes before she saw a police vehicle speeding in the opposite direction. I was in a taxi with my children and I turned around to watch. The police just opened the doors (the vehicle), ran out and started to shoot. One of the boys who was there told me the same thing. He said they shot the soft drink out of his hand, she said. A few minutes later, she got a call that her nephew had been shot. She dropped her children at home and went back to the shop to see if it was true. When she arrived, she was told the police had Josiah in a nearby empty lot on Robert Trace. She went through a track and along a drain and hid behind some bushes. There, she said she saw them dragging the body to the centre of the field, surrounding Josiah, and then throwing him to the back of the police vehicle. At that point she came out of the bushes and into the lot, shouting Josiahs name in the hopes of getting a response from him. The same man who said he would have killed Josiah was there, throwing his body in the jeep. I called out Josiah! Josiah! Just to hear him say something. He would have answered me. (Police officers name called) just laughed at me, she said, voice breaking and tears streaming down her face. Meanwhile Jeanette recalled some of her sons short but troubled life. When he was only eight, Josiahs father was shot and killed in front of him. According to Jeanette, at age 13, Josiah began seeing a girl. However, the childrens parents did not like each other, nor spoke to each other so that when her father found out about the relationship, he made his daughter tell the police she was raped. Afterwards, the girl came back here and told us what her father made her do. She apologised but the damage was done, she said. Josiah was then sent to the St Michaels Home for Boys. My son went in to St Michaels at a tender age and the system crashed my child, they mash him up. When your child comes out he is damaged. If hes not good for himself to fight, they sodomize him, they thief everything you bring for him. The adults would beat them too. It is the worst,she said. At one point he was transferred from Aranguez North Secondary School to Sangre Grande Secondary School when he went to live by her sister but soon returned home. Jeanette said Josiah complained about gangs at the school, which Jeanette confirmed with a teacher. She said he told her he was being threatened by some of the boys and he was afraid to return so he stopped attending school altogether. Jeanette claimed Josiah was sent to a rehabilitation centre where he beaten with batons by police officers on many occasions. On one occasion she visited and his finger was broken, another time he was so badly beaten he could not walk, and other times they refused to let her see him. She also claimed that once, at the Tunapuna Police Station, multiple police officers told Josiah they would kill him because he looked like his father who was also known to the police. They would stop him regularly when he walked the road, plant drugs on him, and generally harass him. His last stint was at St Michaels in July of this year until he received bail in August for firearm related offences. Everything they blaming my child for was dismissed from the court but the police are not saying that. Why is it that they are framing my child. The same police charge him for gun possession, shooting with intent, all kinds of things. It was dismissed because they have no evidence. They police want people to believe my child is this monster but nobody understand what is going on, she cried. Jeanette told Sunday Newsday that, over the years, she complained to other police officers, and finally, about two months ago, she went to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to report the alleged victimisation of her son. However, she said the first thing the PCA officer told her was that Josiah was known to the police and they never called her. In addition, she said, when she went to the EW MSC to view Josiahs body, the doctors told her he had 18 bullet wounds, most to the front of his body. Some of the guns were so close to his body when he was shot that he had burn marks at the edge of the wounds. Josiahs family questioned how people in the area heard six gun shots, yet the body had 18 bullet wounds. Kizzy added that after the shooting, the police were seen using a weedwacker on the lot. When asked what they were looking for, they refused to respond. Whole day they looking for something. It was only when it got too dark to see properly that they decided to say he had a 9 mm, she said. Now, Jeanette is heartbroken and feels she has no where to turn to get justice for her son. ASP Moore: Criminals target businesswomen Assistant Commissioner of Police (ASP) Garfield Moore said the police has observed criminals mostly target women, and has called on them to be more vigilant to ensure their premises are not broken into and they are not robbed of their possessions. Moore was speaking to Newsday Tobago shortly after the police completed the third and last leg of its campaign called YOGA; Youths Opposed to Guns and Ammunition. He said with this initiative, while they may not reach their goal, the police should get a few more guns off the street. The YOGA initiative is a starting point and will be continued into the next year, Moore stated, until there are no more illegal guns on the island. He has admitted the Tobago Division is under 50 percent of its target to remove 24 illegal firearms off the streets in Tobago. In an interview with Newsday Tobago on Friday, Moore said the help of communities is needed if the police are to reach closer to its figure of 24 before the end of the year. He said 11 guns have been recovered thus far. The latest coming on Friday after a loaded gun was found. Police were checking an area where they had chased a suspect following a report of a robbery on Thursday night. The suspect was later arrested by police. The ASP noted that following a quiet period and a slight decrease in crimes during August and September, in October and November there has been a notable spike in robberies. The police have made some inroads and arrests since the recent increase but have noticed new criminal elements appear to be surfacing. However, he said the police are not daunted and will pursue all leads to ensure Tobago is safe Who is baby Mercys father? A police source told Sunday Newsday investigators wanted the babys father to come forward. He is important to this investigation, the source said. The person knows himself and should step forward. Investigators also want to find a relative who may have kept three teenaged children who lived in the house but were sent away for five months during which time it is believed baby Mercy died. The children had been away from the house and found it strange when they returned and were not hearing the baby. Our investigations revealed that when they questioned the mother, they were told that the baby was asleep and should ask no further questions. It was then it was told to a relative, the source said. For five months single mother Natalie Richins, 40, was left alone with the baby who was born on February 8. When her older children returned, one of them questioned why the house was quiet and why there were no cries from the baby. The teenager also observed a baby blanket with bones in a crib and told a relative who made a report to the police. On November 10, Richins, er eldest daughter Nicolette Harry, 18, and two other children a girl, 16, and a boy, 13, were detained by officers of the La Brea Police Station and interrogated. The family was released on November 15 and the minors were placed in the care of their grandfather. No charges were laid against Richins nor Harry. Richins has since claimed she gave birth to baby Mercy and not Nicolette as has been reported. She denied the baby had died and insisted Mercy remains alive and well and will be eventually seen by the public. Claiming she could not have lived in a house for five months with the foul stench of a rotting corpse, Richins also denied that police officers ever found skeletal remains in her home. Police are working on the theory that Mercy died some eight months ago after her birth and her death was never reported to the authorities. Sunday Newsday was told the family is being supported by the police services Victim and Support Unit, Childrens Authority, Child Protection Unit and other agencies. Officers were expected to visit the family yesterday as investigations continued. Eye on criminal deportees In making this comment on Friday in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said Government would be willinng to review the subvention given to groups such as Vision on Mission that play an invaluable role in, maintaining national security. Rowley said there is a difference between deportees and TT nationals who return home from the US on their own volition. He explained the former are subject to the US judicial process and, protocols have been in place prior to the arrival of (US President elect) Donald Trump to deal with them. On the latter, Rowley said they are, free to come and go as they wish. During a Peoples National Movement (PNM) walkabout in St Joseph on Monday, Rowley said Government is keeping a very close eye on Trumps statement that he plans to deport some three million undocumented immigrants from the US, after he assumes office in January. No need for GATE report to be public At that time, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said from August, all students currently enrolled in programmes which fall under the GATE Programme will continue to receive funding for their entire programmes. Students registered to begin programmes this year, will be fully funded for the 2016-2017 academic year. However, from August, persons over 50 years will no longer be eligible for GATE funding. Also effective from this month, Government will discontinue funding of new students in the medical programme at St Georges University (SGU) in Grenada. From the 2017-2018 academic year and beyond, students whose household income fall below $10,000 will be eligible for 100 percent GATE funding. This will be determined by means testing. For household incomes over $10,000, students will have to pay 25 percent of their tuition fees. Students from households whose income is over $30,000 will have to pay 50 percent of tuition fees. Government will increase the loan ceiling for students at local institutions to $35,000 annually while the loan ceiling for students at regional institutions will remain at $75,000 annually. Government will also establish a National Education Savings Fund, into which the private sector will be encouraged to make contributions, through tax incentives No One Has Done This Before in Billboard's History (Newser) Authorities say a New Jersey man was arrested after racking up over 300 toll violations and failing to pay more than $20,000 in tolls and fees. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said in a statement that James Clicerio, of Old Bridge, NJ, was arrested on Thursday after failing to pay a toll at the Outerbridge Crossing connecting Staten Island and Perth Amboy. Officials say Clicerio was driving a white Mercury SUV when he was pulled over and an officer discovered he had five EZ-Pass accounts and 323 violations, reports the AP. The fees and violations totaled $20,869. It's unclear whether Clicerio has an attorney who can comment on his behalf. Clicerio is charged with larceny and obstructing governmental administration, notes NJ.com. (Read more toll booth stories.) (Newser) Good thing Catholics have a fairly relaxed forgiveness policy. The Los Angeles Times reports a 60-year-old man convicted last February after posing as a priest was arrested earlier this month for slipping back into the vestments. When Erwin Mena was originally arrested, he had been acting as a priest at a Los Angeles church for five months or so. Authorities say he delivered sermons, baptized babies, held funerals, gave confession, and presided over Mass. However what eventually got Mena a year in jail for grand theft was selling fake trips to see the pope during his East Coast visit last fall. According to Fox 11, Mena made more than $15,000 selling nonexistent trips to parishioners for $500 to $1,000 a pop. Mena was released from jail early last July. He was arrested at a different Los Angeles church Nov. 2 while going by the name Father Edwin Lima. On Friday, a judge sentenced Mena to another 265 days in jail, telling him, "You can't go into a church and pretend you're a priest." The judge also barred Mena from coming within 100 feet of any Catholic church in the city. Mena has allegedly been doing his faux priest routine since the 1990s. (Read more Catholic priest stories.) (Newser) Authorities have found a week-old baby who was reported missing Thursday after her mother was shot to death in Kansas, police said Saturday. Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said baby Sophia Abarca-Nogueda was found alive after authorities executed a search warrant before dawn at a Dallas home, the Wichita Eagle reports. He said the baby is in protective custody and is doing well. "This is the best possible outcome to a very sad case," Ramsay said at a news conference. Two adults were in custody and being interviewed Saturday, Ramsay said. He also said more suspects could be identified, but provided few details, saying "it is still an active investigation." No one has been charged, reports the AP. "It's a complicated case and we want to make sure we get it right," Ramsay said. Police said investigators established late Friday that someone who knew the mother had fled to Dallas with the baby. The baby was reported missing, the same day her mother, 27-year-old Laura Abarca-Nogueda, was shot to death in her west Wichita apartment. The FBI had joined the search for the baby, and investigators worked around the clock since Sophia went missing, he said. "Hard work and the collaboration with the FBI is really what made this (closure) come about," he said. Sophia will be reunited with relatives "as soon as possible," he said. Dallas police "dropped everything" to assist in the case once investigators learned Sophia was there, Ramsay said. (Read more missing child stories.) (Newser) A 36-year-old Ohio woman has been charged with allegedly participating in the world's oldest profession, but she's making headlines for demanding the world's oddest payment: $50 and nachos. As WKBN reports, an undercover cop texted Crystal Hotlosz after seeing her ad for sex services online; police in Beaver say Hotlosz agreed to perform a sex act on the cop for the aforementioned $50 and nachos. She then called the cop to say the price had gone up to $60, and that the cop would have to provide the vehicle since she was catching a ride. Hotlosz approached the cop at the agreed-upon rendezvous, and asked for extra money and the nachos. She's charged with solicitation and possession of criminal tools; no word on the availability of nachos in the Mahoning County Jail. (Read more weird crimes stories.) (Newser) Bloomington, Indiana, city employees will indeed get paid time off for Good Friday and Columbus Day in 2017, but the holidays won't go by those names anymore. Mayor John Hamilton on Friday announced via memo that as a way to "demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity," the days would be redubbed "Spring Holiday" and "Fall Holiday," respectively. The former precedes Christians' celebration of Easter and commemorates the day Jesus Christ was crucified; the latter marks Christopher Columbus' 1492 arrival in America. The Herald-Times, which first reported the change, has more from Hamilton's memo: "We are terrifically proud of our diverse workforce at the city. That diversity makes us stronger and more representative of the public we proudly serve." Fox 59 quotes Hamilton as saying the names will "better reflect cultural sensitivity in the workplace." The BBC describes Bloomington as a "traditionally liberal city" that sits in Monroe County, where nearly three-fifths of votes went to Hillary Clinton; the New York Daily News adds that Indiana University's biggest campus is in Bloomington. While a number of cities have already renamed Columbus Day, the Good Friday change has some fired up on social media. How former GOP congressman Joe Walsh puts it on Twitter: "Political correctness makes us sissies." (Columbus is falling out of favor overseas as well.) (Newser) The New York Post first reported on Melania and Barron Trump's post-election plans, and now NBC News echos the newspaper: Sources say the two will not accompany Donald Trump to the White House in the immediate aftermath of his Jan. 20 inauguration, but will rather remain largely in Trump Tower until the completion of Barron's school year at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. He'll wrap up the fourth grade in June, per the New York Daily News. The Washington Post earlier this month speculated about which school Barron would end up attending in Washington, DC. For 35 years, the kids of presidents have enrolled in just one: Sidwell Friends. But an educational consultant thinks Trump may look south, and suggests some possible options in Virginia. (Read more President Trump stories.) Samsungs credibility as the leading provider of smartphones has been questionable because of the recent explosions of Samsung Note 7. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note S8 are on the spotlight, and people are just waiting to see what they have to offer to gain back buyers trust. According to ITech Post, there had been reports saying that the Korean Company Samsung will release Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note S8 in 2017. Samsung Galaxy Note S8 rumored to have bigger screen than Samsung Galaxy Note S7 at 6.2-inch screen size. If this is true, Samsung Galaxy Note S8 would be the biggest smartphone ever released in the market. A person who is known for leaking information about smartphones hinted that Samsung will be making two Samsung Galaxy S8 models and a Samsung Galaxy Note S8 in 2017. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is said to have 2 sizes with the smaller one having 5.7-inch and the larger one with 6.2-inch screen size. CNET reports that Samsung Galaxy S8 will have 90 percent screen with a Super-high-definition 4K resolution. It is also rumored that Samsung Galaxy S8 will have two rear cameras just like iPhone 7 Plus. The screen is also said to have a pressure-sensitive feature. Digital Spy reported that Samsung has patented their upcoming AI feature, which hints that it will be a feature to look out for. Samsung Galaxy S8 is also expected to have a wireless headphone feature similar to Iphone 7. Samsung Galaxy S8 will have the feature called Force Touch. Force Touch is going to allow users to utilize screen by being able to perform tasks using only the screen. But according to Tech Times, Samsung fans should lower their expectations since this will be the companys first time to develop Force Touch. There are still no final dates of the launch of Samsung Galaxy S8 and Samsung Galaxy Note S8. But it is expected to be released in the second quarter and third quarter of 2017, respectively. The espionage that mostly affects Android Smartphones that are Chinese made is happening in the United States and elsewhere where these devices are distributed. These occurrences were earlier detected by Android's Kryptowire, a security firm that found out about the spying software. The software, called ADUPS is present in ZTE, Huawei and BLU phones. It has infected these cellphones commanding them to send data to Chinese servers owned by Shanghai Adups Technology Co., as reported by Consumer Reports. Adups software was intentionally sending back data to China includes the owner's text messages, location, and logged calls. ZTE and Huawei issued statements, to shed some light and somehow wash their hands, stating that Adups is not an official contractor of their respective firms. Phones made by the US Company, Blu, was fast to issue a statement saying that the problem had been immediately addressed. They said that they called up Adups Technology and made a complaint about the issue. The reply was that Adups just simply turned the collection of data off. Since then, Blu did not detect any firmware operating in their R1 HD units. In this light, Adups had issued an apology stating that collection of data was an error and that all received information had been erased, according to Android Headlines. Smartphone owners could know if their devices are running this firmware. Only phones running on the Android software could be infected. This means that clients with iPhones need not worry about this issue. BLU confirmed that six models of their phones had been installed with this firmware. They are: R1 HD Energy X plus 2 Studio Touch Advance 4.0 L2 Energy Diamond Neo XL It is a scary scenario for the owners of these infected units. There are lots of "what ifs" and uncertainties that may be running in the minds of users. Information that was collected might be in the government's data base now. Possibilities could happen if you might be rudely interrogated at a Chinese airport or any Chinese facility someday. As reported in PHANDROID, There are about 700 million Chinese phones scattered all over the world and they may be spying on you. Beware. It is more of a principle than the money that the estate of Bobbi Kristina Brown through its co-counsel, Glenda Hatchett, will be pursuing to collect the judgment award against Nick Gordon. Recently, the judge hearing into the allegations of wrongful death against Gordon issued an award, ordering Gordon to pay the estate of Brown $36 million. Hatchett, one of the counsels for Bedelia Hargrove, the executor of the Bobbi Kristina Brown's estate said as quoted by People that while they are aware that Gordon does not have the money he must suppose to pay Kristina Brown's estate, the same must be collected from it as they do not want Gordon to benefit from it. The award issued by the court is to ensure that people know about Gordon's "despicable behavior" and how Gordon battered and assaulted Kristina many times. Bobby Brown, Kristina's father, was pleased with the court's decision, finding Nick Gordon liable for his daughter's wrongful death. Craig Terett, Bobby Brown's counsel was quoted, saying, "Bobby is relieved to have this chapter of the process behind him, but now he intends to actively pursue the collection against Nick Gordon. Terett also told the media that to collect the amount, they will collaborate with an attorney specializing in collection in Florida. They plan to attach assets belonging to Gordon in Florida. And if that is not enough, the lawyers will garnish Gordon's wages, which may be earned through whatever legal means. Also included in the judgment was for Nick to return to the estate Kristina's engagement ring, which according to reports, is valued at $1.5 million and belongs to the Whitney Houston, Kristina's mother. For those who are not aware, Kristina Bobbi Brown was found unconscious inside her bathroom, face down in her bathtub on January 31, 2015, much like how her mother was found on February 11, 2012. Kristina died after being in a coma for seven months. The previous complaints were just burnt Samsung Note 7 smartphone units. It has now become worst for the company when Samsung Galaxy 7 manifested explosive properties that could seriously hurt the customer. When 35 Galaxy note 7 smartphone units caught fire from all over the world, Samsung initiated the recall of 1 million units sold out of the 2.5 million units manufactured. Upon the announcement of the market recall, the burning incidents rose to 4 times the initial occurrence of burnt Samsung smartphone 7, as reported in C/Net. The burnt cellphones cause was due to its batteries malfunctioning. Certain properties of lithium ion batteries are flammable when it is exposed to electronic circuitry breakdown. It only takes a spark to ignite it afire with all those flammable liquid circulating in the battery. Samsung Note 7 Smartphones was a big blow for Samsung and the cost recovery had only began when another incident blew the issue berserk when it happened again in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in Canada. This time, it's the successor, the Samsung Galaxy S7, catching fire and exploding. This incident happened to Amarjit Mann while driving when he felt his Samsung Galaxy S7 heating in his pocket. He hurriedly pulled it out when it exploded causing third and second degree burns in his hands and wrists and filling the car with smoke. The incident prompted Mann to file a case against Samsung S7 manufacturers,The Sun reported. Also an incident in Pau, France involving the Samsung J5. The owner is also set to file charges against Samsung. Samsung maintained that safety is the first agenda on the company's list. Although the incident in Canada is an isolated occurrence, Samsung is determined to investigate what might have caused the explosion to the Samsung S7. Samsung publicly apologized to its international markets and posted full page apologies on major newspapers for the Galaxy Note 7 incident. The unfortunate incident sank Samsung's profits by 30% dragging it to $4.5Billion, as reported in an article in Tech Times. President-elect Donald Trump had his first meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last Thursday. This is the first in-person meeting that Trump had with a foreign head of state since he got elected. CNN reported that Abe said he had a "very candid discussion" with Trump. While Abe didn't give much detail on what they discussed, he emphasized that with Trump's presidency, it appears to be that U. S. and Japan will be able to sustain "a relationship of trust". Despite Trump's criticism during the campaign about Japan contributing to bilateral security ties, Abe still has his confidence in Trump. One of Abe's spokesman described that the relationship of the two had been set in an "extremely good start", The Guardian reported. The meeting lasted 90 minutes and Abe thanked Trump for taking the time to meet him while he is still working out things for his cabinet before his inauguration as U.S. president. "Despite his extremely busy schedule, because of decisions to be made vis-a-vis appointments or other related business, he was kind enough to receive me," Abe said. Going back to campaign period, Trump had several remarks about Japan needing to obtain their own nuclear weapons to protect itself from North Korea as they're not paying enough. This could just be one of the notable reasons why it is significant for Japan's prime minister to be first in line in meeting Trump. There were speculations that Abe used his time in the meeting to persuade Trump to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but there is no confirmation about this being true. TPP is a free nation trade pact that covers 12 nations, excluding China, and it is said to fall apart without the participation of America. According to The Guardian, even though there was no validation said if Abe secured anything, but with his positive assessment of the meeting, Japanese officials are somehow given a reassurance. "I conveyed my basic views on various issues to Mr. Trump, but with regard to more of the specifics or details, because [he] has not assumed the office as the president of the United States and today's discussion was an unofficial discussion, I'd like to refrain from touching on details." Agreements may take place in the near future as they are set to meet again to discuss bilateral issues according to the prime minister. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families, he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. Ive spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely, Modi said. At least 100 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur Dehat (Rural) district in the wee hours on Sunday. Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2016 Also read: Watch live updates | Patna-Indore express tragedy in Kanpur: 63 bodies recovered; NDRF teams on the spot Patna-Indore express tragedy: Helpline numbers issued by Railway Ministry For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Karachi: At least four Pakistani security personnel were killed on Saturday, in restive Baluchistan province's capital city Quetta, when gunmen opened fire on their official vehicle. Three paramilitary soldiers and one policeman were killed when the gunmen opened fire on a Frontier Corps vehicle on the Fatima Jinnah road of Quetta. Two civilians also sustained gunshot wounds and were admitted to a hospital. "It appears to be a case of target killing and according to eye witnesses armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on the FC vehicle and the police constable who was on duty," he said. Police said the attackers escaped unhurt from the spot. The restive Baluchistan province has seen an increase in separatist and sectarian violence this year with banned terrorist outfits also carrying out suicide bombings. In three major suicide bomb attacks since August, over 150 persons have been killed and scores injured. A suicide bomb attack was carried out at the entrance of the Civil hospital in Quetta in August in which around 70 persons were killed followed by a terrorist attack on the police training centre in the city in which two suicide bomber blew themselves up killing 64 police cadets and two army soldiers in October. Last week, a suicide bomber blew himself up in the compound of the Shah Noorani shrine in the Khuzdar district, killing 54 devotees and security personnel. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Paldev (MP),: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar will release Sanskrit translation of selected poems of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi on Sunday. The book launch event will be held in the morning on the Banaras Hindu University campus, officials said. The book is a collection of poems written by the Prime Minister and translated into Sanskrit, Javadekar said this on the sidelines of an event in Paldev, the village adopted by him under the Sansad Andarsh Gram Yojana. Later, the minister also held a Janta Darbar and inaugurated a community hall. During his visit to Paldev, Javadekar also met patients at a clinic run under the Deen Dayal Research Institute and paid tribute to RSS ideologue Nanaji Deshmukh at Sitaram Kutir. Varanasi is the Lok Sabha constituency of Modi. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jammu: Nine-year-old Khusbhoo, haunted by the memories of the horrific day when six persons of her village were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistani troops, has not slept a wink for the last 18 days. On November 1, she saw her family having a close shave as bullets and shells rained down on her village in Samba district. This shocking scene is etched in her memory. She is unable to sleep and cries most of the time. She has lost appetite too. She gets out of her bed in the middle of the night and starts running toward the door, crying, her mother said. The girls family initially thought her condition will improve over time, but she showed no signs of recovery. Later, her mother was advised to take her to Psychiatric Disease Hospital in Jammu. Rakesh Banal, who is treating Khushboo, said the cross-border firing was severely affecting the mental health of those residing in border areas that witness death and destruction. People who witness life-threatening events, suffer injury, subjected to sexual violence or are related to victims, suffer from psychiatric disorders, he said. Mukesh (32), a resident of R S Pura sector, is also undergoing treatment at the hospital. He complains of insomnia and rapid heart rate. I cannot sleep. On hearing a sound, my heart rate increases. The doctors are treating me for stress and anxiety, he said. Some studies show that eight per cent of the population in the conflict area suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Jagadish Thappa, former head of Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Jammu, said, There has been an increase in the number of patients, especially from the border areas, who suffer from psychiatric diseases. If children see violence, firing, they are most likely to play with toy guns. It is a psychiatric disorder. And, I have seen that in Kashmir, he said. We get patients who complain of anxiety, panic attacks, palpitation, irritability, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance etc, the doctor said. The diseases can be cured if the patient gets medical attention before the symptoms worsen, Thappa said. Sanaa: Heavy fighting occurred between Yemen rebels and loyalist forces on Saturday around the city Taez in spite of a 48-hour ceasefire announced by a Saudi-led coalition, fighting the insurgents began following US pressure. A few hours after the ceasefire took effect at midday (0900 GMT), fighting still raged around the flashpoint southwestern city, where violence has killed dozens this week, despite clashes subsiding on several fronts. Clashes were heaviest in the town of Salo, southeast of Taez, military sources said, reporting casualties on both sides. Inside Taez itself, rebel rocket fired into a residential district killed one civilian and wounded two, the sources added. Intermittent fighting was also reported in Nahm near the capital Sanaa, in Shabwa in the south and Sarwah to the east. The ceasefire comes after a push by US Secretary of State John Kerry who this week met rebel representatives in Oman and also urged the government to come on board. At first the government, which has deep reservations about a UN peace blueprint it believes undermines its authority, rejected the peace bid before later agreeing to observe it. Yemen's government has come under huge pressure to back down in the face of an international outcry over the mounting civilian death toll from 20 months of conflict. "There are international pressures to observe a ceasefire and to resume (peace) negotiations," a source close to the presidency, requesting anonymity. The 48-hour truce could be extended if the rebels hold fire and allow aid into besieged loyalist enclaves, said a coalition statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. More than 7,000 people have been killed in Yemen and nearly 37,000 wounded since the coalition intervention began in March 2015, the United Nations says. "We really hope that the war will end. All Yemenis are very tired of the conflict," said Khaled al-Waysi, a resident of Sanaa. Another resident, Sadeq Juhaifi, said: "We want one of the parties to be courageous enough to announce long-term peace, not just a two or one-day ceasefire." An official document has been issued by the defence ministry ordering all pro-government forces to abide by the ceasefire, report violations, and reserve the right to respond to any rebel breaches. A spokesman for forces allied to the Iran-backed Shiite Huthi rebels, Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman, confirmed that they would also abide by the ceasefire. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Paris: Hundreds of people in Paris participated in protests against US President elect Donald Trump. The protesters were heavily anxious whether or not the Trump administration will respect human rights of women and minorities. Protesters, including many Americans living in France, took to the streets today in the Eiffel Tower neighbourhood behind a large banner, "Paris against Trump". Youssef Al-Moughrabi, born in California and studying in Paris, told The Associated Press, "We are not contesting election results. But in every democracy, I believe there is a government and there is an opposition, in a healthy democracy, and we are the opposition. "Many placards could be seen in the crowd with messages against racism, misogyny, Islamophobia, "homophobia" and "white nationalism". For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A proctorial enquiry by JNU has found ABVP member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP, including Vikrant, the night before. JNU had ordered a proctorial enquiry into the incident. In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct, an official order read. Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. Also read: Missing JNU student case: Delhi Police to roll out print, radio ads for info on Najeeb ABVP has, meanwhile, come out in Vikrants support and accused the university administration of being biased in conducting the enquiry. The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. Not only the enquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union, Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member and former JNUSU member said. JNU students and teachers have been agitating against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to locate the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. Also read: Missing JNU student Najeeb spotted in Aligarh, claims unidentified letter The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The case was later transferred to Delhi Polices Crime Branch. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched aPradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojnaa in Agra on Sunday.A He also addressed a political rally for Bhartiya Janta Partyas state assembly election campaign in Agra on Sunday. A PM Modi in his rally said that in 2022, when India will celebrate 75 years of independence, the poorest of Indians must have their own home. We have created different models for each state and the homes are not just four walls or a box. They will be real houses.Crores of houses need to be made and it will take thousands of masons And we have ran a large campaign to train youth as masons so that as homes are made and youths also find income, jobs. PM Modi also expressed grief on Sundayas tragic accident involving Patna-Indore express, in which at least 100 people lost their lives and nearly 200 others were injured.A Last Sunday on Nov 13, He addressed the Parivartan Rally in Ghazipur, where he highlighted the plight of farmers and lack of infrastructural development in the region.A Here are the live updates:A #A Corrupt people are now approaching those with bank accounts under Jan Dhan Yojna to convert their black money. Please ignore them: PM ModiA A #A The initiative of Demonetization was highly appreciated by poor people, despite facing difficulties they supported us: PM Modi # DemonetisatonA indeed caused people inconvenience, but this is a strict punishment to those holding #BlackMoney Mene apse bola tha ke mujhe bas 50 din de dijiye, uske baad sab normal ho jayega: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/rZCXgDCwNm a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 20, 2016 # PM Modi talks about Chit fund and the number of people died in this scam A Chit fund me logo ka paise laga tha, aur uske kaaran bahut logo ko jaan deni padi. Aur aaj ye log mere upar ungli utha rahe hai: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/hBj10wg9vB a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 20, 2016 I can assure you all that your sacrifice won't go in vain: PM Narendra Modi in Agra, Uttar Pradesh #BlackMoney #demonetization pic.twitter.com/bmPvrd8JqH a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 20, 2016 #A I can assure you all that your sacrifice won't go in vain: PM Narendra Modi on demonetisation #A I had said that inconvenience is going to happen, but I want to commend the people who,despite all that, are supporting: PM Modi #A Every poor will have a gas connection and stove under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana #A We want every Indian to have a house by 2022, says PM Modi # Central govt to probe Kanpur train derailment, says PM Modi #A Many people lost their lives, got injured in train derailment near Kanpur this morning. Rescue ops continuing: PM Modi A UP: PM Narendra Modi at the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Agra pic.twitter.com/giGBmITW04 a ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 20, 2016 A PM Narendra Modi to speak at the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Agra pic.twitter.com/9PssK2GNwB a ANI (@ANI_news) November 20, 2016 #PM Modi arrives at Agra Ralley ground PM Narendra Modi reaches Agra (Uttar Pradesh) to address a public rally pic.twitter.com/wH5hT7zbNh a ANI (@ANI_news) November 20, 2016 #PM Modi arrives at Agra airport, will address the rally shortly A Also Read in Hindi For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Top intelligence officials and the Defence department have asked US President Barack Obama to fire National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers, US media reported. The reports came even as President-elect Donald Trump, currently in New York, was said to be considering Rogers as director of national intelligence himself. "The recommendation, delivered to the White House last month, was made by Defense Secretary Ashton B Carter and Director of National Intelligence James R Clapper Jr," The Washington Post reported citing multiple US officials familiar with the case. Action has been delayed, the paper said, since removing Rogers is linked to pending creation of "separate chains of command at the NSA and the military's cyberwarfare unit, a recommendation by Clapper and Carter that has been stalled because of other issues. "If selected by Trump, Rogers would succeed Clapper as the official who oversees all 17 US intelligence services."In a move apparently unprecedented for a military officer, Rogers, without notifying superiors, traveled to New York to meet with Trump on Thursday at Trump Tower," the Post said. "That caused consternation at senior levels of the administration." The New York Times on Saturday confirmed that Rogers' position in the Obama administration was in potential jeopardy. "Obama is considering removing Admiral Michael S. Rogers from his posts as leader of the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command after top officials expressed frustration over the speed at which Admiral Rogers had moved to combat the Islamic State and over the agency's repeated loss of closely guarded secrets," the Times said citing unnamed administration and intelligence officials. Earlier, Trump, who spent his first weekend outside Manhattan since his election, met for about 90 minutes with moderate US Republican Mitt Romney, known for his harsh criticism of the president-elect during the campaign. Romney is believed to be interested in the US secretary of state position. There was no official word on whether he was offered the job. Romney would bring a more orthodox Republican worldview to foreign policy. He had described Russia as the main American geopolitical threat in 2012 -- a sharp contrast to Trump, who has exchanged compliments with Russian President Vladimir Putin. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his ambitious housing scheme known as the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna in Agra on November 20. He said that common mans sacrifice wont go in vain. On the Patna-Indore train derailment, PM Modi said that the government will investigate into the matter. # On the derailment of the Indore-Patna express, he assured that the Centre will investigate the matter. # On Demonetisation, he said peoples sacrifice will not go in vain. He said, I had said that people would face inconvenience, but I want to commend the people who are still supporting our decision...I can assure all of you that your sacrifice wont go in vain. # He also said those in fake currency rackets have been hit badly by demonetisation. Five hundred and thousand rupee notes ceasing to be legal tender has adversely affected those in fake currency rackets and narcotics. # We launched Ujjwala Yojana so that poor mothers do not breathe the smoke of wood and coal and instead get to cook with gas stoves. # This Government is dedicated to the poor, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana was started so that the poor can have a bank account, Aadhaar so that they get what is their right. # Fake currency worth crores have been funnelled into the country and with this drugs and terrorism has flourished. Should this be allowed? For 70 years it has been allowed. # Modi also attacked opposition leaders for protesting against governments demonetisation move saying those involved in corrupt activities are having tough time. # Those who hoarded money through the chit fund scam, they have been effected due to this (demonetisation of Rs 1000 and 500 banknote). For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attacking anyone who opposes his policy, retorting to his charge that political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him over demonetisation. Pradhan Mantriji, you are equating corruption with anyone who opposes your policy. Are you the only magician?(sic) Banerjee said in a tweet this evening, reacting to Modis remarks seen as sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress supremo. Listen to the voice of the people. Feel their pain. People will not forgive you for this. They are suffering, she said in another tweet. Earlier in the day, Modi said political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him as they have been hit hard by demonetisation. I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished, the Prime Minister told a Parivartan rally at Agra. Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of heads of families were forced to commit suicide. Look at history and they are questioning me, he said in barbs aimed apparently at Banerjee, who had been rallying political leaders against the demonetisation decision. However, the Prime Minister did not name any leader. Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams in West Bengal. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Agra : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a scathing attack against political parties opposing the governments demonetisation decision. His ire was particularly directed against parties who, he said, were behind chit fund companies. I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me. Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished. Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of heads of families were forced to commit suicide. said Prime Minister Modi at a rally in Agra on Sunday. Though the Prime Minister did not take names but his broadside is seen directed against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who led a march of a section of opposition MPs to the Presidents House against Modis demonetisation last week. Modis comments were an oblique reference West Bengal's multi-crore Saradha scam and Ponzi schemes that led to the arrest of many prominent personalities including leaders and MPs belonging to Mamatas Trinamool Congress. Prime Minister Modi said such political leaders are criticising him since they have been hit hard by demonetisation. "Look at their history and they are questioning me," he said. Prime Minister said he wanted to curb black money by demonetisation. He said the inconvenience and hardship faced by common people shall not go in vain. I had said that people would face inconvenience, but I want to commend the people who are still supporting our decision. I can assure all of you that your sacrifice wont go in vain. He said demonetisation has delivered a big jolt to the fake currency that floated around to push drugs and other narcotics being pushed into the country. Since the drug cartel thrived on fake currency the demonetisation shall choke the business like never before," he said. Referring to government's decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Modi said the decision has not been taken to harass people but to help poor, marginalised and honest people. He cautioned people not to let their Jan Dhan accounts to be misused by corrupt people."I have come to request you. These corrupt people are very cunning. They may approach you to deposit Rs 2.5 lakh in your account. They can ask you to return Rs two lakh after six months and offer you Rs 50,000. But please do not let these people take advantage of you. There are reports of misuse of zero-balance Jan Dhan accounts by black money hoarders and the Centre is looking into it. It has warned that violators will be prosecuted under the Benami Transactions Act that carries a penalty, prosecution and rigorous jail term of a maximum seven years, PM Modi added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mumbai: Dispelling rumours of fake Rs 10 coin in circulation, RBI on Sunday asked people not to give credence to such canards and continue to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions without any hesitation. It has been reported that some less-informed or uninformed persons who suspect the genuineness of such coins are creating doubts in the minds of ordinary people including traders, shopkeepers, etc, impeding the circulation of these coins in certain pockets of the country causing avoidable confusion, RBI said in a statement. The Reserve Bank has advised members of the public not to give credence to such ill-informed notions and ignore them and continue to accept these coins as legal tender in all their transactions without any hesitation, it said. According to RBI as coins remain in circulation for longer periods, it is quite possible that coins of different designs and even shapes are circulating at the same time. One such change is introduction of Rupee symbol in coins in July 2011, it said. An instance of this is the Rs 10 coin with rupee symbol and the same denomination coin without rupee symbol, it said, adding both of them are legal tender and equally good for transactions, though they may look a little different. It further said RBI puts into circulation coins minted by the Government of India and these have distinctive features. Coins in new denominations to meet transaction needs of public and coins in new designs to reflect various themes - economic, social and cultural - are introduced from time to time, it added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Pune: An infant girl died at KEM Hospital on Sunday after she was allegedly refused treatment by a prominent hospital for her heart condition, apparently over the issue of payment in demonetised currency notes. However, Ruby Hall Clinic, where the girl was to be admitted for heart surgery, refuted the claim made by her relatives that their request to accept at least part payment in defunct banknotes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 was turned down. A close relative of Amrapali and Gaurab Kunte, parents of the deceased girl, said the doctors had advised them to admit her in Ruby Hall Clinic for heart surgery. However, when we went to Ruby on Saturday morning, the billing department gave us quotation of Rs 3.5 lakh and told us to deposit the same before any treatment. We then offered to make Rs 1 lakh payment in demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. However, the hospital administration refused to accept these notes, claimed Sudhakar Gawandgave. He said her parents even offered to pay part payment through cheque and cards. When they (Ruby Clinic) turned down the demonetised bills, we offered them that we would pay Rs 1 lakh through current cheque and Rs 30,000 through card payment and requested them to allow the remaining payment through another cheque, which needs to be deposited in bank on Monday, Gawandgave said. He alleged that the hospital administration turned down their offer and instead demanded full payment which he said resulted into wastage of golden hours. They made us run from pillar to post to admit the girl. Had she been admitted to Ruby Hall Hospital, the golden hours would not have been wasted. The infant girl, who was in ICU at KEM, had to put on ventilator support and died early Sunday morning, Gawandgave said. When contacted, Dr Sanjay Pathare, Director, Medical Services, at Ruby Hall Clinic, refuted as baseless and false the claims made by the relatives. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Jalalabad : AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has announced that the party's Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann will contest Punjab assembly polls against Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal from Jalalabad constituency. If Badal changes his mind and plans to contest from any other seat, Bhagwant Mann will follow him, he said at a rally in Jalalabad, Badal's political home-turf, on the first day of his 11-day tour of poll-bound Punjab. "Tomorrow, I will also make public the details of Swiss bank accounts of Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh and his family members. He has amassed huge wealth by looting Punjab when he was the chief minister from 2002 to 2007," the Delhi Chief Minister alleged. Mann, who was accompanying Kejriwal, said he was ready to take on Badal. "In AAP, it's a trend. Kejriwal started it. He trounced former Delhi chief minister Sheela Dixit twice. I feel honoured that this opportunity in Punjab has been given to me," the MP said, daring Amarinder to fight polls in Jalalabad instead of his traditional seat of Amritsar. Kejriwal alleged that Amarinder had amassed huge wealth during his tenure as chief minister and transferred this "loot" to foreign accounts of his son Raninder Singh and wife Parneet Kaur. "They have been summoned by law enforcement agencies including the Income-Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate," he said. Meanwhile, responding to Kejriwal's threat to release documents to prove he and his family had foreign bank accounts, Amarinder described it as yet another theatrical gimmick by the AAP national convener. Bhagwant Mann will fight election against Sukhbir Badal a Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 20, 2016 Attacking the SAD-BJP government, Kejriwal said, "After Amarinder, the Akalis have plundered Punjab in its 10 years of misrule. Akali mafia runs every business -- transport, liquor, cable, mining, hotel or land." "Bikram Majithia is running a drug racket in Punjab and I challenge him to get me arrested within the remaining two months of the SAD-BJP rule. If AAP forms government, I will put him behind bars," he said. On the issue of demonetisation, Kejriwal tweeted, "The BJP says it is a party for Hindus. In demonetisation, it did not even spare them. Hindus have also suffered." However, he did not make a mention of the three-day ultimatum, which ended today, to the Centre to roll back its decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.A For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Damascus: The UNs envoy warned on Sunday that time was running out for efforts to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in Syrias war-battered Aleppo, as fresh fighting there killed at least eight schoolchildren. Staffan de Mistura met Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Damascus for talks on the escalating violence, but was rebuffed on a truce proposal that would allow the opposition to administer the citys rebel-held east. We are running out of time, we are running against time, De Mistura said afterwards. Aid agencies fear that instead of a humanitarian or a political initiative there would be an acceleration of military activities in eastern Aleppo and elsewhere, he told journalists. By Christmas... due to military intensification, you will have the virtual collapse of what is left in eastern Aleppo; you may have 200,000 people moving towards Turkey - that would be a humanitarian catastrophe. International concern has been mounting since Damascus began a ferocious assault last Tuesday, using air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire in a bid to recapture eastern Aleppo. Today, rebels retaliated with a barrage of rockets into the citys government-held west, killing at least eight primary school children in the Furqan neighbourhood, state media said. Syrian television showed bloodied, weeping children being treated in hospital, and an AFP journalist saw pupils being rushed from the school and comforted after the attack. In the east, another AFP journalist said streets were deserted, with only ambulances and rescue workers moving around. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitoring group, said today that 54 people had been killed in the previous 24 hours, mostly civilians. That brought to 103 the number of civilians killed, including 17 children, since the bombardment of east Aleppo resumed, it said. The Observatory also reported heavy fighting between regime forces and rebels as the army sought to gain ground in the eastern Bustan al-Basha and Sheikh Saeed neighbourhoods. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Successive international attempts to find a peaceful resolution have failed For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Its a familiar refrain on tri-state area airwaves Stew Leonard Jr. chuckling Im coming over to the gatherings of customers uncorking Stew Leonards wines. And that refrain has become a chorus of late, with Blake Leonard piping up in unison alongside her dads gravelly growl in a new set of radio ads heading into the 2016 holiday season. Entering July, Blake Leonard became a Stew Leonards wine marketing manager, becoming the second full-time member of the family business third generation to take a managerial role after her cousin Jake Tavello, who is a store director in Danbury. Founded in 1969 as a Norwalk dairy store by Stew Leonard Sr. and then expanding under Stew Leonard Jr.s stewardship, Stew Leonards is now years into a process in which it is prepping a third generation to run the company in an industry being turned on its end by any number of trends, including formidable competition from big warehouse clubs and smaller specialty stores touting their roots in regional food production. Jake and Blake are the first of the younger generation to grapple firsthand with that upheaval. Over the years, Stew Leonards has readily publicized its efforts to school the third-generation cousins to work in the business should they choose the path, with retreats to Italy, Alaska and Harvard Business School among other destinations for workshops on the challenges for family businesses in passing the torch. The company has established a few major criteria for anyone joining the companys managerial ranks etched in figurative stone after the fashion of its customer service principles etched into boulders at store entrances. Family members must work three years for another company, obtain a masters degree and pass muster with an independent panel retained by the family to assess their readiness for the job they are seeking. Tavello, whose mother Jill Leonard Tavello is executive vice president of culture and communication at Stew Leonards, says he had an eye on joining the company from an early age, starting his trek in earnest at age 15 working his way through the coffee, deli and seafood departments before heading off to study business at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island and then at Bentley College for his MBA. After working for Wegmans an even more renowned third-generation supermarket business Tavello oversees Danbury store operations, reporting to Tom Enrico, a store president who has been with the company for 40 years. (Their) third generation is running the company now, so theyre a little ahead of us, but we go up and visit them all the time (and) share ideas, Tavello said. It was very cool to work with a business that is family-owned that is that size, and it was exciting for me to see what we could become someday. For her part, Blake Leonard has difficulty pinning down the moment when she arrived at the decision to join Stew Leonards for good but growing up she does recall being less than enthralled with family vacations to wine country, a favorite destination for her parents. At that time, I was (thinking) this is so boring, another wine trip I couldnt taste the wine, I couldnt do anything, so my sisters and I always straggled behind, Leonard recalled. As I got older, I started to really appreciate it and thought it was just such a fun industry its people are so passionate about what they do, and its also primarily run by family companies. Leonard set out to learn the wine business with E&J Gallo in California, before entering Stew Leonards Wines and graduating to this seasons holiday radio ads with her dad. On the side she pursued a masters degree in marketing from New York University. If Stew Leonard Jr. is the face and head of the enterprise today, he has surrounded himself with seasoned food professionals. Chris Williams, chief operating officer, joined the company in 2005 from Stop & Shop where he was senior vice president and general manager of its New York and Connecticut area stores. Jeff Larson, chief marketing officer, led global marketing for the Milford giant Subway. And Patrick Dentato, chief financial officer, was previously CFO of Kings Super Markets and Balduccis. Stew Leonards edges closer to the half-century mark in business in 2019 facing myriad challenges, perhaps most significantly a trend toward smaller stores as evidenced by Trader Joes and others, a direction Stew Leonards may never take outside of its wine stores given its focus on extensive preparation of fresh foods on site which requires ample space and help. Perhaps the biggest challenge for the junior Leonard clan and the cadre of industry professionals running the company? Approximating the frontman that is Stew Leonard Jr., who projects a larger-than-life wit and zest for life. Jake and Blake are not offering any insight as to who might inherit his role one day, whether inside the family or out. If it is Blakes voice alongside her fathers on the airwaves, Jake is getting grounded in the companys bread-and-butter business of running a supermarket this week to include getting thousands of turkeys through checkout. And plenty more grandchildren of Stew Leonard Sr. are working their way through the companys requirements for its future managers. We want to remain a family business, but theres 13 of us, Blake Leonard said. For any of us to think (about) who will be the CEO or that spokesperson personality we have no idea. Theres still so much time. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman The Connecticut Hospital Association has received a grant from the Connecticut Health Foundation to create a Connecticut Social Health Initiative, which will focus on addressing social determinants of health that exacerbate health care disparities. We are grateful for the support of the Connecticut Health Foundation as we continue our work together to improve health equity, said Jennifer Jackson, CEO of the Connecticut Hospital Association in a news release. Through the Connecticut Social Health Initiative, we will collaborate to address the social determinants that negatively affect health outcomes. Army chief's 4-day visit to China from Monday Delhi,National,Defence/Security,Diplomacy, Sun, 20 Nov 2016 IANS New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will leave for a four-day visit to China on November 21, an official said on Sunday. "Chief of the Army Staff is leading a high-level military delegation, comprising senior military officers, to China on a four-day visit from November 21 to 24," said a defence release. During the visit, Gen Singh will visit important military installations of China, including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades and is scheduled to meet high-ranking officials of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China. The CMC is the highest military body of China. "The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and Peace Keeping training. The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise -- Exercise Hand-in-Hand -- between the two armies, which is underway in Pune," the release read. Gen Singh's visit will be followed by General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA, coming here in the second week of December. --IANS rs/nir/dg OTTAWA, Nov. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark National Child Day: "Every day, I am energized by the potential of Canada's young people. I am equally concerned by the challenges they face, and deeply aware that the decisions we make today will shape the world they will one day inherit. "That is why, on National Child Day, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate our children and youth, and to reflect on the obligation that we have to our children and grandchildren. "Each child deserves to be raised in an environment that is free of violence, discrimination, and exploitation; to grow up with proper nutrition, health care, and a good education; and to have a voice in matters that affect them, and a real, fair chance to succeed. "The Government of Canada remains committed to programs that help every child get the best possible start in life and reach their full potential. Here, at home, we are giving Canadian families more money to help with the high cost of raising their kids through the new Canada Child Benefit, which stands to lift about 300,000 children out of poverty. We are also working with our international partners to create environments where all children are treated with dignity and respect, and given all the opportunities they need to succeed. 'While the world has made significant progress in advancing children's rights since the introduction of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, there is still a lot of work to do. Millions of children and young people continue to be denied basic human rights including education, primary health care, and personal security. Many more are forced into early marriages, recruited as child soldiers, or become victims of child labour. "On this day, Sophie and I invite all Canadians to join us in celebrating National Child Day by speaking to children of all ages about their rights. We also urge you to visit the National Child Day website for activities and events in your communities marking this special day. "Canada's future is only as strong and boundless as the dreams and aspirations of our children and youth. We must support them in everything they do and want to be." This document is also available at http://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office For further information: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555 Hajia Rabi Aliyu and Hajia Larai Aliyu, wives of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijj... Hajia Rabi Aliyu and Hajia Larai Aliyu, wives of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijjani, who were abducted from Nasarawa town, have regained their freedom.DPS Kenedy Idrissu, Spokesman of the state Police Command, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lafia.Idrissu said that the women were released by their abductors at about 11 p.m. on Saturday at Mararaba-Udege village in Nasarawa town.He said the kidnappers were forced to release the women following sustained pressure from the Police search party.He said no ransom was paid and that the victims were unhurt and had been reunited with their family.According to Idrissu, no arrest has been made as investigation had begun to find those behind the incident.NAN recalls that the women were abducted at about 8 p.m. on Thursday from their residence in Nasarawa town by gunmen, who shot sporadically into the air before whisking away the victims in their vehicles. (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to ignore the call by the Peoples De... The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to ignore the call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the postponement of the Ondo States November 26 governorship election on account of the partys internal crisis.National Secretary of the APC, Hon. Mai Mala Buni in a statement on Sunday said the party does not support any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which the APC fiercely stands for.The APC called on INEC to concentrate on delivering a free, fair, credible and transparent ballot on election day. The Ondo electorate are wise and will vote for the candidate with a proven track record of performance on election day. A vote for the tested, trusted and credible APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN will bring about massive multi-faceted development which has eluded the state, APC stated Nigeria's attorney General, Abubakar Malami will next week is billed to visit US next week for the repatriation of funds looted by for... Nigeria's attorney General, Abubakar Malami will next week is billed to visit US next week for the repatriation of funds looted by former head of state, Sani Abacha and former Bayelsa Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.This was disclosed on Friday, by the Presidents Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.He said, ''A FGN account has already been given for the return of one million Dollars from Alamisiegha. Judgement on the USD 480 million Abacha loot has been won and our Attorney-General, Malami (SAN) will be in the US next week to speak to the Department of Justice, USDOJ on the next steps for the return of that as well. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is looking for Mrs. Moji Ladeji, the sister of Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over a... The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is looking for Mrs. Moji Ladeji, the sister of Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, over a N200m house located at 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, a highbrow area in the nations capital.According to court documents, the building, which has since been sealed off by the EFCC, was allegedly bought by Fayose from proceeds of corrupt practices but the title documents of the house bear the name of Fayoses sister, a move the commission claimed was to cover the governors track.Detectives revealed that Ladeji, who is based in the United Kingdom, would need to explain her role in the alleged scam.A source in the EFCC stated, We have been able to establish that the house was bought from the proceeds of corrupt practices. The house was, however, bought in the name of Fayoses sister. We need to question her to determine her level of involvement.We know that she is based in the UK but she comes to Nigeria quite often. We want her to come and tell us her side of the story.Fayose had sued the EFCC for freezing his bank account following an allegation that he received N1.219bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser through a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, as well as kickbacks from state contractors.However, in a counter-affidavit, deposed to by Mr. Tosin Owobo on behalf of the EFCC, the agency said Fayose used the N1.219bn as well as alleged kickbacks received from the Ekiti State Government contractors to buy houses in Abuja and Lagos.The governor allegedly received kickbacks from about four Ekiti State Government contractors Samchese Nigeria Limited, Tender Branch Concept Nigeria Limited, Hoff Concept Limited and Calibre Consulting Limited.However, instead of receiving cash, the governor allegedly instructed the companies to buy houses for him in Lagos and Abuja.The houses located on Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, are said to be worth about N1.1bn.According to the EFCC, the houses were bought in the name of J. J. Technical, a company owned by Fayose and his wife, Feyisetan.According to the EFCC, the houses in Abuja were bought with different names.While the N200m house, located at 44 Osun Crescent, Abuja, was allegedly bought in the name of Fayoses sister, another property, located on 32 Yedseram Street, Maitama, worth N270m, was bought in the name of a company.The affidavit reads in part, The applicant (Fayose) also used the name of one Mrs. Moji Ladeji (the applicants sister) to acquire a property situated at 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, from the proceeds of the alleged offences of receiving gratification and kickbacks.Apart from fraudulently retaining the sum of N1,219,490,000.00, being part of the N4,745,000,000.00, stolen from the treasury of the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, the applicant (Fayose) has also received gratification in form of kickbacks from various contractors with the Ekiti State Government such as Samchese Nigeria Ltd., Tender Branch Concept Nig. Ltd., Hoff Concept Ltd. and Calibre Consulting Limited. Pastor Tolani Adeyemo, wife of the Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 18 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Nigeria... Pastor Tolani Adeyemo, wife of the Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Province 18 of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Nigerians to always give thanks to God, even with the present economic recession.Adeyemo gave the admonition on Sunday while delivering a sermon at the 10-year anniversary of RCCG Ogun Province 8 Area/Zonal Headquarters, Isheri in Ogun She said that any nation which had the fear of God and was filled with righteousness was qualified for Gods favour.The nation may be passing through recession; we are not the first to pass through it, but as we thank God, he will roll away our challenges.In thanking God, we are making our requests known to Him; when we praise God for the little things we are receiving, He will surely come to the aid of the country.If we give thanks to God, He will favour the country; He will locate us and will take the country to the top, she said. The cleric urged the congregation to live a holy life, as it was only righteousness that could exalt a nation.Pastor Olarotimi Oluyemi, the Pastor- in-Charge of Province 8, Heavens Glory Parish, urged Christians be holy and upright to attract Gods intervention. He said that Nigeria and its citizens could attain higher positions and live above fear and failures if they stopped their sinful acts.Genuine peace and true progress come to nations which put their trust in God, he said.The cleric urged Nigerians to always praise God in spite of the current challenges facing the country, assuring them that God who performs special miracles will never fail Nigerians.According to him, it is going to be well for Nigeria, its time of overflowing will come and the challenges the country is facing now will be a thing of the past. God has good plans for Nigeria; God will restore and rebuild Nigeria, he said.Oluyemi said that there was no situation that could not be salvaged by God and called on Christians to unite in prayers so as to overcome the challenges confronting them. The world's shortest couple, Paulo Gabriel da Silva Barros and Katyucia Hoshino were officially crowned the world's shortest cou... The world's shortest couple, Paulo Gabriel da Silva Barros and Katyucia Hoshino were officially crowned the world's shortest couple in London Friday.The duo both hails from Brazil and have been verified at a combined height of 181.41 cm (71.42 in), becoming world record holders of the shortest married couple, back in September after tying the knot.The couple who were measured by the officials of Guinness World Records In central London, Friday, had their record verified and confirmed at the GWR St Thomas's Hospital in central London.Paulo, 30, who is just 34.8in tall, has diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism while 26-year-old Katyucia, 35.2in in height, has achondroplasia dwarfism. They tied the knot in front of family and friends in hometown Itupeva, Brazil, and were presented to the media for the first time Friday.A red carpet was rolled out for them as they posed in their wedding outfits for photographs in front of London landmark the Houses of Parliament.Paula and Katyucia first met in 2006 through a social media platform called, 'Orkut'.Speaking ahead of Fridays celebration on the international record-breaking day, Paulo said; 'I found her very beautiful from the first moment I saw her. But Katyucia didn't reciprocate Paulos love at first, she blocked him on the instant messaging site, before Paulo eventually won her heart afterwards.According to guinnessworldrecords.com, they chatted online regularly for a couple of years before they first met in person on 20 December 2008. They began dating on 29 December.They maintained a long distance relationship for four years, managing to see each other every couple of months. In January 2012, Katyucia decided to move from her hometown of Londrina to Paulos town, Itapeva. They did not need to live together long before they knew they were meant to be together.Paulo, a civil servant for his local government, and Katyucia, beauty salon owner, receive a lot of attention for their height, and not all of it was good. They found that being together attracted more attention but equally, being together gave them greater strength in dealing with the attention coming from the public.According to Paulos birth records, he was unable to walk until he turned 21 years old.In an attempt to be more independent, he used a childs tricycle to aid his inability to walk in his late teens, and upgraded to a four-wheeler when he turned 20. Having learned to walk and following the fitting of orthopaedic boots in 2008, he vowed to never use a childs bike again he then upgraded to a specially fitted out car which he still drives today. His colleagues know him as Paulinho Gigante Giant Paulo.Speaking at the event Friday, Katyucia said:We are so happy to be a part of Guinness World Records Day and to have our unique record celebrated. We hope our new record will encourage the world to look past the physical differences in others and understand all people should be treated equally. We may be short but we have big hearts and lots of love for each other as well as everybody in our lives. Our life isnt without its challenges but we are so happy we can tackle these challenges together. Three unidentified gunmen have abducted former minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse. Three unidentified gunmen have abducted former minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse.The incident happened right in front residence of President Muhammadu Buharis powerful nephew, Alhaji Mamman Daura, on Inuwa Wada road in Kaduna.Hirse in the company of his friend, had gone to pay condolence visit to the family of the late Sultan of Sokoto, Ibrahim Dasuki on Kabiru road, few meters away from Inuwa Wada road and was said to have decided to make a quick stopover at the house of Daura who was at home and was receiving guests and other family members.Details later(Vanguard) The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has said that his visit to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, wh... The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has said that his visit to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which saw him pray for recently released detainees Reuben Abati, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Musilliu Obanikoro was not planned.Kukah had visited the custody of the EFCC, in Abuja, where he prayed for the trio.Kukah explained that he was on a visit to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to invite him for an event when he decided to pray with some detainees not knowing the prominent Nigerians were there.I am not sure of what to say. I really did not imagine that I would be talking about this but since it is now public, let me briefly explain as best as I can, he told Punch.Yes, I went to the EFCC to visit the acting chairman, to invite him for an event with the Kukah Centre. As I got up to leave, I told him I needed to do my spiritual duties and then requested to see the detainees.I had no idea where the location of the facility was, nor did I even know who was there. I was out of the country when I heard my friend, Reuben Abati, had been held but I did not know where. I just said I wanted to greet the detainees, whoever they might be.Mr. (Ibrahim) Magu then decided to accompany me and Abati was the first person I met as we entered the place. There were about seven or so other young men, none of whom I recognised but I greeted and shook hands with them.As I greeted them, Mr. Magu decided to show me their toilet facilities, assuring me that they were up to the standard.Abati, who was beside me, answered in the affirmative and I went on to see the showers, which looked quite neat. I was told that (Musiliu) Obanikoro and (Femi) Fani-Kayode were there too but that they were in the clinic. Mr. Magu took me there and we met both of them having a meal.They were glad and obviously surprised to see me. We chatted and then, I tried to encourage them, reminding them to trust in Gods will. After that, the four of us prayed together. I blessed them and left.As I bade goodbye to Mr. Magu, a young man stepped up to me to ask about my visit. I spoke to him but had no idea it would be news.Nonetheless, there is nothing that I regretted saying to him. I had no idea that it would become a media event till someone forwarded the news item to me later that evening.It was not meant to be a media event, and I was pleased with Mr. Magus courtesy towards me. Trust Nigerians. This has elicited all kinds of reactions, but I am glad even about the publicity that has followed my visit. My conscience is my companion, not the eyes of the public.I just call on my fellow Nigerians to know that we all share a common humanity and that there is a distinction between sin and the sinner, and that while people are still under investigation, we must ensure that their integrity is intact until the courts have proven their cases against them. It could be any of us tomorrow. There are strong indications that the police have submitted to the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, another report on the inve... There are strong indications that the police have submitted to the National Prosecution Coordination Committee, another report on the investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015.It was gathered that in the fresh report, the police indicted the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Dr. Ike Ekweremadu.It was gathered that the Special Investigation Panel, headed by the retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ali Amodu, explained that a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, could not have committed the alleged offence without the connivance of the two principal officers.The SIP was set up by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to investigate high-profile cases.The Federal Government had, on October 6, 2016, withdrawn the charges of criminal conspiracy relating to the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, filed against the Senate President and his deputy at an Abuja High Court.The government, it was reported, had found out that the investigation was inconclusive and the evidence was not strong enough to sustain a diligent prosecution of the accused persons.Following this discovery, the Ministry of Justice filed an application to amend the charges.In the new charges, only Maikasuwa and a former deputy clerk, Mr. Ben Efeturi, were listed as the accused persons.Saraki and Ekweremadu were earlier charged alongside Maikasuwa and Efeturi for allegedly forging the Senate Standing Orders, which were used for the inauguration of the Eight Senate.All of them pleaded not guilty to the charges before Justice Yusuf Halilu and were granted bail on June 10, 2016.Following the amendment of the charges, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), directed the police to conduct fresh investigations into the case.Saraki, Ekweremadu may face conspiracy charge again.A top police operative, who confided in newsmen on Saturday, said the SIP had addressed the loopholes the AGF identified in the former report.He said, The police have concluded investigations into the case and submitted the report to the NPCC. This was done about a month ago.Giving an insight into the report, a top source at the Force Headquarters said, Conspiracy is a very wide offence and Maikasuwa couldnt have done what he did without the connivance of Saraki and Ekweremadu.There is no doubt about it; they were the beneficiaries and they have to be joined in the case.When asked if the panel made any recommendation for the prosecution of the beneficiaries of the forgery, he stated, There is no need to make any recommendation to prosecute them because the investigation did not exonerate them.On the non-interrogation of Saraki and others by the former investigators, the source stated, It is not totally out of point. It is for Saraki, Ekweremadu and others to defend themselves in court. The fact that they were not questioned did not mean they didnt commit the offence as alleged. The circumstances were that the investigators could not reach them just like the way the House of Representatives leadership was dodging police summons on the budget padding probe.He added that the evidence and corrections made on the report had been sent to the AGF by the police.He stated, There were certain documents and evidence they asked us to fine-tune, which we did. We got all the necessary documents, including the Hansard, where publications were made and notices were given. We looked at the Hansard. Was there any amendment during the 7th Senate? There were no amendments; nothing was adopted during the 7th Senate. We got the papers and there was nothing like that.So, where did Ekweremadu and Maikasuwa derive their authority from when no amendment was done on the floor of the Senate?Another highly-placed source, who was familiar with the police probe, informed one of our correspondents on Saturday that the SIP was able to gather the necessary evidence about how the alleged forgery at the Senate was carried out.The source said it was now up to the AGF and the NPCC to decide whether to re-arraign Saraki, Ekweremadu and others or not.It was gathered that the detectives were able to verify the extent of amendment to the Senate Standing Orders 2011, the individuals who authorised it, and the official who ordered the printing of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015.The source added, The SIP, through painstaking efforts, was able to identify who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, to senators-elect and it also obtained the complete Hansard of June 9 and 24, 2015, which indicated what transpired on the floor of the Senate as well as other relevant evidence. These were issues the former probe did not resolve.It is now up to the government to decide whether Saraki and Ekweremadu should be re-arraigned or only Maikasuwa and Efeturi would carry the can.One of our correspondents gathered that the SIP had to bypass the Clerk, National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to get the necessary evidence and documents relating to the case.When contacted on Saturday, the spokesperson for the AGF and the NPCC, Mr. Salisu Isah, said he was not aware of any fresh development in the case.Just give me some time to find out and revert to you, he said.Besides the AGF, who is the Chairman of the NPCC, the committee consists of 19 members, including the Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun and Mr. Dipo Opeseyi.When contacted on Saturday, Saraki decline to comment on the matter, while Ekweremadu said he was not aware of the new development in the forgery case.The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said, I have no comment on the matter, when he was called on the telephone by one of our correspondents.Ekweremadu, who spoke through the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, said, We are not aware of that when he was told that the police had submitted a fresh report to the AGF-led committee.Another aide to Ekweremadu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, wondered why the police would file another report from a fresh investigation when the security agency had sworn to an affidavit that it had concluded its investigations into the case and presented it before a court. By Okanga Agila Self-styled national leader of the ruling APC, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu is in the political wilderness. For a politic... By Okanga AgilaSelf-styled national leader of the ruling APC, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu is in the political wilderness. For a politician of his status, whose passion for power is unsurpassed and believes in the kingmaker syndrome, but of a dubious dimension, President Muhammadu Buharis refusal to support his faulty permutations has been a sore in the throat. Buharis integrity to always see things straight has unknowingly ambushed his political ambitions and his is quite sad.Many times, when Nigerians argue that politicians lust for power is for themselves at the expense of the ordinary masses, some skeptics vehemently deny the assertions. But the proofs are becoming clearer by the day.Nigeria condescended to the abyss of a messy political decay, where all laws, rules or creeds governing the sanctity in party affairs or the polity were brazenly floated. At the turn of every political dispensation, the country would produce a mesh of wailers wailing for their ill-treatment, snatched party nomination tickets and a dangerously skewed democratic system, where some leaders assumed the status of demigods and other party members, pawns on their chessboard or slaves.These desire to change this inherently defective posturing was the crest of Change upon which the APC anchored its campaigns in 2015 and eventually ousted the now opposition PDP. Tinubus constant refrains were loud chants of change and the broom waved symbolically to suggest the sweeping of the stains in the system, which he proudly emphasized, it was for the good of the country.But Sen. Tinubu and some of his cohorts have gleefully forgotten all about change and the betterment of Nigeria. He has forgotten his pledge of commitment to make Nigeria great again. With PMB as captain of the ship, it is now about who gets what federal job patronage and not about who is competent to serve Nigeria. It is anger about what any APC political kingpin has not gotten enough in patronage; instead of strengthening the weak institutions of government to deliver good governance.In his inured conviction, Tinubu thought having played a significant role in the enthronement of PMB in 2015; the President would sign off a chunk of Nigeria to dash him in appreciation. But PMB is a different kind of person or politician and the least to downplay public interest to please political godfathers. Tinubu is sufficiently angered with this reality and nothing seems to please him more than to contemplate a new platform, nurture it and begin another round of flirting on the innocent souls of Nigerians with all sorts of deceits.There have been weeks of speculations about Tinubus intention to dump the APC to float a new party preparatory to confronting his political foes in 2019. Tinubu speaks less on this issue, but acts more. And an English idiom says, action speaks louder than words. He has given up hope that PMB would ever bow to his whims and caprices, by his refusal to sack APC national chairman, Chief John Oyegun or just like he declined directing the replacement of Ondo state 2016 APC governorship flagbearer, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, with Tinubus candidate floored at the primary polls.Therefore, when Nigerias former Vice President Atiku Abubakar barks in the uplands of the North about the wrongdoings of the Buhari presidency, he has sighted a disgruntled Tinubu and in him, his soul must be well pleased in 2019 for his dream of ruling Nigeria as President. He believes, when Tinubu coughs or thunders, the skies are pulled down and every Nigerian bows to his alluring political charm.Now, Buharis series of reconciliatory meetings with Tinubu for amicable resolution of the crisis have proved abortive and Tinubu cannot ever be settled insofar as PMB is unwilling to be manipulated or do his bidding. So, Tinubu has decided to make a bold statement.Tinubu shunned the partys mega governorship campaign rally, in Akure, Ondo state. But no one expected him to grace it. How could he attend the campaign of an enemy, who snatched the ticket from his anointed candidate? While PMB personally attended the rally, with all APC governors, except that of Lagos state, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; his Osun counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola and Oguns Abiola Ajimobi who also stayed away, obviously in allegiance to Tinubu for assisting them mount the throne in their various states.In any case, even without their presence, the Akure rally was a resounding success. The interpretation of the failure of some of the APC governors to attend the rally in their geo-political zone based on the suspected prompting of Tinubu is their acceptance of being the apron strings of the APC national leader. It is this primitive loyalty Tinubu expects from Buhari. The APC leader thinks when he barks to PMB, his words should remain sacrosanct. Failure of the governors of nearby states to grace the presence of the President in their vicinity is indication of the disregard for the office of the President.What the conduct has conclusively argued is that for the Tinubus and his clique what matters in the Nigerian project is how their stomachs are filled. That they are dissatisfied each time patronage extended to them is not enough. It is reason not to see anything good in the Buhari presidency or his other committed lieutenants and so, he must be unseated in 2019. Tinubus intemperate political ambitions and wealth accumulation flair has been ambushed so that Nigerians would come out better for it.His kind of mentality is old logic to Nigerians. No amount of intrigues from Tinubu can blind Nigerians and re-baptise him with another name or the garments of a selfless politician. He is just a man after his stomach, after an incurable and deadly lust for power.Whether Tinubu or his political friend of convenience, Atiku Abubakar discredits PMB, Nigerians whom he is serving faithfully are the witnesses and shall pass the verdict at the appropriate time. But what is certain is that Nigeria, at least under Buhari would not revert back to the doomed era of sharing the countrys commonwealth to a few greedy political elite. Nigerias NNPC will no longer be anybodys ATM card to unfettered access to illicit cash; no cronies of the President, his friends and even the President himself would administer CBN from Aso Villa with secret codes to its US Dollar or other world currencies vaults to siphon Nigerias money.Nigerians are excited that no long list of dead woods or unproductive persons are heading or make up membership of federal government boards or parastaltals, on the altar of party patronage. The country would no longer have political Military Generals, who spend more time at the Presidential Villa for cocktail parties while criminals challenge and take over swathes of Nigerias territories. Now, time tested, flat bellied and devoted military Generals who can command the Army, Air Force, Navy to achieve results are in charge. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) is berthing #ChangeBeginsWithMe in the Nigerian Police.Ultimately, PMB pledged that he believes in any Nigerian who has the capacity to serve the country dedicatedly and truthfully, irrespective of party affiliation or religion. It is this dogmatic adherence to party patronage in appointments in the past that has destroyed or weakened public institutions of governance in Nigeria. And PMB is the least to succumb to blackmail in order to allow the mess in the polity flourish. The United States Department of Justice has denied having any record that indicates that Nigerias former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar,... The United States Department of Justice has denied having any record that indicates that Nigerias former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has a pending lawsuit in the US.In an email sent to newsmen on Friday, a spokesperson for the US DOJ, Peter Carr said, Thank you for reaching out to us. I have checked the public court records, and they do not show cases filed against a defendant named Atiku Abubakar.This was stated as a response to request for information on whether Abubakar is wanted in the US in connection with any issue of money laundering.The mail also asked the department to confirm whether Abubakar has been banned from entering the US and if there is any court case against him concerning the Halliburton scandal which resulted in the conviction of a US lawmaker, William Jefferson.Asked if it is true that the ex-vice president (now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress) was banned from entering the US, the American official said the issue was confidential.He said, Visa issues are confidential under section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your question is specifically about entry not about visas per se I would refer you to the US Customs and Border Protection.Last week, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, had implied that Abubakar was avoiding a visit to the US because he might be charged with a case of money laundering.He reacted to Abubakars interview which he granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions quarterly publication, Zero Tolerance, where he had accused the Kaduna governor of corruption by offering him Transcorps shares. The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Amnesty Programme of the Nyesom Wike Administration in ... The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the Amnesty Programme of the Nyesom Wike Administration in the State as a stage-managed affair.The party in a statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said that the arms being returned under the Amnesty Programme are being turned in by cultists empowered by Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to kill APC members and cause insecurity in Rivers State before, during and after the 2015 general elections.The statement issued on Sunday in the State capital, Port Harcourt, said: We have continued to watch the drama where the Amnesty Programme script is being played out by the devious PDP government in the State and its militant wing. We hope that the movie directors in Africa Magic are watching the scenes with a view to adapting them for a blockbuster movie that will send leading movies on the continent to the archives.The Chairman of the Rivers State Amnesty Committee, Kenneth Chindah, recently stated while submitting its report to Governor Wike that over 22,000 members of different cult groups have embraced the amnesty offer of the administration and that his committee observed that cultism is prevalent in all the 23 local government areas of the State. This is short of the 50,000 youths engaged for the devilish act by Wike and his cohorts to turn Rivers State into Rivers of blood.We are not deceived as we are aware that these cultists returning arms were the same group of young men equipped and empowered by the PDP leaders in Rivers State to intimidate, maim and kill opposition figures in the State. This unholy project has claimed the lives of some leading Rivers State politicians, including over 200 members of APC. With the main aim of employing violence to win the 2015 general election realised, they were asked to return their arms procured for them by PDP and wait for the 2019 general elections.Some of these dangerous cultists have been encouraged not to surrender their arms and to ensure that the rerun election in the State billed for December 10 should not hold as PDP is not ready for any peaceful rerun election in Rivers State, after which they will join others in another round of amnesty drama. Sadly, most of these cultists are now empowered through political appointments and elective offices to sustain the bloody nature of Rivers State politics that has turned the State into Rivers of blood and a laughing stock among civilised states in the world.But we wish to assure these blood suckers that the blood of the innocent Rivers State people killed because of election will never allow them any atom peace until justice is done on those who sponsored their deaths.Rivers APC pleaded with the Nigeria Police to retrieve the returned arms kept in the Rivers State Government House under the watch of Gov. Wike for safe keep and question some of those who returned them as to the source of these arms. This, the party said, would enable the Police to stop further procurement, proliferation and circulation of these deadly weapons, while also preventing them from being recycled in future to cause more mayhem in the State. The security agencies should help and restore hope to our dear State, the party pleaded. Deer in road Officials in River Vale will examine what can be done to control the deer population. (Associated Press file photo) RIVER VALE -- The mayor of River Vale said he'll research ways to control the town's deer population, but he won't consider a hunt for them, NorthJersey.com reported. Mayor Glen Jasionowski told the publication that he'd form an advisory committee to research solutions. "Under my administration, there will never be a hunt in my town," Jasionowski reportedly said. In nearby Saddle River, town officials have long-debated how to best control its own deer population. For at least more than a year, officials discussed the options, from bow hunting to neutering. The town put a non-binding question on the ballot earlier this month to ask residents if they wanted the town to use only non-lethal methods or if the plan could include lethal methods. Voters were in favor of both -- using only non-lethal methods and lethal methods. City council members have said they'll consider the results in forming a plan. Sara Jerde may be reached at sjerde@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SaraJerde. A whale was spotted in the Hudson River, near the George Washington Bridge on Friday, according to police. The Westchester County Police Department said its marine unit followed the humpback whale from the Westchester County-area of the river to the bridge. A police boat provided security around the mammal on its river swim. Another police boat, from the Palisades Interstate Parkway department, also reported seeing the whale near the bridge around 1:45 p.m., the agency said on Twitter. Boaters also reported seeing a whale near the Statue of Liberty Thursday morning. A U.S. Coast Guard spokesman told The Jersey Journal the whale did not appear to be in distress. Whale sightings in the area are rare, officials said. NEWARK -- New Jersey cities that refuse to implement federal immigration enforcement may not be breaking the law, but they could be setting themselves up to face some serious consequences under president-elect Donald Trump's administration, immigration law experts say. The responsibility of enforcing federal immigration laws, experts say, falls to the federal government. Acts like detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants "are not up to individual cities to enforce," said Newark immigration lawyer Robert Frank. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was one of a flurry of "sanctuary city" mayors across the country this week who have said their municipalities would continue policies in place to protect unauthorized immigrants from deportation by federal immigration officials. "We do not hold undocumented inmates in jail at the request of the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless the detainer request is accompanied by a judge's order," Baraka said in the forceful statement. "Despite the election of Donald Trump, we see no reason to change that policy." Though Frank said the policies in place in sanctuary cities do not violate any laws, Trump could put policies in place that would attempt to "coerce" cities to comply with immigration requests, namely cutting the cities' federal funding or ability to access federal programs -- something the president-elect said during campaign season he might do. But, experts say, any legal threat to the cities' policies would likely need to come from Congress, not from a presidential executive order. Congress, Frank said, could "pass a law that could challenge these sanctuary cities." But, it would be difficult for Trump to unilaterally impose rules to make states comply with federal immigration officials. That "ain't gunna work," said Michael Wildes, a high-profile New York immigration attorney and former New Jersey mayor. In addition to Baraka, mayors from across the state - like Jersey City's Steven Fulop and Union City's Brian Stack - have echoed their commitments to the policies they currently have in place, even in the face of a potential battle with the White House. A spokesman for Baraka Wednesday said that the mayor is aware of the threat of losing federal funding, but "stands firm" in his position on the issue. Wildes - a Democrat who supported Hillary Clinton in the election but represented Trump's wife, Melania, when her immigration status was called into question during the campaign - said he thinks Trump may back down from immigration-related claims made during the campaign, something Trump alluded to in a recent "60 Minutes" interview. Either way, Wildes speculated, the issue is "going to come to a head in the coming months." Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook. colonial cup trophy 2 .jpg Carolina Cup chairperson Beverly R. (Peggy) Steinman balances the Cup on the helmet of Top Striker's jockey Ross Geraghty. The other celebrants at (l. to r.) George Sensor, owner Sue Sensor, trainer Arch Kingsley and Wendy Kingsley. (Photo by Don Clippinger) Camden, S.C. is a friendly town where the folks have a whole lot of civic pride. When Top Striker drew clear of the Steeplechaser-of-the-Year Rawnaq after the last fence in the $150,000, Grade 1 Colonial Cup, car horns blared and the home folks' cheers turned to a roar. The seven-year-old gelding races in the green and gold colors of Camden's Sue Sensor. His trainer is Camden's own Arch Kingsley, a former National Steeplechase Association riding champion turned successful trainer of Thoroughbreds both on the flat and over the jumps. If pari-mutuel racing was legalized in South Carolina for just one day -- the Saturday before Thanksgiving -- Irv Naylor's Rawnaq would have been an odds on favorite to win the race of 2-5/8 miles, the richest in the history of the Colonial Cup, traditionally the 'chasing season's closer. Top Striker would have drawn some support in the exotics on the strength of two second place finishes in Saratoga handicaps and then a win in the Grade 2 David (Zeke) Ferguson Memorial on the International Gold Cup card at The Plains, Va. in October. With Ross Geraghty in the saddle, Top Striker, a gelded son of Vanistelrooy, opened his advantage from the last fence and crossed the finish line 10-1/2 lengths ahead of Rawnaq and Sean McDermott stopping the timer in 6:12:2/5 to claim the winner's check for $90,000. All nine starters carried 156 pounds. Rawnaq, the winner of the $150,000 Grade 1 Calvin Houghland at Nashville in May and Far Hills' $350,000, Grade 1 Grand National in October will, no doubt, receive the Eclipse Award as 'Chaser-of-the-Year. The Cyril Murphy trainee's next engagement will be at a British or Irish course early next year. That race will be a prep for the Ryanair Air World Hurdle at the Cheltenham spring meeting. When Rawnaq won the Houghland at the Iroquois meeting, he became eligible for the Brown Advisory Cheltenham-Iroquois $500,000 bonus if he can couple a win in the Ryanair with this year's Houghland. After the presentation of the Colonial Cup, Kingsley noted the race was another step in Top Striker's improvement as a 'chaser. "He trained just the way he ran today. He progressed very well," he said. Owner Sensor agreed saying, "For him to do what he did today is phenomenal." Murphy summed up the Colonial Cup saying, "I didn't know (Top Striker) wanted to go that fast. He did, and he won." Naylor, a retired public utility executive from Reisterstown, Md. went to Camden with the NSA owner's award in his pocket. He added to his $900,000+ purse account with a win in the race after the Colonial Cup. His Irish-bred mare Lake Champlain and McDermott won the filly and mare ratings handicap by a quarter length over Welcome Here Farm's Second Amendment. After the race, Naylor jested with his rider saying, "That's what you're were supposed in the last race." For more equestrian news see Horse News covers everything equestrian in the mid-Atlantic area and can be reached at horsenews@hcdemocrat.com Find Horse News on Facebook For more racing and steeplechasing news see http://connect.nj.com/user/aorrjr/posts.html JERSEY CITY -- Dozens of volunteers from the Detective Melvin Vincent Santiago Foundation distributed Thanksgiving food baskets to families in need Sunday morning. Cathy McBride, Santiago's mother, said the foundation began organizing the food drive at the end of September, with hopes at feeding 25 Jersey City families. It did not take long for donations to start pouring in, with 250 families receiving holiday food bags. While Santiago was in the police academy, he volunteered to help distribute food at Thanksgiving time to families in need, his mother said. He did not have the chance to serve the community at Thanksgiving as a police officer. Families began picking up turkeys and bags of non-perishable food at the Pershing Field community center at 10 a.m. McBride said the food drive -- which was supported by Jersey City Police Department, Fire Department and the Jersey City POBA and Secaucus PBA -- is something her son would have loved to be a part of. "I know he's here with us," McBride said. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. 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. Welcome to non league daily news now - your number one spot for all things relating to the National League System. Our dedicated reporters have come straight from the sidelines to bring you news fresh from the dugout - but not before theyve stopped off at the burger van first! We know that non league football fans are full of heart, passion, and belief. You trust the manager, you believe in the team, and, for some strange reason, you trust those rickety stands, too! Here at Non League Daily, we hope we can become your trusted non league news resource - a platform thats just as passionate about non league daily news now as you. Come rain or shine, well be out reporting on the latest non league fixtures. Well also be scouring the news, refreshing social media, and sourcing information from team websites in the hopes of finding the latest breaking non league daily news for our readers. As youll soon see, weve got exclusive match reports on the Vanarama National League, weve got transfer speculation thatll affect the National League South, weve found great stories thatll spice up the National League North, and weve even got news on the latest giant killers of the FA Cup. We may not be able to agree on who is going up this year, but we can all agree that any news on the NLS worth knowing will be published here, at Non League Daily. Development funds to assist 51 organizations in six states First National Bank of Omaha, which also operates as First National Bank Fremont and First National Bank North Platte, has awarded a total of $1,105,000 in community development grants to 51 organizations in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas announced Alec Gorynski, vice president, corporate philanthropy and social responsibility. The grants, which support affordable housing, education and job training, and economic development programs, mark the banks final disbursement of grant funding for the year. First National Bank awarded a total of $1,840,000 in community development grants in 2016 to organizations across its seven-state service area. In Nebraska, First National Bank awarded $816,000 in community development grants to 32 organizations across the state. Grants supporting Educated Workforce initiatives will enable a projected 11,927 individuals in Nebraska to move closer to self-sufficiency. Grants for affordable housing programs will allow recipients to build, rehabilitate or finance a projected 113 homes and provide homeownership education to a projected 919 individuals. These area grants include: $10,000 North Platte Area Habitat for Humanity, which supports affordable housing construction. $55,000 Lincoln County Community Development Corporation, to increases the number of safe, quality and affordable housing units in Lincoln County. "Change only comes from people standing up and doing what they think is right." That's how Jennifer Pedroza summed up her family's trip to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in September to support the tribe's efforts to block construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline under a Missouri River reservoir. Pedroza, her husband, Victor, and their 8-year-old son, Xavier, camped at the reservation for a weekend. There, they heard first-hand from Native Americans united in the fight against what they call "the black snake." Tribal leaders have said the pipeline threatens cultural sites and water resources. "It was a truly amazing experience. I really hope it continues to gain the attention it needs because it's important," Pedroza said. Their decision to drive overnight to the encampment came in response to reports of private security guards releasing dogs Sept. 3 during a confrontation with protesters. They canceled plans they had made for Victor's birthday during his "long week" off from ArcelorMittal, left their 2-year-old son, Gabriel, with his grandparents, and packed up their camping gear and food for the weekend. They arrived Sept. 16, after an early setback that required a stop at a 24/7 tire repair shop in Chicago. The Pedrozas' concern for environmental issues started several years ago, in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. As with a growing number of people, social media Facebook, in the Pedrozas' case played a vital role in their path to activism. 'What's right for our kids?' Jennifer, 34, a Gary native who graduated from Bishop Noll Institute, and Victor, a Lake Station native who graduated from Andrean High School, first participated in a protest during the March Against Monsanto in 2013 in Chicago. "We had been reading up about organic. We wanted to change the direction of our family," Jennifer said. "We were thinking, 'What's right for our kids?'" They "friend bombed" people on Facebook with like-minded ideas and have stayed connected. The Deepwater Horizon disaster prompted them to begin looking for information on other issues, including water contamination, she said. "It worries me as a mother. We live here, where there are so many mills," she said. "My husband works in the mill. ... I used to take my kids to the beach and didn't think about the mills being right there." She's concerned about the number of children with health conditions, including some that can be linked to environmental pollution, she said. "All these environmental issues they strike me where my heart is," she said. The Pedrozas, parishioners at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church in Portage, think Americans should worry about maintaining pipelines already in the ground, not building new ones. Any economic benefits, including new jobs, aren't worth the risk, she said. Since the 2013 March Against Monsanto, Victor Pedroza joined the picket line during the United Steelworkers' strike in 2014 at the BP Whiting Refinery. The couple also organized a donation and delivery drive for the homeless, Jennifer Pedroza said. 'It's making people ask questions' As they drove along Highway 1806 after leaving Bismark, North Dakota, the afternoon of Sept. 16, they began to see signs made of sheets, Jennifer Pedroza said. National Guard personnel stopped them about 6 miles from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and asked if they knew what was going on there. "We said yes, and they let us go on our way," she said. The first camp they came upon was called Sacred Ground. It was there they found David, a friend from Facebook, whom they met in Chicago in 2013. At one point, David posted he felt compelled to go to Standing Rock and had since become a leader at the Sacred Ground camp. After asking David is he needed anything, the Pedrozas continued to the main camp, Oceti Sakowin. They began setting up camp, but a couple approached and said the area might be used for a pow wow. The Pedrozas set up camp next to the couple, who came from two different Native American tribes, and their young children. The woman, Rose, is considered an old soul by her tribe, a designation reserved for those who at a young age show a deep capacity for learning, Pedroza said. Rose taught the Pedrozas about Native culture. "This is a prophesy for them. They believe the Seventh Generation will rise up and fight what they call the black snake, which they believe is the oil pipeline," Jennifer Pedroza said. It was a quiet weekend, several weeks before North Dakota called in law enforcement including about a dozen officers from Northwest Indiana under a nationwide compact and confrontations became violent. While they were there, the Pedrozas broke bread with the people they met. They prayed, and their son had a blast playing with other children. When they left, they donated their gear to the Sacred Ground camp. They have continued to share news about Standing Rock on Facebook, and have found people they wouldn't expect sharing and liking their posts. "It's making people ask questions. 'What's so important? What's going on?'" Jennifer Pedroza said. "Every little bit is important, and that's the reason we went. We feel like if we have the means to do it, then we need to be the ones to do it." Illiana Christian High School welcomed approximately 75 veterans and their spouses to the school to celebrate Veterans Day. The veterans in attendance were alumni and friends of Illiana and ranged from World War II vets through currently enlisted and active members representing all branches of the military. All Illiana students, teachers and veterans gathered around the schools flag pole that morning to share a moment of reflection about sacrifice and what that means to soldiers and civilians alike. Following the flag-raising ceremony, veterans and their families were invited inside to a breakfast hosted by the Illiana Student Council and GO Club. The school closed the Veterans Day activities with a chapel service honoring not only veterans in attendance but all those who have sacrificed in the service of our country. Illiana officials thanks everyone who joined the ceremony and thanks all military men and women, past and present, for their incredible sacrifice for freedom. INDIANAPOLIS Donald Trump won the presidential election by attracting support from many Republicans and some Democrats who simply were fed up with, well, pretty much everything. Voters said weve had enough, explained Stuart Rothenberg, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan political analyst and publisher of the Rothenberg and Gonzales Political Report. They were fed up with the government. They were fed up with the Clintons. They were fed up with Obama. They were fed up with the establishment. They were fed up with the media. They were just fed up. Rothenberg told participants at last weeks Indiana Logistics Summit that a plurality of Americans, since February 2004, consistently have said they believe the country is on the wrong track. So when Trump asked at his rallies, What have you got to lose? that message resonated with the right people in the right states as voters came to accept: Somethings wrong, Im willing to take a chance even on Donald Trump, Rothenberg said. Normally somebody who had numbers like his on temperament, qualified and on honesty, and who was endorsed by the Ku Klux Klan, did not release his taxes, and, lets be honest, the man is vulgar, crude and coarse. Normally that would be disqualifying. But when your attitude is at least hes different, at least hes a change, at least we can hope for something else. I think it reflected the frustration that many people had. Rothenberg said Trump did not win a mandate to govern, having lost the popular vote by some 1.3 million to Democrat Hillary Clinton and just barely claimed the states that gave Trump his Electoral College victory. For example, Trump only won Michigan by 11,000 votes out of 4.5 million, Wisconsin by 27,000 votes out of 2.8 million and Florida by 114,000 votes out of 9.1 million. In many ways this election was a real squeaker. It could have gone either way, Rothenberg said. It was amazing how close this race was. Polls got it wrong Rothenberg said the dispassionate analytic political analyst community, of which he is a part, did not anticipate the result since all the pre-election public opinion polls showed Clinton winning by 3 to 5 percent. Polls showed Clinton also led Trump in voter opinions of their qualifications to hold office, temperament and even honesty. I based my assessments entirely, frankly, on the survey data and on my ability to interpret the survey data, Rothenberg said. Somewhere along the way here, either you people were not telling the truth, or the surveys were not sampling a cross-sample of the country that reflected the electorate. He believes it mostly should be attributed to the latter, though he acknowledged diminished poll participation rates also may have been a factor. Some of the Democratic base didnt come out, while Republicans came out in big numbers and even some white voters who had been voting Democratic ended up voting Republican this time, he said. So we had a very different mix in the electorate. Rothenberg doesnt see the deep political divisions in America going away anytime soon, and suggested Indiana is a microcosm of the nation in this regard. You look up at the northwestern part of the state. They have a totally different view of the rest of the state, Rothenberg said. Folks in Marion County have a totally different view, in many ways, than the folks in the rural areas surrounding. Trump expectations Going forward, Rothenberg believes Trump has a difficult course ahead of him as voters now expect him, perhaps unrealistically, to deliver on his myriad campaign promises. He doesnt have a free hand. But I think a lot of people are going to think now the whole game has changed, Rothenberg said. Rothenberg is curious to see how Trump supporters react if the new president doesnt follow through on his agenda, large portions of which he said are unlikely to win approval from even a Republican-controlled Congress. He observed that Trump already is backing down from his pledge to build a wall the full length of the Mexican border, hes reduced expectations for mass deportation of illegal immigrants, wont commit to prosecuting Clinton and even has suggested retaining the good parts of Obamacare. Keep an eye on this, Rothenberg said. He expects Trumps success could depend on the role Gov. Mike Pence, the vice president-elect, assumes within the Trump administration. Mike Pence knows Washington. He understands Congressional relations versus the executive. Hes a governor, he knows how to run a state, Rothenberg said. Theres got to be somebody on the team who is a grown-up, who understands government, who knows people. Rothenberg dismissed the post-election protests in cities across the country and urged wannabe protesters to wait until Trump actually does something in office before taking to the streets. How can you just protest the election results? he said. Youre protesting democracy. Youre protesting the American people. Youre protesting free and fair elections. LANSING Residents in Lansing will likely see a bump in their tax bills as the Village Board plans to vote on the 2017 tax levy in December. Trustee Terry Kapteyn, who chairs the boards Finance Committee, said at Tuesdays meeting that increased need in the Police and Fire department pension budgets will require a 4.9 percent bump in the total levy. Thats equal to about $527,000, Treasurer Arlette Frey said. As a result, the villages general operating fund will need to be $120,000 less than it was a year ago. We cant hardly do less than that, in my recommendation, in the levy, Frey said. Well have to look into additional revenue sources or cutting expenses. Municipalities, school boards and park districts levy taxes from property owners in order to fund the local government. Frey said the levy has to be approved and filed before the last Tuesday in December. Always in the past years, our village has always taken the high road on the levies for our police and fire commissions, Village President Norm Abbott said. Being involved with South Suburban Mayors and Managers (Association), I know a lot of towns just meet the minimum requirement for their police and fire. Ive got to take pride that the village of Lansing has always given the police and fire pension the utmost of consideration when (they) do this tax levy every year. The police pension levy will be $3.6 million, Frey said. The fire pension is $1.4 million. The reasons for the increases are due to the update of mortality tables and looking at the funds earning rates, Frey said. Actuaries use an 8 percent return on investment as a general marker for the funds, Frey said. As we know, in the last several years you dont get 8 percent on your money, she said. So, theyre looking at those more towards what are the actual earnings in the fund, gearing the calculations more toward reality. Frey said she hopes those numbers level off in the future so that the increases arent as sharp in the coming budgets. Trustee Mike Skrbina said the average tax bill in Lansing is about $5,000, so an increase of around $250 per household is whats being required. Frey stressed that only includes the villages portion of the tax bill, not the countys, school boards or park department's. CEDAR LAKE Students at Jane Ball Elementary honored veterans on Veterans Day. From the students who honored the veterans, to the family members who shared today with them, to the faculty and staff who fought back tears at times and continued to guide programs districtwide with calm professionalism, there was pride on every face. At Jane Ball there is a tradition in which all veterans attending are asked to come forward and identify themselves, their branch of service and years of service. It was a long line that included veterans from WWII through Iraq. At one point a husband and wife, Johann A. Furman Jr. and his wife, Margaret, stood and identified themselves as Army veterans. Johann quietly told of his service from 1966 through 1988 with two tours of duty in Vietnam. Margaret served in the Womens U.S. Army Corp from 1973 through 1976. They both took their seats before J.P. Furman, their son, took the microphone. I am here today because Im a veteran, and Owens dad, but Im also here to tell you that I most of all I am proud of my dad, said J.P. Furman. The elder Mr. Furman did not become a citizen of the United States until after his first tour of duty in Vietnam. It takes someone really special to fight for his country before he becomes a citizen and he is as red, white and blue of an American as youll ever find, J.P. Furman said. Johann Furman Jr. was born in Germany in a displaced persons camp following WWII. As a small boy he immigrated to the United States and the South Side of Chicago. He made the Army his career and both his children, a son and daughter, grew up as Army brats. J.P. was born at Fort Knox in Kentucky and his sister was born at Fort Polk in Louisiana. After a brief time in Philadelphia, the family moved to Hebron and J.P. considers that town his boyhood home. He and his wife, Camille, moved to their current home in Cedar Lake in 2013. I couldnt be more proud of my parents, said J.P. Pride on every face, and a tear in every eye. GARY The energy and enthusiasm was evident Saturday night as hundreds crowded outside 411 E. 5th Ave. in Gary for the much-anticipated grand opening of ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen. We had people who literally gave their blood, sweat and tears to make this happen, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson yelled into the crowd. This concept grew from an idea that Gary needed a gathering place. Behind her stood the 14,000-square-foot building now home to an art gallery and business incubator. The building illuminated the streets of downtown Gary with the newly installed Ripple + Wilsons multicolored, solar-powered lanterns. The project was brought to life with the help of acclaimed South Side Chicago artist Theaster Gates and a talented architecture and construction team, including project manager Michele L. Larimer. Virginia-based Jeana Ripple of Ripple Architecture Studio and the University of Virginias Barbara Brown Wilson who designed the facade installation. Gary was chosen among the 237 cities to apply for funding through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, said Kate Levin, who oversees the arts program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. We are thrilled to be sponsoring this project because we really do believe that public art has the opportunity to transform cities, Levin said. Once inside, guests enjoyed complementary treats from local culinary artists, hot apple cider, music, and tours of the commercial kitchen. ArtHouse will feature a local artists gallery, a cafe showcasing the creations of local culinary artists, and a business incubator program and workshops. The commercial kitchen can be rented by anyone who wants to start a culinary business. Gary needs more Herman Miller was among the small number of vendors who were lucky enough to serve the roughly 200 guests attending ArtHouses grand opening. Miller worked at lightning speed to pack hundreds of cannoli shells with his homemade ricotta-cheese-and-chocolate-chip filling as dozens of guests lined up to get a taste of his sweet treats. The aspiring baker said he hopes to be one of the first entrepreneurs to enroll in the creative business incubator classes offered there. I want to hone my skills. I want to be a finished product by the time I leave the incubator. I want to go through my experimental phase, try out recipes, get some set in stone and start my business, he said. The lifelong Gary residents said owning a bakery is a chance to be a part of the local business boom the city needs, he said. (ArtHouse) is very exciting. See, I grew up in Gary and back then, Gary had bakeries all throughout the city, Miller said. We had one on the west side called Arts Bakery. There was Glen Park bakery. And Gary needs more, Miller said. DYER The Inclusion In Worship Ministry of Pathways.org, a Chicago based nonprofit, recognized Faith Church, Dyer, with a $1,000 grant for its efforts to welcome and include worshipers of all abilities as active participants. The congregation submitted a video describing their inclusion efforts along with a description and cost estimates for their specific access project: renovating a single restroom to create a family restroom with an adjustable, adult size changing table. Faith Community Church has a modern, accessible facility. However, no family restroom is available. The church realized that to accommodate individuals who need hands-on support in the restroom, whether a teenager with cerebral palsy or an older individual with limited physical independence, a family restroom was needed. Vinnie Adams, Special Needs Ministry director at Faith Church, applied for an Open Hearts Award grant to enlarge an existing washroom so that family members could assist a loved one in the restroom. The large family restroom will have space for a height adjustable, adult size changing table and will allow caregivers of the opposite gender to assist family member in the washroom. "We are so honored to receive this Open Hearts Award grant. It is an affirmation of our desire to minister to those with special needs and to enfold them into the life of our story," said the Rev. Bob Bower, pastor of Faith Community Church. We are humbled and incredibly grateful to receive this Open Hearts Award grant in support of creating an accessible family restroom in our church facility. Not only does the grant support the needs of our congregants, but it will also open the door of inclusion even wider to our surrounding community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for this gift, said Adams. For more information about the Open Hearts Awards grants and to download application forms visit www.InclusionInWorship.org. During Veterans Day weekend, a team of volunteers gathered to honor Portage-area veteran Phil Lewis. St. John-based Boy Scout Troop 561 helped with some prep work for a ramp, which was built by Project Manager Jeff Hall and his team from the UAW/Ford Community Services Ramp Project. Lewis, who served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, is facing mobility issues from an injury suffered during his tours in Iraq. The ramp will help him access his home. It means a lot to me. A lot of us fell through the cracks everywhere else and veterans don't get recognition here nowadays, Lewis said. If it wasnt for the UAW community service, I wouldnt have what they are doing. Thanks to the Lake County VSO (Veteran Service Office) and UAW, I know I will have ADA accessibility. It means a lot that people are willing to help me in my situation. There are others out there who need this type of help and I hope it continues to grow and more show stronger support to those coming back. The Eagle Scout project was led by Kyle Wagner, a 17-year-old from Crown Point who attends Lake Central High School. We did some preliminary work and mapped out the area so that Jeffs guys could lay the concrete, Wagner said. Through Boy Scouts, you learn everything is not perfect in the world, so we do our best to find a project that we think can benefit the community. For me personally, I am geared toward helping out veterans as they do so much for us and it is only right that we help them back. Wagners parents, Randy and Stephanie, are proud of their sons service to the community and emphasis on veterans. When the Eagle Scout project came up, he said, I am not doing anything unless I can help a veteran, Stephanie said. I thought that was awesome. The ramp, which was more challenging as it was constructed with concrete, is among the more than 40 that the UAW/Ford Community Services Ramp initiative has helped build in the Northwest Indiana and Chicago region. The initiatives partnership with Porter County Aging and Community Services has resulted in 12 Porter County residents receiving ramps. VALPARAISO The Purdue University Income Tax School will be held Monday and Tuesday at Valparaiso Universitys Harre Union Building, Ballrooms B and C, 1700 Chapel Drive. The program for tax professionals provides training on current tax laws and regulations including an in-depth review of a number of tax areas and coverage of newly enacted laws, regulations and procedures. Practical information for filing individual and small business tax returns is stressed. A five-hour, in-depth Agricultural Tax Webinar also will be offered. Tax professionals attend this conference each year to review new tax laws, revisions and amendments, said Lyndsay Ploehn, educator with Purdue Extension Porter County. They also receive continuing education credits. Participants will receive a printed copy and CD version of the 2016 National Income Tax Workbook. The program runs from 8:15 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. each day. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. the first day. The cost for Tax School is $369; the additional hour of ethics is $25. For more information about registration visit the Purdue University website, or contact a registration assistant by phone at (866) 515-0023. Editor's note: This is the first in a series of monthly columns to be provided by One Region, a nonprofit group aiming to advance population, economic growth and quality of life in Northwest Indiana. After reading Indiana University Northwests new data, which found Northwest Indianas economy is nearly stagnant, I asked myself, What are we going to do about our future? Our Region is losing manufacturing jobs, our core economic driver, to lower-paying jobs. Gary and Michigan City have higher unemployment rates than state and national averages. Our solution seems obvious. The South Shores double-tracking project and West Lake expansion project is what connects us to a world of jobs. Double tracking is adding a track, a double track, next to the currently single track from Gary to Michigan City, and the West Lake Expansion is adding a new South Shore line from Hammond to potentially Dyer. In 2014, nearly 542,000 people had jobs in the central business district of Chicago, the most since at least 1991. Chicago is losing jobs in manufacturing primarily located on the citys outskirts, yet the city center experienced a gain in jobs in professional services. One Region conducted a survey in 2015 and found the economy was a key priority for residents in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. Shortly after the survey, at a Priority Summit, One Region discovered in connection to jobs, residents prioritized funding the South Shore double-tracking project. It is time for our Region to embrace the symbiotic relationship with Chicago: Work in Chicago, and live in Indiana. We would not be the first state or region to capitalize on this idea. Lets look at Hoboken, New Jersey, which attracts thousands of talented individuals who work in New York City yet live in New Jersey because its less expensive and has quick access to the city. Average commute times to work for Hoboken residents are nearly 40 minutes. Whereas, in Northwest Indiana its 25 minutes to Chicago. Hoboken is closer to New York Citys urban core than Northwest Indiana to Chicago, yet commute times to work are longer likely because more people commute throughout the Hoboken-New York City metro area. This begs the question: Have we captured enough people working in Chicago looking to commute from Indiana? After double tracking and the West Lake expansion are complete, commute times will decrease across the Region. There will be more availability of trains, and better reliability of train service. Michigan City is a common example. Travel time by train will decrease from one hour and 45 minutes to almost one hour. There is no doubt this investment will attract people. Hoboken also has attracted millennials (generally ages 18-35), who are commonly looking for places to live that have transit-oriented development. Chicago is also working to attract diverse groups of people to live in TOD areas. TOD encourages spending money locally, taking transit as opposed to driving, which decreases traffic congestion and has environmental benefits, and fosters a livelier and more vibrant community. We can stimulate our economy by investing in our community through transit and ultimately grow our population. Lets not forget we are the affordable shore, and Chicagoans are beginning to look to Indiana as a place to live. Taxes in Northwest Indiana are lower than Illinois, and the overall cost of living in NWI is less. Housing is the biggest factor in cost of living. In Hammond, housing is 46 percent less than Chicago, and in Michigan City housing is about 43 percent less than Chicago. As our population grows and the demand for housing increases our resale values will increase. The benefits of a growing population are numerous: Our talent pool will grow, our tax base will grow, our schools will grow, our local businesses will grow and subsequently more prosperous opportunities will present themselves. Who is Indiana House Rep. Curt Nisly, of Goshen, who wants to ban all abortions in Indiana? Has he ever been pregnant as a result of having been raped by a convict, a person of a different race or by his father? Has he ever been a single parent living in poverty and trying to raise a child? Is he willing to have pregnant women die in order to save fertilized eggs? Crossing the line separating Indiana and Illinois sometimes means dealing with different laws and customs. Readers are asked to share ideas for this weekly feature. This week: High points. As millions of Americans travel through Illinois and Indiana this week en route to Thanksgiving celebrations, some inevitably will notice the incredible flatness of both states. Unlike the Appalachian states to the east, or the Rocky Mountain states to the west, the land in the middle simply does not rise quite so high. In fact, the highest point in Illinois Charles Mound, near Galena, in the northwest corner is just 1,235 feet above sea level. Hoosiers can stand slightly taller as Indianas highest point Hoosier Hill, near Richmond, on the Ohio border is 22 feet higher at 1,257 feet above sea level. Only the coastal states of Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Rhode Island have lower highest points than Illinois and Indiana. A radio tower stands near the highest point in Northwest Indiana, located just south of the Indiana Toll Road on the Porter-LaPorte county line. It is 870 feet above sea level. President-elect Donald Trump grew up in Queens, but some protestors said he does not represent what the borough stands for. "I believe he's a divider, the racism, the bigotry," said one resident. Hundreds made their feelings loud and clear Saturday. They marched from Long Island City over the Queensboro Bridge to Trump Tower. City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said he's received death threats following his criticism of Trump but won't back down. He said he organized the rally to show Trump what Queens values are all about. "We are the most diverse county in the United States, it's one that rejects racism, it's one that embraces all of our immigrant communities," said Van Bramer. City Comptroller Scott Stringer and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito echoed similar sentiments at the rally. "They've been very clear about what their intentions are and we're here to say we're not going to take it," said Mark-Viverito. The protest any rally is just one of many others being organized across the city and country in response to President-elect Trumps victory. "I am seeing that those that he's appointing are not people of unity," said one woman. "I will keep protesting, and we need to be strong in the face of what's coming," said one man. NY1 reached out to Trump's spokesperson for comment on this latest protest, and are yet to hear back. The President-elect did however take to Twitter about to last week's protests and said, "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!" However, Queens residents at the protest said it would take a lot to change their minds. A suspect is dead and two police officers injured after a shooting in Brooklyn. This afternoon in Van Dyke Houses in Brownsville, a housing officer shot and killed a man after he allegedly attacked them. According to police officials, the person grabbed the baton from one of the officers and started beating them in the heads. Both officers have serious injuries. One of the officers fired his gun and killed the man. There has been a police involved shooting in the @NYPD73Pct in Brooklyn. Two officers transported to Jamaica hospital. More to follow. J. Peter Donald (@JPeterDonald) November 19, 2016 The officers were rushed to Jamiaica Hospital to be treated for their injuries. The Van Dyke Houses include 22 buildings and more than 1,600 apartments. It is unclear what led up to the incident, or whether the officers approached the man to question or arrest him. A number of high-ranking police officials are at the scene, according to sources. Governor Cuomo unveils new statewide initiatives to combat what he calls post-election hate rhetoric. Cuomo addressed the congregation at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem Sunday morning, calling for acceptance of diversity. He announced the creation of a new state police unit to investigate hate crimes throughout the state. I am ordering the State Police to put together a special unit to address the explosion of hate crimes in our state.https://t.co/O3oXmEdnXp Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) November 20, 2016 Cuomo says New York is a state that embraces diversity and has no room for racism, bigotry and sexism. Demonizing our differences injects a social poison into the fabric of this country, especially this country because this is a country thats built on differences. Were not founded on one race, or one color or one creed," Cuomo said. The governor says he is also launching a legal defense fund to help immigrants who cannot afford representation. Hundreds of people of all races and religions came together in peace and song at the Brooklyn Heights memorial park of the late Beastie Boys' member Adam Yauch to stand up against hate. "I was very disheartened, it was very disappointing to see that type of graffiti especially in a liberal type of borough," demonstrator Robert Wilson said. The rally, organized by State Senator Daniel Squadron and Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, Yauch's band mate for over 30 years, was prompted by an incident that happened Friday in which swastikas and "Go Trump" were painted on the playground. "Adam Yauch grew up in Brooklyn, grew up as part of the Jewish faith and spent a lot of his life fighting for the respect for all people and for peace, and the fact that this happened in this the playground named for him is particularly tragic and vile," Squadron said. "This is more about someone in NYC linking nazi Germany to Donald Trump in a 'hell yea' kind of way, in a park where children play, by the way,' Horovitz said. Actor Ben Stiller was also in attendance, using his celebrity to speak out against hate. "This happening in Adam Yauch Park, and Adam Yauch was so about peace and non-violence, it's just a really horrible thing, I think we need to say this is not okay in America," Stiller says. Ad-Rock," closing with lyrics to the band's 2004 hit "To the 5 Boroughs," challenged all to spread love, not hate - which is what he says his late bandmate would want. "Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten, from the Battery to the top of Manhattan, Asian Middle Eastern and Latin, Black, White New York, let's make it happen," Horovitz said. The swastikas have been painted over and there's now a memorial of flowers of positive messages covering it. Get your Sunday-night groove on with the American Music Awards. Follow Bruno Mars back to where it all began. And the troubled tale of Noah Solloway and his women resumes in Season 3 of The Affair. Whats on TV 2016 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 8 p.m. on ABC. Fans have voted, and the winners will be revealed at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles in a ceremony hosted by Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah. Drake leads the pack with 13 nominations, Rihanna follows with seven, Adele and Justin Bieber have five each, and Beyonce and the Chainsmokers have four. Lady Gaga, Green Day, John Legend, the Weeknd, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj will perform, along with Sting, the recipient of the American Music Award of Merit. E! will report live from the red carpet at 6. 3. In the days after the election, our reporters and photographers fanned out across the country as a new political reality set in. They returned with a portrait of a country at odds with itself. Were also beginning a podcast of conversations among siblings, co-workers, classmates and friends who voted for different candidates. I could never believe youre a racist, man, thats silly, thats stupid, said one young black man to a friend of Hispanic heritage who supported Mr. Trump. Cant believe youre sexist. Cannot. But part of me is puzzled. Here are 19 questions to ask loved ones who voted differently. ____ Elizabeth Rachel Fife, the daughter of Lori R. Fife and Mark S. Fife of New York, was married Nov. 19 to Jeremy Ian Levine, a son of Terise Aglietti Levine and Martin S. Levine of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove officiated in the Great Hall on Ellis Island, with Rabbi Ethan H. Witkovsky participating. The bride, 29, is the founder of Batter & Cream, a maker of whoopie pies two small cakes with filling in the middle sold online and at a kiosk at the Columbus Circle subway station. She graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Her father, who retired as the chief executive of MSF Capital, a hedge fund he founded in New York, is the manager of a family investment office in New York. Until last year, her mother was a senior partner in the New York law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges, where she worked in the bankruptcy and restructuring practice, and was a member of its management committee. She is on the board of the Manhattan Theater Club, and also on the board, as is the brides father, of Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit group in Brookline, Mass., that trains teachers to engage students in discussions on bigotry and anti-Semitism. The groom, also 29, is an associate at A. T. Kearney, a management-consulting firm, where he helps clients in various industries improve their operations. He graduated cum laude from Colgate and received an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia. Jules Alexandra Hulburd, a daughter of Carrie Louis Hulburd and Jon R. Hulburd of Phoenix, was married Nov. 19 to Mark Phillip Koechling, a son of Dr. Glenn W. Koechling of Essex Fells, N.J., and the late Brenda Maye Koechling. The Very Rev. Timothy E. Kimbrough, an Episcopal priest, officiated in Phoenix at the David and Gladys Wright House, a historic home built by Frank Lloyd Wright. The bride and groom met at the University of Southern California, from which they graduated and where the groom received a masters degree in health care administration. The bride, 29, is taking her husbands name. She manages the video advertising team at Ralph Lauren in New York. Her career in television began in 1994, when Tim Russert recruited her to cover Capitol Hill for NBC. She joined PBS in 1999. Her highest visibility came as the moderator and managing editor of the public affairs program Washington Week on PBS, where she was also co-anchor and co-managing editor, with Judy Woodruff, of NewsHour. They were the first all-female team to anchor such a program. Under the churchs large stained glass windows, generations of people hugged, wept and shared their sadness about Ms. Ifills death. Many lamented that her voice would be especially missed as the nation prepared for President-elect Donald J. Trump to take office. The funeral began in silence as images of Ms. Ifill were projected onto the wall. A recording of Mr. Obama calling her an extraordinary journalist boomed throughout the church. Soon after, it was Ms. Ifills voice that filled the room, saying, You can be the person who turns toward, not away from, the chance to rise above the fray. In another recording that was played later, Ms. Ifill said, Its important to be reminded how easily we can be denied simple, obvious opportunity, how low the ceilings can get and how much fortitude it takes to refuse to accept the limits that others place on you. Audio also played of PBS viewers, who thanked Ms. Ifill for explaining the world to them every night and expressed sorrow that she would no longer help the nation grapple with political changes. Transfixed in the moment, most of the mourners stayed silent as latecomers shuffled into squeaky pews and the choir members, dressed in purple and gold robes, began to sing Now Thank We All Our God. Several of Ms. Ifills friends read from Scripture and spoke of her ability to connect with family and friends and to mentor young journalists. Athelia Knight, a former reporter for The Washington Post and a close friend who frequently sat next to Ms. Ifill at church, read from 1 Corinthians: Death has been swallowed up in victory. WASHINGTON President-elect Donald J. Trump met in the last week in his office at Trump Tower with three Indian business partners who are building a Trump-branded luxury apartment complex south of Mumbai, raising new questions about how he will separate his business dealings from the work of the government once he is in the White House. A spokeswoman for Mr. Trump described the meeting as a courtesy call by the three Indian real estate executives, who flew from India to congratulate Mr. Trump on his election victory. In a picture posted on Twitter, all four men are smiling and giving a thumbs-up. It was not a formal meeting of any kind, Breanna Butler, a spokeswoman for the Trump Organization, said when asked about the meeting on Saturday. One of the businessmen, Sagar Chordia, posted photographs on Facebook on Wednesday showing that he also met with Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump. Mr. Trumps children are helping to run his businesses as they play a part in the presidential transition. WASHINGTON For years, they have lurked in the webs dark corners, masking themselves with cartoon images and writing screeds about the demise of white culture under ominous pseudonyms. But on Saturday, in the wake of Donald J. Trumps surprising election victory, hundreds of his extremist supporters converged on the capital to herald a moment of political ascendance that many had thought to be far away. In the bowels of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, three blocks from the White House, members of the so-called alt-right movement gathered for what they had supposed would be an autopsy to plot their grim future under a Clinton administration. Instead, they celebrated the unexpected march of their white nationalist ideas toward the mainstream, portraying Mr. Trumps win as validation that the tide had turned in their fight to preserve white culture. Its been an awakening, Richard B. Spencer, who is credited with coining the term alt-right, said at the gathering on Saturday. This is what a successful movement looks like. The movement has been critical of politicians of all stripes for promoting diversity, immigration and perceived political correctness. Its critics call it a rebranded version of the Ku Klux Klan, promoting anti-Semitism, violence and suppression of minorities. The friendships weve established with countries like Peru, the reopening of diplomatic relations with Cuba, investments were making in trade, environmental policies and so forth all those things I expect to continue, he added. Mr. Trump has offered contradictory views on Cuban relations. Early in his campaign, Mr. Trump claimed to support restoring ties, but he said more recently in Miami that Mr. Obama should have gotten a better deal. Mr. Obama was speaking to aspiring entrepreneurs and civil society leaders about how to improve their lives and countries one of his preferred activities during the last stop of his final overseas trip as president. He began his trip on Tuesday in Greece, went to Germany on Wednesday and flew to Peru on Friday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting. Along the way, he has tried, with limited success, to reassure audiences that Mr. Trump will not discard the agreements and priorities that Mr. Obama has devoted much of his presidency to advancing. His toughest task was here at a summit meeting of an organization that helped birth the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, an accord that is almost certainly dead as a result of Mr. Trumps victory. Also, one of Mr. Trumps signature campaign strategies was to demonize immigrants from Latin America, and he referred to those crossing the border from Mexico as rapists and criminals. Just about every question posed to Mr. Obama from the audience here had to do with the anxiety Mr. Trump has stirred in this part of the world. The United States is such a big country that, after any election, people are uncertain, Mr. Obama said. I think it will be important for people around the world to not make immediate judgments. The Saturday Night Live episode was hosted by the former cast member Kristen Wiig, and did not shy away from political commentary. (Last weeks episode, hosted by Dave Chappelle, skipped an overly political cold open in favor of Kate McKinnon dressed as Hillary Clinton singing Leonard Cohens Hallelujah.) One skit served as an advertisement for the liberal bubble, with the tagline: In here, its like the election never happened. Another skit revealed outraged CNN anchors to be repetitive, malfunctioning androids from HBOs Westworld. And on Weekend Update, Michael Che and Colin Jost discussed the election and questioned Mr. Trumps desire to be president. Mr. Che said: He just liked the chase. He enjoyed wooing America for 18 months. Laurent Hilaire, a former Paris Opera Ballet star dancer, who has been a contender for the artistic director job at both that company and La Scala Ballet, finally has a company to call his own. The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Music Theater announced on Sunday that Mr. Hilaire would become artistic director of its 120-member ballet company on Jan. 1. Mr. Hilaire, 54, succeeds Igor Zelensky, who in September became artistic director of the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, while retaining his position with Stanislavsky. But in October, the Stanislavsky announced that Mr. Zelensky said he could not give both companies the necessary time, and would focus on Munich. Mr. Hilaire was part of a generation of young dancers picked out of the corps de ballet of the Paris Opera Ballet by Rudolf Nureyev and promoted. Mr. Hilaire has signed a five-year contract, and will be responsible for around 125 performances a year. BEIJING More than 30 years ago, the United Colors of Benetton released a series of provocative advertisements about race and multiculturalism. But in recent years, Luciano Benetton, 81, the co-founder of that Italian apparel company, has sought a different medium through which to promote his feel-good, internationalist ideals: art. Mr. Benetton has amassed in the past eight years more than 20,000 paintings by artists from 120 countries. The project, Imago Mundi (Images of the World), features works by well-known figures like Laurie Anderson, David Byrne and Zaha Hadid, as well as by lesser-known artists from countries like North Korea, Albania and Burundi. They have one thing in common: All the paintings are the same dimensions about the size of a postcard. Every artist is given the same space in which to express their thoughts, said Mr. Benetton, speaking through a translator in a recent interview in Beijing. I see it as a way of establishing democracy in art. BOSTON The British critic Richard Osborne once wrote that, when it comes to Brahmss symphonies, there are First and Third conductors, and Second and Fourth conductors. The scheme is loose and doesnt apply to everyone, particularly not to visionaries or stoics, but it captures the difficulties in maintaining consistency across the cycle. Musicians who excel in the personal, odd-numbered statements are often challenged, relatively speaking, by the formalistic, even-numbered works. Andris Nelsons conducts everything at a high quality, but hes a First and Third man. That, on the evidence of four concerts heard here during a Brahms minifestival with the Boston Symphony over the past two weeks. Decorated by the premieres of adornments by Eric Nathan and Timo Andres, it was in fact a double cycle, with Helene Grimaud traversing the two Piano Concertos nicely enough, if not spectacularly, before she fell ill toward the end of the run. The symphonies were recorded for possible release on the orchestras label. Although the volatility of the First and Third suit Mr. Nelsons, his Brahms as a whole resists classification. Its not close to either of the more extreme performance traditions, whether the subjective style of Wilhelm Furtwangler, Bruno Walter and, more recently, Christian Thielemann, or the classicizing manner of Otto Klemperer or, today, Riccardo Chailly. Rather, Mr. Nelsonss way recalls Eugen Jochum and Bernard Haitink, his undidactic temperament leading to an interpretive middle ground. The perennial jeopardy of Brahms without an overarching stance is dullness and stodge there was no sign of that here. A performance of the First on Election Day, begun just as the vote counts turned in an unexpected direction, was charged by urgency. It snatched for resolution in the first movement and remained darkly angry in the last, struggling to dredge up the optimism needed for the grand ending to sound as truly triumphant as it might. Even the inner movements seemed reluctant to provide gentle contrast, however much space the conductor gave his principal woodwinds, lovely as ever. His show, and Mr. Colberts show, will need to work out what we become next, Mr. Oliver said. These alumni of The Daily Show, Comedy Centrals long-running news satire, find themselves at different places in their professional trajectories. Mr. Oliver has enjoyed widespread critical praise for Last Week Tonight, a weekly half-hour show that recently won the Emmy Award for outstanding variety talk series. Mr. Colbert, who was largely invincible when he played a fake conservative pundit on The Colbert Report, is trying to strike the right tone on The Late Show, an hourlong network talk show that runs five nights a week. He is coming off a live election-night special, broadcast on Showtime, that became increasingly surreal and funereal as the program wore on. (On Saturday, Mr. Colbert said little about this special, except to mention that his staff had hired a team of male models, with the slogan Im with her painted across their rear ends, in the event that Mrs. Clinton won. And then very early on the evening, we were like, You can let those guys go, he said.) Mr. Oliver said that it had not been much fun to write jokes about the brutal presidential campaign. Usually in his line of work, he said: You try and take things of substance and then put some sugar on it to make it palatable. But there was so little of substance, this whole campaign, its just like a diabetes-inducing amount of sugar. Your job kind of flips on its head. Somewhat facetiously, Mr. Oliver, who is a British citizen, talked about whether his frequent comedic jabs at Mr. Trump might mean that he now has to return to his home country. Three days after the presidential election, an astute law professor tweeted a picture of three paragraphs, very slightly condensed, from Richard Rortys Achieving Our Country, published in 1998. It was retweeted thousands of times, generating a run on the book its ranking soared on Amazon and by days end it was no longer available. (Harvard University Press is reprinting the book for the first time since 2010, a spokeswoman for the publisher said.) Its worth rereading those tweeted paragraphs: [M]embers of labor unions, and unorganized unskilled workers, will sooner or later realize that their government is not even trying to prevent wages from sinking or to prevent jobs from being exported. Around the same time, they will realize that suburban white-collar workers themselves desperately afraid of being downsized are not going to let themselves be taxed to provide social benefits for anyone else. At that point, something will crack. The nonsuburban electorate will decide that the system has failed and start looking around for a strongman to vote for someone willing to assure them that, once he is elected, the smug bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, overpaid bond salesmen, and postmodernist professors will no longer be calling the shots. One thing that is very likely to happen is that the gains made in the past 40 years by black and brown Americans, and by homosexuals, will be wiped out. Jocular contempt for women will come back into fashion. All the resentment which badly educated Americans feel about having their manners dictated to them by college graduates will find an outlet. Mr. Rorty, an American pragmatist philosopher, died in 2007. Were he still alive, hed likely be deluged with phone calls from strangers, begging him to pick their stocks. When Achieving Our Country came out, it received a mixed critical reception. Writing for this newspaper, the critic Christopher Lehmann-Haupt called the book philosophically rigorous but took umbrage at Mr. Rortys warnings about the countrys vulnerability to the charms of a strongman, calling this prophesy a form of intellectual bullying. Donald J. Trump enthusiasts might dispute the word strongman. But the essence of Mr. Rortys argument holds up surprisingly well. Where others saw positive trends say, a full-throated dawn chorus praising the nations diversity Mr. Rorty saw dead canaries in a coal mine. Time was, if you wanted a knockoff purse, you went to Canal Street in Chinatown and looked for a store with a back room. The police raided these stores and took the bags, but more always arrived. Finally, the handbag companies began to sue the landlords of the buildings, who in turn drove out the purse vendors. By 2011, the operations had moved from Canal Street to surrounding streets, like Hester and Mott. There, vendors held paper catalogs or their phones with pictures of purses. A customer would choose one, the seller would make a call and someone would hurry out of a nearby apartment building with a bag. Now, the vendors and their suppliers, like so many New Yorkers, have turned to that recession-proof New York City industry geared toward hoarders and the cramped: self-storage. At a CubeSmart self-storage building in Ridgewood, Queens, three units 5153, 5154 and 5156 looked like all the others from the outside. Behind the metal doors and padlocks of neighboring compartments sat the Christmas ornaments, outgrown baby clothes and high school yearbooks of hundreds of New Yorkers, tucked away for a modest monthly fee. Lyubov Bilik fled the only home she knew in 1941. With her mother and two older sisters, she boarded a ship from Odessa, Ukraine, and eventually wound up near the northern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, fleeing the slaughter of Jews by the Nazis and the Romanians. She was 12 at the time. Her father, who had been conscripted into the Soviet Army, was forced to stay behind. One day when she was 14, she was stopped by a haggard man asking for directions, which she provided, before continuing on her way. The man called after her: Lyusinka. This surprised her. Only her close relatives and friends knew this nickname. She turned around and the man opened his arms wide. Sofia, Bulgaria It seems no matter what happens with American politics, the 19th-century French thinker Alexis de Tocqueville has something to say about it. In his classic Democracy in America, he suggested that democratic politics was in need of drama; as an election nears, intrigues become more active, agitation more lively and more widespread. The entire nation falls into a feverish state. But, once the election has passed, everything becomes calm, and the river, one moment overflowed, returns peacefully to its bed. We can all agree that the first part describes exactly what happened in 2016 because, whatever we think about this particular race, it was merely a hyperbolic version of the usual democratic process. During an election period, candidates frame the normal as catastrophic while promising that all calamities can somehow be overcome. Democratic politics might be interpreted as a nationwide therapy session in which voters are confronted with their worst nightmares demographic collapse, economic meltdown, environmental disaster, a new war but are persuaded that they have the power to stave off the devastation. When the elections are over, the world magically returns to its status quo. And even if it doesnt, people will do their best to believe otherwise. Following the initial shock of Donald J. Trumps victory, both friends and foes will downgrade the significance of what has transpired. The same people who portrayed a Trump victory as apocalyptic will come to see it as business as usual. The risk is that, this time, were not returning to business as usual. Irrespective of the policies that the president-elect will adopt, Mr. Trumps victory will have profound political repercussions in the United States and abroad. It is a global regime change. Indeed, the fall of the Berlin Wall might be a useful analogue for the present moment: Nov. 9, 2016, could become no less consequential than Nov. 9, 1989. And in their panic and disorientation, liberal elites now are not much different from Communist elites then. Beijings unilateral move to block two politicians from taking their seats in the Hong Kong Legislature is seen as an attempt to silence democratic voices. In 1920, for the first time, the Census Bureau counted more people living in urbanized America than in the countryside. This hasnt been a rural nation ever since. Yet the idea of Thomas Jeffersons agrarian America has receded slowly despite demographic change. We still romanticize the family farm, though relatively few of them exist anymore. We view even suburbia in pastoral terms the crabgrass frontier, as the historian Kenneth T. Jackson put it. And, as the recent Electoral College results make clear, we still live with political institutions that have baked in a distinctly pro-rural bias, by design. The Democratic candidate for president has now won the popular vote in six of the last seven elections. But in part because the system empowers rural states, for the second time in that span, the candidate who garnered the most votes will not be president. Rural America, even as it laments its economic weakness, retains vastly disproportionate electoral strength. Rural voters were able to nudge Donald J. Trump to power despite Hillary Clintons large margins in cities like New York. In a House of Representatives that structurally disadvantages Democrats because of their tight urban clustering, rural voters helped Republicans hold their cushion. In the Senate, the least populous states are now more overrepresented than ever before. And the growing unity of rural Americans as a voting bloc has converted the rural bias in national politics into a potent Republican advantage. ALBANY, Ore. Ordinary yoga can feel complicated enough sometimes, with the focus on breathing, and the search for an intention that many yoga instructors ask students to reach deep within themselves to find. Goat yoga has all that, plus half a dozen goats, mostly miniatures and all of them completely accustomed to people and our deeply strange habits. They wander around with their collars and name tags, looking for affection, or a bit of grassy kibble (like many yogis, they are vegetarians), and seem entirely unfazed by the sight of 20 or so people posing in downward-facing dog, out in the pasture as the sun sets on a lovely fall evening. The goats are in their element amid the hummocky, fragrant tufts of grass. As you smell that grass on a yoga mat, you realize that you have entered the goats world, not the other way around. Geese honk overhead, flying south in formation as a soft wind rustles by. Chickens cluck and scratch, as loosely regulated as the goats, though the goats themselves are mostly silent. Ms. Parikh said some customers had shown up with suitcases of cash, beseeching her staff to pretend that the purchases were made days earlier, which the staff refused to do. Some other luxury goods stores not only obliged customers but solicited them, sensing an opportunity, Ms. Parikh said. Everyone has tricks up their sleeves, backdating bills, she said. Real estate has been particularly hard hit by the ban on black money, since sale documents filed with the government typically reflect only the portion of the sale price paid by check. As a result, the sellers have no way of explaining to the tax authorities how they received the cash, which can account for as much as 60 percent of the deal. People who had just sold property were particularly out of luck, since they have not had a chance to spend or invest the cash they received. One man who had just received 3.5 million rupees, or about $51,000, in a real estate sale said he was hiring 14 low-income people to deposit the 250,000 rupees in old notes that they are allowed to put into their accounts without raising questions. Such tactics, called bundling, are illegal in the United States. Whether these schemes are successful will depend on the scrutiny of bank officials and the tax authorities. The Modi administration has said it will exercise extreme vigilance to prevent them, but the Indian governments record in the area of corruption is not strong. Nevertheless, the pledge to crack down has ignited such fear of future income tax investigations that some people have been dumping cash. Several garbage pickers in Mumbai have found pillow cases and sacks filled with cash in recent days, said Saumya Roy, the chief executive of the nonprofit Vandana Foundation, which makes loans to the garbage pickers, among other low-income residents in Mumbai and elsewhere. In a country where government oversight is weak, it has been easy to transact business in cash and to avoid taxes. Paying cash was also a way of avoiding the scrutiny of tax authorities who might question where a family, particularly that of a politician or wealthy business owner, had amassed the resources to spend enormous amounts of money on real estate or a wedding. India is so crazy and complicated, Ms. Devidayal said. The option of not having black money is very much there, but because its so habitual and easy, and you can just say, I had to do it, many people did. Cash had become so ingrained in the real estate industry that it was difficult to make a deal without paying some portion under the table. When Ramanan Laxminarayan, a Princeton University senior research scholar, tried to buy an apartment in the New Delhi area, he was told that he would have to provide 60 percent of the purchase price, about $420,000, in cash to close the deal. Unable to raise such sums, he gave up trying to buy. I said, Is it legal? They said, Of course not, Mr. Laxminarayan said. BEIJING Zhou Yunfei, a technology executive who owns a villa in eastern China, did not have much in common with an impoverished farmer more than 500 miles away who was convicted of murdering a village chief with a nail gun. But when Mr. Zhou heard last week that the Chinese government had executed the farmer, Jia Jinglong, he was furious. He saw it as a sign that the ruling Communist Party was imposing harsh punishments on the most vulnerable members of society while coddling the well-connected elite. The legal system isnt fair, Mr. Zhou, 57, said, adding that local officials had turned against the common people. President Xi Jinping has made restoring confidence in Chinese courts a centerpiece of his rule, vowing to promote social justice and equality in a legal system long plagued by favoritism and abuse. Since coming to power in 2012, he has led a high-profile campaign against corruption, ensnaring thousands of low-level officials and even some of the partys most senior leaders. BERLIN Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, under siege domestically but widely seen as a pillar of Western liberalism, announced on Sunday that she will seek a fourth term next year. Slightly hoarse but clearly determined after consulting leaders of her conservative Christian Democratic party, Ms. Merkel said the decision to seek a fourth term was anything but trivial, for her country, for her party and for herself. A scientist with a low-key manner, Ms. Merkel rejected the idea that, after the election of Donald J. Trump as president in the United States, she had a lone role in keeping Western liberalism alive. That is grotesque, even almost absurd, she told reporters. But she also said that the campaign ahead of the German elections in fall 2017 would be unlike any other she has fought in an increasingly polarized country. She faces stronger challenges on the right and left, while the war in Syria, the arrival of large numbers of migrants and the continuing euro crisis tear at Germany and place new demands on its people. JERUSALEM Dogged for decades by scandals ranging from the funding of family trips to enormous ice cream bills, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is again under scrutiny, this time over a billion-dollar deal with Germany for the acquisition of three new submarines. Political opponents are calling for an inquiry into what they view as the murky circumstances surrounding the framework agreement reached with Germany over the past year, apparently at Mr. Netanyahus urging, to buy the boats. Mr. Netanyahu, one of Israels longest-serving prime ministers, who is now serving a fourth term in office, faces allegations of a possible conflict of interest within his inner circle in making the deal. The issue came to light when Israels Channel 10 News reported last week that Mr. Netanyahus personal lawyer also represents the Israeli agent of the German shipyard that builds the submarines, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. Both Mr. Netanyahu and the lawyer, David Shimron, have denied any impropriety. Donald J. Trump has said he plans to reverse major domestic climate policies and withdraw from the Paris climate agreement reached last year. What his administration does could redraw the planets map. Boston 2016 2-foot rise 3-foot rise 6- to 7-foot rise Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Allston BOSTON Boston Harbor Brookline Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Allston BOSTON Boston Harbor Brookline Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Allston BOSTON Boston Harbor Brookline Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Allston BOSTON Boston Harbor Brookline Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Boston Harbor BOSTON Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Boston Harbor BOSTON Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Boston Harbor BOSTON Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles River Boston Harbor BOSTON Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles R. Boston Harbor BOSTON Roxbury Dorchester Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles R. Boston Harbor BOSTON Roxbury Dorchester Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles R. Boston Harbor BOSTON Roxbury Dorchester Somerville Cambridge Logan Intl Airport Charles R. Boston Harbor BOSTON Roxbury Dorchester 2016 These maps show areas in 2100 that could be permanently submerged or flooded during the highest of tides, under three scenarios of sea level rise: Two-foot rise This scenario assumes there are aggressive cuts to greenhouse gas emissions beyond the pledges made in the Paris climate agreement. In the cities shown, the sea level rise would range from 1.8 feet to 2.4 feet, depending on local factors. Three-foot rise This assumes greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, and that Antarctic melting occurs at a slow rate. Sea level rise would vary from 2.8 feet to 3.4 feet in the cities shown. Six- to seven-foot rise This also assumes that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, but that Antarctic melting occurs rapidly. Until recently, scientists predicted that the global sea level could rise almost three feet by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. New research suggests faster-than-expected Antarctic melting under this scenario, threatening a rise of nearly six feet and many feet more after 2100. But making deep cuts in global emissions could still keep sea level rise below two feet in this century. This is the difference between a difficult but manageable problem and worldwide catastrophe, affecting land where hundreds of millions live today. In the United States, the greatest threat is to South Florida, home to Mr. Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate. West Palm Beach, Fla. 2016 2-foot rise 3-foot rise 6- to 7-foot rise Southland Park Palm Beach Intl Airport Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Glen Ridge Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Palm Beach Intl Airport Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Glen Ridge Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Palm Beach Intl Airport Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Glen Ridge Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Palm Beach Intl Airport Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Glen Ridge Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Atlantic Ocean Southside Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Southside Atlantic Ocean Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Southside Atlantic Ocean Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Southside Atlantic Ocean Southland Park Vedado Mar-a-Lago WEST PALM BEACH Bingham Island Southside Atlantic Ocean 2016 If Mr. Trump bucks expectations and fights climate change, he might advance his economic and security agenda. American leadership in electrifying the worlds vehicle fleet could revitalize the Midwest manufacturing economy and dry up oil money for Middle East terrorist groups. Investment in American wind and solar power would mean jobs that wont leave home, and lead toward permanent energy independence. Mr. Trump clearly wants his legacy to be great. Generations hence may remember him as the man who shrunk America and every other coastal nation or who shocked the world, again, and helped to save it. Norfolk, Va. 2016 2-foot rise 3-foot rise 6- to 7-foot rise Norfolk Intl Airport West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth Norfolk Intl Airport West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth Norfolk Intl Airport West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth Norfolk Intl Airport West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth West Norfolk Ghent NORFOLK Elizabeth R. Elizabeth R. Portsmouth Ghent Elizabeth R. NORFOLK Portsmouth South Norfolk Chesapeake Ghent Elizabeth R. NORFOLK Portsmouth South Norfolk Chesapeake Ghent Elizabeth R. NORFOLK Portsmouth South Norfolk Chesapeake Ghent Elizabeth R. NORFOLK Portsmouth South Norfolk Chesapeake 2016 DHAKA, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Bangladesh will lower the sulphur content of all its gasoil imports from January next year, in line with a global trend towards cleaner fuel, two energy officials said on Sunday. The country will only import gasoil with 500 parts-per-million (ppm) sulphur from 2017 and will no longer buy the 2,500 ppm grade, two senior officials of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corp (BPC) told Reuters. The state-owned company, the country's sole importer of gasoil, has already started importing cleaner gasoil from this year. This year it hasn't purchased gasoil with 2,500 ppm from any oil companies other than Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), the biggest supplier of gasoil to BPC with around 1 million tonnes a year. "From next year, we will not import gasoil with 2,500 ppm anymore from any oil companies. We are importing gasoil with 500 ppm only," said one of the officials, who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to talk to media. BPC buys oil products from a number of oil companies through term deals while it has also started buying a portion through tenders as part of efforts to buy at cheaper rates. Bangladesh imports around 3.0-3.3 million tonnes of gasoil a year to meet demand, while the country's sole Eastern Refinery produces around 350,000 tonnes, BPC officials said. A shortfall in supplies of natural gas has forced the south Asian country to burn oil, a costlier option, to generate electricity. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Shri Navaratnam) JAKARTA, Indonesia More than 10,000 Indonesians took to the streets of their capital to call for tolerance and unity in the worlds most populous Muslim nation, after police opened a blasphemy investigation into the citys Christian governor. Earlier this month, Jakarta was rocked by a massive protest by conservative Muslims against the popular Gov. Asuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, with one person killed and dozens injured in rioting. Hard-liners have threatened more protests if Ahok isnt arrested. Police last week named Ahok as a suspect in the blasphemy investigation. The rally Saturday attracted more than 10,000 people, including religious leaders, legislators and members of human rights groups, who marched at the National Monument and along nearby main streets. We are gathering here not to protest but to show that we are not easily divided by religious or political issues, said Budiman Sujatmiko, a legislator from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, the countrys largest political group. The crowd, many waving the red-and-white national flag, cheered and chanted United Indonesia cannot not be defeated. The Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group that wants to impose Shariah law in secular Indonesia, began demanding Ahoks 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. Blasphemy is a criminal offense in Indonesia. Amnesty International documented 106 convictions between 2004 and 2014, with some individuals imprisoned for up to five years. Ahok is the second Christian governor of Jakarta since Indonesia declared independence in 1945, and the first ethnic Chinese to run the sprawling, chaotic city. He is popular with the citys middle class, but has made enemies from a tough stance against corruption and an urban program that has evicted thousands of the citys poorest from slums. Obviously, a Hillary Clinton presidency would have been historic. The symbolism of Clintons inauguration as the first women president would have resonated world-wide as a mark of the progress that American women have achieved in all walks of life. Instead, the post-mortem is well underway about why, despite all the polls and pundit predictions, Clinton lost. Many are pointing to sexism as the main culprit, yet no empirical evidence exists to back it up. We know that sexist and misogynistic views exist within our society, and that negative stereotypes about women are constantly promoted within our mass media. However, proving a link between sexist views and voting behavior, with any validity, is impossible. Public opinion polls for years have shown support for electing a woman president, suggesting that a majority of Americans are not deterred by a woman candidate. Partisanship was more than likely the deciding factor in 2016 as severe polarization has continued among the American electorate, as were economic issues as evidenced by Donald Trumps success in the Rust Belt. Similarly, gender bias in news coverage is also a popular theory for why Clinton lost. While sexist and misogynistic language exists, particularly online and in social media, there is no empirical evidence to suggest this can effect voter preference or turnout. If a blogger or cable news pundit writes or says something offensive about a woman candidate, are we to believe that can translate into hundreds of thousands or even millions of voters refusing to support her? That assessment defies logic. Obviously, sexism can have a harmful effect when considering the broader issue of political socialization through the mass media, but we should not overinflate its importance as it relates to political news and voting behavior. Not only has research shown that frontrunners get more negative coverage (which Clinton was in 2008 and 2016), but also that public criticism of sexist attacks can eliminate the effectiveness and make it seem less credible. Clintons 2016 presidential campaign built extensively on the support she earned in her campaign for the Democratic nomination in 2008. She won the Democratic nomination with 34 primary and caucus victories and a total of 17 million votes. She broke every fundraising record with the $500 million she raised this campaign cycle (not to mention the nearly $200 million in Super PAC funds). In the general election, she won 19 states plus the District of Columbia, 232 electoral votes, and will win the popular vote. To say that American voters cant or wont vote for a woman for president no longer holds credibility. A closer examination of Clinton as a candidate is where we see many compelling reasons for her loss. I am on record that Clinton was an inherently flawed candidate, which left me skeptical for years that she could actually win the presidency. During this campaign, she was under investigation by the FBI for both her use of a private email server and fundraising at the Clinton Foundation while secretary of state. That, along with the baggage from her husbands long political career, reinforced the negative perceptions many Americans have had of the Clintons for years. A majority of voters did not trust her, nor did they hold a positive view of her. What has often helped women politicians being more trusted among voters, in part, for their outsider perspective was lost for Clinton. In addition, the argument that she should run on the historic nature of her campaign to be the first woman president fell flat months ago, as polling and focus group data suggested that message was hurting more than helping her. Group solidarity also did not emerge for Clinton with women voters. Despite projections that the gender gap would be a record-breaking 20 percent or higher, it was only 13 percent (similar to Barack Obamas support from women in 2008 and 2012, as well as Al Gores in 2000). Political scientists have long known that women are not a monolithic voting bloc. Research continues to show that it is partisan affiliation (including policy choices), and not gender, that is most influential in determining womens voter preference. Mitt Romney won among married women and white women in 2012; this time, Clinton won among married women, but 53 percent of white women supported Trump, proving that gender is just one part of the voting behavior equation. As I have long argued, despite the inevitable symbolism that will come from electing the first woman president, nothing will change about our constitution and/or presidential powers. I concluded in my 2015 book In It to Win: Electing Madam President that a gendered strategy is not necessary for a woman presidential candidate to win, and I believe the Clinton campaign proved that point. While some gender advantages may exist, it is the institutional, constitutional, nuts-and-bolts of the electoral process that ultimately determines the winner. Despite the advantage in fundraising, political experience and a superior ground game, the Clinton campaign failed to provide a strong narrative about why she should be elected, and failed to turn out voters in the swing states that mattered. The candidates gender can hardly be blamed for that. Lori Cox Han, PhD, is professor of political science at Chapman University. Hi, its me, Marla Jo, your columnist and deals maven. Check out my Cheapo Travel column in the Sunday Travel section. If you know a great deal, let me know at mfisher@scng.com. You can also find me at Deals Diva on Facebook and Twitter. And dont forget to read my humor columns on Wednesdays in the Register. BLACK FRIDAY DEALS Listen, you really dont have to get out of your pajamas to go Black Friday shopping this year, now that so many stores are offering online doorbusters, but you should get up early anyway. Thats because a lot of the deals available online are set to launch at 6 a.m. Eastern time, which is drumroll please . 3 a.m. here. I know its early, but would you get up and on your computer if you could save hundreds of dollars? Because maybe you can. And, if you wait, they are likely to sell out. Heres a funny little secret, too: Sometimes they go on sale early. If you peruse the ads at sites like TheBlackFriday.com, you may discover that the deals you want are available before their posted times. For example, a few years ago I bought a $500 HDTV, half off its usual price, a a good 12 hours before that deal was supposed to be available. So just keep that in mind. And remember the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. BAKE EM Youll notice this week that russet potatos are for sale all over the country, as people get ready for Thanksgiving. But dont just think mashed, think baked, fried, hashed and more. Its a great time to stock up on this long-lasting staple, and maybe think about having a baked potato party, too! Ask everyone to bring one fixin and youve got a party for only a couple of bucks. SOCO DEAL Celebrate Small Business Saturday at SOCO and The OC Mix from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Costa Mesa, on Sat. Nov. 26. The first 250 shoppers get a free gift bag. RSVP to receive discounts from SOCO shops and restaurants all day long. Spend $50 and get a raffle ticket to win up to $500 in gift cards. Stamp card promotion, live music and free gift wrap. Learn more: southcoastcollection.com THRIFT SALE If you love thrift shops, check out their Black Friday sales like this one: The Assistance League of Santa Anas Thrift Shop is offering 50 percent off everything on Black Friday. And if you cant stand to wait that long, note that theyre having a Turkey Chop sale from Nov. 22-30, with 50 percent off all pink tags in the Top Drawer section, and green tags in Thrift I like these folks because I gave a speech there, and they laughed at all my jokes. Location: 1037 West First Street, Santa Ana Learn more: 714-543-1120 POSITIVELY MEDIEVAL How about spending Thanksgiving being entertained at Medieval Times? The show is corny but fun, especially if you like horses. Pay a discounted $37 adults (regularly $62), $28 for kids from Nov. 20 to Nov. 30, at the Buena Park location only. Use promo code TG16. The Thanksgiving show is at 5 p.m. Taxes and tips are extra. Location: 7662 Beach Blvd. Buena Park. Learn more here: medievaltimes.com FURNITURE DEALS If you like Ethan Allen but you dont like the price, consider the clearance center in Corona. Its located inside a regular Ethan Allen Design Center, off I-15 at The Crossings at Corona (just south of the 91). About half of this store contains clearance items, with average savings of 30 to 60 percent. They just got in a big stock of new clearance items, including entire dining room sets, so stop by and take a look, including as-is floor samples that you can take with you. Location: 3685 Grand Oaks, Corona. 951-278-3180. WAREHOUSE SALE Today is the final day of the two-day ASICS warehouse sale, offering great deals on workout and running items, including clothing, accessories and footwear. You can save up to 75 percent. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 6485 Oak Canyon, Irvine (near the Irvine Spectrum). I saw this on WarehouseWeekends.com. FREIGHT FREEBIES Harbor Freight Tools is offering several freebies with no purchase required until Wed. Nov. 23, but you do need to go onto their website at harborfreight.com and print out the coupons. Free offers include a 5-by-7 tarp, a six-piece screwdriver set and a small emergency LED work light. Not bad, right? And theres also a 20 percent off coupon for other items available. HABITAT DEAL The two Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Orange County in Santa Ana and Anaheim are offering a deal if you donate to the food bank. Bring in at least three non-perishable food items between now and Dec. 23, and youll receive between 10 and 25 percent off your entire purchase (of donated items that are already cheap!) And youll feel that warm glow from helping hungry people. Learn more: habitatoc.org/ShopReStore And Happy Thanksgiving! Contact the writer: mfisher@ocregister.com or 714-796-7994 GETTYSBURG, Pa. Two generations ago, a Southern California Democrat named Glenn Anderson was tapped as a last-minute speaker at a local ceremony. Anderson, a World War II infantry sergeant who later served eight years as lieutenant governor and 12 terms in Congress, was asked afterward what hed discussed. He had quoted Abraham Lincoln, Anderson said, adding, Lincoln is always sound. Like Donald Trump, Abraham Lincoln was elected president without a majority of the popular vote. Lincolns 1860 victory divided this country much more profoundly than did Trumps win. So, is the smart play to staff your administration with people whose fealty is unquestioned? Or to reach out across the spectrum to find the best possible Cabinet officers and other political appointees, regardless of their own agendas? Lincoln did the latter, while Trumps impulse so far seems to put a premium on personal loyalty. Nobody is saying Trump should be a patsy. But this small Pennsylvania town synonymous with a decisive Civil War battle and the famous presidential oration that followed reminds us how political success, not to mention moral authority, can be attained by being gracious in victory. Christian writer Max Lucado has called grace Gods best idea. Its a concept that works for men and women of any faith and secular citizens, too. Grace is also mankinds noblest virtue. It doesnt come easy to any of us, and perhaps harder to Trump than most. A few days before the Nov. 8 election that made Donald Trump president-elect, a colleague with another news organization sent out an email with this subject line: New video shows Trump sexually humiliating a woman on stage before thousands of people. This was at a time when a new woman each day was saying that Trump had groped her or come on to her crudely. So, I clicked on the link. It showed nothing of the sort, and it wasnt new; it was from 2011 at a Miss Universe event in Sydney, Australia. But I found a part of the tape the first few seconds riveting. It began with a snippet irrelevant to the issue of sexual harassment, with Trump explaining his theory of life: Get even with people, he said. If they screw you, screw them 10 times as hard. Now theres a bracing philosophy. I doubt it works in New York real estate, let alone politics. Its the antithesis of Christianity, for one thing, and as far from Lincoln as you can get. Why is this relevant now, five years later? Because thats one side of Trump. Heres another: Remember the end of Trumps contentious second debate in St. Louis with Hillary Clinton? The moderator asked each candidate to name something they respect about their opponent. Hillary couldnt quite do it. Ungracious and over-cautious, she mumbled something about respecting Trumps children, but never even finished the thought. (Maybe hes a good parent?) Trump rose to the occasion and did so ungrudgingly. She doesnt quit, he said. She doesnt give up. Shes a fighter. I consider that to be a very good trait. Now, as Trumps transition lurches through its uncertain opening stages, these two sides of Trump seem to be at odds. The proxies? New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Massachusetts Gov. (and 2012 GOP presidential nominee) Mitt Romney. The two Republican heavyweights took opposite tacks earlier this year in response to Trumps unexpected ascent. After losing to him in the 2016 primaries, Christie quickly endorsed his rival and took considerable heat for it. Christie stumped with the nominee, was thanked by him on election night, and put in charge of the transition. Then, he was unceremoniously dumped. And anyone working on the Trump transition team associated with Christie was purged. Only belatedly did the media pay close attention to Christies history with Trumps in-laws, specifically with his beloved son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Eleven years ago, Kushner was a young intern in the office of Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. His professional ambition was to be a prosecutor, right up until the day he learned that a federal prosecutor in New Jersey had charged his father, real estate mogul Charles Kushner, with a series of financial crimes, including tax evasion. That prosecutor, Chris Christie, asked the court for a three-year prison term. (A judge gave Kushner two years, and he served one.) It shows that no matter how rich and powerful you are in this state, you will be prosecuted and punished for crimes you commit, Christie said at the time. This sends a strong message that when you commit the vile and heinous acts that he has committed, you will be caught and punished. The case, and Christies chest-thumping, struck in young Kushners craw. As he later explained, My dads arrest made me realize I didnt want to be a prosecutor anymore. Seeing my fathers situation, I felt what happened was obviously unjust in terms of the way they pursued him. A sons loyalty notwithstanding, there was nothing obviously unjust about the senior Kushners arrest and conviction. The charges included witness tampering of a type for which vile seems the right description. (When he learned that his sister was a prosecution witness against him, Charles Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, and then take the tape to the couple, presumably as a way of intimidating them. Instead, they gave the tape to Christies office.) Jared is apparently exacting his revenge but on someone who supported his father-in-law. Its complicated, not to mention tacky and soap opera-ish, and it is in stark contrast to the overtures emanating from Trump Tower about considering Mitt Romney for a high Cabinet post. During the waning days of the GOP primary season, Romney ridiculed Trumps policy prescriptions and business acumen. In a blistering formal speech hyped by all the television networks, Romney said that Trumps recklessness and bombast on foreign policy were galvanizing Americas enemies and alarming our allies, adding that Trump lacks the temperament to be president. Romney called his partys nominee a bully, philanderer, misogynist, a con man and a fake, who engages in absurd third-grade theatrics while predicting that hed lose to Hillary Clinton. Dishonesty is Donald Trumps hallmark, Romney added. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. Im not sure I could make a man who said those things about me secretary of state, or secretary of anything. But Lincoln could. And Lincoln is always sound. Carl M. Cannon is executive editor and Washington Bureau chief of RealClearPolitics. Donald Trumps presidential campaign was based on the notion that he could Make America Great Again. But beyond the rhetoric sometimes lurching into demagoguery the newly elected president comes to office, as one commentator suggests, the least policy-savvy president in history. To succeed, Trump must adopt innovative policies that transcend traditional right-left divides. He needs to find ways to help his heavily white, working-class base while expanding his appeal to minorities, millennials and educated people who are now largely horrified by his ascendency. In the short run, his biggest problem may lie with his own Republican Party establishment, which, rather than drain the swamp, would simply like to create one of its own. The looming presence of corporate lobbyists, swarming around the administration like hungry flies, is not encouraging at all, nor are GOP congressional plans to re-establish earmarks. The key lies not in empowering a different set of K Street parasites, but rather in reversing income stagnation. If he cannot, his triumph may prove to be no more consequential than an absurdist, Latin American-style telenovela. A flatter, fairer tax The basic instinct among many Republicans tends toward reducing taxes on their richest donors and making life easier for the ultrarich, including some on Trumps economic team. Trumps imperative should, instead, be to make the tax system fairer for the middle and working classes. One way would be to make a graduated flat tax that would mean that the rich, who make most of their money from investments, pay the same rate for capital gains as the rest of us do for income. Democrats will, no doubt, still charge Trump with being unfair, but, as Ronald Reagan proved 20 years ago, Americans support incentives for work if they dont unfairly tilt conditions to the ultrarich. Main Street business owners, the most hostile constituency to the Obama administrations policies, pay taxes based on their income and cant manipulate the system like Apple, Google, Wall Streeters or, for that matter, real estate developers like Trump himself. A middle ground for immigration Opposition to illegal immigration helped drive the Trump campaign early on, but, outside of the GOP base, there is little support for a mass roundup of the undocumented. The vast majority of Americans, over 70 percent, also oppose open borders. After all, even President Obama evicted 2 million people during his two terms in office. Trump also can begin reordering our immigration policies toward skilled workers who are interested in becoming citizens. At the same time, Trump could score points by undermining the H1-B visa program, which allows Silicon Valley firms, along with corporations like Disney and Southern California Edison, to lay off American workers and replace them with temporary indentured servants. Unleash the energy industry Much of the growth in America during the first six years of the Obama administration came from energy, which added 500,000 jobs between 2004 and 2014, much of them concentrated in the Trumpian heartland of the upper Midwest, Appalachia and the Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana oil patch. Now, under pressure from low prices, Trump may consider ways to encourage our domestic producers. Since he is not a free trade ideologue, Trump could position his policy as one way to keep from being dependent on lunatic Middle Eastern states or even his good friend Vladimir Putin. The energy industry and manufacturing, unlike high tech, employ large numbers of not only of white, working-class people, but also Latinos and African Americans, and generally at high wages. Localism This election proved how deeply divided Americans are, both by class and geography. The fearful reaction on the Left to Trumps election reveals how dependent our politics have become on the imperial presidency. One way to defuse the worry would be to cede more control from Washington to the localities. We should let the leaders of the Left Coast, if they so wish, wear green energy hair shirts, legalize marijuana, boost the minimum wage dramatically, suppress suburban housing and dictate transgender bathrooms. If the middle of the country does not want to follow suit, thats just fine, as long as they protect basic human rights. A country as diverse and divided cannot be effectively ruled by a central government that goes increasingly into areas that were once largely controlled locally. Infrastructure To succeed, Trump must look as much to the model of Franklin D. Roosevelt as Ronald Reagan. A large basic infrastructure plan long the purview of the federal government would employ many blue-collar workers, including many minorities. This stimulus should be directed to those areas and industries more open to his administration, such as trucking, warehousing, energy and basic manufacturing. Much of the work should be in the areas that backed Trump the South, where growth is strongest, and also in the Midwest and Great Plains, where much of the basic road, bridge and energy infrastructure is outdated. Ultimately, Trumps success depends on securing the economic interests of his core supporters. To expand his coalition, he needs show how his program helps not just his core base but also broader parts of the population who likewise have felt short-changed in this economy, and deserve a better future. Joel Kotkin is the R.C. Hobbs Presidential Fellow in Urban Futures at Chapman University in Orange and executive director of the Houston-based Center for Opportunity Urbanism (www.opportunityurbanism.org). No wonder universities are in hysterics Re: For those who fear Trump, theres only one option [Opinion, Nov. 17]: Note to Erwin Chemerinsky, his despairing law students and his son who wonders if he should leave the country: Grow up. The American people have spoken. I am so tired of listening to Democrats peddling fear of Donald Trump to stir up their constituents. First of all, when you talk about Guantanamo and torture youre talking about a handful of enemy combatants who want to destroy us. Is this really an issue that has to do with fearing Trump? With regard to DREAMers and others who are in our country illegally that are in fear of deportation, Trump is primarily talking about the criminal element among them. Then, Mr. Chemerinsky goes on to rail about the what ifs regarding the Supreme Court. Replacing Justice Scalia would be bad enough, but if it ends up being two or more, it appears his world will come crashing down. With professors like him, no wonder there is hysteria in most liberal universities. Charles Hunt, Mission Viejo Imagined fears Erwin Chemerinsky left little doubt on who he voted for and what his advice is for the losers. His comments about the popular versus Electoral College vote are simply sour grapes at this point. As a law school professor, he would be better served by questioning just what our newly elected chief executive will legally be able to accomplish from his basket of campaign promises, rather than stirring up imagined fears with regard to his own personal dire predictions. He is correct when he asserts that institutions of government are resilient, but he succumbs to his own wishful thinking regarding his hope for a one-term presidency. Owing to the deans obvious philosophical leanings, his fear that strict constructionist judges will be appointed to the Supreme Court and lower federal courts is well founded. Im certain his preference would lean toward a judge who legislates from the bench. Then he throws out the old tried and true racism card. I challenge him to cite any instances of this by our incoming president. When Mr. Chemerinsky spoke of violations of the rule of law, at first I thought he was making reference to the current occupant of the office. The dean concludes with tacit advice to students that they should continue along the same path rejected by voters of agitation, resistance and noncompliance with good order and self-discipline. Scott Roberts, Laguna Beach Lies told often enough Well, in order to have fear we first need to believe that the sky is falling. Accordingly, Mr. Chemerinskys fragile students (he called them Dreamers), like delicate snowflakes, need their fears assuaged, having believed the folktales that have been pounded into their frail brains by the progressives during this election cycle. Along with an extremely compliant media, these students now believe that every Latino whos not compliant with the law will be deported, every Muslim will be under suspicion, 20 million people will be out of medical care, Jim Crow and torture will return, compassion will disappear, abortions will be performed only in back alleys and so on. How could it be any different with a misogynist and racist in charge? Mr. Chemerinskys beliefs do not reflect anything but the consequences of untruths told often enough that they become true beliefs by the Dreamers. David Wilson, Huntington Beach Tell him to grow up Erwin Chemerinsky wants to know what to tell his 22-year-old son who wonders if its time to leave the country? Tell him to grow up and stop acting like a baby. Seventy years ago men his age were landing on Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Normandy, knowing they had a good chance of being wounded or killed. Tell him he would be speaking German or Japanese if it wasnt for men like that. Tell him to put on his big boy pants and grow up! Carl Baker, Mission Viejo Lawyers want to run health care As a physician who retired a bit early primarily due to the dreaded electronic record, I couldnt help but note the stark contrast presented in Thursdays Opinion section. On one page, a prominent physician [Dear President Trump, fix health care, Letters, Nov. 17] wrote about the next president minimizing the regulatory process that abuses our time and takes us away from our patients. On the opposite page, UCI Law Schools Erwin Chemerinsky wrote about fighting harder to keep that process in place. In a nutshell, the lawyers want to run the health care system. Weve seen how it turned out: long on paperwork, short on caring. John Parker, Yorba Linda Keep indoctrination out of the classroom Re: San Francisco teachers union offers anti-Trump lesson plan [News, Nov. 16]: Who gives the San Francisco teachers union the right to teach an anti-Trump lesson plan in the San Francisco schools? Im a California taxpayer and I object to my state taxes being spent on such foolishness. I realize that many in San Francisco are way out there on their liberal and progressive agendas, but I dont happen to hold those views. Why dont they stick to the Golden Rule, reading, writing and arithmetic, and graduate students with an education that will lead them to a successful future. There are enough young people running around with mush for brains already. I hope that President-elect Trump does away with Common Core, as he said he would. Then the states will be able to break the teachers unions and get back to the education of the students. Young people deserve to get an education and not be indoctrinated by some progressive academic with an agenda. Take a look at the craziness that is going on at colleges throughout the country. Students are being indoctrinated, not educated, in a progressive agenda. They need safe zones. Are you kidding me? I dont think the American public realizes what a stranglehold the teachers unions have on education. The teachers unions dance to their own drummer, not the education of students. Based on the article published in the Register, the union represents 6,000 members in a district with 57,000 students. So my guess is that 57,000 young people will be indoctrinated in foolishness and craziness, instead of given an education that will add value to their path to being good citizens. Geri Mac Donald, Orange Practice what you preach A number of Democrats and media pundits are attempting to pin the blame for the current street protests on Donald Trump. However, Trump is only the president-elect, who won the election fair and square, and has not enacted any policies yet. The folks who are demonstrating against the election results dont seem to understand that, in a democracy, you learn lessons from losses and wins. I remember when Bill Clinton and Barack Obama both won the Oval Office twice. Conservatives were disappointed and frustrated, but they didnt roam the streets destroying property, disrupting commerce and promoting lawlessness. Apparently, some of these activists believe in a brand of justice that is counterproductive. Many of the current protesters share similarities to the 99 percenters who made up the Occupy movement. They often preach diversity, love, peace and tolerance, but when life hands them a lemon or two they flip the immature switch and go ballistic. They take their temper tantrum out on society, reflecting their groupthink mentality that is riddled with hate, intolerance, nihilism and violence. The responsibility for halting the lawless demonstrations lies not with Trump, but with the protesters and their leaders. In addition, it couldnt hurt if the current occupant of the Oval Office, Mr. Obama, would condemn the violent rioters and appeal for more constructive methods of free assembly and speech. Any lawful protests ought to be applauded, because they strengthen our democracy. Christian Milord, Fullerton Wait and see Regarding the presidential election: Nothing has happened yet. When President Donald Trump attempts to have his way and restructure the workings of the federal government, he will come up against the behemoth that is the unionized bureaucratic workforce. That will be the titantic meeting of the rock and the hard place. Joe Weston, Fullerton A minor gas leak caused by a construction crew temporarily closed Disney Way, the road leading into Disneyland, on Saturday morning, police said. Police received the call to redirect traffic just after 10 a.m. Saturday, and cleared the scene about an hour later, said Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt. No guests were affected and no one was injured as a result of the leak, officials said. Contact the writer: lawilliams@scng.com SACRAMENTO Voters approval of Gov. Jerry Browns sentencing reform initiative may give California the long-term solution it needs to end a decadelong legal battle over prison conditions that twice reached the U.S. Supreme Court and has cost taxpayers billions. Proposition 57 was pitched as a safety valve to reduce an inmate population that is steadily increasing despite state efforts to shift felons from overcrowded state prisons into equally burdened county jails over the past five years. The initiative incorporates rules into the state Constitution to speed up how quickly felons can be paroled. It also grants the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation broad discretion to give more early release credits to inmates who complete rehabilitation programs. Californias 34 state prisons are on track to exceed a federally imposed prison population cap of about 116,000 within a year, the Public Policy Institute of California said, unless more is done using tools such as those in the proposition, approved by 64 percent of voters on Election Day. It provides the tools, but it does depend on how its implemented, institute researcher Magnus Lofstrom said. Law enforcement officials who opposed the measure said it gives bureaucrats too much power. Opponents predict it will put more felons on the street and boost crime rates that already jumped last year. The Democratic governor and other supporters said the measure will prevent the indiscriminate release of inmates as a way to keep the prison population below the level that federal judges ruled is necessary to avoid violating inmates constitutional rights. California has made unprecedented efforts to reduce what once was the nations largest state prison population, but the judges warned this year that the state must do more to keep prisons from becoming overcrowded again. The population is increasing despite Browns 2011 criminal justice realignment law that sends less serious felons to county jails instead of state prisons, and despite voters approval two years ago of an initiative that reduced several drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Those changes reduced the prison population by more than 40,000 inmates as of July 2015, but its creeping back up by about 200 inmates a month as the number of serious, long-term criminals grows. The new parole standards could offset that jump by releasing more inmates earlier. But the greatest flexibility is in how broadly the administration will use its authority to grant credits that result in other early releases. Corrections officials wouldnt comment other than to note that under Prop. 57, they must be certified as protecting and enhancing public safety. Critics fear the open-ended nature of that provision. It provides absolutely no limitation on how those credits will be assigned or when theyll be assigned, so at the whim of the head of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation they can decide when to give credits and when not to give credits, said George Hofstetter, president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs. At least 15 other states give their governor, corrections director or parole board authority to release inmates or reduce their sentences because of overcrowding, according to the Association of State Correctional Administrators. As an alternative, state officials could decide to increase prison capacity by adding beds, said Drew Soderborg, a criminal justice analyst with the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office. However, the judges have discouraged a previous stopgap measure by the state of sending thousands of inmates to private prisons in other states. California is spending about $800 million this year to house nearly 11,000 inmates in private prisons and to operate new cell houses built for more than 5,300 additional inmates, the state Department of Finance said. The amount doesnt include the $3.2 billion spent on prison construction, and it is unclear how much might have been spent without the court order. Critics said the state now risks shifting the social and financial costs to local governments through increases in crime. Lofstrom said the success of Prop. 57 depends in part on whether the corrections department can quickly provide programs that will ultimately reduce crime. The initiative is likely to spark a clamor among inmates for education and rehabilitation programs that could speed their parole. However, the measure includes no additional money for prison rehabilitation programs. The Chief Probation Officers of California supported Prop. 57, but the groups president warned in a statement that the regulations must be carefully written if they are to encourage inmates to turn their lives around. The hard work starts now, said Amador County Chief Probation Officer Mark Bonini. Don Abadie shows up at Salt Creek every day to ride the waves but Saturdays surf session was special. Over the 45-year-olds wetsuit, Abadie was decked out in a red and green tutu, jingling bells on his red Santa shoes and a matching hat, his face covered with a big white beard. The holiday spirit of giving back was in full swing on the sand and in the surf in Dana Point, where Surfers Healing and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel hosted the 7th annual Surfing Santa contest. The one-day event challenges competitors to dress like Santa or other holiday-inspired characters for a cause to raise awareness and money for autism. Thats just half the fun right there, it doesnt even matter about the waves, said Abadie, of Dana Point, of helping to support Surfers Healing. The organization was started nearly two decades ago by San Juan Capistrano surfer Izzy Paskowitz and wife Danielle, who found out when their son Isaiah was 3 years old that he had autism. He is now 25. Paskowitz, a former pro surfer, said he always had dreams of bonding with his son out in the water while surfing. When he found out his son was on the autistic spectrum, he wasnt sure if hed ever be able to share his passion with Isaiah. But when he took him out in the water as a child, something special happened: His son was stoked. I was trying to connect with my son in any way I could, on any level with surfing, he said. Hes so happy in the water. Hes calmer, he can connect better. Surfers Healing holds 24 free surf camps around the world, as far away as Australia and Hawaii, and takes about 5,000 children on the autistic spectrum out to surf each year. Paskowitz said its not always an easy task with immediate results. Theres that anxiety, a huge part of autism, and not wanting to do something different, he said. There is that process before the connection and calming. Sometimes, it can take five guys or more to get an autistic surfer calm out in the surf. Then, something magic happens, he said. The water kind of changes all the kids. It helps them focus and helps them connect. For the nearly 100 surfers who signed up for the Surfing Santa event, its also a way to educate people about the disorder. I think its a great starter for awareness, and to give the kids a different perspective, Paskowitz said. Competitor Cameron Rhodes, 17, is a member of his high schools surf team in Mission Viejo, but this contest was different. Its kind of cooler, he said. For school, you always want to win. But coming out here, its just for fun. He was decked out in a green Christmas tree cut out and adorned with blinking lights and ornaments. He was hoping to earn the best costume award. The winner would get $500. The event was also paired with the start of the Holiday Surfboard Auction, with 28 art-adorned boards displayed in the hotels lobby. Online bids for the boards starts Sunday and continue until the Dec. 29 deadline. Both fundraisers, the surf contest and the board auction, typically raise about $30,000 for Surfers Healing, and through the years have raised more than $210,000 for the non-profit. Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com Hillary Clintons stronger-than-expected sweep of California in the Nov. 8 election has been viewed by political leaders and analysts as evidence of a growing disconnect between the nations liberal and upscale coastal strongholds and the more rural, working-class states that helped deliver President-elect Donald Trump his historic win. But you dont have to look that far to find those contrasts. Certainly, Southern California was largely a sea of blue election results. Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties all went for the Democratic candidate, as did Orange County, for the first time since the Great Depression. However, scattered and sometimes sizable pockets of ruby-red voters remained in the coastal and foothill areas of Orange County and communities to the east. The Inland Empire exurb of Yucaipa in San Bernardino County, with what one resident characterized as old school values, went 2-to-1 for Trump, according to preliminary vote returns. On the opposite end of the geographic and political spectrum heavily urban Los Angeles supported Clinton nearly five-to-one, the count showed as of midweek. The nations second largest city includes lopsidedly Democratic neighborhoods such as Silver Lake, a trendy, eclectic mix of millennials and minorities bracing for the worst from a Trump administration. Somewhere in the middle are many suburbs like the city of Orange, whose votes were split almost evenly between Clinton and Trump. A week after the vote, as the initial shock of the Trump upset receded, Southern California News Group reporters visited three diverse locales to see how voters were processing what happened and anticipating the dawn of a new political era. RED Yucaipa On Yucaipa Boulevard, the citys main commercial strip, a bumper sticker on a Toyota 4Runner seems to telegraph a community consensus: Four Americans Died and Hillary Lied. At the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains off Interstate 10, Yucaipa is growing and good sized, with about 53,000 residents. But at the eastern fringe of the greater L.A. metropolitan area, its probably easily missed by Southern Californians headed east toward Palm Springs or Arizona. Its a patchwork of new, beige subdivisions, older neighborhoods and mobile home parks, many still separated by open spaces. Curbside mailboxes with little red flags are posted at the end of driveways. Some modern shopping centers are bustling; others have seen better days. Nearly two-thirds of residents are white, and about a quarter are Latino, census estimates show. The city had an unemployment rate of 6.2 percent last year, about the statewide average. On election day, the city overwhelmingly picked Trump with some larger precincts tallying up to 75 percent for the outsider, billionaire businessman, the county registrars ongoing vote tally showed Thursday. Last week, some said the GOP nominees win was a victory for values they hold dear. Its very old school here; old ways, old beliefs, said Mellissa Smith, whos lived in Yucaipa for 30 years. People here like their guns, they like their motorcycles, they like the camaraderie with their neighbors. Her cousin, Michelle Hawkins, also from Yucaipa, said, I want someone thats real, and I feel like Donald Trump is real. He may be offensive sometimes, but he tells it like it is. For Hawkins, early, off-the-mark projections of a Clinton win and the possibility Trump might lose fed a sense of near panic on election day. She and others said the attraction of Trump wasnt as much about what he says, but the way he says it. They characterized a Trump vote as a stand against political correctness, career politicians and a government they believe caters to the elite and ignores everyday Americans. It was also, importantly for some, a rejection of Clinton and whats was perceived here as the former First Lady and Secretary of States shady political past. Yucaipans trust Trump, the cousins agreed, because hes a free agent whos about to shake up the status quo in Washington. Indeed, nearly everyone they know voted for the Republican candidate, they said. Ive got one friend here one that is a Democrat and a Hillary supporter, Smith said. We did not discuss politics with her and her husband. We just couldnt, because it would destroy our friendship. Jeremy Evans, a lifelong Yucaipa resident, echoed the observation: all his family and neighbors voted for Trump. He was playing with his twin 6-year-olds, Koston and Shawn, at Flag Hill Park, where a veterans memorial with an American flag and large cross and an archway that reads For God and Country overlooks the town. He noted change has been coming. He pointed to clusters of newer neighborhoods that popped amid the vista of dark brown hills. It was all orange groves, Evans said. Lately, theyve been building more stores. The growth has opened up jobs but also brought more crime, he said. But he said longtime residents still savor the relative peacefulness that has endured in their semi-rural city. Its quiet. Its great for families. Evans was one of few in his social circle who didnt vote. He said it was partly because hes focusing on fixing his personal life hes been in and out of jail in recent years but also because of a lack of enthusiasm for either candidate. I really feel that it was a popularity contest, he said, just because of who (Trump) is. BLUE Silver Lake, Los Angeles Silver Lakes distaste for Donald Trump is as palpable as its affinity for sleeve tattoos and craft-brewed coffee. At one end of the hipster enclave, near Silver Lake and Sunset boulevards, stands a red, white and blue sign proclaiming: Donald Trump makes me wanna smoke crack. On the other side of the neighborhoods main drag, a posted flyer advertises an (Expletive) Donald Trump concert. The week after the election, this racially diverse areas defiant, indie persona has been tempered with disappointment, melancholy and worry for the future. Nick Iluzada, of Silver Lake, and Anna Yoken, of neighboring Koreatown, have been sulking since election night. They were sipping coffee outside of Intelligentsia, a bustling hub in the neighborhood of roughly 33,000 Angelenos. Iluzada, 28, and Yoken, 25, grew up in reliably red states where Trump won big: Texas and Tennessee, respectively. They left their hometowns for Los Angeles, they said, mainly to get away from the type of ideals Trump espoused during the election: anti-immigration, anti-Muslim and anti-Obamacare. But the elections negative rhetoric was inescapable, thanks to Internet trolls and the growing reach of alt-right websites like Breitbart, said Iluzada, who is Filipino American. What began as pro-Trump Internet trolling done for comedic purposes, he says, has in some cases devolved into full-blown hate speech. The appointment of Stephen Bannon chairman of the ultra-conservative Breitbart News Network as White House chief strategist has compounded Iluzada and Yokens fears that the Trump campaigns exclusionary ideas will continue seamlessly into the new administration. Trump is a fear-mongering, angry little man who loves hate speech, said Yoken. I dont want that. About a block away at a military-surplus store, shop manager and Silver Lake resident Raul Guerra Corea worries about the future of his brother, some of his friends and others who are in the U.S. without papers. Guerra Corea, a native of El Salvador who became a naturalized citizen in 2010, was disappointed in Trumps characterization of Latinos. Trump labeled some Mexican immigrants as rapists and criminals. Guerra Corea said Latinos are productive members of society who mean no harm to this country. Latinos pick fruits and vegetablesjobs that white people dont want, he said. His boss, George Keshishian, the store owner and an immigrant from Lebanon, is unhappy with the election results, but thinks Trump will backpedal on many of his more incendiary campaign promises from building a wall to the proposed deportation of millions of immigrants. Trump will be more a pragmatist than ideologue, he said. PURPLE City of Orange Matchmakers would probably strongly advise steering clear of politics during a first date. But after an election season like this, it would be weird not to talk politics, right? Juliet King and AJ Ricci thought so. After an introductory meeting and early pizza dinner this week, the 22-year-olds were continuing a civil, if heated, discussion of the election on a bench in the middle of the Old Towne Orange traffic circle. The circle is the center of the quaint Main Street-esque downtown, where beer chugging college students rub elbows with seasoned antique hunters. Traditional storefronts and historic homes share streets with establishments such as a craft-beer shop and a gourmet waffle sandwich eatery that attract a younger clientele. Home to Chapman University and Santiago Canyon College, Oranges 140,000 residents are about 47 white and 40 percent Latino, census figures show. Here, votes for Clinton and Trump were pretty much evenly split, making it one of the purplest areas in the county, according to preliminary election results. Ricci, who lives in the city and works in real estate, said he voted for Trump because he liked his business acumen and boldness. He did everything youre not supposed to do, he explained. Hes not politically correct. King, a student at Cal State Fullerton, couldnt grasp why Ricci would support someone she said has uttered awful things about women and minorities. Ricci conceded the president-elect is not a very nice person. But he said hes convinced the president-elect wont pursue some of his more extreme proposals, including building a U.S.-Mexico wall and initiating mass deportations. It seems like hes toned down since the debates, Ricci said. King, who was originally a Bernie Sanders supporter, agreed Trump seemed tamer in the days after the election. But she took no comfort in the president-elects emerging list of possible Cabinet members, or the fact that Mike Pence, who opposes gay marriage, is second in charge, which she called a bit scary. Josh Chopin, 19, who was toting two to-go pizzas near the citys historic town center, cast a ballot for Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson because he liked his support of recreational marijuana and thought he was funny, said the Santiago Canyon College student. Hes disappointed about a Trump presidency and thinks Democrats like Clinton need to do more for minorities. We need more representation, said Chopin, who is Mexican American. Not far from King and Ricci near the traffic circles center fountain, Jon Andres was wearing a Made in the U.S.A. T-shirt and enjoying a day off with a Stephen King novel. Clinton and Trump both were less than ideal presidential candidates, he said. In the end, he chose Trump because he was the lesser of two evils, said the 48-year-old landscaper. Looking ahead, he said Trump could get needed policy changes approved in Washington. Those include improving, but not eliminating, Obamacare, thanks to the Republican control of the House, Senate and soon the Supreme Court, he said. Im going to be giving him the benefit of the doubt, he said. Contact the writer: lleung@scng.com It should come as no surprise that veterans can make great entrepreneurs and small-business owners: They possess many of the skills necessary to survive in the business world, from leadership and discipline to teamwork and the ability to make on-the-spot decisions. That may be one reason veterans own 7.5% of the nations 5.4 million businesses with employees, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census. People think of entrepreneurs as crazy risk takers, when in fact they are very calculated risk takers, says Misty Stutsman, director of the Center of Excellence for Veteran Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University. Its the same thing in the military. You often have to make big decisions off of limited information. If youre a veteran whos thinking about taking an entrepreneurial leap, coming up with an idea for a small business is the first step. Here are three options to consider: 1. Become a franchise owner One idea is to buy a franchise. This was the choice of 5,608 veterans who became franchisees from 2011 to 2014, according to the Franchise Business Reviews 2014 Veterans in Franchising report. With a franchise you dont have to start from scratch to grow a new brand. Also, the systems and procedures are already in place, and you can get training and support from the franchisor. Veterans are drawn toward franchising because it mirrors the military structure, says Mark Rockefeller, a U.S. Air Force veteran and CEO of StreetShares, an online small-business lender. Theres a plan and a checklist, and its passed down to the veteran for execution. Franchises can be expensive to start and may require a large upfront investment. You also need to pay a one-time franchising fee that can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or higher, depending on the franchise, as well as ongoing royalty fees. However, many franchises actively recruit veterans and will discount franchise fees. For example, Sport Clips offers a 20% discount on the brands franchise fee for veterans who are part of VetFran, a group that provides franchising opportunities for military service members. 7-Eleven offers a discount up to 20% on its franchise fee as well as special financing for veterans. The UPS Store reduces its fee by $10,000 for qualified veterans, who currently own more than 250 locations. 2. Serve as a government contractor The U.S. government is the worlds largest purchaser of goods and services, and by law 3% or more of the value of its contracts and subcontracts must involve small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans. The Vets First Contracting Program helps all veterans better compete for government contracts. Becoming a government contractor is an especially good option if youre a veteran whos built expertise in a technical field in the military, such as IT, network security or engineering, says Geoff Orazem, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of Eastern Foundry, which provides resources and training for startups and experienced government contractors. The government contracts out a tremendous amount of live support, logistics, transportation, medical and administrative work, Orazem says. So if youve been working in one of those fields in the military for five to 20 years, youve got a lot of insights, relationships and expertise to bring. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers courses on government contracting to help you get started. 3. Open a retail shop Retail is the fourth-most-popular industry among veteran entrepreneurs, according to the U.S. Census (after professional, scientific and technical services; construction; and health care and social assistance). It could be a good option for veterans who excel in sales, marketing and supply chain management. Starting a retail business can also work for veterans who want to focus on selling a product with a military theme, says Rockefeller of StreetShares. Examples include online retailers Lock N Load Java, Combat Flip Flops and Leadslingers Whiskey. People self-identify as veterans, so theres a draw to buy products or support companies that reinforce that identity, he says. And civilians may want to support veterans by shopping at veteran-owned businesses, Rockefeller adds. Retail also appeals to veterans because it provides an opportunity to give back to the community. For example, Lock N Load Java donates $1 from every order to send coffee to troops on active duty and also gives a portion of its profits to military charities. Most people join the military to serve, so this whole concept of using capitalism as a force for good, as a way to give back, is something that really resonates with veterans, says U.S. Army veteran Carl Churchill, co-founder of Lock N Load Java. However, he advises that veterans should be prepared for the tremendous amount of work that entrepreneurship requires. Its going to take twice as long as you think and be twice as hard as you expect, and its also going to be twice as rewarding, Churchill says. But it takes a long runway to get lift for that aircraft. Steve Nicastro is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: Steven.N@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @StevenNicastro. The article 3 Smart Business Ideas for Veterans originally appeared on NerdWallet. A central hospice unit to serve four midland counties would cost an estimated 9.5 million to build and 2.5 to run each year a public meeting of Laois Hospice has been told. Pat Bennett, a regional manager with the HSE, revealed the costings to a public meeting of Laois Hospice in Portlaoise where he also called for Laois people to get behind the project. The unit would serve Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath and would be aimed at helping terminally ill patients where dying at home is not possible. Tullamore is the likely location mainly because of the existence of cancer services in the town's hospital. However, he told the public meeting in the Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise that, while the Department of Health is committed, 'seed money' would have to be raised locally before the Department would get involved. Mr Bennett, a Portlaoise native, said the running costs were 2.5 annually. However, many supporters of Laois Hospice had doubts at the meeting held on Friday night, November 18. The number one problem for them was that Laois people should be the benificiaries of any money raised in Laois primarily for the delivery of home care. Supporting a central unit and associated outreach service would, people felt, see funds raised in Laois go to helping other counties who were not as successful at raising funds. They feared services in Laois for people who want to die at home could suffer as a result. Doubts were also expressed over promises to fund and staff the unit from the Department of Health. Many people doubted that enough funds could be raised in the four counties and there were also fears that it might not be possible to bring the hospice groups together for such a big fundraising drive. There were also calls for a small unit to be located in Laois either in the town's hospital or as a new wing to the Cuisle Centre. The leadership of Laois Hospice who spoke at the meeting, Seamus O'Donoghue, Chairman, and its Clinical Director, Peter Naughton, felt homecare must be the priority for Laois Hospice. Mr Naughton agreed with the a central unit for acute cases. He also felt a "two tier" service had emerged in Ireland for people who were dying depending on where they live. However, the retired surgeon felt any central unit should be only supported after homecare services have been fully funded in Laois. Mr O'Donoghue, supported this view and said Laois Hospice would have discussions with Offaly Hospice and the other midland hospices on the HSE's proposal. A show of hands at the meeting in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, which was attended by about 150 people, supported the view that paying for homecare in Laois must come first. Dr Peter Cushen, palliative care consultant for the midlands, urged meeting to back a central unit. He said a small unit in Portlaoise or the other counties was not viable for the type of 'multi-disciplinary' care a hospice unit can provide. He said more people die in hospital in the absence of a hospice than areas of the country that do have a hospice. Sharon Foley, chief executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation, also backed a central unit. She said senior HSE management had given a firm undertaking directly to the foundation to fund its operation. National reports say some women are rushing to get contraceptives particularly the long-acting kind in the wake of the presidential election, but local doctors and health officials say they havent seen the same sort of urgency. As the nation waits to see what health care will look like under a new president, the fate of reproductive health care is one area some are watching. The Affordable Care Act, which President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to replace, required many health insurance plans to cover federally approved contraception with no cost sharing, including co-payments. Since the election, women nationally have taken to social media, voicing concerns that repealing the act would mean the Trump administration might end such provisions. Some have even announced plans to get long-lasting implants and intrauterine devices, or IUDs, while theyre still covered. The Trump administration hasnt commented specifically on the issue since the election. Meanwhile, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America has seen an unprecedented surge in questions nationally about access to health care and birth control, both online and in health centers, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, the national organizations chief medical officer, said in a statement. The organization also has seen an increase in online appointments for birth control, with demand for IUDs up by more than 900 percent since the same time last month, it said. Local doctors and others, however, say they wouldnt expect an uptick until an actual change was announced. By most accounts, any potential changes to the law are a way off at least 2018, according to insurance industry experts. Most Americans health plans already are in place for 2017. But they say it is important to make sure contraceptives remain accessible, and affordability is a key part of that equation. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists long has recommended easy and affordable access to long-acting, reversible contraceptives, including IUDs and implants, as the most effective reversible option for most women, including sexually active adolescents, Dr. Eve Espey, chair of the organizations working group on long-acting contraceptives, said in a statement. The long-acting methods are 20 percent more effective than oral contraceptive pills, patches or rings. But while use has increased in recent years, only 11.6 percent of women who use contraception rely on long-acting methods compared with 26 percent who took the pill. Before the Affordable Care Act, higher upfront costs posed a barrier, particularly for low-income women. Women, particularly young women with few health issues and little likelihood of hitting an annual deductible, typically were faced with paying $1,000 or more out of pocket for an IUD, said Dr. Maureen Boyle, obstetrician-gynecologist with Methodist Physicians Clinic in Council Bluffs. Many would opt instead for $30-a-month pills. Since the Affordable Care Act, people would get their IUDs and usually theyd be very happy with them, she said. Dr. Jennifer Griffin Miller, an obstetrician-gynecologist with Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, said she and other doctors have seen much better coverage since the act, although some plans still are grandfathered and arent required to cover contraception. Organizations with religious affiliations also have been exempted. I think its important that provision of coverage continue to be included in whatever version (of health care law) is approved, Griffin Miller said. And Im sure our patients would agree with that. The long-acting methods last between three and 10 years three to five years for the matchstick-size, hormone-releasing implants that are inserted under the skin and three to 10 years for IUDs. New versions are poised to enter the market. Boyle said doctors see better compliance with long-acting contraceptives. A big part of her conversations with 16- or 17-year-olds, whether theyre seeking birth control for contraception or acne prevention, involves the question Can you remember to do this every day? Indeed, some 49 percent of pregnancies in the United States are unintended, according to the obstetricians organization. The group said in a 2015 opinion that universal coverage of contraceptives is cost-effective and reduces unintended pregnancies and abortion rates. However, Tom Venzor, executive director of the Nebraska Catholic Conference, said claims linking contraception with reductions in abortions are controversial. Other data, he said, shows the opposite effect. And, he noted, the push for contraception under the act has come at the expense of the religious liberty interests and conscience rights of people and entities who have to provide it. Nationally, however, improved access to contraceptives is being credited with playing a primary role in reducing teen pregnancies, particularly in communities that have made long-acting contraceptives available at no cost, said Brenda Council, coordinator of the Adolescent Health Project in Douglas County. Project organizers reviewed research on such projects in Colorado and St. Louis before launching their own effort to reduce teen pregnancy locally, she said. Colorado, which has subsidized long-acting contraception, has seen teen birthrates drop by more than 50 percent in both urban and rural counties from 2007 to 2015, according to a report published Wednesday by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationally, birthrates dropped from 41.5 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 19 in 2007 to 22.3 per 1,000 in 2015. The latest data for Douglas County, from 2014, indicates 24.1 births per 1,000 among teens, which was in line with the national rate at the time. In July, the Douglas County group began providing free contraception, including long-acting varieties, to young women ages 15 to 24 at four clinics in the Omaha area. The program, funded by the Womens Fund of Omaha with the support of local private donors, also covers the cost of the office visit and counseling required as part of the visit. Council said the project is based on best practices, which indicate that it takes three to five years to have an impact. Council noted that the group identified teen pregnancy as one of four priorities in January 2014, long before the presidential election. The initiative goes hand in hand with the first phase of the campaign launched last year, which takes aim at Douglas Countys high rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Andrea Skolkin, CEO of OneWorld Community Health Centers, said the clinics educate young women about all pregnancy prevention options, including abstinence. They also encourage parental involvement. For patients over 25, Skolkin said, OneWorld bills any available insurance or Medicaid. But the safety net clinics like OneWorld wouldnt want to see patients lose access to coverage. Thousands of college students consumed root beer floats and advice from Warren Buffett at Piccolos before the 20th Street restaurant closed last New Years Eve. Now the lunchtime lectures for future business leaders have moved to 72nd and F Streets, where Anthonys Steakhouse becomes a classroom/dining hall for students eager to hear the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. chairman talk about business, the economy and life in general. Buffetts office said the new venue is working well. Besides the food and a traditional Omaha atmosphere, a basic requirement is capacity because Buffett hosts more than 165 students at a time. They visit Omaha businesses owned by Berkshire, talk with executives and try their best questions on Buffett in a two-hour session before adjourning for lunch and group photos. His wisdom is equaled only by his generosity, said professor John Longo, according to a post by his Rutgers University students who made the trip recently. Others attending that day were from the University of South Dakota, Harvard University, Stanford University, Samford University and Boston College, plus the University of Nebraskas Omaha and Lincoln campuses. Said Autumn Adams, an entrepreneurship and marketing major at Samford, situated in Homewood, Alabama, near Birmingham: He encouraged us, after years and years of running Berkshire Hathaway, to look for the people who have conviction and who believe and have passion for what youre doing, because as a business leader you cant retain people if theyre just motivated by money. The students are still learning from Buffett, but one thing about the lunches has changed. Instead of root beer floats, the dessert at Anthonys is strawberry shortcake. On Wells Fargo Turns out there was some important logic in Buffett keeping pretty quiet about Wells Fargo Banks phony-account scandal. He doesnt want Berkshire to become a bank holding company. You may recall that because Wells Fargo has been buying up its own shares of stock, Berkshires percentage ownership has been increasing. Those 500 million shares are now bumping up to the 10 percent ownership that could trigger a designation by the Federal Reserve that Berkshire is a bank holding company and subject to a raft of different rules about financial reporting and corporate ownership. Bank holding companies are restricted from owning certain kinds of businesses, for example, and have to meet different financial standards from other corporations. Instead, Berkshire wants to remain a passive investor in Wells Fargo, which means it owns shares as an investment and doesnt want to be influencing management. So if Buffett had jumped in quickly to talk about Wells Fargos problems, or had called its chairman and demanded a course of action, the Federal Reserve might have taken that into account as it decides whether Berkshire crossed the holding company line. Instead, he disclosed that he had made a 5-minute call to warn Wells CEO John Stumpf that the problem was probably bigger than he realized. Stumpf later resigned, but not because of Buffett. Later, it became OK for Buffett to acknowledge that the bank made a big mistake and CEOs have to go after such problems as quickly as possible because Wells Fargo began taking steps to correct the situation. Postelection thoughts Now that politics have settled down (havent they?), its OK to think about Buffetts postelection comments about the economy and President-elect Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, whom Buffett supported. See if you can agree with these Buffett comments from his interview with CNNs Poppy Harlow: On the future of U.S. business: The stock market will be higher 10, 20, 30 years from now, and it would have been with Hillary and it will be with Trump. On campaign promises: There are a lot of things in campaigns that dont happen after the election. On Trumps business acumen: Harry Truman went broke in a haberdashery store near Kansas City or in Kansas City. I mean, he wasnt much of a businessman. He turned out to be a terrific president. On the American dream: Its alive for millions and millions. The American dream should be, if you work productively at 40 hours a week, youre going to have a decent life. On more people realizing that dream: That should be the No. 1 economic goal of this country. You dont have to worry about having more stuff. You do have to worry about whether people who are perfectly decent citizens, working hard, are getting enough of it so they can live decently. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. owns the Omaha World-Herald. Find more of The World-Herald's coverage of Warren Buffett here. Whats going on with Costcos chicken plant? So far: Costco said this spring it would build a network of producers in eastern Nebraska to raise and slaughter chickens to sell in its stores. The company touted Nebraskas central-U.S. location and large supply of grain to feed the chickens. Agriculture leaders said the project would create jobs and provide new sources of income for Nebraska farmers. Opponents said the project would bring pollution, noise, disease, problems for farmers and unwanted immigrant workers. Fremont city officials this summer laid the groundwork for the plant by approving zoning and opening the door for financial incentives for the project. What now: Costco has applied for a site development permit in Fremont. Lincoln Premium Poultry, the company that will operate the project for Costco, met this month with farmers to confirm their interest in raising the birds, and with area banks about lending money to the farmers. Lincoln said interest from farmers is strong. Lincoln said its initial plans to open the plant in August 2018 were optimistic and opening day may not come until 2019. The company also said its investment in the project is likely to grow, to up to $300 million from $180 million. Site preparation is more expensive at the south Fremont location, the companys second choice after the Nickerson Village Board nixed a location north of Fremont. And more of the work will be done by machines, which are costly, but which will save the plant on payroll. The project now is expected to generate 800 to 1,000 jobs, fewer than the 1,100 originally projected. Lincoln executives traveled to Europe this past week to make decisions about machinery purchases. Whats next: The City of Fremont still faces legal opposition from residents who say it should not have designated farmland where the plant will locate as blighted, a condition of the financial incentives. Costco faces a permitting process that will include approvals from Fremont and from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality. Individual farmers would need local and in some cases state approval for permits to build chicken barns. And Costco executive leadership needs to make a final decision about whether to proceed with the plant. Lisa Ludwinski expects to sell more pie at her Detroit bakery during the holiday season, and not just to people enjoying it themselves. She anticipates that customers will buy pieces of pie for strangers through the shops Pie-it-Forward program. Ludwinski, owner of Sister Pie, launched the program last fall. Shoppers buy a coupon for a free slice of a pie, and the coupons get hung on a wall. Anyone who visits can take one down to get some pie. Its a way to provide pie for a variety of people people who are hungry or people who have never been to our pie shop before, said Ludwinski, whose specialties include Salted Maple and Cranberry Crumble. Although the program runs year-round, Ludwinski has found that customers are more enthusiastic about it during the holidays. Pay-it-forward programs seem to gain momentum around Christmas. Customers at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts around the country have made headlines in recent Decembers by buying coffee for the person behind them in line leading to chains of hundreds of free drinks in streaks that can last for hours. Most people even those who dont donate to charity value generosity, and paying for someones coffee is an easy way to express that, said Patricia Snell Herzog, an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and co-author of American Generosity: Who Gives and Why. It just makes you feel good, she said. Its like smiling at someone. Youre passing on visible goodness. Also, nobody wants to be the person who breaks the chain, she said. Its put right in front of you. This person in line is being really generous. It makes you feel called to respond, she said. MaryJo Dunn was amazed when an anonymous gift that she made in honor of her late son became a pay-it-forward phenomenon at the First and Last Tavern in Glastonbury, Connecticut. On Feb. 20, what would have been Lukes second birthday, Dunn bought a gift card and asked the manager to give it, along with a note explaining the dates significance, to a family having lunch at the restaurant. The couple that were chosen were celebrating their sons birthday; they insisted on reloading the card and giving it to another family, said Molly Shanahan, creative director for the restaurant. Diners continued to load the card through the next day. It took off, said Shanahan. It created this energy. It inspired people. It was a flame that ignited the whole place. For Dunn, whose son died of cancer in 2015, the outpouring made a bad day more bearable. She and her husband, Shane, routinely buy coffee and doughnuts for others and give the recipients printed cards asking them to pay it forward in memory of Luke. They find that these small gifts not only keep Lukes memory alive but inspire others to perform random acts of kindness, she said. We are so happy that people continue to do this. It definitely lightens our hearts. Mason Wartman also has seen how powerful pay-it-forward opportunities can be. He has given away more than 70,000 slices of pizza paid for by the customers of his Philadelphia restaurant, Rosas Fresh Pizza. The effort started a couple of years ago when a customer learned that homeless people occasionally visited the eatery, which sells pizza for $1 a slice. The customer offered to pay in advance for a slice to be given to someone in need. He also told Wartman about an Italian custom called caffe sospeso, or suspended coffee: Someone who has had good fortune pays for an extra cup of coffee to be given later to someone down on his luck. Wartman decided to keep track of the prepaid slices with sticky notes, which soon covered the walls of his restaurant. After the pay-it-forward program was featured in local and national media, the sticky notes became unwieldy and Wartman created a button on the cash register to record the free slices. Customers like the program because they can see it helping others, he said. Its very transparent, he said. My employees never ask Would you like to donate today? Its just out there. Everyone knows what we do. Copyright 2016 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Two Omaha men were treated for injuries that were not life-threatening in separate stabbings early Sunday. Luis Vasquez, 19, arrived at the Creighton University Medical Center by private vehicle just before 3 a.m. A hospital spokesman said no further information about his condition was available. Vasquez told police he was walking in the area of 24th and F Streets when two men approached and asked him for money. The men stabbed Vasquez after he declined to give them money, said Officer Phillip Anson, a police spokesman. Police were called to the area of 37th and E Streets about 2 a.m. and found Nicholas Defoil, 32, with a stab wound. Defoil told officers that he had been cut while arguing with a 24-year-old woman over child custody. The woman was arrested and booked at the Douglas County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony, Anson said. Defoil was treated at the scene and released. Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP (7867) or go to omahacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. COUNCIL BLUFFS In August of 1993, volunteers spanning age 3 to 93 helped construct the Dream Playground at Lake Manawa State Park. The five days spent building the play area were the culmination of almost two years of planning and fundraising. Local elementary students gave their ideas of a "dream playground" to a New York architect firm to help with the design. The effort put the "community" in community project. And, 23 years after kids first climbed the towers, swung on the monkey bars and rode down the elephant slide, volunteers kicked off an effort to renovate and expand the Dream Playground. "Dream Playground Reimagined" Lynne Branigan called the effort during a kickoff event held at the playground on the Lake Manawa grounds Friday afternoon. Branigan was a member of the core committee for the project in the early 1990s and will serve on the steering committee of the renovation project, along with Barry Cleaveland, Lori Shields with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, Council Bluffs Fire Chief Justin James and Pottawattamie County Supervisor Justin Schultz. "This park is a part of our history in Council Bluffs," Schultz said. "We need to revitalize the park. Its a monument to our community." Though temperatures were brisk, hovering in the 30s, a group of children played on the equipment as organizers discussed their plans. The Pottawattamie County Education Foundation will act as the fiscal agent for the fundraising effort. Schultz, who helped spearhead the project after the idea grew out of the Leadership Council Bluffs class, said the fundraising goal is at least $250,000, which would include cash, along with the donation of materials and labor. The community partnership also includes the Pottawattamie Community Foundation, Council Bluffs Public Health Department, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Snyder & Associates engineering firm. "Its a group effort," Schultz said. Organizers plan to renovate the existing playground. The distinctive wood of the playground is somewhat faded, while other components show the wear and tear of 23 years. Upkeep over the years has ensured its always available for area children, but organizers thought a full-scale renovation was in order. Schultz noted there is a chance some of the existing structure could be taken down, depending on what the DNR wants for the area. Additionally, the play area will be expanded, with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant equipment installed. Schultz said the project is in the early stages, and the steering committee will work with the Department of Natural Resources, which operates Lake Manawa State Park. "They have plans for the park. Well make sure our plans mesh with theirs," Schultz said. Schultz and Branigan said if fundraising goes well, the plan is to gather a large group of volunteers to do the construction work around Memorial Day in 2017. Like in 1993, anyone regardless of how construction-inclined they are is welcome. Twenty-three years ago, volunteers helped build the park, while others provided day care services, took care of food, operated a tool checkout library and performed other duties. "You come down here to help us," Branigan said, "well find something for you to do." And, like in 1993, area school students will be tapped for ideas and input. "This will be a huge project for us," Schultz said. "We want to make it a unique place for people to come over and enjoy." With the holidays fast approaching, Tim Smiley is braced for busy. He has been working 11- to 12-hour days since mid-October, a pace that's likely to continue for several more weeks. Its a madhouse basically not a lot of downtime, he says. Smiley is not in retail. He is in outreach, serving on the front lines of receiving and distribution as warehouse and transportation manager for Food Bank for the Heartland. The 35-year-old nonprofit serves a 78,000-square-mile swath of Nebraska and western Iowa, providing food to more than 250,000 people annually. Smiley, a former driver, coordinates food pickups from grocery stores, food manufacturers and corporate food drives. He oversees the warehouse where donations are sorted and inventoried, and where orders from the food bank's more than 530 network partners (pantries, shelters, schools and other nonprofits) are pulled, staged and assigned to outgoing delivery trucks. Because Ive delivered to every agency, I know every delivery nook and cranny in the state. Having been a driver, its definitely easier for me to think outside the box. When we see roadblocks, it's easier to find a way around them, he says. A manager for 18 months, Smiley's big thing is efficiency. He is continually looking for ways to improve processes less waste equals more money for the mission. To know that Im stretching the donors dollars, thats what drives me, he says. He is also driven by tremendous gratitude for a second chance. A decade-long substance abuse problem, he confides, ultimately led to a 2-year federal prison sentence on meth-related charges. His second day out, he saw a Food Bank for the Heartland driver wanted job posting. It was meant to be, he says. I was blessed to go through some drug and alcohol treatments before I went off to do my time. I learned a lot about how my crimes impacted the community in a negative way. It does feel really good to be on a career path that has allowed me to impact the community in a positive way. By all accounts, he is doing an incredible job. Tim lives our values of service, respect, urgency and integrity every day. Hes often the first in the building and often the last to leave. Tim is always available on weekends if unexpected service challenges arise. His positive, we-can-do-it attitude is contagious and infects his team and his colleagues, says Susan Ogborn, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. Smiley is especially energized these days by a Food Bank initiative to procure more fresh produce for the agencies it serves. The nonprofit currently partners with a co-op in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area for bulk fruits and vegetables, thanks to a $20,000 Fearless Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. That's huge. Previously, we might only be able to get some potatoes or some onions on order. Now, weve got oranges, grapefruit, apples, pears, carrots," Smiley says. That will translate to more colorful plates and healthier bodies this Thanksgiving, Christmas and beyond. As for those long hours during the holiday season? Smiley shrugs it off, saying he is thankful for the increased giving. "Nobody would ever want anyone to go hungry on Thanksgiving. The volume increases 30 to 40 percent this time of year, he says. You really get a sense of the impact youre having when you see 200 to 300 people lined up at one of our mobile pantries with their clothes baskets or coolers. One time, in West Point, Nebraska, this guy came up to me with tears in his eyes. He was hugging me and thanking me. He and his wife had both recently lost their jobs. Its one of those things that shakes you to your foundation when you realize what youre doing. I feel blessed. He encourages others to be fearless in their pursuit of that feeling. If you have a passion for a specific thing whether its people with special needs or hunger in the community or helping prisoners transition back into society there are all kinds of social service jobs out there. Theres always a need; theres always someone who needs help, he says. If you want to get involved a couple of hours a week, give us a call." Faces of Fearless is a storytelling series in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraskas Live Fearless campaign celebrating people living their very best lives and inspiring others to do the same. Marjorie Harkins Buchanan Kiewit, who worked on global education and nuclear disarmament efforts and was the widow of Omaha industrialist Peter Kiewit, died Nov. 12 at her home in Boston. She was 95. After Peter Kiewits death in 1979, she was a founding trustee and president of the Peter Kiewit Foundation, serving until she reached its mandatory retirement age of 75. Although she lived elsewhere most of her life, Marjorie Kiewit was a driving force on the Omaha-focused foundation, said Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein, director emerita of the foundation. For example, Marjorie Kiewit agreed to a grant toward the expansion of Rosenblatt Stadium for the College World Series but only after arranging and supporting a program for inner-city children to attend Omaha Royals daytime games at the stadium during the summer. That summer fun program continues in the form of field trips to places such children might not otherwise visit. Marjorie Kiewit also is credited with influencing her husband to pledge the foundations support for a future organization for girls that would be similar to the Boys Clubs for boys. Girls Inc. became that organization and has benefited from Kiewit Foundation support ever since, Ziegenbein said. She was one of the strongest role models in my adult life, Ziegenbein said. Her ethics, loyalty and values were steady and transparent. Ziegenbein said Kiewit was inquisitive, thoughtful, kind, unassuming, quietly generous, loyal and visionary, a voracious reader with a great sense of humor and the courage of her convictions. Born in Milwaukee on May 28, 1921, Marjorie Kiewit graduated summa cum laude from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1943. She and her first husband, James Buchanan, had four children and lived in Neenah, Wisconsin, where she served on the school board and the Governors Commission on Education. After her husband died in 1964, she finished raising the children to adulthood and then earned a doctorate in educational policy from the University of Chicago. She was working on the desegregation process for the Dallas Public Schools when she met Peter Kiewit, who was widowed, through their service on a national Presbyterian Church organization. They married in 1978, and he died the following year. After his death, Marjorie Kiewit worked on nuclear disarmament for nearly 20 years at Stanford University as a research fellow at the Center for the Northeast Asia-United States Forum on International Policy and then the Center for International Security and Cooperation. She was a friend of Nobel laureate Linus Pauling and served on Stanfords Board of Visitors for the Institute of International Studies. She traveled with delegations on education and foreign policy in China, Russia and North and South Korea. She was founder and longtime chairperson of the Helios Foundation, which promotes philanthropy for future generations, eventually moving to Boston to be near family. Ziegenbein said Marjorie Kiewit advocated lifelong learning and sponsored many scholarships through her personal philanthropy, funding facilities at her alma mater and supporting education for nontraditional students. Two brothers and a daughter, Linda Jacob, preceded her in death. Survivors include her sister, Barbara Belle of Belleville, Wisconsin; daughters Barbara Aalfs of Sioux City, Iowa, and Nancy McLoughlin of Mystic, Connecticut; son John Buchanan of Appleton; and 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A few seconds passed before Charlotte Charlie Dixson realized why her foster mom was standing at the edge of her bed Saturday morning. But then the 13-year-old girl with sleepy eyes and wild bed head read the sign in Maggie Swartzs hands: Happy Adoption Day! And Charlie knew: After nearly five years and more foster homes than she can remember, her day had finally come. She jolted awake and wrapped her arms around Swartz, the forever mom she thought shed never find. Just a few hours and many hugs later it was made official in a small Omaha courtroom: Charlie was adopted. Fifty-four other children were adopted Saturday morning as part of Douglas County Juvenile Courts 17th annual celebration of National Adoption Day. Counties across the state and nation held similar events to draw attention to the need for more foster and adoptive families. Each adopted child at the Omaha event left the courtroom with an adopted bear, a button declaring their day of adoption and a rose. Through a grant from the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation, the kids could also get their faces painted, see a magician, take a photo with Star Wars characters, make a puppet and watch a balloon artist at work. Pamela McCoy worked to corral her seven adopted children through the crowd of families and activities. The 59-year-old adopted in June and was the guest speaker Saturday. McCoy was a month into retirement when her sister called, asking for help with the seven grandchildren shed just taken in. McCoy wasnt planning to take her first post-retirement cruise for a couple of months, so she agreed to help out for the six to eight weeks it took for her sister to recover from knee surgery. I was certainly never planning to adopt, McCoy said. Shed raised three kids already, and had three grandchildren. She was single and newly retired and looking forward to relaxing and traveling. Two days into helping my sister out, my whole retirement plan changed right then and there, McCoy said. Not wanting her grandnieces and grandnephews to get split up in foster care, she took them into her two-bedroom home, thinking it would be a temporary arrangement. Now, nearly two years later, shes their adoptive parent, though they still call her Auntie Pam. Together they live in their new (and much larger) home with her biological daughter and her two children. People think Im crazy, McCoy said. But what a blessing. Honestly, I wish I was younger so I could adopt more children theres such a need. In his courtroom, over the humming of 2-year-old Michael Delgado, Judge Christopher Kelly thanked Jeff and Jennifer Delgado for helping to fill that need. The couple adopted three siblings Saturday morning. The 3-, 2- and 1-year-olds were welcomed into their family of eight, including four other adopted children. The children are too young to understand adoption, Jennifer Delgado said. Three-year-old Hondarra knew she was getting a new last name and that her siblings, Michael and Kenia, were just excited to wear superhero capes and play with stuffed animals and balloons. But this day means a lot, she said. Adoption has blessed us very much, and I hope other families see this day and open up their homes and hearts, too. As Swartz stepped into the courtroom with Charlie, the tears came fast. She looked to the rows of her friends and family, including her two biological children, her fiance and two stepchildren. I didnt expect to get so emotional, Swartz said. But walking into that courtroom brought back all the memories of when my dad adopted me. Now 28, Swartz was 15 years old when her father adopted her. Hed been in her life since she was 2, but to finally have it official was really special, she said. Judge Thomas Harmon handed Swartz a box of tissues after he asked whether she was ready to love Charlie as her own child. Swartz couldnt get the words out, through her tears, so she just nodded and smiled at her new daughter. Ive always wanted to adopt, Swartz said later. This is a dream come true. And it was for Charlie, too. As she twirled in her white dress, the tulle skirt billowing around her, she said there were times she thought her adoption day would never come. Im so happy, she said. I dont have to move around. No more foster homes. I have my forever family. Then came a small smirk, another hug and a glance up at Swartz. And I can tackle my mom all I want now. WAHOO, Neb. Wahoo firefighters from several towns worked for hours Friday to extinguish a blaze at the Wahoo State Bank in downtown Wahoo. Fire Chief Mark Meyer said cause of the fire was a halogen lamp on the roof of the building, left by someone making roof repairs and hanging Christmas lights. The lamp blew over in the wind and the heat melted the rubber atop the roof and started the fire, Meyer said. "It's hard to say what's salvageable, but I think some things on the main floor might be," Meyer said, adding that the whole building had smoke and water damage. A structural engineer will assess the building Tuesday. Though two adjacent buildings had water and smoke damage, firefighters kept the fire contained to the bank. "Our job as a fire department is pretty much done now and I do think we did an excellent job," Meyer said. When the first firefighters arrived at the bank at Fifth and Linden Streets around 9 a.m. they couldnt see any smoke or flames, Meyer said at a Friday afternoon press conference. After further investigation, Meyer said, they found that the fire was burning under a rubber membrane atop the roof. Fifteen minutes after arriving, Meyer said, he deemed the roof unsafe and pulled all firefighters off the roof and out of the building. The effort then shifted to containing the fire to the bank building and letting the rubber membrane burn off. The buildings roof collapsed, Meyer said. The fire was brought under control about 1:30 p.m., officials said, but firefighters remained on the scene late into the afternoon. Firefighters from Wahoo, Cedar Bluffs and David City sprayed water on the roof from their aerial trucks. Crews from Yutan and Mead also assisted. Three layers of roofing, the rubber membrane and a gusty wind made fighting the fire difficult, Meyer said. Fire officials werent sure how structurally sound the building is. Saunders County Emergency Manager Terry Miller said the building likely will be lost. If the flames didnt get it, Miller said, the water damage would. The Saunders County Assessors Office said the structure was built in 1892. Wahoo State Bank put a note on its website telling customers that all deposits and records were secure. The drive-up branch remains usable, the bank said. Nearby businesses were evacuated, and the street was closed to traffic. Silvia Wade, who owns the Wigwam Cafe with her husband, Clayton, was using a mop to push water out the front door Friday afternoon. She said water had come through the roof, into the restaurant and down into her basement. Ive never seen anything like this, she said. World-Herald staff writer Mara Klecker contributed to this story. NORTH PLATTE, Neb. Purple my favorite, said Ashleigh Colton, 3, excitedly. She sat on the edge of a bleacher at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday as Isa Caudillo, a St. Pats High School cheerleader opened a small jar of purple paint. She let Caudillo finish painting a rainbow on her cheek before she ran across the gymnasium and disappeared into the bouncy house. Her mothers eyes followed her and she smiled. They were two of thousands of people across the country celebrating National Adoption Day, a collective national effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care nation wide. Nebraska courts have sponsored local celebrations since 1999 by working with attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies and advocates. Judge Michael Piccolo hosted North Plattes event. Colton has already been adopted, but there are over 900 children of all ages currently waiting for permanent homes in Nebraska, said Kelly Nelson, a Children and Family Services specialist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Awareness is a problem, Nelson said. Theres lots of myths surrounding adoption. For example, some believe that children in foster care come with too much baggage to be adopted, according to nationaladoptionday.org. However, children in foster care are just kids they need love, patience and a stable environment just like any other child. Many foster children have grown up to be well known, including U.S. Gymnast Simone Biles, Eddie Murphy and Cher. Even Superman was a foster kid. Another common myth: Adoptive parents may be taken by surprise by issues that werent disclosed about the child. Actually, agencies are legally required to provide as much factual information about a child as possible to adopters. Whether a child has some sort of emotional or physical disability or not, it will be disclosed and support systems are in place for adoptive parents either way. There is a vested interest in placing children in home that will be the right fit and making sure they thrive. In Nebraska, an organization called Right Turn is contacted through Health and Human Services to provide training, support and other resources to families who adopt a child or enter into guardianship. Theres also a common belief that adoption is expensive. While it is, in some cases, there are plenty of option that come with little or no cost. Fostering to adoption, for example, is virtually free. For those going the private route the Nebraska Childrens Home Society doesnt charge adoption fees for their services. November is National Adoption Awareness Month and Saturdays celebration was a part of the month-long awareness campaign. For more information about adoption and to see some of the Nebraska children who need loving homes, visit www.nebraskaheartgallery.org. WASHINGTON Donald Trumps election has scrambled the political landscape for many, but perhaps no one more than U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse. The Nebraska Republican was among Trumps most prominent GOP critics during the campaign, blasting the billionaire and reality TV star as a megalomaniac strongman who lacked conservative principles, played race-baiting games and offered admiration for dictators. Sasse said he couldnt vote for Trump or Hillary Clinton and talked up the idea of a third-party candidate before ultimately writing in the name of Trumps running mate, Mike Pence. But its Trump who will soon be sitting in the Oval Office. John Hibbing, political science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, suggested Sasse could find himself a lonely voice as most other Republicans rush to join Team Trump. Theres one word to describe this and thats whoops, Hibbing said of Sasse. He rolled the dice and they didnt come up his way. As Sasse seeks to navigate the next four years under Trump he will have to balance his own disagreements with the administration against the fact that the new president overwhelmingly won Nebraska. In an interview with The World-Herald, Sasse downplayed the idea that he will be at odds with Trump or out of step with his constituents. He said his record shows that hes deeply conservative but not all that partisan and suggested that matches the mindset of most Nebraskans. Sasse also described the current Republican Party as a large coalition still searching for its identity. There are some people in this new coalition that have talked in ways that I dont recognize as the party of Lincoln, and I think the coalitions going to take a little bit of time to sort itself out, he said. But he said he likes much of what hes heard from Trump since the election. Sasse said hes just as eager as anyone to roll up his sleeves and work with the incoming president to move the country forward. That includes Supreme Court nominations, repealing the Affordable Care Act and strengthening ethics rules. In a recent op-ed for The World-Herald he wrote that while everyone is wondering if he will keep up his anti-Trump stance or fall in line, its not an either-or proposition. We are not North Koreans, swearing a loyalty oath to the Dear Leader, Sasse wrote. Nor are we the French Resistance, plotting against the new regime from day one. Rather, we should hope for his personal flourishing and his wisdom, and we should simultaneously vigorously debate his ideas. Earlier this year, Sasses critiques of Trump angered some GOP activists back home. For example, delegates to the state party convention overwhelmingly approved a resolution condemning his third-party talk. And Sasse added fuel to that fire when he was asked about the resolution and said that while he respects Republican Party die-hards and their work, they dont necessarily represent the viewpoints of most Americans. Sasses situation evokes the trouble then-Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., ran into with some Nebraska Republicans when he emerged as a sharp critic of President George W. Bushs handling of the Iraq War. Of course, there are plenty of differences between Hagel and Sasse. Hagel was seen as more of a moderate on various issues, while Sasse ranks as one of the most conservative members of the Senate. Unlike Sasse, Hagel also was a frequent guest on the Sunday talk shows. Sasse has sought to connect to constituents in nontraditional ways recently handing out Runzas at Husker games and driving an Uber. And he frequently uses social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter to opine on everything under the sun. Former Omaha mayor and congressman Hal Daub, a Republican who backed one of Sasses 2014 primary opponents, is among those who questioned Sasses Trump opposition. But Daub said last week that hes encouraged by Sasses recent statements that he wants to work with the president-elect. And he said there should be opportunities for that, given Trumps outreach to former Republican critics such as South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He didnt make a choice for Mr. Trump to begin with, so hes got an opportunity now to prove that he can get on board and not only be a team player but be a leader, said Daub, who is a University of Nebraska regent. Daub praised Sasse as an intelligent, principled young conservative with Nebraskas best interests at heart. But he also suggested Sasse might be underestimating the importance Nebraskans place on partisan politics, which ultimately affect policy. Parties make a difference in our federal system, Daub said. Daub said he has his own disagreements with Trump on trade, for example. But he said that, in politics, you cant let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Daub called on Sasse to be open to compromise. In his first two years as a senator, Sasse repeatedly has stood on principle to vote against bipartisan pieces of legislation even when they were favored by GOP leadership. He also has focused on the congressional oversight role by digging into failings of the Obama administration in areas including airport security, health care and immigration enforcement. Now, however, he could come under more pressure to support GOP legislative initiatives, as Republicans hold only a narrow majority. And oversight efforts in the coming years might end up embarrassing a Republican administration. Sasse said he wont compromise on constitutional principles but that hes ready to work with Trump on common interests such as term limits and other priorities. That includes the new presidents stated desire to disrupt Washingtons culture of cronyism thats reflected in lobbyists who move in and out of government. Asked about Trumps own potential conflicts of interest, Sasse said its only natural that Trump family members who were involved in the campaign would be involved in the transition. What comes next I think will be important to look at closely, Sasse said. He said hes had many interactions with the Trump team since the election, mostly about potential personnel decisions, but that he didnt want to get into those details. One area he has long stressed is his desire to ditch the Affordable Care Act. Sasse reiterated that he would like to see quick action on repealing the health care law passed under President Barack Obama. As for his own role in crafting a replacement, Sasse noted that while the election will help him climb the seniority ranks, he will remain relatively low on the ladder, and that health care legislation is likely to be guided by those at the very top. I think its a pretty small room of people who are going to drive most of that, Sasse said. He pointed to legislation he introduced Friday with a couple of colleagues that aims to prevent the Obama administration, in its final months in office, from making payments to insurers that could help keep the health care laws structure around longer. Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report said its hard to say how things will play out for Sasse, but noted that he hasnt been the only one to differ with Trump along the way. If Sasse winds up as persona non grata he would have a lot of company, she said, and his problems would be with the Trump administration, not with Senate leaders. I really cant see any retribution from the GOP leadership on that alone, she said. Duffy suggested that much depends on how Trump approaches Congress and the legislation its members want to pass. And if Republican opposition to Trump on Capitol Hill grows, she said, Sasse would appear to be less of a lone wolf. Sasse ally and former Nebraska GOP chairman Mark Fahleson said Sasse will keep being Sasse and that hell be particularly good at working with Trump on disrupting Washingtons cronyism. Ben is the same happy warrior, principled conservative that Nebraskans knew they were getting when he was elected back in 2014, Fahleson said. Mahadayi row to take centre stage at Belagavi session Bengaluru oi-Anusha The 10-day winter session of Karnataka assembly is all set to begin on Monday. Border town of Belagavi will be the political hub of the state during the assembly session, reason enough for North-Karnataka related issues to be given prime importance and right on top of that list is the Mahadayi Row. Keeping in mind the drought situation in the state, the government has taken austerity measures to cut down on expenditure for the winter session. Only 171 staffers are have been deputed as against 300 staffers last winter session. The legislators have also been asked to not bring their personal sceretaries along. Arrangements for transport, food and accomodation are being made only for official secretaries of legislators. Keeping the upcoming assembly polls in mind, all parties are attempting to woo voters in North-Karnataka. JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy has even set up a residence in Hubli in a bid to expand voter base in the otherwise neglected part of the state. OneIndia News Home Minister Shah to address Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers with focus on internal security Amit Shah to chair two-day 'Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers'; Mamata to skip the meet In India terror down by 34%, civilian deaths by 90% since Art 370 scrapped: Shah Amit Shah urges cadres to help those stranded due to Patna-Indore Express derailment India oi-Vikas By Vikas New Delhi, Nov 20: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Sunday urged the party cadres to help in the relief and rescue operations of those injured in the Patna-Indore Express derailment mishap. Shah took to microblogging site Twitter to express his grief over the tragedy. Distressed at the loss of lives in the train accident in Kanpur. My thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 20 November 2016 GoI is doing everything possible to provide immediate relief. I have instructed the local BJP unit to assist in relief & rescue operations. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) 20 November 2016 Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has said that it would take strict action against those found responsible for the derailment of Patna-Indore Express, which has resulted in deaths of 95 people so far. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakhs each to the families of the deceased while Rs 50,000 for those critically injured in the Patna-Indore Express derailment. The compensation for those who sustained minor injuries would be Rs.25, 000. The stranded passengers have been moved to Malasa station while a special train will take the injured to Kanpur Dehat hospital. Special buses and food supplies have also been arranged for the victims, said Railways. Oneindia News Bengal government against uniform civil code: Minister India oi-PTI Kolkata, Nov 20 Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to interfere in the religious rights of the Muslims, West Bengal Minister for Mass Education Siddiqullah Chowdhury today said that the state government was opposed to uniform civil code. "A few days ago during our party's meeting at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence, she said that she had received a letter from the central government seeking state government's opinion on Uniform Civil Code. "She had immediately replied to the central government stating that Bengal will never implement the Uniform civil Code in the state," Chowdhury said while addressing a rally by All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). "If Modi tries to play with the religious rights of the Muslims then the repercussions will be disastrous. Modi and BJP should not forget that India got independence because of the active role of the Muslims. If Muslims had not taken active part, it would have taken 100 years more for India to get its independence," Chowdhury said. Several TMC ministers and senior party leaders such as Sultan Ahmed, alleged that the central government was "trying to ban Triple Talaq and impose uniform civil code in the country." PTI Coastal Andhra to get heavy rainfall in next 2-3 days: IMD Chandrababu Naidu unhappy over continued hardships due to demonetisation India oi-IANS By Ians English Vijayawada, Nov 20 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday expressed his unhappiness over the difficulties people continue to face even 12 days after demonetisation of high value currency notes. He said he never witnessed in his political career this situation where a problem remained unresolved for such a long time. Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a partner in BJP-led NDA Union government, said it was unfortunate that people continue to face the hardships. At a meeting held here Sunday to review the situation in the wake of demonetisation, he noted that from a poor to a rich man, people belonging to all sections of the society were affected. Naidu, who had long been demanding demonetisation of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes and had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, said the authorities should make alternate arrangements to provide immediate relief to people. He reviewed the situation with district collectors, officials of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) and the finance department through a video conference. The Chief Minister said in this crisis all officials concerned should work in close coordination to ease the hardships faced the people. He suggested to all banks to set up call centres to address the people's problems. Naidu said he was informed by the RBI that out of Rs 2,000 crore made available to the state, Rs 400 crore was in the form of Rs 100 notes. The Chief Minister directed officials to link Jan Dhan accounts with Rupay cards, and that all transactions of the state government should be cashless. Directing the banks to work in coordination, he said police should take adequate steps to prevent any law and order problems. IANS Congress wants debate on demonetisation under Rule 56 India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 20: Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said the Narendra Modi government announced the demonetisation of high-value currency notes without any preparation and the Opposition wants a serious discussion on the issue under the rules that entail voting. "The decision was taken in haste, without any preparation. This has hit people at the lower level. 60 people have so far died in queues outside ATMs and banks," he claimed. Kharge said Congress was willing to debate the issue under Rule 56, but the government wanted to discuss it under Rule 193, which does not entail voting. "It is merely a formality. The government is evading questions," he alleged. Asked if the Opposition will allow Parliament to function tomorrow, Kharge said, "The government should agree to a debate on demonetisation under Rule 56. All parameters of a debate will be met under the rule." Attacking the government for failing to bring back black money stashed abroad, he said, "The Modi dispensation has completed two-and-a-half years in office, but has failed to come out with the list of people having accounts in Swiss banks." He claimed that a few BJP leaders were also against the way the decision to scrap Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes was taken. "The entire House is on the same page in this regard," he said. The Opposition will also try to pin down the government on the issue of One Rank One Pension scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir turmoil and surgical strikes, Kharge added. PTI 40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley J&K Police probe Kashmiri youth's suicide in Rajasthan India oi-IANS By Ians English Srinagar, Nov 20 Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday said it has started its investigations into the alleged suicide by a Kashmiri youth in Rajasthan. "Immediately after getting information regarding the death of Tawseef Ahmad Pir, son of Habibullah Pir, a resident of Devar, Kupwara, the Jammu and Kashmir Police got in touch with the Rajasthan Police and a team headed by an inspector was rushed from Delhi to Rajasthan to facilitate the formalities as soon as possible," said a police statement here. It said that the state police party, which was accompanied by two of the youth's relatives and other friends, after receiving the body of deceased and have left Rajasthan for home. "It was decided to carry the body by road in view of the weather conditions at Srinagar Airport where scores of flights have been cancelled due to the bad weather, " it said. According to the statement, initial investigations regarding the death of Tawseef brought to fore that two fellow Kashmiris who were also acting as middle men had deceived him and "this had probably led him to take the extreme step". "However further investigation is going on. The state police is in constant touch with the Rajasthan Police to ensure that the investigation of the case is expedited and the guilty are brought to book," it said. IANS Fact Check: Images falsely shared with claim that it is chopper that crashed in Uttarakhand Portals of Gangotri shrine close for winters, devotees can worship at Mukhba village now Launch search of victims' bodies in 2013-disaster-hit areas:HC India oi-PTI Nainital, Nov 19: Uttarakhand High Court today asked the state government to form five Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and conduct a fresh search operation to find if there are any more bodies lying hidden in areas affected during the 2013-flash floods as human skeletal remains still being found in Kedar valley. A division bench of the High Court comprising Justice Rajeev Sharma and Justice Alok Singh said the state government should form five SITs headed by SSP rank officers to trace the dead bodies in different areas affected by the tragedy. The SITs will comprise the officers drawn from the NDRF, police and paramilitary personnel, the order said. The Court also ordered that the last rites of the recovered bodies should be performed in accordance with their religion. "The state government after tracing the dead bodies will prepare their DNA profile and inform the family members of the deceased. The state government after completing all codal formalities shall perform the last rites as per Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Muslim religion," the order said. The High Court's order came on a PIL filed by Delhi resident Acharya Ajay Gautam who had contended that despite the state government admitting that around 3500 persons had gone missing after the devastating deluge, only 450 bodies had been recovered so far. Uttarakhand: 9 disqualified MLAs cannot vote in floor test on Tuesday It meant that there could be more bodies or skeletal remains lying in affected areas. 31 skeletons had been recovered from the forests near Trijuginarayan area in Rudraprayag district last month, more than three years after the June 2013 calamity. BSNL was directed to provide better telecommunication facilities on CharDham route while PWD was directed to maintain the roads leading to the Himalayan shrines in a better way. The Court also asked the Government to provide more metalled roads for the purpose of religious tourism. The court instructed the state government to construct shrines between Govind Ghat and Govind Dham and provide for emergency stores within 10 km of one another en route to CharDham and Hemkund Sahib. Such stores must always be equipped with condensed milk, blanket, sheet, ration, gas and water in sufficient quantities. In June 2013, a multi-day cloudburst in the state caused devastating floods and landslides becoming the country's worst natural disaster since the 2004 tsunami. The torrential rains of unseen magnitude on 16-17 June caused widespread destruction and heavy losses to human and animal lives. PTI Row over Islamic verses during all-faith prayers, Kanpur school backs down Man kills self due to 'harassment' by cop UP: Kanpur airport to get World-Class facilities by year end Over 100 dead, 200 injured as Patna-Indore Express derails News oi-Vicky By Vicky Kanpur, Nov 20: Over 100 passengers have been killed and more tha. 200 injured after the Patna-Indore Express derailed near Purkharayam, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. The incident took place at around 3 am on Sunday. Medical teams have been rushed to the spot. Rescue work is underway in full swing. The death toll is likely to increase, state reports. Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that the exact death toll is yet to be confirmed. He said that medical and rescue teams have been rushed to the spot. "20 bodies recovered so far from spot after Patna-Indore express derailed near Pukharayan (Kanpur, UP)," IG Kanpur, Zakir Ahmed told ANI earlier. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that all measures are being taken to ensure that rescue operations are on in full swing. He said that strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible for the accident. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was pained by the loss of lives. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav instructed all hospitals to be on alert to accomodate patients. He also directed the chief secretary to monitor the situation closely. The helpline numbers are- Jhansi-05101072,Orai-051621072,Kanpur-05121072,Pokhrayan-05113-270239. OneIndia News Missing JNU student's family meets Akhilesh for help India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, Nov 20 The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) along with the family members of missing student Najeeb Ahmed on Sunday reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav seeking his help against the alleged inaction of the Delhi Police and JNU administration in the matter. "We acquainted him with demands of 'JusticeforNajeeb' and made him acquainted with inactivity of Delhi Police and JNU adminstration. We also requested him to explore the possibilities of administrative intervention in searching Najeeb," said a statement issued by the JNUSU after the meeting with the UP CM in Lucknow. "The CM of UP promised us that he will explore the possibilities of administrative intervention by the UP government. Besides this, we also requested him to write to Home Minister, Prime Minister and the President of India and ask them to act promptly and transparently in this case," it added. Among the people meeting the CM were JNUSU President Mohit Pandey, its former Vice President Shehla Rashid, Ahmed's mother Fatima Nafees, and his brother Mujeeb. It has been 35 days since Najeeb Ahmed has been missing from the Jawaharlal Nehru Univesity's (JNU) Mahi-Mandvi hostel where he was assaulted by students affiliated to Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the night of October 14-15. A Proctorial Inquiry was formed at the University level to find the culprits, apart from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Delhi Police to trace Ahmed. The Inquiry in its November 7 report, found at least one student named Vikrant guilty of assaulting Ahmed on the said night, and served him with a show cause notice. IANS Take a look at EWS flats at Kalkaji to be inaugurated by PM Modi [Photos] Modi condoles loss of lives in Patna-Indore Express derailment India oi-Vikas By Vikas New Delhi, Nov 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the Patna-Indore Express, which has left close to 95 people dead. Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that the exact death toll is yet to be confirmed. He said that medical and rescue teams have been rushed to the spot. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his grief and assured that he has spoken to the Railway Minister to speedup relief and rescue efforts. Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 20 November 2016 Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 20 November 2016 Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that all measures are being taken to ensure that rescue operations are on in full swing. He said that strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible for the accident. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he was pained by the loss of lives. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav instructed all hospitals to be on alert to accomodate patients. He also directed the chief secretary to monitor the situation closely The helpline numbers are- Jhansi-05101072,Orai-051621072,Kanpur-05121072,Pokhrayan-05113-270239. Oneindia News Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000 Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD Strict action against those responsible for train accident, says Railways India oi-Vikas By Vikas Kanpur, Nov 20: Railway Ministry has said that it would take strict action against those found responsible for the derailment of Patna-Indore Express, which has resulted in deaths of 95 people so far. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has, meanwhile, instructed Principal Secretary Health to ensure there's no shortage of medicines and blood for treatment of injured. The Prime Minister took to Twitter to express his grief and assured that he has spoken to the Railway Minister to speedup relief and rescue efforts. The stranded passengers have been moved to Malasa station while a special train will take the injured to Kanpur Dehat hospital. Special buses and food supplies have also been arranged for the victims, said Railways. Oneindia News Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out Train accidents taking place with "alarming regularity": CPI (M) India oi-PTI New Delhi, Nov 20: The CPI(M) today dubbed the Indore-Patna Express mishap as "unfortunate" and criticised the Central government over it. It said the Prime Minister or the Railway Minister were more concerned with "bullet trains" and "not willing" to take responsibility for the incident. Train accidents are happening with "alarming regularity", but the Railway Ministry and the government are yet to wake from their "slumber" and address the dire conditions of the railways, it said. In its statement, the CPI(M) Polit Bureau also expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed its condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy with those injured. "Instead of giving priority to railway safety and upgrading safety equipment, signaling and tracks, the government seems to more concerned with introducing bullets trains...It is very unfortunate that neither the Prime Minister, the railway minister nor the cabinet collectively is willing to take responsibility for such a big accident that has led to the loss of so many lives," it said. The party also demanded that the inquiry report of the incident be made public and the guilty be punished unlike earlier probes that remained "unpublished". PTI FIR against nine people over forced religious conversions in UP UP Guv Ram Naik has lowered dignity of Raj Bhawan: Azam Khan India oi-PTI Rampur, Nov 20 Controversial Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan today launched a scathing attack on Ram Naik, alleging that the UP governor has "lowered the dignity of Raj Bhawan by entertaining criminals." "Entry facilitated to those against whom criminal cases have been instituted under different sections of IPC for committing serious offences," he alleged while targeting Naik. He added, "not only the dignity of the governor's house but democracy too has been ashamed due to Naik's facilitation of criminals and opponents of the Samajwadi Party." The UP Parliamentary Affairs Minister has been engaged in a war of words with Naik for some time, with the Samajwadi Party leader accusing him of being a "kar sevak" and "communally vitiating" the atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh at the behest of the Modi government at the Centre. Khan, who launched 'Dial-100' emergency call service at Rampur and Moradabad late last evening, advised the governor, "if he keeps himself so much involved in politics, let him contest the coming elections from Rampur. I am happily prepared to vacate my seat for Ram Naik Ji." Khan's provocative remarks came after Congress leader Faisal Lala's had blamed the minister for secretly exchanging his black money with valid currency with the help of District Co-operative bank. Lala is said to be pitched against Khan as a strong contender in the coming assembly elections. Currently, police is searching for Lala on the basis of Azam's complaint that the Congress leader has been falsely implicating him of misbehaving with lady officers of a bank. Khan entered political arena in 1977 and since then remained victorious in all elections barring two. He remained extremely close to SP Supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav despite a scuffle with MSY in 2009 over his disagreement with the party boss over growing proximity with Amar Singh and film actress Jaya Prada. Azam did not eschew his habit to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging, "Badshah (PM) has termed me as traitor earlier but his demonetisation of old currency has sacrificed numerous lives which may be deemed as a tirade against humanity." He demanded Modi government to grant martyrdom to the people killed in queues while standing for long durations. Azam further said, "everybody has appreciated demonetisation and under duress or fear, I too used to speak the same language but PM should respond to his alteration in exchange of old notes from Rs 4500 to Rs 2000." He said, "better it would be if PM brings down the exchange amount further from Rs 2000 to Rs 200." PTI My party-BJP have different ideologies but common aim of uplifting poor: Nepal ex-PM Prachanda Former Nepal PM says removed from office for including Kalapani Nepalese people's aspirations remain unfulfilled: Prachanda International oi-PTI Kathmandu, Nov 20 Nepalese people's aspirations remain unfulfilled despite the country making important achievements in politics in the past decade, Prime Minister Prachanda today said as the nation marked the 10th anniversary of the peace deal that ended the brutal Maoist insurgency. "Fundamental and qualitative changes have been noticed in the on-going peace process over the last ten years period," Prachanda told state-run Nepal television marking the 10th anniversary of the peace process. "The country has turned into a republic from the monarchy and a federal system has been adopted from a unitary system over ten years, which is not an ordinary phenomena," he said. "All these were the outcomes of the peace accord and the peace process," he said. However, the dream of fulfilling the aspirations of the Nepalese people remained unfulfilled, he admitted. "Now our focus will be to change the life of the people," the Prime Minister said. "We have signed peace agreement, successfully merged two armies, managed arms, promulgated constitution through Constituent Assembly ...and also completed many tasks relating to building the country, which makes the past decade full of important achievements," he said. Prachanda also admitted that there has been some delay in delivering justice to war crime victims due to the long political transition witnessed by the country, but expressed hope that it will be resolved soon as some positive outcomes have already started coming in this regard. More than 16,000 people were killed and nearly 1,300 disappeared and thousands more were displaced during the decade-long insurgency. Ten years after the signing of the peace accord, successive Nepali governments have failed to deliver on their central human rights promises, New York-based Human Rights Watch said. The international community, and particularly the United Nations, should press the government to fulfil its pledges as victims wait in vain for information about missing family members and accountability for crimes committed during the war, it said. Nepals political parties formed an alliance, and together with the Maoists, made a commitment to democracy and human rights under the 2006 peace deal. One of the key undertakings under the peace accord was to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for human rights violations committed during the war. Yet, all the political parties appear to have forgotten those promises, and the victims families are still waiting, it added. In addition to accountability for wartime cases, HRW noted that many other obligations under the peace agreement remain unfulfilled. The pledge to end discrimination based on gender, caste, class, ethnicity, and membership in other marginalised groups remains deeply contested, and power continues to rest among traditional elites. PTI Word 'jugaad' resonates with President Reuven Rivlin International oi-IANS By Ians English Chandigarh, Nov 20 Hindi word 'jugaad' has clearly resonated with the visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin who on Sunday sought to connect the colloquial term to the Jewish state of Israel and its style of inventing and working. India's President Pranab Mukherjee, on his part, lauded Israel's conviction in making a mark in agriculture through innovation and technology solutions. The term 'jugaad' -- used by or known to many Indians -- means an ingenious way of getting around a problem or a bottleneck. "Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," Rivlin said while evoking images, memories, and emotions among the audience as it burst into peels of laughter. He was speaking after inaugurating the 12th edition of Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, here along with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. "During my visit to India, I learned a new word called 'jugaad'. Jugaad means -- a clever solution born out of trouble. If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word," Rivlin said as the audience broke into laughter. "Just imagine a small nation, suffering for being different. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," he added. The Israeli President said people in his country had worked hard to make technological innovations and advancements. "We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations," he said. Rivlin said food security is not only about surviving -- it's about thriving. After inaugurating the event, Mukherjee said: "There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I am happy to share the platform with the President of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value additions." He said Israel had created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. Talking about his experiences during his ongoing visit to India, Revlin said he visited Karnal in Haryana, where Indians and Israelis are developing new varieties of cherry tomatoes, which are an Israeli invention. "When Indian and Israeli experts place solar panels on truck roofs to use solar energy to keep food inside fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help farmers keep growing crops, they are doing magic together." Mukherjee and Revlin went around a section of the fair, which showcases technological innovations potentially beneficial for the agriculture sector at the Parade Ground here. Israel is the partner country while 12 other countries are participating. Ninety-two domestic and 47 exhibitors are among the participants, including from Canada, Germany, Britain, China, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey and the US. Punjab and Haryana are the host states for the four-day expo while Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the partner states. IANS CUET impact? Only 1 from Kerala board in Hindu College's popular course so far JNU Admissions 2022: PG First merit list to be released today; how to check 'Pollution not a state problem': As Delhi chokes, AAP leader passes the buck to Centre International peace prize for Sri Sri Ravishankar New Delhi oi-Anusha Art of Living's founder and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravishankar on Saturday was conferred with Dr Nagendra Singh International Peace Award. The award has been instituted in the memory of Dr Singh, the first Indian judge at the International Court of Justice. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh honoured the spiritual guru in Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan for his efforts towards ensuring world peace. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, November 20, 2016, 16:27 [IST] Sky News 01 Nov 2022 Boris Johnson has confirmed he will attend COP27 in Egypt next week as question marks remain over whether the UK's new prime.. by Graham Pierrepoint Its hard to believe, but even just over sixty years ago, London fog claimed the lives of many in the city from the early 50s, its thought that over 12,000 people died from conditions aggravated directly by the smoke, and while the UK capital has always been affectionately known as the smoke due to its foggy past, its a past which until now has carried a great deal of mystery particularly, why so many people became ill and died from what many had assumed to be natural fog in London. According to Tom Hale at IFL Science, researchers have finally been able to crack the mystery and its all to do with chemical reactions. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences journal advises that Londons fog likely killed so many people due to gas by-products of coal-burning, specifically sulfates and nitrogen dioxide. Its long been assumed that sulfur dioxide was to blame for widespread illness and death in the city, and the study undertaken by researchers in the US, UK and China have also identified that acidic particles created in the chemical mixture were further to blame for the fogs toxicity. Largely, it appears, the problems were generated as a result of prolonged coal-burning and chemical reactions created by mixing by-product with the local atmosphere and that acidic particles that had evaporated eventually gave way to a thick, toxic haze, and therefore a worrying amount of hospitalization. The study, too, may even help China reduce the toxicity in its own smog, according to the researchers. China has struggled with smog for decades now as a result of emissions, and it is therefore proposed that a reduction in ammonia and nitrous oxide emission could make the local atmosphere safer to breathe. The breakthrough, regardless of whether or not it will improve air quality in China long term, has effectively put paid to decades of speculation as to why so many people were killed by the infamous London fog of the mid-20th century. It is fascinating that lab conditions in the modern age can recreate such natural occurrences and it is likely that such methods will help us to better understand the pitfalls of emission and chemical reactions that have plagued our cities in the past. While technology and our understanding of the way our world works may be getting more astute, there is an argument that we may even be getting more intelligent about the choices that we make but this of course will remain to be seen! Daily Record 11 Aug 2022 Anthony Severs was walking home at roughly 10pm when he stopped by McCooleys to take shelter from the rain and grab a pint last.. Rumble 13 Oct 2022 A member of the Dutch Parliament asked a Pfizer representative if they had tested their vax for blocking transmission of COVID and.. NYTimes.com 04 May 2021 She succeeds Robert Costa at a program best known as the longtime home of the anchor Gwen Ifill. Catholic Culture 29 Aug 2022 On August 28, Pope Francis made a pastoral visit to LAquila, the capital of the Italian province of the same name.. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Rumble 03 Sep 2022 The Left has turned a corner with their words and actions. Last week, a former CIA and NSA director called the Republican Party the.. Sports Illustrated 30 Oct 2022 Second-year shooting guard Joshua Primo was placed on waivers by the Spurs on Friday night, just weeks after San Antonio picked up.. ABC 25 News KXXV 21 Aug 2021 Controversy at the Texas State Capitol is being felt here in Central Texas. Many schools are defying Gov. Abbott's order not.. Rumble 15 Oct 2022 Two climate campaigners managed to evade security at the National Gallery in central London on Friday before defiling Vincent Van.. Rumble 13 Oct 2022 AOC is a Nazi? After Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supported the funding of the Ukrainians, it seems as though that funding and weapons.. Tattered and Torn (Image by katerha) Details DMCA We have seen it all unfolding in front of our own eyes. A candidate who failed all three debates, who commits blunder after blunder, and who has a very controversial history of evading taxes, insulting minorities, insulting religion, insulting women and threatening to jail his opponent finally makes it to the White House!. If this is the democracy you have been lecturing us about for the last half century, thank you America, we don't need it and we don't want it. There is enough evidence, beyond doubts, of its malfunction., regardless if Trump succeeds or not, the damage is already done. I am deeply touched by what Senator Harry Reid said about this and I quote him : "if Comey had not been the Republican operative that he is; He came out against what the attorney general had recommended, against what common sense dictates. He is the reason she lost the election" . I have a great respect and trust for Senator Harry Reid and for the long years he served his country. It is sad that one person with one single letter can wipe out the hard work, the long days and nights spent traveling and campaigning and the millions of dollars needed to do that. Naturally one candidate will lose but it should only be because the other candidate has surpassed him in every way. America is not only divided politically and socially but it is wounded because it's pride, the democratic process, is going thru turbulent time. America the capitalist is already facing financial stress with its rising debts and losing its trade edge to other competitors and this 2016 election is just adding insult to injury. Hamad S Alomar Riyadh This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Consortium News President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Kansas Congressman Mike Pompeo, an open aficionado of torture practices used in the "war on terror," to be CIA director shows that Trump was serious when he said he would support "waterboarding and much worse." Earlier, there had been a sliver of hope that that, while on the campaign trail, Trump was simply playing to the basest instincts of many Americans who have been brainwashed -- by media, politicians, and the CIA itself -- into believing that torture "works." The hope was that the person whom Trump would appoint to head the agency would disabuse him regarding both the efficacy and the legality of torture. But such advice is not likely from Pompeo, who has spoken out against the closing of CIA's "black sites" used for torture and has criticized the requirement that interrogators adhere to anti-torture laws. He has also opposed closing the prison at Guantanamo, which has become infamous for torture and even murder. After visiting Guantanamo three years ago, where many prisoners were on a hunger strike, Pompeo commented, "It looked to me like a lot of them had put on weight." There is little doubt that the champagne was flowing on Friday at CIA headquarters, from the seventh-floor executive offices down to the bowels of that building where torture practitioners have been shielded from accountability for 15 years in what amounts to the CIA's internal "witness protection" program. Indeed, relief over the Pompeo appointment came in the nick of time. For one fleeting moment earlier in the week, there was some panic at the hint that the International Criminal Court might show more courage than President Barack Obama in bringing torture perpetrators to justice. That suggestion caused a moment of angst up and down the CIA's ladder of authority, from supervisory felons, such as Director John Brennan and agency lawyers, down to the thugs hired to implement the amateurish but gruesome regime of torture depicted in gory detail in the Senate Intelligence Committee investigative report. Published in December 2014 and based on original CIA documents, the report's Executive Summary revealed a range of gruesome practices from the near-drowning sensation of water-boarding to the forcible rectal feeding of detainees. Pompeo's Defense Pompeo responded to the findings by personally attacking Senate Intelligence Committee chair Dianne Feinstein. He claimed she had "put American lives at risk" and he called CIA participants in the torture program "heroes, not pawns in some liberal game being played by the ACLU and Senator Feinstein." Former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (left) argues with ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern about the Senate torture report on CCTV America's 'The Heat' on Dec. 11, 2014. (Image by (Screenshot from program)) Details DMCA Pompeo seemed to be taking his cue from former chair of the House Intelligence Committee Pete Hoekstra, R-Michigan, who, right after the Senate report was released, boasted to me on live TV that he had been briefed on "90 to 95 percent" of the cruel practices laid bare in the Senate investigation. [See Consortiumnews.com's "Clashing Face to Face on Torture." Torture also has its supporters in the Senate, which will be called on to confirm Pompeo as CIA director. At a Senate hearing on May 13, 2009, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, gave a tip of the cap to the Spanish Inquisition, which he cited as proof that torture could elicit some useful confessions (as it was used in the Fifteenth Century to detect "crypto Jews" and to burn several thousand heretics at the stake). During a hearing on detainee interrogations, Sen. Graham said: "Let's have both sides of the story here," pointing out that there could be evidence that torture produced "good information." Graham added, "I mean, one of the reasons these techniques have survived for about 500 years is apparently they work." 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 Eric Margolis Blog Russia's dispatch of a 10-ship flotilla to the Syrian Coast has raised some outrage and sneers aplenty in the West. Particularly when one of its embarked MiG-29K fighters crashed on takeoff from Russia's sole carrier, the obsolescent Admiral Kuznetsov which lacks catapults. Joining Kuznetsov are believed to be two "Akula" class nuclear-powered attack submarines that are much feared by Western navies. On the surface will be the powerful, missile-armed battle-cruiser, "Peter the Great." Unlike Western warships, which are essentially fragile tin cans packed with electronics, "Peter the Great" is armored and built to withstand punishment. Other Russian missile frigates and supply ships are also off Syria. Washington just hates it when the Russians dare do what the US has been doing since World War II: conduct gunboat diplomacy, however limited. As a student of Russian naval affairs, I'm watching the current deployment of warships from the Red Banner Northern Fleet with much interest. Russia has wanted to be a major naval power since the days of Peter the Great in the early 1700's, but it has always faced the curse of Russian geography. In spite of limited access to the world's seas, Russia is largely a landlocked nation spread over vast distances. Russia faces geographic barriers every way that it turns. Most important, Russia's major fleets -- Northern, Baltic, Black Sea, and Pacific -- are unable to concentrate to support one another due to geographical constraints. Compare this to the mighty US Navy that can move all but the largest warships from the Pacific to Atlantic or vice versa. All major US naval bases give easy access to the high seas. The only Russian ports that do are remote Vladivostok and even remoter Petropavlovsk on Kamchatka -- that has no land link to the rest of Russia. No Russian can forget the calamity of the 1904-1905 Russo-Japanese War. Russia's Pacific Squadron was largely bottled up in the naval fortress at Port Arthur by a surprise Japanese attack, 38 years before the Pearl Harbor attack. As a result, Russia has to send its Baltic Fleet more than half way around the globe to the North Pacific on a 33,000 km (18,000 miles) journey of the damned that took nearly half a year. An accidental encounter in the fog with the British herring fleet nearly provoked war with Great Britain -- which reacted with similar alarm as Vladimir Putin's fleet sailed by Britain on the way to Syria. On 27 May, 1905, the combined Russian fleet was ambushed off Korea at Tsushima by Japan's brilliant admiral, Hideki Togo. After a fierce battle (I've sailed over the exact spot) the Russian fleet was sunk or captured, the first time a Western power had been defeated. Tsushima lit the fuse of the 1917 Russian revolution. Russia's inability to unite its fleets threatened their defeat in detail in a major war. World War II saw the Russian fleets more engaged in naval infantry land battles than maritime operations. During the Cold War, the US and its allies were able to bottle up Russia's fleets by sealing off the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap, then Baltic exits at the Skaggerak Strait, and the Black Sea exit at the Turkish Straits. The US Navy planned to directly attack Russia's Pacific Ports and cut the Tran Siberian railroad that supplied them. As a final impediment, the US SOSUS underwater hydrophone system was able to spot Soviet submarines from the time they left their home ports. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia's neglected navy atrophied and rusted. The current mission to Syrian waters is an important sign that the Kremlin intends to restore some of its former naval power and assert Russian interests in Syria, where it had maintained a modest supply and repair depot at Tartus since 1971. Moscow's use of naval forces to fire missiles and launch air strikes at jihadist rebels in Syria is its biggest naval venture since 1990. Interestingly, Moscow used its almost forgotten Caspian Sea squadron to launch missiles at the same jihadists. Such strikes could have been done solely from land. The Kremlin was signaling that its strategic reach had lengthened. America's legions of pro-war neocons are now screaming that the Red Navy's deployment to Syrian waters is somehow a grave threat to the West. It is not. The US Navy and land-based NATO air power could easily deal with the Russians. What really worries the neocons is that the Russian flotilla might deter or impede an Israeli attack on Syria and Lebanon. And besides, is Russia not allowed to have a navy? Syria's coast is as close to Russia as Mazatlan, Mexico is to Texas. From Nation of Change Where progressive initiatives and candidates were on the ballot, they won. When a political puck named Dick Tuck lost a California senate election in 1966, he famously conceded: "The people have spoken. The bastards." So now that the people have spoken up for Donald Trump, were they saying that they embrace his xenophobic, nativist, far-right policies? Not necessarily. Most Trump voters say they went for him because they think he'll shake up America's elite establishment, not because he's a conservative. In fact, majorities of people all over the country voted for very progressive policies and candidates this year. For example, all four states that had minimum wage increases on the ballot -- that's Arizona, Colorado, Maine, and Washington -- passed them. Plus, a South Dakota proposal to lower its minimum wage was rejected by 71 percent of voters. Meanwhile, voters in two states -- California and Washington -- passed initiatives calling for repealing the Supreme Court's Citizen United decision, which has allowed corporate cash to flood into our elections. Washington also voted to provide public funding of elections in the state. And a Minnesota initiative to take away the power of state lawmakers to set their own salaries, moving this authority to a bipartisan citizens' council, won 77 percent of the vote. In addition, many solidly progressive "firsts" were elected, such as the first Indian-American woman in the House (Pramila Jayapal of Washington); the first Latina U.S. senator (Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada); the first Indian-American elected to the U.S. Senate (Kamala Harris of California, who is also the first black senator from her state); and the first openly LGBT governor (Kate Brown of Oregon). Trump's going to the White House, but the takeaway from voters in this election is a mandate for progressive economic populism and more diversity among public officials. Readings for the feast of "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe": 2 SM 5: 1-3, PS 122: 1-5; COL 1: 12-20; LK 23: 35-43. How on earth were USian Christians able to elect a man like Donald Trump? After all, Trump represents the polar opposite of the values embodied in Jesus of Nazareth. In fact, Jesus was the kind of person Donald Trump and his supporters actually hate. I mean, the Nazarene was poor, dark skinned, the son of an unwed teenage mother, and an immigrant in Egypt. Jesus was viscerally opposed to an empire very like the United States. And that empire (Rome) executed him as a terrorist. Jesus ended up on death row and finished as a victim of torture and capital punishment. To repeat, Trump and the Republicans hate people like that. They want Middle Easterners like Jesus out of their country at best, and dead at worst. Again, how could followers of Jesus elect his sworn enemy? The readings for today's feast of "Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe" provide the answer. They explain what might be termed the great "makeover" of Jesus of Nazareth changing him from the leader of an anti-imperial revolutionary movement into a pillar supporting the very institutions that assassinated him. In other words: through 4th century sleight of hand, the Jesus who sided with the poor and those oppressed by empire was made to switch sides. He was co-opted and domesticated -- kicked upstairs into the royal class. He became not only a patron of the Roman Empire, but a "king" complete with crown, purple robes, scepter and fawning courtiers. Reza Aslan's best-seller, Zealot, explains the process in detail. The book centralizes today's account of Jesus' crucifixion in Luke, Chapter 23. There Aslan pays particular attention to: Jesus' cross, to the Roman inscription identifying Jesus as "King of the Jews," and to the dialog between Jesus and the two "thieves" presented as sharing his fate. Take the cross first. It was the mode of execution reserved primarily for insurrectionists against the Roman occupation of Palestine. The fact that Jesus was crucified indicates that the Romans believed him to be a revolutionary terrorist. Aslan asks, how could it have been otherwise? After all, Jesus was widely considered the "messiah" -- i.e. as the one, like David in today's first reading, expected to lead "The War" against Israel's oppressors. Moreover, Jesus proclaimed the "Kingdom of God," a highly politicized metaphor which could only be understood as an alternative to Roman rule. It would return Israel, Jesus himself promised, to Yahweh's governance and accord primacy to the poor and marginalized. The Romans drew logical conclusions. Put otherwise, the Roman cross itself provides bloody testimony to the radical threat the empire saw personified in Jesus. That threat was made specific in the inscription the Romans placed over the head of the crucified Jesus. It read, "King of the Jews." Typically, those words are interpreted as a cruel joke by the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate -- as if he were simply poking fun at those who saw Jesus as the worthy successor of Israel's beloved King David. However, according to Reza Aslan, nothing humorous was intended by the inscription. Instead it was a titulus. Every victim of crucifixion had one -- a statement of the reason for his execution. The motive for Jesus' crucifixion was the same as for the many others among his contemporaries who were executed for the same crime: aspiring to replace Roman rule with home rule -- with an Israel governed by Jews instead of Romans. The titulus on Jesus' cross, along with the cross itself identify him as the antithesis of what he eventually became, a Roman tool. And then there are those two thieves. Aslan says they weren't "thieves" at all. That's a mistranslation, he points out. A better translation of the Greek word, lestai , would be "bandits" -- the common designation in the first century for insurrectionists. And there probably weren't just two others crucified the day Jesus was assassinated. There may have been a dozen or more. In this context the dialog between Jesus and two of the terrorists crucified with him takes on great significance. Actually, it documents the beginning of the process I described of changing Jesus' image from insurrectionist to depoliticized teacher. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. When it comes to the incoming president, Oregon farmers, business owners and economists can all agree on one thing: There's no telling how his trade policies will take shape. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump vowed to withdraw from or renegotiate global trade pacts he contends kill American jobs, and raise tariffs on foreign-made goods. But Trump has also called himself a free-trader and chose in Mike Pence a running mate who has long-advocated such policies. The businessman's sizable array of branded products include dress shirts, mirrors and vodka that were made overseas. "No one's really certain which Mr. Trump is going to stand up," said Andy Anderson, executive director of the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association. For Oregon, one of the nation's most trade-dependent states, any limitation on free trade could do outsize damage to the state economy. But some in the farming world say they're encouraged by Trump's business acumen, and are hoping he will fight for them by reducing regulatory burdens and avoiding a repeat of the West Coast port crisis. The Trans-Pacific Partnership The future under Trump may be unclear, but one thing is certain. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, which would have renegotiated portions of the North American Free Trade Agreement and paved the way for trade between the U.S. and 11 Pacific Rim countries -- though not China -- is all but dead. Though negotiations concluded a year ago, the agreement failed to garner enough support in Congress. What's more, Trump had promised to withdraw from the trade deal upon entering office. Gail Greenman, the Oregon Farm Bureau's director of national affairs, said the trade agreement would have been "extraordinarily helpful" for Oregon ranchers and farmers. Oregon exports, which include farm products, wine and - above all - Intel's microprocessors - totaled $20.1 billion in 2015, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports. Of that, $5.4 billion went to the U.S.'s free trade partners. Per the Port of Portland, nearly half of Oregon's total exports went to the would-be members of the TPP. According to Greenman, only about 20 percent of the products grown in Oregon stay in the state. Roughly 40 percent heads to other states, and the other 40 percent leaves the country. "You're talking about farmers and ranchers adding jobs," she said. "Not just for our products, but products going through Oregon." Proponents say TPP would have helped companies looking to expand in such countries as Japan, New Zealand and Vietnam by reducing tariffs on American-made goods and expanding market access. John Tapogna, president of Portland consulting firm EcoNorthwest, said the accord would have been disproportionately beneficial to Oregon. In Japan, which already has strong cultural ties to Oregon, the state's winemakers would have finally been able compete against labels from Australia and Chile, Tapogna explained. And ranchers could have tapped the country's growing appetite for beef, he said. In an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Alison Sokol Blosser, chief executive of Dundee's Sokol Blosser winery, expressed disappointment the trade deal fell through. "I was looking forward to our wines being more competitive in foreign markets, and being able to grow our export sales," she said. "The end of the TPP may hamper our ability to grow outside of the U.S. market." The unraveling of the trade deal is also a blow for apparel companies like Nike, Tapogna said. The Washington County-based sportswear giant contracts with factories in Vietnam to make its shoes, and some tariffs on shoes coming into the U.S. would have been eliminated, he said. "[The deal's] demise is a missed opportunity for Oregon," he said. "Trade deals on net are positive, but create winners and losers. On balance, Oregon was poised to be a winner from the TPP." Ivan Maluski, policy director for Oregon lobbying group Friends of Family Farmers, believes the TPP would have led to more corporate control of Oregon agriculture and wouldn't have been much help to the majority of the state's farmers. And though congressional leaders signaled last week that there is no path forward for the trade pact, Maluski worries it's not completely dead. "The worst parts of it could come back," he said. "I don't have a lot of hope that we're necessarily going to see better policies for small- and mid-size farms. We'll just have to see, I guess." Revisiting NAFTA On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly promised to renegotiate or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, the 1994 deal that expanded trade relations between Mexico, Canada and the U.S. According to a memo by Trump's transition team obtained by CNN, the president-elect would begin his presidency by reversing "decades of conciliatory trade policy." First on the list? Reforming NAFTA. But a trade treaty that spans the continent cannot be dissolved with the snap of a finger. Even Trump's memo concedes this, and he's ordered the Commerce Department and International Trade Commission to study the legal requirements for withdrawal and its ramifications. Article 2205 of NAFTA says a member nation must simply provide six months' written notice to the other parties to withdraw. It is unclear whether the president has the unilateral power to do this or whether congressional approval is needed. Oregon exports Oregon exports totaled $20.1 billion in 2015. China is Oregon's top export market, followed by Canada, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea. Oregon's top export category is computer and electronic products, followed by machinery, chemicals, agricultural products and transportation equipment. In 2015, exports from the Portland area (including Hillsboro and Vancouver) totaled $18.8 billion. Oregon exports supported 81,547 U.S. jobs in 2015. The U.S. currently has 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries. In 2015, 27 percent of Oregon's total exports went to U.S. free trade partners. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Despite Trump's promise to get to work on NAFTA on his first day in office, negotiations could be lengthy. And Tim Duy, director of the Oregon Economic Forum at the University of Oregon, said it's unlikely that the jobs lost domestically due to global trade will return. "It's not going to be this smooth process," he said. "It's going to be as messy going backward as it was going forward. And there's no way you're going to pull all those manufacturing jobs back. That's just a fantasy." If any manufacturing jobs do return, he said, they're more likely to return as mechanized jobs performed by robots, he said. If Trump does manage to abolish NAFTA, Duy said, it could have some benefits for Oregon. "Without NAFTA, maybe we'd have reduced imports of Canadian softwoods," he said. "That's a substitute for Oregon lumber. If Canadian firms lost their access, that might increase opportunity for Oregon timber companies." Then again, halting all trade with Mexico would result in a shortage of Mexican-grown fruits like avocados, limes and mangos, and could prevent the U.S. from outsourcing manufacturing. But Trump may not want to cut all ties with U.S. neighbors. The memo obtained by CNN shows that by Trump's 200th day in office, he hopes to be formally withdrawn from NAFTA and working to pursue bilateral trade agreements with Canada and Mexico. A trade war? Trump has said he would to impose tariffs on foreign-made goods to protect American jobs. He's taken particular aim at China, at times threatening tariffs as high as 45 percent. This could profoundly disrupt the state's economy. Last year, Oregon had more than $4 billion in exports to China, the sixth-most of any state. (Washington was number one.) However, tariffs could benefit some businesses, Duy said. "The idea of pulling back from global trade is going to have winners in the sense that U.S. firms competing with foreign firms are going to find themselves on firmer footing, but U.S. firms that operate overseas are going to find themselves facing more challenges." In a worst-case scenario, countries would respond to U.S. tariff increases with duty hikes of their own, effectively shutting American goods out of foreign markets by making them less competitive. That would spell trouble for any U.S. company that manufactures or sources materials overseas. For Daddies Board Shop, a Portland company that sells skateboards, shoes and apparel to customers throughout the world, any restriction on foreign trade could hurt. Daddies assembles its skateboards in Portland, but the components -- the decks, trucks and wheels -- come from as far away as China and as close as California. The company values that flexibility. "We like to keep a relatively lean inventory," Daddies co-owner Daron Horwitz said. "Lead times are much quicker when we order in the States. We prefer to buy here in the States, and we do when price differences aren't so wide." But Daddies usually isn't able to choose the manufacturer when it comes to the apparel or footwear it resells. Should tariffs on foreign made goods rise, Daddies would be forced to raise its prices, hurting sales, Horwitz said. But Horwitz has enough on his plate without worrying about worst-case scenarios. "My hope would be that that would have been more campaign talk than anything else," he said of Trump's threats to raise tariffs. Hope for farmers Instead of worrying whether Trump will follow through on his campaign promises, some are counting on it. Greenman, of the Oregon Farm Bureau, said farmers want the new administration to ease regulations, which address everything from labor and health care to pesticide and water. Because each of these requirements is enacted in a vacuum rather than in conjunction with existing laws, she said, complying with all of them is "basically impossible." "There's hope that there will be reform and more reasonable regulation," she said. "The regulatory burden that the federal government has placed on farmers and ranchers has increased astronomically. You have people getting out of the business because the requirements just aren't attainable." Trump's business know-how is appealing for many in Oregon, especially those affected by the recent West Coast port slowdown and the Port of Portland's loss of its container business. Since that loss, Shelly Boshart Davis, who grows grass for compressed hay near Salem, has had to reroute her shipments to ports in Seattle and Tacoma. This takes more people and more trucks, she said, and has raised her costs. When it comes to the labor disputes at the ports, Boshart Davis is hoping Trump will be more aggressive than the Obama administration. The new contract between port operators and longshore workers expires in 2019, during Trump's presidency. And because West Coast ports span multiple states, Boshart Davis feels that the president is the only one who has the ability to step in. "The hope is that it (the next round of contract negotiations) won't be as bad as it was two years ago," she said. "Because that was a mess." Boshart Davis is less worried about Trump's policies on international trade. "Regardless of what your trade policy is, if you don't have a productive port and you can't get those products to the customers," she said, "what good is that?" -- Anna Marum amarum@oregonian.com 503-294-5911 @annamarum Screen Shot 2016-11-19 at 7.44.26 PM.png During a search at 6114 N.E. 112th Ave. in Vancouver, detectives found several ounces of methamphetamine and nine firearms, some of which were reported stolen. (Vancouver police photo) Police on Saturday arrested a 56-year-old Vancouver man who faces at least 13 felony counts including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of stolen firearms and maintaining a drug house. William Rathgeber was being held Saturday night in the Clark County Jail and is expected to make an initial court appearance Monday, said Sgt. Spencer Harris of the Safe Streets Task Force. The task force, along with the Vancouver Police Neighborhood Response Team, Clark County Tactical Detective Unit and SW Washington Regional SWAT, served a search warrant at 6114 N.E. 112th Ave. in Vancouver looking for evidence of methamphetamine distribution, according to a news release. The residence is located across the street from Covington Middle School. Detectives found several ounces of methamphetamine, believed to be destined for distribution, and nine firearms, some of which were reported stolen, the release says. Gabriel Lawson, 43, also was arrested at the Vancouver address on a felony warrant out of Port Angeles and a misdemeanor warrant out of Clark County, the release says. It says Lawson allegedly possessed methamphetamine. Before Saturday, Rathgeber had been free on bail for unlawful possession of firearms, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and running a drug house. That May 4 arrest took place after a search warrant was served at the same address authorities searched on Saturday. Rathgeber is prohibited from possessing firearms. At that time, authorities said the residence, with "deplorable living conditions" and "growing garbage piles," had been the subject of more than two years of complaints to county code enforcement officials. -- Allan Brettman 1death.JPG The death chamber at the Oregon State Penitentiary. (Beth Nakamura/Staff) Five years ago, former Gov. John Kitzhaber made an announcement that was as bold as it was surprising: His voice shaking with emotion, Kitzhaber declared that he would not allow any executions to take place as long as he was governor. The decision immediately halted the impending execution of death-row inmate Gary Haugen, who had waived his legal appeals to protest the justice system. But it was also meant to kickstart a statewide conversation about the legitimacy of the death penalty in Oregon, a punishment so rarely carried out that only two of 63 people sentenced to die since 1984 have been executed. Both men, like Haugen, were volunteers. But five years and a new governor later, the debate Kitzhaber envisioned hasn't begun. Meanwhile, the death-penalty machinery continues to run, with prosecutors seeking death sentences, juries granting them and the state spending millions in legal challenges, fighting for the right to execute someone who most likely will never be executed. Tuesday's anniversary of the moratorium will mark yet another year of missed opportunity. There is, however, no better time than now to start changing that trajectory. Two studies, one by the Oregon Justice Resource Center and one by Gov. Kate Brown's general counsel's office, provide some ammunition for doing so. First is cost: The Oregon Justice Resource Center, an anti-death penalty legal-services nonprofit funded a study to quantify the cost of the death penalty to taxpayers, although it captured only some of the expenses. But the data it gathered showed that aggravated murder cases that resulted in death sentences cost taxpayers almost $1 million more than those that don't, as The Oregonian/OregonLive's Tony Hernandez reported. That's not even including the cost of housing them in separate death-row quarters, a statistic that the Department of Corrections doesn't split out from the overall prison population. The second piece comes from a report compiled by Brown's general counsel. The report, which includes fascinating accounts of the preparations state officials undertook for Haugen's planned execution, detail significant legal, medical and logistical issues if Oregon were to resume executions. Among the chief problems: Manufacturers of drugs used in the lethal injection sequence are no longer making them or selling them to prisons. All of this helps bolster the case for having this discussion. And while Brown has said she opposes the death penalty and will continue the moratorium, she hasn't signaled that she will drive the debate any further. Her spokesman, Bryan Hockaday, said her priority now is on the state's budget and that she has not identified any legislative priorities relating to the death penalty. Certainly, the $1.7 billion budget shortfall that the state faces is and should be her primary focus. But the projected deficit also highlights why she and other leaders must move the death-penalty debate forward. The state's spending on such prosecutions that seek a theoretical punishment is the definition of wasting taxpayer money. A good start would be in getting our arms around what we don't know. For example, Lewis & Clark Law School professor Aliza Kaplan, who was one of the authors of the report, notes that prosecutors don't tally the hours they spend on a case. The state could direct district attorneys' offices to start tracking their time per case, just as lawyers in private practice bill clients for their work. Similarly, the Department of Corrections could break out the portion that it devotes to death-row operations, which require more intensive management or special arrangements that aren't in place for the general prison population. The governor's report, for instance, noted that death-row inmates generally aren't allowed to leave their cells to seek medical care, requiring that medical staff visit inmates there each week. Getting better data is something both supporters and opponents of capital punishment should get behind. It simply makes no sense to spend millions of dollars on a system that doesn't do what it says it will do. It's equally non-sensical to refuse to even talk about it. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board This post has been updated to clarify Oregon Justice Resource Center funded the study by Kaplan, Peter Collins of Seattle University and law student Venetia Mayhew. 19673145-standard.jpg The top of Mount Hood casts a shadow on high clouds during sunrise, Feb.3, 2016. Shot from the Goose Hollow neighborhood. (Grant Butler/Staff) DOWNTOWN PORTLAND: Portland used to be known for its vibrant downtown, while other cities saw dying commercial centers with businesses moving to the suburbs. Now, it seems that many of our downtown storefronts are vacant, and we read that Macy's will soon be leaving, too. Let us hope that Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler and the revamped City Council have plans to restore our city center to its heyday. Alan Grinnell, Southwest Portland * GRAB 'EM BY THE ...: On a tape, two grown men are heard on a hot mic laughing during an exchange of lewd, raunchy, sexist remarks about interactions with women. As a result, within months, one man loses his job, reputation and livelihood. The other man becomes the Republican President-elect of the United States. Only in America! Barbara Jean Myers, Dundee * PROFESSOR IN BLACKFACE: University of Oregon law professor Nancy Shurtz hosted a Halloween party at her home in which her intent (from stories I've read) was to start a discussion about racism. She did so by wearing blackface and a white coat in honor of black psychiatrist Dr. Damon Tweedy, who wrote about his experience with racism in America in a memoir, "Black Man in a White Coat." Shurtz has been soundly castigated by the dean of the law school and her fellow faculty members. The Oregonian Editorial Board ("Straitjacketed at the U of O," Nov. 10) put a fine point on the wrongheadedness of the school's response to the incident when they characterized it as "dangerous, hive-minded stuff (that) carries the whiff of fascistic decrees that act, over time, to crush individuals and tamp down fruitful disagreement." The board also argues that "the incident has become harmful to the brand of the law school, 23 of whose faculty members were so cowed by the event that they asked Shurtz to immediately resign." But the coup de grace to the school's inappropriate response comes from U of O law professor Ofer Raban's "A teachable moment on practicing what we preach" (Nov. 14), wherein he puts forth a cogent summation of why the law school's response flew in the face of the very foundational principles they purport to teach. Raban argues that "Measuring individual culpability by reference to one's intent is a foundational principle of our criminal law, our tort law, our contract law, and our constitutional doctrine" and "is considered one of the greatest civilizing forces of our law." As a U of O alumnus, I am both saddened by the lack of civility and baffled by the kneejerk reaction I've witnessed here. Richard Thompson, Redmond * RURAL ECONOMICS: The Nov. 12 article on the presidential election and rural Oregon ("Where Trump is celebrated") included specific discussions of Lakeview and Lake County. I grew up in Klamath County (next door) and still have a strong attraction to the blue skies and open spaces of eastern Oregon. But even when I graduated 40 years ago, opportunity and financial security lay elsewhere. The economic problems of eastern Oregon are far deeper than excess government regulation or neglectful politicians. In an integrated economy, timber can be harvested far more cheaply in Arkansas; beef can be raised and slaughtered at great economies of scale in Iowa; and shrinking snowpacks mean reduced yields of (and less profitable) alfalfa hay. Beyond that, government support (like Social Security and public employees) keeps the economy afloat. It's fine to long for the good old days, but if we hope to reverse the decline, we're going to have to recognize that the problems are not simple, the causes are not due to "those" people, and the solutions are probably things that we've not yet imagined. Whatever those solutions may be, they are unlikely to make the future look like the past and are very unlikely to be delivered by someone who lives in a penthouse 3,000 miles away. Jeff Lane, North Portland * 'EIGHT YEARS OF NOTHING': The president-elect is not going to repeal Obamacare. Has there been any Republican rhetoric in the last eight years to support such a position? After eight years of "repeal" -- and the more recent addition of "replace" -- Obamacare shouldn't we expect the Rs to have a plan ready to go. The eight years of noise has been an insult to every American. I, like most Americans, would surely have compared and contrasted a different plan. It seems control of both houses of Congress would have provided the opportunity to give us a choice. Instead, what they offer is nothing. That is eight years of nothing. Would term limits have produced anything more? It certainly couldn't have produced less. Neal Rothenberger, Salem * 'DEAREST PORTLAND': I love you. When I first met you in 1989, I knew we should be together. You were quirky, sometimes a little crazy yes, but always entertaining. I was younger then, without the burden of a family to care for but gainfully employed and ready to put down roots, and your beauty and your rain -- oh, your rain, dearest Portland! -- seemed well-suited for the growth I hoped to achieve as a human who cared about community and family, and giving and not taking. Through the years I have witnessed you cry and bleed and get knocked down, but you always got back up to present me with another beautiful sunrise. I defended you when people insulted you. I protected you when danger lurked. I volunteered when you asked me to help shelter and feed people and care for your naturescape. I chastised public officials and law enforcement (who also care deeply for you) when I thought they were wrong and praised them when I thought they were right. Like most couples, we have had our disagreements and heated arguments, but we continue to work through these and rise up stronger together, because my love for you is passionate and forgiving. I have never publicly confessed my feelings, but today, a day mixed with sun and rain and clouds moving across your sky, seems like a good time to express how I feel about you and everyone else who is part of your community. Today some of your people are hurting, some are not, and some are covering their faces hoping to destroy you. I know, together, our love for you will lead us to a stronger community acting for peace and social justice. The road is long and requires hard work, but openness will defeat covered faces every time and tomorrow, Portland, you will present everyone with another glorious sunrise. Lisa Leithauser, Southwest Portland lightbar.jpg The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are looking for a Washington woman after she was abducted from her Kennewick home and a ransom was demanded. (Oregonian/OregonLive) (The Oregonian/File) KENNEWICK, Wash. -- The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are looking for a Washington state woman after she was abducted from her Kennewick home and a ransom was demanded. Kennewick Police Sgt. Ken Lattin said 69-year-old Sandra Harris was taken Friday by someone she knew. Lattin said her abductor then used Harris' cellphone to call her husband at work to demand an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for her return. "This was not a random act," Lattin said. "They're not related. We're not exactly sure what the nature of the relationship was, but this was not random." Local and federal law enforcement agencies contacted a kidnapper and negotiated for several hours, ultimately agreeing to pay the ransom. Authorities made the money exchange just before 10 p.m. near the town of Eltopia, and shortly after they arrested a suspect: 49-year-old Theresa Wiltse of Connell, Washington. Wiltse was driving a rental car with California plates, according to a statement from police, and she was the only person in the car. Wiltse is being held in the Benton County jail without bond on suspicion of kidnapping. It wasn't immediately clear if she had retained an attorney. "There's possibly another suspect or suspects involved, or it's possible she acted alone," Lattin said. He said they didn't know what condition Harris is in or where she might be. Abductions for ransom are rare in the United States. "They are unusual for us here as well," Lattin said. "I've been here 28 years, our chief has been here 35 years plus, and that's not something that has happened during our lifetime here in Kennewick." -- The Associated Press Intel is readying its third round of layoffs in the past 18 months, according to a report in the online journal TechCrunch. The trigger is reportedly poor performance in the company's nascent wearables business. TechCrunch cites "sources close to Intel" saying the cuts will significantly affect employees in its wearables group, a portion of the company that had been developing smartwatches, earbuds and electronics to be embedded in clothing, among other new technologies. Intel did not respond to a request for comment, but did issue a statement to TechCrunch that endorsed its wearables initiative but did not address the reported job cuts. "Intel is in no way stepping back from the wearables business," Intel wrote. "In fact, we have several products in the works that we are very excited about, as well as prior launches that highlight our wearable technology such as the TAG Heuer Connected watch and recent Oakley Radar Pace smart eyewear." Intel's wearables business is relatively small, so the pending layoffs wouldn't be nearly as substantial as the cutbacks Intel announced in April, when the chipmaker said it planned to eliminate 12,000 jobs across the company. It also shed more than 1,100 employees last year, citing poor sales. Intel's entire new devices group had just 579 employees in the United States following those layoffs, according to data obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive last spring. The information, which Intel provided to laid off workers, showed the scope of the job cuts and the tally of remaining workers by business segment. Still, setbacks in any of Intel's new technology groups illustrate the difficulties of a mature tech company trying to find its way in the rapidly changing industry. As Intel seeks to expand its business beyond the fading PC market, the company had touted wearables as key opportunity. Intel introduced a "smart bracelet" in 2014, for example, and acquired mobile fitness tracking company Basis. The smart bracelet never took off, though, and last summer Intel recalled the Basis Peak line of smartwatches, warning some of them could overheat to the point where they could injure people. Intel stopped selling the devices altogether. More recently, Intel has touted drone technology, virtual reality and autonomous driving as more promising business segments. It held an event last week to show off work the company has done in artificial intelligence. Intel is Oregon's largest private employer. It had 19,500 workers in Washington County before the job cuts began in April. Worldwide, the company now employs 105,600. This article has been updated with Intel's statement to TechCrunch. -- Mike Rogoway mrogoway@oregonian.com 503-294-7699 @rogoway Barack Obama,Vladimir Putin,Yuri Ushakov U.S. President Barack Obama, left, talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, center, and Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, right, at the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Lima, Peru, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais) A four-minute meeting between President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Lima, Peru, might have been be the final encounter between the two leaders as tensions continue over Ukraine, Syria, human rights and the U.S. presidential election. The brief meeting came as Asia-Pacific leaders gathered for a Sunday morning session. There is no plan for second meeting, a Putin spokesman said. It was the first meeting between the two since Donald Trump's won the election. During the campaign, Democrats accused Russia of interfering in a way that helped Trump, the Republican nominee. U.S. intelligence officials have tied the Russian government to the hacking and subsequent leaking of Democrats' emails that hurt Hillary Clinton's campaign. A summary of the "brief and informal" discussion, provided by the White House, said Obama restated U.S. and allies' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, urged Putin to uphold Russia's commitments under the Minsk agreements, and said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov must keep working with other nations community to end the war in Syria. Bombing by Syria's government has intensified in recent days. The U.S. has criticized Russia for backing the Syrian regime in a civil war that has killed more than 300,000 people. Obama has called on Trump to "stand up'' to Putin when Russia pursues policies that are at odds with American interests. Trump displayed an affinity to Russia and Putin during his campaign, and the Russian leader has said Trump's election is an opportunity to restore the relationship between the two world powers. -- The Associated Press Disneys next big adventure, the sweeping new animated feature Moana, sails into theaters this week, introducing a bold new wayfinder with big plans. Soon, Moana will set out on another journey, to visit with Guests at Disney destinations around the world. Moana arrived at Aulani Resort in Hawaii earlier this week, to meet Guests and recount tales of adventure. Later in the month, she will make her way to the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park in California. More about Moana From Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana is the story of an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana convinces the mighty Maui to guide her in her quest to become a wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds, and along the way, Moana fulfills the quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing shes always sought her own identity. Looking through our files, we found an envelope marked "City Street 1970s-80s." Inside, we found photographs depicting snapshots of various activity on city streets, mostly construction. Michigan Blood is taking steps to make dealing with the Zika virus easier for donors and recipients alike. Thanks to Roche Molecular Systems Investigational New Drug, Indiana Blood Center (Michigan Bloods partner through Versiti) is testing blood donations for the Zika virus. In August, the Food and Drug Administration released guidelines requiring most blood centers across the U.S. test for the virus by Friday, Nov. 18. Michigan Blood plans to follow those requirements. The process for Zika is unlike anything weve ever done, said Cindy Raven, director of laboratories and component preparation for Michigan Blood. She says the team in Indiana has been working hard to get their labs ready for this next phase. Laboratory staff are also being trained in new labeling techniques before the samples are sent south. As of Friday at Michigan Blood, donors must weigh at least 112 pounds instead of the previous 110 pound requirement, as an extra tube of blood will be taken for testing. Now, no one will be deferred if theyve been to a Zika risk area. This could mean a two percent decrease in deferred donors after Nov. 18. Meanwhile, blood donations become even more important as winter approaches. Donors can visit the following donation centers in the Great Lakes Bay Region to donate blood: Dow Diamond Donor Center - 825 E. Main, Midland; Sunday and Monday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saginaw Donor Center - 1771 Tittabawassee, Saginaw; Sunday and Monday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday noon to 7 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday noon to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bay City Donor Center - 1017 N. Johnson, Bay City; Monday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday noon to 7 p.m. Any healthy person 17 or older (or 16 with parental consent) who weighs at least 112 pounds may be eligible to donate, although females age 18 and under must weigh 120 pounds or more. Blood donors should bring photo ID. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-866-MIBLOOD or visiting donate.miblood.org Starting Jan. 29, the city-run Riverside Place plans to cut meal services from seven to five days a week, a move that for its senior residents also means theyll need to shell out more money per meal and have fewer menu items to choose from. For 145 residents in Riversides independent living plan, there will be no food services on Saturdays and Sundays, according to Kim Samborn, senior housing manager for the city of Midland. Costs for the 20 monthly meals for which theyre required to pay are set to rise from $8.10 per meal to $10.25, boosting the monthly bill by $43. Riverside Place currently has 165 residents, 20 of whom live in efficiency units in the supportive living plan. It is not an assisted living facility. Those in independent living have full kitchens in their units, Samborn said. Basically, in 2015, our food contractor came to us and let us know that we were on sort of a watch list, Samborn said. They were no longer profitable in our setting. The contractor is Sodexo, a food services company with headquarters in France. The elimination comes from Sodexo working extremely hard to reduce prices and labor, Samborn said. Paired with having to subsidize the meals, it resulted in a perfect storm. We have a subsidy we can no longer afford. Were paying more per meal than were charging residents, she said. The term subsidy is somewhat misleading, as Riverside uses zero taxpayer money, according to Samborn. Over the past five years, after Riversides share and residents share paid to Sodexo, subsidies have totaled $340,000, she said, adding its not economically sustainable to continue paying because future building operations and maintenance would be compromised. Our mission is safe and affordable housing. We do not make a profit in this setting, she said. Virginia Ginnie Phelps said she has been a resident at Riverside for over eight years. She served in World War II and moved to Midland in the 60s. She worked at The Dow Chemical Co. for 20 years before retiring. She says she is able to drive to the grocery store, and does. My first reaction was: Im 95 years old and my life will go on, Phelps said. She said everything at Riverside during her stay has been beautiful, and that its a wonderful place to live. However the more she found out about the plan, the more her opinion changed. She said she was displeased that she can no longer hold off on a Thursday meal to save it for Saturday. Theyre telling us when we can eat and I dont like that, she said. As with many things in life, we expect prices to go up, but not to have fewer options available and to be charged more at the same time, Phelps said. I realize she (Samborn) has a budget, but so does everybody else. I just feel that Ive been used. The 20 residents in supportive living are required to pay for three meals per day, Samborn said. We had to increase their price much more than the independent living price, she said, adding Sodexo was taking a big loss. They also face a larger elimination of meal choices on weekends. However, according to Samborn, most in independent living residents prepare their own meals for at least two days of the week. There are only 10 residents who eat 30 meals per month at the noon time hour, she said. And, there were fewer than 20 residents per day eating in the dining room on Saturdays and Sundays, she said. Staff looked at statistics to see how many residents were eating on weekends. They also surveyed independent living residents with 85 percent participation, Samborn said. Eighty-five of 112 respondents said they would pay more for meals if necessary to keep the current program available, while 98 of 112 respondents said having the ability to eat a balanced meal each day provided by Riverside is important to me, according to a questionnaire provided to the Daily News. When asked What option works best for you? responses were more split: 58 had indicated the best option is availability of meals Monday through Friday only; 27 had opted for availability seven days a week; 18 had selected six days with no Saturday meal; and eight had selected the option for six days with no Sunday meal, according to the questionnaire. This was not kept a secret. They were very involved, Samborn said. The move was wiser than bidding out for a new food contractor, she said, because most are for-profit in cities where rent and revenue is much higher and meals are $13 to $14 apiece. This was not an easy thing for us to do. It took us over a year to come to this conclusion, Samborn said. It was well thought out. Barb Schlosser moved to Riverside this year. She said she usually is busy on Saturdays and goes to church and out to dinner on Sundays, but that a lot dont have family or transportation to help with weekend meals. It has not turned out to be a good situation, she said. Samborn says Riverside is exploring options in recognizing the concern of weekend meal losses, and that if a viable option emerges, we will present that to the residents of Riverside Place to determine their interest. Still, Samborn said, residents are capable of taking care of themselves, including the preparation of many of their own meals. James Peters, a resident and president of Riversides Tenants Council, said he acts as a liaison between administration and tenants. I love them all, theyre my neighbors, Peters said, adding he did not want to comment further other than to say, were working through the changes. Washington Woods is a sister community to Riverside and will also see changes. The facility on Washington Street is split into two wings, west and east. Residents in the west wing arent required to purchase meals. But for those in the east, we really pared back the meal plan, Samborn said. Meals will be $8.35 each, up 25 cents. We were able to keep that at a much lower price and the residents were ecstatic, she said. Were trying to offer in the city a variety for peoples needs. Riverside also plans to jettison its snack bar and breakfast options, both of which are not popular, Samborn said. Sentences may vary based on previous offenses committed by the defendant. Some sentences include other fees imposed by the state. Unless otherwise noted, defendants are from Midland. The following people were sentenced recently in Midland Countys 42nd Circuit Court by Judge Michael J. Beale or Judge Stephen P. Carras: Jason Michael Haner, 37, Lily Court, was sentenced for third-offense domestic violence. The offense occurred on July 9 in Midland. Beale sentenced Haner to 10 months in jail with credit for 125 days, $350 costs, a $500 fine which is suspended, three years probation and to be monitored by an alcohol tether for six months. Joe Louis Jackson, 38, Frantz Drive, was sentenced for larceny in a building. The offense occurred on July 20 in Midland. Beale sentenced Jackson to 114 days in jail with credit for time served, $750 costs, a $500 fine which is suspended, three years probation and to be monitored by an alcohol tether for six months. Chad Thomas McLaughlin, 29, North Meridian Road, was sentenced for second-offense controlled substance possession and second-degree retail fraud. The offenses occurred on Dec. 21 in Midland when McLaughlin possessed morphine. Beale sentenced McLaughlin to six weekends in jail, $750 costs, a $500 fine which is suspended and 18 months probation. James Leroy Miller, 37, Caro, was sentenced for larceny by conversion between $200 and $1,000. The offense occurred on Oct. 11, 2014, in Lee Township. Carras sentenced Miller to three months in jail with credit for one day, and $22.50 restitution. Matthew Thomas Miller, 41, Hollybrook Drive, was sentenced for second-offense domestic assault. The offense occurred on June 18 in Midland. Beale sentenced Miller to six months in jail with credit for 146 days, $750 costs, a $500 fine which is suspended, restitution left open, three years probation and to be monitored by an alcohol tether for six months. Kelly Rose Roe, 41, Breckenridge, was sentenced for attempted unlawfully driving away an automobile. The offense occurred on April 5 in Porter Township. Carras sentenced Roe to $1,250 fines and costs, $100 restitution, and one year probation. ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER has announced winners of its "Imagine a Day Without Water" art contest for students in third-, fourth- and fifth grades. Pantagraph-area winners, whose classrooms won $100, included Hayden Meis, fourth grade, St. Marys School in Pontiac; Abigail Scales, third grade, Central School in Lincoln; and Anthony Gullens, fifth grade, North Lawn Junior High School in Streator. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has revoked the license of SGI AGRI-MARKETING, LLC, a specialty grain dealer in Gibson City, after the department found deficiencies in the companys financial statements. NORMAL Artwork is being sought for a three-day exhibition at Illinois State University called Art for Change that is inspired, in part, by the aftermath of the tumultuous presidential election. The exhibition, Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 in Room 110 of ISU's Center for the Visual Arts, coincides with World AIDS Day and Day Without Art. It is being organized by the Bloomington-Normal Arts Collective. Day Without Art was first marked in 1989 as part of World AIDS Day in observance of the AIDS crisis, which impacted many in the arts community. The idea is to use these two events the turbulent atmosphere after the election and World AIDS Day to kick start a creative display, said Jason Judd, University Galleries curator and a member of the Bloomington-Normal Arts Collective. The election of Donald Trump as the next president has sparked protests and rallies across the country, including Bloomington-Normal and the ISU campus. The exhibition is not just for those who consider themselves artists. People who don't do art and want to express themselves somehow are welcome, too, Judd said. Those wishing to have artwork displayed should drop off their work between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nov. 28, or between 8:30 a.m. and noon on Nov. 29. Art must be picked up from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2. Contributing artwork in advance is not the only way to participate. We will have a 40-foot wall with huge paper on it for spontaneous art making, said Judd. It could be a drawing, a statement, a poem or just writing your name, he said anything that marks that you were here. The idea is to provide many different avenues for expression, Judd explained. The art will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 1. Talks and performances will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Wednesday's theme will be Release and Thursday's theme will be Rebuild. Presentations also include a musical performance by Justin Vickers and cello performance by Larkin Babbit from 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 and a talk on "Day With(out) Art" by Barry Blinderman from noon to 1 p.m. Dec. 1. For a complete list, go to bnacollective.virb.com. BLOOMINGTON Receiving a plump turkey and a box of trimmings means more than a free meal, says Raynard Custard; it means a chance to gather as a family and be filled with gratitude. Im out of work due to an injury, so money is funny right now, said Custard, of Bloomington. Having this Thanksgiving dinner means we can come together as a family and appreciate the things we do for each other and, most importantly, give thanks. Midwest Food Bank began its annual Give Thanks distribution of Thanksgiving meal ingredients Saturday at the main warehouse at 1703 S. Veterans Parkway in Bloomington. Hundreds of vehicles lined up early, stretching east and west along Gilmore Drive and wrapping around Morrissey Drive and Veterans Parkway. Mike Hoffman, Midwest Food Bank director of operations, said the organization expected to hand out 2,000 meals, feeding 10,000 people. A second distribution is from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at the warehouse. Individuals are asked to bring a photo ID but pre-registration is not required. Were seeing a lot of gratitude. Some people are saying, God bless you. I sat in line for over two hours to get food for my kids, said Hoffman. Leading up to distribution weekend, monetary donations and frozen turkeys were collected from community members to ensure the outreach could grow. Its an endeavor that takes a lot of work and this is the pay off," said Hoffman. "I dont have to worry about food, but many people do. Some people will now have a Thanksgiving meal that wouldnt have before. Ruby and Steve Pyzior of Bloomington arrived early to secure a spot in the stretching line to receive a meal box. Believe me, it helps a lot. Especially when youve got families, said Ruby Pyzior. It it wasnt for this, we couldnt have a whole meal on Thanksgiving to share with our families. The couple pulled forward and a frozen turkey and large box of dry goods was nestled in their back seat by Doug Carney of Phoenix. My fiance lives here and Normal was a stop on my way traveling home to Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving, said Carney, a former resident of Normal. Whats being done here is amazing. People seem very grateful for the help. Hopefully this will give them a nice rest from tough responsibilities of daily life. Inside the warehouse, volunteer Katie Davison of Bloomington passed a box of food to a recipient and a pair of wide eyes and round cheeks peered over the top. Six-month-old Maple Grace was strapped snugly in a carrier to her moms front, surveying the distribution process. We want her to be aware, from a young age, not everyone is born with the same opportunities, said Davison. Davison and her daughter volunteered Saturday with their Bible study group from Vale Church. Through our faith we know it doesnt matter how much money you have God provides. Its very humbling to see. Im seeing a lot of happy faces and grateful people, she said. James Christianer of Bloomington left the warehouse with a frozen turkey in one arm and his one-year-old daughter, Carollynne, in the other. His wife, Courtney, said the meal they received will not only feed them on Thanksgiving, but her sick grandmother, too. Having Thanksgiving dinner means seeing our family from out of state, said Courtney Christianer. We receive this and then share it with others. SPRINGFIELD The recent federal charges detailing the lavish lifestyle former U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock allegedly lived at taxpayer expense reinforces doubts held by many voters that public servants are primarily there to serve themselves. That's the opinion of Lane Crothers, professor of politics and government at Illinois State University. "It's clear there's a significant portion of the population that has this cynical attitude. When something like this happens, it reconfirms that attitude. We're particularly prone to do this with politics," said Crothers. A 24-count indictment handed down this month by a grand jury in Springfield spells out the astonishing details of how the government believes the once up-and-coming Republican congressman dipped into House and campaign funds for personal travel, outings and expensive renovations for his office. He also filed false tax returns that failed to reflect additional income he received from the resale of Super Bowl and World Series tickets purchased with campaign funds, contend the charges. In the first of 74 paragraphs explaining how the 35-year-old Peoria native executed his alleged scheme to defraud the government and taxpayers, U.S. Attorney James Lewis notes that Schock graduated from Bradley University with a degree in finance, an irony for the former public official who faces 20 years in prison on a majority of the 24 counts, if convicted. The negative sentiments some may hold about the charges leveled against the lawmaker should be tempered by the positive note that another federal agency, the U.S. Attorney's office, exposed the accusations, said Crothers. McLean County Republican Party Chairman Chuck Erickson said he hopes people don't lose confidence in their public officials in light of the case against Schock, who represented the 18th Congressional District that includes much of Central Illinois, including part of the Twin Cities. "I hope we can have faith in what they do. I think public officials should be held to a higher standard. They need to manage and be good stewards of the money because it's the people's money," said Erickson. Schock has blamed his legal woes on what he perceives as a broken federal justice system. One of his lawyers, George Terwilliger, said after the indictments were returned that many of the instances singled out in the federal charges were administrative issues that many members of Congress grapple with. He further charged in an earlier written statement that the charges were a "culmination of an effort to find something, anything, to take down Aaron Schock." But in a statement on the indictments, Lewis said Schock took advantage of his office and taxpayers. "Mr. Schock held public office at the time of the alleged offenses, but public office does not exempt him or anyone else from accountability for alleged intentional misuse of public funds and campaign funds," said Lewis. Taxpayers in Normal may have contributed to one of Schock's questionable income streams. Starting in 2011, Schock hosted "fly-in" events where local constituents and public officials came to Washington, D.C. at their expense to meet with the congressman and other national leaders. According to a wire fraud indictment, Schock pocketed $11,000 in excess registration fees from a 2014 event that was attended by Normal Council member Scott Preston. Normal paid about $1,800 for Preston to attend the 2014 event with Schock. Records from the trip do not include an agenda or a specific breakdown to show how much the town paid for registration fees for Preston, whose travel spending is currently under review by the Illinois Appellate Prosecutor's office. After questions were raised about Preston's travel expenses, the Normal City Council adopted tighter travel policies that prohibit practices fraught with the potential for abuse, such as allowing officials to submit a credit card statement to substantiate travel expenses. On the county level, the McLean County Board also experienced an unforeseen change in leadership in January after the indictment of board Chairman Matt Sorensen on federal wire fraud charges. Although the charges are unrelated to the public office Sorensen held for more than 20 years, the accusations caught local officials off guard. Sorensen pleaded guilty Nov. 2 to a single count of wire fraud accusing him of submitting a false invoice to a consulting firm for work that was never performed for his former employer, State Farm. A recommendation from federal prosecutors calls for 21 to 27 months in prison when he is sentenced March 2 in Chicago. Sorensen also is eligible for probation on the charge, which carries a possible 20-year term without a plea agreement. There's an urban legend of how British Parenting could be so stiff that parents have to see their children's legs fall off first before allowing them to skip school and stay at home. British parenting is usually characterized with that stiff British upper lip that it is no longer surprising to see parents leave their children on their own to settle things among themselves rather than meddle with the brood. Stuff said Britain is a tough nation that has inherited its British parenting style from the likes of Queen Victoria. This type of parenting is known for its steely and almost-perfect character. British moms are pretty tough themselves, having undergone a difficult pregnancy and delivery yet strong enough to go home a few hours after giving birth. To be able to understand British parenting, it is important to know the differences between them and their American counterparts. Babble said while Americans celebrate pregnancies with baby showers, this is considered as a possible jinx to a British pregnancy. British moms, however, are more favored because of the United Kingdom's National Health Service, which provides free maternity from care to delivery. They also get visited by a midwife during the first ten days of giving birth and get as many as 39 weeks maternity leave with pay. BBC America said Americans and parents all over the world could learn a thing or two from British parenting as it has found an almost fool-proof formula for successful child-raising. Although American parenting tends to be on the extreme side, British parenting generally takes the middle ground. British people are also more tolerant when it comes to swearing as they do not take it against their kids nor the parents. There are advantages and disadvantages to different parenting styles and while British parenting is not perfect, it would be wise to get some tips from this child-rearing approach. The young generation has a lot going on their minds, their brains have a lot to process all the time. Study time, friendships, arguments with parents, social media, complicated relationships, this all could create a full-time worry for children. Anxiety, depression, stress and tensions are common in children but they may not always be a concern. According to Mad In America, psychologists say that every now and then, a child has to go through so much pressure that it's quite natural for them to be depressed at times. Relevant studies have revealed that children in the 90's also faced a phase of depression and anxiety in their teenage years. The phase was,however,transitional and lessened with age. It was also observed that external factors and tensions related to unsure futures also deeply affected children and their thinking patterns, A UK based survey told that after the Britain exited the Europe, a visible increase in mental problems was recorded. Although it is advised to not over worry at every depression a child exhibits, parents should keep an eye on their child and be prepared if that depression kicks in on a deeper level and becomes prolonged in their child; this definitely is a problem that should be tackled both by parents and psychologists. According to NCBI, even when children feel overburdened, they do not stop involving themselves in their daily life routine but when they cease their activities, it is definitely a time to consider talking a child into counseling or psychoanalysis. It might not be a big problem but its always better to keep an eye on their attitudes and habits because mental stress is a common worry these days which can aggravate in a jiff. It's just wishful thinking to believe that depression cannot affect children; it does severely however since children are at a growing age, the passage of time tends to attenuate and lessen. When the 18-year-old Noemi found out that she had been cornered into handing over her baby daughter to the man convicted of assaulting her, she felt like experiencing a terrible nightmare. Noemi's child was conceived in the assault and what's more is that Nebraska's laws forced Noemi on agreeing to court-sanctioned visits between the man convicted of assault and Noemi's rather accidental daughter. Noemi asked CNN to not reveal her complete identity by not using her last name in the report. She said that doing so would put the "most cherished part of her life in harm's way" and thinks that it's not good for the safety of her daughter. This story isn't new for fellow Americans. There are various states across the U.S that have no legislation regarding protecting women who get pregnant as a result of rape and are coerced of sharing their children with their rapists. An approximate of 17000-32000 pregnancies due to rape are reported across America every year. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and around 32-50 percent of rape victims who get impregnated keep their babies. According to what the aforementioned statistics suggest, around five to six thousand women are deemed to fall into this legal limbo every year. Of course it also depends on where the attack occurred and where their place of residence is. As far as Noemi's case is concerned, the situation has not only become haunting but frustrating as well. Making frequent visits with her rapist has been quite emotionally unsettling for her and her daily life. "Now I have to text my rapist or email my rapist, to leave my daughter with someone I didn't trust. I'm forced to parent with him and to see him on a weekly basis," Noemi stated during an interview. She also remarked that she has no choice but to do what the state's law regulate and this brings tears to her eyes every time she thinks of trying to find a way out of this state of madness she's already in, knowing that all efforts are futile. A newly published statistical report from Gartner this week noted that Worldwide sales of smartphones grew by 5.4 percent year over year. While that was positive news, it was only positive for the top Chinese smartphone vendors who reaped all of the gains while Apple and Samsung sales fell for the quarter. Samsung suffered its worst decline in smartphone sales falling 4.4% in a single quarter due to the recall and discontinuation of their Note7 smartphone line, yet held on as the number one smartphone vendor for Q3. Apple fell by 1.5% and held firmly onto to the number two spot, though technically speaking they were actually knocked down to number three. How do we figure that? Simple: BKK Communication Equipment owns Oppo, Vivo and OnePlus. Just adding BBK and Oppo stats together gives them a total of 44,4815 million smartphones inching Apple out for second place with their OnePlus brand cementing it with their totals lost somewhere in "Others" on the list. Huawei has been coming on strong over time and they finally enter the U.S. in 2017 which is bound to put them in a much stronger position over the next couple of years. Apple's strong Q4 will allow them to comfortably remain in second postion for the year. In total, the three Chinese vendors Huawei, Oppo and BBK Communication Equipment accounted for 21 percent of the smartphones sold to end users worldwide in the third quarter of 2016. They were the only smartphone vendors in the global top five to increase their sales and market share during the quarter, according to Gartner, Inc. "China led the growth in the smartphone market in the third quarter of 2016," said Anshul Gupta, research director at Gartner. "Sales of smartphones in China grew by 12.4 percent, and the vendors who most successfully exploited the sales opportunities there were Oppo and BBK Communication Equipment. In Oppo's case, 81 percent of its smartphone sales came from China, while BBK accounted for 89 percent of smartphones sales in China. These two vendors also grew strongly in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Russia," he added. Global sales of smartphones to end users totaled 373 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 5.4 percent increase over the third quarter of 2015. Gartner's report noted that "Apple's sales fell by 8.5 percent in the U.S. and by 31 percent in China, two of its biggest markets. The iPhone 7 struggled to stimulate replacement sales." And lastly, Android grew 3% from 84.7% to 87.8% in Q3 2016 while iOS fell by 1.5% from 13.0 to 11.5%. For the sake of perspective and interest, Apple has done fairly well since 2010 as noted in Gartner's historical chart below. Apple was number five for that year with 46.6 million smartphones sold with Research in Motion slightly ahead of them with 47.5 million smartphones. Research in Motion changed their name to BlackBerry and have since dropped off the list into the bottom pit of "others" and close to being extinct. Nokia was king of the castle in 2010 with a crushing sales stat of 461.3 million phones (mobile & smartphones). Nokia is now off the top five top smartphone brands today and is lost somewhere in "Others." Microsoft rushed to acquire them in the hopes of leap frogging Apple in a single swoop. How did that turn out under CEO Steve Ballmer? Well, the acquisition has turned out to be one of the biggest corporate mistakes in history as it did nothing for Microsoft accept drag them down financially. Boy, can things change in the blink of an eye. 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. A SONG OF INTERDEPENDENCE The Buddhist & Unitarian Universalist Encounter & What It Can Mean for Us All James Ishmael Ford 20 November 2016 Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim Anaheim, California Text Buddhism is now an accepted path within Unitarian Universalist circles, and each year more people are discovering the value of Buddhist spiritual practices and the holistic Buddhist view of life. At the same time, UUs are modifying Buddhism to meet their needs for a socially engaged, non-discriminatory, and democratic form of religious practice. The ties between these two traditions, one from the ancient East and the other charting the cutting edge of religion in the West, will only grow stronger and more fruitful in the coming years. Jeff Wilson, PhD, Professor of Religious and East Asian Studies at the University of Waterloo, author of Buddhism of the Heart. There is a term in Buddhism, the world is on fire. Perhaps you have a sense of what that might mean. For me I believe the fact of what that image is pointing to is much of the reason there are religions. I believe I can even be categorical here. All religions exist in some significant degree in response to that terrible observation, the world is on fire. Today I want to address how two different and yet complementary responses to the reality of this burning world have met, have challenged each other, and how out of that something new and wondrous is birthing. Today we will explore the meeting of Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism. And with that how new possibilities are emerging, bringing hope for this poor, suffering world. Giving us perspectives useful for us as individuals, and in this hard moment, particularly, particularly in this hard moment as we seek ways to not just survive, but even to flourish. Lets see if youll agree. To give this a beginning when there are many possible moments that could be used to mark it out, lets start in 1844. Thats when a chapter from the Sadharmapundarika-sutra, a foundational Mahayana Buddhist text, the Lotus Sutra was published in the Boston based, and incidentally Transcendentalist Unitarian journal, the Dial. Best I can tell, this chapter published as The Preaching of Buddha, was the first Buddhist text to be rendered into the English language. As a footnote to a footnote, The Preaching of Buddha was for many years wrongly credited to Henry David Thoreau. It was a reasonable enough speculation as the chapter was published anonymously while he was editor of the journal, and was well known to be interested in all matters Eastern. The actual translator, however, was the remarkable Unitarian thinker Elizabeth Palmer Peabody. Anonymous, as you may have noticed, is quite often a woman. From that auspicious and complicated beginning the conversation between Unitarians, Universalists and Unitarian Universalists and Buddhists began. But, absolutely, that wasnt the only event that happened in those complex, dangerous, and often fruitful years running up to our American Civil War. For instance the Unitarian and Buddhist scholar Jeff Wilson outlines the remarkable story of Nakahama Manjiro. In 1841, three years before that Lotus Sutra text appeared is definitely another candidate for marking a beginning of this dialogue between Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism. Thats when Nakahama, at the time a boy along with several other Japanese fishermen was caught up in a sudden storm. The fishermen were swept out to sea. They were rescued from near certain death by a New Bedford whaling ship. Unable to return to Japan, which by the prevailing sakoku isolation laws would lead to everyones instant execution, the ship continued on. Eventually the crew was dropped off in Hawaii, all except for young Nakahama. Captivated by the boys intelligence and curiosity about everything he encountered, the ships captain William Whitmer took him under his personal care. They returned to Massachusetts, only to find Whitmers Methodist church informing the family that no colored people, although they didnt actually say colored, were allowed in the church. So, they walked down the street and joined Fairhavens Unitarian congregation. With that the boy now known as John Mung grew into adulthood as a Unitarian. After an adventurous life well worth pursuing in greater detail, and perhaps sometime you will, including following his mentor as a whaler and later as a successful gold prospector, Nakahama Manjiro accumulated enough wealth to allow him to return to Japan a mere decade after he and his companions had been swept out to sea. Once back in Japan he endured the long established test to prevent Christians from entering the country and contaminating it with their alien ideologies. A picture of the Virgin Mary was placed on the ground and he was required to step on it. Up until that point the Christians the Japanese had encountered were all Catholics, and this was a pretty good way to find them out. However, as a Unitarian, Manjiro had no problem walking on the picture. He would rise to fame and further fortune in Japan, initially through his translation of Bowditchs Practical Navigator, and with many other books following. Invited to the imperial court he was eventually raised to the rank of Samurai. He grew in wealth and influence. And at court he gathered a circle of disciples among the younger courtiers. In 1868 with the revolt that established the Meiji emperor and an era of reforms, many of his disciples were recruited into leadership. Wilson draws a pretty straight line from Manjiros Unitarianism not only to many of the eras social reforms, but also to many reforms within Buddhist sects, particularly Pure Land and Zen. So, as if returning the favor, the first Zen master to visit America as part of the 1893 World Parliament of Religions was the Rinzai abbot Soyen Shaku. The abbot had in his youth studied at Keio University, which had been founded by a younger associate of Manjiros. Professor Wilson argues that the Zen Buddhism taught at the university was deeply influenced by a progressive spirit of rational inquiry infused with a broad humanism, derived directly from Manjiros Unitarian experience. Two of the abbots disciples, Nyogen Senzaki and Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki would prove to be central to introducing Zen to the West. Senzaki influencing a generation of early spiritual seekers on the West coast, introducing them to zazen, Zens meditation discipline, and Suzuki most of all as a prolific writer and translator, and through his own disciple Alan Watts, a popularized version of this rationalist, naturalistic, humanistic Zen became the Zen most English speaking people would first encounter. One could say, to this day. Whats important to distinguish here is how within religious dialogue participants move from misunderstanding and projection to offering subtle coloring and expanded perspectives in each tradition. And sometimes within such encounters the original traditions find themselves profoundly changed, and sometimes whole new traditions emerge. Right off I find myself thinking of how the terrible clash between Islam and Hinduism in Western India created the Sikh tradition. This place of meeting, obviously, is dangerous, but also is incredibly rich, run through with a riot of possibilities. I suggest something like that is happening right now. In fact the Unitarian Universalist world has become a microcosm of world spiritual dialogue, messy, complicated, internally contradictory, and I find wildly compelling. Some of it will come to nothing, probably most of it. Some will be silly. Some is. And some may open hearts to previously undreamed possibilities. And thats what Im interested in. There is something amazing going on. We just need to notice. Over these past decades as Ive observed and practiced in this liminal place that is our open Unitarian Universalist Buddhist spirituality, I believe Ive seen some of the contours of those possibilities as theyre emerging. The list is long, starting with the Buddhist and humanist encounter, but also within our wild tradition, including Buddhist influencing of UU versions of Christianity, Judaism, and paganism. And, I would be remiss to not mention the enormous possibilities for us in the Buddhist conversation with Western psychology. All of these things are important and rich and are seeping into the very farthest corners of our individual and communal assumptions. As we draw to the end, one point among these many seems most important to me. Today the large majority of Unitarian Universalists feel a deep need to be engaged in the hurt of this world. And at this moment, I suggest, never more so, never more urgently. Now in facing all the turmoil around us, some have observed justice is what love looks like in action. Love. We UUs hold up that word love as a north star. But, what is it? What is it really? Is it in fact anything more than wishful thinking, a vague aspiration to allow us to hope in the face of so much that is ill, in the face of that world which is on fire? Well, I have a suggestion, at once, as natural as can be, and at the same time an invitation to something powerful. Among the areas of mutual interest for us as Unitarian Universalists and Buddhists are the themes of an emerging theology of radical interdependence. This is where were going to find love as meaningful, as, can I say it, the deep truth of our lives. We UUs have for some time now embraced the seventh principle as a core theological insight, and justly so. In my opinion when it is joined with the first, that holding up of an inherent worth of every individual, we get something dynamic and challenging and absolutely life saving. And it is here that we begin to understand what love actually is. Although it remains always something we see through that famous glass, darkly. Thats the nature of things. We never know completely, we are always in motion, walking through the shadow. But, there are ways to cast more light on the matter, to understand this sense of love that arises within us, and compels us to action. For instance we can look to Buddhism, and its exploration of interdependence within texts like the Avatamsaka Sutra, the Flower Ornament Sutra, and find what weve devoted the past several decades to, has been ruminated on within Buddhism for a thousand years and more. It points to that love which informs our desire for justice. Me, I find understanding love as an experience of radical interdependence is critical for us as we aspire to be of some use in this world. In Japan theres a saying. Vision without action is a dream. And, action without vision is a nightmare. Love as radical interdependence is, or should be, our north star. It can guide us through the dark night. And this insight, of course, has direct consequences when we think of specifics such as our ecological concerns, and our viscerally felt need for economic justice. This insight into our true intimacy is both why and, it hints at how we can approach this. One survey suggests that some ten thousand Unitarian Universalists consider themselves, ourselves, Buddhist. And if one counts the number of those who consider Buddhism a significant influence, that number swells enormously, twice, maybe three times. So something is happening. This perspective is alive and powerful. And every day it grows a little more. Now, Im a preacher, by trade and by inclination. As I draw this reflection to a close, heres some good news I want to share. In these hard, hard times, some good news. A door has been thrown wide open. And people are walking through it and toward something. I think about this burning world. And, as I think about this, I feel the wisdom of interdependence particularly washed through the insights of Buddhism as the new voice of Unitarian Universalism. It is the every so ancient and ever present insight of love over creed, of love beyond belief. I notice this and despite the terrible things happening all around us, I am filled with hope, hope for us all. What is happening is that ancient wisdom of healing and guidance is reappearing in ways appropriate for our time, and our place. This period of encounter, clash, confrontation, integration, and synthesis is birthing new ways for us to see and to act. One could even be forgiven for feeling some benign deity is reaching out and giving us a word of hope. Its that powerful. But, actually, it is as natural as a flower opening in the morning. Right here. Right now. And, oh my, not a moment too soon: Hope for you and for me. Hope for this burning world. A song of interdependence. Amen. 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. Authorities suspect that a 32-year-old San Marcos man was driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed early Saturday, Nov. 19, injuring himself and two others. Oscar Lopez was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence causing great bodily injury, according to a Riverside County sheriffs news release. He had not appeared in jail booking records as of Sunday afternoon. Sheriffs officials said in the news release that Lopez was driving a black Maserati at high speeds about 5:12 a.m. when he ran a red light at Overland Drive and Ynez Road. Lopez entered the intersection, crashing into a Toyota, according to the release. Officials say both the Maserati and Toyota sustained major damage. Lopezs passenger suffered major injuries and was hospitalized, the release said. Lopez and the driver of the Toyota ended up with minor injuries. Ynez Road and Overland Drive was closed for about three hours Saturday morning as deputies investigated. The Sheriffs Department is asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Southwest Station at 951-696-3000 or 951-776-1099 after hours and on the weekends. Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@scng.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter. All 10 people taken to the emergency room Friday after suffering from respiratory trouble at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta were released without being admitted to the hospital, school officials said. At around 11 a.m. Friday, students were participating in the annual Turkey Trot on the schools track, when they began complaining of troubled breathing and watery eyes, according to a school spokesperson. Paramedics were called after one student collapsed. In total, eight students and two staff members were hospitalized due to an unknown odor, which school officials said was possibility a pesticide that originated in the neighborhood near the area where the Turkey Trot took place. Another 40 students were monitored by paramedics at the school, according to the Murrieta Fire Department. The cause was being investigated by both the Murrieta fire and police departments. More than 20 people have been rendered homeless after a ferocious fire gutted a three-storey building at Atonsu S-Line, a suburb of Kumasi, on Monday. The inferno started at about 6am on the top floor and spread to the kitchen and other parts of the of the building. The inferno was said to have been started by an infant. Gertrude Antwi, a tenant, told DAILY GUIDE that she spotted the fire on the ceiling of her co-tenant and fled the building with her 10-month-old baby and husband. According to her, three fire tenders later arrived on the scene to quench the fire. Some people claimed they were awoken by the acrid smell of smoke and sound. The stunned and helplessly tenants waited for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Gertrude said her personal belongings and those of other tenants were destroyed by the inferno, adding that neighbours joined them to try to quench the fire. When DAILY GUIDE got to the scene, thick smoke had engulfed the entire building. Another tenant, Yaw Boateng corroborated the story of 28-year-old Gertrude Antwi and added that the victims could not salvage their property from the rooms. According to him, it took fire fighters nearly an hour to bring the ferocious fire under control. 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 President John Dramani Mahama has opined that Nana Akufo-Addos running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will never be given the opportunity to lead the party "should anything happen". "Let anything happen today and let our brother Bawumia say he is standing for president in NPP. They will never give it to him, I can assure you..." he indicated. Addressing party supporters in Lawra as part of his campaign tour of the Upper West Region, President Mahama said: Alhaji Aliu Mahama was vice president under the NPP government. He served faithfully under President Kufuor and, so, when eight years was up and President Kufuor was leaving, the natural order of succession is that he should have been given the opportunity to lead that party, but 17 people contested him and defeated him and that is why I say NDC is a party of opportunity because if NDC wasnt, who am I? A boy from Bole born in Damango, who am I to stand here and call myself president of the Republic of Ghana? Sometimes I feel sad when I see some of our northern brothers running around and also doing this. They will use you and dump you. I want to live and see the day. Let anything happen today and let our brother Bawumia say he is standing for president in NPP. They will never give it to him, I can assure you. When the misfortune hit us and our father Professor Mills passed away, the constitution said the vice president should take over, I did. But then we were close to an election. If it was another party, they would have insisted that there should be a congress and in that congress I would have been contested and they would have given the leadership to somebody else, the President added. 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 President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to ensuring peace, before during and after the December polls. At a short meeting with the chiefs and queen mothers of the Lawra traditional area, he said as president and commander in chief, I will ensure that the right environment is maintained for peaceful elections to take place in Ghana. I have said on separate platforms that I will accept the will of the people in this election. John Mahama challenged all other political parties contesting the upcoming elections, to follow same and commit themselves to a violent free polls. He also called on traditional leaders to keep an open eye on the Ghanas electioneering process. Though the president did not mention names, he said there are some political stakeholders who have made it their habit to attack the credibility of the EC, and discredited it in the eyes of the electorate. The Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, Naa Puowele Abaifaa Karbo lll, admonished politicians to be civil in their language. He said there is the need for politicians to engage in issue based campaigning devoid of personal attacks on their opponents. 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 The past months saw the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), led by its flag bearer, Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, touring the various constituencies in the country. One of the predominant characteristics that was missing in the partys bid in the 2012. However, this time round election was the support level in almost every constituency visited, he was met with a massive crowd of enthusiastic youth. If crowd is anything to go by, then the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have a big problem at hand because the PPP is attracting similar crowds. In most of the regions visited, the regional executives of the PPP seem to have done a good work going by the visibility level of the party on the ground. Apart from the usual billboards of Dr Nduom scattered in the entire place, the ordinary people appeared to have bought into the PPPs idea of change. In the eyes of these ordinary people, there is nothing more important to them than for their businesses to prosper and their children to have jobs. This is where the PPP comes into the picture. The job agenda Dr Nduoms message throughout his campaign tour had centred on job creation. In every district he visited, he noted that his government would make job creation its topmost priority. This message seems to be getting the attention of the youthin particular, since most of them are sitting at home jobless. Dr Nduom uses the fact that he has established over 60 businesses nationwide to give hope to the people. One of the events that seems to work for Dr Nduom is the fact that in each of the districts he visited, there was a branch of his bank, GN Bank, to show as evidence of his passion for creating jobs. He usually tells the people that they should look at his track record of the jobs he has created and believe in his capacity to deliver more when elected as the President of Ghana. A lot of the youth, especially those in the Central, Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions, have bought into Dr Nduoms idea of job creation. All we need is to get a job. We do not need the government or political parties to give us money, Mohammed Issah, a youth leader in Bolgatanga, told this reporter. Impact of EC battle One of the events that has made the PPP visible, next to the NDC and NPP, is the partys electoral battle with the Electoral Commission (EC). 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 Embattled businessman Alfred Woyome should not be evasive but remain honest and forthright during his oral examination by former Attorney General Martin Amidu, a member of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chris Ackumey, has admonished. According to him, the issues regarding the GHS51.2million judgment debt paid to Mr Woyome, of which the court has ordered a refund, is an important matter to all Ghanaians so Mr Woyome should be truthful and never hide any information during the examination. I will pray that there should be cooperation between Amidu and Woyome because it affects Ghana and it is Ghana which is at stake, the private legal practitioner urged on Citi FMs The Big Issue on Saturday, November 19. The Supreme Court granted permission to Mr Amidu to orally examined Mr Woyome in the GHS51.2 million judgment debt paid to the latter. This action followed a move by the Attorney General to discontinue an initial oral examination of Mr Woyome, which Mr Amidu was not enthused about. He also indicated that President Mahama should be voted out of office because of his lack of commitment to fight corruption. The apex court said both parties should reappear in court on 24th November. Mr Amidu filed an application to examine Mr Woyome about two weeks ago. Ahead of that legal battle, Mr Ackumey is sounding a note of caution to the businessman and has advised him to make all the information available to put the matter to rest. I will pray that Woyome should be forthright in giving answers to which Martin will be putting up to him. He must be very honest to the court. He must not hide any information so that those listening can determine if he has been a truthful person in the box, he emphasised. 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 Nana Akufo Addo's Presidency will usher in a new era of women empowerment and emancipation, a member of the National Council of the NPP, Mrs. Janet Anane, has observed. The NPP leading member is therefore asking all women in the country to rally behind the NPP flagbearer and vote massively for the party. Addressing members of the Concerned Ashanti Women in Kumasi, Mrs. Anane observed that the December 7 is a crucial one, stressing that the pro-women policies contained in the NPP manifesto will help promote the socio-economic development of women and other vulnerable groups in the country. She further observed that the significant progress made under the previous NPP administration as a result of several social intervention policies have all been eroded through the insensitivity of the NDC President Mahama-led administration. Mrs. Anane therefore called on the women groups to intensify their activities at the grassroots level and galvanize support for the party. 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 While speaking to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Dapo Oyebanjo aka Dbanj advised artistes to put making money from music first before anything else. Dbanj, who has just been sued by technology company MindHub, said artistes should be able to make money from their creative efforts. He said: A musician is supposed to know how to play good music or collaborate with others to make good music in order to get paid for the services. We are not releasing music for it to be on Youtube or some other social media to make us popular. A musician should create room for some other persons to contribute to his music to make it worth the peoples while. We are releasing music to make money and to have money to help ourselves and our families, I am not shying away from other genres of music, but you just have to do the one that suits a song. As an entertainer, I have to be versatile in what I do. Source: Nigeriafilms 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 man accused of setting himself alight in a Commonwealth Bank branch in Springvale, Victoria causing an explosion which injured 26 bystanders is still in a critical condition in intensive care, as Premier Daniel Andrews calls for calm. Suspect Nur Islam has yet to be interviewed by police due to the severity of his injuries. The Age reports that he is an asylum seeker and member of Myanmars Muslim-minority Rohingya population, and that he arrived in Australia by boat as an unaccompanied minor. Andrews stressed that this appeared to be a tragedy, and not terrorism. This is a tragedy, he said. Nothing more, nothing less. There is nothing to suggest that there is a link between these terrible acts and any terrorist, or any of the ideology you might associate with terrorism. It is believed that Islam had been struggling with mental health issues over the past weeks, and that he had difficulty accessing Centrelink payments. One of the people injured in the attack remains in a serious but stable condition, a further three are stable and one has been discharged. Islam himself was most severely injured. If he survives his injuries, he will face charges of arson and attempted murder. Source: The Age. Photo: Getty Images. Just in case the dystopian aesthetic of the Trump presidency wasnt quite enough for you, heres a tad more: word on the street is Melania Trump and son Barron Trump wont actually be moving into the White House come January theyll instead be fortified in the Trump Tower penthouse in NYC. Its mostly so Barron can keep going to his local Manhattan private school, which he will be transported to by the Secret Service in an armoured vehicle. A source told the New York Post: Melania is extremely close to Barron, and they have become closer during the campaign. The campaign has been difficult for Barron, and she is really hoping to keep disruption to a minimum. Trump himself expressed a desire to his staff that he would like to fly back to Trump Tower on weekends rather than staying in the White House, which may indicate that he doesnt quite understand that the presidency might not be your average Monday to Friday, 9 5 gig. Itll probably mean that there will be insane security around the Midtown building. After the election, two lanes of traffic were closed off around the building for security cordons and barriers, which could become a permanent fixture if Trump Tower becomes New Yorks White House. The continuing presence of Melania in the beating heart of the Trump business dynasty is also cause for concern. No one knows how the hell Trump is going to manage to extricate himself from his obvious international business interests and his claims that hell establish a blind trust seem pretty moronic when hes obviously highly cognisant of his the business assets and the way the organisation runs. Having the First Lady living in the very building where these supposedly opaque decisions are takin place looks like a hotbed for conflicts of interest. But hey: what do I know. Source: New York Post. Photo: Getty Images. As the great Peter Allen once said: Ive been to cities that never close down, from New York to Rio and old London town, but no matter how far or how wide I roam, Im still going to punch on in Kuta because FUCKEN STRAYA, CUNCE. The annual bender that is Schoolies Week offiically kicked off on the Gold Coast yesterday, and QLD police have made a total of 39 arrests, including a 17-year-old boy who was allegedly caught with a number of MDMA tablets. Not to be outdone, Australians celebrating Schoolies in Bali decided to kick off the week the best way we know how getting a skinful of piss and then punching on in the middle of the Kuta tourist strip. Per Nine News reports, witnesses in the area reported the sight of several intoxicated tourists throwing punches and kicking one another on the strip, a version of event that more or less lines up with the below video. Its another proud day for our nation: Source: Nine News. Photo: YouTube. The always-outspoken Chrissy Teigen has gone on a Twitter tirade against president elect Donald Trump, slamming the hypocrisy of his response to the Hamilton drama thats been brewing all weekend. In case you somehow missed it, Trumps vice presidential pick, the notoriously anti-gay Mike Pence, was booed at a Broadway performance of the show, and at one point, cast member Brandon Dixon addressed him from the stage. Trump took to Twitter to demand an apology from the cast, saying that Pence was unfairly harassed at the performance, adding that the theatre must always be a safe and special place. The disingenuousness of this statement was a bit too much for Teigen to take, and she took to Twitter to slam the president elect, saying: Wow @realdonaldtrump is right. I cant believe they would subject poor, innocent Mike Pence to such abhorrent, evil hate speech. Look who wants a fucking safe space now. The very thing [he] and his supporters make fun of as liberal political correctness. God, what a POS. Earlier in the day, Trump himself Tweeted that he had paid out $25 million to settle a series of class action fraud lawsuits against his Trump University, but Teigen accused him of using the Hamilton incident as a way to distract from this: Donald knows very well what he is doing. He knows the Hamilton speech was NBD. He knows his tweet will fire both sides up to distract from the 25 million dollar settlement of yesterday. Most conniving human on planet earth. The suits alleged that Trump University had misled more than 6000 students and failed to deliver on key promises in courses that cost up to $US 35,000. Trump claimed that he settled so he could focus on our country. Teigen also questioned how long Trump voters would be able to put up with his term in office, saying: Interested to see if [Trump] supporters will be able to criticize the inevitable dumpster fire that will ultimately be his actual presidency. The model, who briefly made her Twitter public to make the statements, has since set it back to private. Source: Variety. Photo: Donna Ward / Getty. With summer festival season fast approaching and no legally-mandated pill testing trial on the horizon, harm minimisation advocates in New South Wales will take the unprecedented step of handing out tester kits to patrons at major events. Gino Vambuca, the president of Harm Reduction Australia, said today that the Just One Life campaign is, in part, a protest manoeuvre in the face of Premier Mike Bairds promise to prosecute anyone associated with pill-testing trials. Vambuca told The Age that the kits are basic in nature, and will be able to test pills for the presence of particular drugs, although they will not detect the presence of other potentially harmful cutting agents. He said: This is definitely not our preferred option, it is our only available option We are heading into festival season, we witnessed a number of deaths last year. The unfortunate reality is, tragedies will again occur this summer. When it came to discussing the available options with government, we couldnt even get a foot in the door. We have since decided we cannot sit back idly and do nothing. Dr Ian Caldicott, who attempted to organise a private pill-testing trial earlier this year, insists that the basis for Just One Life is not to endorse of encourage drug use, but to try and prevent young people from dying. He strongly advised punters against taking pills that show no traces of MDMA, but went on to warn that the tests cannot confirm levels of a particular drug, so a pill containing MDMA will by no means be safe. These kits give no information about purity, he said, and one of the biggest problems we have in this summers market is very high dose MDMA. The organisers of at least four major festivals have come out strongly in support of pill testing, however, they have been warned by law enforcement that allowing tests on site would be a tacit admission that illegal activities are occurring there. Harm Reduction Australia say that the pill testing kits are not themselves illegal to possess, and are similar to those used by law enforcement agencies. NSW Police have yet to comment. Source: The Age. Photo: El Pics / Getty. This Herald file photo was taken in 2015 at Skaha Lake Park, an example of how people in the Okanagan cherish their park space. Citgo send PDVSA refine oil products to help parent company crisis U.S. Citgo increases exports to Venezuela, giving PDVSA a breather HOUSTON Petroleumworld.com 11 21 2016 U.S. refining firm Citgo Petroleum is sending more products to its parent company, Venezuela's PDVSA, to compensate for problems in the South American country's domestic network, according to sources and Reuters data. State-run PDVSA has shipped some 190,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude to Citgo this year, but since the third quarter Citgo has sent a large volume of refined products to Venezuela in exchange to help the cash-strapped oil firm, the data show. The shipments do not solve the shortage of refined petroleum products in Venezuela resulting form outages and long maintenance periods at almost all its refineries. But they have helped prevent larger lines at gasoline stations in some parts of the country. From August to mid-November, PDVSA has received three or four cargoes per month of U.S. products from Citgo of about 300,000 barrels each, including gasoline blend stock, diesel and naphtha, according to Thomson Reuters vessel tracking and trade flows data. That is up from five cargoes for the entire second half of 2015. Citgo's cargoes are being paid through a mechanism known as offsetting, which allows PDVSA to discount the value of the imported products from the invoices for crude exports, sources from the Venezuelan company and its refining unit said. The increase in imports from Citgo has also allowed Venezuela to blend its extra heavy crude and meet its exports contracts, bringing in crucial cash flow for the country, which depends on oil for over 90 percent of its exports revenue. Tankers sent by Citgo are therefore given priority. They are among the few vessels authorized to discharge at Venezuelan ports without delays, while other suppliers of crude and products to PDVSA have faced weeks-long waiting times to be paid before unloading, sources from two oil companies said. As of Nov. 17, a dozen tankers were waiting around PDVSA's ports for authorization to discharge, including a 525,000-barrel cargo of U.S. oil sent by BP in September and six cargoes of refined products and liquefied petroleum gas supplied by trading firms including Noble Americas and Vitol SA. PDVSA found some financial relief through a $2.8 billion debt swap in October, which allowed it to pay some delayed invoices, including for oil supplies, the sources said. But PDVSA did not achieve its goal of swapping at least 50 percent of its bonds maturing in 2017, so cash flow remains insufficient to pay all creditors at the same time. This has limited its portfolio of suppliers. The recurrent delays to discharge imports and refinery problems have hurt Venezuela's domestic fuel market, sparking lines at pumping stations in several states and creating a scarcity of 95-octane gasoline, the most consumed one, which needs imported alkylate to be formulated. An oil union representative, Jose Bodas, said the purchases from Citgo are not enough to compensate for the low-performing domestic refineries. At the end of last week, Venezuela's refining network was working at around 45 percent of joint capacity of 1.3 million bpd due to paralysis of the El Palito refinery and partial operation of the country's largest facilities, Amuay and Cardon. Peru to set new auction for natural gas pipeline in 2017 Peru ready for a new auction on natural gas pipeline contract in 2017, says Alfredo Thorne finance minister. LIMA Petroleumworld.com 11 21 2016 Peru will hold a new auction for a natural gas pipeline project next year if financing for a project controlled by the Brazilian engineering company Odebrecht remains snagged on corruption concerns, the finance minister said Saturday. Odebrecht, ensnared in a massive corruption scandal in neighboring Brazil, must exit the $5 billion Gasoducto Sur Peruano project as a condition of banks that would provide a $4.1 billion syndicated loan for construction on the project. But Odebrecht's attempt to sell its 55 percent stake in the project has faced several repeated delays. "This is a great opportunity for Peru to auction the project again. We think we'll do it relatively quickly, it's a very attractive project," Thorne told reporters, adding that the government would not legally be able to take control of the contract until January. The current contract was designed during the previous government of Ollanta Humala to transport natural gas from Peru's abundant Camisea fields to the Pacific coast, where it would feed power plants and a future petrochemical complex. Thorne said the government of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, who took office in July, would probably modify the project so it also transports gas to cities in Peru's southern Andes and so it is not financed through consumer electric bills. Reuters reported on Friday, citing a government source, that the government might revoke the pipeline contract so it could hold an auction to find a new builder and operator. Construction on the pipeline was about a third finished in July. Odebrecht declined to comment on Saturday. Odebrecht won the rights to build the pipeline in 2014 after its sole competitor - a group led by U.S.-based Sempra Energy - was disqualified the day of the auction for making last-minute changes to the share each company held in the consortium. Public prosecutors and the comptroller have been investigating possible wrongdoing in the bidding process. This year Sempra Energy has offered to buy Odebrecht's stake in the project, but it wants the government to remove a clause from the contract that would hold it liable for any corruption during the awarding of the project, the government source said. Thorne reiterated the government would not strip the clause from the contract. "We're firm on the fight against corruption. We don't know if there was any or wasn't...but what we won't do is offer any protections," Thorne said. 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. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print By Daniel Wiessner and Robert Iafolla (Reuters) U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has often boasted about the strict confidentiality pledges he exacts from his employees. Now a legal challenge to one of those agreements is pending before a U.S. agency over which he will soon have influence, potentially posing an early test of concerns about conflicts of interest between Trumps public role and his business empire. In September, a worker-advocacy group filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claiming a nondisclosure contract used by Trump is unlawfully broad. The contract prohibits employees, independent contractors and even volunteers from ever disclosing any information that Trump deems confidential about his personal, business or political life. The NLRB has said that sweeping or unclear contracts inhibit workers from discussing working conditions or speaking to union organizers. The five-member NLRB currently has two vacancies that Trump is slated to fill early in his term, likely tipping what has been a liberal-leaning agency under President Barack Obama to a more business-friendly posture. If the NLRB rules against Trump, it could free up workers to be more vocal about their concerns and strengthen their bargaining power. In addition to the confidentiality case, there are about 10 other Trump-related cases pending at the NLRB. The cases involve alleged labor violations at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, where management has refused to bargain with the Culinary Workers Union. It was not clear if the confidentiality contract was intended for workers on Trumps election campaign or employees in his businesses, and Reuters could not independently verify its authenticity. Representatives of the Trump Organization did not respond to requests for comment. The case is at a very early stage and could be settled or dismissed before reaching a full hearing before the five-member NLRB. The boards decisions may be appealed in a federal court. The NLRB is comprised of three members from the sitting presidents party and two from the opposing party, a system that typically results in wide policy shifts between administrations. In addition to the current two vacancies, another will arise when a current members term expires next December. Under the Obama administration, the NLRB has struck down confidentiality agreements and other employment contracts that could discourage workers from organizing at T-Mobile USA Inc, Quicken Loans, DirectTV and a number of other companies. Government ethics experts and labor lawyers said that if Trumps handpicked NLRB members uphold the contract, it could suggest favoritism. There is an appearance of bias and political pressure that could undermine the legitimacy of the agency, said Richard Painter, a professor at the University of Minnesota Law School who was the chief White House ethics lawyer under Republican President George W. Bush. The NLRB cases represent one of several areas where concerns may arise over potential conflicts of interest raised by Trumps new role and his sprawling business interests. Trump last week said he would allow his children to run his businesses while maintaining his ownership interest via a blind trust. If the current cases are ruled upon by the NLRB, one possible solution to the potential conflict could be for Trump appointees to recuse themselves from cases involving his business organization, said a former NLRB chairman, William Gould. Gould said that during his tenure at the agency, in the mid-1990s, members recused themselves from cases that raised any chance of a conflict. Gould, who is now a professor at Stanford Law School, said he disqualified himself from cases involving a union of which his son was a member. Several experts, however, said recusal would not be legally required unless Trumps appointees represented him or his companies in the past or were otherwise involved in his business. MR. TRUMP INSISTS The challenge to Trumps confidentiality agreement was filed by David Rosenfeld, a California labor lawyer, on behalf of the Committee to Preserve the Religious Right to Organize, a worker advocacy group that he created. Reuters reviewed a copy of the employment agreement that Rosenfeld filed with his complaint, which targeted both the Trump Organization and the Trump campaign. Rosenfeld said he copied it from the campaign website, but that the agreement was no longer posted there. It was not clear how many employees signed this version of the agreement, and Reuters was unable to find a copy on the website. The agreement prohibits disclosure of details about Trumps personal life, political affairs and/or business affairs, as well as anything Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential. It forbids employees from publicly disparaging Trump and his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives. Confidentiality agreements are common, but labor law experts said they can be unlawful if they are too broad or dont specify what types of information will be deemed confidential. Trump defended a similar confidentiality agreement in a case earlier this year involving a former campaign aide, whom Trump accused of giving information about other staffers to reporters. In a statement, the Trump campaign said confidentiality agreements were standard practice for entities that need to safeguard sensitive information. The case settled for undisclosed terms. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York and Robert Iafolla in Washington, D.C.; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Amy Stevens and Stuart Grudgings) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print SHANGHAI (Reuters) Chinese state media warned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday against flip-flopping on trade deals in Asia, as Asia-Pacific leaders gathered for a summit amid fears that growing protectionism will stunt global economic growth. During the raucous election campaign, Trump fuelled concerns among many of the United States trading partners by pledging to renegotiate trade accords such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and impose tariffs on imports from countries such as China. Turning his trade-bashing campaign talks into actual policies could bash any hope that the Asia-Pacific will finally have its much-wanted free trade deal, said a commentary in the official Xinhua news agency on Saturday. Worse, it could drag his country and the wider world into deeper economic distress, added the agency, which is a barometer of government thinking. Xinhua also said that the exclusion of China from the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement was not about boosting trade and instead was U.S. President Barack Obamas strategy to make sure Washington rules supreme in the region. Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Pacific Rim leaders are meeting at the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Peru this weekend. Though Obama championed the TPP as a way to counter Chinas rise, his administration has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal that was signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, but excluded China. Without U.S. approval the agreement as currently negotiated cannot come to fruition. Chinas Xi is selling an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. Chinese state media has warned Trump against isolationism and interventionism, calling instead for the United States to actively work with China to maintain the international status quo. The billionaire-turned-politician needs to prove that derailing the global economy has not been one of the reasons why he ran for U.S. president, Xinhua said. (Reporting by Engen Tham; Editing by Kim Coghill) Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print While Donald Trump has opposed raising the minimum wage, even called for its elimination, his election as President of the United States last November 8 apparently did effectively increase some particular wages for a certain sector of the American population. Im talking about the wages of whiteness, to borrow the title of historian David Roedigers 1991 book The Wages of Whiteness: Race and the Making of the American Class, which studies the role and perceived benefits of racism in forming and fostering division within working-class identity and politics in American history. Roediger, of course, takes this title and concept of the wage of whiteness from famed American sociologist W.E.B. DuBois who, in his landmark 1935 tome Black Reconstruction in America, urges us to remember that the white group of laborers, while they received a low wage, were compensated in part by a sort of public and psychological wage. They were given public deferences and titles of courtesy because they were white. They were admitted freely with all classes of white people to public functions, public parks, and the best schools. Although it might be a question as to whether or not, and to what extent, white middle-class and working-class Americans are actually receiving this wage of whiteness, and whether it really serves their interest in the long run, the post-election riot of hate suggests that many Americans seem to feel as though the election did issue them a check. This is a check far different from the one Martin Luther King, Jr. references in his I Have a Dream speech in 1963 when he says that African Americans have come to our nations capital to cash a check, collecting on the promise of freedom and equality enshrined in our ideals and founding documents. The Southern Poverty Law Center, charting activity in Americas hate checking account in the nations racist bank, reports a surge in recent activity, by which I mean we have seen some white Americans feeling emboldened, indeed unchecked, in asserting, or cashing in on, what they take to bebecause Trump basically told them sotheir racial entitlement. As Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center recently told USA Today, Since the election, weve seen a big uptick in incidents of vandalism, threats, intimidation spurred by the rhetoric surrounding Mr. Trumps election. The white supremacists out there are celebrating his victory and many are feeling their oats. This surge in white supremacist violence and assertion raises questions not only about what the value of this wage of whiteness actually is but, more importantly, what is the tipping point at which the perceived value of this wage will no longer be measured as worth dehumanizing, inflicting violence on, and otherwise aiding and abetting the exploitation and oppression of those people deemed racial others. In short, is there a minimum wage of whiteness? When will those whites, of all classessince it would be wrong to single out and demonize a white working classcease to feel a benefit of racism and see a benefit in solidarity? When it comes to the working class and their economic interests, it seems fair to say that Donald Trump has been quite clear, in both his behavior as corporate head and his very public pronouncements as a political candidate, in declaring that he is not their champion but in fact an avowed enemy. In an interview with The Detroit News in August 2015, Trump, of course, notoriously revealed his ideas for driving down the wages of autoworkers, whom he deems overpaid, by closing and relocating plants: You can go to different parts of the United States and then ultimately youd full-circleyoull come back to Michigan because those guys are going to want their jobs back even if it is less. We can do rotation in the United Statesit doesnt have to be in Mexico. The objective is to make Americans desperate and disempowered so theyll work for even fewer crumbs from the proverbial cake corporate America eats but which the working classes bake. And if you thought Trump was just putting his foot in his mouth, he doubled down on these comments in a subsequent appearance on MSNBCs Morning Joe, declaring his antipathy to the minimum wage and arguing that the U.S. could attract more jobs if there were no minimum wage. Moreover, the deplorable and illegal treatment of workers at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas has been well-documented. Not only are his workers paid substantially less in terms of both wages and benefits in relation to unionized hotel workers in Las Vegas, who, The New York Times reports, enjoy a middle-class standard of living, but the National Labor Relations Board recently issued a cease and desist order to Trump to stop the intimidation and harassment of workers and to stop violating federal labor laws. One could go on and on detailing Trumps long list of efforts in mistreating workers for his own profit. What we have to ask, though, is how long must this list get before those segments of white America holding on to this psychological wage of whiteness realize it is costing them more than it is benefiting them? Many working-class white Americans are not realizing this wage of which DuBois speaks, at least not in a shared way with white upper classes. Their kids are not going to the best schools, and they are not admitted into elite spheres that grant them meaningful political and economic power. They are under assault too by Trump and his class. At moments, in the dismal and desperate aftermath of the Trump election, I have tried to soothe myself by entertaining the fantasy that white America, when they feel the pain they are not expecting but which the Trump agenda promises for them, will cease to cling to their whiteness, that whiteness will disappear. Now, I know, as we can see from DuBois study, that there is a long and stubborn history of working-class people clinging to whiteness, making this choice that enables the divide-and-conquer strategy of the economic elite. Still, I have to wonder, even amidst this surge of emboldened hate, which even saw a man hang two Black dummies from a tree in his front yard, which featured a Trump-Pence sign, as a Halloween display, how long whiteness can last? What is the minimum wage of whiteness? I both fear and hope we will find out. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print *The following is an opinion column by R Muse* It is likely true that one or two American citizens are beginning to comprehend the meaning of the phrase heard biennially, elections have consequences. There were also one or two Americans frantically warning the people that if the election went the way it did, those consequences would have a deleterious effect on every aspect of every Americans life whether it was their livelihood, personal freedoms, or their health. Americans health is going to be one aspect of life in Trumps great American that is going to face serious consequences as a result of the election and not just because the nations three major healthcare programs are being prepped for the trash heap. To compound the near certainty that Americans healthcare is going to suffer Trumps greatnessalong with the prospect of destroying agriculture in its entirety, more Americans are going to need medical treatment if Trumps choice of a notorious climate change denier to lead the transition of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gets his way; and there is every indication he will. It is likely that the notorious climate change denier hates everything about the Republican created EPA and wants it abolished, or at least completely neutered, nearly as vigorously as the Koch brothers. It is too bad for the American people too; because with Koch Republicans in complete control of the federal government, whatever environmental protections exist now will go the way of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), civil society and the concept of general welfare of the people. The man Trump decided was best suited to help transition the EPA into an agency in name only is Myron Ebell. The climate change denier is the director of the Center for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. The Ebell-led group (CEI) runs a website, SafeChemicalPolicy that exists for the sole purpose of downplaying the health risks and ecological impacts of chemicals on living beings, including the human kind. In fact, one has to concur with Mother Jones that Mr. Ebell believes in his heart of hearts that pesticides (various poisons) arent bad for you. One might be inclined to believe Ebell and his propagandist energy institute if he would drink a six-ounce cocktail of all known pesticides on national television, but he wont because he does not have a death wish or want to suffer an agonizing death from cancer, or grow a new set of genitals more appropriate for women. One of the pesticides Mr. Ebell claims is safe is atrazine. The pesticide is banned in Europe, but it is used widely on US farm fields despite it being dangerous and highly controversial for what it does to living beings. Atrazine is an endocrine disrupter; a term used for any chemical that mimics hormones. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; endocrine disrupters produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. That pesticide, atrazine, doesnt just stay on areas it is dispensed; it is widely found in streams, rivers and drinking water supplies in and around agricultural areas where it is used. Even at extremely low levels, research from the University of California-Berkeley discovered that atrazine triggers sex changes in frogs. Just reporting the damaging effects of a poison banned in Europe, but widely used in America, earned the Berkeley research scientist Tyrone Hayes a lengthy campaign of harassment from atrazines manufacturer Syngenta. Myron Ebells group did its part to aid Syngenta by completely dismissing the well-established existence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals as a myth conjured by anti-chemical activists. Most 3rd graders understand that without bees, the preponderance of plant life would cease to exist and agricultural plant life is no exception. And yet there is another class of pesticides called neonicotinoids that is linked with an ever-accumulating weight of evidence that it is responsible for declining honeybee health and mass death. Neonicotinoid use has exploded since the late 1990s at about the same time honeybee populations began declining, and yet Myron Ebells group CEI completely denies the poisonous chemicals pose any harm to bees. Just to make sure bees are treated the same as American citizens; Ebell joins Republicans and completely rejects any role for the federal government to protect Americas bee population, a position that is tantamount to refusing to protect Americas agriculture industry. The EPA always does its due diligence in studying the harmful effects of any chemicals on human and wildlife before issuing a report or recommendation, and their long, slow review of the bee-killing chemicals has finally produced results. Last January the EPA released its assessment of the pesticide class neonicotinoids, including two produced by giant pesticide producers Bayer and Syngenta. The agencys assessment of the more prominent chemical is Bayers Imidacloprid; one that is heavily used on cotton and soybean fields that affect large regions of the South, Midwest, and California. The EPAs scientists discovered that the chemical is so harmful to bee colonies that the agency should take action to restrict or limit its use. With a poison denier directing the agencys upcoming course of inaction, one can be confident that the EPA will have to be satisfied just knowing it tried to do the right thing for bees and American agriculture. It goes without saying that Trumps EPA transition to inaction guy is a major threat to the environment due to living in the Dark Ages when science was considered blasphemous and an affront to god. Ebell brings that same opposition to scientific research on climate change as he does to research showing the adverse effects of poisons sprayed on agricultural products to human and wildlife. The simple reason is that Ebells group CEI receives major funding from the petroleum, coal, and the automobile industry. Climate activists weighed in on Trumps choice of a special interest to direct the EPA and they were rightly distressed. Read their concerns about the Trump effect on the climate here and here. There are consequences, adverse and dangerous consequences, of electing a tyrant with no regard for science, the climate, the ecology and environment to run the country. One of those consequences is installing a dirty energy advocate to transition the EPA and who not only denies climate change, but he denies that toxic pesticides are dangerous to human beings or that killing off the one insect crucial to sustaining life on Earth is no bigger deal than Americans going through spontaneous pesticide-induced sex changes. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The fight against the frightening Trump team being installed has begun as New Yorks Democratic Governor announced plans to protect his citizens from hate crimes. I am ordering the State Police to put together a special unit to address the explosion of hate crimes in our state, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday morning, while speaking at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem. Watch here: I come to you this morning with a heavy heart. The ugly political discourse of the election did not end on Election Day, in many ways it has gotten worse, into a social crisis that now challenges our identity as a state and as a nation and our people, Gov. Cuomo began. Now I am not alone. There are many who are soul sick for their America. There are young and old who feel alienated, disrespected and confused by what they hear, the Democrat told the congregation. We can now begin to understand what the Old Testament meant, when it said, They that sow the wind, shall reap the whirlwind. We are in a whirlwind of hate and division all across this country. Cuomo cited the alarming statistics from the Southern Poverty Law Center about the rise in hate crimes in the week following Donald Trumps election, 437 incidents of intimidation targeting blacks and people of color, as well as Muslims, immigrants, women and members of the LGBT community. I wish I could say our beautiful state of New York was immune from this poison but its not. Fliers promoting the KKK were found on parked cars in Patchogue, Long Island. A swastika was discovered on the B Train in Manhattan. In Wellsville, outside of Buffalo, someone painted a swastika surrounded by the words Make America White Again.' Cuomo quoted Martin Luther King before he announced his plan, This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off.' We will enforce the law to the fullest extent. I am ordering the State Police to put together a special unit to address the explosion of hate crimes in our state. With trained professionals we will investigate every incident and prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law. The laws of New York will protect every citizen and every child. I will propose this January to expand the Human Rights Law, to specifically protect every child in every school, both public and private. We will make sure every young person knows the law of our land, and I will be sending a letter to every college student explaining their rights and responsibilities as citizens of New York. New York will also ensure that every person has legal protections, whether they can afford it or not. We will be putting together a public-private legal defense fund to provide immigrants who cant afford their own defense, the legal assistance they need because in New York, we believe in justice for all. This is how decent Governors and local officials can fight back against the hate being installed into our White House. This is how it begins. King was right, we cant wait. We must act to protect our vulnerable citizens, and we must stand strong together, fiercely protecting the rights of our fellow citizens and their safety. That is the America we can be, and we must be. We must act even though our hearts are broken, we must dust ourselves off and be bold, or risk losing our precious freedoms. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print On Fox News Sunday, Laura Ingraham confirmed that she is being considered as Trump White House Press Secretary. This is the same Ingraham who said, Republican Party belongs To Trump now. So that doesnt bode well for Republicans, given the already disturbing direction of the Trump team. Video of Ingraham on Fox News Sunday: As already pointed out in these pages when first the rumor circulated, Any views which do not agree with her own racist views are toxic and revile the American experience. We can only assume by this she means the KKK experience. A long-time critic of immigration reform, called Puerto Ricans immigrants rather than citizens. Laura Ingraham, was widely accused of having given a Nazi salute to the Trump family section at the conclusion of her 2016 Republican National Convention speech in Cleveland. Watch here: A gif in case you missed it: kind of a weird way for laura ingraham to end her speech pic.twitter.com/kgGmafoMOy James McLeod (@TelegramJames) July 21, 2016 Yes, many politicians make this same mistake with a rogue wave gone wrong, but taken with Trumps pro-eugenics beliefs, support of the KKK and neo-Nazis, and now White House team of white supremacists, its a bit more disturbing than when it happened. If youve ever wondered about the difference between the Left wing of the Democratic Party and the Right wing of the Republican Party, wonder no more. The Right wing is in charge of the Republican Party; whereas the Left wing of the Democrat Party is kept well under wraps. Remember how President Obama had to distance himself from Reverend Wright, whose inflammatory rhetoric from a 2003 sermon was far less egregious than the constant racism, xenophobia, and misogyny of Donald Trumps chosen Chief White House Strategist, Steve Bannon? President Obama couldnt even be seen with Wright, but Bannon has a job in the Trump White House. Jonathan Capehart made this point in the Washington Post, The ensuing controversy put Obamas presidential campaign on life support. It took a beautifully nuanced speech on race about a week after the sermon surfaced to save his White House ambitions. Because of other sermons that surfaced and Wrights negative reaction to the harsh spotlight, Obama disavowed Wright and resigned his membership in the church. One of the things Democrats are going to need to change is this way they have of disavowing their own in order to appeal to the relentless outrage machine on the Right. No, Im not suggesting Obama was wrong, Obama had to do what he did. He didnt have the luxury of being White and therefor Right. Moral smugness cant offer cover for media perception for minorities, that is a privilege of white straight men and the minorities who agree with them. Watch the media accept and normalize Donald Trumps cabinet of hate, and then ask yourself what this would look like if Obama or Clinton had done the same thing. Democrats could learn something from the Rights boldness, so long as they keep it in check and dont become extremists like the Right. Perhaps what Trump is doing will be the kill shot for the far Right, but that should have come after Bush and again after Palin and again after the Tea Party violence of 2010. It really should have come after the Republican primary circus of 2012 and again in 2016. But the media is propping up the party of white nationalists and women haters. Both sides, ya know? So prepare yourself for the sneering Laura Ingraham selling America on Trumps Alt-Right White version of America. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Chuck Todd had a chance to challenge incoming Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus on a contradictory answer about a potential Muslim registry, but instead the Meet The Press moderator bowed down to the new administration, and gave Trump a free pass. Video: According to NBC News, when incoming White House Chief Of Staff Reince Priebus was asked about a Muslim registry, he gave a contradictory non-answer, Im not going to rule out anything. But I were not going to have a registry based on a religion. But what I think what were trying to do is say that there are some people, certainly not all people, Chuck, there are some people that are radicalized and there are some people that have to be prevented from coming into this country. And Donald Trumps position, President Trumps position is consistent with bills in the House and the Senate that say the following: If you want to come from a place or an area around the world that harbors and trains terrorists, we have to temporarily suspend that operation until a better vetting system is put in place. And when that happens, when a better vetting system is put in place, then those radical folks, or excuse me, they will not be allowed in, but then others will be allowed in. But only until that is done. Chuck Todds response to an answer that was obviously contradictory nonsense was to say, I understand that, and move on to the next question. Todd might have been the only person in America who intentionally didnt see that Priebuss answer was complete BS. The Meet The Press moderator had a chance to press the chief of staff of the incoming administration on an obvious dodge, and he gave him a free pass. The refusal of the mainstream press to challenge Trump and his surrogates on falsehoods and contradictions was one of the major journalistic failures of 2016 election coverage. Now that Trump is going to be president, the American people should expect the majority of the media to behave as Chuck Todd did. Trumps bullying and intimidation tactics towards the media worked. The corporate press is going to let Trump go unchallenged because they are terrified that if they cross the new president, they will lose access to him and his administration. The mainstream press is clearly not going to hold the Trump administration accountable, which is why it will be up to non-corporate independent organizations, such as this one, to do the job that the Beltway media is signaling that they intend to shun. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump isnt the only person in the Trump family who doesnt seem to keen on the actual work of the office he ran for. Future First Lady Melania Trump is also going to be a part-time First Lady, according to a report in the New York Post. Future First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron will not be moving to the White House after Donald Trumps inauguration in January, Isabel Vincent in an exclusive for The New York Post reported Sunday morning. They will be staying in Trump Tower so that their son Barron can continue attending his Upper West Side private school, according to sources who spoke with the Post. Another source said Melania Trump will travel to the White House as needed, but that her primary focus is on Barron. There is no need to get into the hypocrisy of Donald Trumps child attending a $40,000.00 a year prep school when the right freaked out over the Obama girls attending the private Sidwell Friends School. The rules for the first black family were not the same. What was not acceptable for Obama to do is something Trump is entitled to do. That should make sense, given the Trump white nationalist team moving into the White House. But what does really matter here is the casual disregard for the obligations and jobs of the offices both Melania Trump and her husband will seek. First, we hear that Trump doesnt want to live in the White House and intends to spend his weekends in New York as if the Presidency is some kind of weekends off situation and now this. The grace, dedication and competency with which First Lady Michelle Obama has approached her duties as First Lady are not going to be repeated, apparently. While Michelle Obama devoted her time to many causes including her effort with Dr. Jill Biden on Joining Forces, an effort to support military families, Melania Trump is unwilling to move her son to DC. Her time will be focused on her son, not the people of this country. Perhaps that is for the best, really. But talk about entitlement. Why run for a job if you have no intention of doing it. Good luck to New Yorkers who live or work near Trump Tower, and sorry to the taxpayers for the extra expense of securing yet another building as the incoming First Family lives separately. That expense will also be justified by the Right, because after all, their people are entitled to special treatment whereas the family who actually worked for all Americans was not. Conservatives are already spinning this as putting her sons needs first. But what about her family unit, and what about the country? The role of First Lady is a full-time job. Im sure Michelle Obama would have preferred to stay at home in Chicago, but she didnt want to be away from her husband. The Obama family eats together every day and cherishes their family time together. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The following post, written by The Rev. Robert A. Franek, is a part of Politicus Policy Discussion, in which writers draw connections between real lives and public policy. The election night shock felt from coast to coast and reverberated around the world seems a distant memory after many have endured sleepless nights, wept for this country and the people they love, and struggled to make sense of how it happened. This initial shock was only the beginning. As announcements of key leaders to places of power and influence continue to come, the country is plunged into a deeper despair. There is no time for recovery. With each announcement the shock and trauma of whats happening to this country, the civil rights of its citizens, and future of the free press is felt all over again. White-supremacist, anti-Semitic, racist, and hate-filled ideology have no business near the White House much less any other government office. Nevertheless, this is where we are. This is the reality that must be faced. Being nice is not an option. In a masterful essay worthy of reading again and again, Sarah Jones, insightfully insists that we must not be nice to bullies. She writes: The road to peace isnt paved with passive niceness, even though way too many on the left approach it this way as an idea that can be achieved through subservience tinged with blind hope. Theres a theory about the tyranny of niceness our culture, well liberal cultural and Democratic values of peacemaking and cooperation, can confuse people into promoting inauthentic niceness over reality. This is what is being asked of you now that you do the nice thing, instead of the right thing. The right thing is to call out hate and stand together, arm in arm, fiercely defending your neighbors and friends rights and safety. The right thing is to do this without violence. The right thing is do to this without hate, but not to confuse vigorously calling out hate with hate itself. She is right. We must stand together for we are stronger together and fiercely denounce all manner of hate and bigotry without resorting to violence. There can be no compromise with racism and hate, as Senator Elizabeth Warren boldly asserted regarding the potential nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General. More we must refuse to accept any attempt to normalize any of this from the media or any other source. Nothing about this election or the resulting appointments and nominations is normal. Nevertheless, amid the ongoing shock and trauma of this election and its aftermath and the struggle each day to face the fight for justice that is before this country, I grieve for the lost attention to this planet and its vulnerable inhabitants. Climate change cannot be ignored or treated as anything but the most urgent issue of this time. We neglect planetary health at our own peril. And it seems the new administration is prepared to do just that. So amid denouncing the hate and racism that is coming from the halls of power, we must lift up the plight of our planet and not let it be forgotten in the struggle to save the civil rights of all our neighbors that have been hard won over decades and centuries of struggle. And still, there is work to be done for equality and justice in the policies, systems, structures of our society. The necessity of confronting misogyny, sexism, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, antisemitism, and all manner of assaults on the First Amendment from the freedom of religious expression to the free press is taking time, effort, and energy from the systemic issues of poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Amid the necessary fight for the freedoms and values of our country, we must not lose sight of those who do not get to choose sides. Sarah Jones is right when she writes: Its going to be a horrible ride, but for people of courage, this is the moment. This is the moment to stand up and be counted. To object loudly. To demand accountability. To reject the normalization of hate. The shock and trauma of these days will not have the last word. We are a resilient and courageous people and when this fight is done our deepest moral values as a people and nation will be embedded firmer than ever before. 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 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 Ten days after his victory, Donald Trump has already made several key personnel decisions. He filled three major staff positions and two extremely important posts that require Senate approval Attorney General and CIA Director. However, his most important selection, Supreme Court Justice, may not come for a while. Unlike staff and Cabinet/sub-Cabinet jobs, Justices dont have to prepare to administer a bureaucracy. Thus, the need for Trump to select Justice Scalias successor is less pressing. This doesnt mean we cant speculate about Trumps choice, though. Tim Alberta of NRO reports that at the Federalist Society convention in Washington this weekend, the conservative consensus favors two federal appellate judges Diane Sykes of the Seventh Circuit and William Pryor of the Eleventh Circuit. (This doesnt mean that others on Donald Trumps lists wouldnt satisfy the convening conservatives). Sykes and Pryor are the two jurists cited by Donald Trump during one of his debates. It happened just before the South Carolina primary, when Trump stated, We could have a Diane Sykes or you could have a Bill Pryor. Ill take either one. Alberta outlines separately the case for each. Pryor is a conservative hero. As such, his nomination would produce a firestorm, as his nomination by George W. Bush to the Eleventh Circuit did. It would play to the Trump-as-bigot narrative, but thats not a reason to shy away from Pryor. Americans dont want to be told they elected a bigot not at this juncture, anyway. To confirm Pryor, Republicans would have to eliminate the filibuster. But they probably are going to have to do this anyway if a conservative replacement for Scalia is to be confirmed. Sykes is solidly conservative, but probably less controversial. Her gender may also tempt Trump to nominate her. In my view, age should be an important factor in the selection process. If Trump selects well, we will want his pick to serve at least 20 years. Pryor is 54. Sykes will be 59 next month. If Pryor is nominated, he will be crucified by the left for allegedly equating same-sex relations with bestiality. Pryor once stated: Petitioners protestations to the contrary notwithstanding, a constitutional right that protects the choice of ones partner and whether and how to connect sexually must logically extend to activities like prostitution, adultery, necrophilia, bestiality, possession of child pornography, and even incest and pedophilia (if the child should credibly claim to be willing). Like so much of the criticism the left is peddling against Trump nominees and potential nominees, the claim that Pryor thereby equated same-sex relations with bestiality is obviously false. In fact, as Ramesh Ponnuru points out, the quoted passage does just the opposite. Pryor was making a simple slippery slope argument. The essence of such arguments is that if you do x, which may seem reasonable and/or palatable, you will also have to do y and z, which are unreasonable and/or unpalatable. Ponnuru explains: [Pryors statement] implies that the other activities are worse, or seem to be worse, than same-sex relations. Hes saying: If you accept a constitutional right to engage in same-sex sexual activities on the ground that theres a right to choose whether and how to connect sexually, you are logically committing yourself to accepting these other things too. If those other things didnt seem like worse things to tolerate than same-sex relations, there would be no point to advancing the argument. As usual, Ponnurus logic is impeccable. But the left will let neither logic nor facts stand in the way of its various smear campaigns. At the end of 2008, I worried that the Obama administration would do great damage to Americacorrectly, as it turned out. But no one considered my misgivings to be newsworthy. The case is different with respect to the incipient Trump administration. Criticisms by his opponentsthe ones who just lost the electiondominate the news. The Associated Press, once a respected news organization, headlines: Trumps staff picks alarm minorities: Injustice to America.' Republican President-elect Donald Trumps choices for leadership posts threaten national unity and promise to turn back the clock on progress for racial, religious and sexual minorities, civil rights leaders and others said Friday after his nomination of Alabama U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general. Thats a remarkable beginning for a purported news story! Sessions, a Republican, was denied a federal judgeship in 1986 after hearings in which he was accused of making racially charged remarks as a U.S. attorney. According to transcripts, Sessions was accused, among other things, of joking that he thought the Ku Klux Klan was OK until he learned its members smoked marijuana and of calling a black assistant U.S. attorney boy. During the hearing, Sessions denied making some of the comments and said others were jokes taken out of context. Is it too much to expect them to come up with something within the last 30 years? Apparently so. Black Lives Matter activist and Campaign Zero co-founder DeRay Mckesson said Sessions documented racism and previous ineligibility for public office make him unfit to be the standard-bearer for the nations justice system. The AP cites one extreme left-wing source after another, as though they were reputable experts whose judgments are worthy of credence. In addition to the Black Lives Matter activist, the AP turns to unindicted terrorist co-conspirator CAIR for comment: Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, Unfortunately, these very important picks in his administration send a troubling message indicating that the bigotry we saw expressed in the campaign will continue. The Associated Press deems representatives of a pro-terrorist group and a violent, racist movement to be mainstream commentators, while Jeff Sessionsformer U.S. Attorney, Attorney General of Alabama and Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Armed Services Committee, and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, a Senator so respected that when he ran for re-election in 2014, the Democrats did not field a candidate against himis portrayed as an outlier, a marginal, suspect figure. That gives you a good idea where the Associated Press lies on the ideological spectrum. The AP retails the usual nonsense against Trump adviser Steve Bannon: Bannon led the Breitbart website, which has been widely condemned as racist, sexist and anti-Semitic. Really? By whom? Why? This is the lowest form of smear. The AP goes on to quote someone named Daniela Lapidous, as though her views were particularly noteworthy: Daniela Lapidous, a 22-year-old Jewish woman who works to fight climate change I am sure the humor is unintended. called Bannon a misogynist and anti-Semite and an anti-climate extremist. She said she never before felt the need to fight anti-Semitism but now thinks that she must. Ive been somewhat convinced that anti-Semitism isnt a thing in the United States anymore, but this past year, with Trump and Bannon, its made me scared about that for the first time in my life, said Lapidous, who lives in San Francisco. Why does the AP inform many hundreds of thousands of readers about Ms. Lapidouss opinion of Steve Bannon? Has Lapidous ever met Mr. Bannon? Not as far as we know. Does she cite any basis for her opinion that Bannon is an anti-Semite? No. In fact, while Bannon likely does disagree with Ms. Lapidous about global warmingI certainly hope so!the assertion that he is anti-Semitic is disgusting. Andrew Breitbart was strongly pro-Israel; our own Scott Johnson once toured Israel with him. Breitbart News, under Bannons leadership, has continued to be enthusiastically pro-Israel. This is not hard to understand: a person who is anti-Israel is not necessarily an anti-Semite, although a great many are. But no anti-Semites are strongly pro-Israel. That combination simply doesnt exist. Which means that Ms. Lapidous is ignorant, and raises the question: why is the Associated Press sharing with us the uninformed opinion of a foolish left-wing ideologue who is all of six months removed from college? Has the AP called you lately to ask for your opinion about prominent Democrats? Probably not. I could go on for a long time; this AP story is a target-rich environment. Instead, lets add just one more observation. The AP pretends that it would be a terrible thing to have a racist Attorney General. Jeff Sessions, of course, would be no such thing. But we have had a racist Attorney General, just recently: Eric Holder. Holder made it the policy of the Department of Justice to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws in favor of some ethnic groups, but not others. That is textbook racism. Did the Associated Press protest? Of course not. Holder was of their party, and shared their agenda. Since hitting the limelight in 2008 following the release of hit single, Ebute Metta, which was a remix of Rihannas smash hit, Umbrella, Olubankole Wellington aka Banky W has gone on to become one of the richest Nigerian artistes. In this exclusive chat with PREMIUM TIMES, the fun-loving artiste speaks about his foray into acting, his music career and why he is yet to marry. PT: How does it feel to star in your first Nollywood film? Banky W: It is a blessing, an honour and a privilege to be part of the cast of the Wedding Party. It is the first time in my professional career that I was the least experienced person in a project in terms of filmmaking. Everyone that I co-starred alongside has done much more than I have and it was very exciting for me. PT: What challenges did you have to overcome while shooting the film? Banky W: It was challenging in the sense that I didnt want to be the one to let everyone down. I grew up watching Richard Mofe Damijo, Ireti Doyle and Sola Sobowale, so I couldnt afford to come on set unprepared, mess up my lines or fail to deliver the right kind of emotion so for me that was challenging. I wasnt even nervous or anxious I was always on my toes. PT: What spurred you into going into acting? Banky W: Ironically, I have always wanted to go into filmmaking. So even when I was younger I was always writing and directing screenplays. I have always flirted the idea of acting but obviously music came first. Towards the end of 2014, I went to film school and I began directing and producing my projects afterwards. I feel that in life you should never be satisfied with one achievement. The day you become satisfied with where you are is the beginning of the end for you. Acting is a natural progression in my career; it is something I have always wanted to do but I didnt want to be arrogant about it. As we speak, Im writing my own script by the side. I will take my time and go step by step with it. My video, I Was Made For You, earned me my first nomination as a director at the Hip Hop Awards. I am very happy about it. PT: Why did you feel the wedding party was the right script for you? BANKY W: I never wanted my first feature film to be given to me because I am Banky W or as a result of my fan base. I wanted to audition and earn the role because I really wanted to deserve the role. PT: So moving on what sort of roles would you love to play? BANKY W: If I had my way I wouldnt want to play Banky W in a film. I played myself in Funke Akindeles production and that is because she is my sister. Sometimes artistes want to make the crossover into films but the producers would want me for instance to play myself (Banky W) in a movie. They will want me to perform some of my songs in a club. As long as a script if well-written, challenging and of high quality, I will jump at it. PT: There was so much chemistry between yourself and Adesua Etomi in the movie. The kisses you both shared in the film were so convincing. BANKY W: Any full-blooded man cannot be paired alongside Adesua and not have any form of chemistry. I dont want know what to say to that because she is lovely and extremely talented. God bless her for she made it a lot easier for me. As a newbie in Nollywood, I wanted to go over my lines again and again to make sure I was doing right, the cast was kind and gracias enough to work on it with me. At the end of the day, I got it right. PT: Were the kisses real? Banky W: It wasnt a film trick and we kissed for real. PT: You noted that your character, Dozie, which is your character in the movie, bore a similarity to your real life personality. Banky W: I identified with my character in the movie to a certain extent because we are similar in several ways. We are driven, successful and surrounded by good people but we are also yet to marry. I am actually tired of people asking me when will you marry, go to the theatre to watch me marry and leave me alone. Come December 16 in Lagos, those who want to see me married should visit cinemas in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa and watch me marry live in the film. Those of them who are concerned with my married status should go and see the movie. PT: Hope music career wont suffer as a result of your foray into acting? BANKY W: I am very close to completing my next album, which I intend to release on Valentine Day next year. Its a day that has been good to me and the album is titled Songs About You. I make RnB music, rap and I also flirt with pop sounds but at the end of the day I am a romantic at heart. We have to show love to one another and I believe that I will find love soon. PT: How do you cope with fame and all attention you receive from the opposite sex? BANKY W: The thing I have learnt about this business is that you shouldnt get too excited and too depressed. This is because the same people who love you today will turn around and throw stones at you tomorrow. So the wise thing to do is to try and keep a level head. I dont deceive myself by believing that I am not the best thing since sliced bread. Fans may love me today and change their minds or their perception about me tomorrow but it will never change who I am and will be. My female fans are always appreciated. A social media joke compares 9/11, the day hundreds of Americans died in the humiliating terrorist attack, to 11/9, the day Donald Trump was announced President of the United States of America. They described the former the worst day in America, and the later the second worst day. Whatever 11/9 turns out to be, it has already made history with the delivery of the most shocking, against-all-odds, electoral victory in recent memory. And it has put the world on edge because Donald may be a popular Mickey Mouse cartoon character, but this Donald (Trump) is an unfamiliar political brand. His ongoing flip-flops show he lied a lot during the campaign: He said President Obama founded ISIS (now he is a nice person Donald would like to consult often); he would throw out Obamacare (now, emmm, some of the pillars will be left intact); he would erect a wall across the border with Mexico (now, hmmm.part of it will be fence). The count continues, and the world is getting more confused. Donald said all the wrong things during the campaign against his opponents, all other women, immigrants and fellow Republicans, but that didnt seem to matter, and, indeed, in the end it didnt. Neither did the three debates he lost. Bulletproof According to one expert, Donald appeared to be almost totally bulletproof. In the eyes of his supporters, The Donald can do no wrong. Even Trump himself seemed to be astonished by this phenomenon. I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldnt lose any voters, OK? Its, like, incredible. It was clear then and now that Donald is a narcissist, but that also didnt matter. Psychology readily confirms that as a problem. Narcissism is the pursuit of gratification from vanity or egotistic admiration of ones own attributes. The term originated from Greek mythology, where the young Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in a pool of water. Narcissism Wikipedia defines Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) as a long-term pattern of abnormal behaviour characterized by exaggerated feelings of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of understanding of others feeling. People affected by it often spend a lot of time thinking about achieving power or success, or about their appearance. The Atlantic revealed recently that, For psychologists, it is almost impossible to talk about Donald Trump without using the word narcissism. George Simon, a clinical psychologist who conducts seminars on manipulative behavior, says Trump is so classic that Im archiving video clips of him to use in workshops because theres no better example of narcissism. Otherwise I would have had to hire actors and write vignettes. Hes like a dream come true. When I walk north on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, where I live, I often stop to admire the sleek tower that Trump built on the Chicago River. But why did he have to stencil his name in 20foot letters across the front? As nearly everybody knows, Trump has attached his name to pretty much everything he has ever touchedfrom casinos to steaks to a so-called university that promised to teach students how to become rich. Self-references pervade Trumps speeches and conversations, too. When, in the summer of 1999, he stood up to offer remarks at his fathers funeral, Trump spoke mainly about himself. Fear-mongering script So how did a man, even fellow Republicans denounced, win? He knew what he was doing, but who wrote the script? When he visited the UK after the BREXIT vote, he said the US election would be BREXIT ten times. And when the most popular Republican, Speaker Paul Ryan, withdrew his support, Donald was happy the shackles had been removed, to enable him act out his script of fear-mongering, which has kept psychologists busy since the elections. Donald largely played on the psychology of many former blue-collar workers who lost their jobs and considered themselves victims of globalization. He succeeded in taking advantage of their discontent and resentment with his protectionist rhetoric. Those people were described as the silent majority who were not very forthcoming about their political views and therefore their support for Donald was not reflected in mainstream polls. Also, he played the Americentrism card to win the hearts and minds of conservative whites who were feeling increasingly threatened by ethnic minorities and refugees but also rather surprisingly resonated with many long-time immigrants as well. Authoritarianism Here is where the Donald story gets more interesting! He is clearly an authoritarian, but rather than being a disadvantage, this played to his huge advantage. Many distressed Americans found refuge in Donalds authoritarian personality Experts explain that in times of perceived threat and distress, people look up to an authoritarian personality type as a father figure, characterized by extreme obedience. Hitler played on that. According to a new research, people experiencing significant mental distress caused by adverse life events, authoritarianism could be psychologically protective. Authoritarianism could be related to improved general health, when facing dire straits, whereas this relationship is absent for those not experiencing mental distress. Previous research had also found that authoritarianism has more psychological benefits for members of societies experiencing threats to their communal sense of worth and standing, than for members of higher-status groups. Hypersensitivity to Threat Dr Bobby Azarian, a cognitive neuroscientist, researcher and writer explains the Donald strategy with studies. According to him, a 2008 study shows that conservatives have a stronger physiological reaction to startling noises and graphic images compared to liberals. Specifically, the brains of self-identified conservatives generated more activity overall in response to the disturbing images. So for Donalds supporters their brain responses are automatic, and not influenced by logic or reason. As long as Trump continued his fear mongering by constantly portraying Nigerians, Muslims and Mexican immigrants as imminent dangers, many conservative brains involuntarily lit up like light bulbs being controlled by a switch. Fear kept his followers energized and focused on safety, and less concerned with remarks that would normally be seen as highly offensive. Terror Management A well-supported theory from social psychology, called Terror Management Theory, explains why Donalds fear mongering is doubly effective. According to Azarian, the theory is based on the fact that humans have a unique awareness of their own mortality. The inevitability of ones death creates existential terror and anxiety that is always residing below the surface. In order to manage this terror, humans adopt cultural worldviews like religions, political ideologies, and national identities that act as a buffer by instilling life with meaning and value. Terror Management Theory predicts that when people are reminded of their own mortality, which happens with fear mongering, they will more strongly defend those who share their worldviews and national or ethnic identity, and act out more aggressively towards those who do not. To those people, Hillary, a woman, was not an option. Worse, she carried a heavy baggage. President Obama, who tried to help, didnt have a solid record to reference even for African-Americans. By constantly emphasizing existential threat, Donald created a psychological condition that makes the brain respond positively rather than negatively to bigoted statements and divisive rhetoric. Liberals and Independents who have been puzzled over why Donald didnt lose supporters after such highly offensive comments were lost. The fear Experts say people with strong narcissistic needs want to love themselves, and they desperately want others to love them tooor at least admire them, see them as brilliant and powerful and beautiful, even just see them, period. According to the Atlantic, the fundamental life goal of a narcissist is to promote the greatness of the self, for all to see. Im the king of Palm Beach, it reports Donald as telling Timothy OBrien for his 2005 book, TrumpNation. Celebrities and rich people all come over to Mar-a-Lago, (Trumps exclusive Palm Beach estate). They all eat, they all love me, they all kiss my ass. And then they all leave and say, Isnt he horrible. But Im the king. Can Americans check Donald and family from personalizing a super-power nation? Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte criticised the U.S. and other Western nations on Saturday, during his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, APEC, leaders summit in Lima, Peru. Mr. Duterte told Mr. Putin, who he had previously described as his idol, that he had been looking forward to meeting him because of his leadership and for representing a great country. But Mr. Dutertes attention in the meeting also turned to the West. I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy, Mr. Duterte said. The Philippine president also criticised the U.S. for its involvement in overseas conflicts, saying, They seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is whats wrong with America and the other (Western nations). President Putin congratulated Mr. Duterte for his personal victory in winning the presidential elections in May, and expressed hopes that diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Russia strengthen further. You have been able to do a lot in a short period of time in terms of developing the all-round partnership between our countries and with respect to promoting greater trust and confidence between us, Putin said. Mr. Duterte also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit, and invited Mr. Xi to pay a visit to the Philippines after Mr. Dutertes own state visit to Beijing in October. (dpa/NAN) Despite the call by Nigerias House of Representatives for the countrys financial regulator and law enforcement agencies to crack down on pyramid financial scheme called MMM, members of the community across the country have celebrated the first anniversary of the scheme with donations to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other indigent people. A member of the countrys lower chamber, Akinlade Fijabi from Oyo State, who raised the matter in a motion of urgent national importance described MMM as a Rob Peter to Pay Paul Scheme. PREMIUM TIMES reported how, after deliberations, The House, asked law enforcement and regulatory agencies to clamp down on the promoters of MMM. Some Nigerians have also described the scheme as a Ponzi destined to go burst. But the number of Nigerians participating in the scheme has continued to grow exponentially. There are now over 2 million active members of the scheme in the country. As the scheme, which its participants like to refer to as a community of mutual aid and donation exchange marked its first anniversary on Friday, members across the country donated cash and relief materials to the less privileged. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the MMM community as part of its humanitarian week tagged, MMM Cares donated relief materials to IDPs at the Gwoza and Bama Camps in Abuja. The group donated bag of rice, garri, cartons of beverages and noodles as well as clothing, and drugs. Seyi Bello, a Guilder in the MMM Community said they were driven to make the donation by their desire to affect the society positively and help the less-privileged. We are marking our first year anniversary and we have decided to come and celebrate it with our brothers, mothers and children in the camp. As a community, we do not only provide help to our members, we also extend that to the larger society as part of our social responsibility. In these times of economic challenges, the IDPs are the ones that need help and support more than any other person; that is why we visited them today, he said. He said that the relief items were bought from free-will donations of members in their quest to touch lives positively. He said: The N5 million was raised from voluntary donations by members in the FCT. That is what defines us as a community of people providing financial help to each other on the principle of reciprocity and benevolence. In MMM there are no lenders and no debtors. One participant asks for help, another one helps. Similarly, in Ibadan, Naij, an online media, reports that MMM community members in the city donated N2.5 million to hospital patients. The community, which tagged its charity donation Save a life, said it was part of the reason the group was formed. And part of the motive of the organization is providing for the less privileged. We have come here and seen that there are a lot of people in need financially and we are here to render the assistance. We believe that if we save these peoples lives today, they would be the ones to save other peoples lives tomorrow. We are here to also enlighten people that the scheme is not a scam and to enlighten them on social responsibility by the community, said Eleyele Benjamin, one of the community leaders. The Managing Director of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Olufunke Osibodu, has urged Nigerians not to expect any improvement in the power sector in the next five years. Speaking at the 11th Annual Founders Day event of the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Saturday, Mrs. Osibodu said at least N250 billion is required annually to fix the countrys electricity sector. And we Nigerians need to understand that we cannot do it overnight, and in addition we have to pay for it, said Mrs. Osibodu, while delivering the keynote speech titled Beyond Oil: Sustainable Development for All Nigerians.. We need to be ready as citizens also, to accept and live with the pain that we have to go through, and allow time as our friends. As Nigerians, often we are the ones that deceive our politicians. The politicians believe that the only way to go is to promise everything immediately possible. Promise that everything is possible today so that they can get elected. But when you see that it is not, so we want to give them time and use time as our friends. It is the same story for the power industry. When I tell my friends, that forget any improvement for the next five years, they are scared, but that is the truth. We need minimum of five years to invest before we see results. But very often, because Nigerians are impatient, we start pushing our governments and they start reversing good things they have done in various ways. So we need to be more patient. Mrs. Osibodus statements came despite the claim earlier in the year by Babatunde Fashola, the minister of Power, Works, and Housing, that the country would attain 10,000 megawatts electricity generation by 2019. Apart of challenges of generation, Nigeria also has problems of transmission and distribution of the generated electricity. According to Mrs. Osibodu, Nigeria is currently producing two percent of the total electricity it requires. In addition, in this country we have 32 million household population. In other words, 32 million houses by statistics. But on the national grid, only four million are officially customers of the various distribution companies. About 36 per cent of the power generation is lost either through commercial theft, illegal consumption, or non-payment of bills. But 14 per cent of that power is also lost through very poor network. In other words, the two percent that we have is even further played down. About 30 percent of the power, we all waste it, by forgetting to put out the light, many things that should not be turned on, and we pay for that wastage. At least eleven Boko Haram fighters were killed Saturday as troops of Nigerias 103 battalion destroyed a market cum camp operated by the terrorist sect in northern Borno, people familiar with the matter have told PREMIUM TIMES. An unconfirmed number of terrorists were also wounded during the battle in Yale, about eight kilometres south of Bama and 12 kilometres south west of Dikwa, while arms, ammunition and other equipment were recovered, military insiders said. Officers and men of the 103 battalion, in conjunction with their counterparts from 21 Brigade, 202 Battalion and 151 Task Force Battalion arrived the market at about 7:30 am Saturday and opened fire on suspected terrorists found on location. A detachment of Civilian JTF, which has been assisting the military in the anti-insurgency war, because of its deep knowledge of the North-East terrain, also participated in the operation, our sources said. All the structures found at the camp were destroyed as suspected terrorists, caught by surprise, fled in different directions. At least 11 of them were gunned down while several others were seriously injured. A number of the sect members escaped with gunshot wounds, our sources further disclosed. But as troops withdrew from battle unhurt, Boko Haram elements staged a surprise ambush attack, which was also successfully repelled. The items destroyed during the operation include 11 motorcycles, 400 bicycles and several bags of grains and condiment. Several AK47 rifles, magazines, binoculars, army rain boots, telephone handsets, cameras and strip wires were recovered from the terrorists, insiders said. News of the destruction of the Boko Haram market came hours after troops of the 119 Task Force Battalion killed a yet unknown number of Boko Haram fighters who attacked troops location in Kangarwa, northern Borno. The Nigerian troops gallantly fought back, killing an unknown number of the attackers and injuring several others. Nine soldiers were however injured in that battle, our sources said. On Saturday, a patrol team from Baga, which went to evacuate the injured soldiers, was also ambushed. Members of the team repelled the attack and cleared the ambush, those familiar with the matter said. It is the sixth time the 119 Battalion would be so attacked in recent times, military insiders told PREMIUM TIMES. The army is yet to issue an official statement on the two operations. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has declared that the Ondo governorship election slated for Saturday, November 26, will hold as scheduled. It rejected the call by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that the election be shifted to allow the Supreme Court take a decision on pending issues relating to its candidate for the election. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ondo State, Olusegun Agbaje, told PREMIUM TIMES correspondent on Sunday that the call for postponement was unnecessary. There are 28 political parties contesting the election, we cannot postpone it because of just one party, he said. This is a pre- election issue, it can go on even up to the Supreme Court, so we cannot wait for that. The election must go on. Mr. Agbaje noted that it was not reasonable to shift the election now because all the insensitive materials have been received in Akure. He also said that the sensitive materials were also ready and now with the Central Bank of Nigeria. With this level of preparation, we cannot be talking about postponement, he noted. Let them go and put their house in order, and settle their problems, we cannot allow that to hold us back. The official said a final stakeholders meeting will be held in Akure on Tuesday where the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, will address all political parties on pending issues. However, PDPs Publicity Secretary in Ondo State, Banji Okunomo, said the postponement is necessary to give all parties a level playing field given that all some matters were now before the Supreme Court. INEC has a hand in the candidacy crisis in the PDP, Mr. Okunomo said. But INEC is supposed to be neutral in this matter. Everybody is before the Supreme Court right now, which will begin to sit on the matter on Tuesday, we dont know when it will finish. He said it was necessary for INEC to shift the election to avoid any crisis and because the commission is a party to the dispute. Mr. Okunomo also argued that the shift would forestall a foreseeable crisis and ensure peace in the conduct of the election. It will be pre-emptive for INEC to go ahead with the election with a controversial candidate for the party, he insisted. Businessman Jimoh Ibrahim of the Ali Sheriff faction was listed as the candidate of the PDP by INEC on October 27, on the strength of the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Abuja Federal High Court. Before then, Eyitayo Jegede of the Ahmed Makarfi camp had his name submitted to the commission and was the candidate until he was substituted. The matter which had been at the appeal court, was to be decided on Friday, but had to be adjourned to allow the Supreme Court decide on the appeal brought by the factional chairman of the party in Ondo State, Biyi Poroye. Mr. Poroye and others challenged the hearing of the matter by the Appeal Court. No fewer than 150 companies and operators would be participating in the National Mining Summit billed for the first quarter of next year, as part of plans by the ministry of Mines and Steel Development to scale up activities and drive investment in the sector. The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Abubakar Bwari, disclosed this on Friday during a joint press briefing by the ministry and other international partners on the planned national mining summit. The minister stated that the exhibition and Summit is a joint-venture between the ministry and Afrocet Montgomery, IMAG and Deloitte Consulting which is proposed to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja from 25-27 April, 2017. According to Mr. Bwari, the summit will be centred on the recently approved Mining Road Map and would be an international platform for the federal government to introduce to the international mining community a regime of robust mining legislation, pro-growth policies and supporting regulatory framework that will create a globally competitive platform for stakeholders in the nations mining and mineral processing sector. He stated further that the summit will also attract key local, regional and international mining stakeholders ranging from federal government, state governments, international diplomats, policy makers, investment funds, financial institutions, consultants, mining operators and many others. Mr. Bwari stated that the summit will attract over 150 companies who will exhibit their products/services through custom-built exhibition booths. He added that about 3,000 visitors are expected from West Africa Mining and Construction sectors. He, however, said that the summit will be at no cost to the ministry, adding that the ministry would be providing high level support towards the success of the event. Explaining further, he said the federal government intends to return Nigeria to the mining map and make the country a mining destination and not just a mining nation. He added that the present administration has the political will to improve the sector and Nigeria is ready and open for serious mining business. In his remark, the Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson, said the summit and exhibition will showcase the potential of solid minerals sector in Nigeria to the global mining community. A yet unknown number of Boko Haram fighters were reported killed and several others injured in northern Borno on Saturday as Nigerian soldiers engaged the terrorists in intense gunfight. The battle, PREMIUM TIMES sources said, began after Boko Haram fighters attacked troops of the 119 Task Force Battalion stationed in Kangarwa. The Nigerian troops gallantly fought back, killing an unknown number of the attackers and injuring several others. Nine soldiers were however injured in battle, our sources said. On Saturday , a patrol team from Baga which went to evacuate the injured soldiers was also ambushed. Members of the team repelled the attack and cleared the ambush, those familiar with the matter said. It is the sixth time the battalion would be so attacked in recent times, military insiders told PREMIUM TIMES. The army is yet to issue an official statement on the attack. A former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kaduna State, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said President Muhammadu Buhari must intervene to fix the crisis in the party and save it from disintegration. Mr. Baba-Ahmed made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Sunday. According to him, the problems affecting the party have been left to linger for too long and must be settled in the next few months, if the party hopes to retain power in 2019. Even if you can forgive some of the crisis and blame it on in experience, you cannot forgive the fact that we have tolerated this crisis for too long. They have persisted, and that is not something we should excuse, we should not also excuse the existence of massive problems in states and at the national level. Those who have the responsibility of fixing the APC as a political platform are not fixing it. It is what we are seeing now; a large number of powerful people within APC are walking away from it, thinking that it is beyond redemption. That is unfortunate and I think it is a major setback for the party. The APC must reinvent itself and rediscover its mission to lead this country, not through a one term presidency or governance, but to actually build a different Nigeria that will meet the yearnings of our children and beyond. Mr. Baba-Ahmed stressed that the internal crisis had also affected governance, thereby, making it imperative for the President to quickly intervene and resolve all contending issues within the party. Of course when a party is in a problem like this, a number of things happen; governance suffers because you are constantly having your attention diverted by the partys problems. Secondly, in political terms, four years of an administration is only like two years or two and half years. In a years time, we will not be talking about governing this country, we will be talking about campaign for 2019. And if this party doesnt fix itself at the national level, doesnt fix all the problems it has in the states, it is unlikely to come back to Nigerians with the confidence it came to us in 2014 /2015, to say give us another mandate. If we are not careful the only thing of value and credibility that we can say to Nigerians that is still relatively intact in the APC will be President Buhari. And President Buhari more than anybody else, knows that his personality and character alone cannot win him an election. He needs a political platform that can mobilize people to support him, and right now, that political platform is disintegrating. He needs to do something about it, he needs to allow the party to work together, he needs to ask a lot of people to fix the problems of the party. Baba-Ahmed expressed the belief that the problems of the APC were surmountable if the leadership work hard to fix all the underlying issues. I am not one of the people who thinks the future is outside APC, I believe that APC can be salvaged. However, I am not complacent to say it can just be fixed like that, a lot of hardwork has to go into it, a lot of sacrifices must be made. What I think is useful is that, in the next three to six months a lot of people that we suspect are already packing their things to get out of APC, would do so. That would give the party an opportunity to know who is left, and then we can just go back to rediscovering the essence of the APC and then possibly to re-engineer the party with the popular base. We will need to apologise to people for mistakes made and reassure them that the first four years of the Buhari administration may not have met all the expectations of the people, but if they give our party another chance for the next four years, we will be able to fix this country, insha Allah. (NAN) The Treasury Single Account, TSA, introduced by the Federal Government to check corruption in the system, is stalling research in the universities, according to the Academic Union of Universities, ASUU. The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that exempting the universities from the TSA is among the demands of ASUU, whose members embarked on a one-week warning strike on November 21. According to its National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, other demands include the payment of Earned Academic Allowances, effective funding of the universities, an end to the payment of fractions of salaries in some institutions, among others. Mr. Ogunyemi already warned that ASUU would embark on an indefinite strike after the warning strike, if their demands were not met. Speaking specifically on the TSA, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Christopher Piwuna, Chairman, Jos chapter of the union, said that the policy was of utmost concern to the universities because it was impeding their core mandate research and breakthroughs. The TSA is a good policy, but its bottlenecks are too much, Mr. Piwuna told our correspondent on Sunday in Jos. International and corporate bodies send research grants to universities, which are paid into the accounts of the institutions, but they get trapped in centralised TSA accounts that are not accessible. Such grants come with timelines and the granting institutions get agitated and start asking questions which we can neither answer nor explain. Often, this leads to forfeiture, he said. He regretted that the development had led to the loss of many research opportunities and possible breakthroughs, adding that it had also ruptured the confidence between the angry granting institutions and the helpless supposed recipients. ASUU has nothing against the TSA, we are only saying that the universities should be exempted from it in view of the speed with which universities activities are carried out and also because lots of funds paid into the schools accounts come in from foreign sources, he explained. Mr. Piwuna admitted, however, that the TSA policy had checked a lot of excesses in the system and should be sustained. Some institutions have been found to have up to 25 accounts, some of which are not even known to their Chief Executive Officers. Obviously, such accounts were opened by corrupt elements to steal funds; it is a good thing that the TSA has stemmed such recklessness, he said. He explained that the warning strike was aimed at forcing government to revitalise the public universities especially in view of the economic recession that has made it difficult for people to send their children to private universities. The ASUU chairman accused government of not giving education the attention it deserved, and vowed that the union would stand its ground until the right thing was done. He wondered why government would wait until lecturers began a strike before listening to their concerns. Since we started the warning strike, we have held several meetings with the Senate President and other top stakeholders; one keeps wondering why it is difficult to listen to ASUU early enough so as to avert the worst scenarios. He alleged that 22 universities were paying incomplete salaries to workers, and argued that such would only affect commitment to service. The Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, for instance, used to collect only 92 per cent of their salaries, but even that has been slashed to 85 per cent. As a union, we have tried to find out why and what we are told is that the budget office has taken six per cent of their recurrent expenditure without any explanation. Certainly, this is a recipe for confusion, he said. A chieftain of the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kaduna State, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to drop non-performing ministers. Mr. Baba-Ahmed gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Sunday. He also urged the President to quickly push through, policies that would reduce current high level of poverty in the country. Members of the federal cabinet celebrated their one year in office last week. An analysis on the performance of the Minister by PREMIUM TIMES showed that most of the ministers under performed in their functions. The call by Mr. Baba- Ahmed is coming after similar appeals by an APC senator, Dino Melaye. It equally follows a similar appeal by PREMIUM TIMES in its editorial of September 27, 2016. According to the APC chieftain If you go by the opinion of a lot of Nigerians, some of the ministers are just filling up space. There is a case to be made for the argument that the president should critically assess his ministers and remove those that he believes have not performed as well as they should, he said. He then called on Mr. Buhari to replace the non-performing Ministers with people who will bring greater energy, greater vibe and greater imagination in managing scarcity and high expectations in the context in which we live. Mr. Baba-Ahmed said the level of poverty in Nigeria requires urgent solution, adding that government should continue to mobilise resources to tackle the problem. He urged the president to come up with policies that in the short time, can alleviate the crushing poverty being experienced across the nation. There are a lot of people who feed only once a day, there is a lot of hunger, frustration and bitterness. If we have N500 billion in the presidency now waiting to be disbursed, one would like to see an imaginative and productive use of that money, so that it reaches people that need it to feed, pay school fees, pay medical bills, rent and to go to places where they can earn a living. Government must mobilize resources directly and make sure that it gets to the people, he said. The chieftain, a retired federal permanent secretary, also called for caution on the desirability or otherwise of obtaining about $30 billion loan by the Federal Government for infrastructure development. I dont think that there is anything wrong in getting the loan, however, I do think that we should draw appropriate lessons from the past. We borrowed money in the past and we paid a huge amount of interest and we havent seen the benefit directly from those loans that we repaid. I think that this particular loan has to be scrutinised, has to be rigorously interrogated by the National Assembly, and if they are convinced, then we should go ahead and get it. What is important is that the President needs to improve the manner he engages Nigerians in explaining to them why he needs to borrow $30 billion dollars, what are the benefits, what are the possible draw backs. Because this money, as I said before, is being borrowed for our children not for ourselves, it is important that we dont leave them a legacy of huge debt, he said. Recall that Mr. Melaye, while making a similar, asked Mr. Buhari to take measures to remedy what he described as a debilitating economic malaise that is drifting Nigeria towards a dangerous precipice. Mr. Melaye, who represents Kogi State, said the time to take drastic measures to save the economy has come. He asked the president to dismiss the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udoma; and the Governor of Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele. In PREMIUM TIMES editorial in September, we urged the president make changes in his cabinet if he must rekindle the badly needed investor confidence. We highlighted that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefieles uninspiring record of performance, as well as his numerous ethical and corruption scandals that appear to have been swept under the carpet, constitute a key factor militating against foreign investor confidence in the Nigerian economy. According to the editorial PREMIUM TIMES strongly believes that there is a need to bring in more renowned, experienced and highly reputed technocrats to lead the CBN and the federal ministries of Finance and National Planning Considering the dwindling confidence investors have in our economy, it is necessary that replacements for these positions to be persons with significant international name recognition, intellectual and professional stature and networks in international development finance and global capital markets; for this is what bolsters international confidence in practice. Gunmen on Sunday abducted Nigerias former minister of foreign affairs, Bagudu Hirse. Daily Trust Newspapers reports that the ex-minister was kidnapped on Inuwa Wada road in Kaduna, in front of the home of Mamman Daura, a cousin of President Muhammadu Buhari. The paper quotes a witness as saying Mr. Hirse was set to visit Mr. Daura when the three masked gunmen stopped in front of his car and abducted him. From what I could hear, they were asking him to get into their car but he was trying to seek further explanations from them but at that time, people started approaching the scene so one of them raised the gun he was holding and made to shoot but it did not fire, he tried it the second time and it failed, but the third time, a shot rang and people ran for dear lives, the witness was quoted as saying. More details later Two wives of a public official kidnapped in Nasarawa State have been released. Rabi Aliyu and Larai Aliyu, wives of the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aliyu Tijjani, who were abducted from Nasarawa town, have regained their freedom. The spokesman of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Kenedy Idrissu, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lafia. Mr. Idrissu said that the women were released by their abductors at about 11 p.m. on Saturday at Mararaba-Udege village in Nasarawa town. He said the kidnappers were forced to release the women following sustained pressure from the police search party. He said no ransom was paid and that the victims were unhurt and had been reunited with their family. According to Mr. Idrissu, a deputy superintendent of police, no arrest has been made as investigation had begun to find those behind the incident. The women were abducted at about 8 p.m. on Thursday from their residence in Nasarawa town by gunmen, who shot sporadically into the air before whisking away the victims in their vehicles. (NAN) Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has urged the Federal Government to immediately stop the export of food items to neighbouring countries, especially through the land border. Speaking in Isa Local Government Area of the state at the flag off of the 2017 dry season wheat farming, Mr. Tambuwal also called on the federal government to come up with emergency plans to purchase excess grains from the farmers so as to boost grains reservoir in all parts of the country. The governor made the call apparently in response to a warning by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, that the countrys markets risk imminent shortage of grains if measures are not taken to curtail their export. Mr. Shehu who spoke to Pyramid radio in Kano said the huge demand for our grains in the global market is creating an excellent environment for the mindless export of Nigerian grains across our borders and unless this is curtailed, Nigerian markets will be bereft of food by January next year. Mr. Tambuwal also raised the alarm over the massive exportation of grains from Nigeria, saying it portends great dangers to Nigerias future food security. I keep wondering why we have to ban import of food, especially rice, from the land border but allow massive export of our food commodity to neighbouring countries. Considering our population, we must take measures that will enhance food security in our country, the governor said. Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, said despite challenges, Nigeria is on the verge of being self sufficient in food production. According to him, the journey to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production, especially rice is already being realized. This is where the country can feed itself and even have surplus for exports, he said. Mr. Emefiele commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his ongoing efforts to diversify the nations economy from heavy dependence on oil revenue, saying he deserves commendation for allowing the CBN initiate the Anchor Borrowers Programme. The CBN governor also commended Mr. Tambuwal for providing adequate subsidized fertilizers and other inputs to the farmers. Kaduna State and global corporate giant, General Electric, Thursday, flagged-off a programme to equip 278 health care facilities in Kaduna State. This is the biggest ever refit of the public healthcare infrastructure in the state. It represents the Kaduna State Governments effort to provide a comprehensive solution to the healthcare challenges in the state, including maternal and infant mortality, communicable illnesses and the problems caused by the growth of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. At its first health summit held last year, Nasir El-Rufai, governor of the state, announced the determination of the government to the perils that pregnant mothers and infants face. He said it is a priority to improve health outcomes for ordinary people. To achieve these goals, Kaduna State is striving to improve primary healthcare for all people, while at the same time, improving the quality and readiness of health service delivery by ramping up the supply and quality of health professionals. Under the partnership between GE and Kaduna State, 255 primary health centres will be equipped along with 23 general hospitals across the state. The programme also includes a package of training for the healthcare professionals and a three-year maintenance agreement for the equipment. The project will deliver at least one refitted hospital in each of the 255 wards in the state. Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, welcomed the flag- off of the partnership with GE. The Kaduna State Government is seeking better health outcomes for its people. This partnership with GE will accelerate the development of our health facilities and equip them to deliver better services. The equipment, technologies and training our state is getting under this partnership will help to improve standards of maternal and infant care, implant safer surgical standards and raise our capacity for disease prevention and infection control. He added that As one of the largest states in Nigeria, with a growing population many of whom live in the rural areas, Kaduna is innovating through comprehensive approaches that improve health facilities and equipment, service delivery, clinical protocols and patient referrals. Given its track record, we are delighted to be working with GE in deploying this first-of-a-kind programme. Farid Fezoua, CEO of GE Healthcare Africa, said that GE applauds the Kaduna State Government for its vision to improve health care for the citizens. Kaduna State is putting units of relevant medical technology including ultrasound, heart monitors, neonatal incubators and anaesthesia machines into the hands of our health workers. Ultrasounds are used to detect a range of conditions. It improves the accuracy of tests conducted on the foetus when pregnant women undertake ante-natal visits and can aid early detection of and referral of pregnancy complications. V-Scan Access assists primary healthcare workers such as midwives, general practitioners, paramedics and clinical officers in low-resource settings to provide information to the user during pregnancy assessments. The heart monitoring devices will address cardiovascular screening issues and improve the management of high blood pressure, cholesterol or high blood glucose. GEs basic cardiac screening device connect hearts to digital ECG, helping clinicians test more patients in less time. The multi-year partnership between Kaduna State and GE will increase access to essential technologies for better maternal and infant care, heart screenings to tackle the rise of cardiovascular illnesses and improved care during surgeries. This combination of new technology, maintenance and training will improve healthcare outcomes in Kaduna State. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abia State, Paul Ikonne, has said a former governor of the state, Orji Kalu, joined the party to cause confusion. The ex-governor last week defected to the APC from the Progressive People Alliance, PPA. Mr. Ikonne said the former governor has nothing to offer the APC politically. Mr. Ikonne, who was the gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the 2011 elections in the state, disclosed this in a press conference, Sunday, in Abuja. He said the defection of Mr. Kalu is nothing to celebrate. There is nothing to celebrate about Orji Kalu joining the party because Abia APC and south-east APC is being rebuilt and repositioned for proper impact for us to make the desired change like we did during the last presidential election. We played a critical role. So, having Orji Kalu join the APC is nothing to celebrate If every person in Nigerian politics plays the kind of politics Orji Kalu plays, you will find out that we wont make a headway, he said. Mr. Ikonne said he has nothing personal against the governor, adding that what the APC doesnt wants in the south-east is confusion. We dont want the Southeast APC to be thrown into confusion because we have prominent people, people of honour, people who laboured to make sure that the PDP did not have a free day. We have the likes of Senator Chris Ngige, the governor of Imo state, Minister of Science and Technology and some other prominent people, he said. Mr. Ikonne also said contrary to widespread belief, the APC is united and has no factions. To the best of my knowledge, we have only one camp in the APC and that camp is what brought Mr. President on board. It is the mass movement of people and the integrity of the president, so come 2019 APC will win based on that integrity. I must say this that when you personalise politics around just a man, such a man must be a man of integrity. Mr. Ikonne said his views represent the sentiments of party leaders in Abia State. He said he was also concerned that Mr. Kalu is currently facing charges of corruption and his joining APC could taint the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari administration. Nigeria is coming back to international limelight because the president has a track record of integrity. Going by Kalus antecedents, you know the answers. Right now, what we are looking for are men and women of integrity that will work with Mr. President, he said. President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Akure met with governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, to solicit their support for the candidate of the party, Rotimi Akeredolu. He commended the aspirants for their loyalty to the party despite losing to Mr. Akeredolu in the September 3 primary election. Mr. Akeredolu was declared winner of the primary election after polling 699 votes, a victory that was intensely challenged by Olusola Oke, Ajayi Boroffice and Olusegun Abraham, top runners at the primary election of the party. PREMIUM TIMES, however, gathered that Messrs. Boroffice and Abraham, who voiced their discontent with the outcome of the election and choice of Mr. Akeredolu, did not attend the meeting with the President. The meeting with the president was attended by about 19 aspirants, some of whom are already involved in the campaign project of the candidate. While Mr. Boroffice who came fourth with 471 votes, had maintained a low profile since the crisis over the choice of the candidate, Mr. Abraham, who came second with 639 votes, on the other hand took the matter to court, seeking the nullification of the primary election over acclaimed irregularities. Mr. Boroffice and Abraham had maintained their membership of the party, though unhappy with the turn of events. However, Olusola Oke, who placed third with 576 votes in the primary, moved to Alliance for Democracy where he is currently the candidate for next Saturdays election. One of the aspirants who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES, Tunji Ariyomo, said the meeting underscored the presidents respect for the aspirants. The meeting was to ensure that we are on the same page as we enter into the election, and to ensure that all the aspirants were behind the candidate, he said. This shows that we are united and we are approaching the election as a united party. He said the president commended the aspirants for staying behind the candidate who won the election, given that in every contest one person would emerge winner. A statement by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said President Buhari told the aspirants at the meeting attended by other party leaders, that the unity of the party was crucial for the outcome of next Saturdays election. I am very pleased that those of you who lost the primaries are still very much in the party, the president said. That you lose elections doesnt mean you should walk away, you keep on trying. I went to the Supreme Court three times in my bid to become the President of Nigeria. I like your high spirit and your commitment to the party and I hope your constituencies are taking note of that. The President, who was accompanied to the meeting by the Senate President, APC National Chairman, several APC governors and ministers, told the party faithful in Ondo that he looked forward to a successful election next week. President Buhari assured Nigerians that determined, steadfast and patriotic people in the APC-led government will transform the nations ailing economy, which, he said, was run aground by the party that governed Nigeria for 16 years from 1999-2015. In his remarks, the representative of the aspirants, Tunji Abayomi, assured the president that they had resolved to deliver Ondo to APC. No single aspirant left the party after the primaries. Those who left the party were not party members; they returned to where they belonged, Mr. Abayomi said. Also speaking, the Chairman of APC Elders Council, Ondo State, Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, said Mr. Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was eminently qualified to lead the state. We have fielded an experienced, informed, hardworking and capable legal practitioner to work with President Buhari to carry out massive industrial development, job creation, eradication of poverty and massive economic improvement in the nation, he said. Nigerias governing All Progressives Congress, APC, has said the Ondo State governorship election billed for Saturday should not be postponed. The party was reacting to a call by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to postpone the election. A PDP faction led by Ahmed Makarfi made the call following an indefinite adjournment of a suit to determine who its candidate for the election is. The Court of Appeal made the adjournment saying it would not rule on who was the right PDP candidate until a Supreme Court decision. Eyitayo Jegede of Mr. Makarfis faction seeks to replace Jimoh Ibrahim of the Ali Sheriff faction as PDP candidate. We call on INEC to postpone the Election pending the determination of the suit before the Supreme Court, PDP said on Saturday. We make this call against the backdrop of the fact that INEC is a party to the suit before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and is well aware of the steps taken by certain parties to the suit to frustrate the course of justice. The APC on Sunday rejected that call. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, the APC described PDPs candidacy tussle as self-inflicted. The PDP cannot hold Ondo state and indeed the country hostage on account of its internal crisis. Instead of making the ridiculous election postponement request on INEC, the PDP should focus and redirect its energy towards putting its house in order, the statement said. The APC also said it is not party to any scheme to subvert justice and undermine the very progressive and participatory democracy which the APC fiercely stands for. It called on INEC to ignore PDPs bizarre request and concentrate on delivering a free, fair, credible and transparent ballot on election day. The party said Ondo electorate are wise and will vote for the candidate with a proven track record of performance on election day. A vote for the tested, trusted and credible APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN will bring about massive multi-faceted development which has eluded the state, it said. ( Read 7522 Times) Source : Udaipur. SONY MAX, the Premium Hindi movie channel from the Sony Pictures Network has rolled out a new campaign to celebrate its success of being the undisputed number one Hindi movie channel in India. The campaign is based on the thought Naaz Hai Humein Apni Deewangi Pe which encapsulates the countrys obsession with Hindi Cinema and its influence on the everyday moments of life. The channel will be unveiling multiple short films showcasing how fans inspired by movies have imbibed the Deewanapan.The three 45 seconder TVCs string together people from different walks of life and depicts how extremely passionate movie buffs look at every situation from a 70mm lens. The campaign also attempts to capture the rich pallet of emotions behind various facets of Hindi Cinema. The TVCs consist of 7 distinct situations including the likes of a young couple eloping with the entire community running behind them and then with a sudden sharp turn they screech and look into the camera and say Ishq karo toh aise karo ki zamana peeche lag jaye. Another one is a college graduation ceremony sequence where an Anil Kapoor inspired student dances her way to the stage to receive her degree, leaving the audience and the professors spellbound Entry maro toh aise ki sab dekhte reh jaye. A rickshaw driver inspired by Hindi movies pulls his collar wide when two pretty looking girls arrive for a ride. With a lot of cheek, he turns them down and says Aur thukrao toh aise thukrao ki choor-choor ho jaye. One more situation on friendship sees a young man taking a beating for his friend by some goons much larger than him. As he takes one to the chin he says, Dosti nibhao toh aisi ki misaal bann jaye. All TVCs end with a voiceover in the end Deewana banate aaye hai, banate rahenge. Vedanta committed to Indias Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ( Read 4291 Times) 20 Nov 16 Share | Print This Page Udaipur: Vedanta Limited, Indias leading diversified natural resources company, is committed to promote awareness on sanitation and hygiene in schools and villages in India. Vedantas efforts in partnership with the State Government of Odisha led to 100% households in the Banjari Village in Jharsuguda District becoming Open Defecation Free. In Rajasthan, Cairn India completed construction of about 8000 household toilets till date and the project will ultimately benefit community members of 25 gram panchayats. Under Hindustan Zincs sanitation project about 10,000 toilets have been constructed and the completion of the programme will benefit 80 rural villages. At Tuticorin, Vedantas subsidiary Sterlite Copper constructed 315 toilets to benefit 2000 people in the region and six school toilet complexes constructed benefits about 5000 students. Vedantas social investment programmes support the local governments in achieving their development goals.Accessibility to clean sanitation facilities is essential for a broad-based socio-economic development. The Prime Ministers Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a visionary initiative that addresses crucial issues such as the importance of sanitation andhygiene in reducing the spread of diseases, said Ms. Roma Balwani, President, Group Communication and Sustainable Development. Vedantas flagship CSR project, Nand Ghar, a service delivery unit established under the Integrated Child Development Scheme by the Government of India is focused on child development and women empowerment. The Nand Ghar project is aligned with Prime Minister of Indias campaigns of Digital India, Swachh Bharat and Skill India. Across India, in three years, 4000 modern Anganwadis built with 8000 toilets will benefit an estimated 25 lakh community members. Vedantas Sanitation projects include awareness programmes initiated to impress upon the villagers the importance of a household toilet. Meetings with groups of families are held on a phased manner over a period of several weeks. The villagers were educated about spread of diseases like Malaria and minimizing the risk of contamination of drinking water sources. Source : This Article/News is also avaliable in following categories : Business News Your Comments ! Share Your Openion Taipei, Nov. 20 (CNA) With euthanasia of animals taken to shelters set to be banned early next year, local governments around Taiwan are gearing up their efforts to refurbish their animal shelters to make room for an expected increase in the number of strays requiring to be housed, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said Sunday. PLEASANTVILLE The local school board will have a new interim superintendent Dec. 1 after Garnell Bailey refused to accept the boards appointment last week as the permanent schools chief, citing a lack of respect for her personally and professionally by board members. Retired Wildwood Superintendent Dennis Anderson will take over Dec. 1 through June 30, 2017. Baileys decision could end a looming legal battle over who will run the district. State monitor Constance Bauer had approved Bailey, who is an assistant superintendent, to serve as interim superintendent until Nov. 30 while the board and Bauer resolved the boards effort to hire former Superintendent Clarence Alston. Pleasantville school superintendent appointment stalled PLEASANTVILLE Two months after the local school board approved hiring Clarence Alston as i Bauer refused to approve Alston until his references were checked, and that has not been done even though the school board voted to approve him in August. At Tuesdays board meeting, the school board took a vote to instead name Bailey as the superintendent with a three-year contract, which passed with five votes. Sharnell Morgan abstained, and Paul Moore and Carla Thomas could not vote because of conflicts. Lawrence Tony Davenport was absent but also cannot vote due to a conflict. But then Bauer announced she would appoint a new interim superintendent to serve until June 30. District Solicitor James Carroll said it is the duty of the school board to appoint a superintendent. If the monitor thinks an interim superintendent trumps the appointment, that is an issue to resolve in court, he said. But later in the meeting the board did not get enough votes to approve Baileys recommendation to terminate three employees, including facilities director William Speedy Marsh, who is also an Atlantic City councilman. At 10 p.m., after the meeting, Bailey submitted a letter saying she would decline the superintendents position. I have stated on numerous occasions that I was not interested in the position specifically because of the lack of respect and ongoing disrespect on me personally and professionally allowed by current board members, past board members, any administrator I have disciplined and/or any employee I have disciplined, she wrote in the letter. The community comes out to support the bad actors, and there is no support for the superintendent ... while I am trying to support the children. She wrote that the audience clapped and laughed at the meeting while she was verbally attacked. They want someone to beat on, and Im done with the beatings, she wrote. Good luck with your superintendent search, cause they will need it. Bauer said at the meeting that she had hoped that by naming an interim for the rest of the school year, the board would have time to move forward in doing the reference checks for Alston, writing up a contract and getting it approved by the county executive superintendent as required by law. She said there is a statutory authority for the state monitor to appoint personnel. Carroll said after the meeting the board had asked the New Jersey School Boards Association to do the background checks on Alston but were told they do not do them. An NJSBA spokesman also told The Press of Atlantic City they do not do background checks. Carroll said the NJSBA suggested an outside law firm do the background checks to avoid any appearance of a conflict within the district. But that also has not been done, although it was unclear who was to arrange that. During the meeting, board member Elysa Sanchez said Bauer had told the board they would get a chance to meet any proposed interim, but that has not happened. There is something going on behind the scenes, she said. Bauer said she wants the board to meet the new interim before Dec. 1. Carroll said the board did get a memo that Baileys interim term was expiring Nov. 30 and that the board needed to act. He said the board then prepared a resolution to appoint Bailey. Two hours later, I got a copy of the letter from the county executive superintendent approving the gentleman from Wildwood, he said. I filed an objection asking for the chance to review it. The board should have been notified. He said he has asked for a state investigation into the situation. Bailey has had a controversial history in the district. The former human resources director and assistant superintendent was first named superintendent in 2011. In February 2013, the board suspended Bailey, but that vote was overturned by the districts then state monitor. Bailey then filed a lawsuit in November 2013 claiming board members harassed her and made it impossible to do her job. When her contract expired in 2014, she claimed tenure in her previous position and remained in the district as an assistant superintendent. Bailey settled her lawsuit with the school board in May for $280,000. She also agreed to never sue the school board or any of its members again. Bailey makes $147,258 as assistant superintendent, according to state data, and was earning $167,500 as interim superintendent. Bailey said she has retained local attorney Louis Barbone to defend her against new allegations filed by Marsh that she has used school custodial staff for personal work. I really wish that the people of the community, and not just family members, would come out to board meetings and see for themselves what goes on, she said Friday. Tuesdays actions also leave Alstons position unclear, and neither Bauer nor Carroll would comment on his status. As superintendent in the district from 2006 to 2009, Alston was in charge when a state monitor was first appointed in 2007. Voting may have ended Nov. 8, but the review and recording of tens of thousands of mail-in and provisional ballots kept many counties from posting their official final results until last week. County clerks recorded a record number of mail-in ballots, but in the end, not every one counted. The most common mistakes: People failed to sign their mail-in ballot or submitted a ballot when they were not registered to vote. If its not signed, I have to rule that the ballot doesnt count, said Evelynn Caterson, chairwoman of the Atlantic County Board of Elections, a bipartisan group that reviews provisional and questionable mail-in ballots. We really take our time because we dont want anyones vote to not count. The percentage of votes invalidated is small, but the concern about improperly completed mail-in ballots is growing as more people use them, especially in presidential elections when more people tend to vote. Counties prepare for busy election day Start with one of the most divisive and bizarre presidential campaigns in memory. Add a ball Atlantic County received more than 9,700 mail-in ballots. About 300 were declared invalid. Mail-in and an additional 2,079 provisional ballots accounted for almost 10 percent of the more than 119,400 votes in the county this November. Total voter turnout was more than 60 percent. Cumberland County election officials rejected about 10 percent of mail-in and provisional ballots, or 556 of 5,485 ballots. Omarey Williams, deputy Cumberland County clerk, said some people went to the polls to vote after also receiving a mail-in ballot. They had to use a provisional ballot at the polls until it could be determined they hadnt voted twice. People check off the box saying they want a mail-in ballot every year, so they get one, Williams said. If you get one, we assume you are using it. Ocean County received more than 29,000 mail-in ballots, accounting for more than 7 percent of all votes cast. I have never had so many requests as we did this election, said Ocean County Clerk Scott Colabella. The county had a total voter turnout of 70 percent. Colabella said a change in the law that no longer requires voters to have a specific reason for using the mail-in ballot has made it more popular and in effect allowed early voting in New Jersey. We had people voting since the end of September, he said. Those ballots cant be opened until Election Day, which slows down the scanning and tallying process. Some counties this year had to get court permission to continue working Wednesday because they could not complete them all Tuesday. By law, someone who has not voted in four federal elections, or eight years, can be removed from the voter registry. Caterson said if someone has not voted in years, they should call their county clerks office before the election to check to make sure they are still registered. It all depends on how frequently the county purges its records, she said. Other issues that delay the processing, and possibly negate votes, are when mail-in ballot signatures dont match and when people vote outside their designated polling place, which would require them to use a provisional ballot. Caterson said some people have even voted in a different town, which becomes a problem if they vote for a local question, such the one in Linwood that asked voters whether they would prefer an elected school board. In that case, the persons other votes would count, but not the Linwood vote, since they are not Linwood residents. In Cape May County, three towns Cape May Point, West Wildwood and Woodbine did not have enough candidates for school board and the winners were decided by write-in votes, which also take more time to process, said County Clerk Rita Fulginiti. Caterson said the public should understand the ballots they review are anonymous. We never see how specific people vote, she said. She said another law that has had unintended consequences limits the number of messenger ballots one person can return to three. The goal is to reduce possible fraud, but it has affected sites such as senior housing complexes, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, which can no longer have one person return a large number of ballots. While mail-in ballots make up a small percentage of all votes cast, they can have an impact. This year mail-in ballots reversed the poll results on a school construction bond referendum in Mullica Township, passing it by just six votes. A review of mail-in ballots in Atlantic County showed most results were similar to the tallies at the polls. One exception was the race for Pleasantville Board of Education, in which Richard Norris, the top vote-getter at the polls, with 1,718 votes, got just 150 mail-in votes. Helen Monaco, who received the fewest votes at the polls, 785, got 473 mail-in votes, similar to the number received by incumbents James Barclay and Ethel Seymore. But it was not enough to unseat Norris. Norris lost his bid for a school board seat in 2015 when mail-in votes gave a majority to Elysa Sanchez for the third open seat. ATLANTIC CITY Police said they used an electrical stunner on a naked man Friday afternoon after he charged at an officer and refused to obey commands. Officers Scott Sendrick and Robert Reynolds found city resident Steven Grant, 25, on North Carolina Avenue after receiving reports of a naked man in the streets at 4:56 p.m., police said. They described him as "screaming, aggressive and showing signs of being under the influence of narcotics." As a crowd that included children began to form, Grant refused commands and attempts by officers to put clothes on him, police said. He continued on North Carolina toward Route 30. Officers blocked the intersection, and Sendrick moved his patrol car to shield Grant from traffic. As Sendrick exited the vehicle, Grant ran toward him and jumped on the hood, damaging it, police said. He then jumped off the car and charged at Sendrick, "screaming in an aggressive manner with his fists clenched." Sendrick fired his stunner at Grant, who was then arrested, police said. Grant was taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus, for evaluation. Police said his injuries were not serious. He was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was put in the Atlantic County jail on $25,000 bail. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP A Beachwood man was identified late Sunday as the person killed in a small plane crash Saturday night in Bass River State Forest. State Police said William Lindley, 75, was in the plane. Police gave no other details. Lindley's small plane went missing Saturday night and was found Sunday afternoon by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. At about 10:55 a.m. Sunday, State Police received calls for the possible downed aircraft, police said in a news release. Troopers from the Tuckerton barracks responded to search. Lindley's aircraft departed Salisbury, Maryland, on Saturday en route to the Ocean County Airport, police said. It did not arrive as scheduled Saturday night and attempts to communicate with the pilot were unsuccessful, police said. The pilot's cellphone was tracked and police were told the possible location of the plane, police said. According to the National Transportation Safety Board's Twitter account, the plane was a Ryan Navion A, a single-engine, four-seat plane built by North American Aviation in the 1940s. State Police spokesman Trooper Alejandro Goez said the plane was located in a heavily wooded area with difficult terrain, requiring the State Police Aviation and Urban Search and Rescue Units to respond. Goez did not say earlier Sunday evening whether anyone else had been in the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB were on scene investigating. Below are some of the political stories last week in New Jersey: Immigration rebellion: A petition that made its way around Rutgers University asking the school to designate itself a sanctuary campus for undocumented immigrants has gotten the attention of University President Robert Barchi. Students started the petition after Donald Trump was elected president Nov. 8. It asks that campus police and others who handle data do not cooperate with federal agents looking to deport students. Rutgers police do not inquire into nor record the immigration status of students or other persons unless a serious crime has been committed, Barchi wrote. Rutgers University does not use E-verify for any purposes other than to comply with longstanding federal law regarding employment eligibility. Immigration status is not a factor in student housing decisions. Students have held protests denouncing Trump since his election, according to reports from the schools newspaper, The Daily Targum. UEZ extension: A bill to extend the duration of certain state Urban Enterprise Zones, including Bridgeton in Cumberland County, is being considered by the state Assembly after passing the Appropriations Committee in October. The bill would automatically extend UEZs in Bridgeton, Camden, Newark, Plainfield and Trenton by two years on the day it is enacted. The program, created in the 1980s, allows businesses in the UEZs to charge half the state sales tax about 3.5 percent and use that money for economic development projects. Bridgeton was one of the first cities designated a UEZ. Mayor Albert Kelly expressed support for the extension of the program while addressing a seminar at the League of Municipalities Conference on Wednesday. If enacted, the latest bill would allow qualifying retail businesses in the UEZs to continue to charge and collect the states sales tax at half the normal rate and restricts the use of the funds to economic development and job-creation initiatives. It also directs the commissioner of the DCA to review the program and produce a report to the governor and Legislature on whether the program is effective. Earlier this year, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have extended the UEZs for 10 years, calling it a failed 30-year experiment to help revitalize struggling urban communities. Price-gouging law: The state Senate passed legislation to stop businesses from price-gouging for 30 days after a state of emergency is declared. The bill amends an existing law, making it illegal for any person to sell any product at an excessive price for 30 days after the declaration, according to Sen. Steve Oroho, D-Hunterdon, Morris, Sussex. The current law prohibits price gouging only after the termination of the state of emergency. This measure allows for greater flexibility, because it lets the governor tailor the price-control period to specifically fit each emergency, Oroho wrote. I think this will help us strike a balance between protecting consumers during a natural disaster and supporting businesses once the emergency is over. John DeRosier OCEAN CITY In the 800 block of Central Avenue in front of the citys public-safety building, a faded yellow traffic line has been replaced with a blue and yellow line. The new color is a show of respect for law-enforcement officers, who must come to work each day prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our community, Mayor Jay Gillian explained in an open letter to city residents Friday. Ocean City joined a number of communities in New Jersey that over the past several months have painted the Thin Blue Line down the center of a roadway to show support for law enforcement. The police community has come under tremendous fire and scrutiny on a national level this past year. It also represents the solidarity displayed within our profession, particularly when a law-enforcement officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, the Ocean City Police Department said in a statement. The department cited the deaths of 123 law-enforcement officers nationwide in 2016. The Thin Blue Line, by definition, represents the police officers role of separating the good from the bad while creating order from chaos, the statement reads. Gillian said in his letter he would like to see a similar showing of support for the Fire Department. I hope to see a thin red line added to the 500 block of Asbury Avenue to symbolize the same respect for our Ocean City Fire Department. We all should be grateful to these professionals not only for keeping us safe, but for the many other ways they serve the community, he said. The many advantages to South Jersey of converting the B.L. England power plant to natural gas have been delayed again. This time, a procedural challenge by environmental groups has resulted in a state appellate court sending the project back to the Pinelands Commission for approval. Thats ironic since changing the plant from coal to natural gas would massively reduce the pollution it emits. The groups seem to think its more important not to disturb the shoulder of Route 49 and an existing utility power lines right-of-way with the natural gas pipeline because these public thoroughfares are within the Pinelands. Approval of the South Jersey Gas Cape Atlantic Reliability Project had been recommended by the staff of the Pinelands Commission. The executive director determined the project meets the requirements of the commissions Comprehensive Management Plan, and so approved it under the commissions existing procedures for private developments. The court decided that since the pipeline proposal must go through a coordinated permitting process involving other state agencies (the Board of Public Utilities, for example, which also approved it), the commissioners should vote on it. Fine. The courts decision didnt bear on the merits of the plant conversion and pipeline proposal, which are very positive. Fueling the Upper Township plant with natural gas instead of coal would reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 99 percent, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Fine particulate emissions would fall 87 percent, nitrogen dioxide pollution 96 percent and carbon dioxide by more than half. The converted plant would be the last one in the region when the Oyster Creek nuclear plant in Lacey Township is retired in 2019. Local power generation improves electricity reliability, reducing the likelihood of outages and brownouts. The pipeline would also provide a critical and only backup source of natural gas for the 142,000 residents of Cape May County depending on that inexpensive fuel. And converting the plant would maintain existing jobs and create perhaps a couple hundred temporary ones during construction, which given the depressed area economy is almost enough reason alone to ensure the project moves forward. All of these benefits already should have been realized. We urged nearly four years ago that the project be approved and allowed to proceed. This delay in helping the region and its residents should end soon, with either the needed procedural vote or a reversal of the court decision. 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. YANJI, China, Nov. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yanji has become one of the most popular cities attracting investments in Northeast Asia region. This success was made through the continuous efforts in developing the service sector, optimizing industrial structures and accelerating the pace of opening-up. Meanwhile, it explored a better way for small and medium sized cities to develop. A report published lately by Chinese Academy of Social Sciences indicated that Yanji has become the only city in Northeast China that is honoured both "National Top 100 Cities/Counties with Investment Potentiality" and "National Top 100 Cities/Counties with Comprehensive Competitiveness in Economy". This symbolizes that Yanji has become an increasingly strong drive in leading and supporting the economic development of the hinterland of Northeast Asia. In recent years, Yanji has also been emphasizing on transport infrastructure constructions to speed up the process of the connectivity within Northeast Asian countries. There have been more than 26 air routes linking Yanji and major cities in the region, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Busan, Pyongyang, Osaka, Vladivostok. Yanji, a key city where people, goods, and information in Northeast Asia gather, has become a forefront among many of China's interior provinces which are trying to set up Open-up Pilot Zones, Emerging Industry Demonstration Zones and Ecological Economics Zones. Cai Kuilong, the acting mayor of Yanji, said, Yanji will continue highlighting the role of the project to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the industries, to enhance the comprehensive strength, and to attract more domestic and international businesses to invest. SOURCE Yanji Municipal Publicity Department DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, one of the Middle East's leading eye hospitals and a branch of the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, has successfully performed a highly complex surgical procedure in which a team removed a large tumour from behind a 26 year old Arab woman's eye. The tumour was causing the eye to bulge forward and was threatening her vision, by compressing the nerve at the back of the eye. (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161117/440832 ) It was a large benign tumour measuring 2.2 X 2.1 X 1.2 cm and though it did not spread to other parts of the body it continuously increased in size to compress the surrounding tissues. The tumour was completely removed during the operation where a 'window' was cut through the bone at the outer side of the eye socket, a lateral orbitotomy, leaving the eye intact. She was discharged the following day, with her vision fully restored. Dr. Yassir Abou-Rayyah, Consultant Ophthalmic & Oculoplastic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, who led the surgical team, commented: "This was a very severe case and a very complex surgical procedure to remove the massive tumour and relieve the pressure on the optic nerve and the forward bulging of the eye. In fact, the bulge was the symptom that revealed the presence of the tumour and so it was an important part of the diagnosis. The pressure on the optic nerve was more dangerous and a threat to the vision of the patient. We believe this is the first time that this procedure has been carried out in the UAE and we are delighted with the patient's recovery and response." Orbital tumours may present with a range of symptoms, from gradual, painless fogging or dimming of vision to bleeding that can cause sudden visual loss. If the tumour is large, there may be proptosis, or eye bulging with limitation of eye movements, as in this case. Benign tumours are only treated if there is a complication like vision loss and surgical excision of the tumour is only necessary for extreme cases. Tumours often go undiscovered unless or until they make the eye stick out or affect the vision. Notes to editors About Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) is the first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world. Located at the Al Razi Medical Complex in Dubai Health Care City, the facility provides day case surgery and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, for a variety of surgical and non-surgical eye conditions. MEHD will also raise standards for research and teaching in the region. MEHD is owned and managed by the NHS Foundation Trust, and maintains close links with London, to ensure that patients in the GCC receive the best eye care treatment in the world. http://www.moorfields.ae Issued on behalf of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai by WPR. SOURCE Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, November 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- inCust Inc. announces the worldwide launch of its service that helps any business to turn occasional visitors into long-term loyal customers. It is not a secret that returning customers make the 80% of the income for most businesses. And how would one increase the return rate? Loyalty programs of different kinds are the answer. However, traditional loyalty programs are expensive, as one needs to issue plastic cards and install specialized hardware to process them. inCust offers a software-as-a-service solution for any business that works with customers. The service lets everyone, from the street seller to the large nation-wide company run the loyalty program with flexible rules and terms within just 15 minutes and avoid investments into cards and hardware. inCust-based loyalty programs use the phone number as a primary customer identifier, so no cards are required (though possible as an option). The mobile app on a customer's smartphone can be an alternative source of identification. No custom hardware is needed as well, as the salesperson's terminal is the app on Android tablet or iPad. A loyalty program works much more efficiently when customers are contacted by businesses proactively. inCust offers several communication channels, from SMS to smartphone push notifications to mobile app news stream, which let businesses talk to customers and hear customer voice as well. Talking to customers is a powerful weapon on competitive markets, which both increases profits and boosts recognition of the business among the customers. The flexible platform offers bonus points and discounts with customizable rules, lets one implement prepaid services (subscriptions), and has many nice features that make your loyalty program stand out of the crowd. Launch a loyalty program now on the service's website https://incust.com/ . The press kit is available on https://incust.com/en/for-press/ About inCust Inc. inCust Inc. is a Virginia (US) company. Postal address: inCust Inc., 901 N. Pitt St Suite 170, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. Phone +1(540)227-8778 (US) SOURCE inCust Inc Press photos: https://goo.gl/jA6s4H HONG KONG, Nov. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- To safeguard the consumer interests, WGO has developed a 3-defence methodology to achieve higher safety standards for baby products. Based on this methodology, WGO is creating a 'White List' of baby products for consumers. http://wgo.org.hk/whitelist/en/lotion.php This 3-year project covers different product categories, beginning with baby lotion. This project's objectives are to educate consumers on current product safety standards and incentivise manufacturers to pursue higher standards. The three-defence methodology is as follows: samples collected from 7 chain retailers go through chemical analysis which measures specific chemicals (e.g. heavy metals, methanol, and formaldehyde). The products then go through an international ingredient check which uses government regulations from the European Union, United States, China, and Japan. Products are then tested using an effect-based biological method which measures the level of Estrogen Equivalent (EEQ) concentration. EEQ levels cannot surpass World Health Organisation's standards. EEQ is important as it affects human endocrine system and cause developmental problems for the next 3 generations. Only products that pass this methodology will go on the 'White List'. Survey show that over 60% of respondents don't know what ingredients are in their baby products. WGO conducted questionnaires with over 200 HK parents with children under the age of 3. Over 80% of respondents indicated that they worry about baby product safety. However, only 22% always read ingredients labels. 61% were not sure what harmful ingredients could be found and 59% did not know the consequences of estrogenic chemicals. Although most parents are concerned about product safety, they are not aware of potential health risks and don't know what to avoid. WGO also asked 37 of those parents to identify the 'White List' impact. Almost 100% stated that they would refer to the list when purchasing new baby products. 76% answered that they will not buy products that aren't on the 'White List'. This small sample confirms the importance of this study. Dr. Yu, CEO of WGO said, "Our survey results indicated that HK parents' awareness of product safety is insufficient. The White List aims to empower them to make more informed decisions. In general, all existing baby products comply with government safety regulations. However, this higher standard will incentivise manufactures to only produce products that will not harm the human body and pollute the environment". SOURCE World Green Organisation (WGO) The first of four next-generation geostationary weather satellites, the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite R-Series, or GOES-R, will provide a major improvement in quality, quantity and timeliness of weather data collected over the Western Hemisphere. This accurate real-time data will be used to provide short-term forecasts, severe storm warnings, maritime forecasts, seasonal predictions and space weather alerts. "GOES-R will substantially improve our nation's weather and space weather prediction capability," said Tim Gasparrini, GOES-R vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "This is a prime example of how our expertise in spacecraft development, earth instruments and space-science instruments can combine to save lives and property." Lockheed Martin designed, built and tested the satellite at its Space Systems facility near Denver. In addition to the four GOES-R Series satellites (R, S, T and U), Lockheed Martin designed and built the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) and the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instruments that will fly aboard each spacecraft. Those instruments were built at the company's Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, California. "Our nation now has a new weather sentinel, and the data it will produce will soon be vital to our severe storm prediction and warnings," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager of Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "The data will not only keep our citizens out of harm's way but will also be used across the Americas." NOAA funds, manages and will operate the GOES-R Series satellites. NASA oversees the acquisition and development of the GOES-R spacecraft, instruments and launch vehicle. The program is co-located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information: Lockheed Martin GOES-R web site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/goesr NOAA GOES-R web site: http://www.goes-r.gov/ Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161119/441391 SOURCE Lockheed Martin Related Links http://www.lockheedmartin.com LIMA, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tang Ning, founder and CEO of leading Chinese financial technology company CreditEase ("the Company"), today called for expanded global cooperation between businesses and government to facilitate the growth of the financial technology ("fintech") industry while speaking at the APEC CEO Summit (the "CEO Summit") in Lima, Peru. By continuing to innovate, fintech companies with the support of government can help offset the effects of sluggish global growth, slowing trade, and rising protectionism. The CEO Summit, which took place from November 17-19, 2016, brought together the world's brightest minds in business and politics to discuss critical issues facing the global economy. The CEO Summit will be followed by the APEC Leaders' Meeting on November 20, 2016, where leaders and senior officials from the 21 APEC members, the world's largest economic bloc, will convene to discuss promoting high-quality growth and human development. Mr. Tang was the only Chinese fintech executive to attend the CEO Summit. Mr. Tang spoke on the "Innovation Economy" panel moderated by the Andes Correspondent for the Financial Times, Andres Schipani, where he discussed ways in which businesses and government can work together to foster innovation and expand economic opportunities and growth. Other participants on the panel included H.E. Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister of Australia; Luis Alberto Moreno, President of IADB; and Karl Iagemma, CEO of nuTonomy. During the discussion, Mr. Tang emphasized the importance of government support when it comes to successful industry growth. "One key point to remember is that regulation is not necessarily a bad thing. Companies and governments are not [working] against each other. What we've [found/learnt] in China's fintech market is that regulation and government intervention can help the market develop [in a healthy manner]," explained Mr. Tang. Mr. Tang emphasized that while new technologies have been and are being developed, the fintech industry is not entirely new to China. "There are some subsectors which are quite new like robo-advising, crowdfunding, insurance technology and blockchain. But [when it comes to] marketplace lending and payments, the technology [has already been around for] more than ten years." CreditEase, a pioneering of financial innovator in China having established the country's first peer-to-peer lending company 10 years ago, has been leading the development of inclusive finance in China. Since its establishment, it has built a national network covering 251 cities in China (including Hong Kong S.A.R.) and 93 rural areas. Through Yirendai (NYSE: YRD), CreditEase's online consumer finance marketplace that connects investors with individual borrowers, the Company provides an effective solution to address largely underserved investors and individual borrowers in China. Yirendai provides an online platform that automates key aspects of its operations to efficiently match borrowers with investors and execute loan transactions. "China's fintech market is the largest in the world. This has been a joint effort between the government and Chinese fintech companies. Smart regulation is very key regulation should not be too rigid or too flexible," Mr. Tang commented. He added that the government must make the "bottom line" very clear to market practitioners so that when the official rules come out, there are no surprises. He also explained that it is the joint responsibility of government and businesses to leverage technology to ensure the healthy development of the industry over the long term. "Technology is not a monopoly. The government can also use technology to enforce smart regulation. When we were starting out, CreditEase volunteered to work with financial institutions to make our business more secure. By working with the banks, all transactions take place within the banking infrastructure so that it is clear where all the funds are going. Fintech industry best practices later became a regulatory requirement. A collaborative effort between the government and the industry has made this possible." Ahead of the CEO Summit, CreditEase released an English language version of its Report on the Practice of Inclusive Finance ("the Report"). The report was developed by CreditEase, Chief Economist Ba Shusong at the China Banking Association and Harvard Business China Review (HBRC). The Report has also been turned into a Harvard Business School case study. While the world is concerned with protectionism and trade wars, Mr. Tang believes that collaboration between businesses and governments across national borders is the way to bring sustained and inclusive growth to the global economy. SOURCE CreditEase The scale of the most recent exhibition increased again, for the first time arranging five major exhibit areas, including one for foreign exhibition groups, barrier-free living, health-care, smart retirement, and healthy lifestyles. An in-depth deconstruction was achieved of the silver industry industrial chain, achieving comprehensive insight into the industry's market segments in terms of development trends and prospects. During the three-day exhibition, all globally leading senior care brands were present, doing their utmost to demonstrate for attendees the most innovative products, technologies, and industry trends. Each exhibition area was bustling with activities, and exhibitors got a lot out of the interactions, with impressive trade and cooperation results. Full House at Summit Focused on Industry Future Development During the exhibition the 2016 China International Silver Industry Summit Forum was held simultaneously with a theme of "Silver Industry -- Commencing a New Era of Social Well Fare for Countless People". The events included over 20 specific forums, including a main forum, sub-forums, special forums, procurement match-ups, and others. These forums were attended by more than 80 industry elites, scholars, and experts from the US, France, Australia, Japan, Holland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Chinese mainland, with in-depth discussions held in relation to retirement operations, community services, talent training, senior housing, health care, and other multidimensional hot topics. Activities were wonderfully presented and well-received by industry colleagues. The three-day exhibition attracted over 10,000 professional visitors from at home and abroad to join in the forums, together making the event an authoritative platform through which to hold a dialogue and exchange on issues concerning the silver industry. Assemble of Global Buyers, Experiencing One-Stop Procurement The Fair attracted multiple globally leading buyers to the site to engage in procurement thanks to the expo's impressive brand power and expansive exhibitor resources. At the event engaging in high-quality procurement initiatives were procurement alliances representing industries including senior housing, retirement institutions, rehabilitation institutions, hospital care, and finance and investment, together generating limitless business opportunities. Amongst the well-known businesses were R&F Properties, Henda, Vanke, Poly, and Yuexiu Property; CJKA, Australian Chinese Community Association, NEC, French Consulate Business Investment Office in Guangzhou, Hong Kong's Po Leung Kuk, and other overseas institutional buyers; Huichen Life, Taicheng Yiyuan, Yihe, Pacific Insurance, China Life Investment, and other institutions and enterprises; and China Real Estate Association Elderly Residence Committee, Advisory Committee for the Elderly in Hong Kong, the Guangdong Property Industry Association, Guangdong Provincial Association of Property Management, and other authoritative associations and institutional groups. Moving forward, the Fair will continue to provide a multifaceted, socialized and international industry development exchange platform to integrate the resources of global industrial chains both upstream and downstream while jointly formulating a blueprint for the future of the silver industry. We will look forward to seeing you in 2017! Contact: Ms. Xia Lingxu Tel: +86-20-8989-9600 / +86-135-7045-1966 E-mail: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161114/438689 SOURCE Organizing Committee of the 3rd China International Silver Industry Exhibition Noida, Nov 15 : 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. Agartala, Nov 17 : India and Bangladesh officials on Thursday began a two-day meeting to resolve differences over southern Tripura's Muhurichar -- the lone disputed enclave between the two neighbours. The fate of Muhurichar had remained undecided even though the two neighbours swapped 161 enclaves in July last year. An official of the Tripura government's Revenue Department said the officials of the two countries held a meeting at Majumder Haat on Thursday in Bangladesh, opposite southern Tripura's sub-divisional town Belonia. The final meeting would be held in Dhaka on Friday to resolve the dispute over Muhurichar enclave, he said. The official said the Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Ministry's Joint Secretary (Border Management) Sripriya Ranganathan, while the Bangladesh side was headed by Additional Secretary (Political) of the Home Affairs Ministry of that country Abu Hena Mohammad Rahamatul Muneem. "Ranganathan held a meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in Agartala on Wednesday and discussed about the Muhurichar enclave," the official said but refused to divulge anything about the outcome of the meeting. Tripura's Revenue, PWD and Health Minister Badal Choudhury told IANS: "Decades before creation of Bangladesh in 1971, around 60 Indian farmers have been cultivating in the 63-acre Muhurichar enclave area." "The India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group meeting held in Dhaka last year had decided that the two countries would once again conduct joint survey in the 63-acre Muhurichar area to resolve the deadlock," he said. As part of the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 and its 2011 Protocol, India gave away to Bangladesh 110 of the 111 enclaves and received 51 enclaves in return on July 31 midnight last year, but the talks over Muhurichar had remained inconclusive. "There is no problem over other enclaves. But as the Survey of India, along with its Bangladeshi counterpart, demarcated Muhurichar without any consultation and contact with the Tripura government, the enclave has remained undecided so far," Choudhury added. Around 60 Indian farmers have been cultivating in Muhurichar area for several decades even before creation of Bangladesh in 1971. Joint Secretary Ranganathan, in a letter earlier this year, had assured the Tripura Chief Secretary that "the MEA would not take any steps that are at variance with the provision contained in the LBA 1974 and 2011 Protocol". The Tripura Minister said: "Of the 63-acre Muhurichar area, we have no objection in giving some portion of land to Bangladesh after ensuring a perfect demarcation of the areas. There are three separate cremation grounds of three religious communities in the Muhurichar area for several decades." "The real tussle between India and the then East Pakistan over Muhurichar area started since early 1965. For many years, soldiers of the then East Pakistan and subsequently Bangladeshi border guards occasionally fired on the Indian side, killing and injuring many," said the 67-years-old Left leader, who hails from this area. According to the officials of South Tripura district administration, a proposal has been submitted to the union government to provide compensation to the affected Indian farmers, who had been farming in the area for many tears. After the 517-year rule by 184 kings, the erstwhile Princely State of Tripura merged with the Indian union on October 15, 1949. Since the partition of India in 1947, the Muhuri river along Muhurichar was considered a natural boundary between the two nations. Over 84 per cent of Tripura's total border (856 km) is international border. Damascus, Nov 20 : At least seven children were killed in rebel shelling on a school in Syria's Aleppo city on Sunday, a monitor group reported. The shelling targeted a school on the Al-Furqan neighbourhood in the government-controlled part west of Aleppo, Xinhua news agency cited the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying. The official SANA news agency also reported the attack, saying 20 other children were wounded. It added that all the wounded are in a critical condition. The attack is the latest in a series of endless shelling by the rebels on government-held part of Aleppo. Agartala, Nov 20 : A meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi officials in Dhaka to resolve the dispute over southern Tripura's Muhurichar -- the lone enclave whose fate is yet unresolved between the two neighbours -- ended inconclusively, officials said here on Sunday. "The meeting in Dhaka to resolve the dispute over Muhurichar enclave remained inconclusive. The officials of the two countries would submit reports to their respective governments to decide the further course of action," a top official of Tripura's Revenue Department told IANS on the condition of anonymity. "Indian officials told their Bangladeshi counterparts that according to the Indira-Mujib accord, the boundary should be the mid-course of the Muhuri river. The Bangladesh officials objected to this logic, saying the course of the river has changed many times during the past 44 years," said the official. The Indira-Mujib agreement was signed on March 19, 1972 between the then Indian and Bangladeshi Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to determine various issues of the two countries, including 1971 as the cut-off year to identify the Bangladeshi infiltrators and refugees to India. The official said the seven-member Indian delegation was led by External Affairs Ministry's Joint Secretary, Border Management, Sripriya Ranganathan, while the 12-member Bangladesh side was headed by its Home Ministry's Additional Secretary (Political) Abu Hena Mohammad Rahamatul Muneem. Officials from both sides jointly visited the disputed enclave on Thursday and after that, held a meeting at Majumder Haat in Bangladesh, opposite southern Tripura's sub-divisional town Belonia. The final meeting was held in Dhaka on Friday. The Tripura official, who was a part of the Indian delegation, said that after the fixing of the boundary along Muhurichar enclave, both countries would construct embankments to protect the respective bordering towns, villages and other important installations. "Ranganathan held a meeting with Chief Minister Manik Sarkar here on Wednesday and discussed the Muhurichar enclave," the official said but refused to divulge anything about the discussions at the meeting. On the background of the issue, Tripura's Revenue, PWD and Health Minister Badal Choudhury told IANS that "decades before creation of Bangladesh in 1971, around 60 Indian farmers have been cultivating in the 63-acre Muhurichar enclave area". "The India-Bangladesh Joint Boundary Working Group meeting held in Dhaka last year had decided that the two countries would once again conduct joint survey in the 63-acre Muhurichar area to resolve the deadlock," he added. As part of the implementation of the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 and its 2011 Protocol, India gave away to Bangladesh 110 of the 111 enclaves and received 51 enclaves on July 31 midnight last year, but the talks over Muhurichar had remained inconclusive. "There is no problem over other enclaves, including northern Tripura's Chandannagar. But as the Survey of India, along with its Bangladeshi counterpart, unilaterally demarcated Muhurichar enclave without any consultation and contact with the Tripura government, the enclave has remained undecided so far," said Choudhury, who hails from the Belonia sub-division under which the Muhurichar enclave falls. "Of the 63-acre Muhurichar area, we have no objection in giving some portion of land to Bangladesh after ensuring a perfect demarcation of the areas. There are three separate cremation grounds of three religious communities in the Muhurichar area for several decades. "The real tussle between India and the then East Pakistan over Muhurichar area started since early 1965. For many years, soldiers of the then East Pakistan and subsequently Border Guard Bangladesh occasionally fired at the Indian side, killing and injuring many," he added. Border guards of both the countries have even engaged in many skirmishes since 1978 over Muhurichar enclave. According to South Tripura district officials, a proposal has been submitted to the Union government to provide compensation to the affected Indian farmers in the area. Since the Partition of India in 1947, the Muhuri river along Muhurichar was considered a natural boundary with then East Pakistan. Chandigarh, Nov 20 : Hindi word 'jugaad' has clearly resonated with the visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin who on Sunday sought to connect the colloquial term to the Jewish state of Israel and its style of inventing and working. India's President Pranab Mukherjee, on his part, lauded Israel's conviction in making a mark in agriculture through innovation and technology solutions. The term 'jugaad' -- used by or known to many Indians -- means an ingenious way of getting around a problem or a bottleneck. "Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," Rivlin said while evoking images, memories, and emotions among the audience as it burst into peels of laughter. He was speaking after inaugurating the 12th edition of Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, here along with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. "During my visit to India, I learned a new word called 'jugaad'. Jugaad means -- a clever solution born out of trouble. If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word," Rivlin said as the audience broke into laughter. "Just imagine a small nation, suffering for being different. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," he added. The Israeli President said people in his country had worked hard to make technological innovations and advancements. "We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations," he said. Rivlin said food security is not only about surviving -- it's about thriving. After inaugurating the event, Mukherjee said: "There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I am happy to share the platform with the President of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value additions." He said Israel had created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. Talking about his experiences during his ongoing visit to India, Revlin said he visited Karnal in Haryana, where Indians and Israelis are developing new varieties of cherry tomatoes, which are an Israeli invention. "When Indian and Israeli experts place solar panels on truck roofs to use solar energy to keep food inside fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help farmers keep growing crops, they are doing magic together." Mukherjee and Revlin went around a section of the fair, which showcases technological innovations potentially beneficial for the agriculture sector at the Parade Ground here. Israel is the partner country while 12 other countries are participating. Ninety-two domestic and 47 exhibitors are among the participants, including from Canada, Germany, Britain, China, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey and the US. Punjab and Haryana are the host states for the four-day expo while Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the partner states. New Delhi, Nov 20 : Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will leave for a four-day visit to China on November 21, an official said on Sunday. "Chief of the Army Staff is leading a high-level military delegation, comprising senior military officers, to China on a four-day visit from November 21 to 24," said a defence release. During the visit, Gen Singh will visit important military installations of China, including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades and is scheduled to meet high-ranking officials of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China. The CMC is the highest military body of China. "The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and Peace Keeping training. The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise -- Exercise Hand-in-Hand -- between the two armies, which is underway in Pune," the release read. Gen Singh's visit will be followed by General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA, coming here in the second week of December. New Delhi, Nov 20 : Vice President Hamid Ansari on Sunday paid rich tributes to former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his birth centenary celebrations here, calling him a man of umimpeachable integrity and a true nationalist. "Biju Patnaik was not just a political leader; he was also an aeronautical engineer, an air force pilot, an entrepreneur, a man of unimpeachable integrity and a freedom fighter. He was a true nationalist, and still the interests of his beloved Odisha always were close to his heart," Ansari said. He recalled Patnaik's standing, which was such that "in a rare occurrence, national flags of three nations -- India, Indonesia and the USSR -- were draped on his body at funeral". The Vice President said Patnaik was a firm believer in democracy and a socialist by heart, who shared independent India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of an India steeped in scientific temper and saw technology as the key to solve India's myriad problems. He said the Odiya leader strongly believed in socialism and federalism and that he had a vision for the growth and development of his beloved Odisha. He praised him for wanting dismantling of agrarian feudalism and its replacement by industrial revolution. "I join you all today as we pay respects to a great leader, a hero to his people -- a visionary, an ideologist who inspired adventurous ideas," Ansari said. "He lives on, not only in the memories of people who have met him but people who have heard of him and read about him. His legacy continues to inspire us," he added. Patnaik's son and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, state ministers Debi Prasad Mishra and Usha Devi and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. New Delhi, Nov 20 : The JNU Students Union (JNUSU) along with the family members of missing student Najeeb Ahmed on Sunday reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav seeking his help against the alleged inaction of the Delhi Police and JNU administration in the matter. "We acquainted him with demands of 'JusticeforNajeeb' and made him acquainted with inactivity of Delhi Police and JNU adminstration. We also requested him to explore the possibilities of administrative intervention in searching Najeeb," said a statement issued by the JNUSU after the meeting with the UP CM in Lucknow. "The CM of UP promised us that he will explore the possibilities of administrative intervention by the UP government. Besides this, we also requested him to write to Home Minister, Prime Minister and the President of India and ask them to act promptly and transparently in this case," it added. Among the people meeting the CM were JNUSU President Mohit Pandey, its former Vice President Shehla Rashid, Ahmed's mother Fatima Nafees, and his brother Mujeeb. It has been 35 days since Najeeb Ahmed has been missing from the Jawaharlal Nehru Univesity's (JNU) Mahi-Mandvi hostel where he was assaulted by students affiliated to Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the night of October 14-15. A Proctorial Inquiry was formed at the University level to find the culprits, apart from a Special Investigation Team (SIT) by the Delhi Police to trace Ahmed. The Inquiry in its November 7 report, found at least one student named Vikrant guilty of assaulting Ahmed on the said night, and served him with a show cause notice. Imphal, Nov 20 : One person was killed and three others were injured in three bomb blasts here on Sunday. The blasts came at a time when security had been beefed up in view of the international Sangai Festival in the heart of Imphal city beginning from Monday. The first blast was reported at 8 a.m. at Singjamei in which one Vinod Rai hailing from Bihar was killed. His scrap shop is located near the site of the explosion. Two CRPF troopers were hurt when hand grenades were hurled on the campus of All India Radio at 5.14 p.m. One Assam Rifles trooper was injured in another blast at 5 p.m. near the office of the defence wing public relations officer. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh condemned the violence and told IANS that the violent incidents shall give a wrong message to the delegates coming here for the Sangai Festival from India and abroad. No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts so far. New York, Nov 20 : An Indian American man who tried to go to Syria with his teenaged brother and sister to join the Islamic State terror organisation has been sentenced in Chicago to 40 months in prison. Mohammed Hazra Khan, 21, became on Friday the first person of Indian origin to be convicted and sentenced in the US for Islamic State connections. The sentencing hits the news just after the victory of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who had called for intensive investigation of Muslim immigrants and, controversially, suggesting that if necessary their immigration should be stopped temporarily till a mechanism for heightened scrutiny was in place. Federal Judge John J. Tharp sentenced Khan, who had admitted in court last year to the charges of providing support to the Islamic State and trying to go abroad to join it, Mary B. McCord, the Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security, said in a statement. The judge in the Northern Illinois federal court also ordered that for 20 years after his release, Khan should undergo intensive supervision that includes "violent extremism counselling" and a mental health treatment programme, she added. Khan was arrested by anti-terrorism officers two years ago while trying to leave the US from Chicago's O'Hare Airport, she said. He was 19 years old at the time of his arrest. Khan's brother, who was 16 years old in 2014, and sister, who was 17, were also stopped at the airport but did not face any charges and were let go after officials questioned them. Khan is an American citizen born here. But his family had immigrated from India and lived in the Chicago area, The Chicago Tribune reported quoting his lawyer Thomas Anthony Durkin. In a Tribune picture taken outside the courtroom, Khan's mother, Zarine, was seen wearing a hijab and his father, Shafi, a long beard. The newspaper said that Khan wore a skullcap inside the court. ABCNews reported that last year, his mother had publicly asked IS leaders to "leave our children alone" and asserted: "The venom spewed by these groups and the violence committed by them find no support in the Quran and are completely at odds with our Islamic faith." Durkin told the judge that Khan did not intend to wage a jihad against the US but was naive and only wanted to join an Islamic caliphate and live according to Muslim doctrine, according to the Tribune. Tharp did not buy the argument. The Tribune reported that the judge said: "Mr. Khan set off to join and aid a terrorist organization that believes it is appropriate, indeed believes it is holy, to kill anyone who disagrees with its religious dogma." Tharp referred to the behaviour of the Islamic State and told Khan that "instead of a public beheading, you have been given a public trial," ABCNews reported. Khan could have been sentenced to 15 years, but the prosecutors asked for only five years because he had cooperated in other prosecutions and the judge gave the even more lenient sentence of 40 months. With the two years he spent in custody and remission for good behaviour, he would eligible to be free to join college next year, ABCNews said. The Tribune said that according to prosecutors, Khan helped with investigations against an Islamic State fighter and recruiters and had also offered to testify against a British Islamic State recruiter, Mizanur Rahman. Mogadishu, Nov 21 : At least two police officers were killed and two others injured in a bomb explosion at a checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday. Government spokesman Abdifitah Omar Halane said the incident was caused by an explosive device planted near the checkpoint manned by traffic police officers, Xinhua news agency reported. "We think the blast was a landmine which terrorists planted near the checkpoint mid last night," Halane said, adding that an investigation is underway. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack, but militants from Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab frequently carry out attacks on government and civilian targets in the country. Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia are conducting security operations in Benadir region, where Mogadishu is located, ahead of presidential election slated for November 30. Dr. Murayama is engaging in important synthetic and complex scholarship that promises to encourage innovative theory as well as practical educational import A groundbreaking researcher whose research lies at the intersection of education and cognitive neuroscience was awarded the ninth annual prize for Transforming Education Through Neuroscience. The award was established to honor individuals who represent excellence in bridging neuroscience and education and is funded by the Learning & the Brain Foundation. The $2,500 award will be used to support translational efforts bridging scientific findings and classroom practice. Kou Murayama, PhD, is being honored for his work on motivation and cognition from the neural level to the social level. Dr. Murayama received his Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Tokyo in 2006 and did his post-doctoral work at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, the University of Munich and UCLA. Now at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, Dr. Murayama is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience where he runs the Motivation Lab. Dr. Murayamas research on motivation has potentially large implications for the field of education. His research focuses on a number of questions about the function and the architecture of human motivation from both theoretical (especially focusing on the theories of achievement goals, intrinsic motivation, and reinforcement learning) and practical (especially educational) perspectives. Some of these questions revolve on how motivation can enhance learning, the nature of intrinsic motivation, and metamotivation. His laboratory uses a multi-method approach by drawing upon a variety of methodologies such as behavioral experiments, large sample surveys, neuroimaging (i.e., fMRI), experience sampling, meta-analysis, behavioral genetics analysis, mathematical modeling, and intervention in order to understand motivation from different perspectives. According to Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, EdD, who is Associate Professor of Education, Psychology and Neuroscience at the Rossier School of Education and Associate Professor of Psychology at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California, Dr. Murayama is an exceptionally talented and prodigious scholar who is conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research integrating cognitive scientific, neuroscientific and educational research approaches. She also said that his work is remarkable for its creativity and innovation in both neuroscientific and educational domains. Last years award winner, Fumiko Hoeft called Dr. Murayama a truly talented researcher bridging many fields. David B. Daniel, PhD, Professor of Psychology at James Madison University and the 2013 winner of the award, also had praise for the new recipient. Dr. Murayama is engaging in important synthetic and complex scholarship that promises to encourage innovative theory as well as practical educational import. Dr. Daniel presented the prize to Dr. Murayama at the Learning & the Brain educational conference in Boston, MA on Saturday, November 19, held at the Westin Copley Hotel. The Learning & the Brain Foundation wishes Dr. Murayama our heartiest congratulations. Before breaking the world record, fairies were able to dance on stage and show off their tutu, wings and wand. What better way to showcase to the world that Louisville is the best Christmas town in the United States, said Nick Briner, general manager of the Galt House Hotel Christmas at the Galt House Hotel broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of Fairies on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 11:36 a.m. with 936 fairies. Members of the community and local Girl Scout troops came out to the Galt House Hotels Grand Ballroom to break the world record. The previous record for the largest gathering of fairies was 871 held by St Giles Hospice (UK) in Lichfield, Staffordshire, UK, on June 22, 2013. I had so much fun being a part of the Christmas at the Galt House Hotels record setting largest gathering of fairies, said Brad Good, CPA. It was a privilege for me to serve as an official witness. Christmas at the Galt House Hotel and this event is truly a memorable experience. In order to break the record, fairies had to be dressed in a tutu, with a wand and wings. If participants did not have a full costume, the Christmas at the Galt House Hotels Snow Fairy Princess lent items from her personal collection. Christmas at the Galt House Hotel opened November 17 and runs through December 24, 2016. A portion of proceeds from the event benefits Home of the Innocence. Tickets details are available at ChristmasAtTheGaltHouse.com. Experts gathered for a meeting by The American Journal of Managed Care predict that the transition to value-based care will continue under a Trump administration. Help your payer figure out who the good folks are, and who the not-so-good folks are. Past News Releases RSS AJMCs Evidence-Based... Tailoring Diabetes Coaching to... Coverage of 2016 American Society... The arrival of a Trump administration will mean the end of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), likely through a budget reconciliation bill early in his term. But along with ACA elements that President-elect Donald J. Trump has said he wants to keep, like guaranteed issue, expect the transition from fee-for-service toward value-based care to continue. Thats what experts predicted during the discussion, Oncology Care 2017, the final session of Patient-Centered Oncology Care, an annual multistakeholder gathering presented by The American Journal of Managed Care Thursday and Friday in Baltimore, Maryland. The panel featured experts in both oncology and in the ways of Washington: Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN); Scott Gottlieb, MD, of the American Enterprise Institute, who held senior posts at the US Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the George W. Bush administration; Kavita Patel, MD, MS, of the Brookings Institution and a former senior advisor in the Obama administration; and Ted Okon, MBA, executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance. Bruce Feinberg, DO, of Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, served as moderator. Gottlieb predicted, as others have, that the Republican Congress will use the budget reconciliation process to get rid of most of the elements of the ACA, as well as its name, while allowing a two-year transition period to work on a replacement. Some of the changes might include a loosening of the essential health benefit requirements, and fewer restrictions on what Gottlieb called the very tight actuarial banding, that he said, doesnt allow for experimentation in benefit design. There might even be relief to fund risk mechanisms, Gottlieb said, which Feinberg noted Republicans refused to do for the Obama administration. The key, Gottlieb said, is to address the broader problems within the insurance market so the country wont change course on healthcare every time the party in power changes in Washington. To Carlson, that means ensuring accessand not cutting off access to the 20 million individuals who have gained coverage under the ACA. But Gottlieb and Okon said that the quality of coverage for many, especially in cancer care, falls far short of what is needed. While the panelists split on the merits of the ACA as it has functioned, they agreed that healthcare would keep moving away from fee-for-service toward value-based payment, though that is necessarily more complex in cancer care. Everyone wants value, said Okon. Its just a matter of how. Feinberg framed the session around observations from keynote speaker Roy A. Beveridge, MD, chief medical officer of Humana, who said that the transition to value-based care has taken payers from worrying about the ceiling, which is how much they would have to pay, to the floor, which is the minimum quality of care. Because the time frames of government regulation cant keep pace with scientific advances, NCCNs guidelines can offer a foundation for value-based reimbursement in cancer care, for Medicare and beyond. When asked what constitutes value, Carlson said, Its what the patient tells me it is. For Patel, one key to a value-based healthcare system of the future is improved patient literacy. Even Gottlieb, an acknowledged critic of the ACA, said the HealthCare.gov website improved its consumer navigation tools between its debut and the current year. Said Patel, I still practice medicine, and Ive never had more people asking me how to buy insurance. On the first day of the meeting, Beveridge explained that before the ACA, health plans relied on underwriting, a practice in which actuaries determined that some people would not be covered because they presented too great a risk. The ACA ended this, Beveridge said, which is a good thing. And I think the industry applauds that. President-elect Trump has said he wants to continue this part of the ACA, known as guaranteed issue. To do so, Beveridge said that plans will have to work with providers on population health. If you cant make the population healthier, then financially youre not going to do well, Beveridge said. In the world of cancer care, there will be more attention paid to areas like palliative care, data sharing, transparency, and nurturing stronger relationships between physicians and patients. Ultimately, the move toward value-based care means removing the historic antagonism between payers and providers and getting the two to work together. Help your payer figure out who the good folks are, and who the not-so-good folks are, Beveridge said. About the Journals and AJMC.com The American Journal of Managed Care is the leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to issues in managed care. AJMC.com distributes healthcare news to leading stakeholders across a variety of platforms. Other titles in the franchise include The American Journal of Accountable Care, which publishes research and commentary on innovative healthcare delivery models facilitated by the 2010 Affordable Care Act. AJMCs Evidence-Based series brings together stakeholder views from payers, providers, policymakers and pharmaceutical leaders in oncology and diabetes management. To order reprints of articles appearing in AJMC publications, please call (609) 716-7777, x 131. Earl B Gilliam Awards Klinedinst PC with 2016 Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundations Corporate Diversity award honors firms and companies that show a commitment to supporting the advancement of minorities and women in the legal profession. Klinedinst has shown that commitment... The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation has honored Klinedinst PC and Heather L. Rosing with its 2016 Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award. The Corporate Commitment to Diversity Award annually honors law firms for their continuing efforts to advance diversity in the legal community. Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of the African American legal community in San Diego County for over forty years. The Foundation provides scholarships and support for law students and African American legal professionals, and has done much to assist San Diego County attorneys in the advancement of their legal careers. In these times where so much negative rhetoric has been used to divide and exclude, it is vitally important that we come together to promote inclusion and support persons and groups that have been traditionally excluded and underrepresented, said Joy Utomi, President of the Foundation. The Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundations Corporate Diversity award honors firms and companies that show a commitment to supporting the advancement of minorities and women in the legal profession. Klinedinst has shown that commitment and we are proud to recognize them at our upcoming annual dinner. Klinedinst and its Diversity Committee have launched several initiatives and have actively participated in programming to help increase diversity in both the legal and business communities. The firm annually sponsors a diversity scholarship for a 1L law student through the California Bar Foundation (CBF). On a local level, the firm is also an active supporter of the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program and the Sacramento County Bar (SCBA) Diversity Fellowship Program. In fact, Ms. Rosing launched the San Diego County Bar Associations Diversity Fellowship Program when she served as President from 2007-2008. The firm annually welcomes a 1L student from an underrepresented community in each jurisdiction to clerk at the firm during the summer. Klinedinst PC is proud and honored to support these amazing and very deserving students from across the state, said Ms. Rosing, who volunteers her time speaking to attorneys across the state on issues of ethics and elimination of bias within the legal profession. These are our future leaders. Klinedinst is a supporter of the SDCBAs Dialogue On Diversity, a program where industry leaders educate attendees on the importance of diversity in the legal community. Additionally, the firm was an original signatory to the Los Angeles County Bar Associations 2005 Statement of Diversity Goals and Principles and the SDCBAs 2007 Diversity Pledge. The firm promotes the rights of the disabled through its active participation with the Los Angeles-based Disability Rights Legal Center. Klinedinst proudly supports Women of Color in the Law, which provides opportunities and mentorship to law students in San Diego. We need both the lawyers and the judges in the state of California to be reflective of our communities, in order to effectively serve them, said Nadia Bermudez, former President of La Raza Lawyers and Lawyers Club of San Diego, as well as Senior Counsel at Klinedinst PC. We are very thankful to the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Foundation for their advancement of underrepresented groups in the legal profession, and are so honored to receive this award. Klinedinst was presented the award at the Foundations 40th Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner on November 12, 2016. To learn more about the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, please visit: http://earlbgilliambar.org/ About Klinedinst Klinedinst has become the go-to firm for clients across California, across the West, and across the globe. Our litigators, trial attorneys, and transactional lawyers guide clients through every problem, finding solutions at every turn. The firm serves clients from offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Ana, and Seattle. Whether representing businesses in court, helping negotiate transactions, or handling matters in state, federal, or appellate courts, Klinedinst attorneys help to get the job done. Children below 12 years and women will get treatment at 'Mahila mohalla clinics': Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. CHICAGO (AP) A strike by hourly workers at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago will add another dimension to a nationwide day of protests by fast-food employees who have been pushing for a $15 hourly wage and union rights, organizers said Monday. Thousands of workers plan to walk off the job at McDonald's restaurants and other fast-food spots in more than 340 cities on Nov. 29, organizers said in a news release. The planned "Day of Disruption" will mark the fourth anniversary of the first protests at McDonald's restaurants in New York. The attention-grabbing airport strike is "going to cause complete disruption in travel plans for the day and maybe days to come," said Kendall Fells, national organizing director of the Fight for $15 campaign. "Four decades ago, airport jobs were jobs you could live off of. Now airport jobs are just like fast-food jobs. We're all standing together." The Service Employees International Union announced Monday that hundreds of workers will strike that day at O'Hare, one of the nation's busiest airports. The union has helped fund and staff the Fight for $15 campaign. O'Hare is the only airport where workers plan to strike, though organizers are planning protests at airports in 18 other cities, including Boston, Washington, D.C., Denver, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles. About 500 O'Hare workers committed to a strike after a vote last week. They are trying to organize with SEIU Local 1's help. They work for private contractors at the airport and include baggage handlers, cabin cleaners, janitors and wheelchair attendants. Organizers said it will be up to workers to decide whether the strike will last longer than one day. The Chicago Department of Aviation said it doesn't anticipate any disruption in service. Some holiday travelers are nervous, however. Kim Maguire, 40, of Crystal Lake, was at O'Hare on Monday with her 3-year-old daughter and husband as they headed out for a holiday trip to see relatives in Seattle, with a return flight scheduled on the strike date. "I don't want it to impact our travel plans," Maguire said. "Especially traveling with a 3-year-old, delays would be difficult." Maguire said she supports the workers and is grateful to those who clean planes, especially reaching into seat-back pockets. "I wouldn't want to reach my hand in there," she said. Julio Godoy, 54, an O'Hare airplane cabin cleaner who makes $10.50 an hour, said he plans to take part in the strike. He said he knows co-workers who have been stuck by the needles of syringes left in seat-back pockets and who then needed to be tested for HIV and hepatitis. He said he's also concerned about being asked to check planes for weapons and explosives without training. There had been concern that the strike would fall during the busiest travel days. In announcing the Nov. 29 strike, the union and workers on Monday portrayed the date as a concession to families. "O'Hare airport workers often can't afford a proper Thanksgiving dinner and know what it's like to miss Thanksgiving with our families," said baggage handler Raquel Brito, who announced the strike date. "However we respect families traveling to be together and that is why we're holding off our strike until after the Thanksgiving holiday." KEWANEE -- In 2008, the Kewanee Police Department began using body cameras in its street crimes unit, which works crimes such as drug buys. It remains the only Henry County law enforcement agency using body cameras. The early body cameras were basic, according to Chief Jim Dison. Not the expensive pieces you're seeing today, he said. But we saw the value in them and -- fast-forward events -- Ferguson and everything that took place after that. After the initial use, Chief Dison said Kewanee was well on its way to equipping all officers who respond to calls when Illinois passed a law last fall stating police departments could and should use body cameras. About that time, Peoples National Bank approached the department and offered to buy four better-quality cameras for the department. Other donations came from the public, the Kewanee Park District, Dr. Gordon Pointer, the Kewanee Woman's Club and others. The department used drug seizure funds to purchase the last eight cameras. For more than a year now, all Kewanee police officers have been equipped with cameras. And the department is seeing fewer civilian complaints as a result. Normally we get approximately seven or eight a year, Chief Dison said. I believe last year we were down to two. This year we have one. The cameras pay for themselves, he said, not only in less litigation and out-of-court settlements, but also in the reduced cost of internal affairs officers' time investigating complaints against the department. It's given police administrators the ability to refute frivolous allegations against police officers when we can actually watch and hear what happened, Chief Dison said. Such investigations can lead to bringing in an outside agency, such as the Illinois State Police. But Chief Dison said that hasn't happened in his memory. Chief Dison said earlier complaints against officers included, "He was rude to me." The Kewanee Police Department was sued recently after a fender-bender. Another complaint involved an allegation of excessive use of force. Chief Dison reflected on the latter incident. This (camera evidence) probably would have come in handy, he said. In my opinion, it (the use of force case) probably would have been dismissed on summary judgment. It went a little ways longer before being settled. Chief Dison said the department also had a parent question a traffic stop of his child. Kewanee police showed the body camera video to the man. "It just goes to show you, once they see what happens, the question was done and they go on their way, said Chief Dison. He said he sees no real downside to having cameras. It seems like video is becoming more state-of-the-norm in our society, he said. Henry County Sheriff Jim Padilla has said he wants to equip his deputies with such cameras. But the Nov. 8 failure of the public safety tax in Henry County could make it harder for his department to get that equipment. Chief Dison expects the cameras eventually will be standard equipment for all law enforcement members. He declined to voice an opinion on who should get body cameras first: corrections officers at the jail or road deputies. At Kewanee, images and and sound from the cameras are uploaded to a computer server but not connected to monitors for simultaneous viewing. Chief Dison said the public can ask officers to turn off cameras when they are used on private property up to the point where an officer feels the situation is dangerous but people, by and large, accept the cameras. For example, he said, if an officer was responding to a domestic call and someone was in some stage of being unclothed, the officer would automatically temporarily turn off the camera. Chief Dison said Kewanee's body cameras cost $895 each, with a warranty adding another $500. They're not cheap, he said. In the long run, the value of the cameras will pay for themselves. While he's happy with Kewanee's cameras, which he described as high quality, Chief Dison said they already are second or third generation equipment in an industry that has blossomed since Michael Brown's shooting in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014. Makers of the cameras are implementing officers' suggestions for improvements, he said. Now is the early generation of what we're probably going to see 10 years from now, he said. It was only 2003 when Illinois required video-recording defendants' statements in homicide cases. That's why I say this has been such a fast-forward process, Chief Dison said. LOGO Lounge by Lori Goldstein French Terry Cardigan with Single Button is rated 3.4 out of 5 by 58 . Rated 4 out of 5 by mris from Great Cardigan! I agree with the other reviews, the armholes are smaller than expected which is the reason for the 4 stars. The color is beautiful and it's so soft and comfy- looks great but feels like I'm in PJs! Rated 4 out of 5 by WisconsinMama from Simple Lounge Piece I saw this at its clearance price (22$) and 4 EZ pays and jumped! Looks cute buttoned or easy as a waterfall cardigan left open with a tank. Certainly long enough for leggings or great with skinny jeans. It's simply engineered and nothing majorly special (I've seen these at plenty of Dept. stores before for 35-40$) but LOGO Lounge is my favorite line from LOGO and for the price you can't go wrong. I got the Parisian Blue and it is lovely and I may go back for the green. It runs big- I sometimes go Small or XS in Lounge and XS was definitely good with ample room. I am 5'5"/size 6. Rated 1 out of 5 by jsz from Not up to par for Logo Purchased this on sale. Have many Logo lounge pieces. The inside lining was similar to flannel and pilled terribly after the initial wash before wearing which would make wearing it open impossible. This one went back. Would not recommend it. Rated 2 out of 5 by kct from Poorly Fashioned Armholes too tight (common with Logo Lounge), but the bottom of the garment is much too wide. The only possible way to wear this is open, and it flares way out, making you look huge, even if you're not. Not a good buy even at the $29 sale price. Disappointed, but should have known better, heed the reviews on this one. Rated 1 out of 5 by Emmycat18 from Terrible!! I like the green color, but the fit & style are absolutely awful! Tight in the shoulders - could have sized up & maybe tried a different size, but WAY too much fabric that just hangs & adds bulk in all the wrong places! Took it off within 30 seconds of putting on. Got it on a good sale price so I really hoped it would work as I can't justify/afford most of this clothing line. Rated 5 out of 5 by Lu Ann K from Lori Did Not Disappoint Just received in Gray and it's perfect! For the price a little high but this worth it. Rated 5 out of 5 by Iowa Teacher from Love it! I love this cardigan so much that I have ordered four different colors. The fit is good and it goes with almost any tunic from either Logo or Susan Graver! It washes up well and does not need ironing. I get compliments almost every time I wear one. Just to let people know that the sleeves fit snuggly and will not push up, but that does not bother me. I just thought people need to know to make a good decision. "What we are really designing this for is the squeezed middle, the people on average incomes who get $800-$1000 worth of tax relief," said Luxon. 2 hours ago Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Property details: Golden Bear Placer Item Description Please Scroll To The Right Margin To See More Bigger Pictures, Thanks!! Beautiful Little Grizzly Creek Seen Below!! 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Price: $ 1 Seller State of Residence: Texas State/Province: Texas City: Corpus Christi Number of Bedrooms: 2 Location: , Corpus Christi, Tx You will be redirected to eBay Nearby 2 A California man who publicly destroyed Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been charged with felony vandalism, officials said. ADVERTISEMENT The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said James Lambert Otis was charged with the vandalism count, and was set to be arraigned on Friday. Otis, 52, destroyed the Trump star on Oct. 26 with a sledgehammer and pick-ax -- a scene that was recorded by multiple witnesses and posted online. The star, awarded to Trump in 2007, commemorated the billionaire's achievements in television, was located on Hollywood Boulevard between Orange Drive and Highland Avenue. Other stars on the famous walk also honor contributors in the film, music and theater industries. More than 2,500 stars adorn numerous blocks on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. "I just sort of had enough with Mr. Trump's aggressive language toward women and his behavior, his sexual violence with women and against women," Otis told the Los Angeles Times recently. "I've had personally, in my own family, four people who have been assaulted or have had sexual violence happen to them. It all became very personal." Otis was referring to remarks Trump made while talking with "Access Hollywood" correspondent Billy Bush during an interview in 2005 -- a conversation not meant to be heard, but captured by an open mic during the session. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Otis, of Beverly Hills, said he planned to auction off pieces of the star to raise money for women who claimed they were sexually assaulted by Trump in the past. Police estimated the damage to Trump's star at around $2,500. The president-elect, though, has denied accusations that he ever sexually assaulted anyone. If convicted, Otis could be sentenced to three years in jail. His case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. Voter guide: Race previews, what to know before you vote news Officers guard the crime scene of a shooting near Paulina and Moorman streets. (Elvia Malagon / Chicago Tribune) Six men were killed and six other people, including a 13-year-old boy, were wounded in shootings between Saturday morning and early Sunday across the city, police said. Four of the fatal shootings happened within a five-hour period early Sunday. Advertisement The most recent homicide happened about 4:30 a.m. in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. A 28-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in the 2400 block of West Devon Avenue and died three hours later, authorities said. Officers responded to gunfire on West Devon and found the man in an alley. He was shot multiple times, and he was in critical condition at Presence St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. The man was pronounced dead at 7:43 a.m. Sunday at St. Francis, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was later identified as Abimbola Sherelu, of the 6100 block of North Hermitage Avenue, according to the medical examiner's office. Advertisement Another shooting occurred at about 3:20 a.m. Sunday in the Chatham neighborhood on the South Side, police said. A 40-year-old man was shot in the stomach during an argument with an acquaintance in the 7800 block of South Michigan Avenue, police said. As the argument between the two escalated, the acquaintance pulled out a gun and shot the man. The 40-year-old man was taken in serious condition to Stroger Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 4:11 a.m., police said. The man was identified as Michael M. Gipson, and lived on the block where he was shot, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Twenty minutes earlier in the Wicker Park neighborhood on the North Side, a 24-year-old man was shot several times in a drive-by shooting, police said. About 3 a.m., the shooter was inside a red Nissan Pathfinder and fired at the victim, who was traveling north in the 1300 block of North Moorman Street. The 24-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Officers early Sunday guarded the small side street near the intersection of Paulina Street and Milwaukee Avenue, which is lined with newly constructed modern houses. In the West Englewood neighborhood, 22-year-old Odell Jones was shot to death about 12:50 a.m. Sunday, police said. Officers responded to the 6400 block of South Oakley Avenue and found Jones with a gunshot wound to his back. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Jones lived in the 6400 block of Claremont Avenue, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Advertisement A white sheet covered Jones' body on a sidewalk in front of a home. A handful of people gathered near the crime scene tape. One man repeatedly told the group, "He was just with me. He was just with me." About 11:30 a.m. Saturday, 18-year-old Kevin Shorter was killed in the 1400 block of North Latrobe Avenue in the Austin neighborhood, said Officer Jose Estrada, a Chicago police spokesman. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > According to preliminary reports, Shorter and a 13-year-old boy were walking when a gunman approached and started firing. Shorter was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene. The 13-year-old boy was shot in the face and was taken in serious condition to Mount Sinai Hospital, Estrada said. Shorter lived in the 1700 block of North Lorel Avenue, about half a mile from the shooting, according to the medical examiner. Earlier Saturday morning, 21-year-old Simion Jackson was fatally wounded in Englewood. Advertisement Police responded at 9:15 a.m. to the 6700 block of South Morgan Street and found Jackson unresponsive, authorities said. He had been shot shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene, police and the medical examiner said. Jackson lived in the 3800 block of West Ferdinand Street, the medical examiner said. Other shootings: 'Modi has said the poor are sleeping peacefully and the rich are buying sleeping pills.' The reality is the other way around.' 'Poor people are not able to sleep because of hunger.' Sahil Makkar reports from New Delhi. Rajesh Kushwaha, 40, and thousands of others are yet to get a day's work in Delhi since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8. Kushwaha, who sleeps on a footpath outside a building material shop in Paharganj's Chuna Mandi, is worried about fast exhaustion of paltry savings that his family is holding on to in Farrukhabad district, Uttar Pradesh. Kushwaha fears he might have to borrow from a moneylender if the condition persists for a few more days. "It has always been a hand-to-mouth situation for us. We are in a precarious position with people postponing construction and renovation activities in the absence of cash," said Kushwaha, who could have earned at least Rs 3,500 from 10 days' work. "I and many others are skipping one meal a day to survive till employment returns," said Kushwaha, for whom even buying a detergent soap to wash clothes is a luxury now. In Delhi, a daily wager spends at least Rs 20 for a meal. Those who share rooms with 8 to 10 others and cook their own meal are complaining of a sudden spike in the prices of wheat, salt and other essential commodities. "The shopkeeper has increased the price of wheat flour from Rs 25 to Rs 32," said 58-year-old Daya Ram from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. Even those who managed to find work on some days have dire stories to tell. "The employer asked me to take old currency note of Rs 500 and return him the remaining Rs 150. When I refused, he said come after a month for your pay," said Manvir Singh, a labourer from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi district. Singh decided to take the old Rs 500 note and get it exchanged in a bank. He tried twice, but the branch ran out of cash before his turn came. "Finally, I gave it to a trader who exchanged the old Rs 500 note for Rs 300," Singh complained. It's not just the national capital. The cash crunch has hit the daily wagers across the country. Many labourers have already left for their villages. Saroja, a 76-year-old mother of a construction worker in Chennai, is undecided about the impact of demonetisation on the country's economy. For her, the suffering has only increased. "My son is mostly paid with the old notes and some neighbourhood shops are accepting it. But they are forcing us to buy for the entire money. No one is tendering loose money," said Saroja, an asthmatic patient who could not visit her doctor. Some 1,700 km from Chennai, a tailor in Metiabruz area in Kolkata is sitting idle, waiting for some work. "For the past few days, our work has almost stopped. I am unable to purchase daily grocery," said Sheikh, who earns Rs 300 a day and during the wedding season makes up to Rs 500 a day. But this wedding season has been painful for his family. To make things worse, some employers are paying advance salaries, but in old currency. "Can we refuse our employers?" asks Gopal Singh, who toils hard to earn Rs 110 a day and lost one day's work just for exchanging the advance pay given by his employer. One angry worker was quick to point out: "Modi has said that poor are sleeping peacefully and the rich are buying sleeping pills. The reality is the other way around. Poor people are not able to sleep because of hunger." In Gujarat, the situation is no different. A reduction in consumption of perishable items has badly affected the vegetable vendors. Early in the morning, they were selling just about everything for Rs 5 a kg, be it radish, carrot, brinjal, bitter gourd or tomatoes, in Vejalpur, a densely populated locality in the western fringes of Ahmedabad, to clear the stock and generate some cash. "We do not have much of a choice, customers have reduced, as people are buying the bare minimum and we need cash to buy fresh stock. While the business is brisk in early mornings, as the day progresses, the demand dies down. We decided to clear our stocks in the morning only," said Deepakbhai, a vegetable seller at the mandi. Ashokbhai, a small seller, alleged that the wholesalers have stopped giving credit as they have to pay the farmers as well. "Only the big vendors are doing business. They have arrangements with wholesalers. For the smaller ones, the situation is grim," he said. Amrita Acharya in Kolkata, Alnoor Peermohamed in Bangalore, Aneesh Phadnis in Mumbai, Gireesh Babu from Chennai, and Vinay Umarji in Ahmedabad contributed to this report. IMAGE: Labourers at a wholesale vegetable market in Chennai. Photograph: Babu/Reuters. Image published only for representational purposes. 'People are willing to face temporary inconvenience as they are determined to support PM Modi's crackdown on black money,' Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tells Archis Mohan. Isn't the government apprehensive of losing political capital because of demonetisation? People have been inconvenienced and there are still queues outside banks and ATMs. The queues outside banks and ATMs have started thinning, and the situation will improve significantly in the next few days. The government is communicating regularly with the people. Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shaktikanta Das holds a press conference every day. The sentiment of the people at large is with the government. They are supporting Prime Minister Modi's bold move. People trust his leadership and are willing to face temporary inconvenience as they are determined to support his crackdown on black money. There is no panic. On our part, we are receiving suggestions and responding proactively to bring relief to people. The Congress has said it would take as much as seven months for the money supply to be restored. All I want to say is that the government announced the decision after much preparation. Those who have ad infinitum asked our government about our efforts to curb black money, and their record on this count (when they were in government) was abysmal, are now rattled. They are trying to spread fear and uncertainty. The time needed for printing particular currencies varies. The finance minister has assured that new currency notes will be available very soon. In the meantime, we should cooperate with the government and support the PM's decision to curb black money and fake currency. Our political rivals should at least, in the interest of the nation, stop spreading misinformation. The last two days of parliamentary proceedings were disrupted. What are the prospects for the next week? The Congress finds itself clueless. It had demanded a discussion in the Rajya Sabha and we agreed. The House discussed the issue the entire day on Wednesday, but it was evident from the speeches of Congress MPs that the party's criticism of the decision lacked substance. That is why on Thursday the Congress came up with a new demand that the PM should be present in the House and disrupted the proceedings. I believe that to be a ridiculous demand. The matter relates to the ministry of finance. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley waited the entire day to give his reply on the issue. I hope better sense would prevail upon the Congress and others when Parliament reconvenes on Monday. Is the government looking at giving relief to the people, like relaxing income tax slabs? What will be the gains from demonetisation? We have received several suggestions, including some who have asked for changes in income tax. We will take all suggestions into consideration. Demonetisation comes on the heels of a series of steps this government has taken to curb black money, including new tax treaties with Singapore, Mauritius and Cyprus. These new treaties have plugged loopholes that some people exploited to avoid paying taxes in India. The latest step will lead to a cleaner economy, more transactions through formal banking channels, improve liquidity in banks and spur investment. This will impact GDP (Gross Domestic Product) positively. In due course, benefits will follow. Common people understand this and have faith in the PM's leadership. ArthaKranti, a Pune-based organisation, has claimed that withdrawal of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes was its suggestion, which the PM has implemented. The government gets suggestions from a large number of stakeholders, public-spirited groups and individuals. It was one of the suggestions. It is true that they had given us a presentation before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But it would be incorrect to say that the decision was based only on that presentation. The government has brainstormed and prepared for months. IMAGE: LUCKNOW: People queue up outside a bank. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo Read the latest on supermodels, style, designers and everything in between. IMAGE: Gigi Hadid on the cover of Allure magazine. Victoria's Secret Angel Gigi Hadid flaunted her flawless bod in a bold photoshoot for the December issue of Allure magazine. The 21-year-old supermodel posed completely nude on the back of a horse, allowing readers the opportunity to see a bit into her private life. "She beams... she mounts him [the horse] and guides him easily. At one point, lying naked on his glossy bare back, (Gigi) Hadid looks as comfortable and happy as if she were lying in her own bed," read the magazine article. In her interview, Gigi told Allure, "I always wanted to prove myself and to let people know I'm a good person. A lot of people don't realise they're typing this stuff and that's a lot of negative energy -- regardless of whether we see it or not." "People just don't realise the power of their judgement," she added. Part of the model's struggle with the public has been the ongoing idea that Gigi became a successful model because of her famous parents, Yolanda and Mohammed Hadid, and not because of her talent. However, the women's beauty magazine compares the young model to 'shapelier supermodels' from the 1990s to justify she has all that is required of a successful person. ****** Meet the new (transgender) models of Diesel IMAGE: Loiza Lamers (left) and Benjamin Melzer (right). Photograph: Kind Courtesy Loiza Lamers/Instagram Clothing brand Diesel has roped in transgender fashion models Benjamin Melzer and Loiza Lamers as the new faces of their latest campaign. It's probably the first time that a high-end clothing brand has pulled off a feat of this sort. Not new to the world of modelling, Melzer was the first transgender male to appear on the cover of Germany's Men's Health. Transgender model Loiza Lamers shot to fame after winning the title of Holland's Next Top Model. Both these transgender models are working actively towards "raising awareness to create more opportunities for transgender models in campaigns for major brands." ****** 'Growing up, Kim spent the most time in the bathroom' Photograph: Kind Courtesy Kim Kardashian/Instagram Supermodel Kendall Jenner has revealed her step siblings -- Kourtney, Khloe and Kim Kardashian -- were sent to make-up school by their father as teenagers. Kendall said their father Robert Kardashian did it so that they didn't "look like crazy teenage girls" when they started experimenting with make-up, reported Contactmusic. "My older sisters went to make-up school when they were teenagers. Their dad sent them so that when they started to do their own make-up, they wouldn't look like crazy teenage girls who didn't know what they were doing. So my sisters always had good tips," Kendall said. "Growing up, Kim spent the most time in the bathroom. Kylie still begs to do my make-up. But I don't know if her style of make-up is my thing. I don't wear her lip kits as much as I wear my Estee Lauder colour." A few days ago Kendall quit Instagram because she "felt a little too dependent on it" and needed a 'social media detox'. "I would wake up in the morning and look at it first thing. I would go to bed and it was the last thing that I would look at." "I just wanted to detox. I just wanted a little bit of a break," she shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. With millions of social media followers, it seemed the last thing the young supermodel would do was to cut the cord between her and her legions of fans. Unfortunately, she did just that! ****** Eva Longoria loves clothes that look great with heels Photograph: Kind Courtesy Eva Longoria/Instagram Eva Longoria says she loves colours and glitzy garments in her wardrobe, especially for the festive season. Speaking about her wardrobe choices in a video posted on Instagram, Longoria said: "I really look forward to gathering with loved ones, whether it is family gatherings or work place gatherings, there are so many events that happen during the holiday season and you need the wardrobe to go with that. "During the holidays I like to gravitate towards embellishment (and) colour. I like festive colours. I love red, green, winter white, something with an A-line, something body conscious, something that looks great with a heel." "Fit is everything to me that's why I love to use textiles and materials." ****** Cindy Crawford: 'I was never super-skinny and never felt bad about it' Photograph: Larry Marano/Getty Images Supermodel Cindy Crawford has lashed out at the fashion industry for demanding female models to be "thinner". The 50-year-old star, who was among the first group of catwalk icons in 1980 era alongside Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista, said the fashion business has drastically changed for the worst since she began modelling, reported Female First. "I have a daughter who is entering this world and the expectation is for them to be even thinner now. I was always a size six; I was never super-skinny and never felt bad about it. Now, the models are expected to be so much thinner," Crawford said. The former supermodel has a 17-year-old son Presley and 15-year-old daughter Kaia. She added that the sudden insensitive transformation in the fashion industry is giving a wrong message to every girl. "When every model is expected to be size zero, I don't necessarily think that is a great message for women. The biggest change that I have seen for the young women modelling today is more pressure to be thinner," she said. Nine-year-old Khusbhoo, haunted by the memories of the horrific day when six persons of her village were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistani troops, has not slept a wink for the last 18 days. On November 1, she saw her family having a close shave as bullets and shells rained down on her village in Samba district. This shocking scene is etched in her memory. She is unable to sleep and cries most of the time. She has lost appetite too. She gets out of her bed in the middle of the night and starts running toward the door, crying, her mother said. The girls family initially thought her condition will improve over time, but she showed no signs of recovery. Later, her mother was advised to take her to Psychiatric Disease Hospital in Jammu. Rakesh Banal, who is treating Khushboo, said the cross-border firing was severely affecting the mental health of those residing in border areas that witness death and destruction. People who witness life-threatening events, suffer injury, subjected to sexual violence or are related to victims, suffer from psychiatric disorders, he said. Mukesh, 32, a resident of R S Pura sector, is also undergoing treatment at the hospital. He complains of insomnia and rapid heart rate. I cannot sleep. On hearing a sound, my heart rate increases. The doctors are treating me for stress and anxiety, he said. Some studies show that eight per cent of the population in the conflict area suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Jagadish Thappa, former head of Psychiatric Disease Hospital, Jammu, said, There has been an increase in the number of patients, especially from the border areas, who suffer from psychiatric diseases. If children see violence, firing, they are most likely to play with toy guns. It is a psychiatric disorder. And, I have seen that in Kashmir, he said. We get patients who complain of anxiety, panic attacks, palpitation, irritability, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance etc, the doctor said. The diseases can be cured if the patient gets medical attention before the symptoms worsen, Thappa said. Image: A villager shows a mortar shell that locals say was fired from the Pakistan side of the international border, at Garkhal village, about 35 km from Jammu. Photograph: Mukesh Gupta/Reuters Another open water fishing season is in the books: It was a nice season. Caught good numbers of fish most days, had a great time every day. I got to fish with old friends and new friends. Its at this time of year that I like to reflect on those days of fishing, but I also cant help thinking of the friends I didnt get to fish with this year. Sometimes there just arent enough days to get together with the friends that youd like to fish with, but sometimes you cant fish with those friends because theyre not around anymore, at least physically. Theyre always around in our memories. Three of those friends that I always think of in these reflective moments are Jim McDonnell, Toad Smith and Patrick Sheahan. Mac and Toad called the Iowa Great Lakes home, Patrick lived on the border of Wisconsin and Michigan near Land OLakes Wisconsin. All three were wonderful people who lived for their families and friends and the outdoors. My last fishing trip with Mac is a fond memory. We were on Storm Lake, chasing and catching walleyes. At the time, planer board fishing was kind of new to that area, but Mac was a pioneer in fishing techniques and wanted to give boards a try. Other anglers in the area that we were fishing couldnt figure out what we were doing with those yellow things on our line way out to the side of the boat. And, while we caught fish and they didnt, Mac gave anyone who asked a quick seminar on what we were doing and why. He always took time to teach others how to enjoy their outdoor experience even more. Mac died a few years ago after a day of hunting, ice-fishing and checking traps. Toad Smiths given name was Otis, but if you called him Otis, he thought you were angry with him. However, it was next to impossible to be angry with Toad. His health was not real good his last few years: He couldnt work, but he sure could be outside. The last time we fished together we were on Rainy Lake catching crappies. Toad liked to catch anything: Crappies, carp, catfish, he didnt care, and I appreciated that. We had much in common that way. Toad died on the way to deer camp. There had been a snowstorm the day before. On the way to deer camp, Toad and his hunting partner saw two rooster pheasants and decided to see if they could harvest them for supper. Toad walked back to where they saw the pheasants. Both roosters took flight: Toad shot once and both fell. Toad picked up the birds, was walking back to the truck, and collapsed. Toad would have thought that type of departure was pretty cool. Sheahan was a fishing explorer: He was constantly trying to locate new bodies of water to add to his guiding exploits. If you told Patrick that you wanted to catch walleyes, he would go into this trance-like state for a few seconds. Hed consider weather conditions, season, time of day and other factors that most anglers wouldnt think of. Then wed go to that body of water and usually have outstanding success. Patrick died in a snowmobile accident while returning home from an ice-fishing trip. Note how Mac, Toad and Patrick departed. They would all agree that theirs was not a bad way to go for someone whose much not all, but much of their life revolved around the outdoors. They would also remind us to cherish every day that we spend with a family member or friend because you just never know. DES MOINES Rob Hogg has been chosen by his Democratic colleagues in the Iowa Senate to lead them out of a time of significant upheaval. Senate Democrats in a closed-door meeting Saturday at the Iowa Capitol elected Hogg to be the groups leader in the Iowa Legislature, which convenes for the 2017 session in January. As a result of the Nov. 8 election, Democrats will be the minority party in the Iowa Senate for the first time since 2004, and they will be without Sen. Mike Gronstal, their leader as both a majority and minority party since 1997. Its really quite an honor, personally, Hogg said Saturday. The election was unanimous, Hogg said. Hogg, an attorney from Cedar Rapids, has served as a state legislator since 2003. Earlier this year he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary. Hogg will lead Iowa Senate Democrats into a new era at the Iowa Capitol, where for at least the next two years Republicans have complete control of the states agenda. The GOP now has majorities in both the Senate and House, and Republican Gov. Terry Branstad has two years remaining on his term. Hogg said Senate Democrats will speak on behalf of Iowans who need state government to work and attempt to prevent Republicans from implementing policies that could damage the states economy or adversely impact its residents. Im hopeful we can stop Republicans from going down a knee-jerk, partisan pathway, Hogg said. Perhaps bracing for Republican attempts to change the states collective bargaining laws for public employees, Hogg said Senate Democrats will make clear how Iowans rely on state government services. Weve got lots of great public employees in this state who help make Iowa the great place to live that it is, very dedicated people, Hogg said, listing teachers, correctional officers, state police, health and human services workers, and natural resources workers. They help Iowans every day with real problems, and we need to stand up for the Iowans who need help and the public employees who do such a good job helping Iowans. ... State government does a lot of important things in peoples lives. Senate Democrats also elected Sen. Amanda Ragan, of Mason City, as whip, and six assistant leaders: Sens. Bill Dotzler, of Waterloo; Liz Mathis, of Robins; Rita Hart, of Wheatland; Joe Bolkcom, of Iowa City; Matt McCoy, of Des Moines; and Herman Quirmbach, of Ames. Indiana American Water's $22M water treatment facility up & running in Mooresville Indiana American Water recently cut the ribbon on its $22 million water treatment facility as part of the largest investment the company has ever made in Mooresville. 'I Didn't Fall in Love With Your Hair' by Canadian Country Music Artist Brett Kissel & Featuring Carolyn Dawn Johnson Why This Song Says So Much How do we know we are loved by another? Love is where we find the light and it's the only road that takes us home. Get out the tissues as you listen to this song. Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases. Written by Rachel Bradshaw, Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana, this moving song was released in September 2016 for Cancer Awareness month with proceeds donated to the cause between the dates September 9th and October 28th 2016.Philanthropist W. Brett Wilson , also played a role by matching the amounts earned and donating those funds to the Canadian Cancer Society.Like most songs do for the artist, it struck a personal chord for Brett Kissel; his mom has battled cancer.Battling cancer certainly goes deeper than potentially losing our hair. However, when the news hits us that we could be facing this horrendous fight, some of us think of this superficial thing...our hair.After first hearing this song blaring from the radio in my kitchen, the lyrics stopped me in my tracks.The song speaks to the love of one soul for another; it reminds us what true love means and that our body really is our temporary home. The cliche 'beautiful on the inside' has greater meaning when you process these lyrics., yet the most powerful in the world.We know becausethis invisible energy. Theresonates in this gorgeous song. 'He didn't fall in love with her hair' - he fell in love with her soul, her being - This untouchable force survives all things tangible.We are reminded that our love for each other cannot be measured by something physical, like our hair or our body shape. Love is a connection that survives the seen. This intangible force captures our spirit, and in doing so, gives us the secret to life We are all here perfecting that secret. China's ruling Chinese Communist Party held 23 journalists and 84 bloggers behind bars during 2015, as the country fell yet another place in theGlobal Press Freedom Index this year, a Paris-based press freedom group said. The majority of online writers detained or imprisoned in 2015 were either Tibetan bloggers or reporters for the Sichuan-based rights group Tianwang, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said in its end-of-year report. Many on the list were from ethnic minority groups, including Tibetans, mostly Muslim Uyghurs and Mongolians. Tibetan bloggers Lhundup, Rithat, Druklo (Shokjang) and Yonten Rabgyal were among those held between March and May, while freedom of speech activist Wu Gan and Tianwang contributors Yang Dongying, Zhang Jixin, Lian Huanli, Wu Youming and Wang Jing were detained between January and June, it said. Chinese authorities detained Wang Xiaolu, a journalist with the cutting-edge Caijing magazine, and allowed 71-year-old dissident journalist Gao Yu to serve her sentence outside prison for health reasons, cutting it from seven to five years in the process. Jailed journalists also include New Express reporter Chen Yongzhou, held on suspicion of "fabricating facts" in more than a dozen articles alleging financial irregularities at heavy machinery manufacturing company Zoomlion. Some of China's imprisoned journalists have been behind bars since the beginning of the century, while a large group of mostly Tibetan journalists was jailed in 2005, the report said. It also listed Uyghur journalists Nurmemet Yasin, Korash Huseyin, media translator Abdulghani Memetemin and Mongolian dissident writer Hada, who has since been released from jail, but with tight police restrictions on his sources of income and liberty. China wants only mouthpieces Chinese dissident author, journalist and 2010 Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, currently serving a 13-year jail term for "incitement to subvert state power," is also on the list. RSF also hit out at Beijing's refusal to extend the work permit of Beijing-based French journalist Ursula Gauthier, after she questioned the official line on Chinese counter-terrorism policies in the western region of Xinjiang. Gauthier's Nov. 18 story titled "After the [Paris] attacks, Chinas solidarity is not without ulterior motives," accused the government of using the threat of jihadism as pretexts for cracking down on opposition in Xinjiang. "We are shocked by the Chinese authorities decision to expel this journalist, who has been based in China for several years," RSF editor in chief Aude Rossigneux said in a statement on the group's website. "The government is yet again putting pressure on journalists who criticize its policies," Rossigneux said. "It is not the job of correspondents to act as mouthpieces of the Peoples Republic of China." The group said foreign journalists and their local fixers and translators continue to face harassment, obstruction and intimidation attempts by the Chinese authorities. It said several foreign journalists were manhandled and prevented from working freely after deadly chemical warehouse explosions in the port city of Tianjin in August. Freelance journalist Huang Jinqiu said Chinese journalists can only hope to make a living if they write the sort of "positive" news required by the party's powerful propaganda department. "[If you do that], you can live pretty well, but if you try to speak out on behalf of ordinary people and report on rights issues, then you risk all sorts, including possibly your life," Huang said. "I know of one journalist who exposed the gutter oil scandal who died of multiple stab-wounds," he said. "These things can happen if you get across the vested interests of certain departments, so of course journalists can be detained or persecuted too." He said Gauthier's case was a case in point, because she had tried to exercise her right to freedom of speech. Meanwhile, Liu Hu, a New Express reporter who was arrested in 2014 for "disseminating false information" and released "on bail" earlier this year, was denied compensation by the authorities last week after he lodged a claim over his lengthy detention, his lawyer told RFA on Wednesday. "He absolutely has the right to do this; it was entirely in accordance with the law," Liu's lawyer Zhou Ze said. "The state prosecutor has basically told him not to claim compensation." "To deny him the right to claim it, or to refuse to accept his application, is against the law." Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Ka Pa and Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Afghan officials say a top commander of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group has been killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike in eastern Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial governor said Mullah Bozorg, a leader of the IS group in Afghanistan, was killed along with seven fighters late on November 18. The spokesman, Attaullah Khugyani, said the strike was carried out in the Lagharjo area of Kot district. He added that weapons, ammunition, and explosives belonging to the group were also seized and destroyed. "A commander of Daesh was killed in Kot district of Nangarhar Province," the Afghan Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement on November 19, using the Arabic acronym for the group. IS militants have been active in Nangarhar, where they have seized pockets of territory in the past two years. The group has recently spread to the neighboring provinces of Kunar and Zabul, located along the porous border with Pakistan. The extremist group has also claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in Kabul, the most recent a November 16 attack that killed six people near the Defense Ministry building. In October, the IS group claimed responsibility for two separate attacks on Shi'ite worshippers in Kabul and the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif that killed dozens of people. The United States has stepped up air strikes against IS militants and rival Al-Qaeda fighters in the past year. The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, Army General John Nicholson, said in September that there are up to 1,300 IS militants in the country who receive money, guidance, and communications support from IS leaders in Syria and Iraq. He said most IS fighters were former members of the Pakistani Taliban, an Al-Qaeda-linked militant group fighting against Islamabad. With reporting by dpa and Khaama 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. It's never been easy being a journalist in Central Asia. Quite the opposite, in fact. Reporting from Central Asia can lead to dire consequences: assaults, arrests, imprisonment, and, on occasion, even death. That has been generally true for 25 years, but recently it has become even worse. How much worse was the subject of the latest Majlis podcast organized by RFE/RL (listen below). Moderating from Washington was RFE/RL Media Relations Manager Muhammad Tahir. From Almaty, German freelance correspondent Edda Schlager joined the discussion. She's been working in Central Asia for more than a decade and had quite a story to tell. Our friend Steve Swerdlow, Central Asian researcher for Human Rights Watch, participated from the United States. Ive not only been following events with journalists in Central Asia for some years, Ive had firsthand experience with being on site trying to cover the region, so I had a few things to say also. The Majlis opened with Schlager recalling her recent experience in Uzbekistan. Schlager was in Uzbekistan at the start of November to cover, as she said, "the atmosphere of the country" ahead of the December 4 presidential election, the first such election since the death of Uzbekistan's only president, Islam Karimov, a couple of months ago. Schlager was detained on November 10, about one week after she arrived in Uzbekistan. She said four men came to the hotel where she was staying at around 7 a.m. one morning. "First, I was called by the receptionist to come out because the authorities were there to check my documents," Schlager recalled. Schlager was taken to a police station, where she spent the entire day, but she pointed out that the people who were holding her treated her kindly. She had telephoned friends before she was taken from the hotel. "To my surprise, I could keep my smartphone," she said, so she was able to maintain contact with people she knew in Uzbekistan and in Germany. "In the afternoon, the Germany Embassy managed to send me someone, the counsel together with a translator of the embassy, and they got me out," Schlager explained. But she was ordered to leave the country. As Swerdlow noted, "Its the first deportation of an international journalist since the interim president, Shavkat Mirziyaev, has been installed in power, and it shows that it's business as usual in Uzbekistan for freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of the media." The situation is just as bad, or possibly even worse, in Turkmenistan. In late October, RFE/RL correspondent Soltan Achilova, 67, was taking photographs of the long lines outside state stores, where people were waiting for their chance to purchase basic goods -- sugar, cooking oil, flour, and such. Police brought her in for questioning. After she left the police station, she was assaulted and robbed by unknown assailants, who took her camera. She was attacked again at a medical facility where she was receiving treatment in November. Another RFE/RL correspondent, Saparmamed Nepeskuliev, has been in prison for more than a year after he was found photographing expensive buildings in the Awaza resort area on the Caspian Sea and was subsequently convicted on narcotics charges. Swerdlow spoke about the situation in Tajikistan where "Tojnews and Nigohvery important outlets" -- an independent website and newspaper, respectively -- were closed in November. Both cited a lack of "necessary conditions for working" as the reason they were closing. This comes after the Eurasia Net website recently reported about journalists leaving the profession, or the country, due to problems. Kazakhstan, where the situation has been relatively better than in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan, has also seen incidents involving top people at media outlets. Bigeldy Gabdullin, the chief editor of the newspaper Central Asia Monitor and also the publisher of the Radiotochka.kz website, was detained in November on suspicion of extortion. Kazakhstan's anticorruption agency said Gabdullin published "negative material, which defamed the business reputation" of certain individuals, then demanded money to cease publishing such articles. According to the anticorruption agency, these individuals arranged for Gabdullin to receive state funding for Central Asia Monitor and Radiotochka.kz. Schlager said, "In Kazakhstan, as in other countries, you have the practice that the government is paying media for covering stories, obviously in a positive way, and in connection with this practice he was arrested because he was accused of corruption." Gabdullin has not commented publicly yet on these charges. But his case comes after Seitkazy Mataev, the president of Kazakhstan's Union of Journalists and also the owner and founder of the National Press Club and the KazTAG news agency, and his son Aset, who is general director at KazTAG, were convicted on October 3 of fraud and tax evasion. Mataev was sentenced to six years in prison, his son to five years, and they were fined more than $1.5 million, including seizure of their personal property. Seitkazy has denied the charges against him and his son. Kazakh political analyst and opposition figure Amirzhan Kosanov described the legal process against the Mataevs as "a demonstration that [the authorities] wanted to give to free journalism, to show, with the Mataevs as an example, that they can deal with anybody, even a person of such a high caliber, who was [Kazakh President Nursultan] Nazarbaevs first press secretary and a person who was strongly loyal to the president and that was never in the opposition." And even in Kyrgyzstan, where there has always been an independent media -- albeit at times an embattled independent media -- there was a warning recently. In early November, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev warned the media about publishing "misleading" information. The word "misleading," when spoken by top officials in Central Asia, has as often as not meant information that runs contrary to the government's narrative. So it is a red-flag word. Kyrgyzstan is about to conduct a national referendum on controversial amendments to the country's constitution, amendments that Atambaev has supported. Kyrgyzstan will also conduct a presidential election next year, to choose Atambaev's successor. The Majlis podcast discussed these issues and others in great detail, plus Schlager gave a much fuller description of her recent trip to -- and deportation from -- Uzbekistan. Listen to or download the Majlis podcast above or subscribe to Majlis on iTunes. Russia and China say they will push for a free-trade area in the Asia-Pacific region. The presidents of the two countries, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, held talks on November 19 on the sidelines of a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group in Lima, Peru. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the two leaders supported strengthening cooperation within APEC in a bid to establish a free-trade area in the region. Chinas Foreign Ministry quoted Xi as stressing the need for bilateral cooperation under the APEC framework in a bid to boost the bloc's contribution to regional and global economic growth. The APEC meeting comes amid a protectionist mood in the United States following Donald Trump's presidential election victory, which is threatening to derail a trans-Pacific trade deal that excludes China, the worlds second-biggest economy. Based on reporting by TASS, Xinhua, and Bloomberg FLOYD A recently unveiled plan for an overpass at a controversial intersection on Avenue of the Saints near Floyd is drawing mixed reviews. Many are excited the Iowa Department of Transportation has chosen a plan to replace the at-grade intersection at Highway 218 and Quarry Road, but some also worry the design will have negative impacts on existing businesses. The plan would close the three other at-grade crossings in Floyd, at Liberty Street, Montgomery Street and Packard Avenue. Business owner Ron Dugan fears that will make it difficult for customers to access his restaurant, Dugans Restaurant & Lounge. The Avenue has been the lifeblood of his business since he cleared some lots and built the restaurant 500 feet from the Montgomery Street turnoff 16 years ago. He said hes not against building an overpass, but hopes the DOT will consider frontage roads or other alternatives to allow travelers to access his business. Its my livelihood. It just scares me to death to hear the state talk about closing all these exits, Dugan said Thursday at his restaurant. It would put us on a dead-end street. The DOT is accepting comments on the design proposal through Monday. It will submit the proposal and an environmental assessment study to the Federal Transportation Safety Administration. If approved, the estimated $23 million project would be eligible for federal funding and may be added to the Iowa DOTs five-year plan. Community effort Residents of Floyd have lobbied for years for an overpass on the Avenue of the Saints at Quarry Road and Highway 218. Critics say the existing at-grade intersection is confusing, vehicles pass through a high speeds and theres not enough room for semitrailers to get across and through. Truck traffic has increased over the years, and locals worry it will increase even more when the new Loves truck stop opens later this year. Efforts to get an overpass built reached another level in July when 23-year-old T.J. Houdek was killed crossing the intersection. More than 3,000 people signed an online petition circulated after his death, urging the DOT to take action. A community meeting was called, and more than 100 people talked about witnessing crashes, of having family members injured in collisions and regularly seeing cars drive in front of oncoming traffic. A delegation of local officials lobbied the DOT in person at the agencys meeting in August in Sioux City. Floyd County Chief Deputy Jeff Crooks says the community needs to press for the project to be in the DOTs five-year plan. He fears that if it isnt, it will stall like it has in the pass. The next step is actually the critical step, he said. We need it to get passed by the state and get funding, so it can go ahead. If approved for federal funding, the overpass design would be sent to the Iowa Department of Transportations Board of Commissioners. The group selects projects for the five-year plan in June. Safety Concern Floyd businesswoman Terri Sargent says there are pros and cons to the current overpass design. She strongly believes an overpass is necessary to protect the public, but thinks the current plan may have unintended consequences. She worries truck traffic will be shifted through downtown Floyd, cutting off parking, and that cutting off all other access points could limit future growth on the west side of the city. The DOTs plan calls for frontage roads to connect neighborhoods east of the project, but does not have frontage roads for Montgomery Street, Liberty Street or Packard Avenue. I want them to look and see if they can find some better alternatives to deal with the situation, said Sargent, a member of the citys planning and zoning commission. Iowa DOT Field Services Coordinator Pete Hjelmstad said nearly all of the Iowa DOTs interchange designs require closing off other access points. Its a big safety thing, he said. Youve got people coming on and off at highway speeds and theyre not expecting someone right off a ramp entering into traffic. Floyd City Clerk Lauri Reetz says she doesnt like the idea of closing exits either, but fears that might be the trade-off for getting rid of the at-grade intersection at Quarry Road and Highway 218. Everybodys complaining about it, she said, of the existing intersection. They want something done. Theyve got to do it the way they think is safest. Dugan hopes the DOT will consider design alternatives. That way he can stay in business and the public will be safe. As long as they can figure a way to get customers to and from my restaurant. ... Other than a helicopter. A Russian spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station on November 19, carrying three crew members for a six-month mission at the orbiting outpost. Oleg Novitskiy of Russia, Peggy Whitson of the United States, and Thomas Pesquet of France set off on November 17 in a Russian-designed Soyuz spacecraft from the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. The arrival of the trio brings the total staff to six at the International Space Station, where they will accompany Russians Andrei Borisenko and Sergei Ryzhikov and American Shane Kimbrough. The crew will contribute to hundreds of scientific experiments being carried out in the fields of biology and the physical sciences. Russia's Soyuz capsules offer the only way for international astronauts to reach the orbiting outpost after the American space shuttle program was retired in 2011. Private industries including SpaceX and Boeing are designing spacecraft to ferry astronauts from U.S. soil. Their first flights are not expected until late 2017 or in 2018. Based on reporting by AFP and dpa ARLINGTON A deaf Ethiopian immigrant who described his time in an Arlington County jail as akin to torture has settled a lawsuit against the sheriffs office for $250,000. Abreham Zemedagegehu spent six weeks in Arlingtons custody in 2014, during which he said he missed meals, lacked necessary medication and could not make phone calls. Unable to read or write in English, he told reporters through an interpreter last year, he had no way of speaking to his jailers and felt isolated. Zemedagegehu, a 41-year-old U.S. citizen, alleged in his suit that he was not provided appropriate accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. He argued that the jail should have provided the services of a sign-language interpreter, hearing aids and a telecommunications device that would have allowed him to speak to his attorney and others outside the jail. He knows Ethiopian Sign Language and American Sign Language. His allegations prompted an investigation by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which settled the case. The settlement requires the sheriffs office to appoint a coordinator to oversee compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, train staff on the laws requirements and ensure that the devices and services Zemedagegehu was denied are available in the jail. Sheriff Beth Arthur said in a statement that she has taken steps to improve disability services at the jail. Technology has been upgraded, and all staff and contractors have received ADA training that will now be administered annually. The Arlington County Sheriffs Office strives to treat all individuals committed to our detention facility with dignity and respect, Arthur said. Zemedagegehu was taken into custody in 2014 at Reagan National Airport on allegations that he stole an iPad. He eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property in exchange for a sentence of time served. One of the nations most innovative and fastest-growing companies got its start in Richmond. Andrew C. Florance, as a fresh graduate of Princeton University, arrived here in 1986 to work alongside his sister after his fledgling business outgrew his parents cramped basement in Washington. Besides, working next to a clothes washer wasnt his idea of a good workspace. It was here, in an office at South Davis Avenue and West Cary Street, that Florance co-founder and CEO of CoStar Group Inc. expounded on the possibilities of being able to digitize property data. It was a very cool time, he recalled. It was the first time that someone with an idea could get access to computing power to produce a product. No one in commercial real estate had a personal computer at the time. Desktop publishing was in its infancy, and the common use of laptops was even further into the future. A few years earlier, only institutions or corporations with mainframes had that kind of access. Then the PC came along, Florance said. Even though it wasnt cheap, I was able to buy one for $10,000. Florances initial investment along with seed money of $2 million from a brave investor turned into a multibillion-dollar venture. After his stint in Richmond, Florance moved back to the Washington area and during the next 30 years built a company into the research and analytic leader for the commercial real estate industry. The company employs about 3,000 people in 74 offices, including eight in other countries. I got to see and be part of the growth. What a ride its been success after success, said Thomas Tom W. Chambers, director of technical services who has known Florance since they were 5 years old and who joined the company 22 years ago, when about 30 people worked there. For those who want to grow and be part of CoStar and work hard, the sky is the limit, Chambers said. CoStar recently won recognition as one of the 100 Most Innovative Growth Companies by Forbes magazine, and it was named in October as one of the nations fastest-growing companies by Fortune magazine. Last month, after a national search, it selected Richmond as the headquarters for its global research center and embarked on an aggressive recruitment strategy to hire 730 people here. *** Florances idea of a great workplace far removed from his parents basement materialized in the WestRock Co. corporate headquarters building overlooking the James River next to the Federal Reserve in downtown Richmond. We put a priority on cool space that reflects our values, he said at the time of the announcement. CoStar will occupy the top four floors of the nine-story building, moving into the top two floors by the end of November and hiring 200 to 300 people by years end. The company will occupy a third floor in six months and the fourth floor within a year, hiring people as space permits. The jobs created here, most in research and analysis, will start in the $60,000-a-year range. Employees will collect, research and analyze market data for potential real estate transactions and completed deals across the U.S. putting Richmond at the epicenter of data flow for the nations $17 trillion commercial real estate industry. Each month, 25 million people visit CoStars family of websites including LoopNet.com to lease, buy or analyze office, industrial, retail or farm properties or to find apartments on Apartments.com, ApartmentFinder.com and ApartmentHomeLiving.com. *** Florance learned how to write software during four formative years from sixth through ninth grades at St. Thomas Choir School, a music boarding school in Manhattan, N.Y. The father of a classmate was an executive at Bell Labs (the research and development arm of AT&T at the time) who donated a personal computer a massive device that took up a whole table to the school. Florance played the trumpet and piano and fiddled with writing computer software. He returned home for high school and graduated in 1982 from St. Andrews School in Middletown, Del., where part of the movie Dead Poets Society was filmed. He is the son of Coke Florance, one of Washingtons most influential and best known architects. In college, he studied physics, architecture and economics and loved it all. His lab partner at Princeton was Jeff Bezos, who became founder, chairman and CEO of Amazon.com, the worlds largest online retailer. Florance took a summer job with a small advertising agency in Washington and advised his bosses that their radio, television and newspaper ads should be tracked and he wrote the software to do just that. He worked another summer job at a commercial development firm. College students typically cant get access to the CEO. But Florance did. The developer was working on 10-year financial models, projecting future vacancy and lease rates all on big, green paper grid sheets. Changing one assumption meant erasing and recalculating by hand 50 other cells a process that could take weeks. Florance explained that any variable could be changed and everything could be recalculated via computer within minutes. He also saw that the company was using hypothetical numbers. You dont have to make them up, he told the CEO. You can quantify it and bring actual data to commercial real estate projections. Florance a straight-A student saw a few grades slip to Bs when his summer job morphed into year-round, 40-hours-a-week work during his senior year. He toyed with going to graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Seeking advice from a professor there, he was told to go to graduate school because his idea to start a company and digitizing data never would work. He never went to graduate school. In his first year out of college, he built the software and technology to mine a universe of data at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accessing company information filed with the commission typically required hours of research in public reference library rooms. Breaking news was delivered on the hour in paper form to a desk in reference rooms and picked up by runners who went to telephone booths to report the information to stock traders in New York City. All that data could be digitized, allowing for electronic access to piles of information that could have any number of applications. Florances software was the predecessor to what would become EDGAR, which stands for the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval online database of corporate filings with the SEC. His niche became downloading property assessments and deed information, making it accessible for the first time on personal computers and laptops. *** Driven by doing something no one had done previously, Florance recalled working seven days a week, 18 hours a day. Creating transparency, taking valuable information and mining it out of anything to make it accessible that is empowering. It changes lives, he said. His work caught the attention of Michael Klein, an attorney who was working at the time for the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corp., trying to sort out the cause of bad loans made during the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s and 1990s. Klein dished out $2 million to co-found what would become CoStar. I am still in awe of his courage, Florance said about his investor. I was 23. Would I take out a mortgage on my house for someone who was 23? He is obviously an extremely bright guy, Klein said about Florance. Moreover, Florance was working in the same field as Klein property data and he was on the forefront of the digital age, writing computer programs to collect that data. Klein, who was dealing with a dearth of information related to bad loans, could appreciate the value of that data. Andy has built a wonderful a company without much interference or guidance, said Klein, chairman of CoStar, whose initial investment has paid off many times over. Klein owns 329,543 shares of CoStar, or 1.01 percent of outstanding shares, according to the companys 2016 proxy statement. Florance owns 379,799 shares, or 1.16 percent of outstanding shares. The company, Klein says, was an 11-year overnight success. Founded in 1987, CoStar went public in 1998. As a corporate attorney, Klein has advised many CEOs. Andy is as good as I have met in all these 30 years, he said. I try to stay out of his way. I have been a sounding board, but Andy built this company. *** In the companys first 10 years, Florance and his team at Realty Information Group (whose name was changed to CoStar in 1999) printed oversized, 2,000-page volumes filled with property data organized by plot, street and owner. They used compression algorithms to download information from mainframes to personal computers, which was difficult because the fastest PCs then had 1/6,400th the storage available today on most computers. One of their first potential customers was willing to pay $10,000 for the data. But the customer wouldnt spend $15,000 that was too much for a personal computer to access the information. Another company wanted to buy his firm not for the data but for the compression algorithms that were used to collect reams of data. Florance then, and now at age 53 sees endless possibilities. We plan to keep growing, said Florance, whose sights are set on the $120 trillion global commercial real estate market and not just the $17 trillion industry in the U.S. We have just scratched the surface. Andy is innovative, he knows exactly what he wants to do, and hes never been wrong, said Lisa Ruggles, senior vice president of global research for CoStar. He knows the business from the ground up, she said. He was the first researcher. He was the first one to compile data. There is not a job that he hasnt done. Its refreshing to have someone at the top who knows exactly what goes into all the work, Ruggles said. He knows how the sausage is made. Whats more, he is not afraid to invest in the company and tools to accomplish the work that he and his team want to do, she said. *** CoStar owns 40 high-tech trucks with boom-mounted cameras used by 200 field researchers across the U.S. to scout and photograph commercial buildings. Last year, it hired five pilots to fly a $3.7 million, company-owned aircraft equipped with military reconnaissance technology and a powerful digital camera the same technology used in Iraq and Afghanistan to track commercial properties. The aerial system allows for real-time overlays of mapping and data. CoStar operates the plane seven days a week, searching the country for commercial construction projects. The flight team, which includes two camera operators, visually scans all areas of the country and captures ultra-high resolution video and spatial information at each location. This information is reviewed by a research team and imported into a database along with video and still imagery. Information that took a year to compile via groundwork can be collected in six to eight hours through aerial research, Florance said. In 2004, the Richmond area became the first market expansion for CoStars fleet of trucks to map, photograph and digitally gather detailed information on commercial real estate. The company is No. 1 in research for buying and selling of firms and farmland. It collects information on $1 trillion worth of potential real estate transactions and tracks billions of dollars of completed deals. CoStar is the best in the industry for collecting and maintaining data on the commercial real estate markets, said Evan M. Magrill, executive vice president at Cushman & Wakefield | Richmond, a commercial real estate firm in Henrico County that helped CoStar locate and negotiate the lease in the WestRock building. First and foremost, we rely on CoStar for market data, Magrill said. A good example is Riverfront Plaza in downtown Richmond, he said. CoStar has real-time information on which spaces in the building are vacant and which will become vacant. We also use the data to spot trends in the market, and this enables us to provide our clients with the best advice, Magrill said. *** The CoStar data are used on multiple levels, Florance said. When someone wants to start a restaurant or grow a business or expand a factory, we make that decision a lot easier, he said. In a world where no one knows whats going on in business, its hard to see opportunities to do transactions. In Madrid, Spain, where CoStar recently opened an office, there is almost no information for commercial real estate, he said. The process of collecting data there is reading for lease signs in store windows and calling building owners. Other foreign offices are in the United Kingdom, Canada, France and Germany all ripe for the digitization of real estate data and building on systems that the company developed in the U.S. CoStar padded its reach and expertise with purchases of LoopNet Inc. for $860 million in 2012, Apartments.com for $585 million in 2014, and ApartmentFinder.com for $170 million in 2015. It is No. 1 for finding information on renting apartments and No. 1 for helping property owners and developers understand what rents and occupancy levels will do over time. CoStar does research into which companies are growing the fastest and which are adding space or shedding space. It manages site selection, development and leases for retailers such as Verizon Wireless stores and McDonalds restaurants. In yet another twist on dicing data, it is expanding into risk analytic services for U.S. banks, helping to determine capital reserve levels and underwriting practices. We are selling more products to banks, owners, investors and regulatory bodies, Florance said. The company recently reported revenue of $619.3 million for the first nine months of the year and third-quarter revenue of $212.7 million. When Nat Turners slave uprising ripped through Southampton County in the summer of 1831, few contemplated that nearly 200 years later, intellectual battles would continue to flare up over the legacy of a rebellion that left dead more than 100 slaves and also killed scores of white men, women and children. Intentional or not, with his American period drama Birth of a Nation, acclaimed actor, director, screenwriter and producer Nate Parker made a substantial contribution to the national conversation about race by promoting a historical reflection on American slavery and by casting light upon ongoing racial tensions that in recent years have sparked protest movements such as Black Lives Matter. On Saturday, Norfolk native Parker, this months high-profile guest of the Richmond Forum at the Altria Theater, made clear from the start that he had come with a purpose. Im not here to entertain you; I am here to challenge you, he told the audience. Today we grow. That is my hope. Even if I just make you angry to the point where you wake up tomorrow where you feel different about your beliefs. Parker co-wrote, co-produced and directed Birth of a Nation, and he stars in the lead role as Turner. But the actor said that while growing up in the projects of Norfolk, he did not have role models, had no grasp of history and had never heard of Turner until later, when he left Virginia to go to college. My professor started to talk about (the uprising.) And I thought to myself, are you telling me this man did those things in Virginia, right where I grew up? Parker said. I learned he was literate and a preacher. It made me question so many things that I had learned growing up. I am a black man in America, and my history was not immediately available to me. During the 1831 uprising led by Turner, slaves killed between 55 and 65 people, the highest number of fatalities caused by any slave rebellion in the South. It lasted just several days, but because Turner went into hiding for several months, there remained widespread fear in the region and white militias retaliated against many slaves. The rebels were captured and tried in Jerusalem what is today Courtland a few miles from Belmont Plantation, where the rebellion was put down. Dozens were executed, but mobs and militias murdered more than 100 additional slaves in reprisal. Turner was hanged on Nov. 11, 1831, and his corpse flayed, beheaded and quartered. There has been much debate about whether Turner was a hero who gave his life fighting oppression, or an agitator whose uprising cost the lives of innocent people. What is a characteristic of a hero? If its just in deeds, we should ask ourselves, are all our forefathers heroes? Parker told moderator John B. Railey, editor of the editorial pages of the Winston-Salem Journal and an expert on the rebellion. In my opinion, Nat Turner is a great black hero, just like some people would say Patrick Henry is a great white hero. Parker said he made the film because he wanted to challenge a lot of existing dispositions about injustice. We have to be honest about the history of this country, and we need to confront it, Parker said. I think if an alien dropped down to this planet, his assessment of what is going on would be a lot more practical. I want to get to the place where when we see injustice, we do something. Right away. Progress is much more than volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club once a month, Parker said. We have to find a way to change the hearts and minds of the people around us. Its not enough to assimilate and to hand our kids the bags that we are creating. Thats not responsible, he said. I want my kids to know that when I am leaving that I might come back with progress. We have to clean the wound, sew it up and see to it that it will heal. Responding to a question from the audience about what weapons Turner would use in 2016, Parker answered: social media. If Nat Turner had Twitter, if any of these people had it, the revolution would have went a very different way, he said. Its a very powerful tool. When Railey asked if he believes Turner should be pardoned today, Parker paused. I think if Nat was here, I would be asking him if he would be pardoning you all, Parker said, gesturing toward the audience. I dont think that it was Nat Turners goal to be forgiven by those who did him wrong. Birth of a Nation premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, in January and received standing ovations. It was picked up by Fox Searchlight Pictures in a $17.5 million deal, the largest deal at the film festival to date. Rena L. Knudson MANLY Rena L. Knudson, 82, of Manly, died Friday (Nov. 18, 2016) at Manly Specialty Care after a many-year struggle with Alzheimers. A memorial service for Rena will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 22, 2016) at Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring St., Manly, with Ginger Hemmingsen officiating. A private family inurnment will be in the Manly Cemetery on Wednesday. Visitation will be held from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at the funeral home. Rena Lorraine Jewett was born March 16, 1934, to Earl and Marie (Hammje) Jewett in Manly. She attended and graduated in 1951, from Manly Schools. Rena married Roger Knudson on March 6, 1953, and to this union three children were born: Dee, Marty and Randy. Rena was a lifelong homemaker, an avid reader and never missed any of her childrens school activities and sporting events. She enjoyed fishing, home projects and ceramics in her free time. Following Rogers death in 1974, Rena went to work at the Best Western in Clear Lake. After retirement, she spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren, continuing her love for school activities by attending every one of her grandchildrens events as possible. Those left to cherish Renas memory are her daughter, Dee Dunbar, Manly, and her children, Cody Dunbar and his children, James and Joey, and Mari Marquard and her family, Nicole (Kevin) and their daughter Reese, Emily, Megan (Steven) and their daughter, Hadley; her son Marty and his wife Kay Knudson, Manly, and their children, Avery and Allegra; and her son Randy and his wife Shelly, Cedar Rapids; her sister Ruth (Kenny) Benjegerdes; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Rena was preceded in death by her husband Roger; her parents, Earl and Marie Jewett; and a son-in-law, Jim Dunbar. Bride Colonial Chapel, 110 East Spring St., Manly, 641-454-2242, ColonialChapels.com. Hillary Clintons stunning defeat hammers Virginia politics like a hurricane, although she took the Old Dominion. The results change the contours of the 2017 gubernatorial race and the 2018 senatorial election. On Nov. 8, conventional wisdom went down like a tree on Three Chopt Road in the wind. The GOP looked forward to 2017 with anticipation. Its strong runs for the 2013 gubernatorial and 2014 senatorial elections fueled their hopes of reclaiming the governorship. Almost immediately after coming within a hair of upsetting Sen. Mark Warner in 2014, Ed Gillespie emerged as the front-runner in 2017. Rep. Rob Wittman of the 1st District made his interest known. Corey Stewart, at-large chairman of the Prince William Board of Supervisors, has his eyes on the prize. Gillespie all but repudiated Trump. After the election, Wittman said he was reconsidering his options. The GOPs retention of its House majority could elevate Wittmans status in the chamber, particularly in the realm of national security. Stewart used Trumps national win to declare thermonuclear war. The GOP will nominate its ticket in a primary, which should benefit the partys saner factions. The campaign likely will prove brutal and divisive, nevertheless. Stewart will not go gentle into the good night. Graciousness is not part of his nature. He thrives on division. With Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam as their presumptive nominee, Democrats will not encounter similar blood-letting. Tim Kaine emerged as the first Virginian with a national electoral presence since the Republics early years. He will not be moving to the vice presidency as expected, yet his presence may have saved the state for the Democrats. Virginia was the only Southern state to vote for Clinton; Kaine likely contributed to her margin. The election elevated his visibility, although losing as a running mate seldom proves advantageous to political careers. Who remembers Henry Cabot Lodge? In an interview with The Times-Dispatch, Kaine said he would not run for president in 2020. He cited former Republican Sen. John Warner as his exemplar. Kaine would be pleased to make his mark in the Senate. He spoke of bipartisanship. Kaine will appeal to the mainstream and to devotees of strict constitutional construction by continuing to press his cases for congressional war powers. Republicans leery of Barack Obamas executive overreach will have no excuse not to rally to Kaines just cause. Kaine is unlikely to confront a challenge in the 2018 senatorial election from within his own party, but our appeals to Republican goodwill figure to go unrequited. The 2016 election fed GOP appetites; it did not slake them. Rep. Barbara Comstock established herself as the Virginia Republican with the greatest potential. She boasts capacity as well. Comstock represents Northern Virginias 10th House District. Her re-election campaign ranked among the nations most watched; it showed up on battleground lists. She won impressively. Clinton carried the 10th, but Comstock finished ahead of her. The Republican kept her distance from Trump. Her demeanor and ideology reflected the precedent set by her predecessor, Frank Wolf, the former conscience of the Virginia delegation. A Kaine-Comstock race would feature competitors known for their civility. Kaines substandard performance in his debate with Mike Pence was an exception to the rule. Snarky treatment of Comstock would prove fatal in a Virginia-only setting. The Washington Post endorsed Comstock. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. MARTINSVILLE When Violet Mabe was laid off in August from Martinsvilles TSI Yarns, the 39-year-old mother of three headed to the local unemployment office. She found work was available, but she lacked the required qualifications. A decade after the loss of textile and furniture plants sent unemployment soaring, there are jobs in Martinsville and Henry County. The challenge is finding qualified workers. Most good jobs, Mabe said, require a degree. For her and others, that means going back to school. Its like I had to start all over again to have something stable for the kids and stuff, Mabe said. Thats what she did. The unemployment office suggested the Center for Advanced Film Manufacturing. She went straight to Patrick Henry Community College and signed up for the program, a collaboration with Eastman Chemical Co., the New College Institute and the local economic development office. A certified nursing assistant, Mabe juggles school and work in private duty nursing and at Dependable Home Healthcare. Becoming a registered nurse, Mabe said, would take longer than completing the 28-credit film manufacturing program. She cant afford to wait. The program includes a paid internship and guarantees an interview with Eastman. More companies should be creating similar initiatives, Mabe said. It brings back something to the area, she said. It gives people hope rather than everything leaving. Unemployment rates have decreased in Martinsville and Henry County to 6.8 percent and 5.5 percent from peaks in the last decade of 19.3 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively. The current state rate is 4 percent. Those statistics dont account for people whove given up finding work. A poll released in June found that 43 percent of unemployed people nationwide had stopped looking for jobs. As of Wednesday, there were 1,325 jobs available in Martinsville and Henry County, following a typical seasonal uptick, according to Chris Pope, manager of the Virginia Employment Commissions Martinsville office. That theres nothing but unemployment in Martinsville is really not true anymore, Pope said. Yet local companies are struggling to fill positions. Experts said unemployment and job vacancies are not as contradictory as they might appear. Rural areas have an entirely new challenge now, said Terry Rephann, a regional economist at the University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, and that is, getting the workers that they have locally to fill the jobs that are available that require greater degrees of training. Skills mismatch The numbers paint a bright picture. I think our economy is growing, Pope said. I think the jobs are available here, and for somebody whos willing to go and get the training to fill the jobs that are needed, theres a great future here. A state employment report released in June estimated there would be 2,496 vacant jobs this year in the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board region covering Martinsville and Henry County along with Patrick and Pittsylvania counties and Danville. Of those projected jobs, 82 percent were to be permanent and 18 percent seasonal or temporary. With annual employment of 53,565 people, the regions vacancy rate would calculate to 4.5 percent, slightly above the state rate of 4.2 percent. The West Piedmont region makes up 2 percent of vacancies statewide, meaning the area stacks up well against others, said Fabrizio Fasulo, a research economist at Virginia Commonwealth Universitys Center for Urban and Regional Analysis. Vacancies still pose a challenge. Seventy-three percent of those in West Piedmont are expected to be moderately or more difficult to fill, according to the report. That share ranks among the states highest. A skills mismatch is the likely cause, said Fasulo, who worked on the report. A shortage of available workers with the required education and technical skills often is a driving force in job vacancies, experts said. There are other barriers such as the need for child care, lack of transportation and the inability to pass a drug test, which is becoming more of an issue with the opioid epidemic but a skills mismatch and need for training is the problem area officials most often cited. The labor force participation rate, or the percentage of people of 16 to 65 who are either employed or looking for work, tends to go down in areas where economic struggles are prolonged, said John Accordino, director of the analysis center at VCU. People become discouraged, said Accordino, who also worked on the employment report. Theyre not going to find a job, so they dont bother looking. People who might still have some working years left just kind of check out of the labor force. They dont participate. When economies begin turning around, some people whod stopped seeking work start looking again, re-entering the labor force. Those who do not find jobs immediately are considered unemployed. That can drive up the unemployment rate in an area where the economy is growing, Accordino said. Another factor could be at play. Millennials might not line up for jobs left vacant by retiring baby boomers, Rephann said. Millennials dont find manufacturing and other goods producing jobs as attractive as earlier generations did, Rephann said. They saw their parents and grandparents struggle and get laid off when factories shut down and jobs went overseas, he said. They dont want to be in the same position. Not just a job, a career Rural Virginia and areas like it are in transition, said Angeline Godwin, president of Patrick Henry Community College. Many desirable, high-paying jobs require both technical and applied basic skills. Its not an either or anymore, Godwin said. Its both. Gaining skills or credentials for an entry-level position can put people on a path to career success, Godwin said. That first workforce credential serves as a job bridge to launch their careers. Unlike earlier generations where you just got the job and just learned on the job, now you need a foundational credential to get you started, Godwin said. Tabitha Gann, 27, credited the film manufacturing program with helping ready her for a job for which shed otherwise be unprepared. I would have been clueless, she said. Gann, who recently learned shes pregnant, works as a bartender. The program and a job at Eastman could be her ticket to a better future. A different lifestyle than what bartending brings and just better benefits for me and my child, she said. And a better paycheck thats always a good one. Being a lifelong learner is becoming more important, Godwin said. Continued training will be needed not only to be promoted, but to keep a job. Employers are seeking people who can learn and evolve as technology does. Robin Crowder, 52, decided to take the leap into higher education after five years at On the Run in Ridgeway, where she worked as a shift manager and realized there were no advancement opportunities. I graduated high school, but I never went any further because I was raising kids and working, Crowder said. And I said, well, theyre all grown. I guess its time I ought to do something for myself. Crowder was part of the manufacturing programs inaugural class. She said all a student needs is the drive to learn. The classes take care of everything else. Crowder, who has worked at Eastman for about a year-and-a-half, said she looks forward to advancing at the company. Its more than a job, she said. Its a career. Looking ahead is also important, Godwin said. If we want to look in the past in the rearview mirror, then thats what were going to get, Godwin said. But as someone told me one time, theres a reason why the front windshield is many times more large than the rearview mirror. Colleges role Local academic institutions such as Patrick Henry Community College and the New College Institute, which provides bachelors degree completion, masters and certificate programs, see themselves as part of the solution. After being approached by the local community services board over its struggle to attract and retain counselors, New College began offering courses toward a credential and a masters degree program, said Leanna Blevins, acting director of the institute. Collaboration is key, she said, citing the film manufacturing program. No entity alone can solve the problems. Also critical is the message that there are post-secondary options that arent full-fledged degree programs requiring a two- or four-year commitment, Blevins said. The film manufacturing program takes about a year to complete. Patrick Henrys High-Demand Occupational Programs for Employment, or HOPE, takes 12 weeks. The latter is a non-credit training program that prepares people for jobs in fields such as customer or food service. It includes an internship. Godwin said about 83 percent of the students who complete the program land work, often where they interned. The college hears some workers are discouraged when starting wages arent dramatically increased, even after obtaining a credential, Godwin said. But studies show a credential increases earning potential in the long run, she said. Theres a perception that additional education is unaffordable. But there are options. Eastman, for example, offers the Last Mile Scholarship, covering remaining costs for manufacturing program students whove exhausted available financial aid. Pursuing an education, Godwin said, brings other costs, like sacrificing time and family needs. There may be huge sacrifices that people have to make on a temporary basis, on a short-term basis, for really long-term big gains, she said. Employers part Companies have an interest in securing a qualified workforce and providing opportunities for people in the community. When Eastman struggled to find skilled manufacturing workers, company officials spoke up and local agencies and academic institutions responded. The company has hired more than 90 percent of graduates of the manufacturing program, said Charles Fraley, human resources manager for Eastman in Martinsville. There are still openings. Our difficulty and challenge has been getting people who are capable and skilled to do advanced manufacturing in the areas of our open positions because we have more jobs than we have graduates from the program currently, Fraley said. The company hopes to develop a pool of program graduates from which it can select employees at all times, he said. Eastman would like to hire machine operators, who make 70 percent of the companys workforce, exclusively from the program, he added. Spring enrollment is available for the first time this year. More night classes will allow students to take the program entirely at night. The program typically graduates 16 students annually. Eastman would like to increase that to at least 40 to match the number of workers the company typically hires each year because of normal turnover, retirement or business expansion, Fraley said. Godwin said she also wants to see enrollment increase. I would love to have a waiting list and people beating my door down to get into that program because theres a job, Godwin said. This fall, the college launched a similar partnership for a logistics technician program in collaboration with Radial, a local logistics and distribution company. The program includes a paid internship and guarantees an interview with the company. The first cohort was made up of 15 students, all of whom are already Radial employees, said Kim Smith-Glisson, Radials director of operations in Martinsville. The program can help current employees move up in the company or others to start work at Radial with a more advanced job at higher pay. The program was open to external candidates, but did not attract any this time around, Smith-Glisson said. Smith-Glissons team wanted to create the program to develop talent within the community rather than recruit from outside. As we grew the business in Martinsville/Henry County we did not want to have to continue to relocate our supervisors, our managers, our senior managers externally from outside of the area, she said. We wanted to be able to develop the talent locally and continue to promote from within. Most companies, including Radial, expect to provide training specific to their operation, she said. Entry-level workers at the company primarily get their training on the job. Drake Extrusion CEO John Parkinson said recruiting workers always has been a challenge because of the skills needed even for entry-level jobs at the polypropylene fiber manufacturer. In April, the company announced a $6 million expansion in Henry County, creating 30 new jobs. Weve got a lot of people who are willing to apply for jobs, but they dont really have the technical skills, the problem-solving skills, the ability to use computers on the shop floor and things like that, which is what were really looking for these days, Parkinson said. Gone are the days when youre just looking for people who can press buttons and watch machines. Recently, Parkinson said, Drake has been recruiting people just out of college with associate degrees in a related field but possibly with no practical experience. Everyone wants workers with years of experience, Parkinson said, but companies asking community colleges to offer courses to ensure they have qualified workers need to give them a chance. As an industry, Parkinson said, if we say we want people to have associates degrees, then we need to give people an opportunity to find employment after they come out, after they graduate from these courses, otherwise theyre just hollow promises at the end of the day. I graduated high school, but I never went any further because I was raising kids and working. And I said, well, theyre all grown. I guess its time I ought to do something for myself. Robin Crowder Eastman employee Most of will gather together later this week to enjoy a great feast and fellowship. We think its a good idea to take a few minutes to count our blessings, too, and reflect a bit on where we stand in life. We just finished a remarkable presidential campaign, were settling in for winter and the holiday rush is approaching faster than seems possible perhaps because of recent glorious November days. And while we get ready for what awaits, its important to take time to take time to talk with our families and set a goal for this season: Helping others. Were pretty good at that in North Iowa. Every day, we do things like deliver meals to shut-ins, take friends and neighbors to medical appointments, give countless items of clothing to charities for re-sale at bargain prices even harvest crops for those who cant get it done for whatever reason. But at the holidays, need seems to spike. Maybe its the constant barrage of advertisements putting pressure on us all to have the most or the best. Certainly, its the desire for everyone to have a good meal or nice gifts for their loved ones. Sometimes, though, thats not possible, and thats where extra help comes at the holidays and where we urge North Iowans to pitch in even more. There are many ways to do so. Its just a matter of giving giving of time, giving of money or giving of gifts giving what you can. Its started already. For example, the Salvation Army is taking Toys for Tots and Christmas food basket applications. Those in need can apply at the Salvation Army Community Center at 747 Village Green Drive. Of course, the Salvation Army is gearing up for its Red Kettle campaign with a goal of $90,000. All money raised will stay in Mason City and North Iowa to help those in need. Services that qualify include rent and utility assistance, clothing aid, bus tickets to get people to medical appointments and much more. And as seems to be the case every year, there are openings for bell ringers. Its a wonderful family experience to ring the bells in busy stores. Sign up by calling 641-424-4031. Young people are some of the best at helping out, no matter the time of year. But at the holidays they ramp up their efforts. Such is the case at West Hancock Community Schools which has partnered with Westview Care Center in asking for donations for Coats for Our Community. Students want to help provide warm coats for anyone in the community in need, no matter their age. Donations of new, gently used or handmade mittens, gloves, hats, socks and coats will be accepted through Nov. 28 at the care center, West Hancock Schools and the Britt Area Food Bank. Which brings us to Tuesday a very special day here at the Globe Gazette. Thats when well distribute that little white envelope the same one we do every year -- that can make a big difference in peoples lives at the holidays. Its the Cheer Fund envelope and we hope North Iowans, as they have every year, donate generously so we can give out gifts to those who qualify when they apply at our office. So there you have it. A few of the many ways you can help out in this great time of giving and good cheer. We hope youll share what you can so that needy North Iowans can share a better holiday season with their friends and loved ones. Its the way we do things around here. Darcie Coan Shelor, 97, of Pilot, entered heaven's gate on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Radford Health and Rehab. He was born in Floyd County on March 5, 1919, and was the son of the late Bibley and Linnie (Gardner) Shelor.Darcie graduated from Auburn High School and attended Bluefield Community College. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he served as an Airplane Mechanic Gunner - Technical Sergeant. Upon discharge, he worked for Leggett Department store and Triangle Machinery in Christiansburg before buying a small farm and moving back to Floyd County. He was employed as a farm equipment mechanic at Shanks Garage until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of Stonewall Church of the Brethren, where he served as Deacon.He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Claribel (Fender) Shelor; four children, Gary Shelor and wife Connie, of Radford, Barbara Webb and husband Gary, of Riner, Cheryl Shull and husband Brian, of, Bridgewater, and Karen McMillion and husband Jeff, of Johnson City, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; and two stepgrandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and two stepgreat grandchildren.Darcie lived a long, full life. He will be lovingly missed by his family and friends. His honesty, his humor, and his faith in God made the world a better place.A service to celebrate Darcie's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday November, 21, 2016, at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Hylton and Pastor Darren Landon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday November 20, 2016, at Gardner Funeral Home. Graveside military will be presented by Virginia Honor Guard National Guard and VFW Post # 7854 and American Legion Post # 127. Online condolences may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com, or on Facebook @gardnerfuneralhomefloyd. Special thanks to Radford Health & Rehab for the care they gave smiley. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Stonewall Church of the Brethren. So far 2016 has been a big challenge for Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. We provided enough food to make 275,904 meals this year to help 22,992 people. This is provided as emergency food that is enough to make meals for four days. We are currently serving people from 61 communities in 10 North Iowa communities. Our goal this holiday season is to raise more than $30,000 to sustain the program. That is a $5,000 increase from last year. Your financial donations go a long way with Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. We are able to purchase many food items through the Food Bank of Iowa for 14 cents a pound. Our local grocery stores help, too. They generously provide us with substantial discounts on larger orders of those items that are not available from the Food Bank of Iowa. Without the continued generosity of caring North Iowans, we will face significant challenges in 2017. Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank is an all-volunteer organization. Our 152 volunteers provided 11,460 hours of their time to help those less fortunate. You can learn more about Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank by visiting our Facebook page. This year it is even more critical that those of you who gave last year do so again, and for those who were unable to give last year I hope that you can find it in your heart to do so this year. For those who are unable to make a financial contribution but still want to help, you can also help with donations of food or you can become a volunteer. -- Ozzie Ohl, Mason City Saudi war jets airstrikes breach Oman`s principles of ceasefire SANAA, Nov. 20 (Saba) US-Saudi aggression war jets and their mercenaries continued on Sunday breaching Oman`s principles agreement of ceasefire on several Yemeni provinces, military officials told Saba. In the capital Sanaa, the Saudi aggression fighter jets intensively flew over the capital for hours as they launched five air strikes on Dhubab and Rijam areas of Bani Hushaish district on the northeast outskirts of the capital. The air raids occurred overnight, hours after the truce went into effect. Meanwhile, the Saudi-paid mercenaries launched several attempts of advances towards locations of the national army and popular forces in the district of Nehm northeast of the capital. The mercenaries' attempts were repelled. In Hajja province, the warplanes launched a strike on al-Mazarak area in Haradh district, as the mercenaries launched attempts to infiltrate towards Medi coastal city and its desert. Their attempts were foiled. In Saada governorate, Saudi artillery and missile forces hit border districts, including Razeh district. Meanwhile the Saudi war jets kept flying over the province for hours, targeting the farms and residents houses. Dozens of farms were burned and tens of hoses were totally flattened into ground. In Taiz province, Saudi-paid mercenaries carried out several attacks on civilian targets and waged infiltration attempts on al-Salu and Haijah al-Abd areas. In Lahj province, the US-backed Saudi-founded mercenaries shelled using various weapons on the mountain chain ranging from Kahbub area. Many houses and farms were damaged . In Marib province, the war jets waged a series of strikes on farms and houses of villagers in Wadi al-Rabaiah valley in Serwah district as their mercenaries indiscriminately shelled the whole area. AA/ZaK SABA Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Telegram Email Email Print Print [20/November/2016] LOUISVILLE, Ky., Nov. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Charles Copeland, experienced chiropractor, was selected to become the new President of the Kentucky Chiropractic Society, shares Highland Chiropractic. Those who serve the Kentucky Chiropractic Society are dedicated to advancement of chiropractic and serving the public good as part of their stated mission. Dr. Charles Copeland received his doctorate from Life College of Chiropractic before establishing successful practices at North Shively Chiropractic and at Highland Chiropractic. He has a history of dedication to chiropractic and to the community he serves, being involved in volunteer and community service projects. Dr. Charles Copeland, Louisville chiropractor, has served the chiropractic needs of patients since 1995. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology and Psychology from Indiana University before receiving his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life College of Chiropractic. After working alongside Dr. Sally Bobo of Georgia and Dr. Chris Rasmussen of Indiana, he began a successful practice in January 1997 as the new owner of North Shively Chiropractic. In 2004 he established Highland Chiropractic in a vibrant Louisville neighborhood. The Kentucky Chiropractic Society (KCS) is an organization devoted to advancing public health and the chiropractic profession. Members pledge to perform responsibilities through the organization for the good of the public, the chiropractic profession and for individual advancement. Members keep in mind the truth about chiropractic and how positive action of the profession will achieve success. The Kentucky Chiropractic Society serves the geographic areas of Jefferson region, Western region, Southern region and Central region with monthly board meetings of board members and chiropractic professionals. Dr. Charles Copeland takes over the responsibilities of president of the board of directors of the KCS. I am excited to take on the additional responsibilities as President of the Kentucky Chiropractic Society and am grateful for the selection from among highly-qualified chiropractic professionals, said Dr. Charles Copeland. I adhere to advancing the awareness of chiropractic and my knowledge while serving the needs of patients. While holding the position as president, Im also making it a priority to help doctors, and therefore patients, navigate the future changes of health insurance to ensure timely care is available. It is important for me to continue the strong tradition of quality chiropractic care and service established at Kentucky Chiropractic Society and work with all members to serve the greater good. Dr. Charles Copeland, respected chiropractor at Highland Chiropractic, serves residents of Louisville Highlands and the surrounding communities. This team dedicates their combined experience, compassion and state-of-the-art methods to provide patients a higher quality of life through optimal wellness. Services include chiropractic adjustments, Sacral-Occipital Technique, Thompson Technique, pediatric chiropractic adjustments, electrical stimulation, fibromyalgia treatment, sciatica treatment, ultrasound, and Neuropathy Systematic Release treatment. Call (502) 454-5000 to learn more about the Kentucky Chiropractic Society, schedule an appointment with esteemed chiropractor, Dr. Charles Copeland, or visit http://highlandchiropractic.com/ for more details on their musculoskeletal corrective services. A first-of-its-kind journey along India and Pakistan border What binds the two most talked about nations - India and Pakistan together? What makes the New county jail halfway through construction Construction is at its halfway mark at the new county jail. The Saline County Commission toured the site Tuesday. COOPER CITY, Fla., Nov. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pet owners need to know about potential dangers for their pets during the holiday season and save themselves a trip to the emergency room. As pet owners decorate, cook and prepare for the holiday season, pets are exposed to foods, plants and decorative items that can cause significant illness and injury. As veterinarians who care about the health of pets, Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital believes that prevention and awareness of holiday health hazards can help pets and their owners enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season. There are a range of health hazards in December that pets are often not exposed to during other months of the year. Plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are often used as decorations, but can pose a significant health issue for pets if ingested. Remember that cats are careful climbers and will find a way to access items that are of interest. Trees can cause injury to a pet and others. Climbing cats can easily unbalance and knock them over and potentially incur physical injury. Gift wrapping supplies including ribbon, string and scissors may be attractive. Scissors can cause lacerations and injury and ribbon and string may be ingested and cause internal injury and complications. Flickering candle light can invite attention and a pet may knock lit candles over, leading to burns and fire hazards. A number of holiday foods and snacks may not be able to be safely consumed by pets. Avoid giving pets foods containing onions, garlic, dark chocolate, grapes, raisins or sugar free candy. Seek immediate medical attention for symptoms including rapid breathing, pale gums, seizures, unconsciousness, excessive bleeding or difficulty standing. Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital handles accidental poisonings, intestinal distress, lacerations and other trauma. Keep pets safe by using battery-operated candles, keeping holiday supplies and food in high places, and using silk versions of poisonous flowers and plants. All pet owners should be aware of potential pet exposure to holiday hazards which may require the immediate attention of a veterinarian, said Dr. Daniel E. Levin. I believe in preventing health problems in beloved pets whenever possible. Unfortunately we frequently see animals come in for emergency care due to ingestion of toxic substance or injury during the holiday season. Keep pets healthy during the holidays with a few simple steps and reach out immediately if there are any signs of poisoning or other health issues. Daniel E. Levin, DVM, and Krista Seraydar, DVM, of Embassy Lakes Animal Hospital serve owners and their pets in Cooper City and surrounding Florida communities. This full service animal hospital provides pets and owners with world-class animal care. Services include pet wellness exams, dental care, preventative veterinary care and emergency care. Call (954) 432-5811 to learn about pet holiday hazards or emergency care or visit http://www.embassylakesanimalhospital.com/ for more details. A welcome distraction from the stories, suspensions and ongoing drama that is the Ministry of Police, has come in the unlikely form of the 2016 Miss South Pacific Pageant. The regional event returns to be staged in Samoa 30 years after the inaugural pageant was established in 1987. There even seems to have been a slight shift in emphasis with the theme Celebrating our History and Embracing our Future from the early days of young, pretty, things who were like deer in headlights during awkward question time. What a contrast. Meanwhile in the Ministry of Police it is an ugly story with allegations from several factions of unprofessional behavior; a refusal to accept changes; a failure to follow procedures and policies; a lack of understanding of the way Samoas culture is aligned with laws; a code of silence and quite simply an organization which is way, way out of control. It is disturbing that distinct factions in the force have been revealed via the publication of ghost letters from those who want to stick to the status quo versus others who are frustrated by an age old culture of dont rock the boat and what appears to be embedded cronyism. The wide variety of charges that have been made against senior police officers ranging from theft to even more serious matters is staggering and disturbing. And the police Safer Samoa slogan introduced some years ago is now eyed doubtfully and cynically by the very people it is promised to protect. As with everything, there are no black or white choices here. Although there would be agreement from everyone that changes within the Ministry are urgently needed, one of the issues at hand are how those changes should be implemented and whether we want to embrace an American policing style. If the media and statistics are to be believed, the American way is less successful than systems in the U.K. and other European countries. And the thought that Samoa should become a police-state with the use of guns becoming a common sight is to most of us abhorrent, despite new challenges such as the smuggling of ingredients for hard drugs and associated evils. We may have been Western Samoa in the past, but most of us feel we have moved on since those days. Sadly, the fact there are so many key government people involved in law and order who have been out of the country as things have unfolded, the country is feeling a little like a rudderless ship. As for the clamour coming from M.P. Olo Fiti Vaai for the Ombudsman to clean up the Police system, Maiava has quite rightly pointed out, that it is a Government issue which Government needs to address and clean up. With changes at Tafaigata coming ever so slowly and in some cases not at all, after a comprehensive Commission of Inquiry into the prison, the Ombudsman could also be forgiven for wondering if his hours spent investigating, interviewing, reporting and recommending are worth the paper they are printed on. Are these Commissions simply Government showing that they are doing something when obviously they are not? Perhaps wholesale termination of senior management with everyone reapplying for their jobs could be the way to go? Whatever course of action is decided upon, sooner rather than later is something we can all agree upon. Miranda Gothard came to Samoa in May 2016 because a voice told her to do so. The 30-year old is originally from Chicago and believes that she is the Second Coming. Her story began on July 7, 2007 in Macomb, Illinois where she was studying at the Western Illinois University. On that day I had a very spiritual experience, she said. She returned from a night-out to the summer house she was living in and suddenly heard a voice. n America, if you hear voices you are schizophrenic. However, it was not in my head, as much as the trees whispered, the ground shook, the lightning lit up the sky. The voice told her to get into the swimming pool. Fully clothed she followed and floated in the pool. She started shivering, when the voice told her that she was not cold. At that moment I decided not to be cold and I stopped shivering. She went up on the top landing of the building and looked into a mirror. For some reason, I was terrified of my own reflection. How often, when we look into the mirror, do we actually see ourselves? Miranda, you are the second coming, the voice spoke to her. Sometimes I try to believe that it was government technology beaming lasers into my brain as if I was some sort of science project, she admitted. That summer, until the end of August, I was what I call, in the spirit Her roommates and friends were freaked out by her behaviour and started to distance themselves. Lastly, she wanted to make physical change as well and chose to buzz her hair all the way down. I knew that whatever spiritual journey I was on, that chapter had come to an end. The only way to prove I was okay was to go is to cut your hair off. She wanted to lose the memories she carried with her every day and let go of that phase was how she called it. Everything you endure, grows and stays with you. At this point people stopped tolerating her behavior. If she left a candle lit, she was trying to burn the house down or if she let the puppy out, she was trying to kill the dog. People were talking about Miranda. They stopped allowing my behavior and started finding ways to justify wrong-doing in my actions. She was admitted to the Springfield Mental Hospital in London at 20 years old. I denied everything. None of it was real, but it all really happened. She took pills for a long time, which raised the feeling of emptiness on the inside, not being able to hold a proper conversation. Is that normal? In order to be this confined, controlled example of a good outstanding citizen, you have to be dead on the inside? Is this right? She went off the medicine but still had to deal with the backlash of having taken the medicine with seizures for example. But what brought Miranda to Samoa? In ten years you will be here, the voice told her. She did not know where Samoa was, has never talked to people about it nor seen it on the map. Now she has been in the country for six months. It is a safe zone. America is ruled by fear. Here a young girl can embrace the stigmata, She is referring to Toaipuapuaga Opapa, a young Samoan girl, who claimed to have stigmata at Easter 2016. She gets ridiculed on Facebook, but at the end of the day, they go to see her, they write stories about her in the newspaper. She has the freedom of liberty to embrace whatever higher power she sees fit. In Samoa, Miranda feels like she gets to be normal. At the moment, she is an overstayer. Her work visa was never applied for and until last week, she worked at the Coral Reef Academy, a school for troubled teenage boys. I adored, respected, admired the students. She contacted the U.S. Embassy a few weeks ago to get her out of the country. However she noticed she would not have a place to go in the States. So she decided to stay in Samoa. To stay here, she would go to University and get her Bachelors degree in order to be a chiropractic doctor. Miranda wants other people to know about her story. Should I just sit around alone with these thoughts or do I allow and invite others to have an opinion to enable or to deny. Lets just face it. I have been doing this for a long time and I need some help. The acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Fata Aviga Salale claims no knowledge of the reasons for the suspension of another Acting Commissioner, Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu. Leiataua said the decision was made by the Cabinet and so he is unable to comment. The reasons are not clear to me. He said he met with the suspended Assistant Commissioner who is also unaware of the grounds for his suspension. Leiataua said he is not sure about the investigation against Samoa, because if there was an investigation, they, as Assistant Commissioners, should already know about it. The Acting Commissioner also could not confirm whether the suspension of Samoa is in relation to an incident on Monday. Samoas suspension was confirmed after an emergency Cabinet meeting was called again on Tuesday afternoon. The acting Prime Minister, Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama said the Assistant Commissioners suspension is based on some irregularities but he did not elaborate further. He also confirmed that there will be a proper investigation into the suspended Assistant Commissioner and they still havent decided when it will start because the Office of the Attorney General is still working on the logistics. In the past years, nothing like this had ever happened in the Ministry of Police, he said. Leitaua said there were some issues but they were nothing compared with what is happening now. Previously, whoever the leader is should be respected and his instructions followed, said Leiataua. He said it is a tradition within the Ministry of Police to respect and obey the Commissioner and there should be no conflict. Having served the Ministry for more than 30 years, he said team work is most important and working together to serve and protect our country. Despite the incident on Monday, Leiataua wanted to reassure members of the public that the Ministry of Police is now back to normal duties. He said there have been meetings with some divisions to discuss this matter and everything is being sorted. We are having our staff meeting tomorrow just to get them back to the usual work. The Acting Commissioner confirmed they have moved on from what happened on Monday and they also have learned from it. As for the Minister of Police, Sala Fata Pinati, Leiataua said the minister is supporting the ministry. At the moment he is still surprised about whats going on because he was overseas but he is well aware of the issues. It is fitting that this years Miss Pacific Islands pageant will return to these shores. The Samoan government established and hosted the Pacifics first-ever pageant 30 years ago in 1987 as the Miss South Pacific Islands Pageant. The pageant was officially renamed and re-launched in 2014 as the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in order to reflect the broader Pacific region. This years pageant will be staged from Sunday 27th November to Friday 2nd December, with the Pageant night itself to be held on Friday 2nd December at 7pm at Gym 1, Tuanaimato. The annual event has come a long way in recognising and promoting the attributes, intelligence and talents of young Pacific island ladies, as is reflected in this years pageant theme - Celebrating our History and Embracing our Future. The Samoa Tourism Authority, as the Secretariat of the Pageant, is finalising its preparations and is ready to put on a great show which will conclude its activities for Visit Samoa Year 2016. Eight Pacific island women from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa will compete in this years pageant. Reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Miss Abigail Havora who won the first title for Papua New Guinea, will crown this years winner. The pageant continues to give recognition to young Pacific island women and their contributions to regional affairs and their ability to advance in diverse fields. It is an event that uniquely promotes the region and its holiday destinations and brings together women from all sectors for the purpose of promoting and attracting worldwide attention to their unique attributes. Corporate tables and General Admission tickets for the event will be on sale beginning Monday, 21st November at the (S.T.A.) Visitor Information Centre in Apia. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2016 committee acknowledge the kind support of the sponsors; Taumeasina Island Resort, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Koko Pacific by Eveni, and the Government of Samoa. LIMA, Peru (AP) President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Syria and Ukraine on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president. The two leaders were seen chatting at the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. The White House said the conversation lasted four minutes. Although reporters present couldn't hear what they said, the White House said Obama encouraged Putin to uphold his country's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. Both the White House and the Kremlin said the leaders had agreed that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov should keep working throughout Obama's final months on initiatives lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trump's election might herald a more conciliatory U.S. approach to Russia. Under Obama, the U.S. has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syria's civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a "partner-like dialogue," the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the U.S. also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the U.S. also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected the claims of interference in the U.S. election. The meeting came as Obama, on the last day of his final overseas tour as president, sought to reassure world leaders gathered in Peru that their longstanding ties with the U.S. wouldn't falter under Trump. Sitting down with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, Obama said he assured Turnbull that the alliance between their countries would remain as strong as ever. Turnbull said he and Obama were of the mind on trade an issue Trump sees quite differently. Still, he added that Australia wanted the U.S. to succeed under Trump. Both the U.S. and Australia helped negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multinational trade agreement involving 10 other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obama's once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt U.S. workers, and he opposes TPP. Obama told Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he had no doubt the close and important U.S.-Canada relationship will persist after he leaves office, saying that's been constant with Republican and Democratic administrations alike. Trudeau said he's invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit Canada soon after Inauguration Day and hopes to welcome him to Canada. Before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Washington, Obama planned to answer questions from the journalists who accompanied him to Greece, Germany and Peru. Trump's election overshadowed every stop on Obama's trip. The president went to once unimaginable lengths to defend the real-estate mogul and reality TV star who he had repeatedly denounced during the campaign as "temperamentally unfit" and "uniquely unqualified" to be president. "I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be," Obama said in response to a question about Trump during a forum here Saturday with some of Latin America's future leaders. "As I've always said, how you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern," he added. Obama's suggestion is that Trump could soften some of his more hard-line positions on immigration, terrorism and other issues once he confronts the reality of having to run the country. But the candidates Trump announced this past week for key national security posts Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA sent a signal that Trump intends to lead exactly as he said he would during the campaign. Leaders in every region of the world have expressed concern about Trump's stances on immigration, trade, NATO and other matters. dancinggeometry wrote: Small community hospitals in poor urban areas almost always operate at a loss due to an unfortunate cycle of factors. High revenue specialists, such as surgeons, flock to hospitals that are more prestigious and can afford to pay higher salaries. Aware of this, local residents patronize the more affluent nearby hospitals when they need specialty care or forgo care entirely, while only utilizing the local hospital for low-margin routine care. Further, a significant majority of the community uses government health plans, which reimburse poorly for routine care, or lacks insurance entirely and cannot pay. The local hospital then loses money and cannot afford to hire specialists to conduct the higher-margin specialty care. Which of the following, if it could be accomplished, would best help small community hospitals to break the pattern described above? (A) Negotiate higher reimbursement rates for specialty care with both government health plans and private insurers. (B) Advertise the hospital's specialty care services in the local community as well as nearby communities to attract more business. (C) Partner with a nearby affluent hospital to contract its specialists on a part-time, as-needed basis, which is more affordable than hiring these specialists full time. (D) Launch a community outreach campaign to educate the public about the low reimbursement rates of government health plans compared with the high rates paid by private insurers. (E) Negotiate with private insurers for higher reimbursement rates for routine care. OFFICIAL EXPLANATION (C) CORRECT. We are given a list of problematic events, each one leading to the next, and we are asked to find a way to break the cycle of events. In order to do so, we need to find a way to alter one of these events in such a way that it will change the overall cycle so that small community hospitals are no longer losing money (at least, for these particular reasons).(A) The reimbursement rates for specialty care are not a part of the problematic cycle; rather, the relatively low volume of specialty care at community hospitals is the problem. If the hospital is doing very little or no specialty care work in the first place, then charging more for specialty care won't help much.(B) Even if the hospital successfully advertises its specialty care services and attracts a lot of new customers, it will not be able to serve these customers because it does not have the necessary specialists in place to provide the specialty care. This choice does not "follow through" the entire cycle.Since the local residents choose to patronize the nearby affluent hospitals due to the presence of specialists, they will also begin to patronize the community hospital, which is using these same specialists. The amount of high-margin specialty care will increase and the hospital will make more money, thus enabling it to continue using specialists.(D) The mere act of educating the public about the relatively low reimbursement rates of government health plans does not directly impact the hospital or break the cycle. In order for this to work, the hospital would have to find some way to increase reimbursement rates for routine care from the government plans or convert people from government plans to private insurers that reimburse at better rates.(E) Most of the community hospital's patients are either on government-funded plans or lack insurance altogether. Receiving more money from private insurers, therefore, is unlikely to generate enough revenue to break the cycle._________________ CITY COUNCILS CARLSBAD Advertisement The Carlsbad City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 in Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. DEL MAR The Del Mar City Council will hold a special closed session to discuss litigation and evaluate personnel at 5 p.m. Monday in Suite 100 (the former Pilates studio) at 2010 Jimmy Durante Blvd. In regular session at 6 p.m., the council will consider an ordinance to amend city code and the citys Local Coastal Program on off-street parking rules; consider an ordinance to ensure compliance with regulations on signage; and discuss and provide direction on a potential donation/fundraising program for the new Del Mar Civic Center. The council will also discuss how to regulate non-medical marijuana in response to the passage of Prop 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. SCHOOL DISTRICTS FALLBROOK The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District board will meet in closed session to discuss litigation at 5 p.m. Monday in Room 106 of the district office, 321 N. Iowa St. In regular session at 6 p.m., the board is expected to respond to the petition from Willow Tree Charter School. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com There is in Xawery Wolskis artwork an unwritten prerequisite for patience. Its a good thing Wolski has plenty of it. It courses through his veins. I come from several generations of geneticists, Wolski, 56, says. My father, my grandfather, my great grandfather they were all geneticists. They worked to grow a better species of plants. To create a new plant, they had to plant it years ahead, so I grew up watching them work on something that didnt produce immediate results. They had to wait. One look at Wolskis body of work quickly reveals why, in his world, patience isnt a voluntary virtue its mandatory. Advertisement A detailed view of one of Xawery Wolskis art pieces on at Lux. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune ) The Polish-born visual artist has had exhibitions all over the world China, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, France and is known for intricate work he creates painstakingly by hand, using materials like seeds, beans, clay, textile and wire. In 2015s Air Necklace II, hundreds of shiny orbs glimmer from the metal wire used to knit them into shape. In 2009s Into an Empty Sky, hundreds of terra cotta balls form gigantic garlands. And in 2015s Platinum Dress II, metallic terra cotta spheres blend together and give shape to a shiny dress. Working on his pieces, Wolski says, may require the utmost patience, but its a laborious process he has come to appreciate and treasure. The repetitive nature of creating his art is as important as the end product itself. Shaping clay into beads thousands of terra cotta beads, in some cases induces an almost meditative experience. Wet clay has to dry, be put in the oven, then they have to be strung along and woven, he says. Through the years, this is a process that Ive had to do over and over again, and every time I have to do it, I learn something new. Its an interesting experience its like meditation and contemplation. I feel like I go into deep contemplation when I make these things. Time stops to exist. One loses a notion of time. Its about an eternity. Wolskis virtuous commitment to his art is currently on full display at Lux Art Institute, where he is in residency through Dec. 17. Eight of his works from the last decade are part of the exhibit. A ninth piece will be completed during the residency a project Wolski will work on in public view. The theme is a familiar one: the concept of a dress. The dress is a topic Ive been interested in for many years, he says. Symbolically speaking, its like a second skin an object that covers, protects and defends. Ive been doing this project of dresses for many years, and its shaped by where Im doing the piece by the different cultures and the location. When I work, a lot of my inspiration comes from my travels and the material thats available there raw silk in Thailand, soft cotton from India, clay from Mexico. Connections to the past This is Wolskis second visit to San Diego the last time was a day trip to La Jolla when he was exhibiting in Tijuana three years ago, where he presented a project about the border. Im very excited about the residency, he says. I have shown in Thailand, India and France, in Vermont and in Mexico. But Ive never actually done a piece in the U.S., so this is a great opportunity. Clay in the San Diego region, he says, has a rich, reddish hue one hes excited to get his hands on. I am very inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the nature that is all around, says Wolski, who divides his time between Mexico and Poland. When I come to an area, I know I want to work with local materials, but I never know what Im going to find. Sometimes I find some seeds, and when I do find them I find a way to work with them. Sometimes I find stones. Theres one material that I can always find, and it is clay. Its everywhere and its something with a lot of tradition. Pre-Columbian in all the cultures, clay is used. Its not an expensive material, so its quite available for everybody. Its humble and very symbolic and rich in connections to the past. Making connections from the present to the past is an important aspect of Wolskis approach. Theres a lot of connection with the past in my work, he says. I try to make a bridge between past cultures and contemporary art. Inspired by the possibilities More than anything, though, Wolski strives to create art that is at once timeless yet rooted in the present work that propels a viewer to appreciate the moment. There is something that happens to many of us very rarely that feeling of something taking your breath away, Wolski says. One comes to something, it can be landscape, a work of art and then theres amazement. Its not something thats meant to be understood but rather experienced. There is a mystery, a beauty. Something that makes it click with the human soul and something that can only be received its a gift. This is what Im attempting to do with my work. Achieving this is a lifelong process, and one Wolski admits he may never fully realize in his lifetime. But Im inspired by the world of possibilities, by getting connected to a higher level of energy to discover what can be achieved, he says. Im patient. I can wait for the results. Lux Art Institute presents: Xawery Wolski When: In residence Nov. 5-Dec. 17. On exhibit through Nov. 5-Jan. 7. Where: Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas Tickets: $5 adults. Free to members, individuals under 21 and bicycle riders. Phone: (760) 436-6611 Online: luxartinstitute.org Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com About the only rule you need to follow when you visit the monthly Downtown at Sundown soiree at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego is the one that says the usual rules do not apply. Especially the unspoken ones. We want to make the museum accessible to everyone. education curator Cris Scorza said during this months event, which was earlier this week. A museum doesnt have to be a quiet and contemplative environment. It is a place where you can hear music, talk to a friend, stroll in and out. A lot of people shy away from museums because they think they cant talk and share their opinions. This is a chance to experience the museum in a different way. Part open house and part happy hour, Downtown at Sundown is your ticket to an evening of all-access culture. Its a good thing the museum is right next to the Santa Fe Depot, because you will be leaving your art-phobia baggage at the door. All aboard! Advertisement Party over here: Sundown 101 Downtown at Sundown happens on the third Thursday of the month at the MCASD Downtown, 1100 Kettner Blvd. It runs from 5 to 8 p.m., and admission is free. All of the museums galleries are open, as is the SDSU Downtown Gallery at Kettner and Broadway. The evening also includes live performers from the music, dance and theater world. Feeling parched from absorbing all that knowledge? Or maybe from dancing to the tunes the DJ is spinning? Show your admission sticker at the nearby Flight Path Wine Bar and Bistro or Stone Brewing Company Store for a $5 drink special. Save room for whatever theyre serving at the food truck stationed in the museums B Street Alley. Discounted parking is available at One America Plazas underground structure at Broadway and India Street. The museums validation will get you two hours for $2. After that, its $1.75 for every 12 minutes. (Make sure to get that validation. Without it, my $6 parking bill would have been $24.) Art for newbies Your Downtown at Sundown ticket also buys you a spot on a guided tour of the exhibitions, which usually kick off at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. And if you are like most newcomers to the contemporary art world, this free perk will turn out to be invaluable. The current slate of exhibitions (which will be on view through Nov. 27) includes art from comedian Cheech Marins personal collection and towering abstract sculptures by Ruben Ochoa. It also includes Hermoso Paisaje 7, an installation by the Mexico City-born artist Moris that features tarps, cardboard boxes and what looks like big lumps of coal. I was very happy that my tour started there. This kind of art is not the easiest to interpret, said Joshua Moreno, the docent who was leading the tour. Please be comforted in knowing that your guess is as good as mine. Actually, my guess got a lot better after the knowledgeable Moreno and my savvy tour mates weighed in. The Downtown at Sundown tours are conversational and interactive, which can go a long way toward bringing contemporary works like Hermoso Paisaje 7 into focus. Moreno had us look at the piece in which cardboard boxes, newspapers and religious statues are marooned on a small island of sand and come up with ideas about who the invisible inhabitants might be based on the objects we saw. Based on the boxes, the Spanish inscriptions and the tarp painted to look like a brick wall, we deduced that the inhabitants were probably transient workers from Mexico. The statues turned out to be of St. Jude, the patron saint of hope and impossible causes. As Moreno informed us, the statues also turned out to be covered with Resistol 5000, an adhesive that is a favorite of inhalant abusers because its cheap, available and dulls the pain of cold and hunger. And those lumps of coal? One of my tour-mates realized they were bolillos rolls that had been burned beyond recognition and way beyond eating. No nutrition there. Suddenly, this collection of ordinary objects became a story that our whole group was telling together. What was most important to us was to make this art part of your everyday experience. You can just be walking by, stop in for 30 minutes and enrich yourself, Scorza said. The art here is very rich and diverse, and there are many ways it can connect with the audience. We want to use this experience to expand your understanding of what art is. Get your culture right here As the rest of the tour group moved to the Cheech Marin collection, Aaron Pretty of Chula Vista moved on to DeLIMITations, a mixed-media examination of the U.S.-Mexico border. A student at Southwestern College, Pretty has never taken an art class. But he is an enthusiastic student of culture, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is one of his favorite classrooms. Art is happening in San Diego all the time, and I want to go out of my way to see that. Its culture, and you have to know what is happening in this world, Pretty said. I would have come tonight anyway, but I like that there is music. It makes things less intimidating. This is a nice place to take people and introduce them to art. While a few Downtown at Sundown denizens wandered out the door in the direction of the Stone Brewing Co., Ara Levinson and Shandra Jones were introducing themselves to Ochoas massive sculptures, which look like Transformers skeletons. They were also getting to know that colorful world where art and urban life collide, and they already knew theyd be back. Ive never been here before, and I love it, Jones said. I love all this edgy work. I love the art and the DJ, and I love that there is enough space to take everything in. I feel like a real grown-up. Twitter: @karla_peterson karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com Rob Falken started a manufacturing business when he was 17 based on his love of surfing: a surfboard wax company. It was successful, but it wasnt environmentally friendly. He realized he wanted to devote his lifes work to inventing products that would help heal the environment. To be perfectly honest, it was only after doing things the wrong way and living a non-sustainable lifestyle that I became educated enough to see the error of my ways, he says. As the wax business exploded in growth, I witnessed firsthand that what I was doing worked well, but it hurt the environment in a multitude of ways. I swore to myself that I was going to spend the rest of my life inventing materials and products that had a demonstrable benefit to the environment and/or human health. Today, Falken is 37 and founder and managing director of BLOOM Holdings LLC and AlgaMetrix LLC, which manufacture flexible foams from algae and develop pure algae antimicrobials. Advertisement Falken, who lives in Carlsbad with his wife and 4-year-old son, took some time to talk about why algae is an environmental problem, the approach he takes with his work to help solve problems through the various products his companies make and his unique ability to write with his toes. Q: How did BLOOM get started? A: BLOOM was initially started by an idea that I had for producing algae into flexible foams. Several early phase companies in the market had already started down the path of making bioplastics out of algae, and I said if they can make a plastic out of it, then I can make a foam from the same. The company was founded in 2015 and it exists to solve an environmental nightmare: algae blooms are clogging waterways worldwide and we remove the offending material and make it functional as a sustainable product offering. Q: What makes algae an environmental nightmare? A: Algae are some of the oldest living organisms on this planet and their co-habitation with humans is nothing new. When we speak of an environmental crisis caused by algae, we are really speaking about a man-made crisis. Algae and in our case, blue-green algae, specifically feast on man-made nutrient inputs to waterways such as phosphorus and nitrogen. These compounds act as fertilizers that feed the algaes massive expansion. The overabundance of nutrients finds their way into rivers, lakes, canals, and other complex marine environments from agriculture runoff, septic systems overflow, and even from the fertilizers that you use on your lawn. The real nightmare starts when the algae blooms into massive blankets that cover the waters surface. Its during this stage that the algae can soak up the available oxygen that effectively suffocates all living creatures in the water. These types of events are not uncommon, and theyre responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars of loss to the fishing tourism, and real estate industry nationally every year. Q: What is an algae bloom? A: Algae are single celled organisms that can double in size every 17 to 24 hours. Its this rapid growth rate the fastest of any plant matter in the world that causes whats known as an algal bloom. Blooms can be defined as the rapid release of algae in a water system. Essentially, the algae explode into vast swaths of metaphorical liquid carpet that coat several inches of the water column and block sunlight to everything below the waters surface. Its this explosive growth which can and does get out of control very quickly in water bodies all over the world. What I love about Carlsbad ... Im blessed to live in a very community-oriented cul-de-sac in a safe part of town. Its like Cheers everybody knows your name. Q: What is the process for harvesting algae? A: Our company is vertically integrated, which means we do everything ourselves, soup to nuts. The process begins by mobilizing our harvesting units to affected waterways and sucking the algae/nutrients out with what looks like a giant vacuum. The algae is then flocculated (floated) to the top of a large tank where an automated skimmer pushes the liquid algae into a separate holding tank. The remaining water is then filtered and returned to habitat, extremely pure. From there the algae is carted away and dried at our processing facility before being crushed into a powder. The powder is then forced through an extrusion machine with a carrier resin, which yields a plastic. The plastic is then foamed by conventional means to make high-performance slabs of foam, which are then sliced to thickness and sold to customers all over the world. Q: What kinds of products does your company make from algae? A: My company manufactures flexible foams from wild harvested algae biomass only we never lab-grow or genetically engineer algae in any way. The foam replaces the stuff you find in running shoes, yoga mats, sporting goods, and anywhere else flexible foam products are used, which is everywhere. Q: What are your biggest sellers? A: In collaboration with 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, were selling the foam grips that surfers use on their surfboards for traction. These have been flying off the shelves all over the world. Q: Why are environmentalism and sustainability so important to you? A: We live on a planet with finite resources, yet we collectively plunder our natural gifts en masse to the point of near extinction. With something like 7 billion people on this planet now, and billions more to come, were going to have to create innovate solutions to better sustain the health and happiness of the human race before its too late. That is to say, Id like to think that I see the big picture and I want to do something about it using the skills that I have. Q: What are the three patents youve been granted? A: Im a material developer and inventor by trade with a very broad interest range and set of skills. The patents that I hold are for things like compostable crayons that grow into plants, Kevlar-reinforced surfboard leashes with significantly improved breaking strength over conventional, and I have a pending allowance on the algae-derived foams. Additionally, I have over 20 other utility and international patents in process and more on the way. Theres everything from cosmetic grooming devices to waterless dyed fabric, and a new method of making popcorn from something quite unique. Crazy stuff. Q: Whats been challenging about your environmental work with transforming algae? A: The hardest part is to maintain the rapid growth trajectory of our organization while trying to also tackle national and international environmental crisis situations that keep popping up. Sometimes youre working with your company-owned factory in China (where theres an enormous algae problem) late into the night or coordinating a team of R&D scientists to put a hot new project on the front burner. Simply put, you can only grow as fast as your ability to get the right people on the bus and then get them working effectively together. Q: Whats been rewarding about it? A: Everything. I get to have a relatively large amount of creative freedom while tackling a complex global issue. This opportunity has allowed me to make a living doing what I love and supports my growing family. Q: What has this work taught you about yourself? A: It sounds like a line, but in truth, this work has further solidified my belief that I can achieve anything that I put my mind to. As such, I continue to follow my instincts and let my life experiences guide my decision-making process. Q: What is the best advice youve ever received? A: Go on the results. It was a statement meant to confirm that ones measure of success can be defined by the results of their efforts and actions. Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you? A: That I can write quite efficiently with my toes. Q: Describe your ideal San Diego weekend. A: Going to Cardiff Reef in Cardiff-by-the-Sea with my family, friends, and their kids. We let all the kids run wild and slow things down to a crawl in order to soak in the time. Email: lisa.deaderick@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @lisadeaderick If it goes on long enough, even a victory lap can be exhausting. After retiring from the St. Vincent de Paul Center in 2011, Father Joe Carroll was buried in plaques and certificates. He appreciated the honors, but enough was enough. I made a promise last November I would take no more awards, said Carroll. I was tired of it. Advertisement But on Monday, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Foundation called. The Virginia-based group wanted to give Carroll the Citizen Service Before Self award. Oh, and the selection committee? Composed entirely of Medal of Honor recipients. You think about the Congressional Medal of Honor and theyre the best of the best, the bravest of the bravest, he said. And theyre calling me? On March 25, the self-described hustler priest will attend the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. Hell be joined by three other recipients. Oregons Marcos Ugarte, 15, saved a boy from a burning building. Jesse Shaffer III and Jesse Shaffer IV, father and son, used their boat to pluck 120 residents of Braithwaite, La., from Hurricane Isaacs floodwaters. The award is given to someone who goes above and beyond the call, said Carol Cepregi, the societys deputy director of operations. We ask members of Congress and governors to recommend recipients of the award. When weve narrowed the list down to the finalists, then it goes to the Medal of Honor of recipients. From the beginning, the award has recognized extraordinary Americans. One of the first Citizen Service Before Self recipients was Jencie Fagan, a Nevada middle school teacher who, after a gunman wounded two of her students, hurried her class to safety and then talked the gunman into surrendering. In the awards six-year history, Carroll is the first recipient from San Diego. But this years 23 national finalists included two other San Diegans, Robert Louis Haley and Joseph Mejia, who had intervened to save a local police officer from a knife-wielding assailant. Carroll was nominated last fall by then-Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-San Diego, in recognition of three decades at St. Vincents and the Father Joes Villages. This network of shelters and one-stop-shop transitional services plus his genial but relentless fundraising have influenced homeless shelters across the country. If theres anybody who has exemplified the work of Jesus in this community, its Joe Carroll, said Monsignor Dennis Mikulanis, a longtime friend. Hes done so much for the poor and homeless in San Diego. Carroll, 71, grew up in the Bronx with seven siblings. The priesthood was a boyhood ambition, and after his ordination the young priest was sent to San Diego. In 1982, the local diocese tapped him to run St. Vincents. Eager to consolidate services for the poor, Carroll began acquiring property until his center consumed about four blocks. Today, this center and the Father Joes Villages provide housing, meals, job counseling and health care. Carroll, who retired on his 70th birthday, still lives across the street from the center. Most of his family, though, still lives on the East Coast and many plan to attend the ceremony in Arlington. Thats a bonus, Carroll said. Its kind of like getting a mini-family reunion. As happy as Carroll is with this honor, he does have one complaint: The societys citation mentions Monsignor Joe Carroll. That is his formal title, but its one he avoids perhaps because its hard to imagine a hustler monsignor. I told them to correct that on the medal, he said. Make it Father Joe Carroll. Columnist Diane Bell contributed to this story. A day after settling three Trump University lawsuits for $25 million, Donald Trump explained via Twitter that he did so only because of his presidential win. I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as President I have to focus on our country, Trump tweeted Saturday morning. He followed up with another Tweet shortly after: The ONLY bad thing about winning the Presidency is that I did not have the time to go through a long but winning trial on Trump U. Too bad! Advertisement The first of the three lawsuits was set to go to trial Nov. 28 in San Diego, although Trumps election win prompted his lawyers to try to delay the case until after his inauguration, citing the monumental task of transitioning to the White House. U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel last week urged both sides to meet with a veteran judge for a final crack at coming to a settlement. It worked. After a day of back and forth with U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller in San Diego, and another day of negotiating with the New York attorney general regarding his lawsuit, a $25 million settlement was signed Friday. Trumps attorney said after a court hearing Friday that the settlement was good for all parties and allowed the president-elect to turn his full focus to running the country. Under the terms of the settlement, $21 million will be spread among the roughly 7,000 people involved in two San Diego class-action lawsuits, while $4 million will go to the lawsuit filed by the New York attorney general. In the two class-action cases, members are guaranteed to recoup at least 55 percent of the cost spent on Trump University, with the possibility of recovering up to 100 percent. Students claimed in the lawsuits that they were duped into believing that Trump hand-selected instructors for his real estate school, which they say falsely held itself out to be an accredited university. They claimed they learned little and instead were encouraged to continue paying for higher levels of education. Trump did not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. His lawyer said Friday that Trump still believes there was a strong chance he would have prevailed at trial. Related $25 million settlement reached in Trump University lawsuits RELATED Students allege they paid up to $35,000 to attend seminars and learn inside secrets to success in real estate from mentors who were handpicked by Trump. Instead, they claim the program was nothing more than an infomercial trying to squeeze more mo kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis Environmental groups and scientists are gripped with anxiety about the prospect of President-elect Donald Trump, who has denied the existence of climate change, slashing government money for climate research, gutting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys staffing and authority, and pulling out from international agreements to curb greenhouse-gas emissions. On the other end, skeptics of climate change and those who believe the Obama administration has wrongly prioritized efforts to curb global warming at the expense of the U.S. economy are eyeing Trumps presidential victory as a chance to give their views high-profile credence. From overhauling the Clean Air Act to de-funding the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies, Trumps critics fear nothing is off-limits for the unpredictable real estate tycoon as he works with a Republican-controlled congress. Hundreds of businesses from Nike to Levi Strauss to Starbucks as well as President Barack Obama and even China have publicly urged Trump to continue efforts to fight global warming and make good on the Paris climate deal. Theres more concern now than there was under the (George W.) Bush presidency, said John Coequyt, director of federal and international climate campaigns for the Sierra Club. This team doesnt seem to be interested in even crafting business-friendly [climate] regulation. Theyve talked about extreme things like getting rid of the EPA. At the same time, more than two dozen states, scores of companies and some labor unions are pushing to overturn Obamas signature climate-change policy, the Clean Power Plan. Its something Trump also has vowed to do. Advertisement Backing Trump are groups such as the libertarian Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the Heartland Institute, which has rejected predictions that climate change will cause significant, widespread harm to the environment and economy. I think its going to be more cost-effective to adapt tomorrow than mitigate today, said Isaac Orr, a research fellow at the Heartland Institute. The [Trump] organization is going to be a lot different than what weve gotten used to over the last eight years. Specific possibilities Environmental advocates are bracing for Trumps decisions on a slate of major issues: * The fate of the Clean Power Plan, which is tied up in federal court. Its been estimated that the plan would guide the shuttering of hundreds of coal plants nationwide and help speed up the adoption of renewable energy. * The Clean Air Act could face a radical reinterpretation as it relates to climate change. If the incoming administration and the GOP get their way, the act could no longer be used by environmental groups or the EPA to force businesses to curb emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. * Trump has said he intends to walk away from pledges made at the United Nations climate talks in Paris. Its unclear what the ripple effects would be from such a move, but many fear it would spell the end for the politically and economically tricky goal of globally coordinated efforts to slash carbon emissions. * The president-elect also could try de-fund climate science by hollowing out staff and other resources at places such as the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Meanwhile, the EPA might dramatically temper its approach to enforcing climate-related regulations and standards for both the public and private sectors. * Trump could approve a significant expansion of leases for drilling of oil and natural gas on federal land. Theres been talk that he would reverse efforts by the Obama administration to rein in methane emissions associated with drilling, and the Keystone XL Pipeline project is expected to move forward during his tenure. Trump could kill the Clean Power Plan, but it might not be easy, said Nathan Richardson, an attorney and a professor at the University of South Carolinas law school who specializes in environmental law and economics. He can definitely do it, Richardson said. Its not trivial, unless you can kill it quick by telling the D.C. [court] circuit to not even go through with the-rule making, or if the D.C. circuit rejects the plan wholesale. If the plan survives in federal court, Trump could withdraw the measure and likely face lawsuits from the environmental community or mount a weak defense as its opponents appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, Richardson said. Another option: Trump could have his overhauled EPA redraft the rules, which would likely take several years as the agency recirculates the document to the public and responds to feedback. Perhaps the most radical way to reverse the plan would be for Congress to pass legislation that declares greenhouse-gas emissions arent subject to the Clean Air Act. After the Bush administration for years resisted having the EPA regulate greenhouse gases, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2007 that such emissions qualified as air pollution under the act. In recent years, several bills to strip climate emissions out of the landmark air-pollution law have passed both houses of Congress but were vetoed by Obama. A more streamlined way for Trump to make an impact on the environment would be to permit new oil and natural gas drilling on federal land. If you just want a quick win and you want to count something in Trumps column, then opening up oil and gas drilling would be the big contributor, not repealing the Clean Power Plan, Richardson said. International dynamics The United Nations recently reported that without additional pledges to cut greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide on top of commitments already made through past international agreements global temperatures could rise by as much as 6.1 degrees Fahrenheit as compared to pre-industrial levels. The polarizing effect of a Trump presidency will likely set back policy discussions about how to best curb emissions, said David Victor, a professor at UC San Diegos school of global policy and strategy. Theres all these really important, sophisticated debates about how to design and organize climate policy, like about how much are willing to spend on climate policy and what are the best types of policy, said Victor, who has advocated for market-based incentives over an emphasis on government regulation. All that stuff is very hard to imagine in an environment where people are at the barricades. Im convinced that youre going to see people go chain themselves to pipelines and power plants as their version of the early 1970s environmental stuff. Trump recently tapped climate-science contrarian Mryon Ebell to spearhead the EPAs transition team. Ebell, well-known for his work with the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., didnt respond to a request for comment. But the institute provided this statement: We are deeply concerned that many of the proposed solutions to do something about climate change, such as national and global campaigns to tax, regulate and mandate away fossil fuels, are wholly ineffective, destructive to global health and endanger the worlds poorest countries. For nearly two decades, Ebell has been one of the nations leading figures in striving to undermine the scientifically established theory that global warming will very likely amplify destructive forces such as hurricanes, wildfires and flooding. He maintains that humans are contributing to climate change, but that its far from a planetary emergency. He argues that the costs of curtailing greenhouse-gas emissions arent currently worth the effort. Levels of urgency Scientists have disagreed about how extreme climate changes impacts could be in the long term. Some, like James Hansen at Columbia University, have painted an exceedingly grim picture that includes super storms lifting massive boulders up from ocean depths and raining them into big population centers. Others have offered less terrifying, but still alarming, assessments that focus on widespread refugee crises resulting from droughts and massive crop failures. There are some people who are calling for catastrophic scenarios that I dont think are very realistic, but thats not really the point. Thats a distraction, said Jeff Severinghaus, a climate scientist at UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla. The mainstream, 97 percent of scientists, view is that serious harm will occur, he added. Its not accurate to say it really wont be so bad. Thats not the mainstream scientific conclusion as embodied by the [International Panel on Climate Change]. Timed to coincide with the United Nations international climate talks in Morocco this year, the World Meteorological Organization recently released a statement on global climate. The document outlined the confluence of recent record-high temperatures, steadily increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a spate of droughts, floods, wildfires and tropical cyclones that have caused devastation around the world. The statement noted that last year, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees tallied 14.7 million people being displaced because of weather hazards. Severinghaus reflected on Ebells role of overhauling the EPA, which could continue past the next few weeks or months if hes tapped to become the agencys administrator. I just absolutely cant believe that someone like that would be put in a position of responsibility in our government, he said. Its horrifying. People like Myron Ebell are not skeptics. They are deniers, full stop. They are ignoring evidence blatantly. However, the scientific message that climate change will increasingly drive the likelihood of more natural disasters and increasingly potent ones hasnt swayed many Americans. Even in California, a state on the forefront of combating greenhouse-gas emissions, millions of residents disagree about the need for urgent, large-scale actions to counter global warming. For example: Rural parts of northern and central California, dominated largely by the farming and agricultural industries, voted in large numbers for Trump. While on the campaign trail, Trump had denied the existence of the states drought, which is approaching its sixth straight year. I think the farm bureau is concerned about drought, but trying to match that up with science on long-term climate change is something that my membership is not convinced on, said Chris Scheuring, an environmental attorney for the California Farm Bureau Federation. Top state leaders have said they will maintain Californias leading push against climate change, but dont intend to offer more specifics until they see what Trump does. RELATED Twitter: @jemersmith Phone: (619) 293-2234 Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com East County business owners, civic leaders and law enforcement officials are taking the first steps in creating a regional approach to address homelessness in their communities. We need to bring everybody together so people understand how homelessness is impacting all these different sectors of our community, said Eric Lund, CEO and President of the East County Chamber of Commerce. In January, a count of homeless people countywide found El Cajon had 103 people in shelters or transitional housing and 218 people living on the street, in tents or in cars. Spring Valley had 134 homeless people, La Mesa had 31 and Lemon Grove had 12, with people in all three communities unsheltered.. Advertisement Lund said the chamber directed him and staff members to create the San Diego East County Regional Homeless Task Force, which held its first meeting Wednesday at the El Cajon Police Department. About 100 people attended, and guest speakers agreed that the homeless population has increased and it will take a collaborative, regional effort to address it. Representatives of faith-based groups and social services also spoke about how they already are helping homeless people in East County. Lund said information shared at the task forces first meeting will be used when the group convenes again in January and holds break-out sessions on various topics. The task force will develop a regional plan based on ideas generated from that and future meetings, he said. I can see where all the connections are, Lund said. We just need to bring these people to the table so they can talk to each other and work together. While the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless already includes East County, Lund said the new group will have a specific focus on local issues and services to better serve the area. City managers from El Cajon, Lemon Grove and La Mesa at the meeting each said they were struggling with how to deal with a growing homeless population. Its a complex, deep-seated problem and its getting worse, said El Cajon City Manager Douglas Williford, calling the issue well beyond a police matter. Williford said he struggles with how the city can be compassionate to homeless people without attracting more. He also noted that the homeless population in a city park had exploded after people started bringing food to them. Lemon Grove City Manager Lydia Romero said her community sees an influx of homeless people whenever San Diego does sweeps of encampments, and she thinks all cities around hers should work together. Its a regional problem, she said. This is an East County problem, and not one city should share the burden. Law enforcement officers from El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Santee and La Mesa agreed their roles were just part of the solution. Everyone has to contribute, said El Cajon Police Chief Jeff Davis. After noticing that El Cajon and Santee were pushing homeless people into each others cities whenever they did sweeps, Davis said they finally got smart and started talking to one another. That resulted in the creation last year of the East County Homeless Outreach Team, which includes Sheriffs deputies from Santee, officers from El Cajon and social workers from the countys Health and Human Services Agency. Faith-based groups attending the meeting included Rock Church, Foothills Christian Church and Meridian Baptist Church. Pastor Greg Hendricks of Rock Church said his organization has outreach ministries that work specifically with homeless people and a voucher program to give them clothes from the churchs thrift stores. Addressing the question of how to help people who decline help, Hendricks said the outreach workers get to know them over time to gain their trust. We try to help them understand their identity and how God sees them, he said. Representatives from the Crisis House, Salvation Army and East County Transitional Living Center spoke at the meeting about how their organizations help homeless people. Capt. Sean Kelsey of the Salvation Army said his organization is planning to open an El Cajon pantry that will give people in need more dignity by creating a shopping experience rather than a hand-out. Among the people from schools who spoke, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District Vice Chancellor John Valencia said it sometimes is difficult to identify homeless students on campus, but he know they are there. I met a student last week who said he has to find a new couch to sleep on every week, he said. Grossmont College has hired an engagement coordinator who is planning to open a new pantry to help needy students, Valencia said. Speakers representing local businesses said the homeless population in East County has become more aggressive and more of a problem. Shoppers number one complaint is the homeless, said Ben Potter of Grossmont Center, which has about 100 businesses. I cant tell you how many times a shop owner will call and say, I dont want to sound unsympathetic, but this is affecting our business. Christina Park of Taxes by Design said shes moved her El Cajon business a few times because of the homeless population, and twice in the past six months shes had to call police because she felt in danger. gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 Immigration reporter Kate Morrisseys beat has suddenly taken on a lot of immediacy with the election of Donald Trump as president. Supporters are eager for his ambitious promises to be met, and advocates for vulnerable populations are worried. Morrissey answered these questions about how the newspaper will approach the issue. You used to be a general assignment data reporter, what caught your interest in taking on immigration as a beat? I have always been fascinated by the complexities of the system. Immigration laws make up a book as thick as a dictionary. I love the challenge of trying to understand the nuances, how they came about and what they could mean going forward. Advertisement Its also, of course, an amazing city for covering immigration. The variety of communities that are here and the ways in which they interact make for very interesting stories. Do you regret it now? Not at all. Given the prominence that the election gave to immigration as an issue and the breadth of opinions involved, I feel more responsibility than ever to keep people informed and take our readers through the layers of it. That responsibility is one of the reasons why I love my job and why I am excited to get out of bed every day to do it. How have you been able to apply your data skills to this beat? In todays data-driven society, data exists for almost any beat. Having a background in data allows me to bring dimensions to immigration stories that reporters without that background might struggle with. You have a story in todays paper about a backlash against welcoming cities designations in our region. What brought that to your attention? I received an email from a listserv that I follow asking for letter submissions to encourage city officials to protect welcoming cities. What surprised you most, in reporting the story? The weirdest thing, honestly, was that the self-proclaimed welcoming cities passed proclamations and then didnt follow through to be included on the national registry by sending an email and filling out a survey, as required. People who are mistrustful of immigrant populations also tend to be mistrustful of the media. How did you overcome that mistrust? I take the approach with my reporting, as with other areas of my life, that all people are people, and people deserve respect because they are people. If you approach people in a respectful way and tell them that you want to understand their point of view, chances are, they will tell you. I also believe strongly in balanced reporting, and I think once they saw that, they became more comfortable having me quote them. What do you think the biggest misconceptions are, for people who favor greater scrutiny on immigration? What do you think the biggest misconceptions are on the other side? I think theres a lot of confusion in the general public, regardless of individual viewpoints on immigrants, about how the system actually functions now. There are a lot of intricacies in the system, so there are often several ways to look at a piece of it. It also seems like, as a society, weve grown into a tendency of talking at each other rather than creating dialogue to better understand each other. Im hoping with my reporting I can help each side understand where the other is coming from. This beat can be very bureaucratic, given the complications of the immigration system. How do you maneuver that? I am the daughter of a lawyer, so I grew up on conversations of technicalities and logic wars. I kind of thrive on understanding those weird little details. I also double check that understanding constantly by reaching out to a variety of experts on immigration law and talking through scenarios. The what if conversations around immigration law are fascinating. Trump supporters may be as surprised as anyone else by the outcome of the election. To what extent do you think they expect Trump to do exactly as he promised? The Trump supporters Ive spoken to in the last two weeks seem to have high hopes for him to do what he said he will do. They think hes going to bring a lot of change to the country, both in terms of immigration and otherwise. What are the top opportunities you see for this newspaper, and the media in general, to shed light on these issues? One of my goals with this beat is for our readers to better understand how the system works now. Its a lot easier to know where changes need to be made and all sides say we need changes to the system if we know whats actually happening now. In the bigger picture, my goal as a journalist has always been to help people better understand each other. When Ive spoken to people on different sides of the issue, theyve all expressed hope for better understanding so that we can move forward. I hope that I might be able to facilitate some of that increased understanding. A shaking Edith Hernandez stood in a doorway separating two countries on Saturday, folding herself into a mother she hadnt hugged in a dozen years, both watering the sand and cement of the Playas de Tijuana with tears. El amor no tiene fronteras, they like to say here inside International Friendship Park. Love has no borders. Advertisement But nations do, which is why an American helicopter wheeled in the sky above Imperial Beach, and a phalanx of 11 U.S. Border Patrol agents ensured Hernandez, 30, didnt nudge too far into Mexico and her mom, Maria Plata-Colin, 50, stayed out of the United States. I told her I loved her. Thats it, said Hernandez, an unauthorized immigrant from Los Angeles who was flanked by her American children, Yvette, 10, and David, 2. 1 / 22 Adriana Salinas, left, sees her father Adrian Salinas, who is on the other side of the U.S./Mexico border fence, for the first time in eleven years as she, her daughter Valentina Lasso, 4, and several other families see and talk to each other through the border fence at Friendship Park in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 22 Luis Eduardo Hernandez-Bautista is lead to an open gate to see family members on the Mexican side of the US-Mexican border fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 22 Eduardo Hernandez, right, who is coming from the Mexican side of the border fence, hugs Luis Eduardo Hernandez-Bautista. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 22 Luis Eduardo Hernandez-Bautista wipes a tear as he walks back to the U.S. side of the border. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 22 Family members hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes during the Opening the Door of Hope event, put on by the Border Angels, at the US-Mexican border in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 22 Family members hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 22 Family members hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 22 Family members hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 22 A woman and girl weep as they walk away from the border fence after they were allowed to see and hug family members. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 22 Family members hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 22 A young boy looks up at Border Patrol agent the family hes with hug after they are allowed through the border fence for five minutes. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 22 After six families were able to reunite for a five minutes each, U.S. Border Patrol agents close the gate back. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 22 Enrique Morones, Executive Director and founder of Border Angels, talks to people on the Mexican side of the border fence after the Opening the Door of Hope event, put on by the Border Angels, at the US-Mexican border in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 22 Adriana Salinas squints as looks through the US-Mexico border fence to see her father Adrian Salinas, who see hasnt seen in eleven years, as she talks to him. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 22 Maria de Los Angeles Guzman peers through the US-Mexican border fence as she looks for her daughter and baby grandson. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 22 Evelyn de Los Angeles Guzman, right, and her nine-month-old son Jordan River touch the finger of her mother Maria de Los Angeles Guzman as she sees her mother for the first time in seven years. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 22 Evelyn de Los Angeles Guzman and her nine-month-old son Jordan River touch the finger of her mother Maria de Los Angeles Guzman as she sees her mother for the first time in seven years. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 22 A woman on the Mexican side sticks her hand through US-Mexican border fence at Friendship Park in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 22 Someone on the Mexican side sticks a phone through the US-Mexican border fence to take a picture. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 22 Armando Camacho, from Indio, holds his one-year-old daughter Romina Camacho as they, wife Sandra Aguirre, and son Renato Camacho, 7, talk to Aguirres mother, who is on the Mexican side, at the US-Mexican border in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 22 People stand close to border fence to see and talk to family members at US-Mexican border next to Friendship Park in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 22 With the Pacific Ocean in the background, pigeons land on the US-Mexican border fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) They met their grandmother for the first time shortly after noon on Saturday, thanks to an event arranged by the San Diego nonprofit Border Angels and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to honor World Childrens Day. For a few brief moments, Border Patrol agents on the American side flung up a steel hatch in the metal fence, letting loved ones who cant legally cross the international divide hold each other. Border Angels wants to repeat the event next year across the entire 1,933-mile international border, from Imperial Beach to the toe of Texas, but no one can foretell the celebrations future, here or in other states. The election of Donald Trump the Republican firebrand who ran on a populist message of building fortifications separating the United States from Mexico and deporting millions of unauthorized immigrants might alter everything. I dont know if we can do these events, said Hernandez. I dont know if he can close these events. I wish that he could help us. I wish. Trumps transition team did not return messages seeking comment. There are no changes predicted in the near future, said Border Patrol Agent Eduardo Olmos. These events could go on as they have for the last four years. Although it drew more than 400 people on both sides of the border, quieter versions of Saturdays ceremony occur nearly every weekend. Usually the American side teems with some of the estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants who could be repatriated if Border Patrol agents checked their paperwork something they dont do now because of an informal policy. Many of their children were brought here as toddlers and have few ties to the nations where they were born. President Barack Obamas 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive order or DACA protects about 728,000 of them from deportation, but its a temporary measure that can be overturned in a Trump administration. They come to Friendship Park to give pinky kisses to relatives on the other side, their fingers pressing through the tiny steel slats. Enrique Morones, who founded Border Angels three decades ago to save immigrants from dying of thirst as they walked north through San Diego County, called on Congress to reject Trumps campaign promises and pass humane immigration reform. Weve been close to it a couple of times, Morones said. We know President Obama tried to do it but they wouldnt allow him to do it. Thats not going to happen, said Joe Guzzardi, a spokesman for the Santa Barbara-based Californians for Population Stabilization, a nonprofit that seeks stiffer border security, increased deportations and other changes to Americas immigration policies. Donald Trump campaigned for 18 months on these issues. He might come back and say that instead of a wall there will be more fencing, more Border Patrol agents and things like that, but to do nothing? I just cant see that, said Guzzardi. To Guzzardi, the Imperial Beach event shows how complicated border issues can be especially the mixed citizenship statuses of immigrant families on the American side but something has to give on this whole immigration question, including scrapping DACA. He suspects Trump will let DACAs two-year permits to continue until they expire. Then the children of immigrants will be barred from lawful employment or obtaining drivers licenses in many states. To crack down on illegal workers, Guzzardi wants lawmakers to force businesses to use the federal e-Verify system to determine employment eligibility, something thats currently voluntary. This particular problem, and many of the other problems related to immigration, are fully or partially the fault of the Republican-led Congress because they didnt fight Obama on his executive orders, Guzzardi said. Trump has picked U.S. Sen. Jim Sessions, an Alabama Republican, as his attorney general, signaling a get-tough approach to deportations. Other cabinet posts remain unfilled, and Trump hasnt announced a timetable for revealing his nominees for Senate confirmation. cprine@sduniontribune.com piyatiwari wrote: E is the right one. Meaning : Current curriculum is less relevant to todays world -> attracting less students. To attract students -> change curriculum to emphasize X thing. So we will look for answer choice which would explain importance of X, or that students are attracted to subjects involving X. E satisfies this: (E) In todays world the production and analysis of visual images is of major importance in communications, business, and recreation. I like this response, so I will just add to it a bit. The purpose of this question is to see if you can create a stronger bond between the premises to the conclusion. Premise: Curriculum isn't relevant so fewer students. Conclusion: To get more students the board will emphasize physics involved in producing visual images. There is a logical gap here (or assumption) - somehow this new curriculum of visual images must be more relevant in today's world. Since we are strengthening the conclusion, we want an answer choice that explicitly states what we are assuming to be true.Answer choice E explicitly states our assumption. Visual images are very relelvant in today's world, so our conclusion that the course will attract more students (due to relevancy of curriculum) has been strenghtened.KW_________________ Pope Francis pulled shut the Holy Door of St. Peters Basilica on Sunday, formally ending the Holy Year of Mercy he declared to stress the need for greater reconciliation and forgiveness in his church and in the world. After closing the ornate door, Francis urged some 70,000 people attending Mass in St. Peters Square to stay open to reconciliation prospects. Let us ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences, opening every possible pathway of hope, the pope said during his homily. Advertisement A day earlier, at a ceremony to give the church 17 new cardinals, including Chicagos Blase Cupich, the pope lamented a surge of hostility and polarization in the world, especially toward those many consider enemies simply because they are from different faiths, races or nationalities. As God believes in us, infinitely beyond any merits we have, so, too, we are called to instill hope and provide opportunities to others, Francis said Sunday. The Holy Year of Mercy, which started on Dec. 8, 2015, drew roughly 20 million pilgrims to Rome, where they passed through the open Holy Door at the Vatican and at other Rome basilicas. A long line of faithful snaked through the square Saturday evening for the last opportunity to pass through St. Peters Basilica Holy Door, which is off to the side of the main entrance. Hours later, the pontiff slowly and firmly pulled close one side of the ornately paneled door, then the other side. The door will be re-sealed until another Holy Year is declared, whenever that might be. Catholics worldwide also could pass through Holy Doors in designated churches closer to home during the last year, as Francis sought to put less attention on the church headquarters in Rome and more on adherents in the farthest reaches of the globe. Francis opened one of those Holy Doors himself, at the Cathedral of Bangui, during a pilgrimage in late 2015 to the Central African Republic, a country bloodied by sectarian fighting between Muslims and Christians. A Central African Republic prelate from that country was one of 17 churchmen officially given the rank of cardinal by the pope on Saturday. The new cardinals joined the rest of the cardinals during Sundays Mass. Francis made clear that his papacy, which began in 2013, would continue to press for dialogue and other peaceful means to end conflicts and bring people closer together. At the end of the Sundays Mass in the square, Francis signed a letter addressed to all the church. The Vatican said the letter expressed the popes intention that the church can continue to live out the mercy with the same intensity felt during the entire special Jubilee Holy Year. The pope handed out copies to various representatives of the Catholic world. They included a family of parents; children and grandparents from the United States; a nun from Mexico and a nun from South Korea; the archbishop of Manila; priests from the Democratic Republic of Congo and from Brazil; and a woman in a wheelchair, among others. The Vatican plans to release the text of the letter Monday. Associated Press Regarding Balboa Park plan approved for finish in 2019 (Nov. 15): Disruption to the historic core of the Balboa Park National Historic Landmark District is an insult to the visionary civic planners who created and left it for us to steward. 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. Advertisement 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 This gem we inherited belongs to all San Diegans, not just to a self-interested cabal of museums. A legacy of narcissistic philanthropy and tone-deaf politicians, the Irwin Jacobs plan was surreptitiously hatched from behind closed doors. Essentially the plan is to turn the park into a mall with forced paid parking, a first in the parks history. The taxpayers $50 million, pledged without their consent, could be better spent correcting decades of deferred maintenance. A better alternative would be to run a trolley line along Park Boulevard, downtown-to-uptown where it was historically. Build a parking structure across Park Boulevard next to the freeway. Save millions. But that was never the goal, was it? Vonn Marie May Encinitas Voice of unity has been absent for many years Jim Biers letter (Planning, not protests, mark path forward, Nov 16) says that whether you like Trump or not, he deserves the same opportunities to govern as were given to President Obama. Very well, lets obstruct any ideas or proposals Trump makes. Have Congress try to repeal any new law Donald Trump allows (health care). Make sure he gets called a dictator every time he gives an executive action order (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Lets make sure to call him an elitist, a king-wanna-be, a white supremacist/racist (as opposed to a Muslim-loving, socialist Kenyan), and any other insult your little heart desires. Then and only then will we be giving Trump the same opportunities to govern as Obama had. Yolanda Emery La Mesa Debate continues on the Electoral College Regarding More thoughts on the Electoral College (Nov. 17): Letter writers have noted the inequality of a Californians vote being worth a third that of someone living in a smaller state. The original Constitution permitted slavery, allowed African-Americans to count as three-fifths of a European-American and allowed states to deny their voting rights, which were reversed by the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. The equal protection under law clause in the 14th Amendment should also be interpreted to disallow the unequal apportionment in the Electoral College. The Supreme Court has already ruled that the 14th Amendment requires one person, one vote electoral equality in apportionment at the state level. Therefore, while not abolishing the Electoral College outright, it should require the allocation of electors, proportional to population, at the federal level. Davis D. Danizier Oceanside * * * So Hillary Clinton wins the popular vote, yet Trump is elected. The protesters are rallying against the wrong thing. Their placards should read Repeal the Electoral College! Suzanne Watson San Marcos Protesters have nothing to complain about Regarding San Diego students protest Trump (Nov. 17): Who are these protesters protesting against? The American voter? The United States democracy? The United States Constitution? Do they want a dictator to come in and overthrow our government? Then we will have a country like Syria or Iraq. Peaceful protests are part of our freedoms. But let them not mistreat these freedoms and lose them. We need to take care of our problems within the law of our country. The United States of America. Already a great country. I am sure they will not find a better country to move to. Betty J. Huston Vista Clinton was the wrong woman for the job Women gained the right to vote in 1920 and for the past several decades we have been hoping to find an intelligent, honest, hard-working woman to represent us and run for president of our great country. But we only got part of those requirements with Hillary Clinton. Her integrity was damaged by answering 25 questions under oath with I dont recall. Any confidence we had that she could manage to run our country was dashed. Then, I see an article titled: Clinton blames FBI directors letters for stopping momentum (Nov. 13). Rather than blaming someone else, maybe she should think about how she chose to forget so much, even when under oath to answer truthfully. Dorothy Mildice San Diego There will be no one to blame after Jan. 20 As of Jan. 20, the Republicans will control the presidency, both houses of Congress and some two-thirds of state governorships and legislatures. So the question becomes: Whom will they blame now? Ron Bonn Tierrasanta Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Darcy Lovgren Pavich, director of the National Stand Down for Veterans and chaplain of the Veterans Village of San Diego, will be the guest speaker at the Intermountain Republican Women Federated luncheon meeting on Monday, Nov. 28. The meeting will be in San Vicente Resort, 24157 San Vicente Road. Check-in and social time will start at 10:30 a.m., and the meeting will begin at 11. Reservations are requested by Nov. 21. Pavich served in the U.S. Navy from March of 1983 through October of 1990. She served as pastoral counselor, as suicide intervention trainer and specialist, and on the Family Advocacy Committee. She also designed and led workshops and retreats that allowed service members to address serious personal issues of post traumatic stress related to combat, incest/molestation, substance abuse, physical and emotional abuse, rape, violent crime and terminal illness. National Stand Down for Veterans, a program of Veterans Village of San Diego, assists homeless veterans in an annual event that provides, among other services, basic health care, job counseling and information about benefits and housing. Duties at Veterans Village also include grief counseling, teaching, pastoral counseling for residents and staff, public speaking, holiday and veteran event coordination, and overall coordination of Stand Down including grant writing, fund raising, public relations and contracts. In addition, Pavich volunteers as director of Eagles Wings, a bereavement support group for military/ veteran widows and widowers. Her military awards include Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), National Defense Ribbon, Battle E (three awards) and Meritorious Unit commendation (two awards). She is married to retired Navy Cmdr. Al Pavich. They have a blended family of seven children, seven grandchildren and two dogs. Reservations are by last name. Ramona residents with last names beginning with A through L may call Pam Sturgeon at 760-703-9963; Ramonans M through Z, call Millie Klein at 760-788-5801; and Julian/Santa Ysabel residents, call Mary Lou Jones at 760-765-1725. For more information, contact Sandy Hurlburt at 760-789-0220 or sandylandrid@hughes.net. Intermountain Republican Women Federated welcomes members, spouses and guests from Ramona, Julian, Santa Ysabel and surrounding areas. What one word defines the type of government we have? Most people queried replied,Democracy or Republic. The words Federal and Constitutional popped up amongst others. We pledge allegiance to a Republic. It could be argued that we have a unique hybrid form of government that has evolved over time. We have a Democracy practiced in the form of a Constitutional Republic within a Federal system. Our Democracy is more a way of life than it is a form of government. How does all this work in our daily lives? Early in the morning off to work, at work are you greeted by a despot? Your work day is spent in what kind of government? Head for the Pasadena Rose Parade with your family four hours early. You get there and the sidewalks along the parade route are lined with private chairs and no one is sitting in those chairs. This public space is reserved by the chairs. They are reserved by what authority? Kudos to those in sleeping bags waiting for the parade to begin; however, if they were homeless, the law may not welcome these vagrants. Rush to get on the plane with your attache case and handbag. Your overhead compartment is taken by an occupant in a distant seat. Did you not pay for the seat, leg room and overhead storage? You mutter and cram your case and handbag under the seat in front of you and there goes your leg room. You arrive in Colorado Springs for your grandsons graduation. A large number of seats in the auditorium are reserved by programs. No person is near those seats. It is open seating! Should not the democratic and accepted notion of first come, first served come into play? Just a side tour: Along with my friend, Abe, we are cramming to get on a train in Tokyo. He tosses his magazine ahead of people in front of us, it lands on a seat, that seat becomes Abes seat and there is some deference to me, the foreigner, and I sit next to Abe. I wanted to stand for a lady, Abe tapped my knee and said, sit. Would this magazine toss work in our country? Going back to the plane, it pleased me when the man next to me on the plane cleared his overhead space by putting the luggage that was not his, into the aisle, making room in his overhead compartment for his luggage. The flight attendant prevented a ruckus, which I would have enjoyed and probably joined on the side of said man. Our Democracy works because most people respect the other persons rights, including freedom to contract and the pursuit of property. We also wait our turn in line. Try the lines at the DMV or a rock concert as examples. We are principally governed in our daily lives by tradition, custom, culture, the Bill Of Rights, an innate sense of fair play and a God-given moral code. Our Democracy is more a way of life than a form of government, is it not? Our Constitution guards against the tyranny of the majority and minority. More than likely we, personally, had nothing to do in establishing the laws that govern us. Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. One man thinks himself master of others, but remains more a slave than they are. This was written some time ago. Some random notions on current happenings. The leaders roll is not primarily cerebral. It is often instinctive and symbolic. Leaders have to be visible. They have less need to think deeply than to choose wisely between often unattractive options while inspiring confidence. It was said, possibly in jest, by Tip ONeill that the President could not survive without a 3 x 5 idiot card. These two, apparently good friends from opposite political parties, made things work. A final comment: Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what is for dinner. John Rajcic is a Ramona school board member. He stresses that this commentary is his alone and does not represent the board. Maybe its really true that people want what they cant have. Like Republicans wanting Kevin Faulconer to run for governor. Shortly before cruising to re-election in the June primary, San Diegos mayor famously said he wasnt going to run for governor, to the chagrin of some analysts and GOP leaders across this very blue state. That was that, or so it seemed. But his pronouncement only temporarily tamped down the speculation about his political future that was rampant ever since he won the office in a February 2014 special election. Advertisement As high-profile Democrats stepped up to run for governor, Faulconer seemed to step back. The latest Field Poll wasnt having any of it. Faulconer polled in second place in an early heat for the 2018 governors race, a respectable distance behind the leader, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom. Perhaps even more surprising, Fresno Republican Mayor Ashley Swearengin gained the third spot in the speculative poll. By the numbers: Newsom, 23 percent Faulconer, 16 percent Ashley Swearengin, 11 percent Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, 7 percent Former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, 6 percent Wealthy environmental activist Tom Steyer, 5 percent Secretary of State Alex Padilla, 4 percent State Treasurer John Chiang, 2 percent Former state Controller Steve Westly, 1 percent A quarter of those surveyed were undecided. In its analysis, The Field Poll says Faulconer and Swearengin owed much to their party identification. Support dropped off dramatically for both within a subset of surveyed voters who werent told of their party affiliation. Among that group, Faulconer gained only 6 percent support and Swearengin had only 3 percent. (Newsom apparently is a pretty good brand name and maintained 21 percent backing when party wasnt mentioned.) The irony here is Faulconer had gone out of his way to avoid the partisan label in his two elections for mayor. That only makes sense in a city that has a dominant Democratic voter registration and a strong segment of independents. Plus, his politics and policies are hardly GOP doctrinaire. Those three at the top of the poll dominated their regions. Faulconer received 19 percent support in Southern California (to Newsoms 18 percent and Swearengins 9 percent). Newsom had 39 percent in the north (Faulconer 10, Swearengin 9), and Swearengin won the Central Valley with 20 points (Newsom 17, Faulconer 14). Its early, and it remains to be seen whether the Democrats consolidate behind fewer or one candidate, or whether more jump in. Same for the Republicans. At this stage, playing hard to get doesnt seem to hurt. Its worth noting that after Faulconer announced his non-gubernatorial intentions during the one and only mayoral debate of the primary campaign, some insisted a close parsing of his comment left some wiggle room to change course. But they were in the minority. Like Faulconer, Swearengin doesnt sound interested. Shes leaving office and has a job lined up. The thought of running for governor is the furthest thing from my mind right now, Swearengin told the Fresno Bee this past week. But she didnt entirely rule it out. Camp Issa: Its rigged and its routine Rep. Darrell Issas re-election campaign put out two distinctly different messages about its effort to monitor the late vote count and challenge questionable provisional ballots. In a close race, its standard practice for both teams to have legal experts help review provisionals to be sure everything is square, said Issa campaign spokesman Calvin Moore. Issas Democratic opponent Doug Applegate has a small army of observers and lawyers also keeping an eye on things as the ballots are slowly tabulated, according to a campaign spokesman. Sometimes tensions break out during such observation and challenges though maybe only once in a lifetime does it rise to the hanging-chad level but usually this is something only the campaigns and political parties follow. Issa boosted this mundane process into a bit of a political firestorm this week when he claimed things werent so routine. Liberals are trying to steal the election, he proclaimed in a fundrasing pitch on his website Wednesday, where he said 20 observers and two law firms had been dispatched to challenge every last one of these illegal voters. He further maintained ... Democrats will attempt to force the Registrars to allow thousands of illegal, unregistered voters to influence the election. The 49th Congressional Districts includes portions of San Diego and Orange counties, and registrars of voters in both quickly dismissed the notion that they could be coerced into counting ballots that should be invalidated. Provisional ballots are cast by voters whose eligibility is in question. Election officials have a multistep process to determine if those ballots should be counted. Most are. In the June primary, 94 percent of provisional ballots were deemed valid. But even a small percentage of ineligible ballots, if they are mistakenly counted, could make a difference in a close race. Thats what Moore said this was all about, Issas rhetoric aside. Still, the spokesman sought to walk things back a bit. We have every faith that the registrar of voters will count the votes properly, but this is part of the process of ensuring a fair and honest election, Moore said. The story about Issas claim ricocheted across the country, and the fundraising pitch has since been dropped from Issas campaign website. Tweet of the Week Goes to KPBS News (@KPBSnews) Know the saying, As California goes, so goes the nation? Thats rarely been less true than this election https://kpbs.us/2gla07B RELATED Mayor Faulconer announces progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions citywide. Mad Dog Mattis. The Warrior Monk. Married to the Marine Corps. Its all hype that embarrasses Gen. James Mattis, the chief of U.S. Central Command, who is preparing to retire this spring after one of the most productive four-decade sprints in uniform of his generation. Marine Mad Dog Mattis is chosen for Pentagon Advertisement To Marines, Mattis is Chaos, his call sign and nom de guerre. According to interviews with more than a half-dozen officers who know him well, Mattis is an iconoclast and innovator who strove to outmaneuver the enemy on the battlefield, paralysis in Washington and the yes, sir! culture of the military. Others, particularly civilians, consider the former Camp Pendleton-based commander controversial or brutish, based on statements such as one Mattis made in San Diego in 2005 when he proclaimed he liked brawling and shooting some people like the Taliban. You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap around women for five years because they didnt wear a veil. You know guys like that aint got no manhood left anyway, so its a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them, he said. 5 things to know about Mad Dog Imaging In person Mattis, 62, is unimposing. He is rather short and slight of build. He speaks with a lisp and rarely raises his voice. His blunt tough talk, however, and indisputable aggressiveness in combat endear him to many Marines, especially teenage infantrymen who volunteered during wartime to kill bad guys. Mattis has been rebuked and told to choose his words more carefully, but he never apologized or admitted any regrets another mark in his favor among the rank and file. His pugnacious soliloquies are said to be part of his brilliance as a communicator and, some add, a useful contrivance to rally the troops. Whether his audience is lance corporals heading into combat or sultans, kings and presidents who control the passage or resources needed for his mission, Mattis knows how to speak their language and enlist support. Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy served under Mattis in Iraq. Before the 2003 invasion, Mattis brought each battalion into the base auditorium to brief them on how he wanted every last Marine to fight. Over and over again, the same speech some 50 times. Having a vision and beating that thing flat as a cat on a highway, I think that is genius. Nobody has the staying power to do that, Kennedy said. Mattis, who led 1st Marine Division personnel into Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War as well as the 2003 invasion, is also respected as a warrior statesman, compassionate commander and skilled tactician who reshaped the way America goes to war during an era of protracted combat. The general has inspired a stream of fan mail from fellow Marines, supplications from jailed young veterans, imprudent tattoos, passages in history books, satirical online spoofs, even a television character. The legend is overwrought. Mattis is the first to say so. In a 2004 speech to midshipmen at the Naval Academy that laid out the principles that guided him through the inevitable moral crises of war, he said I get a lot of credit these days for things I never did. In recent years he has given few press interviews or quotable speeches. In his current job he must coax support from Middle Eastern allies who dont want to read about it in the newspaper. He is also a humble and private guy, some say. Mattis spoke with U-T San Diego to dispel some myths. But he otherwise declined to comment for this article, saying he would prefer to highlight the contributions of the Marines you know well in southern California, those who have conducted a significant amount of the fighting and done a lot of bleeding in this long war. Generals get an awful lot of attention and theres not too many generals on the casualty list. The lads deserve the attention, he added. Winning warrior Mattis has never owned a television. As a diligent scholar of his profession, he interviewed active and retired commanders who had grappled with similar missions. He studied everyone from the Spartans to the samurai and Comanche, drawing from his personal library that once included more than 7,000 volumes before he gave many to libraries and comrades. He is a lifelong bachelor with no children, but wouldnt move into a monastery unless it was stocked with beer and ladies. He was passionate about leading Marines in combat and devoted to winning at every assignment, but merely duty-bound to his succession of staff jobs. He persevered for one reason, according to Marine Lt. Gen. John Toolan: He understands the threats. He understands history, and he knows we must stay vigilant. Retired Marine Col. Clarke Lethin, of Fallbrook, served as his chief of staff when Mattis was commanding general of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. My fear is they are going to give him another job instead of letting him retire. He deserves it. He has done more than enough for this country, Lethin said. Semper Fidelis Mattis grew up in southeastern Washington state. He was an acolyte in the Episcopal church who admired Native American Indian culture and liked to run The Oregon Trail. After college he was commissioned as a Marine in 1972. As a major, Mattis drew a difficult assignment recruiting duty in liberal Portland, Ore. Mattis quickly turned the station into a top performer by cultivating relationships and winning the loyalty and hard work of junior Marines. Stories about Mattis caring and deference to the lower ranks abound. As a one-star general he dressed for guard duty, sword and all, one Christmas at Quantico, Va., relieving a young lieutenant to spend the holiday with his family. Brig. Gen. John Broadmeadow accompanied Mattis on a tour of remote checkpoints in northern Kuwait in the run-up to the Iraq invasion. Mattis wanted to sound out the Marines on duty, so he had Broadmeadow, then a lieutenant colonel, stand post for a half hour. He walked away from that talk with very junior Marines with some direct tasks to his regimental commanders, and the young Marines got a great story to tell about the general, Broadmeadow said. Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, Mattis asked Lethin, whom he first met on recruiting duty, to rejoin his staff and prepare for war. Lethin had intended to retire before the terrorist attacks. Mattis wanted to be sure Lethins wife Wendy and their young boys were onboard. Mattis had a private talk with her describing what was in store, before her husband knew where they were heading. We are going to go to Afghanistan and were going to kill those guys, he told her, according to Lethin. This is going to be a long war and a lot of people are going to die. Are you ready? Need for Speed Mattis and then-Lt. Gen. David Petraeus oversaw the genesis of the new Army and Marine Corps counterinsurgency manual published in 2006. Mattis espoused a muscular version of the doctrine in line with his philosophy of no better friend, no worse enemy. He also stresses the need to move light and fast in battle. In 2001, Mattis was put in command of a naval task force and had to figure out how to transport two Marine expeditionary units into landlocked southern Afghanistan. The solution included pushing his helicopter pilots some 400 miles until their gas tanks almost ran dry, recalled Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who served in Task Force 58 as a colonel. What we were being asked to do in terms of the distances involved is something that had never been done in the Marine Corps, he said. After securing Camp Rhino, Mattis was gunning to go after Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora. The Marines passed out cold weather gear but were called off when Mattis couldnt get permission to bring what he thought was enough troops. They were stretched already after the amphibious raid into Kandahar, but initiative and tempo is the heart of Mattis command philosophy. He understands how that tears away the enemys unit cohesion. Thats part of the reason hes got to drive his own troops sometimes, to make them think above and beyond what they might think they are capable of, so they can overwhelm the enemy, Waldhauser said. As the 1st Marine Division prepared to lead the invasion into Iraq in 2003, Mattis predicted that they would quickly outstrip their logistics support as they raced across the desert. He ordered his Marines to attach racks to their vehicles to hang extra food, water and fuel and pack gasoline test kits. His need for speed was a factor in his decision to sack the only senior officer removed mid-battle during the invasion of Iraq, a colonel whose regiment stalled in the face of unexpected resistance outside Nasiriyah. Fallujah The next year in Al Anbar, Iraq, four contractors were murdered in Fallujah shortly after Mattis and his Marines moved into the area. Their charred bodies were hung from a bridge, prompting the military command to order an attack. Mattis had planned for a more engaging approach than the soldiers they were replacing. He was forced to lead his Marines into Fallujah prematurely in his eyes, then to retreat because of political pressure. If it was a mistake to attack in the first place and we believed it was then it was an even greater mistake to order the attack stopped so close to victory, as a result of disinformation generated by insurgents inside the city and the Arab press, recalled retired Gen. James Conway, the former commandant who was Mattis boss. Months later when Mattis was gone and peace negotiations failed, the Marines fought a second battle for Fallujah. Insurgents and hard-core jihadists had flocked to the city and stockpiled weapons. Savage combat practically leveled the city. The element of surprise had been lost. The result was over 90 Marines, soldiers, and sailors giving their lives to the effort, and many more wounded, Conway said. Retirement ? The rumor around the Pentagon is Mattis may take over the NATO European command if the nomination of Marine Gen. John Allen, outgoing commander of international forces in Afghanistan, is scuttled. Allen is under investigation because of allegedly flirtatious on-the-job emails with a Tampa socialite who is not his wife. He has denied wrongdoing. The gig would be Mattis third as a four-star general, which is virtually unheard of. Mattis said he thinks the rumor is wrong. Mattis expects to relinquish his Central Command job in March and retire soon after from the military, when he is medically cleared. But Mattis has the confidence of some Democratic leaders, as well as Republicans, who may yet tap him amid the reshuffle of defense and intelligence posts. When he does retire, Mattis plans to settle out West, where he appreciates the free thinking and open landscape. Doing what, he doesnt know yet. Mattis has some good war stories to share with friends, but no plans to write a book. The fine print may go with him to the grave. gretel.kovach@utsandiego.com (619) 293-1293 Twitter @gckovach ALSO Marine Mad Dog Mattis is chosen for Pentagon Secretary of Defense James Mattis? 5 things to know about Mad Dog On Friday, I headed out EARLY from San Pedro to Hopkins in Southern Belize to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day. A holiday to honor the Garifuna culture one special culture out of many in this tiny country. The Garifuna, people that are a mix of African, Island Carib and Arawak, were deported by the British to Roatan, Honduras on November 19, 1802. Many left the small island for the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Nicaragua and Belize landing in 1832. The culture is most well known world wide for the music and dance which is more African based than Central American. Drums, drums, drums, singing and lots of dance. Dance that is so beautiful to watch. The Garifuna also have their own language and you hear it spoken, especially among the older folk, in Southern Belize. The food which is coconut, seafood, cassava and plantain rich is absolutely delicious. (Some hudut I had for lunch in Hopkins coconut broth, pigtail, fish and plantain.) On November 18th and 19th (the official national holiday), the culture is celebrated throughout Belize the biggest parties and ceremonies are in Dangriga and Punta Gorda. I have attended the yurumei (or re-enactment) of the Garifuna landing in Punta Gordaand it was gorgeous. The boats come in carrying the plants that the Garifuna originally brought to the country banana and plantain, cassava and sugar cane. Yesterday, I almost accidentally ended up in Dangriga at dawn. I am currently staying in Hopkins village My schedule flipped back and forth yesterday. I arrived in town expecting to see the re-enactment in Hopkins but found that my resort, gorgeous Almond Beach, was hosting a tour to Dangriga to see the dawn arrival. Leaving at 4:15am. FOUR FIFTEEN AM! But the evening before, the front desk let me know that even with a full hotel no one had signed up. I cant say that I was shocked. Vacation and pre-dawn wake-ups do not go hand in hand. So I went back to the original plan sunrise arrival in Hopkins. I set out at 5amgot to the municipal dock andthere were about 10 people there. Not the HUGE celebration I had envisioned. LUCKILY some folks I know from San Pedro pulled up and made a quick call lets all drive the 20 mins to Dangriga. We were off. And what I found was a huge crowd that had been partying all night longand a boat arrival that happened about 1 hour late But was absolutely gorgeous. The procession started with two dug-out dories. Probably the same boats the original Garifuna settlers used. And it was followed by twirling motor boats entering the rivers mouth. There is then a procession to the local church. We had to head backbut I later stopped by the Hopkins church. And again to hear and watch the drumming. More on Hopkins tomorrow but right now, I am headed back to San Pedro. A little taxi to the bus to the water taxi. A 1/2 day of travel but totally worth it for the gorgeous resort AND for the dawn re-enactment. I LOVE being able to scratch an item off my Belize Bucket List. UofSC student wins Rhodes Scholarship University of South Carolina senior Jory Fleming has been named one of the 32 winners of the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. A Capstone Fellow, Fleming is pursuing a double major in geography and marine science with a minor in geophysics, focused on GIS and mapping data as a method of communicating on behalf of the ocean. Up to 32 new Rhodes Scholarships are awarded each year. The awards allow recipients to study for a period of two years at Oxford University in England. The Rhodes is perhaps the most prestigious and recognizable national fellowship awarded to U.S. students. I believe that Cecil Rhodes had a student just like Jory Fleming in mind when he envisioned the Rhodes scholar. He certainly anticipated academic brilliance, but more than that he expected these future leaders to have courage, sympathy, unselfishness, fellowship, kindliness, a moral force of character and more. If you know Jory, you know these traits describe him perfectly. I have absolutely no doubt that Jory will make Carolina proud as he takes on this new adventure, USC President Harris Pastides said. Fleming, of Columbia, plans to pursue a graduate degree in the School of Geography and the Environment at Oxford. At Carolina, he has been involved in a wide range of research, working with marine science and geography faculty mentors Jean Ellis, Tammi Richardson, Joe Jones, Jerry Mitchell, Blaine Griffen, and Jennifer Pournelle. Fleming has been involved in the University 101 program, serving first as a peer leader and now a senior peer leader. An advocate for literacy and science education, he volunteers with PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services) and Cockys Reading Express. Fleming, who has autism, credits his service dog, Daisy, with helping him engage with others on campus and beyond. I am elated for Jory (and Daisy) for this incredible opportunity. Not only is Jory brilliant, but more importantly he is the most kind-hearted person you will encounter. He positively impacts all those around him Oxford doesnt yet appreciate their good fortune, said Ellis, who has known and mentored Fleming and is the director of graduate studies in Carolinas geography department and the School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment. Flemings numerous awards include the Abraham Anson Memorial Scholarship from ASPRS, Charles Bussmann Scholarship from MTS, the Incight Disability Scholarship, the S.C. Wildlife Foundation Scholarship, and the U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF) Scholarship. A 2015 NOAA Hollings Scholar, a 2016 Udall honorable mention, a 2016 Goldwater Scholar, and a 2016 Truman Scholar. I believe that Cecil Rhodes had a student just like Jory Fleming in mind when he envisioned the Rhodes scholar. USC President Harris Pastides The University of South Carolina has had nine Rhodes Scholars, most recently Caroline Parler Potter in 2000. The Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs assists university students competing for national fellowships and scholarships such as the Rhodes. For more information, visit the scholar programs website. The University Rhodes Scholarship Committee is made up of USC faculty, chaired by Carol Harrison (history). Committee members include Judith Kalb (languages, literatures and cultures), Lisa Eichhorn (law), Steven Lynn (South Carolina Honors College), John McDermott (economics), and Tom Vogt (NanoCenter). In addition to his academic accomplishments, Jory Fleming is an avid fan of Gamecock sports. Fleming will serve as honorary team captain and be celebrated at halftime of the Gamecocks vs. Mississippi mens basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. Jory Flemings remarkable achievements University of South Carolina senior Jory Fleming has been named one of 32 U.S. winners of the Rhodes Scholarship the oldest and most prestigious international fellowship award. He will study in Oxford University in England for two years. Fleming is the 10th University of South Carolina student to be awarded the Rhodes Scholarship, the most from any school in the state. Fleming, of Columbia, is the most decorated national fellowship winner in USCs history, and has been awarded the Rhodes, Truman, Goldwater and Hollings scholarships. At Carolina, Fleming has been involved in a wide range of research, working with marine science and geography faculty mentors. He volunteers with PAALS (Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services) and Cocky's Reading Express, the universitys mascot-led literacy program. Other well-known Rhodes Scholars include former President Bill Clinton, former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, astronomer Edwin Hubble, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and political commentators George Stephanopoulos and Rachel Maddow. The USC Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs assists university students competing for national fellowships and scholarships such as the Rhodes. Since the office was established in 1994, Carolina students have earned 800 national awards totaling more than $24 million. Share this Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA DREAMING BECOMES REALITY AS SAN DIEGO OPENS NEW CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY NOVEMBER 19, 2016 Inauguration of Ideal Church hailed as moment for the American Dream in city Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard called home. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway down Southern Californias meandering shoreline along a 70-mile stretch of sandy beaches basking in the most perfect weatheranywhereand youll arrive to the city of San Diego. Such was the location for a sunbaked Saturday afternoon amid San Diegos downtown skylinea sublime setting to celebrate the citys new Church of Scientology. Mr. David Miscavige, Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center, led the dedication of the Church of Scientology of San Diego, Saturday, November 19. If ever was a day when California Dreaming assumed a whole new meaning it is now with the inauguration of this Ideal Church of Scientology, said David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. And if ever was a place predestined for this moment, then its your San Diego. So as we dedicate this Ideal Org, we do so in the name of our Founder and in honor of this City where he once lived. And thus, we pledge our commitment to employ his technology for lifebroadly, unsparingly and indiscriminately for this Finest City in America! The San Diego grand opening punctuates an explosive era of expansion for the Church and marks the 55th Ideal Church Organization (Ideal Org) to open its doors. Ideal Orgs now stand in cities all over the worldfrom Los Angeles to London, Melbourne to Milan and Tel Aviv to Tokyo. Ideal is the standard set by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard so that every Church could be a perfect expression of the religions principles and practices. So it was on Saturday, November 19, some 3,500 Scientologists and their guests were on hand to witness San Diegos historic grand opening. And from the first strains of a mariachi band mixed with the uplifting tones of the Beach Boys Surfin USA, to dignitaries representing every political and social spectrum of San Diego City and Countythe inauguration positively embodied the citys rich culture. The ceremony also paid tribute to the exceptional place San Diego holds in the life of L. Ron Hubbard (LRH). For it is a city where he not only lived during his youth, but later launched a legendary writing career spanning half a century and placing him among the most enduring and widely read authors of all time. Even after forty years LRH would fondly recall this never-never land, where he spun his first tales for the pulps, in a cottage on the bluff, said David Miscavige. This was also his first point of departure for Asiaboarding a naval transport with a well-worn suit, a thin topcoat and two pennies. While in the wake of Waikiki, he tells of importing a board from Honolulu, and so became the first to catch a wave at Encinitas. So, yes, this is the crossroads of your history with LRHand your future with his legacy. The new San Diego Church stands on the downtown corridor of Fourth Avenue, just blocks from City Hall. Located in the thriving urban core, the 49,000-square-foot facility welcomes all from San Diego and beyond. By definition an Ideal Organization is a part of its community, continued Mr. Miscavige. So this Church of Scientology stands for literacy in schools, for crime- and drug-free streets, for prosperity in the workplace and human rights wherever else people walk. Presenting a sense of just what that humanitarian commitment contains were San Diego dignitaries on hand to welcome the Church: Mr. John Redman, Director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA); Dr. Beatriz Villarreal, Education Advisor to the County of San Diego; Ms. Estela De Los Rios, member of the National Steering Committee for Human Trafficking; and Col. Bart Billings Ret., National Guard Medical Directorate. Mr. Redman spoke of the regions drug crisis and how the Scientology-supported Foundation for a Drug-Free World is working to counter it: This stretch of border is one of the heaviest drug trafficking areas in the nation and one of the most daunting. But enter Drug-Free World and the partnership that it equates to. Together with the Foundation we created a collaboration of teachers, public health officials and administrators to meet here in our border region. In the wake of that commitment, over 100,000 children have been granted the opportunity for a drug-free life. Col. Billings observed that Every day 22 military veterans end their lives. And many of those suicides are directly linked to psychotropic medications. So we need to expand the already worldwide foothold of the Citizens Commission on Human Rightsboth at home and abroad. The more contact points we have raising awareness about psychiatric abuse, the better off our populations will be. With this Ideal Org you are placing a beachhead in San Diego. One that can and will bring help and support to our troops. And for that, I salute you. The importance of the Churchs involvement in the field of human rights was reflected in the remarks by Ms. De Los Rios: In this world, with all the news headlines and chaos, we need all the help we can get. And I thank you for keeping human rights in the minds and souls of the people. Because only if we love, embrace and be respectful of one another, to not just ourselves but all mankind, can we have human rights everywhere. For me, the real heroes are people like you here todaythe Church of Scientology. You have to realize, without your materials our parents wouldnt stand a chance, said Dr. Villarreal. Because of The Way to Happiness I am a better parent, a better teacher, a better community leader and my job is that much easier. We just dont have these kinds of programs. No one does. So yes, today is a day for the American Dream. And with these doors now open, lets celebrate the possibility of fulfilling that dream for every child in San Diego. The new San Diego Church provides visitors with an introduction to Dianetics and Scientology, beginning with the Public Information Center. Its displays, containing more than 500 films, present the beliefs and practices of the Scientology religion and the life and legacy of Founder L. Ron Hubbard. The Information Center also offers a detailed overview of the many Scientology-supported humanitarian programs. These include a worldwide human rights education initiative; a far-reaching drug education, prevention and rehabilitation program; a global network of literacy and learning centers; and the Scientology Volunteer Minister program, now representing the worlds largest independent relief force. San Diegos Ideal Organization also features a Chapel that provides for Scientology congregational gatherings, including Sunday Services, weddings and naming ceremonies, as well as a host of community-wide events open to members of all denominations. The facility further includes multiple seminar rooms and classrooms, in addition to an entire floor dedicated to Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling). The San Diego opening caps a year of expansion for the Church. Recent Church openings have occurred in Sydney, Australia; Harlem, New York; Budapest, Hungary; Atlanta, Georgia; Milan, Italy; Tokyo, Japan; Bogota, Colombia; and Basel, Switzerland. Also, this summer the Church opened Scientology Media Productions, a five-acre, technologically cutting-edge studio in Hollywood, California, in which the religions message will be proclaimed via television and radio broadcasting, Internet and social media and every other media platform. And more is on the way, with openings of Ideal Organizations in 2017 planned for global cities and cultural capitals in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australasia. FLORENCE -- Jay Lavrinc wants people to start thinking about shopping local. We want them to think about shopping locally the whole holiday season but this campaign kicks off on Nov. 26 th , he said Tuesday. Lavrinc is the director of membership relations for the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce and was referring to a campaign known as Shop Local; Shop Small that partners the chamber with American Express. Lavrinc and chamber staffers have been visiting a variety of businesses around town to give away promotional items and asking proprietors to use social media to spread the word about their business and the push to keep Christmas spending in the community. Small Business Saturday was launched on Nov. 27, 2010, according to American Express, to encourage people around the country to support local businesses. In 2011 the U.S. Senate passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday and in 2012, President Obama and elected officials in all 50 states championed the day. In 2013, 1,450 neighborhoods pledged to support it and in 2014, an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at small independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. In 2015, American Express said, 95 million people went out to shop at small businesses as the day was embraced as a holiday shopping tradition. As the holidays roll around, Saltys Surf Shop owner Joe Waters sees major retailers spending so much money on advertising leading up to Christmas. And everybody is trying to get a piece of the pie, to go extra and beyond to capitalize on the Christmas season. He thinks the Black Friday weekend time frame favors malls and big boxes whereas smaller, independently owned stores such as his rack up the most sales in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. It cranks up around the 10 th (of December), he said. Thats our main business the last 15 days leading up to it. The majority of his customer base is unmistakably local Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, and some folks from Hemingway and Johnsonville. While admitting hes not the original person to do so, Saltys is starting Black Friday deals this weekend, he said Thursday. Marking down older inventory always draws in shoppers, he said, and he plans to put an extra 50 percent off on clearance items as this time of year is generally his busiest time to make sales. Hes found clearance sales are definitely a big draw for us. We try to compete with everybody else as much as we can, he said. Ashley Christenbury, the chambers director of advertising and sales and service, spent part of her week passing out Shop Small bags and talking with business owners about the concept behind the campaign. Stopping by Freemans Bakery, she chatted with owner Ellen Cooke, who is also on the verge of being very busy down the home stretch. The day before Thanksgiving is the single busiest day of the year, Cooke said, with a Shop Small bag in hand. I think this is a great idea and I always like to promote our local retail scene. Im an absolute 100 percent supporter of shopping local whether its retail or food, said Bo Osborne, who owns Consider the Lilies with his wife, Annelle. Because when youre doing that you are supporting local people . Any time you can improve your community, youre also helping yourself. When Christenbury stopped off at SAFE Federal Credit Union on Second Loop Road to see branch manager Elaine Sealey, it wasnt a tough sell. I love shopping local, Sealey said. Thats my thing. The leader of Fiji, whose nation is being resculpted by rising seas, pleaded Friday with Donald Trump to join the fight against global warming. Invoking World War II, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama urged the United States to play its part in rescuing his Pacific island state-and the world at large-from climate change. "You came to save us then, it is time for you to help to save us now," he said before the 196-nation assembly. Bainimarama invited the US president-elect-who has repeatedly called global warming a hoax-to visit Fiji to see for himself the devastating impact of climate-fueled cyclones and storm surges. RELATED: Climate Change Is Drying Up Islands Moroccan foreign minister and conference president Salaheddine Mezouar made a similar plea on the final day of the high-level UN talks tasked with implementing the landmark Paris Agreement. "We count on your pragmatism and your spirit of commitment," he said when asked if he had a message for Trump. The UN climate forum was stunned to see an avowed climate change denier capture the White House, and the shadow of his victory hung over the 12-day meeting, which gaveled through a work plan Friday night for implementing the Paris pact. Trump's "100-day action plan" includes scrapping the hard-won deal, which entered into force earlier this month, in record time for a treaty. Ministers and diplomats, however, insist a Trump administration cannot derail the massive momentum of the global transition to a low-carbon economy, already well under way. "Not one country has said that if Trump pulls the US out of the Paris Agreement they will follow him," said Alden Meyer, a veteran climate analyst at the Washington-based Union of Climate Scientists. Trump effect The BASIC group of Brazil, South Africa, India and China said in a statement they would "continue and strengthen" their own actions, while stressing "there can be no backtracking on commitments from developed countries and no attempt to renegotiate the terms of the agreement reached in Paris". But if Trump acts on his promises, the consequences could still be severe. "The chances of the rest of the world contributing the emissions reductions commitments that the US is required to undertake, or covering the shortfall in climate finance," are slim, said analyst Mohamed Adow of Christian Aid. "That is scary," he told AFP. RELATED: Climate Change is Altering How the Poles Drift Highlighting the stakes, US government scientists said this week that the first 10 months of the year were the hottest in modern times-and 2016 would likely surpass 2015 as the warmest year on record. The Paris pact seeks to hold nations to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Voluntary national pledges to slash CO2 emissions, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, falls dangerously short of that goal. On current trends, average global temperatures are set to top 3 C (5.6 F) by the century's end, a recipe for massive human misery, scientists say. A key aim of the Marrakesh talks was to lay the groundwork for ramping up-country-by-country-the pace of the global transition from dirty to clean energy. Unfinished business The next "political moment" when countries will be under pressure to increase their carbon-cutting ambition is the UN summit in 2018, to be held in Poland, it was announced Friday. The other key objective was to rally hundreds of billions of dollars to poor countries hit first and hardest by climate impacts, despite having made a negligible contribution to the problem. "The issue of finance is very much unfinished business from Paris," said Tracy Carty, an expert from Oxfam who tracks the issue. Rich nations unveiled earlier this month a "roadmap" projecting that financing from public and private sources is on track to meet a pledge of at least $100 billion (94 billion euros) a year from 2020. But developing nation recipients have contested the roadmap's figures, saying current climate-specific aid is only half to a quarter of the amount claimed. Of that, only a sliver is for adapting to climate impacts-drought, heat waves, flooding-already under way, a high priority for the world's poorest regions, according to Oxfam. "It looks like the issue is being kicked down the road to the next COP," said Carty, using the acronym for the annual Conference of the Parties to global efforts to stop climate change. Mezouar announced that the next high-level climate meet would take place next year in Bonn, Germany, with Fiji presiding. WATCH: Why Do People Still Deny Climate Change? 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. Press Release November 19, 2016 Recto to Digong: Free sick, old prisoners this Christmas With less than 40 days before Christmas, release papers of old, sickly and infirm prisoners should now be on their way to Malacanang, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said in appealing anew to President Duterte to give "the gift of clemency" next month to frail prisoners who have paid their dues. "The President granting parole or pardon to prisoners on humanitarian grounds should be restored as Malacanang Christmas tradition," Recto said. Recto said there is no lack of candidates for executive clemency as the country's penal system is full of old, infirm, gravely- or terminally-ill prisoners, especially those who are convicted of non-violent crime. Recto said the presidential tradition of releasing prisoners during the holidays should extend to directing agencies to work out the release of detainees awaiting sentencing but have already stayed beyond what would be their maximum time in prison. He said if the President plans to release detained communist guerillas soon, a move that will bolster the peace process, "then let the doors through which they shall pass be enjoyed by other prisoners as well." Recto said the same template in granting full pardon to Robin Padilla can be used in setting free other prisoners. Recto noted that the power to grant executive clemency was rarely exercised during the Aquino administration despite completed paper work on the cases of recommended recipients. "It shows the power and potential of reformative justice. Those who have passed the more than minimum requirements for parole should be given a second chance," he said. According to Recto, pardon and parole for deserving prisoners may be considered as part of the quick fixes that government needs to employ in order to decongest the country's jails. Recto said it is no longer accurate to call our prisons "parang sardinas sa sikip." The correct term, he said, is "daig pa ang siniksik na longganisa." In a Senate resolution, Recto called the government's attention to the "worsening conditions" in the country's prisons, which will cost taxpayers P10.1 billion to maintain this year. Two government agencies run the "prison republic" - the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), which is under the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), which is attached to the Department of Justice. Detainees awaiting trial and those who have been sentenced by the courts to serve time for three years and below are committed to BJMP. It had 93,961 detainees under its care in September last year. Those who have been sentenced to more than three years and one day in prison are sent to eight BuCor facilities. More than half, or 23,749 of BuCor's 2016 prisoner population of 41,207 are in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. BJMP jails are 397 percent over capacity, Recto said. "Cells built for 18,881 prisoners now house 93,961." Over at the BuCor, New Bilibid Prison reported a congestion rate of 181 percent with 23,749 prisoners staying in the old facility designed to house 8,460. Overall, BuCor said its overcapacity rate this year is 158 percent. "Instead of rehabilitating prisoners, harsh jail conditions could make them hardened criminals, with jails serving as masteral schools for a career in crime," Recto stressed. Jail and prison congestion, he said, can be eased by reforming the justice system "so that there will be fast trials, minimum court hearing postponements." Press Release November 19, 2016 'Fire-hit villages which look like mini-Hiroshimas must get Calamity Fund' Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto is urging Malacanang to extend Calamity Fund assistance to thousands of homeless families in fire-razed communities in Metro Manila. "When an entire community is burned to the ground, then it should qualify for national assistance," Recto said, adding that unlike in other calamities which "leave something to rebuild on, a fire destroys everything." "Mabuti pa bagyo, kadalasan bubong lang ang natatangay. Sa sunog, pati pundasyon, pati septic tank, naaabo," Recto said. "In charred villages, even communal water pipes have to be dug up, and all electrical wires have been melted," Recto said. Recto made the observation as he appealed for national assistance to victims of two recent massive fires in Metro Manila. About 1,400 families were left homeless in the eight-hour blaze which gutted several blocks in Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City last Nov. 13, the fifth to hit that densely-populated barangay this year. In Las Pinas City, homes of 2,000 families in Barangay Talon 2 went up in smoke before dawn last Nov. 3. Assisting the victims, Recto said, requires resources beyond the capacity of the city governments to provide, he said. "Kung nawala ang mga bahay sa bagyo, siguro nagkandarapa na ang buong national government na tumulong, meron pang televised command conference ang NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council). Kaya lang, kapag sunog tila wala sa radar," Recto said. In extending financial aid to fire-razed communities, Recto said "funding is not a problem based on the current status of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), which has billions left in it." The authority to grant assistance is also there because large-scale fire falls under "catastrophes" which, under the special provisions on its use, the NDRRMF can be applied to. "If the gutted community needs to be relocated, especially if the victims are informal dwellers, the NDRRMF will be a big help in in-city rebuilding, or near-city relocation, Recto said. As of end of August, only P6.9 billion out of the P44 billion gross Calamity Fund for 2016 had been spent, leaving a balance of P37 billion. But of this amount, P18.9 billion is earmarked for the reconstruction of Yolanda-hit areas and P1 billion for the 2016 People's Survival Fund. "So kung meron pang mga P19 billion para sa mga bagong kalamidad, eh di kuhanan natin ito para sa mga lugar na nasunog," he said. Recto clarified though that his proposal to use the Calamity Fund covers only "massive conflagrations, in which hundreds of homes are lost, and victims are in the thousands. Hindi kasama yung isang bahay lang ang nasunog. O kung garahe mo lang ang na-abo. Hindi kasama 'yan." "Kung ang isang malaking lugar ay nagmistulang mini-Hiroshima, 'yan dapat nating tulungan," he stressed. Press Release November 20, 2016 Crossing party lines, senators give PNP equipment budget P5 billion boost Senators have crossed party lines to boost the Philippine National Police's equipment budget next year by P5 billion, so that policemen, in the words of Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, "will be able to meet its guarantee of a 15-minute maximum response time to all distress calls in urban areas." Recto made the proposal during the Senate plenary debates on the 2017 budget of the Department of Interior and Local Government last Friday. It was accepted by Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate finance committee. The P5 billion additional fund for PNP logistical modernization will be lodged in the P67.5 billion Unprogrammed Fund in the P3.3 trillion 2017 national budget. Recto said the Senate moved to hike the PNP's capital outlays (CO) after noticing that it will be cut from P3.82 billion this year to P3.37 billion next year, or by P500 million, "which could slow down its momentum in battling crime." Several documents submitted to the Senate tell of an across-the-board shortage in equipment in the national police, "in all aspects of police work, from shoot-move-communicate to offices and data bases." In one report, the PNP said it lacks 168,851 long firearms, and half of its 6,169 vehicle fleet need to be replaced or are near decommissioning. "On paper, there's an average 3 patrol cars per city and town, which is way below what is needed," Recto said. But in a recent testimony before the Senate, PNP Director General Ronald de la Rosa, upon questioning by Recto, gave a higher estimate of equipment lack, "of some 18,000 short firearms, 10,000 long firearms, and 16,356 vehicles." Recto said the PNP is also short of boats, "with 900 urgently needed, or one per coastal town, so that the maritime police can run after illegal fishers, polluters and sea-borne criminals." According to Recto, another area requiring huge investment is communication, especially the nationwide 911 network. Recto said the P5 billion augmentation would allow the PNP to construct 80 police stations at a total cost of P425 million, and 47 provincial offices costing P493 million. The budget estimates are in the "wish list of unfunded needs" submitted by Camp Crame to the Senate. Under its proposal, the PNP plans to buy 256 motorcycles, 132 personnel carriers, 136 light transport vehicles, 229 patrol boats, 283 satellite phones and P2-billion worth of anti-terrorism equipment. The PNP also said it would need P45 million for the titling of donated lots. Recto explained that "the P5 billion was put in the Unprogrammed Fund in order not to trigger cuts in the budgets of other agencies. Because if you add funds for one agency, you have to get it from others. So in order not to disturb the appropriations of the rest, we put it there." The fund serves as a standby allocation to finance a wide range of projects. It can only be released if new taxes are raised, revenue targets are breached, or new sources, such as loans, are secured. Strong winds and rain didnt stop several hundred demonstrators from marching through the streets of downtown San Francisco on Saturday, continuing a string of nationwide protests against President-elect Donald Trump. Standing under umbrellas and donning water-resistant jackets, crowds walked along Market Street as they have done in previous days, with new chants like Donald Trump says go back, we say fight back and Move Trump, get out the way. Get out the way Trump, get out the way. The marchers, who emerged from a peaceful noon rally at Civic Center Plaza organized by the social justice group Answer Coalition, were escorted by police officers, who directed traffic. Minor backups were reported in the area until demonstrators returned to the plaza shortly before 3 p.m. When you look at the first appointment(s) Trump has made, that represents the core of power in the new Trump administration, said Richard Becker, an activist with Answer Coalition who spoke to the crowd as his poncho rustled in the wind. What they have in store we do not yet exactly know, but we can know this: Its nothing good. Since beating Democrat Hillary Clinton in the Nov. 8 election, Trump has begun assembling his White House team, picks that critics say align with a far-right agenda, alienate many Americans and are cheered by white nationalists. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions has been selected for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo as head of the CIA. Linda Campbell, 62, of Muir Beach held up a rainbow umbrella to keep her close-cropped gray hair from getting wet. She said she has spent years fighting for gay rights and womens rights and doesnt want the country to go backward. When she was growing up in Arkansas, she said, black and white people drank from separate water fountains. Were here because we cant believe people elected this man to represent us when he represents racism, sexism and antigay sentiment, she said. We feel powerless, but we feel there is power in coming together. Organizers of Saturdays demonstration had described the event as a way to foster solidarity amid economic inequality, poverty and an administration threatening to deny climate change, rights for immigrants, women and LGBTQ people, and all historically oppressed communities. 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. While Trump was the focus of the activities, speakers also addressed the conflict in Syria, police brutality and the Dakota Access Pipeline. The Bay Area is among dozens of places across the country where demonstrators have protested Trump during the past week and a half. Thousands marched in San Francisco and Oakland the day after the election. The events have often disrupted traffic and shut down roads and freeways. Among the most violent demonstrations were last weeks protests in Oakland where a handful of police officers were injured in skirmishes with marchers and a 20-year-old woman was struck and injured by a Honda Element. Several downtown businesses were vandalized by splinter groups. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Hana Ghanim, a UC Berkeley student, doesnt feel safe at school anymore. Ghanim and other Muslim students at universities across the Bay Area are taking precautions after a number of hate crimes occurred on their campuses since the Nov. 8 presidential election of Donald Trump, who said during his campaign that he would ban people of her faith from entering the country. Her fears come after an incident Nov. 10 on the UC Berkeley campus in which three men threatened to rip off a students hijab, or headscarf, and taunted her over Trumps stunning victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton. The fact that half the country voted to elect a man with such blatant xenophobic, Islamophobic, homophobic and racist views is telling, said the 21-year-old Ghanim. Hate incidents have become quite common, and thats very worrisome for me. As vice president of her schools Muslim Student Association, Ghanim has helped organize group prayers at Sproul Plaza since the hate incident occurred, and held an Islamophobia workshop for students across campus. Ghanims Berkeley organization also created a WhatsApp message group with more than 200 members who volunteer to escort students fearful of walking on campus alone. Leah Millis/The Chronicle Berkeley students are not the only ones taking action. Doaa Abdelrahman, president of the Muslim Student Association at San Jose State University, also created a Facebook message group with close to 50 participants for students to call on if they dont want to walk by themselves. We were mainly motivated to create it after Esra Altun was attacked on campus, said Abdelrahman, 22. A lot of people were feeling unsafe on campus after her attack, and they didnt want to walk alone. Altun was walking to her car in a university parking garage, on the day the Berkeley incident occurred, when a man came up behind her and grabbed her hijab, causing it to tighten around her neck and choke her. Abdelrahman met with San Jose State President Mary Papazian and other members of the school administration on Thursday to discuss safety measures that can be taken to protect students including security cameras and extra lighting in parking garages. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle Additionally, Abdelrahman proposed that a workshop on hate crimes, including incidents inspired by Islamophobia, be added to orientation sessions for new students. The number of hate incidents weve seen in the last week is ridiculously high, said Saba Maher, civil rights coordinator for the San Francisco Bay Area Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Despite the Bay Areas reputation for having some of the most accepting and ethnically diverse cities in the United States, complaints of harassment and discrimination have been on the rise since Trumps historic win, Maher said. And Muslim women are an easy target for incidents triggered by hate because of the hijabs they wear, she added. Yasra Syed, a 23-year-old student at San Francisco State University and president of the Muslim Women Student Association, said her fear isnt confined to campus boundaries. After the elections, Ive been more conscious of my surroundings, Syed said, adding that because many students at San Francisco State are commuters, theyre more worried about being targeted on Muni or BART. A video posted on Facebook Nov. 10 showed a woman verbally accosting a BART passenger for speaking Assyrian, calling her a stalker from the Middle East. At the start of the video, the woman says, Trump might deport you. Syed is working on implementing a buddy system for Muslim students afraid to walk alone on the campus. Shes also encouraging her fellow Muslim students to take self-defense classes and is raising money to buy pepper spray for the members of the group. Throughout his campaign, Trump said Muslims should be barred from entering the United States and called for a database to track American Muslims. If Donald Trump pursues many of the policies that he discussed in the campaign, we will see him in court, said Abdi Soltani, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported 437 reports of hateful intimidation and harassment from Nov. 9 to Nov. 14. The center also stated that many incidents involved direct references to the president-elects campaign and slogans. The FBI released its annual hate crime report on Monday, finding that anti-Muslim hate crimes spiked to 257 incidents nationwide in 2015 compared to 154 in 2014, a 67 percent increase. Its so sad that (these incidents) could happen to anyone, said Syed. Its very scary just knowing that this is part of the Bay Area. Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani The day Donald Trump ascends from president-elect to commander in chief, he will assume control over U.S. intelligence agencies and some of the most advanced surveillance systems in the world. That realization has launched a wave of interest in personal cybersecurity, the likes of which tech experts and activists said they have never before seen. The surge is prompted by concerns of how Trump, a reality-TV star and real estate mogul who forged an unconventional and controversial path in politics filled with personal attacks and feuds, may use this countrys intelligence apparatus. Privacy advocates have long fretted over the scope and potential use of U.S. espionage programs and tactics. Years before former contractor Edward Snowden revealed that the National Security Agency was engaged in widespread domestic surveillance, the government had been bolstering its ability to gather and keep massive amounts of data on peoples communications and online activities. But Trumps election, which has stoked fears of marginalization and violence among communities of color, Muslims, LGBT people and immigrants, has brought concerns over digital privacy to the public. The Obama administration drastically expanded and codified a lot of these programs that are now being handed over to Donald Trump, said Evan Greer, the campaign director at activist group Fight for the Future. No matter who wields them, she said, these types of mass surveillance programs that operate without accountability are simply too dangerous to exist. It remains unclear how Trump plans to use the governments arsenal of espionage tools, including the controversial NSA programs that have operated with limited oversight and few restrictions since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. But his remarks on the campaign trail have left many security experts troubled. Trump has repeatedly called for the surveillance of mosques in the United States. During the Republican primaries, Trump said he would absolutely keep a database of Muslims in the U.S. an idea that has since evolved into a national security registry of immigrants from countries with known terror cells. The president-elect has called social justice group Black Lives Matter a threat and told conservative talk show host Bill OReilly over the summer that at a minimum, were going to have to be watching. Trump has supported a re-expansion of the Patriot Act, a surveillance-enabling law passed in the wake of 9/11. In 2015, Congress passed the USA Freedom Act that constrained how the government can obtain records using the Patriot Act and largely limited the NSAs ability to request data, like the private Internet and phone communications of Americans, from telecom companies en masse. Trump could make many of those changes without the public even realizing, experts said, so long as companies comply. Weakening protections from government spying could also open doors to others who want eyes on Americans data, said Gabe Rottman, a deputy director at the nonprofit Center for Democracy and Technology. These privacy protections also protect people from identity theft, trade secret theft and so on, he said. A more private society is also a more secure society. Snowden, who has been heralded as a hero in certain circles, encouraged people to lean on tech companies to better protect their data and stand up to government espionage. Speaking through a video-chat robot at the Real Future Fair in Oakland last week, Snowden said tech companies, though privately owned, can be less fickle than law and government. Laws are simply letters on a page, he said. Theyre not going to jump up and protect your rights. Pressuring tech companies to build more secure devices and protect user information, Snowden said, is a safer bet than relying on the integrity of government officials. Earlier this year, Trump loudly criticized Apple for refusing to build special software to unlock an iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook, the gunman who killed 14 and injured 22 people in a mass shooting in San Bernardino last September. Trump encouraged his Twitter followers to boycott all Apple products. At the time, Apple was cheered by many of its customers, tech professionals and security experts for its decision to resist the governments demands. Complying, they believed, would set an unwieldy precedent for future government data requests. But companies are not infallible. Yahoo reportedly built a program last year that allowed U.S. intelligence officials to scour hundreds of millions of peoples emails to find a signature associated with a terrorist group, according to Reuters. (Yahoo has denied building such a program and called the report misleading.) On Friday, news reports indicated Trump had asked retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, a three-star general who specialized in intelligence gathering, to serve as his national security adviser. It was not immediately clear whether Flynn shares Trumps views on domestic espionage. In the days after Trump was elected, downloads of the encrypted messaging app Signal spiked. It began trending in the App Store. Security experts and tech workers took to Twitter to espouse its virtues and encourage others to download it particularly those planning to participate in protests. The app, which was created by nonprofit Open Whisper Systems, offers a slew of privacy features including disappearing messages. ProtonMail, an encrypted email service, reported a similar jump in interest after the election. Encryption helps prevent text messages, emails, phone calls and video chats from being intercepted during transmission, which is often how governments, law enforcement and hackers can spy on peoples communication. When messaging or phone calls are encrypted, that means the communication is scrambled during transmission and then unscrambled by the intended recipient using a secret key, typically held by the sender, recipient and the app maker. With end-to-end encryption, which apps like Signal provide, the companies do not keep a copy of the key. Security experts suggest starting small by downloading Signal or another messaging app with end-to-end encryption like Facebooks WhatsApp, Viber or Apples iMessage and FaceTime. (Skype, Snapchat and Google Hangouts have weaker encryption, according to a recent Amnesty International report.) Smarter use of existing tools may help, too. It may not seem like much, but even basic cyberhygiene can make a huge difference, Rottman said. Greer recommended using a hard-to-guess password not a last name or password123 and enabling two-step verification when possible, using text messages or a code-generating app to add security. If theres a bright side to the fears Trumps election has brought up in those who oppose him, she said, it may be that people are finally taking an interest in security and privacy. Its exciting that people finally want to get educated, Greer said. Its a good moment for that, and I think the challenge for people who are tech savvy and who have been banging our heads against the wall about this for the past eight years is to really try to make these things not feel overwhelming. Marissa Lang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mlang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Marissa_Jae Protect your tech Here are some simple steps experts recommend to protect your communications: Get a better password: Create a truly random password of 11 characters or more that is not repeated on other online accounts. Enable two-step verification: This will require another step, like sending a text message to your phone, before you can log in. If someone gets your password, the text message may alert you to an attempt to break into your email or social media accounts. Use strong encryption: Security experts suggest downloading Signal or similar messaging apps. The best use something called end-to-end encryption which even the app makers cant unlock. At a cybersecurity summit last week in Boston, an FBI agent gave a disquieting piece of advice to a room of executives: If your computer is infected with certain forms of ransomware, and you havent backed up that machine, just pay up. Ransomware encrypts a computers files and then holds the key needed to unlock them for ransom usually somewhere between $200 and $10,000, according to a July alert from the agency. Strains such as CryptoLocker and CryptoWall are so difficult to crack that it would almost certainly cost less to pay the bribe than to hire someone to attempt to fix those computers. The ransomware is that good, said Joseph Bonavolonta, an assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs Cyber and Counterintelligence Program in the Boston office, according to the Security Ledger information security website. To be honest, we often advise people just to pay the ransom. He was speaking at the 2015 Boston Cyber Security Summit, a meeting meant to connect senior executives to vendors and others who can help protect their companies. The FBI said that between April 2014 and June 2015, its Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 1,000 CryptoWall complaints. Victims, the agency said, reported losing more than $18 million. CryptoWalls latest version, 3.0, has netted the criminals behind it roughly $325 million, according to the Cyber Threat Alliance, a group consisting of Intel Security, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet and Symantec. An FBI spokeswoman said Bonavolontas statements came at the end of the question-and-answer portion of a roughly 35-minute talk. In an e-mail, she made it a point to say that by regularly backing up systems, such criminal threats will be ineffective. The FBI doesnt make recommendations to companies; instead, the Bureau explains what the options are for businesses that are affected and how its up to individual companies to decide for themselves the best way to proceed, the spokeswoman wrote. That is, either revert to back-up systems, contact a security professional, or pay. That last option must be a particularly difficult admission for the FBI. These businesses are coming to them with the hope that they are able to defeat the malware and get their data back and, in essence, what he was saying is (this ransomware) is pretty good, said Paul Roberts, Security Ledger founder and editor in chief. Law enforcement traditionally has struggled to chase down cybercriminals who use ransomware, said Marco Balduzzi, a senior security engineer and researcher at Trend Micro, who researches the dark Web. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Ransomware often connects victims to criminals over the dark Net a collection of websites whose servers are obscured. In addition, Balduzzi said, bad guys often get paid in bitcoin, a virtual currency that is difficult to trace. At the point a criminal cashes out, turning digital currency into traditional currencies, law enforcement agents might be able to track that person down. But, the problem is that there are many virtual currencies LiteCoin, DogeCoin and Peercoin, to name a few and crooks often exchange one for another so many times that following a trail becomes next to impossible, said Vincenzo Ciancaglini, another senior research scientist at Trend Micro. So the fact that they use cryptocurrencies together with the (dark Net) infrastructure makes them very resilient to being taken down by law enforcement, said Balduzzi. Sean Sposito is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: ssposito@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @seansposito Bill Hutchinson / An Oakland man died and another is in critical condition after a shooting Friday night in the citys Fruitvale district. The shooting happened shortly after 9 p.m. on the 4500 block of Bancroft Avenue, authorities said. Police and fire officials rushed to the scene and provided first aid to both victims, one of whom died of his injuries. The other was taken to a local hospital. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Director Francis Ford Coppola was at the Castro on Tuesday, Nov. 15, to talk under the auspices of the Commonwealth Club, onstage with Adam Savage, former co-host of Mythbusters about his new publication, The Godfather Notebook. The book is a 700-plus-page reproduction of the handmade prompt book Coppola created and used in the making of the first Godfather movie in 1972. This production diary includes the original Mario Puzo book, notes to himself and others on what he was trying to achieve in each scene, notes for actors, thoughts about all aspects of the production. The talk was preceded by a VIP reception upstairs for fans who had paid a premium price. I think hes a brilliant filmmaker, said Nick Simeone, who had bought two signed books ($50 each). His movies speak about the human condition so precisely. When I watch his films, its like listening to poetry. Donna DiGiuseppe, author of The White Collar, a novel about a real-life female portraitist who lived during the Renaissance, hoped to get the name of a contact person to whom she could submit the manuscript, for possible moviemaking. That didnt happen, but like just about everybody at the reception, she seemed to be happy just being there. There was little chance for face time with the director/winemaker/hotelier/author/impresario/chef/restaurateur. He arrived 50 minutes into the reception, 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of the talk, surrounded by several people who seemed to be in security. He was whisked to a room with closed door, where he met with Savage. Guests were cleared out of the area before Coppola emerged to be taken downstairs for the appearance. All that security guys surrounding him, little public access seemed distinctly Hollywood-like. But once the onstage conversation started, Coppola relaxed into it and gave it his all: ingratiating, personal, amusing. He started chronologically with a description of his life when the project started: He was married, with a young family, desperate for work and living in North Beach we wanted to have a little La Boheme in our lives when he started preparing for the movie that is, gluing and pasting and making observations in the notebook working at a table next to the phone booth at the Caffe Trieste. From there, in raconteur mode, the director moved into anecdotes and stories (ably mimicking Marlon Brando and others) and charmingly self-deprecating insights. Arguing with Paramount executive Robert Evans over the casting of Michael Corleone Evans wanted Ryan ONeal, Coppola wanted Al Pacino Coppola realized that Evans, a good-looking guy ... wanted someone to look like him; I wanted someone who looked like me. About 15 minutes into the conversation, Coppola asked that the house lights be turned up. I want to see you, he said to the audience. I cant see anyone. When he started directing, he said, a veteran filmmaker had advised him, Always sit next to the cameras. The actors are doing this for you, and they want to see you. He looked out into the crowd. So Im doing this for you, and I want to see you. During the Q&A, a set routine in which Savage, in accordance with Commonwealth Club traditions, was to sift through questions submitted from the audience on paper, Coppola broke out again and invited members of the audience to shout out. Who wouldnt be charmed? His answers were full; he seemed to care about actually exchanging words with members of the audience; he was delightfully informal. Afterward, when autograph-seekers mobbed him on the sidewalk, you could understand why hed needed protection before. Filmmaking is art, and its also show business. Waiting for a flight to San Francisco from San Diego, Joe Corkery was watching CNN on an airport TV. President Obamas news conference was being broadcast, with closed captions on. And when the president, talking about global warming and states like California, those three words were transcribed as straits like Lindsay Lohan. Sweeping the sidewalk outside our estate in the Haight-Ashbury on Saturday, I overheard the guide giving his tour to a bunch of tourists on an open-topped bus: And here we have the Department of Motor Vehicles, he said. Its the only one in San Francisco. Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Public Eavesdropping I really thought I could have been more rational. Woman to fellow cyclist, descending Mount Diablo and overheard by John Steinberg Growing up in Venezuela, when other kids wanted to be firefighters or astronauts, Jorge Ruiz Cano had his sights set elsewhere. People still message me, Jorge, dude, do you remember in third grade when you would stand up and say, I want to be a Disney animator? he says. Today, Ruiz Cano, 33, is a Disney animator. He joined the studio as an animation apprentice and assistant on Frozen in 2012. Since then, hes been part of teams that worked on the shorts Feast, Frozen Forever and Inner Workings, and the features Big Hero 6, Zootopia and now Moana, which opens Nov. 23. It is the last film that has brought Ruiz Cano to San Franciscos Academy of Art, where he earned his masters in 2009 in character animation. Though he is part of a team of 60 to 90 animators, he is someone Disney has tapped before to talk about the art of the studios films, often but not exclusively to Spanish-language outlets. On this day, Ruiz Cano is back at the Academy of Art, where his childhood dreams were transformed into concrete reality. He is giving a slideshow presentation on the art and making of Moana. Before it even begins, he is surrounded by a crowd of students. It wasnt so long ago that he was one of them, and now hes living proof that success in their chosen field is possible. The Caracas native, who arrived in San Francisco on a frigid night in 2007 to begin his studies, is well aware that as much as the students will be interested in Moana, they might be even more interested in his own experience. Before he gets to the nuts and bolts of the film, he leads off with his personal story of how the academy helped him achieve that 8-year-olds dream of becoming an animator. This is not the only Moana presentation he will make, but it is the only one to which he added that narrative. The effervescent Ruiz Cano has a message: If I can do this, you can, too. At the end of the presentation, there is a Q&A. There are queries about the animation process from those still learning their craft. But some students are thinking ahead to when they, too, can join Disney or Pixar or DreamWorks or Laika or Aardman or one of the other animation studios. They have questions about landing a job, interviewing and an animators portfolio. Ruiz Cano interned at Electronic Arts and Pixar, and worked at a number of Bay Area firms, including at Industrial Light + Magic on Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon, and hes passionate about helping students and artists, so hes the perfect person to answer such questions. In a way, there is something fitting in Moana being the movie that brings Ruiz Cano back to the academy. The film is one of Disneys animated musicals, the score and songs by Mark Mancina, Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, and Samoan musician Opetaia Foai. Called to the sea her whole life, 16-year-old Moana (Aulii Cravalho) the future chief of the South Pacific island of Motunui sets sail in search of Maui (Dwayne The Rock Johnson), demigod of wind and sea. It is that irresponsible deity who holds the key to the survival of Moanas community. And it is Maui who catches the attention of Robert Steele, the academys undergraduate associate director and portfolio coordinator in the School of Animation and Visual Effects. He is also Ruiz Canos former teacher and taught the storyboard course when Ruiz Cano was planning his thesis film, Shallow, about two monkeys in love whose relationship is roiled when the girl monkey falls in love with an action movie star. That was about the time Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor, Steele says. Jorge came up with this crazy idea. Amazingly, the character looks very much like Maui. That was really one of the first things I saw of his. This is a bizarre idea. Its fun. Its really exciting. Jorge was always enthusiastic, he adds. He was always questioning. I dont understand, what are you saying? How does this work? Why are you saying that about my project? He was always challenging and questioning. He needed to understand what was going on and why it was going on. Steele remembers touring the academys labs, where students work on their projects, when Ruiz Cano was a student. Inevitably, he would run into him. He was one of the main people who was always in the lab, all the time, working on his projects, working on developing his animation for various classes plus working on his thesis project, Steele says. Ruiz Cano was not new to animation when he enrolled in the academy. He already had a bachelors degree in media arts and animation from Floridas Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Hed also interned as an animator with the Florida Panthers and worked as a Flash animator for an educational software company. But it wasnt until he got to San Francisco that he came to realize that he hadnt really understood the nature of the beast. I just thought animation was motion, but it is the illusion of life, giving feelings and all those attributes to polygons or drawings, says Ruiz Cano. Its acting. Its observing. Its performance all the way. Learning that, it was at this place. Getting to know that really what animation was wasnt just motion or appealing shapes, it was life. I learned that here with tough love, with sweet love and with tougher love. Pam Grady is a San Francisco freelance writer. Twitter: @cinepam Moana opens at Bay Area theaters on Wednesday, Nov. 23. To see a trailer: http://movies.disney.com/ moana SACRAMENTO As Kamala Harris prepares to take the job held by U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, its anyones guess who will take Harris place as Californias attorney general. Gov. Jerry Brown can make the appointment as soon as Harris leaves the position, but he has not indicated who he is considering. Several names have been tossed around by political observers. Among them are Bay Area district attorneys: Alameda Countys Nancy OMalley, San Franciscos George Gascon and Santa Claras Jeff Rosen. Harris departure gives Brown significant influence over who is ultimately voted into the office in 2018. Once appointed, the attorney general can run as an incumbent in that race. I would assume the governor would look at someone who he thinks can get into the job running, said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe. I would assume he would look at a Democrat with a chance of being elected to the position in two years. I also think he would consider diversity. Attorney general is considered the states second most powerful position behind governor because of the significant powers the office wields. The attorney general oversees thousands of lawyers and police officers and defends the state in civil and criminal courts. The attorney general is also responsible for writing the title and summary for ballot measures, which often frame how a voter perceives an initiative. That is often the only thing a voter reads, Jeffe said. Thats not an insignificant power. Before Harris was attorney general, Brown served in the post. Gabrielle Lurie/Special to The Chronicle Browns office declined to discuss what the governor is considering in a new attorney general or say who is on his short list of candidates. Former state Attorney General Bill Lockyer said the election of Donald Trump as president could influence who Brown selects. Brown and legislative leaders are leery that Trump and the Republican-majority Congress could attempt law changes that would override the states climate change policies. The (state) attorney general could play in a role in that, Lockyer said. After a San Francisco news conference to discuss hate crimes on Friday, Gascon chose his words carefully when asked how he would feel if he were offered the top cop job. I think it depends. Its all about fit, he said. It would be a fit for the governor and a fit for whoever the candidate is. And again, I am completely concentrating and immersed in my work here. The governor has a group of very qualified people, and I am sure hes going to look for whoever is the best fit, Gascon said. Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle Through a spokeswoman, OMalley said, It would be a great honor to serve the state of California as attorney general. Other potential candidates include Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey, San Diegos Bonnie Dumanis, top Peninsula trial lawyer Joe Cotchett, who is considering running for the post in 2018, and Ann Ravel, the states former chairwoman of the Fair Political Practices Commission who was appointed by President Obama to the Federal Elections Commission. Los Angeles City Attorney Michael Feuer, state appeals court Judge Jim Humes, acting U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert, Harris chief deputy Nathan Barankin and Browns Chief of Staff Nancy McFadden are among the other possible selections. 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. Some have speculated that Brown could appoint his wife, Anne Gust Brown, to the post, but the governor joked with reporters recently that she is already fully employed. Whomever Brown appoints must have been admitted to practice law in the state for at least the past five years. An appointment cant be made until Harris leaves her seat. She is scheduled to be sworn into the U.S. Senate in January. Both the state Senate and Assembly will have to approve of Browns pick by a majority vote, and the two houses will have up to 90 days to consider the appointment. For every appointment we make, the top priority is selecting the best possible candidate and that will ultimately dictate timing, Brown spokesman Evan Westrup said in an email. Chronicle staff writer Vivian Ho contributed to this report. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez It was high drama 200 feet above Fort Point. The Chronicles front page from Nov. 19, 1958, covers the end of a suicide threat on the Greatest Bridge Ever Built. An Air Force staff sergeant with nothing left to live for was talked off his death perch on a Golden Gate Bridge ledge outside the railing last night after four hours of gentle persuasion, the story read. For the four agonizing hours, Staff Sgt. William Cody, 33, let it be known that he was mentally and physically hovering between life and death ... on the one spot on the bridge where rescuers couldnt reach him, The Chronicle reported. The Golden Gate Bridge has always been a beacon for people who believe hope will never return to their lives. Too often, the rescuers dont arrive in time. During his four-hour ordeal, Sgt. Cody was quietly talked to by a chaplain, three psychiatrists and Highway Patrolman Blair Barclay, the story read. Because of their help, a troubled man got a second chance. Whats in a name: A short story near the bottom of the front page reads, A Milan court has ruled that Farouk is such a common Arab first name that the former King of Egypt cant object to a candy bat called Farouk. This case may have been used as precedent years later in Mr. Goodbar v. Hersey Co. See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history. Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke (Click to enlarge) It was an ambush, a slaughter and a mass suicide, and in the end more than 900 people were dead. The Chronicles front page from Nov. 20, 1978, covers the Jonestown massacre in South America. The Guyana Ministry of Information reported early today that military troops airlifted into Jonestown found 300 to 400 dead bodies at the jungle settlement, apparently the victims of a mass suicide, the story read, under-reporting the number of dead by more than half. The mass suicide was preceded by an attack by followers of cult leader Jim Jones on a U.S. convoy that including Bay Area residents, Rep. Leo Ryan, future Rep. Jackie Speier and journalists from The Chronicle, the San Francisco Examiner, the Washington Post and NBC. The Chronicles reporter with the delegation, Ron Javers, was shot in the ambush but lived. Javers was a survivor of the Jonestown attack that killed Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four others, the storys introduction read. He gave this account from Puerto Rico during a refueling of the U.S. military hospital plane carrying Javers and other wounded to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington. This is how Javers started his story: Jonestown is every evil thing that everybody thought and worse. We knew that before the shooting started. All of us who had gone into the Peoples Temple colony in Jonestown on Friday with Congressman Leo J. Ryan felt lucky to be out of there alive. Ryan seemed especially lucky. He had been attacked just before we left the jungle settlement, and his shirt was stained by his attackers blood. Now, at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, we could see two airplanes waiting for us on the nearby airstrip, and the ordeal seemed over. One plane was the twin-engine craft that had brought us to Port Kaituma, seven miles outside Jonestown, on Friday, and was ready to take us back. A small, single-engine plane was for refugees from the colony. I was standing between Bob Brown and Don Harris, the two NBC men who were to be killed moments later by gunmen charging out of a nearby tractor-and-trailor parked on the edge of the airstrip. The NBC crew and I became close friends in the course of our stay. The firing erupted from guns close by. I was hit first. I was knocked to the ground by a slug in the left shoulder, apparently from a .38-caliber weapon. I crawled behind the right wheel of the plane. Bob Brown stayed on his feet and kept filming what was happening even as the attackers advanced on him with their guns. He was incredibly tenacious. While I was trying to decide whether to stay where I was or risk the 100-yard dash across the close-cropped grass field to the jungle, I saw Brown go down. More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond. Then I saw one of the attackers stick a shotgun right into Browns face inches away, if that. Bobs brain was blown out of his head. It spattered the blue NBC minicam. Ill never forget that sight as long as I live. See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history. Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke (Click to enlarge) A group of about 100 semi-nude protesters gathered at Union Square on Saturday to voice their opposition to Donald Trump's proposed future policies and long track record of racism and misogyny. Before the protesters marched to Trump Tower, makeup artists painted fake wounds and scars on them to represent the harm that many marginalized groups will face under a Trump administration. Protesters marched up Broadway towards Trump Tower along the sidewalk, escorted by an NYPD officer, chanting "My body my choice," and "Not my president." By the time the group reached a pre-designated protest site at 56th Street and Fifth Avenue, the protest had dwindled to three or four dozen people, but they attracted a large crowd of onlookers who stopped to watch the protest unfold. From the protest pen, the activists chanted "Don't just watch us, join us" at the many tourists and passersby who were near Trump Tower. Many took photos and expressed their support, but a few Trump supporters heckled the protesters from across the street. The protesters responded by chanting "Bigots go home" at the small group of hecklers, who they presumed to be tourists. "It's scary to see people against protesters and see the hatred for this," 20-year-old protester Mesa Melton said. "But it's even scarier to think about where they got these ideas and who's telling them to think that way." "We need to use our voice and our rights to speak out against this," she said. "It gets scarier every day. The more people he floats for appointments and the closer we get to inauguration day, the scarier it gets. I'm terrified for other people who have more at stake than I do and whose rights can be taken away at any moment. We're taking a huge step backwards." Across Fifth Avenue, a New York resident and his two small children had their own pro-Trump counter protest. Calvin Hunt, a 55-year-old Harlem resident, stood on the west side of Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th Streets with a sign that read "Trump is our president." His son stood next to him, holding a sign that said "Hillary for PRISON 2016" and wearing a Make America Great Again hat. Hunt, who is black, said Trump was the only candidate who was really invested in the black community. "He goes into the communities where there's despair," he said. "The black community looks like a third world country, and the Democrats don't do anything about it. As he spoke, passersby, none of whom were black, thanked him; "Amen, brother," one yelled. Hunt was later joined by a 73-year-old man, Marvin Knight, whose sign had a very different message: "Arrest treasonous Trump." Calvin Hunt and Marvin Knight. (Gaby Del Valle / Gothamist) "Obama supposedly couldn't do it because they said his hands were tied," Hunt said, "but Trump's hands won't be tiedRepublicans will control all three branches of the government!" "I've been out here protesting every day," he added. "But it's not a protestI'm a supporter of Trump. For those that still don't believe it, he'll be the 45th president soon, whether they like it or not." But the anti-Trump protesters across the street clarified that they knew they couldn't stop Trump from becoming president. "These protests are a way for us to show solidarity with one another," Megan Mahony said. "Despite the administration that's coming in, we aren't going to let hate and fear take over our country." Mahony, who is 25, said she voted for Hillary Clinton and didn't expect Trump to win. "There was a small part of me that thought it was possible, but I was surprised," she said of his victory. "I didn't know there were so many people in the country who felt so negatively affected by the past 7 years that they thought Trump was the solution." Donald Trumps stunning win has made many wonder: Just how dangerous could a Trump foreign policy be? There are plenty of reasons to be afraid, very afraid. Trump knows almost nothing about national security but says his own top adviser would be himself. He has said he might use nuclear weapons against the Islamic State and would abandon the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and our Asia-Pacific allies unless they paid more as though alliances are a two-bit mafia protection racket rather than an enduring source of American power projection across the globe. He doesnt know what the U.S. nuclear triad is (its the cornerstone of our deterrence against total nuclear war), and he doesnt care that he doesnt know. He dismisses U.S. intelligence reports attributing election hacking to the Russian government as public relations. And his Twitter trigger fingers have alarmed many about putting a man with so little obvious self-control anywhere near the U.S. nuclear codes. Three reasons, however, suggest that a Trump foreign policy might not be the doomsday scenario that many fear. The first is the heavy burden of office. All presidents feel it. Campaigning is one thing, governing is another. Candidate Jimmy Carter railed against the Central Intelligence Agency during the 1976 presidential campaign and vowed to declaw it. President Carter did the opposite, embracing covert operations and declaring in his 1981 State of the Union message that, Our national interests are critically dependent on a strong and effective intelligence capability. Nothing is more sobering than seeing, up close, every day, what dangers confront the United States and threaten our vital interests. The campaign trail is exhilarating. The Oval Office is exhausting. Leading the most powerful country on Earth is an awesome responsibility that every president feels. Thats why they seem to age in dog years. The second check on recklessness is Congress. To be sure, presidents have far more unilateral powers when it comes to foreign policy than domestic policy. But Congress still matters. Congress controls the purse and oversees the executive branch often times, not so well. But in moments of crisis, Congress does weigh in because voters back home demand it. Congressional pressure and the prospect that Congress would cut off funding finally pushed President Richard Nixon to end the Vietnam War. National Security Agency surveillance was dramatically reformed when Congress passed the USA Freedom Act in 2015. CIA assassination plots against foreign leaders ended when Congress Church committee investigation uncovered them and said, enough. To be sure, Republicans will again control the House and Senate come January. But the one thing that instantly unites all Republicans and Democrats is protecting their own power against an overreaching executive. The third check is bureaucracy. American intelligence and military officials are professionals. They are trained to do their jobs regardless of whos in power. While there are always exceptions (Im thinking of you, FBI Director James Comey), the men and women who work at the tip of the spear of our national security establishment put country first. At the CIA, speaking truth to power is a cherished value. In the Pentagon, refusing to follow an unlawful order is deeply inculcated. These are not slogans on hats. These are the creeds by which our national security professionals live, and die. Spend any time at Strategic Command headquarters in Omaha, Neb., where theres a red clock on the wall counting the time in seconds to nuclear impact on the operations center, and youll know just how real these values are. Implementing policy is harder than most people think. It takes time, it takes approvals, it takes organizational gears to grind, it takes coordination across agencies, it takes bureaucratic infighting and political maneuvering, and it often takes a bevy of lawyers. Every president complains that the process is far too cumbersome. Presidents issue plenty of orders that are not carried out quickly, or ever. Agendas are always long. Time is always short. Events often intervene. And concerned bureaucracies can wait it out while the presidents four-year term ticks away. In the summer of 1952, when Dwight Eisenhower was running for president, Harry Truman famously captured just how hard it is to make change. Imagining how Eisenhower would handle the presidency, Truman remarked, Hell sit here and hell say, Do this! Do that! And nothing will happen. Poor Ike it wont be a bit like the Army. Hell find it very frustrating. Lets hope so. Amy Zegart is co-director at Stanford Universitys Center for International Security and Cooperation and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters. Just days after Donald Trump was elected Americas next president, Mayor Ed Lee stood with a line of top city officials on City Halls grand marble staircase to promise that San Francisco will uphold its 27-year-old sanctuary city laws protecting people who are in the country illegally. We have been and always will be a city of refuge, a city of sanctuary, a city of love, Lee told the crowd gathered for a unity ceremony on Monday. We promise to be a city thats always welcoming. There are no walls in our city! Other mayors, including those in Portland, Ore., Seattle and Chicago, made the same pledge in the days after the election. Trumps top immigration adviser, Kris Kobach, promptly fired back. A co-author of Arizonas controversial 2010 immigration law, Kobach tweeted End #SanctuaryCities and shared part of an interview he had done on Fox News. Theyre just thumbing their noses at federal law and putting their own citizens in danger, Kobach said of mayors like Lee. Trump, he said, has made it very clear he cares about the victims of these illegal alien sanctuary cities. On Friday, it was announced that Trumps pick for attorney general is Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, who has opposed nearly every immigration bill to come before the Senate in the past 20 years and has opposed even some legal immigration programs. Trump has pledged to immediately deport millions of immigrants once he takes office in January. He has also said he will strip sanctuary cities and counties, which number more than 300, of all federal funding if they continue to shield immigrants who did not come to the country legally. In San Francisco, which receives about $1 billion in federal funding each year, city officials say they know they must quickly turn their pledges into concrete action. Among the efforts expected or possible: Public Defender Jeff Adachi wants $5 million annually for his office to provide representation for people facing deportation legal aid they are not currently guaranteed. He said he hopes to have a proposal before the Board of Supervisors in the next few weeks. City Attorney Dennis Herreras office is studying various options, including suing the federal government if it does withhold funding, according to city Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who has been in talks with the office. Lee, whose parents immigrated legally to the U.S. from China, vowed to protect data collected by the county clerks office for issuing the SF City ID Card, which is used mainly by people without legal status as proof of identity and residency. The school district, the public health department, sheriff and police chief all said they, too, will continue to abide by San Franciscos sanctuary city laws. Whatever the edict from the mayor is, this department will support and defend it, said acting Police Chief Toney Chaplin. Immigration attorneys and advocates, though, are pushing politicians to take more sweeping action. Among the ideas being raised is having California declare itself a sanctuary state and offering state citizenship. Another proposal would direct the Department of Motor Vehicles to offer drivers licenses that dont denote the holders status. But such ideas would take time to enact. In the meantime, the assurances Lee and others can offer do little to quell the fear permeating the lives of many of the estimated 44,000 immigrants residing illegally in San Francisco. Myrna Melgar is the executive director of Jamestown Community Center in the Mission District, which serves 1,500 children, 90 percent of whom are Latino and poor. She cried as she described the fear she has seen them express since Trumps upset election. Many are citizens by birth but have parents who are not. They were all crying, she said. Theyre saying, Does that mean my dads going to get deported? Does that mean my moms going to get deported? In the Mission, she said, Trump suddenly went from a joke his face on pinatas and other gag gifts to president-elect. You walk down Mission Street, and there are all these Trump pinatas in all of the stores it had been the boogeyman, she said. And then, its true. The boogeyman is real. In San Francisco, fears of what may lie ahead radiate beyond the heavily Latino Mission District. Veronica, 43, has all the trappings of success: three children, an apartment she rents in San Franciscos Nob Hill neighborhood and a restaurant she owns in Larkspur. But shes achieved it all while living in the U.S. illegally. Veronica, who spoke on the condition The Chronicle would not use her last name, said her 14-year-old son has already asked her how the family would hide. Nothing is going to happen, she assured him. But she is not sure she believes that. She immigrated illegally with an 8-month-old daughter to join her husband in the U.S. 22 years ago. Her daughter obtained temporary legal status and work authorization through a federal program, which many people expect Trump to eliminate. Her other children are U.S. citizens by birth, but Veronica and her husband remain undocumented. Five years ago, the couple opened a restaurant in Larkspur. They have 20 employees, all of them Latino and many fearful of deportation. Veronica said they didnt know their boss was also living here illegally, but now she wants them to know theyre not alone. I feel proud to be an undocumented immigrant and have this restaurant, because people from all over arrive and say, I want to talk to the owner. And I am the owner, she said. I have achieved the American dream. The philosophy behind sanctuary cities is to protect people living in the country illegally from being identified to federal immigration officials so they will feel unafraid to live open lives: cooperating with police and coming forward if they witness a crime, and having access to health and education services. San Francisco adopted sanctuary status in 1989 after learning that undocumented victims of domestic violence were not coming forward for fear of deportation. Robert Rubin, formerly with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, drafted the citys original sanctuary city ordinance. He warns that abolishing sanctuary status would end cooperation with police and send crime underground. Each jurisdiction establishes its own sanctuary rules. San Franciscos is among the most expansive, with strict limits on when federal immigration agents are notified that someone who is in the country illegally is being held in county jail. Former Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi barred communication with federal agents in virtually all circumstances. That policy made national headlines and earned scorn from Trump and many others in July 2015, when 32-year-old Kathryn Steinle was shot and killed while walking with her father along San Franciscos Pier 14. The alleged assailant, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, is a Mexican immigrant with a criminal record, in the country illegally, who had been deported five times. Federal officials had turned him over to San Francisco in March 2015 to face an old marijuana charge, but under Mirkarimis policy he was released without notification to immigration agents. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Steinles family has sued the city, saying Lopez-Sanchez should have been kept in custody and deported yet again. He is due to stand trial for second-degree murder in February. A federal magistrate judge is weighing a motion by the city and the U.S. government to dismiss the Steinle familys lawsuit. Trump seized on Steinles death. Two weeks before she was killed, he began his presidential campaign by saying he would build a wall on the Mexican border. He painted Mexican immigrants as criminals, including rapists and drug dealers. In his acceptance speech at the Republican nominating convention in July, Trump said: My opponent wants sanctuary cities. But where was the sanctuary for Kate Steinle? After Vicki Hennessy succeeded Mirkarimi as sheriff in January, supervisors approved a slight change in the citys sanctuary policy. It allows the sheriff to notify immigration agents if someone without legal status is being held on a violent or serious felony charge and has had certain felony convictions in the past. Before such notification, though, a judge must determine there is probable cause to hold the defendant on the current charge. So far, no inmate has met those criteria. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Christian Buenrostro, 23, is at high risk of deportation under Trumps plan. He has a criminal record. Buenrostro was brought to the United States by his parents from Mexico City when he was a toddler. He knew from a young age he was in the country illegally, but he didnt understand what that meant. I was like, What do you mean we dont have papers? Cant we just print them out? As a teenager, his status began weighing on him. He felt he had no real future, so he dropped out of high school and took a job at Burger King in Colma. At 18, he got in a fight with his girlfriend in a store parking lot. Bystanders called the police, and Buenrostro was arrested and charged with battery and domestic violence. He said he didnt hit his girlfriend, but that on the advice of his lawyer, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery because going to trial was too risky. He didnt realize accepting that plea could lead to his deportation. He is working with a new lawyer to try to get his record expunged. But he knows there is a possibility hell be deported to a country he doesnt remember and where he knows no one. For now, he lives with his parents and younger brother, a U.S. citizen, in Daly City. I dont feel like a criminal, Buenrostro said with a laugh. His voice tightened. I think I laugh because of confusion. And Im scared. ... I wake up every day not knowing whats the purpose. Im really stuck. Filled with anxiety every day. Trumps stated plans for dealing with illegal immigration have changed significantly over the past 18 months, and city officials say they have no idea what to expect. During the campaign, Trump said he wanted to deport all 11 million people who are in the U.S. illegally. Since being elected, he has said that he instead wants to quickly deport 2 million to 3 million people with criminal records, and decide what to do about the rest later. Faye Hipsman, a policy analyst with the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington think tank, said that the number Trump has cited more recently has created a lot of confusion. It probably comes from a 2012 estimate by the Department of Homeland Security that there were 1.9 million noncitizens living in the United States who could be deported because of criminal convictions. Of those, according to Hipsmans organization, 820,000 are here illegally, and 37 percent of those have felony convictions. Hipsman said that by those estimates, Trumps target number could be remotely accurate only if he intends to quickly deport all noncitizens including those here legally and if he is including any sort of crime, including misdemeanors, traffic violations and nuisance crimes. That would mean a Silicon Valley software engineer here on an H-1B work visa who has a DUI on his record would be at the same risk of being deported as someone convicted of a violent crime. Trump has said that stripping sanctuary cities of federal funding would occur in his first 100 days in office. The $1 billion in federal funds San Francisco receives annually makes up more than 10 percent of its $9.6 billion budget. The new president could eliminate some relatively small grants to the city unilaterally, but major funding cuts would require congressional action. While much is uncertain, city officials say they know two things: Because of the Steinle case, San Francisco is sure to be a target of the new administration, and the city needs to prepare for the worst possible scenario. Its first move is likely to be enacting Adachis plan to provide legal representation in deportation proceedings. The public defender said he would base the program on similar ones in New York City and New Jersey. Details of his proposal are still being sorted out, Adachi said, but he expects to request $5 million to hire 10 attorneys and pay nonprofit legal organizations for help. A June report by the California Coalition for Universal Representation, a coalition of immigration groups, said that 68 percent of detained immigrants in California have no legal representation. Those who do have counsel, it said, are five times as likely to win their cases. Francisco Ugarte, hired in 2014 as the first immigration specialist in Adachis office, is the likely choice to lead the new effort. While immigration attorneys dont know what to expect under Trump, he said, San Francisco needs to be ready to fight. As bad as things are going to be, we have to stay calm and be strong, and live our lives and fight when necessary, Ugarte said. I dont think hes thought through how hard were going to fight back. Heather Knight and Emily Green are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com, egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf, @emilytgreen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When Jan and Maria Manetti Shrem invite you into their Russian Hill bedroom, its not what you think. The San Francisco philanthropists are the financial force behind the new contemporary art museum at UC Davis, and are eager to explain why they spent $10 million to help build it. Do you know Fontana? asks Jan during lunch, referring to Lucio Fontana, the Argentine painter and founder of spatialism. His wife bolts up from a plate of grilled salmon and greens. Come in the bedroom Ill show you, she beckons, and strides toward a cobalt blue canvas shredded with diagonal slashes that hangs on a wall near the bed. Its the revolutionary ideas represented by those slashes that the Shrems want to share with the world. Forget about seascapes and still lifes with flowers their collection contains works of unorthodox expression by Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and, at one time, 20 pieces by Jean Dubuffet. Why? Surrealisms unexpected juxtapositions, says Jan, was something that was changing the course of the history of art. The Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is poised to do the same. The couples greatest hope is that the new institution will not only build on the universitys groundbreaking past, but foster new generations of avant-gardists for years to come. In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, UC Davis was famed for an interdisciplinary art education program led by radical faculty members who became world-renowned artists: Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Arneson, William T. Wiley, Roy De Forest and Manuel Neri, among others. Their students, likewise, rose to acclaim Bruce Nauman and Deborah Butterfield among them. The new $30 million museum, which opened with fanfare on Nov. 13, is a showcase for some of the 5,000 works of art created by those former teachers and their students, long relegated to storage due to lack of display space. More importantly to the Shrems, the museum contains classrooms and an art studio that will be open around the clock for students and faculty in need of a place to create. Museum admission is free. We are perpetuating a legacy that started 60 years ago that made and developed incredible artists, Maria said. We hope to bring that back. The couple is uniquely positioned to do that. Jan (pronounced yon), 86, is a former book publisher raised in Colombia by Lebanese parents and educated in the United States. He built a fortune translating technical reference books in Japan, and in his 40s moved to Paris and married his first wife, Mitsuko. He began collecting art and studied winemaking in Bordeaux, and later moved to Napa Valley, where in 1986 they opened Clos Pegase winery in Calistoga. It was the first Napa Valley winery created through a design competition with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, spawned by Jans love of architecture. It yielded a contemporary Palladian structure by Michael Graves. More than just a winery, the property featured an underground music theater and became a showplace for 350 paintings and sculptures in Jans collection. Roaming the galleries of Paris Left Bank in the 1970s, Jan met artists such as Bacon, and became friends with Roberto Matta, a South American surrealist who brought his own stemware when they dined in restaurants and only sparingly shared bottles of white or red wine with friends. He would order a good wine and say, I want to be generous, but not masochistic, Jan recalls. He was funny. It was in befriending the artists that he began to understand more deeply what they were creating. Seeing them work in their studio and the direction they were taking and their lifestyle and philosophy drew me more and more in that direction, Jan says. He motions to a painting on the living room wall. Gorilla, by Bacon, consists of an emerald green canvas punctuated by a ghostly white gorilla skull. Are you not drawn to it? he asks a visitor. The visitor finds the painting haunting and a bit scary. Yes, he says with smile. Thats part of the art. Scary, or shocking. After his wife died in 2010, Jan began courting a friend from Napa Valley Maria Manetti Farrow, an effervescent arts patron who had a summer home in Oakville. Maria, 72, a native of Florence, Italy, grew up surrounded by classical art. In her career days, she helped bring Gucci to American department stores. She, too, had been married before. Her second husband was a UC Berkeley student whom she met in Italy; their relationship lasted 20 years. Maria is a supporter of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera who also travels to London to join Prince Charles and other philanthropists at his Highgrove residence, and spends time in Venice, Italy, to raise funds for Italian art preservation. A little over a decade ago, she decided to learn more about modern art. I told myself, Michelangelo and Rafael were the contemporaries of their times, so in 2000 I joined SFMOMA and started traveling with them, and that opened my eyes, she says, and she began acquiring pieces like the Antony Gormley sculpture now adorning the grounds of her Oakville estate. She counts video art collector Pam Kramlich as a mentor, and asked her to sit on the honorary and advisory board of the new museum. (Other members include art collectors Ann Getty, Norah Stone, and architect Dante Bini and his wife, Adria.) 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. I just love Marias enthusiasm, and when she really gets interested in something, she delves into it in an intelligent and productive way, Kramlich says. She makes things happen. Maria, known for her outgoing personality, at times overshadows the more soft-spoken Jan. It was Jan, however, who made the marriage happen. It was at a luncheon at Marias Tuscan-style home, Villa Mille Rose, that he describes being struck by a thunderbolt and falling in love with Maria, and pursued her until she said yes. They married at San Francisco City Hall on Valentines Day in 2012 and became more than life partners. They became partners in philanthropy, too. Jan sold his winery in 2013. To raise millions for their good works, the couple began selling off the art collection and giving to San Francisco Opera, KQED, SFMOMA and, thanks to the encouragement of Wine Country friend Margrit Mondavi (who died in September), the UC Davis Museum of Art. The late Robert Mondavi, who died in 2008, founded the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Sciences at UC Davis and, later, with his wife, the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Margrit Mondavi had long envisioned an art museum on a vacant plot across the street, so she kicked in $2 million to boost the universitys $15 million and decided the Shrems were the perfect donors to help finish funding the project. In a phone interview in August 2015, Margrit Mondavi told The Chronicle the Shrems involvement was all but inevitable, to her way of thinking: Maria and I have been friends for a long time, so when she started to date Jan and marry him, it was natural. Jan is so involved in art the wonderful lectures he gave! His collection! His appreciation for art! it was all there. I said, What a combination. To date, the Shrems have parted with all but 80 of the 350 works in Jans collection, including a Louise Bourgeois spider sculpture that earned them the $10 million they needed for their UC Davis pledge. If the museum is in part a tribute to Margrit Mondavi, to the university and its students, it may also be a tribute to a couple who decided the future is more important than their own material needs. With that money we give to charity in our lifetime, we could use it for enjoying ourselves on a private yacht and a private plane, Maria says. Jan and I have enough of everything. Its really the internal joy that donating gives us. ... We love what we are doing. Carolyne Zinko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: czinko@sfchronicle.com Visit Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, UC Davis, 254 Old Davis Road, Davis. (530) 752-8500. http://manettishremmuseum.ucdavis.edu This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In 1988, Sunny Schwartz visited a friend in Tucson. Through that friend, she met Lauren Obstbaum, a University of Arizona student. Sunny was 34 and Lauren was 20, just a kid, Sunny said, so while noticing an attraction, Sunny mostly ignored it. Lauren, now 48, at that point had dated only men. It felt really good being near her, but I didnt know I had feelings for her yet, Lauren said of the meeting. She was also intrigued by Sunnys au naturel choice in not shaving her underarms, something Lauren had never encountered. Lauren was a Jersey girl and didnt understand that, said Sunny, now 62, of her feminist stance. The following year, with Lauren nearing graduation, their long-distance relationship grew romantic. While Lauren quickly came to grips with the fact that she was in love with a woman, Sunny considered her too young. She left her with these words although Sunny doesnt remember uttering them: Give me a call in 10 years, kid. Sunny remained in the Bay Area and Lauren returned to the East Coast with a broken heart. She got a masters degree at New York University in music therapy and began working in the field. Now a music teacher at Visitacion Valley Middle School, Lauren continued to date women (Sunny changed me, she says), but no one she met ever compared. Although Sunny was a Chicago native, the Bay Area had been home ever since she attended New College California School of Law. For 34 years, Sunny had worked for the city and county of San Francisco, creating programs to help the formerly incarcerated. Five Keys Charter School, the first charter high school for incarcerated men and women, and Resolve to Stop the Violence Project, both of which were recipients of Harvards Innovations in American Government Awards, were her creations. She is also the author of Dreams From the Monster Factory: A Tale of Prison, Redemption and One Womans Fight to Restore Justice to All. For 10 years, Sunny and Lauren didnt speak but kept up with what the other was doing through their mutual friend. A card was exchanged at the death of a relative, but they had no other contact until Rosh Hashanah in 1998. The Jewish New Year is a time for introspection, and Lauren was on Sunnys mind. Sunny found Laurens phone number, called and left a message. I said I hope youre having a beautiful life, Sunny said. I had no ulterior motive. Lauren took her time in answering. My heart jumped, she said, when she heard Sunnys voice. In their first conversation several months later, Sunny apologized. I couldnt have been hurt by a nicer person, Lauren responded. In the two-plus-hours conversation, they determined neither was dating anyone else, and this evolved into instant messaging and emails. By March, Sunny suggested Lauren come for a visit. At the airport, Sunny was overcome with emotion. I was really bowled over by her essence and who she was and how she looked the whole package, said Sunny. I thought Im in trouble. I had had a series of bad relationships and didnt trust myself to maintain a healthy one. But they maintained a bicoastal relationship until Lauren moved to San Francisco in 2001 the two on a road trip from New Jersey with Laurens dog. They registered as domestic partners shortly after, and in 2005, their daughter, Ella, was born. But they didnt want to marry until it was legal in all 50 states. Last year, they were finally able to start planning. Given Sunnys long-standing relationship with the San Francisco Giants she sits on the board of the Giants Community Fund, and has been involved in its Stamp Out Violence Day and the teams antibullying efforts at a meeting one day, she asked Giants President and CEO Larry Baer if it was possible to put a chuppah, a Jewish wedding canopy, at home plate, in the event that the Supreme Court legalized marriage for all. His answer: Absolutely. But because there were so many guests at the May 29 wedding at Giants Stadium officiated by Rabbi Michael Lezak, the chuppah was placed at second base so as not to disturb the grass. Sunny and Lauren both wore pants, blazers and sunglasses with silver shoes; sneakers for Sunny, mules for Lauren. Ella thanked Baer for making my moms dream wedding become a reality, and then addressed her parents: You guys are a great influence on my life and we are all part of an unbelievable family. After the ceremony, the guests many with orange pom-poms or boas were accompanied by a marching band in a procession to Delancey Street Town Hall for the reception. During the ketubah signing, Lauren read an excerpt from her journal written in 1990, when she was 20, in which she wrote that she just wanted to marry Sunny and have her child. Thats what my idea of what the beautiful life would be, Lauren said. Once she said goodbye, I said fine, but I never stopped loving her. When you write in a journal, thats real. I had a good life, but she was the only person I had ever been in love with. Alix Wall is an East Bay freelance writer. Email San Francisco and Bay Area wedding suggestions to style@sfchronicle.com At a glance Reception: Delancey Street Town Hall Flowers: Delancey Street Foundation Delancey Street planner: Rebecca Jackson Photography: James Hall Photography, Bustle & Twine Cake: Susie Cakes This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness, and if youre traveling the holiday week its no longer just a long weekend youll find plenty of company on the highways, at airports, aboard trains and even on long-distance buses. AAA of Northern California, which releases annual holiday travel projections, says more Californians will be traveling more than 50 miles from home this Thanksgiving holiday than in the past nine years. Thats a 3.1 percent increase over last year. Cynthia Harris, a spokeswoman for the association, said Thanksgiving travel has been slowly but steadily on the rise since bottoming out in 2007. This is an upward trend that were seeing, and its due in large part to an increase in consumer spending, confidence in the economy and people being able to pay off travel expenditures, she said. Its a sign that Californians are eager to travel. Thanksgiving has grown into more than just a four-day holiday weekend in recent years. Its expanded into a travel period of a week or even more, especially for travelers heading out of state. Some school districts give students the week off, and airports now plan for larger-than-usual crowds starting the weekend before Thanksgiving. Its just easier to take a whole week rather than a few days, Tiffany Torok, 35, of Petaluma said while getting ready to board a flight at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday. Torok; her husband, Sandor; and children, ages 6 and 1, were flying to Tucson where they will spend the week with her family. Its so much more stressful if youre leaving the day before Thanksgiving and then turning right around again, Sandor Torok said. This worked out with our schedule, and traveling on a Sunday is nice lets face it. At all three international airports in the Bay Area, officials figure that the holiday travel season started on Friday. SFO considers the holiday travel season to run from the beginning of Thanksgiving week through Jan. 2. During that time, the airport expects to see 6.5 million passengers 5.7 percent more than last holiday season. The busiest travel day is expected to be Nov. 27 the Sunday after Thanksgiving when about 160,000 travelers will pass through SFOs gates. Sarah Simnett and Marcus Lodwick, both 47, were traveling from SFO to Colorado Springs, Colo., on Sunday with their kids, ages 8, 11 and 12. The Half Moon Bay residents, who are originally from England, wont be doing the traditional turkey holiday. The kids had school off, so to cut costs, they waited until the day before leaving to pick a destination. We sort of planned it spontaneously, Simnett said. It was a balance between money and the weather, so we waited until the last day. Its a little bit exciting. As the week neared, the family narrowed their choices down to either New Orleans or Colorado Springs. On Saturday, they looked at the forecast and ticket prices and pulled the trigger on Colorado. Everything gets super expensive, Lodwick said. We expected airfares to go down, but that never really happened. Angel Martinez, his fiancee and his 2-year-old son were ready for the price spike. They decided to celebrate Thanksgiving a week early and returned Sunday to the Bay Area from Boulder, Colo. I was pricing out options and tickets were $500 for each one of us, Martinez said. A week earlier, we got three airplane tickets and a car rental for $500. I told my mom, Ill buy dinner. Oakland and Mineta San Jose international airports also expect to be busy during Thanksgiving travel season. From Friday through the Sunday following Thanksgiving, Oakland expects an 8 percent increase in total passenger traffic, or 417,000 additional passengers. The busiest travel day there is also projected to be Nov. 27, with 47,500 passengers traveling through the airport. On an average day, the East Bay airport hosts 33,000 passengers. At the San Jose airport, the Thanksgiving travel boom will last through Nov. 29. During that time, the airport expects 400,000 travelers about 15 percent more than last year. Rosemary Barnes, an airport spokeswoman, credited the increase to the significant growth in the number of flights and destinations in the past year. While the airports will be bustling, most of the 5 million Californians leaving home for Thanksgiving will drive to their destinations, according to the AAA survey a 3.4 percent increase over last year. California Highway Patrol officials will have extra officers on the highways, and as usual, advise drivers to wear seat belts, not to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when sleepy, and to avoid speeding. Trains and buses are also gearing up for a busy week. According to AAA, about 192,000 people are projected to travel by boat, train or bus, an increase of 1.1 percent. Amtrak is preparing for the rush in California by expanding schedules and adding more seats on the Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin and Surfliner trains. Even Megabus, an intercity bus company with online booking, expects to see big increases. On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, for instance, it estimates there will be a 34 percent increase in passengers. The congestion or coziness, if you prefer will extend beyond getting to and from your destination, according to Inrix, a traffic information system. Traffic around shopping malls, always a popular post-Thanksgiving destination, is expected to boom. Drivers headed to Westfield San Francisco Centre should plan for their shopping excursion to take 23 percent longer than usual, with the worst traffic between 8 and 11 a.m. Its going to be very busy, Harris of AAA said. Extremely busy. Chronicle staff writer Evan Sernoffsky contributed to this report. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com @ctuan STARCAST: Gobble! Gobble! It's turkey time and guess who's coming to dinner! With Saturn at the head table, "Grace" will be more prayer than promise. Don't detour on the way to Grandma's and try not to O.D. on food and family. Santa already has his list out and is doing check-ins. ARIES (March 19-April 18) Mercury and the sun generate go-go vibes in your travel house. Send postcards! In other news: Expansive Jupiter-the cosmic Santa-drives Libra, your one-on-one center, throughout the year and into 2017. Verily, verily, Ari, if that isn't cause to be thankful, nothing is. TAURUS (April 19-May 19) The fire crackling in your hormone house hints at high times and adult situations. The Thanksgiving Fairy, or some such, nods encouragement as your popularity quotient soars. Enjoy a lively holiday. Naughty? Nice? It's your call. GEMINI (May 20-June 19) Jupiter in your fun house portends a person or event for whom you can truly be thankful. Add to this a positive spin from the sun and Mercury in your one-on-one house. Offer a quick prayer to the Great Turkey, then go buy something outrageous. CANCER (June 20-July 21) Once again you're tapped to be the designated homemaker. As such, the true meaning of thanksgiving won't kick until the last dish is put away. Just make certain that Santa is not only watching but has his list out. Virtue is not its own reward! LEO (July 22-Aug. 21) Psssst! You may not know it, but Sobriety Claus is a bit of a fussbudget. The power behind the toy pack hasn't much patience with those who don't help themselves. Make a decision about where and how you live. Act on it now and expect to see dividends by Christmas. VIRGO (Aug. 22-Sept. 21) Your starcast mirrors Cancer's as friends, family and extended family come home to roost. Is fence mending in order? You've enjoyed bliss and wildness but eventually the piper must get paid. What better time than Thanksgiving? You know, the old amazing grace thing. LIBRA (Sept. 22-Oct. 21) As Thanksgiving approaches you've lots to gobble about. The star at your table is Jupiter-planet of luck and development. Looking back, you'll see 2016 as a good year. Better yet, 2017 promises more personal triumphs. Give thanks to the Great Turkey and prepare to go one step beyond. SCORPIO (Oct. 22-Nov. 20) Every day in every way life just gets better and better. How can it be otherwise with Saturn finally out of your sign? Hasn't 2016 been a vast improvement? Closures and/or contracts that eluded you are coming together. You can be thankful that next year will be even better. Come Turkey Day 2017, you'll have something fantastic to gobble about. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21-Dec. 20) Once again Thanksgiving is a mixed bag. On the bright side, it's happy birthday time. Have a good one! The sun and Mercury are lively, fun loving tablemates. On the downside, with Saturn for a houseguest, you deserve all the TLC that you can stage manage. CAPRICORN (Dec. 21-Jan.19) You Caps have the groaning board, family table thing down to a science. You're so cool. Who would suspect that the Ghost of Cappricorn Past is once again a secret table mate? Whooooo! Whoooo! What's that sound? Chains rattling? Just dish up the old Hallmark platitudes and no ne will ever guess. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.17) The action centers around you. The right word (thank you?) to the right person can generate something to be really thankful for. In other news: Lucky Jupiter has entered your sign and will remain through much of 2017. If that isn't worth a few rousing gobbles, nothing is. PISCES (Feb. 18-March 18) Brace yourself for an "Is the Pope Catholic?" moment. Do Pisceans groove on Thanksgiving? Duh! Just be certain that the "giving" part goes both ways. Once again the reminder: True thankfulness comes from nurturing yourself along with your tablemates. MINERVA'S MAILBOX Question: I'm a Sagittarian, born Nov. 28. This last year has been so depressing, both for love and work. Will it ever get better? The approaching holiday season just makes it worse. Answer: First off, I'm so sorry that you're feeling bad about life in general. Would you feel any better to know that Sajs everywhere are also besieged? The reason behind the delays and disappointments that plague you is the Saturn transit in your sign. It's been going on since Dec. 17, 2015. The planet Saturn is known for holding things together. Saturn makes order out of chaos by holding things together but can also bring a sense of limitation, heaviness and stagnation. Since this is the opposite of your Sagittarius energy?yours is the sign of expansion, abundance and good fortune?the transit is bound to be challenging. On the positive side, Saturn will bring order and structure into your life. Very likely you'll follow a new course of study or at least seek out new points of view. In case you're wondering, Saturn leaves your sign Dec. 20, 2017?not to return for 30 years. As for the upcoming holidays, be aware that many share your dread. There's such a contrast between real life and the ideal. How many actually experience Tiny Tim, Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmases? Look ahead to the new year when Jupiter livens up your friendship house. Also, at least one big wish will come true for you in 2017. CAPE CANAVERAL The most advanced weather satellite ever built has rocketed into space, part of an $11 billion effort to revolutionize forecasting and save lives. This new GOES-R spacecraft will track U.S. weather as never before: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, volcanic ash clouds, wildfires, lightning storms, even solar flares. Indeed, about 50 TV meteorologists from around the country converged Saturday night on the launch site including NBCs Al Roker along with 8,000 space program workers and guests. Were going to be getting more data, more often, much more detailed, higher resolution, Roker said. In the case of tornadoes, if we can give people another 10, 15, 20 minutes, were talking about lives being saved. Think superhero speed and accuracy for forecasting. Super high-definition TV, versus black-and-white. Really a quantum leap above any satellite NOAA has ever flown, said Stephen Volz, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations director of satellites. Airline passengers also stand to benefit, as do rocket launch teams. Improved forecasting will help pilots avoid bad weather and help rocket scientists know when to call off a launch. NASA declared success 3 hours after liftoff, following separation from the upper stage. The first in a series of four high-tech satellites, GOES-R hitched a ride on an unmanned Atlas V rocket. NOAA teamed up with NASA for the mission. The satellite valued by NOAA at $1 billion will join three aging spacecraft with 40-year-old technology, and become known as GOES-16. After months of testing, this newest satellite will take over for one of the older ones. The second satellite in the series will follow in 2018. All told, the series should stretch to 2036. GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite. The first was launched in 1975. GOES-Rs premier imager one of six science instruments will offer three times as many channels as the existing system, four times the resolution and five times the scan speed, said NOAA program director Greg Mandt. A similar imager is also flying on a Japanese weather satellite. Typically, it will churn out full images of the Western Hemisphere every 15 minutes and the continental United States every five minutes. Specific storm regions will be updated every 30 seconds. Forecasters will get pictures like theyve never seen before, Mandt promised. A first-of-its-kind lightning mapper, meanwhile, will take 500 snapshots a second. This next-generation GOES program $11 billion in all includes four satellites, an extensive land system of satellite dishes, and new methods for crunching the massive, nonstop stream of expected data. Early one morning, a few weeks after his fifth birthday, George Takeis parents woke him. They were hurried, packing quickly, and Takei looked out the window. He saw two soldiers marching up his East Los Angeles driveway, carrying rifles with bayonets. The solders stomped up the front porch and banged on the door until Takeis father answered, and the family was ordered out of their home at gunpoint. Takeis mother was the last to leave. When she came out, she had our baby sister in one arm, and a huge, heavy-looking duffel bag in the other, and tears were streaming down her face, Takei said more than seven decades later. And that terror, he said, is seared into my memory. Many know Takei as the actor who played Sulu in Star Trek. But Takei has also leveraged his fame into social-media stardom, placing himself at the forefront of Asian American activism with a Facebook following rapidly approaching 10 million. So it should come as no surprise that Takei spoke out after Carl Higbie, a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, defended the idea of creating a registry for immigrants of Muslim countries. It is legal. They say itll hold constitutional muster. I know the (American Civil Liberties Union) is going to challenge it, but I think itll pass, Higbie said. Weve done it with Iran back a while ago. We did it during World War II with Japanese. His interviewer on Fox News, Megyn Kelly, said: Come on. Youre not youre not proposing we go back to the days of internment camps, I hope? No, no, no. Im not proposing that at all, Megyn, but what I am saying is we need to protect America first, Higbie said. A spokesman for Trumps transition team issued a statement saying that the president-elect has never advocated for any registry or system that tracks individuals based on their religion, and to imply otherwise is completely false. In November 2015, according to the fact-checking website Politifact, Trump made a number of contradictory and confusing statements in response to questions about whether he supported a database of all Muslims. Eventually, he said on ABC that he wants a database for Syrian refugees, but did not rule out a database for all Muslims. Still, Higbies exchange with Kelly sent chills through much of Los Angeles Japanese American community and continues to spark strong rebukes. This ignoramus doesnt have any idea what hes talking about, Takei said of Higbie in an interview Friday as he returned home to Los Angeles after a week spent speaking about internment at locations across the country. President Ronald Reagan apologized for the internment, Takei noted. Discriminating against innocent people, because of their faith, is outrageous and un-American, he said. The advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice condemned Higbies remarks and said it was outraged that anyone, including political leaders in the U.S., would find inspiration in the racially motivated imprisonment of nearly 120,000 individuals. We stand ready to fight any effort to revive such inherently discriminatory policies to the fullest extent of the law, the group said in a statement. Ann Burroughs, interim president and CEO of the Japanese American National Museum, called Higbies comments very alarming and worried about the children who come to the museum each day to learn. One of the messages they hear is that the Constitution failed Americans in the Second World War, but it will never happen again, Burroughs said. And now, what kind of assurance can we give them? Takei, who is a trustee and chairman emeritus of the museum, said part of the problem is that we dont know our history. As a part of the last generation of Japanese Americans to have experienced internment, Takei said he feels he has a special responsibility to make sure this story is not forgotten. Its vitally important for a democracy to learn from those chapters where we failed, he said. This is a part of our history and we need to learn. Former Saturday Night Live MVP Kristen Wiig returned to host the show for the second time, and she and the cast delivered a pretty solid show after Dave Chappelle's outstanding episode. Wiig regaled the audience with a song about the history of Thanksgiving, if you wanted an alternate history that includes aliens and FDR (and Steve Martin and Will Forte). She also brought back a few of her recurring charactersMindy Elise Grayson on "Secret Word" and Sue, the woman who can't keep a surpriseand joined in Kate McKinnon's recurring cat lady sketch, Whiskers R We. There was an excellent digital short called "The Bubble" about a bucolic life outside this post-election world; Pete Davidson took time to call Staten Island the "herpes" of New York during Weekend Update; and there was a Target commercial about avoiding reality that many will wish were real. The musical guest was The xx. SNL is off until December 3rd. The next episode will be hosted Emma Stone and feature music from Shawn Mendes. A man and a woman were attacked on Friday by robbers who allegedly yelled "anti-white statements," police say. The incident occurred on the Upper West Side in Manhattan, on West End Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets on November 18th. Around 6:39 p.m., the NYPD says, "a 61-year-old male and a 54-year-old female... were approached by two individuals who yelled anti-white statements at them. One of the individuals then took a skateboard and hit the male victim in the face and pushed the female victim to the ground. The individuals then removed the male's jacket and fled the scene in an unknown location." The victims were taken to St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital for their injuries. Police released surveillance video of the suspects; one is described as 5'10" tall and last wearing dark clothing, black helmet and holding a skateboard, while the other is described as 6'4" tall, last wearing dark colored clothing and possibly wearing a pink Mohawk. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then entering TIP577. S.F. as sanctuary city 1985: Mayor Dianne Feinstein signs legislation designating San Francisco as a sanctuary city for immigrants seeking asylum from El Salvador and Guatemala. 1989: San Francisco voters pass the Sanctuary City Ordinance extending the policy to all immigrants. It says the city cant use its resources or funds to assist federal immigration law enforcement, except when required by federal law. 1992-93: The city amends the policy to say alleged felons wont be given sanctuary, but juveniles remain protected. 2007: After immigration raids, Mayor Gavin Newsom reaffirms the policy with a proposal to issue all residents a city ID card. 2008: The Chronicle reveals that the city is shielding young criminals from deportation, including Edwin Ramos, who was arrested for several felonies as a youth and was convicted as an adult in the 2008 slaying of three people. More for you S.F. scrambles to protect sanctuary city status 2008: Conservative groups sue the city over the sanctuary law. Newsom orders that juveniles suspected of crimes be reported to federal immigration agents. 2009: Hundreds of minors accused of crimes are deported. Supervisors respond by passing a law saying a minor can be reported to federal agents only after a felony conviction. 2011: Interim Mayor Ed Lee changes the policy again: Minors accused of a felony can be sent to immigration authorities only if they are repeat or violent offenders, have no local family and arent in school. 2013: Lee signs the Due Process for All law, which says that only individuals who have been convicted of a violent felony in the past seven years, and who are facing another violent felony charge, can be held for deportation after release from jail. Former Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi bars communication with federal agents in virtually all circumstances. July 2015: Kathryn Steinle is shot and killed on Pier 14 along the Embarcadero by Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, an immigrant in the U.S. illegally who had been deported five times. Sent to San Francisco to face an old drug charge, he was released by Mirkarimi when city prosecutors dropped the charge. 2015-16: The citys sanctuary policy comes under attack, including by presidential candidate Donald Trump. May 2016: The city revises its sanctuary policy to allow the sheriff to contact immigration agents in very limited circumstances, and only if a judge determines there is probable cause to hold the defendant on the current charge. Emily Green and Heather Knight Hussein Malla/Associated Press MOSUL, Iraq Iraqi troops on Sunday fortified their positions in Mosul neighborhoods retaken from the Islamic State group as their advance toward the city center was slowed by sniper fire and suicide bombings, as well as concern over the safety of civilians. The biggest hindrance to us is the civilians, whose presence is slowing us down, said Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi of the special forces. We are soldiers who are not trained to carry out humanitarian tasks. PARIS Frances former president, Nicolas Sarkozy, conceded defeat Sunday in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next years presidential election. With more than 3.2 million votes counted from about 80 percent of polling stations, former Prime Minister Francois Fillon had 44 percent, former Prime Minister Alain Juppe had 28.1, and Sarkozy had 21.1 percent. The two candidates confirmed as winning the most votes advance to the Nov. 27 runoff. In a speech at his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Fillon in the second round. I did not succeed in convincing a majority of voters. I do respect and understand the will of those (voters) who have chosen for the future other political leaders than me, Sarkozy said. Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared to Sarkozys more brazen demeanor. The campaign had been marked by concerns about immigration and Islamic extremism. Donald Trumps election as president of the United States was on many voters minds, as France faces its own wave of populism. Countries around Europe are facing similar anger at immigrants and the political establishment, and are watching the French presidential race closely. The conservative nominee is expected to have strong chances of winning the April-May presidential election, because traditional rivals on the left have been weakened by Socialist Francois Hollandes troubled presidency. The conservative candidates main challenger may turn out to be far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is hoping anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and antiestablishment sentiment can propel her to the presidency. Le Pen, official candidate of her once-pariah National Front party, did not take part in the conservative primary. The conservatives campaign has focused on immigration and security concerns following recent attacks by Islamic extremists. The same issues are being hotly debated throughout Europe. Concerns about migration helped drive Britains vote to leave the European Union, and are weighing on upcoming elections elsewhere, including in Germany. Building owners taking part in a $250 million cladding class action against James Hardie have packed the courtroom gallery for the start of interlocutory applications at the High Court in Auckland. The action involves 1,100 Auckland leaky building owners who are making negligence claims against various James Hardie group companies for failure of fibre cement cladding products. They are backed by litigation funders. The case relates to buildings spanning the time period 1983 to 2010 and all but four of them are residential properties. The plaintiffs allege they have suffered financial losses and significant health issues arising from the use of non-performing cladding materials marketed as Harditex, Monotek, and Titan board. Last month the High Court ruled that 15 new plaintiffs could join the action, a decision opposed by James Hardie. The three legs of the plaintiffs' claim are that there was negligence in the design, development, manufacture, and promotion of the cladding products, that they should have been withdrawn when the company realised there were problems, and that there were breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. Lawyers representing the James Hardie group of companies are seeking to have two of the seven defendant companies removed from the claim under a summary judgment application because they were simply holding companies in New Zealand and Australia, holding shares in the operational units. The wording of the pleadings is on the basis of control and an argument of an alter ego - being a single economic unit, and that is not part of the law in New Zealand or the basis liability is attributed, said Jack Hodder QC for James Hardie. He said the products were manufactured and sold in New Zealand by James Hardie NZ and that action should be taken against the operational companies only. Mark OBrien QC, representing the plaintiffs, said the holdings companies owed a duty of care to the plaintiffs because Harditex, which is the product involved in most of the claims, was designed and developed by the James Hardie group, not just the New Zealand subsidiaries. The New Zealand company shared common directors with the Australian parents, and still do. They owed a direct duty of care, they breached it, and should make good, he said. But Hodder said while it was orthodox that a group would set up subsidiaries and have the ability to appoint directors to them under its shareholding power, it doesnt mean it then is liable for the actions of any subsidiary under company law. The group underwent a major restructuring following asbestos liabilities in Australia in particular and tax structuring, OBrien said, though the parent company of the group, James Hardie Industries, retained the same directors and management. The parent company has opposed the claim being heard in New Zealand, a move being resisted by the plaintiffs. The defendants are also seeking further details of the plaintiffs claim against them. OBrien told the High Court that the issues facing the leaky building owners were not isolated. In October, owners of leaky buildings in Wellington were given High Court permission to pursue a $25 million representative action against the building materials firm. In July the Supreme Court dismissed building product manufacturer Carter Holt Harveys appeal over a Ministry of Education claim the company was liable for the cost of fixing about 890 leaky schools. The judgment found that claims in relation to the defective building products could be argued, and would not be subject to the 10-year limitation under the Building Act. 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 Whats new? Ugly ducklings are generally not ugly forever, and the same is usually true in the stock market. Times, companies, conditions, strategies, and management all change, and often this can see a stock move from being out-of favour to in-favour. We attempt to pick such a metamorphosis ahead of time, and have had success in recent years, adding the likes of Nufarm, Coca-Cola Amatil, and Qantas (the latter being a standout success) back into the portfolio after an absence. Sometimes stocks are cheap for a reason though, and we have also cast our view on landmine stocks to avoid. We have consistently voiced this about Woolworths as one example, with more pain to come in our view given the structural competitive headwinds in the sector. We have also previously cited Fairfax Media as a stock to avoid, with the company facing significant challenges from the digitalisation of media, and some initial complacency resulting in management being slow to respond. There is no doubt that traditional media continues to face significant pressures in the digital age, but we have observed that Fairfax has moved more with the times in recent years, with management looking to turn competitive threats into an opportunity, and setting about a turnaround plan. We believe that significant progress has been made here, as highlighted at the companys AGM earlier this month. Outlook Under Greg Hywoods leadership Fairfax is turning around in our view, and perhaps a great deal more than the market is willing to give the company credit for. Not only has Australias oldest media company rationalised extensively and changed the orientation of its business model, but it has successfully challenged the more dominant Realestate.com.au in the major markets of Sydney and Melbourne (which account for around 40% of the real estate listing market). Fairfax has repositioned across seven business groups, and has made a significant tilt towards digital in recent years. The company has a monthly digital audience of more than 11 million and 2 million in Australian and New Zealand, respectively. The radio unit Macquarie Media (culminated from the March 2015 merger of Fairfax Radio and Macquarie Radio) also reaches a national audience of around 2 million. The companys 50 percent owned subscription video on demand service Stan has more than 600,000 active subscribers as at October. What is also interesting is that Domain now claims around 40% market share of the key Sydney/Melbourne markets. We think the business will continue to make headway with a combined print/editorial digital strategy that differentiates it from the competition. The split is a significant and very good move and will highlight the value being added in Domain which has been a stellar performer. Fairfax is valued on a marked discount to digitally oriented companies such as Carsales.com.au and Realestate.com.au, while the print assets are being ascribed little value by the market. Price Shares in Fairfax are trading at 13 times FY17 earnings and supported by what we regard as a reasonable technical overlay. In terms of the latter, we note that near-term overhead resistance is evident at $0.81 being the 200-week moving average, with a decisive break above this level likely to bolster broader term upward momentum. Should this occur, then an initial drive towards the 50-week moving average of $0.89 is feasible, with a band of long-term resistance situated between $1.07. Worth buying? For years the former media juggernaut has underperformed, but we think that phase is drawing to an end. Fairfaxs star asset, Domain, continues to be the growth engine and provide a serious challenge to the market leader realestate.com.au. The market meanwhile is pricing Fairfaxs print media assets at close to zero anyway on a sum of parts basis. Fairfax is valued on a 12 times EV/EBITDA basis versus around 20 times for the likes of Carsales.com.au and realestate.com.au (REA). The print assets are ascribed little value by the market but the rot will not last forever, and there are signs that the industry is at last stabilising. It is worth considering Domains competitor REA commands a market cap of $6.8 billion, whereas Fairfax as a whole sells for only $1.78 billion. With Domain on an equivalent basis worth in the vicinity of $1.5-$2 billion, the other media and print assets virtually come for free. Thus, while not without its risks, if anything Fairfax is now positioned for upside surprise catalysts and the valuation from our perspective has become quite compelling. Greg Smith is Head of Research at investment research and funds management house Fat Prophets. To receive a recent Fat Prophets Report, CLICK HERE Disclosure: Fairfax is held within the Fat Prophets Concentrated Australian and Small/Midcap Portfolios. 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: The latest results season has proven better-than-feared on both sides of the Tasman New Article is coming soon! Hardening up - James Hardie Decmil Group - The Ducks are lining up Spark New Zealand: Taking Something Off The Table Vocus Communications Amcor Apple QBE Insurance Hot stock - Domain Holdings Australia Restaurant Brands NZ successfully raised $94 million through a sale of shares to investors, helping fund its planned purchase of Pacific Island Restaurants, the largest fast-food operator in Hawaii with 82 Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores. The Auckland-based company raised $52 million from institutions and $42 million from retail investors through the offer of one new share at $4.70 apiece for every 5.15 shares already owned, it said in a statement. As the offer was fully subscribed, no new shares were issued under the underwriting agreement, it said. The clearing price under the retail bookbuild was $4.90 per new share, representing a premium of 20 cents over the application price, which means eligible retail shareholders who elected not to take up all or part of their entitlement and ineligible retail shareholders will receive 20 cents for each new share not taken up by them, the company said. The company's shares are set to resume trading today after being placed in a trading halt on Nov. 18. The shares last changed hands at $5.09 on Nov. 17, and have gained 17 percent this year. The new shares are expected to be issued on Nov. 23, and start trading on Nov. 24. Restaurant Brands, which runs the KFC, Pizza Hut, Starbucks Coffee and Carl's Jr food chains in New Zealand, is expanding into new markets to spread its risk and drive future earnings growth. In April, it bought the biggest KFC franchisee in New South Wales, Australia, and it expects to complete the US$105 million purchase of Pacific Island Restaurants by late December, with the remaining funds coming from US$42 million of debt. 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 Prime Minister John Key used a face-to-face meeting with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to tell him the multi-national social media platform needs to deal with its PR issue as a company perceived not to be paying its fair share of tax. Key met Zuckerberg at the APEC Leaders Summit in Lima, Peru, over the weekend, where Zuckerberg delivered a keynote speech advocating global policies that aggressively share prosperity in response to complaints that globalisation has created inequality. I was reasonably blunt, said Key of his conversation with the 33-year-old Facebook boss. I said I did have an issue in terms of his global tax outlook and perception and how I thought that he needed to change that. Key was careful not to accuse Facebook of paying too little tax, saying he couldnt judge that himself, but the fact that Facebook was a global byword for tax avoidance indicated the company had at least a public relations "issue". It wasnt about whether they do or dont pay their fair share of tax in New Zealand. Maybe they do, maybe they dont, he said. The company either needed to deal with its record as a taxpayer or to demonstrate to the world that they pay their fair share of tax in every country that they operate. Key said Zuckerberg appeared surprised to be tackled on the issue, but I dont think Im doing him any favours not telling him that. Everywhere you go, when you discuss people not paying their tax, people say Facebook. Key said he drew a parallel to Donald Trumps win in the US presidential election as indicating the extent to which electorates are reacting against perceptions of unfairness. One speaker at the APEC Business Advisory Council meeting, held as part of the Lima summit, pinpointed the potential for political friction between the incoming Trump administration and Silicon Valley social media giants like Facebook and Google. Not only had Silicon Valley been largely anti-Trump, but the social media platforms themselves had been a big part of Trumps electoral success, partially because he was able to use them to spread both his messages and false news, said Ian Bremmer, founder of an American geopolitical strategy consultancy, the Eurasia Group. I expect a serious fight between companies driving the USs fourth industrial revolution and Trump, said Bremmer in a wide-ranging address suggesting the Trump presidency represented the end of the so-called Pax Americana that had seen the US assume a pre-eminent leadership role in world affairs since the end of the Second World War. That fight would be less about economics and more about the narrative: who are the winners and who are the losers? said Bremmer, who described Trumps willingness to return to Twitter after his election win to attack political opponents as the single most disturbing thing to occur since the Nov. 7 election vote. Key acknowledged that Zuckerberg was amazingly philanthropic and intends to give away his entire net worth, currently worth tens of billions of dollars, but it was important that multi-national corporations paid tax in the companies where they operated or risk their users turning on them. Financial statements from the New Zealand arms of Facebook and Google typically show relatively small local revenues, despite the pair dominating the market for digital advertising at the expense of locally owned news producers, because revenues are typically booked offshore. Some such businesses, which operate digitally and can often avoid tax by lacking a clear physical location, are able to arrange to take income only in jurisdictions that operate low tax or tax haven environments. Only recently have New Zealand tax laws been changed to require payment of GST on transactions for services supplied digitally from an offshore location. 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 and China have agreed to renegotiate the historic free-trade agreement between the two countries, in an announcement at the APEC leaders summit in the Peruvian capital, Lima, dominated by discussion about the baton on trade liberalisation leadership passing to China from the US. Top of the list in the upgrade negotiations will be the so-called dairy safeguards quotas that limit the amount of New Zealand dairy produce that can go into China duty-free. At present, the annual duty-free quota disappears within days in January, with all remaining product facing tariffs in the Chinese market. But its much broader than that. It will include forestry and a range of other products, Prime Minister John Key told journalists in Lima. The ambition for the upgraded agreement was for it to be the best FTA they have in place. The upgrade was an essential part of meeting the mutually agreed goal with the Chinese leadership of taking the current $20 billion two-way trade to $30 billion by 2020, he said. The announcement came in the closing hours of an APEC summit where the dominant topic of conversation was the election of a protectionist US president in Donald Trump. The president-elect campaigned on a platform of scrapping the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and investment deal involving 12 Asia-Pacific countries, creating a vacuum on regional trade liberalisation that China has eagerly sought to fill, with several demonstrations of that intention at this years APEC summit. Chinas president, Xi Jinping, used a keynote address at the summit to stake a claim for trade liberalisation in the Asia-Pacific. China will not shut the door to the outside world but will open it even wider, said Xi, who described the US and China being at a hinge moment in their relationship. In comments during a panel discussion at the summit, Key said the TPP was all about the United States showing leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. We like the US being in the region. But if the US is not there that void needs to be filled, and it will be filled by China. In New Zealand, leading anti-TPP campaigner Jane Kelsey issued a statement saying TPP leaders were talking nonsense about the potential to talk Trump around to supporting it, since opposition to the deal was strong in the Congress among both Republicans and Democrats. Talk of doing TPP without the US would also require its renegotiation to remove elements that the US had insisted on, Kelsey said. Key said he was leaving the APEC summit a little more confident that we can get President Trump to come back to the table and have a look at TPP but New Zealand had a lot of other free-trade opportunities, including good progress on an FTA with Gulf states and the potential to sign one with the European Union next year. Key also had brief talks with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin about New Zealands willingness to resume FTA negotiations with Russia, but only on a timetable allowed by European countries attitude to Russias efforts to destabilise Ukraine. The China FTA upgrade is expected to take a year and is scheduled to cover issues including technical barriers to trade, customs practices, cooperation and trade facilitation, rules of origin, services, and environmental cooperation. Food safety regulation, however, will continue to progress under a separate five-year plan. On dairy safeguards, Key said they were scheduled to come off anyway between 2021 and 2023, but this might be an opportunity to eliminate those a little bit quicker. Well have to wait and see. Todays three-paragraph joint statement from the Chinese and New Zealand governments includes specific commitment to work towards the swift conclusion of the RCEP negotiations, a reference to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership proposed first by the ASEAN south-east Asian grouping and now led by China. The deal is seen as an alternative to the TPP. Although it would not be as comprehensive and excludes the US, it would deliver a so far elusive trade agreement with India. I dont think it would require RCEP to be completed for the FTA upgrade to happen, said Key. They are two separate events, but we do think there is a real possibility of RCEP being completed, and if it does, its a good thing because it brings in India. Key claimed the China upgrade as another first for the country in relations with China. New Zealand was the first developed country to negotiate and conclude an FTA with China, and Im pleased that today we have reached the fifth first in our relationship, as the first developed country to launch an upgrade of an FTA. Trade Minister Todd McClay, also at APEC, confirmed that China had not raised concerns about anti-dumping action by New Zealand against Chinese steel imports. Also announced during the summit was a review of New Zealands FTA with Malaysia. 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 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Hundreds of Staten Island residents with open warrants for certain offenses were able to get a new lease on life Saturday. The "Fresh Start" event, held by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, ran from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Central Family Life Center located in Stapleton -- where the public was welcome to clear their personal record from low-level offenses. The event is an effort to reduce unnecessary arrests for low-level summons warrants and provide those with open summons a second chance. "There were more than 200 people who came in today to resolve their outstanding warrants," said a spokesman for the D.A.'s office. The types of summonses dismissed included: consumption of alcohol in public, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of marijuana, trespassing, loitering, littering and making unreasonable noise. In addition to the outstanding warrant, the underlying summons can also be resolved at this event without fines or other penalties. The presiding judge will issue adjournments in contemplation of dismissals, which require the recipient to avoid new arrests for six months, before the dismissal and sealing of his or her case. Legal Aid attorneys were present to offer free legal advice in an effort to help individuals resolve cases involving warrants for felony or misdemeanor charges. The event was held in conjunction with the Office of Court Administration, the Legal Aid Society and the NYPD. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island fisherman went out on his boat in Great Kills Harbor around 6 a.m. on Nov. 19 when he heard a loud noise not too far from him. Jerry Albano of Great Kills looked around his boat when he saw what looked like an island in the middle of the water, about 100 yards away. Then the island started to move and disappeared underwater. That's when Albano realized that the island was not actually an island, but a humpback whale. He kept his distance, not wanting to cause any harm to himself or the mammal. He then headed over to Keyport, N.J., where he saw another whale. "Then when I came back to Staten Island, I saw the whale again, and this time the tail came out and it was beautiful," Albano said. "It was right behind me. It was amazing and it was a beautiful animal." He is not sure if the three whales he saw were the same, but he said it is possible they could have all been different whales. As a fisherman, Albano said, he sees many striking things in the water -- from dolphin to sea turtles. Hoping to capture the mammal's beauty on camera, he started to videotape where he last saw the whale at 8:30 a.m. Another loud noise erupted behind him, and when Albano turned around, the whale appeared not too far from his boat. "This was just amazing to see a humpback whale right in the water," he said. "It was an incredible experience. Nature is beautiful." Albano said his day was made after seeing the whale, and felt that seeing the whales was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "I sent the video to a couple of family members and they were in all shock," he said. "We have them right here in our backyard. I knew he was out here, but never in a million years did I expect to see him." Fishermen Richard Johnsen and George Nikosey spotted a few whales, several miles away from Great Kills Harbor. The whales were breaching and coming up for all of the bait fish, Nikosey said. "These things were pretty enormous too," Nikosey said. "He came so close to the boat, I was like woah." So close, that at one point, Nikosey said he felt a little concerned for his safety. "It's a little scary at that point, but it was an incredible sight and I was very happy when I saw it," he said. AN EARLIER SIGHTING On Thursday, Nov. 17, Staten Island ferry commuters got a surprise treat when they spotted a whale emergingnear Liberty Island. Both commuters headed off to work in the morning and commuters headed home after 4 p.m. were able to see the mammal in New York Harbor. Gotham Whale, a local advocacy group that studies whales and other mammals in New York City, saw several over the weekend. Paul Sieswerda, founder and CEO of the organization, said that the whales coming this close is unusual. But after taking and examining photos the group took, it showed that the whales are healthy and actively feeding. Sieswerda said the whales are feeding in this area because of the abundance of food. The whales take advantage of large tight balls of fish, or "bait balls," that the whales "come in and gobble it up in one mouthful," he said. "We've been seeing them all summer long," Sieswerda said. "We've been seeing an increase every year and more so outside the harbor." Gotham Whale is an organization based on Staten Island that has been tracking whales, seals and dolphins in New York City since 2009. The group compiles a database for all of the ocean-dwellers sighted more regularly in the area. The organization asks "citizen scientists" -- kayakers, boaters, fishermen and photographers -- to send in information and photos of any mammal sightings in New York City waters so they can be documented to help the group's conservation efforts. Information on mammal sightings can be sent through their "wanted" poster on their website, gothamwhale.org. For more information and to send sightings, email Sieswerda at paul@gothamwhale.org. If your information can be documented with pictures or otherwise authenticated, you can claim a "reward:" A free beer at Flagship Brewery in Tompkinsville. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Military veterans on Staten Island seeking help with employment, education and other issues have a new number to dial, courtesy of Borough Hall. Offices at Borough Hall in St. George and at the College of Staten Island in Willowbrook now are dedicated to assisting veterans and their families with employment services, educational benefits, financial services and business opportunities, according to Borough President James Oddo. U.S. Navy veteran Matthew Basile, a community outreach specialist from the New York City Department of Veteran' Services, will work out of Borough Hall to assist veterans several days a week, a spokeswoman for the borough president said. Basile also will spend time at CSI, where he'll assist students who are military veterans, in addition to veterans who don't attend the school. The timing of the announcement is significant, based on data released recently that shows veterans in New York City haven't fared well. According to a study by Brooklyn-based Social Science Research Council, the city's 160,000 veterans rank below veterans nationally in terms of income, employment and the proportion of adult veterans who never completed high school. That being said, Staten Island's veteran population has the highest median incomes in the city, out-earning Manhattan veterans by $2,000, in addition to having the lowest unemployment and poverty rates, according to the study. Basile's office at Borough Hall, located at 10 Richmond Terrace, is in room G-15. The office at CSI, located at 2800 Victory Boulevard, is at Campus Center in room 216. An appointment can be arranged by calling 646-799-2743, or emailing mbasile@veterans.nyc.gov. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- They may just look like brightly-painted poles, but to students like nine-year-old Estellina Attard from PS 22, the artwork they created conveyed a message of peace and kindness. "They will remind people to be kind and to not be mean to one another," said the fifth-grade student who attended the event with her mother Maureen Attard and her older brother Joe. More than 75 people attended a Family Volunteer Day on Saturday in which participants painted peace poles to beautify the Graniteville school and demonstrate its commitment to bridging the gap between community groups and the school population. Participants, which included community representatives, parents, students and PS 22 staff, worked in groups to paint seven poles--one to signify each continent. These poles will be prominently displayed around the flag pole at the front of the building. Each pole has the insignia "May Peace Prevail on Earth" which is the World Peace Organization's motto. "I think it's great," said Anita Wise, PTA co-president. "They can show their friends, 'Look what we did!' It's going to have a lot of people talking." Wise said that the school encourages a constant dialogue among students both in and outside the classroom. "It's a diverse population here," said Wise. "Everyone is friendly and gets along well...programs like this really help." Wise's children, Tyler, who is in fourth grade, and Jessica, who is in first grade, worked with a group to paint the North America pole. Principal Melissa Donath said that each day after morning announcements, the school reminds the students: "Remember to be kind to one another." "Today brought that message home as we came together as a community to create peace poles," said Donath. "We offer many different programs at our school to celebrate our diverse population. Today was a shining example of what our school continues to promote each day." After painting the poles, participants shared lunch and then enjoyed a special performance by the Harlem Magic Masters. This event was sponsored by GenerationOn, Disney and Points of Light Foundation. "It was very well put together," said Attard. "Everybody had to come together and think about what they wanted to put on the pole, what they wanted to represent. They had to interact with each other." Attard noted that participants were of all different cultures, including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Italian, African, Chinese and Islamic descent. "Everybody got along and was working together," said Attard. "Regardless of what is going on with the hate in the world among adults, the kids are learning better ways. I always teach my children that people are based on how they act as a person, not what their background is. You treat them with respect and they treat you with respect." "Today was a good example of that," Attard added. POPLAR Margaret Abbott, a 73-year-old professor at Fort Peck Community College, has a simple reason for why president-elect Donald J. Trump didnt offend Native Americans like he did other minority groups during his campaign. He cant send us anyplace, she said. He cant send us back where we came from because were already there. Trumps fraught relationships with minorities came out in a series of flashpoints during the campaign. Key staff appointments Trump made since his election have done little to calm fears. As a candidate, Trump almost entirely overlooked Native Americans, which make up 1.7 percent of the total U.S. population and 6.32 percent of Montanans. But Trump has clashed with Native groups in the past. The Washington Post reported earlier this year that in the 1990s Trump claimed Indian reservations were controlled by the mafia and said in a radio interview that many who claim to be Indians arent. Trump did not meet with tribal representatives in Billings before his May rally there. Both Democratic primary candidate Bernie Sanders and former President Bill Clinton, who visited Montana on behalf of his wife, met with tribal leadership before their May events in Montanas largest city. Many who live on Montana's seven reservations are unsure of what to expect. Mark Azure, president of the Fort Belknap Indian Community in north-central Montana, sent a letter to his community after the election saying, in part, "what exactly this means to Indian Country is uncertain at this time." Deanna Bigby, 32, is a student at Aaniiih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Reservation, where she lives. She is worried about what Trump will do to fulfill his campaign pledge to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Once he became president-elect, Trump backed off from a full repeal, saying he would keep parts of the act, though its unclear what he will do once he takes office in January. A lot of people here depend on the government for health care, Bigby said. Her friend, Monique Doney, a 21-year-old student here, agreed. He could take a lot away from people who need free health care, Doney added. Both she and Bigby hope to be nurses one day. Trump has not mentioned anything about Indian Health Service, though Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, one of his advisers on Native issues, said any changes to the law must keep in place funding for health care for American Indians. Jace Killsback, the newly elected chairman of the Northern Cheyenne and tribal health director, said his main concern is the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which President Barack Obama included in the Affordable Care Act. That gave tribes new avenues to provide better access and better services for their tribal members. Nursing homes, dialysis centers, traditional medicine, all those kinds of things weve been asking for, he said. The law also has provisions that waive any cost-sharing, co-pays, or deductibles for federally recognized American Indians who enroll in the marketplace and allows for enrollment at any time. We were able to see a lot of tribal members sign up who otherwise didnt have health care because of the subsidy that was offered in the marketplace, he added. The concept of insurance was fairly new in Indian Country, Killsback said. Before, tribal members relied on Indian Health Service, which is not insurance but care available to members at clinics and hospitals. Insurance coverage for tribal members lessens the financial burden on IHS, which is historically underfunded. IHS often operates at whats called life-or-limb status, meaning if a patient isnt about to lose a limb or die, they don't get care. Tribes are entitled to health care as a treaty right, Killsback said. Our ancestors gave up millions and millions of acres of land in return for goods and services, he said. This is something we hold dearly because of the bloodshed our ancestors gave for this. Mark Trahant, a Charles R. Johnson Professor at University of North Dakota who writes about public policy from Native perspective, said environmental issues will be potential challenges to tribes under a Trump administration. Where that really impacts the Native community is in litigation, he said. Some tribal communities in Alaska, he said, will need to be relocated in the next four years because of rising sea levels. In Big Horn County, which contains a large part of the Crow Reservation, Trump fared far better than he did on Montana's other reservations. There he received 42 percent of the vote to Clinton's 48, getting just 241 fewer votes. Trump received 31 percent of the vote in Glacier County, home to the Blackfeet Reservation. The Crow Reservation is home to the Absaloka Mine, operated by Westmoreland Coal Co. The tribe also has a stalled deal with Cloud Peak Energy to open another mine. But Trumps promises to open up coal mining arent necessarily a rubber stamp on this project. Both he and Zinke have made a big pitch about the resurgence of coal, Trahant said. Its a promise Im not sure they are going to be able to keep. Coal has been impacted by market forces more than anything else. One potential good outcome that could come from Trumps administration, Trahant said, is if he keeps his promises on infrastructure spending. Trump's transition website says his administration will "invest $550 billion" in roads, bridges, airports, transit systems, and ports and mentions "poorly maintained farm/ranch-to-market roads." Two of Trump's senior financial advisers in an October paper presented a plan to provide private investors with an 82-percent tax credit on projects, though opinions on whether the plan is feasible are as divided as opinions on Trump himself. If in fact he does infrastructure spending, almost every reservation could use that, Trahant said. If theres any kind of equitable way of doing it and it creates jobs, thats a good thing. What comes next could be a way to build both real and metaphorical bridges, said Trahant, whose grandmother lived in Frazer, about 40 miles west of Poplar. This could be an opportunity for rural communities to try to figure out how to work together, Trahant said. In the end, communities across the Hi-Line have so much more in common than apart. The same challenges in Frazer are facing rural communities across the United States. He worries, though, where money to pay for those credits could come from and what could be cut from the nations budget. So much of federal programs on the reservation are really lifelines, and theres really no replacement from a private sector. There isnt a private sector to depend on. BUTTE -- A settlement conference began last week in Butte federal court between Jefferson County and an undocumented Mexican national who claims jailers did nothing to prevent his sexual assault under their custody in 2013. Magistrate Judge John Johnston said his role is to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both sides' arguments before the case continues to trial. Audemio Orozco-Ramirez has lived in the United States since 1993. According to court documents, he was arrested on October 2, 2013, after being racially profiled and arrested by police in Sidney, in northeastern Montana, as a passenger in a traffic stop. Sidney police turned Orozco-Ramirez over to border patrol officers, who sent him 500 miles west to be held in the Jefferson County jail in Boulder, a facility contracted with the Department of Homeland Security. Orozco-Ramirez was placed into a jail pod with nine other men, five of whom were under the direction of one inmate, and two of whom were sexual or violent offenders, court documents show. Orozco-Ramirez awoke the morning of Oct. 5 to being sexually assaulted, and was smothered when he attempted to resist until he passed out. He believes he may have been drugged, and that other inmates blocked the security camera. Because Orozco-Ramirez did not speak English he was unable to report his attack to authorities, and stayed awake the next two nights until being transferred to an Idaho facility where he reported the incident to a Spanish-speaking immigration officer. The settlement conference comes almost 18 months after the Jefferson County attorney's office claimed there was insufficient evidence to pursue Orozco-Ramirez's rape allegations. Shahid Haque-Hausrath, one of Orozco-Ramirez's attorneys, condemned the county attorney's findings as "extremely suspicious" considering the county's 18-month investigation just happened to conclude a week after his client sued Jefferson County in federal court. Haque-Hausrath noted the same agencies responsible for Orozco-Ramirez's safety were responsible for the investigation. The lawsuit alleges that security footage from the jail pod during the hours Orozco-Ramirez was assaulted is suspiciously absent. 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 Beijing: The three Australian employees of James Packer's Crown Resorts detained in China after a series of nationwide raids last month have been formally arrested, all but ensuring months more in custody as authorities prepare to move to trial. A fourth Australian, who was detained in connection with the case but is not a direct employee of Crown, is also understood to have been formally arrested. A total of 18 Crown employees including Australians Jason O'Connor, Jerry Xuan and Pan Dan, Malaysian Alfread Gomez and 14 Chinese nationals were detained in a coordinated police operation across several Chinese cities on October 13 and 14. Only one, Shanghai-based administrative assistant Jiang Ling, a Chinese national, has been released on bail. Relatives of those in detention confirmed Chinese authorities had begun to issue formal notification of the arrests on Sunday. The spokeswoman said employees have been told the insurer needs to be more efficient for customers, but refused to put a number on potential job losses, saying it was "to early" to say. "All our customer data is stored on servers in Australia. Our security protocols include no mobile phones, paper or pens in call centres, the inability to print or copy and paste information to other platforms, laptops are not connected to IAG and there is comprehensive employee screening as well as regular cyber security checks," she said. A spokeswoman for IAG said it had "strict and rigorous protocols in place with offshore partners to ensure our customers' information is safe". "As part of this we will automate and outsource some of our processes and activities," she said. "We've engaged specialist partners with local and global insurance experience to help with this and they are based off-shore. "It's too early to say what any changes might look like. We're reviewing different areas across our business and brands to see which processes or activities could be best performed by these offshore partners. "We expect the majority of our customers will continue to deal with one of our Australia-based employees and there are no changes at this point to how our customers interact with us." An internal email to staff says that the company understands "that for many, the possibility of some of the work we do today being done offshore is unsettling. And some of you won't agree with the approach." "We are committed to being transparent with all of our people as we work though our options and have been openly discussing both off shoring and automation for the last 12 months," the email says. "We will continue to discuss with you and share decisions as they are made." A petition on Change.org which has attracted 9,897 supporters says NRMA Insurance employees have "just found out that they may sack a lot of staff by January and send our Aussie jobs offshore". While Matthew Ramaley started his career as an engineer, his next move a switch into management followed a somewhat well-trodden path. "I was swept up in the current of what most engineers did at the time: go on to business school," he says. Getting in wasn't easy. "They told me when I applied that about 75 to 80 per cent of the applicants were white male engineers. The school wanted a cross section from the business community, so my odds of getting in were not good," he recalls. CEO of Rawson Group, Matthew Ramaley moved to Australia thinking he'd stay two years. A decade later, it's home. Credit:Sam Affridi He convinced them. Then, 10 years ago, after spending most of his working life in the US, Ramaley moved to Australia when his wife landed what was initially a two-year gig. "We both like sailing, diving and surfing, so after about three months living in Sydney we thought, 'We're not leaving'," he laughs. Now, the pair are both Australian citizens and Ramaley is CEO of Rawson Group, a move he made after spending 8.5 years at Stockland. Rawson Group, which comprises Rawson Homes and Rawson Communities, was a family operation for most of its 40-year history. Ramaley, as its first "non family" CEO, has been tasked to somewhat corporatise the company which turns over about $500 million a year, and hands over keys to three new homes a day. I read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's book The Caged Virgin a decade ago, shortly after I had returned from my first visit to my husband's extended family in a small, poor, rural town in the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a left-wing middle-aged mother who lives in a progressive multicultural suburb of Melbourne, I was wary of making the trip because I had absorbed stereotypes about Muslim communities. But telling myself that if my husband's family had produced him, they must be lovely too, off I went. Summarising a decade of annual six-week visits and the privilege of taking part in experiences of birth, raising children, marriage, illness, achievement and death in this town, here's what I've learnt. The people of this town are tough, funny, kind and smart, just like my non-Muslim friends. I love them and they love me and my children, who are growing up Muslim in Australia. No moderate: Ayaan Hirsi Ali has made a living, and achieved global fame, from demonising Muslims. As I read Ayaan Hirsi Ali's book after that first visit, I was stunned at the numerous broad generalisations she made to her Western audience about communities like the one I had just left, things like: "In this Sharia society, women are subordinate to men. They must be confined to their houses, beaten if found disobedient, forced into marriage, and hidden behind the veil." Julie Szego (The Age, 18/11) argues that the respected US Southern Poverty Law Centre should not have included Hirsi Ali on their list of anti-Muslim extremists because she is a progressive. She is not. She is someone who has made a living, and achieved global fame, from demonising Muslims, chiefly by propagating the stereotype of the Muslim woman oppressed by her violent male relatives. In the Netherlands, Hirsi Ali was a politician for the right-wing VVD party. In her book Nomad, she notes the benefits this provided the party: "Unlike white commentators, who were hamstrung by the fear that they would be labelled racists, I could voice my criticisms." Nomad also argued that Muslims should convert to Christianity. Hirsi Ali's policy suggestions in relation to Muslims while she was in the Netherlands included: employers questioning Muslims about their religious beliefs; closing all Muslim schools; severely cutting unemployment benefits; removing the minimum wage; cutting funding to all Muslim groups (initially including women's shelters and gay and feminist organisations) and subjecting Muslim girls to annual vaginal examinations to ensure they had not been subjected to FGC. While a member of the Dutch parliament, she voted for the Iraq War. When questioned about this earlier this year on Q&A, she stated, despite all evidence to the contrary: "The jury is still out on whether there were weapons of mass destruction or not at that point." When Hirsi Ali left the Netherlands, she went to work for the American Enterprise Institute, a right-wing US think tank that had urged the Iraq War. Her job there consisted of attacking Islam by writing articles and travelling the world as a public speaker. In her public appearances and books she often talks about her own life story. Notwithstanding the inconsistencies and misrepresentations in this story, generalising one person's life experience to almost a billion Muslim women of different ages and ethnicities living in hundreds of countries and in widely disparate economic, political and social circumstances should raise questions in the minds of anyone who would question similar generalisations about "Christian women" or "Jewish women". Despite never having visited Iran, she has not hesitated in making public comments about the situation of women there, or from regularly advocating a military attack on the country, including in a speech delivered to powerful leaders George Bush, Angela Merkel, Kofi Annan and most of the US Congress. When you describe "Muslim women" as frightened birds trapped in a cage, as kidnap victims suffering from Stockholm syndrome and slaves, you cannot at the same time claim to represent or help them, and that is why Hirsi Ali has virtually no support from Muslims. In 2014, Brandeis University rescinded an offer to confer an honorary degree on Hirsi Ali after the Muslim Student Association and other students campaigned against it and 87 academics signed a letter to the university's president, outlining her Islamophobic statements. These include calling Islam a "nihilistic cult of death" and declaring in a 2007 interview, when asked whether she was talking about defeating radical Islam, "No. Islam, period we are at war with Islam There comes a moment when you crush your enemy." We are already treating the symptoms. Doctors, standing alongside nurses and other health professionals, are on the frontline in treating people with injuries and disease from severe weather events such as droughts, bushfires and heatwaves - plus water borne illness the list goes on. Worse is coming and that's why for the past 20 years, the health and medical community has tried to raise public awareness of this issue. Unfortunately, the clearly documented and growing health effects aren't often spoken about in Australia. In part, this is due to scarce funding, a hostile political environment and the formidable size and scope of the "modelling exercise" required to begin to describe what will happen if pollution continues at current rates. However, whilst climate change and health research in Australia is limited we only need to look to our recent history as a portent of things to come. During the 2009 heatwaves that preceded the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria there were double the number of deaths from heat related illness as there were from the bushfires. Those most at risk are the very old, very young, people with chronic disease and those on illicit or prescribed medications that mask heat-related stress, as well as those working outdoors or already exposed to high temperatures. It's been documented that asthma presentations to hospitals also increase on such days as well as in dust storms. This is without taking into account the smoke haze created by prescribed burns which are used to prevent bushfires from raging out of control. "Is C8 part of the elite media, asks David Hotchkiss? You bet. Conservatives use the term as a pejorative but the elite media sets the framework within which others operate. For instance Americans have a tradition of naming aircraft carriers after former presidents and back in March [5th], in Column 8, Peter Riley of Penrith opined one day we would see the USS Trump sailing through the Heads. Other media dismissed the guy with the raccoon on his head as a joke, C8 was on the money. Elite," Don Fischer of Goulburn. [C8: All credit to Peter]. And from Peter Riley: "In Australia we tend to walk on the left of the footpath while Americans prefer the right. I've just returned from a cruise to Tasmania and a sign on the promenade deck of the American cruise ship states '3 laps equals a mile and please walk counter-clockwise'. The result is when you allow for people walking the wrong way, the Australians because of their leftist tendencies, walk on the inside with the deck chairs and opening doors, while the Americans walk on the obstacle-free outside with the view. As soon as Don and Mal meet in the Oval Office they'll have to find a solution." More on Montville war memorial [C8: Rejects] from Ruth Anderson of Red Hill who says it includes the name of her grandfather, L.G. Swain. "He was medically excused from service, as were the others listed, and was pleased to have his name among the 'rejects'. He had been injured on his voyage to Australia from England. He came on a returning Clipper carrying a load of barbed wire when a storm forced crew and passengers to help secure the load. His legs were badly cut. He recovered, but always had 'bad legs'." "As usual it has been interesting to have a friend from London to stay, as did James Bond he works at The Royal College of Arms for a guinea a year from the Queen and full of tales of Heraldry. Naturally conversation turned to the C8 'comma/of' debate. In Scottish legal documentation, if referred to as Macintosh OF Inverbervie it denoted you were the Laird. If as Macintosh IN Inverbervie, Commoner. Knowing this I will certainly stick to Chris Roberts of Killarney Heights and trust my social standing cannot be misconstrued so far from Scotland." Column8@smh.com.au Immigration Minister Peter Dutton just can't help himself. Having already offended and blamed large swaths of refugees and asylum seekers, as well as heaping blame onto everyone from Labor to refugee activists, he just had to find a new target. This time, it's the migrants who came to Australia under relaxed immigration laws enacted under former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser. A large percentage of these migrants came from Lebanon, which was suffering through a brutal 15-year civil war. "The reality is Malcolm Fraser did make mistakes in bringing some people in the 1970s and we're seeing that today," he told Sky News last week. "We need to be honest in having that discussion. There was a mistake made." SP: MVRDV is a leading Dutch architectural practice with a unique, researched-based approach to designing for density in cities. I chose to look at MVRDV's work because of their interest in cities and collaboration with research think-tank, The Why Factory. It is rare to find an architectural practice so heavily focused on research and the Why Factory's research into, often "experimental", design ideas directly influences MVRDV's work. TT: You looked at the work of Dutch architects MVRDV. Why did you choose to look at their work? This week Tony Trobe talks to Sarah Patterson in the next instalment of an occasional series with master of architecture students at the University of Canberra who have written manifestos as part of research into contemporary architects. Manifesto Now Redux is on exhibition during the Design Canberra festival www.designcanberrafestival.com.au SP: MVRDV's approach to density is to intensify city spaces; for example, by using one plot of land in as many ways as possible. A building designed by MVRDV will seldom serve just one function. It may contain several types of housing (e.g. apartments, townhouses and communal living), retail, offices, urban farms and recreational areas. In essence, MVRDV create buildings that function as villages. TT: Your manifesto says that MVRDV wish to "deconstruct the village", what does that mean? SP: Our cities today are essentially well-oiled machines for production and why shouldn't they be? For all intents and purposes, they serve a market-oriented society well. But, our cities often lack the core values of the traditional village like a sense of community or civic function. MVRDV are attempting to adapt these values to the new urban setting in order to reassert them. As an example, their recent research and design efforts focus on the idea of the "vertical village" essentially, an all-encompassing skyscraper containing the important attributes of the traditional village. The Why Factory has been testing this as a model for the development of emerging Asian cities. TT: How is this kind of research and design thinking relevant to local architecture? SP: Canberra enjoys a well-regulated planning environment, much like MVRDV's hometown of Rotterdam. But this type of planning environment also has downsides. MVRDV believe that the architectural profession is currently grappling with an overwhelming mass of bureaucracy, regulation and risk. They cite this as the reason for a lack of architectural involvement in city design. In Australia, our cities are essentially "developer-driven" models. Generally, that means architects tend to focus more on responding to regulation and risk and less on the quality of design. Some Australian architects such as Breathe Architecture in Melbourne, founders of the Nightingale housing model, are moving against "developer-driven" and toward "designer-driven" approaches. Like MVRDV, Breathe's approach is an attempt to reassert the values of the village into a new housing model. Having participated in Breathe Architecture's roundtable discussions at Design Canberra last year, it is clear that there is a strong interest and demand for these types of alternative housing models in Canberra. The government needs to protect families from this venal and ruthless exploitation by taking control of early education and not allowing our children to be used to enrich big business. Young children are our future and their wellbeing should be paramount. If early childcare is required, then it should be established for the child's benefit and not seen as a way of advancing massive corporate profits. It is clear that the vexed question of early childcare needs serious reassessment ( "Childcare cash grab: profits top $1 billion" , November 14). Education, aged care and health in this country should not be regarded as they are now as avenues for immense gain. Lose the blinkers to see US clearly According to Peter FitzSimons, "progressive Americans, most particularly including many women, blacks, Hispanics and those who care about the environment, were appalled at nigh on every utterance he [Trump] made" ("All hail our buffer against an Aussie Trump", November 14). So appalled, it seems, that "they simply didn't turn up in enough numbers to put Hillary Clinton over the top"! Does he not see the lack of logic in his analysis? Maybe FitzSimons should try taking the blinkers off and giving some credit to the views of the 75 per cent of people who did not vote for Clinton. Just possibly, 25 per cent of the voters really liked an elitist, womanising, non-progressive, non-intellectual climate change sceptic, and the remaining 50 per cent just wanted to get on with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness without having to cast a compulsory vote. Some of us would call it democracy in action. Julian Cabarrus North Parramatta The election of an outsider like Donald Trump in the US (or it could have been an equally extreme so called "democratic" socialist like Bernie Sanders) should be a warning to Australia to ignore calls by Peter FitzSimons for a republic, which can usher into power unexpected and extreme leaders far worse than an unelected Anglo-Australian monarchy. 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 Ricky Muir and his wife Kerrie-Anne at their newly purchased mill. Credit:Joe Armao "I thought it would be a case of let's go and live it up, relax a little, but what I found was that I was checking the media at 5.30 in the morning, getting prepared to make a statement on whatever issue was controversial that day." But his phone which used to buzz incessantly with texts, calls and emails, many from the media, went mostly untroubled. Ricky Muir delivers his first speech to the Senate in March 2015. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen In April he was reported to have ruled out a return to the sawmill but his wife says owning a timber business was always part of the plan before politics dealt its wild card. Now, battling boredom and keen to get back working heavy machinery, he decided to help out his mate. "I thought, John helped me out in a time of need so I'm going to go over there and help him clean the mill and I didn't know where life was going to take us." Life would come full circle. When Ricky returned to the mill yard it would not be for a clean-up but a full takeover. In just a few weeks the former casual labourer, between jobs before his Senate gig, would become a first-time business owner. "Retail went through the roof immediately," he says, and talks of hoping to soon take on some staff. Unlike MPs elected before 2007 such as the former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, Ricky Muir does not receive a parliamentary pension a system he says needs reforming. "It should have been retrospective," he says. "It's a privilege to be elected into the parliament. Like any other job once you're out you shouldn't receive any more remuneration," he says. But Muir did receive what he describes as a "little boost" a generous $49,760 "resettlement allowance" granted to departing senators. That combined with careful savings during the time he earned $200,000 a year as a senator meant the high-school dropout, one-time "jobless bogan," and unashamed rev-head was able to buy the mill and install a Lucas sawmill, worth tens of thousands of dollars, which he affectionately calls "George." Suddenly the 24/7 days were back but the white-collar and trimmed facial hair were gone, replaced by high-vis and a heavy bushranger beard. "If there's a deep end I'm guaranteed to be dropped in it," he laughs. "No, you're not dropped in it, you jump into it," Kerrie-Anne corrects. It wasn't so much the deep end but the deep blue Muir jumped into when he was elected to Parliament on the back of an exotic preference swap deal with his Motoring Enthusiasts party recording a puny 0.51 per cent of the primary vote. He was one of the senators in Malcolm Turnbull's sights when the Prime Minister introduced changes to eliminate the preference harvesting that got Muir elected and called on the double dissolution. But the tactic backfired with the crossbench growing from eight to 12 instead. "It was not a success," observes Muir. While the changes did see Muir ousted, neither major party would pick up his spot. It went instead to another independent former radio broadcaster Derryn Hinch. "I think the popularity for the minor parties and independents absolutely is growing every single day," says Muir. But he warns the crossbenchers that they need to "play their cards right to ensure that that stays the mood of the public". This, the Muirs say, involves genuinely listening to and representing the electorate, something he believes the major parties have abandoned to their peril and fuelled the rise of the political outsider, seen most sensationally with the election of Donald Trump, a result which he says came as no surprise to him. "I think that's how I got elected, I think that's how Pauline got elected, I think that's how the Shooters & Fishers are likely to get elected in the Orange byelection," Muir says. The self-described "outdoors enthusiast" and former CFMEU steward has flirted with the idea of running for the Labor party but now rules it out completely. "I have thought and thought and thought about this one now that I've had a little bit of time to let go. The answer's no." "If it was the traditional Labor party maybe not the modern one," Kerrie-Anne adds. "Exactly," says Ricky. "I'm sitting here looking at a picture of John Curtin up on my wall right now. If that was the Labor party we were talking about probably. But we're not. We're speaking about an extension of the Greens party because they're too afraid of losing the city vote." What's more, his two years as an independent turned him off the entire party system for good. "I sat there and watched so many elected representatives sit there and say that they believed I was doing the right thing but go sit where the party told them to sit." "I found it absolutely repulsive, I couldn't stand it and I'd be disendorsed the moment I was elected if I was to do it anyway." Muir says the recent controversy around the Adler shotgun betrayed the impotence of the Nationals party the Coalition's junior partner in government. He says the Nationals would be better off quitting and joining the crossbench. "They already are in a powerful position, if they chose to use it but they just don't seem to use it to their potential. "I think we're about to see a whole heap of National votes, go to the likes of the Shooters & Fishers, The Country Party, One Nation because they are just little 'l' Liberals." The minor party vote rose to its highest in July with nearly a quarter of voters boycotting the Labor and Liberal parties. The Muirs have a stake in this trend, which began in the 2007 election, continuing its trajectory with Ricky hoping for a comeback in either state or federal politics. Muir Timbers is part of that plan. "Once we've got the business running the way we want it, that may well open up further political aspirations, should we say." That would get the tick of approval from at least one other member of the household three-year old Tristan, who has accompanied Ricky and Kerrie-Anne to Canberra since he was 10 months old and is having readjustment issues. Lima: Malcolm Turnbull has met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Lima. The pair held bilateral talks over breakfast on the final day of the APEC summit on Sunday. Mr Turnbull used the meeting with Mr Trudeau to reflect on Australia's strong ties with its fellow Commonwealth nation and their long history of cooperation in war and peace. The leaders said their discussion would cover free trade, strategic issues, human rights and the implications of Donald Trump's victory in US presidential election. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the US alliance is "stronger than ever" thanks to Barack Obama's leadership after the pair met for the final time before Donald Trump takes over the White House in January. The two men enjoyed a warm, 50-minute meeting at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation in Lima, Peru, affirming a mutual commitment to free trade and discussing security issues including the South China Sea and the fight against ISIS. Mr Turnbull emerged from the closed door talks to take a "farewell selfie" with Mr Obama, which he posted to social networks including Facebook and Instagram, and later described the outgoing President as "remarkable leader" of the world. "It's a great moment but a sad moment to have our last meeting in your capacity as President of the United States," he said in a set of public remarks following the meeting. "Our alliance has got stronger than ever," he said, adding that it was based on "shared values" and a determination to work together around the world "in freedom's cause". The SDA has played an important role in social and moral debates, slowing the progress towards same sex marriage and opposing abortion and euthanasia. But the recent wages scandal has badly damaged its reputation in the labour movement and among its members. For five years Michael Johnstone has stacked shelves and helped customers at Woolworths in Brunswick where he is also an SDA delegate. He says he was disappointed to discover his union was actively opposed to same sex marriage. That disappointment deepened when he read that SDA-negotiated agreements had left his colleagues underpaid. Mr Johnstone said he had already sounded out many workmates about joining a new union that stood up for members. "There's been a lot of positive response. They understand that no worker should be worse off under new union agreements." Mr Johnstone said the SDA leadership had for decades resisted demands for change. "It's now in the hands of the workers. They now have a choice." The building of a new national union from scratch is unheard of in the decades since the 1980s when mergers created mega unions and in an era where membership is near historic low levels. An attempt by socialist activists to set up a rival to the SDA in the 2000s failed to gain traction. Australia's unions are largely shielded from competition from that restricts them from encroaching on each other's areas of industry coverage.The SDA's response to the new union is likely to be fierce. "We understand the task of organising these workers is immense," said Mr Cullinan. "The reality is, penalty rates are under attack, half a million retail and fast food workers (on SDA deals) have already had them taken off them." The initial focus of the new union will be Coles, McDonald's and Woolworths, Australia's three largest employers. Under SDA agreements the companies pay either reduced penalty rates or, in the case of McDonald's, no weekend penalties. In a landmark decision in May, that followed Fairfax revelations, the the full bench of the Fair Work commission found a Coles agreement with the SDA failed the crucial test that workers under enterprise agreements must be "better off overall" compared to the award. Josh Cullinan, the union official who exposed the dodgy deals between big business and the SDA union. Credit:Penny Stephens Mr Cullinan (above) said that in workplaces where employees were paid less than the award the new union would demand employers immediately lift pay rates. If they refuse to do so he said he expected members to demand the agreements be terminated. The founders of the new union include Labor, Greens and socialist party members, and unaligned activists. Mr Johnstone said he did not support the new union having an affiliation to any political party. "I think that would distract us from looking after workers." Union president will be Siobhan Kelly, a barrister who led the historic case against Coles, along with Mr Cullinan and Coles trolley operator Duncan Hart. In its formative stage the union would be run by volunteers who would seek to sign thousands of financial members and use Pozible crowd-funding to raise funds for part-time organisers and offices in major cities. "We know that's a big task and it will take time to build our union," said Mr Cullinan. "But we have a sector of a million workers; half a million of them are subject to exploitative enterprise agreements." The new union won't at be first registered as a traditional union. Instead, it would register as a national organisation under the Corporations Act and as an incorporated association. SNL revived its Alec Baldwin-as-Donald Trump skit. (Personally I don't find SNL particularly funny, but I'm a British humour type of gal.) But it's going to be a long four years if the president gets upset by every satirical assessment of his administration. As for Mike Pence, he responded on Fox on Sunday and said when he arrived to boos and cheers he told his daughter "that's what freedom sounds like." He's not offended and even cited Donald Trump's victory speech to say the message about governing for all was exactly what the president-elect wants for his term. Oh the irony. Trump, also on Twitter, hinted at announcing key appointments, including Secretary of Defence and Secretary of State, which could be either Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani. [The New York Times] 2. Australian politics Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has spoken to his Canadian counterpart on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru [AAP] and will speak again to President Obama. [Simon Benson/The Australian] Turnbull still hopes Trump will back the regional trade deal known as TPP. [Lisa Murray/Financial Review] Turnbull is confident of his union-busting bills passing the Senate. [Jacob Greber/Financial Review] Don't underestimate how significant this would be for the troops. Last fortnight in Canberra I found most Coalition MPs to be so depressed they had reached the point of gallows humour. Reinstating the construction industry watchdog was about the only highlight they could identify, should it happen. Big story on the budget by Jacob Greber. Treasurer Scott Morrison says the surprise rebound in commodity prices won't help the budget bottom line when the update is delivered on December 19. [Financial Review] The Grattan Institute has found seniors are the "taxed nots" of Australian society and says tax breaks should be wound back to save the budget $1 billion per year. [Peter Martin/Fairfax] Jamie Walker has an interesting story on the Melbourne property developer bankrolling One Nation. [The Australian] Communications minister Mitch Fifield and GRACosway partner Richard King in the Birdcage on Derby Day. Credit:Jesse Marlow SAVAGE column from respected media commentator Mark Day on Mitch 'Homer Simpson' Fifeld the most ineffective politician in the land who risks being consigned to the dustbin an "utter failure." OUCH! [The Australian] Fifield, in case you haven't heard of him, is the Communications Minister and ironically given his portfolio keeps a low profile. Fifield was one of the first to quit the Shadow Cabinet in 2009 to lead the putsch against Turnbull, but was one of the first to do Turnbull's numbers for the successful spill against Tony Abbott. Fifield was subsequently elevated to Cabinet after Turnbull's ascension. Sky News is making another political show based on talking heads. Former Labor Leader Mark Latham, journalist Rowan Dean and former Liberal MP Ross Cameron are going to start a show after the ABC's Insiders called Outsiders with the starting premise of doing the opposite of whatever ABC host Barrie Cassidy would do. [Jake Mitchell/The Australian] 3. War in Syria A chemical bomb has killed a family of six in Syria and rebel shelling has killed seven children in a school. [Reuters] ABC journalist Sophie McNeill has posted some graphic footage on Twitter of some of the dead children. I won't embed as it's very distressing so will link you instead. [Sophie McNeill/Twitter] As with any never-ending war, it's all too easy to look away when it's not something affecting us directly. McNeill is rightly disappointed her own network, the ABC, didn't air her report on this in Sunday night's flagship 7pm news. 4. Train derails in India People gather at the site of a train accident near Pukhrayan, about 270 kilometres from Allahabad, on Sunday. Credit:AP More than 100 people are dead after a train and the death toll is expected to rise after a train derailed in Uttar Pradesh. [Reuters] Uttar Pradesh is India's most populous state if you've ever seen the Taj Mahal, you've been there. 5. Angela Merkel to seek fourth term German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Credit:AP It has been a rocky 12 months for the German leader, who has faced a backlash over her open-door policy for Syrian refugees. Since then, Germany has been rocked by terrorist attacks and the far-right AfD political party has been gaining support. But Merkel will seek a fourth term, ending months of speculation about her political intentions. [Reuters] 6. French primaries Keep an eye out on the results of the French primaries. It's the first time the conservatives in France have held a US-style primary to select their candidate for next year's presidential election. The three frontrunners are all men aged over 60: former president Nicolas Sarkozy and former prime ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe. [AP] Post Brexit and post-Trump, the French elections are one to watch. Socialist President Francois Hollande's poll numbers are at a record low and he may not even recontest the next election, leaving the field clear for Prime Minister Manuel Valls. [Bloomberg] French far-right Front National party leader Marine Le Pen. Credit:MICHEL SPINGLER Okay, time for me to wind things up. What happened? One Nation senator Rod Culleton appeared before the High Court ; appeared before the ; his case will be heard by a full bench of the court in December; the government's registered organisations legislation looks unlikely to be voted on tonight; looks unlikely to be voted on tonight; Immigration Minister Peter Dutton found himself in hot water over comments on migrants in question time ; and found himself in hot water over comments on in ; and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be back on home soil tomorrow. My thanks to Alex Ellinghausen and Andrew Meares for their exemplary work today and, to you, for reading and commenting. You can follow me on Facebook. Alex, Andrew and I will be back in the morning. See you then. Chrissy Teigen briefly took her Twitter account off its private setting to unleash a tweetstorm directed at Donald Trump. The US model, who switched to a private social media presence after saying she was "not strong enough" to have a public account last month, described Trump as inconsistent in his views on political correctness. Earlier on Saturday the president-elect demanded that the cast of Broadway musical Hamilton apologise to Mike Pence who attended the show on Friday night and was booed by the audience and addressed by the cast from the stage after the show. "Wow @realdonaldtrump is right. I can't believe they would subject poor, innocent Mike Pence to such abhorrent, evil hate speech," she wrote sarcastically. Australia's first female Aboriginal MP Linda Burney has slammed the Turnbull government's "paternalistic" approach towards indigenous people and demanded decision-making power be delivered back to the bush. "Inflicting policy decisions on Aboriginal communities and then arriving later for a photo op and Twitter post is not a substitute for consultation," she said. Linda Burney, the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives, delivers her first speech at Parliament House in August. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "Command and control policy from Canberra will not help - at best it might make politicians and public servants in Canberra feel better at not having to hear cries for help." The opposition spokeswoman for human services delivered a scathing assessment on the plight of indigenous people while speaking at the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin. An elderly man was bashed by a teenage boy at a train station in south Sydney on Saturday after he attempted to stop another boy from applying graffiti to the station's platform. The 73-year-old man was allegedly punched in the face by the teenager at Caringbah station, with the force of the blow knocking him to the ground and causing bruising and swelling to his jaw. Police have arrested a teenager after an elderly man was allegedly bashed at a train station in Sydney's south on Saturday. The man had been travelling on city-bound train from Cronulla on Saturday afternoon, when he spotted a boy exit the train at Caringbah station and allegedly graffitied a platform wall just after 5pm on Saturday. The 15-year-old boy was part of large group of teens who were travelling on the same city-bound train. A man has been charged with murder almost two decades after the disappearance of Sydney schoolgirl Quanne Diec. The 49-year-old man attended Surry Hills police station on Sunday afternoon to speak to detectives. He was later charged with murder and refused bail. He is due to appear in court on Monday. Rosehill police commander Scott Whyte said the man is not related to Quanne, 12, yet the attack was not random or opportunistic. Police have found the body of a man near Kurnell during an extensive search on Sunday afternoon. Officers had been called to Cape Solander after reports a man fishing off rocks was swept into the ocean around 1.10pm. New laws enforce life jackets for rock fisherman in the eastern suburbs. Credit:James Brickwood It is believed the man, aged in his 50s, was not wearing a jacket at the time. The man has yet to be formally identified, but police believe the body is that of the missing man. A Sydney barrister is claiming almost $6 million in allegedly unpaid fees and interest from a solicitor dating back more than a decade, in a costly legal battle occupying an armoury of the city's lawyers. Five barristers fought it out in the Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday in the protracted dispute between Christopher Bevan, a barrister from Eight Wentworth Chambers, and Sydney solicitor Evangelos Patakas. The Supreme Court will hear the dispute between Sydney lawyers Christopher Bevan and Evangelos Patakas. Credit:Tamara Voninski Mr Bevan claims Mr Patakas owes him $4.1 million in costs and $1.7 million in interest for work done for a client on the instructions of Mr Patakas. But Mr Patakas argues Mr Bevan agreed he would only be paid if the client won their case. Justice Robert McDougall noted "the bills in question go back to 2004" and the parties had tendered an "absurd" volume of material in a preliminary hearing on Friday, including "16 lever arch folders" of exhibits. A teenage learner driver accused of leading police on an eight-minute chase on the Hume Highway near Goulburn in a stolen car has been refused bail. NSW highway patrol officers say they spotted a Ford Falcon ute going 145km/h in a 110km/h zone at 10.40am on Saturday on the Hume Highway at Marulan. Both deployed two sets of road spikes to stop the pair. Credit:Marina Neil The ute had been reported stolen in Victoria on Thursday. The driver failed to stop when police activated their lights and sirens and allegedly led officers on a 22-kilometre chase. A fire in Strathpine seriously damaged one house and threatened surrounding properties on Sunday afternoon. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) were called to Hedge Street just after midday and four crews were on the scene. Fire crews on scene at Strathpine after a house fire caused the roof to collapse and threatened surrounding homes. Credit:Toby Crockford A QFES spokesman said the roof of the lowset house had collapsed and neighbouring properties had been damaged after being exposed to the fire. Crews had the blaze under control just after 1pm and were working to protect surrounding homes. Brisbane's CBD will be turned into bustling Tokyo with another blockbuster set to be filmed in Queensland. Science fiction monster film Pacific Rim: Maelstrom will be filmed on Eagle Street in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast next year. Eagle St is set to be transformed into Tokyo for Pacific Rim: Malestrom Credit:Lisa Maree Williams And one of its stars - actor John Boyega (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) - this weekend revealed he was in Brisbane. Eagle Street, known for its legal eagles and high flyers, features river access and some of the city's top dining experiences, and will become "Tokyo" for the sci fi flick. A 14-year-old boy has been found with a sawn-off shotgun and a stash of drugs after an assault in the Queensland city of Gladstone. Officers say they found the armed teenager in a car they tracked down after a 17-year-old boy was hit in the head with a gun during an attempted robbery at a Philip Street property on Sunday afternoon. Police say it appears the victim may have been known to the 14-year-old boy, who had a male accomplice. The 17-year-old was treated for a cut to his forehead. The 14-year-old is facing drug, weapon and attempted robbery charges. Apple has finally acknowledged that there is a structural problem with its iPhone 6 Plus which causes the device's screen to freeze and become unresponsive. The condition, which is accompanied by grey flickering bars at the top of the screen, was christened "touch disease" by the US-based iFixit repair advocacy group in August. Although the existence of the issue had been known for months, Apple had refused to acknowledge that it was widespread or offer any solution beyond its standard out-of-warranty replacement service. The service involves swapping a damaged iPhone 6 Plus for a refurbished one at the cost $519. Under a new policy announced on Friday, Apple will repair iPhone 6 Plus devices affected affected with the touch screen problems for a service fee of $228.95. Melburnians swapped winter coats and boots for sunnies and sandals as summer finally arrived, albeit fleetingly, in the city. Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Richard Carlyon said Sunday's top of 33 degrees would be followed by sizzling temperatures of up to 38 degrees on Monday - and the state's first total fire ban day of the season. Emergency services are battling 50 fires across New South Wales as officials fear temperatures could hit 48 degrees in some areas. Credit:Leigh Henningham "Away from the bay, we'll see the temperature rise to about the mid-30s as the northerly winds inland push some hot air southwards towards Melbourne," he told 3AW radio. "Bayside, the sea breeze should curb the full brunt of that heat." They live on little more than $30 a day. Many speak little English and are not permitted to find permanent work. Asylum seekers on bridging visas in Australia live a precarious existence, and most live with the anxiety of uncertainty for years. Sister Brigid Arthur, co-coordinator of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, said she worried for the welfare of all involved in Friday's Commonwealth Bank fire at Springvale, in Melbourne's south-east. But she called for compassion for the alleged attacker Nur Islam, saying government policies had "put people's lives on hold, not given them any kind of certainty or security about their future, and has them living in poverty and isolation". Twenty-seven people have been injured, including six with serious burns, after a man understood to be an asylum seeker from Myanmar set fire to a Commonwealth Bank branch in Springvale, in Melbourne's south-east. This is what we know so far. Where and when Nur Islam, a 21-year-old refugee from Myanmar, walked into the Commonwealth Bank branch on Springvale Road in Springvale at about 11.30am on Friday. A 47-year-old man who fatally stabbed his sister during a gathering to plan their father's funeral in Western Australia's remote East Kimberley region has been jailed for at least 15 years. Eric Charles Evans, his brother Dunstan and their sister, whose name is not used for cultural reasons, spent the night of January 19 drinking and arguing at the Billy Goat Community. Eric Charles Evans grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her once in the back, severing a pulmonary artery and penetrating her lung. The victim rose early to clean the kitchen, and again argued with Dunstan, possibly because he wouldn't help tidying. As Evans lay in his bed, he became angered by the arguing, so he told his sister to stop cleaning and leave with him, later telling police he felt she was being treated like a slave. Mining giant Rio Tinto has confirmed the company will slash more jobs across its iron ore division in Western Australia. ABC News said while the miner was not yet confirming numbers it was understood 500 jobs, or 4 per cent of its West Australian workforce, were set to go. Rio said "rolling reductions" were underway, with jobs at head office in Perth to be targeted first after releasing an online statement describing conditions in iron ore as "tough". "The market outlook remains challenging and we currently have 1000 initiatives underway across our business to reduce costs, improve productivity and ensure we remain internationally competitive," it said. Bangkok: An Australian nurse and fertility specialist running a surrogacy clinic in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh has been detained by anti-human trafficking police. The arrest of Tammy Davis-Charles, 49, comes weeks after Cambodia's government declared a ban on commercial surrogacy in the South-east Asian country which had attracted several dozen Australian couples seeking to become biological parents. Australian nurse Tammy Davis-Charles is questioned by Cambodian police in November of last year. Credit:Cambodian National Police Ms Davis-Charles, the mother of twin boys through surrogacy in Thailand, was being held in the office of anti-trafficking police on Sunday and will be brought before a court in Phnom Penh on Monday, where she will face questioning. Police Colonel Keo Thea, head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Office, told Fairfax Media that Ms Davis-Charles, who is from Melbourne, could face up to two years' jail if charged and convicted under Cambodia's penal code for allegedly engaging in surrogacy and allegedly falsifying documents. Exactly 12 years to the day after she was convicted of smuggling four kilograms of marijuana into Bali in her boogie-board bag, Schapelle Corby will be free to return to Australia. With six months remaining on her sentence, Corby will be able to board a flight home to Australia on May 27 next year. Shapelle Corby was convicted of smuggling four kilograms of marijuana into Bali in 2005. The Parole Board and Indonesian authorities confirmed Corby's release date, AAP reported on Sunday. The 39-year-old has been on parole in Bali since February 10, 2014, after serving nine years in Bali's infamous Kerobokan prison. New York: Future first lady Melania Trump and her 10-year-old son, Barron, will remain in New York after her husband, Donald Trump, becomes president. Confirming a report that first appeared in the New York Post, Mr Trump said he planned to live in the White House but that his wife, 46, and Barron would not move in immediately. He said they would move to the White House "very soon, right after he finishes school", Reuters reported. It wasn't clear if that meant after the current school year, or high school. Elizabeth is a name that has astounding staying power. Over the past 100 years, it's been one of the 25 most popular names. I wasn't aware it's the name of John the Baptist's mother. Even more surprising was a list of Elizabeth nicknames and other short forms used in English-speaking countries. You know about Liz and Beth and Betty and Lizzie, but try some of these others on for size: Lilli, Lissa, Elia, Izzy, Tizzy, Zabby, Zaza, Zia, and my personal favorite, Zazzie. We've talked about some of the famous Elizabeths, Bessies and Bettes in the past few Smarty Pants quizzes. A few more words about Elizabeth Montgomery. She kept us coming back each week for eight years on "Bewitched." OK, I guess I started losing interest when they switched Darrins and Tabitha came along, but Agnes Moorhead and Paul Lynde always were fun. Elizabeth Montgomery's father, Robert, was a twice Oscar-nominated actor of the 1930s and '40s. It was on his show in 1951 that she made her first acting appearance. "Bewitched" was her only TV series, although she acted in several made-for-TV movies. She narrated "The Panama Deception," which won an Academy Award in 1993. She was young when cancer claimed her: 62, according to some reference sources, or 57, according to her family. One of Montgomery's later roles was as Lizzie Borden, which segues quite nicely into another famous Elizabeth. Lizzie's claim to infamy, as you may recall, was the nagging suspicion that she cut short her mom and dad's lives with a nearby ax. A jury didn't agree, and although the jump rope rhyme about Lizzie and "40 whacks" persisted for decades, she lived out her life in her Fall River, Mass., hometown. The prosecution's downfall may have been their reluctance to use the new fingerprint or other forensic evidence resources. At any rate, the 124-year-old case officially remains unsolved. By the way, you can visit the scene of the crime: There is a Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast and Museum. And, just in time for the holidays, you can order your Lizzie bobblehead doll (seriously) for only $20. I would venture something about "price cuts," but I've already gone there. Now, I'm not out to dethrone Betsy Ross as a historical icon: She's one of the few females whose famous from the Revolutionary War. However, there's little definitive evidence that she sewed the glorious Stars and Stripes, with Gen. Washington looking over her shoulder, approvingly. For one thing, Ross apparently had been arguing for a five-pointed star. Paintings done a few years later showed six-pointed stars. But she did sew flags for the government later in life. It is interesting that she was kicked out of the Quakers for eloping with the first of her three husbands. What keeps me from telling you all about Henry Ford's revolutionary Model T auto is that I can't pin down just how it came to be known as a "tin lizzy." The sources are way too sketchy and contradictory. Maybe if I do an iconic car Smarty Pants sometime, we can go for that ride. St. Pat's eagles rebuild nest. Plus new vistas created at other parks. You can watch St. Pat's eagles rebuild the nest via Notre Dame's camera. And the new Lydick Bog platform is good for seeing waterfowl. Editor's note: This story appears in the Life section of Sunday's Herald & Review. Don't miss the accompanying A1 story on Buffett's work in Decatur and the rest of the world. BISBEE, Ariz. Recently Howard G. Buffett has been spending more and more time in Arizona, after purchasing two ranches on the Mexican border. He is deeply involved in border issues in many ways, including bolstering law enforcement, helping local cattle ranchers improve their land and security, aiding immigrants and helping identify the bodies of those who died crossing the desert. What we have worked on down here is trying to understand the cartels and the drug products coming through this border and into our country, Buffett said, during an interview at his ranch near Bisbee, Ariz., which has frequently been traversed by drug smugglers working for the infamous Sinaloa cartel. So the work we are doing down here is focused on the cartels and drug activity. Buffett, as well as ranchers and law enforcement officials who live and work at the border, say the border is not secure, despite contrary pronouncements from government leaders. You look at the refugees and the unaccompanied minors, that's a humanitarian issue, Buffett said. As long as we don't have a secure border, we contribute to creating humanitarian problems of real magnitude today. If this border were so secure and people thought 'I can not get into the United States,' they wouldn't come. Some would come, but not the thousands who are coming in today. Buffett, 61, an outgoing man with a quick sense of humor and a passion for humanitarian causes, came to Arizona about six years ago to establish a research farm 52 miles from the border, as part of his initiative to alleviate hunger in developing nations. He noticed the crisis of illegal drugs being smuggled through the porous border, especially heroin. Buffett's ranches are in the Tucson Border Patrol Sector, in which more illegal drugs are confiscated than any other along the 2,000-mile southern border. One of the biggest issues is that you dont have the political will in Washington, D.C., to admit that this border is not secure and to admit the significant consequence the drugs coming across this country have on our system, Buffett said, shortly before the presidential election. Fifty thousand U.S. citizens are dead each year from drugs. If you look at the violence in Chicago, a significant amount of that is drug-related. After 17 years of helping people throughout Africa, Latin America and the United States, Buffett has recently decided to make the southern border a top priority. There are national security experts that will tell you our greatest threat is not al-Qaida or ISIS, our greatest threat is failing to protect our southern border, Buffett said. We have to become partners with our neighbors to resolve the issues they're facing. "It's not about drawing a line in the sand. It is about more resources to protect the border, but that's just part of it. After visiting Mexico and Central America for more than 20 years, as a business executive first, then a philanthropist, he believes alleviating poverty in Latin America will go a long way toward preventing drug smuggling and illegal immigration. You solve the problem by giving people economic opportunity, peace and prosperity, the rule of law and a willingness and desire to stay home, Buffett said. Buffett serves as a volunteer deputy commander with the Cochise County Sheriff's Office and has made significant contributions to the department through his foundation. Howard's contributions have been enormous in helping move the sheriff's office into a modern-day setting when it comes to law enforcement, said Thad Smith, chief deputy and 25-year veteran of the department, which is responsible for 6,000 square miles, an area larger than Connecticut. The department is at the front lines of apprehending drug smugglers, who regularly breach the border fences, some of which are just a few feet tall. The cartel also employs a wide array of methods, including elaborate tunnels and shooting drug bundles from cannons onto city streets. The Buffett Foundation is funding a countywide, state-of-the-art regional communications system, complete with computers and radio systems, replacing eight dispatch systems operated by various law enforcement agencies. Buffett is also funding four K-9 units and a financial crimes unit, which investigates cartel money laundering operations. Drugs come out of Cochise County, and cash comes into Cochise County, Smith said. Our financial crimes unit follows the money trail. Charlie Jordan, who serves as president for the Howard G. Buffett Foundation's Illinois farms and Arizona ranches, was called out of retirement to fill those positions. Jordan, who grew up on a farm near Assumption and worked with Buffett at Grain Systems Inc. in the 1990s, was asked to work at the foundation seven years ago. He asked me to join him to work full-time at the foundation, said Jordan, who had retired from GSI a short time earlier after 32 years. I said I don't want to work full-time. Then he threw the big hook out, about all the undernourished and underprivileged people he was trying to help out with the foundation. Then he had me. In Central America and Mexico, the Buffett Foundation has invested heavily in projects for more than a decade to promote agricultural development among small landholders, as well as water resource management and soil improvement. It has also helped immigrants and refugees in the United States, especially those fleeing from violence and unaccompanied minors. He has been involved in Mexico and the migration of people into the United States for a long time, Jordan said, adding that Buffett especially helps immigrants in desperate situations. There are some really sad stories. Owning those ranches gives him the firsthand experience at the border, such as what it is like trying to hire temporary labor with the government's process, what the drawbacks are, Jordan said. Because of his wide variety of experiences, Buffett is one of the most knowledgeable Americans on border issues, Jordan said. But wherever he goes, he is mostly driven to fulfill basic human needs. One of his drivers is to take care of your back door first. Wherever he owns property, he is going to do all he can for that county or area, Jordan said. His goal is to help local people wherever he is. When you have ranchers who have a constant complaint he will address that. "It's a worldwide food security mission he is on, but he is also driven by the backdoor mentality: 'If I help the rest of the world but don't help people living nearby, then I'm not a real neighbor.' 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 A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches the advanced new GOES-R weather satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on Nov. 19, 2016. A powerful new satellite that will give forecasters their best-ever looks at storms and other severe weather has taken to the skies. The GOES-R weather satellite lifted off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today (Nov. 19) at 6:42 p.m. EST (2342 GMT), riding a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to orbit. The spectacular launch, which lit up the Florida evening sky, occurred about one hour later than planned due to issues with the rocket and launch range that were swiftly resolved. GOES-R is the first of four new advanced weather satellites that are, somewhat confusingly, collectively known as GOES-R. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which manages the GOES-R program, is expecting big things from all four of these spacecraft. [See more GOES-R launch and mission photos] A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches the advanced new GOES-R weather satellite into orbit from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on Nov. 19, 2016. (Image credit: United Launch Alliance) "Without a doubt, GOES-R will revolutionize weather forecasting as we know it," Stephen Volz, assistant administrator for NOAA's Satellite and Information Services division, said during a pre-launch news conference on Thursday (Nov. 17). "For weather forecasters, GOES-R will be similar to going from a black-and-white TV to super-high-definition TV," Volz added. "For the American public, that will mean faster, more accurate weather forecasts and warnings. That also will mean more lives saved and better environmental intelligence for state and local officials and all decision makers." The GOES-R satellite streaks into space aboard an Atlas V rocket in this long-exposure view of its successful launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Nov. 19, 2016. (Image credit: United Launch Alliance) Famed NBC Today Show weather man Al Roker, one of many TV meteorologists who attended the GOES satellite launch, agreed with Volz. "What's so exciting is that we're going to be getting more data, more often, with much more detail and higher resolution," Roker told NASA's Stephanie Martin during live launch commentary today. The new GOES satellite will help improve not only weather forecasts but hurricane and tornado predictions as well, Roker added. "If we can give people another 10, 15 or 20 minutes, we're talking about lives being saved," Roker said. Artist's illustration of the GOES-R weather satellite in space. GOES-R launched on Nov. 19, 2016, and will reach its final geostationary orbit about two weeks later (at which point its name will change to GOES-16). (Image credit: NASA) GOES-R is the 16th GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) craft to make it to space and the satellite will be renamed GOES-16 when it reaches its final orbit, about two weeks from now. GOES satellites have been studying weather patterns from above for more than four decades; GOES-1 launched way back in October 1975. Two GOES craft, known as GOES-East and GOES-West based on their orbital positions, are doing this work now; a third GOES spacecraft is also aloft and serves as an on-orbit spare. [Earth from Space: See the Amazing NASA Photos] The GOES satellites operate from geostationary orbit, about 22,300 miles (35,890 kilometers) above Earth's surface along the equator. At this altitude, their orbital speeds match the rotational speed of Earth, so the spacecraft can keep continuous tabs on the same stretch of land. In this case, that means the United States and much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere. NOAA officials said that GOES-R's six-instrument suite represents a big upgrade from the equipment on GOES-East and GOES-West, which launched in 2006 and 2010, respectively. For example, GOES-R's primary instrument, called the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), will gather three times more data, with four times higher resolution, than comparable gear on GOES-East and GOES-West. And ABI will be able to scan the landscape five times faster to boot, NOAA officials said. GOES-R is also the first satellite to carry a lightning mapper to geostationary orbit. This instrument will photograph lightning activity throughout the Western Hemisphere about 200 times every second, NOAA officials said. "When you compare all those [photos], you get a sense of where the severe weather is starting to really brew," Greg Mandt, GOES-R system program director at NOAA, said during the same news conference. "So with this information, the weather service will be able to make longer lead-time forecasts of severe weather and do it with much higher confidence, reducing false alarms." GOES-R should also increase the accuracy of forecasts in the space-weather realm, Mandt added. One of the satellite's instruments will image the surface of the sun, for instance, while others will monitor the amount of energy coming from the star and the activity of charged particles zooming near Earth. All of this information should give researchers a heads up about solar storms that could affect satellite navigation, power grids and other infrastructure, NOAA officials have said. GOES-R won't start doing this work for a while; it's scheduled to begin operations about one year from now, after a lengthy checkout and validation phase. At that point, the satellite will take over for either GOES-East or GOES-West; it's unclear, at the moment, which spacecraft the newcomer will replace, Volz said. When that happens, GOES-16 (as it will be called by that time) will take on the name of its predecessor. That'll be three name changes for the spacecraft in just 12 months' time: from GOES-R before launch to GOES-16 upon reaching its final orbit to GOES-East or -West upon the start of operations. (In case you were wondering, the current GOES-East and GOES-West were formerly called GOES-13 and GOES-15, respectively.) GOES-R is designed to operate for 10 years, though it has enough fuel on board to last for 18 years, Volz said. The three GOES-R satellites yet to begin their missions currently known as GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U are scheduled to launch in 2018, 2019 and 2024, respectively. This staggered slate should ensure that two satellites will continue collecting high-quality weather data as GOES-East and GOES-West through at least 2036, Mandt said. The GOES-R program has a total budget of $10.8 billion through its entire life cycle, which runs from 2005 (when development began) through 2036. The project had already spent about $6.1 billion by the end of fiscal year 2015, NOAA officials have said. The aerospace company Lockheed Martin is building the four GOES-R satellites. NOAA manages the GOES-R program, with assistance from NASA. Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. NORMAL While people will be gathering across the country for Thanksgiving next week, a group of international college students and their friends joined together Friday night for turkey and all the trimmings. About 60 people international students, American students and community members shared the meal in the activity center at Grace Church, a nondenominational church in Normal. They are regular participants in International Talk Time, a project of the nonprofit organization International Students Inc. and the International Talk Time student organization at Illinois State University. Our goal is to support and welcome the students, said Amy Mammadli, a staff member for International Students. The group meets each Friday of the school year for meals and conversation, usually in the Encounter Building, across from Bone Student Center. But this Friday they moved to a larger space for the special dinner. The meal included turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberries, applesauce and pie. Volunteers cooked five turkeys, and organizers said there probably would be leftovers for students to take home. International Students staff member John Berger welcomed the students and pointed to a handout describing the origins of American Thanksgiving. He drew laughter when he said, "There will be no quiz after the meal." Students expressed thanks for the friendships formed through International Talk Time, which also provides an opportunity to practice language skills and learn from each other. Trang Luong of Vietnam, whose husband is a graduate student in economics, said it is nice to have a place to make friends when living so far from family. Their 2-year-old son, Khoi, enjoyed playing with the pumpkins and Indian corn that were part of the holiday decorations. Isaac Ahimbisibwe, a graduate student in economics from Uganda, said, The first time I felt at home was when I came for International Talk Time. Atosh Saha, a business graduate student, said the most important thing for him when he came from Bangladesh was meeting a lot of new people who were in the same boat as newcomers from other countries. You feel more confident, he said. Families involved in the group also host students at their homes for meals or holidays and the group helps international students living off campus who need furniture when they move here. Mammadli said the meal serves as a good connecting point for families to invite international students to their homes. Mammadli first became involved in International Talk Time when she was a graduate student in speech pathology at ISU. I really enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, she said. Conversations around the tables ranged from politics to the merits of whipped cream on pumpkin pie. ISU junior Ashlyn Gramm, a public relations and Spanish major from Bloomington, said what she likes most about International Talk Time is getting to build friendships outside of Bloomington-Normal and learning about their culture and things that we have in common and what's different. You don't feel like you're asking dumb questions because everyone is wanting to share, said Gramm, who is president of the student organization. You get into the heart of the people and who they are at their core. Canada has a fart problem in the parliament and the whole debate is not at all funny. There is so much going in the world, there are wars in the Middle East, ISIS is perpetrating attacks in the Western world, scientists are warning us about global warming, and there have been great political shifts in America, the UK, and France (in the upcoming months). However, in Canada, there are better conversations to be had. Last week, Conservative MP Michelle Rempel was blasting the leaders of the government for not taking concrete actions to create jobs in Alberta when she used the word fart. She said: Why does the government treat Alberta like a fart in the room that nobody wants to talk about or acknowledge? Green Party leader Elizabeth May, who was offended by the word fart, made sure that the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment got a piece of her mind. May said the word was unparliamentary and demanded that Rempel stop using it. May stated: 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. The word was f-a-r-t. The Official Opposition Critic for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship replied by saying that she would do no such thing. The representative of Calgary Nose Hill stated: Is my colleague actually serious? I just gave an impassioned speech about Alberta jobs, and thats what the leader of a political party has to say? No, I dont withdraw it. From there, the discussion over jobs was hijacked by which words are unparliamentary. Assistant Deputy Speaker Anthony Rota also shared his thoughts on the matter. The member of the liberal party stated: There are times in the chamber when passion takes over, things get heated, and sometimes we say things that are out of order or that may not be parliamentary. The honorary member said a couple of things that were borderline, but it is up to her to decide whether they were unparliamentary. Someone took offense. I will take it under advisement and bring it back to the table, and we will go from there. The mini-debacle over the word fart rapidly spread on the Internet and inspired hilarious bathroom-related jokes. @AaronWherry We've smelled worse on Parliament Hill tom mills (@humourmetom) November 15, 2016 @AaronWherry I don't understand why @ElizabethMay raised such a stink. PM Turdeau (@turdeau) November 16, 2016 Vilanova (Barcelona), 20 Nov 2016 (SPS) Participants in the 41st European Conference of Support and Solidarity with the Saharawi People (EUCOCO 2016) called Saturday at the end of the work of this international event, the new Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, "to carry out without delay the decolonization of Western Sahara". In their final declaration, the participants urged the new UN SG" to allow the Saharawi people to freely exercise their right to self-determination" and thus put an end to "the Moroccan occupation, repression, Imprisonment and plundering of natural resources ". "We call on the occasion of this Eucoco 2016, to put an end to the passivity of the Security Council in the face of the actions of the Morocco that acts with impunity," underlined the participants before demanding "the complete return of the civil component of MINURSO, and the reinstatement of its functions ". They also welcomed the resistance of the Saharawi civilian populations who bravely still face the violent repression of the Moroccan occupier, and recalled "the urgent need to extend MINURSO's mandate to the protection of human rights in the Sahara Western ". Moreover, the participants in (EUCOCO 2016) reminded the United Nations on the occasion of the COP22 in Morocco, "that a green occupation remains an occupation". The EUCOCO, adds the final document, commends the African Union for its essential contribution to the resolution of the conflict in Western Sahara, and denounces the unacceptable attempts of Morocco which, by its project of integration with the African Union, simply wants "to parasitize this continental organization without respect of the internal criteria contained in the Charter and the Constitutive Act of the African Union". The Vilanova conference finally welcomes the work carried out during this 41st EUCOCO and gives an appointment to all the movements of solidarity and support to the Saharawi people throughout the world, next year in Paris. This new edition of EUCOCO, attended by more than 300 people, representatives of the friendly associations with the Saharawi people, parliamentarians from various countries in Africa and Europe, representatives of Spanish political parties, allowed to pay tribute to the late President Mohamed Abdelaziz, who died on 31 May 2016 and to emphasize his qualities, his humanism and his determination to see the process of self-determination accomplished. This international conference was also an opportunity to send a strong message of support to the new president of the SADR and Secretary-General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, who has been subject to judicial maneuvers instrumentalized by the Moroccan propaganda. This gesture, which has been indicated, was noted, is in line with the acts of repression adopted by all the colonial powers against the great leaders of the liberation movements (SPS) 062/090/TRAB MILFORDThree protesters have posted a video showing themselves posed with anti-meat-eating signs at Whole Foods Saturday, protesting the consumption of turkey meat ahead the Thanksgiving holiday. Birds like Avery do not deserve to die just because we want to confirm their bodies, says Tiffany Walker, 28, of East Hartford, to the camera. A few shoppers walk by in the video submitted by Walker, an activist and investigator with Direct Action Everywhere, a network of animal rights activists. DxE has protested Whole Foods in person and online following their release of guerrilla videos which they say document inhumane farming practices among the grocery chains supplier, Jaindl Farms in Pennsylvania. Last Thanksgiving, President Obama thanked the farm for donating turkeys to the annual White House pardoning ceremony. I need to ask you to leave, please, an unidentified man tells walker in the Milford Whole Foods. The police (are) on the way, guys. Before the cops arrive, the three protesters exit the store chanting animal rights slogans. Jaindl Farms told the Washington Post that the videos are misleadingly edited. DxE criticizes the humane labeling at Whole Foods, pointing to other meat sources that they have criticized in the past. A spokesman for Whole Foods gave the following statement. Whole Foods Market has the highest animal welfare standards in the industry, and we take any allegations of mistreatment of animals by a supplier very seriously. We immediately contacted Jaindl Farms who confirmed that we do not source turkeys from the farm in this video. We only source turkeys from facilities that have third-party Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certification. Whole Foods Market is the only grocer that requires GAP certification, and we only purchase turkeys raised under the strict guidelines outlined under the certification program. This article has been updated to correct the city of residents of Walker, which is East Hartford. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate In water-rich New England, where scenic lakes and rivers define the landscape and personality of the region, its hard to imagine a drought of historic proportions. But a drought more severe than any since the 1960s has been stressing water supplies in Connecticut and other states for the last 29 months, the result of higher than normal temperatures and a steady deficit in rainfall. Reservoirs particularly in Greenwich and Stamford are dangerously low, and the state late last month issued its first drought watch, calling for voluntary 15 percent reductions in water use. Some private wells have dried up, leaving homeowners with no water, and regional water companies are struggling to keep the clear liquid flowing through millions of household taps. Its a bad drought, said Peter Fazekas, a spokesman for the Bridgeport-based Aquarion Water Co. Stream flows are at levels expected to occur five times every 100 years. With overall rainfall at less than 80 percent of what normally falls statewide, reservoirs are feeling the impact, and mandatory and voluntary water reductions have been issued across the state. On average, reservoirs across the state are at 79 percent of capacity. More Information Rainfall totals in Fairfield County October 3.53 inches of rain 83% of the historical average of 4.54 inches Last 12 months 40.61 inches of rain 81% of the yearly average of 50.21 inches Last 24 months 87.67 inches of rain 87% of the yearly average of 100.42 inches Water restrictions Mandatory restrictions: Greenwich, Stamford, South Norwalk Electric and Water customers Mandatory restriction means no lawn irrigation, car washing and other heavy uses. Voluntary restrictions: all Aquarion water customers, Danbury and the Norwalk First Taxing District Voluntary restriction calls for a 10 to 15 percent reduction in water use. Drought status Drought watch: Residents and businesses are requested to voluntarily reduce water demand by 15 percent. Drought watch in effect for Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, New Haven and Fairfield counties Drought advisory: Residents and businesses are asked to reduce water usage by 10 percent. Drought advisory in effect for Windham and New London counties USGS wells tell tale November groundwater levels 1. Salisbury18 feetavg. 13 feet 2. Southbury22 feetavg. 15 feet 3. Newtown11 feetavg. 7 feet 4. Greenwich45 feetavg. 15 feet 5. Clinton11 feetavg. 6 feet 6. Durham13 feetavg. 10 feet 7. Marlborough12 feetavg. 6 feet 8. Mansfield24 feetavg. 18 feet Low water facts Drought Watch in effect for Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, New London and Fairfield Counties. Drought Watch: residents and businesses are requested to voluntarily reduce water demand by 15 percent. Drought Advisory: residents and businesses are asked to reduce water usage by 10 percent. Rainfall totals in Fairfield County: Fairfield Country in October received 3.53 inches of rain, 83 percent of the historical average of 4.54 inches for the month. Over the last 12 months, Fairfield County received 40.61 inches of rain, 81 percent of the yearly average of 50.21 inches Over the last 24 months, Fairfield County received 87.67 inches of rain, 87 percent of the yearly average of 100.42 inches Fairfield county towns and cities under mandatory or voluntary water restrictions. A mandatory restriction means no lawn irrigation, car washing and other heavy uses. A voluntary restriction calls for a 10 to 15 percent reduction in water use. Mandatory restrictions: Greenwich, Stamford, South Norwalk Electric and Water Voluntary restrictions: all Aquarion water customers, Danbury and the Norwalk First Taxing District See More Collapse Western Fairfield County has been particularly hard hit. Reservoir capacity in Greenwich is at 24 percent of capacity, and Stamfords reservoirs are at 34 percent of capacity. The water in a Greenwich well monitored by federal authorities was 45 feet below ground this month; normally, the water begins at 15 feet below ground. The state Department of Public Health recently authorized use of an 8,000-foot, above-ground temporary pipeline along the Merritt Parkway, to bring millions of gallons of water a day from larger, more robust reservoirs in the Bridgeport region to Stamford, Greenwich and New Canaan. While those reservoirs, built during the 1930s to support long-gone manufacturing, are retaining more water, they are still hovering around 60 percent of capacity. The temporary pipeline will link into existing pipe systems that bring water downstate. Its clear that the current drought is continuing to present challenges for Connecticuts public water suppliers, said Raul Pino, commissioner of the state Department of Public Health. I continue to encourage all Connecticut residents to conserve water during our continuing drought. Bone dry Some homeowners are discovering that their wells are drying up. Its a serious issue, said Nancy Brault, Director of Health in Monroe. We dont know how many (drained wells) are out there. Weve had at least five or six in the last week. Theyre all over. Steve Vavrek, the towns first selectman, said hes been contacted by well owners. I know about five of them came in asking about what they can do, Vavrek said. Its like if the power goes out. It hasnt happened to this extent across the state. Ive never experienced something this bad. State officials dont often use terms such as historic when describing events, but the lingering drought is drawing such descriptions. We have not seen this since the 1960s, said Douglas Glowacki, a state emergency management specialist, referring to the last major drought. There also was a severe drought in the 1920s. Some events have come close, but did not exceed this, Glowacki said. Glowacki said the drought officially began in June 2014, and has gone on for 29 months. This is the most recent of a long-term dry spell, and a rainfall thats 80 percent of normal, Glowacki said. Eventually, we will pull out of it. Glowacki said in the 1960s, the states rainfall was 27 to 36 inches below normal, and the current drought is close to that level at about 20 to 22 inches below normal rainfall. In Fairfield County, rainfall is 18 to 22 inches below normal. Other parts of New England and much of New York State are experiencing similar dry conditions. Portions of New York and New England have been in an extreme drought for 6 to 10 weeks, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its most recent advisory. Drought conditions intensified during the summer of 2016, with extreme drought introduced in parts of New York and New England in August, NOAA said. It was the first time several of these areas had experienced (extreme) conditions since (drought monitoring) began in 1999. NOAA reported that New Hampshire has enacted water restrictions and bans; Maine is encouraging residents to conserve water; Massachusetts issued warnings ranging from drought advisories to emergencies; and New York State has four regions where conditions range from drought watch to drought emergency. In Connecticut, six of the eight counties Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, New London and Fairfield are under a drought watch. Residents in those counties have been asked to conserve and cut water use by 15 percent. Mandatory restrictions banning the washing of cars, watering lawns and other heavy water uses are in effect in Greenwich, Stamford and parts of Norwalk. After three years of precipitation shortfalls, we are moving to a drought watch, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said last month as he announced the designation. It would be extremely helpful if residents could be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to help stretch our water supply. Blame the weather Glowacki said the drought is the result of a consistent weather pattern that has kept the normal west-to-east flow of systems from picking up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and other coastal regions, which translates into less rain. It is a pattern that is not scooping up enough moisture, Glowacki said. The jet stream is not moving from the north to pick up moisture. We expect the pattern to change and become more consistent. Glowacki said the unusual weather pattern was not initially apparent. We didnt notice it until last year when the reservoirs started to go below normal, he said. We get rainfall and people say this should not be happening. But 1 or 2 inches is not enough from a couple of storms, Glowacki said. In the 60s, it was just pure bad luck. I think now its much more the way the jet stream is moving. If there is not enough snowfall this winter, it could be a lot more serious in the spring. Glowacki said he does not believe the drought is related to climate change. Weather is short-term climate change, Glowaski said. Climate change is long-term and long-term climate change does not have an impact on short-term weather. STAMFORD Antoinette Toni Khan has seen the Senior Centers Elderly Hispanic Program nearly triple in size in the past four years with little outreach. Khan, the programs coordinator who is a native of Ecuador, discussed her role helping a diverse group of older Hispanic residents during the four-day-a-week program. Q: How did you become involved in providing senior services to Hispanic residents? Do you have a background in social services? A: Not before. I was a lawyer in Ecuador and moved to this country 16 years ago. I worked with non-profits, including literacy volunteers here and then my husband was transferred to Tokyo and I took part in a group called the Intellectual Circle of Latin Culture, which presented Latino culture to the people of Japan. When I came back and tried to get in the labor force, I found this wonderful opportunity. Q: Has the program been growing in recent years? A: The program used to have 10 to 15 people in it four years ago, but now I have 30 to 40 seniors a day who come here for services. Q: Beyond the usual senior center programs that are used by all the visitors, what kind of services are tailored to their needs? Do they need any particular assistance? A: There is no typical member in the program. We have people who have been here 40 or 50 years and are now retired and live with their children and take care of their grandchildren after school. There are also people who have been here for five months. The origin of members goes from Mexico to Argentina. An example of something that happens is they get a lot of junk mail and they bring it to me. In one instance, a woman filled out a life insurance form and committed to pay for a policy and didnt know what she was doing. There are also letters from the Social Security Administration or state social services that they might have to answer right now. Two days a week, we have English as a second language class. Some people want just to be able to have conversational English and some people are just trying to acquire vocabulary. For instance, when they go to the doctor they need to be able to say, I have a headache. What do you need to understand when you go grocery shopping? We use crosswords, puzzles and pictures and we can go over the same topic in several different ways. It can be hard for people to learn at a certain age; they forget Thursday what they learn on Tuesday. Q: How much discussion or attention did the outcome of the U.S. presidential election create in the group? Were there concerns about the ramifications for Latinos in the area? A: They were very very worried about the results of the election and it was important for me to attend a conference at Neighbors Links last week and hear from the mayor, the head of schools and police that things are not going to change for them. I network a lot and go to many meetings to bring them what is going on in the community and now they feel more informed. One of the concerns for people who use the program is their health insurance being impacted. At the same time, we have to be optimistic and try to see things in a positive way. My biggest concern is that many of them get their citizenship. We have about 20 people who are ready. You have to wait five years and do an application. Id like to work on that right now, more so than expanding the program, though I still think there are so many people who dont know about this. Q: Are there other ways where cultural differences are a factor in how you provide services? A: I try to introduce them to American culture. We talk about the news, including the cabinet appointments and the election. At the same time, this senior center has about 800 seniors who use it. It is beautiful they(Hispanics) have their own group, but I want them to know they are part of the program and if they didnt socialize they would be isolated. I think its important they go to the same yoga or tai-chi classes. There are also some people whove never been in a school environment who are very nervous about being in a group. It is not something they are used to. Q: What is most rewarding about your job? A: This is not a job for me. It is a blessing everyday to come and spend time with them and it is very rewarding to know when you go to bed you helped somebody apply for insurance or deal with another issue. When the program ends at 1 p.m., they might come in and talk for 45 minutes about an issue and you become connected not only to them but their children and grandchildren and you know what is going on. For more information about the Hispanic Elderly Program, contact Khan at mkhan1@stamfordct.gov or call her at 203-977-5151. DECATUR -- The Decatur Jaycees Christmas Parade celebrates the arrival of Santa Claus to Decatur for the holiday season. The Decatur Family YMCA made sure Rudolph made it, too. Rudolph, in this case, was a YMCA bus with a red nose on the grill, ears on the side windows and antlers mounted on the roof. The nose, antlers, ears and windows were surrounded in lights. Everything at the Christmas Parade was glowing. The parade strolled through downtown Decatur in a blur of candy and lights on Saturday night. This was the first cold weekend of the fall -- temperatures were in the mid-30s and a 15-mile-an-hour breeze made it feel like it was in the upper 20s -- but that didnt keep a large crowd from lining the parade route. It began heading north on Franklin, turned left on East Main Street and circled back to the Ameren Illinois parking lot on East Macon Street. There were 57 entries total, many of them months in the making. For the YMCA, which won the parade's contest for best use of lights, there was a lot of thought just in choosing the theme of Rudolph. The YMCA is an anti-bullying zone, and we wanted something that represented that, said Sara Hoban, YMCA membership and marketing director. The other reindeer didnt want to play with Rudolph because he was different, but everyone is welcome at the Y. Much of the construction was completed over the course of Saturday, but before the parade someone was on the bus roof fixing the antlers while driver Royce Duff directed. Last-minute adjustments are pretty normal when youre in a parade, Hoban said. You never know whats going to happen in the weather. The Near Westside Restoration and Preservation Societys Marcel Parker began preparing for the parade in September. She restored several 1890s gowns found in local thrift stores and was among the group of six decked out in pink and purple, complete with matching period coats to stay warm. We restore houses and that kind of thing, and I restore the dresses, Parker said. We repair them, hem them and dye them. Parker became interested in restoration when she moved into a house built in the 1897. I restored the house, and from there I started restoring dresses and vintage clothes, Parker said. Twenty-eight kids from Cub Scout Pack 17 out of St. Patrick and Holy Family churches rode on a floating gingerbread house. It was designed by Weblos leader Mary Wetzel, but the kids did much of the work over the course of 11 hours spread over three days. Pack 17's entry won the contest for best use of theme. "The boys got together and painted all the lollipop and candy decorations -- they got a little help from the moms and dads, too," pack chairman Aaron Craycraft said. "But they did a lot of it." The base of the house was an old trolley Pack 17 borrowed from New Day Church. "It kind of looked like a house already, so all we had to do was put some decorations and lights on it," Wetzel said, laughing. The Dynamic Diamonds -- a teen dance program out of Old King's Orchard Community Center -- didn't have a float, but according to their leader, Aniyah Primm, were eager to debut their dance squad to Decatur. "I started this team because I used to be on the Decatur Power Drillers, but ever since Miss Pat (Pat Irons) died there hasn't been anything in Decatur for people who want to dance," said Primm, a MacArthur High School junior. "Everybody here wants to dance. These are all my friends and we came out here to start doing it." The Chairman's Choice for best overall float went to Paul's Confectionery. It's entry featured a big, steaming bowl of chili with red lights and dry ice making the steam. It also had a milkshake. "The theme for the parade was 'It's a Wonderul Life,' and I thought their float was a really good use of that theme," said Tanya Haubner of the Illinois Jaycees. "Paul's is a unique place, and it represents something wonderful about living in Decatur." The parade raised $750 that go to Camp New Hope in Mattoon, a summer camp for disabled children. Is your company ready to go global with ecommerce? Maybe it should be. Opportunities to sell globally are substantial and growing. While ecommerce retail sales in the United States are rising -- expected to reach $523 billion in the next five years -- that number is growing even more rapidly worldwide. Globally, business-to-consumer (B2C) online sales is on pace to exceed $2 trillion by 2017. E-sales in Asia Pacific will surpass those in North America during that same year. The increased use of mobile devices in those regions, plus better payment systems and advanced shipping methods, are contributing to this trend. Consumers in many overseas markets cant get the products they want in local markets. This presents a huge opportunity for U.S. retailers. But launching overseas isnt easy. If you think youre ready to expand your online retail footprint across borders, you need to consider some important factors. 1. Assess supply and demand. To get a clearer picture of your probability for success in other markets, first assess your business from the local point of view in your product's new space. Conduct a regional analysis around local competitors, product demand, pricing and consumer behavior. According to ecommerce provider Pitney Bowes, organizations need to make sure they have a full understanding of what theyre selling today and the current demand in international markets. This knowledge will help you home in on the size of the market that exists, the supply-and-demand dynamic for your product and the price at which it can be sold. For example, McKinsey found that most online spending in China can be attributed to just a handful of online retail segments: apparel, recreation, education and household products. This presents an undeniable opportunity within these markets. Similarly, another study discovered that Australia is one of the strongest markets for U.S.-based online retail. The duty threshold and minimal local supply allow goods to move across borders at an affordable cost. These early learnings either enable ecommerce operations to succeed abroad or doom them to fail in far-flung places. 2. Localize your product. Businesses that launch physical products in international markets usually need to augment or adapt their solutions to support local preferences. Many U.S.-based businesses have failed to bring existing products to new markets because company leaders think that aggressive marketing or pricing can change entrenched cultural appetites. One of the most famous examples is Mattel, the toy powerhouse. It failed to launch Barbie in China several years ago due to just such a disconnect. According to reports, Barbies look wasnt attractive to Chinese women. Mattel disregarded local consumer tastes, including the cutesy pink clothes aesthetic popularized by Hello Kitty. The sexy Western Barbie was simply off-putting. Mattel poured resources into the market, and Barbie has since rebounded in China. However, this type of mistake would be insurmountable for smaller companies. Related: Nutella Burgers and Other Crazy Fast Food Items From Around the World 3. Localize your site. Authentic localization is a crucial driver for regionalized sales. Your ecommerce site experience should reflect the time and care you spent customizing the product itself. Consumers won't make a purchase if they don't understand your product or can't tune in to your message. In fact, 87 percent of consumers who cant read English wont purchase products or services from an English-language website, while 60 percent of global customers rarely buy on English-language sites. Believe it or not, some companies rely on Google translate to approximate different languages when expanding internationally. According to Russell Goldsmith, Director at U.K. translation company Conversis, this type of website shortcut is a mistake. If you care about your audience in that local territory, you could end up making things worse for yourself because anyone who speaks that language will see that its been automated, and that its not perfect for their language, Goldsmith says. Recruit a local team to help your ecommerce experience adapt to a new market. Make certain your message translates to appeal to consumers in terms of language, style, tone, shopping habits and terminology. Its also a good idea to include a glossary of terms for translators to keep your brands messaging intact. 4. Set prices accordingly. When you enter a new market, you must price based on local currency. But price points that work in the United States dont always work elsewhere. Competitive pricing is important in any market -- and it's determined by the local environment. More than half of consumers give more attention to an ecommerce site that has goods at local prices. Many factors contribute to local pricing in global markets. These include: Cost to manufacture the product Fluctuations in foreign currencies Price an international customer will pay Your competitors' pricing Local regulatory or tax environment It's also important to support each regions preferred payment method. While its exhausting to track so many purchasing habits, it can positively affect how your product sells. According to Ontraport, 50 percent of Germans prefer paying with bank transfers, while many Chinese customers favor the international payment platform Alipay. If a customer tries to buy an international product and doesnt see a preferred payment option, she or he probably will leave your site and look elsewhere. Offering a wide range of payment tools increases your products global reach. Related: A Guide to International Payment Preferences 5. Focus on privacy and customer data. If youre building a global ecommerce site, you must understand how privacy and customer data pertains to overseas consumers. Customers want to know their privacy is being protected. They need reassurance their personal information wont be used for unrelated business without their consent. Cyber safety is a huge problem plaguing modern ecommerce. According to a Norton study, 40 percent of mobile shoppers in the Middle East and North Africa have been victims of cyber crimes. And 71 percent reported observing digital attacks in their region. Alternatively, European consumers are notoriously protective about their privacy online. Put privacy front-and-center in messaging across your site experience to allay these fears. And back up those words by investing in the technology to keep customers' private information, private. Youll want a team in place to manage compliance and other security and privacy-related costs. An EU study points out two of the biggest challenges in cross-border trade: (1) the expenses synonymous with consumer-protection rules and contract law and (2) the costs of fraud and non-payment. Related: Brexit Is Complicating Digital Marketing and EU Data Privacy Expanding into the global ecommerce arena can be a challenging yet profitable new step for established and emerging brands alike. Keep the right priorities in mind to minimize the bumps, and you'll accelerate your success in a new corner of the international online marketplace. Related: Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved This week when were gathered around our Thanksgiving tables, we might think about ALICE. ALICE? We may not realize it, but we all know ALICE. We encounter ALICE everyday and depend upon ALICEs many services. ALICE might be a receptionist, secretary, clerical assistant, food service worker, salesperson, nursing assistant, personal care aide, landscaper, cleaning person, or someone working in another job essential to our economy. Although we know ALICE, we may not realize how hard ALICE struggles, just trying to make ends meet. Were likely unaware of the daily challenges ALICE faces, all the difficult choices often impossible choices ALICE must make just to survive. ALICE is an acronym: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The members of ALICE households are working people, usually hard-working people, who hold jobs that do not pay a living wage. In other words, the jobs they hold do not pay enough for them to afford lifes most basic necessities: housing, food, child care, health care and transportation. Its about raising awareness, Greenwich United Way president and CEO David Rabin said during a recent interview at the Greenwich United Ways Lafayette Court office, noting that many Greenwich residents are unaware of ALICE who lives and works among us. Rabin will be presenting ALICE to the Greenwich community at 11 a.m. Monday at Greenwich Library, hoping to increase community awareness. The session is open to the public. United Way agencies throughout the country have been conducting ALICE studies, beginning with the 2007-2009 recession. Rabins presentation will be based on a recent report prepared by the United Way agencies of Connecticut from data gathered in 2014. The original Connecticut report, based on 2012 data, was released in 2014. ALICE consists of households that have incomes above the Federal Poverty Level, but still below the bare minimum needed for economic survival in a given area. The ALICE threshold, or average basic household survival budget for Connecticut in 2014, was $22,656 for a single adult and $70,788 for a family of four. By contrast, the 2014 Federal Poverty Level for a single adult was $11,670 and $23,850 for a family of four. In other words, the Alice survival threshold is nearly three times the poverty level for a family of four, and just more than twice the poverty level for a single adult. The shocking thing revealed in the recent ALICE report is that 38 percent of Connecticut households which includes 11 percent with incomes below the poverty level cannot meet a basic survival budget, and this percentage has been increasing over time, up from 30 percent in 2007, which included 8 percent with incomes below the poverty level. In Greenwich, the percentage of households that do not meet the income threshold for basic survival is 20 percent, or about 4,400 Greenwich households. Although the Greenwich Department of Social Services sets eligibility at 200 percent of the poverty level which in 2016 is $23,760 for a single adult and $48,600 for a family of four this still excludes many households below the ALICE survival threshold, which is $71,292 for a family of four in Fairfield County. The department currently serves about 1,600 Greenwich households, or about 4,000 individuals. According to Greenwich Commissioner of Social Services Alan Barry, the federal poverty guidelines do not adequately reflect the challenges presented by the cost of living in our area and are not an accurate measure of the need. The ALICE guidelines are a better measure, he said. A holiday like Thanksgiving presents an added challenge for those below the ALICE threshold, who must often choose between food and paying the rent. According to Monica Bruning, Director of Social Services Programs at the Greenwich Department of Social Services, the department will provide 438 households with Thanksgiving dinners, all donated from the community. Neighbor-To-Neighbor, a nonprofit agency that provides food and clothing to families, also at 200 percent of the poverty level, will give out an additional 500 turkeys donated from the community, according to Executive Director Nancy Coughlin. Donating turkey dinners is charitable and makes us feel good, but what about affordable housing, child care, health care, higher education, and transportation? What about a living wage? As we count our Thanksgiving blessings, ALICE brings food for serious thought. Alma Rutgers served in Greenwich town government for 25 years. Her blog is at blog.ctnews.com/rutgers/. In case youre in denial about the state of the state, Connecticut Business & Industry Association economist Pete Gioia made his characterization as blunt as possible last week: One or two months of losses can be an anomaly, but four months in a row of job losses is a trend. Gioia was commenting from the sidelines on the number of state jobs that vanished in October. Those 7,200 voices could raise the volume considerably on that Greek Chorus. One of the most discouraging observations from Gioia was that the falling unemployment rate that dovetails with the job losses is likely a sign of surrender from the unemployed. People without jobs have simply stopped looking. So lets recognize Connecticut for what it is: A state in peril. Its hard to lure new companies to a neighborhood with a shaky reputation. The latest dark prognosis comes at a time when the state is making decisions about what measures it must take to ensure existing business do not start booking their own flight plans. Last week, the State Bond Commission rewarded $28 million in forgivable loans and $7 million in grants to the Greenwich-based hedge fund AQR Capital Management, a state company for 12 years. Yes, dear taxpayer, you are footing the bill for the expansion of one of the worlds largest hedge funds. If that feels as tortured as trying to decide how to vote a few weeks ago, take a deep breath and consider the realities of the decision. A successful company is cutting a deal to keep 540 jobs in Connecticut while creating another 600 over the next decade. The commission approved a similar deal in May to lend $22 million to Bridgewater Associates for an expansion in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton. We appreciate the resistance of State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, a Democrat and a member of the Bond Commission, who sees the states wallet as too thin to make these kinds of investments. But this is not the same as a person below the poverty line squandering cash on lottery tickets. Connecticut has to make careful investments to climb out of this hole, and must protect the income tax revenues of firms such as AQR, as the companys jobs are high-paying. The danger is that more large firms will treat the state as an ATM. These are hardly the kind of entrepreneurial companies Malloy has pledged to champion throughout his administration. The state needs to grow new businesses while supporting successful strategies. Luring jobs from out-of-state seems unlikely in the near future, but nurturing the financial industry could encourage other hedge funds to move here and discourage existing ones from crossing our borders. Legislative opponents of Malloys First Five economic program are raising their voices again about reviving the process in which such deals had to undergo consideration by the legislature. Its worth revisiting the discussion, as a good deal should stand up to needed scrutiny. This deal is not the stuff of good politics, but that doesnt mean its not good business. A murder investigation has been launched after a man was stabbed to death in a row outside a church in south London. The victim, aged in his 30s, died in hospital hours after he was knifed outside St Giles Church in Camberwell. Police and paramedics raced to the scene after the attack on Saturday morning. The victim was rushed to hospital where medics battled to save his life but he was pronounced dead. Emergency services had been called to reports of an assault in Camberwell Church Street near the junction with Wilson Road shortly after 9am. Police cordon: Officers sealed off the road in Camberwell / @FrStanley2 The murder scene remained cordoned off late into the night as forensics officers investigated. Photos posted on social media by passers-by on Saturday morning showed police officers guarding a cordon outside the church. Traffic builds up at the police cordon near to the junction with Wilson Road / @m_mikulina Witness Maria Mikulina told the Standard the road was majorly closed off with multiple police cars lining the street. Chris Barraclough tweeted: "Latest from Camberwell. Overheard in the shop that it's a stabbing. Police officers speak to witnesses near the scene of the attack / @humanimated "A serious one from the amount of police involved. Too much of this." Another man tweeting under the name LondonTony also shared a picture of the scene and wrote: "Camberwell Green sealed off by police." A Met police spokesman said: Officers attended and found a man - believed aged in his 30s - suffering stab injuries. "He was taken to a south London hospital by London Ambulance Service. The man died at hospital. Next of kin have been informed. There have been no arrests in connection with the killing. Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command investigate. Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 721 4205 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A man stabbed to death in a churchyard in south London has been named by police. Mohamed Kakay, 33, was knifed in the grounds of St Giles Church in Camberwell on Saturday morning. Police said he staggered along a path from the rear of the churchyard after he was stabbed and collapsed on the pavement outside. Shocked passers-by dialled 999 and battled to try and save Mr Kakay where he lay in St Giles Church Street until emergency services arrived. Police cordon: Officers sealed off the road in Camberwell / @FrStanley2 Police and paramedics raced to the scene near to the junction with Wilson Road after receiving emergency calls at 9.15am. Mr Kakay, from Bromley, was rushed to hospital where medics fought to save his life. He was pronounced dead later that afternoon. A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held at a south London police station, police said on Sunday. Police officers speak to witnesses near the scene of the attack / @humanimated The murder scene remained cordoned off late into Saturday night as forensics officers investigated. Officers believe Mr Kakay entered the churchyard at about 9am - 15 minutes before they received a 999 call reporting the attack. Police said the footpath around the church is said to be popular with dog walkers and is often used as a shortcut. Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command have launched a murder probe. Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling, who is leading the investigation, said: "We understand that the grounds and footpaths around St Giles Church are popular in the local area with dog walkers, and by people using them as a 'cut through'. "So, we are appealing to anyone who was in or around the area of the church at around 9am on Saturday morning to contact our incident room. "My team and I are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything at that time. It is possible someone may have witnessed something that can assist our investigation." Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. A pensioner who died in hospital after she was hit by a car in south-east London was named by police today. Beryl Chenery, 81, was left fighting for her life in hospital after she was struck by a silver Ford Fiesta in Bexleyheath. Emergency services raced to the scene of the crash in Townley Road at about 2.10pm on November 4. Mrs Chenery, from Bexleyheath, was rushed to an east London hospital in a critical condition. She died on Wednesday and her next of kin have been informed, police said. The driver of the Ford Fiesta, a woman, stopped at the scene of the crash and was not arrested. Police have made a fresh appeal for witnesses to the crash to come forward. Anyone with information should call the Roads and Transport Policing Command on 0208 285 1574 or the police non-emergency line on 101. T he father of a London teenager who won a legal battle to be frozen after she died from cancer has slammed companies offering the technique for selling false hope. The 14-year-old terminally-ill girls remains were cryogenically frozen in the hope she could be revived in the future. Her wishes, which were supported by her mother, had sparked a legal dispute with her father who went to court to try and stop her plan. She won a landmark High Court case shortly before she died on October 17. But her grieving dad who claimed he had not seen his daughter for nine years before her death - has now publicly hit out at firms which practise the cryogenically frozen technique. The case went to the High Court in London with the final hearing shortly before the girl's death. (Shutterstock ) / Shutterstock In an interview with the Mail on Sunday he heavily criticised the Cryonics Institute in Michigan, where the girl is being stored. He said: I believe they are selling false hope to those who are frightened of dying - taking advantage of vulnerable people. "When I asked if there was even a one in a million chance of my daughter being brought back to life, they could not say there was. Cryogenics: storage chambers at Alcor, one of two companies in the United States that offers to store frozen bodies / Reuters/Alamy "I think it would be doubly impossible to both bring her back from the dead and cure her cancer, and companies should not hold out some false hope." The cryonics technique sees scientists preserve the persons body at a very low temperature by replacing all their blood with a special solution before placing the body into a container of liquid nitrogen at -196C. Clive Coen, a neuroscience professor at King's College London, said cryogenics companies should not be allowed to advertise because there is no evidence the technique works in humans. He told the Guardian: "There is no evidence outside amphibia and tissue slices that any of this works. We're not at a point where regulation is appropriate. The whole body is just ridiculous and the whole brain is only slightly less ridiculous." The judge's ruling was made in October but could not be revealed until after her death. The girl could not be named for legal reasons. F rench is the easiest language for native English speakers to learn, a new study has revealed. The average time taken to become fluent in French is 550 hours, the equivalent of 23 days, according to research from translation service LanguageLine. By comparison, the Welsh language takes an average of 1,040 hours of tuition, more time than is required to learn Swahili. The second quickest to learn is Portuguese at 575 hours, followed by Italian at 590 hours and Spanish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, at 600. German is considerably more difficult, taking 750 hours. The study estimates tuition costs as 27 an hour, meaning it would cost 28,000 to learn Welsh but 14,850 to become fluent in French. Some 220 million people speak French across the world, while just over 300,000 Welsh speakers remain. The study also found that Arabic, Mandarin and Korean all take 2,200 hours for a Brit to learn, equating to 59,400. Julie Brake, senior lecturer in Welsh at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: I dont think you can categorise a language as being either difficult or easy to learn but it is certainly easier to become fluent in a language which has similarities with your mother tongue. It is also easier to acquire a language if you are surrounded by fluent speakers of that language. Welsh learners, particularly those in predominantly English speaking areas of Wales often lack the direct contact with fluent speakers which can facilitate the learning process. T he Queen is reportedly set to invite Donald Trump for a state visit next year as the government attempts to strengthen ties between the UK and US. Senior government officials are said to be putting together plans for the visit, using the Queen as a secret weapon to secure an early meeting with the President-elect. Discussions between Britain and Mr Trump are due to begin soon and an invitation for the tycoon to visit the Queen is likely to be issued once he is inaugurated on January 20, the Sunday Times reported. In an official phone call between Mr Trump and the PM after the election, the billionaire businessman said his mother had been a big fan of the Queen and asked Theresa May to pass on his best wishes. The Queen is the 'secret weapon' to secure an early meeting with the US President-elect / Getty Images Nigel Farage is currently the UK politician who knows Mr Trump best but it is hoped Theresa May will meet the new US leader soon. A source told the Sunday Times: The Queen is the key here. She's not a secret weapon, she's the biggest public weapon you have. Nigel Farage can't get [Trump] in front of the Queen." Another source said: "The government has decided that their secret weapon to get in with Trump is to offer him an early visit to the Queen, him and Melania staying at Windsor Castle." It is hoped an early meeting would also boost chances of striking a free trade deal between the UK and US. The PM has been invited to visit Mr Trump at the earliest possible opportunity and she is expected to travel to the US after he is sworn in as president. A Downing Street spokeswoman said no visit has yet been organised but the Prime Minister is looking forward to welcoming the president-elect to the UK when he chooses to visit. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the Government." DECATUR At the Good Samaritan Inn Saturday, there were plenty of reasons to smile. One was the polar bear cap sported by Shelia Brown, who was among about 50 diners waiting outside when the doors opened. I like your hat, volunteer Shirley York said, giving Brown a grin and a napkin. Thank you for coming. Another was the plateful after plateful of food, just like mother used to make, carried into the dining room to be enjoyed. I just moved here, Lee Brown said. I thank God for people who care enough to take care of their community like this. Thus began the sixth annual Thanksgiving dinner served to about 400 people in memory of Mama Ruby, a former chef and loving mother to Derrick L. Peter King, who celebrated his 52nd birthday Saturday. King remembers Ruby King Robinson as a compulsive giver who would start preparing for Thanksgiving a week ahead of time, all the while taking care to keep her favorite white apron spotless. It got on my nerves to see her toiling like that, he said. When I got in the kitchen, I 'cheated' and took shortcuts. After her death in 2009 at age 64, however, King decided the best way to preserve her legacy was to establish the Ruby King Robinson Feed My People Foundation and serve a free Thanksgiving dinner featuring her favorite recipes, starting in 2011. Preparation of the meal, which included turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and cranberry sauce, began Wednesday evening. The Airport Plaza Kroger donated the pumpkin pie for dessert, King said. The volunteers who help him include longtime family friends, members of his mother's congregation (Church of the Living God CWFF) or his (gtChurch), and seemed to be coming out of the woodwork Saturday morning. The Rev. Stacey Brohard, executive director of the Good Samaritan Inn, said he is only too happy to let King and his crew take over for the day. They do it up right, he said, and our patrons get that extra piece of attention from a different group of volunteers. Making her debut this year by preparing and serving sweet potatoes was Gloria Robbins, who said she knew Mama Ruby for more than 30 years. Returning helpers included Cresentia Woodfork of St. Louis, who brought along her daughter Janessa Corpuz-Burgess and her new son-in-law Eric Burgess to stand with her on the serving line and help celebrate King's birthday. They are related to him by marriage. Shirley York was among many who call King a friend who's like family, in her case because he was her son's caregiver for the two years leading up to his death in 2015. King is a patient health care provider with the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services. I don't know if it needed to be done, but I washed all the tables, York said. This is such a wonderful thing Derrick does, I wasn't going to just come here and stand. A James Bond stuntman has been killed after falling 300ft from a helicopter in an abseil race in China. Steve Truglia, from Wanstead, east London, who appeared in a string of blockbuster films, died on Thursday after the abseil stunt in Congqing in southern China went wrong. The 54-year-old, who had won awards for parachuting and mountaineering and held the world record for the fastest 100m abseil, appeared in James Bond movies Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough. He also starred in Saving Private Ryan. Friends said Mr Truglia, also a former SAS hero, and another stuntman were meant to be abseiling from the helicopter at the same time, the Sun reported. Authorities have refused to release further details about what happened to Mr Truglia during the stunt, according to the newspaper. Mr Truglia, 54, was killed after falling from a helicopter in an abseil race / Rex Features On his Facebook page, he told his followers of his plans to perform the stunt but said it had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. He posted: Im out here [in China] doing a big aerial stunt, when the weather breaks. Before boarding the helicopter to perform the stunt on Thursday, Mr Truglia, who served in the SAS and SBS for 20 years from 1980 to 2000, is said to have posted: Lets do this. His former military colleague and friend Phil Tunnicliffe told the Sun: We have not been able to find out much about what happened. He had meant to be attempting the stunt on Tuesday above the Wulong National Park but it had been put off until Thursday because of heavy mist and fog. All we have been told is that there was a fall, but that does not make sense to us. Steve was a professional stunt man and had done these types of abseils many times. It is claimed his death was revealed to his girlfriend in a garbled text from a Chinese woman. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: We have offered assistance to the family of a British national who has sadly died in Chongqing, China. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. MANCHESTER, N.H. More than 400 scarves were hanging on a park fence earlier this month in downtown Manchester, waiting for people with chilly necks and shoulders to snatch them up for the winter season. Within a day, they were gone. The hundreds of hand-knitted scarves are part of a project started two years ago by the Rev. Ruth Gallot, who was looking for a way to inspire parishioners at Longmeadow Congregational Church UCC in Auburn to contribute something more than just writing a check. "It was something simple that people could do," Gallot said "So often, people think there is no way (they) can make a difference in the world. We believe you do what you can." The first year, parishioners made 75 scarves to give out to people in the community. "I want to see people being warm. If I can do that little thing, I'm glad to do it," said Christine Hrycuna, who knitted 50 scarves this year. The group of knitters has grown in just two years, with groups donating yarn and other scarves and hats to give away. The reaction to the scarf project has been a mix of surprise and admiration, with many visitors finding it hard to believe they are getting one for free. "It does a good job," said Dawon Fulse, of Manchester, who picked out a scarf. "It keeps my neck warm, plus, actually, the colors match perfectly. And listen, everybody needs help." But at a nearby homeless shelter, not everyone felt the effort went far enough. The shelter received 75 of the scarves. "It's a nice gesture and I'm glad people want to do something to help," said Kevin Kintner, program director for the New Horizons for New Hampshire, a homeless shelter and food pantry. "But I wish they would look into ways they could address the issues on a deeper level. If people are knitting and make scarves, that is great. But hopefully they do other things, too." Gallot said she knows this gesture is not going to solve the problem of homelessness, but this is just another step her group can take. She said Longmeadow Church this summer provided weekly food deliveries to the shelter and planted seedlings at its greenhouse. Gallot said she's even gotten a call from a group in New York that wants to put their scarves in backpacks for the homeless, and she's also heard from groups in Los Angeles and Albuquerque, N.M., that want to start donation programs. Knitter Jackie Wood said she thinks helping out with scarf-making is a great cause. "It became even more meaningful when I went to the park and talked to the people who were taking the scarves and heard their stories," she said. The war on normalization has begun. The media is starting to normalize Donald Trump, and it should make you very scared, proclaims a headline at Salon. HBOs haughty in-house mocker, John Oliver, says, Optimism is nice if you can swing it, but youve got to be careful, because it can feed into the normalization of Donald Trump and hes not normal. There is scads more of this stuff, but I have two points to make, so lets keep moving. The first point is not particularly new, but its important to the handful of us with the sacred right to say, I told you so. Or put another way: Where the hell were you people before? Throughout the primaries, Trumps conservative opponents complained bitterly that the mainstream media was normalizing Trump. No one listened, for three reasons. Trump was good for ratings (and got billions worth of free media as a result). CBS honcho Les Moonves said that Trumps success may not be good for America, but its damn good for CBS. Second, the mainstream media and numerous liberal pundits loved Trumps impact on the GOP for the same reason bored teenagers like to throw lit matches into dumpsters: Garbage fires are fun to watch. The third reason is closely related to the second: The media thought Trump was more likely to lose to Hillary Clinton. (And so did the Clinton campaign itself, as we learned from WikiLeaks). In February, Jonathan Chait, a writer for New York Magazine and the author of a forthcoming book explaining how super-terrific Barack Obamas presidency was, wrote a piece titled Why liberals should support a Trump Republican nomination. He listed three reasons: Trump would lose, Trump would wreak havoc on the GOP, and Trump would be better than the other Republicans candidates. If he does win, Chait wrote, a Trump presidency would probably wind up doing less harm to the country than a Marco Rubio or a (Ted) Cruz presidency. It might even, possibly, do some good. The day after the election, Chait declared on Twitter This is the worst thing that has happened in my life. OK, then. Shortly after the election, Slates Jamelle Bouie wrote a piece titled Theres no such thing as a good Trump voter, likening some 60 million Americans to a racist lynch mob. Last year, Bouie penned an article with the headline Donald Trump is actually a moderate Republican. Of course, Chait and Bouie are not alone. Progressive figures such as Paul Krugman, Matt Yglesias, Robert Borosage, Amanda Marcotte and Bill Maher all said during the primaries that Trump was less scary than, say, Rubio or Cruz. (See Warren Henrys excellent survey in The Federalist for details.) Isnt it awfully late to be decrying the normalization of Trump when you were an early adopter of normalization because you thought the horrible Democratic nominee would have an easier time beating him? That brings me to my second point: the normalization of the Clintons. Liberals may have thought the Trump campaigns exploitation of the women Bill Clinton allegedly (and in some cases admittedly) sexually mistreated was tawdry and beyond the pale. Fair enough. But you know why such tactics worked? Because Bill Clinton was tawdry and beyond the pale but liberals not only normalized him, they lionized him and demonized his critics. You may object to Trumps allegedly shady business practices I certainly do. But I objected to the Clintons schemes as well. When the Clinton Foundation finally started to become an issue in the campaign, James Carville insisted that somebodys going to hell for daring to question the Olympian goodness of Clinton Inc. That encapsulates how the Clintons responded to all of their critics: great moral superiority combined with base intimidation. Liberals knew when Bill Clinton ran for president in 1992 that he was a tawdry, corner-cutting cad (and that Hillary Clinton was a conspiratorial schemer). But he was on their side, so it was OK. Besides, once elected, he deserved the benefit of the doubt even though he won a smaller share of the popular vote than Trump did because you only have one president at a time, and in a democracy, elections are inherently normalizing. Maybe Trump deserves similar treatment? Im not trying to start a pointless debate about who is more abnormal (though Id argue that Trump would win that contest). But its worth pointing out that when you spend a long time bending political norms for partisan reasons, those norms eventually break. And this is what you get. I was about to start this column with the words, When the dust finally settle on this recent election, but I am not sure we are even close to that point yet. Trump won; game over, right? Hardly! Clinton and Bernie Sanders supporters are taking to the streets in protest. Trump supporters are begging the country to give the man a chance. Half of the country is elated, the other half is devastated. Its time to let it go, but its hard with the national medias tunnel vision focused like a laser beam on things as meaningless as where Trump goes to lunch. In fact, the biggest disappointment to me in the entire presidential race was the press. Trump called out the press nearly every day of his campaign for not being fair by calling the election rigged because he claimed the national media was in the bag for Clinton. Lets be honest here; I dont think it was rigged, but this election more so than any other seemed to reveal the overwhelming support of the left by major media. I, along with you most likely, watched election night unfold and was flipping channels and the utter shock and disappointment of many of the networks was too much to hide. You could see it on their faces, hear it in their voices, and they began almost simultaneously to ask the question why they could be so wrong. And, they were wrong, all of them. Why? I believe it is because they abdicated their responsibility, often foregoing the major issues of our time, instead concentrating on the rumor of the day. I am sure it brought the guilty media ratings they wanted, but what of the people? Did we get shortchanged in the long run? Well, what do you think? Of course we did. For instance, what was Clintons and Trumps plan to reduce our $20 trillion debt? What was their plan to ensure Social Security and Medicare wont go belly-up as Obamacare seems to be doing? Were either of them asked if they could balance our budget? No, they were too busy answering questions from the press about emails and beauty contestants. Seriously, I dont have a way of proving it, but from my vantage point, the issues, so badly in need of serious discussion were neglected in favor of he-said, she-said meaningless twaddle. The media seemed more interested in what a candidate said than if what the candidate said was actually true. The media better wake up and look in the mirror to find the answer to, How could we be so wrong? Now as a member of that media I am ashamed. As a rural Nebraska daily newspaper we have no budget or resources to send a reporter along with the candidates for over a year, so we must rely on major media operations like the Associated Press for national news. I can tell you it was not an easy task seeking out balance from the AP either. But as ashamed of big media as I am, I am neither proud nor ashamed of the coverage the Star-Herald gave to the presidential election. Last week we were accused of being nothing more than a cog in the conservative Rightwings machine. That complaint came one day earlier than the one accusing us being an open proponent of the left, a liberal rag and a major Clinton supporter, So, in the end, it looks like we got our coverage about right. I am proud of our local election coverage. We put out a special edition well ahead of Election Day, giving a forum for local candidates running for contested positions. We did extensive research and work on the death penalty decisions we were all asked to make. Opinion pieces were overall balanced pretty well, but the editorial cartoon was not. Day after day it seemed our cartoon was poking fun at Trump. Hey, this is not all our fault. If you were a national political cartoonist, Trump had to be a dream-come-true for you, so our stable of cartoon options was often times as limited and biased as the national press. I am not disappointed with the outcome of the election. Americans demanded change, and Trump will bring change for sure. Lets hope is it the change he promised us; defeat ISIS, drain the swamp, secure our borders, improve our cities and education, improve trade, bring back manufacturing and jobs, and lower taxes, to name a few. Trump has also hinted about opening up libel laws so when newspapers say bad things about him, he could sue them. My advice to Trump would be, dont go there. I am the first to agree the press didnt live up to their responsibility, but the First Amendment doesnt say the press has to be responsible, it says the press must be free. So what went wrong this election? Nothing. Americans said no more business as usual Washington! So Washington, are you listening? I believe a lot of Americans also said to the press, no more businesses as usual. Do you agree? Greg.awtry@starherald.com Vance Vogler draws the line at pink camo. At least when the women in the family head out to hunt deer. Otherwise, camouflage is pretty much a staple of their wardrobe. Vogler got up early last Saturday to get the whole family set up for the November rifle opener. That includes his wife, Rose, and daughters Paige, 19; Katelyn, 14; and Jordan, 11. Everyone has their own rifle, and the list of gear keeps growing. It looks like Cabelas blew up in the basement before we get ready to go, he said. Its fun once you get there. The Murdock family was out in the timber near his parents home by 5:45 a.m. Lawrence and Kathy Vogler live on a farm north of Murdock. Vance Vogler didnt bother to bring a gun. I figured it was going to be tough enough to find four deer for the four girls, he said. It took until about 10 a.m. before all of his work paid off. By that time, most of the other hunters on the section had cleared out. Rose shot hers first in a cornfield, followed by Katelyn 45 minutes later in some timber. Jordan dropped hers 10 minutes later. Rose and Katelyn got 4x4s and Jordan a 2x2. Paige didnt get a deer and was going to try again this weekend. Katelyn said shes gotten a big buck the last two seasons when she sat with her dad. I got a bigger buck again this year so far, and my little sister gets mad because I keep on getting the bigger buck, Katelyn said. My older sister Paige, I guess, still has a chance to get one this weekend. Vogler built an enclosed stand several years ago, so the girls would be willing to come along despite the cold. Now, its something they look forward to. Vogler has a rifle range set up, and the girls will go out a few weeks early to shoot at milk jugs filled with water so theyre ready to go. I love hunting, and hunting with my family is my favorite thing to do. I love spending time with my family, said Katelyn, a freshman at Elmwood-Murdock. I love sitting with my dad out in timber and watching the deer, squirrels and even some coyotes and lots of other birds, and a little mouse in the leaves can make more noise than a deer sometimes. They process all of their own deer meat, a project Vogler said he started with his brothers when they were youngsters. The family couldnt afford to send the animals to a locker, so they learned to do it on their own. The meat from the four deer will usually last the family until the next season. The sausages and deer sticks are popular when the girls have friends over. Vogler is a black powder man, and he said hell get his chance when the muzzleloader season opens in December. Ill probably do a little antler hunting, he said. "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 "There's no such thing as shovel-ready projects." -- President Obama, September 2010 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 funds 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 ten least dense states than it was to the ten 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. 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, which means a lot of those hired for public projects would be taken away from private ones. 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. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will release rooster pheasants at 14 wildlife management areas in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The 14 areas are: Oak Valley (Madison County), Wilkinson (Platte County), Sherman Reservoir (Sherman County), Pressey (Custer County), Branched Oak (Lancaster County), Yankee Hill (Lancaster County), Twin Oaks (Johnson County), Hickory Ridge (Johnson County), Cornhusker (Hall County), Peru Bottoms (Nemaha County), William Gilmour/Tobacco Island (Cass County), Schilling (Cass County), Arrowhead (Gage County) and George Syas (Platte County). Schilling, Wilkinson and Peru Bottoms are non-toxic shot only, but otherwise all normal regulations apply. Hunters input needed The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking Iowa migratory game bird hunters what they liked and disliked about the 2016 migratory game bird seasons, as a first step in developing proposed 2017 migratory game bird season dates. Comments should be directed to Orrin Jones, state waterfowl biologist, at orrin.jones@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 1. Migratory game bird hunters will have the opportunity to provide additional comments in response to proposed dates and bag limits approved for comment by the Natural Resource Commission. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has adopted a regulatory schedule that requires seasons to be proposed before the current hunting seasons have concluded. Free archery event The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is holding a day of free archery Dec. 3 at Archery on Fire at Platte River State Park. All ages and experience levels are welcome for this event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Education Complex. Equipment and instruction will be provided. Archery, 3-D archery, crossbows and tomahawk throwing will be available. There also will be campground games, kids crafts and a Nerf gun range. All activities are offered at no cost. A park entry permit is required. Calendar SUNDAY Fort Robinson longhorn and buffalo sale, Crawford THURSDAY Thanksgiving Lunch, Eugene T. Mahoney SP, Ashland, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 29 Bighorn sheep hunting season opens Learn to hunt muzzleloader deer, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m. Introduction to Competition Rifle Shooting, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6 p.m. TORRINGTON, Wyo. -- Markets, prairie dogs and the weather are among topics that will be discussed during the 2016 Southeast Wyoming Beef Production Convention. Representatives from the National Weather Service, University of Wyoming, and the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver, Colo., are among the presenters. Action will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the Rendezvous Center on the Goshen County Fairgrounds in Torrington, Wyo. Sessions will begin shortly after 10 a.m., following a welcome by Caleb Carter, UW Goshen County Extension Educator, and Brian Sebade with UW Extension in Laramie, Wyo. The days agenda begins with the long term weather forecast by Chad Hahn of the National Weather Service, followed at 10:30 by a panel discussion regarding weather resources to keep you ahead of Mother Nature. The panel includes Windy Kelly, USDA Northern Plains Climate Hub; Hahn; and Chad McNutt, Regional Drought Information Systems Coordinator. Prairie dog control will follow with presenter Jenna Meeks, assistant superintendent at the Goshen County Weed & Pest office in Torrington, explaining why Turning the Other Cheek Doesnt Work when it comes to managing these pesky rodents. A catered lunch, included in the $20 registration fee, will be served 12:15-1 p.m. in the Rendezvous Center. Discussion on evaluating the costs and benefits of management changes over time will be addressed at 1 p.m. by John Hewlett, UW Extension. At the same time, in a separate session, Blake Hauptman, also of UW Extension, will tell how to save time and money with calmer cattle. At 2 p.m., personnel from the State Veterinary Office will give an update on the Veterinary Feed Directive, which takes effect in 2017. Scott Schell and Derek Scasta, both with UW Extension, will give a presentation on Integrated Pest Management practices with cattle lice and livestock parasites, in a simultaneous session. Following a break, Dallas Mount, Extension Educator at Wheatland, Wyo., will address Strategies for the Market Downturn, and UW Extension personnel John Hewlett and Carter, will lead a discussion on How well are You Mentoring the next Generation to Take Over the Farm/Ranch? during simultaneous sessions. Jim Robb, director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center in Denver, Colo., will complete the afternoon with a discussion on the Market Outlook, beginning about 4 p.m. The days activities will conclude with door prizes and a wrap up. For more information, contact Carter at http://bit.ly/2016sewyobeef, ccarte13@wyo.edu, or call 307-532-2436. 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 The Mooresville-Lake Norman Christian Mission is encouraging area residents to be a superhero and help end childhood poverty during the sixth annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thursday -- Thanksgiving Day. Mission Executive Director Valerie Chamberlain said the organization tried to do something fun with the race theme, because volunteering to help end childhood poverty is definitely a superpower. Well have a hero costume contest, and even the T-shirts that were giving to our participants have a Superman-type logo on the front, she said. The event begins and ends at the Christian Mission on Broad Street in downtown Mooresville. A children's fun run starts things off at 8:30 a.m. The 5K, which attracted about 500 runners last year, could double in size this year, if pre-registration is any indication. A lot of what the Mission is about is family, and we have plenty of families who come out and participate each year, Chamberlain said. Theres a family thats holding their reunion around Thanksgiving, and theyve signed up to come run. Theres 25 of them, so its exciting that well have people from all over the U.S. here to participate. Even though its a run, Chamberlain said there are people who walk the 5K with their strollers, and grandparents who stroll along with their grandchildren. The race is timed with computerized chips by Queen City Timing, and awards will be handed out in 14 different age categories. Children who take part in the fun run will receive participation medals. You have the opportunity to change those odds and help families in need by funding programs that assist our clients with financial literacy and work skills, Chamberlain said. -- WANT TO TROT? WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Thursday WHERE: Christian Mission, 266 N. Broad St., Mooresville A 28-year-old man may spend up to six years in prison for robbing two Mooresville businesses on the same day last year. Ellis Trovon Moore of Davidson pleaded guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon on Oct. 31 in Iredell County Superior Court. His flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle charge was consolidated for judgment. Superior Judge Joe Crosswhite sentenced Moore to between 51 and 74 months in prison for the armed robberies, which occurred in September 2015. Moore was suspected of robbing the Liberty Rushco at 108 Brawley School Road and Shell Quality Mart at 391 W. Plaza Drive, according to reports. The incidents occurred within hours of each other. Shortly after the crimes, the suspected getaway vehicle was later seen by an Iredell County Sheriff's deputy before speeding away. The vehicle was later found at a home in Cornelius. Its owner said the vehicle was stolen. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Moore has a felony breaking and entering conviction from 2015. 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So the New Orleans couple asked guests instead to sponsor elements of their dream honeymoon trip to New Zealand. Invitees could buy things such as bike rentals for cruising around the countrys picturesque south island, or dinner for two by the stunning Milford Sound. When they took their trip last November, they took pictures at each location to send personalized thank you notes when they returned. It gave us a chance to remember our loved ones, says Frailich, 31, a human resources consultant. The number of couples setting up honeymoon registries like Frailich and Hintons in 2015 was up to 22 percent double that of five years ago according to wedding site the Knots most recent Bridal Registry Study. The site Travelers Joy has hosted more than 328,000 couples since 2004 and provides a flurry of destination guides and sample registries to get you started. Another popular site, Honeyfund, boasts that its couples have collectively received a total of $415 million toward honeymoon costs. Couples are getting married later in life these days, and so they usually already have all the typical household stuff, says Lauren Kay, senior style editor at the Knot. So we are seeing an uptick in couples, particularly millennials, registering for nontraditional things. Modern understanding of happiness is also feeding into it: Many studies demonstrate that experiences bring people more enduring happiness than things, according to the research of Cornell University psychology professor Thomas Gilovich. Riding this trend are so-called universal registries, which allow couples to add a wide variety of gifts from around the web to their wish list instead of just gifts from a single retailer. Twenty-two percent of marrying couples now set up universal registries a number that has more than quadrupled since 2010. MyRegistry has racked up more than 145 million gifts for its couples, and faces competition from sites including Zola and the ubiquitous Amazon. For those guests used to more traditional registries, the trend can be a hard thing to wrap their minds around. Some tips to get everyone on board: Frame it as a positive Avoid presenting the experience option in negative terms, which can seem spoiled or ungrateful we dont want household items because we already have everything. Instead, lay out the plea in a positive light. Say something like, This is what we are really excited about, and we would love it if you could support us, suggests Frailich. That tends to get people excited, because after all, they want to do something that makes you happy. Offer a traditional option too Some older guests might find an experiential registry unfamiliar and odd, and that is perfectly OK. So make sure to offer a more traditional registry concurrently; it does not have to be exclusively one or the other. I always say couples should have one or two traditional registries as well, says the Knots Kay. Think beyond honeymoons While honeymoons are a popular type of experiential registry, couples have to come back to daily life eventually. So think about registering for experiences in your hometown as well, advises Kay. Museum memberships, or wine tastings, or romantic dinners, all will help add a dose of spice to the first years of marriage. Take advantage of the moment Experiential registries are still a relatively new phenomenon, so at first it might seem greedy or grasping to ask for over-the-top dream experiences. But bride-to-be Kayla Muller has some advice for you: Get over it. This is the one time in life where you can ask for any gift, and people are happy to spend money on you, says Muller, a New York City resident who is getting married next April, and whose honeymoon registry at Jamaicas Sandals resort includes experiences such as horseback riding on the beach, couples massages and swimming with dolphins. These days you are not stuck with boring things on your registry so dont be afraid to ask for something fun and nontraditional, she adds. NEW YORK President-elect Donald Trump, in the midst of choosing his Cabinet, took time out Sunday for a second day to criticize the cast of the Broadway musical "Hamilton" and demand an apology for a message an actor delivered from stage to Trump's running mate about the need for diversity in America. He also tweeted about the most recent episode of "Saturday Night Live," saying that it was not funny. The show's cold open depicted Trump googling ISIS, then asking his Blackberry: "Siri, how do I kill ISIS?" It also showed him backing off plans to change Obamacare, build a wall on the Mexican border and prosecute Hillary Clinton. In his most recent tweet about "Hamilton," Trump added a dig at the critically acclaimed show, which is sold out until September, saying he has heard it's "highly overrated." The drama began at the Friday night performance as soon as Vice President-elect Mike Pence walked into the Richard Rodgers Theatre with his nephew and daughter. A mixture of boos and cheers rang out from the crowd as Pence slipped into his prime orchestra seat. When the show ended, Pence was asked by a cast member to hear a prepared speech after the curtain call from the multiracial and multicultural cast, saying it is concerned about the Trump administration. "We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights," said Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, the nation's third vice president, as his fellow actors joined hands. "We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us." The unusual address quickly went viral and Trump wasn't happy. On Saturday, Trump tweeted that Pence had been "harassed" by the "Hamilton" cast. In another tweet, he said: "The Theater must always be a safe and special place. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize!" Dixon responded on Twitter that "conversation is not harassment sir" and added that he appreciated Pence stopping to listen. Trump posted a tweet Saturday evening similar to his earlier ones but later deleted it. Staffers did not respond to an email asking why. On Sunday morning, while awaiting a second day of important meetings, this time with officials including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Trump took to Twitter again to resume his complaints about the "Hamilton cast." Trump this morning tweeted about a meeting with a candidate for secretary of defense, and also about Chuck Schumer. Vice President-elect Mike Pence says he wasn't offended when he was challenged by the cast of the Broadway hit "Hamilton" and encourages everyone to try to see the sold-out show. Pence told "Fox News Sunday" that he told his daughter, "That's what freedom sounds like." In his interview Sunday, Pence said Hamilton was an "incredible production" involving a very talented cast. On whether he thinks an apology was necessary: "I'll leave it to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it." Reaction to the debacle was mixed, with some calling Dixon's speech "disrespectful" and threatening to boycott the show and others saying it was an important message that needed to be delivered. The musical is by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the story, music and lyrics. It stresses the orphan, immigrant roots of first U.S. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton and has a terrifically varied score, ranging from pop ballads to gospel to sexy R&B. It has been cheered for reclaiming the nation's founding story with a multicultural cast. Miranda, in a tweet, said he was "proud" of Dixon and the "Hamilton" cast "for leading with love," before reminding people that everyone is welcome at the theater. Miranda had been a big booster for the failed presidential campaign of Trump's opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, including performing at an all-star fundraiser for her last month. The cast also put on a special "Hamilton" show at a Clinton fundraiser last summer. The person playing Alexander Hamilton that Pence saw was Javier Munoz, an openly gay actor. Pence supported numerous efforts to ban gay marriage as governor of Indiana and opposed unfettered federal funding for HIV and AIDS treatment. When the Transportation Department announced new enhanced protections for air travelers recently, the reaction was predictable. Airlines complained loudly that they were being re-regulated. Consumer groups offered a collective eye-roll, grumbling that it wasnt enough. And the government cheerfully congratulated itself. Just about the only question left unanswered: Will any of this actually make your upcoming holiday flight better? Answer: Depends which holiday. The initiatives are part of a protracted effort by the Transportation Department to improve passenger protections. They also answer an executive order issued this spring by the president that called on all appropriate federal agencies to arm consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about air travel and to boost competition among airlines. But before we dive into the details, here are a few sound bites for context. Lets start with the airline industry, which is not happy. We continue to believe that efforts designed to re-regulate how airlines market, sell and distribute their products and services particularly on their own websites are bad for airline customers, employees, the communities we serve and our overall U.S. economy, says Jean Medina, a spokeswoman for A4A, an airline trade group. Also unhappy, but for different reasons: consumer advocates. The DOTs new rules are a start, says John Breyault, a vice president of public policy at the National Consumers League. But they dont do much to address a key consumer concern: the outrageous number of fees and penalties so-called ancillary revenue imposed on consumers by the airlines. Absent pressure from Congress, the DOT often seems happy to look the other way while airline profits fueled in large part by all those fees soar to record levels. Perhaps the only people smiling are the folks behind the initiatives, who talked them up this week at the agency and executive level. The actions, explained Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, will enable passengers to make well-informed decisions when arranging travel, ensure that airlines treat consumers fairly and give consumers a voice in how airlines are regulated. Even President Barack Obama gave the plan a shout-out in his weekly radio address, saying the new rules would help air travelers make better decisions and hopefully avoid a few headaches, too. Thats what this is all about, he added. Taking steps, big and small, that can make your life a little bit better. If youre expecting any of this to significantly improve your upcoming holiday flight, dont hold your breath. While some of the rules are final, like the prohibitions on display bias, others, like the new requirements on performance reports, dont kick in until 2018. And the proposed baggage-fee refund rules could take years to become official. Why the delay? For years, airlines pocketed your $25 checked baggage fee, whether they returned your bag or not. It didnt matter if your bag was lost or misplaced, the airline would keep the money after all, it transported your bag, didnt it? The Transportation Department has taken some action already, requiring airlines to refund the fee if they lose your luggage. Now the government wants to create a rule requiring that airlines refund consumers baggage fees when their luggage is substantially delayed. But what does substantially delayed mean? Airlines are likely to argue for a grace period of several days. Others might ask for an hour or two. But one consumer group says a delayed bag is one that doesnt arrive on your flight. Weve had thousands of complaints over the last 10 years from passengers traveling to cruise ships and other destinations where a two-hour wait for bags is unworkable, says Kendall Creighton, a spokeswoman for FlyersRights.org. The DOT is also considering new rules that would require airlines and ticket agents to quote fares with prices that include extra ancillary fees, such as checked baggage or other services that most consumers purchase, at all points of sale. Travel agents like that idea. Zane Kerby, president of the American Society of Travel Agents, says fee disclosure should be the same, whether youre buying from an agent or directly from an airline. And while some progress has been made, serious challenges remain in terms of consumer access to ancillary fees, he says. Dont expect to see an all-inclusive airfare that includes the price of a checked bag and a seat assignment when you book your upcoming holiday flight. A regulation that might require that has only been proposed, and a final rule could be years away. But in the long term, the new rules could fix several things that are wrong with air travel. Kerry Tan, an economics professor at Loyolas Sellinger School of Business, says the new luggage rules could spur airlines to upgrade their infrastructure to reduce the amount of lost or delayed baggage. Delta Air Lines, for example, recently spent $50 million on a radio-frequency ID luggage tracking system that promises to reduce losses. This should lead to long-run benefits, he adds. No one said consumer protections would happen overnight, or even over a period of months, say longtime advocates such as Charlie Leocha, the president of Travelers United. But over time, incremental improvements are being made. Emily Morris and Philippa Hall flanked by a serving soldier, Corporal Ryan Laird, from the British Army, laid a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. (Submitted photo) A STUDENT at St Benedicts Catholic High School in Alcester was chosen to lay a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Thirteen-year-old Emily Morris was given the honour as part of the government funded First World War National Centenary Education Programme. The ceremony, which takes place every single night of the year at 8pm, is attended by buglers from the Ypres volunteer Fire Brigade, who sound the Last Post before a minutes silence is held to reflect on the sacrifice of those lost. Emily said: "Laying the wreath was a once in a lifetime experience and I have never done anything like it before, because of this I was nervous. However, it was an amazing opportunity and I really enjoyed it." During the three-day tour of the Western Front Emily and fellow St Benedict's student, Philippa Hall, also aged 13, researched an Alcester soldier that fought with the Worcestershire Regiment and located his memorial at the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium. They also visited museums, battlefield sites, memorials and cemeteries including Newfoundland Memorial Park, a preserved battlefield, and the Commonwealth War Grave sites of the Thiepval Memorial in the Somme, France, and Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium. They will now share their experiences of visiting the battlefield sites of the Western Front with the local community. See the current edition of the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, dated Thursday, 17th November, for pictures from Remembrance Sunday parades across our patch. GARY, Ind., Nov. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Gary celebrated the opening of ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen on November 19th with a community event and public unveiling of the project's first art installation, an exterior lighting sculpture powered by solar energy and designed by the artist duo Ripple + Wilson. More than a year in the making, the ambitious ArtHouse, an arts and culinary incubator and gallery, is the collective vision of the City of Gary, community members, Midwest artists and laborers, and Artistic Director Theaster Gates. The concept won funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies as part of its Public Arts Challenge, as well as the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation's 2015 Knight Cities Challenge. In remarks to hundreds of attendees, Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson stated, "We are excited about the opening of Gary's ArtHouse, and about the resurgence public art can bring downtown. This project represents a new perspective as we imagine the future of our city. We are grateful for the partnerships that brought us to this day." Theaster Gates also commented that, "Art has the ability to create a place where great things can happen, and great things are happening here. None of it would have been possible without the people, businesses, artists, chefs and city working together." Gates, known for combining urban planning and art, has shown works in major museums and galleries around the world. He is the founder of the non-profit Rebuild Foundation, and is a professor in the Department of Visual Art and Director of Arts + Public Life at the University of Chicago. ArtHouse is a reflection of his vision to bridge the creation of art with adaptive reuse of abandoned spaces and community-driven initiatives for neighborhood revitalization. "The creation of ArtHouse is a testament to the spirit of Gary, Indiana -- and it shows how arts and culture help invigorate neighborhoods and strengthen local economies," said Michael R. Bloomberg, philanthropist and three-term Mayor of New York City. In the coming weeks, ArtHouse will host a culinary incubation center and training kitchen, along with trainings and seminars to help establish and engage local artists and drive economic activity in the region. For more information on programming and upcoming sessions, please visit http://arthousegary.com/. About ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen:ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen is a dynamic destination for food, culture, art, meeting and learning in Gary, Indiana. ArtHouse is focused on creating a space that positively reflects the city of Gary, and provides a platform for economic and artistic activity in the downtown area. The site will evolve continuously through the work of partner organizations and creative individuals. About Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge:In October 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies invited U.S. mayors of cities with 30,000 residents or more to collaborate with artists and arts organizations on developing innovative public art projects that engage residents and attract visitors. In June 2015, the four winning projectsincluding ArtHousewere announced. Each project was selected to receive up to $1 million each as part of Bloomberg's Public Art Challenge a new program designed to support temporary public art projects that celebrate creativity, enhance urban identity, encourage public-private partnerships, and drive economic development. About Knight Cities Challenge:The Knight Cities Challenge (KCC) funds projects that make cities more vibrant places to live and work. Knight Foundation's mission is to create more informed and engaged communities, specifically in the 26 cities where the Knight brothers once owned newspapers. The KCC accomplishes this by investing in civic innovators who use community resources to attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity, and foster a culture of engagement. The foundation believes that designing spaces to achieve these goals are key to cities' success. Bridget Supplitt312-329-3970[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-gary-welcomes-arthouse-a-new-destination-for-food-culture-art-and-community-300366319.html SOURCE Bloomberg Philanthropies TEL AVIV, Israel, Nov. 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gazit-Globe (NYSE: GZT) (TSX: GZT) (TASE: GZT), one of the world's leading multi-national real estate companies focused on the management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets, announced today that it will release its third quarter 2016 financial results on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. The financial statements will be available on the Company's website. On the same day, following the release of the financial results, Gazit-Globes senior management will hold a conference call and live webcast to review and discuss the third quarter 2016 financial results at 10:00 am Eastern Time / 4:00 pm Central European Time / 5:00 pm Israel Time. The discussion will be followed by a Question & Answer session. The conference call can be accessed by dialing: United States 1888 668 9141 Canada 1866 485 2399 United Kingdom 0800 917 5108 International / Israel +972 3 9180687 A presentation will be available on the companys website / Investor Relations at: www.gazit-globe.com Webcast link: http://www.veidan-stream.com/?con=Gazit_Globe_Q3_2016_Results_Conference_Call A replay of the call will be available on Gazit-Globes website for future review. About Gazit-Globe Gazit-Globe is one of the largest owners, developers and operators of predominantly supermarket-anchored shopping centers in major urban markets around the world. Gazit-Globe is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: GZT), the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: GZT) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE: GZT) and is included in the TA-25 and Real-Estate 15 indices in Israel. As of June 30, 2016 Gazit-Globe owns and operates 429 properties in more than 20 countries, with a gross leasable area of approximately 6.5 million square meters and a total value of approximately US$ 21 billion. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Investors Contact: [email protected] , Media Contact: [email protected] Gazit-Globe Headquarters, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972 3 6948000 Source: GAZIT-GLOBE LTD BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said on Saturday he will allow the new peace accord with Marxist FARC rebels to be debated in Congress before it is approved and passed into law. Colombia's government this week published a revised peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in a bid to build support to end a 52-year war, after the original draft was rejected last month in a referendum amid objections it was too favorable to the rebels. Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his efforts to end the war, said he would first consult with the FARC leadership, but said he agreed with the revised agreement being discussed by lawmakers. Former President Alvaro Uribe, who spearheaded opposition to the original accord, had asked that the new accord be discussed in Congress. "I agree that the discussions should move to Congress, and we will do so next week, on Wednesday," Santos said in a televised address. He did not say how the new deal would be approved, but it seems likely it will be ratified in Congress rather than via another plebiscite. "Approval is a very important step within the process, and we have listened with much attention to the opinions of those who say that Congress is the best route for approval," Santos said. More than 220,000 people have been killed during the half-century conflict and millions displaced as the government battled FARC, right-wing paramilitary groups and other Marxist rebels. The expanded and highly technical 310-page new document made only small modifications to the original text, such as clarifying private property rights and detailing more fully how the rebels would be confined in rural areas for crimes committed during the war. It did not include the biggest proposals made by those who rejected the deal, such as jail terms for rebel leaders and banning them from public office. Santos wants to unite the divided nation behind the new accord after the original deeply split Colombians between those worried that the FARC would not be punished and others hopeful the deal would cement an end to violence. (Reporting by Helen Murphy; Editing by Leslie Adler) TALLINN (Reuters) - Estonia's president has nominated Juri Ratas, the new leader of a center-left, traditionally pro-Russian party, as prime minister who promised to leave foreign policy unchanged in a region worried about possible Russian aggression. Concerns in the Baltics and wider Eastern Europe about Russian expansionist ambitions have become more acute since Donald Trump's U.S. election victory because of his stance on NATO. The region sees the alliance as their main protection against Russia, but Trump has made pledges that would undermine NATO. Ratas took over as chairman of the Centre Party this month after its aging founder stepped aside. Under Edgar Savisaar, the party did not criticize the foreign policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin and had a cooperation agreement with his party. However, its stance was not anti-EU or anti-NATO, and was less close to Moscow than counterparts in Moldova or Bulgaria. "I am confident that Juri Ratas will be able to form a strong and willing to act government. Estonias current direction in foreign and security policy should remain and the leaders of all three parties have confirmed this to me," President Kersti Kaljulaid said in a statement. On Saturday the three parties aiming to form the new coalition government agreed to keep to the same security and foreign policies of the previous government, including support for sanctions imposed on Russia and keeping NATO defense spending at two percent of GDP or greater. Fears were stoked by Trump's remarks in July to the New York Times that he would consider a country's contribution to the alliance first before coming to a country's defense. A new ruling coalition under Ratas has the support of at least two junior partners to hold a total of 56 seats in the 101 seat parliament. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are members of the EU, Euro zone and depend on their NATO allies to police their airspace, and are expecting NATO alliance members to deploy ground troops next year to boost their defense forces and to deter Russia. The Centre Party also drew support from Estonia's ethnic Russians, who make up a quarter of its 1.3 million inhabitants. Its framework cooperation agreement with Putin's United Russia party was intended to bolster that support base but in a recent interview, Ratas has played down the agreement, saying it had been unused for several years. However he has not repudiated the agreement despite intense political pressure to do so. Outgoing Prime Minister Taavi Roivas lost a parliamentary vote on confidence this month after his junior coalition partners deserted his Reform Party-led government amid after internal squabbling. (Reporting by David Mardiste; Editing by Johan Ahlander and Raissa Kasolowsky) Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh arrives to the opening of the 48th ordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Head of States and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, December 16, 2015 REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde DAKAR (Reuters) - Gambian authorities have refused the European Union access to observe upcoming elections, an EU spokesman said on Friday, amid concerns about the fairness of the voting process in the tiny West African nation. The EU had been ready to deploy a small team to provide what it described as a "technical assessment" of the Dec. 1 vote. An EU source said that Gambia's election commission had signaled last week a willingness to allow the EU to participate, as it had done in the previous election in 2011. "We have been informed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia that the mission was not accepted," the spokesman said. A Gambian government spokesman did not respond to repeated requests for comment. An official at the electoral commission told Reuters that African Union observers had been accredited to attend the elections. President Yahya Jammeh and opposition leaders have begun two weeks of final campaigning across the former British colony. Eight opposition parties have rallied behind one candidate, businessman Adama Barrow, in a bid to end Jammeh's 22-year rule, which activists and diplomats say has been marred by human rights abuses and repression. Jammeh said last week all observers were welcome to come and observe "the credibility of the electoral process". Visiting Gambia last week, the top U.N. regional official for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, called for transparency and a "level playing field" for the vote. At the last election in 2011, regional African bloc ECOWAS refused to send observers, citing intimidation of the opposition and the electorate. Worries have been stoked this year by the treatment of opposition politicians. Nearly 50 protesters were arrested in April and May, including UDP party leader Ousainu Darboe and at least 18 other senior members. Two have since died during their detention. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Joe Bavier and Mark Heinrich) The character of Po poses at the premiere of "Kung Fu Panda 3" at the TCL Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California January 16, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (Reuters) - A Massachusetts man was found guilty by a federal jury on Friday of back-dating drawings he relied on as evidence in his lawsuit against DreamWorks Animation that claimed he had invented the title character in the 2008 film "Kung Fu Panda." A federal jury in Boston convicted Jayme Gordon, 51, on four counts of wire fraud and three counts of perjury after prosecutors accused him of lying in a 2011 lawsuit against the Hollywood studio, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said in a statement. Prosecutors charged that Gordon back-dated drawings of a high-kicking bear named Po in 2008 after seeing an early trailer for the film, and then used them to try to extract a $12 million settlement from DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. Some of the drawings Gordon relied on had been traced from a coloring book featuring Walt Disney Co characters from the 1994 film "The Lion King," prosecutors said. Gordon agreed to dismiss his lawsuit after DreamWorks, which also produced the "Madagascar" and "How to Train Your Dragon" films, discovered the tracing. By that time, though, the company had spent $3 million defending itself against the litigation. Gordon faces 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charges and five years for the perjury charges. Gordon's attorney was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Tom Hogue) Thousands of protesters have rallied in Malaysia's capital, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak over a corruption scandal. The protesters marched from different spots towards downtown Kuala Lumpur amid tightened security measures on Saturday, chanting "Save Democracy" and "Bersih, Bersih," which means clean in Malaysian. Najib is implicated in a multi-billion dollar misappropriation scandal, including about $700 million transferred to his private accounts by the Saudi royal family. The protest came after the head of pro-democracy group Bersih was arrested on Friday, along with several opposition leaders and student activists. "Our country is being governed by clowns and crooks. So I'm here to protest against our prime minister," said artist Fahmi Reza, carrying a poster of a clown-faced Najib. "We want to see Malaysia more developed and not robbed of billions of ringgit," another protester, Wan Aisyah Wan Ariffin, said. This is the second time in 15 months that huge crowds have turned out to vent anger over allegations that billions of dollars were looted from Najib's brainchild investment fund, 1MDB. The scandal has gripped the country for more than a year and sparked investigations in several countries. Lawsuits filed by the US Justice Department in July said over $3.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB, which was founded by Najib, and that some of those funds flowed into the accounts of an unnamed top Malaysian official. A Malaysian Cabinet official has since admitted that individual was Najib. Najib last year abruptly shut down Malaysian investigations, fired the attorney general and shored up his position by purging ruling-party critics. Judiciary authorities later cleared him of any criminal wrongdoing in the case, saying the money was from donations from the Saudi royal family. Critics have dismissed the ruling, arguing that the transfer of personal donations did not rule out corruption. The Wall Street Journal said in early July that about $700 million had been transferred to Najibs private accounts before the 2013 general elections. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said in April that the $681 million Riyadh offered to the Malaysian premier was a genuine donation with nothing expected in return. Najib returned from a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia back in March. Tensions in the Muslim-majority country have spiraled in recent weeks following threats by the "Red Shirts" ethnic-Malay rightist group to disrupt anti-government demonstrations. Bersih, otherwise known as "Yellow Shirts", organized the Saturday protest. Ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities formed the bulk of a similar rally of more than 200,000 organized by Bersih last year. Pro-government supporters also staged a counter-rally on Saturday amid fears of possible clashes between the rival protesters. Najib, who is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru, accused Bersih of being a tool for opposition parties to unseat his government. "Their movement is deceitful. It is clear that these street protests are in fact the opposition disguised as an independent NGO working to unseat a democratically-elected government," he said on his website on Friday. MONTELLO The no vacancy sign glowed at the Tween the Lakes Motel. There were meals at the Granite Falls Supper Club, coffee at Oyster Crackers Cafe and photos snapped of the waterfalls at Daggett Memorial Park next to the Kwik Trip. This is where a quarry, decades ago, employed more than 200 people and supplied the granite for President Ulysses S. Grants tomb in New York City. But the 32 visitors to this Marquette County village of about 1,500 people who came from Ethiopia, Austria, Mexico, Kazakhstan and several U.S. states werent on vacation. Instead, they were here for three days of master classes to learn how to harmoniously grow fish and vegetables under the guideance of Rebecca Nelson and John Pade, founders of Nelson & Pade in Montello, one of the leading aquaponics companies in the world. I dont think most people realize whats going on there, said Carol Faulkner, who along with her husband, Bill, own the 11-room Tween the Lakes Motel, just a short walk from Nelson & Pade and between Buffalo Lake and Lake Montello. Theyre spending high dollars to come here. Theyre flying in from all over the world. Its very, very interesting. Aquaponics uses an integrated water system but grows fish and vegetables in separate tanks. The combined systems are enclosed in a climate-controlled greenhouse, regardless of geographical location, that allows for year-round production and prevents contamination from pollution and reduces pest, insect and disease problems. Systems can vary in size but one example showed off to the students included six 500-gallon fish tanks, a series of filter tanks and vegetables grown in raft beds 40-foot-long, 8-foot-wide tanks with 13 to 16 inches of water and equipped with floating sheets of Styrofoam on which the plants grow. The only thing added to the water is fish food. There are no chemicals, herbicides or pesticides. Fish waste serves as the natural fertilizer for the plants. The classes, held six times a year at a cost of $995 per student, have added an international flair to the community and have helped Nelson and Pade continue to grow their operation, which includes a 14,000-square-foot greenhouse and a spacious 1,200-square-foot classroom. Discussions can include topics such as bacteria, water quality, greenhouses and environmental control, fish biology and the vegetables than can be grown sans dirt and worms. They include lettuce, Swiss chard, eggplant, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn and even sunflowers. 100-country milestone Of the 24 men and eight women enrolled in this months classes, most are new to aquaponics. Students included educators looking to start aquaponics programs in their schools and hobbyists who want something to do in retirement, while others were exploring commercial production projects to bring locally grown foods to their community. Most of these people have just learned about aquaponics and theyre coming here to learn how to move forward, Nelson said. What we really do is give them the knowledge to make good decisions moving forward so they understand the science, the technology and the business model. Nelson & Pade systems are being used in 25 countries, and the most recent class was a milestone for the company as it surpassed the 100th country represented in its classes. In 2010, the company, founded in 1984, moved from Nelson and Pades home to a facility along Highway 23 on the west side of Montello. This is where the company designs and builds systems, experiments with growing techniques and hosts classes. The property is also home to the Aquaponics Innovation Center of UW-Stevens Point, where researchers are trying to grow a walleye and sauger hybrid for commercial production. But most of the fish grown at Nelson & Pade are tilapia, a fast growing freshwater fish that has come under some scrutiny for its quality because of the way it is raised at some fish farms in Central America and China. Those concerns are eliminated by using a closed aquaponics system that uses fresh water in a highly controlled environment, Nelson said. Aquaponics has taken off because it provides a solution to so many issues, Nelson said. We use less water, we use less land, we produce food continuously, 12 months a year. It never stops. And youre raising both a protein crop and a vegetable crop. Nelson grew up in Oconomowoc where she had a passion for fish, cooking and entrepreneurship. Pade was raised on a dairy farm in Lomira, south of Fond du Lac, before organic farming became popular. His parents farm was a closed system where they raised dairy cattle and used the manure to fertilize the fields and rotated crops. There were no pesticides or herbicides. You didnt get food if it was out of season. You waited, Pade told his students. All the food we ate was locally grown and locally processed. The local food movement, its been around for a long time in the United States. Nelson and Pade moved to California in the early 1980s and started in hydroponics to grow their own vegetables in the winter. They produced a hydroponics video in 1985 and began consulting. Ultimately, as the price of fertilizer increased, they began setting up systems with fish tanks to experiment with aquaponics. In 1997, they began publishing the Aquaponics Journal, but discontinued the magazine two years ago. Now, their students come to them looking for ways to grow fish and vegetables. Curious students Karl Raabe, 28, an agriculture teacher in Mattoon, Illinois, southeast of Springfield, has a crude aquaponics system at his school but has a 75-foot by 35-foot greenhouse that would be ideal for a modern system that his students could operate and manage. Im hoping to invest in the future into a larger system where my freshmen and even my eighth-graders run the system for nine months of the year when theyre in class and where they would be out there every day doing something with it, Raabe said. This is my first step in learning it myself. Others in attendance included a trio of real estate developers from Pennsylvania who said they had a 1 million-square-foot building that at one time was used to manufacture torpedoes but that could be used for a large-scale commercial aquaponics operation. There was a husband and wife team from Iowa investigating a commercial operation and two others from northern Minnesota thinking about growing fish and vegetables year-round in what is the poorest county in the state. One man from Mexico said hed like to start a small commercial operation, while Doug Wardell, 52, an electrical engineering researcher at the University of Texas in Austin, said he is looking for a sustainable income that he can continue as he nears retirement. Ive been looking for a business for retirement for quite a while and this looks pretty interesting, Wardell said. Its a way to produce your own food and produce food for your family in a clean, safe environment. Arjun Sud, 22, is a senior material science major at Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York, but took time away from his studies to investigate the systems at Nelson & Pade. Sud and his father are contemplating an aquaponics system in Mumbai, India, to grow locally produced fish and vegetables. The city has a population of more than 18 million people. My father did some research recently and really was impressed in the whole aquaponics business, Sud said. It would be something new for Mumbai. We have a lot of agriculture but this would help them out. I think there would be a big demand for it. Its a very interesting process. Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has increased its 2016/17 forecast Farmgate Milk Price by 75 cents to $6 per kgMS, but milk production is down. When combined with the forecast earnings per share range for the 2017 financial year of 50 to 60 cents, the total payout available to farmers in the current season is forecast to be $6.50 to $6.60 before retentions. Chairman John Wilson says the increase reflects improvements in pricing since September, following the gradual rebalancing of global supply and demand. Weve seen falling production in the major exporting regions, particularly Europe and Australia, and an unprecedented decline in New Zealand milk supply due to wetter than normal spring conditions across most regions. On balance, demand continues to be firm. As a result there has been a steady improvement in global dairy commodity prices and this is reflected in the improved forecast, says John. We are very mindful that farm incomes will be affected this year because of lower milk production so we will be doing everything possible to build on our good start to the financial year and deliver the highest possible total payout to our farmers. Fonterras first quarter revenue of $3.8 billion is up six per cent on the same period last year. Sales volumes are up two per cent to 4.9 billion litres liquid milk equivalent (LME), while the gross margin of 22 per cent remains largely unchanged. Chief executive Theo Spierings says the first quarter revenue gains reflected broad-based volume and margin growth across the business, and an ongoing focus on cost controls. Our operating expenses have reduced by two per cent to $621 million and we continue to keep a close rein on them, in line with the financial discipline shown last year. The Co-operative has moved an additional 128 million litres LME into higher-value consumer and foodservice products compared with the same period last year. The consumer and foodservice business achieved an improved gross margin of 31 per cent, up from 28 per cent. This reflects the increasing strength of our brands in key markets and our focus on chef-led solutions in foodservice. Theo says while the first quarter performance was pleasing, the Co-operatives earnings face emerging head-winds for the remainder of the financial year. Our current milk collection forecast is 1460 million kilograms of milk solids (kgMS), down seven per cent on last season, and this is constraining sales. In addition there is a potential impact from the price of Milk Price reference products, such as whole milk powder, rising faster than non-reference products. Given the Co-operatives stronger sales performance and lower production volumes, it continues to monitor its inventory and contracted sales position closely. John says the co-operative has had a strong start to the year. The unchanged earnings guidance range of 50 to 60 cents took into account the fact that a higher milk price had the potential to influence margins across the business. However, we do expect this volatility to continue which could impact both milk price and earnings guidance. We will keep our farmers and investors updated as we move through the year. Its been nearly two weeks, and many local voters are still in a state of shock make that county of shock over Donald Trumps surprise win in the presidential election. Some are in a psychological paralysis, with area therapists reporting their clients taking it hard, using valuable couch time to talk about their post-election stress, anxiety or depression. Yes, depression. Because in politically active Dane County, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton crushed Trump 70 percent (217,526 votes) to 23 percent (71,279 votes). Most people didnt expect the election to turn out the way it did and are overwhelmed mentally. Meagan Geurts, a licensed clinical social worker whose office is on University Avenue, said many of her clients are feeling anxious about the president-elects plans based upon his campaign rhetoric. Theyre a little more anxious and nervous about what this is going to mean for some of them personally and then for our country long-term over the next four years and beyond, she said. Geurts uses the words deflated and defeated. Many of her clients feel distraught and have been pushing aside their own personal problems to talk about their election blues. The sentiment that my clients have had is that it feels trivial to talk about their own issues with everything thats going on in our country since Donald Trump has become the president-elect, Geurts said. Donal MacCoon at Madison Psychiatric Associates said the vast majority of his clients are talking about the election, with women who have been sexually traumatized having their experiences re-triggered by a man who many believe has boasted about committing sexual assaults. MacCoon said hes seen anxiety, fear, sadness and depression in his clients. Its dramatic on a number of levels, he said, noting that he treats UW-Madison staff who are worried about some of their minority students. Its affecting their lives personally, but even beyond that, its affecting their communities and how they feel. How do they honor their own ethical obligations? Emilie Sondel, who works in the same practice, said shes been trying to help clients figure out ways to channel their frustration and anger and put it toward something positive. How can you use your energy to let people know that this doesnt feel okay to you? she said. Is there a peaceful protest that you can become a part of or are there certain people in your life that you need to sit down and talk to and try to gain an understanding? To the country, Sondel said her message would be that everyone needs to try to come together and gain an understanding of where both sides are coming from, otherwise the divide is going to be even greater. She works primarily with children and families, and is also seeing the anguish over how clients parent their children. From a childs point of view, even the younger ones are feeling like, Wait, he is supposed to be the mean guy, Sondel said. And they are really feeling like they dont understand how this election turned out and are feeling scared about what that means based upon what theyve heard. Julie Kull, who is in private practice on Regent Street, said the post-election depression shes seen comes on top of lots of anxiety leading up to Nov. 8. Some of her clients felt like they were in a fog in the days after the election. They are feeling nervous about the results and what the worlds going to look like after Donald Trump, Kull said. The reactions are all unexpected because she like most people didnt expect Trump to win. This was a really emotional and high stakes election, Kull said. Nancy Pullen, who practices at Psychology Associates on Olin Avenue, said its also been hard for her as a therapist because practitioners are not supposed to talk about how they feel. Nevertheless, Pullen added, Were all pretty overwhelmed with dismay. Her first couple of clients the day after the election were really difficult, Pullen said. I havent had anybody crying, but (they were) just so upset, she said. And then talking about how it affects their friends or their personal lives. A lot of her clients are concerned for their friends who they think may be deported, Pullen said, noting the majority of her clients are struggling. And these are people who already have an anxiety disorder, she said. She estimates that most have spent about a half-hour of therapy time talking about the election. I think its affecting all of us everywhere... Its personal for people. The iconic KidsCan Christmas Cracker Appeal is in its tenth year and is a crucial nationwide fundraiser for the childrens charity. With five weeks to go until Christmas, the annual appeal has kicked off right around the country once again and is a great way to give back this festive season. Funds raised will help provide on-going assistance to thousands of disadvantaged Kiwi kids in the 598 low decile schools supported by KidsCan throughout New Zealand. KidsCan believes that all children should have the basics such as food, adequate clothing and basic healthcare, so they have an equal chance at a good education. KidsCan CEO and co-founder Julie Chapman hopes New Zealanders will get involved in this important appeal. We have a pool of 2,500 prizes, including a family spa pool from Vortex Spas, and a trip for four to Hawaii thanks to the Flight Centre Foundation, she says. Its fantastic to have Countdown on board again this year selling the crackers, along with Harvey Norman, Toyworld, Smith & Caugheys, The Coffee Club, Citta Design & New Balance outlet stores. This year Countdown supermarkets will have 50,000 crackers available for purchase nationwide. Countdowns General Manager Corporate Affairs James Walker says the supermarket is happy to get behind such a great cause. Over the past three years sales from crackers at Countdown have raised more than $260,000, and were aiming to help raise another $100,000 for KidsCan this year. Its an easy way to support a great cause this Christmas. The Christmas Crackers are available for purchase nationwide for just $2 each. Find out more about the appeal here: www.kidscan.org.nz/christmascracker Police have noticed an increasing number of holiday home burglaries in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with a spate around the Ohope, and Rotoma and Rotoiti lakes areas. With online advertising now common practise for bach owners, police say this can actually increase the risk of holiday homes being targeted by burglars and/or being used for illegal activities. In August two females were arrested and charged with a total of 10 burglaries of motels and holiday batches in Ohope, Rotorua, Taupo, Waihau Bay and Ohakune. In these burglaries, the two offenders stole furniture, bedding, appliances and cash. Police want to reinforce some easy crime prevention tips for home owners to follow when their property is vacant. Their tips include ensuring all buildings at the address are locked securely, all valuable items are kept out of sight and locked away where possible which also includes keys for quads, motorbikes and all other vehicles, and any boats or vehicles on the property are disabled so they cant be moved or towed. Bach owners should also consider security lighting and alarm systems, as well as ensuring all of their valuables are recorded, such as taking photographs of serial numbers or identifiable markings and then uploading this information to www.snap.org.nz. Police says it also pays to get to know the permanent residents in the neighbourhood and asking them to keep a close eye over your property. While for online accommodation providers, police recommend they only provide access or security codes on the day of arrival and change them as soon as practical after each booking. If keys are left onsite, ensure their location is changed on a regular basis or alternatively consider approaching an agent or local business to be a point of contact for uplifting keys. Holiday home owners can obtain and provide guests with a Holiday Security Tips fact sheet from Neighbourhood Support NZ. If you see something suspicious in your neighbourhood call your nearest police station. If you know anything about the recent burglaries in the Ohope, and Rotoma and Rotoiti lakes areas or you suspect stolen items are being sold call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500 111. Czech kayaking star Vavra Hradilek overcame jet-leg, some fired-up locals and a fair dollop of emotion to win his second Kaituna Timetrial title, near Rotorua. The 2012 Olympic canoe slalom silver medallist and 2013 world champion headed his good friend and top Kiwi Mike Dawson by just over a second on the spectacular run down the Kaituna River, which takes paddlers over a series of Grade 5 rapids and waterfalls. Hradilek is in New Zealand for this weeks inaugural Whitewater XL event in Auckland, with the Kaituna race also doubling as qualifying for Sundays Boatercross final at Vector Wero Whitewater Park. But hes also delighted to be back at his second home, at Okere Falls, yesterday. Im super-stoked to win, for sure, and it feels good to beat Mike on his home river but its just great to have that many people around and to be back on the Kaituna, says Hradilek. His time of 6mins 27.49secs helped him add to the title he won in 2013. He was just over a second clear of 2014 winner Dawson, who clocked 6:28.67, with the big surprise coming in third, where 16-year-old local Zak Mutton scorched home with two consistently fast runs, with the best of them a 6:32.29. Fellow Okere Falls product Jamie Sutton was fourth, with another Czech star, Via Prindis, fifth. Dawson is the link that first drew Hradilek to New Zealand - they competed against each other as juniors in 2004 - but hes since forged far deeper connections. Hes been coming to Okere Falls every summer since 2009, taking advantage of the Southern Hemisphere summer while his native Prague shivers amid snow and ice. This trip is different for a few reasons; just three weeks ago, he had the premiere of Tenkrat v raji, a major Czech movie he starred in. Earlier this week, he also got to paddle the stretch of river where hugely popular New Zealand representative Louise Jill drowned last year. While Okere Falls is his second home, the close-knit kayak-centric community is like a second family and to say he hurt deeply when Jull died is a massive understatement. We paddled the lower gorges the other day and that was really emotional but I felt like something was up there. I was so scared but I really needed to do it. Ill always remember her and she left a spirit which weve just got to carry on. Thats the most important thing about the community here. Having shown his form is right on target, Hradilek is now looking forward to a big week at Whitewater XL, with practice on Monday and Tuesday, a corporate raft day on Wednesday and competition going through Thursday to Sunday. Hes eager to see how the Vector Wero course behaves in competition for the first time. Its a beautiful country and theres an awesome crew around. The vibe around the kayaking community makes me come back every summer, even though there has been no artificial training facility here until this year. Now well see how Wero goes and its fun to work on something new - Ive never raced such a big race at this time of the year so its a different game. Meanwhile, Frenchwoman Nouria Newman completed an all-overseas podium in the womens race, though her margin was even smaller than the mens division. With a time of 6:46.92, Newman was just 0.60secs ahead of British paddler Sandra Hyslop, who won last months adidas Sickline extreme world title in Austria. Martina Wegman (Holland) was third in 6:59.17, just ahead of leading Kiwi Nikki Kelly. French paddler Nouria Newman on her way to victory in todays Kaituna Timetrial, a qualifying event for this weeks Whitewater XL. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Newman only arrived in the country this week and she needed a 43sec improvement in her second run to capture the title. With slalom, were not used to racing for that long, explains Newman. Im happy I pulled off a good run but Sandra is really fast and that was really hard. I had less energy in the second run but I had better lines into the rapids and I was a bit calmer. Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal 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 President Barack Obamas reaction to Donald Trumps election could have gone something like this: My fellow Americans, we have made a grave mistake. That enough of us voted to elect a darling of white nationalists and an admitted sexual abuser, among other things, is a low point for American democracy. Nevertheless, as an American committed to a government of laws, I will do everything in my power to ensure President-elect Trumps smooth transition into the White House. As a Christian who believes God can change the human heart, I will remain hopeful that Mr. Trumps presidency can be a force for good. That Obamas response to Trump has been significantly less judgmental and significantly more conciliatory is just one more reason to fear a spike in hate speech of the kind allegedly directed at a local multiracial family last week. A handwritten letter left at a Fitchburg home touts Trumps victory, uses the N-word and calls the family race traitors. Its one of hundreds of racially charged incidents some verified, some debunked reported since Trumps election. Their implication is clear: Trump ran a divisive, and arguably sexist and racist campaign and won, so now its OK for us regular folk to be divisive, sexist and racist. Usually, I wouldnt take that implication or the Fitchburg letter all that seriously. Hate speech is horrible and frightening for victims, but there have always been racist morons with bad handwriting no matter who the president is. They arent deserving of the public platform our outrage provides them. People also have the free will to reject their leaders bad examples. Bill Clinton engaging in sexual activity with an intern in the Oval Office doesnt give license to other married men to carry on extramarital affairs. Nor did Trumps public ridiculing of a disabled reporter mean everyones going to start feeling comfortable making fun of the disabled. And yet there are numerous studies suggesting that the behavior of leaders influences other people, said Markus Brauer, a UW-Madison psychology professor who studies behavior modification. Prescriptive norms tell people what is the right thing to do. And there are many studies suggesting that peoples perceptions of prescriptive norms are heavily influenced by the leadership, in the positive and in the negative direction. If theres any difference between the dangers to prescriptive norms posed by Clintons behavior and by Trumps behavior, it might be that at least Clinton knew his behavior was wrong enough to lie about and, when caught, apologize for it. By contrast, Trumps response to being caught on tape bragging about sexually assaulting women was to apologize while simultaneously dismissing it as locker room talk. Asked recently if he regretted anything hed said in the campaign calling immigrants rapists, for example, or criticizing women as too unattractive to have sex with he said: No. I won. Its disappointing enough that all the moral reservations Republicans such as U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke and Gov. Scott Walker had about Trump before the election vanished after he won the election. Worse is that the election results have convinced a squeaky clean politician like Obama to gloss over Trumps awfulness. Whether they know it or not, theyre going about the task of defining deviancy down especially when the connections between Trumps rhetoric in the campaign and the current level of hate in the Madison area or anywhere else could be much more than incidental. Trumps behavior was considered unacceptable by many people, including Trump voters, Breuer said. But now that he is elected, he has national legitimacy. Therefore, his behavior is legitimate as well. Rev. Franz Rigert didnt think people were altering their sense of right and wrong to align with Trumps. But the leader of the Wisconsin conference of the United Church of Christ (which is, full disclosure, my denomination) said Trump can be blamed for a groundswell right now in those who are belligerent. He may not be the origin of it in our culture, he said of Trumps trafficking in sexism and racism, but hes normalized it. Perhaps even in places as previously normal as the Madison area. Bella La Vita Inn, Floyd Center for the Arts, and Joy Gardner received recognition at the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner November 7. Members filled the Floyd EcoVillage main room for dinner. A buffet meal was served, and a silent auction was held. John McEnhill, Chamber director, presented the annual awards. The Chamber Business of the Year award went to Bella La Vita Inn, owned by Matt and Lisal Roberts. The Inn, located on New Haven Road in Floyd, has received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence every year it has been open and has been nominated for the national service award. Matt and Lisal have been a great help to the Chamber and to the community, McEnhill said. Lisal serves on the Tourism Advisory Board, and both are volunteers for the Rocky Knob Chapter of Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Floyd Lodging Association. Other nominees for the category were also recognized. They included Bank of Floyd, which provides meeting space for meetings to the Chamber and other civic organizations and supports community events, and On The Water, which hosts the Chambers Rubber Duck Race and participates with Tourism Director Pat Sharkey in local outdoor recreation tourism initiatives. Receiving the Nonprofit of the Year honor was Floyd Center for the Arts (formerly known as the Jacksonville Center for the Arts). McEnhill said nominators cited the Centers Art Works for Us project, which beautifies the community and showcases local artists. The Center is also the lead organization for the Floyd County Artisan Trail and manages the Friday Night Artisan Market. It hosts free after-school and in-school programs for local youth. Other nominees for the award included Blue Mountain School, an alternative school with a 35-year history, and the June Bug Center, which hosts youth programs and provides space for Floyd JAMS, Floyd Community Theatre Guild, the alternative high school, and more. Recipient of this years Business Leader award was Joy Gardner, who serves as President of the Chamber. She volunteers much time to the Chamber and chairs the annual dinner and scholarship committee. Joy has provided leadership as the Chamber President for the past two years.Joy excels in connecting businesses with the Chamber and with other businesses. Other nominees for the award were Jon Beegle, chairman of the Economic Development authority and owner and of two Chamber member businesses, Beegle Landscaping and Bootleg BBQ, and Will Griffin, town mayor, part owner of Thompson & Griffin and The Republic of Floyd, and member on many local boards and committees. Beegle and Lydeana Martin, the countys Community and Economic Development director, talked about the C-4 business trainings/competitions. Supervisor Linda DeVito Kuchenbuch also made closing comments. I view Floyd at this point in its evolution at a very import precipice. We are really ready to fly. She said the county has amazing talents that are just being to coalesce. I am privileged to be a part of this community and work with many of you. Your contributions dont go unnoticed.I personally thank you from the county and everybody who calls Floyd home. A 19-year-old man was attacked with a stun gun Saturday night as he was walking home from Madison Colleges North Side campus, the Madison Police Department said. He encountered three male teens on bikes on his way home from the Truax Campus around 10:25 p.m., police said. The man overheard one of them say he looked like the guy that shot my friend, according to police. A full description of the youths was not available. They began to follow the man, and he ignored their ensuing questions, until they all reached the intersection of Hoffman and Anderson streets, police said. One of the teenagers then tried to use a stun gun on the man, who heard sparks from the device but wasnt incapacitated, the police said. The teens then fled the area on their bikes, police said. The residents of a UW-Madison apartment complex where a young child was diagnosed with lead poisoning earlier this year had complained to housing officials about chipping and peeling paint outside their apartments for a decade before the girl was poisoned, records obtained by the Wisconsin State Journal show. The girls mother also wrote to UW Housing staff several months before her daughter was diagnosed to complain about paint she said was chipping off the entryway to her unit at University Houses apartments. By April, after tests found the child had levels of lead in her blood well above the standard for poisoning, officials wrote in emails to residents that paint at the complex had deteriorated significantly, saying it posed an immediate hazard. Residents say those conditions had been apparent for nearly a year before officials acknowledged them. White paint on the entryways, columns and other exterior trim of the two-story brick buildings on the far west side of campus was chipping off onto the grass and concrete landings outside of units places where the many children who live in the complex often played. UW-Madison had just renovated University Houses during the 2014-15 school year, but officials scrapped plans to deal with the deteriorating paint because other pieces of the project had gone over budget. It was only after the child was poisoned and a local public health agency ordered UW-Madison to clean up the chipping and peeling paint that officials finally addressed the problem last spring. The State Journal first reported on the lead poisoning case in June. UW officials response to the complaints was frustrating, said Anne Riceman, a former University Houses resident whose son had elevated blood lead levels when he lived in the complex as a toddler more than 20 years ago. Riceman said she similarly complained about peeling paint at her apartment, but said housing staff did not take action until after her son was diagnosed. I dont think they took it seriously, to tell you the truth, Riceman said of the concerns she expressed back in the 1990s. Clearly they didnt, because theres still issues. Jeff Novak, director of University Housing, says workers have stabilized the lead paint at the apartments, and are now working on a major project to remove or encapsulate the hazardous paint. The family of the girl who was poisoned, meanwhile, has filed a notice that they are planning a lawsuit against University Housing and campus officials. Campus officials canceled a planned interview with Novak last week, citing the advice of legal counsel. In response to a list of emailed questions, Novak said officials handled residents complaints properly. Our ongoing schedule of maintenance projects addressing lead-based paint in University Houses, and our documented responses to other work order requests over the years show a consistent record of appropriate responsiveness, Novak said. A ton of chipped paint outside home The family of the girl who was poisoned moved into their unit at University Houses in August 2015. The girls mother spoke with the State Journal on the condition that her name not be used because she is a graduate student at UW-Madison and her husband works for the university. Their unit had just been renovated in the project that shut down University Houses the prior year. Although the buildings boasted new interiors, residents say the consequences of UWs decision not to address the lead-based paint outside the buildings soon became apparent. The apartment was new and clean, but right away we noticed that there was a ton of chipped paint in the entryway, the girls mother said. Amy Jancewicz, another graduate student who lived in the complex at the same time, recalled seeing big, flaking chips off the front columns outside her familys apartment in May 2015. As she looked around the complex, Jancewicz said, she realized her unit wasnt unique. The buildings we were walking by we were noticing that all of them had a really severe level of chipping paint on the front of the building, she said. 10 years of complaints They were not the first University Houses residents to notice chipping paint. For years, residents told University Housing officials about paint conditions they were concerned could harm children in the complex, which caters to graduate students, faculty members and their families. Paint chips are falling to the ground and could be eaten by children, read a maintenance request form submitted to University Housing in 2006, which the State Journal obtained through an open records request. Another form from 2007, apparently written by a staff member, reads, Resident ... is a family medicine (doctor) and is concerned about lead. The University Houses complex was built in 1948. Lead-based paint was used in the nearly three dozen buildings around the complex, as well as the nearby Eagle Heights and Harvey Street apartments, until the mid-1970s, according to a disclosure form University Housing gives to residents. Novak said the complaints in the maintenance request forms were quickly addressed by University Housing employees. The university has responded to paint chip issues, whether lead-based or not, on numerous occasions, Novak said. This work is in addition to an ongoing schedule of maintenance projects addressing lead-based paint in University Houses. Novak said officials actively monitored paint conditions and checked apartments before new tenants moved in. The records indicate complaints were handled on an individual basis, though, with workers dispatched to repaint problem areas. The mother of the girl who was poisoned said her concerns were not answered until it was too late. Months went by and nothing happened In August 2015, just before her family moved into their apartment at University Houses, the mother of the girl who would later be poisoned sent officials an email detailing concerns she had after touring her future home. As we entered the unit, there appeared to be a lot of chipped paint and part of the column was broken off, she wrote on Aug. 3. Will the chipped paint be fixed and column? The girl, who was a year and a half old when the family moved into the apartment, often leaned on the columns to navigate the step down from the landing to the sidewalk, and frequently put her hands in her mouth, the mother said. Thats common behavior for young children, said Jerome Paulson, an emeritus professor of pediatrics at George Washington University. Paulson, an expert on lead hazards, said its also a common way for lead to get into the bloodstream. A University Housing official told the mother in a reply email that the columns will be addressed shortly. But, the mother said, Months went by and nothing happened. UW-Madison spokesman John Lucas said the woman toured the apartment before it was ready for residents. Crews stabilized the paint before her family moved in and were planning an exterior painting project, according to Lucas. University Housing did not receive additional complaints about the paint from the mother until this spring, he said. In February, around the girls second birthday, a routine lead test found she had a blood lead level of just under 25 micrograms per decileter well above the standard for lead poisoning set by Public Health Madison Dane County, and nearly five times what the federal Centers for Disease Control considers an elevated lead level. A follow-up test found a similarly high result, the mother said. The test results prompted Public Health Madison Dane County to get involved. In April, the agency officially ordered University Housing to clean up the chipping paint outside the girls apartment, and made clear to UW that crews also needed to address the similar conditions at the rest of the complexs buildings. Maintenance request forms indicate that crews repainted the girls unit in March just before the official public health order, but seven months after the mothers complaint. A photo taken by the girls father shows that by the time officials addressed the problem last spring, columns had shed so much paint that in some areas their bare wood was exposed. Lawsuit could be coming The girls mother says tests show her blood lead levels have been dropping since this spring, but her parents plan to monitor her development closely to see if the poisoning has any long-term effects. Paulson said children who have been poisoned by lead are at greater risk of a range of problems, including learning disorders and behavioral problems, even if their blood lead levels decline over time. The damage, once done, is irreversible, Paulson said. The girls family has not yet sued UW-Madison, but filed a notice of claim with the state attorney general in July indicating they plan to. Although Novak said in June that officials planned to entirely remove lead-based paint from the building exteriors at University Houses, he now says the lead abatement project, which is being managed by the state Division of Facilities Development, will involve leaving some of the paint in place and encapsulating it. There is no set date for when officials hope to complete the project, he said. The current project ... goes beyond requirements for lead abatement, Novak said. So long as lead remains in the buildings, Paulson said, UW officials will need to stay on top of the paint conditions to ensure it doesnt degrade and pose a risk to residents again. They are going to need to monitor those buildings until they tear them down, Paulson said. Whether youre a budding Footlights member, a would-be reviewer, or just a casual audience member, youll soon find that theatre is ever-present in Cambridge. You have only to look at one of the church railings to notice how many plays are on in Cambridge, in how many different venues, and involving a ridiculous number of people. With the Freshers plays coming up this week in both ADC and Corpus, the time is ripe to discuss this inescapable aspect of life in the bubble. Some start earlier than others, but at some point, you will go to see a play in Cambridge, and it will probably be memorable, for good or bad reasons. Mine was All My Sons, my first experience with Arthur Miller. (Honestly, it was a bit of an underwhelming note on which to start the Cambridge theatre experience). In fact, I did a lot of socialising in first year by going to plays with people easy to orchestrate if you do reviews and can offer them free tickets. An even better plan is to befriend someone who reviews and get their free ticket. One of my best college friends (with whom I saw All My Sons, in fact) is a good catch, because she almost always offers me her free theatre tickets. As I split my free tickets between her and my boyfriend, the deal isnt quite as good for her, but Ive found a system that works incredibly well for me, and allows me to go the theatre often with very little expenditure. Expressing an opinion about a polarising piece of art can be one of the most nerve-wracking things on earth when youre among a group of people youre not familiar with. Personally, if I really hate a play, I find it hard to put up with people who like it. This isnt to suggest that one play should the be-all-and-end-all of your relationships, but it can be useful exercise. Often, what you like or dislike about a piece of art (in this case, a play) can illustrate a fundamental difference or similarity in your personalities/philosophies, which is useful information for your friendships in the long-run. Anyway, dont take any of this too seriously. Going to the theatre should be fun, and it can often spark interesting conversation dont fail to express an opinion on something because youre afraid of what someone else might think. ( But if youre unsure about what to say, It was a little pretentious is always a safe place to start, because nine times out of ten, thats probably a fair assessment.) Once youve done the rounds with a few plays, youll soon be able to play Guess the actor. You know when youre watching a film, and you suddenly think youve seen one of the actors somewhere before? Cambridge provides the opportunity to play a much more personal version of this. The same actors turn up over and over again, and you can have fun recognising them in their many guises. I spent a year calling Ryan Monk (now graduated) the northern shepherd because Id first seen him play that role in a version of Oedipus. If you cant remember where youve seen an actor before, never fear! Just turn to Camdram, Cambridge Theatres very own IMDB. Once youve seen enough plays, youll start to realise that Cambridge theatre is a genre in and of itself. Theres the actor who plays every actor the same way. Theres the one actor everyone raves about but who you think over-acts. Theres the big ADC show that get five-star reviews despite being damp squibs, and then there are the Pembroke Cellars shows, cobbled together on a shoe-string budget, that are fantastic. Theres the rush to get tickets for the panto (which is well worth snaffling a ticket for) and perhaps the one other show a term that gets inexplicably sold out early on. Theres endless Shakespeare, because its handy having no performance rights, and the licence to set the play in whatever time period you like and gender-swap to your hearts content. Theres the ever-present and mostly-dubious interpretive dance and physical theatre. And all the while, you can silently (or openly) stake your bets on whos going to be famous in ten years time. The whole theatre sub-culture is busier than in Cambridge than at any other UK university and for that fact alone, its really worth exploring. No one is asking you to become a luvvie, but do try to get out there and see some plays. Who knows, maybe one day you can tell your future workmates about how you once had a conversation with the future Mitchell and Webb in the ADC bar. They wont know that you actually still resent those thesps for pushing in front of you for a drink. Given how infantilising the bedder-spying, porter-guarding, school-dinner fed Cambridge world is, it shouldnt be surprising that we arent allowed jobs whilst were here. The difference is that financial issues have more of a pragmatic significance than the slight annoyance of forgetting to put a bin outside before going to bed. It seems like financial security is assumed and if it isnt, the solution is not to solve it by getting a job and working. Whilst other universities assume a level of autonomy amongst its students, ours asserts control over even the most personal decisions, including our bank account figures. As someone who doesnt receive the maximum bursary, but also am not totally funded by my parents, not being able to work whilst in Cambridge is a significant problem. Before coming to university, I worked hard at weekends and in the holidays to earn for myself. As a teenager this was emancipating; no longer was I reliant on someone else for financial help. It definitely gave me a better work ethic than anything I learnt at school: certainly, those hurried essays scribbled the lunchtime before a lesson were indicative of doing the bare minimum, and largely getting away with it. Working in an adult environment, where the responsibility for not performing well was a great deal more tangible, I simply had to do my best. Its astonishing, then, that our university believes academia alone will foster this same attitude. It reveals a great deal about its priorities: we arent supposed to consider the world beyond the bubble; reading esoteric medieval texts is meant to sustain us. Of course, this is just another example of assumed privilege. We are meant to be able to afford Cambridge, and indeed our lives afterwards, with no need to exist in the working world. It isnt valued or prioritised, aside from in reference to internships and summer schemes, or other bastions of nepotism and success. Spending eight hours in a coffee shop to stay above the overdraft line just isnt valued ambition and education, the university seems to suggest, lifts us beyond these unskilled, but often necessary, occupations. The university would also cite the need to spend as much time as possible on our degrees. This is a whole problem in itself, leading to perfectionism, anxiety, and answering every enquiry into our wellbeing in terms of where we are with work. But essentially this argument is unjustified: a Saturday morning in a cafe; a weekday evening in a bar, takes much less time than an extracurricular. Whilst the benefits might be less fun, financial security is infinitely comforting, and the time management skills learnt would not equate to missed deadlines, but almost certainly a more efficient working routine. If the University is serious about Access, it should allow us to choose to work for our money. Not only will this give individuals the choice of alleviating financial worries, it will allow students to integrate with people in Cambridge who are not somehow associated with academia. The snobbery of the bubble is part of the Access problem, and so to normalise a relationship with the city that is not based in privilege, but shared concerns, would surely alleviate the outward image of Cambridge. As adults, it seems ludicrous that our occupational concerns are made for us. It seems much more realistic to allow us to make this choice for ourselves: and I genuinely feel the rewards would transform the Cambridge experience. The interests of Dr Becky Inkster are wide-ranging. A brain-imaging geneticist by training, in 2014 she attracted viral media attention for her work using hip-hop to raise awareness of mental health issues. She is now senior manager of the Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (NSPN), which researches brain development in adolescents and young adults. In last weeks print edition TCS Science reported on Dr Inksters latest paper, A decade into Facebook: where is psychiatry in the digital age?, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, which advocates the incorporation of social media and social networking data into mental health research and treatment. The Cambridge Student spoke to Dr Inkster to get a more detailed understanding of this work. The growing popularity of social media, particularly amongst young people, offers vast quantities and new types of information, which could provide insights into users mental health. In A decade into Facebook, the authors argue that data from social networking sites should become a high priority for psychiatry research and mental healthcare delivery. Inkster expands on this; We must tap into the enormous possibilities that social media could offer, and specifically social networking to find innovative ways to improve the detection, treatment and prevention of mental health problems. We need to start asking questions such as, Do the things that people put on social networking sites tell us something about their mental health, and can we use this information to help identify warning signs, or find new treatments? Understanding what data collected from social media actually means requires online information to be linked to offline mental health information. The researchers propose a novel online-offline framework, which combines Facebook data collection with mental health information already provided by participants. Offline information will help the researchers to understand the meaning of the new types of data being shared on Facebook. For example, particular patterns of friendship groups, or changes in communication could be indicative of social isolation. Previous studies have already shown that positive things that are written on the newsfeeds tend to influence positively what you write on your own profile and vice versa. Inkster hopes that by combining online and offline datasets it will be possible to identify relevant Facebook measures, which can be used effectively in treatment. However, we are only at the very beginning of this extraordinary challenge and there is a strong need for evidence-driven exploration. At the moment no studies have been carried out involving mental health patients so we really dont know how best to supplement or compliment offline information with appropriate online data in order to refine or improve mental health treatments. This is the ambitious goal we must carefully steer toward. The lack of psychiatric studies is partly due to emphasis of possible adverse consequences in both the scientific and media narrative. The paper was essentially an outline, or almost a manifesto, trying to illustrate that there are positives, says Inkster, We often hear about the risks and potential negatives and rightfully so [but] we might also be able to use online social networking data to help improved our understanding and support of mental health problems. A recent Guardian article exemplified this, worrying that the idea of being neatly categorised as mentally ill or mentally well simply because of the things we choose to share online is both unethical and potentially dangerous. Inkster says that this misunderstands the research, Were not trying to come up with some black box algorithm where you or Big Brother can go online and assess or survey whether or not you have a mental health problem based on your momentary thoughts and weekly data entries etc. This is very much still a conversation between the patient and the healthcare provider. We are suggesting that online social media data might help to refine or supplement existing psychotherapies Facebook can be a very personal thing given that you decide what to share so this might help to personalise [patients] therapeutic intervention. Many of the concerns highlighted by the Guardian are related to who can access this online data. Inkster stresses that obtaining informed consent is paramount. For her, one of the key questions is would this be acceptable offline? As a result, the consent process for patients participating in the studies is very detailed, if the [patients] are happy with all of the ethically-approved information and everything weve put online then they click opt-in consent buttons. There are multiple consent buttons, its not a case of can we have all of your Facebook data? Each thing is separate [so patients] think about each thing individually. They also have a very clear and easy way to remove themselves from the study and to have all of the data removed too offline and online. Participants share very intimate things about their offline lives with us already, so we have very well defined standard operating procedures and safeguarding mechanisms in place for those circumstances. We need to expand and adapt [these mechanisms] for online circumstances and this will be very important. Although her Lancet paper doesnt present any clinical results, in initial workshops with young mental health service users The feedback had been very positive. Ive worked with intelligent and socially conscious young people. I think sometimes people can underestimate just how aware they are about how they might like [Facebook] to be implemented into their care theyre really in touch with the language used in Facebook and the digital social space. I cant say that about all clinicians. The patients have even suggested particular things that the researchers might wish to investigate. This knowledge of the medium, particularly amongst young patients, makes social media one area where [patients] really can lead and voice their views and concerns into the conversation which can be really empowering and relevant for the patient. These patient and public involvement workshops are a continuing method of research, and one that Inkster is very keen for students to get involved in. The authors also have an interesting cohort to begin their research with. The very first dataset we will be analysing is a Cambridgeshire dataset called the ROOTS cohort and our study is called My Online Life. Its an adolescent/young adult cohort, [with data collected from the] early 2000s onwards Whats really interesting about collecting cohort data around that time is that Facebook exploded in popularity then, with the creation of Likes in 2009, for example. Inkster says she and her colleagues have collected over 100 Facebook datasets from ROOTS participants [with] paired offline information Participants have previously completed a wide range of offline questionnaires, such as about childhood experiences (e.g., whether they experienced maltreatment) and for young adults, what types of relationships they have, how they perceive their friendships in the offline sense, their family settings [These] offline social factors will compare really nicely with what were able to obtain through Facebook data such as 'Likes', status updates, comments and so on. With such enriched and socially interesting initial data sets, Inkster is focused on the future, There is a lot of work to be done by many people no doubt, yet so much potential to revolutionise mental healthcare. Watch this space. Microsoft replaces Command Prompt with PowerShell in latest Windows 10 build The latest Windows 10 insider build brings a change that puts the Windows PowerShell in the spotlight, as it replaces the super-popular Command Prompt in some essential parts of the operating system. Command Prompt has been around for as long as we can remember, but starting with Windows 10 build 14971, Microsoft is trying to make PowerShell the main command shell in the operating system. Softpedia Intel's Nervana attacks GPUs Intel rolled out its intentions for a soup-to-nuts offering in artificial intelligence, but at least one of the key dishes is not yet cooked. The PC giant will serve up the full range of planned products it acquired from Nervana Systems. They will take on mainly high-end jobs especially in training neural networks, an area now dominated by Nvidia's graphics processors. EE Times New Chrome extension automatically negotiates with Comcast for rate discounts Trim, a technology company focused on helping consumers cancel and manage subscription services, has added a bit of levity to the sometimes heated realm of interfacing with Comcast service reps. The company has developed an extension to the Google Chrome web browser, which serves as a bot that automatically deals with Comcast reps over the internet, seeking discounts for services. FierceCable Demystifying the i-Device NVMe NAND (new storage used by Apple) NVMexpress is the next generation storage technology used in embedded devices. The main idea was to have a memory controller directly on the PCIexpress level, avoiding a lot of overhead. Therefor, the technology is based on PCIe. We could already see on recent Mac Book Air, the details about it in the control panel... Ramtin Amin Fiat Chrysler teams up with Amazon to sell cars online Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (FCHA.MI) said it has teamed up with U.S. internet giant Amazon (AMZN.O) to start selling cars online offering an additional discount. Initially only Italian buyers will be able to purchase their cars with a simple click online and the offers on Amazon.it will be limited to three models - the 500, the Panda and the 500L. Reuters Civilization VI fall 2016 update now live A new update is available for Sid Meier's Civilization VI today. The "Fall 2016 Update" will automatically install when starting the Steam client; if it doesn't install automatically, please restart Steam. This update adds DirectX 12 support to Civilization VI, starting with AMD cards and Nvidia Maxwell-series-or-later cards; please make sure your drivers are up-to-date. Support has also been added for Logitech ARX. For more information on each of these, please click their respective link. Steam (GPU driver downloads) Hard drive stats for Q3 2016: Less is more In our last report for Q2 2016, we counted 68,813 spinning hard drives in operation. For Q3 2016 we have 67,642 drives, or 1,171 fewer hard drives. Stop, put down that Twitter account, Backblaze is not shrinking. In fact, we're growing very nicely and are approaching 300 petabytes of data under our management. We have fewer drives because over the last quarter we swapped out more than 3,500 2 terabyte (TB) HGST and WDC hard drives for 2,400 8 TB Seagate drives. Backblaze Xiaomi Mi Mix review -- This is what the future of smartphones looks like Smartphone design has stagnated. If you're using Apple as a measuring stick for the industry, we're going to have three years of iPhones that use an identical case design. If you're going by Samsung, the company hasn't tweaked its front design since the Galaxy S5 in 2014. Google just produced its first self-branded smartphone hardware ever, and it didn't have anything significant to say when it comes to smartphone design either. Ars Technica Finally, our own OS - oh yes! At last -- we've done it! I've anticipated this day for ages - the day when the first commercially available mass market hardware device based our own secure operating system landed on my desk. And here she is, the beaut. This unassuming black box is a protected layer 3 switch powered by Kaspersky OS and designed for networks with extreme requirements for data security... Kaspersky iPhones secretly send call history to Apple, security firm says Apple emerged as a guardian of user privacy this year after fighting FBI demands to help crack into San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook's iPhone. The company has gone to great lengths to secure customer data in recent years, by implementing better encryption for all phones and refusing to undermine that encryption. The Intercept Office Depot allegedly diagnosing computers with nonexistent viruses to meet sales goals Retailers upselling customers on services they don't need is nothing new, but a new report claims that some Office Depot employees are falsely claiming computers are infected with viruses in order to meet sales goals. Consumerist An optimistic view of bot driven automation on the future of jobs Are bots and other technologies taking over the world and relegating us humans to third-rate status? Before you get your knickers in a knot, remember this is typically the result of automation. Diginomica Hook Turn: How the Aussie game industry turned a corner Coming to Australia from the Northern Hemisphere, one finds familiar commonplaces at odd angles. During my week in the country for Melbourne International Games Week (MIGW) I set out to find what, if anything, made the Australian games industry different from its counterparts. Gamasutra After receiving relentless criticisms that the fake news circulating around Facebook helped Donald Trump win the Elections 2016, the site has needed good news to boost its status. The social media network introduced a donation feature on its Facebook Live videos. This update lets people host streaming videos to raise funds for non-profit organizations of their choice. Enter Community Help, Facebook's new effort that was unveiled at their first ever "Social Good" event last Thursday. The feature could be fully launched early next year and should help users ask for donations or offer contributions following disasters. Facebook is thinking contributions could be in terms of food, supplies and shelter. But what people could ask for or choose to give is entirely up to them. "We're inspired by how much good comes from connecting on Facebook but we know we can do more," Facebook Social Good VP Naomi Gleit noted in a blog post. Moving forward, the social media company would also allow users to decide when to turn the Safety Check function on or off. This is the company's existing feature letting users tell their loved ones that they are safe during or after disasters. Facebook believes that the people closest to disasters should play bigger roles in deciding whether the Safety Check feature is most helpful. It usually comes up when many people post statuses about an incident that occurred within the affected area and would ask that specific individual whether they are safe or not. After answering, that person could also ask their friends to do the same. To further promote and improve its donation Facebook Live feature, the company has partnered up with more than 750,000 organizations that could receive contributions from this new feature. Users wishing to fundraise via Live videos should link donations to any non-profit organization that includes small local orgs to big global ones. In line with this, Facebook joined forces with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to celebrate the upcoming 5th anniversary of Giving Tuesday this November 29. Donations via Facebook Live for both institutions could be up to $1 million while individual fundraisers were limited to $1,000. For this charitable event, Facebook also waived its standard processing fees, which is 5 percent per donation and is comparable to other donation platforms like Crowdrise and GoFundMe. The event would be promoted at the very top of the newsfeeds for all United States users come November 29. This would be the first time a Facebook Live fundraising event would surface at the top of the newsfeed. Users who opt to watch the live stream could contribute directly to existing fundraisers or create their own to celebrate Giving Tuesday. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has joined forces with Amazon to give Italians another option to buy vehicles: online, on Amazon's website, with extra discounts to sweeten the deal. There aren't many things for sale that Amazon doesn't already sell, but so far vehicles have not been part of the retailer's inventory. An Amazon Vehicles Hub may have launched back in August, but it didn't actually sell cars. It offered comprehensive information so that those shopping for a car could learn more, but vehicles were not up for sale then. With the new FCA partnership, Amazon is now actually selling vehicles online, offering shoppers an additional discount. Only 3 Fiat Car Models Available - And Only In Italy Fiat cars are only available on Amazon Italy for now, and only three models are in store: the Fiat 500, 500L and Panda. On the bright side, Italian car shoppers can purchase their desired Fiat vehicle with just one click on Amazon. In terms of the vehicle selection, Fiat has good reasons to offer these three models in the country. The Fiat Panda is its best-selling car on the Italian market, while the 500 and 500L represent the hip, modern nature of this unconventional initiative to sell cars on Amazon. "The time has arrived to give consumers a new, more efficient and transparent way to choose a new vehicle," said Gianluca Italia, responsible for Fiat Chrysler in Italy, as cited by Reuters. Buy Online, Pick Up At Dealership Gianluca Italia further added that this collaboration between Fiat and Amazon will mostly appeal to prospective shoppers looking to take advantage of attractive deals from the comfort of their home. With this new initiative, currently existing promotions will get a 33 percent bump for online customers. According to the manager, 50 percent of Italians would be willing to purchase a car online, but the vast majority 97 percent would still prefer to pick the vehicle up at a traditional dealership. With this in mind, Italian customers will be able to make their purchase on Amazon, and the retailer will contact them so buyers can choose their preferred dealer to finalize the purchase then pick up the vehicle. The car should be ready for pickup within two weeks of the online purchase on Amazon. Why Not Buy A Car Online? As unconventional as it may sound, buying a car online is not that crazy. You can gather all the information you need and test drive the vehicle in real life at a dealership, then head home, get on Amazon, and buy it online to take advantage of the extra discount. You'd still pick it up at the dealership but with extra perks. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The board of directors of Facebook has authorized a share buyback of up to $6 billion, a move that might be able to placate investors especially after the issue of fake news on the social network broke out. The fake news is said to have aided President-elect Donald Trump in his unexpected win over Hillary Clinton. $6 Billion Facebook Stock Buyback Details In a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Facebook said that the specific timing and number of shares that the company will buy back will depend on several factors, including price, the conditions of the market and the general business, and the presence of alternative opportunities for investments. The stock repurchase program will start in the first quarter of next year, with no fixed expiration date for the offer. First Stock Buyback For Facebook This is the first time that Facebook will be launching a stock buyback, a practice that is uncommon among companies in the technology industry. Tech companies rarely return cash to their shareholders in the form of dividends or buybacks, as the general preference is to use the cash instead on growth opportunities. Facebook, however, said that the share repurchase will remain consistent with its capital allocation strategy of making long-term investments for growth as the priority. The company's balance sheet reveals that Facebook has about $26 billion in cash and short-term securities. Facebook warned investors earlier this month that the growth rates for the company's revenue is expected to decline over the coming quarters, as 2017 is seen as a year for aggressive investments. As such, its stock price decreased by more than 8 percent, which Facebook could take advantage of in the stock buyback. Facebook Responds To Fake News Issue With Cash The shares of Facebook saw an 11 percent decrease over the month of November, and is one of the many companies seeing the trend due to the uncertainties on the effect that Trump's election will have on Silicon Valley. The more recent issue that Facebook is facing, however, is the allegations that the fake news articles that have run rampant on the social network aided in Trump's surprising victory in the presidential race. According to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, such allegations are "crazy" and that the small amount of fake news on the platform is not enough to influence the election. Reports later revealed that Facebook had an update in place to fight against fake news on the service, but decided not to go through with it. Will the stock buyback be able to appease angered investors over the fake news issue, along with Facebook's recent challenges? We will find out once the program begins early next year. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A strong earthquake that hit New Zealand this week triggered tsunamis and landslides as well as killed at least two people and stranded thousands of others. What's making people talk about the disaster though is the seafloor that emerged out of the water as a result of the tremor. Powerful Earthquake The 7.8-magnitude earthquake after midnight on Monday, Nov. 14 was so strong it lifted the sea bed 2 meters (6.56 feet) and exposed seaweed-covered rocks and even marine animals above tide level. Another 6.2-magnitude quake occurred at about 1:30 p.m., which was followed by more than 60 aftershocks with 4.5 magnitude or greater. Images shared on social media have revealed how the earthquake destroyed roads. Coastal Uplift Government-owned research institute GNS Science said that much of the northeastern region of the South Island elevated during the quake. The coast is estimated to have lifted up between 0.5 meters (1.64 feet) and 2 meters. "The earthquake involved slip on at least four to six distinct faults, with the greatest slip occurring on the Kekerengu fault, which appears to have slipped about 10 meters along part of its length," USGS Earthquake Hazards Program associate coordinator Michael Blanpied said. The phenomenon is what is known as coastal uplift. It occurs when land is raised above the sea because of tectonic forces. Coastal uplift can gradually happen over a geological timescale. It can also suddenly occur as a result of an earthquake. Blanpied said that similar coastal uplifts have already been observed in the past, such as during the quakes that struck New Zealand in 1855 and 1931. Raised Coastline Could Become Permanent Feature GNS Science said that the newly raised coastline in Kaikoura could become a permanent feature. In many areas in New Zealand, there are historical and prehistoric examples of raised beaches that are still high above sea level. Many parts of the coast in New Zealand have also been repeatedly uplifted through time. "Raised marine beaches and terraces along the Kaikoura Peninsula, Wairarapa coast, Cape Kidnappers, Mahia Peninsula, north of Gisborne and East Cape, are evidence of former beaches that were uplifted from the sea by earthquakes in prehistorical times," GNS Science said in a statement. "Many of these have been or are currently being studied to find out the size and age of past earthquakes." Besides the seafloor that emerged out of the water, people have also been talking about the mysterious lights that turned the skies in New Zealand blue and green during the earthquake. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New photos show an uncontacted tribe in the Amazon jungle that resists threats brought about by illegal mining in the area. The tribal community is in Yanomami indigenous territory in the north of Brazil, close to the border with Venezuela. About 22,000 Yanomami are estimated to be living on the Brazilian side of the border. At least three groups are known to have no contact with outsiders. The images taken from the air show a Yanomami yano, a communal house for several families of the tribe. Each family occupies individual square sections where they keep their food, maintain fires and hang their hammocks. The community is estimated to be home to a hundred people. Uncontacted Tribes Uncontacted tribes, also known as isolated people or lost tribes, are communities of people who do not have peaceful or significant contact with people in the mainstream or dominant civilization. Members of these tribes have been described as the most vulnerable peoples on the planet. They are vulnerable to violence and diseases from outsiders. "These extraordinary images are further proof of the existence of still more uncontacted tribes. They're not savages but complex and contemporary societies whose rights must be respected," Survival International director Stephen Corry said in a statement. "It's obvious that they're perfectly capable of living successfully without the need for outside notions of 'progress' and 'development.'" Threats Posed By Gold Miners The uncontacted tribes in the region are particularly vulnerable to illegal gold miners who have brought malaria as well as polluted the tribes' food and water sources with mercury. Yanomami shaman Davi Kopenawa Yanomami, who described the miners as termites that keep coming back and do not leave them in peace, said that the pollution caused by the miners killed the shrimps and fishes in the rivers. Outsiders also brought flu and measles to which these people have little resistance. The aerial images were taken as part of an investigation being conducted by Brazilian authorities of about 5,000 miners illegally conducting operation in the territory. Protection Curtailed By Budget Cuts The images show that mining sites are in close in proximity to the village, which poses concern particularly now that protection by the authorities are being curtailed by budget cuts. Survival International, a human rights organizations campaigning for the rights of indigenous tribal people and uncontacted people, said that the cuts may shut down half of 12 uncontacted teams, one of which is focused on protecting the Yanomami. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. HTC Bolt's Global Variant To Launch On 22nd November | TechTree.com Unveiled a few days ago, the HTC Bolt was announced exclusively for the US market. If you wanted to purchase it outside the US though, there's a good news. According to a Taiwanese website, HTC is planning to launch a global variant of its Bolt handset on 22nd of November. The handset features a metal unibody design. MWithout compromising on the looks, the phone offers water-resistant body. It has 5.5-inch Quad HD screen. The phone is powered by a Snapdragon 810 chipset. You get 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB internal storage. You can expand it further via a microSD card slot. In the photography department, you get a 16-megapixel rear camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization). For selfies, HTC has thrown-in an 8-megapixel front-facing snapper. Among other feature, the HTC Bolt offers a fingerprint sensor, 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4,1, A-GPS, NFC, and 3200 mAh battery. The handset comes with USB type C port with audio out. On the software side of things, you get Android 7.0 Nougat with HTC Sense on top. For price and availability, we will have to wait a couple of days. TAGS: HTC Randy OConnell of Omro is this weeks You Toon winner. Congrats, Randy! His caption about Donald Trumps inauguration beat out more than 120 entries. OConnell wins publication of his line with todays finished cartoon. He also will receive a signed print by artist Phil Hands. Runners-up and their suggested captions include: Dan Miller of Hamburg: Do I promise to uphold the Constitution? Wait and see. Ill leave you in suspense! Craig Deller of Madison: I finally read the Constitution last night. Really terrific! Patrick Flannery of Madison: I, Donald Trump, do solemnly swear, $%#@. Kathy El-Assal of Middleton: You can tell Ruth and Elena and Sonia theyre fired! Thanks to all participants. Well play again next Sunday with a fresh cartoon and empty caption. Samsung Claims That Its Galaxy S7 Phones Are Safe | TechTree.com This has been a mixed year for Samsung. The Korean company's Galaxy S7 edge was phenomenal success. The Note 7 also received a lot of love, until it started setting itself on fire. Citing a battery issue, the Korean company had to recall the Note 7. The entire episode left Samsung red-faced, as it lost its customers to the Apple iPhone 7 Plus. Apart from billions of dollars of lost revenue, the recall programme itself cost Samsung dearly. More importantly, the Korean company's image took a massive blow. The timing could not have been worse as people in the US are prepping-up for the Black Friday sale. Sensing that some consumers might give Samsung's products a cold shoulder over safety concerns, the company has released a following statement: "Samsung stands behind the quality and safety of the Galaxy S7 family. There have been no confirmed cases of internal battery failures with these devices among the more than 10 million devices being used by consumers in the United States; however, we have confirmed a number of instances caused by severe external damage. Until Samsung is able to obtain and examine any device, it is impossible to determine the true cause of any incident." In short, Samsung acknowledges that a few consumers have reported battery explosion in the Galaxy S7 handsets. However, it claims that most of these incidents have been caused by "external damage". Though the company does not mention what kind of damage may lead to a possible explosion in its high-end phones. On a side note, the Galaxy S7 (32 GB) will be available for $670 (approx Rs 45,600) during the Black Friday sale. No need to contact your "amarikan uncleji" yet, as the Galaxy S7 is anyway priced at Rs 42,800 in India. TAGS: Samsung The Baltic countries are hit the hardest by inflation, with 22.4 percent for Estonia, 22 percent for Lithuania and 21.8 percent for Latvia. | Read More For the first time in its history, the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum has a full-time, experienced museum curator and director at its helm. The Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission, the body that oversees the museum, selected David Beard as the museums new executive director. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Beard has spent most of the past two decades managing museum collections across the country. Several had a maritime focus that allowed him to draw on his background as a marine archaeologist and historian. He began work at the USS Kidd on Nov. 1. We think he is an agent of change, and thats what were looking for, Commission Chairman Henson Moore said. With no aspersions on our past, we just needed something different Weve been lucky to have the people we have, and they did a good job. But in watching (former Louisiana State Museums director) Mark Tullos Jr. operate as our interim director, we saw what we needed in terms of what to look for in the future. Interim director begins USS Kidd duties as commission seeks permanent director The newly appointed interim director of the USS Kidd Veterans Museum began his job Monday, f Beard is no stranger to overseeing the preservation and display of historic vessels like the USS Kidd, a World War II-era destroyer that serves as the centerpiece for the memorial and museum. As head curator of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia in 2001-2005, Beard helped manage a collection that includes the USS Olympia, a Spanish American War-era protected cruiser and one of the oldest steel warships in the world. He also oversaw maintenance and restoration efforts for the USS Cobia, a WWII-era submarine, while serving as assistant director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in 2007-2009. More recently, Beard served as director of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, in Port Arthur, Texas, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of a 39,000-square-foot facility with seven employees and an annual budget of more than $500,000. Beard said he sought the job at the USS Kidd because it offered the kinds of challenges someone in his position wants. I am not, by nature, a caretaker. Stagnation and status quo are not things that appeal to me, Beard said. The commissioners that I met with indicated they want to move the museum to the next level by having a strategic plan and pursuing that plan, and thats something I have been involved with a number of times and that I enjoy doing. In particular, Beard said he will work with the commission to bring traveling exhibits to the museum, rotating them into the collection to draw repeat visitors. They really havent done that here very much, but the way you get local people to come back is to have a calendar of temporary exhibits, he said. And there are several that Ive had at other museums that would work here, if they are still traveling. We could also work with other museums with similar missions to see if they have developed any exhibits that could travel. Beard said he also wants to create exhibits here that could travel to other museums, drawing rent payments that would serve as another revenue stream for the USS Kidd. One idea already being pursued is to create a World War I centennial exhibit based on American participation in the war in 1917-1918, Moore said. Theyre hard at work on that and have already showed me the first conceptual drawings, Moore said. Thats exactly the kind of exciting things we ought to be doing. Moore said the museum has done well in preserving the USS Kidd, with many outside experts calling the work on the destroyer the gold standard for historic vessel preservation. But the museum itself is not a gold standard museum, he said. I think weve done well for 25 years. Weve paid our bills and had visitors, Moore said. But I dont think by modern museum standards we are where we want to be. Creating and renting exhibits, as well as updating the museum building, will require a new infusion of money at a time when fundraising has been lackluster for several years. Money problems plagued the term of former director Alex Juan, who announced her resignation in May, a month before extension of her three-year contract was scheduled for a vote. Juan said at the time that donors had been spooked by accusations that her predecessor, longtime director Maury Drummond, had mismanaged funds. Moore said Drummond was an excellent fundraiser and that reestablishing those connections would be a priority moving forward. Beard said he wants to aggressively pursue corporate sponsors for annual donations in support of operations. We need to determine those businesses that are the right fit, how to approach them, what we can offer them and how we can engage their interest, he said. There are so many really pressing, social types of entities that need funding. Its really a challenge to place yourself in the queue for funding like that. Moore said he looks forward to working with Beard and seeing the museum develop under his leadership. The last museums that hes been to, where he was executive director, they werent interested in change. They liked it just the way they had it, and he was frustrated, Moore said. He was glad to go someplace that will give him a blank piece of paper not a blank check, but a blank piece of paper to figure out where we want to go. Hes already thinking and energized by it, and Im excited about him coming here. It isn't a big step from litigation funding to baby food not if you're a struggling ASX-listed litigator. Perth-based Hillcrest Litigation never really recovered from the loss of a high-profile case that dragged in our PM, Malcolm Turnbull. "The case was always unmeritorious, brought in the hope that I would pay the plaintiff and his litigation funder money to which they were not entitled in order to avoid trial," said Turnbull at the time. So now the company is serving as a back-door listing for The Infant Food Holding Co Pty Ltd and will change its name to Bubs Australia Ltd at next month's AGM if all goes well. Bosses at a Canberra public service agency will try to overcome their workforce's rejection of a proposed new workplace deal by simply running their defeated ballot again and hoping for a different result. Management at the Murray Darling Basin Authority are going to a fresh ballot, beginning on Monday, of their 300 employees after they rejected a proposal last month by just seven votes. The commission has gone to some lengths to laud the current IR framework. Credit:Jeffrey Chan Workplace unions are crying foul but the authority's chief executive Phillip Glyde says the turnout in last month's ballot was lower at 77 per cent of the workforce than the previous rejection of an agreement when 86 per cent of MDBA workers voted. Mr Glyde said he believes, based on the result of a separate staff survey, that some of the authority's employees want a third opportunity to vote. He also warned his workforce not to get its hopes up that the stalled bargaining process would go to Fair Work Commission arbitration, as occurred in the Immigration Department. "The arbitration involving the Department of Immigration and Border Protection and the Senate Inquiry will have no flow-on effects to the MDBA," Mr Glyde wrote. "In addition if there is a majority 'no' vote again, this will not mean we go into arbitration we will return to the bargaining table again for another lengthy period of negotiation. "I am confident that when you look at the proposed agreement and the policy commitments of the MDBA, you will be reassured, as I have been, that your conditions and entitlements have been retained." But technical union Professionals Australia says the authority is ignoring the voices of its employees by putting a rejected agreement forward for a vote again. In 1969, when I was 15 years old, my adored 37-year-old single Auntie Nancy was diagnosed with very advanced, untreatable ovarian cancer. It was a dreadful time in our close extended family's life. She began to deteriorate quickly and to develop severe pain from the tumour masses in her abdomen. She asked to stay at home and to be allowed to die in peace surrounded by her loving family. There were no visiting palliative care nursing teams then. There was no medical expertise in pain control. Doctors avoided using narcotics until the final hours for fear of addiction and that they would stop working if started too early. As my aunt began to deteriorate, an experienced private day nurse was engaged. My mother, in tandem with my other two aunts, would stay up every third night with my aunt, turning, toileting, massaging and comforting her. She was in agony and regularly cried out in pain. The doctor eventually prescribed a small dose of morphine to be strictly used every four hours. It had no effect. My aunt slowly became emaciated and developed painful bed sores. The family increased their efforts. They would care for her till the end. Eventually, after months, she became so desperate that she pleaded to be killed. Please? Please? The visiting nurse, a courageous and compassionate woman, promised to help. She had a cache of unused morphine ampoules from previous patients for desperate situations. Unable to obtain appropriate orders from the doctor, she secretly gave them to my aunt. Finally she was freed of her suffering. It took many years for my mother to tearfully tell me this very painful story. Her guilt, regret and sense of failure were profound. I was convinced that such mercy killing must be made more easily and widely available if it was true that no other treatment options existed. Belinda Nemec, Fitzroy What about our "home grown" criminals? The minister for impervious borders, Peter Dutton, is at it again with his comments on the Fraser government's immigration policy, and how it got it wrong. In Australia's post-colonial history of 228 years, people from all over the world have migrated here. Mr Dutton is conveniently leaving out the 80 years that transportation was operating. In that time, Britain exported 164,000 convicts to these shores. I do not hear him going on about the home-grown, Anglo-Australian criminal families. And there is no mention of the anti-establishment attitude to authority that has become an intrinsic part of our society and a much loved characteristic displayed by many Aussies. The minister needs to get those spin doctors into gear. David Legat, South Morang Blaming history is the easy way out Did the man who set himself alight in the Commonwealth Bank on Friday have a grudge against the bank or the victims, some of who were Vietnamese? Anyway it was all Malcolm Fraser's fault because he brought so many Vietnamese to Australia. Peter Dutton, like many in his party, often talks about Labor causing all the troubles of immigration in Australia. This time he has gone back much further to a famous Coalition prime minister. The government should do something itself rather than blame history and especially one their own, a notable man. Mary Lane, Mornington Cruelty by whom? Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said it was a tragedy that many people had been left with burns following the fire at the Commonwealth Bank, but added: "You'd have to lose your mind to do something so cruel". Mr Joyce could have been talking about the government's treatment of the refugees. Jerry Koliha, South Melbourne Striving for harmony I am appalled by the alleged actions of the mentally sick Nur Islam. My sympathies are with the victims of this tragic event and I pray for their speedy recovery. Such an atrocity leaves behind many unanswered questions. Could we have stopped it? And who should we blame? Nur Islam, a Muslim or Nur Islam, a mentally sick man who was trying to express his anger about our systems? Some opportunists will try to present it as a refugee crisis. Others will put pressure on the government to change its polices. I hope this event will make our peaceful Australian society more resilient and harmonious. We shall try to better understand the challenges faced by refugees and come up with strategies to integrate them in our society. Usman Mahmood, Bowenfels, NSW Seeking rehabilitation I read with interest about Age journalist Jesse Hogan, who suffered a massive stroke at the age of 33 and has been having intensive therapy (Sport, 17/11). My question is: how does one obtain intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation for a former stroke patient, aged 74, who is living in a nursing home? She was semi-conscious for two years, but has regained full speech, has no apparent dementia and is able to swallow. She is well cared for but gets no meaningful rehabilitation. Her family can afford to pay for a couple of phsyio sessions a week but this is not enough. Private rehab hospitals will not take her because she is unable to walk and several physios are needed to work with her at the same time. All we ask is for enough physio to enable her to sit in a wheelchair. It seems it is very difficult to access the system from a nursing home. Kathleen James, Bentleigh A monster unleashed Riding high on the crest of a social media tsunami, Donald Trump rode triumphantly into office on a surge of innuendo, character slurs and false allegations targeting Hillary Clinton. Trump's ascendancy was made possible by the sheer force of social media, a potent cocktail of fake news in a new "post-truth" era. How will mainstream media compete with the toxic power of this new force? And will it be made redundant in the process? Jelena Rosic, Mornington Power of newspapers Out of the turmoil of Brexit and now, much more dreadful, the Trump disaster comes a ray of light. My faith in newspaper journalism has been restored. I see now how dangerous it is to rely on the often false information peddled on social media. The millions of "followers" of posts and tweets are easily manipulated, and the opportunities for incitement, hatred and social chaos multiply week by week. The alternative is a researched article with verifiable facts and a journalist's name attached. For me, it is The Age, but there are reputable newspapers world-wide. Even when I disagree with the viewpoint, I can expect rationality, informed opinion and often compassion (Tony Wright and Martin Flanagan come to mind). But there are many fine journalists and cartoonists whose names signify professionalism. My subscription stays put. Ros Collins, Elwood A barbaric industry Melanie Sheppard's heart-rending story of wastage in the horse racing industry and her father's guilt (Good Weekend, 19/11) should be compulsory reading for all racegoers. They, too, might change their minds about this so-called sport. Jan Kendall, Hawthorn A question of safety Now we have another good reason for resisting the growing trend by Australian businesses to transfer local jobs to offshore call centres. Their foreign staff are on-selling the personal details of their customers to marketing companies and others, for financial gain (The Age, 18/11). Potentially this puts the financial and personal security of Australians at unacceptable risk. We have strong laws in this country aimed at preventing such action by companies and their employees laws which are virtually non-existent in many countries where call centres are located. Michael Gamble, Belmont Old, let's tear it down The destruction of cultural value in the name of economic gain continues apace. The beautiful buildings that make Melbourne such a warm and attractive city are being torn down and replaced by architecturally vapid edifices (The Age, 18/11). Yet, one day, when these are demolished in their turn, no one will commemorate their passing. Our planning laws seem to be all about what is built rather than what is lost. We need something more than the current "all or nothing" heritage protection. Jane Farago, Toorak The winners take all So the average wait for a pay rise has nearly doubled over the past four years, from 12 months to 21 months, and the average wage increase has shrunk from 3.6per cent to 2.3per cent (The Age, 17/11). How have executive salaries grown in that time? I only see million-dollar salaries , usually backed up with million-dollar bonuses to boot. If this disparity is allowed to continue, the end result is too dismal to contemplate. Michael Hutchison, Port Melbourne Meet Ms Ambassador I wonder if it might be time to appoint an intelligent grown-up to the position of Australian ambassador to the United States. We could probably get Greg Norman to fill in while our government looks for her. Ricky Milnes, Thornbury The drama continues Yes, Warrandyte certainly was a "wild" country town in the '60s. My father was in charge of its police station at the time of the 1966 bank robbery referred to by Sue Brink (Letters, 18/11). We lived adjacent to the station in the police residence. Eighteen months earlier, at 11o'clock one night, a stick of gelignite was tossed into the station. It blew holes in the screen door and floorboards, smashed the windows, shattered the light fitting and flung the notices off the notice board. My father grabbed his shotgun and sprinted out the front door. We made the television news the next night, in black and white, on the new Channel O. All was soon repaired, but for one item. The department refused to replace the doormat, despite the black line burnt into it by the fuse and the hole caused by the explosion, deeming there was enough left for it to be functional. Ah, the good old days. Helen Moss, Croydon A much-loved friend I am really saddened to hear that Margaret Throsby will leave weekday radio to host a three-hour program on Saturday mornings (The Age, 17/11). I have always organised to sit down and enjoy my lunch with Margaret and her interviewee on the Midday program. It was almost like having a guest to share my meal. Thank you, Margaret, for your hours of research and presentation. Moyra Dovolil, Camberwell Mind the (driving) gap Anna Gdanski (Letters, 15/11) urges drivers to take more care on the winding roads of the Dandenong Ranges. Good advice in principle, but she is wrong in terms of following distance. Two car lengths separation is only adequate at speeds of 10 to 15km/h. As speed increases, so must the gap. You should always be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front in perfect conditions (daylight, dry weather, good road surface, well-maintained vehicle, alert driver). In anything less than ideal conditions, it should be at least three seconds. Jeff Lerner, Elsternwick A question of trust Re, "'How could they not tell me?' Women kept in dark about risks of vaginal births" (The Age, 13/11). Walk through country cemeteries and you get a real sense of what natural childbirth used to be. Forceps were a lifesaver at that time, but fraught with dangers. I am an old GP. Today, in the middle of a dangerous delivery, we are expected to say: "Here are the awful things that could happen if you have a caesarean section, and here are the awful things that could happen if you don't have one". There is more misinformation than information on the internet.Please do not read articles that are not reputable. Also, be wary of reading with pre-existing biases. I yearn back to the time when I would say: "If you were my wife, I'd want you to have a caesarean section". The invariable response was: "You're the expert, I trust you". Find a doctor whom you trust. Ask to be fully informed of all risks, and then ask, "What would you do if it was your partner?" Dr Michael Howson, Keilor Cryptic or profound? Only a true Dylan fan would understand the lyrics: "Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now". Veronica Dingle, Brighton AND ANOTHER THING Trump Ian Baker (18/10), not a buffoon but a horse with blinkers. Tamara Gregory, Brunswick Sadly, I am learning that both Malcolm and Bill have joined Pauline and become Tumpscovites. Frank Jenkins, Dromana Trump has his deplorables and now Clinton has her lamenters. Trevor Meyer, Hastings Our town hasn't received this much media coverage since well, never. Susan Upton, Donald The United States of America: not any more. David Francis, Ocean Grove Refugees Does Dutton think Fraser made a mistake because he treated asylum seekers with compassion? Peter Rutherford, Geelong West How low can Peter Dutton go? Dorothy Opat, Elsternwick Jellyback Dutton wouldn't have said that if Fraser were still alive. Serge Bobbera, Geelong Fraser had a heart. Dutton does not. Sampath Kumar, Mornington Dutton speaks the raw, unadorned truth. Some people can't handle it. Francis Smith, Caulfield North Politics It's no wonder Abbott wanted a $83,000 luggage lift in the Lodge. He comes with a lot of baggage. Julian McSwiney, Mentone Those who wish to be head of a government body should have to attend obedience school before applying. Annie Wilson, Inverloch Now that it's "our ABC", please leave it alone. Rosemary O'Shea, Surrey Hills A 31-year-old man is in a critical condition in intensive care after a suspected one-punch attack in Sydney's CBD. NSW Police are investigating the assault which was reported at about 12.45 am on Sunday morning. Police and emergency services responded to the report and found a man with serious head and facial injuries at Haymarket. Police said he was taken to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition and placed in an induced coma. Mining magnate and agriculture sector champion Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest has been named the WA Australian of the Year. The Fortescue chairman and major shareholder was given the gong at a ceremony at Government House Ballroom in Perth on Sunday afternoon. Andrew Forrest has been named WA Australian of the Year. Credit:Peter Braig The WA mining billionaire was praised as one of Australia's greatest philanthropists and business leaders. Collecting the award for devoting his time and money to highlight Australia's Indigenous disparity and drawing attention to modern slavery around the world he praised his fellow finalists and called on members of the community to play their part. Three women have lost their lives in car crashes on the state's roads on the weekend. Two women were killed and another rushed to hospital after a crash in the Great Southern on Sunday afternoon. A 41-year-old woman has died after a crash near Mandurah. Credit:9 News Perth Reports said the car they were travelling in had hit a tree on Nindiup Road in Mount Barker just before 1pm. A 41-year-old woman died after a head-on crash near Mandurah on Saturday night. Los Angeles: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has outlined a seven-point plan to combat fake news sites that played a role in the recent election. The social media site will attempt to hit the fake news purveyors where it hurts, by interrupting the way these users generate revenue through advertising. Also, the company will devise algorithms based on users' flags of false content to help detect content likely to be fake, and then remove it. Zuckerberg said Facebook employees were not trying to be "arbiters of truth" but instead would rely on users to moderate the vast amount of content on the site. "We believe in giving people a voice, which means erring on the side of letting people share what they want whenever possible," Zuckerberg said in a post published on the site late on Friday night. "We need to be careful not to discourage sharing of opinions or to mistakenly restrict accurate content." Honda and FCA Co-host Second Automotive Safety Recall Best Practices Summit TORRANCE, CA - November 120, 2016: American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. and FCA US LLC co-hosted the second installment of the "Automotive Safety Recall Best Practices Summit" on the Torrance, Calif. campus of Honda on Nov. 17, 2016-18. The summit provided another opportunity for global automakers to discuss, learn about and share best practices for improving response rates in vehicle safety recall campaigns. Automotive professionals from 19 of the world's major automakers participated in the two-day industry event. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall Management Division Chief Jennifer Timian delivered opening remarks. Similar to the first summit that took place in Detroit on May 24-25, the discussions in this second gathering were presented in a roundtable format, with extensive interaction and dialogue on topics such as recall parts management and distribution, call center support and engagement, customer and dealer communication, and recall management, completion rate improvements and reporting. "Our first summit demonstrated the shared interest of automakers in finding new ways to increase recall completion rates," said Steve Center, Vice President, Product Regulatory Office at American Honda. "This second meeting gave us an opportunity to continue to work toward industry-wide collaboration with an emphasis on enhancing customer safety, trust and recall completion rates." "It is incumbent on auto makers to continually explore the most effective means to engage customers and encourage timely response to recall notices," said Mike Dahl, FCA US Head of Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance. "For this reason, we invited a panel of non-automotive executives to share their perspectives on recall management and customer communication." The first Automotive Safety Recall Best Practices Summit was organized by FCA as part of the company's commitment to creating and embracing a proactive vehicle safety culture. The success of the summit led to a collaboration between FCA and American Honda that resulted in the two companies agreeing to co-host the second gathering. About American Honda Motor, Co. American Honda was established in Los Angeles, California in 1959. Today, Honda companies in North America represent a cumulative investment of more than $22 billion and employ more than 40,000 associates in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, financing and servicing of Honda and Acura automobiles, Honda powersports products and Honda power equipment products. Honda has been producing products in America for more than 35 years and currently operates 16 major manufacturing facilities in North America. In 2015, more than 99 percent of all Honda and Acura automobiles sold in the U.S. were made in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts. About FCA US LLC FCA US LLC is a North American automaker with a new name and a long history. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, FCA US is a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. FCA US designs, engineers, manufactures and sells vehicles under the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and FIAT brands, as well as the SRT performance vehicle designation. The company also distributes the Alfa Romeo 4C model and Mopar products. FCA US is building upon the historic foundations of Chrysler, the innovative American automaker first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925; and Fiat, founded in Italy in 1899 by pioneering entrepreneurs, including Giovanni Agnelli. FCA, the seventh-largest automaker in the world based on total annual vehicle sales, is an international automotive group. FCA is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FCAU" and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario under the symbol "FCA." Double Awards For Honda From The Worlds Leading Female Experts LONDON - November 20, 2016: Honda has scooped two awards at the 2016 Womens World Car of the Year. The company was the only brand to win twice, with the Honda Jazz and Civic both scooping prizes in their respective segments. Womens World Car of the Year is the only car award voted for entirely by women. This year, 17 judges from 14 countries nominated almost 300 cars for recognition. Each of the judges is a professional motoring writer and is considered an expert in the field. The award was created to reflect the different buying criteria many women have when purchasing a car. Jury members submit their own short list; from this a list of the top five cars in each category are decided. Judges then vote by awarding points under five criteria - engineering, appearance, comfort, storage and value for money. Sandy Myhre, Managing Director of Womens World Car of the Year, congratulated Honda: From the early lists the judges send in there were some strong contenders in one or two categories but mostly only a few percentage points separate the top three cars in each segment, she said. Honda must be congratulated for winning two prizes. Honda UK, managing director Philip Crossman said: We are absolutely thrilled to win not one, but two, awards from the Womens World Car of the Year judges. The Jazz and Civic have been thoughtfully designed to fit seamlessly into everyday life. To know our cars are so highly regarded by women in these categories is a real honour. In Case You Missed It - Nutson's Weekly Automotive News Digest - Nov 14-20, 2016: Mazda Diesel, NACTOY, 65 eMPG Caddy, Rusting Toyota's, Safety Champion Ditlow Dies LEARN MORE ABOUT: 2016 LA Auto Show Press Pass Coverage AUTO CENTRAL CHICAGO, November 20, 2016; Every Sunday Larry Nutson, Senior Editor and Chicago Car Guy along with fellow senior editors Steve Purdy and Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, give you TACH's "take" on this past week's automotive news in easy to digest mega-tweet sized nuggets. If you are a car and driving fan like we all are here at The Auto Channel, you can easily "catch up" or put these stories in context by searching the past 25 year's 2,001,008 automotive pages of news, automotive stories, articles, reviews, archived news, video, audio, rants and raves accessible from The Auto Channel's Automotive News Archive. Hey TV viewers, you can now enjoy The Auto Channel TV Network "Free and Clear" on WHDT Channel 3 in Boston and on many local cable systems. All South Florida auto fans can continue to watch The Auto Channel TV Network on WHDT-TV Channel 9 in West Palm Beach as well as cable channel's 17 and 438, channel 9 Miami. WHDN launched its full schedule (including The Auto Channel)of broadcasting in the Naples-Fort Myers market on digital PSIP channel 9.1 channel, look for us Hulu and on TUNAVISION. Enjoy and thanks for the positive feedback and ratings. See You Next Week, LN. Nutson's Weekly Automotive News Digest - November 20, 2016 * AutoMobility LA - the merger of Los Angeles Auto Show's Press & Trade Days and Connected Car Expo happened this week. The bulk of what's new presented to the media were SUVs, crossovers and some new technology. In America's green-car state it seemed the most common color for all the new vehicle reveals was red. We saw the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace SUV concept, the mid-engine Porsche 911 RSR Le Mans racer and Alfa Romeo's Stelvio SUV that can be had with 505HP. Highlights include a reproduction of the famous Jaguar XKSS of the 1950s, a Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet, the Subaru three-row VIZIV-7 SUV Concept and a turbocharged Kia Soul. Along with Detroit and New York, the LA show is one of the most important in the industry. The LA Auto Show public days run from November 18th to the 27th. * Finally, after promising a diesel powertrain for the U.S. market for years, Mazda announced at the LA Auto Show that the CX5 small crossover will get a 2.2-liter SKYACTIVE-D diesel engine sometime in the second half of 2017. With VW and Audi diesel emissions scandals, diesel power trains for mainstream sedans and crossover have all but disappeared, leaving enthusiasts few options. Mercedes is rethinking theirs. Modern diesels can get exceptional fuel mileage and, particularly with turbocharging, can achieve high performance standards. * Motor Trend announced the winners of its annual awards: 2017 MOTOR TREND Car of the Year is 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV; 2017 MOTOR TREND Truck of the Year is 2017 Ford Super Duty; 2017 MOTOR TREND SUV of the Year is 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC; 2017 MOTOR TREND Person of the Year is Elon Musk, CEO Tesla Motors. * Finalists for 2017 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) were announced at Automobility L.A., the conference that precedes the Los Angeles auto show. For Car of the Year it's Chevrolet Bolt, Genesis G90 and Volvo S90. For Truck of the Year it's Ford F-series Super Duty, Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Titan. For Utility Vehicle of the Year it's Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar F-Pace and Mazda CX-9. The winners will be announced at the North American International (Detroit) Auto Show in January. The awards are determined by a panel of 60 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada. * By next spring well have a full-size, Cadillac CT6 sedan with a fuel economy rating of 65 MPGe. The ?e is for electric, as you might surmise. Cadillac is preparing to produce a plug-in electric version of their big sedan with a cruising range of around 400 miles, 30 of that on just electric power. With 432 pound-feet of torque it is expected to do 0-t0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. The plug-in CT6 will get a version of the Volt technology. * U.S. News & World Report announced winners of the 2017 Best Vehicle Brand awards. Best SUV Brand is Honda, Best Car Brand is Mazda, Best Truck Brand is Ford, and Best Luxury Brand is Porsche. The Best Vehicle Brands methodology is an objective, analysis-driven assessment of quality across all of a brand's offerings within the four categories. * The U.S. DoT finally finalized long-delayed rules that will require "quiet cars" like electric vehicles and hybrids to emit alert sounds at speeds of up to 18.6 miles per hour to help prevent injuries among pedestrians, cyclists and the blind. Congress required the rules which will require automakers like Chevrolet, Kia, Tesla, Nissan, Toyota and more to add alert sounds to all vehicles by September 2019. The new rules apply to hybrid and electric cars, SUVs, trucks and buses that are up to 10,000 pounds. I'm looking forward to all the beeping in my local shopping center parking lot. * The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute's latest report from Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle says the average fuel economy (window-sticker value) of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in October was 24.8 mpgdown 0.4 mpg from the value for September. This likely reflects both a continuing increase in the proportion of light trucks sold each month, as well as the recent calculation adjustments for window-sticker values implemented by the EPA for model year 2017. The value for October 2016 is up by 4.7 mpg since October 2007 (the first month of their monitoring). * Toyota has agreed to a settlement of up to $3.4 billion for a federal class-action lawsuit brought by American owners of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles whose frames could rust through.The proposed settlement covers about 1.5 million Tacoma compact pickup trucks, Tundra full-size pickup trucks and Sequoia SUVs suspected of receiving inadequate rust protection. The settlement covers Tacoma trucks from the model years 2005 through 2010, Sequoias from 2005 through 2008 and Tundras from the 2007 and 2008 model years. * Reports are that Volkswagen AG has reached an agreement with U.S. regulators for a mix of buybacks and fixes for 80,000 Audi, Porsche and VW 3.0-liter diesel vehicles with defeat devices that cheated on emissions regulations. The agreement includes a buyback offer for about 19,000 older Audi and VW SUVs and a software fix for 60,000 newer Porsche, Audi and VW cars and SUVs. A separate, more complex fix is expected to be offered for the older vehicles. They are all due in court on November 30 to approve the deal. Owners may still receive compensation outside of this agreement. Everyone seems to be happy with the earlier deal regarding 2.0-liter diesels. * Mazda is recalling about 70,000 RX-8 models from 2004-2008 due to issues with their fuel pump sealing rings that pose a fire risk. Heat exposure from the engine or exhaust pipe can cause the sealing rings to deteriorate, which raises the risk of a fire being ignited from leaking fuel. * A Toyota semi-truck? Toyota is exploring the use of its zero emission hydrogen fuel cell technology for use in semi-trailer truck applications. Using the same technology as the Toyota Mirai passenger car a California-based feasibility study for heavy-duty truck sized fuel cell vehicle might create a potential zero-emission freight transportation solution for the future. * The Motor Press Guild announced this week their coveted Dean Batchelor Lifetime Achievement Award will go to 30-year veteran automotive journalist and dominant personality in the industry Jean Jennings. Some will remember her as Jean Lindamood who worked at Car&Driver magazine and helped start Automobile Magazine in the 1880s with automotive icon David E. Davis, Jr. Davis often assigned her to what he called Perils of Pauline kinds of stories resulting in adventures all over the world. Jennings now works through her own website, JeanKnowsCars.com. * Daniel Suarez, a 24-year old from Mexico, became the first foreign champion in a NASCAR Series. Suarez won the Xfinity Series title at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. * Clarence Ditlow, a legendary consumer advocate who spent a lifetime trying to make cars safer, has died. He was 72. Ditlow was known for relentlessly pushing automakers and the government to add safety features to cars and to recall vehicles when patterns of trouble emerged. He served as the executive director of the Center for Auto Safety since 1976. The organization is a watchdog group founded by Consumers Union and Ralph Nader in 1970. if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... For the past three months the three remaining Telecommunications titans on the ASX have taken a severe beating. The largest Telco in Australia by far actually suffered the least. Here is a three month price performance chart for Telstra Corporation Limited (TLS). The second and fourth largest Telcos in Australia, TPG Telecom (TPM) with a market cap of $5.9 billion, and Vocus Communications (VOC) with a market cap of $3.2 billion, both dropped double digits. The decline might come as a surprise to some investors eagerly awaiting superior results from industry consolidation in 2015. M2 Communications merged with Vocus following a flirtation with a takeover of iiNet Limited; a battle ultimately won by TPG. When the dust settled, Telstra remained the top Telco with its massive market cap of $59 billion with New Zealands Spark Infrastructure (SPK) coming in third place with a market cap of $5.8 billion. SPK does not operate in Australia where there are differences between that countrys UFB (Ultra-Fast Broadband) and our own NBN (National Broadband Network.) Here is how the stock price of the number two (TPM) and the number four (VOC) ASX Telcos have performed over the last three months. Given the steep falls in the share price of TPM and VOC after their shopping sprees, are they approaching bargain status or are they value traps whose best days are behind them? Past history is no guarantee of future performance, but it serves as a starting point for both growth and value investors. Sage investing advice tells us to look for well-managed companies with future growth prospects. What better indicator of solid management can one find to replace historical performance over long periods from five to ten years? Once a potential investment passes the first test, the tricky task of guestimating future potential comes into play. With that in mind, lets look at the historical track records of these three Telco stocks. The following table shows both earnings and dividend growth as well as average annual rates of total shareholder return. Over five and ten years all three of these companies have rewarded shareholders with double digit returns that combine dividend payments and share price appreciation. Although the numbers for Vocus trail rival TPG Telecomm, investors should know Vocus began paying dividends in 2013 $0.01 per share. By 2016 the dividend exploded to $0.173 per share, an increase of close to 1600% over three years. So what happened to drag these high-flying stocks back down to earth? The risk investors face with most high-flyers is the market reaction to an unexpected drop in altitude. Investors are bombarded with frightening warnings of evaporating growth. Despite the stellar track records, the share price of TPM collapsed on the news the company expected meager growth for FY 2017. The share price of Vocus suffered on the news as well. So why was Telstra spared much of the pain? Telstras long term performance stands as evidence to support the claim made by legendary US investor Peter Lynch -Big companies have small moves, small companies have big moves. One could argue that a market cap approaching $6 billion hardly qualifies as a small company, but TPG Telecom did not start out that way. The following chart compares the ten year history of the Goliath of the sector against the David. However, investors looking for a slow and steady investment with marginal volatility should consider Telstra at an attractive price. While classified as a telecommunications company with its full range of communication services in all telco markets, the company also qualifies as a technology company. Telstra operates in 22 countries with a major focus on the Asia-Pacific Region. The company has four business segments and its technology expertise comes into play primarily in the Global Enterprise and Services and Operations divisions, ranging from Data and Internet Protocol (IP) Networks to Network Applications and Services (NAS) products. The Retail and Wholesale divisions house traditional services such as fixed and mobile communications. The issue of what an attractive price would be depends to a large extent on an individuals investing strategy. There are measures that suggest value and the following table includes some of them for Telstra as well as for TPG Telecom and Vocus Communications. We included Enterprise Value (EV) since it is one measure companies typically use to gauge the true value of a potential takeover target. Enterprise Value starts with a companys market cap, which is simply the number of common shares outstanding multiplied by the share price, and first adds the companys debt and total preferred shares and then subtracts available cash and cash equivalents. When EV exceeds market cap it is an indication the companys debt load is higher than available cash. In the case of capital intensive companies with asset bases that eat up cash, the higher EV may indicate greater value. This is especially true for growth companies where taking on debt to expand the company can be considered desirable. However, companies with an EV close to or lower than its market cap have more cash available. For our three Telco stocks Vocus stands out as one with more cash, which a comparison of financials for the three companies would confirm. The EV also indicates a fundamental difference between the three companies. More than a decade ago TPGs founder proclaimed his intention to make his company a worthy competitor for Telstra, a goal that has been met. TPG now has a data and voice network second only to Telstra, with all the capital requirements of maintaining these assets. When TPG acquired iiNet, it was essentially a marriage of twins, as the companies offered similar services to similar markets. In contrast, M2 Communications operated primarily in the business market while Vocus focused on retail. This marriage avoids costs associated with merging operations performing similar functions and opens the joint company to new markets. That difference might account for the substantial difference in earnings growth forecast between TPM at 10% and VOC almost five times as much estimated growth at 48%. Full Year 2016 Financials also strongly favored Vocus. TPG reported solid revenue growth of 88% and profit growth of 70%. However, much of the result was attributed to the iiNet acquisition, not to organic growth at TPG. Investors then heard their greatest fear the company estimated EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) growth of 6.5%, seemingly confirming the concern the days of rabid growth in the Telecommunications Sector may be waning. TPG shares plunged, and Vocus shares fell as well. Vocus took another hit a few weeks after the 21 September results announcement from TPM on the news two members of the newly configured Vocus Board of Directors resigned. This followed an earlier release of the resignation of the companys CFO. Losing three members of top management rarely please investors. The Vocus drop came despite a stunning Full Year 2016 Results release that came on 23 August. Revenues rose about 457% and profit was up about 372%. These results included only one of the companys recent acquisitions. To the delight of investors, the M2 deal, finalised in mid-February, did not contribute significantly to the stellar results. There are analysts and experts of the opinion the consolidation of the Telco Sector is sure to slow future growth. There are simply too few smaller players from which the big players can take market share. Vocus has grabbed a few additional acquisitions in 2016 but the well is drying up. However, technology has a way of surprising and there are other experts predicting the completion of the NBN will remove Telstras copper network advantage, allowing better completion from both TPG and Vocus. Both companies are pushing fibre optic connections, opening the door to possibilities not yet envisioned. The analyst community as a whole remains convinced TPM and VOC have a bright future, with OUTPERFORM recommendations for both. Telstra is rated a HOLD. >> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter A leading candidate to become the top intelligence official in a future Donald Trump administration may find himself out of a job first. Obama administration officials want to remove Adm. Michael Rogers from his position as the director of the National Security Agency, current and former U.S. officials told The Daily Beast. Quietly, a movement to replace Rogers has been brewing as rank-and-file employees, many of them civilians, have bristled under his military-style leadership. Rogers has never been an especially beloved director, but the degree of animosity towards him, including from outside his agency, became clearer on Saturday after The Washington Post reported Rogerss job was in jeopardy. Last month, Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper recommended to the White House that Rogers be removed, the Post said, following a disastrous leak of huge amounts of classified NSA information by one of its contractors, as well as what Carter has seen as Rogerss unimpressive conduct of a cyber war against ISIS. (Rogers also serves as the commander of U.S. Cyber Command, which runs offensive computer attacks.) The knives are apparently out for Rogers. But the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, who is advising President-elect Trump on candidates for top national security jobs, rushed to Rogerss defense and called his detractors snakes who wanted to punish a distinguished military officer. Rep. Devin Nunes told The Daily Beast that allegations of poor management and failure in the fight against ISIS have never been brought up before his committee. Theres never been a hint of any issue with Adm. Rogers. There is no basis for this, Nunes said in an interview. We would have heard the complaints. Rogers is a boy scout who has never played politics in his role running the nations largest intelligence agency, Nunes said. Hes not political at all. Hes very professional. Nunes said it was no coincidence that when it became clear Rogers might have a role in the Trump administration, his critics came out against him. This is even a new low even for these people, Nunes said. A source familiar with the controversy said that NSA officials got wind on Wednesday that news of Rogerss perilous situation might become the subject of press attention. The next day, Rogers met in New York with Trump about a possible job in his administration as the Director of National Intelligence. Its not clear whether Rogers was aware his enemies were planning to take their grievances public, and if that compelled him to look for a new position. But tapping Rogers for intelligence director would be a dramatic turn of events, since the current occupant of that job, Clapper, is one of those said to be angling to remove Rogers. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Rogers is the leading choice to replace Clapper. But Rogers hasnt exactly shown himself to be a political partisan. In fact, speaking publicly about this week about the hacks of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, Rogers all but said it was a Russian operation designed to get Trump elected. There shouldnt be any doubt in anybodys minds, 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 said. Rogerss job has also been in doubt owing to changes that the Obama administration wants to make in the leadership of NSA and Cyber Command. Currently, Rogers leads both groups, in a so-called dual hatted position. But some officials want to split up those jobs. One former official said that the potential split has been the subject of debate and conversation for some time, and that a civilian would likely be put in charge of the NSA. Rearranging the bureaucratic boxes seemed like an odd explanation for the campaign to oust Rogers. Nunes, in a letter Saturday to Clapper and Carter, asked them to provide a full explanation of the allegations made against Rogers. Nunes told The Daily Beast that he is prepared to hold an open hearing on the issue unless he receives answers from the two men. Given Rogers more than 30-year career in the military and intelligence, Nunes said he was a logical choice for the intelligence directors job. He is absolutely qualified to serve as DNI. But its not my decision. Its up to the president-elect to decide, Nunes said. Donald Trumps pick for attorney general, Sen. Jeff Sessions, is the human embodiment of the phrase all lives matter. And as head of the Justice Department, he will have the power to radically change how the federal government oversees law enforcement, prosecutes drug offenders, and handles voting issues. Changes are coming. And its safe to assume that whatever the Black Lives Matter movement wants, Sessions wants the opposite. Though progressive groups and Democrats are appalled by Sessionss nomination, its unlikely they will be able to stop his confirmation. Sessions just needs to get 51 votes in the Senate, and thus far, none of the chambers Republicans say they will oppose him. Over his decades in public life, Sessions has taken stances that are the antithesis of the Black Lives Matter movementopposing criminal justice reform, supporting strict sentences for drug offenders, and telegraphic skepticism about the need for special federal protections for LGBT people. And from his perch at the Justice Department, Sessions will be able to impact how the federal government interacts with millions of people in their daily lives. One immediate change Sessions could make would have the potential to increase the number of people in prison. On Aug. 12, 2013, then-Attorney General Eric Holder issued a memo instructed prosecutors to stop putting information on drug quantities in indictments that would trigger onerous mandatory minimum sentences. The number of people in federal prisons dipped below 200,000 in November of 2015the first time since 2007 the number had been that low, and some say thats due in part to Holders memo. Kevin Ring, the vice president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said prison populations would likely grow if Sessions reverses Holders memo. When people serve longer sentences, the population tends to increase just because you have more people there longer, he said. Another reason prison populations might grow under Sessions: His appointment as attorney general all but guarantees that federal criminal justice reform legislation is dead and gone. Ring said his group, which tries to lower and eliminate mandatory minimum sentencing requirements, is increasing its focus on state-level lobbying because federal action is so unlikely. In any Congress, let alone a Republican Congress, you are not going to pass significant criminal justice reform legislation over the objections of the chief law enforcement officer in the country, he said. Of course its doable, but many will see it as political suicide. Sessions has bucked many conservatives in his party by opposing reforms that reduce incarceration rates (though he supported eliminating the sentencing disparity for crack and powder cocaine). And, like Trump, he reflexively defends police, including criticizing federal efforts to fight racial bias in local police departments. Obamas Department of Justice pushed hard on those efforts, as The Marshall Project has detailed. And Sessions in 2008 called them an end run around the democratic process. Sessions will be able to end ongoing investigations into police departments, disregard their findings, and overall lower federal scrutiny of police. What isnt clear is how he will handle marijuana issues. Sessions has long been a consistent, passionate opponent of marijuana legalization (in a Senate hearing in April, he said that good people dont smoke marijuana). Butas Aaron Smith of the National Cannabis Industry Association told Roll Callhes also a staunch backer of states rights. And since Trump himself has vacillated on the issue, well just have to wait and see what happens to the nascent semi-legal marijuana industry under Sessions. Sessions can also make huge changes on voting issues. The department is currently involved in lawsuits against Texas and North Carolina over voter I.D. requirements, and William Yeomansa law professor at American Universitys law school and former acting assistant attorney generalsaid Sessions could end the departments work on those cases. I dont expect Sessions as attorney general would continue that approach, he said, of the departments opposition to restrictive voting laws. I hope he will. Yeomans said he suspects Sessions will focus more on voting fraud (a problem that is inconsequential, at the very worst) than on voter repression. Ilya Shapirio, a senior fellow in constitutional studies at the libertarian Cato Institute, agreed Sessions will likely change how the department handles voting rights issues. The way that voting right laws are enforced will change significantly, he said. And the departments view of what it means to be a minority could also shift, he said. The definition of racial minorities and what protecting them means will change, Shapiro said. Where whites are in the minority, there will be DOJ action there. Of course, its too early to see how exactly this might play out. But we can probably expect a greater focus on investigations of groups like the New Black Panthers, and allegations that they violate the rights of white voters. Thats what the Bush administration did in 2008, and the Obama administration promptly narrowed its New Black Panthers investigation, as The Washington Post detailed. A former DOJ attorney complained to the paper that Obamas justice department only cared about protecting the civil rights of people of color. Sessionss DOJ, as Shapiro said, is unlikely to generate similar complaints. Sessionss Department of Justice also may have a lesser focus on prosecuting hate crimes targeted at LGBT people. In the Senate, he voted against the Matthew Shepard hate crime law, which gave additional protections to LGBT people under federal hate crime laws. People are concerned with how we are picking and choosing the people who receive the extra protection, Sessions said at the time, as ABC News noted. These are all issues of enormous consequence where there will likely be little continuity between Obama and Trump. When it comes to the most basic understanding of what the word justice means, things are going to change. One obvious, if little discussed, reason the progressive wave receded last week: The lefts increasingly unappealing economic agenda. In the past, progressives focused on improving conditions for working and middle class Americans through economic growth, home ownership and expansive infrastructure projects. Today, notes former Bill Clinton aide William Galston, progressives rarely promote economic growth, having developed a particular hostility to many of the industriesenergy manufacturing, transportation and agriculturethat offer economic opportunity to millions of Americans. This new environmental orientation has been less than enthusiastically embraced away from the coasts, where Trump, not coincidentally, triumphed. In contrast to the old Democratic notions embraced by the likes of Harry Truman or the late California Governor Pat Brown, todays progressives promote social control and the consolidation of a cognitively determined world order. Its promise amounts to forging a kind of high-tech middle ages in which the new aristocracytechies, media grandees, financial moguls, academics, high-level bureaucratsdominate while the middle class becomes increasingly serf-like. In this new neo-feudalism, property ownership, like power, is concentrated in ever fewer hands. Trumpism as anti-feudalism The Trump victory tapped into a class rebellion among middle- and working-class voters who feel the most alienated and pessimistic about the future. The post-industrial, asset-inflated world so beneficial to the Apples, Googles, media stars and the trustifarians in glamour cities has been less kind to the middle and working class, whose incomes have dropped or stagnated over the past decade and a half. While some percentage of Trumps supporters were fundamentally deplorable, this wasnt the KKK triumph imagined by scriptwriter Adam Sorkin. Rather, he won with the support of many people who had previously voted for Barack Obama. White working class voters, endless mocked and sometimes even demonized in the media, were massively underestimated by the pollsters, as well who used 2012 exit polls that undercounted as many as 10 million white voters over 45 to build their models for who would turn out in 2016. And Trump dominated those voters, winning them by 40 percentage points a 15 point improvement over Mitt Romneys margin. Trumps opponent, it should be noted, was also white. How feudalism could trump populism. It remains to be seen how Trumps voters will feel about their choice in the years to come, but the basic incoherence of his world-view, along with the corporatist leaning of the Republican majority in Congress, could undermine any attempt to restore upward mobility There are fundamentally three forces driving our post-modern feudalization, all of them related. One is globalization, highlighted throughout the campaign, and clearly responsible for considerable job losses for certain classes and certain regions. As countries such as China and India move up the value-added chain, even higher-paid workers will face mounting economic competition. San Jose and Raleigh soon could feel some of the pain that Youngstown and Flint have absorbed for decades. The second is immigration which, for all its many blessings, tends to depress wages for lower and middle workers. Many native-born Americans who used to enjoy steady work have joined the rapidly expanding, and economically vulnerable, precariat made up of contingent, irregularly employed workers. Both Bernie Sanders and Trump identified the problems faced by such workers by unrestricted immigration. Undereducated whites are not the only ones who are suffering from downward mobility. Trump trailed but still considerably outperformed previous GOP nominees among both Latinos and African Americans. Increasingly, educated workers are threatened by such things as -IB visas for skilled workers, which essentially replaces indigenous skilled workers with imported indentured servants. This has already resulted in job losses among IT workers at places like the Disney Company and Southern California Edison. The third driver of feudalization lies in the concentration of business and property ownership. Lenin once identified small scale production as what gives birth spontaneously to capitalism and the bourgeoisie. Americas small firms are in retreat while large corporations increasingly dominate everything from food to technology. For the first time in our modern history, exits from business now exceed new incorporations. Similarly, home ownership has dropped to its lowest level in five decades, with the decline steepest among young people. More millennials now live with their parents than with a partner. And when they do move out, they are often trapped into renting, often at high rates, with little chance of ever buying a house. The Religious Slant of Ecotopia The first feudal era was characterized by constrained class mobility, a decline of middle orders and a persistent concentration of power, first in feudal lords and later kings. But what held Medieval society together was an attachment to common articles of faith. Catholic dogma defined and justified the ascension of the aristocracy and royalty, and explained in theological terms both why the poor should accept their fate, and why middle-class aspirations were a threat to the moral order. Today religion is in, pardon the pun, secular decline. Particularly in the bluest states, it has been replaced by two new faiths. One is the green religion, now focused on climate change. The other new faith is technological determinism, the idea that there is a magical, disruptive solution to any problem, including those relating to nature. Nowhere are these two religions more commingled than in Americas Ecotopia, which extends from Northern California to the Pacific Northwest and is both the home to our leading tech companies and birthplace of modern environmentalism. Structural changes help explain this melding. Today Silicon Valley profits have become more centered on software and media than hardware, so the constraints associated with environmental regulations, such as high energy and water costs, have become less important to oligarchs. At the same time many Silicon Valley companies notably Tesla/Solar City have sought to profit from the shift to green energy, feeding on the beneficent federal subsidies attached to it. For these interests, the GOPs great sweep represents a bit of an unexpected setback. The federal subsidies driving some of these industries are likely to be scaled back. Used to a cozy relationship with the White House, the tech elite, with the notable exception of Peter Thiel, finds itself on the outside looking in. Acolytes of the technocratic green ideology, hostile to Trump, geographically and ideologically removed from the rest of the nation and already functioning as a kind of wealthy , cossetted alt-nation, are now talking vaguely about succession. That conversation is driven in part by apocalyptic predictions about climate change generally accepted without skepticism in media, academic and political circles. Although couched in scientism, green politics should be seen as somewhat faith-based, a craving more about piety than practical reality. Both Bjorn Lomborg and NASAs Richard Hansen, one of the earliest heralds of climate change, doubt that the measures embraced by the Paris accords will prove remotely effective in reducing temperature rise. California , a recent report demonstrates. could literally fall into the ocean with no appreciable impact on global temperature, particularly given that countries like China continue to boost their coal capacity. Neo-feudalism and the fate of the middle class. Most critically, the theology of green progressives will do as little good for todays middle and working class people as extreme Catholic dogma did for the medieval peasantry. Overall, according to a recent Social Science Council report, California is now the most unequal state when it comes to well being, combining stupendous, mostly coastal wealth with the highest rate of poverty in the nation, concentrated inland. Neo-feudalism diminishes the property owning middle-class. In the Bay Area, regional governments are now seeking to limit all new development to a mere fraction of the areas land mass, all but guaranteeing the future generations will face almost impossibly high housing prices. And a new set of state regulations, including a requirement that new houses have zero net energy use all but guarantees that houses, over time, will continue becoming ever more expensive. The Bay Areas regional plan also says goodbye to the American dream, suggesting that 82 percent of all new housing should be rental. Ultimately there will be little left for little people save for low end service jobs and benefit-less roles in the gig economy created by the oligarchs . Tech firms in the Valley employ shockingly few Latinos or African Americans, who make up barely 6 percent, for example, of Facebooks workforce. And thats better than the average of barely 5 percent among the leading tech firms. Older industries do far better on these terms. In manufacturing, 16.2% of workers are Latinos and 9.7% are African America, according to 2015 data. In mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction, Latinos make up 16.9% of the workforce and African-Americans 4.8%, while in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, nearly a quarter of the workforce23%is Latino and 2.7 percent is African-American. As the green ideology undermines the last bastions of the middle and working class economy, some of the most extreme ethnic cleansing is taking place in such cities as San Francisco, Portland and Seattle, where high prices, regulations , sometimes aided local redevelopment, have worked to push minorities to the poorer suburbs, or out of the region entirely. Oligarchs and Alms for the Poor Silicon Valleys answer to this to this reality is hardly reassuring. At a conference on environmental economics several years back, I discussed with a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist the impact of these policies on homeownership and family formation. A low birthrate didnt faze him because he believed we really dont need people now, at least not those without special skills. Ultimately robots will do most of the basic work, he explained. Of course, if the largely childless hipsters on of San Francisco may accede to this view, its unlikely that many others, including the poor and undocumented immigrants, will embrace the post-human perspective at the heart of Silicon Valley. Of course the oligarchs have a solution to the marginalization of the masses: a pool of subsidies to help cover artificially inflated housing and energy costs. Elon Musk and other valley heavyweights support a government-sponsored minimum income for what they regard as an increasingly redundant population. The oligarchs do not want risk a rebellion from below; the Trump victory demonstrates that potential. Yet dont worry much about their being burdened by their call for societal generosity. Skilled at tax avoidance, theyll pass the bill on to the remaining middle and working class residents, while the regulatory clerisy, both in government and the universities, enjoy pensions and other protections unavailable to the masses. Trump and the New Feudalism For all the awfulness associated with Trump, his election stemmed from a disinclination among Americans to accept their place in the new technocratic order. Trump is best praised for some of the enemies he has mademovie stars and hierarchs of the environmental left, the racial grievance industry, the high-tech oligarchs, the bureaucracy and a university system that serves largely as a giant re-education camp. Not surprisingly, those enemies are having a collective fit about his victory. Yet for all the pleasure one can derive from this spectacle, its dubious that Trump, himself the licker off a silver spoon, will be effective at slowing Americas slide towards neo-feudalism. After all, his basic policy instincts tend to be wrong: cutting taxes on the rich is not what the middle and working classes need. And banning illegal immigration and engaging in trade wars may help some industries, but will certainly hurt others. By themselves, theres no chance that those steps will restore prosperity to so many Americans. But Trumps working-class-fueled victory should finally convince the operatives in both parties that restoring upward mobility constitutes our great political challenge. There could be some common ground in policies that embrace things like expanding skills education and economically useful infrastructure, relaxing federal regulation and reducing taxation of small enterprise. What Trump deserves credit forperhaps the only thing he deserves credit foris derailing the predictable transition of the same old insiders who would feed at the trough in a Clinton Inc. administration. Now its up to the rest of usthose who supported him and those, like me, who did notto determine that making America great again also means standing up to the new feudalism, and chasing this regressive order back into the darkness of the past, where it belongs. On the Mount Rushmore of International Actors, there must invariably be a place for Toshiro Mifune, the Japanese leading man who on Mondayin a move long overdue, given that such honors had previously gone to the likes of Kim Kardashian, Shrek, John Tesh, Absolut Vodka and President-Elect Donald Trumpfinally received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The actor, whose professional life was equally marked by prolificacy and quality, died in 1997 at the age of 77 from Alzheimers-related complications. However, his legacy lives on through his imposing body of work, which was highlighted by his 17 collaborations with auteur Akira Kurosawa. His was a career full of performances that combined stoic stillness and fiery animalistic expressiveness, and come next Friday, itll receive a fitting tribute from a compelling new documentary, Mifune: The Last Samurai. Writer/director Steven Okazakis non-fiction film is far less flashy than its subject, a dashing and charismatic matinee idol who helped redefine Japaneseand, by extension, worldcinema beginning in the 1940s, and in particular, with 1950s groundbreaking Rashomon. Okazaki spends considerable time discussing that masterpiece, in which Mifunes unbridled performance as a possible killer and rapist serves as the dramatic lynchpin of director Akira Kurosawas haunting, open-ended meditation on the nature of truth. Unlike Mifunes magnetic turn in that classic, forever marked by his cackling grin as he sits tied up in front of a panel of judges, Okazakis portraitnarrated, soberly, by Keanu Reevesis measured and composed, sacrificing anything like aesthetic daring in its recounting of Mifunes rise to superstardom. That ascension was anything but preordained, since for much of his early life, Mifune didnt seem to consider acting a potential vocation. Raised in China, Mifune first set foot on Japanese soil after being drafted into the Imperial Army during World War II at the age of 20. Even during his service, his dynamic force of personality was evident, as his son Shiro recalls in Mifune that his father repeatedly found himself in trouble because of his fondness for questioning authoritya severe no-no in the stricter-than-strict Japanese military, which often resulted in him being beaten with leather shoes by his superiors. Once the war was over, Mifune applied for a job as a camera assistant, and as luck would have it, his resume eventually found its way into a newspaper-advertised competition for cinemas New Facewhich, in turn, brought him to the attention of Kurosawa. Mifunes opening twenty minutes provide background on the 1900 to 1920s popularity of Japanese lone-samurai movies (dubbed chanbara, because that was the sound made by ronins clashing swords), and the way in which Mifune arrived on a cultural scene thatfollowing the nations WWII defeatwas eager for a fresh, vibrant, non-conformist take on traditional material. That came courtesy of Mifune and Kurosawas work together, and in particular, from both Rashomon and, shortly thereafter, 1954s Seven Samurai, whose bold, realistic action upended genre conventions. Okazakis clips from that epic lend credence to his claim that Mifunes performance style was borderline revolutionary, vacillating between coiled calmness and rampaging ferocity to spellbinding effect. When his frequent co-star Kyoko Kagawara (herself a participant in greats like Tokyo Story, The Crucified Lovers and Sansho the Bailiff) states, There was no one like Mifune. How do I say this? He had a big presence didnt he?, it comes across as a vast understatement. And moreover, it doesnt even take into account the fact that, as confirmed by myriad archival photos, he was also a strikingly handsome man who married the debonair style of Clark Gable with the sexualized cool of Steve McQueen. Steven Spielberg (who directed Mifune in 1941) and Martin Scorsese soon appear in Mifune to wax poetic about the star, and in the latters comments about the inevitable end of director/star relationships, one can sense that hes also referencing his long-standing personal/artistic bond with Robert De Nirowhich, like Mifune and Kurosawas did, has petered out over the years as both have sought new creative avenues and collaborative partnerships. Their comments provide an outsiders perspective on Mifunes cinematic impact, which included starring in movies that influenced The Magnificent Seven (Seven Samurai), A Fistful of Dollars (Yojimbo), and Star Wars (The Hidden Fortress), and in doing so helped thrust Japanese cinema into the international spotlight. Contracted to Toho Studioswhich spearheaded Japanese cinemas 1950s to 1960s golden age thanks to Kurosawas films and the Godzilla franchiseMifune worked tirelessly, eventually appearing in over 160 features, as well as a number of late-career TV projects designed to keep his struggling production company afloat. Through it all, as recounted by numerous interviewees in Mifune, the actor was a diligent and dedicated castmate on the set, and a funny and charming individual off iteven if his drinking habits were somewhat notorious (in a funny bit, Reeves mentions Mifunes fondness for alcohol and cars, followed by pictures of some of his drunk driving-destroyed autos). Even though an affair ultimately tarnished his image at home, driving him to pursue projects in America and elsewhere, his status as Japans most important actor has never waned. And as evidenced by the footage on display throughout Okazakis documentary, his output with Kurosawaincluding the phenomenal Macbeth adaptation Throne of Blood (and its death scene, featuring slews of real arrows), The Bad Sleep Well, High and Low, and Red Beardresulted in some of the mediums greatest achievements. Of course, Mifune made sterling films with others, including Hiroshi Inagakis Samurai Trilogy and Kihachi Okamotos The Sword of Doom. Yet its his Kurosawa collaborations that have best stood the test of time, given thatwhen viewed as a wholethey provided the finest platform for the actors varied, majestic talents. Whether playing characters of bottled-up reserve or full-throated inhibition, Mifune radiated a primal, physical intensity, such that his own movements (balletic and imposing at times; methodical and calculating at others) seemed to infect everything surrounding him in the movie frame. Spielberg says that it felt as if Mifunes performances were created by seismic activity undergroundand in everything from Hollywoods science-fiction blockbusters to its revisionist Westerns, the reverberations of his unparalleled artistry can still be felt at the multiplex to this day. Colin Davidson, an acclaimed Irish painter famed for his large-format portraits, was commissioned to paint the Queen for a landmark picture this year. The work was begun shortly after her 90th birthday. Davidsons extraordinary final picture, measuring five by four feet, was unveiled by the Monarch herselfwho gave a brief but unmistakable smile of approval as she did the honorsat an event in Chelsea last week. Belfast born-artist Davidsonwho has painted many iconic public figures, including actors Liam Neeson and Brad Pitt, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaneytold The Daily Beast that while every painting that I make of a head is different from everything else he concedes that he was aware of three particular aspects that were different from anything he had done before with this project. Firstly, simply, was the fact that I was painting the Queen. The Queens face is probably the most famous face in the world. There are very few people living now who wouldnt recognize that particular image. I needed to be aware and respectful of the office, the position, the stature; the fact that here was somebody who has, in my own personal view, given 63 years of public service. The second aspect was that I felt there was a symbolism in the fact that an Irishman was painting the Queen, given all that the Crown means, particularly in Ireland. I was very aware that we have reached a point in Anglo-Irish relations where the Queen wanted to invite an Irishman to the palace to paint her. That wouldnt have happened even ten years ago, at least I dont think it would have. I was very aware of the huge contributions that the Queen has made towards advancing healing in the Anglo-Irish relationship. And then the third aspect is that Im painting a human being as well. I have got to bring the honesty that I attempt to bring to everything that I paint to this painting as well, and stay true to that. Davidson says that while he is huge fan of the relatively recent portraits of the Queen by Lucien Freud and the holographic images created by Chris Levine, as a painter he sought to distance himself from the canon of royal portraiture when approaching the work. You cant not be aware of it, but youve got to try to put that out of your mind as a painter and stay true to yourself and attempt not to be aware of how you might fit into the canon. Thats for other people to discuss. The gigantic scale of Davidsons paintings acts like a magnifying mirror, but rather than merely emphasizing imperfection, Davidsons close-ups demonstrates the absolute humanity of his subjects, and the Monarch is no exception. Her skin is lined, her eyes a little watery, flesh folds around the mouth. But unlike the Freud which was, many thought, a savage allegory on the fallibility of the Queens human form as opposed to her role as the Crown, Davidsons piece is a more tender and compassionate piece of work. The extraordinary scale of the painting is striking, and, as Davidson says, it means, You cant evade the face, you cant avoid it. Whenever its that scale and that size and youre in close quarters with it, its not something that you can miss. I want to paint everybody as an equal human being. Thats what my practice has been about. And whenever youre painting a human face at that scale as an artist youre allowing it to become something else. It becomes landscape, a sort of landscape of the face. And of that landscape of that particular face, the Queens face, what really stood out to him? As a human being, youre just aware that somebody who is 90 years old has a lifetime of experience. The wisdom that shes built up through those experiences, through that life, that is certainly part of the landscape of the face. As I was talking to the Queen, and she was talking to me, I became very aware of her wit, so I didnt want this to be a portrait which was in any way somber. So I caught the moment when I felt she was just about to break into a smile. That happened a lot, throughout the sitting itself. And that was why that was the moment I chose to paint. Often we think of portraiture as being a kind of composite image of many hours spent with the sitter, but Davidson seems to regard his picture as more photographic in nature, a snapshot in time. My work is nearly the antithesis of classical portraiture, he says, With classical portraiture, particularly if you look at the royal portraits pre-photography, you know, we are told very much as viewers what to think. Often, the sitter is lookingmaybe on horseback or standing or whateverdirectly at us in the middle of the engagement. The sitter is aware that we are in the room, the sitter is aware that we are looking at them. My work is the opposite. In my painting of the Queen; the Queen is unaware of us being in the room. The Queen is unaware of us being there. So, we are in some ways, possibly intruding on private thought, we are witness to the sitter as she is, in her own time, with her thoughts. Davidson was given about two hours face time with the Queen, and employed a small camera in a fixed position operated by a little remote control as an aide memoire. I make about 20 or 30, very quick, shorthand drawings; they are just little automatic drawings of the sitter, says Davidson. She didnt have to pose or give me her best side. It was just simply about me getting to see the nuances of how the face works. ROMEApparently, Pope Francis has some explaining to do. At least thats what four cardinals, led by American Raymond Leo Burke, say. Tired of the pontiffs reliance on symbolism and individual interpretation of doctrine, Burke and his clan of clerics are demanding that Francis spell out what he really means on key issues like same-sex couples and divorced and married Catholics, essentially forcing him into a corner where he will be damned by one side or the other depending on what he says. In September, the cardinals filed a list of dubia, or doubts, to Pope Francis and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith about the popes apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) in which he eased up on the churchs traditional teachings about marriage, which these critics say is leading the church toward grave disorientation and great confusion. When it became clear that Francis had no intention of parting the clouds, the cardinals went public with their action. If he doesnt respond, they have threatened to initiate a formal act of correction of a serious errorwhich would be something like a congressional hearing in the Curia to see if the pope needs to be admonished in some way. Francis cannot be impeached (thanks to the Canon principle Prima Sedes a nemine indicator, or the first See is judged by no one), but such measures, which have not been enacted in centuries, still spell trouble for the popular pope. Vatican expert Edward Pentin, who writes for National Catholic Register and others, broke the story, which has sent shockwaves around Rome. Not only is it the biggest crisis of Franciss papacy so far, Pentin says it could cause a schism among conservative and liberal cardinals. The four cardinals certainly hope for clarification, however that may come. They are genuinely concerned that the ambiguities, leading to multiple interpretations concerning a crucial issue for the church, are divisive, gravely disorienting, and so dangerous for souls, Pentin told The Daily Beast. They feel they had no alternative but to fulfill their duty as cardinals to make what they call deep pastoral concerns public when Francis decided not to respond. They also argue this is crucial not for conservative Catholics, but Catholics as a whole, as it deals with the most valuable treasure the church has: the Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the real body and blood of Christ. Burke, no friend of the pontiff, is as ultra-conservative as they get, once declaring that Catholics John Kerry and Nancy Pelosi should be denied Holy Communion for their pro-choice beliefs. And as president of the advisory board of the Human Dignity Institute, he was also in charge when none other than President-elect Donald Trump confidant and chief strategist Steve Bannon gave a speech at the Vatican in 2014, during which he warned the church to stick to its conservative ideals or face apocalyptic repercussions. Were at the very beginning stages of a very brutal and bloody conflict, of which if the people in this room, the people in the church, do not bind together and really form what I feel is an aspect of the church militant, to really be able to not just stand with our beliefs, but to fight for our beliefs against this new barbarity thats starting, that will completely eradicate everything that weve been bequeathed over the last 2,000, 2,500 years, Bannon said in his address. Burke used to be the highest-ranking American at the Holy See, frequently seen in opulent vestments and hats, and dripping with large crosses, which are largely out of fashion under Francis. But in 2014, he was demoted from his top-of-the-hierarchy position as prefect of the Apostolic Signaturaessentially head of the Vatican supreme courta few months after he called the church under this pope a ship without a rudder. He now oversees the Knights of Malta from high on the Aventine hill in Rome, where his duties, while important, have little effect on the larger church. In what Vatican expert Sandro Magister called an exile when he was demoted, Burke is still hugely influential for conservative Catholics. It is easy to predict that his definitive downgrading will provoke both a tumultuous reaction within the traditionalist world, where Burke is seen as a hero, and a corresponding wave of jubilation in the opposite camp, where he is instead considered a bogeyman, Magister said. No doubt the pope sees him as a thorn in his side. The Daily Beast asked for comment both formally and in person on the street in Rome, to which Burke declined. The Vatican has also refused to comment on the controversy so far, but when Francis crowns 17 new cardinals, including three Americans who would likely be in the bogeyman camp when it comes to Burke, at a consistory Saturday, he will be forgoing his usual meetings with the cardinals, who are in Rome in great numbers for the celebration. Some have suggested that he is skipping the meeting out of fear that conservative cardinals will demand clarification. In an interview published Friday in Catholic publication Avvenire, Francis didn't mention the growing turmoil but he dismissed critics, essentially challenging them to bring it on. As for opinions of others, we always have to distinguish the spirit in which they are given. When not given in bad faith, they help with the way forward. Other times you see right away that the critics pick bits from here and there to justify a pre-existing viewpoint; they are not honest, they are acting in bad faith to foment divisions," he said. You see right away that a certain rigorism is born out of a lack of something, from a desire to hide inside the armor of ones own sad dissatisfaction." These are uncharted waters, so Im not sure the cardinals themselves really know exactly what action to take, but there are possible avenues they can try in terms of fraternal correction in the hope that Francis will clarify matters and the divisions go away, Pentin said. That could mean more letters, or it could mean an admonishment of the pope, or a request for a retraction of controversial passages. But their chief concern right now is clarification, to know if Amoris Laetitia really is to be interpreted in continuity with previous papal teaching, or if there is a break from that doctrine, as some argue. The ball is firmly in the popes court. Harry Potter mastermind J.K. Rowlings first Wizarding World spinoff, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, tells the story of bashful magizoologist Newt Scamanders first trip to New York amid rising anti-wizard sentiment. The troubling rise of Gellert Grindelwald, a Hitler-esque Dark Wizard with a key role in Potter history, lurks in the backdrop of Scamanders tale through briefly-glimpsed headlines, flashbacks, and the Deathly Hallows insignia. Both threads stay only tangentially connected until a late, Scooby-Doo-worthy plot twist and cameo that, befuddling or not, define much of whats to come in Rowlings latest franchise. (To avoid spoiling said plot twist, turn away now or else conjure up an Obliviate spell.) A climactic wand battle between Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a rogue Auror named Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), and the good witches and wizards of MACUSA (the United Statess magical Congress) ends with Graves unmasked as proto-Voldemort himself, Grindelwald, here played by a bleach-blonde Johnny Depp with what appears to be one contact missing. Depps purring, hammy villain (a stark contrast from Farrells menacing Graves) lasts only a few seconds on camera before hes carted off to wizard prison and we get back to the real star of the movie, Newts pet Niffler. Of course, Grindelwalds prison stint will inevitably last about as long as his first cameo, poising him to take on a primary role in the next of four (four) planned sequels to Fantastic Beasts. This being a Rowling joint, like Cursed Child earlier this year, we can be sure whats to come wont wander too far from established Potter lore. There will be echoes of familiar dynamics and a revisiting of key events from Wizarding historymost tantalizingly the battle for the Elder Wand between Dumbledore and his old pal Grindelwald. But what else to expect? Rowling has gone on record saying the franchise will span 19 years, dating the last film at 1945the year young Tom Riddle graduates from Hogwarts, likely with one or two Horcruxes already in tow. Thats also the year of Grindelwalds defeat in that pivotal, three hour-long duel which ended the global wizarding war. (When Fantastic Beasts begins in 1926, Dumbledore and Grindelwaldwhose former best friendship revolved around their hunt for the three Deathly Hallows and the means to seize power, abolish the law requiring wizards to live in secret, and position magical folk as the master race over Muggleshave already fallen out after the killing of Dumbledores sister Ariana.) While Grindelwald rose to power and raised an army, pleas in the Wizarding community for Dumbledore, Grindelwalds only equal in magical prowess, to subdue him grew louder. As he later recounts the story to Harry, Dumbledore resisted the call for years out of guilt over his sisters death (he refused to face the possibility that it had been his own spell that killed her in the three-way fight between himself, his brother, and Grindelwald). But Rowlings penchant for revisionist history has since added an extra dimension to Dumbledores motivations in these dark interim years: in 2007, she declared that Dumbledore was gay and had in fact fallen in love with Grindelwald in his youth. Much like the manipulative relationship we see between Grindelwald-as-Graves and the tortured young wizard Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) in Fantastic Beasts, Grindelwalds treatment of Dumbledore was similarly abusive and one-sided. I think he was a user and a narcissist, Rowling explained of the pairs relationship in 2010, and I think someone like that would use it, would use the infatuation. I dont think he would reciprocate in that way, although he would be as dazzled by Dumbledore as Dumbledore was by him, because he would see in Dumbledore, My God, I never knew there was someone as brilliant as me, as talented as me, as powerful as me. Together, we are unstoppable! So I think he would take anything from Dumbledore to have him on his side. The real test of Rowlings commitment to the inclusion of such a high-profile LGBT character will come in the Fantastic Beast sequels ahead. (While were at it, maybe throw in more than one named, speaking character of color this time! Go wild!) She and director David Yates have been coy on the subject so far. But even apart from his doomed romance, Dumbledores dark, conflicted, fascinating history offers fertile storytelling ground to mine in the sequels aheadparticularly with regards to his sister, Ariana. The story of Dumbledores sister, Ariana, takes on a newly tragic dimension with Fantastic Beasts introduction of the Obscurus, the black seething mass of rage and destruction birthed when young witches or wizards represses their own magic. Ariana famously went mad after being attacked as a young girl by three Muggles who witnessed her practicing magic. It destroyed her, what they did, says Albus Dumbledores younger brother Aberforth in the seventh Harry Potter book. She was never right again. She wouldnt use magic, but she couldnt get rid of it; it turned inward and drove her mad, it exploded out of her when she couldnt control it, and at times she was strange and dangerous. This is essentially the dictionary definition of an Obscurial, a witch or wizard who carries an Obscurus. (An uncontrolled explosion of Arianas magic claimed her mother Kendras life, much like Credences loss of control killed his abusive stepmother in Fantastic Beasts.) Ariana was around when Grindelwald first met the Dumbledore family in Godrics Hollow in the years prior to 1926. If she was indeed an Obscurus, as fan site The Leaky Cauldron points out, she was probably the first Grindelwald ever laid eyes on, likely sparking his obsession with the idea of using Obscurials power for his own gain. In the sequels ahead, well likely hear the details of this story for ourselves. Anyway, along with Depps Grindelwald, Scamanders bewitching ex-crush Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz) is glimpsed in a cameo of sorts, via a photograph found in Newts suitcase. Lestrange, of course, is the infamous surname of one of the Wizarding Worlds oldest purebred families; Bellatrix, the fanatical Death Eater who murdered Harrys uncle Sirius and bore Voldemorts secret love childyepis its most notorious member. In the Fantastic Beasts scene, Queenie, a witch proficient in Legilimency (mind-reading), looks into Scamanders mind and pieces together the gist of their relationship: The pair attended Hogwarts together over a decade ago and bonded over their passion for studying magical creatures. An experiment engineered by Leta went horribly awry and nearly killed another student, at which point she faced expulsion. Newt, ever heroic, took the blame in her place and was forced to leave school over Dumbledores objections. Interestingly, parallels to Dumbledore and Grindelwald seemingly emerge with Queenies next line, in which she describes Leta as a taker in her relationship with Newt. The expulsion-by-school-experiment thread also seemingly echoes Grindelwalds backstory. As outlined in the seventh Harry Potter book, young Gellert was expelled at 16 from the Scandinavian school for magic, Durmstrang Institute, because of the twisted experiments he conducted there (though, as with Letas, the exact nature of those experiments goes unmentioned). Leta turning out to be a Dark Arts sympathizerwhich would certainly explain why she and Scamander are no longer closefeels likely. Or perhaps their relationship will mirror Lily Potter and Severus Snapes, two childhood buddies whose friendship ended over ones willingness to screw with the Dark Arts. Either way, her expanded role in the next few films will open a window into the Lestrange family before Bellatrix. (Bellatrix married into the family; little is known about members other than herself and her loyal husband Rodolphus, who helped torture Neville Longbottoms parents into insanity.) In any case, the retelling of Grindelwalds rise and fall from Nazi-fascistic power comes at a time of renewed political relevance; Fantastic Beasts metaphor for the evils of repression and homophobia also take on pronounced weight, considering whos moving into office here in the States. While each new sequel will transport us to a different city in the Wizarding World, the heart of Rowlings stories about tolerance and inclusion promise to reverberate now and for years to come. And therell be Nifflers, of course. That alone is worth the price of five Wizarding tales. President-elect Donald Trumps top surrogates on Sunday were hammered with a barrage of questions about the individuals who have already been tappedor may be in the near futureto lead key posts in the Trump administration. On Friday, Trump announced his intention to nominate Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to be attorney general. Civil rights groups raised eyebrows over the pick almost immediately, accusing Sessions of opposing equal rights for Muslims, Hispanics, African-Americans and LGBT individuals. Sessions nomination to be a federal judge in 1986 was derailed over allegations that he made racially insensitive remarks to his colleagues. Sessions has denied that he made those statements. Democrats have vowed to fight Sessions nomination, and on NBCs Meet the Press, incoming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer promised tough vetting of the Alabama senator. You want to make sure that they are qualified, that they will do the right thing, Schumer said. I think you have to be really careful, and particularly in a new administration with an untested president. Democrats have raised concerns that the Justice Departments civil rights divisionwhich, under Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch, has investigated numerous police departments around the country over allegations of systemic racismwould essentially be gutted. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Trumps soon-to-be chief of staff, attempted to assuage those concerns during an appearance on CNNs State of the Union. This is an honorable, decent, good human being that were talking about, Priebus said of Sessions. I can assure you that if theres wrongdoing out there, whether its on the streets or whether its in the police department, no matter where it is, Sen. Jeff Sessions is going to find it and bring justice to whoever justice needs to be brought to. Priebus was also confronted over Trumps choice to be his national security adviser, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn. Flynn has said in the past that fear of Muslims is rational, and described Islam as a cancer. Look, I think in some cases there are radical members of that religion that need to be dealt with, but certainly we make it clear that thats not a blanket statement for everyone, Priebus said. And thats how were going to lead. He also said the Trump administration will not employ a religious test for entering the country, even though Trump himself once proposed a ban on Muslims. Democrats havent been the only ones sounding the alarm bells about potential cabinet secretaries in the next administration. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a libertarian, made clear that he would not support two individuals currently being floated for the position of secretary of state: former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton. Paul said a top reason for his support of Trump over Hillary Clinton was the president-elects acknowledgement that the Iraq war was a mistake, and that the U.S. should not force regime changes. Now, Paul is pleading for consistency. The problem with both Bolton and Giuliani is theyre unrepentant in their support for the Iraq war. They havent learned any of the lessons, Paul said on CBS Face the Nation. Bolton might be better as a secretary of war. But hes certainly not a diplomat or someone who acts in a diplomatic way or thinks that diplomacy might be an alternative to war. Trumps transition team is expected to announce more cabinet nominations in the coming days and weeks. Trump is also rumored to be considering 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romneywith whom Trump met on Saturdayand Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker for secretary of state. Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, said the Romney rumor is a total head fake and a public relations move by the Trump teameven though he would love for Romney, a consummate diplomat, to lead the State Department. I think this is Donald Trump still being the entertainer, still running a show where he wants to build suspense. He alone knows who the contestants are, and who will be the winner, Schiff said on State of the Union. And I think its more of a nod to give the appearance of bringing people together, but Ill be very surprised if he picks Mitt Romney. Paul also indicated that he would aggressively question Rep. Mike Pompeo, who was tapped to be the next CIA director, over his support for torture and the National Security Agencys surveillance programstwo items that Paul has made a name for himself in opposing. After Louisianas Senate runoff election in December, the GOP will likely control 52 seats in the Senatemeaning that without the support of Paul and a few other Republicans, any Trump nominee could be doomed. The 44th annual American Music Awards (AMAs), hosted by Gigi Hadid and Jay Pharoah, will be broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday. Drake is the 2016 AMAs big name, breaking a 32-year record for most nominations in a single year. With thirteen nominations including Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock, Favorite Album Pop/Hip-Hop, Favorite Song Pop/Hip-Hop, Favorite Song Pop/Rock, thanks to his most recent album Views which included chart-topper Hotline Bling. Drake surpassed Michael Jacksons previous record of 11 noms, which he set back in 1984 when Thriller was released. Other top nominees include Rihanna with seven nominations, Adele and Justin Bieber tied at five nominations each, Beyonce and the Chainsmokers with four noms apiece, and Bryson Tiller, Carrie Underwood, Fetty Wap, The Weeknd, and Twenty One Pilots at three nods each. Performers at the event will include Lady Gaga, Niall Horan, John Legend, The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Bruno Mars, Sting, Maroon 5, Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Green Day. Catch all the action live streaming and on various social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter this weekend. How to Live Stream the 2016 American Music Awards: The full show will air starting 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 20. Music fans can tune in to live stream the show on ABC with a cable login or through Amazon.com or Hulu.com. You can find more ways to live stream on Cut Cable Today. You can also find a full list of nominees for each category and find more information about the performers on the official American Music Awards website. On Nov. 15and just in time for awkward Thanksgiving and Christmas dinnersnonbelievers everywhere celebrated Openly Secular Day. But being out about ones secularity is often easier said than done. While honesty may be said to be the best policy, for American atheists who are still in the metaphorical closet, it may also come with a price tag. And this can especially be the case for African-American atheistsoften referred to as a minority within a minority. But just what does this designation mean and how representative is it of the Black atheist story? To call Americas ninth vice president Richard Mentor Johnson a man of contradictions is like calling Donald Trump egotisticalthe mere label does not capture the magnitude of the claim. Johnson was a wealthy landowning populist who denounced the monied interests. He was a loyal soldier who ran against his former commander when they were both vying for national office. He was a slaveholder who suffered politically for carrying on an interracial romance publiclyand treating a black woman as his wife in racist Kentucky. He insisted on passing on ancestral lands to his two black daughtersbut hunted down his second wife as a runaway slave when she cuckolded him. And, while serving as Vice President of the United States, Richard Johnson took a leave of absence to serve drinks in the tavern he ran back home. It is fitting, therefore, that this prince of paradox is one of those rare American politicians whose political careers suffered from the contradiction that sent Hillary Rodham Clinton packing: that Americans dont elect their President and Vice President directly. Moreover, Richard Johnson is the one major party nominee whose election was affected by what most of us consider to be simply a theoretical problem, the faithless elector, the elector who defies the voters instructions and votes freely, as the Constitution permits. When Richard M. Johnson ran to be vice president in 1836, he should have been more popular than the tickets standard bearer, Martin Van Buren. Andrew Jacksons Vice President, Van Buren was a crafty New York operative, broadly distrusted. Johnson was more Jacksonian, populist, homespun, authentic, and a genuine war hero. He was, he said, born in 1780, in frontier Virginia, in a canebrake and cradled in a sap trough, an exaggeration given his fathers extensive Kentucky landholdings. Eminently likeable and intermittently principled, Johnson served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1807 to 1813, then the U.S. House of Representatives from 1813 to 1819. In Congress, Johnson emerged as a War Hawk, demanding Americas entry into what became the War of 1812. Enlisting to fight, he was wounded in the great Battle of the Thames in 1813. Johnson did however, get creditwhether true or notfor killing the feared Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh in 1813. This earned him the right to be feted by the popular slogan in 1836: Rumpsey, Dumpsey, Rumpsey, Dumpsey, Colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh. Johnsons commander during that chaotic battle, General William Henry Harrison, would be the chief rival to the Van Buren-Johnson ticket in 1836. Beyond his Indian fighting, Johnson clearly became a Jackson devotee. Like Jackson, he remained an economic populist while making and losing fortunes. Johnson would denounce the dangerous influence of Great monied monopolies, controlled by persons irresponsible to the people. Serving in the Senate from 1819 to 1829, he fought against imprisoning debtors and defended Andrew Jacksons democratic vision. He also broke the news to Jackson that the corrupt bargain was sending John Quincy Adams to the White House, instead of Jackson, the popular vote winner that year. Furthermore, like Jackson, Johnson lived on the Southern frontierwhich is where his political problems began. Despite being enmeshed in that immoral system of slavery, Johnson deviated from the norm. He had a sustained, apparently loving, public relationship with a mixed-race slave he inherited from his father, Julia Chinn. It is hard to know the exact nature of these relationships, and given that it started in the evil power imbalance imposed by slavery, it is safest to characterize it as abusive. But Johnson treated it like a marriage. Chinn managed Johnsons business affairs when he traveled. He treated their two daughters, Adaline (or Adeline) and Imogene lovingly, giving them his last name and transferring some land ownership to them. He defended his domestic arrangements saying that Unlike Thomas Jefferson, Henry Clay, and others, whose relationships with black women were hidden and abusive, I married my wife under the eyes of God, and apparently He has found no objections. When Chinn died from a cholera epidemic in 1833, Johnson mourned her unashamedly. When Adaline married Thomas W. Scott in 1832, the Lexington Observer and Kentucky Reporter sneered, This is the second time that the moral feelings of the people of Scott County have been shocked and outraged by the marriage of a mulatto daughter of Col. Johnson to a white man, if a man, who will so far degrade himself; who will make himself an object of scorn and detestation to every person that has the least regard for decency, for a little property; can be considered a white man. This savvy politician knew that his openness would offend constituents north and south. Southerners hated him for treating Julia and the daughters with dignity, as if they were free. Northerners hated him for robbing them and all other slaves of their freedom, as well as their dignity. While Johnsons constituents in his Congressional district forgave him, it cost him Senate races repeatedly, and almost lost him the Vice Presidency. The Democrat Albert Balch warned Andrew Jackson that I do not think from what I hear daily that the nomination of Johnson for the Vice Presidency will be popular in any of the slave holding states except Ky. on account of his former domestic relations. Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice John Catron warned Jackson that Johnson was not only positively unpopular in Tennessee but affirmatively odious. Beyond Johnsons common-law marriage, Catron did not believe that a lucky random shot, even if it did hit Tecumseh, qualifies a man for the Vice Presidency. Ultimately, Johnsons private life made him a public burden for Van Buren. Virginias 23 electors punished Johnson rather dramatically. They voted for Van Buren for presidentbut refused to vote for Johnson. This defection of these faithless electors robbed Johnson of the majority he needed by one vote. For the firstand so far onlytime in American history, a vice presidential election went to the Senate, under the 12th Amendments provisions. Johnson won in the Senate, but became about as popular as a Brit in Washington after the torching of the White House. He embarrassed the White House when, short of money after the Panic of 1837, he left office for nine months to tend to his hotel and tavern at White Sulphur Spring, Kentucky. Another Jacksonian Amos Kendall passed on word that at Col. Johnsons Watering establishment, the vice president was happy in the inglorious pursuit of tavern keeping. Johnson spent the rest of his life politically marginalized. In 1840, the Democrats, for the first and only time since the 12th Amendment passed in 1803, refused to endorse any vice presidential candidate. Even Andrew Jackson would admit: I like Col. Johnson but I like my country more. Johnson kept seeking a comeback, with one friend reporting that You never saw a more restless dissatisfied man in your life, than Dick is. Johnsons domestic arrangement was so infamous, that eight years after Johnson died in 1850, during the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Abraham Lincoln tried embarrassing Stephen Douglas, who had been Johnsons friend. Rejecting insinuations that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave, I must necessarily want her for a wife, Lincoln said that the only time he had heard of a perfect equality being maintained between negroes and white men was in the case of Judge Douglas old friend Col. Richard M. Johnson. The laughs Lincoln earned with that jab, suggest the courage Johnson demonstrated with his candor. Johnson was too much a part of the oppressive slavery system to be lionized too much. But his example should be remembered just enough to honor a man who could see the woman behind the racial barrier, and whose faith to her and their two daughters, incurred the wrath of contemporaries, including Virginians avenging and faithless electors. The trustees of Oberlin College have dismissed Prof. Joy Karega, following an investigation of her anti-Semitic and other Facebook posts. The trustees' statement is here, but it is not very informative. Most interesting is the statement that Karega "attacked" the faculty members who raised the issue and "disclaimed all responsibility for her misconduct." Somewhat more information was reported by the Oberlin Review, including the fact that the trustees' action was preceded by hearings before two faculty committees. The committees were apparently unanimous in recommending discipline for Karega, but they were divided on severity -- some members voted for censure or suspension -- which suggests that Karega might have been able to save her job if she had been willing to apologize and retract her endorsement of anti-Jewish conspiracy theories. For more details about Karega's Facebook posts -- which included stuff straight out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion -- see here. Karega has vowed litigation, claiming that her firing is attributable to race and gender discrimination. It seems extremely unlikely that she will succeed, given that she was untenured at a private institution. She has no First Amendment claim, and she cannot prove discrimination unless she can point to others who were treated differently at Oberlin. Notably, the national BDS forces have not generally rallied to her cause, even though she couched her claims in anti-Zionism -- stating, example, that Israel was behind the Charlie Hebdo murders and the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 over Ukraine. The always indulgent John Wilson, editor of the AAUP's Academe blog, was critical of the firing, telling Inside Higher Ed that he was troubled by the trustees reference to Karega's attacks on other faculty: Faculty should be free to criticize their colleagues, especially when they are being attacked, Wilson said. If Karegas offensive social media comments did not justify her dismissal -- as Oberlin's statement implicitly admits -- her defense of her offensive comments cannot become the legitimate basis for a firing. I think Wilson has seriously misapprehended the trustees' statement, which struck me as referring to Karega's justification for her comments and attempt to deflect blame to others. It is also troubling that Wilson believes Karega was "being attacked," rather than investigated. He is also wrong to claim that "her defense . . . cannot become the legitimate basis for firing." It all depends on what she said in her defense, and how she said it. The problem, however, is an information imbalance. Karega is free to say whatever she wants about the process, while the trustees have apparently decided to limit themselves to a single announcement. It would be useful to see the entire record of the investigation, which evidently included witness testimony and cross examination. What precisely were the "attacks" that troubled the trustees? How vigorously did Karega stand behind her expressions of anti-Semitism? What did students and colleagues have to say about her teaching and statements on campus? This will all come out in litigation if Karega follows through on her threat to file suit. For the record, I am quite wary of imposing faculty discipline on the basis of extra-curricular social media posts, no matter how noxious. Regarding Karega, a case can be made that the posts were related to her academic position. She was a professor of "social justice writing," so expressions of bigotry would call into question her disciplinary competence. This was surely addressed in the investigation and testimony, of which the details have yet to be made public. The trustees' statement referred to "inconsistencies in her description of the connection between her postings and her scholarship," so there is obviously more to the story. For now, we can be pretty certain that Oberlin has not heard the end of Joy Karega, and the troubled campus will face more controversy in the spring. NOTE: This post has been slightly edited for clarity. Following Donald Trumps unexpected win, world leaders are warning the president-elect to honor US climate commitments The world was shocked by the news the Trump was to be the next head of the most powerful nation on the planet. It almost seemed as though there was a moment of stunned silence as people around the world tried to fathom what the world will be like under a Trump administration. When the news of Trumps victory broke markets tumbled and world leaders issued muted and conditional congratulatory messages. Some European newspapers heralded the news as one would welcome an apocalypse. The unthinkable a nightmare therefore becomes a reality: So on Jan. 20, the worlds biggest military and economic power will be helmed by a racist, erratic, isolationist president, French news magazine Le Nouvel Obs wrote. Europe wakes up wondering, stunned if the big brother who protected her in 1945 will continue to defend her. Trump has already cast a shadow over the proceedings at COP22. French leader Francois Hollande has warned Trump that the Paris Agreement is irreversible in both law and conscience. The US must respect the commitments they have undertaken, he said. Ban ki-Moon told Trump the climate deal is unstoppable. Former French president Sarkozy said that Europe should impose a carbon tax on the US if Trump pulls out of the Paris Pact. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was quick to remind Trump about Americas historic role in the global community. As a climate leader, Germany does not welcome president-elect Trumps promise to kill climate action. Germans are also concerned that the wave nationalism and isolationism that has swept across France, the UK and the US could also be a major force in German elections next fall. More than anything, uncertainty that Trumps forthcoming presidency. It is hard to know what to expect from the most atypical president-elect in the nations history. Many are struggling to get a handle on what Trump will do. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, offered an ominous warning: One thing is clear. The world must get ready for big changes because the American election has injected an overdose of unpredictability into world politics. While the US electoral outcome has been met with very little enthusiasm in most of the world, Trumps victory has been celebrated by the heads of state in Russia, North Korea and Iran. None are more pleased with Trumps victory than anti-Muslim far-right nationalists in places like the Netherlands, France, and the UK. Many are weaving Trumps win into the wider nationalistic narrative that appears to be gaining momentum. Far-right candidates have been elected in France and anti-immigration sentiments have fueled the Brexit vote in the UK. Voters in Germany may very well replace Angela Merkles centrist government with right-wing conservatives next year. 2016 isgoing to be the year of two great political revolutions, said Brexit advocate and Trump supporter Nigel Farage. I thought Brexit was big, but boy, this looks like its going to be even bigger. Russian President and fellow demagogue Vladimir Putin was among the first to congratulate Trump. Putin is alleged to have helped Trump to get elected by hacking into the DNC and strategically releasing information to influence the electoral outcome. Similar sentiments of shock and revulsion were in evidence in the Americas. One Mexican website bluntly stated: The United States voted for the wall and Donald Trumps lies, proclaimed Mexican website El Economista, Brazils Marcelo Rubens Paiva, commented in O Estado de S. Paulo saying the election result was an effort to, make America white again.The blonds return to power. China railed against Trumps absurd allegation that they invented climate change. A Chinese Communist Party representative said, the most dark, chaotic and negative [election campaign] in the past two centurieshas undeniably revealed the dark side of so-called democracy in the U.S. In the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi-based newspaper The National called Trumps election a profound shock that threatens tumultuous consequences for his country and the international system as a whole. A Trump administration could unleash catastrophic warming and this increases the urgency of climate action. Some have optimistically suggested that world leaders could convince Trump of the veracity of anthropogenic global warming and the need for urgent climate action. We know that world affairs vascilate back and forth between various poles. One step forward is often followed by two steps back. However, when it comes to climate change we cant afford another backward step. 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 ... Podcast: Who comes out ahead in the Charlie Jones vs. Iowa football reunion? Iowa Football NORWALK Norwalk is among the Connecticut municipalities asking Hartford not to impose a local spending cap. At issue is a state rule set to take effect next July 1 that would require school boards and municipalities to cap their annual spending increase at 2.5 percent each year or lose a portion of state funding. The states goal is to control spending increases at a time when its own budget deficit is at $1.3 billion. Robert O. Barron, Norwalks director of finance, said the spending cap would prove problematic. First, exemptions have been cut for borrowing, labor arbitration and other areas that impact local budgets. Secondly, not all municipalities track spending identically. I might do my regular wages in one account and another city might do their regular wages in another account, said Barron, an officer with the Government Finance Officers Association of Connecticut. It is going to be an incredibly manual process for the state to take in information from each of the municipalities and truly make this calculation of year-over-year increases net of the exemptions. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton used his position as the president of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities last Tuesday to denounce the states 2.5 percent spending cap. It is poorly thought out, poorly designed, and people are not even sure what is in it, because no policies have been promulgated, "Boughton said after attending CCMs annual conference at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket. It is going to drive up costs and encourage people to borrow to meet expenses. But the cap will encourage unions to seek a higher arbitration awards during negotiations rather than settle for modest wage increases, Boughton said, since arbitration awards are exempt from the cap. Another bad effect of the cap, according to critics: Cities and towns will be encouraged to borrow for paving and other infrastructure improvements, since borrowing is also exempt from the cap requirement. At Foxwoods, Boughton told reporters the state had some nerve to dictate how cities and towns managed their budgets at a time when its own finances are in crisis. During an interview later in Danbury, Boughton said he was optimistic the state Legislature would be receptive to the CCMs objections about the cap. Our position is we dont think the cap is a horrible idea, but lets draft one that works to drive down costs, Boughton said. We are hoping the Legislature will straighten out its own financial problems, then circle back in a couple of years and help put cities and towns on a sustainable path. rryser@newstimes.com; 203-731-3342 Animal Farm hit a nerve at the right psychological moment in America, just when the pro-Soviet fellow-traveling movement was beginning to unravel. What havoc a little squib can cause! Seven decades ago, George Orwells Animal Farm was published in the United States. Its publication launch was August 26, 1946, almost exactly a year after its appearance in England. Subtitled A Fairy Story, the little squibOrwells modest term for the book when he wrote the Russian emigre scholar Gleb Struvewas only thirty thousand words, a brilliantly original hybrid of Aesopian fable, Menippean satire, and historical allegory. Animal Farm hit a nerve at the right psychological moment in America, just when the pro-Soviet fellow-traveling movement was beginning to unravel. Published to reviewers kudos and good sales in the United Kingdom in August 1945, it nevertheless gained attention chiefly from the English literary-political elite, especially the London left-wing intelligentsia and serious literary-minded readers. Animal Farm, however, had only a moderate influence on the wider British public. Its full impact was not felt until it crossed the Atlantic a year later, and some of the long-term consequences proved highly ironic. Indeed, the circumstances shaping the American reception of this Englishmans squib generated cultural and intellectual tremors that contributed decisively to the decades-long ideological fault lines that surfaced between the United States and the Soviet Union. Communism was never a powerful political force in either the United States or England, albeit during the war broad popular support for the Russians in their struggle against Nazi Germany prevailed. Both countries, however, featured groups of prominent and influential fellow travelers whose sympathy, if not primary loyalty, was to the Soviet Union and its communist principles. In the United States, fellow traveling peaked during the war. The Russians became the darlings of the American progressive left, and Joseph Stalin acquired the image of the affable pipe-smoking Uncle Joe. Unlike in the U.K., however, by the time Animal Farm landed on the desks of most American readers, the gloss was already beginning to fade from this rosy picture of the USSR. Even liberal-minded Americans affections for the avuncular wartime ally had cooledand the Cold War was on the horizon. It would take another decade for a similar feeling of alienation to reach the left intelligentsia in Englandin fact, not until Nikita Khrushchevs so-called Secret Speech exposing Stalins crimes shocked the West in February 1956. Numerous other differences between the postwar U.K. and U.S. also accounted for the growing transatlantic rifts. For example, whereas the English were preoccupied with the devastation caused by the war, including postwar rationing and an economy in shambles (not to mention the July 1945 defeat of the Conservatives under Churchill and election of the first Labour government in decades), America was enjoying an unprecedented level of prosperity and global influencethe apogee of the American Century. Specific to Animal Farms reception in the United States was a series of events that disillusioned all but the blindest admirers of the Soviet Union. The Russians began clamping down on communist-controlled governments in Poland and other Eastern European countries. In February 1946, Winston Churchill struck a fatal blow at the communist cause in his famous Iron Curtain speech, significantly delivered in the United States, not in Great Britain. His purpose was to warn the Americans of the inescapable reality of Soviet imperialism in Europe. Around the same time, a minor code clerk in Canada, Igor Guzenko, defected and was seeking refuge in the Westand revealed that the Russians had been spying on their Western allies throughout the war and had gained valuable information on the construction of the atomic bomb. To make matters worse for progressive defenders of the USSR, Orwells squib arrived soon thereafter, making the clever and convincing case that the Soviets wartime conduct was no merely ephemeral issue. The fable delivered a persuasive and easily understood indictment of the Russian Revolution itself, the centerpiece of much left-wing and progressive praise. So, Animal Farm appeared in the midst of an escalating controversy in the United States over how to deal with the Russians. The Fairy Story established Orwells reputation in America, a process that would be completed with the publication of his better-known indictment of Soviet Communism, 1984, three years later. Little known outside certain intellectual circles in England before the war, Orwell became, along with Arthur Koestler, the outstanding popularizer of the perils of Soviet totalitarianism in the postwar years. Orwells success, even more so than Koestlers, was largely a by-product of the Cold War. Orwell presents us with the curious paradox of an admitted leftisthe preferred to describe himself as a democratic Socialist (and always capitalized the noun) with the emphasis on democraticwho also became a cult hero among conservatives throughout the United States. Familiar in the United States only to a narrow band of Trotskyists in New York until Animal Farms publication, Orwell entered the American scene as a blank slateand soon became touted as the leading literary Cold Warrior. Only after the publication of Animal Farm and the even greater success of 1984, which appeared in June 1949, a mere seven months before his premature death from tuberculosis, did many of Orwells writings from the 1930s and 1940s appear in the U.S. His essays, especially Shooting an Elephant and Politics and the English Language, embellished his reputation as a master of direct, crystalline prose. The image of Orwell in America was also simple, clear, powerfulnot to mention politically useful. He was the outspoken, even belligerent Cold Warrior, the writer who also led the fight in the Cold War on the linguistic and cultural front. (Orwell is even credited in the Oxford English Dictionary with having coined the phrase Cold War.) Toward the end of World War II, as Orwell began to castigate the Soviet Union as something less than a disinterested, gallant ally of the West, he became an object of suspicion in the eyes of those American leftists who sympathized with the cause of communism. American Trotskyists and pacifists, men like Dwight Macdonald and Philip Rahv, regarded him as an honest man and not an apologist for either Stalinism or capitalism. Orwell was one of the first writers to recognize that the real threat to Western society was from totalitarianism, not simply from fascism. In an essay on Arthur Koestler in 1946, he made this point with characteristic directness. The sin of nearly all left-wingers from 1933 onwards is that they wanted to be anti-Fascist without being anti-totalitarian. The American left would not reach this stage in its thinking until long after the war. *** Although Orwells achievement of popular success in the United States came in 1946 with the publication of Animal Farm, he had conceived the idea for it after fighting against General Francos forces in the Spanish Civil War. He joined the anarchist units in Catalonia and was disgusted on his return home to discover how much the popular press had distorted the war. What particularly disturbed him, however, was his discovery that the communists and their sympathizers had managed to get their view of the war accepted by knowledgeable leftist groups in England. During his stay in Spain, Orwell had watched with growing disgust the adroit way in which the communists destroyed the power of other popular left-wing forces opposing Franco. He thus made a discovery that other European and American leftists were not to learn until after World War II: Despite their ideological pose, the communists subordinated everything to Russian national interests. For Orwell, the essence of socialism was that it championed justice and liberty, as he said in The Road to Wigan Pier. The Spanish Civil War convinced him that the pretense of the USSRthe Union of Soviet Socialist Republicsto be a socialist country would have to be exposed. Indeed, Stalins totalitarian regime was no more socialist than its Janus-faced counterpart on the right, Nazi (Nationalist Socialist) Germany. The Second World War put a temporary halt to any work on Orwells part to demythologize the USSR. But toward the end of the conflict, he became even more determined to unmask the Soviet system, because Russias heroic defense against Hitler had further blinded people to the real nature of communism. In The Prevention of Literature (1946), written just a few months after the British publication of Animal Farm, Orwell elaborated on his reasons for wanting to expose communist tyranny. Fifteen years ago, he noted, when one defended intellectual freedom, one had to do so against the attacks of conservatives, Catholics, and fascists: Today one has to defend it against Communists and fellow-travelers. One ought not to exaggerate the direct influence of the small English Communist Party, but there can be no question about the poisonous effect of the Russian mythos on English intellectual life. Because of it, known facts are suppressed and distorted to such an extent as to make it doubtful whether a true history of our times can ever be written. This attitude dominated Orwells work in the postwar period. He continued to attack tyranny and totalitarianism as he had before the war, only now the most serious threat came from Russia. Another factor convincing Orwell to expose the Russian Revolution was his intense dislike of Stalinist intellectuals and fellow travelers in England. Orwell was disgusted with the way fashionable leftistshis own inveterate descriptorswallowed and belched out communist propaganda. His struggle to get his Spanish Civil War reports and other anticommunist writings published deepened this sense of disgust. Orwell found it hard to forgive those who had censored him in the 1930s. The personal and the political mixed a powerful brew of rage in his mind, firing his commitment to expose how Comrade Napoleons system of government and ideology, along with his smug cadres of well-trained pigs in Britain and elsewhere, had thoroughly duped the West. By November 1943, his thinking had crystallized and he began work on a short political tract aimed at demonstrating how the Bolshevik Revolution had been corrupted by the revolutionaries themselves. After considerable experimentation, he hit upon the idea of using the form of the beast fable: He would destroy the Soviet myth with an even more powerful counter-myth. Within a matter of weeks, he finished the first draft of Animal Farm and began looking for a publisher. Since the Anglo-Russian alliance was still strong, his manuscript was consistently rejected. Victor Gollancz, owner and publisher of one of the leading leftist publishing houses in England, rejected Animal Farm on the grounds that, whatever its merits, it was playing into the hands of the Nazis, a charge that Orwell found specious and that angered him bitterly. Despairing temporarily of seeing his work in printand even considering having it published at his own expenseOrwell found a small English press, Secker and Warburg, which agreed to put out a limited edition. So Animal Farm appeared in 1945 and won immediate critical and popular acclaim. The cordial relations between Russia and England were just beginning to fray, rendering the political-intellectual climate more tolerant of a work condemning the Soviet Union. Republished with gracious permission from Modern Age (Fall 2016). This is the first of a two-part series; the second essay may be found here. The Imaginative Conservative applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politicswe approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider donating now. The featured image is courtesy of Pixabay. 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 Congresss 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 Constitutions 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 environmentalisms, and the Democratic Partys, 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 Keystones 1,179 miles bringing oil from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska might somehow menace the nation and planet. Some of the oil would be from Canadas 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 worlds third-largest proven crude oil reserve larger than Irans 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 pipelines 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 Im 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 Zachs 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 Zachs scary arithmetic probably represents commonplace thinking within the Democratic Party, aka the party of science. Protesters have every right to wave signs proclaiming that Donald Trump is Not My President (although their credibility is compromised if they didnt vote). But they are wrong on their facts. Trump is their president our president the only president well have for the next four years. Those protesters have many reasons to feel aggrieved. Trump callously exploited ugly strains of racism, sexism and xenophobia during his campaign. FBI director James Comey broke Justice Department rules by intervening in the campaigns closing days. For the second time in five elections, a Democrat won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College. Still, Trump won fairly. The outcome must be accepted and respected. Thats the American Way. But the American Way must mean something else as well. It must mean that a relentless and independent press holds the new president accountable from day one. No backing down. No buckling under. During the campaign, news organizations realized that Candidate Trump had changed the rules, lying repeatedly and refusing to correct his statements or apologize for them. They became more aggressive in confronting his fabrications, and that aggressiveness has to intensify in their coverage of President Trump. The American Way also places demands on a president. If those protesters are obligated to respect the election, he is obligated to respect the Constitution, including the part about a free press, and here Trump has a dismal record. He repeatedly insults reporters as scum, clowns and dummies. (He called Cokie kooky on Twitter.) Hes barred reporters he doesnt like from his campaign events and threatened to loosen libel laws. Recently, hes evaded reporters assigned to cover him. If Mr. Trump keeps up the posture he displayed during the campaign all-out war footing the future will hold some very grim days, not just for news reporters but also for the American constitutional system that relies on a free and strong press, writes New York Times media critic Jim Rutenberg. Trumps anti-press missiles are only part of his assault arsenal. He boasts of more than 28 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and in effect hes created the TBN, the Trump Broadcasting Network, which he uses adroitly to communicate directly with his followers and evade the filter of journalistic scrutiny. In his revealing interview with Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, he called social media a great form of communication and added, Im not saying I love it, but it does get the word out. When reporters give me a bad story or ... an inaccurate story, social media provides a method of fighting back. The TBN, he concluded, helped me win all these races where theyre spending much more money than I spent. Trump has every right to employ these strategies, and hes correct about their effectiveness. But that just means its more important than ever for journalists to say to voters: What you heard on TBN, what you read on Facebook or saw on Instagram, is not the whole story. Trumps ability to combat the media or bypass it completely is enhanced by the rise of fake news, deliberately false stories that are spread rapidly on the web by skilled hoaxsters who manipulate popular platforms like Facebook and Google. In this election, there were a stunning number of fabricated stories masquerading as legitimate journalism, writes Andy Alexander, a former ombudsman at The Washington Post. They constituted a massive volume of civic misinformation. The mainstream media made many mistakes in the last campaign. In a desperate pursuit of ratings and revenue, they gave Trump far too much free coverage during the primaries. In the fall, they relied too heavily on polling and not enough on street-level reporting that might have sensed the pro-Trump surge that surprised just about everybody on election night. As New York Times public editor Liz Spayd wrote: I hope its editors will think hard about the half of America the paper too seldom covers. But those mistakes dont diminish the critical importance of the medias role as the Trump Era dawns. It has to fight doggedly against the misguided notion that we are in a post-truth era, where facts dont matter, and all journalism is about attitude and opinion. If you have a society where people cant agree on basic facts, how do you have a functioning democracy? asks Marty Baron, the executive editor of The Washington Post. Good question. The answer is you cannot. And the only institution that can provide those basic facts is a free, fierce, fearless press. Thats the American way. It didnt take long. Journalists, editorial writers and columnists who hate Donald Trump and consistently opposed his election are now advising him what not to do. Newspaper headlines claim Trump is pulling back on his campaign promises. Editorials encourage him not to do everything he pledged, although his pledges are what got him elected. The ACLU bought a full-page ad in The New York Times, vowing to use its army of lawyers and volunteers to thwart Trumps agenda. Since everyone else is offering advice, here is mine: Begin with the economy. Propose to Congress cuts in individual and corporate taxes and a plan to do away with the tax code, replacing it with a flat or fair tax. On illegal immigration, start building the wall, but announce that to help pay for it a toll system will be implemented, charging people who cross our southern border in each direction. Drivers have to pay tolls to get in and out of Manhattan. Why not tolls for getting in and out of America? The new president could also ask for contributions from the public to help build the wall, which can bring in additional funds. Well see if Mexico pays anything. Trump says he will forgo the $400,000 presidential salary. Heres a better idea. Take the money and donate it to scholarships for poor children so they can escape failing public schools and get a decent education for a better future. This could be done immediately while waiting for Congress to pass a school voucher plan and would encourage others to make similar contributions to charitable scholarship funds. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Washington, D.C., is again playing a central role in the transition. Many of its ideas on domestic and foreign policy are posted at heritage.org. Heritage provided many policy suggestions to Ronald Reagan, which he embraced during his two terms. A source familiar with what is occurring inside the transition tells me landing teams from Heritage will be visiting federal departments and agencies beginning Wednesday to ask questions and retrieve information for the new administration. They will be reminded that President Obama is president until Jan. 20 and to be respectful. We only have one president at a time. The Trump administration plans to follow Speaker Paul Ryans advice and go big, go bold. Hundreds of executive orders are being prepared, along with language members of Congress can use to formulate new legislation and repeal old laws. These include school choice, repealing and replacing most of Obamacare and reversing various social engineering orders, such as transgender bathroom requirements. The transition team is combining the New York and Washington offices and entering what was described to me as the execution stage, moving from policy pronouncements, to enactment. Conservatives should be encouraged that vice president-elect Mike Pence has been put in charge of the transition. He is a rock-solid conservative who will be helpful in making sure people who hold conservative views are placed in key posts. The emphasis should shift from ideology to what works. If, for example, poor children are liberated from government schools and their grades and outlook on life improve, their testimony will be evidence enough that school choice has been a success. Heres another suggestion. The major media hate Trump and always will. At his press conferences, he should include more conservative journalists who will eschew gotcha and what do you say to people who say questions and seek to obtain information of use to the public. This will be the Republicans last opportunity for a generation to show that their ideas work and to promote the general welfare. The possibilities are great if Trump and Pence and the Republican Congress ignore critics who want them to fail and press on to receive the prize that success will bring, not only to them and the GOP, but to a nation that longs for it. Here is an issue where Donald Trump could fail as president and the country would pay mightily: the federal debt. He did refer to it during the campaign, saying his growth plans could whip the problem, but some of his announced policies could actually exacerbate the threat. They include leaving Social Security untouched, reducing taxes too much and barreling ahead with spending plans. Republicans will cower and Democrats will try to destroy him if he moves in some right directions, but none of this diminishes what has been said by a host of bipartisan sources. Right now, the debt is at $20 trillion, equivalent to $158,604 per household and 75 percent of gross domestic product. Its expected to go up to 84 percent of GDP by 2025 if Social Security and Medicare are not adjusted. Here are some of the possible consequences as increases happen. Stalled economic growth and likely the reverse. Much higher taxes. Wages hurdling down. Investment crashes. Living standards flat on their back. Little money in the budget for anything but entitlements. And finally, a fiscal crisis shaming past ones as nothing much. A major issue is Social Security, ready to zoom to madness as baby boomers start retiring en masse even as Hillary Clinton, to mention a recent presidential nominee, wanted to increase its benefits. She said she would pay for them not the other increased costs through raising caps on the rich. Of course, if you stuck to the Social Security formula that says the more you pay, the more you get, that would not do a lot of good. Trump said he would not touch Social Security, but it is already eating us up despite what many say. They argue that Social Security is not now adding to the debt. Technically, that is true. When Social Security revenues arent spent immediately, they become a surplus, meaning essentially that notations are made. When the money the money is needed and spent, the notations are reduced. All is thereby OK? Not in the real world. The surplus is not cash is sitting around some place or money being invested. Instead, the government spends like crazy on all kinds of programs, far outreaching any available revenues and causing the debt to go up enormously. When it comes time to take from the Social Security surplus, the debt is increased still more. In 2014, $74 billion was added to the overburdened debt to pay off Social Security beneficiaries, and here are my questions to naysayers. If that money was not spent on Social Security, what was it spent on, and doesnt this contribute to fiscal woes that could someday leave this nation flattened? What Trump should consider is measures that wont affect anyone less than the well-off anytime soon. He could raise the cap but also redo the formula so the rich wont get more benefits. He could curb growth by lessening the initial amount given; right now, it increases so that someone this year who earned $50,000 will usually get fewer benefits than someone next year earning the same. He could raise the retirement age except for people in tough-labor jobs. His repeal-replacement overhaul of Obamacare must reduce its costs significantly, something that wont happen if he does nothing new about patients with pre-existing conditions. Those treasonous to the national welfare on behalf of their own political interests will then try to prevent change as they have so disastrously before. But the national good should come first. On his expenditures, such as redoing our infrastructure, he should seek out cuts elsewhere to pay for them. Lowering corporate tax rates would be great, but not lowering all the other taxes he has in mind. His repatriation of corporate profits overseas would be a boon. He needs to restrict his trade protectionism to cautiously revised details. He could maybe then get the economy up to 3 percent growth, but that alone will not erase the debt problem. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 19 2016 Magical creatures pop up in one of the most anticipated movies this year. There are too many monsters in a suitcase, but even after eight Harry Potter books, plus the more slender The Tales of Beedle the Bard and the directory of magical beasts upon which this movie is based more magic would do no harm. As one of the most-awaited films of the year, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them fulfilled the promise to fans of an endlessly charming story and a thrilling visual experience with the return of David Yates for the fifth time as a Harry Potter director. Author JK Rowling herself added her witchcraft to the textbook used in the Hogwarts School. Instead of foggy London, the scenery was changed to the bustling, jazzy New York City of 1926, some 70 years before Harry got his first train ride to the witchcraft and wizardry school, where the textbook writer, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) made a stop en route during his trip to collect more specimens from across America. He got his suitcase filled with magical creatures swapped by a Muggle, or a No-Maj a term coined by the Magical Congress of the USA, which functions similarly to the Ministry of Magic named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) who was hoping to get a bank loan to open a bakery. What follows is a hunt throughout Manhattan where Newt and Jacob try to recover the creatures. Joining them is a witch named Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) and her younger sister Queenie (Alison Sudol). In their efforts, the unlikely clique runs into Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton), the leader of an extremist group the Second Salemers that has the goal of eradicating witchcraft in the US, Barebones adoptive son Credence (Ezra Miller) and magical policeman Percival Graves (Colin Farrell). Unlike the Potter movies that get darker as the series develops, in this extension of the Rowling universe the darkness is there from the start. Johnny Depp makes a brief appearance toward the end of the movie to deliver two lines as Gellert Grindelwald the abominable adversary of Albus Dumbledore in the books. As the adventure drives most of the narrative, there is not much in the story except for a handful of clues here and there about the love of Newts love and what to expect on his next journey with Jacob setting the scene for the following four sequels. All cast members are decent. Newt is definitely not Harry, but if he was ever burdened by his responsibilities and tasks, that did not show in Redmayne, who seemed to move into a romantic arc with the Tina character. Foglers is the most likable character in the movie as comic relief. The visual tone is similar to David Yates first two Potter films, The Order of the Phoenix and The Half Blood Prince, which were dramatic and heavy in a way that fit with the narrative. However, the similarities end there. Fantastic Beasts surprisingly stands firmly on its own, not playing with the nostalgia card to attract fans to the spin-off. When it comes to an imaginary magical world, lets leave it to Rowling, who made her scriptwriting debut with this film. She takes you on a more than two-hour trip of thrilling spectacles without letting you know what will happen next. Just sit back and enjoy the ride. Photos Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures 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 Rosalia Sciortino (The Jakarta Post) Bangkok Sat, November 19 2016 Pundits have been keen to predict that Southeast Asia will soon leave behind its authoritarian past and head toward a more democratic future. This optimism was boosted in 2010 by Myanmars decision to transition to democracy, allowing for elections and assigning a role to the opposition. In spite of persistent doubts about the genuineness of these efforts, most would subscribe to the World Bank Governance Index, which shows that exponential progress has been made in expanding accountability and the voice of civil society from 2010 to 2015. But look at Myanmars neighbors now. Ironically, the nations that were considered the most advanced in democratic terms are now in turmoil. The Philippines is eulogizing its former dictator and seems to have shelved humanitarian principles and the rule of law to carry out extrajudicial killings in an ill-conceived war on drugs. 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 Nazla Mariza (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 19 2016 While the world is still celebrating a historic agreement to tackle climate change, the real challenge is to walk the talk. Indonesia, as other countries, is legally bound by the Paris Agreement, aimed at stopping the worlds temperature rise from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. With a new administration and different development directions, the Paris Agreement will be an opportunity if all stakeholders play their parts. To date, 109 nations have ratified the Paris Agreement, which prompted the treaty to be implemented ahead of schedule. It contains a crucial commitment from nations to keep the rise of global temperatures to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial by 2100, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40 gigatons annually by 2030. Ahead of the Marrakech climate negotiation, Indonesia had committed to emission cuts of 29 percent without financial help and an additional 12 percent if it got international help by 2030. This is an ambitious target, demanding collective and strategic efforts from all stakeholders. Among the critical stakeholders in achieving the 29/41 target are local governments. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Sat, November 19 2016 The North Sumatra Immigration Office has deployed a team to investigate Chinese workers believed to be illegally employed in a number of development projects, including a steam-driven power plant (PLTU). The office had received many reports on the presence of China citizens believed to be working without proper permits in various parts of the province, immigration division head Yudi Kurniadi said on Thursday. The crackdown follows the arrest of 18 Chinese workers by North Sumatra Police, 15 of whom were handed over to the Medan Immigration Office for allegedly working without legal permits. 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 Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syarifuddin (fourth left) local officials and Buddhist monks release doves as a symbol of peace during the Nusantara Buddhists event in Soewondo Field in Medan, North Sumatra, on Friday. The prayer event is held until Sunday and includes other blood donations.(JP/Apriadi Gunawan)(fourth left) local officials and Buddhist monks release doves as a symbol of peace during the Nusantara Buddhists event in Soewondo Field in Medan, North Sumatra, on Friday. The prayer event is held until Sunday and includes other blood donations.(JP/Apriadi Gunawan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Lima, Peru Sat, November 19 2016 Indonesia is looking to use this years Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, slated to kick off on Nov. 19, as an opportunity to protect its trade interests amid fears that trade among APEC members would decrease should US President-elect Donald Trump implement a protectionist economic policy after being sworn in early next year, Indonesian officials said. Representing President Joko Jokowi Widodo, Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who arrived in Lima early Friday, said Trumps inward-looking and protectionist outlook, as reflected in his campaign rhetoric could badly affect trade among APEC members as the US is its largest consumer. Retiring US President Barack Obama, who is to join the event, will face participants anxious over a new US administration that may not continue his legacy in opening the US for imported goods from APEC members, especially China and Indonesia. 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 Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 19 2016 The government has denied any wrongdoing in the disappearance of Dutch World War II shipwrecks on the grounds that the Dutch government never asked for Indonesias participation in preserving the war graves since their discovery in 2002. However, it offered its readiness to set up a joint team to investigate the case. The best step to take is to run an investigation. We [will] form a special team to investigate together, the Education and Culture Ministrys culture director general, Hilmar Farid, told The Jakarta Post on Friday. 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 Hans David Tampubolon (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, November 19 2016 Out of their love for food, four friends started a cooking program for fun, but as it gained popularity, they decided to give it their full attention. All true foodies likely share this sentiment: The experience of watching how foods are processed can become an indescribable joy that significantly adds to the satisfaction when the time has come to really enjoy them. Such a sentiment has become the basis for a unique concept used by a group of four mysterious Singaporean home cooks called the MeatMen while presenting their cooking talents on YouTube for the last three years and recently, in a cooking show, Wok With Us, on TLC Asia. Online premiere of the show is every Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. and each episode will be aired on TLC Asia a week after the online show. First of all, the MeatMen JJ, Jon, Yingda and Chris do not show their faces at all in any of their cooking videos, whether on their own YouTube channel or on the Wok With Us cooking show, making them somewhat mysterious and fun at the same time. The only physical attributes of the MeatMen that the audience can see are their hands and fingers, which delicately work with ingredients using various techniques. Neither does the audience have any idea which of them is doing the cooking. The only thing the viewers can be sure of is that all of them can cook and love meaty foods: hence, the brand they use for their channel. In Wok With Us, the audience could at least get more of a glimpse of how one of the MeatMen looks like during the shows intro. The intro shows a man with a wok tied behind his back like a pack strolling through Southeast Asian capital cities Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Kuala Lumpur before he picks a spot in a city center to recreate a local dish. The camera follows the man entirely from behind so his face is not visible and there is also no clear indication of which of the MeatMen he is. Another trademark of the MeatMen cooking videos is that they do not have any voice-over to explain the ingredients, the amount of ingredients being used, or the cooking process from start to finish. Switching between a first person point of view angle and a third person, the MeatMen take their audience through a visual cooking experience and tutorial by making the camera focus on each of the ingredients and the way they are being cooked. The MeatMen also focus on the audio that mainly conveys the sounds that the ingredients and the utensils make during the cooking process. Clear and loud sounds of meats being seared on a pan, a knife chopping veggies and other kinds of spices are highlights of the MeatMen cooking videos that, in a way, allow the audience to feel that they are actually seeing the cooking happen in front of their very own eyes. 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 (Associated Press) Kuala Lumpur Sun, November 20, 2016 Malaysian authorities said Sunday that another two Indonesian fishermen have been abducted by armed men off eastern Sabah state on Borneo island, the second such case this month and the latest in a spate of sea attacks. Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, who heads Sabah's security center, said five masked men armed with long rifles raided a fishing trawler late Saturday. He told local media Sunday that the men destroyed the boat's communications system and stole hand phones and money before kidnapping the skipper and his assistant. He said the attackers then fled in a speed boat heading toward international waters. Another 11 crew members were rescued by passing boats, he added without giving further details. Wan Abdul Bari and Sabah police couldn't be immediately reached for comments. Earlier this month, two Indonesian boat skippers were also abducted off Sabah. Despite efforts by the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly shore up security along their busy sea border, Indonesians and Malaysians have been kidnapped from tugboats and fishing boats in recent months Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines, which is near Sabah, and its allied gunmen are responsible for many attacks at sea. The Abu Sayyaf group, which is blacklisted in the U.S. and the Philippines as a terrorist organization, holds more than a dozen foreign and local hostages. The kidnappings have continued despite one of the largest military offensives against Abu Sayyaf, mainly in Sulu and the nearby island province of Basilan, involving more than 6,000 troops, navy gunboats and rocket-firing air force aircraft. Without a known foreign source of funds, Abu Sayyaf has survived mostly on ransom kidnappings, extortion and other acts of banditry. A confidential Philippine government threat assessment report seen by The Associated Press said the militants pocketed at least 353 million pesos ($7.3 million) from ransom kidnappings in the first six months of the year and have turned to abductions of foreign tugboat crewmen as military offensives restricted their mobility. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, November 20, 2016 A hundred activists from various organizations have sent a letter to President Joko Jokowi Widodo to protest alleged violence by security personnel in a West Java village where an airport is planned. The incident reportedly took place on Thursday in the village of Sukamulya, Kertajati district, Majalengka regency. An altercation erupted when some 2,000 personnel from the Indonesian Military, the National Police and the Public Order Agency were deployed to the village to secure land measuring activities by the National Land Agency (BPN). The government plans to build the West Java International Airport (BIJB), also known as Kertajati International Airport in the area. According to the Land Reform Consortium (KPA), villagers protested the attempt and police arrested six people. Dozens were reportedly wounded after being beaten, with one sustaining an open head injury. The activists wanted the government to stop what they called police repression and to release the detained farmers. We also want the government to reassess the planning for the extension of the runway, because the government could avoid the forced eviction of Sukamulya villagers if it planned the extension on the other side of the airport, the letter said. Previously, West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus said some villagers had protested the measuring activities. Residents threw stones and in return had tear gas thrown at them, he said on Thursday, as quoted by tempo.co. Yusri said some villagers who refused to sell their land had provoked others to protest. The government has announced the plan to procure land in Sukamulya in August, but each attempt to measure the land was met with protests. Majalengka Regent Sutrisno said the airport would become an investment magnet for neighboring Cirebon. The KPA said the airport project was defined in Presidential Regulation No. 3/2016 as a public transportation project, but did, in fact, amount to an urban development project called Aerocity Kertajati. The KPA said the total land for the urban development was 5,000 hectares, 1,800 ha of which would be for the airport and 3,200 ha of which would be for new city development. While the project is ongoing, paddy fields and housing have transformed into the project. Sukamulya village is the only village that stands its ground and refuses to move. There are 1,478 families who refuse to move, defending about 500 hectares of land, the KPA said. The KPA said besides Sukamulya 10 other villages were affected by the project. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Evi Mariani (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Sun, November 20, 2016 Bandung Police chief Sr. Comr. Winarto has confirmed that a police member shot dead a man on Jl. Babakan Siliwangi early on Friday morning. Winarto said he hoped the action would have a deterrent effect amid a crackdown on street crime in Bandung. We took a firm measure against a street criminal, he added. He said the dead suspect was identified as AM, aka Odon, a veteran street criminal. He said Odon was shot because he resisted arrest. He tried to hurt the officer, Winarto said. The police said they had recently received reports of street crimes near the Bandung Institute of Technology. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sun, November 20, 2016 Nongovernmental group Cahaya Guru Foundation, which specializes in providing training for teachers, is continuing its efforts to promote unity among the nations diverse population. Cahaya Guru chairwoman Henny Supolo Sitepu said at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the foundation as well as International Tolerance Day, which falls on every Nov. 16, that the groups efforts would never cease until stigmatism, labeling and discrimination against certain parts of society were eradicated. "We realize that the efforts we have made together might not be enough to answer the big challenges in promoting nationalism. However, we will continue with our efforts, Henny said at the National Museum in Central Jakarta on Saturday. She added that the groups efforts thus far had shown progress, as many teachers affiliated with the foundation had begun showing more acceptance of differences thanks to frequent teachers gatherings initiated by the foundation. (Read also: Training teachers about diversity) The foundation provides free-of-charge training sessions for teachers, however, teachers who wish to join the training are required to be committed to spreading values of diversity, nationalism and humanity. The foundation also carries out activities that advocate pluralism such as inter-faith dialogue and site visits to houses of worships involving teachers with various beliefs to instill tolerance in them. (fac/jun) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Lima, Peru Sun, November 20, 2016 Indonesia used the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, which kicked off on Saturday, to meet with its main industrial rival in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, on Friday to discuss the possibility of the two countries having the same wage standard for workers. The initiative comes in the wake of many investors having left Indonesia in the past year after learning that Vietnam offers cheaper labor for industry. Accompanying Kalla during the meeting, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said that having the same wage standard for workers would support the development of human resources in the two countries. We proposed an initiative to establish a joint platform with regard to a wage standard in the industrial sector so that both Indonesia and Vietnam will not be confronted by investors with regard to which country offers cheaper wage for workers, Airlangga said in Lima on Friday evening local time. Lima is 12 hours behind Jakarta time. The minister said that the same wage standard for workers would support APECs goal of encouraging its 21 member countries to support human development in the Asia Pacific region, adding that Vietnam would consider Indonesias proposal. It is expected that representatives from both countries after the APEC concludes on Sunday will conduct meetings in the future to discuss the Indonesian proposal in detail. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Sun, November 20, 2016 Indonesian Military commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said during a mass prayer in Medan, North Sumatra, that with the power of prayer people who wanted to break the nation would not be successful. Whoever wants to break the nation will be unsuccessful if we pray. Besides, those wanting to create chaos are not religious people, he said on Saturday after the mass prayer to save the nation. Besides Gatot, the mass prayer was attended by Bukit Barisan military commander Maj. Gen, Lodewyk, North Sumatra Police chief Insp. Gen. Rycko Amelza Dahniel, a number of clerics, TNI top officers, North Sumatra and Medan administration officials and Medan residents. No traitor will ever live comfortably in this country. If you want to challenge us, be my guest, we have proven our strength against DI/TII [Darul Islam/Islamic Armed forces, Islamists aiming for an Islamic state in Indonesia], Kahar Muzakkar [Darul Islam leader in South Sulawesi], and communists. All of them were foiled because we always pray to Allah, Gatot said. Gatot commented on Islamist groups plan to hold a third Defending Islam demonstration on Dec. 2, saying that if an of the demonstrators committed vandalism or treason, they would face the TNI and National Police. My soldiers are ready to carry out jihad to preserve the unity of the republic based on Pancasila [national ideology] and with the support from all people, he said. (evi) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Danson Cheung (The Straits Times/ANN) Singapore Sun, November 20, 2016 The scene: With their submachine guns raised, police officers stormed into the Century Square shopping mall in Tampines. Moving swiftly in teams of two to four, they took aim and fired. Moments later, the "terrorists", who had earlier "killed" shoppers and taken others hostage, lay dead on the floor. The reality: These were the police's new Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) responding to a mock terror attack during an islandwide counter-terrorism exercise last month. These crack troops, who are trained in counter-assault skills, will be one of the first responders to any terrorist attack. They were commissioned in June and it is not uncommon to see them with their HK-MP 5 submachine guns and kevlar helmets patrolling the heartlands or city area. The threat of a terror attack is at its highest ever in recent times and security agencies have been packing more muscle to deal with the possibility of a strike. This year, the police, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Armed Forces have held a series of drills simulating mock strikes on different types of civilian targets, ranging from shopping malls to a hospital. These culminated in an islandwide exercise last month that involved coordinated attacks on multiple targets across the island. Two months ago, the SG Secure national movement was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in an effort to sensitise, train and mobilise Singaporeans to prevent terror incidents and respond to them. Under the campaign, the Government is hoping to equip at least one person in every household with basic emergency skills such as CPR. The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) has ramped up its Let's Stand Together initiative to make people aware they can play a role in staying alert. It put out ads and animated videos at bus and train stations based on eyeball figures who flag suspicious objects and raise the alarm. "Eyeball characters were used because our eyes are our first defence in spotting and reporting threats; also, a play on the word 'I', which can represent each and every Singaporean," the NSCS said. These measures amount to Singapore's largest counter-offensive against the terror threat, but has this been enough? A work in progress At a panel discussion organised by Insight last Monday, experts said the nation still has some way to go. Associate Professor Kumar Ramakrishna, head of policy studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, said these efforts will go some way towards boosting awareness of the threat and could "pay dividends" in future. But it is still very much a work in progress. Last Monday, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said at a dialogue at the National University of Singapore that there was a real risk of citizens seeing no need to be concerned about the threat. "The real challenge for us is how to make our population more sensitised and not that they will overreact," he said. Professor David Chan, director of the Singapore Management University's Behavioural Sciences Institute, told the roundtable that, to some, a terror attack in Singapore is still a distant possibility and campaigns that do not make the danger relatable are at risk of being dismissed as "just another tagline". "Think about Marina Bay, its famous skyline, and think about a rocket hitting that place, can it happen? Even if it misses, it can hit somewhere else," said Prof Chan, referring to a recent plot by a Batam terror cell to fire a rocket from the Indonesian island to Marina Bay. While the plot was foiled by Indonesian police in August, it is proof that the threat of an attack is ever present and not a remote possibility, said Prof Chan. Another wake-up call came this year when six Bangladeshi workers were jailed for two to five years after being caught raising money in Singapore to fund acts of terror in their homeland. They were the first to be convicted under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act. Drawing on his own experience to illustrate Singaporeans' indifference to the terror threat, Prof Chan cited a recent example where he saw an unattended bag left near an escalator at the Harbourfront Ferry Terminal. Even though there was a considerable crowd, no one had reported it. There is a scientific explanation for this, he said, adding that research has shown that when there are more people around, the impetus to take responsibility and do something is reduced. "The responsibility is diffused and you begin to wonder: Is it my job?" he said. His advice: "Don't wait... if I keep waiting, nobody would do it. But if I know this and if I do it, then maybe I can prevent something." Danger of complacency This indifference might be due to the fact that although Singapore has disrupted the Jemaah Islamiah terror network and foiled its plots, and detected radicalised persons, it has not had a terror attack for decades. The last one happened in 1991 when four Pakistani hijackers seized Singapore Airlines plane SQ117. Two other significant attacks have happened in Singapore's history. In 1965, at the height of Konfrontasi, two Indonesian commandos set off a bomb at MacDonald House in Orchard Road, killing three people. And in 1974, the Laju ferry was hijacked off Pulau Bukom by four terrorists from the Japanese Red Army and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Prof Chan said the Government has been doing such a good job of preventing attacks since then that Singaporeans are inured to the threat. He called it the "paradox of success". Contrast the attitudes of Singaporeans with people in Israel - there, those who can afford it buy cars for their children so that they can drive to school and avoid taking the bus, said Dr Kumar. "Why? Because the suicide bombers targeted the buses and public transport. So the threat is very palpable. You don't need to convince them, they know this is what you need to do," he added. While buying a car to avoid taking public transport here would be quite extreme, Singaporeans could instead take small steps such as keeping their eyes peeled for suspicious characters and unattended bags in public, said accountant Rama Diwakar, 45. "We can all play a part by being the eyes and ears of the authorities," said Madam Rama. She is an example of a concerned person who has gone one step further - she is a trained community responder with the SCDF, knows basic triage and could be activated if there is an emergency in her vicinity. Dr Kumar, meanwhile, said that the challenge is cultivating "situational awareness" in all people here. Some effort has been made to encourage this with SG Secure and the mobile app that was launched along with it. The app can broadcast important alerts during major emergencies and it can also be used to alert the police to incidents or to request help. The problem is, since there has not been an attack here in recent years, people do not use it regularly, said fellow panellist Remy Mahzam, an associate research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research. "We can't wait for something to happen before we get up and use this app," he said. Prof Chan said the real challenge was to engage people with technology on a day-to-day basis: "Everybody needs to realise that you can make a real difference, not just to yourself and your family, but the entire country." This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Daily Star/ANN) Dhaka Sun, November 20, 2016 The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has called on Bangladesh to keep its border open and has appealed to Myanmar to safeguard the civilian population in northern Rakhine. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged Myanmar to protect civilians in northern Rakhine state. At the same time, the UN agency also called upon Bangladesh to keep its border with Myanmar open. We are appealing to the government of Bangladesh to keep its border with Myanmar open and allow safe passage to any civilians from Myanmar fleeing violence, UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards made the appeal at a press briefing in Geneva. UNHCR is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of civilians in the northern part of Rakhine state, Myanmar. We are urging the government of Myanmar to ensure the protection and dignity of all civilians on its territory in accordance with the rule of law and its international obligations, said Edwards. "We appeal for calm and for humanitarian access to assess and meet the needs of thousands of people who have reportedly been displaced from their homes by the ongoing security operation. The affected population is believed to be in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care, he added. The UNHCR also urged the government of Myanmar to immediately allow humanitarian actors to resume the life-saving activities they had been carrying out for some 160,000 civilians in northern Rakhine state until such activities were suspended on 9 October. Meanwhile, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 15,000 people were believed to have fled their homes over the space of 48 hours, according to an AFP report. "Up to 30,000 people are now estimated to be displaced and thousands more affected by the October 9 armed attacks and subsequent security operations across the north of Rakhine state," said a spokesman for the OCHA. Troops have poured into a strip of land along the Bangladesh border, an area which is largely home to the stateless Muslim Rohingya minority, since coordinated attacks on police posts last month. The army this week said troops have killed nearly 70 people as they hunt the attackers, although activists say the number could be much higher. Violence escalated over the weekend, with state media reporting troops had killed more than 30 people in two days of fighting after coordinated ambushes forced the army to bring in helicopter gunships. Activists have accused 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 resurgence of violence in western Rakhine state has deepened a crisis that already posed a critical challenge to the new administration led by democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi. Over 100 people died in 2012 in clashes between the majority Buddhist population and the Muslim Rohingya, and tens of thousands of them were driven into displacement camps. This article appeared on The Daily Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Influential leaders are speaking out in support of U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions upon the announcement that President-elect Donald J. Trump intends to nominate him Attorney General of the United States. Statements of support from Senate colleagues, conservative policy groups, and leaders from the legal community came pouring in Friday. Heres what theyre saying Kenyen R. Brown, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, President Obama appointee Jeff Sessions is a man of outstanding character with an impeccable reputation for integrity. I have no doubt that he will be an outstanding U.S. Attorney General. I wish him much success in this new leadership role in our nation. Barry F. Kowalski, Civil Rights Attorney and Former Special Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of United States Justice Department I worked closely with Senator Sessions while he was U.S. Attorney and I was in the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. This was during the 1980s when many southern U.S. Attorneys were not always welcoming to the Civil Rights Division working in their districts. However, Senator Sessions could not have been more supportive of our investigations, and in the Michael Donald case specifically, he personally contributed to making sure his killers were brought to justice. William Smith, Chief of Staff to Congressman Gary Palmer, Chief Counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee I had the opportunity to work with Senators Sessions for close to 10 years. Throughout that time, he was more a friend and confidant than the boss. I believe he hired me as the first-ever Republican African American Chief Counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee and Im not sure there has been another one since me. After I moved to Alabama to practice law and then returned to Washington, Senator Sessions offered me the position of Chief Counsel on the full Judiciary Committee and then basically created a position for me on his Senate Budget Committee, where I continued as his Chief. Jeff Sessions is a man of high character and great integrity. He would make an outstanding Attorney General and Im excited to support him 100%. Although I pushed the envelope a number of times, not once did Senator Sessions ever say anything to offend me. Instead, time after time, he stood by me and the conservative causes I was out to support. I remember spending several late nights in the office, not talking about working, but talking about life and family. Senator Sessions was always concerned for my well-being. Because he is such a great man, one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made was leaving his employment. In his kindness, he told me if I wanted to come back, I could. He, Mary and his children have treated me like family and Ill always be grateful for that. Dr. Darrell Scott, Senior Pastor of New Spirit Revival Center Ministries I had the opportunity to get to know Sen. Jeff Sessions during President-elect Trumps successful campaign and can say unequivocally that he is a man of great character and integrity. I believe wholeheartedly that he will make an outstanding Attorney General and will ensure that all Americans receive equal justice. Texas State Representative James White This summer I had the opportunity to visit extensively with Sen. Jeff Sessions. I am impressed with his command of a host of issues from criminal justice, to national security, to jobs and the economy. His deep and sincere concern for working men and women in America is refreshing. Over the last two election cycles, I have not drawn a primary or general election opponent. I know firsthand that this occurs because of hard work, not happenstance. When I asked Sen. Sessions how did he managed to accomplish this the last time he was on the ballot in 2014, he told me that he decided a long time ago to listen less to the donor class and focus more on the people of Alabama. Running unopposed for the U.S. Senate means that Sen. Sessions is not just representing Alabama Republicans or some other specific group, instead he is serving ALL the people of the great State of Alabama; and he renewed my commitment to fight for the people of East Texas. This is the type of leadership that the American people are clamoring for and I applaud President-elect Trumps decision to nominate Sen. Session as our next Attorney General. As a fellow American, military veteran, conservative Republican elected official, and Southerner, Im confident that as the attorney general, Jeff Sessions will serve with honor, uphold our Constitution, and exhibit fairness to all Americans. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) I strongly support the President-elects intention to nominate Sen. Jeff Sessions to be the next United States Attorney General. Jeff is principled, forthright, and hardworking. He cares deeply about his country and the Department he will be nominated to lead. As a senator, he has worked tirelessly to safeguard the public and to improve the lives of Americans from all walks of life. Whether it was collaborating with our colleague Sen. Durbin to reduce sentencing disparities for certain drug offenses, teaming up with the late Sen. Ted Kennedy on landmark legislation to combat sexual assault in prison, or his many other achievements, Jeff has always looked out for the safety, security and freedoms of his constituents and the nation. I look forward to the Senates fair and expeditious treatment of our colleagues forthcoming nomination, just as it promptly processed President Obamas first Attorney General nomination, which concluded with a timely up or down vote. U.S. Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch (R-UT) The Obama Justice Department veered away from its core mission and too often politicized enforcement of the law. Sen. Sessions has broad law enforcement experience at both the state and the federal levels, and in both the executive and the legislative branches. I am confident he will help get the Justice Department back on track. Having served with Sen. Sessions for many years on the Judiciary Committee, I look forward to supporting his nomination and working closely with him on important initiatives in the months ahead. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Sen. Sessions is a respected member and former Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee who has worked across the aisle on major legislation. He knows the Justice Department as a former U.S. attorney, which would serve him very well in this position. With this background, Im confident he would be reported favorably out of the committee. Leonard Leo, Executive Vice President, The Federalist Society I have known Senator Jeff Sessions for nearly a quarter century and I can say emphatically that President Trump is picking a very good man for Attorney General. He has the independence, integrity, experience and commitment to human dignity that is so important in an Attorney General or any public servant charged with upholding the Constitution. U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R. Maine) He is an individual who works hard, believes in public service and acts with integrity. As a former U.S. attorney and former Alabama attorney general, Senator Sessions is well qualified and would serve our country well as United States Attorney General. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) Sen. Sessions is a fine, decent man and principled conservative. Ive known him for more than twenty years. He has the experience and ability to serve as Attorney General of the United States. He was an early supporter of Donald Trump in the Senate and he has earned the right to serve President-elect Trump and our nation at the highest level. U.S. Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) Senator Sessions is well liked and well regarded, even by those who dont always agree with him. I look forward to supporting his nomination. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) Sen. Jeff Sessions nomination as attorney general is great news for all of us who revere the Constitution and the rule of law. I have been honored to work with Sen. Sessions on many of our nations most important issues over the last four years. Sen. Sessions has had an extraordinary career in government and law enforcement. He has been an exemplary senator for the state of Alabama, and I am confident that he will be an exceptional United States attorney general. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) President-elect Trump has made an outstanding decision in selecting my friend and colleague Sen. Jeff Sessions to serve as our next U.S. Attorney General. Jeff is a man of integrity who has been a trusted and valued partner of mine in the Senate as well as an unwavering voice for Alabamians in Congress. With decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jeff will bring expertise to President-elect Trumps cabinet and the Department of Justice. I am confident that Jeff will continue to stand up for the American people, our Constitution, and the rule of law in this new role. My wife Annette and I wish him, his wife Mary, and his family the very best during this exciting time. U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) I commend the choice of Sen. Sessions to lead the Justice Department under the new Republican Administration. A principled and good man, he will restore honor to a Department that, under President Obama, perpetually pushed a political agenda while neglecting to enforce the law. For nearly eight years the Justice Department has twisted the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress to further the Presidents liberal agenda, eroding our liberty in the process. It has put politics ahead of national security, and demonized those who protect us. Its time to end the politicization of the Justice Department and start defending the rule of law, and Im confident that as our top law enforcement official Senator Sessions will do that. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) Sen. Jeff Sessions will be a champion for the Constitution and the rule of law. He will also provide sound counsel to President-elect Trump during the selection of Supreme Court nominees and other judicial appointments. For the past eight years, the Justice Department has eroded our nations immigration laws, attacked our Second Amendment rights, and weakened religious liberty. It has been more concerned with pushing politics than administering the law. If confirmed, I am confident that Sen. Sessions can reverse that tide and help restore peoples faith in their government. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) I am encouraged to hear about President-elect Trumps nomination of my Senate colleague Sen. Jeff Sessions to be the next Attorney General of the United States. Sen. Sessions has a long record of exemplary public service, and is a passionate defender of our Constitution and the rule of law. I look forward to his confirmation and working with the next Attorney General in reestablishing constitutional principles that have been eviscerated by the current Administration. U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) Jeffs extensive legal career and experience make him a natural fit to lead our nations Justice Department. His knowledge and dedication to our judicial system have been evident during my work with him on the Senate Judiciary Committee. I look forward to continue working with Jeff to make our country safer for all Americans. U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) Over the last two years, Ive had the pleasure of calling Sen. Sessions my friend and colleague. While Sen. Sessions and I certainly dont agree on the specifics of every major issue, including immigration reform and criminal justice reform, he always expresses our policy differences in the form of productive and gracious exchanges of ideas. From my experience working with him on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, I consider him to be hands-down one of the fairest and most accessible chairmen of any congressional committee. These are some of the reasons Sen. Sessions is so well-liked by his colleagues, and respected by leaders of both parties. As Attorney General, he will follow the rule of law, be accessible, and address the organizational and accountability issues plaguing the Department of Justice, which are qualities and priorities that have unfortunately been missing from the departments leadership over the last eight years. U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) Sen. Sessions solid understanding of the Constitution and firm commitment to the rule of law is exactly what the Justice Department needs. I have worked closely with Sen. Sessions on the Judiciary Committee over these past six years and I have every confidence that he will make a great Attorney General for all Americans. U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) I am pleased that President-elect Trump has announced his intention to nominate my good friend and colleague Jeff Sessions as attorney general. Sen. Sessions and I have worked closely together in the Senate for the last 20 years on the Armed Services and Environment & Public Works Committees. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle, in his home state of Alabama, and across the country. Sen. Sessions experience as well as his deep respect for the rule of law leave no doubt in my mind that he is an excellent pick for attorney general. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) For nine years, I have had the pleasure of working with Jeff Sessions in the Senate. He is well-respected by his colleagues and is unfailingly gracious to everyone. Jeff has been a strong advocate for our men and women in uniform, and for our nations safety and security. He has also shown a willingness to listen to and work with senators on both sides of the aisle. I support his nomination to be the next Attorney General, and I look forward to his timely and fair hearing in the Senate. Jim DeMint, former U.S. Senator and President of the Heritage Foundation No one will work harder than Jeff Sessions to defend the freedoms and safety of all Americans as Attorney General. He is not intimidated by the liberal media or the Washington establishment. He has the courage and the proven record to take on special interests. He is passionate about defending the Constitution and the rule of law to protect the rights of everyone. Jeff has been such a great friend to me and many others, becoming one of the most respected leaders in the Senate and should easily be confirmed. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee Jeff Sessions great pick for AG. He was a bold voice to stop TPP when other GOP figures were ready to give away the country. Public Interest Legal Foundation Sen. Sessions record and respect for the rule of law makes him an excellent choice to lead the United States Department of Justice, said J. Christian Adams, President of the Public Interest Legal Foundation and former lawyer in the Voting Rights Section of the Department. Over the past 8 years, the Department of Justice has been derelict on its responsibilities to ensure free and fair elections across this nation, at times even contributing to the problem. We look forward to working with the Department to restore election integrity nationwide. National Sheriffs Association Sen. Sessions would be an outstanding nominee for U.S. Attorney General. Sen. Sessions has enormous integrity, fidelity to the rule of law, substantial experience and a commitment to fairness and equal justice under the law. Those are qualities America needs as its chief law enforcement officer to the Federal Government. Throughout his career, Sen. Sessions has steadfastly supported the men and women who risk their lives every day to preserve the rule of law. Sen. Sessions is an experienced prosecutor with a world-class legal mind, serving as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General and for two decades on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Department of Justice. Sen. Sessions would be an extraordinary Attorney General and were hopeful the new administration nominates him and the U.S. Senate quickly confirms. Americans for Limited Government President-elect Donald Trump has made a strong statement that our Justice Department will return to following the rule of law through his appointment of Sen. Jeff Sessions to serve as the Attorney General. While soft-spoken, Sen. Sessions has the steel-willed determination to restore DOJ from its current corrupted partisanship by putting the blindfold back on Lady Justice as he enforces the law. Sessions will also help remove the stain of an Obama Justice Department that views itself more as political activists than neutral arbiters as has been witnessed by their legal war on local police and their failure to enforce immigration laws. The only potential down-side of Sen. Jeff Sessions appointment is that when confirmed, the Senate will lose one of its great leaders who has met every challenge with integrity and quiet strength. Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) president Marjorie Dannenfelser Sen. Jeff Sessions is a longtime ally of the pro-life movement with a 100 percent pro-life record. We look forward to working with him and supporting him as he enforces current and future pro-life laws, including those President-elect Trump has pledged to advance. A pro-life Attorney General will be a welcome change. The Obama Administration has consistently turned a blind eye to the abortion industry, led by Planned Parenthood, and their horrific involvement in the trafficking of baby body organs. Penny Nance, CEO & President of Concerned Women for America (CWA) Sen. Sessions has been a champion for the conservative principles that are the foundation of liberty and freedom. Both his academic preparation and his stellar career as a U.S. Attorney and as a senator testify of an honest, competent man with a heart towards serving his fellow countrymen, even through much personal sacrifice. We commend President-elect Trump for his selection of such a strong candidate. The choice speaks very highly of his commitment to conservative principles. The hundreds of thousands of members of Concerned Women for America (CWA) around the country will urge senators to move quickly in the new year to confirm Sen. Sessions as the next attorney general, so that we may start rectifying many of the asphyxiating policies pursued by Attorney General Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch. The attacks on religious freedom and freedom of conscience in general, for example, must be at the top of the list. [TLS] Fighting Venezuelas stress crisis VENEZUELA: In Venezuela, if the hunger, armed robbers and medicine shortages dont kill you, then the demons of depression and anxiety just might. economicshealth By AFP Sunday 20 November 2016, 11:00AM People queue to buy basic food and household items outside a supermarket in Caracas. Photo: Federico Parra/AFP Suffering long queues for rations and one of the worlds highest murder rates, citizens are losing their tempers and their hope, psychologists warn. Plunged into depression after the death of his mother, a failed relationship and being targeted three times by robbers, Omar Mendoza did what many Venezuelans are doing he called a therapist. I had to seek help, Mendoza, a 45-year-old lawyer, said, sitting in a black leather chair in his therapists waiting room. Everyone is complaining that the situation is getting worse in the street, at home, at work, in the queues. You feel like there is no way out. A group set up late last year to offer mental health support, Psychologists To The Rescue, says Venezuela has been shaken up into an emotional cocktail. Stress has shot up in the crisis and tolerance has declined, says one of its founders, Liliana Castiglione. We are seeing cases of ulcers, heart attacks, suicides and great aggression in the street, she said. Rumours of danger spread on the internet, fuelling what she calls Venezuelas collective stress. Desperation has taken hold of many people, says Castiglione. That is just one step away from depression, which leads to apathy and idleness. The anger and frustration stemming from Venezuelas economic crisis and the resulting political tensions are increasingly evident on the once cheerful streets of this South American sunspot. Marling Duran, 27, breaks into a rage when she gets to the front of a long queue outside a Caracas supermarket, only to find there are no diapers left. She is seven months pregnant and has been waiting in the hot sun for eight hours. How can that not make me want to cry? she says. It makes you furious, queuing for hours and coming away with just one or two items, or nothing. I am tired of this. It goes from bad to worse. Another top psychological torment is fear of not finding food and medicine, or of falling victim to crime. Queuing outside the supermarket, Lidubina Calzadilla, 70, already suffers from high blood pressure and a varicose ulcer. Prices for Venezuelas crucial oil exports have fallen and it cannot import the supplies that patients like her need. The mess is making Calzadilla even more anxious. I get depressed, she says. I get palpitations and I think to myself, am I dying already? The political opposition blames the chaos on the economic management of socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Tensions have risen as he resists their efforts to call a referendum on removing him from office. Maduro brands the crisis a capitalist conspiracy. He vows to defend the socialist revolution launched by his late predecessor Hugo Chavez. His government has set up what it calls a Vice-Ministry For Supreme Social Happiness of the People. It is charged with handling social welfare programs for vulnerable members of society. We will have a happy Christmas, Maduro promised recently. Psychologists To the Rescue offers therapy sessions by video call because some patients are afraid to go out at night. Despite surviving three attempted robberies in the street, Mendoza is one of those who comes in person to the office of the groups co-founder Stefania Aguzzi. Venezuelans have a reputation among Latin Americans for cheerfulness. But Mendoza fears that is changing. He has a daughter of seven and a son of 17, who wants to leave the country for a better life elsewhere. We are on the verge of collapse. People have lost their sense of belief. The worst thing that can happen to us is that we stop believing, he says. But when I go to wash and there is no soap, or I have no deodorant because there is none available, or it is too expensive then it is very hard to be optimistic. Hyatt ramps up SE Asia push with Phuket offering PHUKET: In May this year Hyatt, in partnership with Thai company Boutique Corporation Ltd, opened the doors of Hyatt Place Patong. The purpose-built mid-range hotel is part of a concerted push into the Southeast Asian market by the international hotel giant. patongtourismeconomics By Mark Knowles Sunday 20 November 2016, 10:00AM Hyatt Place Patong GM Ivan Berthelot. Photo: Mark Knowles The 161-room beachside hotel is the first Hyatt Place hotel in Southeast Asia, and features the Hyatt Place brands all-inclusive pricing, stylish design, casual atmosphere, practical amenities, hotel-wide free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings. At the helm of the Hyatt Place is General Manager Ivan Berthelot, although French by birth he grew up in Hong Kong before moving to Switzerland to obtain his Bachelor of Business Administration, Hospitality Management at the Glion Institute. After cutting his teeth in the hotel industry in Hong Kong and Mexico he decided to go back to study for his MBA at Essec Business School Paris. Since moving into managerial positions he has gained seven years of experience in Thailand as GM at ibis Samui Bophut and most recently ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang. The Place brand has traditionally been focused on business travellers in urban, airport and suburban locations. So it seems the choice of Mr Berthelot, with his extensive experience in resort locations, is aimed at steering the brand into increasing its share of the mid-range holiday traveller market in Southeast Asia. They [Hyatt] realised that Thailand is a strong market, so of course to develop the brand in Asia, Phuket is a top priority, said Mr Berthelot. We need to see what fits with the resort location here, so we will work on our standards and offerings and adjust them to test the demand. Mr Berthelot also mentioned the possibility of developing a rooftop F&B outlet and 24-hour room service to cater to the resorts holiday making clientele. Due to our location on the hill, we definitely want to showcase the view, rooftops are very hot in the market, so in our location it would definitely make sense, he said, while noting that it was still early days in the hotels evolution. Other concessions to the hotels hillside beach front location include all rooms having balconies, taking advantage of the panoramic views of Patong Bay. There are also 10 Specialty rooms, which adjoin the existing Ocean View rooms, expanding the space available for guests and taking full advantage of the views from the corner of the building. Normally we dont have balconies for our Hyatt Place rooms, but because this is a beach resort we have a balcony on every room, added Mr Berthelot. The hotel is centred around the Gallery an open plan space featuring a dining area, large shared tables and couches to encourage socialising and computer room. The all-inclusive pricing aims to take the annoyance of paying for unexpected extras out of the guest experience. The room price includes a daily hot breakfast, an outdoor infinity-edged pool with wading area and extended opening hours from 6am to 10pm, and a 24-hour StayFit Gym featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free earbud headphones. Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong joins three Hyatt-branded hotels currently open in Thailand, including Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort. Additionally, there are three hotels under development in Thailand, including Park Hyatt Bangkok, which is expected to open in early 2017, Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit and Hyatt Place Bangkok, Sukhumvit. Mr Berthelot said there are plans to open one of the brands flagship Park Hyatt hotels in Phukets up-and-coming Siray Bay area next year. Phuket's gun-slinging cops: No action to stop off-duty police from carrying guns in pubs, on streets PHUKET: Despite the recent deadly shoot-out at a pub in Samui or the bodies piling up of people in Phuket killed by guns carried into public places by off-duty officers, the Royal Thai Police is not considering reviewing its stance on officers carrying loaded firearms into pubs, clubs, restaurants or other venues while not on duty. policeaccidentscrimedeath By The Phuket News Sunday 20 November 2016, 08:00AM A personal handgun, as allowed, sits on the hip of a police officer in Phuket. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot To Maj Gen Chayodom Jintawairoth, Commander of the General Staff Sub-Division at Region 8 Police, the current policy is safe enough. Citing the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and the Equivalent of Firearms Act, which dates back to 1947, Maj Gen Chayodom said, By law, only officers on duty may carry weapons in public, which is a suitable policy. Officers on duty need weapons for protection and to stop crime when needed. There is no need to change this policy. After explaining at length that police officers of the rank of captain or above must also carry police identification with them while carrying a firearm in public while on duty, Gen Chayodom admitted that the Royal Thai Police does not have a policy for off-duty police officers to carry weapons into public places. If off duty officers are involved in a firearm incident and found guilty, they will be punished with both criminal and disciplinary proceedings, accordingly, he said in an official statement* issued to The Phuket News. If after investigation an officer is found guilty of such an accusation (sic) then the punishment would be either to ask the officer to leave the police force voluntary or he or she will be fired from the current position, this depends on the severity of the offence, he said. That is if the officer is charged, and even then that is if the police investigation is concluded, or even launched. Gen Chayodom did not respond to questions about the current status of investigations or criminal proceedings against any Region 8 police officers involved in specific cases identified by The Phuket News where citizens mostly innocents were killed by guns carried by Royal Thai Police officers into a public venue while off duty. Region 8 Police jurisdiction includes Samui, where two people were shot dead and five others wounded in a violent pub brawl involving several policemen in the early hours of Sept 23. Lt Corp Jaerasak Sroisangvarn and Kraisorn Mingsakul, a guard at the Camp Beer pub in Bo Phut, died in the shoot-out. The five with bullet wounds were identified as Lt Corp Sitthisak Ngamkhom, Lt Corp Kritsana Boonyin, pub guard Voravit Yimyong, pub manager Thepthinnakorn Thongphet and pub waiter Veerapong Jarusenee. Initial reports indicated that the gunfight began after Lt Corp Narongsak Khamjai of Bo Phut Police Station fired shots from his 9mm pistol into the crowd gathering in front of the pub after a fight broke out between the police enjoying a night out and a group of young men at the pub. Narongsak was later arrested, sacked from the police force and now faces murder and attempted murder charges. Closer to home, however, police have yet to provide any explanation to the public about two Phuket City Police officers killing each other in a gunfight outside a restaurant in Phuket Town. The shooting started after Sgt Maj Nattachai Phonoy of the Phuket Immigration Police refused Lt Corp Wongsathon Theparan of the Kathu Police (Thung Thong) and his friends entry to the Haophan restaurant and pub near the Seahorse Circle. Sgt Maj Nattachai was moonlighting at the live music venue as security. Lt Corp Wongsathon responded by fetching his gun from his pickup truck parked nearby. He then returned to the pub and pistol-whipped Sgt Maj Nattachai for the insult, then fired a shot in the air. Lt Thamarong Suwanchatree of the Phuket City Police, who was eating in another restaurant nearby came to investigate, and ended up plugging three rounds into the chest of Lt Corp Wongsathon, who returned fire, fatally wounding Lt Thamarong in the process. With both officers dead, the Phuket City Police have yet to reveal any action in the case. The Royal Thai Police silencing any investigation in that incident, however, pales in comparison to lack of explanation to a waitress being shot in the head outside the Saraphan Pleng bar near Chalong Circle by a policemans gun just before 4am hours after the pub was supposed to have closed by law. Karaoke hostess Nootsika Glaseuk, 36, from Ranong, had just walked out of the pub, which is literally around the corner from Chalong Police Station, when she was hit in the head by a bullet fired from a passing pickup truck. Provincial anti-narcotics officer Sen Sgt Maj Sompong Santathiwong turned himself in the next day. He affirmed the gun that fired the deadly shot was his, but denied that he murdered Ms Nootsika. Police in Phuket accidentally shooting innocents is not new. In 2013, Sgt Phongsagorn Treeyut of the Kathu Police (now called the Patong Police) said he was playing with his gun when it went off, shooting dead 27-year-old waitress Sawitree Kaewnin while sitting at a table outside the Fong Beer pub on Pang Muang Sai Kor Road in Patong. Police confirmed that Sgt Phongsagorn was investigated, but any conclusion failed to reach the public. That case followed another policeman a year earlier shooting dead a man in the middle of the street, in Phun Phol Soi 11, in what was claimed to be self-defence. Again, news of any legal action in that case failed to reach public ears. Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teerapol Thipjaroen branded questions about these cases as nonsense. If you want a reason, you have to ask the investigator (in each case). You must follow up with the investigator, he said. * By responding to the questions formally asked by The Phuket News, Gen Chayodom indicates only that he was the officer tasked to respond to the questions; doing so is no indication that the decision is his responsibility or within his authority to change. Phuket Opinion: A close encounter with killer cops PHUKET: It was a muggy night in August when this editor, together with some former colleagues, decided to head into Phuket Town for a drink and a chat about what we had been up to since working together several years ago. opinionpoliceaccidentsdeathcrime By The Phuket News Sunday 20 November 2016, 10:00AM Lt Corp Wongsathon Theparan of the Kathu Police (Thung Thong) suffered fatal bullet wounds in the shootout near a Phuket Town pub. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub As we walked past the pubs and clubs near the the Seahorse Circle we were greeted with cries of Welcome to Phuket! by revellers streaming past us who were perhaps unused to seeing Westerners in the area. We took a table at a small restaurant, ordered some food and drinks and sat back, taking in the lively scene. Unbeknownst to us, we were sitting just a few tables away from off-duty police officer Lt Thamarong Suwanchatree, who in just a few short minutes would be dead, shot down in cold blood by a fellow policeman. At first we thought we heard firecrackers, but as a wave of realisation rippled through the crowd at the restaurant and people started diving for cover, we quickly presumed the worst. We decided to make a quick exit and were none the wiser about what had transpired as we walked passed a man with blood pouring from a cut in his face and screaming out into the night, thinking it just the result of a youngsters night out gone wrong. It wasnt until the next days police reports came in that we found out. Two policeman were dead both of whom, like us, were apparently out to have a night of fun with their friends. The difference was that they were armed police, despite the fact they were off-duty. It is a disturbing thought that one of their stray bullets could have killed me, one of my friends or anyone else unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time that night. Perhaps I could take some comfort if this were a freak event, unheard of in Phuket, and treated as an extremely serious issue to be confronted by the police hierarchy. Sadly, as our page one report shows, shootings like this are not that uncommon in Phuket and police can barely stifle their yawns when asked by media what is being done to solve the problem. The condescending indifference of senior police to questions about the fate of armed off-duty police officers involved in a slew of killings in recent years utterly destroys any sense of trust the public might have still have had in their role to protect the people. It is sickening to behold. Victim who died in Thursday crash was from Sisseton An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand. Stepping up the offensive against the Narendra Modi government on the demonetisation issue, West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress will take out a rally in Kolkata on November 23, the party announced here on Saturday. Similar rallies will be taken out in the districts and blocks in the subsequent two days. "Trinamool's state unit will hit the streets in protest against the note scandal," party's All India Vice President Mukul Roy told the media. The rally will start from College Square in north Kolkata and end at the Dorina Crossing about 3 km away. Ministers, parliamentarians, legislators, office-bearers and party's mass organisation representatives will be part of the rally, scheduled to start at 1 p.m. On November 24, rallies will be brought out in all the district headquarters. Block level rallies will be held the next day. Asked whether Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, who has been in the forefront of the protests both at the national and state levels against the Modi government's decision to scrap high denomination currency notes, would be part of the Kolkata rally, Roy gave an open-ended answer. "This is a programme of the state unit of All India Trinamool Congress. She is our all India chief. She is very busy. Whether she will be part of the rally or not, depends on her," he said. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is under fire amid a report that he may have ordered additional advanced submarines from Germany to advance the agenda of people close to him. According to a Channel 10 News report, David Shimron, who serves as PM Netanyahus attorney, also represents businessman Miki Ganor who is connected to the German shipyard that builds the submarines. YWN-ISRAEL reported earlier this month that former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon went head to head with Mr. Netanyahu prior to resigning as he opposed the order of additional submarines from Germany. Yaalon stopped the order, which was renewed by PM Netanyahu after Yaalon quit. There are now concerns that there may have been a conflict of interests involved in the order for additional submarines, which IDF experts insist are not necessary. The Prime Ministers Office on Wednesday 16 Cheshvan released a statement that the purchase of the submarines by Israel was done without any outside influence. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has turned to the State Prosecutors Office to determine if it should launch its own investigation. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Trying to tie up loose ends of his foreign policy agenda, President Barack Obama on Saturday instead found world leaders more focused on someone else: President-elect Donald Trump. Global hand-wringing over Americas next president has taken much of the wind out of Obamas final overseas trip. Adopting an altruistic tone, Obama has offered frequent reassurances that the U.S. wont renege on its commitments. Yet hes been at a loss to quell concerns fully, given new signals from Trump that he intends to govern much the way he campaigned. Obamas visit to Peru, the last stop on his trip, has brought those concerns to the forefront: Much of Latin America is on edge about a potentially dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy under Trump. And Asian leaders gathered in Lima for an Asia-Pacific economic summit are trying to game out what Trumps presidency will mean for trade with the worlds largest economy. Were going to have a busy agenda, Obama said as he sat down with leaders of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the sweeping free trade deal with Asia that Obama painstakingly brokered. It was unclear whether their agenda was really as busy as all that. Vehemently opposed to the Pacific agreement and similar deals, Trump has vowed it wont be ratified on his watch. In an acknowledgement of that political reality, the White House has stopped actively lobbying Congress to try to pass it. In fact, Obama didnt mention the trade deal at all as reporters were allowed in briefly for the beginning of his meeting with TPP nations, which include Mexico, Chile, Japan, Australia and Vietnam. Instead, Obama called it a useful occasion to talk about creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity. To be sure, any president would have less to discuss with other leaders in the final months than when years of governing stretch ahead. Obamas typically jam-packed schedule on foreign trips has been notably lighter on this trip, with long stretches of downtime. Yet Trumps election, with the sharp shift in approach its expected to bring, has put a spotlight on Obamas lame-duck status. Obama has made it a tradition to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. His attendance this year was designed to reinforce the importance of that venue, even though its unlikely at this stage of his presidency he will secure any new major agreements with other countries or shift direction in any major ways. His visit also offered a chance for a round of farewell meetings, including with President Xi Jinping of China, a sometimes U.S. rival. Xi commended Obama for active efforts to grow U.S.-China ties. Obama, with just a hint of nostalgia, noted it was their last meeting, and called the two countries relationship the most consequential in the world. Before returning to Washington on Saturday, Obama will sit down Sunday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Obamas chief antagonist on the world stage, was also in Lima, but the White House did not expect them to have any substantive interaction. By this point, Obama has come to terms with the fact that his remaining weeks in office will be overshadowed by the provocative businessman who soon moves into the home Obamas family now occupies. In Greece and Germany, the first two stops on his trip, Obama was similarly trailed by questions about Trump and whether hell really follow through with threats he leveled during the campaign, such as potentially refusing to defend NATO allies who dont pay enough of the alliances costs. Obamas message to young leaders at a town hall-style meeting in Lima was sanguine: Dont assume the worst. I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said. How you campaign is not always how you govern. So far, while Trump has vowed to run a unifying administration, hes given few indications he plans to abandon his campaign promises. Those hoping for a more moderate Trump 2.0 have been disappointed by his first selections for top jobs: Rep. Mike Pompeo, a fierce critic of Obamas Iran deal, for CIA director; retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, an advocate for closer ties to Russia and a more militant response to Mideast extremism, for national security adviser; and Sen. Jeff Sessions, an immigration hardliner, for attorney general. Trumps protectionist stance on trade was clearly on the minds of other leaders attending the economic conference. Xi, speaking before his meeting with Obama, made an impassioned call against protectionism as Chinese state media said Trumps trade-bashing could drag the world into deeper economic distress. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto defended his countrys trade relationship with the U.S., but took a cautious approach to Trumps pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. In the face of Trumps positioning, were now in a stage of favoring dialogue as a way to build a new agenda in our bilateral relationship, Pena Nieto said. (AP) For more than 6 years, Donald Trump fought hard against a civil lawsuit in which former customers of his now-defunct Trump University accused him of fraud. Less than two weeks after being elected president, he agreed to a $25 million settlement. We definitely detected a change of tone and change of approach after the election, plaintiff attorney Jason Forge said when the agreement was announced Friday. About 7,000 students would be eligible for refunds if U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel approves the settlement. Under the terms, Trump admits no wrongdoing in settling two federal class-action lawsuits in San Diego and a civil suit brought by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The agreement came 10 days before jury selection was scheduled to begin in San Diego in the oldest case, which was filed in April 2010. The complaint accused Trump University, which wasnt an accredited school, of defrauding students who paid up to $35,000 a year to enroll in programs that promised to share Trumps real estate secrets. Trump denied the allegations and said during the campaign that he would not settle. He told supporters at a May rally that he would come to San Diego to testify after winning the presidency. I could have settled this case numerous times but I dont want to settle cases when were right. I dont believe in it. And when you start settling cases, you know what happens? Everybody sues you because you get known as a settler. One thing about me, I am not known as a settler, Trump said at the time. Two days after the election, Trumps lead attorney in the San Diego cases, Daniel Petrocelli, said he was all ears to settlement talks and accepted an offer to have U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Miller of San Diego broker negotiations. Forge said the agreement was reached an hour before a hearing for Curiel to weigh Trumps latest request to delay the trial until after the Jan. 20 inauguration. The plaintiffs attorney said Millers role as a mediator was very critical. We were at each others throat for 6 ? years and were able to find the common ground with them and do something good there, Forge told reporters. The agreement canceled the trial and lifted what would probably have been a major headache for Trump as he works to fill key executive branch positions and get acquainted with foreign leaders. The trial was expected to last several weeks, guaranteeing daily news coverage of a controversy that dogged him during the campaign. Trumps political rivals seized on the lawsuits to try to portray him as dishonest and deceitful. Trump brought more attention to them by repeatedly assailing Curiel, who oversaw the San Diego cases. Trump suggested the Indiana-born judges Mexican heritage exposed a bias. The thousands of former students covered by the San Diego lawsuits will be eligible to receive at least half and possibly all their money back, as much as $35,000, said Jason Forge, an attorney for the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs attorneys waived their fees. Schneiderman called the agreement a stunning reversal for the president-elect, saying Trump fought us every step of the way, filing baseless charges and fruitless appeals and refusing to settle for even modest amounts of compensation for the victims of his phony university. Today, that all changes. Trumps attorneys said the settlement allows the president-elect to focus full attention on his transition to the White House. He was willing to sacrifice his personal interests, put this behind him, and move forward, Petrocelli said. Alan Garten, the Trump Organizations general counsel, said he had no doubt Trump would have prevailed at trial. The lawsuits allege that Trump University gave nationwide seminars that were like infomercials, constantly pressuring people to spend more and, in the end, failing to deliver on its promises. The San Diego trial would have been pinned on whether a nine-member jury believed Trump misled customers by calling the business a university and by advertising that he hand-picked instructors. Court documents unsealed in May revealed strategies for enticing people to enroll even if they couldnt afford it. The documents outlined how employees should guide people through the roller coaster of emotions after they express interest and tells employees to be very aggressive during these conversations to in order to push them out of their comfort zones. Transcripts of about 10 hours of Trump depositions provided additional material to rivals, though Curiel denied a request to release video of Trumps testimony that would have likely been used in campaign attack ads. Trump acknowledged in the depositions that he played on peoples fantasies, and he could not recall names of his employees despite his advertising pitch that he hand-picked them. Trump has repeatedly claimed a 98 percent customer satisfaction rate on internal surveys. Plaintiffs countered that students were asked to rate the product when they believed they still had more instruction to come and were reluctant to openly criticize their teachers on surveys that were not anonymous. The settlement came a day after watchdog groups and ethics experts who served in both Republican and Democratic administrations sent a letter to Trump urging him to make a clean break from his business to avoid embroiling the presidency in litigation. One of the authors, Richard Painter, an ethics lawyer at the White House under President George W. Bush, said the Trump University settlement might backfire if lawyers think Trump is eager to settle to avoid court cases while president. The plaintiffs lawyers, he said, are going to smell blood in the water. (AP) Opponents of President-elect Donald Trump are trying to persuade Republican electors to vote against him next month. A primer on the Electoral College and the roles of electors: WHAT IS THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE? Its the 538 Americans who actually elect the president. The number corresponds to the seats a state has in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, plus the three electoral votes allotted to Washington, D.C. The magic number is 270, the bare majority required to win the presidency. Electors meet in their state capitals to cast their ballots; this year, that will be on Dec. 19. HOW CAN A CANDIDATE WIN THE POPULAR VOTE AND NOT THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE? The national popular vote simply doesnt matter. Electoral votes are instead awarded based on state-by-state results. Essentially, the U.S. holds 50 separate popular votes that determine an Electoral College vote count. HOW MANY TIMES HAS A CANDIDATE WON THE POPULAR VOTE BUT LOST THE ELECTION? Hillary Clinton would be the fifth candidate in the nations history to fall into this dubious category. The others, according to the U.S. House: Andrew Jackson in 1824; Samuel Tilden in 1876; Grover Cleveland in 1888; and Al Gore in 2000. HOW DID THE COLLEGE ORIGINATE? The Electoral College is an original feature of the Constitution. Some framers wanted popular election of the commander in chief. Many others didnt trust the masses. The Electoral College was a compromise. Pegging a states electoral vote count to the size of its congressional delegation was a negotiated design, giving small states more influence proportionally than large states. The same urban vs. rural, small state vs. large state battle is what explains the makeup of the U.S. Senate, where every state has two members. DO ELECTORS HAVE TO VOTE THE WAY THEIR STATE VOTED? The Constitution is silent on this point, which suggests electors can go their own way. This is certainly the thinking behind petitions and a handful of Clinton electors urging Republican electors to abandon Trump. In 29 states, there are either statutes or party rules that theoretically bind electors to honor state results. But the penalty for becoming a faithless elector is typically a fine measured in the hundreds of dollars. The U.S. Supreme Court has never ruled explicitly on those state laws and party rules, and some constitutional scholars say such state restrictions would be struck down were they ever challenged. HAVE THERE BEEN FAITHLESS ELECTORS BEFORE? The National Archives says that throughout the nations history more than 99 percent of electors have voted as pledged. According to research by FairVote.org, a nonprofit group that advocates national popular vote elections for president, there have been just 157 faithless electors. That represents less than 1 percent of the total electoral votes cast in the nations history. Only a handful of those have been in the modern era. The last publicly identified faithless elector was Barbara Lett-Simmons of Washington, D.C., in 2000. A Gore elector, Lett-Simmons abstained as a public protest for her home city having no voting representation in Congress. According to news reporters, Lett-Simmons sought, and received, Gores permission for her act of defiance. WHAT HAPPENS IF NO CANDIDATE RECEIVES THE 270-VOTE MAJORITY? Under the Constitution, the House of Representatives decides, with each state delegation casting a single vote for one of the top three vote-getters. Republicans control a majority of state delegations, so this route still benefits Trump. The House has decided a presidential election only twice, in 1810 and 1824. (AP) The Hiddush organization, which is aligned with the Reform Movement, issued a statement calling to boycott the Hamodia Economic Conference as the conference is for men only. Following is Hiddushs statement to the media. Hiddush to Hamodia Economic Conference participants: Dont legitimize the exclusion of women, stay away! PM Netanyahu, leading ministers and economic leaders are scheduled to participate in an Economic Conference organized by the ultra-Orthodox newspaper Hamodia, a men-only conference. Hiddush For Religious Freedom & Equality wrote to the featured speakers, appealing to them to not attend unless women too are invited. The ultra-Orthodox Hamodia newspaper, the organ of the Agudat Israel political party that sits in the Israeli Government, will hold a conference on Economics and Business on Sunday (Nov. 20). The event will only be open to men, and no women will speak from the podium. In the face of this complete exclusion of women, Hiddush CEO Rabbi Uri Regev, Esq., appealed to conference speakers, asking that they cancel their participation. In his letter, Rabbi Regev wrote, participating in the conference legitimizes an unacceptable policy, which contradicts the basic values of the State of Israel and helps perpetuate the exclusion of women and undermines gender equality. We urge you to inform the organizers that you will not participate nor speak unless women are invited to attend and join in the discussions. Rabbi Regev added that even if the conference is not illegal, you should not give it legitimacy and added weight. Let it be attended only by people who share this regressive worldview, rather than give it higher stature as leaders of Israels political and economic spheres. Those who are committed to the principle of gender equality should not set foot there, nor legitimize this unacceptable discrimination; but should rather announce to the public that you will not stand for such exclusion and not give a hand to its perpetuation, and will only participate if it is mended. Rabbi Regev noted that the topics of the conference directly relate to women and impact on them, making their participation important not only in a symbolic and abstract way, but also in substance. Ironically, for example, the sessions dealing with small businesses and education in ultra-Orthodox society should particularly include women, for most ultra-Orthodox workforce participants are women, and women are key players in the Haredi education system. In his letter to PM Netanyahu, Rabbi Regev stressed that his and the other Ministers participation stands in sheer contradiction to the Governments March 26, 2014 decision to adopt the Ministry of Justices staff report on the phenomenon of the exclusion of women in the public sphere, which was also approved by the Attorney General. In so doing, the government impressively underscored its decision, unequivocally declaring that this reflects the continued commitment of the Government of Israel to actively deal with this issue. Further incidents of exclusion of women in the public sphere will not be accepted. This decision is intended to ensure that all Government Ministers awaken to this matter and act in the respective fields of their ministries to fully implement Hiddushs letter was sent to conference speakers, including: Prime Minister Netanyahu, Education Minister Naftali Bennett, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, Housing Minister Yoav Galant, former Minister Avi Gabbai, former Minister Gideon Saar, Zion Balas CEO of Strauss Group, owner of Cofix Avi Katz, President of the Manufacturers Association Shraga Brosh, Prof. Zeev Rothstein, Director General of Hadassah Medical Center, Yair Lowenstein, CEO of Altshuler Shacham, and Ayal Lachiani, CEO of Tria. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Jerusalem Chief Sephardi Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Moshe Shlomo Amars remarks against the toeiva community last week have led to protests and demands to fire him from his civil service post. In his weekend interview with the Yisrael Hayom newspaper, Rav Amar referred to the toeiva lifestyle as evil and a toeiva cult. Members of the citys Yerushalayim party on Sunday 19 Cheshvan promised to take to the streets in protest against the rabbi, demanding his immediate dismissal. His opponents explain that his hateful words have rendered him unsuited to continue serving in his position, adding his words will lead to additional hate crimes against members of the toeiva community. On the other hand, Jerusalem Councilman Aryeh King plans to lead a counter protest to show support for the rabbi and his values. A grandchild of the rabbi is scheduled to get married on Sunday night and there will be increase security at the event. Protestors during the night Motzei Shabbos hung a toeiva community flag on the wall of the Jerusalem Rabbinate on Chavatzelet Street. Police launched an investigation, concentrating on the photos of the activists who were included in the photo, proud of their protest against the rabbi, using Facebook to track them down. When asked to comment on calls to fire him, Rav Amar explains Do you think I am afraid to be firedlet them fire me in the name of Hashem. I already have served in all the Rabbanut posts. . Their words are meaningless. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Muezzin Bill has been approved by the Ministerial Law Committee but in its current language, it is unlikely to be passed in its first reading in Knesset. This is why the bill was pulled from last Wednesdays Knesset agenda. The chareidi and Arab Bloc have partnered to object to the bill. For the chareidim, it appears they may be willing to back it if the text is amended. In the present form they fear the bill is too general and will lead to prohibiting the erev Shabbos an Yomtov sirens heard in so many areas of Israel. For the Arab MKs, they are opposed to the bill, which they insist tramples basic religious freedom. MK Hanin Zoabi, who never misses an opportunity to display her anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, declaring the bill anti-religious, adding If they do not like the sound of the mosques let them return to Europe where they belong. Rosh Haayin resident Yonatan Aviad explains he and his neighbors have been suffering from the wailing of the Kfar Kassam mosques for too long and they are now responding with Shema Yisrael to give Muslim neighbors a taste of their own medicine. Speaking with MyNet, Aviad explains he has been complaining to authorities for years, yet nothing is done. Aviad, a father of six is a veteran resident of the area. He is quoted explaining the wailing is Day and night, every day. It has become unbearable. My children awaken and they cannot fall back asleep at 4:00AM. We are not permitted to sleep in peace. The muezzin wails loudly and there is no escaping it. Resident Yossi live in the Givat HaSelaim area and he explains they all suffer the same fate regarding the mosques. However, he and colleagues have set up speakers to permit the Muslim neighbors to hear their tefilos as he and they are compelled to hear the call to prayer from the mosques. We are giving it back to them now he explains. Kfar Kassam City Hall, an Israeli Arab Municipality, is uninterested in accommodating residents who are complaining of the mosques disturbing the peace. Officials explain it is a religious tradition and they are not about to change it. Officials add that when the community was 200-300 residents they did not require the speakers but today there is no alternative. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Shas Jerusalem Councilman Asher Mishali is likely to be removed from his position by party leader Aryeh Deri, Kikar Shabbos News reports. He will be replaced by a new personality and there is still a vacancy to be filled as Councilman Michael Michaeli was removed from the council by Deri to become a MK. Deri has sent messages of late to Mishali, who is aligned with former party leader Eli Yishai, preparing him for the move. He is expected to be moved to another position in the party. Mishali asked to be permitted to continue for a few more months to permit him in completing a project he began to assist youths who went of the path. Deri is moving cautiously, aware Mishali is close to Rosh Yeshivat Porat Yosef HaGaon Rav Moshe Tzadka, aware that if he get into a direct confrontation with him it will result in the involvement of the rosh yeshiva. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) President Barack Obama planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the U.S. and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obamas once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. President-elect Donald Trump says trade deals can hurt U.S. workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Besides participating in meetings Sunday with other world leaders attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Forum taking place in Perus capital, Obama was sitting down first with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a U.S. ally and partner in the trans-Pacific trade deal. The president also planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose nation is another TPP partner. Before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Washington, Obama was to answer questions from the journalists who accompanied him to Greece, Germany and Peru. Trumps election overshadowed every stop on Obamas trip. The president went to once unimaginable lengths to defend the real-estate mogul and reality TV star who he had repeatedly denounced during the campaign as temperamentally unfit and uniquely unqualified to be president. I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said in response to a question about Trump during a forum here Saturday with some of Latin Americas future leaders. As Ive always said, how you campaign isnt always the same as how you govern, he added. Obamas suggestion is that Trump could soften some of his more hard-line positions on immigration, terrorism and other issues once he confronts the reality of having to run the country. But the candidates Trump announced this past week for key national security posts Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA sent a signal that Trump intends to lead exactly as he said he would during the campaign. Leaders in every region of the world have expressed concern about Trumps stances on immigration, trade, NATO and other matters. Obamas first stop was Greece, where he lent support to the prime ministers effort to turn around the countrys economy. He gave a speech about the value of democracy, despite its sometimes messy nature, as he says the U.S. election showed. Obama campaigned hard for the losing Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton. During his stop in Greece, he also carved out time to tour the Acropolis and Parthenon. From there, it was on to Germany to visit one final time with Chancellor Angela Merkel, with whom he has collaborated closely during the past eight years. Obama also met as a group in Berlin with the leaders of Germany, Britain, Spain, France and Italy before he headed for Peru. (AP) The following is via CTV Montreal: Outremont residents are set to vote on Sunday on a controversial bylaw that would restrict where houses of worship can open in the borough. The bylaw would ban the houses of worship, regardless of religion, on Bernard, a major commercial street thats dotted by stores and restaurants. Outremonts mayor has said the intention of the rule is to protect that space for businesses. Similar bans have already been enacted on Laurier and Van Horne. Hassidic leaders have said the rule is discriminatory and targets their community by banning new synagogues that could be erected within walking distance of their homes. The Hassidic community comprises almost 25 per cent of Outremonts population. While representatives were unable to comment on the Jewish Sabbath, some in the area expressed mixed feelings on the bylaw ahead of the vote. I have neighbours who are French, English, part of the Hassidic community and I have such mixed feelings about it, said resident Mary Hunter. We have so many churches who are also just down the road here, so it seems hypocritical to say that we wont allow Hassidic communities to also have spaces. Outremont residents can find out if they are eligible to vote by visiting the boroughs website. Voting will open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. and will be held at the Outremont Adult Education Centre located at 500 Dollard Blvd. Donald Trump says his wife, Melania, and their son, Barron, will move to the White House right after he finishes school next year. An aide to the president-elect had suggested earlier that the Trumps are reluctant to move their 10-year-old son from New York to Washington during the school year. Trump will be inaugurated as the nations 45th president on Jan. 20. Most American schools finish the school year in the late spring or early summer. Trump made the remark Sunday at his golf course in New Jersey as he was escorting Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach from a meeting. It was only one of a string of sessions Trump has been having with prospects for posts in his administration. (AP) It is just over three years since fund manager Mark Wharrier returned to investment house BlackRock after a ten-year absence working for a rival. It has been a triumphant return for the UK equity income specialist who started out as an investment manager at Mercury Asset Management, a British company that was taken over by US giant Merrill Lynch in 1997. In 2006 BlackRock merged with Merrill, creating one of the worlds largest asset managers. Wharrier is now BlackRocks head of UK equity income portfolios, responsible for assets in excess of 1 billion. Along with Adam Avigdori, he manages BlackRock Income and Growth, a 51 million investment trust that until mid-2014 was run by Allianz RCM and called British Portfolio. He also manages with Avigdori and David Goldman the 357 million BlackRock UK Income. Both funds are run along similar lines with near identical portfolios. Since Wharriers return, the funds have been overhauled to reflect his view on how equity income investing can best work for the benefit of investors. We needed to introduce a new algorithm for the times we live in, he says. The result is a three-pronged approach. At UK Income, for example, Wharrier is seeking to invest 70 per cent of the assets in firms that have a sustainable dividend and are generating plenty of cash, such as British American Tobacco and consumer goods giant Unilever. A further 20 per cent is invested in growth companies that generate less income but can boost the funds performance. Cambridge-based technology company ARM Holdings was a big contributor to the funds performance in the run- up to it being bought in the summer by Japans SoftBank. The other ten per cent is invested in what Wharrier describes as turnaround companies fundamentally good businesses where the share price does not reflect the firms true value. We hold Tesco on the basis it is in turnaround, he says. We like the new management team led by chief executive Dave Lewis, it remains a market leader and its prices are competitive. Overhaul: Mark Wharrier has bought into Tesco, which he believes is a turnaround stock under its new boss The overall battle plan seems to be bearing fruit. Over the past three years, UK Income has comfortably outperformed the FTSE All-Share Index and the average UK equity income fund (as has Income and Growth). Brexit and US President-elect Donald Trump do not frighten Wharrier. He sees them more as challenges that good active fund managers should respond to in a positive fashion. He says: Yes, I am sure that in the coming months we will see more market volatility as issues such as world trade come to the surface. We must search all the time for robust firms that will generate returns through such periods of uncertainty. We need to be imaginative. He adds: As a fund manager, it is gratifying that I can always find shares to suit a particular economic, financial and political backdrop. Its why equities are such great investments. Three managers running one portfolio is unusual, but Wharrier says it works. Its all about using the best company ideas from the three of us. Yes, it leads to vigorous debate on occasion and a little tension, but we get there in the end. If we cant agree I tend to get the casting vote. Lorries and warehousing are the unsexy part of business. But while logistics may not set the pulse racing, it is essential to the operations of wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers dealing in anything from aerospace components to baked beans. Get it right and logistics can be key to a companys efficiency, so it is worth paying for. And the companies that provide the lorries, warehouses and computer systems that manage schedules and storage can be a cash cow, earning a steady income and paying out steady profits and dividends. One such is Wincanton and, despite a strong share price performance over the past few years, its shares still look undervalued. On top of that, the group looks set to start delivering a decent dividend. Loaded up: Wincanton counts Sainsburys and BAE Systems among its clients Wincanton had a bad recession in the wake of the financial crisis. The company was loaded with debt and its business lacked focus. The intervening years have seen a remarkable turnaround. The company is a sizeable player in the logistics sector. Its clients include Sainsburys, Co-op, BAE Systems and Heinz. Many of these groups have signed up for contract renewals lasting to 2019 or beyond. The result is a very visible revenue stream in the future. Its latest annual results showed revenues at 1.147 billion and pre-tax profits at 65.8 million. This figure included an exceptional gain after Wincanton disposed of part of its business. But looking behind that figure to operating profits showed a figure of just over 50 million, up slightly on the year before. Half-year results issued last week showed those operating profits climbing still further. What is particularly attractive to investors is the prospective dividend. For the year to March 2016, the group paid out 5.5p a share, its first dividend for quite a few years. Last week the company announced a 3p interim dividend and analysts at stockbroker Liberum expect the payout for the current year to total 9p. At todays share price of 208p, that amounts to a 4.3 per cent yield. On this basis the shares look undervalued and if expectations are met investors could see a healthy dividend payout plus some capital gains as the market revalues the stock to reflect this earnings potential. The one fly in the ointment is Wincantons sizeable pension fund deficit, which stands at about 169 million and is due for a three-yearly reassessment next year. There is a risk that the group will have to pay out more to satisfy its pension trustees. But the company has a repayment plan in place and has shown that reducing its liabilities is a priority. Last year, it sold its document storage business, known as Records Management. The proceeds provided the one-off boost to profits, but the company used the cash to reduce its debts and make an extra contribution to the pension fund. The real risk of an economic slowdown in the UK could be a headwind to the business. But the case for this share is not that it is set for stellar growth, but that its restructuring has focus and is going to start delivering earnings and dividends. Midas verdict: Wincanton turned the corner some time ago, but the market has not yet caught up with its real value. Its forecast dividend yield of 4.3 per cent is enough alone to merit considering buying these shares. Should the market revalue the stock, there could be capital gains as well. At 208p, the shares are a buy. The president of the Confederation of British Industry is to tell the Prime Minister that businesses desperately need to see a plan for Brexit. CBI boss Paul Drechsler will tell Theresa May when she attends the business bodys annual conference tomorrow that companies are not asking for a running commentary. We are looking for clarity and above all a plan. Companies want to know that Britain will not close our borders to Europes talent, he will say. Many businesses fear that they will end up in a regulatory no-mans land post-Brexit, while ports, airports and logistics firms are concerned about red tape associated with new trading rules with European partners. Straight talking: CBI boss Paul Drechsler will tell Theresa May that companies are not asking for a running commentary' They would need more warehouses to store more goods on-site, and more supply roads for the vehicles waiting to deliver them. At short notice this would be impossible, Drechsler will say. The Prime Minister is set to speak after Drechsler at the conference in London tomorrow. May is expected to outline sector-by-sector priorities for the European Union exit negotiations in her address to the employers body. Drechsler will also echo Mays calls for greater employee engagement in big firms. Firms should explain in public what steps theyve taken on employee engagement and representation, he will say. He will also reiterate the CBIs calls for a binding vote on executive pay for firms which repeatedly fail to deal with shareholders concerns. Former BHS owner Dominic Chappell is struggling to keep another business interest afloat and has admitted that it is running out of cash. The serial bankrupt is the sole director at Todex Corporation, a stock market listed business based in Las Vegas. Chappell acquired the company, originally a software developer, earlier this year. Sources suggest he may have wanted to use it as a vehicle for his retail assets and to gain a fast-track listing across the Atlantic known as a reverse takeover. Warning: Dominic Chappell admits Todex Corp may run out of cash Todex filed a warning with the US stock exchange authorities last month, stating: At our current revenue and burn rate, our cash on hand will last less than one month and thus we must raise capital by issuing debt or through the sale of our stock. There is no assurance that our existing cash flow will be adequate to satisfy our existing operating expenses and capital requirements. Chappell was appointed to Todexs board in April while battling to keep control of chain store BHS, which he bought for 1 from Sir Philip Green a year earlier. The Pensions Regulator has issued enforcement notices against Chappell and Green as part of action to plug the 571 million BHS pension deficit. Nationwide, Britains biggest building society, is coming to the rescue of towns across the country that have lost their last bank branch. On Friday, the mutually owned organisation confirmed it would return banking to the high street in Glastonbury, Somerset, possibly in time for next years music festival. The move, if a success, could spark other openings in towns where banks have pulled out, leaving residents and firms without branch banking. It backs a longstanding campaign by The Mail on Sunday to keep a strong banking presence on Britains high streets. Rocked: Residents protest about the closure of the towns last banks Apart from Nationwide, only Metro Bank has made a commitment to opening rather than closing branches. Since launching its first branch in the summer of 2010, it has expanded its network to 45 with three further openings in the pipeline. Most are south of Cambridge with a heavy concentration in London. Glastonbury lost its last two banks this year despite widespread protests by locals, including festival founder Michael Eavis. He described the closure of Lloyds, the last branch in town, as absolutely outrageous. Nationwide, which has just reported half-year profits of 696 million, is now under the direction of new chief executive Joe Garner. The ex-BT Openreach boss is determined to show that, unlike rivals, it has a deep ethic of care in its DNA. He told The Mail on Sunday: The good people of Glastonbury have been crying out for a bank. We can offer them something different, a building society. He also confirmed that if the branch proves a hit, it will pave the way for openings in other communities where access to banking services has been curtailed by closures. The move by Nationwide, which has about 700 branches, is welcomed by local MP James Heappey. The Conservative MP for Wells said: I am excited about it. I hope residents respond by switching business to the society. Timely: The branch may open before the 2017 festival, organised by Michael Eavis He said the only downside was that Nationwide does not offer a current account for small firms. Retailers suffer from bank closures because of their regular need to deposit cash. The Post Office provides business banking services, but they are limited. According to statistics compiled by defunct pressure group the Campaign for Community Banking Services, more than half of branches have shut since 1990. The result is 1,500 bankless communities. Research by The Mail on Sunday in August revealed that Bank of Scotland, Halifax, HSBC and Lloyds had put 121 branches on notice of closure. Most have now gone, though details of further closures are slowly emerging. Heappey says that in recent weeks HSBC announced two closures in his constituency, earmarked for early 2017, bringing the total to 12 since he was elected in May 2015. HSBC is also shutting its branch in Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, in February, much to the ire of Jane Cockain, who works for family-owned estate agent Curtis and Son in nearby Findon Valley. When the Goring-by-Sea branch goes, it will leave Jane with no option but to go to Worthing to bank business cheques and cash. She says: To pay a cheque in will take a good 45 minutes by car. Its as if they dont want our business. Remedium Partners, which was set up in 2013 to place permanent medical staff from abroad with the NHS rather than more agency locums, has started work with its 50th NHS trust and is set to double turnover to 1.5 million this year. The company was launched by friends David Green and Philip Braham, both 27, with 10,000 of savings each. They estimate they have saved the NHS more than 25 million as they claim locums can charge up to 150 an hour, roughly double what a permanently employed doctor would get. Approved: Owners David Green, left, and Philip Braham Remedium, based in Kings Cross, Central London, has already placed more than 250 staff within the NHS and has been accepted as a preferred provider onto the NHS National Clinical Staffing Framework, a list of officially approved agencies that have been fully and independently audited, and which meet the criteria for cost-effective temporary and permanent staff. Braham said: Were trying to ambitiously rescue the NHS. Its a very big project! Were working all over the country. Its going well. I was working at a big medical recruitment company. Probably 95 per cent of the business was agency locums. I went in there to start its permanent division after I graduated and I saw what was being paid by trusts for agency locums, which was quite extortionate. I was placing a lot of doctors into the NHS from around the world, but it was like banging my head against a brick wall because it was the wrong environment. How could you run a permanent desk in a locum agency? Advice: Lawyers fees should be clear A barrister who charged a company 77,000 to pursue an unpaid invoice of 2,000 has been ordered to limit her fees after an investigation by the Legal Ombudsman. Emma Fearn, co-owner of architectural design company Den Interior Design of Brough, East Yorkshire, instructed the barrister to take legal action over the invoice on what she thought was a no win, no fee basis, but was surprised by a demand for payment when she asked the barrister to walk away from the case. She said: We contacted the Legal Ombudsman straight away for their advice. They were extremely helpful and reassuring, very professional. It cost nothing and took about six months to resolve. The Legal Ombudsman concluded that the barrister should have been clear about her costs from the beginning, and ordered her to limit her fees to 1,500. Chief Ombudsman Kathryn Stone said: Service providers should be clear about any costs from the start of a case, and they should provide regular updates throughout. The majority of complaints we see at the Legal Ombudsman are about poor cost information. We are highlighting cases such as this one to encourage greater transparency within the legal industry. The Ombudsman dealt with 65 legal complaints made by micro-enterprises last year, which accounted for just one per cent of the 6,500 complaints it resolved in total. The most complained about areas of law in England and Wales were residential conveyancing (23 per cent), family law (14 per cent), wills and probate (14 per cent) and personal injury (11.5 per cent). Appeal: Chancellor Philip Hammond A group representing businesses with combined turnover of 100 billion has issued an urgent plea to the Chancellor to put a stop to short-term tinkering that it says hinders members plans for the future. In a submission sent to Philip Hammond and seen by the The Mail on Sunday, the Institute for Family Business, whose members employ half a million people, said: It is essential the tax environment remains stable, giving them confidence to plan for the future. The Institute urged the Chancellor to use Wednesdays Autumn Statement to support long-termism in business. There are an estimated 4.7 million family-owned businesses in the UK, providing 12.2 million jobs while generating a quarter of UK GDP and 125 billion in tax. The IFBs submission seeks policy pledges including supporting smooth transition of ownership of businesses between generations and asserting a commitment to business property relief from inheritance tax in full. The IFB estimates that 85,000 small and medium-sized enterprises transfer ownership to a new generation each year. It said the business relief was crucial to family businesses wanting to ensure management and ownership was passed on. It said: Without Business Property Relief, each time ownership of a business passed from one generation to another an inheritance tax liability would be created. The body also called for the Treasury to consult on introducing a single qualifying test to apply equally for gift hold-over relief and BPR, in line with the current BPR test. It said: Hold-over relief and BPR both protect family firms from the danger of having to sell a business to pay a tax bill, such as capital gains or inheritance tax, when no cash disposal is intended or planned. However, to qualify for these reliefs firms must pass different trading tests, creating confusion and difficulties for family businesses. The different tests for hold-over relief and BPR restrict the use of these reliefs and their potential benefit. For example, it said the greater burden of trading criteria for hold-over relief meant gifts of shares are not made according to a family business succession plan but are made for tax reasons. The IFB has recommended the Chancellor review the tax treatment of trusts so that sensible succession planning can take place over extended periods; extend the Enterprise Investment Scheme threshold to support the growth in mid-sized businesses; support sustainable business financing by equalising the tax treatment of debt and equity financing; ensure pension deficit calculations are appropriate to family firms; and unlock investment in start-ups by removing the connected persons test for EIS. It said: The connected persons test results in an active disincentive for otherwise non-connected family members to invest in start-ups with a family association. Family businesses are excellent incubators of entrepreneurial talent with an estimate that 13 per cent of family businesses start as spin-offs from an existing family firm. In our view, investment by a family business owner in another family enterprise should attract the same relief as an investment by a family business owner in an enterprise outside the family. MBABANE The world is at crossroads with regard to pursuing circumcision, following allegations of a new cancer threat. This ailment is called forpenal cancer, at least according to discoveries by UK scientists. However, relevant organisations in Swaziland and beyond the borders have dismissed it as a hoax. According to various websites on the internet, this cancer affects men who have cut their foreskins and a minority of those whose private parts are still intact. It is said that there is a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue) on underwear, which affects the internal skin of the manhood directly. This carcinogen is allegedly very concentrated and it comes from the anus when mixed with sweat. The explanation given on how it spreads is that when human waste is excreted, some remains inside and gets trapped by the hair below the groin. The alleged myth goes that in that case, all those who are circumcised are in danger as the carcinogen eventually reaches the mens sexual organ. One online post claims that South African Health Minister Dr Motsoaledi has confirmed such, stating that South African men have been warned to refrain from getting circumcised. Vusi Maziya, Country Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the posts about the vulnerability of circumcised men to some sort of cancer had gone viral (become popular). As a programme, we have seen it too and despite the fact that it is very devoid of scientific evidence to prove this so-called vulnerability of circumcised men to cancer, we went ahead to look at the source of this. I was personally shocked at the quality of the site. It is a very dodgy site and clearly not a credible source of scientific knowledge. The quote said to have been made by the South African Health minister is far from genuine, as none of the press statements issued by Dr Motsoaledi reflect anything of this nature, said Maziya. Male circumcision, being such an important intervention for 14 countries in eastern and southern Africa has a clearing house that scrutinises all important communication shared between and among the priority countries, none of such can be found in the clearing house. MBABANE Chief Dambuza Lukhele has declined his late wifes wish to be cremated when she died. Cremation is the combustion, vaporisation and oxidation of dead bodies to basic chemical compounds, such as gases, ashes and mineral fragments retaining the appearance of dry bone. The chief is a former Cabinet minister who is now a member of the Ludzidzini Royal Committee, which advises Her Majesty the Queen Mother. He is secretary of the influential committee that is also the last point of call for most chieftaincy dispute. The team is chaired by TV Mtetwa, acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence. Lukheles second wife, Theodora Islam Dlamini, a teacher by profession, died in a car accident on November 2, 2016. She leaves behind her only daughter, who is currently doing her studies in Beijing, China. By virtue of being the chiefs wife, the deceased held the title Inkhosikati LaMbetsetjeni. The death of the former teacher left a dispute between his parental and marital families. The dispute came after Dlamini made it known to her friends and some family members, while she was still alive, that she wanted to be cremated, only for her husband (Chief Dambuza Lukhele) to stop that on the day of the memorial. The chief made it known that he was not going to allow his wife to be thrown into fire when there was a unique way of laying her to rest. A relative of the deceased, who gave her side of the story on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the cremation was stopped by the chief. She said they were very hurt by the last-minute act by former minister. She explained that the root of the matter was that the deceased was traditionally married to Lukhele, after the latter had a first wife whom she married through the western style (civil rites). She pointed out that the late Theodora, whom she described as her daughter (she claims to have raised her since she was one-year-old after the passing away of her mother) agreed to marry the chief only because the Ludzidzini Council secretary promised her that he would divorce the first wife. A few weeks into the marriage, when that promise was allegedly not fulfilled, Theodora packed her bags and headed to the capital city, where she lived until the day she died. Before she died, she told everyone close to her that she wanted to be cremated and her ashes thrown into the sea, said the relative. MBABANE If you have an account with the Swaziland Development and Savings Bank (SwaziBank), you will be pleased to learn that the strike proposed by the institutions workers has been stopped. The dispute is over a demand for a salary increment of 8.5 per cent. The bank only offered 6.5 per cent. The Industrial Court issued an order barring the strike yesterday. The breaking news was also confirmed by SUFIAW Secretary Jabu Shiba yesterday. SwaziBank had accused SUFIAW of approaching salary increment negotiations in bad faith. SUFIAW is the Swaziland Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers. Shiba said the decision meant both parties were to go back to the negotiation table. We are very disappointed by the ruling but there is nothing we can do since the decision has been taken. However, we will not give up because we know exactly what we want. Thembi Dlamini, the banks Executive Manager (Co-operative Services), alleged that the members of the union did not wait for the internal dispute procedures to be exhausted before reporting a dispute with the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) and abandoned the negotiating table prematurely. Senior attorney Musa Sibandze represented the bank in the matter. SUFIAW reported a dispute at CMAC and later issued a notice to go on strike tomorrow. Bank management then went to court to seek an order preventing the union from calling on the employees it represents from proceeding with the intended strike. SwaziBank management also wanted the court to set aside the report of a dispute by SUFIAW at CMAC and the steps taken by the former in this regard. The matter was heard by Industrial Court Judge Dumisani Mazibuko. Dlamini, in her founding affidavit, told the court that on July 11, 2016 SwaziBank and SUFIAW entered into collective bargaining negotiations. The bank allegedly offered three per cent, which in the course of negotiations, increased to 3.75 per cent. The employees then allegedly demanded a 10.5 per cent increment. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Gina Martinez Two rookie officers from the 113th Precinct in Jamaica are in hot water for fleeing the scene after a gun accidently went off. One of the officers is 23-year-old Kevin Lynch, son of the Patrolmens Benevolent Association president, Patrick Lynch. On Nov. 13 at around 11 p.m. Lynch and his officer friend, Robert Smilove, 22, were sitting in Smiloves mothers car near his Whitestone home on 10th Avenue, where he lives with his mother. According to the NYPD, Smilove was showing off his .38 caliber gun to Lynch when he accidently fired a bullet through the car window. Smilove had not told the department about the gun, police said. Both men left the scene without reporting the incident, the department said. Officers soon responded to a call about a shot being fired in the area and when they ran the car plates, they were led to Smiloves home. Smilove handed over the gun to police. The NYPD patrol guide says that officers must be armed at all times when in New York City with a service revolver or pistol unless they are engaged in activity where it would be advisable not to carry a firearm or if they are drinking. Smilove has been suspended for not reporting the incident, according to reports he faces dismissal because he was a rookie on probation, the New York Post said. Lynch, who joined the NYPD in 2014, was placed on modified duty for not reporting the incident, police said. His father, Patrick Lynch, leads the biggest police union in the county. Lynch is a Bayside native who joined the NYPD in 1984 and became the head of the PBA in 1999. He has been called controversial for his criticism of Mayor Bill de Blasios views on some aspects of policing. PBA did not respond to a request for comments. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Naeisha Rose More than a thousand protesters gathered in Long Island City Saturday to rally behind City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) as he led a march to Trump Tower via the Queensboro Bridge pedestrian walk to protest the president-elects expected policies on immigration and civil liberties. Van Bramer continued with the march despite receiving a homophobic death threat two days beforehand. Donald Trump, whose election stunned many Queens residents, campaigned on a platform of deporting illegal immigrants, building a wall to keep out Mexicans and creating a Muslim registry. Whether he follows through on these threats is not clear, but his choice of Mike Pence for vice president and early appointments of advisers have raised widespread concerns because of their conservative views on race, womens rights, the gay community and diversity. Fellow elected officials at the event included City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan), Comptroller Scott Stringer and Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-East Flatbush). I want constituents to never stop fighting and never believe that they are powerless, Van Bramer said. We need to fight the worst elements of this administration. He called his march #QueensResponds to send the message that Trump may be from Queens but his divisive rhetoric doesnt represent the boroughs values anymore. Christopher Costa, 30, a member of the LGBTQ community agreed. Its very upsetting to know that he will be our president, said Costa. Instead of hating, I think we should take that angerthat despair and use it to take action. During the rally on Dutch Kills Green in Queensboro Plaza, Van Bramer addressed the crowd, which included many children. What are Queens values? he asked his husband Dan Hendrick by his side. We believe in a womans right to choose and reject hatred against immigrants and the undocumentedwe love and support our LGBT family, and support the right to marry the person you love. Mark-Viverito wasnt quiet about her concerns. Trumps campaign, platform, administration is hostile to the diversity that exists and we value that in this city, she said. A constituent asked, Madame Speaker, are they going to segregate us? said Mark-Viverito. I found out he was talking about the Muslim registry. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the closing of the last Japanese internment camp , which was formed by using a registry to gather up Japanese Americans from across the United States and forcibly incarcerating them during World War II. Lets give a round of applause to someone thats personally been threatened and reject scapegoating of our Muslim brothers, reject anti-Semitism, Stringer said. Donna Hepburn flew in from California to protest with her daughter, Jessica Feinman, 31, from Astoria, who held up a sign that said Jews standing up for Muslims. We are both protesters and we are both activists that dont accept this racist cabinetor the destruction of DACA, said Feinman, referring to the program authorized by President Obama which allows young undocumented immigrants who were brought here by their parents to work and attend college. As demonstrators recited racist, sexist, anti-gay, Donald Trump, go away while marching to Trump Tower, motorcyclists revved their engines, bicyclists fist-pumped the air and drivers honked in support of their protest. Kara Griffith, 42, an African-American woman from Woodside, could not believe that Trump won the presidency. Im disappointed that hes been elected, said Griffith. I expected more from the American public. As a human being, I care about other human beings, but I dont feel like the way to get ahead is by trampling on other peoples rights. Calvin Hunt, 55, a Trump supporter who is also African-American, spoke up in defense of the president-elect. We should give him a chance, Hunt said. When asked about what he expected from a Trump presidency, Hunt repeated jobs, jobs, jobs! Blacks are tired of selling loose cigarettesand killing each other for loose change, Hunt said. He might open up jobs in four years. To Laura Jacobson from Jamaica, this helped her come to a realization about a post-racial America. Its a wake-up call that things that we believed to be true arent true, said Jacobson. Obamas victories made us not exactly complacent, but believe certain things about the direction the country was moving in that turned out not to be true. Melissa Brotie, 27, came to the march from Astoria to stand up for those who could be affected the most by a Trump presidency. I feel scared as a young woman, as a Jewish woman, Brotie said. I also understand that I have privilege and that I am relatively safe to walk down the street and I think that our goal is to protect those that arent. I see a lot of hate rhetoricand if we look to history, this does not go anywhere good. All hospitals in Syria\s besieged rebel-held eastern Aleppo are out of service after days of heavy air strikes, its health directorate and the World Health Organization (WHO) said, though a war monitor said some were still functioning. White House national security adviser Susan Rice said the United States condemned "in the strongest terms" the latest air strikes against hospitals and urged Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to take steps to halt the violence. Intense air strikes have battered the eastern part of the city since Tuesday, when the Syrian army and its allies resumed operations after a pause lasting weeks. They launched ground attacks against insurgent positions on Friday. The war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said at least 27 people, including children, had been killed in eastern Aleppo on Saturday by dozens of air strikes and barrel bombs and dozens of artillery rounds. Warplanes, artillery and helicopters continued bombarding eastern Aleppo on Saturday, hitting many of its densely populated residential districts, the Observatory said. There were intense clashes in the Bustan al-Basha district, it added. "This destruction of infrastructure essential to life leaves the besieged, resolute people, including all children and elderly men and women, without any health facilities offering life-saving treatment leaving them to die," said Aleppo\s health directorate in a statement sent to Reuters late on Friday by an opposition official. Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO representative in Syria, said on Saturday that a U.N.-led group of aid agencies based over the border in Turkey "confirmed today that all hospitals in eastern Aleppo are out of service". The monitoring group said some hospitals were still operating in besieged parts of Aleppo but said many residents were frightened to use them because of the heavy shelling. Medical sources, residents and rebels in eastern Aleppo say hospitals have been damaged by air strikes and helicopter barrel bombs in recent days, including direct hits on the buildings. "The United States again joins our partners in demanding the immediate cessation of these bombardments and calling on Russia to immediately deescalate violence and facilitate humanitarian aid and access for the Syrian people," Rice said in a statement. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted that reports of air strikes hitting civilians and hospitals in east Aleppo were "sickening" and called for a return to diplomacy. However, with the United States awaiting the inauguration in late January of President-elect Donald Trump, who has been critical of Washington\s Syria policy without laying out detailed plans himself, diplomatic efforts appear stalled. Staffan De Mistura, the special envoy of the U.N. secretary general, is likely to meet Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Damascus on Sunday after recent talks in Turkey and Iran, another diplomat said. "He will push on Aleppo, perhaps on a ceasefire, but on the political file there won\t be anything until (U.N. Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon\s successor Antonio) Guterres is in office, the diplomat said. Both Russia and Assad\s government have denied deliberately targeting hospitals and other civilian infrastructure during the war, which began in 2011 and was joined by Russia\s air force in September 2015. The charity Doctors Without Borders said in a message there had been more than 30 hits on hospitals in eastern Aleppo since early July. "Doctors are few and medical supplies are depleted, with no possibility of sending more supplies in," it said. Health and rescue workers have previously been able to bring damaged hospitals back into operation but a lack of supplies is making that harder. The Syrian war pits Assad and his allies Russia, Iran and Shi\ite militias against Sunni rebels including groups supported by the United States, Turkey and the Gulf monarchies and also jihadist groups. Aleppo, for years split between a rebel-held east and government-held western sector, has become the fiercest front. An army offensive backed by a major aerial bombardment from late September to late October killed hundreds, according to the United Nations, and tightened the siege, leaving eastern Aleppo with little food, medicine or fuel. A rebel counter-attack early this month involved shelling that killed dozens of civilians, the U.N. said, but it quickly petered out and the army and its allies, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, reversed all insurgent gains in about two weeks. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the air force had targeted "terrorist strongholds and supply depots" in Aleppo. Russia has said its air force is only conducting air strikes in other parts of Syria. The Damascus government describes all the rebels fighting it as terrorists. SOURCE: REUTERS German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her party Sunday she will seek re-election next year, a move likely to be welcomed in many capitals as a sign of stability following poll triumphs for Brexit and Donald Trump. After months of feverish speculation, Merkel announced at a meeting with other leaders of her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) that she would run for a fourth term, a decision they met with thunderous applause, party sources told AFP. Merkel, 62, has governed Europe\s top economic power, which does not have term limits, since 2005. She is due to hold a news conference at 1800 GMT Sunday. Another full four-year mandate, which pollsters say she is likely to win, would tie the post-war record set by her mentor Helmut Kohl, who presided over the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Merkel told the meeting she had struggled to make up her mind, the sources said, but concluded that Germany needed a strong CDU, which has no clear successor to the woman who has led the party since 2000. She added that next year\s campaign would "not be a cakewalk". Merkel represents "stability and reliability in turbulent times because she holds society together and stands up to over-simplification" by populists, CDU deputy leader Julia Kloeckner told Welt am Sonntag newspaper earlier Sunday. "She stands for moderation and centrism instead of cheap headlines." Merkel is the first woman, the youngest person and the only candidate who grew up in communist East Germany to lead the reunited country. A pastor\s daughter and trained physicist, Merkel is popular among Germans who see her as a straight-shooter and a safe pair of hands in a crisis. But her decision to let in more than one million asylum seekers over the last two years dented her support. It also revived the fortunes of the rightwing populist Alternative for Germany party (AfD), which has harnessed widespread anxiety about migration. Nevertheless, observers said the recent seismic shifts in global politics were likely to drive traditionally risk-averse German voters back into her arms. "Society\s need for predictability and stability could become so overpowering in the 2017 election year that even the creeping erosion of Merkel\s chancellorship won\t compromise her success at the polls in the end," left-leaning news weekly Die Zeit said. More than half of the electorate 55 percent want Merkel to stay in office, up from 42 percent in August, a poll for Bild am Sonntag newspaper showed Sunday. As US President Barack Obama exits the stage, many observers say Merkel\s importance as a defender of Western values will only continue to grow, with some calling her the new "leader of the free world". While the globe braces for potentially radical changes in US leadership under Trump, Britain is wrestling with the fallout from its June vote backing withdrawal from the EU, and France is facing a presidential poll in May that could see far-right candidate Marine Le Pen snatch victory. Underlining her relative strength, Merkel gathered Obama and the leaders of Britain, France, Spain and Italy at her chancellery Friday for talks on the fight against terrorism, climate change and the strategic threat posed by Russia. On his farewell visit to Berlin, Obama praised Merkel Thursday as an "outstanding partner" and urged Germans to "appreciate" her. "It\s up to her whether she wants to stand again but if I were here and I were German and I had a vote, I might support her," he said with a smile. Misgivings about Merkel\s refugee policy were blamed for a string of state election defeats for the CDU over the last year, and sparked an open revolt by its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, which demanded a strict upper limit on incoming asylum seekers. A survey Sunday showed that Merkel\s conservatives would draw 33 percent of the vote if the election were held this weekend, down nine points from the last national poll in 2013. The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), junior partners in Merkel\s "grand" coalition, were a distant second with 24 percent. The AfD and the opposition Greens were neck-and-neck with 13 percent and 12 percent respectively, according to independent opinion research institute Emnid. It is still unclear who will carry the SPD\s banner into the race, with party leader Sigmar Gabriel potentially facing a challenge from European Parliament President Martin Schulz. SOURCE: AFP Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday in the fourth straight weekend of protest against embattled President Park Geun-hye. Park is resisting calls to step down amid an ongoing political crisis in which she is alleged to have let an old friend meddle in state affairs. The scandal has rocked Park\s presidency and united Koreans in disapproval, culminating in a protest last weekend that saw a million people march on Seoul by some estimates. Saturday\s protest was smaller as protest groups also organized demonstrations in regional capitals. Police said at least 155,000 people had packed into a central Seoul square early on Saturday evening for a candle-lit rally. Organizers said the number was 500,000. Park has pledged to cooperate in an investigation into the scandal. Prosecutors are expected to bring indictments against Choi Soon-sil, Park\s friend at the center of the crisis, and two former presidential aides tomorrow. Not all Koreans are calling for the president to resign, however. A short drive away from the main protest, a group of conservative protesters gathered outside Seoul station in defense of the president. "Sixteen million people elected this president to office. It does not make sense to simply ask for her withdrawal," said Geum Sang-chul, a 78-year-old pensioner and member of the Korean Veterans Association. Geum had joined a group of counter-protesters that police estimated at about 11,000-strong, while organizers said the number was higher. "We can not give into the pro-North Korea supporters," said Geum, using a derogatory term that Korean conservatives have for the more progressive wing of Korean politics. Park\s approval ratings have been at a record-low 5 percent for the last three weeks because of the scandal over her friend. Many of her remaining supporters, some of whom refer to themselves as "the five percent", are loyal to Park\s father, Park Chung-hee, a military strongman who ruled South Korea for 18 years until he was assassinated by his spy chief in 1979. Park Geun-hye\s popularity and election as president stemmed in part from the symbolic connection to her father, who is still revered by older generations. "If they really care about the country, they should consider the country\s image," said Lee Sang-soon, a 66-year-old pensioner. "I am troubled by how the country is portrayed abroad by these protests." But Park remains highly unpopular across the country. Tens of thousands of people also gathered for dozens of demonstrations in regional cities on Saturday night, Yonhap news reported. High school students also joined the crowds in Seoul on Saturday, free to protest after finishing important national exams this week. SOURCE: REUTERS The Syrian government on Sunday refused a U.N. proposal to grant the rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo autonomy in order to restore calm to the war-torn city. Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said the state\s institutions "must be restored" across the city and the militants expelled. At least 164 civilians have been killed since the government renewed its assault on the besieged enclave six days ago, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The U.N. estimates 275,000 people are trapped inside. By Saturday, the government had damaged or destroyed every hospital in the east, according to the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports hospitals in Syria. On Sunday, the pro-government forces advanced into parts of the strategically important Hanano district in the northeastern parts of the city, according to state media and the Observatory. Rebels outside the city have launched two unsuccessful offensives to break the government\s siege and have shelled the government-held western districts. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura had proposed that the Syrian government grant eastern Aleppo autonomy in exchange for peace, and called on the estimated 900 al-Qaida-linked militants in the east to depart to other rebel-held territory in Syria. But al-Moallem refused the offer in a meeting with de Mistura in Damascus on Sunday. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the foreign minister said restoring government rule was a matter of "national sovereignty." He said Damascus would not allow the people of eastern Aleppo to be "hostages to 6,000 gunmen." "We agreed on the need that terrorists should get out of east Aleppo to end the suffering of the civilians in the city," he said. Syrian opposition forces meanwhile pressed on with their preparations to attack the Islamic State-held town of al-Bab, about 21 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of Aleppo. They are backed by Turkish ground forces operating inside Syria. Al-Moallem called the Turkish presence a "violation" of Syrian territory. "We cannot accept to have one Turkish soldier to remain on Syria\s land," he said. The foreign minister called on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump\s incoming administration to cut off support for "terrorists" in Syria and to "rein in" the states backing them, a reference to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. President Bashar Assad said earlier this week that Trump could prove to be a "natural ally" to Damascus. De Mistura was expected to make remarks later in the day about the meeting with the foreign minister. The envoy warned in an interview with the U.K. newspaper The Guardian earlier this week that the government was chasing a "pyrrhic victory" in Aleppo if it does not reach a political settlement with the opposition. He warned the military\s approach would drive more moderate rebels into the ranks of the Islamic State group. Earlier Sunday, at least eight children were killed when rockets struck a school in Aleppo\s government-run western quarters, the Observatory said. Syrian state media said a teacher was also killed in the attack. In the opposition-run village of Nusaybeen, outside Damascus, activists said at least one child was killed in a presumed government airstrike on a primary school. The government has stepped up its attacks outside Damascus in the western Ghouta region after forcing rebels in eastern Ghouta to surrender earlier this year. The Observatory says at least 30 civilians have been killed in western Ghouta over the past 4 days. In Aleppo, an airstrike early Sunday killed a family of six in their home in the Sakhour district in the east, according to the activist-run Thiqa News Agency. Witnesses said they smelled chlorine gas, and rescuers said the family appeared to have suffocated from toxic gas. The allegations could not be independently verified. A U.N. investigative team has said the government used chlorine as a chemical weapon on at least two occasions during the 5 -year conflict. Turkey\s Anadolu news agency meanwhile reported that a Turkish soldier was killed in an "accident" in northern Syria, without elaborating. SOURCE: Associated Press Times' Game of the Week Preview: No. 7 Beaver Area vs. No. 10 Deer Lakes Beaver enters the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs riding high after closing the regular season strong. Up next: Deer Lakes for had coach Cort Rowse's Bobcats. By PTI: Colombo, Nov 20 (PTI) At least 11 Indian fishermen along with their trawlers have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing illegally in the countrys waters, days after the two countries held a high-level meeting to find a permanent solution to the emotive issue. The fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested yesterday while fishing near Sri Lankas Neduntheevu island, the navy said. advertisement They were found illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters northwest off the coast of Jaffnas Delft islet, it claimed. Around 3,500 fishermen in 634 boats had put out to sea from Rameswaram last night. The fishermen were detained and taken to Kangesanthurai Port along with their two boats, Tamil Nadu police and state Mechanised Boat Fishermen Association leader P Sesuraja said. The Sri Lankan naval men also chased away hundreds of other fishermen by allegedly pelting bottles and stones and warning through public address system, they said. The fishermen issue has become a flash point in India-Sri Lanka relations, with Indian fishermen facing Lankan navy action, including firing for alleged violation of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). On November 4, India and Sri Lanka decided to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries to meet every three months and hold a meeting between the Ministers for Fisheries every six months. This was agreed during extensive talks in New Delhi between Ministers of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on possible mechanisms to find a permanent solution to the emotive issue of fishermen. PTI Corr KUN AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany In these parts, soul-crushing cynicism greets nearly every new idea. It is easily our worst regional trait. Creativity is mocked. Change brings fear. Optimism is for fools. It's that Smallbany mentality that is again raising its hideous noggin, this time to deride the plan for a gondola system that would connect the Rensselaer train station and downtown Albany. More Information Contact Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse This isn't about a guy who would row you across the river while singing "O Sole Mio." We're talking aerial gondolas that would whisk passengers above ground, carry them over the Hudson and deposit them on the other side. Such systems are rare in U.S. cities but increasingly common in forward-thinking places worldwide. It's efficient and clean transportation, especially compared to the battered taxis that now greet arrivals at Rensselaer's Amtrak station and make them think they've accidentally traveled to Uzbekistan. Now, under normal conditions the idea would be silly for a smallish city such as Albany and the even smaller Rensselaer. But the gondola plan is designed to counter the abnormal stupidity of building a train station in Rensselaer in the first place akin to putting Grand Central in Yonkers. Every weekday, thousands of Albany-bound passengers are left stranded on the wrong side of the river, which gives the gondola system a ready-made market and a boost for its financial viability. But to listen to the Smallbany peanut gallery, especially online, you might think the plan called for a massive rocket ship that would shoot passengers to the moon before forcing them to parachute onto the roof of The Egg. Consider a few comments from the Facebook wags: "Easily the dumbest and biggest waste of money you could possibly dream of." Actually, the Legislature thinks of dumber ways every day. "We don't need another consulting firm to come up with new ideas." Yes, because all new ideas are immediately and definitively awful. "You'll get nice views of the polluted river and maybe if you're lucky some dead bodies might float by." In other words, everything is already awful so don't bother to do anything. Now there's the spirit of innovative optimism that made America great. Just be glad these naysayers weren't manning their keyboards when visionaries suggested building the Erie Canal. "What a stoopid idea! Total waste of money!! The Great Lakes suck." Such reflexive cynicism is laziness. It's too easy. An open mind and thoughtfulness require a little work. The point here isn't to offer a full-throated endorsement of the gondola plan. I'm suggesting we be open to this new idea and others. The big question mark, of course, is the cost and who will pay for it. Clifton Park-based McLaren Engineering and its partners say the first phase of construction would cost $16 million to $20 million and include a station on South Pearl Street. An Empire State Plaza station would cost $10 million more. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. But here's the encouraging part: Backers of the gondola project are talking about trying to build the system largely and perhaps entirely with private funding. That's essential, because private investors aren't likely to back a potential white elephant. "It's out of the box, and it's a challenge," Peter Melewski, a McLaren executive, said of the proposal. "Sometimes you have to push the envelope a little bit." Indeed, you do especially if you want a dynamic city. A few other thoughts: 1.) Critics are wrongly conflating gondolas with the Uber issue. We need the car-hailing service badly upstate, but one improvement doesn't preclude the other and Uber doesn't take exhaust-spewing cars off the road. 2.) Gondolas are more efficient than they seem. The system could handle 1,200 riders an hour, with cars potentially arriving every 30 seconds for the four-minute trip over the river. 3.) The timing of the proposal might be perfect, given how President-elect Donald Trump is talking about spending a trillion dollars on infrastructure. 4.) The gondolas could also be, to use a technical phrase, really cool. What's great about things that are really cool is that they double as tourist attractions. Some people would ride the gondolas because they're trapped at a poorly located train station; others would hop on because the ride is fun and the view is great. I hope we can all agree Albany needs something a crowd-pleasing project like the High Line in Manhattan or the wildly successful Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Such projects spur economic development. Even better, they improve the quality of lives. So dare to think big. Make Albany great again. And give the gondola plan a fighting chance. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany Andrew Cuomo and his late father, Mario Cuomo, are about to have something else in common besides both serving as governor: They'll be the only state executives to have selected all sitting seven members of New York's highest court. The younger Cuomo will cross that threshold early next year likely in January when the state Senate is slated to vote on the governor's pick for the state Court of Appeals vacancy created by the departure of Judge Eugene Pigott, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. More Information List of gubernatorial appointments to the Court of Appeals since 1979. Hugh Carey: Lawrence Cooke Bernard Meyer Matthew Jasen Mario Cuomo: Richard Simons Judith Kaye Sol Wachtler Fritz Alexander Vito Titone Stewart Hancock Joseph Bellacosa George Bundy Smith Howard Levine Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick George Pataki: Richard Wesley Albert Rosenblatt Victoria Graffeo Susan Read Robert Smith Eugene Pigott Eliot Spitzer: Theodore Jones David Paterson: Jonathan Lippman Andrew Cuomo: Jenny Rivera Sheila Abdus-Salaam Leslie Stein Eugene Fahey Janey DiFiore Michael Garcia Source: Commission on Judicial Nomination. (Some judges have several terms and were reappointed, they are only listed once in this chart) See More Collapse Gov. Mario Cuomo came to office just a few years after the state stopped electing its top jurists. His three terms in office (1983 through 1994) afforded him the chance to craft the court though his son did it in just six years. The new all-Cuomo court will provide a chance for this governor to leave a legal imprint through decisions affecting New Yorkers for years to come. And it will be doubly important this year, given the likelihood that Republican President-elect Donald Trump will appoint a conservative tie-breaking ninth member to the U.S. Supreme Court soon after taking office, with the potential for a handful of similar picks in the years to come. If that happens, New Yorkers concerned about federal court action on hot-button issues including abortion rights and labor or environmental affairs will almost surely look to the state court to uphold what legal experts say are the broad protections it offers on a number of fronts. "New York, by in large, can always provide more protection of rights and liberties than the U.S. Supreme Court does," said Vincent Bonventre, an Albany Law School professor and noted court-watcher. In Bonventre's view, Cuomo has so far put together a coherent, capable Court of Appeals that includes jurists with both Democratic and Republican backgrounds, as well as those with experience in both law enforcement and defendants' rights. He has also worked to build ethnic and geographic diversity on the court. On Dec. 1, the state Commission on Judicial Nomination will present the governor with a list of up to seven candidates to fill Pigott's spot a process that invariably sparks a round of speculation in the state's legal and political circles about who may be named. Interviews with legal experts turned up some common themes about what the governor might be seeking. One is that the court has no one with commercial litigation experience, which is an important part of the state's legal landscape. "We hear concern that the current Court of Appeals lacks someone with a background in commercial issues," said Dennis Hawkins, executive director at the Fund for Modern Courts, an organization that works to improve the state court system. While diverse, some have pointed out that there is no Asian jurist on the current court. Nor is there anyone with ties to the politically important Long Island region. There has never been an openly gay judge. Court watchers stress that these points are less important than a judge's experience, knowledge and ability but they could be political considerations. The speed with which Cuomo has been able to name every member of the court is owed in part to voters statewide, who three years ago roundly rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have pushed back the mandatory retirement age of 70. Former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman who was nominated by Gov. David Paterson pushed for the change, which he argued would bring the court into the modern world by acknowledging longer lifespans and years of productivity. Cuomo was largely silent on the amendment in the months leading up to the 2013 vote although he did say it could create problems, such as allowing judges who had retired from other positions to double dip or collect pensions while still on the court. The proposal failed by more than 400,000 votes and did not extend the terms of sitting high court judges, including Lippman and Pigott. Regardless of who is chosen, existing precedents and the state's body of law are distinct from federal rules. And compared to the federal constitution, New York's document provides more protections against many forms of government intrusion and more rights. "We have our own constitution that protects individual rights,'' said Hawkins. Items such as union and worker protections as well as rights to an education and environmental safeguards are not specifically mentioned in the federal constitution, which is the U.S. Supreme Court's guiding document. All those issues are covered in the state constitution. "Suddenly, there's going to be a situation where it will probably reinvigorate states' rights," longtime Albany defense lawyer Terry Kindlon said of what a Trump Court could do. He was a key player in a central 1992 decision in which he represented a Chenango County man, Guy Scott, who had been arrested after police entered a large piece of property he owned and found marijuana plants. While the U.S. Constitution protects against search and seizure only in one's home or the immediate area around it, the state constitution takes a broader view, saying the safeguards apply to acreage a person may own. Kindlon pointed to that difference and reversed the conviction on grounds that Scott fell victim to a wrongful warrantless search. More recently, the Court of Appeals ruled that police cannot attach a GPS device to a person's car without a warrant. In that instance, the U.S. Supreme Court ended up coming to the same conclusion after the state ruling. There are other areas where New York law and courts differ from other states as well as from federal statutes. Non-compete clauses, for example, in which employees agree not to go to work for competitive firms within a certain time period, are very difficult to enforce in New York, especially compared to other states like Florida. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. And it's much harder to use a criminal defendant's silence as evidence against him or her again in contrast with other states. New York's anti-discrimination laws are broader and stronger than what the federal statutes offer. In one landmark case from 2001, a lesbian couple won the right to student housing at Yeshiva University medical school, which had tried to keep them out of the dorms. New York also has comparatively robust laws designed to protect consumers, attorneys say. The extent to which similar cases come up in the Court of Appeals could depend on what a Trump Supreme Court chooses to rule on. Trump acknowledged the differences between federal and state laws a few days after his election in a "60 Minutes" interview. When asked what might happen if the Supreme Court were to someday overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide, he said the issue could then be decided on a state-by-state basis. That would put New York law in an even more important spot when it comes to such topics. "New York can lead the nation again by affirming our right to the full range of reproductive health care," Fern Whyland, spokeswoman for Family Planning Advocates of NYS, said in an email when asked about the impact the new Supreme Court could have on the state. New York stopped electing its top judges toward the end of Gov. Hugh Carey's administration due to concerns that the court was becoming too politicized. With Pigott's departure, the Court of Appeals will be losing one of its two Republicans the other is Judge Michael Garcia, who joined the court in February. Pigott, an Army veteran who was an interpreter in Vietnam before returning to New York, came up through the trial and appellate courts, and was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Gov. George Pataki. He is considered moderately conservative, a stance that is balanced by more liberal members such as Jenny Rivera, who has a background in the Legal Aid Society and state Division for Human Rights. "I wouldn't categorize him as a right-winger,'' said Bonventre. ''He's real common-sense." A few names of possible Pigott replacements are already starting to surface in the legal community but they will likely spark a lot of discussion once the nominees are listed in December. And no matter who is chosen, the Court of Appeals will likely remain a uniquely New York institution, more liberal than numerous other states such as, say, Alabama, Bonventre said. "It's definitely a New York court,'' he said. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany An orthodontist. A pharmacist. A mechanic. They came from the rural fringes of the Capital Region but landed in Albany federal court for the same reason: They lived on the fringes of domestic terrorism. Glenn Richard Unger, Martin S. Kimber and Glendon Scott Crawford, are local examples of a larger world of homegrown militias, Patriot movements and "sovereign citizens" under constant scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Justice, which lists its top goal as the prevention of terrorist attacks. It is a world with varying levels of anti-government extremism: Unger, a Columbia County orthodontist and "elder" in the sovereign citizen movement, evaded taxes. Kimber, a retired pharmacist and Nazi sympathizer, drove from his Ulster County home to repeatedly sprinkle mercury around Albany Medical Center Hospital. Crawford, a former General Electric mechanic and Klansman from Saratoga County, sought to use deadly radiation on Muslims, the Executive Mansion in Albany and the White House. It is a world that grew significantly during the tenure of President Barack Obama and a world federal authorities say continues to threaten America from within as the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, a time of extra alert. "It is a constant threat. It is an ever-present threat," said Albany-based U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian, who became a federal prosecutor two years after the Oklahoma City bombing killed 168 people on April 19, 1995. "I'm in my 20th year. It seems like we're certainly more concerned now about this kind of threat than we were when I began my career. I think we face these cases with some regularity." On Dec. 8, Crawford, a former Navy reservist who said he was clamoring to have his country back, will become the first person in the United States sentenced for trying to produce or use a radiological dispersal device, in violation of a 2004 law passed to keep terrorists from using a dirty bomb. He faces life in prison. In 2015, New York state was home to 40 anti-government Patriot groups to rank sixth nationwide behind Pennsylvania (60), California (55), Texas (54), Virginia (41) and Missouri (41), according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, a civil rights organization. The list included the 3 Percenters, American Patriot Party, Oath Keepers, John Birch Society, Constitution Party of New York and Get Out Of Our House or www.goooh.com. The SPLC said "generally, such groups define themselves as opposed to the 'New World Order,' engage in groundless conspiracy theorizing, or advocate or adhere to extreme anti-government doctrines." On Oct. 26, Hartunian's office charged Robert Twiss, a member of a Greene County militia and ardent supporter of the 3 Percenters, with unlawfully possessing a rifle as a felon. Over the last two years, Twiss unwittingly boasted to an FBI informant about doomsday scenarios, including one in which he said he could "cripple" a Federal Emergency Management Agency building. Twiss also allegedly bragged he could add Tannerite, an exploding target, to a propane tank and open fire. "I can kill about 40 people," Twiss told the informant, according to a complaint written by an FBI agent. In the event of Armageddon, Twiss planned to venture into Albany, approach the Joint Terrorism Task Force building and "reach it with a (expletive)-ing Molotov launcher if needed," he said. Twiss, who was not allowed to own a gun because of a 1981 burglary conviction, used a Facebook profile picture of himself holding a rifle in the snow next to an American flag he put at half-staff because, he said, "My country is dead." Was Twiss a domestic terrorist? An outspoken extremist? A nut? "When we get information we can't tell immediately if it is some crackpot or if it is someone who represents a very real danger and so we treat every case as though we are facing a real danger," Hartunian said. "There are threats that we have to run down (that) we obviously don't talk about or publicize. If the investigation gets to a point where we determine that someone has violated federal law, those are cases that we are going to charge. Not every threat that we investigate results in a criminal prosecution." And not every criminal prosecution against anti-government groups is successful. On Oct. 27, a jury in Oregon acquitted brothers Ammon and Ryan Bundy, and five others linked to the Citizens for Constitutional Freedom group, of conspiracy and weapon charges in connection with their armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife refuge for six weeks. Timothy McVeigh, the man executed for the Oklahoma City bombing, had known ties to a militia in Michigan. The attack marked what is considered the start of the anti-government militia movement. In 1996, the year after Oklahoma City, there were 858 anti-government Patriot groups, SPLC statistics show. By 2007, numbers had plummeted to 131. But the number of groups skyrocketed after Obama was elected in 2008. Last year, the center counted 998 anti-government Patriot groups. "Factors fueling the anti-government movement in recent years include changing demographics driven by immigration, the struggling economy and the election of the first African-American president," the SPLC noted on its website. "Generally, anti-government groups climb during Democratic administrations," said Ryan Lenz, senior writer for the Southern Law Poverty Center's Intelligence Report. "The conspiracy theories that animate this movement tend to focus on liberal policies the idea of globalism or a 'new world order.' These are the ideas that are sort of the backbone of anti-government material." Anthony Defino, the assistant special agent-in-charge of the Albany FBI who oversees the area's Joint Terrorism Task Force, said it is one thing to ramble about the government or even say you support terrorism, but it crosses the line when it turns into acting out against the government. He said he believes the local terror threat has remained stable and not increased after an uptick of threats following the passage of the SAFE Act, the gun control measure pushed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2012. Defino did not envision an increase with the election of President-elect Donald Trump over Hillary Rodham Clinton. "If anything, the extremists would have been more upset if Hillary won," he said. Defino said non-extreme militias in New York will typically work with law enforcement and kick out someone who is acting irresponsibly. Indeed, George Curbelo, state commander of the New York Light Foot Militia, said he came across Twiss and deemed him to be a hothead who did not exemplify what his group is about. He stressed his militia is not an offensive force, does not support anti-government views, extremism, racism or anything against the law. "The unorganized militia is basically average citizens that are willing to be available to their community in times of need," he said. "The people like Twiss unfortunately, really they are the negative caricatures of the people that are actually in the community." Curbelo owns a martial arts business. He is an adjunctive professor at SUNY Delhi. He has sons in the U.S. military. He distanced his group from sovereign citizens, who he said to a degree "just want anarchy" and a collapse of society. "For us, we don't consider ourselves to be extreme. Compared to the far left, of course, we're going to be perceived as being extreme," he said. "But the reality is, we've had at our public meetings Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, a couple of liberals." He said, "The government has gotten very, very large." Curbelo said his organization started out in opposition to the Safe Act. "We did everything in our power and used every form of redress of grievance available to us to try to get the politicians in Albany to listen to us and it really wasn't working," he said. "We believed that there was a small chance that the government in Albany would have become exceedingly tyrannical, so many of us started discussing what we felt would be needed for self-defense against tyranny." His group began as the New York Revolution 3 Percenters organization and eventually evolved to become his current militia. Curbelo said the 3 Percenters name is a loose term. "There's a lot of people that say they're 3 Percenters or they're militia but they really aren't attached to a particular group," he said. The 3 Percenters name was coined by the late Michael Brian Vanderboegh, an Alabama man active in the militia movement since the early 1990s. It suggests that only three percent of American colonists fought against the British in the Revolutionary War, a notion the SPLC says is untrue. John Wallace of Chatham, president of the Oath Keepers in New York, told the Times Union in an email that SPLC's information about groups such as his is untrue. Wallace sent three letters to Cuomo's office between 2014 and 2015 to complain about a bulletin from the New York State Intelligence Center which, according to Wallace, made an "unwarranted connection to the New York Oath Keepers and other constitutional Liberty groups in New York State" to deadly shootings. His organization is comprised of active retired military, police and firefighters, he said. "We are NOT far-right extremists, nor do we pose a danger to law enforcement." Preventing the next Timothy McVeigh is not an exact science. In 2009, Hartunian's office prosecuted the case of Scott Monroe, a Watervliet man who built more than 100 grenade-sized explosives using instructions from an internet site and tubes bought from retail stores, court papers show. In the same case, an informant heard a co-defendant, Jonathan Plunkett of Troy, reference "two militias" supposedly forming. Ultimately, Monroe, Plunkett and Aaron Scorsone of Watervliet were convicted of illegally agreeing to manufacture and sell explosive materials. In that case, the talk of militias was hyperbole. At times the tales of Capital Region extremists seem almost comical. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Shane Robert Smith, 19, a white supremacist from Washington County convicted earlier this year, tried to use maple syrup as currency to buy two machine guns to help launch his "Silent Resistance Army." But that bizarre detail aside, the Whitehall man planned to use his "army" to kill blacks and Jews. He was quoted saying, "I love violence." Similarly, when Unger was stopped by State Police in 2012, he refused to give his name and identified himself as a ''1922 silver dollar coin," a reference to the United States going off the gold standard to back currency, which "sovereign citizens" believe destroyed the country. The case sounds like comedy but court papers showed Unger kept assault rifles and an Uzi 9 mm handgun in his former home in St. Lawrence County. He kept documents in a Rensselaer County storage facility about armor-piercing ammunition, grenade launching devices, and chlorine, pipe and envelope bombs. In 2006, Kimber set off warning signs when he handed an Ulster County tax collector a check with a Nazi symbol on it and the words "EXTORTION PAYMENT." Within six years, the former pharmacist at Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie was sprinkling mercury around Albany Med, including its cafeteria in a cooler, fruit bowls, salad bar and toasters. When investigators raided Kimber's home in rural Ruby they found 21 guns, 50 knives and 1,000 rounds of ammunition, where a Nazi swastika was prominently displayed on a wall. Warning signs were clear when Crawford, from Providence, Saratoga County, approached Jewish organizations in the hope they would join his chilling plans to use the mobile radiation-spewing device. The organizations quickly called police who called in federal investigators. In August 2015, a jury took less than three hours to convict Crawford, who faces a life term at his Dec. 8 sentencing. Crawford was caught on hours of video talking to undercover agents who posed as like-minded individuals. Footage showed Crawford with Google maps of targets for his radiation weapon that included the Executive Mansion in Albany and the White House. The Klansman targeted Muslim institutions that included Masjid As-Salam on Central Avenue in Albany, Masjid e-Nabvi in Schenectady and the Islamic Center of the Capital District in Colonie, where Crawford, a married father of three children, hoped to target a school. His sidekick, Eric Feight, a Columbia County man who built the would-be weapon is serving eight years. A look at courtroom testimony The language of "sovereign citizens" can be maddening even to judges. The anti-tax activists, considered a subset of the anti-government militia and Patriot movements, have annoyed more than one Albany judge in recent years with arcane ramblings, bizarre references and replies that almost sound comical. In 2013, sovereign citizen Gregory Foland enraged Albany County Judge Stephen Herrick by refusing to identify himself in court. "Were you given the name Gregory Foland by your parents when you were born?" the judge asked. "I don't recall. I was a baby," Foland responded. "Is this your picture from the Department of Motor Vehicles?" the judge asked. "It's in your hand that would make it yours, wouldn't it?" Foland answered. In 2008, Daniel J. Riley, a Cohoes electrician, was equally confusing when he appeared before a federal judge in Maine for a hearing to change lawyers. Riley was charged and later convicted of assisting anti-tax extremists Edward and Elaine Brown hole up in a fortress in New Hampshire. Riley bought guns, explosives, lethal perimeter devices and, according to the judge, "indicated on multiple occasions that he would resist the United States marshal in enforcing a court order to arrest Mr. and Mrs. Brown with force." "My attorney doesn't represent me," Riley told Judge George Singal in U.S. District Court in New Hampshire. "Pardon me?" the judge responded. "He's not my attorney," Riley said. "He keeps saying he's for Mr. Riley. I know he represents the legal fiction which the U.S. government created, but he doesn't represent Daniel Jonathan, Family of Riley, that live in Maynard." "Thank you, Mr. Riley. You may be seated. The record will note Mr. Riley is in the courtroom. I have earlier found that the defendant is competent to be sentenced," the judge said. Riley replied, "I'm not the defendant." The most bizarre example might be convicted tax evader Glenn Richard Unger, a former orthodontist who once referred to himself to police as a 1932 silver dollar coin as well as referred to himself as "deceased." It's here! The first look poster of superstar Rajinikanth's much-anticipated 2.0 is out. Going by the poster, the film has blockbuster written all over it. First look of Rajinikanth's 2.0 is out By India Today Web Desk: After the stupendous success of Kabali, superstar Rajinikanth will be next seen in the upcoming sci-fi drama 2.0, a sequel to the blockbuster Tamil film Enthiran. ALSO READ: Jeyamohan Rajinikanth's on 2.0- Akshay Kumar's character will be at par with Nolan's villains ALSO READ: Khaidi N0 150: Chiranjeevi, Kajal Aggarwal meet Mayor of Dubrovnik As promised, the makers have finally revealed the first look poster from the film, which is creating waves online. advertisement Akshay Kumar took to Twitter and unveiled the much-awaited poster. Recently, the makers released the teaser poster of the film, which revealed Khiladi Kumar as an ornithologist. Notably, the first look event is taking place at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, where eminent personalities from the industry are attending the first look launch. Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is hosting the grand event. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth was recently spotted at Sholinganallur in Chennai, shooting for 2.0. Directed by Shankar, the film also stars Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain in pivotal roles. Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, the film is being made on a lavish budget of Rs 350 crore and will be simultaneously released in Hindi and Telugu, apart from Tamil. The film has music by Academy Award winner AR Rahman and will release on Diwali next year. --- ENDS --- [November 20, 2016] More Than 1100 Professionals Attend RSA Conference 2016 Abu Dhabi RSA (News - Alert) Conference (http://www.rsaconference.com/), the world's leading information security conference and exposition, in conjunction with the UAE National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) has successfully concluded this year's Conference with over 1100 attendees from around the world. The Conference featured 35 exhibitors, seven tracks and nine keynote sessions which sparked in-depth conversations across a range of topics and industries, including cloud, smart city security, telecommunications, IoT, policy and government. Sponsors and exhibitors that participated at the conference were Cisco (News - Alert), DarkMatter, Qualys Inc., RSA, Spire Solutions and Tenable Network Security, Inc. Key highlights included: A Live Cyber-Crisis Exercise Scenario that tested how governments, the private sector and others can work together to respond to threats that directly impact human life, public safety and critical markets. Opening Keynote remarks from Mohammed Al Zarooni, Acting Deputy Director General - Information & eGov Sector, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. RSA Conference CyberSafety: Kids initiative that provided guidance to conference delegates on promoting safe online environments for children today. Closing Keynote - "Risk Management in F1--Team Work & Technology at 350 kph" featured double Formula One World Champion Mika Hakkinen and industry executive Mark Gallagher, who delved into the crucial roles that risk management and IT play in performance driving. "We're extremely pleased with the positive response we received for the Conference this year. The success of the Conference is a strong testament to cybersecurity being given high priority in the Middle East, and we look forward to building on this moentum for conferences in the future," said Linda Gray Martin, General Manager, RSA Conferences. "Cyber security is viewed as an important issue worldwide, and the UAE is no exception to this. At the National Electronic Security Authority, the digital safety of our nation is a matter of critical importance. We look to inform and educate on the significance of data security, which is critical to every organization. We remain dedicated to this cause, and will continue to be so in order to play our role in protecting the UAE's cyber-integrity," stated a spokesperson from the UAE National Electronic Security Authority (NESA). Exhibitor quotes: Jonathan Gill, Vice President EMEA, RSA: "As the world transforms digitally and people and things become more interconnected - cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities - business and security leaders need to align technology and security with the needs of the business (a business-driven security strategy), in order to put security incidents into business context so they can take command of their evolving security posture. The RSA Conference Abu Dhabi provided us with an opportunity to share best practices, continue the conversation about technology trends, and discuss how to help solve security issues that affect the region the most." Hadi Jaafarawi, Managing Director, Qualys (News - Alert) Middle East: "RSA Conference Abu Dhabi 2016 was a great success as it provided us with a platform to connect with industry leaders and discuss best practices for securing IT environments. We also had the opportunity to showcase our latest solutions that allow our customers to achieve two-second visibility across all of their global IT assets, get the continuous view of their security and compliance posture and identify those that are already compromised." Bulent Teksoz, Global Cyber Security Strategist at BAE Systems (News - Alert) Applied Intelligence: "The RSA Conference in Abu Dhabi was a great opportunity to meet with other industry experts and leaders and compare notes on the latest cyber-defence best practices. Such gatherings are a testament to the UAE's position as a regional leader in the fight against cyber-crime and the country's efforts in creating a united front against attacks that are costing organisations in the region billions of Dirhams and irreparable reputational damage every year." About RSA Conference RSA Conference is the premier series of global events where the world talks security and leadership gathers, advances and emerges. Whether attending in the U.S., the EMEA region, or the Asia-Pacific region, RSA Conference events are where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and get access to the people, content and ideas that help enable individuals and companies to win, grow and do their best. It is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in security today. For information on events, online programming and the most up-to-date news pertaining to the information security industry visit www.rsaconference.com RSA is either a registered trademark or trademark of EMC (News - Alert) Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other products and/or services referenced are trademarks of their respective companies. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161119005003/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [November 20, 2016] Room to Read and IKEA Foundation Make Learning Fun for 93,000 Children in Bangladesh and Indonesia Today, on Children's Rights Day, Room to Read announced its partnership with IKEA and IKEA Foundation for Let's Play for Change, the new IKEA good cause campaign which supports Room to Read as well as five other children's rights organizations. Let's Play for Change supports children's rights to play and develop by donating 1 from the IKEA Foundation for every children's book and toy sold in IKEA stores from November 20 through December 24 to Room to Read as well as Handicap International Foundation, Save the Children, Special Olympics, UNICEF and War Child. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Children states that every child should have the right to play. However, millions of children are denied this opportunity according to a play insights document released by IKEA Foundation today. Teaching methods that emphasize rote learning leave little time for interactive or play-driven learning, where students use their creativity and imagination. Room to Read's Literacy Program creates safe, engaging and fun environments for children to learn and develop within government schools in low-income countries. Let's Play for Change will allow Room to Read to mpact approximately 93,000 children in Bangladesh and Indonesia by establishing vibrant libraries, training teachers in fun literacy instruction activities, and publishing hundreds of thousands of copies of original and engaging children's book titles in local languages. More information on their Literacy Program can be found at https://www.roomtoread.org/literacy-girls-education/literacy. "Through IKEA Foundation's Let's Play for Change campaign and the inspired action of IKEA customers around the world, Room to Read will bring the joy of reading and a love of learning to tens of thousands of children in government schools in Bangladesh and Indonesia," said Erin Ganju, CEO and co-founder of Room to Read. "Our innovative, data-driven, and cost-effective Literacy Program will effect systemic change in hundreds of communities through the establishment of libraries, training of teachers, and the capacity development of local authors and illustrators to publish locally-relevant and engaging children's books." About Room to Read Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children, Room to Read's innovative model focuses on deep, systemic transformation within schools in low-income countries during two time periods which are most critical in a child's schooling: early primary school for literacy acquisition and secondary school for girls' education. We work in collaboration with local communities, partner organizations and governments to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children and ensure girls can complete secondary school with the skills necessary to negotiate key life decisions. Room to Read has benefited 10 million children across 18,000 communities in Asia and Africa and aims to reach 15 million children by 2020. Learn more at https://www.roomtoread.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161120005011/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Three seek NLCS Board District 1 seat in upcoming election Three candidates are seeking election to the district one seat on the NLCS board: Incumbent Kirsten Collier, Craig Godsey and Jason Johnson. By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 20 (PTI) NDRF teams rescued more than 50 passengers including 16 badly trapped from the mangled bogies ofPatna-Indore Express which derailed in Kanpur during the wee hours. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed nearly 200 personnel in Kanpur for search and rescue operations at the site of train accident where at least 100 people died today. The operation was still in progress after six hours. advertisement The five NDRF teams were deployed after Home Minister Rajnath Singh instructed NDRF chief R K Pachnanda. Some additional teams are also put on stand by and shall be mobilised as per demand. To supervise the rescue operation, the DG of NDRF rushed to the site early in the morning from Delhi. Of the five teams, one comprising 35 personnel immediately rushed to the incident site at 0530 hours from its Regional Response Centre (RRC) Lucknow and reached there at 0810 hours after which it started search and rescue operation. Two more teams comprising of 79 personnel from Varanasi too reached Kanpur within hours. To strengthen the rescue operation,additional two teams comprising 75 personnel were airlifted from Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad at 1001 hours and reached at the site at 1105 hours, a Home Ministry statement said. NDRF teams comprise of trained responders, equipped withstate-of-the-artDisaster Management gadgets and Medical Components. As the victims are trapped inside the bogies, due care and diligence was being taken. NDRF personnel are making all possible efforts to rescue the trapped victims, officials said. So far, NDRF has rescued 53 passengers including 16 badly trapped from the bogies, they said. An NDRF Control Room is monitoring the situation round the clock and is in touch with Railway authorities and local civil administration to render any kind of assistance. The Home Minister has expresseddeep pain over the loss of lives caused by derailment. Rajnath Singh said there will be an enquiry into the incident to find out the detail cause of the accident. "There will definitely be an enquiry to find out how it happened," he told reporters at the sidelines of an event here. The incident took place at about 0310 hours approximately 60 km away from Kanpur at a location known as Pukhrayan where over 100 people were killed and nearly 150 injured. PTI ACB AKV RT --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Aam Aadmi Party has made it clear that Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur Bhagwant Mann will contest Punjab assembly polls against deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal. The Delhi chief minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal made this announcement on Sunday. Bhagwant Mann will be fielded against Sukhbir Badal from Jalalabad assembly segment in the upcoming state polls. If Sukhbir Badal shifts to another constituency, Bhagwant Mann will contest from that very assembly segment, AAP made it clear. advertisement READ| AAP's Bhagwant Mann may not take part in demonetisation debate in Lok Sabha This move gives a clear signal that Bhagwant Mann is likely to be AAP's chief ministerial candidate in Punjab. AAP has a history of pitting its best candidate against the biggest name from the opposition camp. ALSO WATCH: In 2013-Delhi assembly polls, Arvind Kejriwal had made a similar move by contesting successfully against the then chief minister Sheila Dikshit. Arvind Kejriwal had also contested against Narendra Modi in 2014-general elections from Varanasi. READ| Politics over SYL: Caught in the act While the AAP made it clear that its most popular face in Punjab would take on the most powerful leader from ruling dispensation, the Shiromani Akali Dal was hesitant in declaring the assembly segment for the incumbent deputy CM. The AAP has planned to intensify its engagement with the voters in the constituency of Sukhbir Badal to send a strong message that the party is serious in replicating its electoral victory attained in Delhi. Arvind Kejriwal is likely to address 21 rallies in Punjab over next 10 days.ALSO READ| Punjab poll: All Akali ministers except Badals in SAD's 1st list --- ENDS --- SilverStones Surprise Box When word of my 12VDC adapter round-up reached the folks at SilverStone, representatives reached out to offer their VAC21 for review, kindly offering some other samples to peruse as well. When I started writing this story, I had received the first of what became three shipments, and I wasn't expecting the stash to grow so significantly. Since I really did need a USB 3.0 hub on my desk to avoid crawling under there whenever I needed an available port, I decided to look at the EP03 first. Based on our email conversation, SilverStone seemed confident in its products. We're eager to see what the company bases its confidence on. No matter what happens, SilverStone deserves a round of applause for stepping up to the plate with such aplomb. MORE: Best Deals MORE: Hot Bargains @PurchDeals The SST-EP03 What does the print up front promise us? Integrated voltage and current monitoring, clearly visible on the front of the unit Up to 2A of current per port High-quality brushed aluminum design Over-voltage and over-current protection An AC adapter Compliance with the USB power delivery v1.2 specification Since there is no USB-PD v1.2, SilverStone must have meant BC (Battery Charging) specification, which officially corresponds to up to 1.5A at 5V. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE:10 Inexpensive Automotive USB Adapters Tested Specifications There's no secret sauce hiding here: SilverStone outright states that its USB hub is based on the Genesys Logic GL3522 USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s) chip. If brushed aluminum advertised on the front got you excited, hold on to your horses. The side with the specifications on it says Material: Aluminum & plastic. So, how much of each do you think well find? There's no more bogus USB-PD mentioned, either; it turns into the expected BC 1.2 instead. What is a detection range? That's SilverStones unusual name for its monitoring/metering display. Since the feature has to be powered from the same source as everything else, I doubt it can actually monitor and display voltages below about 1.3V, where it wouldn't have enough voltage to drive the hub's red LEDs. Finally, we have the 5V/3.5A, which presumably corresponds to the external power adapters ratings. MORE: Best PC Builds MORE: Best Cases Inside The Box I like folded cardboard boxes; they keep things neatly organized using a single sheet to partition the different items. Here, the front part contains the instructions and the USB hub itself, while the power adapter and USB cable are hidden behind the partition that swings out to the right. MORE: Best Deals MORE: Hot Bargains @PurchDeals Contents What you find inside is exactly what you expect based on the outside: a USB hub, power adapter, USB 3.0 Type A-to-B cable, and a manual. The included cord is only three feet long. While this may be perfect for customers with PCs on a desk, it may be too short for people like me with hardware tucked away to conserve space. In my case, I have to leave the USB hub on the back edge of my desk. An extra foot would have really helped get the hub into a more convenient position. On the plus side, bending over my desk to reach it is still much better than crawling under. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE:10 Inexpensive Automotive USB Adapters Tested Power Adapter Instead of sourcing country-specific power adapters, SilverStone picked a universal 100-240V solution with a modular plug branded Fullpower and manufactured by Shenzhen Yingyuan. Since I intend to actually use this hub, I went to check Underwriter Labs database for e310745. This adapter appears to have a legit file number, unlike many products from Shenzhen that often have fake file numbers or no safety certification whatsoever. MORE: Best PC Builds MORE: Best Cases The Hub As soon as I picked the hub up, it became evident that there's not much aluminum here. Aside from the front cover, everything else feels like ABS. Punched into the aluminum sheet, you find holes for the LED voltage and current display, the four downstream USB 3.0 ports, a small button to select the port you want to measure, and tiny holes for the LEDs indicating port selection. I wish there was a way to disable the lights entirely, since LEDs aren't always desirable. A few minutes of testing revealed that the display is accurate within two counts for voltage and one count for current. That's good enough to get a rough idea of how much power devices are using as they charge. MORE: Best Deals MORE: Hot Bargains @PurchDeals Viewing Angle While LEDs do not have much of an intrinsic viewing angle without a lens of some sort, this implementation runs into a line-of-sight issue when viewed more than about 20 off-axis due to the seven segment LEDs being recessed half-way inside the housing. That's not what I expected from the packaging photo, which made it look like the LEDs were right under the surface. They do remain centered, despite the perspective change. The packaging also shows an indication of 2.0A, even though nothing is plugged in (not even power or a host cable). Clearly, the image is a doctored photograph. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE:10 Inexpensive Automotive USB Adapters Tested Ports The hubs top end provide its two upstream connections: a standard USB 3.0 Type B connector for data and power from the host device, and a 3.51.35mm barrel connector for the optional external power adapter. Unlike the USB port, which is flush with the body at the bottom and recessed half a millimeter at the top, the power jack is recessed two millimeters below the surface. While the AC adapter plug is long enough to bottom out with millimeters to spare, this looks like a fit and finish oversight to me. MORE: Best PC Builds MORE: Best Cases Bottom Cover Aside from the four Phillips-head screws holding the front to the back, which would normally be covered by self-adhesive rubber feet at each corner, the rear cover hosts nothing more than serial and model number stickers. The model sticker describes the device as A smart four ports USB 3.0 hub with fast charging and power meter. MORE: Best Deals MORE: Hot Bargains @PurchDeals CE Marks In past stories, some readers wanted me to cover conformity marking. Today I'll cover one of the most commonly abused or faked ones: Europes CE mark, often dubbed Chinese Export thanks to how common CE-like marks are on Chinese electronics. On correct CE marks, such as the one on the AC adapter, the C is a cropped circle that tangentially overlaps the E in the middle. The countless Chinese Export mark variants, such as the one on the back of the EP03 itself, have the C and E spaced one line width closer and are tangent on their inner radius. When the European Union investigated unauthorized use of the CE mark back in 2007, it concluded that there was no such thing as an official Chinese Export mark and that the resemblance must be a mark duplication error. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE:10 Inexpensive Automotive USB Adapters Tested IN THIS EPIC KANSAS CITY METRO SOCIAL MEDIA TESTIMONY, SUPER DAVE STANDS STEADFAST AGAINST A SHAWNEE SOCIALITE WHO BANNED HIM FROM A LOCAL BLOG!!! Sunday Free Speech Celebration From Super Dave: On this fine and frosty Sunday morning we want to offer a switcheroo and post just a bit of Kansas City metro ethnography of the local blog, community news and social media scene.Accordingly . . .It's a sordid tale of alleged deceit, country club intrigue, harsh times, crowd funding and the future of community journalism.Local newsies and others will know the cast of characters mentioned by SD but we'll let you do the math and remind everybody that they're probably guessing wrong. Yes, this is a blind item. . . As far as community concern and relevance among these public figures goes . . . This perspective from Super Dave is important because it depicts debate over the future of online journalism, free speech along with a reminder that not all white guys get along with each other. These are all crucial topics to consider within the context of the local discourse.And so, without further ado . . . Here's a glimpse into the brave new world of online journalism courtesy of a TKC comment favorite.Checkit:Jay came up to me three or four weeks ago and wanted to know what my issue was with him. I asked him to clarify on what he thought my issue was. He wouldnt say where, but somewhere I guess something was said about him seeking donations while living supposedly a good life . . . I told him I knew nothing about that but that I had publicly stated my displeasures with him for the simple reason that he banned me and never would explain why.I then asked him if he really thought I was the only person who didnt really care for him or his blog. I like to call it a blog because I heard he hates that. I also told him, that Im still irritated with him for the simple reason he didnt have the guts to confront me on the issue nor explain why he banned me. He told me that I had violated their rules on posting comments and that if I would read those rules I would understand why he banned me. I told him I had done such. I also told him Tracy reached out to him and he wouldnt explain it to her either and made it clear to her it wasnt even open for discussion, and that to me is a very self-centered banning of free speech way to handle his blog.I told him that was the most piss poor reason I have ever seen to ban somebody from blog commenting about an incomplete story on what he deems is a supposedly news site. He took it as me harassing him and said that on previous occasions I had been far from nice with my comments. I told him that I thought anybody that disagreed with him would probably be considered as not nice. Then he went on to explain to me how his cars werent that good and how the ones he had traded in were so bad, blah, blah, blah, blah, like I was supposed to buy this line of extreme bullshit and he was living in almost complete poverty. I dont know who said what was said, and I really dont care because if somebody calls him on his lifestyle while hes out begging for donations to keep his little blog going he should be man enough to address it in the correct fashion.In short he does not want to give up good living or a good life in an attempt to make his little blog work. Its very clear to see the guy cannot take any negative criticism and thinks hes got the greatest thing going ever for Johnson County. I know for a fact a lot of business owners dont like him they just flat dont care for him, as one told me, he so arrogant I want to punch him in the face but I cant have them say anything negative about me in print either so I have to put up with him. Thats why he doesnt get any advertising the people that are probably supporting him are the few that you see in their posting on a regular basis and a few others.But anyway thats what took place and I look back on it and I kind of laugh because the guy is so out of touch with reality I sometimes wonder if he even knows what's really going on anywhere beyond the street of his own house.#############You decide . . . The huge economic crisis that has struck Greece has resulted in the lockage of small and large businesses, however other historic Greek brands have been reborn and given new leases of life under new ownership The huge economic crisis that has struck Greece has resulted in the lockage of small and large businesses, however other historic Greek brands have been reborn and given new leases of life under new ownership. A revival of sorts is noted as Greek business returns to its roots: Karamolengos In September the Karamolengos bakery relaunched the Katselis brand to the market following its withdrawal from the Greek market in 2013 due to the Nutriart bankruptcy. The decision has huge significance bearing in mind the fact that it holds a huge share of the packaged bread market. The company has implemented 10 million euros from 2015-2016 for the installation of a new production line. Through Katselis, Karamolengos hopes to acquire an 8.7 percent share in 2017 and 15 percent in 2018. Softex Following the decision of the Athinaiki Hartopoiia (a subsidiary of the Italian Bolton Group) to withdraw from the Greek market after 80 years of operation the most well-known brand of the Softex company returned to Greek hands in order to come back at the start of 2017. The new owner of the well-known brand is part of the company Intertrade Hellas that last year had sales worth 55 million euros that will surpass 62 million euros this year. IZOLA Many estimated that the return of the electric appliance company IZOLA was a high risk, its relaunching by George Dimitriou was a bet that appears to be paying off. IZOLA appliances have the same quality that made them stand out in the past, whereas the price continues to be reasonable. The appliances are created in Poland. In the past, IZOLA was the largest Greek home appliance company. FIX The relaunching of FIX was the brainchild of Yiannis Hitos before the recession of 2010 and is one of the more successful moves as people took to the Greek beer with feelings of nostalgia. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Greek minister of state and government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said that the timely completion of the second evaluation and positive news on the debt will put an end to the left parenthesis scenario painted by Syrizas critics. We will pass the difficult phase of the second evaluation without compromising our principles, we will take concrete measures for Greek debt adjustment and we will continue our struggle to get Greece back on track, stressed Dimitris Tzanakopoulos in an interview in the Sunday edition of the Greek daily Avgi. The minister and government spokesman noted the extremely significant results brought about by US president Obamas visit in support of securing debt adjustment. He dismissed scenarios of early elections and sharply criticized the conservative opposition party New Democracy and its leader, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, for what he described as ongoing attempts to undermine the governments efforts at debt adjustment by blaming Syriza for the harsh austerity measures that such an eventuality would necessitate. Dimitris Tzanakopoulos stressed that the timely completion of the second evaluation and positive news on the debt would deflate Mr. Mitsotakiss characterization of Syriza as a left-wing parenthesis, or a political party with a short life span. He added that in the next Eurogroup, what has been agreed upon should be adhered to and short-term measures for the debt should be taken, measures that have even been accepted by Mr. Schauble, noting that in addition, the aim is to refine long- and medium-term measures so that the necessary decisions can be taken soon, including a lowering of surplus target levels from 2019 onwards. There is no scenario of early elections, Mr. Tzanakopoulos insisted, saying: Today we are in the middle of the road and are resolved to make it across to the other side. If we allow ourselves to be plagued with doubts about how to do so, the chances are that we will get run over. He continued: The Greek people, who trusted us during an extremely difficult period, can forgive mistakes, but would never forgive us for abandoning our responsibilities. Source: ANA 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 By PTI: From Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Nov 20 (PTI) Indian energy giant Adani Group today announced its new venture for construction of two major solar projects in Australia next year as part of its efforts to develop renewable energy projects in the country with a total capacity of 1,500 MW within the next five years. "Adani today announced that it proposes to commence construction of two major solar projects in Australia next year, each with an output of 100-200 MW," a company statement issued here said. advertisement Land agreements were in place for the projects in South Australia and Queensland and Adani has commenced the design and tendering phases for both projects. Adani aims to develop renewable energy projects in Australia with a total capacity of 1,500 MW within the next five years, it noted. The Australian solar projects will be in addition to Adanis 16.5 billion dollar investment in the planned Carmichael coal mine in Queenslands Galilee Basin, which has faced years of legal delays over environmental approvals, as well as rail and port facilities. The companys head of Australian operations, Jeyakumar Janakaraj, said that these projects will offer a solid foundation to Adanis renewable energy business in Australia and will contribute to meeting the countrys renewable energy target commitments. "Coupled with the companys 3.3 billion dollars of investment to date across its mine, rail and port projects in Queensland, Adanis plans to pursue solar investment opportunities reflect the confidence the company has in the Australian market," Janakaraj said. "This reflects both Adanis commitment as a diversified energy and infrastructure company in India and a leading solar generator in that market, and the companys plans to build a long-term future with Australia," he said. Adani has constructed approximately 793 MW of solar plant capacity in India to date, including one of the worlds largest solar plants in Tamil Nadu which has a capacity of 648 MW. Adani has a further 1,225 MW in construction or late development phase in India. The environmental organistaion Mackay Conservation Group has welcomed Adanis decision to announce a 100 to 200 MW solar farm in Central Queensland. "This is a sensible move that recognises the long term future of electricity production is in renewables," Mackay Conservation Group coordinator, Peter McCallum said. "We also welcome the jobs that construction of a large scale solar power plant will bring without endangering jobs in Great Barrier Reef tourism. This is a win for everybody. Adani is fundamentally an energy company, not a miner, and their expertise is shifting rapidly towards becoming a clean energy producer in India and now in Australia," he said. The company has faced a protracted battle to establish Australias largest thermal coal mine. PTI NC KUN AKJ KUN --- ENDS --- advertisement Tourexpi, turizm haberleri, Reiseburos, tourism news, noticias de turismo, Tourismus Nachrichten, , travel tourism news, international tourism news, Urlaub, urlaub in der turkei, , holidays in Turkey, , global tourism news, dunya turizm, dunya turizm haberleri, Seyahat Acentas, This site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. Morocco and Ethiopia recently held a launch ceremony of a project to build a world-class integrated platform for fertiliser production in Ethiopia, said a report. Moroccos King Mohammed VI and Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Dessalegn, oversaw the launch ceremony and also chaired the signing ceremony of several agreements, added the Morocco World News report. The agreement to set up a $2.4 billion partnership for building the fertiliser plant was signed by Moroccos state-owned OCP and the Ethiopian Ministry of Public Enterprise. The partnership involves the development of a world-class fertilizer platform in Ethiopia in the hopes of increasing fertiliser usage across the continent. On this occasion, CEO of OCP Group, Mostafa Terrab, gave a speech during which he said that the project will require a total investment of nearly $3.7 billion, it said. Terrab said that the industrial megaproject will require an investment of $2.4 billion in its first phase in order to produce 2.5 million tonnes/year of fertiliser by 2022. He also pointed out that an additional investment of $1.3 billion is expected by 2025 to reach a total capacity of 3.8 million tonnes/year of fertiliser to support the growth of local demand. This South-South partnership is part of a common vision for the development of Africa between Morocco and Ethiopia and a strong willingness to strengthen economic ties, said Terrab, noting that this project aims to take full advantage of the complementarity between the respective natural resources of the two countries. This industrial platform, which will consist of an integrated complex of fertiliser production, industrial and storage units, is part of OCPs future strategic development plan to meet local fertiliser needs, added the report. The UAE and France have revealed plans for a new international partnership aimed at protecting cultural heritage during armed conflicts. This initiative will be launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Francois Hollande, President of France at the Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage conference. The conference, under the patronage of Unesco, will take place on December 2 and 3 at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. The global conference has been organised by the governments of the UAE and France in response to the growing threats to some of the worlds 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 those cases that have motivated the UAE and France to partner and to support UNESCOs global mandate to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. Speaking about the need for the conference at this time, Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority said: The legacy of a nation is manifest in its art, architecture and culture; the continuing devastation of these treasures in combat zones deprives us, and future generations, of a resource that is of enormous historical value. The deliberate destruction of cultural artefacts as an act of war reflects not only their symbolic importance to a nations collective consciousness but also underscores the urgent need to protect them. Al Mubarak added: Our ancestors passed down cultural heritage that has defined our civilization and united mankind through shared history. Safeguarding this heritage often becomes secondary to humanitarian, social and economic issues in times of unforeseen conflict; yet, it is our duty to come together and strive for the protection and perpetuation of this heritage. Held under the patronage of Unesco, the conference will be led by Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, as well as Jack Lang, president of Institut du Monde Arabe. It brings together more than 40 countries as well as key players, private or public institutions, involved in world heritage conservation. The mandate for the conference will be to define and achieve practical and sustainable goals in effectively safeguarding endangered movable and immovable cultural resources. This will involve the development of concrete and innovative solutions as well as the creation of a global framework for immediate and long-term goals. The conferences agenda will focus on capacity building for professionals in conflict areas and improving legal and funding mechanisms to facilitate emergency protection of heritage sites as well as post-conflict rehabilitation. It will also launch the creation of a global network of safe havens as refuges for endangered works, and a public and private sector international financial fund to sustain long term programmes to preserve cultural heritage. The conference will conclude with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. - TradeArabia News Service Masen, a leading force for renewable energy in the Middle East region, has selected of Acwa Power (leader) and Chint (technical member) to design, finance, construct, operate and maintain its Noor PV I programme in Morocco. The combined rate per kilowatt hour for the Noor PV I programme comes to 4.22 eurocents, one of the lowest on a global scale. After developing plants with CSP technology for the Noor Ouarzazate I, Noor Ouarzazate II, and Noor Ouarzazate III projects, Masen is pursuing the development of the first photovoltaic phase of the Noor solar plan (NOOR PV I Programme) with a combined capacity of approximately 170 MW from three solar plants: Noor Ouarzazate IV, with a maximum capacity of 70 MW, located in the Masen complex. Noor Laayoune, with a maximum capacity of 80 MW Noor Boujdour, with a maximum capacity of 20 MW During the signing ceremony, which took place today in the presence of Gerd Mueller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, as well as Mohamed Boussaid, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, Masen president Mustapha Bakkoury stated: "With these three solar plants, Masen continues to expand its portfolio of multi-technology projects, always with the goal of responding in the best way possible to the needs of our client and partner, Onee [the National Agency for Electricity and Drinking Water]. This is also the consolidation of long-standing partnerships, both with the KfW, which is financing the 4th and last phase of the Ouarzazate complex, and with Acwa Power, and it assures us that we will develop projects meeting international standards at Ouarzazate, Laayoune, and Boujdour." The three projects are developed by Masen in the framework of a three-part Independent Power Production (IPP) plan with Onee and that the consortium was selected through an international call for proposals. The innovative institutional development adopted by Masen allows for optimal risk alignment and for reduced production costs. Financing secured The unique legal and financial structuring of Masen's projects with the support of the state ensures the best price per kWh. Masen has signed the financing contract with the KfW Bankengruppe for the development of the Noor Ouarzazate IV project for 60 million. This financing is part of the ongoing support provided by the KfW, one of Masen's strategic partners, and the German authorities, expressing their confidence in the projects developed by Masen. Gerd Mueller, Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, said: "We share Morocco's forward-looking vision regarding the development of renewable energy and are impressed by the projects developed by Masen, which we are happy and proud to have supported from day one." Its solar projects in Laayoune and Boujdour, as well as the capital for Noor Ouarzazate IV, will be financed by the first green bonds in Morocco, which will be issued by Masen for 1,150 million Moroccan dirhams (106 million) and underwritten by Al Barid Bank, Attijariwafa Bank, the CMR [Caisse Marocaine de Retraite], and the SCR [Societe Centrale de Reassurance]. TradeArabia News Service By PTI: Kolkata, Nov 20 (PTI) Air India Express today launched its direct, non-stop flights from Kolkata to Singapore and Dhaka. According to a release issued by the Airlines, Flight IX-922 on the Kolkata-Singapore sector is scheduled to depart from Kolkata at 9 PM and arrive Singapore at 3.30 AM next day (local time). In the return direction, Flight IX 921 will departed Singapore at 3PM (local time) and reached Kolkata at 4.30 PM, it added. advertisement Earlier, on the same day Flight IX 912 departed Kolkata at 5.20 PM to land in Dhaka at 6.40 PM (local time). In the return direction, IX 911 is scheduled to depart for Dhaka at 7.30PM (local time) and arrive in Kolkata at 7.50 PM. The flights were formally inaugurated by Air India Express CEO K Shyam Sundar. Both the Singapore, as well as Dhaka services will be operated with a brand new 180-seater Boeing 737-800 aircraft and would be available four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. "This fulfills a long-standing demand for the National Carriers connectivity from Kolkata to South East Asia after a hiatus of over six years," one Kolkata spokesperson of Air India said. "In line with Air India Expresss policy of offering cost effective travel, we are offering the most competitive and affordable fares on the services to and from Kolkata," Shyam Sundar said. "We maintain 100 per cent schedule reliability and our on time performance is around 85 per cent," he added. The countrys first international budget carrier, Air India Express is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India Limited. The budget carrier currently operates over 550 flights per week, connecting 14 Indian cities to 13 destinations in the Middle East and South East Asia. PTI SCH MD SUA --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 19 (PTI) Amritsar will host the two-day ministerial conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process to be held from December 3. After meeting Union Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh today, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal said the conference would be held on December 3-4 in which more than 40 foreign ministers and dignitaries from various international organisations would participate. advertisement "This conference would give further boost to the image of Punjab and go a long way in helping it achieve a privileged position on the world map especially in tourism and hospitality management sectors," Badal said in a statement. The SAD leader said no stone would be left unturned to make the conference a grand success. Badal also mooted the idea of heritage walk around the Heritage Street for the dignitaries which was agreed upon by the Union Minister. During the course of the conference, various events would be held concentrating on the challenge of terrorism in the heart of Asia region especially Afghanistan, countering extremism, exploring cultural and civilisational similarities, and cooperation in education sector. PTI SKC JTR SMN --- ENDS --- Anantnag, November 19 Local militant Rayees Ahmad Dar of Kakapora village, Pulwama, was killed in an encounter in Pulwama district today while soldier Kala Singh of 8 Sikh Light Infantry was seriously injured in cross-border firing. An ambush was laid for militants in Begum Bagh. Personnel of 50 RR and the Special Operations Group (SOG) were part of the operation, a senior police official said. He said the two militants were riding a bike when they were intercepted by security personnel. The pillion rider got down and opened fire. He was killed after a brief encounter. His accomplice managed to flee, the official said. An AK-47 rifle and ammunition was found at the encounter site. Dar had joined the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen recently. In his mid-twenties, he had attended the ITI before being appointed trainer at the institute on a contractual basis, the officer said. Meanwhile, the police have appealed to young recruits to lay down arms. DIG (South Kashmir range) Niteish Kumar said rehabilitation cells had been formed at the district level to try integrate these boys with the mainstream. Reports said Pakistani troops continued to pound forward posts and villages near the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts. After a two-day lull, the Pakistan army today resorted to unprovoked heavy mortar shelling on forward posts and civilian areas in Kalsian, Jhanhar and Bhawani villages in Nowshera sector, using small and automatic arms and 120 mm mortars. Due to the heavy shelling, the movement of civil/police officials has been restricted. A house each at Makri and Kalisan villages was damaged in the shelling. Shanti Devi, 80, of Makri village received splinter injuries. Her condition is stable, said the SDM. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, November 19 Washington-based environmental organisation EcoSikh held its 1st annual conference at GNIMT, Gujjar Khan Campus, here today. The conference focused on creating strategies and partnerships to fight the climate change in Punjab and other parts of the globe. Over 75 guests gathered at the event. They explored ways to implement the United Nations 10-year agenda on sustainability. A strategic action plan was formed in consultation with the partner organisations to implement the agenda. In the past, EcoSikh has focused on curbing pollution on Gurpurb, water preservation in homes and gurdwaras, mandating environmental leadership training in the Sikh Missionary Colleges, reducing the use of plastic in the Sikh institutions, and switching to organic food. Dr Rajwant Singh, president, EcoSikh, came from Washington to take part in the conference. EcoSikhs India Project Manager Ravneet Singh and his team presented various projects of the organisation such as Sikh Environment Day, Eco Amritsar, Organic Langar, Youth Environmental Leadership Workshops, Green Gurpurbs and Green Nagar Kirtans. The EcoSikh has recently launched organic farming trainings and organic Sunday market in Amritsar to promote healthy food production and consumption. It has created partnerships with local farmers. The EcoSikh membership programme was introduced to engage the public in conservating the degrading environment in Punjab. Dr Rajwant Singh said: The humanity is suffering due to global warming and climate-change issues. It is going to have a devastating effect on the people in the state. The Punjabis have a part to play and act at institutional levels to contribute to the United Nations 10-year agenda. The EcoSikh president (India) Supreet Kaur said: Punjab, the food bowl of the country, is on the verge of desertification and we all need to sync our energies to fight for ecological sustainability. Water safety, food safety and health are our top priorities and we are looking for meaningful partnerships with everyone. Various individuals and organisations were honoured for their work on environmental issues. New Delhi, November 20 Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express on Sunday. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said, as announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the gravely injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. This will be in addition to the compensation the Railway Minister has already announced. At least 90 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the small hours of Sunday. PTI Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service Guwahati, November 19 Even as the people in North-East are facing cash crunch following the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, a small trading centre at remote Dadgiri close to the India-Bhutan border in Baksa district of Assam has remained hardly affected. It has become possible because traders and people in the area are using the Bhutanese currency, whose value is same as of the rupee. The far-flung areas neither have an ATM nor a bank branch within the 60-65 km radius. The border market at Dadgiri is the sole trading point for the people living in border areas. Meanwhile, a police source in Baksa district said the police had set up check points close to the India-Bhutan border in the district so that demonetised Indian currency could not be smuggled into Bhutan by unscrupulous elements. The Federation of Industry and Commerce of the Northeastern Region (FINER), a leading trade and commerce body of the region, has claimed at least 25 per cent loss in trading across the hilly states post-demonetisation. It has appealed to the Central and state governments to facilitate the expansion of banking infrastructure in the region so that the economy of the area does not suffer. New Delhi, Nov 20 A proctorial enquiry by JNU has found an Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad activist guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. Ahmed (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, has been missing since October 15 following an on-campus scuffle with the members of ABVP, including the suspect, Vikrant Kumar, the night before. "In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct," an official order read. Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. ABVP has, meanwhile, come out Kumar's support and accused the university administration of being "biased" in conducting the enquiry. "The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. Not only the enquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union," Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member. JNU students and teachers have been protesting against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to find the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the vice-chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for more than 20 hours. Last month, an SIT was formed to find Ahmed on the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II (South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The case was later transferred to Delhi Police's Crime Branch. PTI New Delhi, November 19 A Delhi court today once again granted permission to former TERI chief RK Pachauri, accused in a sexual harassment case, to travel abroad. Pachauri, currently on bail, was allowed to travel to Dominican Republic from November 22 to December 5 by Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan, after he moved an application. The court allowed the application, filed through Pachauris counsel Ashish Dixit, noting that the probe was complete and charge sheet has already been filed in the case. The investigation is complete and charge sheet has already been filed. The accused has been granted permission to travel abroad on several earlier occasions and has complied with the directions given by the court. In these circumstances, the accused is permitted to travel as per his itinerary... subject to furnishing a local surety of Rs 2 lakh to the satisfaction of this court, the court said and directed him to give an undertaking that he shall appear in court in person or through counsel and not dispute his identity at a later stage. It also asked him to file a copy of his travel tickets and intimate the court after his return or any changes in his travel itinerary. The court had on July 11 granted regular bail to Pachauri and allowed him to travel abroad after he appeared in pursuance to summons. Pachauri has been allowed by the court to travel over a dozen times to various countries, including the US, UK, China, Japan, France, Kazakhstan, Bolivia, Kuwait, Mexico, Somalia and Saudi Arabia, during pendency of probe and proceedings. The former TERI chief was summoned as accused by the court after it took cognisance of the charge-sheet filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing an ex-colleague. PTI Beer cans are exploding in New Zealand and out of fear, Sweden has stopped the sale of the explosive beverage. By India Today Web Desk: If you think you are done with an expensive phone exploding like a cheap bomb, it's time to check out this incident where beer cans are exploding as well. The sales of New-Zealand produced beer is creating a bang, not in terms of monetary profit but a real bang, in Sweden. The sales of the New Zealand beer called Aro Noir were halted on the same day the sales began, after authorities reported that some cans were exploding. advertisement via GIPHY Systembolaget is a nationwide network of more than 430 stores and it has asked customers to return the cans and get their money back. Systembolaget said that the cans in two store exploded. On its website, Systembolaget described Aro Noir as a "malty, roasted aroma with hints of pumpernickel bread, coffee, prunes, cocoa, tobacco and licorice." It was sold at 33.90 kronor (Rs 240 approximately) for a can. In Sweden, alcohol is sold only through Systembolaget's network. --- ENDS --- Chandigarh, November 20, 2016 The first election after the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966 was a fiercely contested battle. The number of voters in Punjab was 63 lakh and they voted to elect members of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and 13 members of the Lok Sabha. Since before Partition, most political parties, with the exception of the Congress and Communist parties, were predominantly based on a single community, with some of them being overtly communal. The polarisation in the state politics in 1967 is evident when we see the manner in which various political parties gave nominations: The Jan Sangh nominated Hindus, the Akali Dal predominantly Sikhs, and the Republican Party largely confined itself to the Scheduled Castes candidates. Together, they formed the United Peoples Front. Part I Election series: Punjab Assembly Elections 1951-52 Part II Election series: Punjab Assembly Elections 1957 Part III Election series : Punjab Assembly Elections 1962 Part IV Election series : Punjab Assembly Elections 1967 Read more: In the reorganised Punjab, a majority of the voters was Sikh and the nominees reflected that. Thus CPI and CPI-M candidates too were Sikhs, as were a majority of those that the Congress fielded, even though the Congress did maintain its communally diverse character and was thus far more representative than any other party in the fray. The Congress faced many anti-incumbency factors and rising prices as well as shortage of essential items, including food. It contributed to the disenchantment with the ruling party. The Punjabi Suba issue was still alive, and the Akali Dal cashed in on the formation of a Punjabi-speaking state. The issue of Chandigarh and other areas being included in Punjab, too, figured prominently. On the other hand, the Congress did not present a united front, and found itself on the back foot on the Punjabi Suba issue. It lost heavily, including its Chief Minister, Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir. Eight women contested for the Vidhan Sabha, including Deputy Minister Parkash Kaur. The winners were: Sarla Prasher (Nangal) and R Kaur (Patti). An interesting sidelight was in the Sangrur Parliamentary constituency where Mrs Nirlep Kaur contested on the Akali Dal (Sant) ticket against her father-in-law, sitting Congress MP Sardar Bahadur Ranjit Singh Akoi. Rajmata Mohinder Kaur, too, was in the fray from Patiala. Both won. Maharaja Yadvindra Singh of Patiala won as in independent with the largest margin. Although the Congress party won a simple majority with 48 seats, the constituents of the United Front - Akali Dal (Sant) 24; Akali Dal (Master 2; Jan Sangh 9; CPI 5; CPI(M) 3; Republican Party of India 3; SSP 1. Together with six Independent MLAs, they were to form the first non-Congress government in Punjab with Justice Gurnam Singh as Chief Minister. His tenure was short, and he was replaced by Lachman Singh Gill in November 1967. The Congress, for the first time, now sat on the Opposition Benches. It was led by a person who had led the first non-Congress United Front government in PEPSU in 1952 as Chief Minister Gian Singh Rarewala. Jupinderjit Singh in Phillaur They call it Hydra room. It is equipped with multiple TV screens playing different news channels, computers on rows of desks with engineers tapping fast on the keyboard and various phone lines ringing continuously. At the centre sits a police officer, who has to quickly find a method in the chaos and adopt the best possible line of action. Derived from Greek mythology, Hydra stands for multi-headed serpent or monster. The under-construction room is the most modern addition to the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Police Academy Phillaur, which is celebrating 125 years of its formation. Right from the rank of constable to the deputy superintendent of police, the Academy offers training courses immediately after recruitment besides promotional courses. Imagine any modern crime scene related to a terror attack on the lines of incidents in Gurdaspur and Pathankot or a major law & order problem. A police officer not only has to handle the investigation but also work in the chaos where people are nervous, rumours do the rounds, reporters keep calling for queries and the government has its own worries. The officer has to work amid all the chaos, says IG Kuldip Singh, Director of the Academy. This is the most challenging situation in modern policing. We are setting up this room with the help of the UK police, who too have faced similar situations, he said. The project: Training programme for crime investigation and training is part of the celebration. The police are also putting basic training skills alongside knowledge of computers and social media skills. The UK police has assisted us to prepare 56 officers with specialised training in the Academy, says DGP Punjab Suresh Arora. The police are also setting up simulation facilities to help their men in detecting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). In a special room, trainees have to identify and neutralize an IED. One false move and a fake blast occurs. We need situations for training. The real incidents provide the best situation. The purpose is to make the trainee combat-ready always, said Kuldip Singh. After annexing Punjab, the British in 1861 converted the Fort of Mahraja Ranjit Singh into a military training school. In September 1891, it became a full-fledged police training school. Since then scores of police officers have received training or imparted it. Besides the British recruits in pre-Independence era, the Academy has trained police officers of almost all states of the country. Officials from other countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar and Bhutan are also trained at the Academy. At a given time, the Academy trains at least 1,000 police personnel, says Deputy Director Ravcharan Singh Brar. At present we are training about 1,200 new recruits. The Academy is the first address for the training of recruits. Anyone inducted as a constable goes through training that may last a year. Later, he has to clear a training course for promotion to the next rank, says Kuldip Singh. A constbales job is mainly physical while as a head constable he also has to learn writing reports. Then, an assistant sub-inspector has to learn investigation skills and intricacies of the law. As a sub-inspector or an inspector, one has to learn management and leadership skills also. Tribune News Service Dehradun, November 19 The Uttarakhand High Court today directed the state government to pay additional 50 per cent compensation to the victims of the 2013 natural disaster. The double Bench of justices Rajiv Sharma and Alok Singh termed the compensation given by the government in the aftermath of the tragedy as inadequate and directed it to pay additional relief in three months. Further, it also ordered the government to provide a stipend of Rs 7,500 per month to children, who were rendered orphan due to the tragedy, till they become major. The stipend be deposited in their bank accounts through the District Welfare Officers concerned. The judges observed that new houses could not be constructed with Rs 5 lakh. The amount of Rs 5 lakh to be paid to next of kith and kin of persons who died in the natural disaster, Rs 2 lakh to those who suffered 80 per cent disability and Rs 1.50 lakh to those who suffered 40 per cent to 80 per cent disability, are meager for the purposes these were being provided, they said, while giving their ruling on two public interest litigation applications. The high court stated that though the rehabilitation policy falls under the purview of the government, as the loss caused to life and property was immense, the amount of compensation should at least be increased by 50 per cent to mitigate the hardships faced by the victims of the natural disaster. Complete work on bridges, roads damaged in 2013 The Uttarakhand High Court while hearing a PIL on Saturday directed the state government to complete the construction of 10 bridges and 141 roads that were damaged during the 2013 floods within stipulated time frame of one-year and two-year respectively. While disposing off the PIL today, judges Rajiv Sharma and Alok Singh directed the government to take steps for the completion of damaged roads and bridges. The non-completion of these projects was causing inconvenience to the people of the disaster-hit districts of the state. The judges noted that the general public is facing difficulties. Since, the bridges and roads, till date, have not been completed, the children have to use makeshift path and are also forced to wade through gushing water endangering their lives, the court observed. The court directed the government to also complete 141 roads of 966 km length approved by the World Bank and 60 roads approved by Asian Development Bank within a period of two years. It also directed the state government to construct RCC walls on the vulnerable points of the Bhagirathi by preparing detailed project reports in one year from today. BEIJING, November 20 China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday. The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organisations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together. Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favour of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters. During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea", turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency. That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June. The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua. Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima. The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity", Xinhua said. The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea. On Thursday, a US think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region. Reuters SIRTE (Libya), November 18 After six months of heavy fighting, Libyan forces have advanced so deep into the strategic city of Sirte that they can pick out the Tunisian and Egyptian accents of their Islamic State enemies as they trade insults over the frontline. Victory is imminent on this remote front of the war against Islamic State, with the last few militants staging a last stand in a small area of just one square kilometer (0.4 square mile), US and Libyan officials say. But the battle has been long and hard, and holds lessons for US-backed forces trying to force Islamic State out of the much larger Iraqi city of Mosul more than 2,500 km (1,500 miles) away. "We faced unbelievable resistance. They won't leave their posts even when houses are collapsing on them," said Osama Issa, a 37-year-old businessman fighting with Libyan forces in Ghiza, the last neighbourhood of Sirte that Islamic State holds. "They know they will die anyway so they fight well." Defeat in Sirte will damage Islamic State's ability to show it is expanding globally and deprive it of a foothold outside Iraq and Syria. Losing it and Mosul in quick succession would dent its morale and possibly its ability to recruit followers. But the militants in Sirte have inflicted heavy losses on the Libyan fighters at least 660 have been killed and 3,000 wounded and held out longer than expected. They have proved their skills in guerrilla warfare, shown the vulnerability of advancing forces that lack expertise in urban warfare and highlighted the limited effectiveness of air strikes when frontlines are so close. The battle has also underlined the importance of trapping fighters during battle because many have escaped from Sirte a Libyan commander put the number at 400 and are now staging attacks behind frontlines with increasingly sophisticated bombs. Growing rivalry between the various factions in the Libyan forces also serves as a warning to the diverse groups fighting Islamic State in Mosul: the end of the battle may bring political chaos and the risk of new military conflicts. Dirty war Islamic State gradually took over Sirte from early 2015, taking advantage of the chaos in Libya since the start of a civil war in which long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011. Sirte, Gaddafi's former hometown, became its main base in North Africa. Just as in Iraq and Syria, militant commanders began to impose their strict vision on Sirte, banning shisha pipe smoking and forcing woman to wear all-covering robes. Later, they enslaved migrant women, imposed taxes and meted out punishments such as public whippings and crucifixions. Forces from the nearby city of Misrata, aligned with the UN-backed government in the capital Tripoli, started the military offensive to recapture Sirte in May after Islamic State threatened their security. The last jihadists are holding out in the Ghiza neighbourhood of the Mediterranean port city, using improvised tunnels, booby traps and snipers. Hiding among collapsed rooftops and in rubble-packed streets in Ghiza, they have sand-filled fridges and tunnels that provide protection against shelling and air strikes. The Libyan forces have been backed by hundreds of US air strikes and helicopter raids, and small teams of US and British military advisors. They are now using Soviet-era tanks to blast paths through rubble as they go from house to house, trying to end the militants' resistance. "We hear them at night shouting to us, telling us they are coming for us," said Asruf el Qat, a student fighting in the rubble of Ghiza's many collapsed villas. "It's snipers, and landmines. We advance, they throw grenades. It's a dirty war." Sniper fire crackled as Qat's brigade kept watch though holes in walls, and occasional shells whistled overhead. Another brigade armed with AK-47 assault rifles some of them older men in uniform, others students in jeans and flip flop shoes prepared to flush out a sniper holed up nearby. Lost outpost Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called this month for jihadists to travel to Libya. It was not his first call for Libya recruits Tunisians, Sudanese and Egyptian fighters fought in the city. But Sirte as a base is finished. "Sirte was supposed to be a fallback from Iraq and Syria. That's now gone," said Geoff Porter at North Africa Risk Consulting. "Strategically, the Islamic State could point to Sirte and tell its followers that it really was global and growing. It can't do that anymore." Misrata intelligence officials say there were once 2,500 militants in Sirte, the majority of them foreign jihadists. Sirte is now largely deserted. No life has returned to the outer districts of a city of 80,000 residents, where buildings are pockmarked with shell craters and bullet holes. Few signs of Islamic State's rule remain. A large Libyan national flag now flies at the Zafaran roundabout, where militants once crucified victims. Islamic State tax symbols are still spray-painted on shop walls. The Libyan forces are mostly civilians who fought Gaddafi and returned to help against Islamic State students, mechanics and former army officers among them. "Maybe it will take a week or two from what I can see now (to end Islamic State's resistance in Sirte)," said Salah Al Houti, 22, a student fighting with the Libyan forces. "They stocked supplies and food underground." Libyan commanders say their advance has been slowed by casualties and a lack of ammunition, and complain they received none of the night vision equipment and other weaponry they asked for their allies to deal with snipers. Fears about trapped civilians, at times used as hostages, have increased caution about air strikes and shelling. "It has been the same situation as in Iraq and Syria. They (Islamic State) are using tunnels and using civilians as human shields," Misrata intelligence chief Brigadier Mohamed Gnaidy said. "They are professional fighters. Their objective is to kill as many of us as possible." New battles ahead? Libyan commanders hope victory in Sirte will remove the threat of Islamic State across the whole country. But the fighters who escaped before Sirte was completely surrounded are still a threat. Some may have fled south, potentially reinforcing links between Islamic State and militant groups in the arid Sahel region, including Nigeria's Boko Haram, and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Others now stage guerrilla attacks near Sirte with devices detonated by remote control. They had previously used long wires to trigger roadside bombs or planted landmines. Another growing problem is the rivalry among fighting groups. Some are turning their attention to renewed fighting with other factions to the east, where Khalifa Haftar, a former Gaddafi ally, is leading the Libya National Army force that does not recognise the Tripoli UN-backed government. Haftar's forces took over four key oil ports from a rival faction this year. He has allowed oil exports to reopen for the National Oil Corporation but many in Misrata see him as a military strongman in the making. "I fought in three wars, and the fourth might be against Haftar, and who knows about a fifth," said Abdulminam Abu Breda, a car mechanic who fought in battles for the control of Tripoli and is now fighting in Sirte. Reuters In a lot of ways, the community of Tulsa just got lucky, Williams Cos. President and CEO Alan Armstrong said. Sitting in a conference room near the top of downtown Tulsas BOK Tower, Armstrong is referring to the terminated merger with Energy Transfer Equity. Armstrong said that, speaking as a Tulsa resident, a community has to recognize the importance of making the city the best it can be. Its vital to create a quality of life that easily attracts talent and the businesses that follow a strong workforce. When you have a public company, the threat that we saw in the community this year could happen any time, anywhere, Armstrong said in an interview with the World. And none of us should rest as civic leaders as we think about how to make our city better and how to make it a place that attracts people education, all of those things when you think about yourself coming into a community where youd look around and be Gee, do I want to be here or not? The issues in front of us are really important as a community, and we should recognize that were not going to solve the public company issue if theres a merger or an acquisition that risk remains. So weve got to be able to attract and retain new businesses, just like we try to retain old business. Staying here Tulsa gets to retain Williams, a pipeline company that employs about 900 and a heavyweight for the local economy and in the energy industry. Texas billionaire Kelcy Warren called off the merger at the end of June, three months after the Dallas-based midstream energy company announced well after the deal was signed that if the acquisition closed, Energy Transfer would gut the Williams Cos. presence in Tulsa. That threatened relocation didnt happen and on Wednesday morning, Williams 2016 annual meeting of stockholders will be held in Tulsa and not in another city. The agenda will include a board of directors election, and as part of what the company is referring to as a board refreshment plan five recent appointees will be included on the ballot, in addition to Armstrong and three other directors who were part of the body in September 2015 when the deal with ETE was signed. Three directors who were also part of that 2015 governing body are not standing for re-election. Six other directors who were on the board when it forged a deal with ETE resigned en masse on June 30, the day after Warren called things off and according to the Wall Street Journal after a failed bid to oust Armstrong. It may surprise some, Armstrong said, but the last week of June was a time period filled with relief. There had been so much tension in the boardroom over what was the right thing to do for the company long-term that it finally had been settled one way or the other. For good or for bad, it had been settled, Armstrong said. The majority of the board members didnt have any ill will. They were doing what they thought was in the best interest of the company and I respect their professional opinion. I would tell you there was other motives in there that sometimes werent so pure, but for the most part, the board members were doing their job and, yes, there was conflict, but that means people were doing their job rather than just kind of going along to get along. I was just glad to get it settled, and I think everyone was, frankly. I think everyone was tired of that year and a half of tension. He came through big time Born in Bartlesville and a graduate of Bartlesville High School, Armstrong spent many of his formative years living in Atlanta where his parents were working for what was then Phillips Petroleum Co. He expected his career would be with the company as well. However, when Armstrong was finishing his civil engineering degree at the University of Oklahoma in the mid-1980s, groups led by T. Boone Pickens Jr. and Carl Icahn both made runs at Phillips, events that led the company to taking on a large amount of debt that for a time crippled its ability to grow. The situation led him to another energy company that was also highly regarded by his family Williams Cos. Everybody always had a lot of respect among my family for the Williams Cos. and had always been impressed by what they had accomplished, Armstrong said. I recall for several years whoever was the CEO of Phillips was always on the board of Williams for years and years. So there was a pretty strong connection there. And so that was pretty exciting for me to think about building pipelines around the world at the time. Armstrong started with Williams Cos. in 1986. In his early 20s, he was based in Tulsa but spent most of his time out in the field his first assignment was in Hesston, Kansas, near the companys Conway facilities today. He admitted that becoming CEO a role he took on in January 2011 never crossed his mind back then and doesnt think it became a goal even as he moved forward in his career. Rather, he just kept climbing up the ranks and taking on more and more responsibility. Im not sure I ever really had the aspiration, frankly, Armstrong said. I loved the company and I always really thought it was an exciting place to be, loved the people, loved what it stood for, and so I always was trying to put myself in a place where I could have more influence over the company and help it be successful. Armstrongs predecessor Steve Malcolm, who led Williams for nearly a decade, first met Alan in the early 1990s and was struck by his hard work, intelligence, sense of humor and commitment to doing the right thing. He believes Armstrong has done and continues to do a great job as CEO hes made some important strategic moves, continues to grow the company and handled himself impressively during the unique challenges of the recent past. Malcolm recalled an event in 2002 when, shortly after the time that he took the role of chairman and CEO, the company was going through a short-term liquidity crises and had to sell some assets quickly. Armstrong was faced with the task of a billion-dollar asset sale, a products pipeline that ran from the Rocky Mountains down to Texas to Enterprise Products Partners. I can remember talking with him on the phone and him saying, Ill be out here until this deal closes, Malcolm said. That was really one of the deals that had to get done in order for us to survive the sale of one of our large assets. He came through big time. Community involvement Armstrong said that he feels blessed to have a career at Williams, citing the companys culture of integrity, including the commitment to the communities in which it operates and its employees. Its a company that you can really put your heart and soul into and feel good about it, Armstrong said, and know that youre always going to be expected to do the right thing and never asked to cross the line or even approach it. If a candidate is from the Tulsa area or if their parents are in the energy industry, the quality and culture of Williams isnt a difficult sell. I think thats a special place to be, Armstrong said. People talk that talk sometimes, but it really is very heartfelt. Armstrong has been involved in the community throughout his three decades at Williams organizations. Hes remained dedicated to include the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, including serving as board chairman in 2015, and Junior Achievement with its mission of educating young people about business and economics. Steve Bradshaw, president and CEO of BOK Financial, knows Armstrong through both entities as well as Armstrongs place on the BOK board of directors. Bradshaw said that he finds Armstrong to be engaged, determined and someone whom he seeks to learn from as well. Alan has always demonstrated a lot of passion around quality education, and his board service and community involvement speak to that, Bradshaw said. He also has been a strong advocate for downtown development, a cornerstone of his role when he led the chamber in 2015. His voice is strong in the community as he advocates for continued improvement in quality of life initiatives designed to attract and retain talented people throughout the region. Shannan Beeler, president of Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, noted how Armstrong took the lead on working through the combination of the organizations Tulsa and Oklahoma City chapters in 2010. Even during a busy time in his career, he took all her calls and made sure the organization was solid. He really saw Junior Achievement through a tumultuous period, Beeler said. It was just a difficult time. But in all honesty, we didnt skip a beat. We changed leadership during that time and continued to serve students in both communities. I think a lot of that is to do with Alans leadership. He is just an incredible leader. I considered it an honor to learn all I got to learn from him. Twelve days of demonetisation, long queues, cashless ATMs, rounds of rumours, deaths, countless memes and jokes, lingering misinformation, and whatnot. This man sets out in Bengaluru to see the state of things, amid the word on the street and media reports. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has quoted Bob Dylan jeering its detractors. Deputy manager of State Bank of India died in bank due to overload. India's small-scale shopkeepers have gone cashless. Read - Demonetisation effect: SBI manager dies in bank due to work load Amusing enough but ATMs in Parliament House too were running dry. A lot has happened in the last 12 days. Internet of things has helped many to learn about demonetisation but has also played its part to mock the note ban. advertisement Read when PM Modi quoted Bob Dylan, impressing millions, taunting demonetisation detractors And rumours and media reports about cash crunch in ATMs in almost all parts of the country, one man -- Tinu Cherian Abraham -- from Bengaluru set out to see if the media is spreading lies about demonetisation or whether the ATMs really don't have enough cash. Tinu, a social media influencer, went to 23 different ATMs in Bengaluru city and shared the real picture by tweeting about each ATM he visited. They say ATMs r running normal. Thought to withdraw some money and perhaps do a reality check if media is 'spreading lies'. #DeMonetisation Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 1 STOP 2 STOP 3 Stop 3 : Another @HDFC_Bank 24 hrs ATM. Shutter was half down. No security. Tried the card. didn't dispense any cash. Errored out. pic.twitter.com/bYZ6NOpJcL Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 4 Stop 4 : @ICICIBank 24 Hrs ATM - next to Golden Blossoms Apts #Bengaluru - shutter down - 'ATM services are currently unavailable' . pic.twitter.com/yXQLDYEz26 Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 5 Stop 5 : @canarabanktweet Sri Satya Sai Ashram ATM - Have Cash - queue of 40 - 50 ppl. First Cash available of 1/5 ATMs visited pic.twitter.com/JMIYPZLz1f Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 6 Stop 7 : @HDFC_Bank ATM opp to #Whitefield station - Shutters Down pic.twitter.com/InMflaoTiP Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 8 advertisement STOP 9 Stop 9 : Bank Of Maharashtra #Seegehalli Branch ATM - shutters down - not sure if this ATM operates 24hrs . #ATMtrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/X4ZmfjIWsr Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 10 Stop 10 : @karurvysyabank next to Nitesh Forest Hills - 'out of service' . I have never seen this ATM ever closed #ATMTrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/HGJeAZ17O5 Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 11 STOP 12 Stop 12 - @ICICIBank Kannamangala Branch - 24 hour ATM - shutters down - security guard said no cash . #ATMTrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/G7bIAGtjEH Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 13 STOP 14 STOP 15 advertisement STOP 16 STOP 17 Stop 17 : @CanarabankIndia ATM Pai Layout, K R Puram - has cash . Only 2000 Rs notes.Checked with ppl in the queue . #ATMTrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/KoJ6dna2eU Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 18 ATM 18 : @ICICIBank off 1st main Road Pai Layout K R Puram - ' NO Cash- Sorry' #ATMtrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/m6Hrt2lZUj Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 19 STOP 20 ATM 20 : @HDFC_Bank 2nd Main Pai Layout K R Puram - 'Temporarily Out of Service' . #ATMtrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/ML2dTqEuI3 Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 STOP 21 ATM 21 : @AxisBank SDS Mini tower 2nd main Pai Layout K R Puram - Shutter down. #ATMtrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/BBDi9n1YI6 Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 advertisement STOP 22 STOP 23 ATM 23 : @CanarabankIndia ATM 6th Cross PAI Layout . shutter half down - possibly no cash. #ATMtrail #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/JQgaGnhOwF Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 And then came the exhaustion and dehydration. Exhausted and Dehydrated like hell, guys. Cannot do it any more. #ATMTrail #Bengaluru Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) November 20, 2016 --- ENDS --- Dr. Chris Brown will narrate Dogs: The Untold Story for the Discovery channel, described as the definitive story of humankinds best friend. Filmed in 4K, this series visits more than 24 countries and sets out to explore how dogs have become one of the most influential animals in our history. Humans and dogs have an extraordinary shared history that dates back 33,000 years. There are one billion dogs on Earth and this series travels the world to show how they enhance every aspect of our lives; whether theyre detecting cancer or fighting beside us in battle. Plus new science is uncovered that reveals dogs are more incredible than we ever imagined. Dogs: The Untold Story invites viewers into the lives of dogs across the globe both in the wild and in modern-day homes with humans. Each of these dogs has a remarkable story; from the Basenjis who lead tribal hunters to prey in the Republic of Congo and the incredible life-saving Newfoundlands and Labradors who leap from helicopters to rescue people in treacherous seas in Italy, to the tirelessly hardworking Kelpies of Australia, and South Africas formidable weapon in the fight against rhino poaching: the Belgian Malinois. This groundbreaking and innovative series uses the latest technology and storytelling techniques to uncover the extraordinary skills and adaptations that make these canines so special. Featuring the very latest scientific research, Dogs: The Untold Story explores the physical and psychological changes that have transformed dogs into the incredible creatures we know and love today. Whether theyre wild or domesticated, theres no denying that dogs are one of the most valued animals on the planet. Sundays from 11 December at 7.30pm on Discovery. This week ABC2 marks White Ribbon Day (Friday Nov. 25) with several documentaries. In addition to Big Bad Love at 9:30pm Wednesday, it will screen 2 UK docos, Murdered By My Boyfriend on Wednesday and Raped on Friday. Murdered By My Boyfriend Wednesday 23 November 8.30pm ABC2 U.K. doco-drama telling the true story of what happens to a teenage girl when she falls in love with the wrong man. The everyday story of young love turns dark and sinister when the handsome and charming stranger seeks to dominate every aspect of the young womans life. A tale of contemporary Britain that every young person should watch. In the U.K. it is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and the risk of domestic violence is highest for those between 16 to 24 years of age. Murdered By My Boyfriend, the critically-acclaimed and hugely impactful film that premiered on BBC Three, was written by Regina Moriarty, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, and produced by Pier Wilkie. It tells the true story of one young woman who sadly became an example of these statistics a bright, bubbly 17-year-old girl who fell in love with the wrong man, and found herself in a relationship that had tragic consequences. The hour-long film features outstanding performances from Georgina Campbell as the young victim Ashley and Royce Pierreson, who plays Ashleys abusive boyfriend, Reece. Raped Friday 25 November 9.20pm ABC2 This UK film explores rape in a new and bold way: from forensic medical to police investigation, court and beyond. Juliet was attacked by a stranger on New Years Eve, while Kellie had known and trusted her attacker for over a decade. In 2012, St Marys, the UKs leading Sexual Assault Referral Centre, allowed exclusive access: opening its doors to cameras as they supported Juliet and Kellie as well as over 1,000 other victims of rape seeking justice or attempting to move forward with their lives. St Marys Centre in Manchester was the first of the UKs 46 Sexual Assault Referral Centres. It is here, to the small all-female team of doctors, crisis workers and counsellors, that the police bring people who say theyve been raped to conduct a forensic examination. Rape is unlike any other crime. Often there are only two people present and if one person says it was rape and the other says it was consensual, the truth can be difficult to work out and almost impossible to prove. For the experts at St Marys, its not all about the conviction rate: rather they aim to give victims back their choice and control, whether or not a case goes to court. Through the experiences of victims, as well as the specialists at St Marys, Greater Manchester Polices Serious Sexual Offences Unit and the Crown Prosecution Service, this film offers a unique and hugely revealing perspective on rape in Britain today. Imagine if everyone who fled Syria in 2015 was given a camera phone to document their staggering journey It may not tally the 1 million migrants who made the journey, but nevertheless this doco did give 75 cameras to people as they left their homeland in search of a better life. The result is an extraordinary capsule of a human tragedy, Exodus: Our Journey to Europe. A massive 800,000 people travelled through Turkey that year, leaving behind a civil war that obliterated Syria. Thousands fled through cities like Izmir, in the hope of not just a brighter future, but their very survival. Families like that of 11 year old Israa who we find on the streets after 3 months, while her father Tarek sells cigarettes without a work permit. In Syria he owned a restaurant -now he scrapes together money to pay people smugglers to help him cross the Mediterranean to Greece. I wanted to save my family, he tells us. A bright and intelligent Israa does what she can to contribute to the familys survival, dodging Turkish police. But the world-famous photo of dead 3 yr old boy Aylan, washed up on a beach in Kos, is deterring him. Israas mother is determined to make the crossing and Israa is worried the family unit is splintering. Do they travel now via dinghy or keep waiting for a yacht? This is the hardest test of my life, admits Tarek. When he eventually pays 12,000 euros, he risks everything for a dinghy crowded with 35 people. Water begins to seep into their tiny vessel between Turkey and Greece and panic sets in. This is distressing vision as you realise you are watching the real deal, not a re-enactment -and that the camera operator keeps filming while their own mortality hangs in the balance. Die together or live together Hassan was an English Teacher in Syria, now he finds himself on the coast of Greece with nothing more than his clothes and phone, but there is no organised structure to deal with the mass migration. I never slept on the side of the road I never even went camping, he tells us. I was shocked. I thought this is Europe. I thought it would be different. He has to wait 20 days for papers from the Greek police to travel to Athens on a ferry. Its another 1390 miles to reach Germany. English student Ahmad has left his family behind in Syria as he makes the journey to England, determined to bring his family thereafter. Its a painful journey alone, but he has his reasons. I cant imagine watching my daughter dying in front of me, he explains. An Oxford Dictionary is his best friend as he makes the trek. Despite such jeopardy and a leap into the unknown, some children prove to be remarkably resilient int he face of adversity. In Syria bombs were dropping on us how can we be scared of waves? they ask. Its this kind of personal perspective that makes this so compelling. If Documentaries are all about access, then few deliver such a raw, embedded experience as this. Three episodes could be a challenge for even the most empathetic viewer, but I feel watching and learning is the least I can do to honour this human tragedy and the people who embarked upon it. As one man puts it so eloquently, Everyone has a story. A long story. Exodus: Our Journey to Europe premieres 9:30pm Tuesday November 22 on SBS. The Block producers have been looking at notorious St. Kilda site The Gatwick Private Hotel in Fitzroy Street as a possible site for its next season. But the pricetag, believed to be over $11m, is proving to be a sticking point. The 64-room 1930s building has been a low-cost boarding house since the 1950s, owned by twin sisters Rose Banks and Yvette Kelly. It has a reputation for its colourful, residents, but is considered unwelcome by many nearby businesses. The boarding house has been the scene of murders, drug raids and stabbings. It has been described as a festering flophouse, flea pit and magnet for St Kildas down and out crooks. Should a sale proceed the state government will work with housing agencies to find alternative accommodation for the residents. Last month the hotel was taken off the market after failing to find a buyer but co-owner Yvette Kelly told Fairfax, Its no longer on the market but like any person, if someone offered us a good price wed probably take it. TV Tonight understands The Block producers, known for choosing distinctive properties, have taken a look at the site. In 2015 they renovated South Yarras Saville Hotel, scene of a violent attack by a self-styled vampire gigolo, into plush apartments worth up to$2.3m. The Gatwick Hotel also sits within the City of Port Phillip, the same municipality as the Port Melbourne site sold a week ago, and which has a good track record of welcoming production. After its rating success, The Block is returning in 2017 with production needing to get underway by Q2. Who will leave the Bigg Boss house this time? Here's a preview of tonight's show. By India Today Web Desk: Bigg Boss 10 is getting more interesting with every passing episode. In tonight's Weekend Ka Vaar episode, things take a fun and somewhat romantic turn, thanks to Dear Zindagi star Alia Bhatt's entry. From the boys trying to woo the actress to the nomination process; you would not want to miss 'this' one out. Also read:BB10: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai star Karan Mehra is the first celeb to get evicted advertisement Here's what you can expect from the show tonight: The boys try to woo Alia Bhatt As a part of a task, Alia Bhatt will ask all the male participants to win her heart with some romantic gesture. The task will not be performed by Om Swami and Rahul Dev, as they will be asked to give their opinions on how the others performed. The boys will give their best shot, but Alia will choose Manu Punjabi as the winner. Alia will also declare that Manu Punjabi is her favourite contestant. Salman Khan announces Thapad se darr nahi lagta task The task will reveal what the contestants actually think about each other. It will be disclosed that almost all contestants think that Bani Judge provokes Lopamudra Raut unnecessarily. The contestants will also reveal what they actually think of Rohan Mehra, and his love-hate relationship with Om Swami. Salman Khan will pull Alia Bhatt's leg over Sidharth Malhotra and Shah Rukh Khan The host will spend some quality time with the Dear Zindagi actress. He will even make her play a game in which she will be asked to choose one actor over the other. Alia will be asked to pick her favourite person from her Student of the Year co-stars, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra. Alia will pick Sidharth. When given a similar option between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Alia will pick the host over the King of Bollywood. Salman Khan sings for Alia Bhatt While interacting with the host, Alia will reveal that Jag ghoomeya from Sultan is her favourite track. Salman will take the hint and immediately sing and perform for the pretty actress. But despite the fun and games, towards the end of the show, one contestant will have to leave the house. Who do you think will be shown the door this time--Mona Lisa, Lokesh Sharma, or Rahul Dev? Bigg Boss Season 10 airs every Mon-Fri at 10:30 pm, and every Sat-Sun at 9 pm. --- ENDS --- The Coast Guard District Headquarter Porbandar had received a telephonic message from President, Fishermen Association Porbandar intimating about major fire onboard fishing boat Krishna Raj. By Manjeet Negi: In an incident on November 18, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Arush doused a major fire onboard Indian fishing boat Krishna Raj off Porbandar and assisted in rescue of fishermen from distressed boat. The boat had a total 5 crew members onboard. The Coast Guard District Headquarter Porbandar had received a telephonic message from President, Fishermen Association Porbandar intimating about major fire onboard fishing boat Krishna Raj 14 nm off Porbandar. advertisement Upon receipt of information, Indian Coast Guard Ship Arush was diverted for rendering assistance to the distressed boat. Indian Coast Guard ship with the assistance of other fishing boats in the area were able to extinguish the fire in about one and half hours. Coast Guard Ship rescues distressed boat. Photo: ANI The fishing boat Hans Devi carried the two casualties onboard. Upon examination by Coast Guard medical team, one person was found dead and another crew member was found with minor burn injuries. The medical assistance was provided to the injured crew. The boat was later towed with remaining crew members onboard by another fishing boat DIXA to Porbandar. Also read: Indian Navy warship INS Nashak out of action for weeks after freak accident --- ENDS --- President-elect Donald Trump never made student loans a major campaign promise but with the current $1.4 trillion outstanding loans, paid or delinquent payments, it accounts to 43 percent students who are in bad financial standing. Trump said he will reduce tuition rates, lower debt interests, and help graduates sustain their loans. The first phase of Trump's plan is the consolidation of federal student loan repayment packages presently offered and put them all in single income-based repayment system. Student loan payments would then be recouped at not more than 12.5 percent from a student's income. Then the second phase involves shortening the amount of time before a student debt from the federal government is forgiven. At the moment, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program takes 20 years. Trump wants this shorten to15 years of continues repayment, as per Town Hall. Hillary Clinton (and rival democrat nominee aspirant Bernie Sanders) laid out their college tuition plans in detail that will lower down college costs. Those were deemed beneficial for students when implemented but since it's not anymore possible, Trump must come up with better alternatives. For a time it seems that he nailed the good news - at least for those looking for student loan reform and that is what Trump seems to care about in terms of student loans. He did mention during the campaign that he intended to make college fees "very affordable" and also criticized the existing system that it's "not fair" - before he proceeded inti mentioning that his strategy is to design the tuition repayment in such a way that it can be capped only at 12.5% and nothing more. Donald Trump's scheme means that students won't be worried anymore with the rising tuition fees for as long as they can pay later at 12.5% of their income. However, such plan is already offered in the current model. The Department of Education offers a somewhat similar package that allows to cap payments at only 10% - and it will be of the discretionary income, according to USA Today. College education is costly. Those who want to go to universities or colleges need to prepare for the financial needs that higher education requires. While it might be costly, planning ahead will greatly help in ensuring a student's continued education. Money Control says that it's always better to have a plan regarding finances. Although there might be some unexpected events that will change certain variables, having a long-term goal will allow one to be flexible, even in money matters. Are you a parent who wants to help your child get a college education? Or a student who dreams of getting a four-year college degree but worries about the financing needed? Here are some steps that you can take toward college financial planning, according to a KSL article from the Salt Lake Community College. Research on Saving and Borrowing Options There are federally subsidized and low-interest loans that can be applied for, but loans aren't the only option - there are 529 savings plans, prepaid tuition plans, and individual retirement accounts (for parents). All these can help fund a college education. Research on Financial Aid Students can also apply for college scholarships in the schools they desire to go to. Approach the school's financial aid office and see what scholarships are applicable for you. College-bound students can also apply for FAFSA, if needed. Look for Other Ways to Lower Tuition Fees Community colleges are also good choices for students who desire a college education but cannot afford it yet. These schools offer affordable education that can be taken at a student's own pace. Not only that, certain credits can be transferred to a four-year college if a student should desire to proceed in the long run. Certain companies and institutions can also help in paying for a college education. Certain companies help their employees get better education because they know that they will get a better, more skillful employee in return. As early as now, high school seniors and even juniors are thinking about which college they are going to enroll and what university they want to attend. But the battle towards higher education in the minds of these young individuals are often laced with unpreparedness. Often, when deciding to enter the process of college admissions, students neglect life after college. Ignoring career life after studying in college, especially when choosing a college, is a mistake, cites the Washington Post. Students often forget or neglect that there is life after college. When it comes to college admissions and its processes, some high school seniors and their families are not aware about the details when it comes to the schools they are considering. It is important to learn much about the college being chosen and what it means after college. Colleges and universities often encourage students not to worry about life after college, cites the publication. Most of the time, these schools will explain that the degrees and the curriculum will prepare them for a lifetime of employment. The question that should be asked during these discussions is how. According to the publication, college should be about giving students the skills to land that first job and will arm you for the jobs after. When looking at colleges during the admissions process, internships while in school should also be considered. Learn more about the college's internship programs and find out how students can get experiences. In the same way, find out if the college on the list also features job placements. Study the statistics and consider how many graduates from the school are now employed (full time). Studying in college should not just be a four year course journey, it should be a platform to prepare students for their future. Are you a parent or high school senior already looking at colleges or universities? Which school are you thinking of applying? Sound off in the comments section! During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump was asked if he will be taking his salary if he was elected. His answer was no. Now that he is, he told CBS' 60 minutes he may have to take a dollar as required by law but the answer is no. Donald Trump is not the first to decline a President's salary. George Washington also said 'no' during his Inaugural Address in 1789 but Congress thought otherwise. Virginia's John Page said the Constitution requires that the President gets paid so they are duty-bound to provide it. Congress decided that the President will receive a salary of $25,000 and the patriotic Washington was obliged to accept. Constitutional scholar David P. Currie explains that the President's salary is "not designed for the President's benefit." Instead it was the Founding Fathers way of ensuring that the President was well compensated to prevent unwanted instances like bribery and corruption. Forbes reported the estimated net worth of Donald Trump is about $3.7 billion. While he may not need $400,000 per year, law requires he gets paid. He does have the option of giving the money back to the Treasury or donating it to charity. John F. Kennedy donated his salary to charity while he was in the White House, continuing the practice adopted from his days in Congress. Self-made millionaire Herbert Hoover also donated his salary from the Oval Office to charity. After the government shutdown in 2013, Pres. Barack Obama agreed to return 5% of his salary to the Treasury. The tax question During the campaign, Clinton supporter and multi-billionaire investor Warren Buffett challenged then Donald Trump to make his tax returns public but the latter refused. Mr. Trump did not disclose his tax returns despite criticism. Moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. however changes things. Presidents pay taxes, they are not exempted from doing so. In fact, Hoover and Kennedy paid the tax for the salaries donated to charity. You can view some of the presidential federal income tax return in the Tax Analysts Tax History Project. In the case of taxable income, the IRS is clear: whether or not the taxpayer takes the money, so long as it's been made available to him, it becomes taxable. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton may have won the popular vote but she lost to Donald Trump in terms of electoral votes. This made him the fifth person in American history to be proclaimed as President-elect without winning popular vote. The public is upset and some have taken to the streets challenging the legitimacy of Donald Trump's win and some have been petitioning that the Electoral College change its procedures so the winner of popular votes does not lose in the electoral votes. Despite the clamor to revise the Electoral College's processes, don't hold your breath because it might not be happening soon. Historically, calls for Electoral College reforms don't get enough traction. Petitioners don't push the issue to Congress and Senators from small states are always on guard. Though there had not been any amendments in the constitution to move to popular vote since 1804, one came close in 1968 but it never made it in the Senate. The most recent was back in 2000, when Vice President Al Gore won popular vote but George W. Bush was proclaimed the winner because the Electoral College gives disproportionate votes to states. Today, we have yet another brush with the flaw in the system but the question remains: is are we going to push hard to reform this major political issue or are we going to conform with the status quo. One interesting note: According to some, the Founding Fathers chose the Electoral College over direct vote because of one thing: slavery. During the Philadelphia convention, James Madison argued that the Northern state will outnumber the Southern if the system counted direct vote. Further, many of the southern states' slaves cannot vote. So Madison instead proposed that each southern state's vote should count its slaves and proposed a proportionate value. If you may have missed the pro-slavery tilt of the constitution, consider this: Virginia which had a number of slaves has produced the most number of Presidents. So come to think of it, given the reason why it was created in the first place, does modern day America still have a need for this peculiar system of electing the leader of the free world? Exactly seven days after the eponymous President-elect Donald Trump's victory, hundreds of New York City high schools students marched to Trump Tower, leaving their class despite of the pouring rain. "This is what democracy looks like!" and "Education, not deportation!" were some of the lines said by over 100 students streamed out of Manhattan's selective Beacon High School when the march began around 10 in the morning. This was not the first time that local students walked out of their class to protest since the recent election. The said protest was organized largely over Facebook and Instagram, as reported by Chalkbeat. The November 15 march was influence by the anger and fear of the students toward the election that left them helpless for they could not directly influence it. According to Hebh Jamal, a Beacon senior and one of the protest's organizers, the day after the election she was in tears as lots of his friends are disabled, immigrants, and undocumented. For him, everyone was so distraught and they all want to do something about it. After discovering the Facebook group which encourages the students to walk out of their class, Jamal helped in spreading the word at her school and said that their teachers and staff were accommodating despite that the school personnel did not support directly during their protest. Teachers have been forced to consider with Trump who rhetoric often comes at the expense of the marginalized communities across the country and they would not be tolerated in many educational institutions. However, the focus of the November 15 march was on the students. With only a single NYPD van accompaniment which blocked the intersection choked with rush-hour traffic so that students could safely cross, the mile-and-a-half long march to Trump soared to the Fifth Avenue tower. Both onlookers and tourists joined the chants and took video footage of the march. A man was arrested on Sunday after he molested a woman in a moving train near Old Delhi. By Anuj Mishra: A woman was reportedly molested in the ladies compartment of Jan Nayak Express on Sunday morning. The woman was travelling alone in the compartment, when three men entered the train that was moving slowly. While two of them fled from the spot after stealing her bag, the third one remained and molested the woman. The police said that two constables who boarded the train saw the youth molesting the woman. The youth was immediately detained. After the train arrived at Old Delhi railways station the youth and the woman were taken to a the nearest hospital. advertisement Police said that the accused have been identified as Shahbaz, he was later arrested and booked under relevant sections under the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, the police have formed a team to track down the two other accused. The woman belongs to Bihar and was on her way to Delhi to attend a family event. Also read: Chennai: Student molested by resort employee in Mamallapuram Karnataka: Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for molesting minor boy Iraq woman molested in Gurgaon's Fortis hospital --- ENDS --- After one month of the approved $250,000 hire of a New Jersey-based nonprofit to reevaluate the state's education formula by the Mississippi lawmakers, House Management Committee of the Mississippi has voted to keep those contracts unknown to the public. Last November 15, the legislative committee adopted a policy sorting all contracts entering into and classifying them by the House Management Committee as confidential with an approved release only to parties that the committee considered as necessary for the execution of the contract, as reported by Clarion Ledger. In his interview with Clarion-Ledger, Chairman of the House Management Committee, Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Snowden, R-Meridian, said that the action was prompted by the requests for access of the lawmakers to the agreement entered into with EdBuild, the private education firm assigned in making and formulating proposals for a student-based funding system in Mississippi. A copy of the contract with Edbuild prior to granting approval on October 12 was never asked by any of the members of the House Management Committee. However, Snowden was advised by the House counsel to establish policy concerning the access of the members to the contract if a representative requests to review the agreement. Despite the fact that the House members are permitted to review the contract provided that they apply for a request to the House Management Committee through the new policy, still, the policy forbids the lawmaker to have the contract disseminated to the public. The said policy states that contents of the contract shall remain confidential and the House Member shall not copy, duplicate or photograph the contract in any manner. According to Snowden, this was no different since the Legislature has long exempted itself from much of the Mississippi Public Records Act since 1983. He also added that it has been long-standing policies that contract are not public records. Sixty-three primary schools supported by Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates and Facebook head Mark Zuckerberg and run by U.S. education are shutting down by the order of Uganda's High Court. Around 12,000 students across the country will be affected by said closure as the schools will be immediately closed following the court ruling last November 4 despite being it in the middle of the school term according to an official in the Ugandan education ministry. The Bridge International, a private enterprise which runs more than 400 nurseries and primary schools across Africa, disputed the ruling and tried to appeal the decision, as reported by Business Day Online. In 2009, the company opened its first educational institution in a slum in the Kenyan capital Nairobi aiming to education 10 million children by 2025. It runs 63 for-profit schools and nurseries across the country attended by fee-paying students. Last March 2015, Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, his wife, announced that they were investing $10 million in Bridge International through Zuckerberg Education Ventures. The enterprise is also backed by the U.K.'s Department for International Development. These schools run by the company utilize technological innovations like e-readers or teacher computers. However, according to the report by the global trade union Education International in September, ridge International schools in Uganda were failing to uphold the national curriculum. These schools were using under-qualified teachers and there were inadequate school facilities. Based on the report, they have found out that Bridge International's profit-driven, cost-cutting, internet-based, and standardized approach in delivery of education involves some critical shortcomings. Following a High Court injunction in September, the schools that supposedly be closed in July remained open as ordered by the Ugandan education ministry. Godwin Matsiko, a spokesman for Bridge International schools in Uganda, said that they are planning to appeal, on behalf of more than 20,000 Ugandans who have decided to send their children to their schools. They are doing this because they want to offer them an affordable quality education. In promoting entrepreneurship development, Marc Dobberstein and J. Adam Dobberstein from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Evangel alumni, have provided a new scholarship at Evangel University. In recognition of their plans to create new businesses, a pair of $500 entrepreneurship scholarships will be awarded to the Evangel University Business Department this fall, as reported by News Leader. The said scholarship will be given to Olivia Gorman and Austin Beshuk, senior marking major from Springfield and a senior management major from Jefferson City respectively. In the spring of 2015, the Evangel's entrepreneurship course was launched by Hona Amer and Eveline Lewis, business professors accompanied with a $5,000 grant from the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty. Both Beshuk and Gorman participated during the spring semester entrepreneurship course at Evangel that provided projects and instructions linked to the creation of business. With nearly 120 entrepreneurs from the Springfield community, students will join every Wednesday morning. This will be at the Springfield Art Museum during the one hour long 1 Million Cups program. This program was founded by the Kaufman Foundation and is now active in more than 80 cities. Its aim is to make the entrepreneurs connected, educated, and engaged. A business plan that will help a nonprofit boarding facility through providing high-end boarding option for cat and dog owners who have higher level of disposable income was developed by Gorman. The said facility will have a full-service shelter for both cats and dogs that are not yet adopted. Moreover, Beshuk wants to develop a new and unique Polish restaurant which will uphold the Slavic influence on various mix of dining available. Beshuk's plan will begin with a food truck which will then be transformed into a restaurant. The price of the meals available will range from $10 to $15 and the restaurant will allow catering services. Dobberstein Entrepreneurship Scholarship has been part of building both Beshuk's and Gorman's dream of encouraging students to pursue their dreams. May 17, a group of activists, today held a protest in Chennai against PM Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. By Pramod Madhav: Chennai heats up as more resistance come to the fore against prime minister's demonetisation decision. Two hundred students and cadres of May 17 Movement, gathered at Valluvarkottam to protest against the PM Modi's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Students began the protest with 'parai' the symbolic music instrument of the oppressed class in India to drive in the point that the Centre is still oppressing them. advertisement Cadres of May 17 Movement held placards which stated that 'Cashless transaction would bind a person to the bank and will only hurt the business by asking for more service and other fee. Also they complained that the present government is run by WTO, IMF and World Bank. "It is no way eliminating the black money, it is only helping in transacting it into white. Now you have 2000 rupee note which carries double the value," said Thirupur Han Gandhi, May 17 Movement, Convenor. Thirumuragan also felt that Chennai has been hit very hard as it hold small and medium companies which use white money for transaction. With the weekend holiday of the banks and drying out of cash in ATMs, this Sunday was pretty tough of Chennai citizens to push on. ATMs at scarce locations worked and we're dispersing 2000 rupee notes which still was not enough as nobody had change for it. Also read: PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee over demonetisation; says people's sacrifice won't go in vain Demonetisation effect: SBI manager dies in bank due to work load --- ENDS --- By Siraj Qureshi: Claiming that his government is pro-poor and every step taken by his government is towards ensuring a better quality of life for the poor and the middle class, Prime Minister Modi attacked West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati in his public address at the Parivartan Rally held in Agra on Sunday. Beginning his address by offering his condolences to the families of the train passengers who died or were injured in the train derailment near Kanpur, Modi said that a complete inquiry has been ordered into the accident and those found guilty will not be spared. He assured of maximum government support to the affected families. advertisement Without taking names but clearly indicating towards West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati, Modi said that the currency demonetization has hurt those who were involved in Chit-Fund scams and those who sold election tickets for cash. Such people were at the forefront of the group that was attacking him on this revolutionary decision and demanding a rollback as they had huge stashes of unaccounted cash earned from nefarious means. TO BUILED THREE CRORE AFFORDABLE HOMES Launching the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna, Modi also distributed certificates to 50 first beneficiaries of the scheme which will entitle them to a house in about 270 sq. ft. The government plans to build three crore affordable houses across India by 2022 for the rural population living below poverty line under this scheme. Also read: PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee over demonetisation; says people's sacrifice won't go in vain In a 37-minute long speech centered around explaining his motives for demonetising high-value currency notes, Modi claimed that the demonetization has been supported by the entire country and he assured that the sacrifices made by the people in these 50 days will not go in vain. He said that the poor have appreciated this move the most as they can understand that once the black money is out of the system and the banks are filled with cash, they will offer cheap loans and assist in the generation of new jobs. He said that India was heading towards its golden days through this scheme. He warned that the Jan Dhan Scheme was launched to enable financial inclusion of the poor, but they were being misused by those who were hoarding black money. He said that this way, the black money hoarders will go scot-free but the poor will have to face the law. 95 PER CENT OF VILLAGES IN UP GET ELECTRICITY Modi claimed that there were 18,000 villages that were yet to receive electricity since independence, but in just 30 months of assuming power, he managed to get electricity to about 95 percent of the villages in Uttar Pradesh. advertisement In a sharp contrast to his electoral speech at the same ground three years back, Modi refrained from touching local issues of Agra, infuriating the civil society of the city which was hoping that Modi will at least explain why he was unable to fulfil the promises he had made to the people of Agra before elections. Also read: PM Modi quotes Bob Dylan, impresses millions, taunts demonetisation detractors Anil Sharma, Convenor of the civil society said that it was clear the PM Modi was in Agra to explain his demonetization step and had no concern towards local issues of Agra. He said that the International Airport, Water supply, and several other issues that Modi had himself raised in 2013, were not even touched by him this time and this happened in the presence of the two Agra MPs, who were present on the dais with Modi. MUSLIM ORGANIZATIONS PROTEST Meanwhile, the Muslim organizations flew black balloons to protest Modi's dictatorial policies and demanded that Modi should answer the people why he was so against the Muslim community. A large group of Muslims clashed with the police at the barricade, demanding that they be allowed to enter the Kothi Meena Bazar grounds and openly protest against Modi. advertisement Also read: PM Modi addresses 'young friends' at Global citizen fest in Mumbai through video conferencing --- ENDS --- All hospitals in Syria's besieged rebel-held eastern Aleppo are out of service after days of heavy airstrikes, its health directorate and the World Health Organization (WHO) said, though a war monitor said some were still functioning. White House national security advisor Susan Rice said the United States condemned "in the strongest terms" the latest airstrikes against hospitals and urged Russia, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, to take steps to halt the violence. Intense airstrikes have battered the eastern part of the city since Tuesday, when the Syrian army and its allies resumed operations after a pause lasting weeks. They launched ground attacks against insurgent positions on Friday. The war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said 48 people, including at least five children, had been killed in eastern Aleppo on Saturday by dozens of airstrikes and barrel bombs and dozens of artillery rounds. Death toll That brings the number of people killed by the increased bombardment of Aleppo and the surrounding countryside over the past five days to about 180, including 97 in the city's besieged eastern sector, the observatory added. Warplanes, artillery and helicopters continued bombarding eastern Aleppo on Saturday, hitting many of its densely populated residential districts, the Observatory said. There were intense clashes in the Bustan al-Basha district, it added. "This destruction of infrastructure essential to life leaves the besieged, resolute people, including all children and elderly men and women, without any health facilities offering life-saving treatment ... leaving them to die," said Aleppo's health directorate in a statement sent to Reuters late on Friday by an opposition official. Elizabeth Hoff, the WHO representative in Syria, said on Saturday that a U.N.-led group of aid agencies based over the border in Turkey "confirmed today that all hospitals in eastern Aleppo are out of service". The monitoring group said some hospitals were still operating in besieged parts of Aleppo but said many residents were frightened to use them because of the heavy shelling. Medical sources, residents and rebels in eastern Aleppo say hospitals have been damaged by airstrikes and helicopter barrel bombs in recent days, including direct hits on the buildings. "The United States again joins our partners ... in demanding the immediate cessation of these bombardments and calling on Russia to immediately deescalate violence and facilitate humanitarian aid and access for the Syrian people," Rice said in a statement. Airstrikes 'sickening' British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted that reports of airstrikes hitting civilians and hospitals in east Aleppo were "sickening" and called for a return to diplomacy. However, with the United States awaiting the inauguration in late January of President-elect Donald Trump, who has been critical of Washington's Syria policy without laying out detailed plans himself, diplomatic efforts appear stalled. Staffan De Mistura, the special envoy of the U.N. secretary general, is likely to meet Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem in Damascus on Sunday after recent talks in Turkey and Iran, another diplomat said. "He will push on Aleppo, perhaps on a ceasefire, but on the political file there won't be anything until (U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's successor Antonio) Guterres is in office, the diplomat said. Both Russia and Assad's government have denied deliberately targeting hospitals and other civilian infrastructure during the war, which began in 2011 and was joined by Russia's air force in September 2015. Russia unilaterally called a ceasefire in late October and said on Saturday it was now only striking against groups that are not also observing it. Rebel groups in Aleppo have all said they do not recognise the Russian ceasefire. The charity Doctors Without Borders said in a message there had been more than 30 hits on hospitals in eastern Aleppo since early July. "Doctors are few and medical supplies are depleted, with no possibility of sending more supplies in," it said. Health and rescue workers have previously been able to bring damaged hospitals back into operation but a lack of supplies is making that harder. The Syrian war pits Assad and his allies Russia, Iran and Shi'ite militias against Sunni rebels including groups supported by the United States, Turkey and the Gulf monarchies and also jihadist groups. Fiercest front Aleppo, for years split between a rebel-held east and government-held western sector, has become the fiercest front. An army offensive backed by a major aerial bombardment from late September to late October killed hundreds, according to the United Nations, and tightened the siege, leaving eastern Aleppo with little food, medicine or fuel. A rebel counter-attack early this month involved shelling that killed dozens of civilians, the U.N. said, but it quickly petered out and the army and its allies, including Hezbollah and Iraqi militias, reversed all insurgent gains in about two weeks. Syrian state television said on Tuesday the air force had targeted "terrorist strongholds and supply depots" in Aleppo. Russia has said its air force is only conducting airstrikes in other parts of Syria. The Damascus government describes all the rebels fighting it as terrorists. Chinas President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported Sunday. The comments underscore Beijings opposition to involving other countries or international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Experts say China prefers a divide and conquer tactic over allowing its opponents to group together. Beijing has repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and opposes an arbitration tribunals July ruling in favor of the Philippines, rejecting Chinas claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters. During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea, turning the South China Sea into an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation, said the official Xinhua news agency. That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June. The Philippines is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation, said Xinhua. Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima. The Chinese president said the two countries should solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of shelving differences and engaging in joint development, and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity, Xinhua said. The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea. On Thursday, a U.S. think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to Chinas building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region. President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted Sunday as saying that Turkey did not need to join the European Union at all costs and could instead become part of a security bloc dominated by China, Russia and Central Asian nations. NATO member Turkeys prospects of joining the EU look more remote than ever after 11 years of negotiations. European leaders have been critical of its record on democratic freedoms, while Ankara has grown increasingly exasperated by what it sees as Western condescension. Shanghai Five Turkey must feel at ease. It mustnt say for me its the European Union at all costs. Thats my view, Erdogan was quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper as telling reporters on his plane on the way back from a visit to Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Why shouldnt Turkey be in the Shanghai Five? I said this to (Russian President) Mr Putin, to (Kazakh President) Nazarbayev, to those who are in the Shanghai Five now, he said. I hope that if there is a positive development there, I think if Turkey were to join the Shanghai Five, it will enable it to act with much greater ease. China, Russia and four Central Asian nations Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2001 as a regional security bloc to fight threats posed by radical Islam and drug trafficking from neighboring Afghanistan. NATO, Western allies Turkish membership of the SCO, which had initially not included Uzbekistan and been known as the Shanghai Five, would be likely to alarm Western allies and fellow NATO members. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan speak Turkic languages, and Ankara signed up in 2013 as a dialogue partner saying it shared the same destiny as members of the bloc. Mongolia, India, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are SCO observers, while Belarus, like Turkey, is a dialogue partner. Dialogue partners are entitled to take part in ministerial-level and some other meetings of the SCO, but do not have voting rights. Erdogan last week urged Turks to be patient until the end of the year over relations with Europe and said a referendum could be held on EU membership in 2017. The EU is treading a fine line in relations with Turkey: it needs Ankaras continued help in curbing a huge flow of migrants, especially from Syria, but is alarmed by Turkeys crackdown on opponents since a failed coup attempt in July. More than 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended since the abortive putsch, and some 36,000 arrested. Media outlets have also been shut down. The government says the crackdown is justified by the gravity of the threat to the state from the events of July 15, in which more than 240 people were killed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Sunday she is seeking a fourth term as head of government. Merkel told reporters she had a meeting with high ranking members of her Christian Democrats (CDU) before officially sharing the decision. I literally thought about this decision endlessly ... but I am ready to run for office again, she said. "It is not about a decision for an election campaign, but a decision for a term of office lasting four years, if - as is always the case - health allows this, she added. Germanys first woman chancellor has been widely considered a stabilizing force in Europe at a time of uncertainty after Britain's referendum to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. If the 62-year-old Merkel wins in 2017 and serves the entire four-year term, she would match her one-time mentor Helmut Kohl's post-war record of 16 years in office. As Germanys chancellor since 2005, Merkel has led Europe's largest economy through the financial and eurozone debt crises, winning international respect. U.S. President Barack Obama called Merkel an "outstanding" ally during his visit to Germany last week, his final one as president. She has also been dealing with the ongoing migrant crisis across Europe. In September, Merkel surprised the country when she said she wished she could have dealt with the migrant crisis differently, after the CDU suffered a major defeat in Berlin state elections, but stopped short of calling it a policy mistake. Her handling of the migrant crisis has angered many German voters, after she allowed nearly one million migrants into the country. Her popularity dropped and other parties gained ground in local elections, most notably the Alternative for Germany (AfD - Alternative fur Deutschland). On Sunday, she said politics is about balancing interests, compromises and progress. I always try to do that on the basis of our values: democracy, freedom, respect for the law, the dignity of every human being independent of background, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political position. That is what guides me. That is what I fight for again and again, but we can only be successful together, Merkel added. The leader of AfD, Frauke Petry, 41, who like Merkel was born and grew up in communist East Germany, will run against her for the chancellors post in 2017 elections. Forming as a Euro-sceptic party in 2013, the AfD won 4.7 percent of the popular vote in the previous federal elections in 2013, just missing the necessary 5 percent needed to be represented in the Bundestag. After developing anti-immigration policies, the party has won seats in every state election held in Germany since 2014. My goal in politics is to work to keep our country together, to make sure we can talk to one another. I know that nobody has a monopoly on the truth. We want to argue with one another like democrats. But that means argue, not hate, not degrade other people or ostracize them," Merkel said. The most advanced weather satellite ever built rocketed into space Saturday night, part of an $11 billion effort to revolutionize forecasting and save lives. This new GOES-R spacecraft will track U.S. weather as never before: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, volcanic ash clouds, wildfires, lightning storms, even solar flares. Indeed, about 50 TV meteorologists from around the country converged on the launch site including NBCs Al Roker along with 8,000 space program workers and guests. Whats so exciting is that were going to be getting more data, more often, much more detailed, higher resolution, Roker said. In the case of tornadoes, if we can give people another 10, 15, 20 minutes, were talking about lives being saved. Really a quantum leap above any satellite NOAA has ever flown, said Stephen Volz, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations director of satellites. For the American public, that will mean faster, more accurate weather forecasts and warnings, Volz said earlier in the week. First of four satellites Airline passengers also stand to benefit, as do rocket launch teams. Improved forecasting will help pilots avoid bad weather and help rocket scientists know when to call off a launch. The first in a series of four high-tech satellites, GOES-R hitched a ride on an unmanned Atlas V rocket, delayed an hour by rocket and other problems. NOAA teamed up with NASA for the mission. The satellite, valued by NOAA at $1 billion, is aiming for a 22,300-mile-high equatorial orbit. There, it will join three aging spacecraft with 40-year-old technology, and become known as GOES-16. After months of testing, this newest satellite will take over for one of the older ones. The second satellite in the series will follow in 2018. All told, the series should stretch to 2036. GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite. The first was launched in 1975. Six instruments on board GOES-Rs premier imager, one of six science instruments, will offer three times as many channels as the existing system, four times the resolution and five times the scan speed, said NOAA program director Greg Mandt. A similar imager is also flying on a Japanese weather satellite. Typically, it will churn out full images of the Western Hemisphere every 15 minutes and the continental United States every five minutes. Specific storm regions will be updated every 30 seconds. Forecasters will get pictures like theyve never seen before, Mandt promised. A first-of-its-kind lightning mapper, meanwhile, will take 500 snapshots a second. This next-generation GOES program $11 billion in all includes four satellites, an extensive land system of satellite dishes and other equipment, and new methods for crunching the massive, nonstop stream of expected data. Hurricane Matthew, interestingly enough, delayed the launch by a couple weeks. As the hurricane bore down on Florida in early October, launch preps were put on hold. Matthew stayed far enough offshore to cause minimal damage to Cape Canaveral, despite some early forecasts that suggested a direct strike. Iraqi coalition commanders said Saturday that Shi'ite militia allied with the government were in full control of Islamic State military installations at Tal Afar, as the coalition pressed to gain full control of the city west of Mosul from IS fighters. A statement published by the umbrella organization known as the Popular Mobilization Units a grouping of 40 Shi'ite militia said its forces had also cut the main east-west road linking IS-occupied Mosul with the Syrian city of Raqqa, which jihadists claim as the capital of their so-called caliphate. The Iraqi advance on Tal Afar, once home to 200,000 people, came as coalition forces sought to encircle Mosul and eventually regain control of the embattled city, which IS seized in 2014. Elsewhere, heavy fighting was reported on Mosul's eastern perimeter early Saturday as coalition forces backed by U.S.-led air power sought to penetrate deeper into the heavily fortified city. Kurdish news reports from the scene quoted coalition commanders as saying two more neighborhoods had been seized after close-quarters combat Friday that saw IS forces rake coalition fighters with heavy sniper and mortar fire. Separately, to the northeast of Mosul on Saturday, Kurdish peshmerga fighters joined locals in the freshly liberated town of Bashiqa, as Christians rang church bells and sang hymns while others climbed to the roof of a church to replace a cross destroyed by jihadists in 2014. "The first thing they did was break the cross," said the Reverend Afram al-Khoury, in comments quoted by the Associated Press. "We want to replace it and tell Daesh that the cross is still here and we are not leaving at all," al-Khoury said, using the Arabic name for IS. The coalition offensive to recapture Mosul, which was launched October 17, is the largest military operation in Iraq since U.S. forces departed the country in 2011. The fighting has driven thousands of civilians from the once-vibrant city, with U.N. monitors saying 60,000 have fled Mosul in the past two weeks. New U.N. analysis identifies nearly half of those refugees as children, with women and female-headed households accounting for most of the rest. U.N. officials have warned that as many as 1 million civilians in and near Mosul will most likely face great danger as the offensive unfolds in the coming weeks and months. A new report, the most extensive on illicit weapon flows in the Sahel in several years, confirms arms looted from huge Libyan stockpiles after the ouster of Colonel Moammar Gadhafi have fueled Islamist insurgencies in North and West Africa since 2012. But jihadists and Tuareg fighters have diversified their supply chains and have added new sources as the outflow from Libya has decreased, due partly to interdiction efforts and a rising internal demand in Libya for weapons as the conflict there looks set to escalate. Jihadists and other Islamist insurgents have plundered arms from inadequately secured national stockpiles in Mali, the Central African Republic, and Ivory Coast, according to a report by Conflict Armament Research, a London-based independent organization that tracks illicit weapon movements. And jihadists in the Sahel are also using assault rifles that have their origin in Syria and Iraq, thanks to a supply chain from the Islamic State terror group, which likely seized the weapons from Syrian and Iraqi government forces as its militants advanced in 2014 and the early part of last year. CARs report is alarming European counter-terrorism officials as much as their counterparts in the Sahel and West Africa. The study was funded by several EU governments, which fear weapons, including shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, could be smuggled into Europe along migrant routes and used for terror attacks in European capitals. Weapon smuggling In June, the U.N. Security Council authorized the interdiction of ships on international waters suspected of smuggling weapons into and out of Libya, hoping that would make it harder for jihadists and other insurgents to secure arms and to reduce the firepower of Islamists in the Sahel. The United States and its European allies have been trying to stem the unregulated trade in Libyan arms, which have flooded the region since Gadhafis fall, an effort aimed at assisting hard-pressed governments in the Sahel as well as to reduce the chances of weapons being smuggled into Europe. The report says various factions have access to a terrifying range of weapons including shoulder-launched guided missiles, anti-tank landmines and rocket propelled grenades. The picture painted by CAR provides a glimpse of more complicated arms flows that have shifted and evolved during the past two years. While high-seas interdiction by the European maritime force SOPHIA, whose main mission is to pursue smugglers ferrying refugees and migrants, may help to disrupt arms-smuggling into Europe, officials acknowledge it has no impact on weapon flows across the Sahel. Arms trafficking is highly organized and jihadists already have large stockpiles, says a French counter-terrorism official told VOA. We are going to start seeing those arms in Europe, he fears. Since 2011, research and media narratives about illicit weapon proliferation in the western Sahel have focused primarily on weapons originating in Libyan stockpiles or trafficked by Libyan armed groups, notes CARs report. Such flows remain significant, but they are diminishing and, in some cases, being reversed, the researchers add. While these changes are partly due to border security enforcement and convoy interdiction by national and international forces, they also reflect rising internal Libyan demand, particularly in the southern areas of the country, according to the study Investigating Cross-Border Weapon Transfers in the Sahel. Complicated trafficking pattern Armed violence in the Sahel region is being fueled now by weapon and ammunition flows originating outside Libya. CAR found evidence of Sudanese small arms ammunition in circulation in southern Libya and Mali; recently manufactured Russian and Chinese ammunition in circulation in southern Libya; newer Chinese Type 56-1 assault rifles similar in type and year of production to rifles captured by Kurdish forces from IS militants in Kobane, Syria; and Iraqi-manufactured and imported assault rifles. CAR researchers suspect that Islamist groups responsible for terror attacks attacks in the Sahel, including on international hotels, have a common source of supply or constitute a single cell, and point tentatively to possible links or commonalities of supply sources between Islamist fighters in West Africa and those operating in Iraq and Syria. One of the most surprising discoveries of the study is the large number of arms originating from Cote dIvoire. The prevalence of Ivorian-origin small arms across the region is a particularly unexpected finding of this investigation, the researchers say. Weapons plundered by Islamist militants and separatists from substantial stockpiles of the Malian security forces since 2012 are also being trafficked across the region. Leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific nations have ended their annual summit with a call to resist protectionism and protect the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, which has been thrown into uncertainty after the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president. The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum closed Sunday in Lima, Peru, with a joint pledge to work toward a sweeping new free trade agreement that would include all 21 members as a path to "sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth,'' despite the political climate. Trump strongly criticized the TPP -- which includes the United States but not China -- during an election campaign notable for his strong criticism of U.S. free trade deals. But at a news conference at the end of the summit, U.S. President Barack Obama said the United States should not retreat from global trade, but should seek to "do trade right'' so that workers are protected and environmental standards are upheld. Obama said it's time for the U.S. to reaffirm its support for the TPP trade deal. He said if Trump withdraws the U.S. from the pact, it will be a weaker deal and the U.S. would lose an opportunity to shape the rules of global trade "in a way that reflects our values." Earlier in the day, Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin had brief talks about Syria and Ukraine on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Lima, Peru, the White House said, in their first face-to-face encounter since the election victory of Donald Trump. Obama later told reporters he encouraged Putin to uphold Russia's commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. Both the White House and the Kremlin said the leaders agreed that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov should keep working on initiatives to decrease the violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. Putin, speaking later in Lima, said he and Obama noted that while their working relationship had been difficult, they'd "always respected each other's positions, and each other." The Russian leader also said Trump has confirmed to him he is willing to mend ties. "The president-elect confirmed he is willing to normalize Russian-American relations. I told him the same. We did not discuss where and when we would meet." Barring unforeseen circumstances, this is the 52nd and final foreign trip of Obamas eight years in the White House. A cornerstone of Obamas foreign policy was a focus on Asia and the Pacific, the so-called Asia-Pacific re-balance, but that could change substantially after he leaves office in nine weeks. On Saturday, Obama had a message Saturday for 1,000 young leaders from all over Latin America and the Caribbean on President-elect Trump: "Don't assume the worst." Speaking at a town-hall style meeting in Peru's capital, Obama took several questions from young people in the audience who were anxious about the future as the U.S. presidency changes hands. Obama called on them to be optimistic, advising that no one can make things better unless they have hope. "I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put [his] team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be," Obama said. "How you campaign is not always how you govern," he added. The president appeared to be in his element interacting with young people in Peru Saturday, in a meeting similar to many other town-hall gatherings he has taken part in during previous trips across Asia, Europe and Africa. Obama received a rock star's welcome from the crowd, and he sought to reassure everyone in his youthful audience, part of the Young Leaders of America initiative, that they can write their own history. Although his time as president is coming to an end, Obama said, the worldwide network of encouraging entrepreneurship among young people is just beginning: "The main message I want you to know is that you have a partner in me, and you have a partner in the U.S. government." After the town hall, Obama held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In brief remarks to reporters beforehand, Xi expressed concern. "We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship. I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship, and that it will continue to grow going forward," Xi said. After the two leaders met, the White House released a statement saying: "The two leaders reflected on the significant progress they have achieved in strengthening the bilateral relationship through sustained engagement." U.S. officials said Obama and Xi addressed the threat presented by North Korea's efforts to advance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile systems and affirmed their firm commitment to achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Chinese and American presidents also pointed to the recent Paris Agreement to combat climate change as an example of their two countries' progress, and its benefits to the international community. European and Asian leaders have expressed concern about President-elect Trump's skeptical statements about climate-change efforts, international trade agreements and international security alliances. Latin American leaders including Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski also say they are concerned about Trump's avowed plan to act quickly and firmly to close U.S. borders to all Latino immigrants trying to enter the United States with inadequate documentation. Obama has sought to reassure foreign leaders about America's commitment to bedrock democratic principles and alliances, pointing to his public comments throughout his current trip abroad, which began in Greece and Germany before bringing him to Peru. Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York on Thursday, after Obama already had left Washington for Europe. Abe said afterward that he thought Trump was a "trustworthy leader." Trump posted on his Facebook page, "It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship." Earlier Saturday, Obama met with Peru's president and with leaders of the Trans-Pacific Partnership countries. He tried to highlight a mutual commitment to free trade and to creating good jobs, but Obama has had to concede that the U.S. Congress will not take up the TPP issue now that Trump has been elected. The president told the young people at his town hall meeting he does not anticipate the new administration will make major change in U.S. economic policy toward Latin America. However, he warned: "There are going to be tensions that are going to rise, probably around trade more than anything else." The work pressure took toll on a deputy manager of State Bank of India, S.K. Sheriff (46), who collapsed while working. By Ashish Pandey: It's been 12 days since Modi's demonetisation move came into effect, affecting one and all, including the bank officials who are working round the clock to manage the currency revamp. The exertion of the same took toll on a deputy manager of State Bank of India, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, S.K. Sheriff (46), who collapsed while working. advertisement He was immediately admitted to the nearby hospital, but his condition deteriorated gradually leading to his death. Speaking to India Today, father Zaheer said that his son had informed him about the work load and stress. "Two day back he and other staffs were locked inside the bank by customers as bank had no money. Post the demonetisation announcement he had been working from 8 am to 10 pm." Sheriff was survived by his wife and two children. --- ENDS --- U.S. President Barack Obama had a message Saturday for 1,000 young leaders from around Latin America and the Caribbean on President-elect Donald Trump: Dont assume the worst. Speaking at a town-hall style meeting in Perus capital, Obama took several questions from young people in the audience who were anxious about the future as the U.S. presidency changes hands. Obama called on them to be optimistic, advising that no one can make things better unless they have hope: I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put [his] team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said. How you campaign is not always how you govern, he added. Watch: Obama in Peru: 'Democracy Can Be Frustrating' Town hall with youths The U.S. president and other world leaders are in Lima for the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, the APEC Summit. Barring unforeseen circumstances, this is the 52nd and final foreign trip of Obamas eight years in the White House. The president appeared to be in his element interacting with young people in Peru Saturday, in a meeting similar to many other town-hall gatherings he has taken part in during previous trips across Asia, Europe and Africa. Obama received a rock stars welcome from the crowd, and he sought to reassure everyone in his youthful audience, part of the Young Leaders of America initiative, that they can write their own history. Although his time as president is coming to an end, Obama said, the worldwide network of encouraging entrepreneurship among young people is just beginning. The main message I want you to know is that you have a partner in me, and you have a partner in the U.S. government, he said. China expresses concern After the town hall, Obama held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In brief remarks to reporters beforehand, Xi expressed concern. We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship. I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship, and that it will continue to grow going forward, Xi said. After the two leaders met, the White House released a statement saying: The two leaders reflected on the significant progress they have achieved in strengthening the bilateral relationship through sustained engagement. U.S. officials said Obama and Xi addressed the threat presented by North Koreas efforts to advance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile systems and affirmed their firm commitment to achieving denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Chinese and American presidents also pointed to the recent Paris Agreement to combat climate change as an example of their two countries progress, and its benefits to the international community. European and Asian leaders have expressed concern about President-elect Trumps skeptical statements about climate-change efforts, international trade agreements and international security alliances. Borders and trade Latin American leaders including Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski also say they are concerned about Trumps avowed plan to act quickly and firmly to close U.S. borders to all Latino immigrants trying to enter the United States with inadequate documentation. Obama has sought to reassure foreign leaders about Americas commitment to bedrock democratic principles and alliances, pointing to his public comments throughout his current trip abroad, which began in Greece and Germany before bringing him to Peru. Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York Thursday, after Obama had left Washington for Europe. Abe said afterward that he thought Trump was a trustworthy leader. Trump posted on his Facebook page, It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship. Tensions are going to rise Earlier Saturday, Obama met with Perus president and with leaders of the Trans-Pacific Partnership countries. He tried to highlight a mutual commitment to free trade and to creating good jobs, but Obama has had to concede that the U.S. Congress will not take up the TPP issue now that Trump has been elected. Watch: Obama: Don't Expect Major Policy Changes on Latin America The president told the young people at his town hall meeting he does not anticipate the new administration will make major change in U.S. economic policy toward Latin America. However, he warned: There are going to be tensions that are going to rise, probably around trade more than anything else. A cornerstone of Obamas foreign policy was a focus on Asia and the Pacific, the so-called Asia-Pacific rebalance, but that could change substantially after he leaves office in nine weeks. On Sunday, Obama will meet with APEC leaders once again and then hold a news conference at the end of the day, before returning home. He will be back in Washington Monday. Syrian sources say rebel shelling on a school killed at least seven children Sunday in the government-held part of Aleppo. Dozens of other people were reported to have been wounded by the rocket fire on the Furqan neighborhood. On Saturday, White House National Security Adviser Susan Rice warned the Syrian government and its Russian backers they will be held accountable for the "heinous" bombings of hospitals in rebel-held portions of Aleppo. "The United States condemns in the strongest terms these horrific attacks against medical infrastructure and humanitarian aid workers. There is no excuse for these heinous actions," she said." The Syrian regime and its allies, Russia in particular, bears the responsibility for the immediate and long term consequences these actions have caused in Syria and beyond." Airstrikes and artillery fire carried out by government forces in Aleppo killed at least 27 people Saturday, marking the fifth straight day of bombardment of the city, which is home to more than 275,000 people. On Friday, government bombs hit four hospitals in Aleppo, prompting the rebels' appointed health directorate to declare all hospitals in opposition-held areas out of service. "The intentional destruction of infrastructure for survival has made the besieged steadfast people, including children, elderly and men and women, without medical facilities to treat them," the directorate said in a statement. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Syrian warplanes bombed more than 20 neighborhoods. Since the renewed assault began Tuesday, about 100 people have been killed, including two people killed by rebel mortars targeting government-held parts of the city, according to state media. The freshly rekindled fighting in Aleppo comes after a brief period of calm when Russia agreed to halt its airstrikes and allow humanitarian aid into the city and fleeing residents out. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura is scheduled to visit Syria's capital, Damascus, Sunday to speak with Syria's foreign minister and other high-ranking military officials. The siege of Aleppo is expected to be among the topics discussed. Eight people were arrested Saturday when a small group of protesters calling themselves White Lives Matter were confronted by counterdemonstrators supporting Black Lives Matter at the Texas State Capitol, near where the governor had earlier dedicated a monument recognizing the contribution of African-Americans to the state. Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Sergeant Victor Taylor said four of the arrests were for assault, two for evading arrest, one for disorderly conduct and one for "interference with public duty." Two of those arrested were on Capitol grounds and the others on adjacent streets. "Some protesters assaulted other protesters," Taylor said. "We don't know for sure which side they were on. A lot of them were comingled." Austin police and state troopers dressed in riot gear had tried to keep the two groups separated. Taylor said the confrontation did not affect the unveiling of the monument, which was on a different part of the grounds. About two dozen individuals with the White Lives Matter group demonstrated against what they called the unequal application of hate-crime laws, which they say are applied in a way that favors minorities. The group said it was a coincidence that its protest was held about the same time as the ceremony for the monument. The White Lives Matter group was shouted down by a group of several hundred counterprotesters, who held up signs that said "Stand Against Hate" and "Black Lives Matter." During the unveiling ceremony, Governor Greg Abbott told a crowd in attendance that the monument honored African-Americans who helped Texas grow. "The fact is African-Americans have shaped this land that we are on today since long before it was even named the state of Texas. They fought for their own freedom. They fought for the freedom of Texas and the freedom of the United States of America," Abbott said. The monument is located on the Capitol's south lawn, close to other monuments that honor Confederate soldiers for their service during the Civil War. The new monument features the African-American experience in Texas, from exploration in the 1500s to slavery and emancipation to achievement in arts and science. It will be the 21st monument on the Capitol grounds and the second memorial dedicated to a specific ethnic group. Texas installed the Tejano Monument to Mexican-American history in 2012. Syria's foreign minister on Sunday rejected a United Nations proposal that would grant autonomy to the devastated eastern sector of Aleppo, where rebels seeking to topple the government are locked in a months-long battle with government forces and their Russian allies. Under the U.N. proposal, the Damascus government would allow rebel-held eastern Aleppo to be governed by a local administration if jihadists fighting alongside rebels leave the city. "This is completely rejected," Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said of the proposal in televised comments in Damascus, after meeting with U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura. "This [proposal] is a violation of our sovereignty." For his part, de Mistura offered no public comment on Syria's rejection of the U.N. autonomy proposal. Watch video report from VOA's Zlatica Hoke: Verification team But he used the news conference to propose sending a U.N. verification team to Aleppo to examine widespread claims that government aircraft have bombed and knocked out a series of hospitals in the city's eastern sector in recent days. "Since we do have a difference of opinion between the Minister Muallem, saying there is a total denial of any aerial bombing of hospitals in eastern Aleppo... then perhaps we should be allowed to send a verification team on the U.N. side... to verify damage in both east and west Aleppo," de Mistura said. It was not clear whether de Mistura raised the verification proposal during closed door talks that preceded his comments. Rebels and medical workers say the last remaining hospital in eastern Aleppo was bombed and largely destroyed on Friday, leaving at least 250,000 civilians trapped in the fighting without a fully functioning medical facility. Earlier Sunday, monitors and Syrian television reported at least eight children killed at a school in western Aleppo, by artillery shelling attributed to rebel forces. State media said nearly 60 others were wounded. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 240 people have been killed in eastern Aleppo and in the rebel-held countryside west of the city since Tuesday, when Syrian aircraft and Russian warplanes resumed bombings in and near the war-torn city after a two-week lull. 'Positive changes' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Muallem said there were positive changes in the international arena, in an apparent allusion to the recent U.S. presidential election win by Donald Trump. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has called Trump a natural ally in the fight against terrorism in a TV interview several days ago. In a meeting Sunday with Frances Foreign Minister Jean Marc Ayrault, former Syrian prime minister Riyadh Hijab, now an opposition negotiator, urged an end to the offensive on eastern Aleppo by government forces, Russia and Iran. He called the situation in eastern Aleppo catastrophic, and urged the international community to pressure Russia and Iran to stop their offensive. U.N. envoy de Mistura told the Guardian newspaper the Syrian government was pursuing a Pyrrhic victory in Aleppo if it fails to reach a political solution with the opposition. Ed Yeranian contributed to this report from Cairo. Thousands of Turks took to the streets of Istanbul on Saturday, protesting against a proposed law that critics say would allow men convicted of child sexual assault to avoid punishment by marrying their victims. With signs reading "Punish the rapist, not the child," and other expressions of defiance, including "Rape cannot be pardoned," an estimated 3,000 protesters marched in Kadikoy square in the city's Asian sector. Opponents of the legislation, which was approved in a first reading Thursday, were reported to include an organization that employs a daughter of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ruling AKP party introduced the bill. The legislation is slated for a second vote after a debate set for Tuesday. For its part, the government says the legislation is not intended to pardon rapists, but to influence the widespread rural custom of child marriages. It would, however, permit the release of men who assault minors "without force, threat or any other restriction on consent" if they marry the girls involved. Critics say the measure effectively encourages underage marriage. A spokesman for UNICEF, the U.N. Children's Fund, said Saturday that the organization was "deeply concerned" by the pending legislation. Christophe Boulierac told the French news agency AFP that "these abject forms of violence against children are crimes which should be punished as such." Donald Trumps White House chief of staff-to-be defended the president-elects most recent picks for top administration posts. They will do everything they can to protect and secure our country here and abroad every single day that they wake up in the morning, Reince Priebus said on ABCs This Week program. Trump announced Friday he had chosen Republican Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser, and Republican Congressman Mike Pompeo of Kansas for CIA director. A onetime military intelligence specialist, Flynn became a top Trump surrogate on international security matters, often raising eyebrows in the process, tweeting that fear of Muslims is rational. Islam is a political ideology. It is a political ideology. It definitely hides behind this idea, this notion of it being a religion, Flynn said in a speech during the campaign. Trump has spoken approvingly of torture to gather intelligence, and his pick for CIA director, Congressman Mike Pompeo, criticized the Obama administrations reining in of interrogation techniques on terror suspects. Choosing hardliners Meanwhile, one of the first senators to endorse Trump has been tapped to be Americas next attorney general. Like Trump, Jeff Sessions is wary of Muslim refugees. If you are not able to do a background check sufficiently, vet the applicants, if you are not able to do that, then you are going to be admitting a certain number of people who have terrorist tendencies, Sessions told reporters at the Capitol earlier this year. And, Sessions has long been a hardliner on illegal immigration. Who has more right to a job in this country? A lawful immigrant, a green-card holder or a citizen, or a person who entered the country unlawfully? he asked at a committee hearing. Like every president-elect, Trump is surrounding himself with people who share his viewpoint. Groups that oppose Trump are blasting his choices. The Southern Poverty Law Center accuses Sessions of aligning himself with xenophobic, racist groups. Democrats, meanwhile, question Flynns temperament. This is not someone who is prone to thoughtful consideration of issues, said California Representative Adam Schiff. This is someone who often flies off at the handle and makes snap judgments on things that he may not fully understand. Bringing America together Priebus rejected all criticism, saying Trump is assembling a team Americans can rally around. President-elect Trump said to all Americans, no matter who you are your race, your gender, your background I want to lead all of you. I want to make all of you proud of the work that we are doing. And he wants to be a president for all people, so he is bringing America together, said Priebus, who has served as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Sessions and Flynn face Senate confirmation hearings, as will many others put forward by Trump. The only fair thing to do is ask a lot of questions, very thorough questions [at the hearings], and then make an opinion, said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, who will lead Democrats in the chamber next year, also speaking on This Week. But minority Democrats will be unable to block Trump nominees for administration posts by themselves, having curtailed a key procedural maneuver that Republicans once wielded against selections made by President Barack Obama. The U.S. "will not torture people," Republican Senator John McCain told an audience at a security forum Saturday, adding that he didn't care what stance President-elect Donald Trump had taken on the issue. McCain, a congressional leader on national security, was speaking at the Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia. Tortured as a prisoner during the Vietnam War, he has been a strident opponent of waterboarding. Trump said during the 2016 campaign and at a Republican primary debate in February that he "liked" waterboarding and that, as president, he would "bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding." Waterboarding, which simulates drowning, was used against suspected terrorists in the early 2000s during the George W. Bush administration. Congress banned the use of torture on detainees in 2006. "I don't give a damn what the president of the United States wants to do. We will not waterboard," McCain said. "We will not torture people. It doesn't work." McCain, who was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, told the audience Saturday that torture is illegal under the Geneva Conventions, and that waterboarding makes it hard for the U.S. to claim moral superiority in the world. "What does it say about America if we're going to inflict torture on people?" he asked. The Halifax International Security Forum attracts top defense and security officials from Western democracies to discuss a range of global threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, climate change and economic stability. The International Space Station has gained three new residents, including the oldest and most experienced female astronaut ever to orbit the world. A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying the fresh crew docked Saturday at the space station, 400 kilometers above Earth. The new arrivals at the orbital research laboratory American astronaut Peggy Whitson, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy joined the three men already on board, one American and two Russians. Whitson, who will be the mission commander once her team settles in orbit, already holds the record for time spent in space by a woman over 400 days during her various missions. Over the course of the next six months, she will celebrate her 57th birthday in the weightless conditions of Earth orbit, as she extends her time-in-space record every day. Before their launch Thursday from Kazakhstan, Pesquet paid tribute to Whitson's leadership and seniority, but said he was carrying with him a small piece of a meteorite from Mars that will become "the most experienced space traveler there is in the world." The French astronaut, making his first spaceflight, said his intention was to show that human and robotic explorers of outer space "are all working together." He intends to bring the stone back to Earth next year and place it aboard a Mars rover for a return flight to its home planet. Third space flight Whitson, a biochemist by training, is making her third flight to the space station. Prior to this mission, no woman older than 55 had flown in space. Novitskiy is making his second spaceflight. The new crew's arrival at the space station Saturday coincided with the 47th anniversary of mankind's second landing on the moon on November 19, 1969, by American astronauts Charles Conrad and Alan Bean. The past few days have been busy with space-related activities. As Whitson and her crew were heading into orbit, two Chinese astronauts touched down safely in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia after a successful monthlong mission in orbit, demonstrating the progress China has made in its quest to establish a permanent space station. Major General Jing Haipeng and Colonel Chen Dong spent 33 days in orbit, a new record for Chinese manned space missions. They lived aboard the Tiangong space lab, which is a prototype for a permanent orbital laboratory that China hopes to establish by 2020. While in orbit, the Chinese astronauts tested new hardware for use in space, including a remotely operated robotic arm to transfer cargo, and also released a microsatellite to fly around the Tiangong lab, inspecting and photographing it. The small device also is said to be equipped to divert any space debris on a collision course with the main spacecraft. First satellite launch Since the first satellite was launched from Earth into orbit the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1, in 1957 space debris has been accumulating steadily. Some scientists estimate up to 100 million pieces of space junk are currently floating around Earth, posing an increasing threat to the safety of both manned and unmanned satellites high above. About 27,000 pieces of orbital debris currently are being tracked by ground stations on Earth, according to Britain's Royal Astronomical Society, which met Friday in London to discuss the growing problem. Many bits of debris are too small to track accurately, but they nevertheless pose a risk to any other objects they encounter. "Tackling the problem of space debris is one of humankind's greatest environmental challenges, but also perhaps the one that is the least known," said Hugh Lewis, head of astronautics research at the University of Southampton in England. "Every day we use and rely on services provided by satellites without ever realizing how vulnerable they are," Lewis added. Satellite launches Meanwhile, the European space program launched four more Galileo satellites this week, moving a step closer to completing its own satellite-based navigation system, which will compete against the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS. The four satellites the most the European Union has sent aloft at one time were carried into orbit Thursday by an Ariane rocket launched from a spaceport in French Guiana. And as astronaut Whitson's crew was maneuvering toward docking Saturday with the International Space Station, the U.S. space agency NASA was preparing to launch another rocket carrying a new weather satellite into orbit. Also Saturday, a weather satellite called "America's most advanced eye in the sky" was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The $1 billion satellite, part of an $11 billion effort to revolutionize forecasting, will be able to relay more frequent and higher-definition images of severe weather patterns, the U.S. space agency said. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R Series (GOES-R) spacecraft launched Saturday is "really a quantum leap above any satellite NOAA has ever flown,'' Stephen Volz, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's director of satellites, told The Associated Press. More Asian Americans voted for Hillary Clinton than Donald Trump according to the 2016 National Asian American Election Eve Poll. But in the Vietnamese community, many Republicans voted for Trump. VOA's Elizabeth Lee went to Southern California to find out what their expectations are for the next president of the United States. Protesters assembled outside a downtown Washington office building Saturday where white nationalists, also known as the alt-right, were meeting to celebrate the victory of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Media reports say there were no arrests, but at least one man was injured in a clash with protesters outside the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, just blocks from the White House. Demonstrations have been increasing across the country, protesting Trumps election and his subsequent appointments, especially the appointment of Stephen Bannon as the White House strategist and chief counselor. Bannon, who was the executive chairman of Breitbart News Network before orchestrating Trumps triumphant campaign, told Mother Jones magazine that Breitbart is the platform for the alt-right, a loose group that is generally viewed as upholding white supremacy and opposing diversity, feminism and immigration. Trumps success seems to have energized the alt-right movement to be more vocal about various issues, including its concerns that whites are becoming a minority in the U.S. The National Policy Institute, host of the meeting in downtown Washington, says on its website that it is an independent organization dedicated to the heritage, identity and future of people of European descent in the United States, and around the world. It says NPI is dedicated to the revival and flourishing of our people. They are white supremacists, they are new-Nazis, neo-Fascist, one protester told local television station WJLA. When youre dealing with that element, youre basically dealing with something thats threatening the rights and freedoms of everyone in this society. Dr Balasubramanian who only charged Rs 20 for his patients treatment was a physician who ran a clinic for 12 years at Coimbatore's Gandhipuram area had passed away. By Pramod Madhav: Dr. Balasubramanian, beloved known as "20 rupees doctor" was a physician who ran a clinic for the past twelve years at Sidhapudur, near Gandhipuram had passed away. The doctor had a humble beginning at Bodinayakkanur located in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, where he charged Rs 5 as fee from his patients. When he moved to Coimbatore to work at ESI hospital, he began to charge Rs 10 to his patients who willingly gave him 15 rupees for his trusted treatment. FORMER PATIENTS, RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT advertisement Bhupathy, a patient of Balasubramaniam for 10 years unable to digest the news about the doctor's demise rushed to the clinic hoping that it was only a rumour. He recalled, "Initially, he only charged 10 rupees and only in the past 2 years took 20 rupees. I've been his patient for so long. He never worried about earning money. Maximum I would have paid for treatment to him is Rs 50 of which Rs 30 would have been for medicine. There is no such doctor like him. He is a God to many". Arun, a resident of Gandhipuram recalls how he could see long queues every time he crossed the clinic walking to his home. "He didn't care about time. If anyone knocks his clinic door even at midnight, he'll never turn them back. He spoke to his patients with concern listening to what they had to say, which itself would cure them half way. His death is a huge loss to us". It became difficult for the cops to control traffic as large crowds gathered in front of the shuttered doctor's clinic. Some prayed while others lit a candle in his memory. 'GREAT INSPIRATION TO US' Sindhu, the grand daughter of Dr Balasubramaniam flew from Bangalore as many people called her up to ask about her grand father's demise. "I've seen him from my childhood. He was a great inspiration to us. Many here couldn't accept that he passed away. There are so many people gathered here. We can't see him at home often. But I see his presence in each and everyone's eyes here," she said overwhelmed with emotion. The sight of children holding candles and praying for the doctor's soul brought back hope that good deeds never go unchecked. Also Read: This doctor's demise has saddened Coimbatore. But why? --- ENDS --- Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The saga of Mike Pences boo-tastic visit to see Hamilton on Friday evening continues, with Donald Trump once again choosing to bash the Broadway musical for its supposed rudeness toward his Vice-President-Elect. At the conclusion of the performance Pence attended, the cast and crew used their curtain call to address the soon-to-be VP in a short speech written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and read by Brandon Victor Dixon. The statement urged Pence to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. Trump, not a fan of the casts treatment, demanded that they promptly apologize to Pence and that the theater must always be a safe and special place. Now, a day later, hes offering even more heated words. The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior, Trump tweeted Sunday morning. Hours prior to that in a now-deleted tweet, the president-elect also opined: Very rude and insulting of Hamilton cast member to treat our great future V.P. Mike Pence to a theater lecture. Couldnt even memorize lines! For what its worth, Ivanka seemed to enjoy her experience at the Richard Rogers Theatre. The first look poster and title of Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu's next with AR Murugadoss to be unveiled on January 26, 2017, say reports. First look of Mahesh Babu's next with AR Murugadoss to be out on Republic Day By India Today Web Desk: It is a well-known fact that the Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu is teaming up with AR Murugadoss for an upcoming action thriller. While the shooting of the film is progressing at a brisk pace, the latest buzz is that the makers of the film are planning to unveil the first look and title on January 26, 2017. advertisement ALSO READ: Jeyamohan Rajinikanth's on 2.0- Akshay Kumar's character will be at par with Nolan's villains ALSO READ: Khaidi N0 150- Chiranjeevi, Kajal Aggarwal meet Mayor of Dubrovnik Despite maintaining secrecy of the project, it has been confirmed that Mahesh Babu is indeed playing a stylish intelligence officer in the film. Tipped to be an action thriller, the film will have SJ Suryah playing the baddie. Suryah, who spent the last two months rigorously training, will also be seen in a clean shaven look in the film. According to reports, the team recently completed a three-week schedule in Chennai, where the unit has erected a massive setting in EVP world. Rakul Preet Singh, who recently wrapped up the shooting of Dhruva, has been roped in to play the leading lady after Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra turned down the offer. Music director Harris Jayaraj, a frequent collaborator with Murugadoss will compose the film's music and Santosh Shivan will crank the camera. Jointly produced by Prasad and Tagore Madhu, the film is slated to release next year. --- ENDS --- After a rejection from Waco ISD, a family won approval from Robinson ISD this week on its request to leave Waco ISD and be annexed into the Robinson school district. The opposing decisions open the door for the family file an appeal with the Texas Education Agency. The Robinson ISD school board voted unanimously this week to accept the Rodriguez familys petition to join the district. Cruz Rodriguez said he doesnt want his three young children in schools in Waco ISD, which he sees as a struggling district. The family has a Robinson mailing address on the Waco ISD side of the line dividing the two districts. Were moving in the right direction, and its going to take some time, Rodriguez said about the victory. My daughter, shes the one whos taking it for the benefit of her other two siblings. . . . Its going to benefit her and her brother and sister. The familys oldest child has started at South Waco Elementary School. To start the petition process, a child has to first attend school in the district the family wants to leave. Waco ISD officially rejected the petition Oct. 20, but with Robinson trustees approval, the family can now appeal the issue to the Texas Education Agency, Rodriguez said. As far as Robinson ISD goes, of course, theres definitely not a negative effect to having more property in Robinson ISD. There wouldnt be a negative effect on current or future students residing in the affected territory, Robinson ISD Superintendent Michael Hope said. The change in value would have a negative effect economically for Waco ISD because it does any time a district loses property since most of our funding is placed on property taxes. Overall, the boundary changes as Mr. Rodriguez has shown would have a positive effect on Robinson ISD. When Rodriguez made his presentation to the Robinson ISD board, he cited similar reasons he presented to Waco ISD. Those reasons include schools like South Waco Elementary being on the states improvement required list for academic accountability in recent years, a recent investigation into improper grade changes at University High School, crime rates in the area and the cost to commute between home and Waco schools. Robinson ISD schools are smaller and closer to their home, and all of the districts campuses have met state academic standards since 2013, when the STAAR accountability scores were implemented, according to TEA records. The appeals process could take nearly 300 days, but thats a small price to pay to improve their childrens future, Rodriguez said. Were willing to put the time and effort in there because we know its worth it, he said. It could be easy to pick up and move, but when you really want something and love something, you fight for it. Thats our attitude. Why run? Lets stick it out. Lets put our heels down in the ground and lets go for it. By state law, a resident can ask to detach from one school district and be annexed into another if the residents property is on the boundary between two districts, Waco ISDs legal counsel, Pete Rusek, said during the Oct. 20 Waco ISD meeting. From here, the family will work on finding a lawyer and drafting a letter of appeal to the TEA, Rodriguez said. Two years before a McLennan County commissioners term ends, his family and a few friends are throwing a banquet in his honor. The party may be early, but his time in office wont end prematurely, Precinct 2 Commissioner Lester Gibson said. Coque Gibson, wife of the long-serving commissioner, said she wanted to host an event to highlight all the work her husband has done for county through the years. I was just inspired by God. Something inspired me. I wanted to do this so I could show him, as well as the community, and maybe let the community know all the work my husband has done all these years, she said when asked about holding the event mid-term. Hes always been an advocate for people. Lester Gibson said he will retire from his county commissioner seat at the end of his term. Almost 300 people bought tickets to attend A Night With the Commish on Saturday at the Waco Convention Center, which is sold out. Gibson, a Democrat first elected to the Precinct 2 seat in 1990, was most-recently re-elected in 2014, beating Republican Tony Abad. A 1974 Baylor University graduate and father of four children and 12 grandchildren, Gibson also served as a Waco City Council member from 1988 to 1990. Coque Gibson said the event includes a guest speaker and tribute to her husband of almost 47 years. She said her husband has been a civil rights advocate for the area. Anything that people had injustices with, Lester just hopped on it, she said. He ended up being a voice for the African-American community. Izegbe Lee, Gibsons daughter, said her mother was inspired to host the event. She had a vision she wanted to recognize my father and show appreciation for his many accomplishments hes made within McLennan County through all his years of service, she said. Sold-out event Lee said the event sold out of seats. They booked space for 280 people, she said. Lee said her mother envisioned a much larger event, but they agreed to narrow the list. My daddy is so known throughout McLennan County and other areas of Texas, if we were to put on an event of that magnitude it would have an overflow of people, she said. Im overwhelmingly proud of my father. It gives me chills even to think of all my father has done for the community. Im very, very proud of him. Participants could purchase a table for $150 or sponsor the event at $500 for the bronze level, $1,000 for the silver level, or $1,500 for the gold level. Coque Gibson said the appreciation service was put together by The Historic Political Legacy of McLennan County Committee, which was just a name she created for organizers. Proceeds will go toward the program, food and decorations, she said. Any remaining funds will go to a charitable organization of her husbands choosing, she said. Hard secret to keep Lester Gibson said he didnt know much about the event, except that his wife is hosting it. Originally the celebration was to be a secret, he said. I knew I couldnt keep a secret, Coque Gibson said with a laugh. County Judge Scott Felton said he will be in West Texas this weekend for a family reunion. Im not totally sure what the purpose of the event is besides recognizing him for 20-plus years of service, Felton said. Precinct 1 Commissioner Kelly Snell said he didnt know anything about a party being thrown for Gibson. Precinct 3 Commissioner Will Jones and Precinct 4 Commissioner Ben Perry did not return calls for comment. Mike Dixon, a Waco attorney who represents McLennan County, said he doesnt see an issue with money going to an account set up by Gibsons family for the event. He said its his understanding that unless the money goes directly to him, as opposed to funding a venue for an event, then theres no issue. Dixon said he assumes the organizers set up a separate bank account for the event instead of using their personal one. If someone were to pay to a function in honor of some other figure or person, youre paying essentially for your meal and your ability to attend, that helps them to be able to put it on, he said. Robert Callahan considers himself a Christian before any the other labels people would put on him: a conservative Republican, an American, a black man with a mixed-race family. But as someone who is all those things, he feels out of place among evangelical believers who helped propel Donald Trump to the White House. Im hurt, Callahan said. Im somewhat resentful. Even still Im processing through forgiving, because I know thats my obligation. Im not personally fearful, though I know people who are. Callahan, a Waco attorney, is a values voter who would love to see another pro-life Supreme Court justice, as Trump has promised. But he said almost everything else about Trump is an affront to the values he thought he shared with other evangelical Christians. Trumps recorded boast that he could grope women with impunity is just the start of his list. In this election he degraded women, he talked about their menstrual cycles, he made fun of handicapped people, and he said a federal judge who was Hispanic wasnt legitimate, Callahan said. We heard him calling for mass deportations and encouraging followers to assault peaceful protesters at his conventions. Theres so much wrong with the fruit of his tree. Now Callahan worries that the witness of Christians is damaged. In this election, we have paired ourselves with immorality in order to try to achieve morality, he said. We have people in the church, big C, that have aided, solicited and encouraged what Donald Trump stands for. Hes not alone. After a bruising and nasty campaign season, many evangelicals are struggling to heal wounds within their own congregations, while pondering their place in the greater culture. Thomas Kidd, a Baylor University history professor whose books include a definitive history of Baptists, said the strong identification of white evangelicals with Trump in this election could hurt their outreach to the world and to other Christians. To the extent that large numbers of older white evangelicals did support Trump, it is damaging among many millennials, who were dismayed about election 2016 (though not just about Trump), Kidd said in an email interview this week. Many younger people suspect that politics actually comes first for these evangelical Republicans. Likewise, many (though not all) Hispanic and African-American evangelicals are deeply disturbed by Trumps success among white evangelicals. How could fellow evangelicals back him, they wonder, in spite of Trumps litany of comments that many interpreted as racist? Eighty-one percent of white evangelicals voted for Trump, according to the Pew Research Center, and its no surprise that group would support a Republican presidential candidate. They went 78 percent for George W. Bush in 2004, 74 percent for John McCain in 2008, 78 percent for Mitt Romney in 2012. The term evangelical originally was a unifying term for a variety of Protestant traditions from conservative Calvinists to Baptists to Pentecostals that stress the authority of the Bible and personal salvation through Jesus. Evangelicalism has evolved in recent decades beyond a theological idea into a potent political force around social issues such as abortion and gay rights, representing about a quarter of American voters, according to Pew. But few observers expected their overwhelming support for Trump, given how furiously evangelical leaders debated over him. Supporters included Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of Dallas, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson and Jerry Falwell Jr. of Liberty University. Opponents included the magazine Christianity Today, Southern Baptist Convention ethicist Russell Moore and conservative theologian John Piper. Ramiro Pena, a pastor of Wacos Christ the King Baptist Church, summed up the pro-Trump argument in a July appearance on The Jim Bakker Show. If we dont elect Donald Trump as president, were going to end up electing someone we absolutely know will put justices on the U.S. Supreme Court that will be pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, who will rob us of our religious liberty and take away our right to bear arms, Pena said. He could not be reached this week for comment. Matt Henderson, a Baylor sociology graduate student who is writing a dissertation on religion, race, politics and health care, said he thinks evangelicals embrace of Trump remains ambivalent. I dont know that evangelicals so much supported Trump as much as they held their nose and made a transactional and strategic decision, said Henderson, who identifies as an evangelical himself. Younger evangelicals are not universally enthusiastic about continuing this tack of political participation. They dont seem as excited about falling in step with the Republican Party. Even among older evangelicals, I sensed a lot of frustration that their witness was undermined by supporting Donald Trump. Henderson said Hillary Clinton had been loathed in evangelical circles for years, and her pro-choice statements during the campaign left them feeling they had no place in her party. Meanwhile, Trump appeared to appeal to some neo-Pentecostal Christians who subscribe to the so-called prosperity gospel idea that God grants health and wealth to the faithful, Henderson said. Callahan, who voted for an independent candidate, is skeptical of Trumps promises about the Supreme Court. If he does, you still have the problem of, to get what you wanted, youve caused the equivalent of a cultural nuclear fallout, he said. Now people like myself, were hurt. We feel disenfranchised. Were frustrated. I challenge anyone who voted for Trump solely because they wanted a conservative on the Supreme Court to kneel down at eye level with my children and tell them that you are OK with how they are being publicly spoken of, how they are being treated, how they will be marginalized and accosted, that it was all worth it because they got a conservative Supreme Court judge. Callahan said his African-American identity is not usually at the top of his mind, but he cant ignore it right now. Callahan grew up in an Air Force family around people of all races. He began attending majority white, nondenominational churches when he was a teenager and now attends Antioch Community Church, a megachurch of about 3,500 congregants, about a third of whom are minority. He and his wife, Mollie, who is white, have three children. But he said he now fears discrimination and hate speech could make a comeback, along with racial conflicts and unrest, even in places like Waco. The fringe now feels as though they have a voice, Callahan said. That otherwise dead Civil War, Southern mentality we will rise again has found its place again. It is our duty, and this is bipartisan, to speak up and say no, its not OK. I didnt hear it enough in this election, and I didnt hear it soon enough. The Sunday before the presidential election, Antioch Community Churchs founding pastor Jimmy Seibert preached at length about the election, calling both Trump and Clinton two very flawed, immoral candidates. In a 45-minute sermon, Seibert urged Christians to participate in the democratic process and to consider four key values at the voting booth: Abortion, traditional marriage, religious freedom and the value of the individual, which he said includes care for the immigrant and foreigner. He also raised concerns over transgender children being able to choose which restroom they use at school. He suggested Christians are in danger of being pushed out of public life for standing for their traditional beliefs, and he described his horror at late-term abortions. As a human being, if you can stomach that, I have a problem with that, he said to applause. That does not exclude other issues, but for me, thats enough. I cannot stand by and be silent when lives are being destroyed. In an interview, Seibert said the sermon is similar to the one he gives in every presidential election year and was not intended to push people toward voting for Trump. But Grecia Cantu, an Antioch member who was in the audience that morning, couldnt help reading something different between the lines. It was very difficult for me, Cantu said. I walked out of the church three times. I couldnt take it anymore. . . . I felt personally attacked. I know it was never meant to be that way, but it was very hard to take. She said she hoped to hear more than a passing reference to the immigration concerns that keep her in a state of anxiety. Cantu, who used her mothers maiden name for this story, is among some 750,000 young adults who came this country without authorization as children and have been granted deferred status by the Obama administration. That status has allowed her to work and travel freely after graduating University High School as valedictorian and getting a degree from Baylor University. She is afraid that in a Trump administration that protection will go away and she will have to go into hiding again. His presidency affects our lives tremendously, Cantu said. Its the unknown. Thats why its affecting our community and my family. Everyone is like, This doesnt happen until Jan. 20. But our plans are affected by this. My husband and I were looking to purchase a house. I dont want to do that now. Cantu said she has relatives who have gotten residency here by marriage and who voted for Trump because of their evangelical affiliations. She said she hasnt spoken to them or been back to Antioch since the election, though she hopes to reconcile with them in time. I feel betrayed, she said. I feel my safety was disregarded. I feel like my safety and my familys was sacrificed for the sake of enforcing traditional evangelical values on the nation. Im heartbroken. Its been a very difficult week. On the Sunday after the election, Seibert appeared onstage with black and Hispanic members of the congregation and called for healing and reconciliation after an election that stirred fear and animosity. He urged congregants to listen to each others concerns face-to-face and to pray for each other. Its a very imperfect situation, he said in an interview this week. Its heartbreaking. Our question is how do we respond. Were really encouraging people to pray, pray personally, pray for people who are hurting. President Obama needs our prayers. Donald Trump needs our prayers. . . . Lets make sure we love one another. Being kind, being empathetic, its all about relationships. . . . If anyone should be reconcilers, its us, the people of God. Seibert said he wants to assure members such as Cantu that the church will stand with them and advocate for them in an uncertain time. He said Antioch has long been active in ministries to help the distressed, including immigrants, ex-offenders and victims of human trafficking. Across town in East Waco, the Rev. Gaylon Foreman of the historically black Carver Park Baptist Church said Christians shouldnt allow this election to drive a wedge between them. But he said its a challenging time. Listening to what some of what he has said publicly, and the people hes aligned himself with, it leaves room for the question whether he can truly be the president for all people, Foreman said of Trump. Some of the things he has said have made people question whether he respects the rights of women, minorities and others. I believe this is the worst presidential campaign in the history of campaigning. Theres been nothing positive about it. At the same time I never lost sight of the fact that even for those that Im in total disagreement with, Im not going to fall out with them. . . . We cannot allow the election to make us forget that were the family of God, that were connected. Callahan, the Antioch member, said he will do his part to seek reconciliation. He has appreciated fellow believers who have reached out to him after the election. In any case, he said no election will cause him to turn his back on his evangelical faith. Jesus is all we have, he said. You strip away my law degree, my undergrad degree, my marriage, my family, my skin color, make me like Job, and all I have is Jesus. Jesus is the hope of the world. When William H. Donaldson joined the U.S. Navy in 1944, he was ready and willing to go to war. But while he was still in training as a radio operator/signalman, the Germans heard I was coming so they surrendered, he joked. Now 89, Donaldson considers humor essential to navigating life successfully. Born and raised on the family farm in Coryell County, he grew up during the Great Depression and attended school in The Grove, followed by Flat High School, where he graduated in 1943 at 16. Donaldsons mother was a teacher, so it was a given that her children all 11 were raised with the notion they would attend college. For Donaldson, it could be nowhere else but the University of Texas in Austin. However, he lacked the math skills to be an engineer, so he came home to attend Temple Junior College. At 16, youre not too bright, he said. You think you are, but youre not. Donaldson talked his mom into signing him up for the Navy when he turned 17; he wanted to join because an older brother was in the Navy. In January 1945, they put us on a cattle car and sent us to San Diego, he said. Radio and signal school followed in Los Angeles, where he learned to decode messages by sound and sight. It was good times for Donaldson: I was footloose and fancy-free . . . and a little on the wild side, he said. Getting in at the end of WWII It was during this time Germany surrendered, followed a few months later by the Japanese, who heard I was coming and they surrendered, he joked. In October 1945, Donaldsons first job was in the radio shack down below deck aboard an ATR 66 fleet tug that towed balloon-like targets out to sea for gunnery practice. Not much else was going on. In December, several men re-enlisted, including Donaldson, who signed up for two more years. They said we could choose any naval district we wanted, he said. Donaldson opted for Texas and was sent to Galveston, but it wasnt long before he found himself on a slow boat to Shanghai, China, by way of Tokyo, he said. At least I got a 30-day leave. He was assigned to the LSM 379, which departed in February, docking in Honolulu and Midway before reaching Nagasaki, where the crew spent two weeks. We could see the charred remains of the port that had been bombed, he said. After moving on to Hong Kong, they picked up Chinese passengers and carried them to North China. Most were women and children, with a few men, and there was no interaction allowed. The crew asked no questions and followed orders. Other assignments included delivering supplies and serving as an ice breaker on the Huang He River for passing sampans. One memorable cargo assignment included transporting beer, of which the captain allowed them to keep all they could stash. At times they would find secluded beaches on which to relax. The was no sight-seeing. Most sailors drank. That was our pastime, Donaldson said. We cursed, drank and chased women. The first things wed find were a bar and a tattoo parlor. His tattoo reads Mother. Donaldsons travels took him to Subic Bay in the Philippines and to Formosa (now Taiwan). There, they picked up grave crews, who recovered and identified the remains of downed pilots. Seasick only once a doozy When leaving, they got word of a typhoon in early 1947. They missed the brunt of it, but everyone, including the captain, got sick. Donaldson, who was in the conning tower, said it was the only time he got seasick. In November 1947, they returned home and decommissioned the LSM 379 by towing it to a ship graveyard. Donaldson removed the flag and kept it when he was discharged, but he cant find it today. Back in the private sector, Donaldson attended the University of Houston, graduating in 1950. He worked for several companies before becoming a teacher. At the urging of his mom, he returned to Central Texas and went to work in Belton, where he met his wife, Jo Ann Eason. They married in 1957; she passed away in 2005. They had four children and six grandchildren. I was changed from Wild Willy to Sweet William, he said of his marriage. Donaldson retired after 34 years. His grandchildren helped to fill the void. Today, he manages to stay busy and still works part time. Hes happy to have served and calls it a blessing. He thinks it should be compulsory for everyone to serve, either when they graduate high school or turn 18. I think its good experience, he said. Voices of Valor, featuring stories about Central Texas veterans, publishes every Sunday in the Waco Trib. To suggest a story about a Central Texas veteran, email voicesofvalor@wacotrib.com. Voices of Valor is proudly sponsored by Johnson Roofing. Almost a century ago, Rabindranath Tagore wrote Tota Kahani, the story of a free-spirited parrot who would do nothing but hop, skip, fly and sing all day. A king ordered that the bird be 'civilised', and so it was put in a golden cage. So much instruction was forced down its throat that it soon forgot to sing, and then, couldn't even squawk. When it tried to fly, its wings were clipped. Soon the parrot died, with not a sound except for the rustle of books in its stomach. The same story is painted on the walls of Shikshantar in Udaipur, which calls itself a people's institute for rethinking education and development. In the mural, trapped in its gilded cage, this parrot, too, forgets how to sing. But unlike in Tagore's story, the narrative in Shikshantar has been tweaked to accommodate hope. Here, the parrot breaks free instead, snapping, as it were, the shackles of 'formal schooling'. advertisement Alternative schools and proponents of homeschooling have long waged this battle. If Sahal Kaushik was the standard-bearer in 2010 (when the then 14-year-old topped the IIT entrance exam), this year it was 17-year-old Malvika Joshi's turn to reaffirm faith in alternative schooling. Last August, she earned a place at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology even though she was not deemed eligible for the joint entrance examination of the venerated IITs back home because she did not have a Class 12 qualification. In the 1970s, Austrian philosopher Ivan Ilich wrote a series of essays critiquing institutions of industrialised culture, including schools. His book, Deschooling Society, advocated self-directed education. A few years later, American educator John Caldwell Holt coined the term 'unschooling' to refer to child-led education. In India, Udaipur-based Manish Jain launched the Shikshantar Andolan in the late 1990s to rescue education from the "artificial and oppressive" formal schooling environment. In 2010, he co-founded Swaraj University, an institution dedicated to self-designed learning-besides green entrepreneurship. Self-directed learning, or swashikshan, is what Pune-based Claude Alvares and Urmila Samson had in mind when they set up the non-profit Indian Association of Homeschoolers in 2012. They were early adopters of this form of education. "People began to hear about homeschooling after the internet came," says Samson. "My daughter was born in 1997 and my sons in 1999 and 2000." Today, her daughter Sahya, having completed a four-year course in Eurythmy, the art movement pioneered by artist Rudolf Steiner, teaches this subject at Steiner schools, as well as to corporates. Samson's elder son Rayn, 18, is re-entering the mainstream, preparing for the IGCSE in February. The youngest, Niom, 16, has joined Swaraj University for a two-year course on social justice, environmental sustainability and self-designed learning. An increasing number of parents today seem to prefer putting their children in schools that offer a departure from the rote method of learning, opting for institutions that have embraced alternative systems such as Montessori or Waldorf-or even choosing to educate them at home. Homeschooling in India does not require any registration, recognition or regulation by any agency or authority. Most parents who choose to do so either follow the CBSE curriculum or opt for the state board syllabus. Homeschooled children can appear for the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams as private candidates, or write the Class 10/12 examinations of the National Institute of Open Learning (NIOS), which gives students the option to get a degree or certificate and is conducted at centres across the country. advertisement There are others who chart their own path, unencumbered by the need for degrees or diplomas. Like Qudrat, 16, who went to school for a single day. For half a minute, really. Sitting in the classroom, he didn't understand why the bell had to ring so hard to shake them out of their current 'state' and switch to another for a pre-parcelled 40 minutes. It was "thought control", he says. Qudrat likes continuity. He can paint for hours at a stretch, for months on end. His mother, Sumi, 46, once worked as an accountant, but walked out of her institutionalised life and now travels with her two sons across the country. Her husband, Chandresh, who runs an ashram in Mumbai, had also walked out of school years ago, after failing his Class 10 exams. The Ahmedabad-based couple took a conscious decision to unschool their children. "When I met Chandresh, he told me about Jiddu Krishnamurthy," says Sumi. "I was excited at the thought of living a creative life. Two years into my marriage, Qudrat was born. We gave him water colours when he was a year-and-a-half," she says. "I have never taught him to read or write. We would get him storybooks; he would ask me for stories." When he was eight, Qudrat taught himself to read and write. His mother never taught him the English alphabet. He would draw words as she wrote them. He would ask why there should be a 'k' before the 'n' in 'know'. His mother asked him to make his own spellings. Two years ago, Qudrat asked his parents for a camera. He now makes short films, and runs a YouTube channel called Aha Bandhu. In one, a film called Exam Kills, a child sits against a green wall staring at a paper on which 'fail' is written in red. Later in the film, the child stands on the roof and jumps. He dies. advertisement The homeschooling movement has gained momentum partly because many parents have started looking at their children as being exceptionally gifted in particular ways, and begun to lose faith that regular schools can nourish their creativity. Parents of children who have learning disabilities are another set who opt for homeschooling because they feel schools are unable to cater to the special needs of their kids. A third set are those who do not believe in degrees or certificates. advertisement Pedagogical counsellor Manas Chakrabarty is one such. His daughter Nefertiti, 22, dropped out of school in Class 10. Also a keen follower of Jiddu Krishnamurthy, Chakrabarty says, "There are two ways things pan out-you make them happen, or you let them happen. You prepare conditions but you don't do much to control the outcome. It is about letting go," he says. In his case, he let it happen, by creating conditions for his children to learn by way of their natural instinct. Nefertiti, and her brother Aakarsh, who left school in Class 6, learned through a travel programme designed by their parents. The first solo trip Aakarsh took was to the Andamans when he was 13 years old. He now writes and is an adventure traveller. Nefertiti is a diving consultant, yoga instructor and does underwater photography. As children, they travelled with their mother to remote villages to understand nature. "There will be deep changes in the next few decades," says Chakrabarty. "The ability to face those changes is not going to come from listening to lectures. It is going to come from the ability to learn. A lot of jobs will disappear. There will be changes in terms of climate, social strife and a whole lot of other issues. Our responsibility is to prepare children for what's coming." These are destiny's children, as it were, but do they really grow up better equipped to deal with the challenges of life? Rita Wig, a tutor in Delhi for the past 12-13 years, says a school environment is very important for a child's personal development. "You have to look into the reasons you're doing homeschooling," she says. "Schools offer social adjustment." Besides, conventional schools too have evolved, according to some like Mridu Akhoury, a Delhi-based school teacher. Good schools are moving away from rote learning, and interactions between children and teachers are now healthier, she says. "Teachers these days are more aware, thanks to the availability of more resources. The internet has changed the way we teach and the way students learn." However, Samson disagrees. "School is a monoculture," she says. "The current school system is not serving children. It is not preparing them for the world. It is limiting their learning." She also dismisses the standard notions that home-based education leads to socially ill-adjusted children and limited career opportunities for them. Sandeep Srivastav felt his daughter Shreya was some kind of prodigy. She held her first painting exhibition at age nine and a photography exhibition at 10. At 11, she was a Hindustani classical violinist. "Children are on a conveyor belt with a barcode in our education system," he had said then. However, when the family approached the NIOS, it denied their request to let Shreya take exams before Class VIII, in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Education Act, which came into force in 2009. In July 2012, 14-year-old homeschooled Shreya filed a PIL (public interest litigation), where she contended that Section 18 of the Act did not grant recognition to a school till it fulfilled certain norms such as a specific teacher-student ratio, an all-weather building, etc, and as such precluded homeschooling. In response, the Union ministry of human resources development submitted an affidavit in the Delhi High Court stating that the RTE Act does not come in the way of homeschooling. "Parents who voluntarily opt for alternative forms of schooling may continue to do so. The RTE Act does not come in the way of such alternative schooling methodologies or declare such form of education as illegal," the affidavit stated. Unusual inspiration: Rebecca Manari with son Ishaan (right) and daughter Aaliyah. (Photo: Nilotpal Baruah) The world of homeschooled children can be quite expansive. Ask 10-year-old Ishaan Manari. What he has learned about the world, its myriad cultures and traditions, plant and animal life, is from the people he meets at his father Abdul Manari's shack on Calangute beach in Goa. Encouraged by his parents, Rebecca and Abdul, to speak to diners from different parts of the world, Ishaan often returns home eager to find out more about his new friends' nations. Meeting new people, watching documentaries, playing outdoors and reading extensively are just some of the ways he is getting his education. "School is unnatural," asserts mum and children's books author Rebecca. "It is unreasonable and stressful for children to remain seated at desks for hours at a stretch. Few people in schools today understand the importance of play and conversation in the mental health of a child." It has been four years since Ishaan began being schooled at home and Rebecca plans to do the same for her four-year-old daughter Aaliyah when she's old enough for lessons. Ishaan's days are not regimented and every day is different in the Manari household. "I play a very minimal role in teaching him; he's an independent learner. I simply assist him when he needs my help," says Rebecca. Their decision to start homeschooling their kids was triggered by success stories of other homeschoolers in Goa, one of whom has just completed her PhD. "There are many reputed institutions that accept homeschooled children for higher studies without certification. For the ones that require certification, there are exams like the IGCSE or NIOS," says Rebecca. At the moment, the Manaris are not overly concerned about the future of their kids, they are happy to let them be. --- ENDS --- Surveying Bonny Cains six-year tenure as Waco Independent School District superintendent, one is struck by the crises on her watch, including those book-ending her tour of duty. Anyone who follows events, however, knows this is more an indication of the increasingly stiff challenges facing public education than Cains administration. As she contemplates concluding her career next year, its a credit that Cain stuck doggedly with the task when others might well have fled to a district where the challenges come far easier. Instead, much of her time has been spent grappling with everything from the complicated inner-city problems dragging down academically struggling campuses to severe funding cuts by lawmakers less than supportive of public education. Cain was fairly new to the job when the state, citing the economic downturn, cut billions of dollars for schools, necessitating painful closure of several neighborhood campuses a task that came only after district officials, with the critical help of the League of Women Voters, solicited and documented thoughts on how consolidation could be more thoughtfully conducted. That didnt ease the impact and hurt on our neighborhoods but at least everyone was heard. Among Superintendent Cains attributes are her willingness to storm the ramparts and speak bluntly, sometimes without bowing to the niceties of political correctness. Last January, in a discussion about bolstering parental involvement in neighborhoods where this could not always be assumed, she talked of societal failures in such blistering terms that some called her out for being insensitive. But in saying what needed to be said, she provoked neighborhood leaders to reflect and galvanize to do better in preparing children for higher education and careers or else continuing the damning cycle of chronic poverty. During an interview with the Trib editorial board, Waco ISD board president Pat Atkins stressed that Cain approached him last spring about retiring from her long career in education and that they put aside such talk when yet new challenges arose, including a requirement by the Texas Education Agency that all district leadership undergo specially rigorous training as well as an investigation into serious academic lapses at University High. Superintendent Cain, who talks of moving back to East Texas, may not linger long enough to see her reforms yield transformative results, including invigorated primary-grade reading programs; targeted, intensely coordinated counseling initiatives; partnerships such as the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy; and the great promise of taxpayer-funded, dual-credit college courses. But shes helped lay foundations for long-term success. She thus makes the job easier for her successor as well as our children. By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Los Angeles, Nov 20 (PTI) With China and the US pumping in massive foreign capital into Indias digital economy, a top Indian investor and educationist has warned that the country could become a "digital colony" unless Indian businesses start investing in it. "India could become a digital colony," warned Mohandas Pai, chairman of Manipal Global Education, referred to possible consequences of the massive money being pumped into Indias digital economy by the US and China. advertisement "There is a fight between US and China to dominate digitally. And the Indian capital where they are, buying real estate in California?" he asked. "If you miss this digital revolution, our big companies would be controlled by Chinese capital which is very dangerous," Pai warned. India, which has the worlds third largest startup eco system, has received some USD 8 to 10 billion, out of which only USD 500 million are from Indian capital. "Indian capital are rent (interest) seekers," he said, asking the Indian capital to change their attitude towards money investment. At the same time, he said digital connectivity, is going to change India in three years and said there is going to be tremendous upsurge of productivity, he said. In the next 10 to 15 years, the young population of India are going to create a new economy of India, he said. Nothing can stop India from marching ahead given the countrys growth trajectory, its move towards a digital economy along with a burgeoning entrepreneur class nothing can stop India from marching ahead. "Nothing can stop the march of India. All of us have to work together and make sure it happens," Pai said in his address to the World Hindu Economic Forum here which is being attended by Hindu entrepreneurs from across the globe. Pai said there are "millions of mutinies" happening in India. "People are challenging the status quo. Hundreds of experiments, technology in their hands and regulatory policies are being broken and Bharat is using its digital infrastructure to grow. Startups would be the force multiplier," he said. In his address, Pai said tech entrepreneurs of India are bound to change the face of the country in the years to come. "The generation that is now coming into prominence are people who do not have the hangout of partition, of Pakistan, of caste and of many thing else that ails the Indian mind of the political leaders in India and in Delhi," he said. S P Kothari, professor of Management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, said that innovation and entrepreneurship are potent forces for economic development. advertisement "I do believe how countries are governed also matters," he said, adding that the quality of governance and institutions in a country explain the differences of development. PTI LKJ UZM --- ENDS --- Cherry blossoms, sushi, bullet trains, anime, what's not to love about Japan? At least that's what one can gauge from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unabashed love for the country. His admiration, of course, extends much beyond his fondness for the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe. It goes on to all that Japan has come to represent-efficiency, state capitalism, heavy spending on infrastructure, high work ethic and, most importantly, kaizen (continuous improvement). To a great degree, this inspiration from Japan is reflected in his economic thinking-his efforts have been to bring to India the best that the country has to offer-high quality in manufacturing and infrastructure building. The recently concluded visit to Japan makes it the sixth meeting between two leaders who get along famously. As an observer pointed out, "The chemistry between the two leaders was obvious, unlike what the PM (Modi) shared with UK Prime Minister Theresa May." The deals signed during PM Modi's state visit were the culmination of a process that began in December last year with Prime Minister Abe's visit to New Delhi. A nuclear deal allows Japan to supply nuclear reactors, fuel and technology to India for civilian use. Besides that, projects and agreements in building infrastructure and skill development were also signed. In December 2015, when Abe visited New Delhi, 16 agreements had been signed in the fields of high-speed trains, defence equipment and technology, security, infrastructure, education and economy including civil nuclear energy. "Skills was the missing piece in India-Japan economic engagement," says Dilip Chenoy, former head of the National Skills Development Council. Under the Manufacturing Skill Transfer Promotion Programme, 30,000 people will be trained in the next 10 years in Japanese-style manufacturing skills and practices. Three institutes will be set up in 2017 for this, in Gujarat, Karnataka and Rajasthan. The agreement will go some way in plugging a huge lacuna in India's skills story, which has till now moved at an uninspiring pace. "The skill development agreement is going to be a force multiplier and a game changer...rather than sending our youth to Japan for training, the institutes being set up will remain permanent structures and implant a bit of Japan in our landscape and attract more FDI too," said Sujan Chinoy, India's ambassador to Japan in Tokyo. For it to succeed, however, the institutes will have to be insulated from the travails suffered by 'a centre of excellence' in Delhi set up by the government of Singapore in 2012. The centre spent years on land-related issues and even now is working out of a makeshift industrial training institute in the capital. advertisement India's expectations of emulating Japan's infrastructure success story too face daunting challenges. The two countries have set an ambitious target schedule for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project. The project consultant will start work in December this year, construction is to begin in 2018 and the first bullet trains are to start operations in 2023 (if all goes to plan). Meanwhile, both sides have agreed to further strengthen the partnership in high-speed railways. "High-speed rail is Japan's strength. They have the highest level of competence," says Vinayak Chatterjee of Feedback Infra, who is convinced the Japan International Cooperation Agency funded projects will be completed on time and will be of high quality. The reality on the ground, though, has been far different and the enthusiasm fairly muted. "While both countries are talking, we (Japanese companies) are suffering from taxation issues, land issues, labour issues," says a Japanese national working with a global tax advisory firm in India. "There are so many issues that both countries need to address. The Delhi-Mumbai industrial corridor project has been moving very slowly. Business does not care about nuclear deal-type partnerships. Expectations, for now, are of something more tangible and realistic." While India wants visa rules to be eased, when Japanese firms raise their issues with the Indian government, they are often met with examples of how American and other global companies are generating more revenue here. "The Indian government can be more flexible and the Japanese companies could do away with their high-handed attitude," says the Japanese tax advisor who has in the past worked on improving economic ties between the two countries. Considering that India has a fairly large untapped market on offer, and Japan the skill sets, investment growth has been steady rather than explosive as was expected. Trade between the two countries has also been fairly one-sided. The India-Japan Free Trade Agreement, 2011, has so far been a disappointment. There was expectation that India would get better market access. The FTA was to pave the way for elimination of tariffs on more than 90 per cent of goods traded between the two countries over the next decade-especially in areas like auto parts and machinery as well as farm and fisheries products. "We have not got much access into the Japanese market," laments Biswajit Dhar, professor, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, School of Social Sciences, JNU. Indeed, total trade between Japan and India declined to $14.51 billion in 2015-2016 from $18.5 billion in 2012-13. In 2015-2016, India's exports to Japan were $4.66 billion while imports were $9.85 billion. India's share in Japan's total trade hovers around 1 per cent and forms just 2.2-2.5 per cent of India's total trade. advertisement Japan is the fourth largest foreign direct investment (FDI) contributor to India, with interests in pharmaceuticals, automobiles and services sectors, making for 7.46 per cent of total FDI equity inflows into India. Between April 2000 and November 2014, Japan invested $17.55 billion as FDI in India. Modi and Abe have set a target of doubling this figure and the number of Japanese firms in India by 2019. A special window was opened at the Prime Minister's Office to facilitate investment ties with Japan, but that has been a non-starter so far. That said, the number of Japanese firms in India is now 1,209; 123 started operations after October 2013. "There is huge potential here... but obviously there's more to it than liberalising policies," says Dhar. "Sizewise too, India is an assured market, so why aren't we getting the numbers? We need to do some soul searching, rather than expecting things from the other side. There is more to it than ease of doing business." These outliers will clearly be the big task before the next Modi-Abe meeting. advertisement Follow the writer on Twitter @shwetapunj --- ENDS --- By PTI: Rameswaram (TN), Nov 20 (PTI) An Indian fishing boat was damaged after a Sri Lankan naval vessel collided with it off Katchatheevu today, but the fishermen on board were not injured, fisheries department officials here said. The naval personnel snapped the nets of 80 fishermen and also chased away hundreds of other fishermen by allegedly pelting stones at them, they said. advertisement Meanwhile, 11 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested yesterday by Lankan navy have been lodged in a prison at Karainagar in the island nation, the officials said. PTI CORR APR SRY NTR --- ENDS --- It seems ridiculous but when Malcolm Turnbull and Peter Dutton proposed a life-time visa ban on anyone who had reached Australia by boat since July 2013, the bitter reaction was all part of the plan. Livid at Bill Shorten's 2015 switch to me-tooism over turn backs, the government had eyed a political dividend on the way to achieving a policy hardening it actually believes in and which relies on opposition support. Once again, a government had put politics before policy. Once again, the saccharine lure of a cheap boast had trumped the enduring nutrition of problem solving. It took the opposition a few days to formalise its rejection, but by then, Shorten, and a host of commentators, had behaved as predicted, branding the measure Abbottesque, ludicrous, gratuitously punitive. Premier Daniel Andrews has urged calm in the wake of Friday's alleged arson attack on a Springvale bank, saying the incident was a "tragedy" and not an act of terror. Ahead of competing anti-racism and right wing rallies in Melbourne on Sunday, Mr Andrews said the fire at the Commonwealth bank in his Mulgrave electorate was a tragedy and should not be used for political purposes. Premier Daniel Andrews has launched a comprehensive gender equality strategy for the state. Credit:Paul Jeffers Twenty-one year old Nur Islam, the man accused of the attack that has injured 26 people, is a Rohingya asylum seeker from Myanmar who has been in Australia since 2013. "I would urge everybody to look at this as an isolated act, because that is exactly what it is. It is not a commentary, and it oughtn't to be used as a political weapon by anybody who finds fault with any of the policy settings we have at the moment," Mr Andrews said on Sunday. This is the third attack by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen that has been recorded this week. By Akshaya Nath: Sri Lankan Navy attacked Indian fisherman today morning and also damaged more than 6 Indian trawlers and fishing nets and GPS instrument. This is the third attack by the Sri Lankan Navy on Indian fishermen that has been recorded this week. On Thursday, two Indian fishermen from Karaikkal were shot at by Sri Lankan Navy and are undergoing treatment at the Jipmer hospital in Pondicherry. advertisement On Saturday, 11 Rameshwaram fishermen and 2 Indian trawlers were taken into custody by Sri Lankan Navy and were handed over to Jaffna Additional Director Fisheres At Karainagar Port. Also read: Sri Lankan Navy arrests 11 fishermen for trespassing The attack and arrest of Indian fishermen has been a cause of concern for a long time now, and multiple requests have been given to the central and state government to intervene and sort out the issues that these men face. These incidents have taken place days after the fishermen resumed work after their strike against demonetisation. "No one really cares about the fishermen in the country. We don't have a livelihood, if we go fishing we are arrested by Lankan government," said a fisherman from Rameshwaram whose son was earlier arrested by the Sri Lankan government in August. Also read: Demonetisation: Strike by fishermen in Tamil Nadu enters 6th day --- ENDS --- S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot Uber Stock Surge On The Back Of Profitabilty S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot Uber Stock Surge On The Back Of Profitabilty S&P 500 3,856.10 DOW 32,653.20 QQQ 275.11 Nomad Foods: A Defensive Stock on the Move Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) The 9 Essential Pages Your Ecommerce Website Must Include Its Still Not Too Late To Get Into Energy Stocks Without Graphite, There Would Be ZERO EV Batteries! (Ad) Strong Q3 Driving Growth At S&P 500 Component Citizens Financial Online Lender SoFi Jumps 14% On Better-Than-Expected Q3 Results Stop Buying Stocks Until You Read This (Ad) Why American Water Works May Not Want a Fed Pivot Uber Stock Surge On The Back Of Profitabilty The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. 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Read More Bihar Deputy Chief MInister Tejawi Yadav slammed Prime Minister Modi for addressing the Agra rally despite the tragic Indore-Patna Express accident. Yadav said it showed the insensitivity of Narendra Modi. By Rohit Kumar Singh: A huge political war has triggered over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Agra rally which he addressed today afternoon. The opposition has alleged that on a day when two major train accidents shook the nation, the Prime Minister, instead of displaying sensitivity over almost 115 deaths caused in the Pukhrayan train accident, preferred to go ahead with his political rally. advertisement Blaming the Railway Ministry for the tragic Indore-Patna train accident, deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejaswi Yadav, alleged that the insensitive side of the Prime Minister was on display when he chose to not cancel his political public meeting in Agra, despite more than 100 passengers losing their lives in the train accident early morning. ALSO READ | PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee over demonetisation; says people's sacrifice won't go in vain ALSO READ | Indore-Patna Express accident: Helping victims is top priority, says Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu TEJASWI SLAMS MODI, AMIT SHAH "Such a tragic train accident takes place and the Prime Minister is addressing a rally in the same state where more than 100 passengers have lost their lives- this is something that cannot be digested. PM was lavishing praises on himself in the state where so many people were killed in the train accident", said Tejaswi Yadav, deputy CM of Bihar. BJP President Amit Shah too was criticized by the opposition for holding a rally in poll-bound Punjab on Sunday despite the train accident taking place "On a day when tragedy struck the country, Amit Shah was in Punjab addressing a rally for votes. At least BJP leaders should be sensitive", said Tejaswi Yadav. NITISH KUMAR CANCELS EVENT TODAY It may be noted that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today completed one year in office after the Mahagathbandhan government was formed in the state last year. The Chief Minister was to celebrate the day by presenting his government's report card, but the news of the train accident compelled the state government to cancel the celebrations. " By cancelling the report card presentation, we have shown that we are sensitive towards human loss but the PM completely lacks sensitivity", said Tejaswi Yadav. Also Read: Rail fracture may have caused Indore-Patna Express tragedy: MoS Railways Patna-Indore Express derails: Uttar Pradesh DGP to monitor rescue operation, private hospitals on alert Eyewitness account of train tragedy: It was a big jerk, people were falling everywhere --- ENDS --- Advertisement By Ro Morse, West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 19, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY By Ro Morse, West Kentucky Star Staff Nov. 19, 2016 | 03:13 PM | PADUCAH, KY Eagle Scout candidate David Hoy stood before a crowd of family and friends on the lawn of Grace Episcopal Church (KY Avenue side) on Sunday, November 13th to dedicate an official Kentucky Historical Marker. The product of his research, fundraising and event planning was unveiled. Troop 1 and its remarkable contributions to Paducah and the region are now honored as the result of his efforts. Boy Scout Troop 1 has been in existence for over 105 years, the seventh oldest troop in the United States. Grace Episcopal Church has continuously chartered Troop 1 for more than a century, providing meeting facilities and volunteer leadership. Hoy's leadership efforts now mark the site of a Paducah, KY landmark and home to a continually active and significant group of boys and their leaders. Becky Riddle, with the Kentucky Historical Society, congratulated Hoy for his choice of subject for his Eagle Scout project. She praised his efforts and attention to detail when determining copy and documentation of each sentence on the marker. Riddle said, "David has been working on this project for almost two years and has been determined to make sure each statement was accurate. His choice of subject and location is most appropriate. He and Troop 1 are to be commended." Mayor Kaler praised Hoy as an outstanding young Paducahan and said, "We look forward to your being one of our future leaders." Dr. Paul Grumley thanked Hoy for his involvement in the community and shared stories about Troop 1 and their accomplishments through the decades. Daniel Roe, Senior District Executive, Four Rivers District, Lincoln Heritage Council, Boy Scouts of America, honored Hoy with an unexpected badge, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to scouting and his community. Hoy was surprised and appreciative. Father Charles Uhlik thanked Hoy and Troop 1 parents and leaders for their outstanding work, noting their spirit and service were exemplary. Ro Morse, McCracken County Historical Marker chairman, thanked David and his parents, Van and Marta Hoy for their tireless efforts and choice of this project to celebrate Troop 1's importance in the community. She noted five years ago this group sponsored the one hundredth anniversary of Troop 1 in a Dafford mural on Paducah's floodwall. Riddle, Grumley, Ulik, Morse, Kaler and Hoy unveiled the Kentucky Historical Marker on the Kentucky Avenue side of Grace Episcopal Church, and the approximate one hundred family and friends in the audience applauded. Hoy thanked Grace Episcopal Church, his parents and all those who donated to the project for attending the dedication and unveiling ceremony. By PTI: From M Zulqernain Lahore, Nov 20 (PTI) A nine-member Islamic State cell that was recruiting and transporting people to Syria and Afghanistan has been busted here, police said. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab said it busted a cell of the militant Islamic State (IS) group operating in Lahore and arrested nine people. Thecell was recruiting and transporting new members to Syria and Afghanistan. The cell had already managed to send nine recruits to Syria. advertisement After the arrest of these nine people, the total number of IS group members who have been arrested in different parts of Punjab in recent months reached 45. According to the Counter Terrorism Department of Punjab Police, the nine members of the IS group were arrested in a raid in Cantonment area last week. Those arrested, included Lahore IS chief Nabil Ahmed alias Abu Abdullah. "The cell was not only recruiting militants but also radicalising youths and transporting them, along with their families, to Syria or Afghanistan. It was also allegedly working to develop its capacity to establish organisational structure of IS in Pakistan," the CTD said. The group was also working on a plan to accelerate its activities in Pakistan after announcing a caliphate in the country. According to a CTD official, those arrested were also involved in robbing banks and looting shrines and houses of the Shia and Ahmadi community members to raise funds for militant activities. "The CTD has identified some IS recruits, including some families based in Lahore and their handlers in Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey," the official said, adding that the recruits, who were planning to leave for Syria and Afghanistan, had already sold their property to bear the transportation expenses. During the raid on IS Lahore chief Nabils house, the CTD team recovered IS literature, video clips, pamphlets and stickers containing content against the Pakistan Army, besides laptops and mobile phones used by the cells members. The official said Qari Abid, Nabeels uncle, has been living in Syria for more than a year where he joined the IS. "The Pakistanis contacting the IS leadership in Syria for joining the group were referred to Qari Abid. Later, Abid directed them to contact his nephew, Nabil in Lahore," he said. The CTD said the recruits had to take the oath of allegiance to self-proclaimed caliphate of Abu Bakar Al- Baghdadi. Then they would be given a choice to either go to Afghanistan or Syria. advertisement It said Nabil was responsible for preparation of the recruits travel documents. Those willing to go to Syria were first taken to Iran and then to Turkey. They were later moved to Syria from Turkey. PTI MZ ASK AKJ ASK --- ENDS --- Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Ballot proposal asks Kentucky voters whether there's a right to an abortion By Jim Waters Nov. 20, 2016 | 11:39 AM | LEXINGTON, KY Buttercups and snowflakes on college campuses came out to weep, gnash teeth purpled by sour grapes, shove others around and throw bottles because the presidential election didn't go their way.Five were arrested at a protest held on Western Kentucky University's campus in Bowling Green.But something different happened at Cornell University, where 30 constitutional toddlers showed up for a "Cry In."Other universities offered disconsolate students similar opportunities.The pouters may be on to something better than protests with these "Cry Ins," which coddle participants with touchy-feely techniques to help heal their sore inner selves.The Cornellians were furnished with poster boards, markers, chalk and even hot chocolate to express their grief and soothe their post-election trauma.Only the marshmallows, campfire and hippie guitarist strumming "Kum ba yah" were missing.This whole "Cry In" concept could be used as a much more meaningful act of catharsis.Why not, for instance, hold a "Cry In" to mourn the consequences of building walls between us and the constitutional concepts that have served our nation nobly for more than two centuries?It's possible that some attenders of a good crying session about the lack of respect for the 12th Amendment, which established the procedure for voting for a president, might truly find some inner healing by discovering how ingenious this nation's founders were when they established the Electoral College."This land is your land, this land is my land" could replace "Kum ba yah" as attenders stare dreamily into the campfire while reminding themselves that America consists of millions of citizens "from California to the New York Islands, from the Redwood Forest to the gulf stream waters," Kentucky included.The founders weren't naive in formulating our system whereby voters technically send electors to Washington to represent their states' choice when casting votes for president every four years.They ensured that while the larger states had greater numbers of electoral votes reflecting their larger populations and thus greater influence they alone did not have the final say.Other states also are meaningfully engaged in hiring the nation's commanders-in-chief.Prepare yourself, however, for the soft weeping to become voluminous bawling at the realization that Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer of California introduced a bill to get rid of the Electoral College, calling it an "outdated, undemocratic system that does not reflect our modern society."However, suppose that in next year's best-of-seven World Series, the Indians won three games by lopsided margins of 10-2, 12-5 and 8-1 while the Cubs won four contest by razor-thin scores of 1-0, 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3.LeBron James would get laughed out of Wrigley Field if he demanded his Indians get the World Series trophy because they scored more runs in the series while the Cubs actually won more games.It would be even more foolish for James to claim that such an approach doesn't reflect "the best aspect of this sport" when that's exactly what it does.It's just as reckless for Boxer and her ideological allies to claim Hillary Clinton should be president because she got more individual votes even though Trump won more states.Considering too many schools do a notoriously poor job of teaching students about the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, individual branches of government and our nation's past wars especially the Revolutionary War it should come as no shock that many of these same, poorly educated citizens could also be convinced to change long-successful rules awarding the trophy to the team that scores the most runs rather than the one that wins the most games.It's all enough to make citizens who truly understand our system's greatness tear up a bit themselves. Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world By PTI: BHU Paldev (MP), Nov 19 (PTI) Union Minister Prakash Javadekar will release Sanskrit translation of selected poems of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi tomorrow. The book launch event will be held in the morning on the Banaras Hindu University campus, officials said. "The book is a collection of poems written by the Prime Minister and translated into Sanskrit," Javadekar said this on the sidelines of an event in Paldev, the village adopted by him under the Sansad Andarsh Gram Yojana. advertisement Later, the minister also held a Janta Darbar and inaugurated a community hall. During his visit to Paldev, Javadekar also met patients at a clinic run under the Deen Dayal Research Institute and paid tribute to RSS ideologue Nanaji Deshmukh at Sitaram Kutir. Varanasi is the Lok Sabha constituency of Modi. PTI KND CHT SMN --- ENDS --- By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 20 (PTI) A proctorial enquiry by JNU has found ABVP member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. Najeeb (27), a student of School of Biotechnology and a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, went missing on October 15 following an on-campus scuffle allegedly with the members of ABVP, including Vikrant, the night before. advertisement JNU had ordered a proctorial enquiry into the incident. "In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct," an official order read. Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. ABVP has, meanwhile, come out in Vikrants support and accused the university administration of being "biased" in conducting the enquiry. "The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. Not only the enquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union," Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member and former JNUSU member said. JNU students and teachers have been agitating against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to locate the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The case was later transferred to Delhi Polices Crime Branch. PTI GJS SK IKA --- ENDS --- Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/11/2016 (2173 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Erin OToole sees his lack of experience as an elected politician as a badge of honour in his quest for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. Im not a career politician, the lawyer and former Royal Canadian Air Force officer said Saturday. My track records pretty clear, but I know my name recognition isnt as high as people who have been in this for 10 years. Still, he thinks his ideas and the support hes gathered speak for themselves. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Ontario MP Erin OToole: feeling confident The member of Parliament for Durham, Ont., joined the leadership race a month ago. he is one of 12 people seeking the job. He won his riding in a November 2012 byelection and was re-elected in 2015. Three of the five Conservative MPs in Manitoba Larry Maguire, James Bezan and Robert Sopuck have endorsed OToole. Ted Falk endorsed Andrew Sheer. Candice Bergen must remain neutral as the party house leader. OToole said he believes these MPs support him because they recognize hes a team player who knows his colleagues well. To lead, you have to be willing and able to understand how to follow and listen, he said. Now that I want to lead the team, I have been a strong follower and a strong team player. He notes hes been to Brandon three times in the four years hes been an MP. Luc Lewandoski, who is assisting with the leadership campaign, said OToole has met with donors, community members and Tory MPs during his second Manitoba visit since announcing his candidacy. This time, OToole emphasized, he stayed at Bezans home because weve got to keep costs down in this race. The self-proclaimed fiscal Conservative also toured 17 Wing, where he served while in the Canadian Forces, met with local city councillors and hosted a meet-and-greet with local Conservatives at the Winnipeg Free Press Cafe. Manitobas very important to me because I lived and served here for a time, OToole said. All of the issues that the rest of the country has, you can find here in Manitoba. Its a bit of a microcosm for the country. I cant claim I grew up here or that I am a local, but living across the country, whether I was in the military or in law school in Atlantic Canada, gives you an appreciation for the people and the issues, so Manitoba will remain very important to me. My track records pretty clear, but I know my name recognition isnt as high as people who have been in this for 10 years OToole said he wants to help bring back voters who used to support the Conservative party but voted for other parties during the 2015 election. He said people across the country have told him they are worried about the economy under Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus leadership. Id like to say this is our opportunity as Conservatives, he said, because even people that wanted to see us gone knew we were pretty good managers of the economy, and our focus was job opportunities for Canadians. I want to win their votes. I want to win their trust back. OToole said hes planning a few more trips to Manitoba during the campaign and joked people here will be sick of him by the time its over. He said he hasnt paid the $100,000 entry fee in full, but hes confident he will do so by the deadline next year. danielle.doiron@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @dmdoiron Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 19/11/2016 (2174 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Cynthia Genaille waits at her window every day for her daughter Brittany to come home. She never does. Brittany Genaille was 26 when she was found dead Oct. 6 in a North End home after accidentally ingesting fentanyl, a synthetic drug that can be 100 times stronger than morphine, her mother told the Winnipeg Free Press. Im sad. Im upset. Im still grieving. Im still lonely. I miss her every day, Genaille said, crying. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FRESS PRESS Abraham Lagimodiere (left) and Eric Thompson at a rally against fentanyl use at the Legislative Building, Saturday. I miss my baby so much. Shes my daughter that Ill never get back. Fentanyl is a painkiller, but an illicit version of it is used to lace cocaine, heroin and other substances, often without a drug users knowledge. Genaille said Brittany likely thought she was taking methamphetamine and had no idea she ingested fentanyl. A lot of people think its meth that theyre taking. Theyre not. I dont want other people to die, she said. She was a family person. She had five kids. She did everything with her kids. She gave her kids everything a spoiled kid (could get) thats how much she loved her kids. Her death is one of many in Canadas opioid crisis. Genaille said she had already lost Brittany once, when Child and Family Services took her away as a baby while Genaille dealt with alcoholism. This time, shes determined to prevent more people from losing their loved ones to fentanyl. After Brittanys death, Genaille launched a public Facebook page called ppl against fentanyl that has almost 500 members. On Saturday, she organized a rally at the Manitoba legislature to protest against the availability of street fentanyl. About two dozen of Brittanys friends, family members and supporters carried bright signs with slogans such as Justice for Brittany and Fentanyl takes lives. Some of the signs were written in bright purple and included drawings of doughnuts and chocolate some of Brittanys favourite things, a cousin said. Abraham Lagimodiere pointed out photos of Brittany, the cousin he said was like a sister to him, on one of the signs. I was shocked. I didnt believe it. I still dont really believe it, he said. I was raised with her pretty much. I saw her every day. She got caught up in drug addiction never recovered. You dont want to keep testing new drugs and digging a deeper hole. Its not going to get anyone anywhere but in the ground. Its not a good drug to get involved with. Sherry Isaac a self-proclaimed advocate for drug awareness and education who has been vocal about the need for naloxone, a drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose spoke to the small crowd at the rally. The pictures you see before you, thats just only a glimpse of who these people were and who they are, she said. I think we can all stand here and say f fentanyl. This has to stop. We can make changes. All it takes is a voice. All it takes it that building right there, she said, pointing at the legislature and emphasizing the need for increased government funding for harm-reduction programs. The group ended the rally with a march down Memorial Boulevard. As they walked, they chanted Justice for Brittany, Stop fentanyl and Get fentanyl off the streets. Genaille said she plans to hold similar rallies until justice is served for her daughter and everyone else affected by fentanyl. She urges anyone with loved ones who take drugs to speak up. I would tell them that if you know someone whos on drugs if you can sit down with them, one on one, have an intervention as soon as you can, before its too late, she said. I want people out there to talk to their kids if theyre on drugs. danielle.doiron@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @dmdoiron Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 20/11/2016 (2173 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As Canada continues to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees, the public school system is taking on the challenge of integrating them into Canadian society. English teachers are tasked with teaching them a new language as they try to ease their transition into a new way of life with vastly different customs and values. The Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg works with immigrants more than any other in the province, says Jana McKee, the divisions program manager for immigrant services. While it has made a serious commitment to working with Syrian refugees, the language workers in Seven Oaks say its difficult to educate them because many have been displaced and have experienced trauma before arriving in Canada. NOLAN KOWAL PHOTO Syrian students Ahmad-Abonabout (left) and Ali Mohammad in a class at the learning centre. Seven Oaks has the highest settlement of immigrants in Manitoba for the past 10 years, McKee says. Our student body is, depending on the school, mostly immigrants. Approximately 2,000 Syrians came to Manitoba in February and March as part of what the division calls the Syrian Initiative. With this influx, the federal government asked the division to change its English as an additional language (EAL) program to focus more on literacy. The division works with 30 Syrian families, some as large as seven or eight people. Lisa Cariou is an EAL instructor at the Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre. She mostly teaches reading and writing to Syrian adults. She says her job can be challenging, especially when some of the students dont know how to properly hold a pen or pencil. She tries to focus on practical tasks the students can apply to their new lives in Canada. They need to know the alphabet because they need to fill in a form at the doctors, says Cariou. They need to know certain signs, like the hospital sign or a stop sign in case of emergency. For me, Im always trying to tie it back to something they really need. The Winnipeg School Division and Seven Oaks School Division have different approaches. In Seven Oaks, Syrian students are scattered throughout the division at multiple schools and are part of regular classes. Where they are placed depends on their age. The WSD has organized classes just for Syrians, creating a community of Syrian students in one school. McKee doesnt like the WSD approach. They dont get to meet other Canadians, and they dont get to practise English, she said. In the past, McKee says one student was in a school with just one other Arabic speaker, and he can speak English now. Others who were in an EAL group with other Syrians dont speak English as well. However, having the students scattered at different schools presents logistical challenges. Most immigrants who come and youre teaching English to them, theyre so grateful. Its really fulfilling, generally EAL instructor Lisa Cariou We have Syrians in eight different schools, which makes our support really hard because we have to visit eight different schools, and each school has two or three different classes, says McKee. Some Syrian students need a translator to communicate, while others who have been here longer can speak English fluently. Sara Mahdi, a Syrian Grade 7 student at La Barriere Crossings School, says the language barrier was tough to overcome at first, but it became easier as she went along. For the first two years, it was really hard because my English wasnt that good, says Mahdi, 12. But then moving on it was OK, and I really like school now. Sara, who came to Winnipeg five years ago, says she took English classes before going to middle school. It was kind of like a school for newcomers, Sara says. At that time there werent a lot of Syrians in Winnipeg, but there were people from a lot of other countries. If I didnt go there, my English wouldnt be as good right now. For Cariou, her job is a difficult balancing act. She has to have compassion and understanding for where these students come from while trying to focus on the language skills and weaknesses of each student. If a student comes up to me with a problem, and its related to English, I can help them, Cariou says. But if its a problem related to racism or family issues, Ill talk to them, but Ill refer them to our settlement workers. Cariou has begun teaching her fall EAL course to adult Syrians. She is energetic and enthusiastic in the classroom, waving her hands wildly to explain concepts. Its a Wednesday morning, and she is talking about fishing. Lake Winnipeg, the Red River, Cariou says, as she lists off different fishing spots in the province. NOLAN KOWAL PHOTO English as an additional language instructor Lisa Cariou tells students at the Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre where the best fishing spots in Manitoba are. There are 12 students in the room eight men and four women. Some of them ask about beaches, and Cariou explains beaches are for swimming, not fishing. When the students take a break, they are asked to come back at 10:30 a.m. Some of them stroll in casually at 10:35 a.m., illustrating a strong contrast from the regimented school schedule that exists in Canada. Overall, the tone of the room is positive. For this lesson, students sit in groups. Some are jovial and relaxed, while others are more reserved and focused. Cariou says her job can be challenging, but adds its also rewarding. Most immigrants who come and youre teaching English to them, theyre so grateful, she says. Its really fulfilling. Nolan Kowal is a senior journalism student in the Creative Communications program at Red River College. This article was the product of a feature-writing assignment. Twitter: @NolanKowal The following editorial appeared Thursday in The Baltimore Sun:Since Donald Trumps election victory, the rhetoric over his hard line stance on immigration policies hasnt cooled a bit. In a recent interview on 60 Minutes, the president-elect vowed to deport or incarcerate as many a 3 million immigrants. Not to be outdone, some big city mayors from Seattle to New York stepped forward promising to maintain their status as sanctuary cities that will refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. But what if for all the bluster and threats, the posturing and promises, a Trump administration pursues an immigration strategy not all that different from that of President Barack Obama? For a variety of reasons, that might be where hes headed. Heres why. First, often overlooked by Trumps more virulent anti-immigrant supporters is that fact that the Obama administration has already set records for deportations. Since 2008, an estimated 2.7 million people have been deported by the federal government, with an emphasis on the very individuals Trump claims he wants to ship out gang members, felons and other serious criminals. So if hes talking long term, Trumps immigration stand may not be quite as bold as it appears. Indeed, it would be hard to see the numbers add up otherwise there simply arent 3 million undocumented convicted criminals to deport. The number is more likely under 900,000, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Migration Policy Institute estimates, and its probably dropping given that illegal border crossings have fallen in recent years. Second is a simple lack of deportation infrastructure. Ever try to round up millions of people who dont want to be caught? During the campaign, the Republican nominee spoke of a possible deportation force, but Republicans in Congress have already poo-pooed that idea. And its not just a lack of immigration agents detaining suspects and litigating all those cases would pose a considerable challenge to existing resources as well. In fact, theres already a backup in the court system perhaps a half-million or more cases from the Obama administrations ongoing deportation efforts. Trump can vilify the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without documentation all he wants, but the law gives those individuals certain rights among them the right to appeal any deportation order. Given those legal, logistical and resource impediments, its entirely possible Trump is pulling a fast one of his supporters and will simply make more noise about deportation than his predecessors. The building of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico may prove to be in the same vein many miles of fencing already exist along the California and Arizona borders, barriers that have proven far from impervious. Meanwhile, more than 40 percent of the undocumented arrive legally but then overstay their visas, making a fence, wall or any other barrier moot. Yet even if a President Trump doesnt hire a deportation force, build much of a wall or take any of the draconian measures both his critics and many of his supporters have been anticipating, hes already helped change the American culture for the worse. Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise. Polls show American attitudes toward immigrants from the Middle East, Latin America and Africa are more negative than positive regardless of legal status. Latinos are more likely to distrust law enforcement and not report crimes or cooperate with criminal investigations. One study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests Latino fear of police and deportation has gotten so bad that they are less likely to call 911 for an ambulance or emergency medical help during a heart attack with potentially fatal consequences. And hate crimes directed toward Mexicans and other Latinos are on the rise as well. More than 400 incidents of harassment and intimidation have been recorded by the Southern Poverty Law Center since Election Day. The leading target? Immigrants, with 136 such cases as of Monday. Meanwhile, Trumps attacks on the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA could lead to a trade war and tariffs that will depress the Mexican economy and motivate more people to enter the U.S. illegally. If all that sounds confusing, bingo, youve got it about right. Mass deportations are unlikely, but mass hysteria over a bogus immigration threat? That may be closer to whats in store for the country. One study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests Latino fear of police and deportation has gotten so bad that they are less likely to call 911 for an ambulance or emergency medical help during a heart attack with potentially fatal consequences. Sauk County Board members have been advised to preserve all documents and personal notes related to the countys highest ranking government administrator. Supervisors also have been instructed to turn in their county-issued iPads so that the information on them may be saved in anticipation of a possible lawsuit involving Sauk County Administrative Coordinator Renae Fry. Those instructions were included in a letter that Sauk County Corporation Counsel Todd Liebman, the boards legal adviser, sent to supervisors on Friday. The letter was in advance of a special meeting Monday night to discuss a possible separation agreement between Fry and the county. Following a closed session discussion, the board is slated to reconvene in open session to take possible action on the agreement. Officials have been tight-lipped so far about the reasons behind an apparent attempt to remove Fry after only eight months on the job. Liebman wrote that Frys attorney has submitted a Demand for Preservation of Electronically Stored Information with the county. He instructed supervisors to bring their iPads to Monday nights meeting. The (Management Information Systems) Department hopes to be able to return your I Pads in the near future, Liebman wrote. The collection of the I Pads may or may not be necessary pending the outcome of the meeting. Longtime Sauk County Administrative Coordinator Kathy Schauf announced in May 2015 that she had accepted a new position in Eau Claire County. In October 2015, the county board approved a $24,000 contract with Appleton-based Moffett and Associates, LLC, to manage the search for Schaufs replacement. The board voted to hire Fry in March, passing over several other finalists, including then-interim Administrative Coordinator Brentt Michalek. The Baraboo News Republic requested documents related to the finalists and the search process prior to Frys hiring, but the county did not release them until after her contract was approved. If a separation agreement is approved Monday night, the county would be left to search for its fourth administrative coordinator in 18 months. WAUPUN In breaking with tradition, this year the Avenue of Angels Committee has selected four law enforcement agencies to be this years Avenue of Angels Parade Marshall; the Waupun Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Dodge County Sheriffs Department and the Fond du Lac County Sheriffs Department. We selected them for all they do for the community, plus there has been so much negative publicity in the national media, that we wanted to let our local law enforcement officers that we appreciate them, and thank them for keeping us safe, said Charlene Becker, executive director of the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce. Its nice to be appreciated, said Waupun Police Chief Dale Heeringa. We are fortunate in that were greatly accepted in the area and its an honor to have the community show its support of law enforcement in such a way. Captain Ryan Waldschmidt of the Fond du Lac Sheriffs Department said, We recognize that Waupun has many great people and organizations that are qualified to fill the role of parade marshall, so we consider it a special honor to be selected this year. It shows us that Waupun is proud to have our agencies working together all year long to keep the Waupun community safe, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to serve as parade marshall with our fellow law enforcement agencies that serve your community. To be honored along with local agencies had a special meaning for Lt. Craig Lindgren of the Wisconsin State Patrol, SW Region HeadquartersDeForest. Lots of people think that because were a state agency that we are above local agencies, but we work closely with them, so this recognition is a special honor indeed. Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt said they were honored. It is wonderful for the community to show its support for law enforcement. We feel were just doing our jobs but we only want what anyone wants; a safe community to live and visit. The Avenue of Angels parade is Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m., and goes down Main Street past the Waupun City Hall Auditorium, 201 E. Main St. To enter the parade, contact Charlene at the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce, 324-3491 or go to waupunchamber.com for more information. We only want what anyone wants; a safe community to live and visit. Dale Schmidt, sheriff of Dodge County. A new business at Beaver Dam High School has many students learning the art of employment. Beaver Manufacturing began this year, but has already seen interest from local manufacturers. It is a non-compete school-based business that assists local employers or the community with welding and fabrication jobs. Some of the students already work at different businesses including Apache Stainless and Kirsch Foundry said Rebecca Droessler, Beaver Dam High School virtual school, advanced placement and school-to-work coordinator. Beaver Dam High School tech education teacher Joe Kutzler said the program is starting slowly because they did not know if a referendum regarding a massive school overhaul would pass, and where they will ultimately be located. Its passage is very encouraging. We have no room in here (right now) for what we need, Kutzler said. Kutzler said they have been doing jobs for the Beaver Dam Booster Club and Kirsh Foundry. Eighty percent of our jobs come from Kirsh, Kutzler said. The students spend 90 minutes a day learning real life business practices in the classroom. The students benefit from learning employable skills and local businesses benefit from students developing skills before they enter the workforce. Area businesses have been very supportive of the technical education program in the high school, Kutzer said. The program is roughly based on Cardinal Manufacturing, which operates at Elva-Strum High School. In Beaver Dam Manufacturing students work in groups of six with a team leader. The team leader reports to Kutzler about how the projects are progressing. This year the students will be figuring out whether or not their business is profitable. Kutzler said there is a hope in the future that the students will receive a percentage of the profits and the rest will go back into the business. Next year the students who have the prerequisites for the class will apply for positions in the program. Any businesses interested in having students doing work for their companies may contact Kutzler at the high school or any student in his class. The students will be cold calling local businesses for support in the near future. By PTI: Chandigarh, Nov 20 (PTI) Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today said the land acquired for Sutlej- Yamuna-Link (SYL) canal project has been transferred back to the farmers free of charge through mutations after the state Cabinet decided to denotify it. Lauding state revenue officials for implementing the Cabinets decision in this regard, he said Punjabis owed a debt of gratitude to the revenue officials of Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahab and Ropar districts for working with breakneck speed to turn the Cabinet decision into realty. advertisement "As of today all land acquired for construction of SYL canal which had been denotified by the state cabinet, has been transferred back to the original farmers free of charge through mutations," the minister said. Majithia said 4,261 acres of land in 202 villages of the four districts has been transferred back to 21,511 farmers. In Ropar, 1,468 acres has been transferred back to 5,180 owners across 91 villages. In Fatehgarh Sahib, 552 acres has been transferred back to 2,031 owners of 35 villages, he said. In Mohali, 791 acres of land has been transferred back to 1,323 owners of 16 villages. In Patiala district, 1,450 acres of land had been transferred back to 5774 owners in 60 villages, the minister said. "Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had promised that SYL canal will never be constructed. By successfully transferring land back to the farmers we have proved that we do not make empty proclamations like Congress whose state leaders have been sympathising with the farmers, even as their party high command has always sided with Haryana on SYL issue," he said. Punjab Cabinet on November 15 had announced to denotify the land acquired for the SYL project and return it to "original land owners of their lineal descendants/ legal representatives" free of charge. Political temperatures have risen in Punjab after Supreme Court held as "unconstitutional" the 2004 law passed by Punjab to terminate the SYL canal water sharing agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh. PTI CHS NSD --- ENDS --- Tony Evers, the states highest-ranking constitutional officer backed by Democrats, has been at odds with the Republicans who in his first term took control of almost every part of state government except his: the state Department of Public Instruction. Now, Evers faces re-election this spring in the wake of an election that expanded the states Republican legislative majorities to historic levels and must confront challengers more experienced in education than those hes run against. Since Evers was first elected in 2009, Republicans have all but eliminated teachers unions collective bargaining power, expanded the number of private voucher and independent charter schools, fought Evers adoption of the Common Core State Standards and changed the way school success is measured. The former Verona schools superintendent secured a second term in 2013 despite massive membership losses of the states largest teachers union, a strong campaign contributor for Evers in the past. Now, Evers wont have a traditionally muscular Wisconsin Education Association Council to back him. And he could face significant spending on behalf of candidates who support the expansion of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers. Nows the time to continue to get what they can, Republican lobbyist Brandon Scholz said of conservatives and GOP supporters. Jenni Dye, research director for liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, which has studied the influence of pro-voucher groups on Wisconsin politics, said she expects heavy spending to defeat Evers. But she said she expects people who are concerned about public education in Wisconsin will be engaged in this race as they always have been. Evers called hero John Matthews, former longtime executive director of Madison Teachers Inc., called Evers a hero and said he deserves to be re-elected. He said Wisconsin residents know of his advocacy for their children. That said, I do worry that the far right and the corporations which want to privatize our public schools and make them for-profit private schools will spend millions in an attempt to defeat him, Matthews said. A spokeswoman for WEAC did not respond to a request for comment. Pro-voucher group American Federation for Childrens political arm spent heavily on behalf of Republican candidates in legislative races this year. An AFC official said the group has not made any decisions about the superintendents race, including whom to support and whether to spend money. Evers declined to comment on the campaign. I have been focused on my budget and focused on several other issues that are important to the state and I havent paid attention to what any potential opponents are saying, he said. Several challengers Candidates have until early January to file candidacy papers. A primary will be held Feb. 21 and the general election is April 4. Dodgeville School District administrator John Humphries and former Beloit School District superintendent Lowell Holtz are eyed as the candidates who support school vouchers, according to American Federation for Childrens Wisconsin lobbyist Justin Moralez. We havent picked a favorite yet but we will be monitoring the race closely, he said. Humphries campaign is being headed by Reps. Jason Fields, D-Milwaukee, and Jeremy Thiesfeldt, R-Fond du Lac lawmakers who back voucher expansion. Humphries, who announced his candidacy last week, is considered to be Republicans current favorite, Scholz said. I think WEAC doesnt have as much funds as they used to and I do believe there is likely to be some national money in this race, said Humphries in an interview. I think school-choice advocates are going to be a very important player in this race whether they do that in the (February) primary or later on in the election, Im not sure. While union funds have been diminished because of Act 10, union members and supporters will counter the lack of funding with their feet, said Matthews. One of Scott Walkers goals in enacting Act 10 was to dry up union funds, which were donated by members for political action. To counter that, union members will support Evers by working on his campaign, he said. Also in the race is superintendent Jeff Holmes of the Germantown School District, which last year abandoned the Common Core State Standards that Evers adopted in 2010. Richard Melcher, a Racine high school teacher, also is running. The experience level and training in education of the candidates challenging Evers is a departure. The past three unsuccessful superintendent candidates were a trained nurse and two former Republican lawmakers who worked as an electronics design engineer and an English teacher, respectively. None had worked as a school administrator. Democratic strategist Sachin Chheda said Evers, who worked as deputy state superintendent before taking the departments top position, has an advantage because even in years when Republicans have done well, voters have been hesitant to elect candidates who were not endorsed by other educators, such as the teachers union. In the past, their candidates have been less-qualified and the more progressive candidate has been able to garner significant bipartisan support, Chheda said. I think the question is, Does the state superintendent race become more partisan or does it become less partisan? and I think the answer is we dont know because the (Donald Trump) dynamic is not (traditionally Republican). Scholz said the outcome of the presidential election shows voters arent thrilled with the idea of (the) establishment, giving Evers opponents a message that could resonate. They can paint Evers as the establishment who has done nothing, said Scholz. Had Hillary Clinton won the presidency, third-party groups that back Evers might be more willing to spend money, he said. Now, they might not. I think Democrats and the liberal third-party groups poured in a gazillion (dollars into the 2016 election) and it didnt change a thing. The question is: Do they have any money left? he said. WEAC influence The job of state superintendent is officially nonpartisan, but for years Democrat-aligned candidates have won, in part because of WEAC PACs spending. For the 2013 superintendent race, WEACs PAC spent about $536,000 on advertising for Evers and spent a similar amount during his 2009 race on campaign ads and literature, according to campaign finance records. But for the 2016 state legislative races WEACs political action committees direct spending was $287 and $0 for 2014 elections, according to campaign finance records. That is sharply off from what its direct spending on electioneering activities used to be, said Michael Buelow of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, which tracks campaign spending. But the PAC did transfer more than $570,000 in 2016 to the Greater Wisconsin Committee political action committee and the Greater Wisconsin Independent Expenditure Fund. In 2014, WEAC PAC transferred more than $1.8 million total to PACs controlled by Greater Wisconsin, the state AFL-CIO, We Are Wisconsin and Wisconsin Progress, according to Buelow. As of Oct. 24, two weeks before the general election, the PAC had $754,665 in cash on hand. By Saurabh Vaktania: Manohar Parikkar had said Prime Minister Narendra Modi decision of scrapping 500-1000 notes has reduced violence in the Kashmir Valley at an event few days back. Dr Farooq Abdullah Former CM of Jammu and Kashmir who was in Mumbai to attend an event heavily criticised the statement. He said, "Did the defence minister see Rs 500 distribution. Stones are being thrown, did he see that? He does not know the ground reality of Kashmir valley. There is no peace and stone pelting still continues." LET PARIKKAR SEE KASHMIR CONDITION BEFORE COMMENTING advertisement Abdullah was in Mumbai to attend The Mother Teresa Memorial International Awards For Social Justice. Speaking to India Today he further said, "People too do not know the reality. It is their misunderstanding, there is still lot of violence in the Valley. Defence Minister speech is baseless. First let him come to the Valley and see the condition here than he should comment. There is no peace in Kashmir." "We should talk with everyone. Hurriyat and Pakistan both, only then problems will be solved. Even in India people are scared going to Kashmir. Just imagine the condition of people over there. There is no electricity, no employment, nothing." He further asserted that war was not a solution. PAKISTAN IS NOT THE ONLY SOURCE OF TERRORISM Shockingly the former CM said, "Pakistan is not the only source of terrorism. Our government of India does not fulfill the promises which they have made to people of Kashmir." Abdullah stressed on talks with Pakistan, he said, "During Atal Bihari Vajpayee tenure, a bus went to Pakistan. Even after Kargil, Musharraf was called. We can change friends but we cannot change our neighbours. Autonomy is one of the solution for Kashmir. It has emerged from the constitution of India." ON DEMONETISATION Abdullah said, "In independent India till now, every election is fought with black money. All elections take place with black money only. How will the elections will be conducted now?" He further said, "Decision of Modi is good but its execution is totally wrong. Everything was done in haste. Poor are badly suffering. In some places in Kashmir, people don't have ATM or bank what about them? In India black money will never get over. India operates on both currency. Every country has parallel currency." "On demonetisation we will have to see how many cars and helicopters run and who wins election. If helicopters and cars still run then black money is still present," said Abdullah. He got very annoyed when asked if he believes that Kashmir was an integral part of India. Also Read: Kashmir unrest: Farooq Abdullah calls on PM, says Modi was receptive --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 20 (PTI) Even as negotiations are underway, Mauritius is hopeful of remaining the largest source of foreign investments into India even under the new treaty. In May, India and Mauritius signed a protocol amending the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty to introduce in-principle taxation of capital gains in India in a phased manner. advertisement "The initial treaty was the double taxation avoidance, it was helpful to both Mauritius as well as India because many investments were coming here through Mauritius. "The relations between the two countries have always been very strong and I see no reason that it will be otherwise. It will be very strong we are doing everything to make it stronger," Mauritius Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth told PTI on the sidelines of a luncheon meet with business leaders organised by All India Association of Industries (AIAI). The Prime Minister of the island nation said economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations have been on an upswing and pointed out that there are already lots of investments by Indian people so he does not see any reason why it should not continue. Jugnauth said they had no other option but to negotiate with India after the Indian government decided to put an end to the decades old treaty. "Now we are still negotiating to have something new to replace it. The old treaty was obviously beneficial but to us and since it is not there we are losing the benefit that we were making as I said we had no other option," he said. When asked about the impact of the abolition of the old treaty would have on the countrys economy, the Prime Minister said, "Mauritius is still having its financial centre which has not been affected to much extent and we are trying to diversify. We are also trying to make up for whatever loss the centre is facing. We have to live up to reality (abolition of the treaty), we cant do otherwise." He said the country is trying to diversify and at the same time negotiating for new treaty. "We have already said it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it (the new treaty) should not be less favourable than the treaty that India would be making with other countries which they used to have the treaty before," Jugnauth said, adding, "India would do everything not to make us lose therefore we are still negotiating. I cant say what will be the final result." (More) PTI PSK NRB MR --- ENDS --- advertisement By India Today Web Desk: From walking the ramp to winning Miss India title, facing the camera to flying a private plane... model-actor Amruta Patki and Gul Panag have a lot in common. The refreshing news of Gul becoming a licensed pilot broke last week. She was welcomed to "the gang" by Amruta, who is a self-professed adventure enthusiast and a private pilot too. advertisement In a conversation with Vagabomb she said, "A bunch of us were sitting and talking about it, and a friend said, 'Let's join The Bombay Flying Club,' and I said 'Okay, let's do it.' I was the only one who ended up joining the course, and it was amazing. After almost nine years of finishing college, suddenly studying basics of Science, Maths, Meteorology, and Engineering was not easy at all." Also read:Six times Gul Panag gave us Super Woman goals Big day!! #avgeek #instafly #upintheair #aviator #avgeek A photo posted by Gul Panag (@gulpanag) on Nov 14, 2016 at 1:34am PST "When you do something like this, it's like winning a lifetime achievement award. The adrenaline rush, the high, the way you feel when you wear that uniform, it's amazing and precious. It's a very, very long process - 40 hours of flying and three months of ground training (are required). But, if you have the passion for it, you go for it." She won Femina Miss India in 2006 and subsequently won Miss Earth 2006 pageant. She has not only acted in Hindi film industry but Marathi industry as well. She made her acting debut in Bollywood with Hide & Seek (2010) and in the Marathi film industry with Satya Savitri Satyavan (2012). --- ENDS --- Fortis Inc. operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 438,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 100,000 retail customers in Arizona's Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,485 megawatts (MW), including 53 MW of solar capacity and 252 MV of wind capacity. The company also sells wholesale electricity to other entities in the western United States; owns gas-fired and hydroelectric generating capacity totaling 65 MW; and distributes natural gas to approximately 1,065,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, it owns and operates the electricity distribution system that serves approximately 577,000 customers in southern and central Alberta; owns 4 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 225 MW; and provides operation, maintenance, and management services to five hydroelectric generating facilities. Further, the company distributes electricity in the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador with an installed generating capacity of 143 MW; and on Prince Edward Island with a generating capacity of 130 MW. Additionally, it provides integrated electric utility service to approximately 68,000 customers in Ontario; approximately 272,000 customers in Newfoundland and Labrador; approximately 32,000 customers on Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and approximately 16,000 customers on certain islands in Turks and Caicos. The company also holds long-term contracted generation assets in Belize consisting of 3 hydroelectric generating facilities with a combined capacity of 51 MW; and the Aitken Creek natural gas storage facility. It also owns and operates approximately 90,200 circuit Kilometers (km) of distribution lines; and approximately 50,500 km of natural gas pipelines. Fortis Inc. was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in St. John's, Canada. With about 20 per cent share in UP's population, the Muslim voters are expected to play the key role in deciding who will rule the most populous state of the country for next five years. By Press Trust of India: Muslim voters, who account for nearly 20 per cent of Uttar Pradesh's population, can make or mar the electoral prospects of key political parties vying for the top slot in the upcoming Assembly elections. While divided Muslim votes translate to gains for BJP, a consolidation will change the poll arithmetic as minorities play a crucial role in at least 125 of 403 constituencies, which will go to polls in early 2017. advertisement IMPACT OF SP FEUD ON MUSLIM VOTERS Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's decision to revoke expulsion of his estranged cousin and senior party leader Ram Gopal Yadav might once again bring the political spotlight back on Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). As ruling SP grappled with internal feud, BSP supremo Mayawati sought to fish in troubled waters, seeking to drive a wedge in SP camp to wean away the crucial Muslim vote bank. WATCH: Muslims are considered the traditional votebank of the ruling Samajwadi Party and the concern over SP family feud has been voiced by several top clerics including, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid and Maulana Salman Nadvi of Lucknow-based Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama. These leaders gave a blunt message to SP chief that their votes would end up with BSP if the internecine war in his party did not end. With Lucknow Eidgah Imam Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali. pic.twitter.com/mPwZPa2vkk Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) September 29, 2016 BSP SET TO GAIN Even a few days back, the competition seemed even the SP was battling a damaging power struggle, BSP had been hit by desertions and Congress despite a month-long campaign to woo farmers was still struggling to be taken seriously. But, the revocation of Ram Gopal's suspension gave a new dimension to the highly surcharged pre-poll scenario. Mayawati termed Ram Gopal's reinstatement as a "drama" to cover up the existing bitterness between Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his uncle Shivpal.Political analysts say the development could drive the BSP supremo to think of a fresh strategy, especially in the communally sensitive western UP, where she anticipates a keen contest with BJP. So far, she has been harping on the feud in SP to caution Muslims "not to waste their votes". BSP insiders said the party was contemplating reassessing its strategy vis-a-vis Muslim vote bank, which has strongly been siding with SP post Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid issue. They were of the view that revocation of Ram Gopal's suspension was an effort by Samajwadi Party to project itself as a united outfit, especially after a bitter infighting between Akhilesh and Shivpal two months ago. advertisement Sources said Mayawati had directed her deputy Naseemuddin Siddiqui and his son Afzal to accelerate BSP campaign in western UP to mobilize Muslim voters and showcase the party that can halt the saffron surge. Seems like BJP in Centre & SP in UP is trying to divide the nation into Hindu & Muslim for political gains: Mayawati pic.twitter.com/KKbDWN6BOS ANI (@ANI_news) October 31, 2015 She has also promised a substantial chunk of tickets to Muslims to ensure that the community backs her party over SP.Insiders said the party will take the help of social media to reach out to voters in shortest possible time. They said Mayawati was of the firm view that wooing Muslims and galvanising them with her core Dalit vote bank could drum up a formidable alliance to take on BJP, which will stand to gain in the event of Muslim votes getting split between SP and BSP. WATCH: The triple talaq issue is also bringing the community together. Analysts say as Congress is weak and SP is engaged in family battle, BSP will be their next best option. Recent surveys clearly shows, Mayawati Ji is successful in forming Dalit-Muslim coalition with support of even Jats & Other OBCs also (1/2) BSP Mission 2017 (@BSPfor2017) November 5, 2016 advertisement They say that a Bihar-like 'maha-gathbandhan' in UP could have kept the Muslim flock together.But, SP patriarch has ruled out any such alliance, though he said mergers with his party could be considered. BJP REVISITS 'THE MUSLIM STRATEGY' As the Assembly elections draw near, BJP too seems to be re-drawing its strategy by roping in as many Muslim voters as possible before the elections, and by showing itself as the primary opponent of SP. The saffron party expects to gain those Muslim voters who have become disenchanted with SP, especially after Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013, in which over 60 people were killed and around 50,000 rendered homeless. READ| Muslim women come out against Modi in Agra over Triple Talaq issue Muslims are also unhappy with the SP government which has not so far fulfilled its promise to ensure 18 per cent quota for them, despite the fact that reservation is not on basis of religion. WATCH: CONGRESS HOPES AMID DESPAIR Congress too is making frantic efforts to regain its lost organisational moorings in the state and appointed Ghulam Nabi Azad as its state incharge, hoping to attract a huge chunk of Muslim votes. advertisement Muslims, who constitute a fifth of the state's population of nearly 200 crore, are yet to open their cards as to which way they will go though the community is the cynosure of all eyes of major political parties. ALSO READ: RSS Muslim wing to hold national Islamic convention in Agra in support of Modi --- ENDS --- The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. 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Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management Shanghai Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital Ireland Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM QUANTITATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC, PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Global Master Fund GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles II S de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Japan Ltd., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. CORE Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate UK Limited, PGIM Scots Limited, PGIM Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Shanghai Company Ltd., PGIM Singapore Pte. Ltd., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM Taronga Investor GP LLC, PGIM U.S. Agriculture Fund LP, PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Wadhwani LLP, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings UK Limited, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP SCOTS FEEDER LLP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF Debt Fund Manager LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica Business Consulting Shanghai Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Pramerica Insurance Agency China Company Ltd., Pramerica Luxembourg CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate Scots LP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I Scotland Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Netherlands GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Scots CP GP LLP, Preco III Scotland Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Inc., Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd. Prudential Gibraltar Agency Kabushiki Kaisha, Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Select Strategies LLC, Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Tax Services LLC, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service, Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy US Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., VIP Australia Holding Company LLC, VIP Australia Trustee Pty Ltd, Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I Ireland L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I US L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC. Read More 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. By India Today Web Desk: A proctorial enquiry by JNU has found ABVP member Vikrant Kumar guilty of assaulting Najeeb Ahmed during a brawl following which the latter went missing over a month ago. MSc first-year student of School of Biotechnology, 27-year-old Najeeb was a native of Badaun in Uttar Pradesh. On October 15, Najeeb reportedly had an on-campus brawl with the ABVP members, the night before he disappeared. advertisement READ| Woman spotted JNU student Najeeb Ahmed in Aligarh, claims a mysterious letter JNU had ordered a proctorial enquiry into the incident. "In the proctorial enquiry, Vikrant Kumar has been found to be involved in hitting Najeeb Ahmed and using derogatory language with provocative behaviour on October 14. This is an act of indiscipline and misconduct," an official order read. WATCH: READ| Informer on missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed to get Rs 5 lakh: Delhi police ABVP REBUTS FINDING Vikrant has been asked to explain why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. ABVP has, meanwhile, come out in Vikrant's support and accused the university administration of being "biased" in conducting the enquiry. "The proctor has taken deposition of those students into account who were not even present there. Not only the enquiry is biased but even the administration is siding with the left-dominated students union," Saurabh Sharma, ABVP member and former JNUSU member said. READ| Missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed reportedly seen in Darbhanga today, says Delhi L-G Najeeb Jung 'FIND NAJEEB' CAMPAIGN ON JNU students and teachers have been agitating against the university administration and Delhi Police for their failure to locate the missing student. The protesting students had even confined the Vice Chancellor and other senior officials in the administrative building for over 20 hours. READ| Police to roll out ads asking people to share info on Najeeb CRIME BRANCH HANDLING PROBE Last month, an SIT was formed to trace the missing student on the directive of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma. The SIT, headed by Additional DCP-II(South) Manishi Chandra, failed to get any actionable clues in the matter. The case was later transferred to Delhi Police's Crime Branch. Delhi Police have announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for giving information about Najeeb Ahmed. Earlier, the reward amount was Rs 2 lakh. #WATCH: Delhi Police's appeal on missing JNU Student Najeeb Ahmed, Rs 2 lakh reward for information on the student (Source: Delhi Police) pic.twitter.com/oUK6Wn3Ka8 ANI (@ANI_news) November 5, 2016 (With PTI inputs) --- ENDS --- FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. provides digital payment solutions for businesses to control purchases and make payments. It offers corporate payments solutions, such as accounts payable automation; Virtual Card, which provides a single-use card number for a specific amount usable within a defined timeframe; Cross-Border that is used by its customers to pay international vendors, foreign office and personnel expenses, capital expenditures, and profit repatriation and dividends; and purchasing cards and travel and entertainment cards for its customers to analyze and manage their corporate spending. The company also provides employee expense management solutions, including fuel solutions to businesses and government entities that operate vehicle fleets, as well as to oil and leasing companies, and fuel marketers; lodging solutions to businesses that have employees who travel overnight for work purposes, as well as to airlines and cruise lines to accommodate traveling crews and stranded passengers; and electronic toll payments solutions to businesses and consumers in the form of radio frequency identification tags affixed to vehicles' windshields. In addition, it offers gift card program management and processing services in plastic and digital forms that include card design, production and packaging, delivery and fulfillment, card and account management, transaction processing, promotion development and management, website design and hosting, program analytics, and card distribution channel management. Further, it provides other products consisting of payroll cards, vehicle maintenance service solution, long-haul transportation solution, prepaid food vouchers or cards, and prepaid transportation cards and vouchers. The company serves business, merchant, consumer, and payment network customers in North America, Brazil, and Internationally. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. 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 The Boeing Company is the worlds largest manufacturer of airplanes and commands more than 50% of the market in some channels and categories. The company and its family of subsidiaries design, develops, manufacture, sell, service, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight, and related services worldwide. The company operates through four segments including Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital providing products and services to end-users in 150 countries. Boeing got its start in 1910 when William E. Boeing developed a love for aircraft. Soon after he takes his first plane ride which leads him to build a hangar and begin construction of his first plane. The onset of WWI helped spur the companys growth but business was cut drastically in its wake. The start of WWII was another milestone for the company and one that led to its current position of dominance. The company was incorporated in 1916 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. Boeing employs over 140,000 people in 65 countries making it one of the most diverse employers on the planet. The Commercial Airplanes segment is built around the iconic 7-series which includes the 737, 747, and 787. The segment provides commercial jet aircraft for passenger and cargo requirements, as well as fleet support services for regional, national, and international air carriers and logistics and freight companies. In terms of global volume, the company estimates about 90% of all air freight is carried aboard one of its jets. This segment also includes the Dreamliner family of planes. The Dreamliner is a game-changing airplane for many carriers as it opens up the potential for new one-stop destinations because of its capacity and range. The Defense, Space & Security segment develops and manufactures a range of systems including manned and unmanned aircraft, missiles, missile defense systems, satellites, communications equipment, and intelligence systems for governments. Among the many iconic brands within this segment are the AH-64 Apache, Air Force One, B-52, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook, F/A-18, and the V-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft used by the Marines. The Global Services segment offers a range of products and services that include supply chain and logistics management, engineering, maintenance, upgrades, conversions, spare parts, pilot and maintenance training, technical and maintenance documents, and data analytics to its commercial and defense customers. Boeing is also a leader in innovation, leveraging its many decades and avenues of experience to further aerospace and defense technology. Among the many innovations is the MQ-25 Stingray which will be the worlds first autonomous aircraft. The Stingray is only one of many areas of research that also include drones and undersea vehicles. We have seen how prime minister Modi uses powerful poems to attack his critics. He has, in the past, quotes Nida Fazli in the Parliament, and yesterday he quoted Nobel laureate Bob Dylan while addressing the audiences at Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai through web conferencing. PM Modi quotes Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A Changing during his live address at Global Citizen Festival By India Today Web Desk: Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is unlike any other man who held that position prior to him. A multifaceted man, PM Modi does the unpredictable. From travelling from one country to another in the same day and addressing audiences at each of these places without giving a hint of jet lag to playing musical instruments alongside professionals to clicking photographs using DSLR camera like a normal man to changing his attire thrice a day to scrapping Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes one fine day, Modi has projected himself as a man who can do anything. advertisement Doing something similar, while addressing the young audiences at the Global Citizen Festival in Mumbai through web conferencing, the prime minister quoted Nobel laureate and legendary rock-and-roll artist Bob Dylan. YES! Saying Dylan's words hold as much meaning now as it did when it was first sung in the 1960s, PM Modi quoted some lines from Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin'. Here are the lines he quoted "Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don't criticize What you can't understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is Rapidly agin' Please get out of the new one If you can't lend your hand For the times they are a-changin'" In these lines, the stress is on the lines "DO NOT CRITICISE WHAT YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND" and "PLEASE GET OUT OF THE NEW ONE, IF YOU CAN'T LEND YOUR HAND, FOR THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'". PM Modi knows there are many people who are criticising him for scrapping the Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes on November 8 and for the subsequent inconveniences people have been facing. To them, he indirectly said, "do not criticise what you cannot understand". He also told people that the times are changing and if you can't help build a new road, get out of it and do not obstruct the process. But this is not the first time Modi is doing this. In March 2016, PM Modi recited renowned poet Nida Fazli's "Safar mein dhoop toh hogi" in the Parliament to attack and mock the Opposition. --- ENDS --- China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page By PTI: Commenting on the achievements of the first 100 days of Commenting on the achievements of the first 100 days of the coalition government, Prachanda said, "Many works were accomplished relating to various development activities, preparationsfor Constitution amendment, improving relations with neighbours and works relating to peoples living". Works relating to construction of 1200 MW Budhi Gandaki, the largest hydro power of the country, have reached the final stage and the country is being relieved from power outage soon, he said. advertisement Meanwhile, responding to a question on Indian governments decision to ban high denomination notes, Prachanda said that the government has taken up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and it will bear positive outcome soon. PTI SBP NSA --- ENDS --- By Mail Today Bureau: The precarious connect of the Northeast with the rest of India through the Chicken's Neck Corridor has given rise to the perception of the physical and psychological distance that led to the perceived differences between the Indian core and the north-eastern periphery. Other than that, the Northeast is integrated with India emotionally as well as physically, said Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary at the second edition of Mail Today's North East Rising Conclave 2016. advertisement INTEGRATION A SUCCESS "The Northeast in general and Assam in particular have always been integrated with the country. The Partition of the country, however, caused tremendous economic disadvantage to the region. We share a boundary of hundreds of kilometres with Asia and South East Asia, but only a 14-km stretch with India," the minister said. He also rejected that Assam had ever experienced communal flare ups. "There have been no riots in Assam till date," he added. The long spells of insurgency, the minister said, added to the perception of neglect that had come to mark the difficult relations between Delhi as the power centre and the Northeast. "The perception that there is violence and unrest everywhere and that it is not safe to travel to the region as well as invest, is only a misgiving. This perception emanates from the myopic perspective of India's geopolitical position. The dedicated and honest leadership of chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has made Assam to come out of the throes of unrest and insurgency. Assam is peaceful and safe," he said. The minister also gave due credit to the prime minister. "We have a visionary PM who attaches great importance to the development of Northeast. He believes that India cannot grow without the growth of the East and Northeast." Punning on the Look East Policy, he said: "We were earlier only 'looking' East. Now we are 'acting' East. This is what the PM has done." ALSO READ: Leaders from Northeast ask Indians to be more inclusive and put an end to discrimination Demonetisation: Double trouble for northeast, petrol pumps in Manipur without fuel --- ENDS --- "People when they return from the Northeast to the mainland are all praises for the land and its people, but the problem starts the moment a student lands from the Northeast to Delhi", said joint commissioner of Delhi police Robin Hibu By Mail Today Bureau: "If you want to understand my pain, then next time be born like me, with these eyes and face, and in the region that I am, experience prying eyes while roaming with your sister at a market in Delhi." This is how joint commissioner of Delhi police Robin Hibu expressed his angst over discrimination against people from north-eastern states. advertisement RISING NORTHEAST CONCLAVE At Mail Today's second edition of the Rising North East Conclave, 2016, representatives of the North Eastern community interacted with each other to find ways to end the stereotyping and differentiation based on racial markers against the north-eastern people. MP Bezbaruah, head of the Bezbaruah Committee - that came out with a report on state of the north-eastern community after the death of a female student from Arunachal Pradesh - made a pitch for the philosophy of integration to dominate the approach to mainstream the N-E people. However, Hibu dealt with the fundamentals. "Before giving us big things, I want the State to give us basic things. Every day I have to shout my lungs out to be heard by my mother when I call her back home. First things first, we want basic infrastructure and connectivity and roads," Hibu said. Meanwhile, rights activist Alana Golemei underlined the need to break stereotypes. "People when they return from the Northeast to the mainland are all praises for the land and its people, but the problem starts the moment a student lands from the Northeast to Delhi." Another panelist, Svetlana, who comes from the same place as Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, requested the people of the mainstream to have a bigger and more inclusive heart and look to a solution rather than a statement of the problem. ALSO READ: Demonetization: Double trouble for northeast, petrol pumps in Manipur without fuel North-East girl asked to pay Rs 300 at Delhi's Jama Masjid; asks 'When will I be accepted as Indian' --- ENDS --- Damian Cantu, right, and his attorney Richard Gilliland appear in Yakima County Superior courtroom in Yakima, Wash. to try to correct Cantus criminal record on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016. Since the 1990s, Cantu has had difficulty passing background checks because a third-degree rape charge has been attached to his record. When the president of the Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester, N.Y., asks you to take a portrait You are the owner of this article. "It is a hub of silk, organic produce and yet there is a disconnect. The scenic beauty of Northeast is on par with that of foreign countries, providing immense opportunity to the film industry to shoot films here", said Naveen Verma, secretary, Ministry of DoNER. By Mail Today Bureau: The third session of the Mail Today 2nd Northeast Rising Conclave highlighted the issues and challenges faced by Northeast India along with the various government-run programmes and possibilities that can be explored to connect the region with the rest of the country. STAR-STUDDED PANELISTS The panelists included Naveen Verma, secretary, Ministry of DoNER; JP Meena, special secretary, Ministry of Food processing Industries; Jalaj Srivastava, additional secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Satyendra Garg, Northeast division of Ministry of Home Affairs; and Tushar Pandey, regional head, Northeast Yes Bank Initiative. advertisement Verma said that Northeast is very safe and has immense potential. However one needs to address the question why people are not going there and what is stopping them. "It is a hub of silk, organic produce and yet there is a disconnect. The scenic beauty of Northeast is on par with that of foreign countries, providing immense opportunity to the film industry to shoot films here." On his part Meena stressed on exploring the market of horticulture produce in the Northeast. Meena said: "Despite such a huge potential, the connectivity to the larger market is not taking place. However, to address this the ministry is providing water, power and storage facilities on hiring basis. Investors just need to set up their units and all other things will be taken care of," he said. Srivastava said: "Northeast is seen as the fruit and the vegetable bowl of the country. Being the hub of organic produce, the region should be branded." Pandey discussed the possibility of roping in private sector to bridge the connect between Northeast and rest of India. ALSO READ: Leaders from Northeast ask Indians to be more inclusive and put an end to discrimination Demonetisation: Double trouble for northeast, petrol pumps in Manipur without fuel --- ENDS --- If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules: Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy. The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party. We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month. We visited Outback Steakhouse Philippines' branch at Eastwood City Libis recently to check out their new menu items tagged as The Great Aussie Eats. The new Outback Steakhouse dishes are said to be "Extremely addictive new favorites from the land down under" hence, I knew from the get go that we gotta check it out pronto. It was my first time at their Eastwood branch right after relocating from their old nook along C5 and I must say that this new branch is way better because it is accessible. While their branch in Glorietta Makati still holds a special place in my heart, the one in Eastwood is not a bad option either. not to mention, they offer breakfast meals in this branch. So, about The Great Aussie Eats at Outback Steakhouse. It was dinner time when I visited with some of my friends and our dinner feast started with Tomato and Mozzarella Bruschetta (Php349) which is a grilled French bread topped with mozzarella, grilled oven tomatoes, and basil pesto served with salad greens on the side. It's a very straightforward dish, simple but satisfying. Then we had the Chile Marinated Ribeye (Php1,599) a seasoned and chargrilled ribeye steak topped with avocado pico de gallo and served with traditional Mexican corn on a cob, crispy tortilla strips, grilled tomato, chile sauce, and sour cream. I have always been a big meat eater and I always adore how Outback treat their steaks so this one is a sure winner for me. Now for those who are keeping their meat intake at bay, there is also Hearts of Gold Cod (Php449) which is basically fresh grilled flaky white fish topped with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and a light lemon sauce served with seasonal vegetables. I find it perfect for those who fancy a great fish dish for their meal which at that night was not me because hey, the ribeye was awesome! Also included on the new menu is the Tropical Fruit Cheesecake (Php269) which is a classic New York-style cheesecake topped with tropical seasonal fruit, whipped cream, and lime zest, served with mango coulis. If you love cheesecake and is crazy about sour and sweet flavors combination, then this one is a great option for a dessert. While I highly recommend trying out The Great Aussie Eats new menu selections, I would still highly recommend some of the old time favorites and other new items at Outback Steakhouse. Take for instance the iconic Typhoon Bloom (Php399), Spinach and Artichoke Dip (Php379), Kookaburra Wings (Php499), and my personal favorite, Crispy Parmesan Shrimp Salad (Php569). Other tiems on the menu which I also highly recommend are the Scampi Topped Grilled Fish (Php549), Garlic Glazed Pork Loin (Php679), and the super amazing Braised Beef Risotto (Php699). So if ever you happen to crave for some meaty steaks and other delicious dishes, I suggest that you go and visit Outback Steakhouse Restaurant branch near you and try The Great Aussie Eats and other items on the menu. I highly recommend the Chile Marinated Ribeye as well as the Beef Risotto. To know more about The Great Aussie Eats at Outback Steakhouse Philippines, you may visit their website at outback-sea.com and follow them on Facebook (@OutbackSteakhousePH) and Instagram (@Outbackph). Official hashtag on social media is #OutbackPH and #TheGreatAussieEats. The Palestinian Authority does not abound with tourists, and the Gaza Strip all the less so. This isn't preventing the Palestinians from building and maintaining museums intended principally for the local population. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Which museums exist on the PA's territory? Quite a few, actually. There are those that touch on the politics like that of the recently opened Yasser Arafat Museum that presents all the stations of the Palestinian leader's life. It includes personal mementos like his famous keffiyeh, eyeglasses and gun that he kept on himself at all times. Arafat Museum Arafat Museum completely devoid of exhibits . This was because, from the Palestinians' perspective, the museum's opening was no less important than its content, which is to present Palestinian history and its sources. Arafat Museum Arafat Museum A tour of the museums in the West Bank also leads to Jericho, the hottest city in the region. It turns out that there are Russian influences, inter alia, due to delegations which came there directly from the cold country. As a result, a Russian museum has opened in the city, located in an archaeological site. Those who enter the gates of the museum feel immediately like they reached Russia because of the building that holds the museum and its treasures. And how did it come to pass that the Gaza Strip holds a significant archaeological gem that shows spectacular items from seven different historical periods that was opened in the most unexpected place? The explanation is found in the private house of an amateur in the field. US President Barack Obama did in Latin America what he tried to do in Europe: Tell worried citizens not to draw negative conclusions about the man he once called unfit to serve in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump. In the last stop of an international farewell tour that included visits to Greece and Germany, Obama continued his efforts to calm anxieties since Republican businessman Trump beat Democratic rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the US presidential race. "My main message to you ... and the message I delivered in Europe is don't just assume the worst," Obama told a group of young people during a question-and-answer session in Peru on Saturday. "Wait until the administration is in place, it's actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgments as to whether or not it's consistent with the international community's interest in living in peace and prosperity together." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning repeated his claim that he did not know his lawyer, David Shomron, was representing a German shipyard while pushing for the acquisition of three submarines from that shipyard despite objections from the defense establishment, adding "everything is okay, everything is documented." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "As the prime minister of Israel, I dedicate the lion's share of my time to national security," Netanyahu said at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting. "Israel's security necessitates the acquisition of submarines ... These are strategic weapon systems. Bolstering Israel's security was the only consideration guiding me in the deal over the submarines and nothing more." Over the weekend, opposition head Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) called to establish a Knesset inquiry commission to investigate the matter. "In light of the grave statements made by former defense minister Ya'alon concerning his objections to the submarines deal, there is no option but to establish a parliamentarian inquiry commission that would investigate all state-related aspects concerning such a sensitive case, including the involvement of the prime minister's close associates in the deal," Herzog said. Prime Minister Netanyahu visits the INS Rahav submarine that arrived in Haifa (Photo: Reuters) Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid also called for a criminal investigation into the case "so we can understand why the Germans hired Shomron, and how much they paid him." In an interview with Channel 2 Lapid asserted that "decisions were made in an unprofessional manner." "We voted on it at the cabinet and at the ministerial committee, had discussions with the National Security Council, and all of this time none of us knew the prime minister's personal attorney was involved in these deals," Lapid, who was a cabinet member at the time, said. "Why do you think the Germans hired Shomron? Because of his knowledge? They hired him because he's the closest man to Israel's prime minister. This created a situation created in which we were negotiating with the Germans while they knew the prime minister's personal lawyer was working for them, and we didn't," Lapid went on to say. Former prime minister Ehud Barak also commented on the issue, saying "Submarines are vital, but public trust is even more vital. There are a lot of question marks. That is why, as Bogie (former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon) says, we must investigate." MK Mickey Rosenthal (Zionist Union) said intends to file a complaint with the Israel Bar Association's Ethics Committee on Sunday against David Shomron, saying he acted in a conflict of interests and acted against the ethical code. Legal ethics experts say Shomron could find himself in a bind, and has two options when facing the Bar Association: He could either claim he did not update Netanyahu on his conflict of interests, in essence admitting to breaking the ethical code, or he could contradict the prime minister's version and say he did tell him he was representing Israeli businessman Micki Ganor, who mediated the deal with the German shipyard. Shomron, meanwhile, said in response to Rosenthal's complaint that "There is no ethical problem with representing Mr. Ganor in his dealings with the shipyard and there is no contradiction with any other client I represent. There is no connection between Mr. Ganor and the prime minister. The prime minister does not negotiate with Mr. Ganor or the shipyard, rather, to the best of my knowledge, he deals with the issues of the acquisition itself with the German government." Surprising support of the prime minister came from his political rivaland coalition partnerEducation Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi). "On the submarines: Prime Minister Netanyahu is not corrupted," Bennett wrote on Twitter. "He would never exchange Israel's security for money." Culture Minister Miri Regev also added her voice in his support of Netanyahu. "How low can you sink?" she wrote on Twitter. "You've reached the bottom and haven't found anything. It's time to release the pressure." Meanwhile, acting-National Security Advisor Yaakov Nagel told Channel 2's "Meet the Press" on Saturday that "there was no argument" with the defense establishment regarding the acquisition of the three submarines. "There were a lot of people confusing the facts, he said. We are at a point in which we want to secure the German government's commitment to sell us the submarines with a discount. The negotiations with the shipyards are still going to take a long time, we're far from signing a contract. It'll take at least two more years, we haven't even started negotiating." 'Urgent vote right before Yom Kippur' Zionist Union MK Erel Margalit said Saturday that members of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee were asked on the eve of Yom Kippur to urgently approve the acquisition of a ship to defend Israel's off-shore gas rig. The ship, he said will be built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the same German shipyard involved in the acquisition deal of the three submarines. "The urgency of the timing was worrying. Transferring millions of shekels right before the holiday? What happened?" Margalit said. "And then I asked a simple question: Why should the funding for such a deal, NIS 1.5 billion, come from the defense budget? Why can't it come from gas revenues?" he recounted. "The answer I received was that this is what was decided, and that there was a 'special discount' for the deal, and that's why we needed to urgently close it," Margalit said. "It was urgent for someone that this would happen while the Knesset was on break on the eve of Yom Kippur. Are those the same representatives? Was another deal worth billions of shekels approved with the mediators and representatives being close associates of the prime minister?" Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman MK Avi Dichter was unavailable for comment. Residents of the illegal West Bank outpost Amona are preparing for its court-ordered evacuation next month by erecting tent sites for the thousands of volunteers who are expected to come to their aid in the fight for their home. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Two years ago, the High Court of Justice ruled that Amona was illegally constructed on privately-owned Palestinian land and ordered the outpost's demolition by December 25, 2016. Attempts by the government to delay the evacuation were rejected. The settlers of Amona have already begun preparing the tents and suppliessuch as food and blanketsfor the use of their anticipated supporters. A command center of sorts is also in the works, which will include a kitchen and an infirmary. Generators, beds, and water tanks are to be brought in as well. Raising tents in Amona. "This is an initial step ahead of establishing tent sites over a few hundred dunams, which will be able to house 20,000 people," said Etzion David, one of the settlers. "The goal is to house the people in the time of the evacuation, ifGod forbidit goes ahead. It's expected to be very cold, and we want to give those who come the conditions to deal with (the cold). We will also bring basic food, drinks, and blankets, and make sure there are basic conditions that allow people to stay here." The settlers have also learned their lessons from a previous evacuation of several homes in Amona in 2006, when authorities blocked access to the outpost ahead of time. "We have plans of arrival paths, and will also have vehicles and jeeps to drive people," said David. "The military will close (the roads)and we will make sure that people arrive despite it." Last week, late at night, several hundred youths gathered in Giv'at Asaf, which is located just a few kilometers away from Amona for a practice run. After receiving a short briefing, they began their journey, navigating through secret paths that brought them to Amona. The practice run went smoothly. On the day of the evacuation, the settlers plan to surround every structure in Amona with a "human chain" made of hundreds of people. They intend on documenting the events of the day with portable cameras and broadcast the footage live on the internet. France has reportedly decided to back out of a planned international Israeli-Palestinian peace summit in light of the election of Donald Trump as the president of the United States , western diplomatic sources told Arab media. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A western official told Ynet that French President Francois Hollande has said in different forums last week that Paris would have a hard time convening the summit in light of the administration change in the US. However, the official could not confirm whether the summit, planned to be held by the end of 2016 in the French capital, has indeed been canceled. French President Francois Hollande (Photo: AFP) The reports of the summit's cancelation come amid other reports over the weekend that France has decided to freeze its peace initiative due to heavy pressure from the international community at large and from Israel in particular Western diplomats were quoted as saying that the lack of interest from the outgoing American administration and Israel's decision not to participate in the summit have also contributed to the decision to put a pin in Paris's plans. One of the diplomats was quoted as saying that "officials in the US State Department told the special French envoy Pierre Vimont in a meeting in Washington last week that they were not enthusiastic about the idea of the summit and that they believed nothing would come out of it due to its nature and Israel's refusal to attend it." The diplomats added that it is possible France prefers to clear the way for other initiativesfrom Egypt and Russiathat would likely have better chances of success due to the close ties between Israel and Egyptian President Abed Fatah al-Sisi as well as Jerusalem's strong ties with Moscow. Foreign ministers gather for the Paris peace summit in June (Photo: MCT) The Palestinians, however, denied the reports that France had decided to cancel the summit. Dr. Husam Zomlot, an advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the expected next Palestinian ambassador to Washington, insisted that the Elysee Palace had confirmed the date for the conference and that Paris was busy preparing for it. The Palestinian Authority prefers the French initiative to those of Egypt or Russia as it supports Abbas's strategy to bring the conflict to the international level on the assertion that only international pressure could cause Israel to change its policies. In early June, the French held an initial conference in Paris without the presence of the two warring sides in an effort to prepare the ground for the planned summit. The conference was attended by foreign ministers from the European Union, along with officials from the UN and from Arab States. During that conference, Saudi Arabia called for the adoption of the Arab peace initiative from 2002, which would lead to the normalization of ties between Israel and Arab nations. The good news is that the Israeli government includes a responsible adult Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The bad news is its unlikely that he has any influence. Liebermans statement last week, in favor of limiting construction to the settlement blocs and against the illusions the Right had been presenting to the residents of Amona, should have been adopted by the Zionist Right, and there is such a right. Because the Likud faction is deteriorating to the margins of the margins. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Last weeks votes, at the government and at the Knesset, suggest that Likud leaders see their party members as a herd of Kahanists who expect a radicalization to the right, and further to the right. They wont dare say what Lieberman has said. And its only a matter of time before they portray him as a dangerous leftist. Illegal outpost of Amona. Left-wing organizations are legitimizing right-wing hooliganism (Photo: AFP) The Likud leaders are wrong. At least one-third of Likud voters belong to the national-liberal stream and not to the rightist-nationalist stream. They are being orphaned. In the past, they had Michael Eitan, for example. Avi Dichter and Tzachi Hanegbi could have been there too. But they are afraid. The fear of the majority has hit them too. Likuds radicalization and Liebermans moderation may announce a new political alignment. Its just the beginning. To be continued. The outpost report authored by Talia Sasson, a former senior employee at the State Attorneys Office, is a pivotal document. Every word in it should turn on a red light in regards to the conduct of government officials, who helped bypass the law to get Israel entangled in the great state vision. The Amona outpost is perhaps the most important outpost. The battle against the High Court ruling on Amona presents one of the hardest tests for the rule of law. Sasson has become president of the New Israel Fund (NIF). It can and should be assumed that regardless of her political opinions, she will make sure that the NIF protects the rule of law. But reality is slightly different, because bodies supported by the NIF are leading the campaign to crush repeated judicial decisions on the Bedouin Amona, which is also known as al-Araqib. This is not a case of legitimate criticism against judicial decisions. This is a case of disregard of the rule of law. These organizations activists are repeatedly erecting buildings in the community, after it is repeatedly demolished in accordance with court rulings. How has the fund led by Sasson become a serial crusher of the law? In response to my question, the NIF spokeswoman argued that without going into the comparison between the two cases, the Fund believes it is permitted to disagree with High Court rulings and even to protest them. Nonetheless, we accept the High Courts authority and are not undermining its legitimacy in any way. But reality presents a different picture. Heres what the NIF website states: The battle against the villages demolition"which has already been demolished thrice"is being led by many organizations operating with the Funds help Amnesty, Agenda, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, the Society for the Support and Defense of Bedouin Rights in Israel, the Citizens Accord Forum between Jews and Arabs in Israel, the Regional Council of Unrecognized Villages of Negev, the Abraham Fund Initiatives, the Institute for the Advancement of Shared Citizenship in Israel, the Forum for Arab-Bedouin Womens Organizations of the Negev, Mossawa, Community Advocacy, Sikkuy, Tsofen and Shatil (Initiative for Social Change). Clearly, ideology overrides the law. When the Right does it, it gives rise to claims of the end of democracy, fascism, etc. The NIFs Left is doing it in public. Last week, I heard Talia Sasson giving an interview in the capacity of a well-informed person. She is of course preaching and teaching law. The next time she goes on the air, she should receive a bit more difficult questions from her interviewers. Because no violation of the law on the left justifies a similar violation on the right. But thats exactly what the NIF organizations are doing. They are legitimizing right-wing hooligans. The bill to limit muezzins' calls to prayer is turning into another religious war, in which the Israeli Left is, as usual, joining the opponents of the law, especially since it was initiated by the Right. Egypt, Indonesia, India and many cities in Europe have limited the muezzin calls decibel level, or banned them altogether, in order to prevent environmental damage (Photo: Gil Lerner) The muezzin calls are not part of the Muslim heritage, because up until a little more than 100 years there were no loudspeakers to encourage worshippers unless UNESCO decides to adopt a new narrative. Until that happens, it should be mentioned that loudspeakers were only introduced into mosques less than 100 years ago. Over the years, the volume increased and the time of the call was moved up. Some mosques prefer to start at 4 am, at a volume which can be heard at a 5-kilometer radius. Not many rock bands reach such powerful volumes. The muezzin calls, in their new incarnation, damage both the quality of life and the environment. The victims, as always, are mainly Muslims. That is also the jihads format, as 99 percent of its victims are Muslims. But the battle is, allegedly, against the West. Because the Muslims are the victims, they have initiated legislation to limit the nuisance. Muslim states began restraining imams growing appetite in the decibel competition. These restrictions apply in Saudi Arabia as well, the stronghold of distributing radical Islam. The source for the restrictions can be found, miraculously, in the Quran (Surah al-Israh, 17:110): Do not recite (too) loudly in your prayer or (too) quietly but seek between that an (intermediate) way. On this basis, Sheikh Tawfeeq As-Sayegh ruled that it is forbidden to increase the sound coming from loudspeakers beyond an acceptable level. Sheikh Mohammed al-Othaiman, an Islamic scholar, is against using loudspeakers during prayer so as not to harm residents. Yes, the Saudis are human too. When the volume is intensified in the middle of the night, they suffer. I can go on. Egypt, Indonesia, India and many cities in Europe have limited the muezzin calls decibel level, or banned them altogether, in order to prevent environmental damage. Many places have not settled for the existing legislation against excessive noises and have initiated special legislation focused on the muezzin calls. But to hell with the facts. After all, we are in the post-factual era. When distinguished historian Ahmad Tibi rules that before the al-Aqsa Mosque there was nothing there, one can also claim that Prophet Muhammad had ordered his worshippers to turn loudspeakers on at 4 am. Tibis trainees are still arguing whether the loudspeakers were produced by Sony or Panasonic. Its a shame, because Tibi can be a serious person too. But he is insisting on making a fool of himself. Circles close to the historian raised the claim that the Shabbat siren was bothersome too. Representatives of the ultra-Orthodox parties panicked and rushed to undermine the law, fearing that the Shabbat siren would also be banned. Well, this comparison is a mockery, as this is not the same noise, it is not every day and not in the early hours of the day. Turning up muezzins volume was not the result of a religious command, but of a political provocation by few people. So there is something sad about the fact that leftists are automatically siding with the provocateurs. Nevertheless, I doubt there is a need for new legislation. After all, there is legislation limiting noise. One thing is clear: Something has to be done. Especially for the sake of Muslims, who are the main victims. And at the same opportunity, heretics should not have to suffer too. The diplomatic community in Chile is up in arms after the wife of the Israeli ambassador was not invited to an annual charity event held by the Diplomatic Spouses Club in the country because it it set to take place at a Palestinian venue. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The event, to which all of the other ambassadors' spouses in Chile have been invited, is set to take place on Sunday. Because the chosen venue is a Palestinian club in the capital Santiago, organizers told Michal Hayat, the wife of Ambassador Eldad Hayat, that they cannot invite her. The ambassador's wife strongly protested this to the head of the Diplomatic Spouses Club, claiming it was a complete violation of the diplomatic code and arguing the organization was in effect supporting the boycott against Israel, which is led by the large Palestinian community in the country. Israel's Ambassador to Chile Eldad Hayat, right, with his wife Michal. "If we had been invited, we would've been happy to attend," Michal Hayat told the organization's head. "You are politicizing both the organization and the event, which is meant to raise money for the needy in Chile." The heads of the Chile Diplomatic Spouses Club did apologize, but stressed that it was too late to change the situation and that the event will go ahead as plannedwithout the Israeli ambassador's wife. The organization added that some of the other diplomatic spouses canceled their participation in the event because of Hayat's exclusion. According to the Israeli Embassy in Santiago, most Western countries have decided not to attend the event, including representatives from the US and most European countries. Among them were Germany's ambassador and his wife, who expressed their uncompromising support in a conversation with Ambassador Hayat. The German diplomat went on to tell his Israeli counterpart that he and his wife have made their protest known to the president of the Diplomatic Spouses Club and to representatives from other European nations. A similar message of support came from the husband of the European Union's ambassador to Chile. In a letter to the diplomatic corps in the country, Ambassador Hayat wrote: "Our exclusion from the traditional charity event, because of political reasons, stands in stark contrast to the accepted diplomatic code. Those who attend the event will be giving their support to ugly and inappropriate politicization of an organization whose charter determines is a-political, independent, and without religious characteristics." The Israeli ambassador plans to raise the matter in his meeting with the dean of the diplomatic corps, the Vatican's ambassador to Chile. He also updated the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The Israel Military Industries (IMI) showcased some of its latest products to representatives from 17 foreign nations over the weekend. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The IMI conducted live demonstrations of several weapons, including an advanced artillery system. Among the weapons on display were the Magic Speara new 160mm precision guided rocketand a large 155mm Artillery Ammunition shell, both of which accurately hit their targets during the demonstration. Both the Magic Spear rocket and the 155mm shell have been sold and used by foreign militaries in recent years, but the demonstration was meant to expand the list of customers. The IDF, meanwhile, has yet to purchase the shell and rocket, but it did acquire other arms from the IMI for the Artillery Corps. Live demonstration of Magic Spear and 155mm artillery shell X The Magic Spear rocketwith a range of up to 40 kilometersand the new artillery shell both include accuracy components, including a GPS. Magic Spear is based on an advanced piloting system based on tiny rocket engines and has a 10 meter accuracy range. It was launched from a mobile launcher recently developed by the IMI which allows moving the battery and deploying it in a quick and secure manner on almost any kind of terrain. The foreign military representatives heard about Magic Spear's capability to carry different kinds of warheads in different weights, in accordance with the unique operational needs of the buyer. The rocket is meant to be used on ground targets like artillery batteries, enemy command posts and concentrations of ground forces. Another demonstration held was the explosion of a 120kg warhead that comes with the long-range missile EXTRA, capable of attacking targets at a range of 150km. The demonstration did not include a launch, as it was meant to show the destruction the warhead can cause to a large, distant target. The foreign representatives were also shown artillery radars made by ELTA Systemsa subsidiary of the Israel Aerospace Industriescapable of identifying and pinpointing launches of a variety of enemy projectiles at the same time, while also locating enemy artillery batteries. Also a part of the demonstration were artillery control and command systems and Israeli drones. 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. Sources in the UP chief minister's office suggest UP DGP Javed Ahmed has been personally asked to supervise relief operation. IG Kanpur Range confirmed to India Today that all the injured were sent to the hospital. By Anindya Banerjee: Post the horrific train accident near Kanpur that left 63 dead has got the administration sprung to action. The district administration and zonal officer of Indian railways reached the site immediately. Sources in the UP chief minister's office suggest UP DGP Javed Ahmed has been personally asked to supervise relief operation. IG Kanpur Range confirmed to India Today that all the injured were sent to the hospital. advertisement "Relief operations going on to rescue survivors. IG Kanpur and his team at spot to coordinate. Casualties may go up," tweeted Ahmed. NDRF AT THE ACCIDENT SITE Three teams of NDRF have reached the spot from Varanasi and Lucknow. UP CM has directed all hospitals in the neighboring districts to be activated. Private hospitals of Kanpur have been put on alert to accommodate patients too. Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Railways Minister about derailment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to Suresh Prabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely." Also read: At least 63 dead after Patna-Indore Express derails near Kanpur --- ENDS --- QUETTA - The Islamic State group has claimed the killing of four members of Pakistani security forces who were shot dead by gunmen on a motorcycle in the southwestern city of Quetta. The statement issued Sunday gave no further details about the attack, which took place the day before. The ISIS affiliate in Pakistan has grown in recent months by attracting disgruntled Taliban militants and by partnering with a violent sectarian group that targets the country's Shiite minority. ISIS claimed an attack on a Sufi shrine earlier this month that killed more than 50 people. Pakistan has stepped up security ahead of Shiite processions on Sunday and Monday to mourn Imam Hussein, the slain grandson of Prophet Muhammad. An IDF officer from the Armored Corps serving in the units 401st brigade has been dismissed from his position after an investigation revealed that he fled the scene of a terror attack in Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem last month. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A few days after the attack, which claimed the lives of 1st Sgt. Yosef Kirma, 29, and Levana Malihi, 60, a police investigation concluded that the officer, serving at the rank of second lieutenant, acted incorrectly by failing to retaliate against the terrorist, who was identified as Masbah Abu Sabih, a 39-year-old resident of Silwan in eastern Jerusalem. Police shootout with the terrorist X The investigation, facilitated by the analysis of a video clip capturing part of the incident, showed that despite wearing uniform and being armed with a gun, the officer failed to open fire, instead choosing to flee the scene. Paramedics treat victims at the scene The decision on the officer's fate was taken by Brig. Gen. Amir Abulafia after the former was summoned for a hearing where it was determined that he would be relieved of his command position but would nevertheless remain in the military. Levana Malihi (left) and Yossi Kirma. The IDF Spokespersons Unit released a statement shortly after the decision was announced. The investigation revealed that the officer did not attempt to engage the attacker and acted contrary to what is expected of him in a situation such as this, the statement read. Therefore it was decided that he be dismissed from his position. Since the attack the soldier has been suffering from severe mental distress and has struggled to explain his conduct. A Hamas poster celebrating and featuring Masbah Abu Sabih The deadly attack took place in early October when Sabih committed a shooting near a police station next to the Ammunition Hill light rail station in Jerusalem. He then proceeded in the direction of Tomb of Simeon the Just in Sheikh Jarrah where he stopped his vehicle and began shooting at riot police pursuing him on motorbikes. One of the officers, who was later identified as 1st Sgt. Yosef Kirma, was critically injured during the shootout and died from his wounds shortly thereafter. Sabih managed to shoot to death Levana Malihi and wound five other before Israel Border Police shot him dead. Sgt. Elor Azarias defense team submitted a final summary of the defendants case to the Military Court in Jaffa on Sunday in a documents comprising 291 pages. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Elor Azaria is the salt of the earth, and he could be any one of us, any one of our children, who wound up in a military incident and a pressured, dangerous and almost impossible situation, the summary stated. Throughout the summary his attorneys Eyal Beserglick and Ilan Katz reiterated the crux of the case put forth throughout the months-long trial. Time and again, the two emphasized that Azarias decision to shoot the wounded terroristwho had stabbed Azaria's comrade just a few minutes beforein the head was on account of the fact that he sensed a real and life-threatening danger to both himself and those around him. Sgt. Elor Azaria with his mother in court (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The attorneys cited the atmosphere of chaos at the scene, they highlight the screaming of the numerous shouts of there could be a bomb and reference the intelligence warnings that a Hamas terror attack combining stabbings and explosions could be imminent. Moreover, Azarias defense team also points to the finding of a knife next to the body of the terrorist from his view, the puffer jacket being worn by the terrorist which aroused suspicion that he was disguising a suicide vest, and the fact that the terrorist was still moving before Azaria pulled the trigger. Addressing one of the key charges leveled against Azaria, his team flatly categorically rejected that he had ever said immediately after the incident to his company commanders that he shot the terrorists because he tried to kill his friend and therefore deserved to die. The defense declared that even if such a statement had been made, it should be taken in the context of a man who had experienced a traumatic event and who was sleep-deprived. They added, The claims that he said these things were not proven to the extent required for a criminal conviction. Even if the claim is accepteda person can think that a terrorist should diea statement such as this still does not preclude the possibility that Azaria thought there was still a danger posed by the terrorist. Katz and Beserglick also offered an explanation as to why the terrorist was shot in the head as opposed to anywhere else. It was no choice but to shoot one bullet in order to ensure that he was neutralized, and not in the body since that could have resulted in an explosive belt detonating, the defense wrote before warning that convicting Azaria could set a dangerous precedent with ramifications affecting the judgment of other IDF soldiers in the future in similar circumstances. Ilan Katz and Eyal Beserglick (Photo: Roee Idan) It could have a profound impact on the IDF being able to give operational orders, the summary said. Criticism was also directed against the chief judge Col. Maya Heller. The defense was extremely surprised when the presiding judge addressed the indicated individual in the presence of the media and those present in the courtroom and asked him several times, Why are you twisting things? This conduct caused the defense to believe that the presiding judge is not able to judge objectively in this case. Earlier in the month, military prosecutor Lt. Col. Nadav Weisman submitted his final summary in the trial in which he used the words he lied no fewer than 23 time to describe the defendant's testimony. This Wednesday, the defense and prosecution teams will deliver their final speeches to the case judges. A verdict is expected to be reached next month. If Azaria is found guilty of killing the seriously wounded terrorists in Hebron in March, his sentence will be handed down approximately three weeks later. Latest News Washington, DC - In this week's address, Vice President Joe Biden discussed the progress we have made to ensure that anyone who works hard and plays by the rules has a real shot at getting into the middle class and staying there. Over the past eight years, we have made significant progress; from working with Congress to cut taxes for low- and middle-income families, to taking executive authority to provide paid sick leave to more than 1.1 million workers. Since the President's call to action to increase the minimum wage in 2013, 18 states and 55 cities have raised their minimum wage. The Vice President noted that although we've made progress, more work needs to be done to give American workers a chance. Because when they are given the chance, American workers never let their country down. Remarks of Vice President Joe Biden as Delivered Weekly Address The White House November 19, 2016 Hi folks, this is Joe Biden. Over the last eight years, weve created more jobs than all the advanced economies in the world combined. Unemployment has been cut in half. Wages are finally on the rise. Weve gone from economic crisis to recovery to the cusp of genuine resurgenceand were better positioned to own the 21st Centuryeconomically and otherwisethan any other nation in the world. But we know theres more we can do and more than needs to be done to make this resurgence permanent. And it begins and ends with what the President and I have believed since day onewe have to give the American workers a fighting chance. We have to build the middle class. Restore the basic bargain, which wasif workers contribute to the success of an enterprise, then they should share in the gains. We have to make sure that everyone whos worked hard and played by the rules has a real shot at getting into the middle-class and staying there. Over the last eight years, weve worked with Congress to try to do all those things. Every worker in Americamore than 160 milliongot an average payroll tax cut of $1,000 per year; Better unemployment benefits for 18 million job-seekers during the recession; Trillions of dollars in tax cuts for low-and middle-income families. And when Republicans in Congress didnt act, we used our executive authority to Extend overtime coverage for over 4 million workersboosting their wages by $12 billion over the next decade. Weve given additional paid sick leave to more than 1.1 million workers employed by federal contractorsand were requiring that those workers earn at least $10.10 per hour. Help to close the pay gap by fighting back against pay discrimination; making salaries more transparentso employees know what others are making doing the same job. Weve closed the pay gap between men and women by 10 percent. Not nearly enoughbut its a start. And we also called on cities and states to act across the country, and mayors and governors are leading the way to raise the minimum wage. Since the Presidents call to action to increase the nations minimum wage back in 2013, every state from my state of Delaware and 18 othersand 55 citieshave raised their own minimum wage. From Alaska to California, Nebraska to Floridaworkers now have a shot at a paycheck they can actually live on. Seven million workers have seen their wages rise. Earlier this month, four statesArizona, Colorado, Maine, and Washington, in this last general election, overwhelmingly passed minimum wage increases. It matters. It really mattersbecause no one in America should work 40 hours a week and still live in poverty. Additionally, California, Rhode Island, Washington State and New Jersey and more than two-dozen cities like Minneapolis and Spokanehave extended access to paid leaveexpanded it. You all know why that matters. In the neighborhoods where you and I grew upif you miss a paycheck because youre sick, or have to take care of a loved oneyou could be in trouble for that months mortgage payment, the car paymentjust paying the heating bill. Paid leave makes a real difference in ordinary peoples lives. We have to preserve the progress we made over the past eight years and continue to support states and cities in their fight for worker protections. Its not just for the workers who benefittheyre not the only ones. The economy benefitsthe overall economy. Companies benefit from higher productivity and less turnover. Communities benefit when people have more money to spend at local stores, the diner, the movie theater. The entire economy grows. Folks, there is so much more to be done to seize the immense possibilities within our reach. We are better positioned than any country in the world to own the 21st century. But we have to address the economic anxieties brought on by globalization. Theyre real. The increasingly rapid movement of people, money, goods and ideas around the worldwe can do that. But we need to recognize that globalization hasnt been an un-alloyed goodand we need to empower those who have paid the price of that globalization. Theres many things we can do to level this playing field. Because given a chanceAmerican workers never, ever let their country down. But they need a chance. And I just want to thank you all. Thank you all for the faith you have in this great country because, as I said, we are better positioned than any nation in the world to own the 21st century. We know how to do it. Insist that we do it. And have not only a great weekend this weekend, but have a great Thanksgiving weekendbecause we have much to be thankful for. God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Moscow: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday met the man he calls his hero, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and unburdened his gripes about US "hypocrisy," "bullying" and foreign wars. Duterte, who has publicly expressed his admiration for the Russian leader, said the Cold War had stood between their two countries as the Philippines, a former US colony, was historically identified with the West. But that has changed now that he is president. Since taking office in June, the foul-mouthed Duterte has upended the Philippines` historical military alliance with the United States, repeatedly saying he was shifting toward China and Russia as he embarks on an independent foreign policy. "It was good (while) it lasted," Duterte told Putin of what he has called his "separation" from the US. "Of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy," he said during their 45-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Peruvian capital Lima. "And they seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is what is wrong with America and the others. They`ve been waging wars in so many places -- in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq for one single reason that there was a weapon of mass destruction, and there was there was none." Duterte also said the United States "forced" the Philippines to contribute soldiers in its wars in Vietnam and Iraq. When Manila pulled out non-combat troops that were part of the US-led coalition against Saddam Hussein in Iraq in 2004 following threats to behead a kidnapped Filipino worker there, Washington "made it hard for us," Duterte told Putin in a video shot by the Philippine presidential palace broadcast team. "These are the things I see which is not a good idea," Duterte said. He also said the Philippines longed to be part of Europe. "We`ve been longing to be part also of -- despite the distance -- we have been longing to be part of Europe, especially in commerce and trade around the world." Duterte, who has cultivated an image as a no-nonsense leader, said last month that "my favorite hero is Putin." He has also said that he and Putin seem to share a passion for guns and women. Favorite targets for his abusive verbal tirades are US President Barack Obama, whom he had called "son of a whore", UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the European Union. All three have expressed concern over Duterte`s iron-fisted policy against drugs, which they said violated human rights and due process. New Delhi: The relationship between man and God is "very personal" and should be "nobody else's business", Chief Justice of India T S Thakur said today as he stressed on tolerance for peace in society. More lives have been lost in religious wars than due to political ideologies, Justice Thakur said during the release of a book on Zoroastrianism, penned by Supreme Court Judge Justice Rohinton F Nariman here. Thakur, while releasing the book titled 'The Inner Fire, faith, choice and modern-day living in Zoroastrianism', also said that more destruction, damage and bloodshed in this world has taken place on the account of religious beliefs. "In this world, more lives have been lost in religious wars than on political ideologies. More humans have killed each other because they thought their path is better than his, that he is an infidel, that he is a non-believer. More destruction, damage, bloodshed has taken place in this world on account of religious beliefs. "What is my religion? How do I connect with my God? What kind of relationship I share with my God. It is nobody else's business. You can chose your relationship with your God," the CJI said. Relationship between man and God "is something which is very personal and individual. So no one else has any thing to do with it," he added. "I think the message of brotherhood, tolerance and accepting that ultimately all path leads to one path, one God, will bring world peace, will bring prosperity. In that sense Rohinton has done a great service," Justice Thakur said. Former Supreme Court judge Justice B N Srikrishna explained certain verses of Gathas (the most sacred texts of the Zoroastrian faith believed to have been composed by Zoroaster himself) which dealt with equanimity. Justice Srikrishna also explained its connection with the Rigveda and the similarities with Sanskrit. Speaking on the occasion, noted lawyer Fali S Nariman, father of the author Rohinton F Nariman, said parents learn in retrospective about their children. "We as parents come to realise, as many parents do, for years we did not appreciate the qualities exhibited now by Rohinton. Parents learn, unfortunately, retrospectively what they should have know about the characteristics of their children from the beginning." High Priest of Parsi community, Khurshed Dastoor, was present at the function. By PTI: Colombo, Nov 19 (PTI) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today assured Parliament the new Constitution will be drafted in consultation with all political parties and people would get a chance to approve it. Wickremesinghe made the remarks while presenting the reports of six sub-committees to the Constitutional Assembly. The sub-committees were appointed to look into matters pertaining to the new Constitution. The sub-committees deliberated on different areas of Constitutional provisions and will report to the main Steering Committee. advertisement Leader of the Opposition and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R Sampanthan also said the Constitution needs to be approved in a nationwide referendum. He said people must be given the chance to take part in the process and "people must be asked to approve it (Constitution)". The new Constitution will replace the current executive president headed constitution adopted in 1978. The government expects the new Constitution to address the demand of Tamil minorities for political recognition. With the defeat of the Tamil Tigers in 2009 the Tamil groups have opted for maximum devolution as opposed to LTTEs goal of a separate Tamil homeland. Wickremesinghe, while presenting the reports, also voiced support for the Constitution to be finally approved by the people. He said the final form of the constitution was yet to be determined and one of the contentious issues was the position of the executive president. "We have to consider if the change of the presidential system would lead to instability," Wickremesinghe said. "No party has a majority in the House so this will have to be an all political party effort and at the end of it we will give people the chance to approve it," he said. Leader of the Joint Opposition Dinesh Gunawardana said their group had submitted a 14-point plan. He asserted that they would not agree on diluting the unitary nature of the state or diluting the position given to the majority religion of Buddhism. "We would not agree to any bulldozing of the process. Things must not be done in a hurry," he said. The current government in a pre-election pledge in the January 2015 presidential election said constitutional reforms would be a key item in its reform agenda. A 21-member steering committee consisting of parliamentarians from across all political parties has been set up. The governments Constitutional reform process began in January this year. The whole Parliament was converted into a Constitutional assembly with cross-party participation. PTI Corr KJ ASK ZH KJ --- ENDS --- Paris: Conservative presidential hopefuls in France face the judgment of voters in a primary race on Sunday and the victor looks likely to win the presidency in next spring`s election against a resurgent far-right. With the French left in disarray under the deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande, opinion polls suggest that the centre-right presidential nominee will meet and defeat the National Front`s eurosceptic, anti-immigration leader Marine Le Pen in a runoff for the Elysee palace next year. Even so, after Britain`s shock "Brexit" vote and Donald Trump`s surprise US election win, the French presidential vote is shaping up to be another test of strength between weakened mainstream parties and rising populist forces. Former prime minister Alain Juppe, a moderate conservative, had appeared firmly on track to win the nomination of Les Republicains party. But over the past week the contest has been transformed into a nail-biting three-horse race. Juppe has lost his lead in opinion polls to a last-minute surge by another former premier, Francois Fillon. Latest surveys show the two now running neck-and neck with former president Nicolas Sarkozy. Fillon promises to do away with the 35-hour working week, cut half a million public sector jobs and slash the cost of government - tough sells in a country where proposals for market-oriented reform often arouse protests. "I`m tagged with a liberal label as one would once, in the Middle Ages, paint crosses on the doors of lepers," Fillon told a rally in Paris on Friday, drawing laughter, "But I`m just a pragmatist." For weeks, the bruising campaign battle focused on the duel between Juppe and Sarkozy. The two men present very different policy platforms to counter the populist tsunami that threatens mainstream parties in Europe. Against a backdrop of deadly militant attacks on home soil and Europe`s migrant crisis, Sarkozy, 61, styles himself as the voice of France`s "silent majority". He vows to ban the Muslim veil from public universities and burkinis from beaches and wants to renegotiate EU treaties, reining in the powers of the European Commission and reforming the Schengen free-travel zone. At a rally in the southern city of Nimes on Friday he warned of a France whose "identity and unity are threatened". "Political Islam is doing battle against our values. There`s no room for compromise," he said, speaking in a region that has produced one of the far-right`s two National Assembly lawmakers. Juppe, 71, has sought to galvanise the political centre-right, rejecting the "suicidal" identity politics of Sarkozy that he says will deepen rifts between France`s secular state and religious minorities. But Juppe has struggled to rouse the passions of the voters and all the momentum was against him on the eve of the vote. "France needs far-reaching and radical reforms," Juppe told supporters in the northern city of Lille. "But be careful of going too far, we must remain credible." An admirer of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Fillon headed Sarkozy`s conservative government between 2007 and 2012. He promises cost-cutting on a scale to which his rivals do not dare commit in a country with one of Europe`s highest public spending levels. Much will depend on turnout at the 10,228 polling stations. It is the first centre-right primary in which anyone who pays 2 euros and signs a paper of allegiance to the party`s values can vote. Juppe needs a high turnout beyond core party supporters to win. A runoff will be held on November 27 if, as expected, none of the seven candidates wins more than 50 percent of the vote. An Ifop-Fiducial survey on Thursday forecast an evenly split vote if Juppe and Fillon go head-to-head in a second round. Fillon would comfortably beat Sarkozy, the survey showed. Should Sarkozy or Fillon emerge as her conservative opponent, polls and analysts suggest, Le Pen`s electoral prospects would improve. Berlin: Germany`s Angela Merkel, told leading members of her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) on Sunday, that she wants to run for a fourth term as chancellor in next year`s election, senior party sources, said on Sunday. The 62-year-old conservative is widely seen as a stabilising force in Europe amid uncertainty after Britain`s vote to leave the European Union and as a bastion of Western liberal values after the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. Leading members of the CDU are meeting in Berlin on Sunday afternoon to prepare for the party`s last annual conference before September`s election. Merkel is due to hold a news conference at 1800 GMT. Merkel has already served 11 years as chancellor of Europe`s biggest economy. Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday said an all-party delegation would soon call on the President and the Prime Minister to press for the early implementation of the Supreme Court's decision on the Sutlej-Yamauna Link (SYL) Canal issue. Congratulating the people on the favourable verdict, he said the state would soon get water from the SYL Canal. Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating development projects worth Rs 42 crore in Jhajjar district's Beri, he said the state government had made arrangements to ensure that the irrigation water reached right up to the tail-ends in southern Haryana and schemes worth Rs 2,500 crore have been approved in this regard. He said the present BJP government in the state had made concerted efforts in the last two years in the issue, which has been pending for about 36 years, as a result of which the apex court gave its decision in the interest of Haryana. The Chief Minister announced that a women's college would be opened at Beri. He also agreed to other demands of the locals, including those related to roads, irrigation water, education and infrastructure. Khattar said he was the first Chief Minister to have decided to visit all the 90 Assembly segments in the state in the first two years of formation of the government. "This is the 80th segment where I'm making announcements for development of the area. A sum of Rs 141 crore has already been spent on various development projects during the last two years in Beri. I would cover all the 90 Assembly segements by December," he added. Hailing the decision of demonetisation, the Chief Minister claimed that the common man had begun to realise that the black money had started coming out and it was the reason about 86 per cent people of the country were in its favour, according to a survey. A new path of development would be opened with the money coming to the government treasury, he added. The Chief Minister said though a lot of success had been achieved in making Haryana a corruption-free state but a lot remained to be done in this direction. Government jobs are being given in a transparent manner and investment worth about Rs 7 lakh crore is expected in the state, he added. He highlighted the various schemes and programmes being implemented in the state, including gas connection for the poor, increase in the Old Age Samman Allowance and other pensions and the Beti Bachao-Beti Badhao programme. Colombo: At least 11 Indian fishermen along with their trawlers have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy assistance, the military said on Sunday. The fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu were arrested on Saturday, while fishing near Sri Lanka's Neduntheevu island. They were found illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters northwest off the coast of Jaffna's Delft islet, the navy said. Around 3,500 fishermen in 634 boats had put out to sea from Rameswaram on Saturday night. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express. "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he said in a tweet. The Prime Minister said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," Modi said. At least 45 people have been killed and over 150 injured in the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours today. New Delhi: Dubbing the Patna-Indore Express derailment tragedy as `unfortunate, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Raman Singh, on Sunday, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said that the relief work is going on at a rapid pace. "It`s an unfortunate incident. I express my condolences. The relief work is going on at a rapid pace," Singh said. Meanwhile, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, has expressed grief over loss of lives in the train accident at Pukhrayan near Kanpur. He said that he is deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train. "I am deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train that took place at Pukhrayan near Kanpur (U.P.) earlier today," Ansari said. "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured passengers," Ansari added. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also offered their condolences to the bereaved kin of the victims. Varanasi has issued a help line number 0542-2503814 to assist the families of the deceased and the injured. A help desk has been set up at the Patna railway station to assist the family members of those onboard. Meanwhile, the casualty rose to 97 even as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operation at the spot. At least 153 people have been injured so far after the train derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection in Uttar Pradesh at 3.20 a.m. New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi led the nation in condoling the train tragedy in UP's Kanpur Dehat district in which more than 115 people were killed on Sunday and over 200 injured. "I am sad to learn about the accident in which many have lost their lives and a number of persons are injured. I am sure that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as medical aid to the injured," Mukherjee said in a message to Uttar Pradesh Governor, Ram Naik. The Prime Minister in a tweet said, "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families." He said, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the mishap from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Prime Minister Modi observed two-minute silence to condole the loss of lives at the Rail Vikas Shivir at Surajkund on the outskirts of the national capital asking the railways to work toward achieving the zero accident target to make train journeys safe. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed deep pain over the loss of lives. He said there will be an inquiry into the incident to find out the detail cause of it. Five NDRF teams were deployed to rescue passengers trapped in the mangled bogies of the train even as the Home Minister gave instructions to the force's chief, R K Pachnanda. Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured. Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said, "Words can't describe the pain and anguish of those who lost their near and dear ones and the entire country stands in solidarity to share this unbearable sorrow." She also asked the local Congress unit to assist in the relief and rescue operations along with the authorities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be paid to next of kin of the deceased. "If the incident has taken place, first responsibility lies on the state government as hospitals, ambulances and the entire administration is of the state. We have fulfilled our responsibilities and our priority at present is to save maximum lives," he said. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cancelled a function to release a report card of his government on completion of one year in office and expressed grief over the mishap. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Assam counterpart Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolence to the bereaved families. New Delhi: After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong pitch for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the Law Ministry has suggested consideration of the issue from the legal and logistical angles separately. The legal angle would involve constitutional amendments that would be required to be passed before the idea could be implemented on the ground. The ministry has, in a note sent to the "highest level" of the government, split the issue into two parts for consideration. Following the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law in December last to hold the two polls together, the Law Ministry had sought the views of the Election Commission. The Commission, while supporting the idea, had made it clear that it will cost a lot and the Constitution will have to be amended to curtail or extend the term of certain state assemblies. Now, after analysing the report of the standing committee and the poll panel, the Law Ministry has split the issue into two parts-one dealing with legalities involved and the other regarding logistics, infrastructure and finances. In its reply to the Law Ministry in May, the Commission said it supports the proposal but cost involved will be to the tune of over Rs 9,000 crore. Deposing before the parliamentary panel which gave its report on 'Feasibility of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies', the Commission had expressed similar "difficulties". The Commission has told the government as well as the committee that simultaneous conduct of elections would require a large-scale purchase of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. "For conducting simultaneous elections, the Commission expects that a total of Rs 9,284.15 crore will be needed for procurement of EVMs and VVPATs. "The machines would also need to be replaced every 15 years which would again entail expenditure. Further, storing these machines would increase the warehousing cost," the Parliamentary panel had said quoting EC. While as per electoral law, elections can be held six months prior to the end of the term of a House, the term of the House cannot be extended except during proclamation of Emergency. Ensuring that the term of houses in states are either extended or curtailed to match with that of the Lok Sabha will require amendment to three to four articles of the Constitution. President's Rule in states and 'no confidence motions' against governments are situations which may occur. The government will have to see how to deal with such situations when it wants all states to have elections along with the Lok Sabha, official sources said. The production of sufficient number of EVMs by two PSUs - BEL and ECIL will also have to be considered as they need time to procure new machines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a public debate earlier this month on the issue as frequent elections cost a lot and the election-time code of conduct disrupts governance. "Leaders from various parties support simultaneous polls in private but do not speak out publicly. It warrants a public debate in which media can play vital role," said Modi at a post-Diwali function at the BJP office here. The issue is likely to be discussed in the Lok Sabha during the ongoing winter session as some parties want the issue to be debated following demonetisation. On March 19, Modi had told a meeting of BJP office-bearers that state elections coupled with local-level polls, spread across virtually every year, often "hinder" execution of welfare measures. He was keen on holding simultaneous elections once in five years. The government feels that while one-time cost in holding simultaneous polls would be high, the exercise may bring down expenditure involved in 'election bandobast' such as deployment of central forces and poll personnel. Guwahati: United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) on Sunday claimed responsibility for the attack on an Army convoy in Tinsukia district in which three soldiers were yesterday killed. The 15 Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army at Burhi Dihing, Tinsukia, was attacked yesterday morning, the banned outfit said in a statement, adding at least four jawans were seriously injured in the ambush. The attack was carried out by ULFA(I) and the Coordination Committee (CorCom), an umbrella body of militant groups People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive), Revolutionary People's Front and United National Liberation Front, the statement said. Tinsukia district Superintendent of Police Mugdhajyoti Dev Mahanta said the ambush was carried out jointly by NSCN(K) and ULFA(I) militants and they used sophisticated weapons, including Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), AK-47 rifles and mortars. Agra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the demonetisation move was highly appreciated by poor people, who despite facing difficulties had supported the government. "Demonetisation was highly appreciated by poor people, despite facing difficulties they supported us. I had said that inconvenience is going to happen, but I want to commend people who, despite all that, are supporting us," PM Modi said addressing 'parivartan rally'. He added, "I can assure you all that your sacrifice won't go in vain. I did the ban move not to agonise anyone but to clean our economy and secure the future of our youth." In an apparent dig at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, PM Modi said, "I know what kind of people are raising their voice against me. The country knows whose money is invested in chit fund and they are the most affected by it. Lakhs of people deposited money in chit fund schemes and due to certain leaders crores of rupees vanished. Guardians of hundreds families had to commit suicide due to the chit fund scheme." He also hit out at the Congress saying governments in the past 70 years kept quiet on black money because they were worried about losing power. However, PM Modi did not name any leaders. Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams in West Bengal. At the same time, he said, "All that money collected in exchange for a party ticket or an MLA seat is now invalid." Moreover, PM Modi cautioned people holding Jan Dhan accounts not to allow themselves to be used for laundering the money of the rich by depositing their ill-gotten wealth as they could unnecessarily get into problems with law. Assembly elections are due in Uttar Pradesh next year. The Prime Minister reiterated, "I have told you, give me 50 days. After that everything will be normal," and added, "This scheme is to help our poor brethren, middle class and Adivasis. More than Rs. 5 lakh crore has been deposited in banks. Now as the banks are cash rich, they will distribute it as loans to our entrepreneur and youth." After long queues at banks and automated teller machines for exchanging notes or withdrawing money, he had appealed to the public to give him 50 days for the implementation of the demonetisation decision. Old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes were banned as legal tender effective November 8 midnight. Also Read - Demonetisation: PM Modi seeks 50 days to overcome crisis, says more anti-graft measures on anvil "Fake currency worth crores have been funneled into the country. With this drugs and terrorism has flourished. Drugs and hawala have been badly hit by ban of 500 and 1000 notes," he pointed out. On the other hand, PM Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana today. "We want every Indian to have a house by 2022. This government is dedicated to the poor," he said. He also spoke about the Indore-Patna Express derailment near Kanpur in wee hours of the morning today and said, "Many people lost their lives, got injured in train derailment near Kanpur this morning. The Central government will get it probed." In a bid to reduce the long lines outside bank branches and ATMs, the government had announced that people could now draw cash 2000 per day from certain stations. By Ilma Hasan: People can now go to a petrol pump, swipe their debit or credit card and get 2000 of the new currency note in return. After the government on Thursday had announced that money can be drawn from select state-run oil companies, the implementation of the move has started in certain petrol pumps in the national capital. SBI MACHINES AT STATE RUN PETROL PUMPS advertisement Stations that have card swipe machines from State Bank of India have already started the new system. Over the next few days it will also extend to pumps with machines from HDFC Bank, Citibank and ICICI. Rakesh Chaudhry, Vice President of Delhi Petrol Dealers Association said, "SBI has already sent money to some pumps, and their machines have been recalibrated" In a bid to reduce the long lines outside bank branches and ATMs, the government had announced that people could now draw cash 2000 per day from certain stations. "The systems of pumps with HDFC machines have been changed, we're ready to start as soon as we get the cash", Choudhry added. TO ACCEPT 500-1000 NOTES TILL NOVEMBER 24 Oil companies like Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and Indian oil had met with SBI head Arundhati Bhattacharya to pitch in following chaos due to long queues in banks. Petrol pumps have been told to accept old 500 and 1000 rupee notes till November 24th. The provision of drawing 2000 per day against debit/credit cards however, will go on indefinitely. Initially the move will only be introduced in 2500 stations across the country. Talks to expand this facility to over 20,000 pumps are on. Stations that have card swipe machines from State Bank of India have already started the new system. Over the next few days it will also extend to pumps with machines from HDFC Bank, Citibank and ICICI. Rakesh Chaudhry, Vice President of Delhi Petrol Dealers Association said, "SBI has already sent money to some pumps, and their machines have been recalibrated" In a bid to reduce the long lines outside bank branches and ATMs, the government had announced that people could now draw cash 2000 per day from certain stations. "The systems of pumps with HDFC machines have been changed, we're ready to start as soon as we get the cash", Choudhry added. TO ACCEPT 500-1000 NOTES TILL NOVEMBER 24 Oil companies like Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and Indian oil had met with SBI head Arundhati Bhattacharya to pitch in following chaos due to long queues in banks. Petrol pumps have been told to accept old 500 and 1000 rupee notes till November 24th. advertisement The provision of drawing 2000 per day against debit/credit cards however, will go on indefinitely. Initially the move will only be introduced in 2500 stations across the country. Talks to expand this facility to over 20,000 pumps are on. Also Read: Now withdraw Rs 2000 a day at select petrol pumps --- ENDS --- Yangon: Eight people were killed today when fighting broke out in a northern Myanmar town on the border with China, a region long plagued by ethnic rebel insurgencies. The clashes are another blow to civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's hopes of forging a nationwide peace agreement after years of war in Myanmar's many ethnic minority border regions. Locals in the town of Muse, a hotbed of smuggling, reported that fighting began in the early morning. "People from (the) border checkpoint are now fleeing to Muse because of heavy fighting," Aye Aye, a resident of the town, told AFP. In a statement later today, Suu Kyi's office said eight people were killed in the fighting - one soldier, three police officers, one rebel fighter and three civilians. A hospital worker in Muse told AFP two civilians died after arrival from bullet wounds. Fighting between Myanmar's military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin state, which reignited in 2011 after the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, has displaced around 100,000 people and spilled over into parts of neighbouring Shan state. Muse lies in the north of Shan, not far from Kachin, and is separated from China by a river. Two rebel representatives confirmed their troops were involved in the clashes. "We are fighting together with our alliance of ethnic armed groups," Khine Thu Kha, from the Arakan Army, told AFP. The rebels said the groups involved included the powerful KIA, the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. The latter three have not been invited to the current or last round of peace talks. One of Suu Kyi's priorities is a peace deal with the patchwork of armed minorities fighting the state. But continuing fighting in Kachin and Shan states overshadowed the peace talks and it is expected to take years to end the complex conflicts. In September renewed clashes broke out in southern Karen state between the military and rebels. The northern half of the western state of Rakhine is currently under a military lockdown after a string of deadly attacks against border posts last month. More than 30,000 people have been displaced and at least 70 people killed in the latest fighting in Rakhine. Myanmar's military has a long history of rights abuses that has fostered a deep mistrust among ethnic minorities of the central government. Suu Kyi also has limited control over the army which retains 25 per cent of parliamentary seats as well as key defence and security positions in government. Lima: US President Barack Obama did in Latin America what he tried to do in Europe: tell worried citizens not to draw negative conclusions about the man he once called unfit to serve in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump. In the last stop of an international farewell tour that included visits to Greece and Germany, Obama continued his efforts to calm anxieties since Republican businessman Trump beat Democratic rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the US presidential race. "My main message to you ... and the message I delivered in Europe is don`t just assume the worst," Obama told a group of young people during a question-and-answer session in Peru on Saturday. "Wait until the administration is in place, it`s actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgments as to whether or not it`s consistent with the international community`s interest in living in peace and prosperity together." Trump won the election after promising to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, rip up trade deals and ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States. Obama has sought to soothe fears by pledging to ensure a smooth transition of power and expressing optimism that the president-elect would shift away from inflammatory campaign rhetoric once he faced the realities of the job. "It will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, because as I`ve always said, how you campaign isnt always the same as how you govern," Obama said. But Obama has couched his assurances largely in hopeful language that Trump`s team would see the merits of policies that Democrats championed despite Trump`s pledged to dismantle them, from the Iran nuclear deal to an international pact to fight climate change. And the president, who campaigned vigorously for Clinton and showed visible disdain for Trump before his victory, has offset his words of reassurance with subtle digs at his successor by emphasizing themes of democratic values in Europe and Peru that Trump has been criticized for ignoring. "Youre seeing some countries that are going backwards rather than forwards in terms of freedom of the press, in terms of freedom of the Internet, in terms of respecting political opposition and civil society," Obama said on Saturday. Trump barred some news organizations from covering events during his campaign and threatened during a televised debate to jail Clinton for her use of a private email server while secretary of state. Though Obama came on his trip able to assure European countries that Trump would respect U.S. commitments to NATO, his other assurances, including for Latin American policy, seemed based more on optimism than knowledge of Trump`s plans. "With respect to Latin America, I don`t anticipate major changes in policy from the new administration," he said, citing trade as a key exception. Trump announced hawkish picks for attorney general, national security adviser, and CIA director on Friday that suggest he is setting up his administration to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. London: British government is planning to use Queen Elizabeth II as a "secret weapon" to invite US President-elect Donald Trump to Buckingham Palace in the first half of 2017 to bolster US-UK ties, a news report claimed on Saturday. Ministers believe the Queen is their "secret weapon" and British Prime Minister Theresa May will use the state visit to help strengthen the 'special relationship' between Britain and the US, 'The Sunday Times' reports. A source, who has discussed the issue with a Cabinet minister told the paper: "The government has decided that their secret weapon to get in with Trump is to offer him an early visit to the Queen, him and [his wife] Melania staying at Windsor Castle." A senior official said, the details of the invitation had been held back for protocol reasons because Mrs May was due to meet Barack Obama in Berlin next week. "I know that there are plans for a state visit. They didn't want to say it because it's disrespectful to Obama, but once Trump is in, they'll move quickly in No 10. London in summer is a very attractive place for anyone to come. It will be the first offer," the official told the newspaper. Trump reportedly told May, that when they had their first official phone call 10 days ago that his mother, a Scot, had been a big fan of the Queen and asked the Prime Minister to pass on his best wishes to the monarch. Another cabinet source said: "The Queen is the key here. She's not a secret weapon, she's the biggest public weapon you have." A Buckingham Palace spokesperson made clear, that the final decision would rest with Downing Street. "State visits and other meetings with overseas heads of state are organised on the advice of the government," the spokesperson said. A Downing Street spokesperson said: "No visit has been organised but the Prime Minister is looking forward to welcoming the president-elect to the UK when he chooses to visit." Seoul: South Korean prosecutors said on Sunday that they believed President Park Geun-hye was an accomplice in a corruption scandal that has rocked her administration, in a heavy blow to her fight for political survival. The prosecutors` comments, which came as they indicted a close friend of Park`s and two of her former aides, are likely to spur stronger calls for her to step down or be impeached. Park`s close friend Choi Soon-sil and former presidential aide An Chong-bum were charged with abuse of power by pressuring companies to contribute funds to foundations at the centre of the scandal, said Lee Young-ryeol, head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors` Office. "The special investigation team concluded that based on the evidence secured to date, the president was in complicity with Choi Soon-sil, An Chong-bum and Jeong Ho-seong to a considerable degree," Lee told a news conference. Jeong, also one of Park`s former aides, was indicted for leaking classified information to Choi. Park`s lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha rejected the asssertion that she was involved, calling it an "imagination" and saying prosecutors "have built a house of fantasy." Presidential Blue House spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said the prosecutors` announcement was "deeply regrettable." "The special investigation team made a claim as if the president has committed a grave crime when it announced the result of its investigation," Jung said. "The announcement is not truth at all and but a house of cards built on repeated imagination and speculation that completely ignores objective evidence." Park cannot be indicted because she has constitutional immunity, prosecutor Lee said, but added: "We will continue to investigate the president," without elaborating. Under the constitution, a sitting president cannot be indicted unless on charges of treason, but the conclusion by the prosecutors that Park was involved in the case prompted fresh calls from opposition parties for her to step down. The main opposition Democratic Party and the centrist People`s Party said Park will face impeachment proceedings if she refuses to resign. But they stopped short of saying they would immediately initiate such a move. Analysts said the prosecutors` comments about Park`s role increased the prospect that she would face impeachment. "It provided a legal basis for impeachment proceedings, not only her moral and political liabilities," said Kim Jun-seok, a political science professor at Dongguk University in Seoul. Park is unlikely to voluntarily step down because she would lose immunity against prosecution, Kim said. Her five-year term ends in February 2018. "Then, the only option that is left for politicians given the worsening public sentiment is impeachment," he said. Park has resisted calls to resign over the scandal but has publicly apologised twice, saying that it was caused by her shortcomings and that she had sought help from the business community in the belief it would benefit the economy, not for personal gain. The indictments had been expected. Choi has been accused of conspiring with An to exert improper pressure on dozens of the country`s biggest conglomerates to help raise 77.4 billion won ($65.59 million) on behalf of two non-profit foundations she controlled, according to the prosecutors. Park has been rocked by allegations that Choi used her ties to the president to meddle in state affairs and wield improper influence. Her aides An and Jeong both stepped down late last month as the crisis deepened. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday in the fourth straight weekend of protests against Park, in the biggest public demonstrations the country has seen since the 1980s. Park has pledged to cooperate in the investigation but pushed back on the prosecutors` plan to question her last week. South Korea`s parliament has approved a bill to appoint a special prosecutor, who will take over from state prosecutors and conduct a separate and a more wide reaching probe. The special prosecutor is expected to begin work next month. Damascus: Syria will not accept a UN proposal to recognise an autonomous rebel administration in east Aleppo as part of a truce deal, the country`s foreign minister said Sunday. Walid Muallem said Damascus could not agree to the idea floated by the UN`s peace envoy Staffan de Mistura, who held talks in Syria on Sunday aimed at reducing violence in second city Aleppo. "He talked about an autonomous administration" in east Aleppo, Muallem said after meeting with de Mistura. "We told him that we reject that completely." "How is it possible that the UN wants to reward terrorists?" he asked. Syria`s government refers to all those opposed to President Bashar al-Assad`s regime as "terrorists". De Mistura`s visit comes as the Syrian government presses a fierce assault on the rebel-held east of Aleppo, which has been besieged by regime troops since mid-July. The UN envoy recently floated a proposal to halt fighting in the city, under which jihadist forces would leave and the government would recognise the opposition administration in the east of the city. "We told him that we agreed on the necessity of terrorists leaving east Aleppo... but it is not possible that 275,000 of our citizens... are kept hostage by 5,000, 6,000, 7,000 armed men," Muallem added. "There is no government in the world that would accept that," he said. "The sooner they leave -- and we have allowed them to choose where they want to go -- the sooner they will spare the suffering of the residents," he said. "The institutions of state must return to east Aleppo." Muallem said de Mistura had not suggested a new date for peace talks to resolve Syria`s conflict, which has killed more than 300,000 people since it began in March 2011, with anti-government protests. Several rounds of internationally sponsored dialogue sessions and peace talks have already failed to move the government and rebels closer to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. De Mistura was holding additional meetings and said he expected to issue a statement later Sunday. Washington: "This is not the apocalypse," US President Barack Obama reportedly told staffers at the White House which bore the look of a "funeral home" after Donald Trump's stunning electoral win. On the morning after Trump was elected President of the US, Obama summoned staff members to the Oval Office. Some were fairly junior and had never been in the room before, The New Yorker reported. "They were sombre, hollowed out, some fighting tears, humiliated by the defeat, fearful of autocracy's moving vans pulling up to the door. Although Obama and his people admit that the election results caught them completely by surprise 'We had no plan for this'," a source was quoted as saying. "This is not the apocalypse," Obama told White House staffers. "I don't believe in apocalyptic -- until the apocalypse comes. I think nothing is the end of the world until the end of the world," the US President told the magazine. The White House was "like a funeral home", a staffer was quoted as saying. The magazine article also talked about what Obama told his two daughters about the election results. "What I say to them (daughters Malia and Sasha) is that people are complicated. Societies and cultures are really complicated...This is not mathematics; this is biology and chemistry. These are living organisms, and it's messy," Obama told the magazine. "And your job as a citizen and as a decent human being is to constantly affirm and lift up and fight for treating people with kindness and respect and understanding. And you should anticipate that at any given moment there's going to be flare-ups of bigotry that you may have to confront, or may be inside you and you have to vanquish," he said. "And it doesn't stop...You don't get into a fetal position about it. You don't start worrying about apocalypse. You say, O.K., where are the places where I can push to keep it moving forward," he added. Washington: The Defense Department and broader US government intelligence community have urged President Barack Obama to fire National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers, US media reported. The reports came even as President-elect Donald Trump, currently in New York, was said to be considering Rogers as director of national intelligence himself. "The recommendation, delivered to the White House last month, was made by Defense Secretary Ashton B Carter and Director of National Intelligence James R Clapper Jr," The Washington Post reported citing multiple US officials familiar with the case. Action has been delayed, the paper said, since removing Rogers is linked to pending creation of "separate chains of command at the NSA and the military's cyberwarfare unit, a recommendation by Clapper and Carter that has been stalled because of other issues." If selected by Trump, Rogers would succeed Clapper as the official who oversees all 17 US intelligence services. "In a move apparently unprecedented for a military officer, Rogers, without notifying superiors, traveled to New York to meet with Trump on Thursday at Trump Tower," the Post said. "That caused consternation at senior levels of the administration.". The New York Times on Saturday confirmed that Rogers' position in the Obama administration was in potential jeopardy. "Obama is considering removing Admiral Michael S. Rogers from his posts as leader of the National Security Agency and United States Cyber Command after top officials expressed frustration over the speed at which Admiral Rogers had moved to combat the Islamic State and over the agency's repeated loss of closely guarded secrets," the Times said citing unnamed administration and intelligence officials. Earlier, Trump, who spent his first weekend outside Manhattan since his election, met for about 90 minutes with moderate US Republican Mitt Romney, known for his harsh criticism of the president-elect during the campaign. Romney is believed to be interested in the US secretary of state position. There was no official word on whether he was offered the job. Romney would bring a more orthodox Republican worldview to foreign policy. He described Russia in 2012 as the main American geopolitical threat -- a sharp contrast to Trump, who has exchanged compliments with Russian President Vladimir Putin. LIVE-2 Inning |02-6 INDIA VS BANGLADESH IND 184/6 VS 87/2 BAN Bangladesh need 64 runs in 37 balls at 10.37 rpo By Anindya Banerjee: As casualty figures in the deadly Kanpur train accident touched 103 and expected to mount, politicians across India took to Twitter to express their anguish and condolences. Many state police including Director General of Police used this medium to communicate faster. POLITICIANS EXPRESS CONDOLENCES OVER TWITTER Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely." advertisement The Home Minister Rajnath Singh said how NDRF is on its way to Kanpur: "I have spoken to DG NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops." The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Office tweeted this along with the list of injured: #Kanpur Madhya Pradesh from where the train was coming from, it's CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced the ex gratia compensations over the micro blogging site. He even declared here that he was leaving for Kanpur : "Indore-Patna Railway accident has deeply distressed me. I am leaving for Kanpur to meet the injured and take stock of situation." TOP COPS USE TWITTER When the state police chief himself communicates through such medium, it becomes all the more relevant. UP DGP Javed Ahmed tweeted: "Relief operations going on to rescue survivors injured #Indore Patna Xprs. IG Kanpur & his team at spot to coordinate. Casualties may go up" Though no amount of compensation can bring back the life of the deceased, not does it compensate for the deficit of railway infrastructure; but the effective communication with the aam admi kept rumours at bay and accelerated the evacuation operation. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: In a veiled attack on West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that she gave patronage to chit fund scams that hurt the poor the most. Speaking on the occasion of the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Agra, Modi said, "Chit fund scams prospered under some politicians and they are questioning me today over demonetisation." "Doesn't the nation know that who was behind chit fund scams. Hundreds of thousands of poor people had invested their money," Modi said. advertisement "People had invested money in chit fund. Many people lost their lives because of chit fund scams and today those people (who patronised chit fund) are pointing fingers at me," the PM said in an apparent attack on Mamata Banerjee. PM Modi, who launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, also expressed his condolences on the deaths of 103 people in Indore_Patna Express derailment. He further said that the Centre would probe the incident. "Many people lost their lives, got injured in train derailment near Kanpur this morning. Rescue operation are still continuing," said PM Modi. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: Here's what he said at the public rally: I told you that I only need 50 days and after that the situation will come under control: PM Modi I know the kind of people who are opposing me: PM Modi lot of people invested in chit funs and to some of the it even cost their lives. Today these are the same people who are pointing fingers at me: PM Modi The ban on Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes have caused inconvenience for many, but for some it was a devastating move: PM Modi I can assure that your sacrifice will not go in vain: PM Modi on demonetisation I had said that inconvenience is going to happen, but I want to commend the people who,despite all that, are supporting: PM Modi The initiative of demonetisation was highly appreciated by poor people, despite facing difficulties they supported us: PM Modi The poor will have LPG connection and stoves soon under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. We want every Indian to have a house by 2022: PM Narendra Modi This government is dedicated to the poor, Pradhan Mantri Jan dhan Yojana was started so that the poor can have a bank account: PM Modi --- ENDS --- By PTI: Rajkot, Nov 20 (PTI) Rs 1.15 crore in demonetised currency notes was seized from a man here today who was to hand them over to two agents for exchanging those with legal tenders, police said. "We seized Rs 1.15 crore in Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 demonetised currency notes from a four-wheeler and detained a person, Satish Kalola, who said the notes belonged to him," said University Police Chowky inspector K K Zala. advertisement The officer said Kalola, who is into transport business, was to hand over the demonetised banknotes to Rajni Pandya and Gautam Pandya, who had promised to exchange those with legal tenders for 30 per cent commission. Zala said the Income Tax Department has been informed about the seizure and further investigation is on. PTI VJA KA NSK NSD SRE --- ENDS --- Like other Portuguese banks, BCP has been trying to boost capital as it addresses regulator's requests and the burden of non-performing loans Chinese conglomerate Fosun will become the biggest shareholder in the ailing BCP, Portugal's biggest private bank, by agreeing to buy a 16.7 percent stake, the two sides said Sunday. Fosun is paying nearly 175 million euros ($185 million) via a capital increase after an agreement reached on Friday. Portugal's banking sector is saddled with debt and bad loans and had to be rescued twice by the state since 2014. Fosun said it aims to increase its shareholding in BCP to around 30 percent. "The transaction is expected to extend the group's international network and help the group enter the Poland, Mozambique, Angola and Switzerland financial markets rapidly," Fosun said in a statement. Mozambique and Angola are former Portuguese colonies. Angola's state oil company Sonangol was up until now the largest shareholder in BCP with a stake of 17.84 percent, followed by Spanish bank Sabadell with 5.07 percent. But after the dilution of BCP's existing capital Fosun will become the largest shareholder with its 16.7 percent stake. Fosun, China's largest privately-owned conglomerate, is already present in Portugal with stakes in the insurer Fidelidade and medical services group Luz Saude. Last year the company made a bid for Portugal's Novo Banco, which emerged from the 2014 rescue of Banco Espirito Santo. But its offer was judged too low by the Bank of Portugal, which decided to relaunch the sale process this year. Fosun did not bid again. BCP's share price has been under pressure since early June amid investor concern about capital weakness. The bank announced a third-quarter loss of 53.8 million euros, due to an increase in provisions for bad debts. BCP posted a net profit of 23.8 million euros in the same period a year ago. Like other Portuguese banks, BCP has been trying to boost capital as it addresses regulator's requests and the burden of non-performing loans. By PTI: Dumka (Jharkhand), Nov 20 (PTI) A sum of Rs 93 lakh was seized by police in raids conducted at three places here today. Acting on a tip-off that someone has exchanged Rs one crore in Dumka Head Post Office on Friday night, a police team headed by Superintendent of Police Shailendra Prasad Burnwal conducted raid in the house of one Vinay Kumar Singh in LIC colony and recovered Rs 45 lakh in the Rs 50 and Rs 100 denominations, Burnwal told reporters. advertisement Singh was a clerk in the Dumka Post Office, Burnwal said,adding that the amount has been seized. In another raid conducted in the houses of Sibu Patwari and his brother Snil Patwari, Rs 16.5 lakh and Rs 31.5 lakh was recovered in the demonetised currency, he said. PTI COR PR IKA SNP --- ENDS --- A lawsuit over alleged human rights abuses by a Canadian mining company in Eritrea highlights the challenges facing the federal government as it tries to step up its oversight of Canadian companies' behaviour abroad. The case, which centres on the Bisha gold mine in Eritrea that is controlled by Vancouver-based Nevsun Resources, comes at a time when Ottawa's Office of the Extractive Sector Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor is trying to sharpen its teeth. Echoing widespread criticism of the agency's past performance, Penelope Simons, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, says it can make little if any contribution to the Nevsun case. "There's no real role for the counsellor's office because the company has allegedly violated international law I would even say international crimes," she says. "The counsellor can't deal with situations where there may have been violations of human rights because the main role of the counsellor is conciliatory or to engage in mediation." The Supreme Court of British Columbia agreed in early October to allow three Eritrean refugees to start legal proceedings against Nevsun. They allege the company allowed the use of forced labour and turned a blind eye to inhumane working conditions at the mine. Nevsun says the claims are unfounded. 'Counterproductive' Joe Fiorante, a lawyer for the Eritreans, said that the counsellor's office serves no useful purpose in complaints like that against Nevsun. "It makes us look like we're doing something. It allows the government to stand up and say: 'We're encouraging best practices; we even have an office devoted to it.' Until they've established some success in dealing with it, I think it's actually counterproductive." Jeffrey Davidson, who took over last year as head of the federal agency, says he met with Nevsun managers shortly after taking office. "Part of this is raising these issues with companies like Nevsun and trying to create an awareness and a consciousness that they have to think about these things before they invest large sums of money and commit themselves to working in these kinds of environments." Story continues The discussion included ways to ensure that Nevsun wasn't working with contractors that were taking advantage of Eritrea's labour laws. Under those laws, the government can force anyone under the age of 50 into indefinite conscription including military service. Since its inception in 2009, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) office has been lambasted as a toothless watchdog by activists, non-profit organizations and experts in the field. Even the latest efforts are drawing criticism. Simons says despite its "enhanced strategy" launched in 2015, "it has been ineffective. It appears more like lip service that was put in place to quiet people about this issue." Under Davidson's predecessor, Marketa Evans, the agency received six complaints involving Golden Arrow Resources Corporation, Silver Standard Resources Inc., New Gold Inc., McEwen Mining Inc., First Quantum Minerals limited and Excellon Resources Inc. Declined to participate In all six cases, one or both parties refused to participate in the process. In Excellon's case, the company informed the counsellor that it "did not consider the dialogue process facilitated by the office to provide value to the company or the company's shareholders." The agency, which falls under Global Affairs Canada, was set up to address criticism that Canadian mining and energy companies were not living up to social responsibility standards in their operations abroad. By the time Davidson took over in 2015, the agency had launched the "enhanced strategy" known as "Doing Business the Canadian Way." Under this policy, Ottawa expects that Canadian companies will adhere to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Controversy over the impact Canadian mining companies have abroad is nothing new. A study published in late October by the Toronto-based Justice and Corporate Accountability Project, a volunteer-driven initiative run by lawyers, focused on Canadian firms in Latin America over a 15-year period. The study, titled The "Canada Brand": Violence and Canadian Mining Companies in Latin America, documents violent incidents, including 44 deaths and 403 injuries at 28 Canadian-owned mining operations in Latin America from 2000 to 2015. The report concludes that "neither the Canadian government nor industry are monitoring or reporting on these incidents." According to Simons, the study's findings show that "as a country we are not respecting or taking steps to ensure that human rights are protected when our corporations operate in these other countries." Voluntary process The CSR office's work has so far centred on a voluntary mediation process that encourages aggrieved individuals, non-profits and local communities to resolve conflicts involving Canadian companies' foreign operations. Complaints can be filed alleging violations of social responsibility standards. The counsellor Davidson's formal title is meant to help resolve such disputes. But the process is terminated if either party decides to pull out. A report is published once the case is closed. While Simons sees some educational value in this conciliatory approach, she says that disputes involving human rights and other alleged wrongdoings are "not going to simply be addressed by somebody who has no power to require companies to do anything." She recommends an ombudsman who could investigate and determine whether a company has violated social responsibility standards and be able to enforce needed reparations. Despite the criticism, Davidson says he is working more actively to build relationships with groups on both sides and is providing more guidance on how companies can implement internationally accepted social responsibility standards. The new "enhanced" strategy also empowers him to recommend that government agencies like Export Development Canada withdraw "economic diplomacy" and funding from a company not implementing the UN and OECD principles. "For the first time, the counsellor has a stick," he says. "In the first year, we've had over 50 meetings with companies, most of them face to face. The point is to open the door not just to companies but also to civil society organizations and others." No reports But the agency has yet to issue any reports on these initiatives. "We don't actually know if mining companies are applying certain standards, so it's hard to tell if a difference is actually being made," says Jamie Kneen, communications and outreach co-ordinator at MiningWatch Canada, an advocacy group. Kneen says that in at least one respect, the office is even less transparent than it used to be because it no longer issues reports on its work. When asked about the lack of reporting, Davidson says: "We're still struggling to get our website up properly." He aims to publish a report in which he will share observations on the mining sites he has visited, but that he "won't necessarily talk about the specifics of situations" because of confidentiality. Davidson urges critics to be patient. He predicts the government "will make it clearer as to what the responsibilities of the counsellor's office are, what its mandate is and provide us with the wherewithal of the authority and the resources to do a good job. "I've had my own challenges in terms of staffing and in terms of even getting an updated website. I started this process 14 months ago and nothing is easy." By Rosalba O'Brien and Kiyoshi Takenaka LIMA (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to open the economy further on Saturday as leaders of Asia-Pacific countries sought new free-trade options following Donald Trump's election to U.S. president on promises to scrap or renegotiate trade deals. All eyes were on China at this year's APEC summit in Lima, Peru just over a week after Trump's surprise victory in the United States dashed hopes of the largest-ever U.S.-proposed trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), coming to fruition. U.S. President Barack Obama has championed the TPP as a way to counter China's rise, but he has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, excluding China. Without U.S. approval the current agreement cannot be implemented. Trump campaigned against the TPP and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as bad for U.S. jobs. He said he would scrap the TPP and threatened to impose tariffs on imports from China and Mexico. Following a meeting with Obama, Xi said Beijing's relationship with Washington was at a "hinge moment" and called for a smooth transition. Xi has been selling an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. "China will not shut its door to the outside world but open more," Xi said in a keynote address at APEC. "We're going to...make sure the fruits of development are shared." Chinese attendance at the APEC meeting was its largest ever and regional delegates said China would take the lead on trade if the U.S. turned toward protectionism. The Obama administration has warned that the RCEP would not include strong protections for workers, the environment or intellectual property. In Lima on his last scheduled trip abroad as president, Obama said the United States worked to include labour provisions in a U.S.-Peru free trade agreement to lift wages and standards for Peruvian workers. "That's the kind of attitude that we want to try to promote in ... the years going forward, and my hope is that that policy will continue." TPP leaders held a meeting at APEC, where Obama urged them to work together to advance TPP, the White House said. The leaders had confirmed the economic and strategic importance of the agreement, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami told reporters after the meeting. CHINA FILLS THE VOID? With the fate of the TPP uncertain, China's talks on RCEP, which include Australia, India and more than a dozen other countries, are seen as perhaps the only path to the broader Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that APEC aspires to. "It's a more traditional trade deal, reducing tariffs on goods and services. It's not as far reaching as the TPP," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters of RCEP. But "the more access we can get to more markets for our exports, the better." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the United States was an important partner in the region, but China would fill the void if a Trump administration backs away from free trade. Key said TPP members might be able to incorporate "cosmetic changes" to make the deal more palatable to the real estate magnate and former reality TV star. "The Trump Pacific Partnership for instance, that'd be fine," Key said, laughing. Despite China's overtures, some APEC members were determined to press on with TPP and held out hopes the United States would still show leadership on trade. "Our geopolitical position is with the United States, obviously," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said. "That's where our eyes are set and that's what we are working for." Pena Nieto said the NAFTA pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada should be "modernized," noting that issues relating to labour rules and the environment were among those that could be included in such talks - two areas Mexico had believed it could update with the United States via TPP. Trump has vowed to scrap NAFTA if he cannot renegotiate it. Mexico wants to harness Canadian support for NAFTA and TPP, and after a meeting between Pena Nieto and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico's government said in a statement the pair stated their countries should keep working together "to promote North America as a competitive and prosperous region." The two also pledged their nations' commitment to the "free market", the statement added, without referring to NAFTA or TPP. Mexico, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore aim to continue with TPP with or without the United States, Mexico's economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, said on Friday. Several APEC members said it was too soon to write off support from Trump on TPP. "Barack Obama was not a supporter of the TPP when he became elected and he's leaving office as one of its greatest advocates," Australia's Turnbull said. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien, Mitra Taj, Caroline Stauffer, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Jeff Mason in Lima, Additional Reporting by Jane Wardell in Sydney; Editing by Leslie Adler, Alistair Bell and David Gregorio) 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 Sharia banking could be a reality in India as the RBI has mooted a proposal for interest-free banking, which the Centre is mulling over. By Press Trust of India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed opening of "Islamic window" in conventional banks for "gradual" introduction of Sharia-compliant or interest-free banking in the country. Both the Centre and RBI are exploring the possibility of introduction of Islamic banking for long to ensure financial inclusion of those sections of the society that remain excluded due to religious reasons. advertisement READ| RBI likely to come out with fresh rules on exchange of old Rs 500, Rs 1000 notes "In our considered opinion, given the complexities of Islamic finance and various regulatory and supervisory challenges involved in the matter and also due to the fact that Indian banks have no experience in this field, Islamic banking may be introduced in India in a gradual manner. "Initially, a few simple products which are similar to conventional banking products may be considered for introduction through Islamic window of the conventional banks after necessary notification by the government. "Introduction of full-fledged Islamic banking with profit-loss sharing complex products may be considered at a later stage on the basis of experience gained in course of time," the RBI has told Finance Ministry in a letter, a copy of which was received in response to an RTI query filed by PTI. READ| This is how RBI will dispose of 2,203 crore currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 Islamic or Sharia banking is a finance system based on the principles of not charging interest, which is prohibited under Islam. "It is also our understanding that interest-free banking for financial inclusion will require a proper process of the product being certified as Sharia compliant will be required both on the asset and liability side and the funds received under the interest-free banking could not be mingled with other funds and therefore, this banking will have to be conducted under a separate window," it said. WATCH: The central bank's proposal is based on examination of legal, technical and regulatory issues regarding feasibility of introducing Islamic banking in India on the basis of recommendation of the Inter Departmental Group (IDG). RBI has also prepared a technical analysis report which has been sent to the Finance Ministry. "In case it is decided to introduce Islamic banking product in India as suggested, RBI would require to undertake further work to put in place the operational and regulatory framework to facilitate introduction of such products by banks in India," the letter said. ALSO READ| Eyewitness account of train tragedy: It was a big jerk, people were falling everywhere --- ENDS --- advertisement The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organisations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. By Reuters: China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday. The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organisations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. advertisement Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together. Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favour of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters. Also read: China to fly drones over disputed South China Sea to keep vigil During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea," turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency. That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June. The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua. Also read: Taiwan asks Google to blur images showing new South China Sea facilities Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima. The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity," Xinhua said. The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea. Also read: China says Japan trying to 'confuse' South China Sea situation On Thursday, a U.S. think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region. --- ENDS --- The arrested men are expected to be taken to Kangesanthurai Naval base and then to be handed over to the Fisheries department officials. By Pramod Madhav: Eleven Tamil fishermen were arrested and two boats were seized by Sri Lankan Navy under the pretext of crossing open waters and fishing. WHAT HAPPENED The fishermen from Rameswaram were arrested near Nedunthurai waters. They had left for the sea after a week's period of suspending fishing due to the sudden demonetisation move. Prime minister's announcement of discontinuing Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupees notes has caused irreplaceable loss to the fishing business as many who transact, use liquid cash as mode of business. advertisement The arrested men are expected to be taken to Kangesanthurai Naval base and then to be handed over to the Fisheries department officials. NOT THE FIRST TIME Tamil Nadu is not happy with Lankan Navy's activities, as not less than three days ago, fishermen in open waters were attacked, their boats damaged and one suffered a bullet injury. Even AIADMK MPs in Rajya Sabha stalled the Parliament seeking action against Lankan Navy's atrocity. --- ENDS --- Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! Advertise Here Be seen advertise here. Contact us. As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, looming elections in Germany will come to the fore this week, as well as the outlook for Britain as the government hurtles towards Brexit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel kicks off the political week on Sunday with a press conference in which she is widely expected to announce she'll stand for a fourth term in next year's federal elections. Merkel, known to grateful Syrians as 'Mother Merkel' after she agreed to take in 1 million refugees last year, has led Germany since 2005. However, in recent months she's been on the defensive as populist forces, emboldened by a refugee-related backlash, make political headway. In Britain, the post-Brexit outlook for public finances and the economy will be laid bare in Wednesday's mini-budget, or so-called autumn statement. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond will deliver forecasts compiled by the Office for Budgetary Responsibility, which is a state agency but independent from the government. Reports suggest that the figures will reveal a 100 billion ($123.3 billion) black hole in public finances. Nevertheless, Hammond will exercise the limited fiscal levers at his disposal to mitigate the Brexit-related fallout, with "just about managing" families predicted to be a key beneficiary. His statement will be closely watched for any sweeteners for companies to convince them to stay in the U.K. after its divorce from the EU. On Wednesday, in the eurozone IHS Markit will deliver preliminary, or "flash," November purchasing mangers' indices for Germany, France and the eurozone as a whole. Credit Suisse expects a flat eurozone composite PMI at 53.3, with growth in the services component offsetting a declining manufacturing index. It sees the German composite PMI holding steady at 55.1, with the manufacturing index rising and the services PMI falling, and a slight decline in the French composite index to 51.5 from 51.6. The PMI figures will provide more clues on the fourth-quarter growth outlook after confirmation on Tuesday that third-quarter eurozone GDP growth held steady at 0.3%, with the economy expanding by 1.6% year-on-year. Growth has slowed from a quarterly pace of 0.7% in the first quarter. In October the eurozone composite PMI rose to 53.3 from 52.6, representing the fastest pace of growth so far this year as the German economy picked up steam. The Markit data will be followed on Thursday by German business confidence indicators from the CES Ifo research institute. Analysts expect the overall business climate gauge to rise in November, thanks to an improvement in businesses' expectations. However, companies' assessment of the current situation is likely to stagnate. In October the Ifo indices beat expectations, with the overall climate index rising to 110.5, the highest point since April 2014. On Thursday come updated GDP figures from Germany and Spain, which earlier reports showed expanded by 0.2% and 0.7%, respectively, in the third quarter. The performance of the two economies' components parts will be the main point of interest. The reports will be followed by the U.K.'s final third-quarter GDP reading on Friday. The initial assessment pointed to 0.5% quarter-on-quarter growth. From Japan on Friday comes October consumer price data. The inflation rate stood at minus 0.5% in September and consumer prices have hovered between marginal growth and deflation for the whole of the year. The price data will reflect the first full month after the Bank of Japan in September adopted a revised package of measures including targeted bond buying to control the spread between short and long-term debt yields. From the corporate world, U.K. retailers will be doing best on Friday to spur sales by aping the Black Friday promotions of their U.S. cousins. But Walmart's (WMT) Asda - which bought the whole jamboree to British shores more than a decade ago - isn't expected to participate after recusing itself last year. On Thursday it emerged as the weakest of Walmart's international divisions in the parent's third-quarter results. Another key event next week will be Italian bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena's shareholder vote on Thursday on its debt restructuring and an associated share sale worth up to 5 billion ($5.3 billion). The revamp will be the Italian banks' third capital restructuring within the past three years. It was the worst performer by a long stretch in European Banking Authority stress tests in July. These showed the bank would have imploded under its hypothetical worst-case scenario. By PTI: Hyderabad, Nov 19 (PTI) Telangana today sought partnership and cooperation from Mauritius in innovation, skill development, tourism and other areas. Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao met Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth and explained about the initiatives of the state government over startups and skill development. He requested the Mauritius Prime Minister to share the great progress achieved by his country in skill development with Telangana, an official release said. advertisement Rao hoped that research in innovation can be taken forward through mutual understanding between Telangana and Mauritius. Appreciating the progress achieved by Telangana, Jugnauth expressed readiness for mutual cooperation with Telangana, it added. PTI SJR NRB BAL SRE --- ENDS --- DOL Awards More than $111M to Expand Regional Job Training The grants will support tuition-free programs for industry-specific skills The DOL has announced more than $111 million in Americas Promise grants to 23 regional partnerships that will connect more than 21,000 Americans to education and jobs, according to a report. The grants are designed to accelerate the development and expansion of regional workforce partnerships committed to skilled workers. These grants are part of the Obama administrations unprecedented investment in education and training programs that have helped to create more pathways to the middle class for millions of Americans, said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. By encouraging regional collaboration and delivering on the promise of tuition-free training at community colleges, these grants will help strengthen local communities across America, and ensure that employees and employers alike are able to compete and thrive in todays global economy. The grants will focus on four key areas: Increasing opportunities for all Americans through tuition-free training for middle-to high-skilled occupations, expanding employer involvement in the design and delivery of education and training, utilizing evidence-based strategies to increase college completion and employability, and leveraging additional public, private and foundation resources to scale and sustain proven strategies. Asia-Pacific leaders are expected to send a strong message in defense of free trade Sunday as they wrap up a summit that has been overshadowed by US President-elect Donald Trump's protectionism. The broad consensus at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which features some of the world's most powerful leaders on both sides of the Pacific, is that free trade is a force for good. But the assembled leaders -- US President Barack Obama, China's Xi Jinping, Russia's Vladimir Putin, Japan's Shinzo Abe and others -- are under pressure to defend that view against a rising tide of populist, anti-globalization sentiment in the United States and Europe. The summit in Lima, Peru was briefed Sunday morning on the state of the world economy by International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde. Leaders then held a meeting on "challenges to free trade and investment." The summit will issue its closing statement later in the day, seeking to live down old jokes that APEC is "four adjectives in search of a noun and a verb" -- an ill-defined group that struggles to take decisive action. A draft version of the statement seen by AFP praises open markets, denounces protectionism and warns that curbing free trade will slow the ongoing recovery of the world economy. It is a far cry from the fiery language and visceral appeals Trump used on the campaign trail to appeal to working-class supporters who feel globalization has made them worse off. The brash billionaire's attacks on free trade deals and vows to cut back the US role as "policeman of the world" are causing jitters in the Pacific Rim, where Washington and Beijing compete for influence. Trump has vowed to kill Obama's signature trade initiative in the region, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP -- an arduously negotiated 12-country agreement. He campaigned against the proposal as a "terrible deal" that would "rape" the United States by sending American jobs to countries with cheaper labor. In a region hungry for trade, this has left even longtime US allies looking to a once unlikely place to fill the void: China, which was excluded from TPP. China's Xi has set himself up as the anti-Trump at this week's summit, defending open markets and offering leadership on other trade agreements to rival TPP. That has made it an uncomfortable summit for Obama, who is facing awkward questions from allies about the future of US policy in his last foreign visit as president. Despite attacking Trump as an unfit successor during the campaign, Obama urged the world to give the president-elect time to get his feet under the desk. "How you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern," he told a town hall meeting of young Latin Americans in Lima, defending democracy even as he admitted it can be "frustrating." - 'Trump Pacific Partnership'? - It is unclear whether there is any future for the TPP. Some experts say Trump's attacks on the agreement and his Republican allies' control of Congress mean it is dead in the water. Others say the deal-making real estate mogul could negotiate a number of changes and then claim credit for turning it around. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key joked Saturday that it could be rebranded the "Trump Pacific Partnership." Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said he was hopeful TPP would survive the unexpected "twist in the road" presented by the US election. "I share President Obama's hope that after the new administration has settled in, deliberated on the matter, and taken advice, it will in due course take a considered decision," he said. "In the meantime, the other TPP partners should carry on with the ratification process." Alternatively, China is backing a free trade zone across APEC -- a 21-member group that accounts for nearly 40 percent of the world's population and nearly 60 percent of the global economy. It is also pushing a 16-member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) that excludes the United States. (Bloomberg) -- China and Russia will push for a free-trade area in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement after the leaders of the two nations met Saturday in Lima, Peru. President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin met during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the South American city. Leaders of both the countries should communicate frequently, according to the statement on Sunday. The call for free trade in the region comes amid a protectionist mood in the U.S. following the election victory of Donald Trump, which is threatening to derail a trans-Pacific commerce agreement that excludes the worlds second-biggest economy. In a speech Saturday at the APEC summit, Xi pledged to boost global trade and cooperation by opening up further and giving greater access to foreign investors. To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Tian Chen in Beijing at tchen259@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Richard Frost at rfrost4@bloomberg.net, Sam Nagarajan, John McCluskey 2016 Bloomberg L.P. Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now... A local program that promotes inclusion will recognize some of its best volunteers. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the New Mexico program will hold its first annual Big Bright Breakfast on Nov. 29. During the breakfast, the organization will honor three people who have contributed to the program with its Spirit of Inclusion Awards. Those served by the program have disabilities such as Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy and/or a traumatic brain injury. A cornerstone of their mission, said Michael Gemme, state director, is to provide those with disabilities with one-on-one friendships. This is done by setting up Friendship Chapters in local middle and high schools and colleges. This promotes inclusion and effectually deals with any kind of bullying, he said. These friendships last for years and years. Brook Smith, 14, is receiving the Friendship Award. When she was in fifth grade, she and her classmates were paired with kindergartners at her school to be their reading buddies. Smith was partnered with a student that had disabilities. The experience changed her. I saw the impact I was having right away, she said. It felt really meaningful. Smith is now an eighth-grader at Hoover Middle School and when she arrived there she was determined to share her positive experience with other students. She approached the principal and asked to start a Best Buddies Friendship chapter at the school. The club now has 40 members who have reached out to students with disabilities. The group plans monthly activities, such as bowling this month. She said the students with disabilities arent the only ones who benefit from the program. Those who have befriended them have a sense of purpose because they are making an impact on someones life. It does seem to make a world of difference to them (students with disabilities), Smith said. But its an amazing program for everyone involved. Best Buddies also partners with local businesses and organizations to provide young adults who have a disability with job oppor-tunities and leadership skills. Phil Pelleriti is the hiring manager at the University of New Mexico Hospital but has dedicated time to Project SEARCH since it started in 2013. The aim of the project is to train young adults, who have a disability, for the workplace. Pelleriti said Project SEARCH has teamed up with Best Buddies to provide training for its members. UNMH has provided internships to 39 young adults with disabilities, with 11 of them being hired permanently. Pelleriti said many people with disabilities are capable of learning the same skills as those without disabilities. Through this program we are helping a talented group of folks who want to contribute and be productive be a part of the community, he said. It makes a lot of sense on so many levels. George Hedrick is one of the young adults with disabilities who uses the program. He was the director of the Friendship Program at Eldorado High School. Hedrick was a student at the school when he helped start the program seven years ago. He has continued on as an ambassador, promoting the program on television. Hedrick is receiving the Leadership Development Award. Gemme said Best Buddies is an organization that benefits the entire community because it promotes diversity. Its about the great value we all have no matter how different we are, he said. We all have a place in society. If you go WHAT: Big Bright Breakfast WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29 WHERE: Albuquerque Marriott, 2101 Louisiana NE TICKETS: $50, available at bestbuddies.org/find-programs/new-mexico Generations of archaeologists worked patiently to uncover the ruins at what is now Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies about 60 miles west of Cuba in northwestern New Mexico. Their work established that Chaco was a cultural center for more than two dozen ancient puebloan tribes between the early 800s and the mid-1100s. Around 60,000 visitors now visit the site each year. Students from the University of New Mexico are continuing investigations there, learning the archaeologists craft as they search for more remnants of life and commerce that once flourished at the remote site. Its just fabulous experience for us at UNM to compare notes from earlier surveys to what we are doing now, said UNM Professor of Anthropology Wirt Wills. Wills oversaw a group of 11 UNM archaeology students participating in a six-week research program at Chaco this fall. The program involved continuing the search for a former homestead and trading post next to the extensive Pueblo Bonito ruins. Students also reviewed the condition of sites examined by archaeologists in previous years to document any changes. The object of the course was to teach the students basic techniques of field research methods like mapping, artifact identification and excavation to equip them for potential careers in cultural resource management. For the diverse group of men and women ranging from their mid-20s their mid-40s, it was also a learning experience in getting along together. Chaco is about a three-hour drive from Albuquerque and can only be reached by driving several miles over a rough dirt road. During the program, the students lived in tents at the location, sharing meal planning, cooking and cleanup chores. The best thing weve uncovered is friendship, said Jason Conner, a dread-locked 29-year-old who said hed bounced around different jobs before starting his archaeology studies. He fell in love with Chaco on visits as a kid. Former TV stuntman Kurly Tlapoyawa, 42, is pursuing a bachelors in anthropology and hopes to go on to graduate school. Ive always been into archaeology and ethnohistory, Tlapoyawa said. The work at Chaco, he said, is very meditative. I like to imagine it as though youre reading the earth like a history book, peeling back the layers. Eric Faull, 44, spent 20 years in the restaurant industry before returning to school thinking he might try teaching. I took an archaeology class last semester and loved it. So now Im a double major in history and anthropology, Faull said. He hopes to teach at a community college. This year, the students spent most of their days uncovering the foundations of the homestead built by Richard Wetherill in the 1890s. Wetherill had excavated the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings and was excavating Pueblo Bonito, sending artifacts to various museums. He eventually opened a trading post that drew many Navajo families from the area, Wills said. Wetherill kept adding rooms to his compound even after the National Park Service took over management of Chaco Canyon in 1906. UNM began working with the Park Service to do research work at Chaco in 1929 and built a field station close to Pueblo Bonito. In 1952, the Park Service tore down the Wetherill compound and the field school. At the time, said Aron Adams, Chief of Cultural Resources at Chaco, the buildings were not seen as historic sites and not related to the mission of the park. Over the next half-century, windblown sand gradually completely covered up the foundations of the demolished buildings. It doesnt take much for soil to expose or bury something, said Roger Moore, an archaeologist working at Chaco. Under a new agreement, UNM students began doing research in the area around Pueblo Bonito in 2004. The following year, while investigating some unusual erosion, they discovered what eventually proved to be a well that dated to around 1900. The folks in the trading post hand dug a really big hole out here, Wills said. Then, we noticed that there were walls radiating out from it and those were the walls that are associated with the (Wetherill) buildings. Wills said the Park Service did not have any record of the well or the buildings. Park staff asked UNM to try to figure out where the original buildings were so they could have a record. Wills said the students were able to continue the search, using photos he obtained from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City that showed the Wetherill complex in the 1940s. The work of finding the walls has taken several years. UNM only holds the research program every two years and the 2013 session was cut short by the government shutdown that fall, Wills said. On the last day of the 2014 program, they located one end of a wall but bad weather forced them to postpone further work. Students excavating the site this year revealed a line of foundation stones buried beneath one to three feet of hard rock and clay and dirt. Were very pleased with this because now we really do have the north side of the original house and that means we can click in other pieces of the puzzle, Wills said. Once the work is complete, the next step might be to install signs to explain the history of the site. The Wetherill compound walls might even be rebuilt to show the outline, Moore said. Whatever the outcome, there will be plenty more opportunities for UNM archaeology students to learn their craft. Adams estimates there are several hundred more historical sites waiting to be discovered at Chaco. If you visit Located in northwestern New Mexico, Chaco Culture National Historical Park can only be accessed by driving the last few miles on dirt roads. From the north: turn off US550 at the signpost 3 miles southeast of Nageezi, onto County Road 7900. After 8 miles turn right on CR 7950, a dirt road. From here it is 13 miles to the park boundary; the last 4.5 miles before entering the park are very rough. From the south: two routes access Chaco from Highway 9, which runs between Crownpoint, Pueblo Pintado and Cuba. Both routes can be very rough and are not recommended for RVs. From Crownpoint: take NM 371 and turn off on 9 (signs for the turnoff to 9 may be missing). After 13 miles turn off 9 onto 57 (marked 14 on some maps) at the former Seven Lakes Trading Post. From Pueblo Pintado: turn north on 46 for 10 miles (rough dirt). Turn left on CR 7900 for 7 miles (some rough dirt). Turn left on CR7950 and follow signs the 16 miles to the park entrance. The dirt portions of the route may become impassable during bad weather. Call the park 505-786-7014 for current road conditions. There is a camping site in the park and hotel accommodations are available in Bloomfield about 60 miles away, or in Cuba, about 68 miles away, by road. Entrance fee: $16, interagency passes such as senior pass accepted. Before Georgia OKeeffe discovered New Mexicos adobe walls, she painted the columned neoclassicism of Thomas Jefferson. The artist studied and taught at the Jefferson-designed University of Virginia in Charlottesville each summer from 1912 to 1914, a time that would prove pivotal in her pursuit of abstraction. A suite of nine watercolors discovered in a notebook from that period are on view for the first time at the Georgia OKeeffe Museum in Santa Fe. The paintings reveal her first investigation into the ideas of modernism and abstraction. The compositions are simple and refined, with flattened shapes, minus the frills and minute details of representationalism. OKeeffes artistic practice shifted dramatically when she took a UVA course taught by Alon Bement at age 25, museum curator Carolyn Kastner said. She could only study during the summer, because it was the only time the university accepted women. She kept these all her life, Kastner said.Some of them are framed with the pages of a notebook and weve got the notebook. Its remarkable, because its also handmade pigments. Tiny holes in the corners show the artist pinned her paintings to her walls. Bement introduced OKeeffe to the revolutionary ideas of Arthur Wesley Dow, who encouraged an imaginative process of creating art grounded in personal expression and harmonious design. Dow championed interpretations of the natural world rather than photo-realistic depictions. He had one guiding principle, and that was to fill a space in a beautiful way, Kastner said. OKeeffe worked as Bements UVA teaching assistant from 1913 to 1915. She later moved to Texas, where she taught at West Texas Normal State College in Canyon. OKeeffes artistic talent was first nurtured by the principal of the private girls school she attended as a teenager. That attention led her to study at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York, where she was a prize pupil of the flamboyant painter William Merritt Chase. In the fall of 1908, she moved to Chicago and worked as a freelance commercial artist. She returned to live with her family in Virginia in 1910 after contracting measles. Once she had recovered, she worked in Virginia as a teacher. She often spoke later in life of finding her direction in art during that summer. Bement and Dow liberated her from the slavish pursuit of realism. Dow preached the power of line, tone and color. In his 1899 teachers handbook Composition, he wrote that he disapproved of teaching methods that emphasized copying nature. He said even beginners could create pleasing landscape and still-life compositions based on the principle of a few lines harmoniously grouped together. OKeeffes first direct contact with Dow came when she needed an additional teaching credential. In 1914, she enrolled at Teachers College, Columbia University, where Dow directed the art department. It isnt abstraction like we think of nonobjective, Kastner said. But it is the beginning of her simplification. She reduced the landscape to line, omitting the details. This series could be the first time she tries to work with Dows lesson plan. OKeeffe is considered one of the first American abstractionists. As spam filters have evolved and become more effective, scammers have found ways to work around them. You dont, for example, see many messages from Nigerian princes any longer. Thats because modern spam filters are blocking more than 99 percent of junk messages, according to Bloomberg. (Still, unsolicited junk mail accounts for 86 percent of the worlds e-mail traffic, with about 400 billion spam messages sent a day, according to Talos, a digital research division of Cisco Systems.) One of the scammers work-arounds has been given the tasteful name of artisanal spam, which simply means that the cybercrooks are going for a selected audience rather than blasting out tens of millions of identical messages at the same time, according to AARP. The idea is to more precisely target the audience and limit the number of emails sent out in hopes of breaking through software that blocks junk mail. The limited batches are often more successful than the old mass email scams because they are much more personal and credible, claiming to be from companies and individuals that the receiver knows and trusts. Many are based on information gleaned from data breaches, in which scammers break into a companys computer system to gain customer lists. People who went to a certain medical clinic, for instance, may get a bill with their names, account numbers and dates of treatment, John Wilson of cybersecurity firm Agari told AARP. In other cases, scammers are using software to collect information about people from social media sites, and theyre also sending out emails that appear to be from Facebook friends with malware-infected links, according to AARP. Once you click that link, every keystroke typed is sent to the criminal, including when you go to your online accounts and enter your name and password. Wilson said. This also was the intent of a corporate-targeted scam earlier this year in which the scammers sent bogus emails from the CEO instructing them to pay fake vendors. Here are some ways to protect yourself from these individualized scams, according to AARP: Just because the sender has a name with which youre familiar doesnt mean its a legitimate email. Look closely at the address by hovering over it with your mouse. Be especially suspicious if theres a long series of letters or words after .com. Always be suspicious of links. When real companies offer to fix a problem or seek to update information, the email typically doesnt include links; instead the companies direct you to their website. Verify. If you get an email with a link along with a message from a friend saying check this out, consider calling to find out if they really sent it. Look closely if theres a reference to your credit card number. Emails pretending to be from credit card companies often cite the beginning numbers of an account; legitimate messages more likely to cite the last few numbers. Thats because similar to phone numbers, many credit cards start with the same digits. Prepaid cards Starting next October, people whose prepaid cards are stolen will have similar protections as those who lose their debit cards to thieves. The new rules, announced last month by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, also will require card issuers to disclose their fees, among other changes. A number of card issuers already limit losses for prepaid card users, but the final rules that take effect next year will require all card companies to investigate when their customers report fraud. Under the rules, people whose cards are stolen will have losses limited to $50 if they report the loss or theft within two days of noticing the card is missing. Ellen Marks is assistant business editor at the Albuquerque Journal. Contact her at emarks@ abqjournal.com or 505-823-3842 if you are aware of what sounds like a scam. To report a scam to law enforcement, contact the state Consumer Protection Division toll-free at 1-866-627-3249. By PTI: Imphal, Nov 20 (PTI) One person was killed and two CRPF jawans were injured in three blasts triggered by unidentified outfits here today. Binod Roy was killed in an explosion of an IED at Singjamei Chingamathak area near an Assam Rifles camp in the morning, police officials said. Another explosion took place around 5 pm at BT Road near M-sector, a few meters away from the camp of the Assam Rifles. advertisement The spokesman of the Assam Rifles said no jawan was injured in the blast. About 10 minutes later, another blast occurred within the All India Radio complex injuring two CRPF jawan, police officials said. The explosions took place ahead of the 10-day long Sangai festival in the state capital from tomorrow. PTI COR PR TIR --- ENDS --- Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal Outside a rally of University of New Mexico students and employees shouting anti-Trump rants, Alan Logsdon was unimpressed. Look, he said Wednesday, theyre calling for nonviolence but telling President-elect Donald Trump to (expletive) himself? Its hilarious, said Logsdon, 29, as hundreds more gathered. They screamed, Dump Trump and Not my president before marching across campus and into Central Avenue, briefly blocking traffic. Jennifer Marley, a UNM student whose student group, the Kiva Club, helped organize the protest, was enthused by the turnout. These chanting, marching people, she said, show people are ready to act. It says people arent having it, Marley said. People want to become activists. All the while, students likely walking to and from classes zigzagged through the crowd. Some took pictures, others just passed by. The Wednesday protest illustrates the dissonance on campus following the election between those, particularly minorities, who fear they wont have a place in Trumps America and others who say Trump should be given a chance to lead. These conversations are taking place while others have taken a more drastic course. Someone, or multiple people its unclear tagged buildings and public art on campus following the election with Nazi imagery tied to Trump. And the day after the election, a woman said a classmate tried to rip off her hijab. UNM administrators are aware of the incidents and offering counseling at the Student Health and Counseling Center. The university also sent out a reminder on how and where to report if students feel they are target of a hate or bias incident. These attacks on any of us are attacks on all of us. They fly in the face of every American value that I was taught when I immigrated. We cannot become numb to the warning signs of closed-mindedness, and of mindless hatred, wrote Provost Chaouki Abdallah on Wednesday in his weekly message to the campus community of about 27,500 students. One week later Frank said the universitys lawyers are looking at what UNM can do. We want all UNM students to be safe and feel embraced as part of our community, Frank said in response to the faculty. Let him govern Nick Flor, a professor in the Anderson School of Management, earlier this year predicted that Trump would win the election. He even made a wager with a fellow professor. During an interview with the Journal, Flor mentioned his childhood growing up with Filipino immigrants as parents. He has seen racism, the name-calling, the differential treatment, and hes not worried about the future of a Trump presidency. Let him govern, Flor argued, before judging. And Flor, who said he voted but declined to say for whom, argued that most people who voted for Trump arent racist. He says incendiary things, and no one defends that, Flor said. I dont know if anyone defends those statements, but I think they look at the bigger picture. Theyre voting despite them because theyre hurting so badly. The middle-class members of the university community do not see that struggle, he said. Thats a sentiment shared by Ryan Ansloan, the president of the UNM College Republicans. That group endorsed former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson. He said the College Republicans were always concerned about a Clinton presidency and that they were happier to see Trump elected. Ansloan said he was also happy that Republicans retained control of the U.S. House and Senate. As for the president-elect ordering a mass deportation or a registry for Muslims, Ansloan said he thinks Trump wont develop those. He is focused on the economy, he said. Hes making sure lobbyists arent making the decisions in the government. And both said Trump supporters on campus are likely underrepresented, given the potential for backlash from those who voted for Clinton. If you were a Trump supporter, you were going to be labeled a sexist or a racist, Ansloan said. The only way to address these divides, Abdallah said, is to remain civil and respectful. We say we protect the pack, and that goes for everyone, including those who disagree with us, and those of us who came here from elsewhere, attracted by American values and better lives, Abdallah wrote in his weekly message. Its Tuesday, one week after the election that Hillary Clinton won in New Mexico, and just days after a young woman told UNM administrators that while she was chatting with friends at the campus library a man wearing a Trump shirt tried to forcibly remove her hijab. Though the exact policy has varied, Trump has often talked about enacting a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country. Amira Assed, 20, is also wearing a hijab and her cousin Jenene Akkad, 19, wears a Lobos hat. Since Trump was elected, people are staring more, they say. Its difficult and awkward. Akkad says she worries about her cousin walking around campus after dark. Assed said she had heard of people trying to rip off the hijabs of young women but never thought it would happen to somebody she knew. They fear the situation will worsen. Assed said Trumps speaking poorly of Muslims opens the door for everyone to do the same. If the president can do it, why cant we? she said. They both voted for Clinton. Issac de Luna, 26, moved from Mexico to New Mexico when he was 14, without documents, with his parents. And he didnt become a permanent legal resident until 2011 or 2012. He said he knows the anxiety of living without papers, of the fear of not knowing how far you can go because of your status. A Trump presidency worries him. He said he fears that Trump will embolden immigration agencies. De Luna said he hopes UNM President Bob Frank declares that UNM will decline to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and protect the undocumented students. A group of about 1,000 professors and instructors also signed a letter delivered to Frank on Friday urging the president to protect members of its community from unfair deportation, investigation, or other forms of intimidation. They also want UNM to be declared a sanctuary campus. Its a simple question, the NAACP and its supporters said, but finding an answer has proven to be difficult. NAACP officials have filed several records requests in recent months for data showing the ethnic breakdown of a segment of state employees. But state officials have said such records are not kept. Specifically, said Harold Bailey, the president of the NAACPs Albuquerque chapter, the civil rights group has requested the ethnic, racial and gender backgrounds of all exempt and non-exempt appointments to state government positions, along with a list of employee job and position categories. He said personnel records would show that information. Once we get that information, we have a right as taxpayers to provide some suggestions about how to rectify the situation, Bailey said. Bailey and others believe blacks are underrepresented in certain state government positions. A spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez said all of her hires and appointments are based on merit. The state is an equal opportunity employer and doesnt require employees to check a box indicating race, spokesman Chris Sanchez said on Saturday. Governor Susana Martinez is the first Hispanic female governor in the history of the United States, and she is running the most transparent administration our state has ever seen. Bailey was joined Saturday afternoon by other leaders from organizations in the black and Hispanic communities to say that the group plans to continue its push for the Governors Office to release the data. Cecilia Webb, president of the Albuquerque chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, said her interactions with state agencies have led her to believe that women of color are underrepresented in state government. She said those who have been hired work lower-level jobs and are not in management positions. We are concerned about the women of color who are hired under this administration, she said. I would like to have the statistics on that for our organizations. Rev. Charles Bucknell, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said the groups only want the data so they can make suggestions about how best to increase the African-American population working in state government. They have nothing to fear by giving us this information, he said. Were not saying, hire people just because of their nationality.' The 2010 Census found that 3.3 percent of New Mexicos population identified as black or African-American alone, according to the Census website. In December, five specially selected New Mexico Democrats will travel to Santa Fe, meet in a little room with the secretary of state and cast their votes for president of the United States. It is this group that actually votes for the president not the 800,528 state citizens who cast a ballot Nov. 8. And they could vote for whomever they would like, although that would break state law. This Electoral College process set out in the Constitution has in the past resulted in the selection of a president who came in second in the national vote. That is almost certain to happen again this year, which would make it the fifth time in presidential history that the second-place finisher in the popular vote won the presidency. As of Saturday, vote counts for nearly all states had yet to be finalized and certified, but many political watchers spent the week anticipating that Democrat Hillary Clintons popular vote would exceed President-elect Donald Trumps by more than 1 million votes. Its a complicated institution in some ways, and its one that emphasizes state interests over who wins the most votes, said University of New Mexico professor Lonna Atkeson, who is also the director of the Center for the Study of Voting, Elections and Democracy. It combines the number of people in each states delegation, the House plus Senate, and those are the number of electors in each state. So, New Mexico has five electors, who are selected by the political parties. The slate of electors from whichever party wins the popular vote in the state is the group that travels to Santa Fe in December to cast the states five presidential votes. No federal rules say that electors must vote for the candidate who won the popular vote in their state. But 25 states, including New Mexico, have laws that direct electors to vote in accordance with the states popular vote. Here, any elector who votes for someone other than the presidential candidate of his or her party could face a fourth-degree felony charge. Its one of the harshest penalties for electors in the country, though there is no documented case of prosecution for being a faithless elector, according to the National Archives and Records Administration. And New Mexico is a winner-take-all state, like all but two states, Maine and Nebraska. Those states divvy up their electoral votes differently. State laws govern how votes are divided, and those laws can be changed. A national effort is underway to get states to commit to give their electoral votes to whichever candidate wins the national popular vote instead of whoever wins the states popular vote. So far, 11 state legislatures have passed laws that would award their elector votes that way if enough other states agree to do the same. In 2009, the New Mexico House of Representatives approved a bill that would have moved the state to that system, but the bill died in the Senate. National Popular Vote Initiative supporters tried again in 2011. Atkeson said this years election could revive the conversation. People could say the Electoral College was working in its prime in this contest, Atkeson said. But others say because the president is the only nationally elected office, it should connect to the people explicitly and not the states. Electoral College facts and tidbits Its a process, not a place. The general election happens in November. Electors gather in each state in December. The electoral votes are approved by Congress in January. The president is inaugurated in January. There are 538 electors each state gets one electoral vote per federal representative and senator. New Mexico has five. A candidate must secure at least a majority of the electoral votes, 270, to claim the presidency. If no candidate receives the majority of electoral votes, the Constitution requires the House of Representatives to select the winner, with each of the state delegations casting one vote. Electors in modern politics are selected by political parties, singling out party loyalists. But states can change how electors are chosen and direct how they are supposed to vote. No federal laws govern how electors vote, though 25 states and the District of Columbia have laws directing electors to vote for their partys winning candidate. Disobeying this law in New Mexico is a fourth-degree felony, though no one has ever been prosecuted for being a faithless elector. Second place takes first Four times in American history the presidential candidate who won the popular vote did not win the electoral vote. 1824: Andrew Jackson won 41.4 percent of the popular vote to John Q. Adams 30.9 percent, but neither received a majority of the Electoral College votes, triggering the requirement for the U.S. House of Representatives to determine the winner. 1876: Rutherford B. Hayes won 47.9 percent of the popular vote versus Samuel J. Tildens 50.9 percent. 1888: Benjamin Harrison won 47.8 percent of popular vote versus Grover Clevelands 48.6 percent. 2000: George W. Bush won 47.9 percent of popular vote versus Al Gores 48.4 percent. This years electors Since the Democratic Partys candidate, Hillary Clinton, won the popular vote in the state, New Mexico law says the electors selected by that party may cast the states Electoral College votes. Here are the five New Mexicans selected by the Democratic Party to cast those votes: Roxanne Allen John Padilla Edward Paul Torres Lorraine Spradling Noyola Archibeque Had Republican Donald Trump won the state, these New Mexicans selected by the Republican Party would have cast that partys votes: Robert Martinez Jo Mitchell Ed Cassidy Charles Moran Marge Teague Copyright 2016 Albuquerque Journal Clarification: The Islamic Center of New Mexico notes it has not had a formal relationship with the imam since 2014, although he has given guest lectures. One of New Mexicos top Muslim spiritual leaders has been held in federal detention for more than two months, despite a judges order he be released on bond, a move federal officials say is necessary due to alleged national security concerns. In a lawsuit filed in federal court seeking his release, Tahla Elsayeds attorney says he is the target of a witch hunt. The arrest of Elsayed, a Saudi-born Egyptian citizen and Islamic studies scholar, on Sept. 1 stunned the local Muslim community and leaves the two mosques in Albuquerque without an imam, or priest. Elsayed, 35, is suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in federal court after the agency refused to allow him to post a $10,000 bond ordered by an El Paso immigration court judge, who ruled Nov. 1 that Elsayed was neither a danger to the community nor a flight risk. The lawsuit which includes hundreds of pages of documents, including those from his bond hearing contends Elsayed has been the subject of a witch hunt based simply on his religion and national origin, and should be released. He has been seeking a visa to work and had refused a demand by a Homeland Security agent that he leave the country. He is charged with overstaying his visa, despite having an application pending with immigration authorities. The documents show that the FBI said it has an investigative interest in Elsayed and that a DHS attorney said the case possibly involved a national security concern. ICE declined to comment, citing pending litigation. The imams detention has rattled Albuquerques small, but growing, Muslim community. Omar Momani serves on the board of the Dar Al-Salam Foundation of New Mexico and describes Elsayed as a well-known imam with amazing qualifications. Marrying a deep knowledge of the Quran and a fun lecture style, Elsayed has everything youre looking for in an imam or priest, Momani said. His detention was a huge shock. It was like somebody sucker-punched us in the face, Momani said. We didnt know why this was happening. Everything we did was through a lawyer. The paperwork was filed. Why this was happening? Elsayed first came to Albuquerque three years ago at the invitation of the Islamic Center of New Mexico, where he led prayers during the holy month of Ramadan and offered religious lectures. He returned for Ramadan in 2014. The new mosque in northeast Albuquerque, Dar Al-Salam, invited him back in 2015 as a guest lecturer, and, early this year, the Dar Al-Salam Foundation applied to the U.S. government for a new visa that would let Elsayed work, providing religious instruction. While he waited for a response from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to his application, he and his wife, Ebtesam, enrolled their four children in Albuquerque public schools and volunteered in the Muslim community. Then, Homeland Security Investigations called. In late August, according to court documents, HSI special agent John Dennis called Elsayed to his Albuquerque office and told him to bring copies of his educational documents. Dennis informed him that his application for a work visa had been denied and he needed to leave the country. But, according to court documents, online USCIS records showed that his application was still pending. Dennis began calling the imam once or twice per day regarding his intentions to leave the United States, according to court documents. Elsayed told Dennis he was afraid to go back to Egypt and, if his visa petition was being denied, wanted to apply for asylum in the U.S. According to court documents and an interview with Elsayed, the imam told Dennis he feared persecution by the Egyptian government for his participation in the Arab Spring protests in favor of the democratically elected, then deposed, Islamist President Muhammed Morsi. Last fall, Egyptian security forces detained his brother in connection with his and Elsayeds participation in the protests. The family alleges he was tortured and questioned about Elsayed, as well. Dennis told Elsayed he needed to leave the United States with his family by Sept. 1. Instead, Elsayed prepared his asylum application and brought it to a Rio Rancho post office, where he was arrested by Dennis as he was paying the postage. With Elsayed in ICE detention and a bond motion pending in immigration court, DHS argued to the judge that Elsayed should remain in custody while awaiting deportation. In a court filing, DHS said, Although there is no evidence that the respondent has ever been charged or convicted of any crime, there is evidence that raises serious safety and security concerns. The FBI Headquarters Counterterrorism Division specifically notified the Department that it has an investigative interest in the respondent (Elsayed) and provided a letter to support a request for his continued detention pending his removal proceedings. Such evidence, while admittedly circumstantial, presents security concerns that cannot be overcome . The FBI letter says only that it has an investigative interest and provides no other information. The FBI is tasked with investigating people for ties to terrorist organizations and the agency has come under fire in the past for clearing suspects prematurely, such as the Orlando nightclub shooter, who had been under review. The FBIs letter regarding Elsayed and DHS arguments were not enough to convince Immigration Court Judge William Abbott to order Elsayeds continued detention and instead the judge ordered he be released on bond. Here is the problem, said Olsi Vrapi, Elsayeds attorney, who has served as legal counsel for two other Albuquerque Muslims who have faced deportation in the past 18 months. Homeland Security Investigations officials in Albuquerque shake down Muslims. They call you and say, You are from a sensitive country; we want to talk to you. Its a very common practice. And ICE can ignore an immigration court order. The immigration court doesnt have power to enforce its own ruling, said Jessie Miles, an attorney working with Vrapi on Elsayeds case. The judges dont have contempt of court. They operate on good faith that ICE will follow their order. By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 19 (PTI) Taking a dig at the NDA government, Rahul Gandhi today asked the Centre if it will now call the Supreme Court "anti-national," following the apex courts remarks on the demonetisation move. "Will the government call the Supreme Court anti-national now?" he said on twitter, questioning the government. He also tagged a report of Calcutta High Court telling the government that it has not done its homework and the Supreme court seeing a crisis ahead. advertisement The remarks come at a time when the government is dubbing the Congress leaders questioning its demonetisation move as "anti-nationals". PTI SKC SUA --- ENDS --- EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Ohio State won back-to-back games by the score of 62-3, so it seemed as if it was riding high entering the final two weeks of the regular season. College Football Playoff, here the Buckeyes come. They're still on their way. But they have to beat Michigan to get there. Can Ohio State do it? It depends on how you view its narrow 17-16 win at Michigan State. Did it change our minds about what to think about the Buckeyes heading into next weekend's big game against Michigan? Doug Lesmerises, Ari Wasserman and Bill Landis discuss in the video above. Give it a watch. With the demonetization exercise in full swing, women have had no time to shop for essential commodities for her kitchen. By Nolan Pinto: 'We have just been cooking pulses, channa, veggies and chapattis for the past one week or so. I hope to change this next week once I go out shopping.' Shobana, an assistant manager in a state-owned bank has had a very tough fortnight. She has literally had to manage her family and work simultaneously. With the demonetization exercise in full swing, she has had no time to shop for essential commodities for her kitchen. NO PRODUCTS ON CREDIT advertisement She was also a bit taken back when her usual grocery stores were not willing to give her products on credit. Rather they requested her to deposit Rs. 500 notes first and then collect the change later. NEGLIGIBLE CHANGE IN PRICE Her brother-in-law Shekhar on the other hand has not found it difficult one bit. They normally buy in bulk each and every month and hence this scrapping of the Rs. 1000 and 500 currency notes has had no impact on their day to day lives as far as their kitchen is concerned. But what suddenly came as a challenge for his family is that they were slowly running out of basic commodities and getting adequate change was initially a problem to deal with. There were however, no visible changes in the prices of commodities at supermarkets but at small local stores that sell pulses, dal, rice and other essential commodities, the change in price has been very negligible. Satish a rice trader in Benson Town said that the prices have remained almost the same as it was before the demonetization took place but the price of almonds has shot up considerably. Also Read: PM slams Mamata over demonetisation; says people's sacrifice won't go in vain --- ENDS --- 10 year-old Mariam Mamadashvili from Georgia has won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest (JESC) 2016, held in Valletta, Malta on 20 November, with the song Mzeo (Sun). 17 countries took part in the 14th edition of the annual singing competition for children between the ages of 9 and 14, hosted by Maltese Member PBS in the Mediterranean Conference Centre. For the first time the event was staged on a Sunday afternoon. It's the 3rd time Georgia have won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest following wins in 2011 and 2008, all with the same songwriter, Giga Kukhianidze. Mariam Mamadashvili, who finished the Contest with 239 points, has been performing since she was 4 years-old. She studied at the Bzikebistudio in Georgia and also the Evgeni Mikeladze State Central Music School. The 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest winner has lived in the United States since 2015 and studies at the Broadway Method Academy. Anahit and Mary singing for Armenia came in 2nd place (232 points) with Italy's Fiamma Boccia 3rd (209 points). Both were given prizes after the show. Speaking following her win, Mariam said "I dont have any words - the moment they told me I won I was shocked - it's amazing! I want to thank my team so much for being with me and supporting me. The first person I'm going to call is my grandma!" The Junior Eurovision Song Contest was broadcast to millions of viewers in the 17 participating countries over the Eurovision satellite and fibre optic network and online on Youtube and on junioreurovision.tv. In changes to the show's format this year, every entry was judged by one professional music industry jury and one youth jury in each participating country. Their votes were presented separately to create an exciting finale. Three expert judges also cast votes for the first time contributing to the rest of the overall score (each judge counted for the equivalent of one additional country). The expert jury was made up of Universal Musics Mads Grimstad, Eurovision Song Contest 2016 show producer Christer Bjorkman, and former Eurovision Song Contest participants Jedward. The competition also saw electrifying performances from ESC 2011 and 2016 entrant Poli Genova and 2015 JESC winner Destiny Chukunyere who returned to the stage to perform last years winning entry Not My Soul, as well as her newest single La Di Da. Jon Ola Sand, the EBU's Head of Live Events, said "This competition is an excellent way for public service broadcasters to support young artists, and help bring their talent to an international audience. It was amazing to see all this talent on stage. Mariam's performance was incredible - we look forward to seeing more of her in years to come." "We at the EBU are grateful for the work of PBS and all the delegations involved. This is true collaboration in Europe and I'm very proud of that," he added. An on-stage interview with the winner can be found here. Mariam's winning moment is here. The Junior Eurovision Song Contest has been held annually since 2003. This was the second time the competition has been staged in Malta following their hosting in 2014. For images and footage from the event visit www.junioreurovision.tv, Participating Countries The following countries (and EBU Members) participated in the 2016 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in order of appearance: Colombo : Thirty two Sri Lankans have joined the Islamic State terror group in Iraq, a senior minister informed parliament on Friday and vowed to implement the proposed tough counter terrorism Act to protect national security. We are aware that 32 of them have left the country to join Islamic State (ISIS), Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha said during the 2017 budget debate. Rajapaksha said Sri Lanka would go ahead as planned on the proposed Counter Terrorism Act despite criticism. We know that there is criticism on the proposed act but we have to consider our security interests. You may call it draconian but we will implement it, Rajapaksha said. He said some vested interests were trying to create instability in the country by igniting communal clashes. We have to deal with this situation, Rajapaksha said. Some groups were trying to brand the northern criminal group Ava as the LTTE. We have to be alert on these actions to create problems in the north, he said. The police have arrested over a dozen of alleged Ava group members accused of perpetrating violence in the north. All of them have been placed under remand custody. The locals and Tamil groups have levelled criticism on the proposed anti-terrorism bill. The main Tamil party, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) described it as more draconian than the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Source : The Times Of India Islamabad : Even as it is getting battered and fast losing territory in Iraq, the Islamic State is growing its presence in Pakistan by using local terrorist groups and recruiting Uzbek militants, attracting disgruntled Taliban fighters and partnering with one of Pakistans most violent sectarian groups, according to police officers, Taliban officials and analysts. Its latest atrocity was an attack on last Saturday on a Sufi shrine in southwestern Pakistan+ that killed at least 50 people and wounded 100 others. The group said in a statement that a suicide bomber attacked the shrine with the intent of killing Shia Muslims and issued a picture of the attacker. When IS circulated a photograph of one of the attackers in last months deadly assault on a police academy+ in southwestern Balochistan province, two Taliban officials told The Associated Press that the attacker was an Uzbek, most likely a member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. More than 60 people, most of them police recruits, were killed in that October 26 attack when three assailants battled security forces for hours before being killed or detonating their suicide vests.The Taliban officials, both of whom are familiar with the IMU, spoke on condition of anonymity because their leadership has banned them from talking to the media. Authorities initially said the police academy attack was orchestrated by militants hiding out in Afghanistan and blamed Pakistans virulently anti-Shia group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. But IS later claimed responsibility and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi spokesman Ali Bin Sufyan said they partnered with IS to carry out the assault. The use of local proxies among established militants has been a singular aspect of Islamic States entry into Pakistan. In neighbouring Afghanistan, by contrast, members of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban have switched allegiances and rebranded themselves as IS fighters. In Pakistan, however, Islamic State, also known as ISIS, appears happy to let their local allies operate under their own identities in exchange for allowing IS to claim responsibility for high-profile attacks. IS may not have a formal structure in Pakistan, but certainly they have support among some of the banned militant groups, particularly Sunni sectarian groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al Alami (LeJ-AA), said Zahid Hussain, a Pakistani security analyst. Its a kind of nexus that we are seeing between global jihadi groups and local sectarian groups. Islamic State in Khorasan In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the extremist group has adopted the name the Islamic State in Khorasan a reference to an ancient geographical region that encompassed a vast swath of territory stretching from Turkmenistan through Iran and Afghanistan. IS in Khorasan has set up its base in Afghanistans eastern Nangarhar province, and while it has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq, it remains unclear whether there are direct operational or financial links between the two. According to police, Afghan officials and IS media outlets, the majority of Islamic State fighters in Afghanistan are Pakistani nationals, mostly from the tribal regions. Disgruntled Taliban fighters from Pakistan and Afghanistan have joined along with foreign fighters, mainly from central Asia. The groups leader until his death in July in a drone strike was Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former Pakistani Taliban commander. IS has never acknowledged Khans death, which was confirmed by both the Afghan and US militaries. Counterterrorism officials in Pakistan say that IS has begun reaching out to local militants through its rich social media presence. They are inspiring the like-minded youth in Pakistan through their strong social media propaganda, said Junaid Sheikh, a senior counterterrorism commander in the southern city of Karachi. There is evidence that militants of other organizations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, al-Qaida in the Subcontinent and other Sunni extremist organizations switched their ideology toward Daesh+ and acted like their activists, he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. The recruitment of Uzbek militants is particularly worrisome and a significant threat to our national security, he added. He said Uzbek fighters have carried out numerous major attacks in Pakistan, including a 2011 attack on a naval base and a 2014 attack on the Karachi Airport. Local militant groups provided the intelligence to carry out the attacks, he said. Source : Times Of India NYT Edt | New York : 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. Dozens of suspects in the attacks have been arrested, and the police officer in charge in Nasirnagar has been suspended from his duties. Bangladeshs National Human Rights Commission has begun an investigation into the attacks, calling them a preplanned conspiracy. While the Awami League has suspended three local leaders for their involvement in the attack, a thorough investigation must determine who exactly was responsible for posting the offending image, and to what end. The Awami League prides itself on being the party of pluralism in Bangladesh. Local Awami League politicians involved in a conspiracy to stir religious violence must face more than suspension from their party. The credibility of Ms. Hasinas government is on the line. Source : Hindu Existence We are thinking of opening donation boxes every day ! District Collector Amit Saini Adverse effects of Govt. taking over management of temples ! The Govt. should declare how much money has been deposited in banks by even mosques and churches ! Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat Kolhapur : Money collected in 17 donation boxes of Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir is being counted and Rs. 35, 33,000/- counted so far from 6 donation boxes opened in last 2 days has been deposited in the bank. District Collector and President of Pashchim Maharashtra Devesthan Vyvasthapan Samiti (PMDVS), Dr. Amit Saini said that henceforth, the donation boxes are likely to be opened every day. (In Hindu Rashtra, money donated by devotees will be utilized only for Dharmakarya ! Editor, Dainik Sanatan Prabhat) 1. There were coins, and more of notes in denominations of Rs. 10, 20, 50 and 100. Notes of Rs. 500/- and Rs. 1000/- denominations were comparatively less. There were 10 new notes of Rs. 2000/- so also notes of Singapore and Nepal currency found in the donation boxes. 2. Out of 17 donation boxes, counting of money from 10 donation boxes has not been completed. Opening of donation boxes, which are under PMDVS, has been started from 15th November. 3. In the donation box at Bahireshwar Devasthan, an amount of Rs. 3, 300/- was found. At Haripur Devasthan in Sangli district, an amount of Rs. 28,000/- was found whereas at Shri Kshetra Jyotiba Mandir, an amount of Rs. 1, 85,000/- was found in donation box. From 5 donation boxes out of 17 at Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir, Rs. 8, 53,000/- have been collected. 4. A big donation box near treasure- chest and a hundi was opened; cash was brought to Garud Mandap and counted in the presence of chiefs of the trust. 5. Counting was going on for the whole day with 25 employees. Rs. 25 lakhs was collected in the big donation box and Rs. 1, 70,000 in Hundi. All the amounts were deposited in the bank. 6. It is likely to take still 5-6 days to count money from other donation boxes. Donation boxes from other Devasthans will also be opened. 7. During Navaratri festival, Rs. 57 lakhs were collected in donation box at Shri Mahalakshmi Mandir. Other than this, even silver and gold ornaments have been received by way of donations. Source : Dainik Sanatan Prabhat There are rent control victories in the Cities of Oakland, Richmond and Mountain View, in the effort to save tens of thousands of renters from being displaced from their housing by heartless greedy landlords, realtors and speculators in the Bay Area! Renter control ballot measures pass in Oakland, Richmond and Mountain ViewBy Lynda Carson - November 9, 2016There is a renter victory in Oakland . With 100 percent of 279 precincts reporting in, the renter protection ballot measure known as Measure JJ has been voted into law with 73.92 percent of the vote. The measure needed a majority of voters to pass, and with 67,526 votes for the ballot measure, and 23,823 against the ballot measure, Measure JJ has become the law of the land.Renter protection victory in Richmond . After a long hard struggle against the notorious schemes of the landlords, realtors, speculators, and the California Apartment Association (CAA) , the City of Richmond voters passed rent control and just cause eviction protections into law with the passage of Measure L The renter protection ballot measure known as Measure L was passed into law with 64.34 percent of the voters voting for the measure (12,837 votes), with 35.36 of voters (7,114 votes) who voted against the measure. Measure L needed a majority of voters to pass the measure into law. Richmond will finally have some reasonable renter protections in place to help stabilize families and communities from unscrupulous landlords and realtors involved in price gouging, and eviction-for-profit schemes, while allowing the landlords to have a fair return on their investments.In an email from Richmond Councilwoman Gayle McLaughlin and the Richmond Progressive Alliance Steering Committee, in part it reads: We, the Richmond Progressive Alliance Steering Committee, and incumbent and elected members of the City Council extend congratulations to the newly elected Richmond City Councilmembers: Melvin Willis, Ben Choi and Jael Myrick.We also applaud the voters' decision to pass Measure L: Fair and Affordable Richmond for rent control and tenant protections. As Measure L advocates have said from the start, this measure alone will not solve our community's housing crisis, but it constitutes an important step to help seniors and working people stay in their homes and to prevent evictions without just cause. Moving forward, Richmond must redouble its efforts to develop more affordable housing.One conviction we do share deeply is that corporate money corrupts our democracy, a belief shared by the Bernie Sanders revolution. When Bernie Sanders urged supporters to run for local office, Ben Choi and Melvin Willis heeded his call. Their campaigns for City Council seats (and the Measure L effort) were fueled by hundreds of small donations and thousands of volunteer hours.Also in a huge victory for Mountain View over greedy corporate interests , the grassroots renter protection measure known as Measure V was passed into law with 53 percent of the voters saying yes to the measure. Measure V will protect over 14,000 households, including families, teachers and nurses from rent price gouging and eviction-for-profit schemes. Measure V needed the majority of the vote to win passage into law. The City Councils weak renter protection ballot measure known as Measure W that was an effort to defeat the grassroots initiative known as Measure V, failed to get enough votes, and only garnered 49 percent of the vote. This was a huge defeat for the City Council, greedy landlords, realtors, speculators, the San Mateo County Association of Realtors (SAMCAR), and California Apartment Association (CAA) that spent a fortune in money and time to convince the voters to vote against Measure V, and other renter protection ballot measures in the Bay Area. The lies and deceit of SAMCAR and the CAA against Measure V, failed to convince the voters to deny the renters in Mountain View from the renter protections they need from greedy landlords involved in price gouging, and eviction-for-profit schemes.In a quote from Daniel DeBolt, Communications Director for the Committee for Yes on V, he said, "We knew it would be a tough battle to win rent control and just cause eviction protections in the middle of Silicon Valley, but we prevailed. Rents nearly doubled here in only seven years and people are fed up. Renters who make up half of Mountain View's population can rest easier tonight.""I also believe we won because: 1) It was a large grassroots effort from the start. About a year ago, hundreds of residents packed City Council meetings for months pleading for a rent freeze and eviction moratorium. Numerous news articles were written.The City Council failed to act, so we continued mobilizing the sleeping giant that is Mountain View's network of activists, organizers and housing advocates."2. We had a big supporter on City Council who added legitimacy - Lenny Siegel, who had learned many lessons from leading the unsuccessful campaign for rent control in MV in 1981.3. Rent increases were so bad that the crisis was obvious to everyone. Asking rents nearly doubled in MV in only 7 years.4. The Mountain View Voice endorsed us with a great editorial -- the Voice endorsement always seems to have a big impact in local races.5. I hate to boast about myself, but some people seem to think that having a former longtime local newspaper reporter with name recognition (me) work on campaign literature, ads, email blasts, videos, website and social media was why we had success. We had great testimonials from teachers who were displaced by massive rent hikes. A beautiful young family agreed to be our poster family, as you can see at http://www.yesonvmv.org 6. Mountain View is 60 percent renters - a relatively large proportion of the population."Measure W had no serious campaign behind it, which is not surprising because it was created by rent control opponents! A lot of the yes votes on W probably came from us because we told people it was safe to vote for both.""It is also worth mentioning that MV was the target of nearly as much opposition spending as Alameda and Richmond combined, despite being only a quarter of the population of those two cities combined.""Unfortunately the rent control campaigns in Burlingame, San Mateo and Alameda did not have the success we had. Oakland and Richmond did succeed though.In a blow to renter protection activists and renters in Alameda, the renter protection ballot measure in Alameda known as Measure M1 failed to pass with 14,195 votes against the measure, and only 7,178 votes for the measure. Measure M1 needed a majority of votes to become the law of the land in Alameda. In opposition to Measure M1, Measure L1 which was placed on the ballot in Alameda by the shameless City Council in the effort to defeat Measure M1. Measure L1 has passed with 11,954 votes for the measure, and 9,544 votes against the measure. Measure L1 is a weak renter protection law supported by landlords, and will do little to protect renters from bad landlords involved in price gouging and eviction-for-profit schemes.Additionally, the citizen-initiated grassroots renter protection ballot measures in the City of Burlingame, Measure R , and Measure Q in San Mateo failed to receive enough votes for passage in these cities after the San Mateo County Association of Realtors (SAMCAR), and California Apartment Association (CAA) spent a ton of money to defeat the much needed citizen-supported renter protection ballot measures.After running some recent notorious massive campaigns of lies and deceit against the renter protection ballot measures in the Bay Area that were voted on November 8, today the CAA is gloating on their website with their propaganda puff piece called, CAA victorious in 3 to 5 Bay Area rent control measures. With the CAA bragging about the lack of renter protections for renters in the Bay Area resulting in more of the on-going evictions and massive displacement of thousands of renters at the mercy of heartless landlords and realtors because 3 of the renter protection ballot measures failed to pass, it is a shameless display of corporate greed and power, in a world of big money interests For more about the passage of Measure JJ in Oakland, in an email from Gabriella Miroglio it said;Oakland Passes Ballot Measure Strengthening Rent Control and Just Cause Eviction:Measure JJ passes 74% to 26%.Oakland, a strong grassroots campaign, led by the Committee to Protect Oakland Renters, passed Measure JJ that will protect renters.Oakland residents knew how much was as stake this election with Measure JJ, explained Coalition Treasurer and Oakland social justice advocate, Angela Glover Blackwell, and a tremendous volunteer force came out to win protections for Oaklands diverse renter communities.Oakland renter, and ACCE member, Franki Velez said, Measure JJ will allow me to sleep better at night knowing me and my family will not wake up to an eviction notice without cause. Thousands of Oakland renters like Ms. Velez are now safe from illegal rent increases and illegal no cause evictions under Measure JJ.While Oakland tenants and community groups celebrate the recent electoral victory, the fight for tenant protections is not over. We have expanded tenant protections here in Oakland, but there are too many unprotected tenants across CA that deserve to feel secure in their homes. Our organizations will not stop with Measure JJ, we will continue the fight for housing rights says SEIU Local 1021 Vice President Gary Jimenez.Under Measure JJ, landlords must petition the Oakland Rent Board to increase the rent above the Consumer Price Index, thousands more Oakland tenants will be protected under Just Cause eviction protections and the Oakland Rent Board will be strengthened.The Committee to Protect Oakland Renters is a broad coalition of organizations and community members who are fighting for the future of Oakland. The Committee includes housing and tenant advocates, labor unions, and other community leaders.Measure JJ supporters include:ACCE ActionAsian Pacific Environmental NetworkCalifornia Nurses AssociationCausa Justa::Just CauseCommunities for a Better EnvironmentEast Bay Alliance for a Sustainable EconomyEast Bay Housing OrganizationsElla Baker CenterHope CollaborativeOCCUROakland Community OrganizationsOakland Education AssociationOakland RisingOakland Tenants UnionPolicy LinkPublic AdvocatesRoots Community ClinicSEIU Local 1021Street Level Health ProjectThe fight over the Bay Area rents are expected to continue as long as the greedy landlords and realtors continue to gouge the renters with unreasonable rent increases, and displace thousands more with their eviction-for-profit schemes.Lynda Carson may be reached at tenantsrule [at] yahoo.com >>>>>>>>>>>> Unfortunately, Obama was wrong. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the 2015 nuclear deal, has barely curbed the Iranian Regime. Basiri wrote: The deal is reversible, lacks any reliable safeguards and is mainly dependent on a constant string of concessions to Tehran and the ruling mullahs promise to stay true to their word. The rest leaves much to desire. Heshmat Alavi, wrote on the American Thinker, that the weakness of the deal has allowed Iran to twice exceed the agreed upon soft limit of heavy water production. Basiri states that the US should have been focused on supporting the Iranian peoples cry for democracy, like in the 2009 elections. In fact, the Iranian Regimes human rights situation has deteriorated rapidly, with a sharp rise in the number of executions. Alavi wrote: Despite claiming to be a moderate, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has presided over 2,500 executions during his tenure. Scores more are on death row and Irans jails are packed with inmates like never before. While smiling to the outside world and claiming to seek reforms, Rouhani has remained completely loyal to the establishment by supporting a continuing policy of oppression, torture, and executions. Alavi also wrote that the tactic of extending an olive branch to US enemies had alienated traditional US allies. He stated: Obama turned his back to Irans meddling in Iraq in favour of pursuing the JCPOA at all costs viewed as an unofficial pact paving the way for Tehrans political/military infiltration of Baghdad and fuelling the rise of Daesh (ISIS). Iran has also been given an amazing amount of leeway regarding its expansionist tendencies in the middle east, which has cost hundreds of thousands of lives in the region, especially its involvement in the Syrian Civil War on the side of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Basiri wrote: The Iranian regime must be recognized for the totality of its nefarious deeds, and concrete steps must be taken to hold it to account for its human rights violations and its terrorist agenda in neighbouring countries instead of giving it ground to do as it will under the banner of fighting ISIS. Basiri wrote: Meanwhile, the Iranian people must be supported in their plight to establish freedom and democracy in their country and be given their due credit as the true force capable of rooting out extremism in Iran and, by extension, the entire region. Alavi agreed with that. He wrote: Obama failed to extend his hand to the Iranian people. Donald Trump should not. His White House and the new Republican Congress should work closely to adopt a firm Iran policy worthy of the values America stands for. The burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB - Heroes Cemetery) was hurriedly and secretively carried out, with military-style logistical support. A military helicopter brought the body from Ilocos Norte, where the former dictators body was displayed in the Marcos Museum, to the LNMB. The marines and the police were mobilized to encircle the perimeter of the cemetery. They were placed on red alert. The enabler was President Rodrigo Duterte. It was, all along, a state sponsored burial. Duterte ordered it, the Supreme Court authorized it. The burial was accompanied with a 21-gun salute and the pompous ceremony that accompanies an official burial.Did they actually think they could get away with it? Thousands, predominantly youth and university students, spontaneously walked out of class rooms and immediately took to the streets to protest the burial, sending the President a clear message that this is a miscalculation he will be made to regret.A new generation took to the streets demonstrating that it would be the guardians of a history that was also proudly made by the generation of the first quarter storm the student radicalization that was the basis for an organized mass movement that led to the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship. The young protestors chanted the slogans of the martial law generation: "Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!", "Marcos, Hitler, Diktador, Tuta!" They sang Bayan Ko. Most of them do not belong to any radical organization. They are students of history. A history that cannot be covered up. A product of the continuing organization and education of the martial law generation.Significantly, the young people also sense history in the making -- the climate of fear leading to martial law, of more repressions and another dictatorship. A new generation has signaled that it will not stand by and watch this happen. They have sent a warning to the Duterte administration. They have now taken up the cudgel.With the authority of these mass rallies they have declared that the protests will continue. They have put forward some demands, chanting hukayin dig up the body and bury it where it belongs: in the dustbin of history.PLM will accompany the youth in this struggle and in the coming struggles under an administration that refuses to learn the lessons of history.Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM)_________________________________________________________________________Workers condemn secret burial for a secret hero created by a secret dealBy Partido ng Manggagawa (PM)There was a secret deal to make this travesty happen. The Supreme Court decision simply rendered this political deal a legal character.Todays secret burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) is a done deal. It was a shared triumph resulting from a highly coordinated action between the Marcos family and the Duterte government.We condemn this act as a mockery of justice and an affront to the principles civility. Why bury a hero, their honorable leader, sneakily away from national curiosity? Hence, it rather looks like a burial for a high level terrorist rather than one with state honors.The secret burial did not only deny the victims of martial law the chance to reverse the verdict against their tormentor. It also reduced the peoples genuine quest for justice a trivial chasing game of chance under the present administration.- Labor Party (Philippines)_________________________________________________________________________Like a thief in the night, the dictators corpse is snuck into the LNB in lightning fashionBy I-DefendLike a thief in the night, the dictators corpse is snuck into the Libingan ng mga Bayani in lightning fashion, to avoid the protests that would surely accompany it to the grave.Until the end the Marcos family displays their characteristic treachery on the Filipino people with no regard for the victims of Martial Law. This is the family that President Duterte wishes to revise history with, and it is Marcos martial law that Duterte wishes to reintroduce in the country. In their desperate efforts to forget the widespread atrocities during the brutal rule of Marcos,Duterte and the Marcos family also forget the courage of our people in fighting for justice and freedom, a fight they gave their lives for, a fight that we will continue. Thus the real heroes are in the peoples hearts and minds, they are in the true Himlayan ng mga Bayani. Marcos is no hero. We have our whole lives to imprint that into the next generation, and the next and the next.- I Defend Human Rights and Dignity Movement_________________________________________________________________________Only Marcos corpse was buried not the truthBy AkbayanThe enemies of freedom who bury Marcos today will be held accountable tomorrowMarcos is a plunderer, a murderer and a fake hero. No amount of state-sponsored revisionism will erase the fact that he is a dictator who was ousted by popular will, and died in ignominy and infamy as a villain.The haste with which this burial has been carried drips with the treachery of those who seek to cover their guilt, right under the pubic's nose. The stench of this betrayal is unmistakable.Those who enabled the Marcos burial are enemies of our freedoms. They must be made accountable.Contrary to claims of Marcos's heirs such as Imee, moving on must be hinged on the proper acknowledgement of his crimes, an accounting of his debt to the Filipino people, and an apology based on justice and recognition that he is a criminal.Until then, Akbayan will join all other forces of democracy in our efforts at truth-telling and myth busting through rigorous education for the youth.Akbayan vows to continue pressing for justice against Marcos's crimes. The campaign to hold the Marcos family and their cronies accountable will continue.The dictator may be dead and buried but those who benefited from his rule still live and continue to flourish in scandalous lifestyles at the expense of the people.We will never forget, and we will exact justice until the winds of change truly come to our shores.On that day, we will not only defeat the lies of Marcos. We will reclaim the dignity of our democracy and our pride as a people.Muling igigiit ng Akbayan, kasama ng malawak na hanay ng mga mamamayang Pilipino ang pagtutol sa paglilibing kay Marcos bilang isang bayani. Ang pagtutuloy ng planong ito sa illim ng administrasyong Duterte ay isang lapastangang pagyurak sa kasaysayan at panawagan para sa hustisya.Lahat tayo biktima ni Marcos. Nasa unahan ang mga tinortyur, mga dinukot, naglaho at pinatay. Ngunit tayong lahat ay ninakawan, di lamang ng yaman ng bayan, kundi ng isang lipunang alinsunod sa batas at malaya sa takot, gutom at pahihirap.Tinakot, ginutom at ninakawan ni Marcos ang bayang PIlipinas sa ilalim ng Martial Law. Ito ang totoo.- Akbayan (Citizens Action Party) Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has today accused the Government of lacking "urgency and ambition" in its response to Brexit. He has called for the creation of an "urgent national plan" to reduce the impact of a hard Brexit - and to open up new markets. In a speech at the Sean Moylan Commemoration in Co Cork this afternoon, Micheal Martin said the British government's current policy was "a shambles". The Fianna Fail leader claimed Brexit is already undermining Irish businesses and communities. Mr Martin called for an EU-funded programme to help businesses, like the agri-food sector, which are hardest hit by Brexit. Mr Martin also said this is a challenging moment in our history - he said we need to work to address the fact that the country has become more divided and more unfair than ever after emerging from a deep recession, on top the rising threats from an international situation which could cause deep, long-term damage. Calling for an urgent national plan in Dublin to deal with the "slow-motion crash", Deputy Martin has also demanded the EU suspend normal State aid rules for worst-hit Irish industries. "We are not going to join the English in their desire to repeal the 20th century," he said. "We will not join them in their right-wing ideology of trade rules with no social dimension and no enforceable laws." Mr Martin said: "Britain has taken the route of a backward-looking nationalism, suspicious of outsiders and committed to the historically false idea that you don't need strong international bodies to secure lasting cooperation and prosperity between nations." He added: "In the five months since the UK's Brexit vote the only things which are clear are that their policy is a shambles and that it is already causing real damage on this island. "Brexit is not something which is happening in two years, it is happening now." Mr Martin said Ireland urgently needs a strategy to mitigate the impact of "the hard Brexit which is already under way". "The unprecedented decline in Sterling may soon be followed by new barriers to trade," he said. "We can't stand by and let this slow-motion crash happen." Angela Merkel, who has steered Germany through several global crises as its first woman leader, says she will seek a fourth term as chancellor in general elections next year. Speaking after a meeting with high-ranking members of her centre-right party, Ms Merkel told reporters on Sunday that "I literally thought about this decision endlessly ... but I am ready to run for office again". If the 62-year-old Ms Merkel wins next year and serves the entire four-year term, she would match her one-time mentor Helmut Kohl's post-war record of 16 years in office. Ms Merkel said she expected strong challenges from the left and right fringes of society as Germany has become more polarised. "This election will be difficult - like no other election since the reunification" of west and east Germany in 1990, she said. Ms Merkel said she also will run to be re-elected as chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Union party when it holds its national convention next month. She faces no serious opposition within the party. A physicist by training, Ms Merkel became chancellor in 2005. She is the first leader of a reunited Germany to have grown up under communism in the former East Germany. Repeatedly named The World's Most Powerful Woman by Forbes magazine, Ms Merkel also has been suggested by some as the last powerful defender of liberal values in the west following Donald Trump's election as the next US president. Nearly 60% of Germans surveyed in a recent poll said they wanted Ms Merkel to run for office again, said Manfred Guellner, head of the Forsa polling agency. "In these difficult times, Merkel is a pillar of stability," Mr Guellner told The Associated Press. "People have the feeling she represents German interests well abroad." Striking visual reminder of how many foreign leaders Angela Merkel has seen come and go pic.twitter.com/7NXZ3HzIc7 BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) November 18, 2016 Since becoming chancellor, she has dealt with several international crises, including the eurozone debt crisis in 2008-09 for which she brokered compromises among fractious European Union leaders. She has been a strong advocate of efforts to combat climate change and in 2011 abruptly accelerated the shutdown of Germany's nuclear power plants following the meltdowns at Japan's Fukushima plant. Unresolved diplomatic challenges include Europe's relationship with Russia, the future of Ukraine, autocratic developments in Turkey, the ongoing war in Syria and negotiations over Britain's exit from the European Union. Ms Merkel also needs to brace herself for the populist wave sweeping both the US and Europe, where elections next year could see a far-right politician become president of France. A date has not yet been set for the election but it will take place sometime between August 23 and October 22 next year. AP Known in real life as Mohammed Boniface (MB), aka Kompany, Blagogee.com caught up with the funny actor on set during the video shooting of Atom recently released music video Ft. Paa Kwasi in Accra. He shared his acting career and future in an interview with Blagogee.com (BC). BC: What is your educational background? MB: I had my basic education at Asofia Asaman but didnt complete. I reached class 4. BC: Do you regret not completing formal education? MB: Yes but now I have moved forward with my life. BC: Are you thinking of going back to school? MB: If I want to continue with formal education I would have to start everything from the scratch and that means from KG 1 and I am not brilliant so for now I will find someone to teach me in the house. At least my hello and hi I can write. BC: Apart from acting what else do you do? MB: Im a dancer and a comedian so when Im not acting I do any of these. Sometimes too I moderate (MC) at events for people. BC: How old is Kompany and are you in any relationship? MB: Im 29 years old and for relationship still searching for my right rib. BC: How do you see Kumawood movie industry? MB: Kumawood is doing great in the movie industry and my fans should expect more from me. BC: What advice do you have for upcoming musicians and actress? MB: They should be humble and be prepared to learn. Watch this hilarious interview Guwahati: The city based Wintrobe Hospital will extend supports to the Evening with a Doctor program at Guwahati Press Club (GPC) on next Saturday (3 September). Three medical practitioners from the private hospital will join the evening OPD starting at pm. Dr Nitin Gupta (Urology), Dr Juri Talukdar (General Practitioner) and Dr Debanga Borah (Cardiology) will be available for free consultations to media persons. The participants will also get the facility to get their blood pressure checked in the camp. The first program of the weekly evening clinic series (5 to 8 pm) at GPC was launched on 20 August 2016, where Dr Kashyap Kr Das (Medicine, Dispur Hospitals) provided necessary consultations on healthcare issues to over 30 member-journalists. The participants, including some senior journalists, took the opportunity to get their blood pressure & sugar checked by the health workers namely Puja Missong and Rupam Saikia. The program was supervised by healthcare consultant Ujjal Saikia. Mentionable is that Assams well known Dispur Hospitals Pvt Ltd under the leadership of Dr Jayanta Bardoloi took the initiative to raise a doctors chamber on the GPC campus, which was inaugurated by young citizens namely Dhiman, Kristi, Shantanava, Arya, Shambhavi, Nistha and Arunava on the occasion of Indias 70th Independence Day. The second program was graced by two physicians from Down Town Hospital namely Dr Swapnav Barthakur (Medicine) and Dr Ruma Dutta (O& G), who provided healthcare consultations to over 40 media persons along with their family members. They were supported by nursing staff of the hospital Ankita Bora & Anusmita Das with Sajal Sinha, Pranjit Sarma and Mayuri Bora, where the participants got their basic health status also checked in the program. The next three programs will be attended by the physicians from GNRC Hospitals, Swagat Super Speciality Surgical institute and Narayana Super Speciality Hospital. The initiative has been formulated primarily for the benefit of GPC members, but anyone related to the journalism is encouraged to take advantage of it. Moreover, the journalists based in other parts of the region may also attend the program, if incidentally they are in the city during the specified period. 21.09.2016 LISTEN Anita Offe, 23, passed mobile phones, sim cards and charges to Elijah Mochia, 22, while he was a prisoner in Thameside Prison in southeast London An inmate who sent a love poem to the equality and diversity officer in prison and referred to her as his black beauty has been given an extra year behind bars. Anita Offe, 23, passed mobile phones, sim cards and charges to Elijah Mochia, 22, while he was a prisoner in Thameside Prison in southeast London. The court heard records of 4,500 calls between the two had been discovered on the phones and they had exchanged romantic texts. One deleted text on Offes phone, from Mochia, read: Black beauty of my life, I never thought in prison I could meet a black beauty like you. The love poem was signed off From E. The pair were caught when they were spotted on CCTV meeting in a stairwell on January 20. Alex Matic, for the prosecution, said: It was noticed on CCTV that Miss Offe appeared to be acting in an unusual manner. Miss Offe had concealed items on her person and took them out of the CCTV area. She put them in a bag and Mr Mochia then left with them. Mr Matic added: These are people who should be aware to the possibility of being corrupted and should be in a position to resist. Inside the bag were phones, charges, USB sticks and sim cards. Offe was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years. She must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, as well as a rehabilitation requirement Offe had initially denied the relationship between the pair but later pleaded guilty. Michael Smith, for the mitigation, said: She has lost her career and lost her good name. Sentencing, Judge Anthony Leonard QC said: You began some sort of relationship with him, you knew you should resist and report any such contact. Offe was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years. She must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, as well as a rehabilitation requirement. The judge took into account the complex relationship she had with her son, who was sent to live with family in Ghana for four years when she was 16. Mochia was imprisoned for a further 12 months. -dailymail A two-day seminar to sensitize African traditional leaders on the risks and opportunities of large-scale land based investments (LSLBIs) kicked off Wednesday in Accra, Ghana, with more than 50 traditional authorities and community leaders from across Africa. Organized by the Land Policy Initiative (LPI), the event will equip traditional leaders with key principles for negotiating land investment deals that are sustainable and beneficial to African people and communities. Hubert Ouedraogo, lead land expert from the Land Policy Initiative Section of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), explained that the focus on traditional leaders is a strategic move. It is important to engage traditional leaders in such activities because land rights in most African communities are customary law based, and are governed by traditional institutions, said Mr. Ouedraogo. Africa harbors an estimated 60% of the worlds arable lands but the continent is still a net importer of food and agricultural produce. Meanwhile, the continents youths are fleeing massively to Europe as economic migrants. These are clear indications that Africas rich land resources are not properly harnessed to meet the needs of its growing population and rapid urbanization. Also, the need for developed countries to access natural resources critical to their economic competiveness and sustainability has fueled increasing demand for African farmlands. This has resulted in a phenomenon of large-scale land acquisitions across Africa. Consequently, African governments are blamed for giving away the continents land resources at the expense of poor local communities. Speaking at the opening of the seminar, Ghanas minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills, said his country has established several customary lands secretariats - institutional structures to facilitate efficient and effective administration of customary lands. When the Ghana Land Policy was launched in 1999, a prime place was provided for capacity development of traditional authorities, Said Mr. Mills. Under the Ghana Land Administration Project, Customary Land Secretariats are encouraged and supported by my ministry to enable customary landowners to have proper administrative structures to manage their lands. AUCs representative, Laila Lokosang, also emphasized the importance of recognizing and protecting the customary based land rights of African people. If Africa is to feed its rapidly growing population, then land rights of African farmers, the majority of whom are smallholder farmers, need to be secured, said Mr. Lokosang. Protecting the customary based land rights of African people, including those of women, is a key determining factor for Africas development. Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian National House of Chiefs, Nene Akuaku III described the seminar as a first-of-kind opportunity for traditional leaders. I understand it is first of its kind for traditional authorities to meet and deliberate on land issue. I will therefore entreat all of us to use this opportunity to share experiences learn and document lessons for future considerations. The seminar is part of several activities carried out by the LIP under the auspices of the AUC, AfDB and ECA, to provide guidance to African governments, traditional leaders and other stakeholders on how to make land related investments benefit local people and economies. President John Mahama says the wild election promises by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are meant to deceive Ghanaians into acting in a manner that will help them destroy the destiny of the country. The President referred to the NPPs one community, one dam; one district, one factory and one constituency, one million dollars among other promises as wild election gimmicks intended to deceive Ghanaians to disrupt the steady growth currently happening under his administration. President Mahama stated this when he paid a courtesy call on the Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Seidu Fuseini Pelpuo IV at his palace in Wa during his second-day campaign tour of the Upper West Region. He said up-to-date, the NPP had not been able to clearly tell Ghanaians what type of dams and factories they wanted to put up in which community and in which district, and wondered why they wanted Ghanaians to vote for them base on those promises. He said it was based on that calculated move to deceive Ghanaians that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was campaigning vigorously as if it was rather the party in opposition to let the people know the truth and renew their mandate. We are travelling across the length and breadth of the country campaigning vigorously as if we are the party in opposition to let Ghanaians know the truth from deception and vote wisely for the NDC to protect the future and destiny of the nation, he emphasized. President Mahama, therefore, urged Ghanaians not to entrust the destiny of the country into the hands of someone who had not been tried and tested, saying doing that would jeopardize the future of the country. He expressed concern about how some people had been attacking the integrity of the Electoral Commission (EC) especially the Chairperson and appealed to traditional rulers not to sit aloof but with open and neutral minds, offer words of wisdom and advice to such persons to ensure a peaceful election. President Mahama who was given a chieftaincy title Naapogba Kolee Naa by Naa Fuseini Pelpuo expressed his gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Wala Traditional Area for the prayers and honour done him. President Mahama also paid courtesy calls on Naa Puoure Puobe Chiir the VII and Naa Puowele Karbo III, Paramount Chiefs of Nandom and Lawra Traditional Areas respectively. The two Paramount Chiefs expressed gratitude to the President for the provisions of many health, educational and road infrastructure into their areas and wished him the best of luck in the coming election. President Mahama also addressed separate rallies at Nandom, Lawra, Jirapa and Wa where he charged the people to turn out in their large numbers on December 7 and vote massively to retain the NDC in power to continue with the good work that it was doing to improve development in the country. It is really disgusting to see this big big thief man (as my Indian work colleague Bob Singh normally calls those he perceives to be thieves), Alfred Agbesi Woyome, still bragging. He has been saying with shameless audacity that he will soon be suing many Ghanaians for far bigger money than the GHC51.2 million he is alleged to have cunningly connived with some NDC people to steal from Ghana. It is only in Ghana and under the government of President Mahama that someone can dupe Ghana out of such a huge sum of money, refuse to pay it back despite the Supreme Court ordering him contrarily, and still threaten to sue many more people for more money. In any civilized Western country, Woyome would long have been thrown into prison convicted on his own words of, I did not sign any contract with the Ghana government and I have never worked for Ghana government. How then could he obtain the money, submitting documents of claim to have worked for Ghana government? Is his claim on Peace FM radio as stated above not in contradiction to his written statements that enabled him to successfully claim the GHC51.2 million from the Ghana government? President Mahama, the Attorney General and some members of his government are encouraging Woyome not to refund the money to the State or else, they should have employed all means possible to retrieve the money by now. I know that Woyome, a criminal and an established thief as he is, fronted for NDC to obtain the money. Woyome getting the money was a perfectly executed create, loot and share plot by the NDC party and government. Why would Mrs Betty Mould-Iddrisu, go against a court order to do a deal with Woyome to obtain that huge money? I am aware that Betty Mould-Iddrisu took a share of GHC5 million. Instead of prosecuting Woyome for crime against the State and the people of Ghana, the Attorney General dragged her feet and failed to press strong case against Woyome hence Woyome being acquitted and discharged by High Court Justice Ajet Nassim. Was Ajet not the judge uncovered by Anas Aremeyaw Anas to have accepted bribes of all sorts? Woyome, no matter what you do, you will pay that money back with interest before you die. Will you sue me again? I pray you do. A time is coming that you will not only go on your knees to plead to pay back the money but also, you will see your arse in prison. There is time for everything. It is now the time for you to brag. Tomorrow, it will be the time for you to wail. An NDC financier my foot, Alfred Agbesi Woyome. You are a big time thief! I entreat all discerning Ghanaians to vote for Nana Akufo Addo and NPP if and only if, you want Ghana to get the money back from that award-winning Ghanaian thief man of the 21st Century Alfred Agbesi Woyome. Rockson Adofo 20.11.2016 LISTEN Proudly brought to you by Sircle Communications... The argument that unemployment in Ghana is really a political problem is a red herring. I even find it so repulsive as a pragmatist. Political activists usually claim that unemployment in Ghana is an end result of our country's poor economic management. Well, that holds a minute percentage of truth since those claims are actually shrouded in mischief just to score politically partisan points. For me being a fair-minded intellectual, I resist any politician's appeal for massive support because he is highly capable of drastically reducing unemployment in Ghana. The political philosophy behind Ghana's unemployment problem has failed to achieve incredible results over the years. So I believe it is now time for the Ghanaian people to embrace an alternative philosophy on unemployment in Ghana. To tackle unemployment in Ghana, we must begin to see and address it as largely a personal problem. Moreover, in layman's terms, unemployment is an economic phenomenon where people, willing and able to work and are searching for jobs, find none. Interestingly, "Unemployment Rate in Ghana averaged 8.82 percent from 2001 until 2013, reaching an all time high of 12.90 percent in 2005 and a record low of 5.20 percent in 2013. Unemployment Rate in Ghana is reported by the Ghana Statistical Service," www.tradingeconomics.com published. The canker of unemployment in our country Ghana is quite complicated in nature. Okay, who can dare gainsay the fact that our seemingly unfavourable business environment stifles thousands of enterprises, resulting in job losses? In fact, that has wreaked havoc on the everyday life of the vast majority of our populace. Frankly speaking, unemployment in Ghana has taken a toll on our national productivity in recent decades. But I want to shift people's attention to why unemployment in Ghana is more of a personal problem and not a political problem. I have unapologetically asserted a few times that unemployed graduates especially are the laziest folks in our part of the world. Alright, how do we expect unemployment in Ghana to be virtually non-existent when many youths have a sense of entitlement and not a sense of responsibility? Ghana's unemployment problem will linger on as long as most of our youths do not control their own destiny. Gosh, can young Ghanaian people in identity crisis have permanent jobs? Graduates are mostly certificate-minded and risk-averse when it comes to starting their own business the hard way, so a chunk of them become unemployed. How many youths of Ghana know who they really are their purpose in life, their true potentials, their inalienable passions, and the like? Above all, many Ghanaian youths are actually lacking in globally competitive skillset in our rapidly evolving world. Therefore, it is incumbent on the youths of Ghana to upgrade their way of thinking and personality traits to meet global standards. They must develop a sense of responsibility and not a sense of entitlement; they must be success-minded and not partisan-minded. Of course, our young people need to be empowered to take absolute control of their own destiny my first book will greatly facilitate that. They also ought to discover themselves in order to grow into the respective geniuses they were born to be. Many of our youths should strive to become social entrepreneurs and change leaders rather than seeking scarce and mediocre jobs. Besides, the state through the government must create an enabling national environment for all the above to function by leaps and bounds. That should be the government's prime concern instead of struggling to provide young people with jobs as a political gimmick. Need I say more? Source: sirarticle.blogspot.com Sent from Samsung Mobile The Spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party Flagbearer (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo; Mustapha Hamid, has dismissed social media reports that Nana Akufo-Addo has been rushed to London for medical attention. Although the NPP's 2016 Presidential Candidate has been campaigning in the Eastern Region since Tuesday, sections of the media early this week reported that he had been flown out of the country for medical attention. Mustapha Hamid In a Citi News interview, Mustapha Hamid called on Ghanaians to discredit the rumours insisting that Nana Akufo-Addo is well and could not be distracted from the campaign trail. That's a lie. As I speak with you, we just left Wenchi in the Akwatia constituency with Nana Addo today [Saturday] he has addressed about four towns, we've been to Akyem Awesa, and we've been to several towns in the Akim Oda constituency and Akim Swedru constituencies and so on. He is very well and alive; he is the one addressing the crowds and so on so I really don't know where this fabrication comes from, Mustapha Hamid stated. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Ghanaian voters resident in Togo, have set up protest banners ahead of a visit by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, to the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta Region. The protests appear to be in response to the NPPs claims that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has plans to bring in Togolese to vote in the 2016 elections. These banners were hoisted Saturday evening at vantage points in the Ketu South Municipality ahead of Nana Addos visit to the area today. But some NPP supporters led by their Parliamentary Candidate for the area, Maxwell Lukuto, attempted to strip down the banner and reported the issue to Police. This however did not go down well with some youth believed to be members of the NDC leading to some unrest in the area. The Police have since intervened and are managing the tensions. Nana Akufu-Addo is expected to hold a rally in the area later today [Sunday]. The NPP Running Mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in 2015 held a press conference to announce that the party had uncovered evidence of close to 80,000 Togolese registered as Ghanaians on the voters register thus bloating the register. The Volta Regional NPP also accused government of diverting state resources to Togo in exchange for votes in the November polls. The NPP is yet to present concrete evidence in this regard, whereas the NDC has rejected these allegations, explaining that because some residents of the Volta Region have siblings in Togo, what the party has been doing is to encourage such people to come back home and have their names captured on the Electoral Commission's database so they can vote. By: King Nobert Akpabli/citifmonline.com/Ghana Pouring acid on jilted lovers or political opponents is gaining grounds in Ghana. For example, a lovers squabble has landed a drivers mate in trouble with the law after he poured acid on his girlfriend who had threatened to leave him. Stephen Donkor, 21, has been charged with attempted murder of his girlfriend, Mary Oforiwaa, 18. Donkors plea was not taken and he was remanded in police custody by the presiding Judge, Mr James Kojo Botah. Oforiwaa was not present in court because she was still receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Source: citifmonline.com. November 18, 2016). To borrow the words of Wole Sonyika, hatched from the egg of impunity: a fowl called acid murder must be a concern of all and sundry. Parliament has been tasked by Ghanaians to make laws to ensure their safety and welfare. Parliament remained adamant about the enactment of acid sale laws, albeit, numerous incidents of acid attacks on the citizens of Ghana. When citizens expressed their views on the ineffectiveness of 6th parliament of the republic of Ghana, then they are hurled before privileges committee of parliament as if this is the only parliament under the foregoing republic. Hmm! A village idiot they say is an elected office and people proudly contest for it. What privileges do you have as a legislative body in Ghana when the privileges to exist as human beings of the very citizens you represent are truncated with acid attacks every now and then while parliament looks unperturbed? What are parliamentarians waiting for regarding acid regulatory laws? Fellow countrymen, I honestly struggle to catch the drift on our legislators (Law makers) refusal to enact laws to restrict acid sales in Ghana despite many acid related crimes in the country. The highly corrosive, deadly liquid, acid, which lately appears to have become a weapon for murder is sold at obscure shops in Accra at a pitiable price of one cedis fifty pesewas per gallon. Joy News' Kwetey Nartey who went to Abossey Okai in Accra, a place known for the sale of car parts reported the corrosive material is also being sold without any regulation (Source: myjoyonline.com, May 22, 2015). The source went further to assert that "You don't need any form of identification or any formal process. You only need a relationship with those who are selling it," What are the sins of Ghanaians to warrant this callousness from the 6th parliament of the fourth republic? The second and third parliaments under the above republic were very effective and they are always commended. If acid related killings could not goad members of parliament to enact laws to regulate the sale of the aforesaid dangerous chemical, it means Ghanaians are better of living under military dictatorship. I think Idi Amin Dada and Yahya Jammeh would be more lenient than this parliament that is still not worried about acid related death of the Ghanaian citizens. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr asserted that between two groups of people who want to make inconsistent kinds of worlds, I see no remedy but force. Thus, Ghanaians must force parliament to enact laws to restrict the sale of acid. Parliamentarians cannot hide behind their dictatorial privileges committee to intimidate the citizens especially when there are ample testimonies depicting negligence of duty. Parliamentarians must know that they cannot continue to enjoy their privileges while some criminal citizens have been privileged by parliament (refusal to enact laws to limit acid sales) to douse innocent citizens with acid. Acid attack must be discouraged in Ghana. Killing is very un-Ghanaian my brothers and sisters. Why do you murder people you heretofore claimed you loved? Romantic relationship is free entry free exist. No man or woman has the right to pour acid on a jilted lover. Ghanaians must vote for competent legislators who can make laws to ensure that their safety and welfare needs are assured. Our dear parliamentarians, you must be mindful of depriving the citizens of hope. Today, it is somebody, tomorrow it could be me or you whether legislator or not. Please show some love to the very citizens you represent. We can conceive of a future without high-rises. But humanity without music and love is not just inconceivable: it is impossible (George Leonard). God Bless Our Homeland Ghana. Feedbacks must be directed to [email protected] Nana Yaw Osei (Padigo), USA. The Electoral Commission (EC) has outlined the task for security officers to perform on December 1, for the Special Voting, and December 7 for the nationwide polls. On Election Day, security officers are to provide security cover for movement of election officials and materials, the EC stated in Guide to Voters, manual made available to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. The publication of the manual was captured under the GNA Tracks Election 2016 Project, funded by GOIL, the foremost indigenous oil marketing company, and CIMG 2015 Petroleum Company of the year. The EC explained that: At least a security person is required to maintain order at a polling station and work under the directives of the presiding officer who is the ultimate authority at the polling station. It is the duty of the security officers to escort election materials to the polling stations, maintain law and order during polling, counting and escort results and other electrical materials to the collation centre. The security officer is also required to ensure that all election materials are safe and secure. To this end, they must escort or guard the materials, where necessary. According to the EC, it is also the responsibility of the security officer to maintain law and order at a collation centre. The security officers are also mandated to ensure that the queue of voters is orderly, take all necessary measures to prevent violence or any activity that threatens the safe conduct of the election. The Security Officer is to carry out lawful instructions from the presiding officer or returning officer or a senior officer of the Electoral Commission in relation to the arrest of persons who violate the law, stand at the end of the queue, if any, at 17:00 hours to ensure that no person enters the queue after close of polls. The EC explained that, it is the responsibility of security personnel to keep special voting Ballot Boxes and their contents which are deposited with them, safe till after the close of voting on Election Day. Security Officers are also to ensure that candidates, political party members, observers and voters in general, have the right to equal security with respect to lives and property. The Commission warned security personnel not to take part in actual administration of the elections. Security Officers are forbidden from checking the ID cards of the voters, take part in the counting of the votes, harass or intimidate any candidate or voters, assist any person to vote or tell any voter who to vote for and do anything that would suggest that they favour a particular party or candidate, the EC stated. The GNA Tracks Election 2016 project 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. The flagbearer of New Patriotic Party Flagbearer (NPP) has not flown to the United Kingdom for medical attention, his Spokesperson Mustapha Hamid has said. He said Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is well and continuing with his campaign to garner votes and win the December 7 election. On Saturday, November 19, 2016 there were rumours on social media that the three-time Presidential candidate of the NPP was at a campaign ground somewhere in the Eastern Region when he collapsed and was rushed to London for medical attention. Speculations about the health of Mr Akufo-Addo and its politics are not new in Ghana as h ealth politics has become a tool in the hands of politicians in Ghana, especially during election years. The late President John Evans Atta Mills came under attack by both people within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but some members of the NPP as well as other parties. The claims and counter-claims worsened to the point that the only way to dismiss the claim was for the then candidate Mills to jog at the Kotoka International Airport when he returned from a 10-day trip to the United States to show he was physically fit in 2012. In August this year, an article published in the African Watch Magazine reported that the Nana Akufo-Addo was suffering from acute cancer which could derail him if he is elected as the President of Ghana. The author quoted a hospital in the UK as the source of his information. Some physicians in the country discounted the claims saying the former Attorney General should have been hospitalized and placed on medication if he had a serious health condition. Responding to the latest claims, Mr Hamid said such reports must be disregarded adding Akufo-Addo's campaign won't be distracted with such rumours. Nana Akufo-Addo was in the Akim Swedru, Akwatia, Akim Oda and Akyem Awesa Constituency on Saturday. He is expected in Okaikoi North Constituency at the Achimota Old Station for the Operation 40,000 rally as well as Aflao at the Avoeme Mission Park on Sunday for a rally. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim The presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the December 7 polls, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has condemned what he calls dirty politics of tribalism and ethnicity consistently waged by President John Mahama in his campaign in the North of the country. Nana Akufo-Addo entreated President Mahama to eschew ethnic politics and tell Ghanaians what the NDC administration has been able to do for the people of the North in the last eight years in office. Barely 16 days to this year's crucial general election, President Mahama is reported to be engaging in ethnic politics in the northern part of the country to get votes. I pity Northerners who are calling for change, President Mahama, a northerner, told residents of Lawra in the Upper West Region when toured the area as part of his campaign for a renewed mandate. He reportedly called on Northerners not to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP, because they hate people from the north, adding they will use you and dump you. But addressing a rally at Akim Oda in the Eastern Region as part of his campaign tour, the NPP presidential candidate described President Mahama's statements as unfortunate. Nana Akufo-Addo said these are ethnocentric comments by a President who has no plans of presiding over a unified country, and he is willing to say and do anything to win an election. With the signs clearly spelt on the wall that he (President Mahama) has lost the Presidency, he has begun using divisive language in his campaign. He is in the North telling the people that because he is from the North, the people should vote for him. This is sad. It is sad and shocking that our President will prefer not to use language that brings people together, but is rather using language that will divide us. I will not come before you and tell you to vote for me because I am from the Eastern Region or from Okyeman. I will never do that. The policies I have outlined over the course of my campaign should be the basis of your voting for me, Nana Akufo-Addo stated. Some NPP supporters at the Akim Oda rally According to him, President Mahama is embarking on a divisive and tribal-based campaign because of his inability to defend his 8-year record in office and has no campaign message to the people of the North. Nana Akufo-Addo pointed out that, the Mahama administration has disappointed the people of the North, as evidenced in the scandals that have rocked the Savannah Acceleration Development Authority (SADA). You (President Mahama) say you are from the North, and you are asking people to vote for you on that basis. However, it is under your tenure of office that the people of the North have been further impoverished. The levels of poverty in the North are truly unprecedented. Monies from SADA have been squandered, monies which were to be used to develop the North have vanished, he said. By: Awudu Mahama/ghelections.com/Ghana Supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), clashed on Sunday morning during separate health walks organised by the two parties in the New Juaben North constituency in the Eastern Region. It is unclear what triggered the clashes, but police officers had to intervene, and warned supporters of both parties to call off their walk and return home. The clashes saw the destruction of various properties. Ali Abubakar, the NDC Constituency Secretary for New Juaben North constituency, accused the Member of Parliament for the area, Nana Adjei Boateng for not restraining members of the NDC during the clash; but rather joined them in hurling stones. The clash comes exactly a week after a similar one occurred between the two parties in front of NPP Flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo's Nima residence in Accra during a health walk. By: citifmonline.com/Ghana The Chief of Tamale, Naa Dakpema Dawuni Alhassan, has openly declared his support for the Convention Peoples Party (CPP). Naa Dakpema Dawuni Alhassan endorsed Ivor Greenstreet when he paid a courtesy call on him at his palace as part of his campaign tour of the Northern Region. He described the partys presidential candidate, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet as a time tested and serious politician who deserved to win the December 7polls because of his track record. The Tamale Chief said his affiliation to the CPP dates back to the 60s, when his fathers together with Dr. Osagyefo Kwame formed the party. He thus pleaded with the electorate to give Ivor Kobina Greenstreet and the CPP the mandate to build on the solid foundation laid by Nkrumahs administration. Naa Dakpema Dawuni Alhassan is rest assured the CPP would deepen peaceful coexistence when elected into office. He encouraged Ivor Kobina Greenstreet to continue campaigning on peace and development to attract floating voters. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet thanked the Tamale chief for his blessing and assured him of victory. He promised to fulfill all his campaign promises to make Ghanaians have a better sense of good governance. He said the next CPP administration under his watch would not disappoint Ghanaians. He introduced the Tamale Central and Sagnarigu constituencies Parliamentary candidates to the Tamale chief. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet by extension paid a courtesy call on the chief of Sagnarigu. Nyankpala chief endorses CPP Already, the Chief of Nyankpala in the Tolon District of the Northern Region, Abdulai Yakubu Andani, has also endorsed , Ivor Kobina Greenstreet. The Chief described the CPP as a peace loving party with a visionary leader, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, who's capable of fixing the nation's myriad of developmental challenges. By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA Elmina, (C/R) Nov. 20, GNA - Mrs Mildred Mintah Abban, the Chief Executive Officer of Milabban Population Network Ghana (MAPnet), a population data collection-oriented Non-Governmental Organisation, has said Ghana must endeavour to preserve its reputation in the 2016 General Election. She said the exemplary conduct of elections in Ghana characterised by a national ownership had become an inspiration to many countries in Africa and beyond. It was, therefore, important, she said, to guard this enviable legacy to entrench the country's credentials as a beacon of democracy in Africa. Mrs Abban, who was speaking at an Election 2016 Peace Campaign Lecture in Elmina, said Ghana could not afford to fail the continent and the world at large, adding that, successful and peaceful elections should not be an option for the country but a must. The lecture, organised by MAPnet in collaboration with Nyakod Printing and Publication LTD, a Cape Coast-based printing press, was on the theme: 'Vote peace, Celebrate Ghana'. It brought together individuals and groups of diverse interests and backgrounds, including political parties, religious groups, security personnel, staff of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE),artisans, market women, students and the educational staff of the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (KEEA) District. She said ensuring peaceful election was the responsibility of all, and urged all Ghanaians to be circumspect with respect to their thoughts, perceptions, arguments and passions in the interest of the nation. 'In our growing democracy, it is imperative for all of us to help nurture peace and strengthen it through our activities, actions, decisions and prayers,' she stated. Mrs Abban said the 2016 Election presented a real challenge for the country and appealed to the security agencies, Electoral Commission (EC) and all stakeholders, to rise up to the task holistically, in a way that there would be no room for any group to destroy the beauty and the reason for the election. She advised Ghanaians to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the elections, desist from speeches that were likely to create tension as their contribution to ensuring peace and harmony. Mr Anthony Fynn Cudjoe, the Manager of Nyakod Printing and Publication, said electioneering provided the platform for people to express divergent views on how the problems of the country could be solved. This, he said, did not call for fights, hatred and insults and urged voters to act in decorum. He urged voters to desist from taking gifts and other incentives from aspirants but vote for candidates who met their aspirations and were capable of turning the fortunes of the country around. Mrs Faustina Koranteng, the KEEA Municipal Director of the NCCE took the participants through voting procedures, election offences and their consequences. She explained that every stage of the electoral process was governed by law and urged the electorate to abide by them to ensure sanity. She also urged then to be vigilant on December 7 to thwart the efforts of wrongdoers. GNA By Afedzi Abdullah, GNA Asebu (C/R) Nov. 20, GNA - Okatakyi Amenfi VII, the Omanhen of Asebu Traditional Area, has appealed to the Government and stakeholders to be supportive of Asebuman Senior High School in a bid to improve its infrastructural facilities. Speaking at a durbar to commemorate the 11th Apayamkese Festival of the people of Asebu, in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region, the Omanhen said improved facilities were needed to enable the school to achieve academic excellence. He, therefore, appealed to the Government to consider including the school on the list of Community Senior High Schools and employ teachers and other staff to enhance quality education in the area. The Asebuman SHS was established under the leadership of Okatakyi Amenfi, through the 'Amanfi VII Educational Fund' in 2013, and it has since enjoyed support from the Asebu Community. Okatakyi Amenfi said the school was established with the aim of providing secondary education to students in the area who were unable to continue their education after Junior High due to the high cost involved in traveling to far places. He said the School was in dire need of more classroom blocks, dormitories and an administrative block, which the community could not provide alone, as the number of students kept increasing. He said since 2013, the Community had paid the salaries of teachers and staff of the School and taken care of the other needs of students, a responsibility, according to the Omanhen, was too huge for the community to bear. Okatakyi Amenfi said quality education was crucial to catapult Ghana into a higher status and, therefore, called on corporate bodies to invest in the sector for accelerated socio-economic growth. He said the 'Amanfi VII Educational Fund' had provided scholarships to many students to ease the pressure on parents and affirmed that his outfit and the Traditional Council would provide the needed leadership and motivation to ensure that the children had the best of education. The Omanhen also complained about the deplorable state of roads linking the communities in the districts and appealed to the Government to give it the needed attention. 'The only health centre in the traditional Area in Moree lacks the facilities to handle many health challenges,' he said. 'There is, therefore, the need to equip the Moree health centre and upgrade the CHPS compounds at Asebu and Amosima to better serve the health needs of the people.' The Central Regional Minister, Mr Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, assured the people of the Region of his commitment to provide security to ensure peace before, during and after the elections. He presented bottles of schnapps, other alcoholic drinks and cash of GH3,000 to the Traditional Council as the Government's support towards the celebration of the festival. Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, also on behalf of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), presented GH5,000 to the Council as the Party's contribution to the celebration. Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom, the Flagbearer of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), in a speech read on his behalf, called for peace ahead of the elections and pledged to support the Education Fund with GH7,000. Some distinguished personalities who had supported the Community in diverse ways, including Dr. Michael Kyeremanteng of the C4C Homeopathic Clinic and Madam Mary Asamoah, who has served as a nurse in the community for more than six years, were honoured with plaques and citations. The Apayamkese festival is aimed at uniting the people of the Asebu Traditional Area and also to take stock of their activities in the past year. GNA 20.11.2016 LISTEN By Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA Takoradi, Nov. 20, GNA - Mr. Kwabena Okyere-Darko Mensah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Takoradi, has said an NPP Administration would establish a Seamen Training School to train the youth towards creating jobs for them. He said additionally, ships would be acquired for those who would be trained to undertake voyages across the world, which would market the country and bring in more foreign exchange. Mr Okyere-Darko Mensah said this at a Parliamentary Debate in Takoradi, which was organised by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in collaboration with the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the Ghana News Agency and Friends of the Nation (FON). It was jointly funded by the European Union, Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth and OXFAM. He said an NPP Government would also establish a Coastal Development Authority where funds would be allocated to the various coastal districts in order to train the fisher folks as well as those whose livelihoods depended on the sea to have alternative sources of income. Mr. Okyere-Darko Mensah, the incumbent MP for the area, also pledged to empower petty traders with soft loans to expand their businesses and make them financially-independent. He said an NPP government would resource the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to conduct in-depth investigations on projects implemented with the petroleum revenues and also empower them to demand detailed information on oil contracts and ownership of oil blocks to promote transparency in the petroleum industry. He said he had already established an Education Endowment Fund for entrepreneurship and innovation at the Ghana Technology University, which had supported many students. On Health, he pledged to construct an Accident Emergency Centre at the Takoradi Hospital so that health workers could respond promptly to any emergency situations. Mr. Isaac Collins Mensah, the Progressive People's Party (PPP) Parliamentary Candidate, gave the assurance that he would support the youth to acquire employable skills and lobby the companies operating within the Constituency to give an employment quota to the constituents when given the nod to serve as the Member of Parliament. Mr. Tugbenu Ian Kwame, Sekondi-Takoradi Manager of the NCCE, urged the leadership of the various political parties to be decent with their utterances and tolerate each other's views. He said the election was about the sharing of ideas and not electoral violence and thus, entreated all and sundry to be vigilant on the electoral process for peace and harmony to prevail. Mr. Samuel Baaye, the CDD Parliamentary Debate Coordinator for the Western and Central regions, said the debate would provide a platform for the candidates to interact with their constituents and tell them their vision and programmes. This, he said, would strengthen the country's democratic credentials and ensure issue-based discourse in this year's elections. The organisers of the debate said Mr. Alfred Ekow Gyan, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, who is also the Deputy Regional Minister, did not honour the invitation to participate in the debate and he did not offer any reason for his action. GNA 20.11.2016 LISTEN By Iddi Yire, GNA Accra, Nov. 20, GNA - The University of Ghana (UG) is the highest ranked university in West Africa and the seventh in Africa. Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said the 2016 Times Higher Education World Rankings once again placed the UG ahead of its peers in Ghana and West Africa. "The UG was ranked in the fifth decile of this year's ranking; and our strongest pillar this year was research. "This is definitely a great achievement, given that we were ranked in the fourth decile in 2015, with our strongest pillar that year being international outlook," Prof Oduro Owusu stated at the November Congregation of the University. This Congregation covers the second batch of students, who completed their programmes of study in the 2015/2016 Academic year; the first batch having graduated in July this year. "It is worthy of note that our efforts at becoming a world class research intensive university is well on its way," he said. He said the enviable feat chalked by the UG could not have been achieved without the concerted efforts of the staff, students and stakeholders of the University. The Vice Chancellor said he was grateful and confident that with the establishment of their Strategic Teams and with the continued support of all and sundry, their rankings would soar at both the continental and international levels. The Strategic Teams include: Institutional Advancement Team, Agriculture Centres Commercialization Committee, UG Rebranding and Marketing Team, and the Medical and Dental School Expansion Team. The rest are UG Regional/World Ranking Team, Vice Chancellor Green Team, Independent Power Supply Team and the Laboratory Modernisation Team. The Strategic Teams have been charged with the responsibility to position UG as a "Go to University". Prof Oduro Owusu, in his report to the congregation, said the security situation on the University campus had witnessed tremendous improvement. He said the University had also put together a strategic document to combat security challenges on its other campus; declaring that, "A major constraint, however, has been the fact that the security office was greatly understaffed. He said the Management was, however, working assiduously to find avenues to improve the current staffing situation. "We have also organised face-to-face discussions to educate students on the need to be security conscious. "The goal is to create individual and ultimately a holistic awareness of the necessity to be security conscious on campus," he said. "Let me take this opportunity to thank the Regional and District Police Command as well as National Security for beefing up our security efforts, volunteering security briefs, and helping maintain law and order on campus," he stated. He urged the graduating students to understand that education was expected to continue beyond the walls of the lecture hall into the community and work place and into adulthood. "As you enter the job market, I urge you to continue to improve upon these critical skills,' he advised. 'Remember that it is a competitive world and to be in the lead, you need to always strive to make a difference; just a one degree shift from the norm and you will be in the lead." The congregation for the undergraduate students of the College of was held at the Great Hall, while that of its graduate students was held at the R. S. Amegashi Auditorium simultaneously. The Vice Chancellor delivered his speech at the Great Hall, while the Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel K. Offei delivered it on his behalf at the Amegashie Auditorium. A total of 300 graduate students from the College of Humanities graduated, of which Mrs Linda Asante Agyei, an editor with the Ghana News Agency, graduated with a Master of Arts in Public Affairs. GNA By Kodjo Adams, GNA Accra, Nov. 20, GNA - The Presbyterian Church of Ghana, under the Department of Ecumenical and Social Relations (ESR), at the weekend organised a peace walk at Osu to promote peaceful Presidential and Parliamentary elections. The walk dubbed, 'Peace for Our Motherland'. saw many members from various districts of the across Church the country clad in white, blue and yellow T-shirts with the inscription 'Peace Walk' marching through some principal streets of the Osu Township. They thereafter converged at the Church's head office in Osu, Accra. Addressing participants there, the Reverend Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, the Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church, underscored the need to preach peace since it was the pre-requisite for national development. Rev Ayete-Nyampong explained that as a Church, they found it prudent to use the walk to demonstrate to Ghanaians the need to preach peace ahead of the December polls. 'The peace walk would serve the purpose of awareness creation on the need to maintain peace now, during and after election and also show solidarity with the security agencies for its contribution to maintaining the peace, order and stability in the country,' he added. He said the walk brought together church members who belonged to different political interest as a sign of unity in maintaining peace prior. Rev Ayete-Nyampong said the gesture demonstrated that Ghanaians could come together as a unified body to ensure peace in the country, irrespective of one's political affiliation. Rev Reverend Nii Ashikwei Kuma Ollenu, the Resident Minister in-charge of United Church, Teshie Nungua, said the walk was designed to encourage large youth participation in nation building and also to create a platform for participants to interact as they walked to promote peace. He advised the youth to be vigilant and not allow politicians to use them to cause violence during the elections since the country had had successful peaceful elections in the past. He appealed to all to use dialogue to settle any differences, saying that, the country would have a successful election due to the strong commitment and united leadership of the stakeholders in the elections. Mr Emmanuel Amakwei Attor, of the Youth Peace Project, Ga Presbytery, under the ESR, urged the media to disseminate the truth and impartially regulate the speeches of political party representatives that had the tendency of plunging the nation into political turmoil. GNA The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) will never allow its current Running Mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to be its Flagbearer, President John Mahama has stated. According to President Mahama, the NPP has always taken northerners for granted and he expressed pity for those who sided with the main opposition party over his governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). He thus asked northerners to reject the NPP describing it as a party that does not believe in the potential of Northerners. Addressing residents of Lawra in the Upper West Region, President Mahama, himself a native of Bole in the Northern Region, lamented, Sometimes I feel sad when I see some of our northern brothers running and also doing this. They will use you and dump you. Let anything happen today and let our brother Bawumia say he is standing for president in NPP. They will never give it to him I can assure you. President Mahama hearkened back to the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills which led to him assuming the mantle of the Presidency and later the flagbearership of the NDC going into the 2012 elections. He reminded that he had the full backing of the party executives of the NDC and no congress was needed as he opined that, if it was another party, they would have insisted there should be a congress and in that congress I would have been contested and they would have given the leadership to somebody else. President Mahama thus declared, I am proud to be a member of the NDC because I know it is a party that opens opportunities for all people of Ghana irrespective of your ethnic affiliation or you religious affiliation. Listen to President Mahamas remarks below By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana N'Djamena (AFP) - A key ally of the West in its fight against jihadists in Africa, Chad is mired in crises that have rocked the authoritarian regime of President Idriss Deby, as the opposition plans a general strike for Tuesday. The costs of fighting the Boko Haram Islamists, plunging oil revenues, deficits, austerity measures and strikes by civil servants have all stirred popular anger in a country with high poverty levels despite its oil reserves. "Chad has ground to a halt. We fear the worst," said Maoundoe Decladore, a spokesman for the civil society organisation "Ca doit changer" ("Things must change"). The dire situation is evident in the main market of the capital N'Djamena. "I spend a whole day with barely 1,000 francs (1.50 euros) in takings. There's no money. People are not coming," said Fatime Zara, a vegetable seller in her forties. Teachers have been on strike since September to demand payment of wage arrears. "All the money from oil has been diverted to the people in power," said Michel Issa, a school teacher, echoing complaints from civil society and the opposition about Deby, who came to power in 1990, and his government. The crisis has meant students have not returned to schools, colleges and universities after the summer holidays. Other sectors have also been hit such as health, forcing patients to seek treatment in neighbouring Cameroon, and justice. Deby met with judges on Friday to try and end their strike. The situation is worse outside the capital of the vast nation of 10 million people, where more than one in three children under the age of five suffer stunted growth. The political opposition, riding the wave of popular discontent, is demanding "inclusive dialogue" with the regime while contesting the reelection of Deby for a fifth mandate last April. The example of Compaore Deby officially received 60 percent of votes in that election. Saleh Kebzabo, his main rival, won just over 12 percent. "Idriss Deby is an illegitimate president. We are not seeking dialogue in order to accede to government. Our concern is to return Chad to a democratic path through fair and transparent elections," Kebzabo, who is behind Tuesday's strike, the third in just over three months, told AFP. The situation has led to speculation that Deby, who has been in power since 1990, could suffer the same fate as Blaise Compaore in nearby Burkina Faso. Compaore was forced to relinquish power in October 2014 following a popular revolt after he tried to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule. Compaore's fate represents a "model for the Chadian social movement," said Roland Marchal, a researcher at the Institute for Political Studies in Paris. "Many people describe a man who no longer has the same ability to take initiatives as before. There is doubt about his ability to last," he said of Deby, who is 64 and now often walks with the help of a cane. Marchal viewed as a "sign of weakness" the president's precipitous return to the capital from the climate change conference in Morocco because his government faced a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday. The vote -- called over the government's alleged mismanagement of the economy -- was not held because parliament failed to make a quorum after the ruling party's MPs did not show on orders from Deby. Diplomatic aces The president's move was sparked by "fear that some will vote for a censure motion and that the government will be overthrown", Marchal said. The same day, several opposition activists and politicians were detained in N'Djamena after the government banned a rally following the failed censure motion. But the president still has some diplomatic aces. Deby received his military training in France, he is the current head of the African Union, and is supported by France and the United States, who need the cooperation of the Chadian military in the region. The headquarters of the French military operation Barkhane against jihadists in the Sahel region is in N'Djamena, where it is assumed that strategic information is exchanged. Deby was also recently received by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. And he relies on an army whose best elements are derived like him from the Zaghawa ethnic group. But although the army is seen as strong force in the region, it also has its weaknesses. "In the army, certain ethnic groups are abused by the regime," said a civil society source. Said Marchal: "We are faced with an army that knows how to shoot, but does not know how to contain a demonstration". A Lecturer at University of Ghana, Dr Florence Naab has called on government to devise a policy that will make it mandatory for pregnant women to be screened for hepatitis. According to Dr. Naab, hepatitis B ought to be given the same attention HIV and Malaria has been receiving since it is a vaccine preventable disease. Hepatitis B infection remains one of the most important public health issues in the world. According to the World Health Organisation, about 240 million people are living as chronic carriers of the infection and 686,000 lives are lost every year. Ghana is equally affected with a prevalence estimate of 8 to 20%. In a recent scientific workshop organised by the Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana, She further expressed worry about mother to child transmission of the infection and called for policy to make screening of hepatitis B compulsory for all pregnant women. She said we need policies to make the screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy mandatory at all health institutions, and we need financial resources to make the vaccine readily available in all labour rooms. As a result, without the government and policy makers, health professional may be handicapped in the prevention of mother to child transmission of the hepatitis B virus in Ghana. She indicated that the existence of such a policy will ensure that all babies born to known hepatitis B positive mothers receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth as recommended by the World Health Organization. Mr Charles Ampong Adjei, a public health specialist, shared some of the psychological trauma hepatitis B infected persons experience after diagnosis. He called on government to integrate hepatitis B services into the already existing HIV structures to enable affected individuals to seek support and care. He admonished the health workers to provide pre-test and post- test counseling for their clients before and after hepatitis B screening. Mr Stephen Corquaye, a clinical pharmacist at Korle-Bu teaching hospital called on government to subside the cost of hepatitis B vaccine especially Immunoglobulin to make it affordable and accessible to the patients. Dr Peter Kwabena Fosu, a medical director of Danpong Medical Center and a board member of hepatitis Alliance of Ghana also called on heads of various hospitals to select one clinic day for management and care of patient with liver problem. Over two hundred (200) health professionals attended the workshop held at the Regional training Unit, Accra. By;citifmonline.com/Ghana The Convention Peoples Party (CPP), has vowed to truncate the second term bid of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) incumbent Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini. The party hasput forward the incumbent Sagnarigu electoral area Assembly woman, Hajia Zelia Issah, for the parliamentary race with Alhaji Fuseini. Hajia Zelia Issah, who is considered as a threat to the incumbent MP's second term bid, pulled a mammoth crowd at her rally in Sagnarigu. Hundreds of voters especially the youth, attended her night rally addressed by the CPP Presidential candidate, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet. Ivor Greenstreet in a short speech urged the gathering to let their enthusiasm reflect on the ballot on December 7. Hajia Zelia Issah advised the Sagnarigu constituents to shun politicians using Abudu and Andani gates as their campaign message. She encouraged Dagombas to rise above chieftaincy politics and vote for political office seekers capable of serving their interest. She appealed to the electorate to massively vote for the CPP on December 7 to improve their livelihood. As a grassroot politician representing the Sagnarigu electoral area at the district assembly, Hajia Zelia Issah renewed her commitment to lobby for more projects for the constituency. She reminded the Sagnarigu electorate to thumb print number one on the Presidential ballot and number six on that of the Parliamentary. Hajia Zelia Issah interpreted her number six position on the ballot to mean defender of the Sagnarigu constituency. Some of the Sagnarigu constituents told Citi News they were tired of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). They promised to vote for her on December 7. They touted Hajia Zelia Issah as a unifier and a trusted mother, whose influence as their representative at the assembly could not be underestimated. By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/ghelections.com/Ghana Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has denied allegations that the Government has stashed away funds meant to purchase cocoa beans and is using it for the campaign of President John Mahama. He said there was no truth in the allegation being made by their opponent, and thus asked the public, especially cocoa farmers, to disregard it. Vice President Amissah-Arthur denied the claim when addressed the chiefs and people of the cocoa growing areas of Asunafo North in the Brong Ahafo Region. Some of the places he visited included Awewoho-Manhyia, Pomaakrom, Manukrom, Asamura, Akrodie, Fawohoyedin and Ayomso, all in the Asutifi North Constituency. The Vice President is on a three-day campaign tour of the Brong-Ahafo Region. Vice President Amissah-Arthur is being accompanied on the campaign tour by Eric Opoku, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Barbara Serwah Asamoah, a Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan, a former National Organiser of the NDC, among others. The major concerns of the people in the cocoa growing areas are the bad roads and the lack of mobile telephone network. They therefore appealed to the Vice President to expedite action on them, so that they could communicate with their people and also ensure easy transportation of their goods, services and commuters. Vice President Amissah-Arthur assured the people that, the NDC Government would continue to pay cocoa farmers well and also utilise the amount set aside for cocoa roads to improve the road networks in the six cocoa producing regions of the country. He said already some officials from the Ghana Infrastructure Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), had visited some of the communities and they would soon be back to address some of their challenges. He said the cocoa sector continued to be critical to Ghana's economic and social development. It was for this reason, he said, that the Government paid a lot of attention to the sector, with a special focus on the farmers. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the Government had set aside 150 million dollars annually of proceeds from cocoa and earmarked it for the cocoa roads. He explained that, the programme had been divided into phases and appealed to the communities that had not been covered to be patient as it would get to their turn. He also urged supporters of the NDC to restrain themselves from all forms of provocation and vote massively for President Mahama on December 7. Cairo (AFP) - Egypt will try 292 jihadist suspects over plots to assassinate President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the Saudi crown prince and attacks in the Sinai Peninsula, a prosecution official said Sunday. The suspects, including 151 currently in custody, were referred to a military court for alleged membership of the "Sinai State", the local affiliate of the Islamic State group, which is leading an insurrection in the Sinai. The suspects were questioned about the accusations against them and 66 confessed during an investigation that lasted more than a year, the official said. All of the suspects were involved in 17 operations, including two plots to kill Sisi, one while he was on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and one in Cairo, the official said. The official gave no further details, but said those who planned the assassination attempts were dismissed police officers who adhere to jihadist ideology. The suspects allegedly also planned to assassinate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef in the Gulf kingdom and five Egyptian judges. No further details about the plots were given. The prosecution also accuses the suspects of attacking army and police checkpoints and bases in the Sinai, and of responsibility for a February 2014 attack on a bus carrying South Korean tourists in the south Sinai tourist resort of Taba that killed three holidaymakers. The army has been battling an Islamist insurgency in northern Sinai which escalated after the military overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Egypt's government says hundreds of police and soldiers have died in the attacks, which have also hit Cairo and the Nile Delta. Most of the attacks have been claimed by the Egyptian IS affiliate, which also said it bombed a Russian plane over Sinai in October 2015, killing all 224 people on board, most of them Russian tourists. President of the Ghana Institution of Engineers, Ing. Dr Kwame Boakye has said that for Ghana to have sustainable development, political parties must inculcate into their manifestos Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation (STEI). Ing. Dr Kwame Boakye said this when he delivered the 47th Presidential Address as the President of Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the Engineers Centre, Roman Ridge, Accra. Speaking under the theme, Ghana must embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation to achieve sustainable development, the President of GhIE explained that most development problems are essentially engineering problems. Any war against poverty, disease, illiteracy and environmental degradation can succeed only by making use of STEI, he said. In Ghana, much lip-service is paid to leveraging science and technology for national development. Yet, there is currently a poor appreciation of the importance of, and the benefits that STEI can deliver to the competitiveness of the economy and to national development in general, he added. Ing. Dr Kwame Boakye recommended that there must be national agreement that our ambition as a country that aspires to become an upper middle-income country requires a vision of development which fully applies and integrates STEI into national development strategies to achieve national objectives for poverty reduction, competitiveness of enterprises, sustainable environmental management and industrial growth. This must be a tenet of the National Development Planning Commission and be accepted as inviolate by all the political party manifestoes, which means that STEI will be a top priority item that must be funded appropriately, the GhIE President recommended. The Chairman of the occasion was Prof. Ivan Addae-Mensah, former chancellor of the University of Ghana, Legon. The event was attended by Past Presidents of GhIE, Council members, members of the GhIE, other professional bodies and the general public. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com By Josephine Naaeke, Marrakech, (Courtesy UNFCCC) Marrakech, (Morocco) Nov. 20, GNA - At the end of the 22nd Session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) on Climate Change in Marrakech, governments set a rapid deadline of 2018 to complete the Rule Book for operationalising the Paris Agreement. The book is to help outline how countries would monitor and report on their nationally determined pledges to curb greenhouse gas emissions, which were unclear in the Paris Agreement. This is to ensure confidence, cooperation and its success over the years and decades to come. The agreement calls for a significant boost of transparency of action, including for measuring and accounting emissions reductions, the provision of climate finance, and technology development and transfer. It also includes work to design the adaptation communications, which is the primary vehicle under the Paris Agreement to share individual adaptation efforts and support needs. Countries have already built the foundation for this by peer assessing each other's actions to cut emissions through a transparent process that began in 2014. They also accelerated global climate action across a broad range of areas at the 2016 UN climate change conference. Multi-billion and multi-million dollar packages of support for clean technologies; building capacity to report on climate action plans, and initiatives for boosting water and food security in developing countries were also among the many new announcements and initiatives launched. Mr. Mezouar, the President of the 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP 22), said, 'The Kingdom of Morocco is fully engaged in the success of this COP and will energetically carry out its role as President. At the outcome of the last 15days, our vision has been consolidated and we are working to make concrete progress and to carry out breakthrough actions from now until the end of 2017. 'It will be necessary to respect the commitment of $100 billion dollars from now until 2020.' Faced with the magnitude of what is required for dealing with the impacts of climate change Mr Mezouar said turning billions into trillions was indispensable, and emphasised that 2017 must be the year of large scale projects, of mobilising finance, and accessing financial facilities that would be necessary for adaptation. Businesses, investors, cities and local governments also issued new climate change commitments, adding to the thousands announced in the run up to the Paris climate conference last year, he said. Patricia Espinosa, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said, 'The landmark Paris Agreement set the course and the destination for Global Climate Action. 'Here in Marrakesh, governments underlined that this shift is now urgent, irreversible and unstoppable,' she said. Ms. Espinosa added, 'During COP 22, the strength, the support for and the robustness of the Paris Agreement was further underlined, with nine more ratifications received at the UN in New York and the promise of many more to come.' Nations reaffirmed that the agreement was in their national interests and a key catalyst to a better, more prosperous future for their citizens, she said. 'I would like to pay tribute to the Government of Morocco and the President of the Conference, Mr. Salah eddine Mezouar, for their remarkable success,' she said. 'COP 22 has been what it needed to be, a COP of action that has accelerated progress under the Paris Agreement across finance, new initiatives, ambition and solidarity between nations and across Continents.' COP 22, hosted by Morocco's King Mohammed VI, saw almost 500 Heads of State or Government and Ministers in attendance. It also witnessed the first meeting of the Paris Agreement's top governing body following early entry into force of the Paris Agreement on 4 November. Fiji was announced as the host of the 2017 UN Climate Conference, with Germany assisting the Pacific island nation by holding it in Bonn. At his final press briefing, the Mr Salaheddine Mezouar, said 'Marrakesh is the place where real action on the Paris Agreement has began,' adding that, 'We will continue on the path.' On the President-elect in the US, he said, 'We count on our commitment for our planet and for the dignity of millions of people, we know that Trump is pragmatic and the entire US is committed.' Trump's election has been seen as a danger to the Paris Agreement and it was raised at every press conference a day after the start of the conference. GNA By Jerry Azanduna, GNA Bawku (UE), Nov. 20, GNA - The two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) said on Friday that they have convinced their supporters to ensure peace before, during and after the December 7 general election in the Bawku area. The two parties noted that peace was the ultimate tool for development and they would do their best to ensure a violence-free atmosphere both during and after the elections. The NDC and the NPP gave the assurance in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Bawku to affirm their commitment towards keeping the peace in the area. Mr Faisal Mashood, Bawku Central Constituency communication officer for the NDC, said the peace message had always been a part of their campaign trail, and that all their supporters were aware of the party's desire for peace. Mr Mashood said the party had made supporters to understand that it was not prepared to compromise with any wrong doing and any supporters who engaged in nefarious activities would jeopardize the chances of the party. He called on supporters to focus on canvassing for more votes for victory and desist from fomenting trouble as that would not augur well for the image of the party. Mr Gumah Nurudeen, Communication Director for the NPP in the Bawku Central Constituency, noted that the NPP stood for peace and development and was committed to protecting the interest of Bawku first, as the town would always be there even when there was no politics. Mr Nurudeen indicated that the youth in Bawku would cooperate effectively with the security agencies to fish out any miscreants who would want to take advantage of the situation to cause mayhem in the area during the polls. He said the two major parties were focused on teaming up forces to monitor and ensure the area witnessed a violence-free and fair election this year. He called on the people not to see one another as NPP and NDC members, but people of Bawku who are forging to select a leader who could help attend to the area's development needs. Mr Issaku Bukari, Chairman of the Bawku Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) commended the two major political parties, for their commitment to giving peace a chance and said strategies had been put in place to ensure the area witnessed a peaceful poll on December 7. He told the GNA that leaders of the various political parties had maintained good relations, which was an indication that the people had accepted that they were one people seeking for a common goal. Mr Bukari said the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), Bawku Inter-Ethnic Peace Committee (BIEPC) and other peace loving organisations were on the ground ensuring that the residents understood the importance of peace. He said the security agencies operating in the area were well equipped and ready to maintain law and order. Mr Issahaku Bukari, the Bawku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), called on the people to go to the polling stations on Election Day, vote peacefully, go home and return to the polling stations only after 17:00 hours to witness the counting of the ballot papers. GNA MATTOON -- The Lake Land College Center for Business and Industry recently announced a new workshop titled The Indispensable Employee. The workshop will be offered twice in December: on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6-9 p.m., or Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Lake Land Center for Business and Industry facility located at 305 Richmond Ave. East in Mattoon. In announcing the workshop, center Director Bonnie Moore said, We are very excited to offer this new program. She explained, The program is ideal for individuals who want to brush up on workplace practices or advance in their careers, people who recently lost their jobs, and students who will soon be entering the workforce. The Indispensable Employee will be presented by David Cox, president of Employerwise LLC, an HR consulting firm serving East Central Illinois. Cox developed the program to assist employers and employees in creating a better, more productive workplace. In addition to the workshop offered on Dec. 1 and 6, organizations are welcome to schedule private seminars. Call 217-238-8260 for information on workshop registration and private seminars. - Ghanaians will be holding their presidential election on December 7 and Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti is warning them against making a wrong decision - The controversial Nigerian governor says Ghanaians must not take the party with the 'change' mantra serious like Nigerians did in 2015 Ahead of the December 7 presidential election in Ghana, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti has issued a warning to the country not to make the same mistake made by Nigerians in the 2015 presidential election. According to Fayose, the mistake Nigerians made was voting for change, which has brought hunger, sufferings and economic recession to the country, such that even the entire West African sub-region is being affected. Fayose has warned Ghanaians against voting for 'change' In a statement by his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: By buying into the All Progressives Congress (APC) message of change, Nigerians are now facing a kind of hunger and suffering never experienced in the country in the last 30 years and Ghanaians must not fall into that kind of trap. The statement made available to Legit.ng said the governor made the call while playing host to some men of God from Ghana on Saturday, November 19. READ ALSO: Ohaneze Ndigbo confers chieftaincy on Ekiti governor Fayose Ghanaians should not succumb to the deceit of the opposition party that are calling for a change of government. Rather, they should return the incumbent President, John Mahama, who has no doubt done creditably well to deserve a re-election. Ghanaians should know that the change in Nigeria brought hunger, suffering, disregard for the rule of law as well as arrest and detention of Nigerians without trial and be mindful of those preaching change to them. Most importantly, the situation in Ghana at present is similar to that of Nigeria. Like President Mohammadu Buhari, opposition party, New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo has contested the presidency two times. "This is the third time he is contesting. He is also 74 year-old. READ ALSO: Only Igbos can survive if Nigeria break - Fayose In Nigeria, change is synonymous with economic recession that is even getting to the level of depression. Even majority of those who brought the change are now regretting it. Therefore, tell your people in Ghana that Nigerians are already regretting the change they made last year, which has plunged the country into serious economic hardship. "Tell them to learn from Nigerians and reject those preaching message of change to them. They should hold on to the government that they have now and beware of a change that will take their country to economic recession. READ ALSO: Homeless Kenyan girl steals hearts in Mombasa Source: Legit.ng To advance vocational education and training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia By: Siemens End -- To continuously drive the creation of employment opportunities for young Saudi nationals and increase workforce localization in line with Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020, Siemens signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Colleges of Excellence (CoE). The MoU marks another milestone in the collaboration between the two organizations which aims to jointly develop a vocational education and training concept modelled around the German dual education system. Furthermore, Siemens and CoE will work together to create a concept for a pilot project, ahead of a gradual Kingdom-wide rollout. The joint initiative will focus on the skills requirements of primarily Saudi and German employers in the Kingdom to develop more electrical technicians, mechanical technicians and business administration graduates.As the Kingdom continues to drive economic diversification, vocational education and training is becoming increasingly important to achieve the goals of the National Transformation Program 2020 and Vision 2030. These include ambitious targets such as increasing the number of students enrolled in technical and vocational training from 104,000 to 950,000, and increasing the percentage of high school graduates entering vocational training programs from 7% to 12.5% by 2020.The Saudi government allocated nearly a quarter of its current budget to education and training to equip young Saudi nationals with skills that are required by the labor market. The Kingdom's youth are its "significant assets" and much is being done to develop local skills and create more employment opportunities. The government is therefore working even closer with the private sector to further develop capabilities in priority sectors.H.E. Dr. Ahmad Fahad Al Fahaid, Governor of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), said "TVTC works with the private sector to deliver top quality technical and vocational training to the young citizens of Saudi Arabia. Our collaboration with Siemens is a good example since it explores how aspects of the German dual education system can be applied in Saudi Arabia to produce graduates that are ready to be absorbed by the labor market."With vocational training capacity expanding in fields such as energy and transport, there are additional opportunities to not only develop existing skills sets, but also to jointly explore the skills requirements of potential new markets, such as renewable energy and manufacturing. The collaboration between Siemens and CoE therefore provides the leverage to act on current and new skills requirements in an increasingly diversified Saudi economy.The German dual education system combines theoretical, practical and on-the-job phases in an interwoven approach that enhances the employability of graduates. Siemens has a proven track record in exporting and adapting this approach in at least twenty countries as a global leader in electrification, automation and digitalization.Joe Kaeser, CEO and President of Siemens AG, explained "Siemens has provided best-in-class vocational education and training globally for more than a century and is currently training nearly 11,500 of its own and clients' employees. Vocational education and training is a unique lever to further develop local skills, drive Saudization and benefits all parties of this dual system in terms of employability, developing highly skilled workers and fostering youth employment".Colleges of Excellence functions as the execution arm of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, a governmental organization chaired by the Minister of Education, with the mandate to regulate and administer technical and vocational training in Saudi Arabia. A Royal Decree, dated the 26of February 1980, confirmed the establishment of TVTC to specifically address the Kingdom's labor market needs through appropriate human resource development interventions.Siemens, CoE and TVTC enjoy a long-standing relationship through the Saudi Petroleum Services Polytechnic, a partner college in Dammam where Siemens has trained more than 170 students since 2012. Under the excellent guidance of TVTC, the joint initiative produced the first generation of gas turbine experts who built the first "Made in KSA" gas turbine earlier this year. The graduates are employed at the Siemens Dammam Energy Hub, Saudi Arabia's first and largest facility of its kind. In addition, Siemens is a Founding Stakeholder of the National Power Academy (NPA), a further joint initiative with TVTC and Saudi Aramco to train young Saudi nationals for the energy market. In 2015, Siemens signed an agreement to provide equipment, software, curricula and training expertise to the NPA with the view to sponsor, train and employ Saudi talents. Siemens is represented on the NPA's Board of Trustees and its Technical Advisory Committee. CHARLESTON -- A century-old house with antique heirlooms and holiday decor will be a fine place to help a worthy cause, Michelle Wheeler believes. The home of Wheeler and her husband Kraig will be one of the featured stops of the Dec. 4 house walk to benefit CASA of East Central Illinois, the area's child court advocacy organizer. Wheeler said she thinks her family's rural Lerna farmhouse will be interesting to "people who like old houses" and she's willing to open it up to support the organization. "I really believe in CASA," she said. "I really believe that children should be represented." Tickets for the walk are now on sale at $20 each and will allow participants to tour the Wheelers' home and six other locations. The money raised from the event will go to help fund CASA's entire program, organization Executive Director Kristen Bertrand said. "I appreciate these homeowners opening their homes," Bertrand said of the house walk. "It's an extraordinary thing for them to do." Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of the walk. They're available at the CASA office at the Coles County Courthouse, at Charleston City Hall and at Ambero Antiques, 514 Sixth St., Charleston. Also, Pensees Bookshop at 502 Sixth St., Charleston, will have tickets for sale during the annual Christmas in the Heart of Charleston event on the evening of Dec. 3. And during the walk from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 4, tickets will be sold at Ambero Antiques, where walk participants can pick up maps and brochures with information on the houses on the tour. The Wheelers' home is the only tour site outside of Charleston and is located on Coles County Road 150N, which can be reached from Lincoln Highway Road south of either Charleston or Mattoon. They bought the house when they moved from Delaware 10 years ago. Kraig is a chemistry professor at Eastern Illinois University and Michelle teaches preschool at Broadway Christian Church in Mattoon. While the family's made some improvements and renovations, many of the original features are still there, including woodwork that's never been painted. Michelle Wheeler said the home is a "prairie style" and is exemplified by numerous windows, each with multiple glass panes above with a single pane below. The house's features also include two sets of staircases that lead to the same second-floor landing and a pair of greenhouses, one at ground level and another on the second floor. Among the furnishings are a wooden, multi-drawered chest that an ancestor of Wheeler's built, and a loom her family built after they arrived in the U.S. from Sweden, probably both built around 1887. Wheeler said she collects nativity scenes and the house's decorations for the CASA walk will include one of the ornaments in each room. The house walks have taken place every other year since 2012 and Bertrand said the money raised helps train advocates to work in child abuse and neglect cases and to cover the volunteer organization's other expenses. She said the first walk in 2012 took place during good weather and raised about $4,000, while the 2014 event on a rainy day raised about $2,500. Walk participants can visit the locations in the order they choose. The other locations on the walk, all in Charleston, will be: the David Bell residence, 1002 Seventh St. the Tim and Gail Mason residence, 860 Seventh St. the Blair Lord residence, 838 Seventh St. the Coles County Historical Society's Dudley House, 895 Seventh St. the Tyler and Tracy Weaver residence, 325 W. Harrison Ave. the Geisler, Weaver & Righter law office, 821 Monroe Ave. A Mahindra XUV500 was recently involved in an accident as it jumped the divider at the Yamuna Expressway on Monday morning while it rammed into an oncoming Ford Figo. Four persons from two families which included three women and one child died in the accident. 37 yr old Harjot Singh (driving the XUV500) was on his way to drop off his family members at their home in Sector 15 in Chandigarh. His wife Navneet (36), sister Jasvinder Kaur (52) and children Brahmaleen (9) and Anmol (5), were in the vehicle at the time of the accident. At around 9.30 am the tyre of the XUV burst at the Buddh Circuit area. This caused the car to jump in the air, enough to lose control. This led the car to jump the divider and crash into the oncoming white Ford Figo being driven by Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari (46) a JCO with the Indian Army. Tiwari was accompanied by his wife Lakshmi Devi and they were traveling to Lucknow for a wedding. Lakshmi was shifted to the hospital but died in the ICU while Tiwari has been operated upon for his severe injuries. The deceased from both the vehicles include Navneet, Jasvinder, Brahmaleen and Lakshmi Devi. Also Read Forget crash tests, JP Research India studies real road accidents and proves cars safety quotient In an interview with TOI, one of the family member said, I think we must question the company, because they claim about a lot of safety measures. Only one of the air bags opened up which saved Harjot while there are five of them in an XUV. All should have opened. However, it seems that they are selling a coffin. As per Mahindra, that is not the case. Mahindra says that the accident did not happen due to tyre burst as all four tyres of the XUV500 are intact. Secondly, both front airbags deployed. Below is the full statement from Mahindra; Mahindra Press Statement We are pained to learn about the accident of the XUV500 (bearing registration No. CH01BF0127) at Yamuna Expressway near Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. It is an unfortunate incident and we at Mahindra offer condolences to the families involved. We are in the process of investigating this incident in detail through an external agency. The preliminary observations about the incident, after inspecting the accident site and the subject vehicle, are as follows: Tyre burst has been mentioned as the reason for the accident. However, our preliminary investigation has found all four tyres to be intact. The variant of the XUV500 involved in the incident is equipped with two front airbags (driver and co-driver) and in this case both the front airbags were deployed on impact. All Mahindra Automotive products are developed and manufactured to meet or exceed the safety standards set in India for a safe driving experience. There is nothing more important to us than our customers safety. We are committed to meeting and exceeding all current and future safety norms. Many Chinese cities are suffering from deteriorating environmental quality -- particularly due to air pollution that contributes to fog and haze. Air pollutant levels now far exceed "safe" limits established by the European Union, and one of the main culprits behind it is the rapid increase in automobile ownership and usage. These rising environmental concerns are driving the development of new energy vehicles (NEVs) -- aka plug-in electric vehicles -- as a way to help mitigate the environmental problems associated with automobile usage. But sales of NEVs are still relatively low. In 2014, the 74,763 NEVs sold accounted for only 0.3 percent of total automobile sales in China that year. So, a group of researchers from the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research at Beijing Institute of Technology, the Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, and the Sustainable Development Research Institute for Economy and Society of Beijing set out to find out what motivates or influences consumer to purchase electric vehicles within seven cities in China. They report their findings this week in the Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, from AIP Publishing. "China has a responsibility to make efforts to reduce the pollution for fossil consumption," said Yu Hao, an associate professor in the School of Management and Economics at Beijing Institute of Technology. The group's work is based on "a carefully designed questionnaire and an empirical analysis of its data to determine the main factors influencing NEV purchases," explained Hao. To aid and speed the development of China's NEV industry, "it's essential to understand both the motives behind consumers' purchases and any existing barriers to the popularization of NEVs," Hao continued. "Our studies revealed that monthly income, the number of cars a family owns, sustainability, and vehicle comfort are the factors that most strongly influence customers' purchasing behavior." They also found that factors such as age, marital status and city of residence are playing a role in consumers' decision-making process. Based on the group's findings, "several suggestions are now being provided to help develop the Chinese NEV market," Hao said. Their primary recommendation is that the Chinese government should consider scaling up "effective targeting of financial support and subsidies, while improving the financial incentive system for NEVs." Beyond that, "companies within the NEV industry should also be encouraged to increase their research and development investments," Hao added. "Ultimately, the government ought to encourage citizens to raise their awareness of the environment and sustainable development." As far as the next step for their work, "low carbon economy and NEVs are both hot topics around the world, so governments are competing to regulate subsidy policies for NEVs," Hao said. "We're interested in further exploring how these differentiated policies may affect consumers' purchase intentions so we can make corresponding policy recommendations." Following their recent win at the 2016 Westpac Tauranga Business Awards, Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers has added another accolade to its collection at the prestigious TNT Golden Backpack Awards for Australasian tourism operators. The Bay of Plenty lodgings won the Best Accommodation - New Zealand section at the annual event, held at the Skypoint on the Gold Coast, which was attended by more than 200 guests. The awards showcase the best in the adventure and backpacking sector across Australasia. After businesses and organisations are nominated, the awards are open for public voting and the winners are announced. This is the second time that owners Sarah Meadows and Matt Young have won the category, taking Best Accommodation in 2014 and making the finals in 2015. They were also TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award winners last year. Sarah says it was an honour to be nominated alongside prestigious backpacking organisations such as Base Backpackers Queenstown and YHA New Zealand. These awards are the original and most established awards dedicated to those in the independent travel sector and rewarding companies which work the hardest to make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special. Backpackers now know the Bay is the best place to come to in New Zealand for you to have the best work-life balance, and we have worked hard to provide a network of contacts and support to help our visitors. We supply up to 180 workers to agencies, packhouses, orchards even mums and dads wanting short-term help, such as babysitting or painting the fence. Thanks to everyone who supported us and put in their vote. Were honoured to take the top spot and its a privilege to help make the Bay of Plenty a destination that visitors rave about. Tourism Bay of Plenty Head of Marketing Kath Low congratulates Sarah and Matt on their achievement and acknowledges their ongoing contribution to the tourism industry in the region. We couldnt be a thriving, attractive destination without operators who are confident in their knowledge of the region and passionate about what they do. Sarah and Matt are a testament to this, constantly providing outstanding service to every single person that walks through their doors, and we thank them for their hard work and dedication. Kath adds the regional tourism organisation is always looking to engage and support their industry, and encourages new and existing businesses to make contact. We know we are only as good as the people who are at the forefront of our industry and we want to ensure we are supporting the businesses and operators who make our tourism industry tick. Please feel free to make contact with myself or any of the team if you would like us to pay a visit, or if you seek guidance or direction in any way. Canadian author Lawrence Hill received an outpouring of thanks on social media following a column he wrote in defence of womens rights. The column, Women have a right to be heard and respected, was adapted from his remarks at the McMaster University convocation and published in the Globe and Mail. Hill begins by describing experiences of sexual assault relayed to him by young female writers during his time as a volunteer mentor for Crossroads International, where he worked to promote economic development for girls and women in Africa. Hill notes that high sexual assault rates are prevalent in African countries hes worked in, such as Swaziland, but said the western world still has a long way to go in its efforts to protect women. Here on the richest continent of the world, we are witnessing a rise in hostility to womens rights, safety and equality, he said. In the United States, the president-elect has bragged about his own sexually predatory behaviour. Astonishingly, it didnt hurt him at the ballot box. Hill uses the Jian Gomeshi case as an example of how complainants themselves endured public ridicule when coming forward with allegations of sexual assault. He also touched on the controversial firing of writer novelist Steven Galloway from his teaching position at the University of British Columbia (UBC) following complaints by female students. Galloways firing was met with a letter of support for Galloway from dozens of Canadian writers, including Margaret Atwood, which subsequently received backlash. He said that some of the female complainants were vilified online and in the mainstream media. Hill did not sign the letter. But I refuse to join any social movement that silences and hurts women who have brought forward complaints related to harassment or assault where they study, work, walk or live, he said. Hill received dozens of messages thanking him for speaking in support of womens rights. Quietly crying at my desk while reading Lawrence Hills piece writes Lucia Lorenzi, a recent UBC doctoral graduatein English literature, in a tweet. Lawrence Hill managed to emphasize the importance of fair processes without throwing survivors under the bus. See? Its not that hard. When a woman comes forward with allegations of abuse, Hill emphasizes the only response should be, You are welcome to speak. We will investigate and you will be safe. Many thanked him for his eloquence and clarity. I have a lot of respect for Lawrence Hill and his clearly articulated response to what has become a confused convo, one user said. Others simply thanked the author for, as one user put it, getting the simple truth right. SHARE: This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies of Toronto Star content for distribution to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about permissions/licensing, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com HALIFAXA senior Turkish politician attending the Halifax International Security Forum says Donald Trumps election could spell trouble for relations with Canada if a U.S.-based Muslim dissident his country wants extradited seeks refuge north of the border. Theres been speculation in the American media that the new administrations friendly attitude towards the Tayyip Erdogan regime could increase the likelihood the U.S. will extradite Fethullah Gulen to his native Turkey before the cleric can seek asylum in Canada or another country. Omer Celik, the minister in charge of Turkeys negotiations with the European Union, said granting Gulen refugee status would be akin to providing a safe haven to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. What kind of implications would that have with respect to Canadas relations with the U.S., with the Western world? Celik said in an interview Saturday, aided by a translator. Allies are not supposed to host the enemies of one another. Theyre supposed to fight against the enemies. Retired Lt.-Gen. Michael Flynn, tapped by Trump as his national security adviser, penned an op-ed for Washington-based newspaper The Hill on Nov. 8 arguing that allowing Gulen to remain in the United States would be like harbouring Turkeys equivalent of Osama bin Laden. Celik said Flynns assessment of Gulen was 100 per cent right, comparing clerics teachings to a book that begins with lofty notions of democracy, but by its conclusion, reveals itself to be something more insidious. From page one till the end, its all about terrorism, said Celik. Gulen has long been one of Turkeys most influential scholar with legions of followers in his native country and beyond. More recently, Turkish official have accused the self-exiled cleric of remotely orchestrating a plot to overthrow Erdogans officially secular government from his Pennsylvania hideaway. Gulen has denied involvement in the failed coup that led to 270 deaths in July. A report in Hurriyet, a Turkish newspaper, reported last month that Canada is on the list of countries Gulen is considering as a place to escape in the event he is extradited from the United States. Citizenship and Immigration Canada could not be reached for comment on Saturday. Gulens followers run a loosely organized global network of charitable foundations, professional associations, businesses and other projects. Erdogans government has branded the movement a terror organization, though it is not known to have committed any acts of violence. Celik said Canada is home to high-profile actors linked to Gulens movement and urged co-operation with Turkey in targeting these individuals. Celik said Davud Hanci, a dual Turkish-Canadian citizen who was arrested in the coup attempt, will have to wait for his prosecution to conclude before the imam can return home to Calgary. Canadian officials have been working on Hancis case through diplomatic channels. Read more about: SHARE: WHITEHORSEA Canadian jewelry designer discovered the impact a royal endorsement could have for her business after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges visit the Yukon. While Prince William and Kate visited Carcross on Sept. 28, the Duchess wore a pair of bronze earrings by designer Shelley MacDonald. MacDonald, who was travelling in Iceland at the time, said she was surprised to find out Kate owned a set of her earrings, let alone showed them off during the Royal Tour. A prospective customer contacted MacDonald through her online store asking about the earrings, tipping her off to what happened. After that initial message, other requests to buy the earrings started to pour in, MacDonald said. For two weeks, it was just 14-hour days answering peoples messages, she said. The sudden global interest in fashion items worn by the duchess has been dubbed the Kate effect. From the day MacDonald opened her online store in 2014 until the day before Kate wore her earrings, she had only 51 sales. Now shes made more than 540 sales. The pieces Kate was wearing were MacDonalds bronze Ulu earrings, inspired by the multi-purpose knife traditionally used by Inuit women for cutting hair, meat and fish. Its my interpretation of the Ulu, said MacDonald, who draws upon northern environment and culture in some of her designs. Its very important not to take an actual object and recreate it, so I changed it and made it to fit with my designs. At the time, MacDonald said she had only made one pair of the Ulu style in bronze, and was puzzled by how Kate got hold of them. It was only when MacDonald flipped through her book of sales that she remembered Andy Carvill, the chief of the Carcross-Tagish First Nation, had asked all the Carcross shops to be open Aug. 5 because people affiliated with the Royal Family would be coming through. As it happened, a woman and man came into MacDonalds boutique on that day, and the woman bought the Ulu earrings and a pair of gold nugget earrings, said MacDonald. I looked up (Kates) stylist online ... and it was actually her who purchased them from me, she said. With demand booming for her designs, MacDonald said she has had to hire an assistant and is working on 400 new pairs of the Ulu-inspired earrings. I still wake up and Im like, Is this is really happening right now? And then I look at my bench and Im like, Yes, this is really happening, she said. Read more about: SHARE: OTTAWAStepping up Canadian engagement in multilateralism including a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Africa can set an example for the world that even U.S. president-elect Donald Trump might want to follow, says Michaelle Jean. I think Canada as a sovereign country has a very strong voice and we all realize and we can see how Canada wants its voice to be heard again, the secretary-general of the International Organization of la Francophonie said in an interview with The Canadian Press. Im hoping that actually maybe the new president of the United States will see this as an example with its closest neighbour and will be hopefully inspired by our position I mean Canadas position in the world, Jean, the former Canadian governor general, said from Paris. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau travels this week to Antananarivo, Madagascar, where la Francophonie is holding a leaders summit next weekend. The stop is part of Trudeaus first visit to Africa since his Liberal government came to power last year. The Liberals have promised a renewed engagement with Africa when it comes to international development assistance, and since 31 of the 80 governments and states who make up la Francophonie are from the continent, it is also an ideal place to talk up their approach and back it up with some funding announcements. Canada is the second-largest contributor to la Francophonie and Canadian officials see the summit as an opportunity to discuss the migration and refugee crisis, climate change, gender inequality and how those challenges impact global security. Where Canada chooses to send up to 600 troops on a U.N. peacekeeping mission is not expected to be announced this week, but it will be a hot topic in the corridors. Jean said re-engagement with peacekeeping operations is an important way for Canada to contribute. That is essential, because half the peacekeeping operations are deployed in countries in the sphere of la Francophonie, she said. As for the official agenda, Canada is sponsoring a joint resolution with Benin on early and forced marriages, part of a broader effort Canada is making to put the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of its international development strategy. It is truly demonstrated how the socio-economic empowerment of women has a direct impact on the family, the community and ultimately on a large scale, on the development of a country, said International Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, the federal minister responsible for la Francophonie. Links between poverty and global security will also be a major theme. Bibeau noted how youth without hope for their future end up joining the growing ranks of migrants or, worse, armed groups. Quebec, which along with New Brunswick has been a full-fledged member of la Francophonie since the 1970s, is putting forward a resolution on fighting and preventing radicalization that leads to violence. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant are both attending. Ontario, the province with the largest French-speaking population outside Quebec, has put in a bid supported by Ottawa to become an observer state at la Francophonie, a status enjoyed by countries as diverse as Mexico and Poland. Marie-France Lalonde, the Ontario minister responsible for francophone affairs, said the province sees an opportunity to attract tourism, business investments and immigration, especially since it set a target of five per cent for francophone immigrants. Ontario can tell the world ... that as a Francophone immigrant, you will have access to French service and you will learn English at the same time, said Lalonde. Trudeau begins his trip Thursday in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, a West African country that was hit hard by the Ebola virus epidemic in recent years. Canada has a limited relationship with Liberia. But the country will serve as a powerful and symbolic backdrop for a prime minister who a government official noted is committed to promoting a feminist agenda both domestically and internationally. Trudeau will meet Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman elected head of state in Africa, who along with other women has been recognized including with a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her role in securing and maintaining peace following brutal civil conflict. Johnson Sirleaf and Trudeau might have other things to discuss as well, including her experience with the ongoing U.N. peacekeeping mission in Liberia and efforts by Canada to champion the International Criminal Court at a time when South Africa and others have decided to pull out. It was the International Criminal Court that hosted the U.N.-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone that convicted former Liberian president Charles Taylor for war crimes, after the trial was transferred to The Hague due to instability in the region. Read more about: SHARE: LIMA, PERUPrime Minister Justin Trudeau and leaders from Asian and Pacific nations so eager to cement free trade in the region are leaving an annual summit facing an uncertain future about the movement of goods, people and services across borders. That uncertainty has been created with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his anti-trade rhetoric set to take over the White House, potentially leaving a leadership vacuum on the world stage. Trumps anti-trade stance shook up the agenda of the APEC leaders annual meeting, forcing them to speak of the public relations war they now must wage to convince their citizens that trade has worked for them. Trudeau said trade deals needed to spread benefits to more Canadians because the beneficiaries of the pacts over the last 30 years have largely been higher-income earners, and I think thats wrong. The final declaration from the 21 leaders of Asian and Pacific countries speaks of keeping borders open to trade, avoiding currency manipulation and devaluation, and ensuring that everyone benefits from economic growth because not all countries and sectors have rebounded equally from the 2008 global financial crisis. Trump has referenced each of those as issues he wants addressed in trade deals that he believes are unfair for the American economy. This is not based on ideology or opinion, this is based on the fact that Canada has benefited extraordinarily over the almost 150 years of our existence and well before that from strong trading relationships with the Americans and indeed with the world, Trudeau said, pointing to the auto sector. But the prime minister is leaving Peru without a commitment from U.S. President Barack Obama on the ongoing softwood lumber dispute the American lumber industry has a large say in how this is going to unfold. Indeed they have a veto over what the administration might propose, Trudeau said. Trudeau also didnt say whether he would lobby Trump to approve the Keystone XL pipeline, which the president-elect has spoken of fondly. All Trudeau would say about the man who dominated the agenda at the APEC leaders summit was an echo of what Obama has said this weekend: The realities of global economies will turn Trump away from killing trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement. The level of integration and inter-dependence between the Canadian and American economies on many levels, for me is the strongest proof point that trade has been good for both of our economies and will continue, Trudeau said. Earlier in the day, the outgoing president tried to ease concerns that the Liberal prime minister would clash with the Republican president-elect who has threatened to tear up the NAFTA unless he gets concessions from Canada. Through Conservative governments, Liberal governments, Democratic or Republican governments, the relationship between the United States and Canada is one of the most important constants in the world and I have no doubt that will continue, Obama said. Obama used his last international summit to calm the nerves of world leaders, and keep on track a Pacific Rim trade pact designed to act as a counterbalance to Chinas growing influence in Asia in the face of Trumps threats to cancel the deal. The Trans-Pacific Partnership would cement free trade among 12 nations encompassing nearly 40 per cent of the worlds GDP, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan and the United States. The deal cannot come into force without the approval of those latter two countries. During a closed-door session Saturday with TPP members, Obama urged them not to give up on the deal. Leaders in the room voiced support for moving ahead with trade pact if the stars aligned in the coming months, and no country said it was ready to walk away from the agreement, according to international officials who were in the room, but not authorized to speak publicly about the talks. Trudeau said he wouldnt jump to any conclusions about what Trump will do with TPP once in office, saying the Liberals are keeping our options open. Theres been a certain amount of things said, Trudeau said. But at same time we know that trade is good for the middle class and those working hard to join it. And in one of his last face-to-face meetings with a world leader, Obama sat next to Trudeau and spoke about the work the two have done on refugees and climate change. Trump has vowed to roll back environmental funding and put in stricter immigration rules. Obama praised Trudeau and said he looked forward to the prime ministers continued leadership on those issues in the coming years. Obama said he and Trudeau are going to try and get as much work completed on thinning the borders during the last two months of his presidency. The leaders of the APEC nations said in a joint statement that they would adhere to the carbon reduction goals set in Paris last year to address climate change, a problem that they called a threat to food production and food security. We reaffirm our commitment to keep our markets open and to fight against all forms of protectionism, the leaders said in the statement. With files from The Associated Press Read more about: SHARE: Cameron pushed the apartment door open carrying a blue plastic bin full of pit bull puppies. The musty smell of wet dog followed him into the hallway. He set the puppies on the floor. The bass-register barks of three adult dogs echoed from behind the closed door. These are the females that are left, Cameron said. Theyll be three weeks old this Sunday. Cameron claims the puppies are purebred blue-nosed pit bulls. Hes selling them for $1,500 a head from the third floor of a high rise apartment building in eastern Mississauga. Pit bulls are illegal in Ontario, he said, casually, to a reporter posing as a prospective buyer. Youre not allowed to have them, but I had the mother for four years now. Ive never had a problem. My vet he loves her. He knows shes a pit, and he doesnt care. The vets dont care, Cameron said. In 2005 Ontario updated the Dog Owners Liability Act to create North Americas first province- or state-wide ban on pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and American pit bull terriers, as well as any dogs with physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those breeds. The ban followed a spate of pit bull attacks in Toronto, including one involving two dogs that left a 25-year-old man with extensive leg, back and arm injuries. In that case police fired 16 bullets into the two dogs, and used a mattress to smother one of them. Both dogs died. A Star investigation found that the ban is not being effectively enforced and veterinarians are questioning whether it is even necessary. Its been more than a decade since the ban was put in place, but it turns out buying an illegal pit bull is as easy as a web search, a phone call and a short drive down the QEW. This month the Star went undercover to investigate the GTAs underground pit bull breeding marketplace. Finding breeders is not difficult. A search of classifieds site Hoobly.com brings up 77 postings for pit bulls for sale in the GTA alone. Prices range from $500 to $2,500. Mr. Bigg open for stud, reads one. Diamond X Prince Puppies Have Arrived, reads another. The Star contacted five of these breeders, posing as an interested buyer, and set up viewings with two of them. Cameron was the second, a box full of six three-week old pups squealing in a tub at his feet. Cameron wouldnt let his customer into his apartment, insisting instead on delivering his sales pitch in the hallway outside. The mothers a game-bred blue nose and the fathers a blue nose as well, he said, using breeder jargon to describe tenacious dogs with a desirable steely-blue coat. Smokey, come here, girl, he said, disappearing into his third floor apartment for a moment. He returned with a year-old dog, dragging it by the scruff of its neck through the half-opened doorway. The dog was quiet, stone-faced, legs rigid. I dont socialize her that much. I also have one from her last litter. Gimme a sec, he said, and vanished a second time, closing the door behind him. When it opened again, another pit bulls stout, square face burst out, barking loudly and tugging at its choker chain. Yeah, shes not too friendly either, Cameron said, before pushing her back inside. He said he lists his dogs on paperwork as American bulldogs, which are legal, as a way of skirting the pit bull ban and that his vet plays along on the paperwork. Cameron said he breeds a few times a year, usually in the summer, and has shipped puppies to buyers in Ottawa and as far afield as B.C. He identified his vet as the Mississauga Animal Hospital. When the Star contacted Matt Walker, one of two vets at the Mississauga clinic Cameron said he has used, Walker said his clinic would never knowingly falsify records. We would definitely not do that. Neither of us would intentionally do that, he said. Breed bans are controversial. This fall that controversy erupted in Quebec with news that Montreal was considering a ban on pit bulls after a woman was mauled to death. In that case, its not clear the offending dog was actually a pit bull. As University of Guelph veterinary professor Lee Niel explains, figuring out exactly what constitutes a pit bull is difficult, even for experts because pit bull isnt a specific breed. The term pit bull is essentially a catch-all that applies to the four breeds covered under the ban, as well as any dog that shares the same physical characteristics such as a stocky, powerful body, a large, block-shaped head and broad, muscular shoulders. Vets use a check list of these characteristics to make a breed determination. Pit bulls first appeared in the 1800s, a cross breed between terriers and bulldogs that had been bred for bull baiting a cruel blood sport where a bull was chained to a post and set upon by dogs one at a time. A successful dog would clamp its jaws to the bulls nose and refuse to let go, sometimes until death. Some pit bulls still exhibit that behaviour today when triggered to an attack. But many dogs that pass for pit bulls today are actually crosses between American bulldogs, mastiffs, or even Labrador retrievers. If somebody showed you a picture of 15 different dogs and said pick the pit bull and there were lab crosses and all different breeds there, I would guess that most people would fail, Niel said. Theres also little evidence that breed bans reduce attacks, Niel said. Most of the research suggests that breed-specific legislation doesnt work. It doesnt reduce bit rates, it doesnt even reduce deaths, she said. Ontario cant prove that the breed ban here has reduced pit bulls in the province because the number of dogs is not tracked provincially. Its up to each municipality to enforce the Dog Owners Liability Act and there is no provincewide standard governing how that data is collected or stored. Reports of dog bites reveal a partial picture, but even they are incomplete, Niel said, because they rely on self-reporting victims correctly identifying the dogs involved. Last year in Toronto there were 948 reported dog bites. German shepherds had the most of any breed, with 106. Bites from dogs covered under the pit bull ban totaled 19, but the largest number of bites 232 came from unidentified dogs. Ian, from Mississauga, was recently attacked by a pit bull that left him with 17 stitches. Ian agreed to tell his story to the Star on the condition that his full identity not be published out of concerns for his safety. It locked its jaw right into my knee, he said. Because the owner was there, it only lasted like 20 seconds max, but it tore up my knee pretty good. It was pretty bloody. After the attack, Ian said, the dogs owner tried to argue his pet wasnt a pit bull but an American bulldog. Ian doesnt buy it. He said that while he understands theres more to pit bull attacks than simple genetics, he still supports the ban. I know its not just about the breed, it has a lot to do with the owners as well, Ian said. But theyre essentially weapons. That becomes clear when youve been attacked by one. It becomes clear that youre completely helpless. According to the ban legislation, veterinarians are the only ones who can make a determination about an alleged pit bulls breed, but theyre also not required to report having seen one in their clinic. If they were, it could force owners of illegal dogs further underground and prevent the animals from getting the medical treatment they need, said Ontario Veterinary Medical Association spokesperson Melissa Carlaw. Carlaw said vets must accurately reflect the breed of a dog on paperwork, such as vaccination records, or risk losing their license to practice. Those records are supposed to remain confidential unless they are subpoenaed. Both of the breeders the Star spoke said their vets turn a blind eye to the breed of their dogs on vaccination records and other paperwork. Tyson, a breeder from Etobicoke the Star approached undercover, said that on paper, his dogs are listed as rottweilers. I dont know what youd mix a rottweiler to get her, but thats what shes put down as. Just so the vet, so he feels comfortable, Tyson said. The puppies Tyson is selling from a south Etobicoke apartment building are a light brindle-brown. Hes asking $500 a head, though he could knock the price down if the buyer takes care of getting the shots themselves. Tyson said he uses the South Etobicoke Animal Hospital to vaccinate his puppies, and that the vets there know they are pit bulls. Im just saying if I was to get you the shots, its not going to say pit bull terrier, he said. Dr. Tej Dhaliwal, a veterinarian at the South Etobicoke Animal Hospital, denied that his clinic would knowingly suppress the breed of an illegal dog on paperwork. But, he said, knowing what breed to list on paperwork can be tricky, especially with newborn puppies. As a puppy you cant really identify if its a pit bull or going to turn out to be a pit bull until its really grown up to six months or eight months, he said. Well go with what (the owners) tell us, basically. We wouldnt put our own breed on there, Dhaliwal said. When it comes to the issue of breed bans, Dhaliwal said he doesnt think they are effective. Its a training issue and how you keep (the dog), Dhaliwal said. All the breeds, all the dogs and even the cats (that bite) its because people are not training them properly, or not allowing them to interact with other people or with other pets, he said. Almost any dog will bite if its intimidated. Thats a German shepherd bite, he said, pointing to a faded scar on his forearm, and other scars he has from his years of treating animals. Thats a pit bull bite, he said, indicating a set of four matching scars on his bicep. This one was an American bulldog crossed with a mastiff, he said, pointing to yet another scar. One of my colleagues was taking the temperature of a six-month-old St. Bernard, and the St. Bernard bit her in the face. She had 16 stitches on her face, but would you ban the breed? No, he said. After approaching the two breeders undercover, the Star went back and requested interviews. Neither breeder would give his last name. Cameron, from the Mississauga building, denied being a professional breeder. He said the litter happened by accident and he was just trying to get rid of the puppies. He did not deny owning pit bulls himself. Tyson, from the south Etobicoke building, agreed to talk, but would not provide his last name. Tyson said the puppies hes selling are not actually purebred pit bulls, though he does own a pit bull himself. Hes not sure whether the puppies would be considered illegal under the ban, but thats beside the point, he said. At the end of the day Im selling the illusion of a pit bull, he said. Jesse Winter can be reached at jwinter@thestar.ca or 416-869-4129 SHARE: Gag order versus gag reflex. Distilled to its un-academic essence, that was the vexing point-counterpoint debate with much mutual antagonism of a controversial forum at the University of Toronto on Saturday over the hysterically exaggerated lexicon of disputed gender pronouns. To silence or to rage, to swallow dogma or regurgitate dissent. Controversial because a rump of faculty and students boycotted the event on the grounds that Professor Jordan Peterson should not enjoy freedom of speech at so venerable an establishment of learning, or anywhere else, come to that. Human rights are not up for debate, proclaimed an open letter released last week by the Queer Caucus of CUPE 3902, representing lecturers, tutorial assistants and contract instruction staff at the university. But David Cameron, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, posited that hashing out the matter in a respectful environment was a useful exercise. Peterson, however, had to agree in advance to use gender-neutral pronouns in this setting if anyone in attendance asked it of him or there would be no forum. Which is putting the language orthodoxy cart before the horse, surely, since the crux of Petersons position is that he will absolutely not be coerced into using gender-neutral or gender-contrived pronouns in his classroom. A psychology professor and clinical psychologist, Peterson remains defiantly opposed to what he calls compelled speech, an issue on which he extemporized in three YouTube videos. Hence the cascading notoriety and intense quarrels, simultaneously connected to Bill C-16 passing its third reading in the House on Friday adding gender identity or expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. It will soon be law. Yet somehow whats been promoted as a benevolent piece of legislation has become all tangled up in pronoun tyranny, largely because the conversation has been hijacked by academics who dont live in the real world and activists who reject the real world both sides, quite frankly, disappearing up their own anuses in fringe dialectics. Theres a difference between saying something you cant say and saying that there are things that you have to say, Peterson told the audience of 200-plus. I regard these made-up pronouns, all of them as neologisms of a radical PC authoritarianism. Im not going to be a mouthpiece for language I detest. PC, of course, refers to political correctness, a phrase Ive long avoided using because its meaning is imprecise. Peterson objects to the menu of gerrymandered pronouns such as zir and ze spun by a broad non-gender non-binary constituency within the LGBTQ community. It is, by all outward indications, a tiny constituency of vocabulary extremists, which obviously doesnt make their concerns any less legitimate but it is a minority within a minority within a minority. It was instructive or maybe just a reflection of Saturdays audience, minus the blackballers what happened when Peterson launched his opening remarks by asking all the women present to stand, then all the men. Looking around, I saw only a handful that didnt pick a gender side, regardless of how they outwardly appeared. A two-to-one ratio favouring men, Peterson noted. Though he then sailed off into the unquantifiable except maybe among clinical psychologists dancing on the head of a pin by claiming gender differences in the realm of ideas. There are pronounced gender differences with openness such that men are higher in intellect which encompasses an interest in ideas and women are higher in esthetics, which encompasses an interest in art and literature . . . which is in part why men read more non-fiction. Taking on Peterson were U of T law Professor Brenda Cossman, and Mary Bryson, professor in the department of language and literacy and the faculty of education at the University of British Columbia. Both women dare I identify them as such expressed fundamental unease at participating in the forum. Id like to start by saying how much I support and respect all those faculty and students who are boycotting todays event, said Cossman. I think that is also a very important form of speech. Bryson began by drawing a correlation between Peterson and a 1989 debate at Western University betwixt the late Philippe Rushton and David Suzuki on the subject of race and IQ. Rushton, also a psychology professor, author of Race, Evolution and Behavior, was roundly slammed for tying intelligence to race on the basis of junk science. To borrow David Suzukis opening words on that day, I do not want to be here. I do not want to dignify this man and his ideas in public debate, said Bryson. Cossman, the legal scholar, emphasized that the Supreme Court of Canada has, in balancing Charter rights of freedom of expression against wilful promotion of hate against an identifiable group, repeatedly set the threshold high. The court has said it is not disdain, it is not dislike, it is not offence. Human rights codes and this is the area more directly at issue do not encompass criminal law. They cleave to civil law protecting people from being called the N-word or any other racial epithet in the delivery of services like a university classroom. Cossman pointed out that the Ontario Human Rights Commission just Friday released a statement purportedly clarifying its position in relation to pronouns. Paraphrased: Refusing to refer to a person by their self-identified pronoun could constitute gender-based harassment; refusing to refer to a transgender person by their chosen personal pronoun or purposely misgendering them will likely be discrimination when it takes place in a social arena covered by the Code, including employment, housing and services such as education. What it seems to require is the use of he, she or they, said Cossman, who took keen exception to what she described as Petersons use of post-truth claims to denounce alleged pronoun fascism. I feel weve moved into a place now not only of post-truth politics but a kind of post-empathy politics where we no longer seem to care about people. At the end of the day, this is about people. Its about trans and gender and non-binary people. These are our children, our siblings, our nieces, our nephews, our friends, our neighbours ... How bloody hard is it to simply treat these people with respect and dignity? Bryson, attacking from a different pulpit, ridiculed Peterson for advancing rhetorical claims about identity and expression i.e. fundamental differences emanating from gender at birth rather than addressing scientific evidence of significant diversity which exists on a continuum that reveals persistent differences that cannot be explained by sex assigned at birth. Since we cant remove sexism and misogyny from the production of gender, we cant actually reach conclusions about what we take to be gender differences . . . Its really good to keep reading if youre going to be employed at a great Canadian university. Walking along the lovely expanse of the U of T campus afterwards, kicking up autumn leaves, I reflected again on what a privilege it is to indulge in the abstract and the abstruse. Even in the pedantic of pronouns. But I dont live here. Rosie DiManno usually appears Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. SHARE: BERLINAngela Merkel will seek a fourth term as Germanys chancellor in general elections next year, the German news agency dpa reported Sunday. Dpa, citing sources at the Berlin headquarters of Merkels Christian Democrat party, reported that the 62-year-old chancellor also will run to be re-elected as the partys chairwoman when it holds its national convention next month. Merkel is expected to declare her candidacy for chancellor at a press conference at the partys headquarters later on Sunday. A physicist by training, Merkel became Germanys first female head of government in 2005. She also is the first leader of a reunited Germany to have grown up under communism in the former East Germany. If she wins next year and serves the entire four-year term, Merkel would match her one-time mentor Helmut Kohls post-war record of 16 years in office. Repeatedly named The Worlds Most Powerful Woman by Forbes magazine, Merkel also has been suggested by some as the last powerful defender of liberal values in the West following Donald Trumps election as the next U.S. president. Nearly 60 per cent of Germans surveyed in a recent poll said they wanted Merkel to run for office again, Manfred Guellner, the head of the Forsa polling agency, said. In these difficult times, Merkel is a pillar of stability, Guellner told The Associated Press. People have the feeling she represents German interests well abroad. While shes never been described as a visionary or earned much praise for stirring speeches, Merkel has won respect for being tough, shrewd and doggedly tackling problems. Since becoming chancellor, shes dealt with several international crises, including the Eurozone debt crisis in 2008-09 for which she brokered compromises among fractious European Union leaders. She has been a strong advocate of efforts to combat climate change, and in 2011 abruptly accelerated the shutdown of Germanys nuclear power plants following the meltdowns at Japans Fukushima plant. Unresolved diplomatic challenges include Europes relationship with Russia, the future of Ukraine, autocratic developments in Turkey, the ongoing war in Syria and negotiations over Britains exit from the European Union. Merkel also needs to brace herself for the populist wave sweeping both the United States and Europe, where elections next year could see a far-right politician become president of France. Domestically, the nationalist Alterative for Germany, or AfD, could prove to be one of the biggest stumbling blocks to her re-election. The populist party, which is now represented in 10 state parliaments, has aggressively campaigned against Merkels decision to welcome an estimated 890,000 migrants into the Germany last year. In elections in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania earlier this year, Merkels party, the Christian Democratic Union, came in third behind the Alliance for Germany. According to recent polls, the AfD would win around 10 per cent of the vote if general elections were to be held now. Merkel, the oldest of three children and the daughter of a Protestant pastor, entered politics in her mid-30s after working as a physicist behind the Iron Curtain. She served as minister for women and families in Kohls first post-reunification Cabinet in the 1990s and then also as an environment minister. In the beginning of her political career, she was often underestimated by her mostly male, Catholic, West German party companions who sometimes referred to her condescendingly as Kohls girl. But in the end, she eliminated her rivals with lots of tactical skill and sheer luck to make it all the way to the top in 2005. In Germany, Merkel is sometimes referred to as Mutti, or mom, despite being known for a pragmatic, rational style of governing. While Merkel often appears reserved and even stiff in public, she has tried in past campaigns to show a more human side. She opened up about her favourite pastimes outside politics, which include baking plum cake for her husband, the publicity-shy chemistry professor Joachim Sauer, and spending weekends at a little cabin outside Berlin. If Merkel wins and serves out a fourth term, she wouldnt just equal Kohls record tenure but overtake conservative icon Konrad Adenauer, who served just over 14 years as chancellor from 1949-1963. I can see how Merkel has this personal ambition to show the people that she, who used to be such an outsider when she first entered politics as an East German and a woman, made it all the way, Gero Neugebauer, a political scientist at Berlins Free University, said. A date has not yet been set for the election, but they will take place sometime between August 23 and October 22. MORE ON THESTAR.COM Obama, Merkel issue joint rebuttal to the coming era of Donald Trump Trumps rise leaves the world in Merkels hands: Burman Read more about: SHARE: APUTZIO DE JUAREZ, MEXICOThe green volcanic hills that tower above Aputzio de Juarez have begun to fill with swarms of monarch butterflies, which return each year for the winter stretch of their celebrated and imperiled migration. But downhill from the monarchs mountain roost, in the oak and pine forests that border this small farming town, there lurks a new threat to their winter habitat: a lust to grow the lucrative avocados that are being consumed at record rates in the U.S. Spurred by soaring demand for the creamy fruit, farmers in the western state of Michoacan are clearing land to make room for avocado orchards, cutting oak and pine trees that form a vital buffer around the mountain forests where the monarchs nest. Its scandalous what people are doing now to grow avocado, said Arturo Espinosa Maceda, who has for years grown avocados, peaches and strelizia flowers at a farm 12 miles north of Aputzio. But its mega-business. Aputzio sits on the western edge of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a 135,000-acre protected area where the butterflies rest on oyamel, or native fir, trees. The butterflies numbers have dwindled sharply in recent years, as milkweed declined in the U.S. and Canada and deforestation affected their Mexican habitat. Each year environmentalists hold their breath to see how many butterflies will arrive in Mexico. Omar Vidal, director general of the World Wildlife Fund in Mexico, said that conserving the winter sanctuary was fundamental to the survival of the migration. Deforestation has to be reduced to zero, he said. But the avocado boom could complicate that goal. Americans ate a record 3.2 kilograms of avocado per capita in 2015, twice as much as in 2008, according to the Department of Agriculture. Nearly 80 per cent of those avocados came from Michoacan, the only Mexican state authorized to export the fruit to the U.S. by the department, which bans avocados from other Mexican regions over fear of pests. Michoacan doubled its avocado exports over the past seven years to 770,000 tons worth roughly $2 billion (Canadian). The bonanza has been brutal for Michoacans oak and pine forests, which grow at 1,500 to 2,100 metres the same altitude as avocados. Between 1974 and 2011, about 44,500 hectares of forest across Michoacans central highlands were turned into avocado orchards, according to a study by the National Autonomous University of Mexico. And deforestation is accelerating, experts said. Jaime Navia, president of GIRA, a non-profit organization based in Michoacan that promotes sustainable rural development, estimated that 26,300 hectares most of it forest had been converted to avocado growing since that study. The damage is irreversible, he said. Officials have blamed producers looking for a pretext to turn land over to avocado orchards for a spike in the number of forest fires in Michoacan this year. But forestry experts and farmers said that Mexicos environmental watchdog, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, often turned a blind eye to abuses. Officials are fearful of powerful interests, they said, especially given that organized crime has links to the industry, or bribes make the officials pliant. The authorities need to control this, said Armando Lopez Orduna, general director of the Mexican Avocado Producers and Packer-Exporters Association. To offset deforestation, the association has planted half a million trees since 2009 and hopes to plant another half-million by 2018, he said. Around Aputzio de Juarez, a town of 1,100 people surrounded by fields of guava and corn, scars on the hillsides and patches of young avocado trees signal the crops advance. Some have farmed avocado for decades. But now, growers from other areas are buying land. David Romero Hernandez, a stocky farmer who was trimming grass in his new avocado orchard on the edge of Aputzio one morning in October, said that the land had been covered with oak and pine. But the owner felled the trees a year ago and sold it to him. Romero, 51, pointed to a shorn hill above his plot. That, too, was also covered in forest until a few months ago, he said. Then a farmer from another village bought it. Its the ambition of avocado, he said. That ambition could soon increase. Zitacuaro, the municipality surrounding Aputzio, is seeking certification to export avocados to the U.S. a fact that is on the lips of every farmer. Certification is awarded municipality by municipality, and not all of Michoacan can export avocados. As it stands, some of Aputzios avocados are sold to buyers from Uruapan a town 100 miles west that is the heart of the industry who pass them off as having been grown there. Deforestation in Aputzio is a recent problem and far less extensive than in other areas of Michoacan, experts said. But it is becoming a significant problem, given the areas proximity to the monarchs habitat, said Edgar Gonzalez Godoy, director in Mexico of the New York-based Rainforest Alliance. Efforts to fight deforestation in the reserve focus on about 13,800 hectares around where the butterflies roost. Programs run by the World Wildlife Fund and other organizations have helped cut logging from a few hundred hectares each year to just 11 so far this year, said the funds Vidal. But the trees in the reserves outer ring play an important role, said Manuel Sarmiento, a biologist and member of the Alliance for the Conservation of Forests, Land and Water, a group of local farmers, environmental activists and residents. For example, the trees cool the air from Michoacans warm western plains as it rises toward the oyamel forests in the centre. If the temperature at the heart of the reserve, about 11 kilometres from Aputzio, were to rise, the oyamel could suffer, and thus the butterflies would suffer, too, he said. Gonzalez worries that the lure of avocado will only grow if Mexico succeeds in opening new markets. He noted that deforestation is increasing in Jalisco state, another area that hopes it will soon be able to export its crop to the U.S. Just imagine what would happen if the Chinese started eating avocado, he said. In town, residents said avocado had put money into empty pockets. Workers make about $10 per day to tend the orchards, and twice that during harvests. A resident can sell 0.4 of a hectare to an avocado farmer for about $4,300 more than that seller would typically make in a year. People have more to spend and that lifts us all, said Fernando Bernal, a butcher, as he hacked slabs of pork from a loin. But like others in Aputzio, Bernal worries about water. Aputzios supply comes from springs fed by the hills east of town. Pine and oak help water filter through the earth and into the spring; avocado, on the other hand, has shallow roots and consumes a lot of that water. If people keep cutting down the forest, well run out, Bernal said. And Aputzio isnt the only community with much at stake. The hills that stretch northeast collect water for the massive Cutzamala water system that supplies the thirsty Mexican capital, Mexico City, 160 kilometres away. Even Romero, happily tending his avocado bushes on land once filled with mighty trees, is saddened by the loss of forest. He said that his village, Zicata de Morelos, depends on water that comes from the hills near Aputzio. So were all affected, Romero said. But people dont think about the future. SHARE: A San Antonio police officer writing out a traffic ticket to a motorist was shot to death in his squad car Sunday outside police headquarters by another driver who pulled up from behind, authorities said. San Antonio police Chief William McManus identified the officer as Detective Benjamin Marconi, 50, a 20-year veteran of the force. McManus said the suspect had not been apprehended Sunday night. He said he doesnt believe the man has any relationship to the original motorist who was pulled over, and no motive has been identified. We consider this suspect to be extremely dangerous and a clear threat to law enforcement officers and the public, said McManus, who added that after the shooting officers had been instructed to not make traffic stops alone. McManus said Marconi had pulled over a vehicle and while he was inside his squad car writing a ticket, a car pulled up behind him. The driver of that car got out, walked up to the officers driver-side window and shot Marconi twice in the head, then walked back to his car and drove away. Marconi was pronounced dead at a hospital. McManus said investigators are looking into all leads and motives, including whether it could be related to an officer-involved shooting earlier Sunday in the city. In that incident, McManus said, police fatally shot a man who pointed a gun at officers outside an apartment following a seven-hour standoff. Hopefully, well solve this one real quick, McManus said. The police department posted a photo of a man on its Facebook page Sunday evening, saying he might have information on the murder of Marconi. Police are asking for assistance in identifying the man, who is shown wearing a hat and walking in the photo. Some streets downtown were blocked off with police tape as officials investigated the slaying. The shooting came less than five months after a gunman killed five officers in Dallas who were working a protest about the fatal police shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana. It was the deadliest day for American law enforcement since Sept. 11, 2001. Ten days after the Dallas attack, a man wearing a ski mask and armed with two rifles and a pistol killed three officers near a gas station and convenience store in Baton Rouge, La. And earlier this month, two Des Moines, Iowa-area police officers were fatally shot in separate ambush-style attacks while sitting in their patrol cars. Its always difficult, especially in this day and age, where police are being targeted across the country, McManus said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the slaying a horrific act of violence. Abbott said in a statement that attacks against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in Texas and must be met with swift justice. San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor extended condolences to the family of the slain officer and the entire police force. SHARE: TOKYO South Korean President Park Geun-hye suffered a heavy blow Sunday, when prosecutors indicted her friend on charges including extortion and abuse of power, and indicated they thought the president was complicit in the crimes. The prosecution said it would continue to try to question Park, with the announcement effectively making her a suspect rather than a witness, while opposition leaders said they would redouble their efforts to force Park out of office. There are now sufficient grounds for her impeachment, Moon Jae-in, a prominent opposition politician and presidential hopeful, said after the announcement. It came a day after hundreds of thousands of South Koreans took to the streets of central Seoul for a fourth consecutive Saturday, calling on Park to resign. The demonstrations are the largest since South Korea democratized in 1987. The prosecution said Sunday that it had indicted Choi Soon-sil, Parks friend of 40 years who held no official position, with abuse of power, coercion, attempted coercion and fraud. It also indicted two former presidential secretaries on charges including abuse of power, attempted coercion, fraud and divulging classified information. The charges come out of a corruption and influence-peddling scandal that has Park, South Koreas first woman president, fighting for her political life. A famously aloof person, Park is accused of relying on Choi for everything from policy advice to wardrobe choices, instead of seeking counsel from her aides. Choi, the daughter of shamanistic cult leader, is accused of exploiting those ties to raise money and win favours for herself and her family. Sundays charges relate to Chois alleged extortion, with the help of one of the presidential secretaries, An Chong-bum, of $70 million from 53 companies through a big business lobby group, the Federation of Korea Industries. The companies felt they had to donate the money or they would be at risk of audits or unfair treatment from government authorities, prosecutors said. The money was meant for two foundations, but Choi is alleged to have siphoned off much of it for her own personal use. The other presidential aide, Chung Ho-sung, leaked at least 180 government documents to Choi over three years, including 47 that included confidential information such as the appointments of ministers, prosecutors said. Based on cellphone records and notes containing instructions from Park about raising funds for Chois two foundations, the prosecution concluded that Park played a large role in the efforts to raise money from the businesses, said Lee Young-ryeol, chief of the investigation at the prosecutors office, during a press conference Sunday in Seoul. Although the president cannot be charged while in office, Lee said prosecutors would continue to investigate the president and her actions, voicing confidence that they could prove Park was an accomplice. If proven, charges could be brought against her once she leaves office. Park was supposed to be questioned by prosecutors last week but instead hired an attorney, who asked for more time to prepare and for the interrogation to be in written form, rather than in person. The attorney said that Park would try to co-operate with prosecutors this week. Parks spokesman, Jung Youn-kuk, said Sunday that it was regrettable that the prosecutors claimed the president had committed crimes, saying the results announced Sunday were not only false but were based on imagination and speculation rather than objective evidence. The president does not see the prosecutors investigation as fair and hopes these unproven allegations will not be exploited by politicians, Jung said. But opposition leaders seized on the results of the investigation. Eight potential presidential candidates met Sunday to discuss how to push for impeachment. President Park has now become a suspect, creating the legal conditions to table a motion for her impeachment, Youn Kwan-suk, the spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Party, told reporters. She should follow peoples demands through a decision to resign voluntarily rather than making the worst choice that would plunge the nation into a bigger crisis, he added, according to Yonhap News Agency. As the scandal has rumbled on, some politicians have been hesitant to move to impeachment proceedings because the lengthy legal procedures could last as long as eight months. As Park has only 14 months left in office, they have instead called on her to stand down. Opposition parties lack the seats needed to impeach a president, which requires two-thirds of the National Assembly. However, if some of Parks critics from her own Saenuri Party join with the opposition to vote for impeachment, the two-thirds figure looks more achievable. Park has been digging in, apparently in the hope that she can ride out the scandal. After last weekends huge protest in central Seoul, her spokesman said that Park was earnestly considering ways to normalize state affairs and fulfil her responsibility as the president. Even before Sundays announcement, analysts at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group were putting the chances of her leaving office early at 70 per cent. The longer Park tries to hold out, the stronger popular demands for her removal will grow, increasing pressures on opposition parties to seek to impeach her, Scott Seaman of Eurasia wrote in a note. SHARE: Main stream journalists on both sides of our border have not had an easy time lately. Buffeted by winds of change within their profession, as a result of declining revenues and newsroom layoffs, due in part, to the phenomenal popularity of Facebook and Twitter, they are nevertheless expected to deliver quality news that is accurate and timely. In addition, their jobs can also be dangerous. In 2015, more than 100 journalists were killed, both in war zones and in so called peaceful countries. In the past week, a confluence of events has put the spotlight on journalists themselves, making them unwitting actors, rather than scribes. Serious legal and public policy discussions regarding press freedom has followed the news that 10 Quebec journalists were under surveillance by their provincial police, forcing Quebec to launch a public inquiry. In Ottawa, an unprecedented press conference, organized by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression, called on the federal government to safeguard press freedom by several means, including the enactment of a shield law to protect sources and confidential information. Meanwhile, an analysis by BuzzFeed News revealed that fake or false news outperformed real news on Facebook during the recent presidential election, causing legitimate journalists to woefully consider the influence of lies, rather than truth. The revelation has forced Facebook, Google and Twitter to rethink their business models in the last few days. Google announced sites that spread false news will no longer be permitted to collect ad revenue. As well, Twitter has suspended well known alt right accounts, in an effort to halt hate speech. All this may be for naught because some argue we live in a post factual society one in which facts dont matter. Minds are made up based on ideology and any distracting information is edited out by means of our own personal communications pipeline. Tobias Rose, a designer and strategist calls it self-segregation. In other words, truth could be ignored if hateful propaganda were to go viral. Information and emotional overload may also lead to a rejection of facts. Real news bombards us constantly. In an uneasy world, the news is not easy to watch. Outrage is in short supply because its a muscle that has been overused, writes Declan Lawn in the Irish Times. Finally, American journalists experienced their own political earthquake, as Stephen Bannon was appointed chief strategist to President-elect Donald Trump. Bannon, a former navy commander and Harvard Business graduate, is the previous Executive Chair of Breitbart Network, the communications platform, home to the alt right/far right website, which extolls white nationalism. Immediate demands for the appointment to be rescinded were made by prominent Democrats. David Duke, the former Ku Klux Klan leader, called the choice of Bannon excellent. News of Brietbarts expansion into Germany and France, just ahead of upcoming elections, prompted Politico, a popular online and print political journal and website, to ask Will America have a Pravda? Anything is possible in this unpredictable and unstable era of media churn. Trump has made no secret of his dislike for main stream journalists. American media were warned that the public was skeptical of their profession. A 2013 Pew Research study showed that journalists took the biggest hit in public perception out of all the professions, dropping 10 percentage points in public esteem since the previous study in 2009. Canadian journalists, on the other hand, score well in terms of public trust. A 2016 Environics poll found media outlets ranked 54 per cent, just behind non-profits at 59 per cent. Allan Thompson, a Carleton University journalism professor attributes the higher score to the function of civility found in Canada. Additionally, so far, Prime Minister Trudeau has recalibrated the balancing act between the press and the PMO after the difficult Harper years. How do we solve these issues? Some of the onus will fall on us as individual to check sources and information. In an era of clickbait, false news and outrageous tweets, we must accept that all the news is not fit to print. Secondly, freedom of press is constitutionally protected in Canada but as we have learned lately, our freedoms, and that of our press, can be fragile. Those whose job it is to search for the truth, deserve our unqualified support. Journalists have fought for the human rights of others, time and time again. Perhaps it is time civil society steps up and fights for their rights. Penny Collenette is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Ottawa and was a senior director of the Prime Ministers Office for Jean Chretien. Read more about: SHARE: The Liberal campaign promise to end, or at least reduce, the highly regressive tax break on executive stock options was an important signal that, under a Trudeau government, everyone would have to pay their fair share. Since its introduction in 1984, the loophole has primarily benefited the very rich at a great cost to the public purse. It seemed fitting that Finance Minister Bill Morneau, who has said that pursuing tax fairness is his top priority, would close it. But for those, like us, who were so encouraged by the governments promise to fix the backwards tax break, the absence of any such action in its first budget and the subsequent silence on the issue has been a great disappointment. When Morneau met with the Stars editorial board this month, we asked him why the vow had not been fulfilled in the last budget and whether it would be in the next. Were very focused on creating new jobs, he said. We heard from some of the most innovative firms that are hoping to grow that (scrapping the tax break) could impact their decisions on investment. The promise, it seems, will be broken. Thats a shame. Under the current system, compensation received in the form of stock options is taxed at a much lower rate than regular income or bonuses. This was originally designed, in part, as a way to help capital-starved start-ups attract top talent, but has been co-opted by executives at established companies as a way to dodge taxes. Ottawa loses about $1 billion in revenue every year through the loophole. Despite the tax breaks stated purpose, its beneficiaries are not primarily the employees of small, risky start-ups. They are, for instance, top bankers or the heads of mining and telecommunications corporations, the richest of the rich. In fact, more than 90 per cent of the benefit goes to the top 1 per cent of earners. A study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that in 2013, 75 of Canadas 100 top-paid CEOs received part of their income in the form of stock options. The loophole allowed them to accrue combined savings of $495 million, or $6.6 million each. Thats half a billion dollars of foregone public money to subsidize 75 very rich people. Its obscene. The government should also consider whether incenting companies to compensate employees with stock options is really such a good idea. Proponents claim that by doing so businesses align their executives interests with those of the company. However, the evidence is not at all clear that it works. Roger Martin, former dean of the Rotman School of Business, says stock options encourage CEOs to drive up expectations, and thus stock prices, not actual results. He calls the tax break indefensible. Its true, as Morneau says, that some start-up executives, particularly in the tech sector, have expressed concern that closing the loophole might hurt innovation. Of course, those who benefit from the tax break have every reason to say that, whatever the merits. But, in any case, surely there is a way to help these small enterprises that doesnt require an annual billion-dollar public gift that mostly benefits people who have nothing to do with start-ups. The instrument is too blunt, the consequences grossly unfair. Imagine the good that could be done with all that money. If the finance minister means what he says about wanting to make our tax system more just, he will change his mind again, keep his campaign promise and close this iniquitous loophole. SHARE: Authoritarianism is on the march in many parts of the world. In Turkey, hailed only a few years ago as the great hope for a forward-looking Muslim democracy, the government is rushing ever faster toward paranoia and one-man rule. The latest sign is a new clampdown on what remains of the countrys once-flourishing free press. In the past few weeks Turkish authorities have shut down 15 Kurdish news outlets and scores of other news organizations. Theyve imprisoned 120 journalists and arrested most of the senior staff of the countrys sole remaining independent daily, Cumhuriyet (Republic). Turkey is now the worlds biggest jailer of journalists, edging out China, according to an authoritative survey. Its all part of the broad crackdown that followed the failed coup attempt in July against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. More than 100,000 soldiers, police, teachers, judges, civil servants and others have been detained, arrested or jailed in a sweeping purge that goes far beyond any reasonable reaction to the botched coup. The result is a country rapidly tossing aside the robust democratic culture it had developed painfully over many decades, marked by periodic episodes of military rule. Turkey was flourishing on all fronts economic, political and cultural. It was setting an example for the entire Middle East. Now, Erdogan is using a popular backlash against the coup plotters to crack down on enemies of all types, real and imagined. Some may indeed be linked to the mysterious exiled Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, whom the government accuses of inspiring the coup attempt. Most are simply critics of the president, or seen as insufficiently loyal, and have now been silenced. Asli Aydintasbas, a columnist for Cumhuriyet, writes that the story of Turkey is fast becoming a heartbreaking saga of a budding Muslim democracy tossing out a historic chance at progress. Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel prize-winning Turkish writer, puts it even more strongly. He wrote in September that freedom of thought no longer exists. We are distancing ourselves at high speed from a state of law and heading towards a regime of terror. Turkey, though still a NATO member, has also turned away from the West. Once an eager applicant for membership in the European Union, its now cozying up to Vladimir Putins Russia and cooperating with Moscow in Syria. And it has lashed out against the United States, furious that Washington wont extradite Gulen from his retreat in Pennsylvania. The U.S. once put pressure on Erdogan to restrain his authoritarian tendencies. A Trump administration wont give a fig about that. And it may well be quite prepared to see Turkey emerge as a member of the club of newly confident authoritarians, contemptuous of decadent democracies in the manner of past dictators. In that sense, Turkeys sad slide away from freedom is not just a tragedy for that country. Its a warning that democracy is fragile and can be quickly undermined if a society loses the will to fight for it. And its an ominous harbinger of the new and more sinister world emerging in the age of Trump. Read more about: SHARE: Re: Julian Assange now hero of the alt-right, Nov. 16 Julian Assange now hero of the alt-right, Nov. 16 I enjoyed reading Rosie DiMannos article on the right-wing bias of the WikiLeaks material condemning Hillary Clinton in the recent election. The decline in trust of traditional news media (on both the right and left), and the rise of more democratic digital news forms, has created a perfect context for whisper campaigns, conspiracy theories and general crackpottery. I have to wonder if some of the viral nonsense leveled against Clinton made a Democratic vote toxic for otherwise well-intentioned, engaged, and intelligent liberals. If so, we have the political version of a trompe-loeil painting, in which objects offer the illusion of three-dimensionality. The textures of Clintons fictional criminality even monstrosity were ultimately rendered more prominent than her opponents actual racism and sexism. Sadly, a rational, qualified and progressive candidate was obscured in this Trump-loeil. Kirsten Munro, Toronto Rosie DiManno has exaggerated Julian Assanges role in Hillary Clintons devastating defeat. To think the people of the states that effectively defeated Clinton (Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin) voted for Trump because of Assanges email leaks is shortsighted and it doesnt really address the root cause of the problem. These people voted against Clinton because they saw her representing a system that largely abandoned them in the last three decades. They feel globalization and free trade cost them jobs and social services, while the big business and the rich benefited from them immensely. Undoubtedly, their choice of Donald Trump is wrong, but is important to understand why they didnt vote for Hillary Clinton. Ali Orang, Richmond Hill One of the reasons one becomes a whistleblower is to make society better. Exposing secrets that are damaging to a healthy nation is a noble endeavor that usually comes at great cost to the informant. It took a while for the U.S. to appreciate the contribution made by Daniel Ellsberg in the Pentagon Papers scandal, but they finally did. Im not sure how Julian Assange can rationalize his contributions during the U.S. election if he has enabled the appointment of racist government officials in the upper echelons of the U.S. presidency. Assange has certainly differentiated himself from Edward Snowden who urged WikiLeaks to show judgment and restraint during the election. History may one day forgive and honour Snowden. Assange has squandered that opportunity. Russell Pangborn, Keswick I have never been able to understand why the likes of Assange should be prosecuted for exposing the true colours of our politicians if these politicians have nothing ugly to hide. Mimi Khan, Toronto Read more about: SHARE: Re: Brexit, Trump fallout events to keep eye on, Nov. 14 Brexit, Trump fallout events to keep eye on, Nov. 14 Those of us who fear the political upheaval that is shaking this world with the fallout from the Brexit and Trump shocks can take solace from observing this weeks stunning images of the so-called supermoons brightness, fullness, and closest distance to earth since 1948. A truly divine distraction from what has been unfolding on planet Earth. Robert Ariano, Scarborough Despairing over Trump was so last week. Recognize that this gives Canada the opportunity for global leadership on climate change, refugee policy, minority rights, global security alliances and infrastructure renewal. The world will be desperate for reason and compassion. Justin time to channel Lester Pearson 2.0. Dave Prime, Paris SHARE: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission made 94 calls to action, the sixth being repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code. That section gives a defense against assault to parents and caregivers who use corporal punishment to correct children. Our Prime Minister has pledged to implement all 94 calls to action. Every Nov. 20 Canada celebrates National Child Day, commemorating the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 19 of that Convention states that signatories shall take all appropriate legislative measures to protect children from all forms of physical and mental violence. To date 51 countries have banned physical punishment of children, Slovenia being the most recent. Canada is not among them. It is time to repeal section 43. That would make National Child Day a meaningful celebration. Ruth Miller, Toronto SHARE: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) shares extended declines Thursday following testimony from a senior U.K. government official who warned the majority state-owned lender could face U.S. Department of Justice fines of $12 billion. RBS shares fell 1.5% by 10:30 GMT Thursday, changing hands at 204.9 pence each extending their two-day decline past 3.5% and halting the stock's strong rally following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's win on November 8. James Leigh-Pemberton, chairman of U.K. Financial Investments, or UKFI, which manages the government's stake in RBS, to lawmakers on Britain's Parliament's Commons Treasury Committee Wednesday that RBS could face a fine of between $5 billion and $12 billion Leigh-Pemberton told the Committee that the range of possible outcomes meant investors could not work out how much RBS's shares should be worth. He said the uncertainty was one of the reasons the government was not looking to sell a further stake in the state-controlled lender at present. At the Treasury's behest, UKFI last year raised 2.08 billion in a Rothschild-run placement that cut its stake in the bank to 72.9% from 78.3%. It has not sold any further shares since. The DoJ is investigating RBS over its sales of mortgage-backed securities ahead of the 2008 financial crisis, but has not announced a specific fine. Leigh-Pemberton's account comes as the DoJ is still in talks with Germany's Deutsche Bank (DB) over similar alleged miss-selling. The Frankfurt lender has been hoping to bring the fine down from the DoJ's initial demand of $14 billion to as little as $5.4 billion. But more than a month after the German bank was first reported to be on the verge of agreement, the talks are still ongoing. RBS is also facing litigation from investors who are claiming that the bank misled them over the valuation of its assets when it turned to existing shareholders in a 2008 cash call. The bank later had to be rescued by the British government as a result of its disastrous acquisition of Dutch lender ABN Amro together with Belgium's Fortis Bank and Spain's Banco Santander. The bailout cost the British taxpayer 45.5 billion, a sum few believe will ever be fully recouped. Earlier this week, McDonald's (MCD) intrigued us with revelations that it is testing spicy, Sriracha sauce-laced burgers in Ohio, with the potential for these hipster-drawing delicacies to be rolled out nationwide at a later date. On Thursday, the fast-food chain made the surprise announcement that it will be bringing table service to all its restaurants. It seems an unlikely move, but it should appeal to customers and investors. The initiative is part of a larger effort to improve its products and services. The company's shares were roughly flat in Thursday trading. McDonald's has long been the market leader when it comes to fast food. But changing tastes and preferences among consumers have forced the company to alter several aspects of its business. First, the fast-casual restaurant model, led by chains such as the now-beleaguered Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread, began to gain favor among American diners over traditional fast food. Fast casual offers the convenience of fast food, but with ingredients that are deemed healthier or more gourmet than what you'd get at McDonald's or Restaurant Brands' Burger King. The prices are steeper, as well, but fast casual chains have found that consumers are willing to pay for better quality. PANERA BREAD is a holding inJim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. See how Cramerrates the stock here. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sellsPNRA?Learn more now. But then the landscape for the restaurant industry began to change. People started eating out less, preferring to cook their own foods with produce and groceries bought at increasingly low supermarket prices. Meanwhile, some analysts blamed a decline in fast food sales on the fact that many Americans still feel cash-strapped. A few analysts have even gone as far as to declare the U.S. at the beginning of a "restaurant recession." Against such a backdrop, McDonald's has had to retool both its products and its image to keep profits rolling in. Under new CEO Steve Easterbrook, the company has implemented big changes, such as the introduction of the all-day breakfast menu. To appeal to the more health-conscious consumer whom the company was in danger of losing to fast casual, the company started to experiment with local specialties, cut artificial ingredients and preservatives and eliminated high-fructose corn syrup from some of its baked goods. Separately, McDonald's moved its headquarters from its campus in the suburbs to one of Chicago's most up-and-coming neighborhoods. To be sure, table service might seem like a stretch. But it could be a smart move for the company and its investors. This is a model that has been successful at many international McDonald's locations, as well as at restaurants in New York City and Los Angeles. It's surprisingly efficient, and there's no tipping necessary. Customers have a choice: Order at a kiosk and receive your food at your table, or go the traditional route and order at the register. With kiosk ordering, there's no wait at the register for food to be prepared and packaged. And it's convenient for families with small children. Everyone can be seated and ready to eat. This food-delivery model will launch in the Washington, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle markets early next year, and the company will be looking to add the service to all 14,000 of its locations. "For the best part of our 16 years, we've asked customers to work around our business model," CEO Easterbrook said on Thursday. "But now, customers are more demanding, and we're looking to evolve our business." McDonald's is a true legacy stock, one of the great American companies that should stand for several lifetimes more. Grab shares on any dips, and hold for the long term. --- But if you're not willing to settle for the long term, there is a way that you could start collecting income from profitable trades right now. In fact, I know a trader who has turned $5,000 into more than $5 million just by following this simple step-by-step process.Click here to see how easy it is to make "Free Money" every month. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. GameStop Corp. is a specialty retailer founded in 1999 and headquartered in Grapevine, Texas. The company was originally known as GSC Holdings Corp. but later changed its name following its IPO. Originally a brand of then dominant Babbages, Gamestop altered the way video games were distributed and it is now the world's largest retailer of video games and video game accessories. The company went public in 2004 and operated 4,573 stores at the start of 2022. Brands under the company umbrella include Gamestop, EB Games, and Micromania as well as 50 pop-culture-themed Zing Pop locations. Gamestop Corp. provides video games and entertainment products through its global network of e-commerce properties and stores. The company sells new and pre-owned gaming platforms and accessories like controllers, headsets, memory cards, and gaming software as well as in-game products like digital currency, downloadable content, and games. The company also sells new and used memorabilia and collectibles. Genres include TV, movie, comic book, and game characters as well as many other items from pop culture. GameStop Corp. also operates Game Informer, a magazine and website dedicated to the gaming industry including reviews, updates, and new developments in technologies. Game enthusiasts enjoy two primary benefits of using Gamestop. The first is access to the full range of games and gaming accessories. The second is the ability to sell or trade their old equipment and games for fair prices. All old equipment is refurbished to a like-new state before resale. In 2021 Gamestop announced it was entering the world of cryptocurrency. The company revealed plans to build an NFT (non-fungible token) platform for listing, selling, and holding digital or digitized artwork and collectibles. The beta version launched in 2022 and has so far seen great success with an average daily volume exceeding $1 million. The NFT marketplace also featured Web3.0 games in which characters and in-game items are held forever on the blockchain. As of September 2022, the most successful retailer on the NFT marketplace was Gamestop Presents, a collaboration of cover art from Game Informer Magazine. Sales at the time were just under 168 ETH or about $221,500.00. GameStop began a slide in 2016 following a series of bad investments that included a foray into the world of mobile phones. The slide came to an end in late 2021 when shareholders using the Reddit thread Wallstreet Bets orchestrated a short-squeeze and brought on the age of meme stocks. 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 following companies are subsidiares of Emerson Electric: A.P.M. Automation Solutions Ltd., AE Valves, AGI Mexicana S.A. de C.V., ALCO CONTROLS spol. s.r.o., APM Automation Solutions, ASC Investments Inc., ASCO (Japan) Company Limited, ASCO L.P., ASCO Numatics (India) Private Limited, ASCO Numatics Holding Inc., ASCO SAS, ASCO Valve (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ASCO/JOUCOMATIC s.r.o., ATX SAS, Advanced Protection Technologies, Aegir Norge Holding AS, Alliance Compressors LLC, American Governor, Aperture, Apple JV Holding Corp., Appleton Electric LLC, Appleton Electric S.A. de C.V., Appleton Group, Appleton Group Canada Ltd., Appleton Grp LLC, Appleton Holding Corp., Appleton Holding Sarl, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Artesyn Hungary Elektronikai Kft., Artesyn Technologies, Asco AB, Asco Controls AG, Asco Controls B.V., Asco Joucomatic Ltd., Asco Joucomatic ZA B.V., Asco Magnesszelep Kft., Asco Numatics GmbH, Asco Numatics S.A., Asco Numatics Sirai S.R.L., Asco Numatics Sp. z o.o., Ascomatica S.A. de C.V., Ascomation (NZ) Ltd., Ascomation Pty. Ltd., Ascotech S.A. de C.V., Ascoval Industria e Commercio Ltda, Automatic Switch Company, Aventics, Aventics, Aventics AB, Aventics AG, Aventics AS, Aventics ApS, Aventics B.V., Aventics Corporation, Aventics Holding S.A.S., Aventics Holding S.a.r.l., Aventics Hungary Kft, Aventics Inc., Aventics India Private Limited, Aventics Limited, Aventics Ltd., Aventics Oy, Aventics Pneumatics Equipment (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Aventics Pneumatics Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aventics S.A.S., Aventics S.R.L., Aventics Services Germany GmbH, Aventics Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aventics Sp. z.o.o., Aventics Spain S.L., Aventics spol. s.r.o., Avtron LoadBank, Bannerscientific Limited, Beckman Industrial B.V., Beijing Rosemount Far East Instrument Co. Ltd., Bettis Canada Ltd., Bettis Holdings Limited, Bettis UK Limited, Biffi Italia S.r.l., Bioproduction Group, Branson Korea Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonic S.A., Branson Ultrasonics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonics B.V., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Branson Ultrasonics a.s., Branson Ultrasonidos S.A.E., Branson Ultrasons SAS, Branson Ultrasuoni S.R.L., Branson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Bray Lectroheat Limited, Bristol Babcock Limited, Bristol Inc., Buehler Europe Limited, Buehler UK Limited, CR Compressors LLC, CSA Consulting Engineers Ltd., California Emerson LLC, Cascade Technologies, Cascade Technologies Holdings Limited, Cascade Technologies Limited, Chemat GmbH Armaturen fur Industrie - und Nuklearanlage, Chloride Koexa S.A., Componentes Avanzados de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Computational Systems, Computational Systems Incorporated, Conception et Representation de Technologies de Controle C.R.T. Controle SAS, Control Products Inc., Controles de Temperatura S.A. de C.V., Cooligy Inc., Cooper-Atkins, Cooper-Atkins Corporation, Cooper-Atkins Pte. Ltd., Copeland Access + Inc., Copeland Compresores Hermeticos S.A. de C.V., Copeland Corporation, Copeland Corporation LLC, Copeland Limited, Copeland Redevelopment Corporation, Copeland Scroll Compresores de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copeland de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copesub Inc., Crosby Valve LLC, Damcos A/S, Damcos Holding A/S, Daniel Automation Company, Daniel Europe Limited, Daniel Industrial Inc., Daniel Industries, Daniel Industries Canada Inc., Daniel Industries Inc., Daniel Industries Limited, Daniel International Limited, Daniel Measurement Solutions Private Limited, Daniel Measurement and Control Inc., Daniel Measurement and Control S. de R.L. de C.V., Danmasa S.A. de C.V., Dar Ibtikar Al Iraq for General Services and General Trade LLC, Decision Management International, Dieterich Standard Inc., Digital Appliance Controls (UK) Limited, Dixell North America Inc., Dixell S.R.L., Do+Able Products, E. Business Development E.B.D.Com Ltd., E.G.P. Corporation, EECO Inc., EGS Comercializadora Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Private Ltd., EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES s.r.o., EMR (Asia) Limited, EMR (Mauritius) Ltd., EMR Emerson Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, EMR Europe Holdings Inc., EMR Foundation Inc., EMR Holdings (France) SAS, EMR Holdings Inc., EMR Worldwide B.V., EMR Worldwide Inc., EMRSN HLDG B.V., EMRSN Process Management Morocco Sarl, ENPDOR2012A Limited, ENPESNA Inc., EPM Tulsa Holdings Corp., EPMCO Holdings Inc., ETC International Holdings Ltd., Easy Heat Europe SAS, Easy Heat Inc., El-O-Matic B.V., El-O-Matic Valve Actuators (F.E.) Pte. Ltd., Electrische Apparatenfabriek Capax B.V., Emerald Advanced Technology Limited, Emerson (Philippines) Corporation, Emerson (Taiwan) Limited, Emerson (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Arabia Inc., Emerson Argentina S.A., Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Holdings Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Taiwan) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Thailand) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Czech Republic s.r.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Denmark A/S, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control France SARL, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Germany GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hong Kong Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hungary Kft, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Italia S.r.l., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Middle East FZE, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Netherlands B.V., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Polska Sp. Z.o.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Holding LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK II Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control US LP, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Automation Solutions GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Automation Solutions Ireland Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Isolation Valves Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions SSC UK Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Beijing Instrument Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Services LLC, Emerson Climate Technologies (India) Private Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies (Shenyang) Refrigeration Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Transportation Solutions ApS, Emerson Climate Technologies Arabia Limited Co., Emerson Climate Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies FZE, Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Climate Technologies Refrigeration S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Europe S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Sarl, Emerson Commercial & Residential Tools LLC, Emerson Commerical & Residential Asia Limited, Emerson Comres de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson DHC B.V., Emerson Dietzenbach GmbH, Emerson Dominicana Srl, Emerson Egypt LLC, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited, Emerson Electric (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Electric (Mauritius) Ltd., Emerson Electric (South Asia) Pte. Ltd., Emerson Electric (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Electric (Tongling) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation, Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation (Chile) Limitada, Emerson Electric (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric CR Limitada, Emerson Electric Canada Limited, Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited, Emerson Electric Company Lanka (Private) Limited, Emerson Electric Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, Emerson Electric II C.A., Emerson Electric International Inc., Emerson Electric Ireland Limited, Emerson Electric Korea Ltd., Emerson Electric Nederland B.V., Emerson Electric Overseas Finance Corp., Emerson Electric Poland Sp. z o.o., Emerson Electric U.K. Limited, Emerson Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Electric do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Energy Systems (UK) Limited, Emerson FZE, Emerson Final Control US Holding LLC, Emerson Finance LLC, Emerson Fusite Electric (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Gabon SARL, Emerson Hazardous Electrical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Holding Company Limited, Emerson Holding Sweden AB, Emerson InSinkErator Appliance (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Industrial Automation USA Inc., Emerson International Holding Company Limited, Emerson Japan Ltd., Emerson Junkang Enterprise (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Korea Limited, Emerson LLC, Emerson LLP, Emerson Machinery Equipment (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Mexico Finance S.A. de C.V. SOFOM ENR, Emerson Middle East Inc., Emerson Network Power DHC B.V., Emerson Paradigm Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management (India) Private Limited, Emerson Process Management (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management A/S (Denmark), Emerson Process Management AB, Emerson Process Management AG, Emerson Process Management AS, Emerson Process Management Angola Lda, Emerson Process Management Arabia Limited, Emerson Process Management Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Process Management B.V., Emerson Process Management Chennai Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Distribution Limited, Emerson Process Management Europe GmbH, Emerson Process Management Flow B.V., Emerson Process Management Flow Technologies Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Process Management Holding AG, Emerson Process Management Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management Kft., Emerson Process Management LLLP, Emerson Process Management Lda, Emerson Process Management Limited, Emerson Process Management Ltda, Emerson Process Management Magyarorszag Kft., Emerson Process Management Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Korea Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management NV, Emerson Process Management New Zealand Limited, Emerson Process Management Nigeria Limited, Emerson Process Management Oy, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions Inc., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions India Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Qatar W.L.L., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa LLC, Emerson Process Management Romania S.R.L., Emerson Process Management S.A., Emerson Process Management S.A. de C.V., Emerson Process Management S.L., Emerson Process Management S.R.L., Emerson Process Management SAS, Emerson Process Management Shared Services Limited, Emerson Process Management Sp. z o.o., Emerson Process Management Ticaret Limited Sirket, Emerson Process Management UAB, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Valve Automation Inc., Emerson Process Management Verwaltung GmbH, Emerson Process Management d.o.o., Emerson Process Management de Colombia SAS, Emerson Process Management del Peru S.A.C., Emerson Process Management s.r.o., Emerson Professional Tools (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Puerto Rico Inc., Emerson Retail Services Europe GmbH, Emerson S.R.L., Emerson Sales UK Limited, Emerson Saudi Arabia LLC, Emerson Scroll Machining (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Sice S.R.L., Emerson Sweden AB, Emerson TOV, Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Technologies Verwaltungs GmbH, Emerson Tool Company de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Tool and Appliance Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson UK Trustees Limited, Emerson USD Finance Company Limited, Emerson Valves & Controls Japan Co. Ltd., Emerson Ventures Inc., Emerson Vulcan Holding LLC, Emerson Xi'an Engineering Center, Emersub 1 LLC, Emersub 10 LLC, Emersub 11 LLC, Emersub 12 LLC, Emersub 14 LLC, Emersub 15 LLC, Emersub 16 LLC, Emersub 3 LLC, Emersub 4 LLC, Emersub 5 LLC, Emersub 7 LLC, Emersub 8 LLC, Emersub 9 LLC, Emersub CII Inc., Emersub CV Inc., Emersub Italia S.R.L., Emersub LXXXIV Inc., Emersub LXXXVI Inc., Emersub Mexico Inc., Emersub Treasury Ireland Unlimited Company, Emersub XLVI Inc., Emersub XXXVI Inc., Emirates Techno Casting FZE, Emirates Techno Casting Holding Limited, Emirates Techno Casting LLC, Enardo, Endura-Greenlee Tools, Energy Solutions International (India) Private Limited, Energy Solutions International GP LLC, Energy Solutions International Ltd., Energy Solutions International SAS, Energy Solutions International Sub LLC, F-R Tecnologias de Flujo S.A. de C.V., FC QSF LLC, FMC Technologies, Fiberconn Assemblies Morocco Sarl, Fincor Holding LLC, Fire & Safety Group.Com Ltd., Fisher Controles de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fisher Controls International LLC, Fisher Jeon Gas Equipment (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Fisher Regulators (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Sanmar Limited, Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc., Flow Control Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Flow Control Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Flow Control US Holding Corporation, Francel SAS, Fromex S.A. de C.V., Fusite B.V., Fusite Corporation, Fusite Land Company, GSEG LLC, General Equipment and Manufacturing Company Inc., Generale de Robinetterie Industrielle et de Sytemes de Surete, GeoFields, GeoFields Inc., Greenex Ltd., Greenfield (UK) Limited, Greenlee, Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Tools Inc., Gulf Valve FZE, Gustav Klauke GmbH, H.T.E. Engineering Limited, HD Electric Company, HTE Engineering Services Limited, Hindle Cockburns Limited, Hiross India Private Limited, Hiter Industria e Comercia de Controles Termo-Hidraulicos Ltda., Humboldt Hermetic Motor Corp., Hytork International Ltd., I Solutions Inc., ICC Intelligent Platforms GmbH, ISE-MagTech, Industrial Controls Canada ULC, Industrial Group Metran JSC, Instrument & Valve Services Company, Intelligent Platforms LLC, Intellution, International Gas Distribution SA, Intrinsic Safety Equipment of Texas Inc., JCF Fluid Flow India Private Limited, JSC Metran-Export, Joucomatic S.A., K Controls Limited, Keystone Germany Holdings Corp., Keystone Valve (Korea) LLC, Keystone Valve (U.K.) Limited, Klauke, Klauke (Jiangsu) Electrical Connection Technology Co Ltd., Klauke France SARL, Klauke Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Klauke Iberia S.L., Klauke Polska Sp. z.o.o., Klauke Slovakia s.r.o., Klauke UK Ltd., Knurr, Liebert, Liebert Swindon Limited, Locus Solutions LLC, Locus Traxx Worldwide, Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe BVBA, MDC Technology Limited, MDC Technology Trustees Limited, METCO Services Limited, MYNAH Technologies, Management Resources Group Inc., Mecafrance (Deutschland) GmbH, Metallurgical Services Laboratories Limited, Metaserv Limited, Metco Services Venezuela C.A., Micro Motion Inc., Mobrey Group Limited, Motores Hermeticos del Sur S.A. de C.V., NetworkPower Ecuador S.A., Nippon Fisher Co. Ltd., Novel Environmental Technologies Ltd., Novel Extinguishing Agent Technology Ltd., Numatics Incorporated, Nutsteel DHC B.V., Nutsteel Industria Metalurgica Ltda, O.M.T. Officina Meccanica Tartarini S.r.l., Open Systems International, P I Components Corp., PT Emerson Solutions Indonesia, PT. Emerson Indonesia, PT. Paradigm Geophysical Indonesia, Pactrol Controls Limited, PakSense, PakSense Inc., Paradigm, Paradigm (UK) Holding Limited, Paradigm B.V., Paradigm France S.A., Paradigm Geophysical (India) Private Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (U.K.) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical B.V., Paradigm Geophysical Corp., Paradigm Geophysical Italy SRL, Paradigm Geophysical LLC, Paradigm Geophysical Limited, Paradigm Geophysical Pty Ltd, Paradigm Geophysical S.A., Paradigm Geophysical Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical Spain S.L., Paradigm Geophysical de Venezuela C.A., Paradigm Geophysical do Brasil Ltda., Paradigm Geoservices Canada Ltd., Paradigm Geotechnology (Egypt) S.A.E., Paradigm Kazakhstan LLP, Paradigm Middle East FZ-LLC, Paradigm Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Parex Industries Limited, Pentair Valves & Controls, Pentair Valves and Controls India Private Limited, Permasense, Permasense Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Permasense Limited, ProSys, ProTeam Inc., Progea, RAC Technologies (Israel) Ltd., RIDGID Inc., RPP Europe GmbH, RPP LLC, Rey-Lam S. de R.L. de C.V., Ridge Tool (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Ridge Tool Company, Ridge Tool Europe NV, Ridge Tool GmbH, Ridge Tool GmbH & Co. OHG, Ridge Tool Manufacturing Company, Ridge Tool Pattern Company, Ridgid France SAS, Ridgid Italia S.R.L., Ridgid Online Inc., Ridgid Scandinavia A/S, Ridgid Werkzeuge AG, Rosemount China Inc., Rosemount Inc., Rosemount Measurement Limited, Rosemount Nuclear Instruments Inc., Rosemount Specialty Products LLC, Rosemount Tank Gauging India Pvt. Ltd., Rosemount Tank Gauging Middle East SPC, Rosemount Tank Gauging North America Inc., Rosemount Tank Radar AB, Rosemount Tank Radar Properties AB, Roxar, Roxar AS, Roxar Flow Measurement AS, Roxar Flow Measurement Sdn Bhd, Roxar Limited, Roxar Maximum Reservoir Performance W.L.L., Roxar Saudi Co., Roxar Services AS, Roxar Services OOO, Roxar Software Solutions AS, Roxar Technologies AS, Roxar Vietnam Company Ltd., Roxar de Venezuela C.A., Rutherfurd Acquisitions Limited, S.F.T. Group Ltd., SABO-Armaturen Service GmbH, Safety Systems UK Pte. Ltd., Sakhi-Raimondi Valve (India) Limited, Scroll Compressors LLC, Scroll Mexico LLC, Sempell GmbH, Shanghai Virgo Valves Technology Consulting Co. Ltd., Sherman + Reilly, Soluciones 0925 C.A., Spectra-Tek Holdings Limited, Spectra-Tek International Limited, Spectra-Tek UK Limited, Spectrex, Spectrex Inc., Spectronix Ltd., Spensall Engineering Limited, Steel Support Systems Limited, Stratos Lightwave, System Plast International B.V., System Plast Ltda, System Plast USA de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TDM-avtomatizatsiya, TV&C GP Holding LLC, Taiwan Valve Co. Ltd., TechnipFMC, Termocontroles de Juarez S.A. de C.V., Tescom Corporation, Tescom Europe GmbH & Co. KG, Tescom Europe Management GmbH, The Automation Group Inc., The J.R. Clarkson Company LLC, Therm-O-Disc Europe B.V., Therm-O-Disc Incorporated, Thunderline Z Inc., TopWorx UK Limited, Tranmet Holdings B.V., Tranmet Holdings Limited, Verdant Environmental Technologies, Vilter Manufacturing LLC, Virgo Valves & Controls (ME) FZE, Virgo Valves and Controls Sdn Bhd, Von Arx AG, Vulsub 1 Limited, Vulsub Brasil Holding, Vulsub Brasil Ltda., Vulsub Chile SpA, Vulsub Gulf Holding Limited, Vulsub Holding III (Denmark) ApS, Vulsub Holding Ltd, Vulsub Holdings A LLC, Vulsub Holdings B LLC, Vulsub Holdings C LLC, Vulsub Holdings D LLC, Vulsub Italia S.r.l., Vulsub Middle East Holdings LLC, Vulsub Peru S.A.C., Vulsub Property Holding LLC, Vulsub Property Limited, Vulsub S.A., Vulsub South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Vulsub VZ C.A., Westinghouse Electric Pvt. Limited, Westlock Controls Limited, Westlock Equipamentos de Controle Ltda., Woodstock Land Company LLC, epro GmbH, iSolera Inc., iSolutions Private Limited, and intelliSAW. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of TE Connectivity: 999 Arques Corp., ABB ENTRELEC terminal block business, ACC Telecommunications, ADC Chile Limitada, ADC Communications (SEA) Pte. Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Holding Ltd., ADC Communications (UK) Ltd., ADC Communications Hong Kong Limited, ADC Telecommunications Equipment (Shanghai) Co., AMP Amermex, AMP Products Pacific Limited, AMP Taiwan B.V., AMP Trading B.V., AMP de Venezuela, Acalon Holdings Limited, Advanced Fiber Products LLC, Advanced Fiber Products Limited, Advanced Tube Technologies, AdvancedCath, AdvancedCath Technologies, Alpha Technics, American Sensor Technologies, Betatherm (R&D) Limited, Brantner Holding Company, Brantner and Associates, Butterfly Management SAS, C.S. Tyco Decisive Inc., C.S. Tyco Dependable Inc., C.S. Tyco Durable Inc., C.S. Tyco Reliance Inc., C.S. Tyco Resolute Inc., C.S. Tyco Responder Inc., CII Guardian International Limited, Cablotec GmbH, Carrier Kheops Bac SAS, Catheter and Disposable Technology, Celis Eletrocomponentes Ltda., Cima de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Clarebury Pty. Ltd., Codenoll Technology Corporation, Communication Expert International Investments Limited, Compagnie Deutsch Distribution SAS, Compagnie Deutsch SAS, Comtec Systeme GmbH, Connecteurs Electriques Deutsch SAS, Corcom, Corcom West Indies Limited, Cotsworks LLC, Creganna, Creganna Captial Holding Ireland Unlimited Company, Creganna Finance (US) LLC, Creganna Finance Ireland Limited, Creganna Luxembourg SARL, Creganna Medical Devices, Creganna Medical Pte. Limited, Creganna Medical Technology Unlimited, Creganna Medical s.r.l., Creganna Regulatory, Creganna Solutions Limited, Creganna Solutions Unlimited Company, Creganna Tactx Singapore Limited, Creganna Unlimited Company, Cregstar Bidco Limited, Critchley Group Limited, Crompton Instruments (South-East Asia) Pte. Ltd., Deutsch, Deutsch Connectors Hong Kong Limited, Deutsch Connectors Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Connectors Trading (Shanghai) Co., Deutsch Finance SAS, Deutsch GB Limited, Deutsch Group SAS, Deutsch India Power Connectors (Pvt) Ltd, Deutsch Israel Ltd., Deutsch SAS, Deutsch Servicios S. de R.L. De C.V., Deutsch Subco Limited, Deutsch UK, F.A.I. Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, First Sensor, Grangehurst Enterprises Pty. Ltd., Hirschmann Car Communication, Hong Kong Sensors Technologies Limited, Howard A. Schaevitz Technologies, Intercontec Connector System (Shanghai) Co., Intercontec Produkt GmbH, Intercontect Pfeiffer Industrie-Steckverbindungen GmbH, Jaquet North America, Jaquet Technology Group AG, Kemex Holding Company, Kenabell Holding Limited, LADD Distribution LLC, LADD Distribution Limited, LSA, MEAS Asia Limited, MEAS Europe SAS, MEAS France SAS, MEAS Ireland (Betatherm) Limited, MEAS Norway AS, MEAS Shenzhen Limited, MEAS Switzerland S.a r.l., MEAS US Holding, MP&E, Measurement Specialties, Measurement Specialties (Chengdu) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd., Measurement Specialties (China) Ltd. Production Branch, Measurement Specialties Foreign Holdings LLC, Measurement Technology (Chengdu) Ltd., Medical Engineering & Design, MicroGroup, Morlynn Ceramics Pty. Ltd., Nikkiso-Therm Co., PT KRONE Indonesia, PT. Tyco Electronics Indonesia, Pfeiffer GmbH & Co KG, Pfeiffer Verwaltungs GmbH, Polamco, Polamco Limited, Potter & Brumfield de Mexico, Precision Interconnect LLC, Precision Subsea AS, Precision Wire Components, Precision Wire Holding Company, Produxx, RAYCHEM-RPG Private Limited, Raychem (HK) Limited, Raychem (Shanghai) Trading Ltd, Raychem China Limited, Raychem Dominicana S.A., Raychem Industries BVBA, Raychem International LLC, Raychem International Manufacturing LLC, Raychem Juarez, Raychem Limited, Raychem Ltd., Raychem Pacific Corporation, Raychem Saudi Arabia Limited, Raychem Shanghai Cable Accessories Ltd, Raychem Technologies Limited, Rochester Wire and Cable LLC, SEACON Advanced Products LLC, Seacon (Europe) Limited, Seacon Global Production, Seacon Produtos e Servicos Opticos e Eletricos Ltda., Sensitive Object, Servo Interconnect Limited, Shanghai CII Electronics Co., Shenzhen Century Man Communication Equipment Co., Sibas Electronics (Xiamen) Co., TCN Holding (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., TE Connectivity (Barbados) SRL, TE Connectivity (Denmark) ApS, TE Connectivity (HKZ) Holding Limited, TE Connectivity (Kunshan) Company Limited, TE Connectivity (Netherlands) Holding S.a r.l. - Irish Branch, TE Connectivity (Schweiz) Management AG, TE Connectivity (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Argentina S.R.L., TE Connectivity Australia Pty Ltd, TE Connectivity Colombia S.A.S., TE Connectivity Connectors (Suzhou) Co., TE Connectivity Distribution (Thailand) Limited, TE Connectivity EMEA Holding GmbH, TE Connectivity Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity HK Limited, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen E-Finance branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Holding International II S.a r.l. (Ireland Branch), TE Connectivity Holding International S.A., TE Connectivity Inc., TE Connectivity India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A., TE Connectivity Investments Holding S.A. Luxembourg (LU) Schaffhausen branch, TE Connectivity Ireland Limited, TE Connectivity LATAM Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM I S.a r.l., TE Connectivity LATAM II S.a r.l., TE Connectivity Limited, TE Connectivity MOG Europe S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Holding S.a r.l., TE Connectivity MOG Inc., TE Connectivity MOG Sales GmbH, TE Connectivity Manufacturing (Thailand) Company Limited, TE Connectivity Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., TE Connectivity Morocco SARL, TE Connectivity Nederland B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Poland II) Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Netherlands (Turkey) B.V., TE Connectivity Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., TE Connectivity Phoenix Optix Inc., TE Connectivity Seacon Phoenix Inc., TE Connectivity Sensors Germany GmbH, TE Connectivity Services India Private Limited, TE Connectivity Solutions GmbH, TE Connectivity South Africa Proprietary Limited, TE Connectivity Spain, TE Connectivity SubCom S.L.U., TE Connectivity SubCom Spain Holding S.L.U., TE Connectivity Technology Solutions Limited, TE Connectivity Tunisia Sarl, TE Connectivity ULC, TE Connectivity US Group Holding Inc., TE Connectivity Vietnam Holding Company Limited, TYCO Electronics Polska Sp.z.o.o., TYCO SUBMARINE SYSTEMS INC., TacPro, Tactx Medical, Taicang Speed & Spin Sensors Co., Taliq Taiwan Limited, Tappat Engineering Pty Ltd, TechDevice Costa Rica Limitada, TechDevice Holdings, TechDevice LLC, The Whitaker LLC, Transoceanic Cable Ship Company LLC, TyCom Holdings II SA, TyCom Networks (Peru) S.A., Tyco Electronics (AMP Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Dongguan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Holding Limited, Tyco Electronics (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics (Korea) Malta Limited, Tyco Electronics (Kunshan) Ltd, Tyco Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Tyco Electronics (Qingdao) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Schweiz) Holding II GmbH, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Tyco Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Suzhou) Ltd., Tyco Electronics (Zhuhai) Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Guangdong Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Italia Products S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Italia S.R.L., Tyco Electronics AMP Korea Co., Tyco Electronics AMP Manufacturing (S) Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics AMP Qingdao Ltd., Tyco Electronics AMP Shanghai Ltd., Tyco Electronics Austria GmbH, Tyco Electronics Belgium EC BVBA, Tyco Electronics Brasil Ltda., Tyco Electronics Canada ULC, Tyco Electronics China (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Componentes Electromecanicos Lda., Tyco Electronics Corby Limited, Tyco Electronics Corporation, Tyco Electronics Czech s.r.o., Tyco Electronics Del Peru S.A.C., Tyco Electronics EC Trutnov s.r.o., Tyco Electronics EC Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Tyco Electronics Eta Limited, Tyco Electronics Finance Alpha GmbH, Tyco Electronics Finance S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Finland Oy, Tyco Electronics France SAS, Tyco Electronics Germany Holdings GmbH, Tyco Electronics Group S.A., Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (French Branch), Tyco Electronics Group S.A. (Ireland Branch), Tyco Electronics H.K. Limited, Tyco Electronics Hellas MEPE, Tyco Electronics Holding Corp., Tyco Electronics Holding France, Tyco Electronics Holding S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited, Tyco Electronics Holdings (Bermuda) No. 7 Limited Taiwan Branch, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 1 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 2 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hong Kong Holdings No. 3 Limited, Tyco Electronics Hungary Termelo Kft, Tyco Electronics Idento, Tyco Electronics India (Gibraltar) Limited, Tyco Electronics Industrial Y Comercial Chile Limitada, Tyco Electronics Integrated Cable Systems LLC, Tyco Electronics Ireland Limited, Tyco Electronics Israel Ltd., Tyco Electronics Italia Holding S.r.l., Tyco Electronics Japan G.K., Tyco Electronics Lambda, Tyco Electronics Latin America Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics Manufacturing Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Mexico, Tyco Electronics Middle East FZE, Tyco Electronics Motors Ltd, Tyco Electronics NZ Limited, Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Germany Holding) S.a r.l., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar China) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (Gibraltar India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands (India) Cooperatief U.A., Tyco Electronics Netherlands Holding B.V., Tyco Electronics Norge AS, Tyco Electronics Philippines, Tyco Electronics Precision Engineering Ltd., Tyco Electronics Printed Circuit Group LP, Tyco Electronics RIMC Holding LLC, Tyco Electronics RUS OOO, Tyco Electronics Raychem GmbH, Tyco Electronics Raychem Korea Limited, Tyco Electronics SIMEL SAS, Tyco Electronics Saudi Arabia Limited, Tyco Electronics Services GmbH, Tyco Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd, Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications LLC, Tyco Electronics Svenska AB, Tyco Electronics Svenska Holdings AB, Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Co., Tyco Electronics Technology (SIP) Ltd., Tyco Electronics Tecnologias S. de R.L. de C.V., Tyco Electronics UK Holdings Ltd, Tyco Electronics UK Ltd., Tyco Electronics UK Ltd. (Kenya Branch), Tyco Electronics Ukraine Limited, Tyco Electronics Uruguay S.A., Tyco Electronics Verwaltungs GmbH, Tyco Electronics Wireless Systems B.V., Tyco Electronics de Venezuela, Tyco Elektronik AMP Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Tyco Global Networks Ltd., Tyco Iberia, Tyco International Services GmbH, Tyco Networks (Argentina) S.R.L., Tyco Networks (Italy) Srl, Tyco Networks (Netherlands) B.V., Tyco Networks Iberica, Tyco Submarine Systems, Tyco Submarine Systems C.A., Tyco Submarine Systems de Argentina S.A., Tyco Telecommunications Ltd., Wema Americas LLC, Wema Automotive System Private Limited, Wema Environmental Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Wema Environmental Technologies Ltd., Wema System AG, Wema System AS, Wema System Hong Kong Limited, Wema System Production and Distribution HK Limited, Xiamen Delixing Electric Equipment Businesss, and motec Montage GmbH. Read More NextEra Energy, Inc. is the largest electric utility holding company in the US. It operates a network of power generation and distribution facilities that include fossil-fuel-generated and green energy. As of mid-2022, the company was capable of generating 58 GW of electricity with nearly 60% of the load produced by green sources including wind and solar. In their view, going green isnt an option, its the solution. NextEra Energy has been recognized multiple times as a leader in clean energy and ESG practices and was ranked the #1 electric and gas utility on the Forbes list of Most Admired Companies. The company is the result of several mergers that begin with FPL Group. FPL Group is now a subsidiary of NextEra Energy and the third-largest provider of electricity in the US servicing nearly half of Florida. FPL and its affiliates are the single largest provider of renewable energy generated from wind and sun. The group changed its name in 2010 following a decision to shift focus onto renewable energy sources. Today, NextEra Energy, Inc through its subsidiary FPL serves about 12 million people in eastern and southwestern Florida. The company employs nearly 14,900 people who service 5.8 million accounts. The company is in business to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity to retail and wholesale clients. Electricity is generated through wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, and coal-fired facilities. The company is also engaged in the construction and operation of new facilities, specifically renewable power generation, storage, and delivery facilities, and can offer custom solutions tailored to any need. Offerings include tailored services to assist businesses with their transition to clean energy. NextEra Energy also owns and operates 7 nuclear power stations in Florida, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin generating power for the wholesale market. Unlike other companies that are targeting net-zero emissions, NextEra Energy has a plan to reach real zero and is investing heavily to reach that goal by 2045. The company had invested nearly $50 billion in green energy infrastructure and initiatives by mid-2022. The plan is to first work on reducing its own emissions and then take its knowledge and expertise to the world. UNICEF/UN039564/Soulaiman NEW YORK, 20 November 2016 Universal Childrens Day is more than a day to celebrate children everywhere. It is an annual opportunity to recommit ourselves to protecting the rights of every child. Universal, inalienable rights that the world pledged to protect on this day in 1989, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Rights to dignity and security. To be treated fairly and to live free from oppression. To have a fair chance in life. The health and soul of all societies depend not only on how these rights are recognized but also on how they are acted upon. On this Childrens Day, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that around the world, the rights of millions of children are being violated every day. Theyre being violated in eastern Aleppo and other besieged areas across Syria, where children are cut off from food, water, and medical care. Theyre being violated in Yemen, where children are dying because we cannot reach thousands of them with therapeutic foods to treat acute malnutrition and where cholera now threatens more young lives. Theyre being violated in northeastern Nigeria, where children especially girls are threatened by extremists who take away their very childhoods. Theyre being violated in South Sudan, where millions of children are facing a severe nutrition crisis and the country faces the prospect of widespread atrocities. Theyre being violated around the world, in every country, wherever children are the victims of violence, abuse and exploitation. Violated wherever they are deprived of an education. Wherever they are denied the chance to make the most of their potential simply because of their race, their religion, their gender, their ethnic group, or because they are living with a disability. How will these children learn to respect the rights of others if their own rights are violated? How will they view the world, and their responsibility to it? These children are the future leaders of their societies. The future engines of their national economies. The future parents and protectors of the next generation. When we protect their rights, we are not only preventing their suffering. We are not only safeguarding their lives. We are protecting our common future. ### Notes to Editors: United Nations Universal Childrens Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. On 20 November 1989 the UN General assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. About UNICEF UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org Follow us on Twitter and Facebook For further information, please contact: Georgina Thompson, UNICEF New York, Tel: +1 917 238 1559, gthompson@unicef.org Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Design upgrade Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: Optoro, the Maryland e-commerce start-up that has attracted more than $80 million from investors for technology that helps retailers resell unwanted inventory, is in talks with D.C. officials to make its new city office the company headquarters. The company moved into a 25,000-square-foot office in the Districts Metro Center neighborhood this year, bringing a workforce that now totals 200. Thats more than four times the head count at the office in Lanham, Md., which is still listed as the corporate headquarters. In recent years, the company has attracted interest from some of the D.C. areas most well-heeled technology investors. Revolution Growth, the $1.1 billion venture firm backed by AOL co-founder Steve Case, Washington sports-teams owner Ted Leonsis, and managing partner Donn Davis, led a sizable investment in 2013 that added Leonsis to the companys board. A much larger, $50 million round in 2014 came from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, a prolific Silicon Valley fund known for making early investments in giants such as Google and Amazon. Optoro chief executive Tobin Moore grew up in the District but built his company in Lanham, in Prince Georges County. He said any decision to move would come down to whether District officials are able to come up with a favorable incentive package. He declined to elaborate on exactly what the company is seeking. We just want them to be competitive, Moore said. The mayors office said it is committed to coaxing Optoro into the District but declined to outline specifics while talks are still in progress. Andrew Trueblood, chief of staff to the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, said the company may be eligible for at least two government programs that provide tax credits and grants for tech-focused businesses in the District. The programs were tapped for the incentive package given to the local education-technology firm Blackboard, which renewed its lease last year after considering options in Maryland and Virginia. Blackboard could be eligible for as much as $5 million in incentives under the two programs. The mayors office went even further to hold onto the Advisory Board Company, a health-care consultancy that employs thousands, passing special legislation offering the company as much as $6 million in tax incentives tied to the certainty of a set number of jobs. Both incentive packages are dwarfed by $33 million worth of tax breaks for LivingSocial in 2012. LivingSocial went on to lay off thousands of employees and sell itself to close competitor Groupon for an unspecified amount last month, raising questions about effectiveness of such incentives given to companies in the fast-changing technology sector. Were not going to throw them tons of cash, but we want to put together a package that helps tip the decision towards D.C., Trueblood said. Our goal is we dont want to open up the paper and find out that an organization that employs D.C. residents is thinking of moving their business elsewhere. WASHINGTON -- White nationalists from around the country gathered Saturday in downtown Washington to bask in Donald Trump's victory and celebrate what many proclaimed as a coming-out moment in their mission to turn back multiculturalism and eventually create a whites-only "ethno-state" in North America. "There's an energy in this city that I've never felt before," said Gerald Martin, 64, a retired teacher from Dallas who was one of nearly 275 attendees of the annual conference put on by the National Policy Institute, whose president, Richard Spencer, coined the term alt-right and is a vocal proponent of what Spencer refers to as "white identity." "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," said Martin triumphantly amid the water goblets and white tablecloths at the Ronald Reagan Building as he waited for Spencer to take the stage. "And we just napalmed the s--- out of Hillary Clinton and everyone who supports her." He and others welcomed media to the gathering and hailed what they called the "mainstreaming" of ideas that were only recently confined to the shadows of the Internet. But they met fierce resistance during their two-day gathering, with protesters disrupting an NPI dinner Friday and crowding the pavement outside the conference Saturday. "NPI -- Today's KKK," read one sign in the crowd of about 200 people that security guards kept from entering the Reagan Building as police blocked to traffic. Half of the crowd chanted "We say no to racist hate!" The other half responded, "We don't want a white state!" A few had red bandannas or black masks covering the lower halves of their faces. "We have to resist the idea that fascism and a white supremacy organization can be normalized," said Perry King, 61, a District of Columbia resident and psychotherapist. "We can't let them be mainstream. That's what happened with the Nazis. We have to play Whac-A-Mole now and not let them become 'normal.' " Inside the conference room, attendees dismissed the protesters as "bullies" and claimed the momentum in a culture-war struggle for control of a nation that they believe, in Martin's words, is "rapidly becoming a Third World country." Most in the overwhelmingly male gathering wore dark suits, many with the triangle lapel pin of a California-based European identity group. One man was dressed in camouflage, another wore a pony tail and an opera cloak. Dozens of them also wore what's known as "fashy" (as in fascist) haircuts -- a hipster look that features shaved sides with the hair on top swept across. A blond teenage girl wore a Make America Great Again cap. When Spencer asked for attendees younger than 40 to stand up, at least half in the room rose. "The alt-right is a youth movement," said Martin. "They're really going for it, maybe because they've never had a victory like this. All they've ever heard is 'white guilt' and, lately, 'white privilege.' " In its third year of mentoring and investing in cybersecurity start-ups in Northern Virginia, state-funded start-up accelerator Mach37 is starting to show it can churn out self-sustaining businesses. Last week, the incubator pulled off its first exit when an alumni company called Cyber Algorithms was bought by D.C.-based security company Thycotic for a sum that wasnt disclosed. Earlier, a $4 million investment in Manassas-based Virgil Security was the biggest yet for a Mach37 alumni company. I think were hitting our stride, said managing partner Rick Gordon. At the end of the day were only going to be able to demonstrate how effective we are by getting companies exited. Mach37 takes its name from the velocity needed to escape Earths gravitational field, a metaphor for the organizations mission to help cyber start-ups become free-standing companies. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) has said he wants to eventually transfer full ownership of Mach37 to the private sector, and new corporate partnerships with Amazon Web Services, General Dynamics and SAP suggest that the accelerator is stepping assertively in that direction. With every successful exit, Mach37s average returns will look a little rosier to big-ticket investors and private companies, potentially making it easier to step beyond government funding. Like many cyber-companies in the D.C. area, Cyber Algorithms traces its origins to the government intelligence community. Founder Tim Brennan was a systems engineer at Northrop Grumman and cyber-analyst for the government before founding his company with the help of seed capital from Mach37. Brennans resume heavy on technical acumen and light on entrepreneurial experience is typical of those selected by Mach37. The accelerator stands out from some of its peers in that it looks for entrepreneurial novices with technical backgrounds: engineers, hackers and software developers who have never run a company before. Managing partner Rick Gordon admits that a lack of entrepreneurial experience has made it harder for some founders to woo investors. The inherent risk built into the start-up economy means that smart investors tend to favor those with entrepreneurial experience. Second- or third-time entrepreneurs can often command huge capital infusions before they have a proven revenue pipeline, while first-timers are much more closely scrutinized. The accelerators first exit comes at a time when new start-ups are having a harder time finding funding, and Mach37s portfolio companies have been no exception. About 63 percent of its alumni have gone on to raise seed funding, down from 70 percent reported a year ago. Those that are picking up funding tend to be on the more experienced end of the spectrum. The latest is Atomicorp, a Chantilly-based company that works to immunize computer systems operating in cloud-based environments and allow them to automatically patch themselves up after incidents. Founder Michael Shinn was a cybersecurity analyst in the Clinton administration who later founded and sold his own company. Atomicorp already has about 2,000 paying customers and generates projected annual revenue of about $1.2 million. Last year, Shinn turned down a $10 million buyout so he could continue expanding his company. On Tuesday morning, the company announced a $1 million investment from local angel investment firm Blu Venture Investors. Steven Chen, an angel investor with Blu who helped fund both Atomicorp and Virgil, says that the typical Mach37 teams lack of entrepreneurial experience has made it harder to close deals but that he sees improvement. He recounts abandoning a once-promising investment in one of Mach37s alumni companies after the company fired a newly appointed chief executive, leaving the business in limbo. We like [Mach37] a lot, but we had trouble making deals because some of the those entrepreneurs were inexperienced in making money, he said. Its all about a learning curve for them, for the program and for customers. They are slowly getting there. Mach37 appears to be sticking with its early selection strategy, opting for leaner enterprises that dont do a lot of advertising. A founders relative inexperience might make it harder for the average start-up to find capital, Gordon says, but the so-called unicorn companies that employ thousands of people are usually created by founders who have technical expertise. He points to a few local success stories in which technologists were able to build successful companies without any prior business experience: Tenable Network Security founder Ron Gula, Mandiant founder Kevin Mandia and Sourcefire co-founder Martin Roesch. If you look at the start-up ecosystem its extraordinarily rare to have a [$1 billion company] where you didnt have technical founders directly involved in setting the business direction, Gordon said. Two days after the election of Donald Trump, Mark Zuckerberg found himself on the hot seat. At a tech conference, an interviewer grilled the Facebook chief executive about the fake news that proliferates on the platform, suggesting that it had swayed the election toward Trump. One widely shared story, for example, said that Pope Francis had endorsed the Republican nominee. Zuckerberg scoffed: Personally I think the idea that fake news on Facebook, which is a very small amount of the content, influenced the election in any way I think is a pretty crazy idea. Voters make decisions based on their lived experience. But since then, under fire (including from President Obama, who railed against the fake-news epidemic last week), Facebook has taken some positive steps. During a Facebook live discussion, reporter Caitlin Dewey explained how fake news sites use Facebook as a vehicle to function and make money. (The Washington Post) Late Friday, Zuckerberg posted about how he grasps the seriousness of the problem and outlined the ways Facebook might deal with it. He mentioned third-party verification services; better ways for users to flag hoaxes; and efforts to keep fake-news websites from getting rich on advertising dollars. Thats welcome progress. Now its time for a bolder move: Facebook should hire a top-flight executive editor and give that person the resources, power and staff to make sound editorial decisions. Zuckerberg may not want to call this person an editor, since he has been insistent that Facebook isnt a media company. He sees it as a technology company, a platform for connectivity. And indeed, Facebook itself does not produce news content but merely allows its community members to share their own offerings whether baby pictures or hoaxes about political candidates. Thats fine. Call this person the chief sharing officer or the engagement czarina. Whatever the title, Facebook needs someone who can distinguish a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph from child pornography and who can tell a baseless lie from a thoroughly vetted investigative story. What rules the roost at Facebook is engagement. To oversimplify: The more an item is shared among your friends, the more likely you are to see it. Clearly, thats not nearly enough. Whats needed to kill fake news is ruthless fact-checking, gut-checking and a big helping of common sense. The Silicon Valley behemoth, with its billion-plus users, is a major news source for some demographic groups, the leading one. Its influence is only going in one direction: ever upward. Understandably, Facebook doesnt want to turn into the worlds censor in chief. And it shouldnt and doesnt have to. When Zuckerberg said recently that identifying truth is hard, Ben Smith, chief editor of Buzzfeed, had a ready answer: That might be the case, he said, for algorithms and epistemologists. But its something that professional journalists are asked to do every day, and its not actually that complicated. It comes down to judgment the kind that cant be done by complicated code or by relying on well-intentioned but vague community standards. The need for editorial judgment at Facebook didnt start with this post-election finger-pointing. It has been growing for many months. Last summer, for example, a Minnesota woman named Diamond Reynolds used her smartphone to live-stream a horrific scene onto Facebook: Her boyfriend, Philando Castile, had been fatally shot by a police officer. Her post was removed for about an hour Facebook said that was because of a technical glitch then restored. Then, in September, Facebook deleted Nick Uts Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of a Vietnamese girl fleeing a napalm attack because it violated the platforms standards on nudity and child pornography. When global outrage followed, it, too, was restored. Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, has called on Zuckerberg to change his mind about Facebooks role in the media ecosystem. By acknowledging that Facebook can and should play a more active part in editing yes, editing its own platform, and hiring actual people to do so, Zuckerberg will further the civic commons as well as address a growing problem of how people perceive Facebook, she wrote in Columbia Journalism Review. And last week, author Jeff Jarvis and tech entrepreneur John Borthwick, writing on Medium, offered 15 ways to combat the fake-news epidemic. Among them: hire some editors, not to create content, not to edit . . . but instead to bring a sense of public responsibility to their companies and products. Editors, of course, are far from infallible. Most of them would be quick to admit that. But this move would put someone in charge at a high level who could help journalists and technologists talk to one another and who could make decisions based on sound judgment. Would it be enough to stamp out fake news? Certainly not. But Facebooks appointment of an executive editor would be a step forward, bringing accountability and good sense where its sorely needed. It would also set a good example for other tech companies and social platforms that are grappling with the same problems. Another pretty crazy idea? Maybe so. But one whose time has come. For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan In this file photo from 2011, Michael Woods teaches prekindergarten children during a class at LEAP Academy at KIPP DC. KIPP is a high-performing public charter school network. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post) I have been exchanging emails with Diane Ravitch, the clearest voice in the movement to reverse American emphasis on raising school achievement no matter what. She is a brilliant historian and essayist, even if she does not share my fondness for this centurys biggest education reform: charter schools. We agree that disadvantaged children have to be rescued from poverty before most of them can learn as much as middle-class kids. But while the country struggles to make that happen, why cant we, in the meantime, support those public charter schools that are preparing significant numbers of low-income children for college? Charter schools are still growing. There are about 7,000 in 42 states and the District. They have 3 million students, six times more than 15 years ago. I have visited more than 50 great charters, but I know that many others are bad. In 2015, 400 charters opened while 270 were closed for lack of students, money or academic success. The NAACP wants a moratorium on charter expansion. Voters in Georgia and Massachusetts just turned down measures to increase charters. Education Week found that low-performing cybercharters are still getting state money because of heavy lobbying by their corporate sponsors. I asked Ravitch: Would you shut down charters altogether, even if some were run by dedicated educators who were giving students more than they got in their regular public schools? At this critical moment for charter schools, with Ravitch so influential on the anti-charter side, her answer is important. I would call a moratorium for all new charters, Ravitch said. All charters would be required to be financially and academically transparent. She would ban for-profit charters. Charters would have to fill all empty seats each year, she said, so average test scores would not rise just because low-performing students had left. Charters would have to have the same demographics as regular schools in their neighborhoods, she said, with the same portion of students with disabilities and students learning English. Ravitch also would require characteristics that the best charters already have: collaboration with public schools, charter boards made of local community members and racially diverse student bodies. Ravitchs ideas are worth discussing, but she has not eased my fears about what would happen to the best charters. Their successes depend on giving their principals and teachers the freedom to innovate. I asked her: Would charters be allowed to continue fundraising for themselves? Would they be able to keep their longer school days, year-end field trips, training programs for inexperienced teachers . . . and more intensive classes for special education kids, which require more money? Would they still have the freedom to use their own curriculums? Ravitch responded with one word: Yes. She reminded me that the charters in some states are dreadful. Washington-area residents familiar with the high standards and sensible management of D.C. charters would be appalled at what is going on in Michigan, Ohio and Nevada. My only strong disagreement is with her desire to oppose charter schools unless they are part of a district plan, unless they meet a need that the school district wants to fill. This presumes that the people who run school districts have a clear sense of what their students need. If that were true, the charter movement would never have started. Toward the end of our exchange, the election results came in. There will be neither accountability nor transparency for charters in a Trump administration, Ravitch told me. If charters dont clean up their house, they will be known for graft, fraud and waste of taxpayer money. Does Trump care at all about this? We shall see. Ravitch is among the nations toughest charter critics. But she is willing to let charter educators be creative. This is encouraging as we seek middle ground for a reform that, despite its problems, has had many successes and strong support from parents. Sunday, Nov. 20 Dale City farmers market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot (behind Center Plaza Shopping Center), Dale Boulevard, Dale City. 703-670-7112 ext. 227. pwcparks.org. Library used book sale Sponsored by Friends of Potomac Library. Noon-2 p.m. Potomac Community Library, 2201 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge. 703-792-8330. 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. 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. 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. TUESDAY, NOV. 22 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. 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. Friday, Nov. 25 The Nutcracker Gainesville Ballet performs the holiday classic. 2 and 7 p.m., Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. 703-993-7759. hyltoncenter.org. $35; age 12 and younger $17. 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. Holiday tree lighting Additional attractions include carriage rides, balloon art and holiday carolers. Canned goods will be collected for Action in Community Through Service. 6-8 p.m. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 14900 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge. 703-580-1559. stonebridgeptc.com. Free. Saturday, Nov. 26 A Christmas Carol Rooftop Productions stages Charles Dickenss holiday classic. 2 and 7 p.m. Through Dec. 11. Candy Factory, Kellar Theater, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. center-for-the-arts.org. $20; seniors and students $18. The Nutcracker Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky star in Northern Virginia Ballets production. 2 and 6 p.m., Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. 703-993-7759. hyltoncenter.org. $35; seniors $25; age 17 and younger $20. A woman was set on fire and seriously injured during an argument early Saturday in a house in Fairfax County, the county police said. Police officers and firefighters were sent about 1:40 a.m. Saturday to a house in the southeastern part of the county, the police said. They said they went to a house in the 4900 block of Keeler Court in response to a report of a fire and a disorderly man. Firefighters extinguished the fire and discovered a 64-year-old woman who had been badly burned, the police said. They said it appeared that the woman and a man had gotten into an argument and that the woman had been set on fire. Police detectives and fire investigators were trying to determine how she was set on fire, the police said. They said the woman was taken to a hospital with injuries that they thought were life-threatening. Police said detectives in the Mount Vernon district had obtained an arrest warrant for a man in connection with the incident. The charge specified in the warrant was not disclosed. Police identified the man named in the warrant as Lewis Edward Reeder, of the same Keeler Court address as the one where the fire was reported. Reeder had not been located, police said in a statement issued Saturday. They asked for the help of the public in finding him. Keeler Court is a cul-de-sac lined by single-family houses. It intersects Keeler Street in an area north and west of Route 1. It is near Fort Belvoir and the Hybla Valley area, in what is sometimes referred to as the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. The blessings and curses of families are not limited to holiday gatherings, graduations, weddings and funerals. They also exist at the transition of the matriarch or patriarch from life to death. Like many elderly Americans, my father wanted to die at home. He was clear on that point. But also like many elderly Americans, he gave mixed signals about what treatment he would accept or decline with that goal in mind. So when at age 92 my father began his decline from aging with grace to decaying from old age several years ago, my sisters and I began creating a plan that would allow him to reach the end as he wished. First, we reinforced his household help. Then we scheduled a series of periodic days-long supportive, reconnaissance visits. (None of us live near him.) My father told us that he did not want to be resuscitated if he collapsed. But how should we deal with a nonfatal emergency without losing him to overly aggressive care? Would it be possible, in fact, to do nothing? [Mission creep doesnt benefit patients at the end of life] My siblings deferred to me, the only physician in the group, for medical advice. My oldest sister was the first to visit his apartment in our new rotation. Knowing his desire to die at home, she was anxious about what she should do if something happened, and she peppered me with questions. What should I do if he falls and hurts himself? If he is in pain, call 911, then call me. What should I do if he seems to be having a stroke? Call me. And if you cant get me right away, call 911. What should I do if he gets pneumonia? Call me. What if I find him dead in bed? Wait until he is cold and blue, then call 911. Okay. I get it. [My husband is dying. Caring for him is an emotional roller coaster.] After digesting my responses and discussing them with our two other sisters, she typed up a plan that carefully explained our reasoning. She (or whoever was visiting) was to call for help if our father was in pain. Whoever was in attendance was not to take action about other medical problems until I had a chance to weigh in. Most families are not as united as my sisters and I were around the concept of a painless death at home. If the opportunity for such a death arose, we would seize it. This is what his advance directive stipulated, and it is what he frequently verbalized. I have lived too long and I want to wake up dead were his mantras. We wanted to honor his wishes. Participation in the slow decline of an aged parent comes with obligations. There are dues to be paid for example, showing up regularly for visits, no matter how inconvenient, and taking time to check in with siblings and provide detailed updates. Teamwork, coordination and cooperation help smooth this emotion-wrought journey. When family members do not or cannot work through disagreements, the result can end up punishing the person everyone is trying to comfort and protect. Unfortunately, my experience as a physician and hospice trustee has shown me, an odd sort of competition can crop up in these situations. Some patterns are predictable. The most common is when siblings compete to prove who cares the most. This is frequently seen upon the arrival of an estranged family member at the deathbed, and it has been described in medical journals as The Daughter From California Syndrome. Classically, the syndrome unfolds as the guilt-ridden newcomer urges overly aggressive treatments. Other patterns are less predictable. In some families, a previously restrained sibling will assert dominance as the designated agent or proxy with power of attorney for health care. That one child has been designated as health-care proxy is not to be envied or taken as a sign that he or she is preferred over another. [Daughters spend more time caring for aging parents than sons] Sometimes a financially successful sibling will dominate the decision-making, thinking that the managerial skills that built their business will now translate into medical decision-making ability. Frequently, religious schisms will arise. I have seen, for example, one siblings conservative religious belief that the patient should fight on compete with another ones new age spirituality urging everyone to let go. The fault lines in decision-making that result from any of these scenarios will prolong some aspect of the dying process, usually to the detriment of patients like my father who have asked for a non-medicalized death at home. Even though a single person (the competent patient or the health-care proxy for an incompetent one) has the technical responsibility and authority to make difficult medical decisions, the choice to accept or decline a high-risk procedure such as heart-valve replacement or emergency surgery is usually the result of a discussion among family members during or after a consultation with the treating physicians. This is because these discussions most often involve a sick, weak, impaired elderly parent or grandparent and a de facto family committee. It is the rare physician who will exclude family members from a consultation and limit the discussion to the one with power of attorney. It is rarer still for a physician, in the heat of urgent care, to parse the advance directive signed by the patient specifying what they do and dont want if an agitated family member is demanding action. Doctors are most comfortable proceeding with a high-risk treatment or withdrawing life-sustaining technology such as a mechanical ventilator when the family is unified. On the other hand, if the family is fragmented, doctors are more likely to move the conversation toward, and then proceed with, what they think is best. Often this will be an expedient combination of what is medically acceptable, legally conservative and reflective of the doctors best interpretation of the familys majority opinion, even if it defies the patients wishes. What the doctor thinks best will also likely be influenced by his or her own end-of-life philosophy. [What happens when a doctor and patient disagree about care at the end of life] I have seen many families unable to come to agreement. I have seen many patients overtreated or undertreated in defiance of their wishes. I have seen agonizing scenes of dysfunction, such as a son demanding that cardiac resuscitation be performed on his just-deceased mother. This situation occurred because the mother did not include him in her final conversation with physicians, when she changed her status from full code which had instructed them to intercede if her heart stopped or she stopped breathing to do not resuscitate. Although my family was in good agreement about my fathers wishes to die at home and to take no measures to prolong his life, our tools were limited. He was not yet a candidate for home hospice that requires a life expectancy of six months or less and a new type of very specific advance directive (called a POLST order) was unavailable to him. In the absence of such orders, I could think of various scenarios that would test our teamwork and resolve. What if our father developed exceptionally upsetting symptoms such as seizures or massive bleeding from the bowels? What if he became unmanageably delirious? What if the need for emergency surgery arose because of a bowel obstruction or a fall with a major fracture? Would the pain compromise his resolve to use such an acute medical problem as an exit strategy, a way to die naturally? Would one of us become guilt-ridden about our active passivity regarding medical intervention? At the very end, the inability to let them go is a common development. [Where to find help when youre grappling with an aging parents needs] Fortunately for my siblings and me, there were no dramatic decisions to make in the two years between our first family consultation and my fathers death at age 94. A year before his death, he had stopped seeing his physicians for checkups. Six months before his death, he enrolled in home hospice, and three months before the end, he stopped taking his non-palliative medications (blood pressure pills, cholesterol lowering pills, water pills, potassium supplements). This will be our last visit, my father said as I kissed him goodbye and left for the airport following a 10-day visit. He was prescient. My oldest sister arrived the next day, and he died two weeks later. I was tempted to return as it was clear the final day was approaching, but there was little point. We had all said our goodbyes. We had all reconciled ourselves. The hospice nurses were visiting him daily, and he was protected, as he wished, from aggressive intervention. The eldest embraced her responsibility to care for him, and the rest of us embraced our obligation not to interfere. We were a team. We were his family. Harrington, a retired gastroenterologist and former hospital trustee in the Johns Hopkins Medical System, is writing a book about end-of-life decision-making. The June deaths of Marlene Rashidi and Germichael Kennedy have left the Belmont community with a lot of questions. Did the bullets that killed Rashidi and wounded Dezarae Mann come from Kennedys gun? Why did he shoot two young women he didnt even know? And what led Lincoln police to kill him? If these incidents had happened before July, its unlikely the answers to those questions and more would ever have been made public. But the Nebraska Legislature passed a bill that took effect in July and led to more transparency regarding the results of grand jury proceedings. The proceedings themselves are secret, and until Omaha Sen. Ernie Chamber's LB1000 was passed, so were the contents of the transcripts if they did not lead to an indictment. An earlier effort by Chambers led to a Nebraska law that requires a grand jury to be called anytime someone dies in police custody or while being apprehended. Now, the public and the media can review what was said behind closed doors as well as copies of evidence presented to the grand jury. The grand jury that looked into Kennedy's death also reviewed evidence from the shootings of Rashidi and Mann. It ultimately cleared the two officers in Kennedy's death. The Journal Star reviewed hundreds of pages of testimony and evidence from the proceedings to answer the questions left after the shootings. IRAQ Troops in Mosul meet strong ISIS resistance Iraqi troops faced stiff resistance Saturday from Islamic State militants as they pushed deeper into eastern Mosul, backed by aerial support from the U.S.-led international coalition, a senior military commander said. Troops moved into the Muharabeen and Ulama neighborhoods after gaining control of the adjacent Tahrir neighborhood on Friday, said Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi of the Iraqi special forces. Aridi said Islamic State fighters were using snipers, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds. Late Friday, a group of Islamic State militants attacked the village of Imam Gharbi south of Mosul, controlling most of it for hours before airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition were called in, an officer said. The officer spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief reporters. Associated Press AFGHANISTAN ISIS commander dies in alleged drone attack A top Islamic State commander was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistans eastern Nangahar province, Afghan officials said Saturday. Mullah Bozorg died with seven fighters in the attack late Friday, said Attaullah Khugyani, the spokesman for the Nangahar provincial governor. Bozorgs death was confirmed by the Afghan Defense Ministry. The United States has not said that it launched a drone attack or confirmed Bozorgs death. Deutsche Presse-Agentur Morocco Pledge to fight climate change without U.S. Negotiators from nearly 200 countries ended two weeks of talks Saturday pledging to press on with the fight against climate change with or without the help of the next U.S. president. The election of Donald Trump, who has called global warming a hoax and has threatened to cancel U.S. participation in an international climate deal, cast a pall over the conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. Few at the meeting wanted to consider what the agreement might look like without U.S. involvement. But Thursday, participants issued a call to action, saying, Our climate is warming at an alarming and unprecedented rate and we have an urgent duty to respond. Without mentioning Trump by name, the declaration reaffirmed the need to reduce emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and called for the highest political commitment to combat climate change. Los Angeles Times Thousands march in Malaysia against prime minister: Thousands of pro-democracy supporters marched in a rally in the Malaysian capital, calling for fair elections and the resignation of Prime Minister Najib Razak. Najib has been at the center of a corruption scandal since July 2015, when a Wall Street Journal report suggested that $673 million in his personal bank accounts had been siphoned from a state fund. Turkish officials defend underage-marriage proposal: Government officials in Turkey stepped up their defense of legislation that would allow men to evade punishment for sexual assault by marrying underage girls they abuse. Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag insisted that the bill was aimed at regulating the problem of child marriage and that it is not intended to grant amnesty to rapists. The proposed law would not apply to cases in which force is used. Pope warns against growing polarization: Pope Francis warned against what he called a virus of polarization and hostility in the world targeting people of different nationalities, races or beliefs, as he led a ceremony giving the Roman Catholic Church 17 new cardinals from six continents. Francis used his homily to also caution the new princes of the church, as cardinals are sometimes called, to guard against animosity creeping into the church as well, saying We are not immune from this. The pope spoke of our pitiful hearts that tend to judge, divide, oppose and condemn and cautioned against those who raise walls, build barriers and label people. From news services They knew ahead of time that Vice President-elect Mike Pence would be in the theater that night. So the cast of the Broadway musical Hamilton reportedly gathered at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York half an hour before the curtain rose Friday evening. According to an account in Broadway.com, the cast dialed up Lin-Manuel Miranda, the shows writer and creator, and Jeffrey Seller, the producer, and together they crafted a message encouraging the incoming administration to uphold Americas values on behalf of people of different backgrounds, beliefs and orientations. The audience, however, did not know Pence was there until just moments before the curtain rose. Some speculated a VIP would be in attendance: As theater-goers arrived, they saw black Suburbans, Secret Service and an ambulance clogging the street outside. As they sat in their seats and waited in line for the bathroom, they speculated whether the VIP would be President-elect Donald Trump, or maybe first lady Michelle Obama, for a repeat performance. Most of the audience members were in their red velvet seats when Pence entered the theater. He was greeted with loud boos, a smattering of cheers, and the flash of cellphone cameras. He waved as he walked to his seat in the orchestra section, Row F. [Trump and Pence vs. Hamilton cast: A collision of two Americas] Police stand guard Friday as a motorcade carrying Vice President-elect Mike Pence leaves the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. (Andres Kudacki/AP) Shannon Stagman, 32, a researcher for an education nonprofit organization in Brooklyn who was seated in the mezzanine, said she heard the crowds reaction work its way up the theater after the audience spotted Pence. From my vantage point, it sounded like the entire theater was booing, Stagman said. Christy Colburn, 43, of Boston, bought tickets to the musical as a Valentines Day gift for her husband. She ended up sitting about 20 seats away from the vice president-elect, she said. It was a mixed response, but it was overwhelmingly boos, she said. People kept booing after he sat down; it was almost uncomfortable. He smiled, and some people took his picture. He didnt seem that fazed by it. Hamilton, a Broadway musical that has won 11 Tonys, usually provokes a loud and joyous reaction from its crowds. But that night, the reaction was heightened. This particular show, there are a lot of scenes that are very antithetical to the ideas of the Trump-Pence campaign that theyve been running on. So I think that was resonating with people, knowing he was in the room, Stagman said. [Arts critic: Why Trump gets theater completely and utterly wrong] The musical chronicles Alexander Hamiltons roots as an orphan and immigrant, his rise to prominence via the war, and his contentious participation in the formation of the American government. It is noted for featuring a multicultural cast. The actor who currently stars as Alexander Hamilton, Javier Munoz, is Latino and openly gay. And Friday evening also sought to raise money for AIDS- related services as part of the annual Broadway Cares campaign. Theater and the arts have long been havens for members of the LGBT community, which has been vocal in condemning Pences apparent past support of conversion therapy for gay people. The cast of "Hamilton" delivered a message to Vice President-elect Mike Pence from stage after he watched the show at Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York on Nov. 18. Pence was booed by some audience members when he first walked in. (Twitter/Hamilton via Storyful) The LGBT community and nonprofit groups such as the Human Rights Campaign have criticized Pence for signing a law as governor of Indiana that allowed business owners to decline to participate in same-sex weddings because of their religious beliefs. Pence later signed an amendment clarifying that the provision could not be used to discriminate based on sexual orientation, and he has not said that he will roll back gay rights under the new administration. Stagman said she had headed to the theater that night in search of a few hours of diversion. I was definitely looking forward to going to Hamilton as kind of an escape, to get away for a few hours from our current reality. Instead, she was thrown into an unusual political experience, as the crowd clapped, hooted and hollered at the parts of the show that seemed to apply to Pence and President-elect Donald Trumps political agenda. A song sung by King George III particularly resonated with the crowd. During the song What Comes Next? in which the character of King George III admonishes America of the challenges of ruling itself. During the stanza, actor Rory OMalley paused several times as people cheered and shouted, as he sang lines like Do you know how hard it is to lead? and When your people say they hate you/ Dont come crawling back to me. [Read a 2015 review of Hamilton] But the biggest crowd reaction came to the words of the chorus jointly sung by Alexander Hamilton and the Marquis di Lafayette regarding the war: Immigrants, we get the job done. The audience rose to its feet to give a standing ovation. Ive seen the show three times, its always a big applause line, but the reaction last night was insane, said Stagman. Pence left just before intermission, and he returned to his seat after the lights were down. The cast had known ahead of time that Pence was coming. Pence contacted the owner of the theater, the Nederlander Organization, to request several house seats from a reserve that is set aside for special guests and urgent last-minute needs, show spokesman Sam Rudy said. Pence paid for his tickets, although Rudy declined to say whether Pence paid face value or how many people were in his party. The Nederlander Organization notified the cast, crew and producers in advance of Pences attendance. As the show ended and the cast took a bow amid a standing ovation, Pence was already on his feet. Secret Service was ushering him out the exit when Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, stepped forward to address him. You know, we have a guest in the audience this evening, he said to audience hoots and laughter. And Vice President-elect Pence, I see you walking out, but I hope you will hear us just a few more moments. Theres nothing to boo here, ladies and gentlemen. Theres nothing to boo here. Were all here sharing a story of love. We have a message for you, sir. We hope that you will hear us out. As he pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket, Dixon encouraged people to record and share what he was about to say, because this message needs to be spread far and wide. The cast, in their 18th-century costumes, and the crew, in jeans and T-shirts, linked arms and hands behind Dixon. Audience members said Pence appeared to linger by the theater door, but Secret Service ushered him out. Still, he stood in the hallway to listen to the rest of Dixons message, Rudy confirmed. Vice President-elect Pence, we welcome you, and we truly thank you for joining us here at Hamilton: An American Musical. We really do, Dixon said to further applause. We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us . . . The crowd began to cheer, and Dixon raised a finger to silence them. Our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir. But we truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us. All of us, he said, gesturing to the crowd. The audience erupted in cheers again. Again, we truly thank you for sharing this show, this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men and women of different colors, creeds and orientations. Stagman said that despite some booing when Pence arrived, the casts tone was gracious, and the vibe in the audience wasnt negative. It was more like, wow, that was a weird experience, and interesting that we got to be part of this moment of a group of us getting to express ourselves to elected officials, which isnt something that most of us get to do very often. We got to speak out, she added. I think thats really important right now. As they exited the theater, audience members saw a few protesters outside. One woman held a sign reading, Immigrants we get the job done. Peter Marks, Ellen McCarthy and Michael OSullivan contributed to this report. The cast of "Hamilton" delivered a message to Vice President-elect Mike Pence from stage after he watched the show at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Nov. 18. Pence was booed by some audience members when he first walked in. (Twitter/Hamilton via Storyful) The cast of "Hamilton" delivered a message to Vice President-elect Mike Pence from stage after he watched the show at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Nov. 18. Pence was booed by some audience members when he first walked in. (Twitter/Hamilton via Storyful) Mike Pence was elected vice president by a coalition of mostly white voters nostalgic for what they thought of as the good old days in America and galvanized by promises to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. On Friday night, Pence came face-to-face with a symbol of the new America: A hit musical called Hamilton that celebrates the principles of the nations founding but reimagines the revolutionary period with multiracial actors playing the statesmen and the contributions of immigrants central to the story. As he took his seat in New Yorks Richard Rogers Theatre, Pence heard an impassioned, sustained boo. He sat through a performance celebrating the countrys multiculturalism. And when the show was over and he headed for the exits, the cast was not quite finished. We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir, said Brandon Victor Dixon, the actor who played Aaron Burr, reading a statement the cast members had drafted together. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us, he continued. Vice President-elect Mike Pence, top center, leaves the Richard Rodgers Theatre after a performance of "Hamilton" in New York on Friday. (Andres Kudacki/AP) The remarkable moment crystallized the cleavage wrought by a toxic presidential campaign, in which millions of aggrieved white Americans propelled Donald Trump and Pence to the White House and left millions of others blacks and Latinos, gays and lesbians, Muslims and Jews fearful of what might become of their country. It was this collision of two different Americas and two different visions and two different sets of experiences, happening at once, and happening in a rather dramatic way, said Peter Wehner, a former speechwriter to President George W. Bush and a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. By Saturday morning, Trump decided to respond. He could have chosen to offer assurances that he would be a president for all Americans that he would respect everybody regardless of race or gender or creed. But Trump being Trump, the president-elect punched back. The Theater must always be a safe and special place, Trump tweeted. The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize! There was a certain irony to Trumps demand, considering that as a candidate he rarely if ever apologized for the blizzard of insults he sprayed across the country. Have you ever apologized? Ever? In your lifetime? Close your eyes, think back to Baby Donald . . . , Jimmy Fallon asked Trump on NBCs Tonight Show in September 2015. President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Vice President-elect Mike Pence, right, with retired Marine Gen. James Mattis at the Trump International Golf Club in Bedminster Township, N.J., on Saturday. (Aude Guerrucci / Pool/European Pressphoto Agency) I fully think apologizing is a great thing, but you have to be wrong, Trump replied. He added, with a laugh, I will absolutely apologize sometime in the hopefully distant future, if Im ever wrong. Trump did apologize in October for the comments he made in 2005 to Access Hollywood host Billy Bush bragging about having grabbed women by their genitals. As a candidate, Trump set off hand grenades with provocative tweets at moments of his choosing to attract the attention of the news media. Regardless of whether this was Trumps intent Saturday morning, his shot at the Hamilton cast served to distract from a negative news story that broke late Friday: The president-elect had agreed to a $25 million settlement to end the fraud cases pending against Trump University, his defunct real estate seminar program. Trump tweeted Saturday that he had settled the case because he had to focus on our country. The ONLY bad thing about winning the Presidency is that I did not have the time to go through a long but winning trial on Trump U. Too bad! Trump tweeted, although there was no clear indication whether he would have prevailed had the case gone to trial. In many ways, Hamilton has become a touchstone in Americas ongoing culture wars. Hillary Clinton embraced the musical its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, openly supported her candidacy and recited its lyrics in her speech accepting the Democratic presidential nomination. Talk about Hamilton is different in Trumps orbit, however. Last Thursday at Trump Tower, when a reporter asked Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) how long he intended to be in New York, Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway interjected: Have you seen Hamilton? I have not, replied Sessions, who the next day would be announced as Trumps attorney general nominee. Trumps handling of the Pence incident is in keeping with how he confronted past cultural controversies and could presage how he will act in the White House. Although he is a billionaire who lives in a three-story apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, he long has felt excluded and shunned by the New York and Washington elite. Trump is sensitive to perceived snubs and has mastered the art of snapping back at criticism from coastal liberals as a means of ingratiating himself with his middle-America base. On Saturday, Trumps defenders rushed to condemn the Hamilton cast and voice outrage at perceived disrespect. His supporters started a #BoycottHamilton campaign on Twitter although Hamilton tickets are such a hot commodity that the production is sold out well into next year. The arrogance and hostility of the Hamilton cast to the Vice President elect (a guest at the theater) is a reminder the left still fights, tweeted former House speaker Newt Gingrich, an informal Trump adviser. Gingrich went on to liken Trump to former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher: Lady Thatcher aroused the same bitter hostility because like Trump she was a threat to the establishments claim to moral superiority. Presidential historian Robert Dallek said Trumps Twitter retort was a striking act of divisiveness by an incoming president struggling to heal the nation after a bitter election. Instead of doing what a Franklin Roosevelt or a John Kennedy or a Lyndon Johnson would have done, hes exacerbating the differences by saying they owe him an apology, Dallek said. For what? What were they asking for? They were asking for a kind of regard for minorities. It wasnt as if they were asking him to give up the office. Said Wehner: Hes not the sole reason that the campaign was ugly and divisive, but hes the main reason it was. . . . And now, having won, it falls on him to bind up the wounds. Even if you feel what happened by the cast of Hamilton was wrong or inappropriate or indecorous, hes the leader of the country. Although Trump won a clear majority in the electoral college, he garnered just 47 percent of the popular vote more than 1 million votes short of Clinton, with millions of votes still to be counted in primarily liberal states. I dont think Trump understands that beneath the surface of his electoral college victory, theres a lot of people who simply are not willing to accept the rhetoric of his campaign as the language of government, veteran Democratic strategist Tad Devine said. Trump has opened Pandoras box, he added, and were looking for hope at the bottom. A journalist carries a placard which reads in Arabic 'Journalist is staying and the tyrants are on the demist' in front of the Journalists' Syndicate in Cairo on November 19, 2016, to protest against the courts verdict to sentence head of the union and two members to two years in prison. (Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP/Getty Images) An Egyptian court on Saturday sentenced the head of the journalists union and two board members to two years in prison for harboring colleagues wanted by the law and spreading false news, judicial sources and their attorney said. The verdict comes amid efforts by Egyptian authorities to quell rising dissent against army general-turned-president Abdel Fatah al-Sissi as the economy deteriorates. The journalists union said late Saturday that it would appeal the verdict against its head, Yehia Qalash, and the two board members, Khaled al-Balshy and Gamal Abdel Rahim. A bail of $623 has been set for each of them. Prosecutors ordered the three men to be questioned in May after what their attorney, Sayed Abou Zeid, said at the time was a police raid on the unions headquarters to arrest two opposition journalists, Mahmoud el-Sakka and Amr Badr, who had taken refuge there. Egyptian authorities have cracked down hard on the Islamist, secular and liberal opposition alike since Sissi came to power in 2013. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced her intention to seek a fourth term in office, even as she played down her ability to be a stabilizing global force in the unpredictable age of Donald Trump. Merkel, 62, is Europes most influential leader, a political centrist in the vein of President Obama, her close and longtime ally. Her stature and diplomatic clout along with her strong stances on equality and tolerance have led observers to call her a potential counterpoint to rising nationalism and populism on both sides of the Atlantic. Merkel said Sunday that she was flattered by those calling for her to assume the global mantle of liberal democracy after Obamas departure. But she also called it grotesque and absurd to assume that one person can make a difference in a rapidly changing world. Speaking about a global situation that is realigning after Trumps election, particularly in regard to Russia, she said, No person alone, not even the most experienced, can turn things to good in Germany, Europe and the world, especially not a chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. Nevertheless, Merkel said, she had decided, after endless deliberation, to run again, in part to work in favor of political dialogue that is not characterized by hate. She seemed to suggest no other candidate could serve as a match for these insecure times. People would have little understanding if I would not again bring to bear all the gifts and talents which were given to me to do my duty for Germany, she said at the headquarters of her center-right Christian Democrats in Berlin. By merely announcing, Merkel becomes the early favorite if not a shoe-in to win next years vote, which would make her Germanys longest-serving leader since Helmut Kohl presided over German reunification and the end of the Cold War. But the methodical Merkel will find herself swimming against the tide of resurgent nationalism, including in Germany. Although buoyed by this nations vast economic strength, she faces a serious backlash from her decision last year to take in nearly a million refugees from the Middle East. She must also contend with voter fatigue with political elites and incumbents. Its true, economically Germany is doing better than ever before under her chancellorship, commentator Ludwig Greven wrote Sunday in Zeit Online. But social division has increased significantly. More and more people feel left behind and are afraid of the consequences of globalization. To that, Merkel has no answer. When Merkel first took office in 2005, George W. Bush was in the White House, Tony Blair inhabited No. 10 Downing Street and Jacques Chirac held court at the Elysee Palace. The last one standing is Merkel, a pragmatist raised in former communist East Germany, a physicist who became Europes decider. She has guided Germany to the height of its post-World War II clout, but has done so in a non-threatening way that has almost always emphasized consensus building. I think now that Trump has won, she feels a special responsibility, said Jurgen W. Falter, political scientist at the University of Mainz. If Trump actually begins to conduct foreign policy as erratically and spontaneously as it appeared during his campaign . . . [Merkels] role will be to try to calm things down. Merkel is no stranger to crisis, having, for better or worse, shouldered the brunt of Europes handling of the Greek debt crisis and the standoff with Moscow over its intervention in Ukraine. But electoral victory would mean difficult new challenges for Merkel most importantly how to move forward with Britains vote to leave the European Union without tearing the bloc apart. And if Marine Le Pen, from Frances far-right National Front, stages an upset in next years elections in France, Merkel would find herself and her centrist politics more isolated in the region than ever. On the plus side, Merkel still enjoys enviable approval ratings of between 55 and 59 percent at home. But her popularity is no longer at the stratospheric levels seen years ago. Although she has since toughened her stance on migrants, she has taken a hit over her handling of the refugee crisis. The political fallout has played into the hands of the anti-establishment, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), an upstart party that has racked up victories in key local elections this year. The AfD is vowing to pull out the stops against her reelection. Germany cant afford a further term in office by Angela Merkel, Frauke Petry, chairwoman of the AfD, tweeted Sunday. If Merkel does win a fourth term, it might be due to the lack of a major rival. One possibility, former foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, now seems content to pursue the largely ceremonial position of president. That leaves names like Sigmar Gabriel, the colorful deputy chancellor from Merkels junior coalition partner, the Social Democrats, and possibly Martin Schulz, the current president of the E.U.s parliament. But both men and any other hopefuls would first need to break through Merkels aura of political invincibility and the respect many Germans hold for her. Germans like Merkel because she represents the calm demeanor of the professional, said Jackson Janes, president of the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies at Johns Hopkins University. No drama only duty. Read more Europes leaders bid goodbye to Obama and look with unease at Trump era Obama to bid bittersweet farewell to closest partner on world stage Germany launches raids across 60 cities, bans Islamic group Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Visitors walk in a yard near a home in the Jewish settler outpost of Amona in the West Bank. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters) Nachum Schwartz is living his dream in a trailer on a windy hill, raising his children and a flock of sheep, as one of the chosen ones. This is the land of Abraham, he said, the biblical home of the Jews, and nobody is going to kick his family off their mountaintop. We belong to this land, and this land belongs to us, said the 42-year-old farmer and herdsman, who was among the first Jewish pioneers to settle this outpost in 1996. Now his dreams may be shoved aside by Israeli bulldozers. In a remarkable rebuke, Israels Supreme Court has ruled that the Amona settlement is illegal, built on land that belongs to Schwartzs Palestinian neighbors. The judges have ordered the Israeli military, which controls the occupied territory, to evict the 40 families living here and demolish their houses alongside the kindergarten ritual baths and synagogue by Dec. 25. When the Israeli army came to raze just nine homes in Amona in 2006, many court hearings ago, it took a battalion of soldiers and police officers in riot gear and ended in a bloody melee. Hundreds of protesters were wounded, many from baton blows and horse hoofs. Three legislators were among them. About 80 security force members also were injured. The looming demolition of Amona comes as right-wing Israelis are hailing as a near- miracle the U.S. presidential election of Donald Trump, who they pray will end decades of U.S. criticism of settlement construction on land the Palestinians want for a future state. They expect Trump will give Israel a freer hand to build where it wants in the West Bank. [Right-wing Israeli leaders push forward assertive new legislation to preserve Jewish settlements] The stakes over the fate of this hardscrabble community of shoddy trailers are high, not just in the international arena but also inside Israel. The clash is being drawn as a showdown between the authority of the high court and the governing coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is also going to be a real test for Netanyahu, who was elected with help from the Jewish settlers but who also fears international censure over allegations of a bold land grab. Most of the world considers all the Jewish settlements in the West Bank to be illegal, not just those built on Palestinian private property. The United States calls these communities illegitimate and an obstacle to peace. Israel disputes that. Settlement supporters in the Netanyahu government have been scrambling to find a way to save Amona or at least to save face. The government first sought to provide alternative homes for Amona residents by building units in a nearby settlement. The community includes about 200 children. The Amona settlers refused. Netanyahu then sought to postpone the eviction for seven months, but the high court said there had been enough delays and turned down the appeal. Then the Israeli parliament last week gave preliminary approval, over Netanyahus objections, to a controversial bill that would retroactively legalize Jewish settlements, such as Amona, that were built on private Palestinian property. Netanyahu has boasted that his government is the most supportive of settlers in Israels history, but he called the legalization bill needlessly provocative. Israels attorney general branded the legislation as being against international law; the high court could also reject it. Critics of the legislation say it clearly crosses a line. I believe this law is evil, said Talia Sasson, president of the New Israel Fund and an Israeli lawyer who was the author of a 2005 report on illegal outposts for then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Its so illegal in so many aspects that its hard to believe [the high court] would approve this law. But, I cant predict the future. Israels education minister and the leader of the pro-settler Jewish Home party, Naftali Bennett, said the proposed law was fair and just. He stressed that the Amona settlers had done nothing wrong and that successive Israeli governments had supported the settlements, including those built on private Palestinian land. Bennett vowed that the days of treating the 450,000 or so Jewish settlers as second-class Israeli citizens were over. Amona residents say the same and point to the roads, power lines, water pipes and soldiers sent to protect them as proof the government supports their community. Thousands of homes in the Jewish settlements across the West Bank are suspected of being on private Palestinian land, according to the parliament. A police investigation of land claims by the settlers in Amona found someone it didnt discover who had forged documents, a practice other settlements have been accused of. Settlers say they have to go through middlemen and use straw buyers because Palestinians wont sell them land if they did, they could be ostracized as collaborators, punished by the Palestinian Authority or even killed. [Top Trump adviser says Israeli settlements are not an obstacle to peace] The Amona eviction, if it comes, would be celebrated in the nearby Palestinian town of Silwad, just across the valley from the settlement, where a dozen families were suing to reclaim the Amona land. The elderly Palestinian plaintiffs recall their mothers and fathers tilling the rocky soil when they were young. Sitting together in a meeting hall in Silwad, they speak with nostalgia about a long-ago bounty of figs and grapes, wheat and olives. I watched the settlers take the land, said Mariam Hammad, 82. I watched, but I could not stop them. In Amona, the settlers deny that the Palestinian petitioners ever really owned the land despite what the courts have found. They mock the claims, which date to Jordanian rule or earlier, and say the elderly Palestinians never would have made a peep of complaint were it not for left-wing Israeli activists from groups such as Peace Now and Yesh Din, who supplied the lawyers. Ive never seen these Arabs, said Eli Greenberg, an Amona resident and biblical scholar who makes his living selling irrigation equipment over the Internet. Greenberg said that when the Amona founders came here, the land was barren. There was nothing here. If Amona is destroyed and the land turned over to Palestinian owners, Greenberg said, the Arabs will never be allowed here. He said the Amona hilltop is a strategic asset, overlooking its mother settlement, called Ofra, on the next mountain. It is too close to Ofra. Nobody will allow that. The area is protected by Israeli soldiers who block Palestinians from entering the area without special permits. The communities fear terrorist attacks. The best solution is to let what is growing here continue to grow, Greenberg said. The proposed legislation to legalize Jewish outposts allows the Palestinians whose property was expropriated to be paid cash or given alternative land. Greenberg said that was fair. Ibrahim Jaama is among the Palestinians whose families proved to the Israeli high court that they owned the property where Amona is built. They dont want any money, they said. They want the land back. (Wiliam Booth/The Washington Pots) Issa Zayed, 57, is one of the Palestinians whose family proved to the Israeli court that they owned the property where Amona is built. He said it was a simple case, in a complex land. The land was stolen, Zayed said, period. It must be returned, he said. Zayed said that just as the land may be precious to Jews, it is precious to Palestinians. It is as dear to him as his children, and he said he didnt want any money. Asked what would happen to him if he were to venture across the valley to walk the fields where his father farmed and spent his last day on Earth, Zayed said, I would be shot. Carol Morello in Washington contributed to this report. This version has been updated to reflect that Talia Sasson authored a report on illegal outposts for former prime minister Ariel Sharon. Also the farmer pictured in the story is Ibrahim Jaama. Read more: Israel wants to bulldoze this ramshackle village, but Europe is providing life support Some Israelis see $38 billion U.S. military aid offer as a failure Palestinians who attended Jewish settlement event arrested by their own police Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Men carry the coffin of Hezbollah fighter Mohamad al-Shami, who was killed during clashes in Aleppo, Syria, during his funeral in Bisariye, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 24. (Ali Hashisho/Reuters) Syrias government hopes a brutal siege will vanquish rebel holdouts in the city of Aleppo, a key battleground. But Syrian President Bashar al-Assads troops arent leading the charge. That task has been taken up by thousands of Shiite militiamen from Lebanon, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan who are loyal to Iran, a Shiite country and perhaps Assads most important ally. For much of Syrias civil war, these religiously motivated fighters have reinforced Syrias badly weakened military. Now, they are playing an increasingly critical role in trying to seize opposition-held eastern Aleppo by coordinating their attacks with government forces and warplanes flown by Russia, another ally of Assads. The government, backed by Russian aircraft, launched a major offensive across northern Syria last week that has brought further devastation to eastern Aleppo, Syrias largest city before the war. The militias appear to be forming a sophisticated ground coalition that has further bolstered Irans influence in Syria, alarming even officials in Assads government, said Phillip Smyth, an expert on Shiite militias at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. They are building a force on the ground that, long after the war, will stay there and wield a strong military and ideological influence over Syria for Iran, he said. And there is not much Assad can do to curb the rising influence of these groups, even though Syrian officials are clearly concerned about this, because the militiamen are literally preventing the overthrow of his government. Analysts say Iran has long used Shiite militias in other countries to project its power. The groups include multiple factions that dominate Iraqi politics, as well as the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, which is more powerful than Lebanons military. Iran and its militias have frustrated U.S. officials. While both sides find themselves aligned against the Islamic State in Iraq, they are at cross-purposes in Syria, where anti-Assad rebels receive funding and arms from Washington and its allies. Eventually, analysts say, Iran could even find itself in direct competition with Russia for influence in Syria. The Shiite militias presence in Syria also has fueled Irans regional and religious rivalry with Saudi Arabia, a Sunni powerhouse that backs Syrias Sunni-led rebellion. Still, the payoff of using militiamen could be substantial. If the Syrian government is able to seize all of Aleppo, the regional balance would tip in Irans favor, dealing a blow to Saudi ambitions and the rebels who stormed the citys eastern areas in 2012, said Fawaz Gerges, professor of Middle Eastern politics at the London School of Economics. A defeat of the rebels in Aleppo would be a turning point in which Assad captures most of the urban centers of Syria, he said. It would be a setback for Saudi Arabia in its rivalry with Iran, which, as a result, would see its influence in Syria increase even more. The dozens of militias there have led the way in imposing a crushing blockade of the citys opposition districts, where more than 200,000 people face worsening shortages of food and medicine. The fighters also call in air raids by Russian and government warplanes that have wrecked hospitals, residences and infrastructure in those areas. [Darkness and fear as bombs rain down on Aleppo] Rebels have indiscriminately shelled government-held western Aleppo, but destruction there has not been as severe. This month, rebel fighters in Aleppo launched a counteroffensive, but they have struggled to break the siege. Air power especially Russias has proved a formidable obstacle. The Shiite militiamen have, too, said Zakaria Malahfiji, a member of the Fastaqim rebel force, which is affiliated with the umbrella Free Syrian Army. They are fighting with passion, and they fight in well-coordinated attacks, he said. I remember one battle where these fighters just kept dying in one spot. One guy would charge, get shot and die, and then another, and then another and then another would do the same thing on the exact same spot. All of them died. They are motivated. Pro-government forces show no sign of slowing their assault on the city, despite intensified efforts by the U.N. envoy to the war-torn country, Staffan de Mistura, to halt the fighting. On Sunday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem rejected a proposal by de Mistura that would have had rebel fighters withdraw from eastern Aleppo in return for calm. Moallem said retaking opposition neighborhoods there was a matter national sovereignty, the Associated Press reported. We agreed on the need that terrorists should get out of east Aleppo to end the suffering of the civilians in the city, he said. Syrian officials refer to most, if not all, government opponents as terrorists. The hard-line Sunnis of the Islamic State and other religious extremists have overshadowed the revolt against Assad that began peacefully in 2011 before turning into brutal war. Militants linked to al-Qaeda have played a prominent role among rebel forces. [How the Syrian revolt went so horribly, tragically wrong] To the rebels, the Iranian-backed militiamen are extremists. They are spreading Irans influence and their extremist ideology, but our revolution is not about religion; its about freedom and dignity, said Abdulmunem Zaineddin, a religious scholar involved with rebel forces in the battles in Aleppo. The militias say their involvement in the civil war is about defending Shiite shrines in the country, as well as battling extremist Sunni groups. We dont want sectarian violence. We want to protect Syria, to protect all that is sacred to everyone from terrorism, from the terrorist groups paid for by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and the U.S., said Hisham Al Mossawi of Harakat al-Nujaba, a militia from Iraq whose fighters also are battling in Aleppo. Its unclear how many Shiite militiamen and militia factions are participating in the Aleppo battle. Hundreds and perhaps even thousands of the fighters have been killed during the war, including generals from Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps. Avi Dichter, chair of Israels foreign affairs and defense committee, said this month that as many as 25,000 Shiite militants are fighting in Syria. Other analysts say the number is smaller. Israeli intelligence closely monitors the fighting in Syria and, in particular, Hezbollahs role in the conflict. Since it fought a devastating war with Israeli forces in 2006, the Lebanese militia has become more powerful, partly because of the battlefield skills honed in Syria. Hezbollah intervened in Syria early on in the war, helping Assads forces rout rebels in key western areas of the country. The fighting has made [Hezbollah] a better fighting force and more adept in conventional military warfare, Dichter said. In Aleppo, Hezbollah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards play prominent leadership roles, directing the foreign Shiite militiamen, many of whom are recruited by, and trained in, Iran. The factions are learning to overcome issues such as linguistic differences, helping them become more adept at coordinating ground assaults, said Smyth, the analyst. History proves that whenever Iranians craft groups like these, such as Lebanese Hezbollah, they dont give up arms, they dont stand down and they dont leave territory that theyve taken, he said. They will be in Syria for years and years, and that will have consequences for everyone. Heba Habib in Stockholm and Zakaria Zakaria in Istanbul contributed to this report. Read more: Aleppos oldest residents fear theyll die alone Warplanes bomb childrens hospital as Assad renews Aleppo offensive Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world 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. Updated on Nov. 21. (Anna Fifield, Yoonjung Seo, Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) 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. Updated on Nov. 21. (Anna Fifield, Yoonjung Seo, Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) South Korean President Park Geun-hye suffered a heavy blow Sunday when prosecutors indicted a friend of hers on charges including extortion and abuse of power, and indicated they thought the president was complicit in the crimes. The prosecution said it would continue to try to question Park, with the announcement effectively making her a suspect rather than a witness, while opposition leaders said they would redouble their efforts to force Park from office. There are now sufficient grounds for her impeachment, Moon Jae-in, a prominent opposition politician and presidential hopeful, said after the announcement. It came a day after hundreds of thousands of South Koreans took to the streets of central Seoul for a fourth consecutive Saturday, calling on Park to resign. The demonstrations are the largest since South Korea democratized in 1987. The prosecution said Sunday that it had indicted Choi Soon-sil, a Park friend of 40 years who held no official position, with abuse of power, coercion, attempted coercion and fraud. It also indicted two former presidential secretaries on charges including abuse of power, attempted coercion, fraud and divulging classified information. At a Nov. 18, 2016 rally in Seoul, protesters wearing masks of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, left, and Choi Soon-si call on the president to step down. (Ahn Young-Joon/AP) The charges come out of a corruption and influence- peddling scandal that has Park, South Koreas first female president, fighting for her political life. [Scandal shows that Korean disease of corruption is far from cured] A famously aloof person, Park is accused of relying on Choi for everything from policy advice to wardrobe choices, instead of seeking counsel from her aides. Choi, the daughter of a shamanistic cult leader, is accused of exploiting those ties to raise money and win favors for herself and her family. Sundays charges relate to Chois alleged extortion, with the help of one of the presidential secretaries, An Chong-bum, of $70 million from 53 companies through a big-business lobbying group, the Federation of Korean Industries. The companies felt they had to donate the money or they would be at risk of audits or unfair treatment from government authorities, prosecutors said. The money was meant for two foundations, but Choi is alleged to have siphoned off much of it for her personal use. The other presidential aide, Chung Ho-sung, leaked at least 180 government documents to Choi over three years, including 47 that included confidential information such as the appointments of ministers, prosecutors said. Based on cellphone records and notes containing instructions from Park about raising funds for Chois two foundations, the prosecution concluded that Park played a large role in the efforts to raise money from the businesses, said Lee Young-ryeol, chief of the investigation at the prosecutors office, during a news conference Sunday in Seoul. Although the president cannot be charged while in office, Lee said prosecutors would continue to investigate Park and her actions, voicing confidence that they could prove that she was an accomplice. Charges could be brought against her once she leaves office. [South Koreans gather en masse to protest president] Park was supposed to be questioned by prosecutors last week but instead hired an attorney, who asked for more time to prepare and for the interrogation to be in written form, rather than in person. The attorney said that Park would try to cooperate with prosecutors this week. Parks spokesman, Jung Youn-kuk, said Sunday that it was regrettable that the prosecutors claimed the president had committed crimes, saying the results announced Sunday were not only false but were also based on imagination and speculation rather than objective evidence. The president does not see the prosecutors investigation as fair and hopes these unproven allegations will not be exploited by politicians, Jung said. But opposition leaders seized on the results of the investigation. Eight potential presidential candidates met Sunday to discuss how to push for impeachment. President Park has now become a suspect, creating the legal conditions to table a motion for her impeachment, Youn Kwan-suk, the spokesman for the main opposition Democratic Party, told reporters. She should follow peoples demands through a decision to resign voluntarily rather than making the worst choice that would plunge the nation into a bigger crisis, he added, according to the Yonhap News Agency. [South Koreas Park offers to withdraw nominee to quell scandal] As the scandal has rumbled on, some politicians have been hesitant to move to impeachment proceedings because the lengthy legal procedures could take as long as eight months. As Park has only 14 months left in office, they have instead called on her to step down. Opposition parties lack the seats needed to impeach a president, which requires two-thirds of the National Assembly. However, if some of Parks critics from her own Saenuri Party join with the opposition to vote for impeachment, the two-thirds figure might be achievable. Park has been digging in, apparently in the hope that she can ride out the scandal. After last weekends huge protest in central Seoul, her spokesman said that Park was earnestly considering ways to normalize state affairs and fulfill her responsibility as the president. Even before Sundays announcement, analysts at Eurasia Group, a consulting firm that focuses on political risk, were putting the chances of her leaving office early at 70 percent. The longer Park tries to hold out, the stronger popular demands for her removal will grow, increasing pressures on opposition parties to seek to impeach her, Eurasias Scott Seaman wrote in a note. Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report. Read more As a bizarre scandal unfolds, South Koreas president depicts herself as lonely The South Korean political scandal started with a card game in Macau South Korean president says shes willing to be investigated in corruption scandal Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news A Lincoln judge Friday agreed to give a Grand Island man a sentence under the federal guidelines on gun and drug charges, in part because he hasn't recovered from the trauma of finding Matthew Shepard beaten and tortured in Wyoming 18 years ago. Aaron C. Kreifels, 37, pleaded guilty to three of four charges he faced in U.S. District Court after a search at his home last year that turned up 2 pounds of marijuana and a safe in his bedroom with more than $18,000, a Ruger Model P95 9mm handgun and psilocybin mushrooms. But at the end of trial on a single remaining charge, a jury found Kreifels not guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking transaction. While the gun was found in the safe with the mushrooms, Kreifels testified that he got the gun in connection to finding Shepard, near death, outside Laramie, Wyoming, in October 1998. The two men who committed the crime had targeted Shepard because he was gay, prosecutors said. Kreifels got the gun to protect a transgender woman, he said. On Friday, attorney Jessica Milburn of the Federal Public Defender's office, said Kreifels' trial became a forum for him to unload his burdens and reach some kind of closure about finding Shepard. Kreifels is an all-around pretty good guy, she said. "But he made some mistakes, and he knows that," Milburn said. In the past year and four months he's been on pretrial release, Kreifels has gotten drug and alcohol treatment. Milburn said he's reformed, arguing for a sentence of probation with intermittent confinement. But, in arguing for 57 months of incarceration, Martin Klein of the U.S. Attorney's office countered that they had to look at his conduct, not just the reason for it. And, before this, he said, Kreifels was given a chance on probation on drug crimes three times: in 2006 in California, in 2007 in Arizona, and in 2015 in Utah. While the last case still was pending, he was selling marijuana in Nebraska. One of the prior convictions was a felony. "His actions speak for him," Klein said. But when he started talking about the gun and what would've happened if someone tried to rob Kreifels of marijuana, U.S. District Judge John Gerrard stopped him. "That count was tried," the judge said, referring to the acquittal. Klein argued it was dangerous to society to have a gun in proximity to drugs, for whatever the reason. "But it's not for whatever reason," Gerrard said. In the end, the judge called it a highly unusual case "with you having found Matthew Shepard and not having recovered from the trauma of that crime scene," and having a longtime serious drug addiction. At the same time, he said, the court couldn't bury its head in the sand. "You had a veritable head shop that you were operating," he said. Gerrard said he didn't think Kreifels' prior probations and no jail time did him any good. And he sentenced him to 30 months of incarceration, plus three years of supervised release. Kreifels also forfeited the $18,880 found in the safe. Kreifels is being allowed to report to prison Jan. 25. Indias ruling elite has enthusiastically welcomed the election of Donald Trump as US president, calculating that his aggressive anti-China and anti-Pakistan positions will boost New Delhis geo-political interests against its principal Asian rivals. While there are apprehensions about the lack of previous interaction between the Indian government and likely key figures in the Trump administration, the Indian media has been full of reports touting the president-elects praise of India and its Hindu supremacist prime minister, Narendra Modi, in his campaign speeches. Said Trump of the Hindu strongman who presided over the 2002 Gujarat anti-Muslim pogrom and whose two year-old Indian government has incited communalism and suppressed dissent, I look forward to working with Prime Minister Modi who has been very energetic in reforming the economy and bureaucracy. Great man. I applaud him. Modi, for his part, has voiced confidence that New Delhis global strategic partnership with Washington will continue to expand. Under Modis BJP government, India has effectively become a frontline state in Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China. It has opened its military bases to routine use by US warplanes and battleships; parroted Washingtons provocative stance on the South China Sea dispute; and dramatically increased bilateral and trilateral military-security cooperation with Japan and Australia, US imperialisms principal Asia-Pacific allies. Modi, according to a Times of India report, boasted at a private dinner for Indian political leaders this week about his good relations with Trump and said that there was no reason to fear any dramatic change in bilateral relations. Modi dispatched Indias highest-ranking diplomat, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, to the US this week to meet with Trump transition team leaders and press them for a Trump-Modi meeting soon after the billionaire demagogue assumes the presidency in mid-January. A Firstpost opinion piece by Sevanand Gaddala, titled What does Trumps election mean for India? argues India could stand to gain more from a Trump-led administration than a Democratic one, because of Trumps harsh stance on China and Pakistan. Gaddala points to Trumps labeling of Pakistan as the most dangerous country in the world and his calls for India to act as a check to Pakistan. He adds he expects Trumps administration to be keen on cutting aid to Pakistan, because it will be dominated by those in Washingtons military-security establishment who argue that Islamabad has not borne enough of the burden of the US war in Afghanistan. This faction, notes Gaddala, contends Islamabad has been collecting US aid while only pretending to fight the Taliban. Seeking to leverage its enhanced partnership with Washington, India under Modi has mounted a campaign of threats, bullying and military pressure aimed at compelling Islamabad to forego any logistical support for anti-Indian Islamist militants in disputed Kashmir. In late September, this reached a qualitatively new level when the Modi government abandoned New Delhis purported policy of strategic restraint vis-a-vis Pakistan and proclaimed that it had carried out cross-border raids inside Pakistan, inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists and their Pakistani protectors. The Obama administration at first tacitly and then explicitly endorsed Indias patently illegal and highly provocative attack on Pakistan. New Delhi is now hoping that the incoming Trump administration will give India even greater latitude in pursuing confrontation with its nuclear-armed archrival. Writing in the Times of India, Arun Kumar Singh, who was Indias US ambassador until last August, emphasized the strong bipartisan support for Washingtons policy of using India as a strategic counterweight to China. Singh said his interactions with senior Republicans and Trump campaign officials at the Republican convention in July reinforced my conviction that a Trump administration would continue the presently articulated US policy of embracing the rise of India, seeing India as a positive net security provider, and looking at the US-India relationship as a defining partnership of the 21st century Indian strategist C. Raja Mohan, a strong advocate of India forging ever closer ties with Washington to balancethat is, counterChina, is arguing that Trumps call for traditional US allies to assume more of the financial and military costs of upholding the US-led world capitalist order can be used by India to advance its own ambitions to become a major Asian and Indian power. On the geopolitical front, wrote Mohan in his regular Indian Express column, Trumps reconsideration of US military burdens on the Eurasian landmass provides a rare opportunity for Delhi to expand its own contributions to regional security. Rather than act as a lynchpin of the US pivot to Asia, India can become the leading element in the regional balance of power system. If the U.S. under Trump views itself as a distant power that will help support rather than direct regional systems, India will have greater space and agency to construct a strong Eurasian coalition. The BJPs Hindu right allies in the shadowy RSS have effusively praised Trump, not least because of his anti-Muslim bigotry. Trump has a soft corner for Bharat (India) and Hindus, exclaimed the cover story in the RSSs Organiser. Reprising the false and reactionary war on terror narrative, the article continued, Bharat will be a major beneficiary of Trumps election since both the countries are prime targets of Islamic terrorism. It concluded by calling for a Bharat-US-Russian partnership to prevent Chinese domination of the world economy. The Indian elite, as a whole, is pleased by Trumps hostility to China. But there is also considerable concern that India could be sideswiped by his America First protectionist program. At his election rallies, and as part of his chauvinist denunciation of foreign countries for ripping off US jobs, Trump repeatedly said he would take steps to limit H1-B visas, which allow US companies to hire foreign professionals. Large numbers of Indians are currently employed in the US under H1-B visas, especially in the IT sector. H1-B workers supply significant remittances to India. However, the biggest concern for Indias elite is that a reduction in the H1-B quota, to say nothing of the scrapping of the program, would disrupt the operations of Indian-based IT companies in the US. There are also concerns that Trumps aggressive stance against Iranhe has threatened to scrap the Iran nuclear dealcould cut across a surge in Indo-Iranian economic and strategic ties. The Iranian port of Chabahar is the pivot of Indian plans to build an economic corridor to Central Asia, where it is competing with China for strategic influence and access to energy resources. While in India the political and corporate elite have responded to Trumps election with enthusiasm, in Pakistan it has been met with trepidation. As in India, it is widely anticipated in Islamabad that a Trump administration will further downgrade US ties with Pakistan, while strengthening the Indo-US alliance. Islamabad has repeatedly warned, and in ever shriller tones, that Washingtons strategic embrace of New Delhi has upset the balance of power in the region. With Washington ignoring these warnings, Pakistan has moved to enhance its longstanding alliance with Beijing, a development that has only caused US-Pakistani ties to fray further. Formally, however, Pakistan remains a major non-NATO ally of the US and the logistical linchpin of the US occupation of Afghanistan. America will not abandon Pakistan, wrote Lahore-based foreign policy analyst, Hasan Askari Rizi. But definitely, Trump will be a tougher President than Hillary Clinton for Pakistan. I think India will have a better and smoother interaction compared to Pakistan. Writing in the Dawn, PPP leader and former Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S., Sherry Rehman, warned of a rough road ahead. While Trump, she said, may not openly question the US-Pakistani alliance or lock Pakistan out as Chinas key ally, Pakistans interests will need vigilance to say the least. Worst-case scenarios like sanctions can be staved off, but not without urgency and agency applied to foreign policy. Within the Pakistani elite there is widespread resentment of the US, which is viewed as having repeatedly used Pakistan as a pawn in its geopolitical power plays only later to abandon it. Nonetheless, the Pakistani bourgeoisie is desperate to maintain its alliance with Washington, as US imperialism has been a pivotal bulwark of its rule. In a gesture that speaks both to the Pakistani governments eagerness to ingratiate itself with Trump and its fears about the heightening war crisis with India, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakarai appealed last week for Trump to mediate the seven decades-old Kashmir dispute. Ed Moseley (Credit: Facebook/Dogwood Forest Assisted Living) Proving that its never too late in life to learn a new hobby or skill, an 86-year-old Georgia man, has conquered the skill of knitting, but not just for any old reason. Ed Moseley lives in an assisted living facility in Acworth, Georgia, and when the community launched a special challenge to help make a record number of knitted hats for premature babies born at Atlantas Northside Hospital, Moseley decided to take on that challenge, even though hed never before knitted in his life. I just followed the instructions. It was easy. Moseley told ABC News. Somehow I had never knitted, and I always associated knitting with a bunch of needles but this looked pretty doable for me. I went through two or three before I came out with a good finished product. By the time he was done with his own personal effort in the challenge Moseley created 55 hats for the hospitals babies. Together with the rest of the community, staff, friends, and family, Moseley was able to present over 300 hats to Northside well over the facilitys goal of 200. Both hospital patients and staff were overjoyed by the contribution. And Moseley was inspired enough by the experience that hell keep knitting. I got a lot of enjoyment doing this, he said, And now Ive graduated to large caps. Im doing caps for all my grandkids. From Esquire A 23-year-old man was trying to find a place to bathe in the hot springs at Yellowstone National Park earlier this year when he slipped and fell to his death into boiling hot water, NBC Montana reports. He was reportedly trying to "hot pot," an illegal practice of swimming in thermal pools at Yellowstone. Colin Nathaniel Scott of Portland, Oregon was visiting the park this past June with his sister, Sable. They had left the boardwalk near a geyser and walked up a hill, and were looking for a place to soak. Colin was reaching into the water to test its temperature when he slipped. Sable had been filming video on her cell phone the whole time, and captured her brother's fatal fall, but park officials will not release the footage out of sensitivity to the family. According to the police report, which was released through a Freedom of Information Act request, Sable was traumatized and had visible injuries of her own. "There's a closure in place to keep people from doing that for their own safety and also to protect the resources, because they are very fragile. But, most importantly, for the safety of people because it's a very unforgiving environment," Deputy Chief Ranger Lorant Veress told NBC Montana. "They were specifically moving in that area for a place that they could potentially get into and soak. I think they call it hot-potting." Immediately after he fell into the pool, search and rescue workers located his body but could not access it because of a lightning storm. The next day, workers couldn't find anything, and they think the acidic, churning water was to blame. The incident was one of just many at Yellowstone this summer. In May, Canadian travelers who post travel stories under the name High on Life faced criminal charges for walking on top of a hot spring. In June, a tourist got too close to an elk and prompted it to charge at her. Also that month, two tourists took a baby bison from the park and put it in their car because it was abandoned by its herd; the bison ended up having to be euthanized. You Might Also Like Wife of One of the Victims of Suspected Serial Killer Says She Can Finally Heal 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. - By PJ Pahygiannis How and why did you get started investing? What is your background? Investing has always been a passion of mine. I remember being 10 years old glued to the television watching Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser. My formal education include: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in 1989 from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 1990 from European University, a private business school headquartered in Switzerland with campuses in Geneva, Montreux, Yvorne, Munich, London, and Barcelona. My professional designations include: Registered Financial Planner (R.F.P.) in 1995, a financial planning designation administered by the Institute of Advanced Financial Planners Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in 1996, a financial planning designation administered by the Financial Planning Standards Council of Canada Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) in 2005, an investment management designation administered by the Canadian Securities Institute I've been working in financial planning and portfolio management over the last 24 years. Describe your investing strategy and portfolio organization. What valuation methods do you use? Where do you get your investing ideas from? I am a portfolio manager and financial planner with Lycos Asset Management Inc ("Lycos"). Lycos is a Canadian independent investment management firm. We utilize National Bank Financial as the custodian. Clients open up investment accounts in their name with National bank and Lycos is granted trading authorization. National Bank provides internet access to clients and they produce statements of account. At Lycos, I deal with about 25 families where I provide financial planning and portfolio management. I want my clients to have all the time they need so I limit my business to no more than 40 families. This would keep me as busy as I want to be and yet allow me the time I need to do good work. Story continues I take a financial planning focus on getting to know the client well - who they are, their goals, their financial and personal situation, their risk tolerance and investment experience, their anticipated cash needs through time. We also address risks that can derail their financial goals and destroy their lifetime of savings. As most of my clients are retired or near retirement, capital preservation and the development of stable dependable cashflow from their portfolio to meet their needs are typically key objectives. In designing a portfolio, much time goes into determining a client's needs for cash through time. Time is important as it has a direct relationship with investment risk. We also spend quite a bit of time determining risk tolerance. This work helps us to figure out how much to invest in equities. Get the right asset mix is key to controlling risk so that our clients get the growth (or cashflow) they need without taking unnecessary risk. Our clients' investments are well diversified to control risk as a poorly designed portfolio can wipe out a lifetime of savings (we manage company risk, industry risk and your level of equities). We also have a value-orientation in selecting investments as they tend to have lower downside risk and good risk-adjusted returns. Having a lower volatility portfolio matters especially in your retirement years if you have to eat capital to meet your needs. Higher volatile portfolios means eating assets when they are down making it tough to impossible to recover to previous levels. That can lead to early depletion of your portfolio and outliving your money. Once we have figured out the Equity Target, we do some Dynamic Asset Allocation in consultation with our client as to whether we'll overweight or underweight in equities depending on our view of the economy and the market. We then spend time on selecting quality income-oriented investments, controlling risk, and sheltering income from taxation. For equities, I generally select at least 25 individual stocks which are equal weighted to manage company risk. I want my clients to directly own quality investments at a low cost. I do not like expensive mutual funds as I feel that you can cut your cost by 50% or more through direct ownership of quality stocks and bonds. And I don't normally like ETFs as I believe you can do better by constructing a quality dividend income oriented stock portfolio at good prices and avoid the expensive businesses and bad ones included in the ETF. I use a number of stock screens to help identify potential investments. I generally am buying larger companies that are dominant in their market (i.e. they have competitive advantages), are not burdened with too much debt, are profitable (a low Price-to-Earnings) and pay a dividend with a good dividend yield. Those companies will be diversified by industry to manage industry risk. What drew you to that specific strategy? If you only had 3 valuation metrics what would they be? If I only had three valuation metrics, they would be low Price-to-Earnings, high dividend yield, low Debt-to-Equity. What books or other investors changed the way you think, inspired you, or mentored you? What is the most important lesson learned from them? What investors do you follow today? A fun and inspiring book is, "The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Classon. But if you are interested in stock strategies, then you might read, "What Works on Wall Street" by James P. O'Shaughnessy. This book examines stock strategies over 40 years looking at their returns, risk-adjusted returns, downside risk. This influenced my mind about trying to select stocks with certain characteristics and to pick enough so that you get the strategy returns through time. This rightly led me away from indexing. I don't follow other investment managers per se. But I have enjoyed reading Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Letters. How long will you hold a stock and why? How long does it take to know if you are right or wrong on a stock? I would generally hold onto a stock as long as the investment thesis remains valid. Stock positions may get trimmed if they become too large compared to other stocks - for example, if a stock has doubled, there is twice the company risk in that stock compared to other stocks. Stocks may be sold if there are other stocks with better characteristics. How has your investing approach changed over the years? I have found that my convictions on how to invest have strengthened. I have tried many strategies in investing to gain higher returns; but usually higher returns comes with higher levels of risk. My preference is value strategies to get good risk-adjusted returns. Name some of the things that you do or believe that other investors do not Our philosophy on how we structure our business is quite unique. We run a very personalized business. Our clients are not a number, we know you and you know us. When a client calls, they call me directly - not an assistant, not a relationship manager, not client service. Because we limit the number of families, we have lots of time to spend for financial planning or for education. We design for our clients a customized tailored investment portfolio as opposed to pigeonholing a client into a type of client risk profile where the clients monies are allocated to different pools according to the standardized portfolio profile allocation. Even more than that, our clients can have anywhere from no involvement to a great deal of involvement in the management of their portfolio. Their portfolio is fully customizable to their specific requirements and preferences. If they don't like a particular stock, type of business, etc., fine, we don't buy it. The reality is that some clients are the engineer types that have to be hands on with all the details, and some, once they have established their comfort with you, are hands-off. Through time, my clients become more educated, and make more rational investment decisions in the face of the ups and downs of the market and of individual investments. 8. What are some of your favorite companies, brands, or even CEOs? What do you think are some of the most well run companies? How do you judge the quality of the management? I don't judge management quality, but will consider Morningstar's rating of them. 9. Do you use any stock screeners? What are some efficient methods to find undervalued businesses apart from screeners? Already addressed. Don't want to get into specifics. 10. Name some of the traits that a company must have for you to invest in, such as dividends. What does a high quality company look like to you and what does a bad investment look like? Talk about what the ideal company to invest in would look like, even if it does not exist. Already addressed. A bad investment is one that doesn't possess the characteristics I am looking for. 11. What kind of checklist or homework do you utilize when investing? Do you have a specific approach, structure, process that you use? Or do you have any hard cut rules? Already addressed. Don't want to get into specifics. 12. Before making an investment, what kind of research do you do and where do you go for the information? Do you talk to management? I don't talk with management. I do screening and I read some Value line and Morningstar reports. 13. How do you go about valuing a stock and how do you decide how you are going to value a specific stock? When is cheap not cheap? I do relative valuation (ratios). Cheap not cheap is where the stock has not stabilized where the business is unstable. 14. What kind of bargains are you finding in this market? Do you have any favorite sector or avoid certain areas, and why? Don't want to talk about this. 15. How do you feel about the market today? Do you see it as overvalued? What concerns you the most? Expensive, but it could continue to go up. 16. What are some books that you are reading now? What is the most important lesson learned from your favorite one? I'm reading some fun stuff unrelated to investing. 17. Any advice to a new value investor? What should they know and what habits should they develop before they start? Think about your needs for cash through time, don't invest in stocks if you can't buy at least 25 - better stick to an Index ETF. 18. What are your some of your favorite value investing resources or tools? Are there any investors that you piggyback or coattail? Morningstar and Value Line 19. Describe some of the biggest mistakes you have made value investing. What are your three worst investments that burned you? What did you learn and how do you avoid those mistakes today? I don't want to talk about mistakes - usually they happen when you stray from your method of investing. 20. How do you manage the mental aspect of investing when it comes to the ups, downs, crashes, corrections, and fluctuations? You have to be conservative and think rationally. So if the market goes down, that's an opportunity to buy stocks cheap. And don't stick your neck out and take too much risk. 21. How does one avoid blowups in value investing? Already answered; it's all about risk control and diversification 22. If you are willing to share, what companies do you currently own and why? How have the last five to ten years been for you investing wise compared to the indexes? Don't want to share 23. Here's a fun one - What stock would Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) or Benjamin Graham buy today if he were you? GuruFocus has the strategies you can run and see what comes up. Warren Buffet is more earnings growth and Benjamin Graham is more value. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. A 4-year-old girl is paralyzed after she was found in alone in a car involved in a crash hours after the Texas accident , according to reports. The little girl, Daniela Flores, was found by a towing company, who was coming to get the vehicle, a family member told KWES-TV. Read: Ex-Wife of 'Hot Car Dad' Speaks Out After Guilty Verdict: 'The Problem Is Not the Parent!' Flores was reportedly in the care of her mothers friend after her mother was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the family member. The friend then left the child with a male, who was a driver in the crash, according to station. A spokesperson for the City of Odessa reportedly said that the occupants of the three cars involved in the crash were all alert and exited their vehicles while waiting for authorities to arrive. The driver allegedly told officials multiple times there were no other passengers inside of his car, according to reports. It wasnt until three hours later that Flores was found three hours later in the floorboard of the backseat, according to NewsWest9. Officials say she was unconscious, but breathing. Read: Girl, 5, Found Alone in Bus Station Before Mom Later Found Dead at Home, Search On for Dad: Cops Odessa Fire and Rescue will reportedly also conduct an internal review to see if those on the scene did everything they could. Flores is currently in the hospital. InsideEdition.com has reached out to police for further comment. Watch: 15-Month-Old Twin Girls Die In Hot Car After Dad Spent Day Drinking: Cops Related Articles: A 4-year-old boy shocked a medical student with a science lesson in the middle of a grocery store. Parnia Salehi, 24, ran into the young boy and his father while shopping at a Trader Joes in Atlanta Tuesday and they started talking about her school, Morehouse Medical School. Read: Teen Girl with Cancer Makes Chemo Survival Bags for Fellow Patients But, she wasnt expecting little Anson Wong to jump right into the conversation with his own wealth of medical knowledge. "Anson was sitting in the cart and asked, oh, what kind of doctor do you want to be?' the medical school student told WSB-TV. So obviously my first reaction was, oh, this little kid knows the different types of doctors.'" What she didnt know was that he knew a lot more than that. When she told him she was studying the brain, he responded, Oh, so you like the nervous system. I like the immune system, Salehi told the station that he said. Salehi was shocked when Anson started explaining the nervous system in detail and she quickly took out her camera. In the video, the young boy talks all about organ function, antibodies, and bacteria, among other things. "What's the function of the lungs?" Salehi asks in the video. "The function of the lungs is to help take in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. That's what humans do every day," Anson responds. Later on in the video, Salehi asks Anson if the immune system is still his favorite. Yes, Anson responds, Always, forever. Read: Teen Who Was Once Starving Starts Charity to Pack Weekend Meals for Less Fortunate Kids Salehi was clearly surprised by the whole interaction. It was at least graduate level physiology, Salehi said. Such a random thing for a little kid to be passionate about! The immune system." Watch: Mom Adorably Dresses Sleeping 4-Month-Old in Hilarious Costumes You'll Recognize Related Articles: Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f290554%2f5e3ecc6fa4294b138d9b1e0a52344fe5 Fans probably haven't watched Season 7 of Gilmore Girls lately. Due to a contract dispute with the CW, Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino was not involved with the beloved show's seventh season and it showed. The dialogue is slower. The plot lines are more contrived (Lorelai and Christopher in Paris, anyone?). Honestly, it's not really the Stars Hollow fans came to love which is partially why people are so excited about the show's Netflix revival. SEE ALSO: I tried to drink as much coffee as Lorelai Gilmore But despite Season 7's general mediocrity, it didn't all leave us cold. In fact, those 22 okay episodes gave us a few stellar moments even though we'll always know Lane deserved better and that Rory should have just told Lucy she already knew Marty or whatever. Here are seven of Season 7's best moments. Spoiler: none of them involve Logan proposing to Rory in front of several dozen people. 1. Lorelai meets the resident rebel at cotillion (episode 3, "Lorelai's First Cotillion") Caroline is the breakout star of episode 3, from her impeccable chicken dance to her sick pink Converse at cotillion. Plus, it's nice to see Lorelai admire someone else making Emily miserable instead of doing the dirty work herself. 2. Emily Gilmore goes to jail (episode 4, "'S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous") ...And Lorelai gleefully bails her out. This was an indulgent moment for the series, certainly, but that didn't make it any less fun. 3. Zach plays "My Heart Will Go On" at Chin-Chin's funeral (episode 14, "Farewell, My Pet") Michel's highly curated funeral for Chin-Chin is one of the character's most on-point moments, and Zach's reluctant Celine Dion cover is a streak of classic Gilmore Girls hilarity. Unfortunately, the scene also tries to double as an emotional pre-divorce moment for Lorelai, which is weird because it is a dog funeral. Story continues 4. "Will you be their Lorelai Gilmore?" (episode 16, "Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?") Many fans think Lane's relationship with Zach did the character a great disservice, especially throughout her pregnancy plot in Season 7. But when Lane asks Rory to be a role model for her twins just like Lorelai was a role model for her it almost makes up for putting her drums in storage. Almost. 5. Luke and Lorelai in the hay bale maze (episode 18, "Hay Bale Maze") The hay bale maze itself a wacky, selfish and somehow endearing idea from Taylor was a charming addition to a season that often managed to be completely charm-free. And when Luke and Lorelai go their separate ways inside its extremely tall walls, it's genuinely touching even though Luke is wearing a turquoise bracelet. 6. Paris opens her acceptance letters (episode 19, "It's Just Like Riding A Bike") Especially after her Harvard rejection back in Season 3, Paris deserved a few big envelopes. And she got 'em in spades. It's fun to see Paris win, and it's even more fun to watch her mood go from unbridled ecstasy to that special brand of Paris Geller anxiety as she realizes she'll have to choose between literally every Ivy League graduate school. Also: all hail the lucky letter opener. 7. Rory and Lorelai go to Luke's Diner one last time (episode 22, "Bon Voyage") Despite the many narrative blunders Season 7 thrust upon weary Gilmore fans, the show wisely ended things where they began: over coffee at Luke's. Let's hope they tie up a few more loose ends in the Netflix revival. Gilmore Girls: A Day in the Life premieres on Netflix November 25. BONUS: Test your Harry Potter knowledge before 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' this weekend President-elect Donald Trump has taken to Twitter again this weekend to dress down another actor: Alec Baldwin. I watched parts of @ nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show nothing funny at all. Equal time for us? tweeted Trump on Sunday morning. Baldwin did his famous Trump impersonation on the long-running NBC show on Saturday in a sketch that poked fun at Trump being in over his head as the future leader of the free world. Also Read: Donald Trump Demands 'Hamilton' Cast Apologize to Mike Pence for 'Rude' Behavior To Trumps criticism, Baldwin shot off a string of tweets on Sunday, giving the president-elect some unsolicited advice on how to proceed as the next commander-in-chief, saying, in part, You know what I would do if I were Prez? Id be focused on how to improve the lives of AS MANY AMERICANS AS POSSIBLE. Baldwin has been a vocal detractor of Trump and publicly supported Hillary Clinton in the run up to the Nov. 8 election. This comes just a day after Trump demanded on the social media platform that the cast of hit Broadway show Hamilton apologize for a speech they gave to Vice President-elect Mike Pence. This isnt the first time Trump has criticized Baldwin, whose impression of the future president gained prominence during the election. Also Read: 'SNL': Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump Is in Way Over His Head (Video) Here is Sundays exchange in sequential order: @realDonaldTrump Equal time? Election is over. There is no more equal time. Now u try 2 b Pres + ppl respond. That's pretty much it. ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) November 20, 2016 @ realDonaldTrump You know what I would do if I were Prez? Id be focused on how to improve the lives of AS MANY AMERICANS AS POSSIBLE, wrote Baldwin in his second Twitter reply. Story continues @ realDonaldTrump Id be focused on improving our reputation abroad, including actually fighting for freedom and not just oil, he added next. Also Read: 'SNL' Weekend Update Stops Pulling Punches With Trump Transition (Video) @ realDonaldTrump I would make every effort 2 retrain Americans so 2 cre8 jobs. 1 way u make America gr8 again is 2 put it back 2 work. @ realDonaldTrump I would make appointments that encouraged people, not generate fear and doubt. And finally, Baldwin wrote: @ realDonaldTrump I could go on. You want more advice, call me. Ill be at SNL. Related stories from TheWrap: 12 Takeaways From Donald Trump's Interview With Harvey Levin 'Graves' Star Skyler Astin on How Donald Trump Stole Their Thunder (Exclusive Video) Trump Rejoices in Lawsuit Settlement as 'Small Fraction of the Potential Award' Why Is Everyone Running When They Hear 'Trump is Coming'? Trump University Fraud Case Settled for $25 Million Alec Baldwin made his return as Saturday Night Lives Donald Trump tonight, with the President-elect more confused than belligerent, and joined in a surprise appearance by Jason Sudeikis as Mitt Romney. This isnt going to work, is it?, a stiff and awkward Romney said after an uncomfortable few seconds with the Donald. The shows writers clearly worked fast today, referencing this afternoons meeting between Trump and Romney, as well as Mike Pences boo-filled visit to Broadway. I heard you went to see Hamilton, Baldwins Trump said to Beck Bennetts Pence. How was it? It was good, Pence replied. I got a free lecture. The gist of Baldwins brief cold open as Trump no Hillary this week, with Kate McKinnon instead playing an exhausted and exasperated KellyAnne Conway was Trumps slowly dawning realization of what hes gotten himself into. Siri, how do I kill ISIS?, Baldwins Trump asked. After a general (Mikey Day) was ushered by Conway into Trumps office and asked the President-elect about his infamous secret plan to take out the terrorists, Baldwin muttered to himself, Ok, right, here we go. Big plan. Big plan. Google What is Isis? When told by the visiting Pence that jailing Hillary Clinton would be difficult, Trump replied, Scrap it. She didnt do anything. Scrapped. Baldwin, missing in SNL action since Trumps election, leaked word of his return to the role at a New York museum fundraiser earlier this week. Hed agreed to the role on a temporary basis, and was no doubt expecting a Clinton victory to bring an end to the gig. Its unclear whether hell continue with the role, or whether SNL will recast or, if tonights episode was any indication, will return for the occasional quick and easy appearance. Story continues Tonights episode is hosted by Kristen Wiig, who was joined in her Thanksgiving-themed musical monologue by Steve Martin and Will Forte. The xx is musical guest. [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUWSLlz0Fdo&w=605&h=340] Related stories Donald Trump Meeting With Media Brass "Excellent," Says Kellyanne Conway - Update Kellyanne Conway Defends Donald Trump's Twitter Reaction To 'Hamilton' Flap & 'SNL' Donald Trump At Home Special Brings Golden Friday Ratings For Fox News Arctic ice is crazy low right now and heres why thats important Youve probably noticed that temperatures around much of the country have been bizarre lately i.e., warmer than usual. For instance, it was just 75 degrees in Chicago the other day (yes, in November!). Well, the same erratic temperatures are happening in the Arctic. Arctic ice is crazy low right now, reported BuzzFeed News, and heres why thats important. Whether you believe in climate change and global warming or not, the Earths behavior doesnt lie, right? According to NASA, climate change is happening faster in the Arctic versus anywhere else on the planet. Winter is supposed to be coming to the North Pole, but its been warm there for weeks. As a result, the amount of sea ice is minimal, at lows never seen before at this time of year. How low? Approximately 28 percent below the long-term average in October, according to the National Snow & Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Crazy, amirite?! This tweets been making the rounds, too, showing the lack of global sea ice. This also means that temps at the North Pole have been warmer than usual as high as 36 degrees above normal (!). via GIPHY Were not the only ones who are shocked. Some scientists are, too. Seeing extremes in the Arctic is becoming fairly routine in some sense, but this is quite unusual and there has been talk in the community regarding how out of whack things appear at the moment, Walt Meier, a research scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory, told BuzzFeed News. In an added twist, polar night is now happening, i.e., when the sun does not rise, according to The Atlantic. It occurs from November till January. So the fact that it is warm even without the sun rising is concerning. Story continues via GIPHY But the Arctic hasnt just been having a warm winter; its been having a warm year. Even during the first half of this year, global surface temperatures and Arctic sea ice extent broke many records, which are two key climate change indicators, according to NASA. They made an analysis based on satellite data, as well as ground-based observations. ICYMI, the global temperature and Arctic sea ice have been changing for decades, which NASA scientists say is significant. They believe the cause is rising concentrations of heat-trapping carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. via GIPHY Aside from winter being warm in the Arctic, January to June of 2016 were the ~warmest ever~ for the planet (!). And each month of the first six months of 2016 set a record as the warmest globally in terms of the modern temperature record, according to scientists at NASAs Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York. via GIPHY Similarly, five of the first six months (except March) set records for the smallest respective monthly Arctic sea ice extent since consistent satellite records began in 1979, according to analyses developed by scientists at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland. Hence, the trend is continuing, even in winter. So what now? This year, NASA researchers began a nearly decade-long field study of Arctic ecosystems in Alaska and Canada. During the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE), researchers will study how forests, permafrost, and other ecosystems respond to rising temperatures in the Arctic. Were very curious what the findings will be. And winter still has months to go, so Arctic ice still has a chance to form. After the warm air subsides, ice can grow rapidly, Meier told BuzzFeed News. In the meantime, well try to do our part and be green being as environmentally conscientious as possible and hope you do, too. The post Arctic ice is crazy low right now and heres why thats important appeared first on HelloGiggles. As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. Marlene Rashidi met Germichael Kennedy for the first time an hour before he killed her. She and some friends ran into him in downtown Lincoln about 2 a.m. on June 26. The three other women knew Kennedy; one of them grew up with him in a small town in Mississippi, and they would later tell police their conversation lasted about two minutes. Newly released interviews and physical evidence presented to a grand jury in October detail how Rashidi and Kennedys paths would cross again on Portia Street about an hour later. Investigators would try to piece together why Kennedy unloaded a semi-automatic pistol into two cars, killing Rashidi and injuring Dezarae Mann, neither of whom knew Kennedy or lived in the Belmont neighborhood. Kennedy would be killed by Lincoln police hours later, and forensic testing confirmed the bullet lodged in Rashidis lower back matched bullets found in his car and in the gun Kennedy pointed at an officers head. The Journal Star reviewed hundreds of pages of testimony and evidence from the grand jury investigation required by Nebraska law whenever someone dies in police custody or while being arrested. The transcript includes details that give a clearer picture into how Rashidi, a 20-year-old University of Nebraska at Kearney student, published poet and aspiring lawyer, ended up in the worst place at the worst time. The events that led to Rashidi's death began between 10 and 11 on the night of June 25. Germichael Kennedy, 22, was visiting a friend who lives near 12th and D streets. The two went to a party near Knox and Portia streets, and the friend decided to walk the four miles back to his apartment about 10:30. Kennedy had been consuming a lot of alcohol and (the friend) just didnt want to ride home with him, Lincoln Police Officer Luis Herrera, who investigated Rashidi's death, told the grand jury. Kennedy stayed at the party until 1 a.m. and got into a fight with a couple of women, cursing at them and calling them names. At one point, (Kennedy) threatens to shoot somebody in the face, Herrera said, noting that the young man from Mississippi wasn't armed at that point. He punched a 24-year-old man in the face and left the party, heading downtown, where he ran into Rashidi and her friends. According to the grand jury transcript, Kennedy was pulled over by a Lincoln police officer near 14th and O streets at 2:11 a.m. The traffic stop lasted four minutes. Grand jury looks at Rashidi, Kennedy deaths The June deaths of Marlene Rashidi and Germichael Kennedy have left the Belmont community wi Basically I think just to get him straightened out, Herrera said about why he was stopped. Hes going the wrong way on a one-way street. When asked by multiple jurors why Kennedy was allowed to drive home, Herrera said that to his knowledge, there was no indication during the stop that he had been drinking. Fifteen minutes later, Kennedy was pulled over again -- this time by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln officer at 16th and P streets. That stop lasted 23 minutes, and Kennedy was cited but Herrera told the grand jury he didn't know what for, adding that there was no way for the UNL officer to know LPD had just stopped Kennedy. And apparently, once again, there was no indication Kennedy was drunk. He was allowed to leave about the same time Rashidi and her friends were driving to an apartment on Knox Street in the same Belmont neighborhood to which Kennedy was headed. The women planned to change clothes before heading out to a party. Just before 3 a.m., Kennedy pulled back onto Portia Street. The women were in an apartment changing when a group of men confronted Kennedy outside. He threatened one of them and asked if he'd ever been shot. (The man) says he has been shot (before), Herrera said. And he doesnt think thats funny. He takes great offense. He pushes back Kennedy ... other people that are present assault Kennedy. Kennedy left the neighborhood and posted a selfie to Snapchat showing his bloody, cut-up face from the altercation. A neighbor called 911 at 3:05 a.m. to report the fight, and when Officers Joseph Villamonte and Joseph Coleman arrived, groups of people began to scatter. Theyre asked by residents to stay in the area on foot because people feel like theres a lot of tension in the air, Herrera said. Coleman would later testify that that was rare -- people dont usually ask the cops to stick around. Five minutes later, Kennedy walked into his friend's 12th Street apartment, grabbed a handgun and headed back to Portia and Knox. Kennedy's friend was worried, but he stayed home. At roughly the same time, Herrera estimated, Rashidi and her friends left the apartment and got into two separate cars and headed west on Knox toward Portia. Rashidi was in the rear passenger seat of a red Kia. A lot of what came next happened about the same time, Herrera told the grand jury. Rashidis three friends all told police they saw Kennedys white Hyundai approaching from Adams Street. The woman in the second car said she saw him get out and start shooting toward the Kia. The driver sped off, not realizing Rashidi had been hit. Kennedy then headed to the second car and put a gun to a womans head. She starts pleading for her life and asking him not to shoot her," Herrera said. "She says, You know me, you know me, you know me. Dont do this. Kennedy does not say anything. He simply gets back into his vehicle and starts driving north (on Portia). When Rashidis friends realized she'd been shot, they tried to take her to a hospital but got lost and called for help from 21st and K streets. Once at the hospital, Rashidi was rushed into surgery, but she died. A bullet that penetrated the rear of the car hit her in the lower back and pelvic area, causing significant damage to blood vessels, an autopsy that was included in the grand jury report said. Back on Portia Street, Dezarae Mann had just dropped a couple of friends off at an apartment and was headed south when she saw Kennedy's car speeding toward her. She swerved to get out of his way and then stopped. Kennedy stopped in the middle of the street, got out and shot Mann's car six times. A bullet hit her near the armpit, traveled down, exited her abdomen and landed on her lap. She was hospitalized but survived and is back at work. Officers Coleman and Villamonte were still in the area and headed toward the noise, knowing only that the suspect was in a white car. Then, Coleman saw Kennedy step out of a white car. I draw my gun, I see him holding a gun, Coleman said in an interview with the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office that is now part of the grand jury transcript. Kennedy ran toward the officer but didn't point the gun at Coleman. Im going, Drop the gun, drop the gun, Coleman said. We are just kind of facing each other, I am behind my car door, but my window is down and I am up, my gun is up. Kennedy turned around and got back into his car, threw it into reverse and floored it, getting away from the cops. Three hours later, he'd have his fourth run-in of the night with police. *** The two Lincoln cops did not want Germichael Kennedy to die. But after a foot pursuit and a physical struggle, the young man from Mississippi pointed a gun at one of them and Officers Mario Robinson and Josh Atkinson opened fire, hitting him 13 times. Robinson, a 22-year veteran of the Lincoln Police Department, and Atkinson, an officer for eight years, said in recorded interviews after the June 26 shooting near the Belmont Recreation Center that they tried to reason with Kennedy but he lifted his gun and pointed it at Robinson's head. Multiple witnesses confirmed that account. I wanted to attempt to save his life, Atkinson told the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office. I didnt want him to, uh, I didnt want him to die, so I holstered and started lifesaving efforts. Police started looking for Kennedy at 3 that morning after he shot 20-year-old Marlene Rashidi to death and wounded Dezarae Mann, 23. Interviews and physical evidence presented to a grand jury in October detail what happened from the time police developed Kennedy as a suspect in the separate shootings and offer a window into the internal struggle one officer had in deciding whether lethal force was necessary. Nebraska law requires a grand jury investigation whenever someone dies in police custody or while being arrested. In this case, the grand jury ultimately cleared both officers. The Journal Star reviewed hundreds of pages of testimony and evidence from the grand jury transcript to get a more clear picture of what led to Kennedy's death. * * * Kennedy shot at a red Kia with three women in it just after 3 that morning at Portia and Knox streets. Rashidi was in the backseat and died later at a local hospital. Mann was in a separate car hit by six bullets, one of which hit her near the armpit, traveled through her abdomen and landed on her lap. The shooting followed a fight between Kennedy and a group of men in the area. None of the women had anything to do with the fight, police said. In fact, Rashidi and Mann did not know each other and were with separate groups that morning. Multiple witnesses named Kennedy and described his car, which had been stopped for two unrelated traffic violations just hours earlier. A friend of Kennedy's called police at 4:02 a.m., saying he saw Kennedy grab a gun from the friend's apartment near 12th and D streets about an hour earlier and was worried about him. At 4:30, police spoke with Kennedy's mother, Shirley, who said he called her in Mississippi to say he'd been involved in a shooting and was in trouble, Officer Luis Herrera told the grand jury. "She was talking to him, telling him to turn himself in," said Herrera, who investigated Rashidi's death. "But she said that he wasn't going to do that. He was afraid." About two hours later, police found Kennedys car in a lot at 20th Street and Cornhusker Highway. Thirty-two live rounds lay on the passenger seat, Robinson said. Kennedys cellphone was in a cup holder, his ID on the drivers seat. Timeline of events (click for full text) * At 1 a.m., Germichael Kennedy gets into a fight with a man in the area of Portia and Knox At 9 a.m., Robinson got a report that Kennedy was walking on Conestoga Drive, a curved street off Portia just south of Hartley. Robinson drove there, saw Kennedy and got out of his cruiser. I basically tell him to let me see his hands, Robinson told the grand jury. I was going to place him in custody at that time. He continues walking northbound Im getting on the radio saying its him. I have him at gunpoint. But Kennedy kept his right hand by his waist, out of Robinson's view, and just stared at him instead of following his orders. Im thinking at that point in time is he bluffing me or not? Robinson told the grand jury. I put my firearm away. I pull out my Taser. And I kind of think about it. Its like, well, hes supposed to have a weapon. I cant see his hands. I put my Taser back and go back to my firearm. He doesnt say a word to me. I keep telling him youre under arrest and let me see your hands, and he just stares at me and stands there with his hand inside of his shorts. Robinson moved closer and tried to arrest Kennedy, but the two struggled and fell to the ground. Kennedy got up and Robinson reached for his shirt, but Kennedy broke free and ran. The two ran west behind the apartments on Portia Street. Robinson holstered his weapon as the chase went on. They came face-to-face again near Belmont Baptist Church. Robinson shot the Taser but missed Kennedy as he jumped through a row of bushes. By this time hes jogging now, Robinson said. ... Hes getting tired, Im getting tired. He starts jogging. Then we come to a walk. Robinson started to hear sirens. Officer Joseph Coleman, who was nearby and witnessed the struggle and chase, said Kennedy seemed calm at that point. As Robinson and Kennedy approached Belmont Elementary, Kennedy pulled a handgun from his pocket. The two were about 35 feet apart. Im still yelling, Stop, drop the gun, drop the gun, Robinson said. And he now turns and faces down the sidewalk and starts walking southbound. Im still behind him. I also come out on the sidewalk at that time. He continues to walk. At that point, Officer Josh Atkinson arrived and stood near Robinson, who said he was focused on Kennedys gun. I looked at the magazine well, what we call where the rounds go, and I kind of looked at it, Robinson said. At that time I was like, I seen -- not seeing a magazine. Didnt look like there was one. Kind of argued to myself for a couple of seconds trying to rationalize if he would pull a gun that has no magazine. At that point in time it didnt make a difference to me. I know some semi-automatic weapons can fire without a magazine if theres a round in the chamber. Kennedy continued to walk -- nonchalantly. I try to make eye contact because I want to see what hes doing, Robinson said. By the time when I look up, he points the handgun right at my face. Coleman, Atkinson and an area resident who saw the shooting would all testify that Kennedy pointed his gun at Robinson's head. Asked by a Lancaster County Sheriff's Office investigator if he believed Robinson's life was in danger, the passerby said yes. Asked if the officer acted inappropriately, the man said, "he did what he is supposed to do." When Kennedy fell to the ground and officers determined he was no longer a risk, they ran to his side, Atkinson applying pressure to some of his wounds. We talk to him, tell him to stay with us, Atkinson said. Kennedys autopsy report said he was shot in the arms, chest, legs and back. Bullets hit both lungs, his heart, liver and intestines. He tested positive for alcohol and caffeine. There was no evidence at the scene that Kennedy shot his weapon, said Sheriff's Capt. Josh Clark, who investigated the officer-involved shooting. All together, the officers shot 17 bullets. Asked by members of the grand jury if the officers acted appropriately, Clark said, in his opinion, yes. "Sergeant Robinson had given more commands than I have really seen in my career as far as the initial contact with Mr. Kennedy," he said. "... Once (Kennedy's) weapon was actually drawn, Sergeant Robinson displayed a lot of patience as far as continuing to give commands and recognizing initially that handgun was pointed to the ground." Kennedy was from Jonestown, Mississippi. After graduating from the Job Corps of Louisville, Kentucky, Shirley Kennedy said her son moved to Lincoln to pursue a job in telecommunications. Despite the grand jury's decision that the officers acted appropriately, Shirley Kennedy said she believes her son's death wasn't justified and that he was intentionally targeted by police. "I don't think my son was a danger," she said. "Even if he killed someone, killing him won't bring her back. My son didn't have a voice there ... they didn't have to shoot him that many times." Kennedy's sister, Mekell, said her family hasn't been given all the information on what happened when Kennedy was killed. There is no dash cam video or body camera video that shows the shooting. "We're not putting anybody down for them carrying out their jobs," she said. "The only thing we're trying to do is make sure they used all their procedures to prevent what happened. We asked if (the police) had proof (of) him holding the gun. We haven't seen that." Ariel Winter just debuted these minimalist nails and we are totally in love with the simplicity Around the holidaysno matter what the fall nail trends are that yearwe get a craving for bright reds and metallic-flecked manicures. From sparkling cranberries to shimmery greens, theres plenty of bold, festive shades out there for everyone. BUT, if you dont want to go for holly-berry red or gold sparkles again this year, weve finally found an alternative that might get you out of your nail rut. And we have one of our favorite style icons, Ariel Winter, to thank for it. And, yes, were talking about the same girl who turned us on to marble workout leggings. When she talks, we listen. The Modern Family actress debuted soft neutral tips on Instagram yesterday, in a shade of white so soft, its practically translucent. Thanks @nailbarandbeautylounge I love them!! A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Nov 19, 2016 at 3:38pm PST Basically, if Elsa were to get her nails done, we imagine that shed choose this ethereal, snowy hue. If we had to name this color, wed call it Winter Wonderland. Whats more, this super simple shade is making us realize just how chic and effortless muted manis can be. Are we becoming minimalists, or something? According to Ariels Instagram, it appears she gets her nails done at Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge in Beverly Hills, California. So if you live in the Los Angeles area and want to get her look, you know where to go. After all this, if the whole neutral nail thing still isnt your bag, know that Ariel has a soft spot for glitter, too. Thank you SO much @lindaloveli @nailbarandbeautylounge I love my nails so much!! A photo posted by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter) on Nov 4, 2016 at 6:18pm PDT Ariel rocked some these gold glitz on her fingers a couple weeks ago and we love it just as much. Pretty much whatever this fashionista is sporting, we are all about it. The post Ariel Winter just debuted these minimalist nails and we are totally in love with the simplicity appeared first on HelloGiggles. Ashton Kutcher revealed Saturday on a panel at the Airbnb Open 2016 in Los Angeles that he lived in Airbnbs for a year following his divorce from Demi Moore. During Kutchers presentation, he told friend and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky that it was the kindness of a stranger that changed his perspective of human relationships. I went to Europe and I flew in and got in in the middle of the night, he said. I arrived at the Airbnb at 2 a.m. The person had left me dinner and a glass of wine. (Kutcher is also an investor in Airbnb.) It was the type of cure the 38-year-old actor needed after ending a long-term relationship and losing his home. It was the magic and the love that I needed in that moment, he said. I was shocked that someone would care that much about a total stranger. Everything has worked out well for the actor since then, however. He began dating his former That 70s Show costar Mila Kunis in 2012. The 33-year-old actress gave birth to their daughter, Wyatt Isabelle, in 2014, and they married in July 2015. Now, the actor is about to become a father for the second time, after unintentionally revealing he and Kunis were expecting a boy in October on the Today show. Kutcher recently told Conan OBrien that he wanted to give his son the name Hawkeye. There was a rallying cry from a collective that believed in the name Hawkeye, he told the late night host. Hawkeye Kutcher, it didnt fly, it didnt cross the Mila threshold, he said. It came to the threshold but it got knocked out. The actor is now looking forward to spending some time with his family on Thanksgiving, after not taking a break for a year. Im just trying to get over this next baby hurdle, he told Chesky on Friday. Thats the big next thing Im taking a week off this week Im excited just to have a little bit of a break. Still, Kutcher had a bit of drama before his week off a protester stormed his Saturday panel to speak out against Airbnbs in settlements in Palestine. The actor responded by promoting a message of unity and defending the company. Ashton Kutcher knows how to stay calm under pressure. The 38-year-old actor found his panel interrupted at the Airbnb Open 2016: A Festival of Hosting event in Los Angeles on Saturday, when a woman stormed the stage to protest Airbnb's listings in Palestine. WATCH: Find Out What Ashton Kutcher Wanted to Name His Baby Boy (Before Mila Kunis 'Knocked Down' The Idea) Ariel Gold, a member of CODEPINK, a female-led grassroots organization supporting peace and human rights initiatives, took the stage to urge Kutcher to "use his power and influence" to pressure Airbnb to remove their listings in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The protester was calling for Airbnb to get out of Jewish settlements in Palestine. Kutcher defended the company. #airbnbopen #aaptravel pic.twitter.com/cjpDLbDQC7 Katina Curtis (@katinacurtis) November 19, 2016 WATCH: Mila Kunis Flaunts Baby Bump Weeks Before Due Date Kutcher, who started investing in Airbnb in 2011, remained calm throughout the ordeal and took a moment to address Gold's protest. "[A world] doesn't discriminate against one another," he said to the crowd. "We can get to know each other intimately and understand our collective narrative is a narrative for everyone, and that we all can belong in a world together without borders." "I can appreciate that this doesn't happen seamlessly," he continued. "I can appreciate that this doesn't happen easily. I can appreciate that where there is change, there will be a fringe case that feels objectified, but this company is about bringing people together, and about loving one another." "You're welcome to a world where we all belong," Kutcher said to overwhelming support from the audience. "And if you want to sit down and have a conversation about it, I'm happy to have that conversation with you." Story continues Ashton Kutcher handles a protester with adamant love and determined inclusiveness. #airbnbopen #BelongAnywhere pic.twitter.com/A88kuPbg3b Danielle Thys (@DanielleThys) November 19, 2016 RELATED: Ashton Kutcher Officially Confirms He's Having a Boy, Admits He Hoped Baby No. 2 Was a Girl Kutcher isn't the only one taking a stand against discrimination. In fact, his wife, Mila Kunis, recently took to Kutcher's website, A Plus, to publish an essay on gender equality. "I'm done compromising; even more so, I'm done with being compromised. So from this point forward, when I am confronted with one of these comments, subtle or overt, I will address them head on; I will stop in the moment and do my best to educate," she wrote. "If this is happening to me, it is happening more aggressively to women everywhere," she added. See more in the video below. Related Articles (Add details) DHAKA, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Bangladesh will lower the sulphur content of its gasoil imports from January 2017, in line with a global trend towards cleaner fuel, two energy officials said on Sunday. It will limit imports to gasoil with 500 parts-per-million (ppm) sulphur and no longer buy the 2,500 ppm grade, two senior officials at the Bangladesh Petroleum Corp (BPC) told Reuters. The state-owned company, the country's sole importer of gasoil, started importing cleaner gasoil this year. It has purchased 2,500 ppm gasoil only from Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), the biggest supplier of gasoil to BPC at around 1 million tonnes a year. "From next year, we will not import gasoil with 2,500 ppm anymore from any oil company. We are importing gasoil with 500 ppm only," said one of the officials, who asked not to be identified. BPC buys oil products from a number of oil companies through term deals while it has also started buying a portion through tenders as part of efforts to buy at cheaper rates. Bangladesh imports around 3.0-3.3 million tonnes of gasoil a year while its only refinery, the Eastern Refinery. produces around 350,000 tonnes, BPC officials said. A shortfall in supplies of natural gas has forced the south Asian country to burn oil, a costlier option, to generate electricity. Other suppliers of gasoil include Malaysia's Petronas, Emirates National Oil Co, Indonesia's Bumi Siak Pusako, Philippines National Oil Co, Vietnam's Petrolimex and PetroChina. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; editing by Jason Neely) The Beastie Boys are encouraging fans to take part in an anti-hate rally at Adam Yauch Park, the Brooklyn, N.Y., memorial park in honor of late group member Adam Yauch, on Sunday (Nov. 19). The park was defaced with graffiti of swastikas, as well as the words "Go Trump," on Friday. "Hate has no place in Brooklyn, NYC, or America. Join us on Sunday to stand against hate messages," a message on the band's Twitter account reads. The rally will be led by New York senator Daniel Squadron, congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and city council members Stephen Levin and Brad Lander, and other members of the community. It is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. at the park, which is located on State St. between Columbia and Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights. On Friday, the New York City Mayor's Office tweeted: "Adam Yauch stood for tolerance. Call 911 if you see vandalism, harassment or hateful acts. #NotInOurCity." Yauch passed away in 2012 after battling cancer. The park, formerly known as Palmetto Playground, was dedicated to him a year after his death. Hate has no place in Brooklyn, NYC, or America. Join us on Sunday to stand against hate messages. 11:30, Adam Yauch Park, Brooklyn, NYC pic.twitter.com/DZXcUyZauP- Beastie Boys (@beastieboys) November 19, 2016 Blac Chyna is out and about! The new mom, who recently welcomed her first daughter Dream Renee with fiance Rob Kardashian, stepped out in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. Sporting her new lavender do, the reality star donned a black and white T-shirt with matching leggings on her way to Health Nut for lunch. Chyna, 28, has taken to social media several times to celebrate her new baby, new body, new hair, and now, the new year. Wearing the same outfit she donned for her food outing, Chyna shared a selfie on Instagram with the caption, 2017 is going to be a good year. RELATED VIDEO: Blac Chyna Shows Off Her Post-Baby Tummy On Nov. 10, Dream was welcomed to the family, which also includes Chynas son, 4-year-old King Cairo, who she shares with Tyga. Dream, whom a source has called the spitting image of Kardashian, is the first child for the couple. Her birth story will be televised on the Rob & Chyna Baby Special, airing Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET on E! Chicago (AFP) - On a recent evening on Chicago's southwest side, an all-too-familiar scene unfolds: within sight of the Windy City's iconic downtown high-rises, dozens of police officers swarm. A 21-year-old man has been shot outside his home. All of a sudden, a deafening scream pierces the silence: the man's family has just learned he has been declared dead at the hospital. Chicago -- the Midwestern stomping grounds of Al Capone, the ruthless mobster who left a trail of blood in the Roaring 1920s -- is grappling once again with a gun violence problem and a soaring murder rate. There have been more than 670 murders in Chicago from January to mid-November, according to police -- a 56 percent jump in just one year. The city is on track to end 2016 with the most killings since 1998. On Friday night, the grandson of Illinois congressman Danny Davis was fatally shot in the head -- over a pair of shoes, police said. The nation's third largest city is struggling to figure out how to stem the free flow of bullets and blood, and is hoping new, tougher gun laws are the answer. "I have seen too many lives torn apart. Too many parents lose a child," Chicago's police chief Eddie Johnson said at a recent public forum. "As a Chicagoan, I'm ashamed, because we could do better." - 'Beyond frustrated' - Johnson and his state lawmaker allies want to reduce the number of shootings by stiffening jail sentences for those repeatedly arrested for gun offenses. The police department says that a hard core of 1,400 recidivist gun offenders -- many of them gang members or drug dealers -- are fueling much of the violence. "We're beyond frustrated," said Anthony Guglielmi, a police department spokesman. "You could reduce the violence in the city by 40 percent just by keeping people in jail for crimes they have committed." The new draft bill is headed for the Illinois state legislature in the next few weeks, where there are indications of bipartisan support. Story continues It would ask judges to sentence repeat gun offenders at the higher end of the three-year to 14-year guideline range. Judges who hand down lighter sentences would need to offer a written explanation of their reasoning. Despite a tough national climate for passing gun control measures, the bill's authors are hopeful that Illinois will be different. One reason is that the state's Republican governor Bruce Rauner has already agreed to tougher gun laws. Earlier this year, he signed a bill to increase penalties for gun trafficking from nearby Wisconsin and Indiana -- border states with more permissive gun laws. Another reason is that this latest sentencing law would not impose strict mandatory minimums, something legislators and gun-rights advocates have opposed. "Illinois can be a real trend-setter here," said state representative Michael Zalewski, a Democrat who supports the measure. Republican state lawmaker Michael Connelly has also offered cautious support, saying, "We have to do something." - 'No employment, no resources' - But officials admit that tougher gun laws cannot fix the deeper problems at the root of the violence. Alicia Means, 42, lives in the struggling Marquette Park neighborhood on the city's southwest side. When she hears the sounds of gunshots, she says, she and her children drop to the floor inside their home, just in case a stray bullet pierces the walls. Life was not always this way. Growing up, she said her neighborhood was "nice and clean... People cared about other people's children." But the housing crisis and Great Recession took a toll on the streets around her, where there are now a number of abandoned homes. "Change has been mainly no employment, no resources, people losing their homes... no way to pay their bills," Means said. Alex Kotlowitz has heard all of this before, having spent decades studying Chicago's economically-challenged neighborhoods. His book "There Are No Children Here" takes an unblinking look at growing up poor in Chicago. "There are a lot of reasons why there is violence in what is a fairly concentrated part of the city," Kotlowitz said, citing historic socio-economic factors and trauma from past bloodshed. But he says longer jail terms are not the answer for predominantly African-American communities that "have faced longer and longer sentences in every crime imaginable." "There's a kind of tone-deafness about it," he said. "The idea that this is the premier solution that people are talking about, for me, is just so disappointing." Johnson, the city's police chief, who is black, insists he understands the pitfalls. "I want our focus to be on individuals that we know are driving the violence on the streets," he said. "The last thing I'm looking to do is lock someone up based on the color of their skin or where they live." Gibraltar (AFP) - A British navy patrol boat fired flares Sunday to warn off a Spanish ship which entered disputed waters off Gibraltar, officials said, the latest in a series of maritime face-offs between the two sides. The Angeles Alvarino, a survey ship operated by Spain's state Oceanographic Institute, entered the disputed waters on several occasions over the past 48 hours and was repeatedly told to leave by Royal Navy vessels, a Gibraltar government spokesman said. The navy also prevented the vessel, whose crew say they are conducting a survey of an underwater canyon in the area of the Strait of Gibraltar, from deploying research buoys into the sea. But the ship remained in the area and a British patrol boat on Sunday afternoon fired at least three warning flares as a result of its movements, according to the Gibraltar government spokesman, Britain's Foreign Office and eyewitnesses. Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said he had been in regular contact with the Commander of British Forces in the British territory, Commodore Mike Walliker, throughout the weekend in respect of the ship's "incursion". "I have discussed all the tactical decisions taken and am satisfied that they have been designed to demonstrate untrammelled sovereignty jurisdiction and control over British Gibraltar territorial waters," he added. Gibraltar says Spanish vessels regularly stray deep into its territorial waters and the Foreign Office has attacked such incidents as provocative, but it is rare for the navy to fire flares. A tiny enclave located on Spain's southern tip, Gibraltar has been a British territory since 1713 and is known to its 30,000 residents as "the Rock". Gibraltar remains a source of British-Spanish tensions, with Madrid long claiming the territory should be returned to Spanish sovereignty. N'Djamena (AFP) - A key ally of the West in its fight against jihadists in Africa, Chad is mired in crises that have rocked the authoritarian regime of President Idriss Deby, as the opposition plans a general strike for Tuesday. The costs of fighting the Boko Haram Islamists, plunging oil revenues, deficits, austerity measures and strikes by civil servants have all stirred popular anger in a country with high poverty levels despite its oil reserves. "Chad has ground to a halt. We fear the worst," said Maoundoe Decladore, a spokesman for the civil society organisation "Ca doit changer" ("Things must change"). The dire situation is evident in the main market of the capital N'Djamena. "I spend a whole day with barely 1,000 francs (1.50 euros) in takings. There's no money. People are not coming," said Fatime Zara, a vegetable seller in her forties. Teachers have been on strike since September to demand payment of wage arrears. "All the money from oil has been diverted to the people in power," said Michel Issa, a school teacher, echoing complaints from civil society and the opposition about Deby, who came to power in 1990, and his government. The crisis has meant students have not returned to schools, colleges and universities after the summer holidays. Other sectors have also been hit such as health, forcing patients to seek treatment in neighbouring Cameroon, and justice. Deby met with judges on Friday to try and end their strike. The situation is worse outside the capital of the vast nation of 10 million people, where more than one in three children under the age of five suffer stunted growth. The political opposition, riding the wave of popular discontent, is demanding "inclusive dialogue" with the regime while contesting the reelection of Deby for a fifth mandate last April. - The example of Compaore - Deby officially received 60 percent of votes in that election. Saleh Kebzabo, his main rival, won just over 12 percent. Story continues "Idriss Deby is an illegitimate president. We are not seeking dialogue in order to accede to government. Our concern is to return Chad to a democratic path through fair and transparent elections," Kebzabo, who is behind Tuesday's strike, the third in just over three months, told AFP. The situation has led to speculation that Deby, who has been in power since 1990, could suffer the same fate as Blaise Compaore in nearby Burkina Faso. Compaore was forced to relinquish power in October 2014 following a popular revolt after he tried to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule. Compaore's fate represents a "model for the Chadian social movement," said Roland Marchal, a researcher at the Institute for Political Studies in Paris. "Many people describe a man who no longer has the same ability to take initiatives as before. There is doubt about his ability to last," he said of Deby, who is 64 and now often walks with the help of a cane. Marchal viewed as a "sign of weakness" the president's precipitous return to the capital from the climate change conference in Morocco because his government faced a no-confidence vote in parliament on Thursday. The vote -- called over the government's alleged mismanagement of the economy -- was not held because parliament failed to make a quorum after the ruling party's MPs did not show on orders from Deby. - Diplomatic aces - The president's move was sparked by "fear that some will vote for a censure motion and that the government will be overthrown", Marchal said. The same day, several opposition activists and politicians were detained in N'Djamena after the government banned a rally following the failed censure motion. But the president still has some diplomatic aces. Deby received his military training in France, he is the current head of the African Union, and is supported by France and the United States, who need the cooperation of the Chadian military in the region. The headquarters of the French military operation Barkhane against jihadists in the Sahel region is in N'Djamena, where it is assumed that strategic information is exchanged. Deby was also recently received by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. And he relies on an army whose best elements are derived like him from the Zaghawa ethnic group. But although the army is seen as strong force in the region, it also has its weaknesses. "In the army, certain ethnic groups are abused by the regime," said a civil society source. Said Marchal: "We are faced with an army that knows how to shoot, but does not know how to contain a demonstration". BEIJING Harry Potter producer, David Heyman is to produce Warriors for Chinas Alibaba Pictures Group. The live action film is based on a series of hit childrens/young adult novels about warring cats. Heymans involvement in the project was announced Sunday at an event held at the British Embassy in Beijing, China. Published by Harper Collins from 2003 onwards, Warriors features several clans of forest-dwelling cats. The stories involve themes of adventure, forbidden love, nature versus nurture, and faith. They were written by three authors Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui Sutherland and an editor (Victoria Holmes) collectively working under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. Alibaba represents quality and the best values. When I first came to China a few years ago, I sought them out, said Heyman. What we discovered is that Alibaba is interested in telling stories that are universally relatable. Warriors is such a perfect Chinese-British project. The values (in the books) are British. But they are also Chinese Theres more that unites us than divides us. There are currently six series of Warrior novels, which will each have six books when completed. There have already been nine spin-off books (known as super editions) as well as an English-language manga series distributed by the now defunct Tokyopop. Alibaba Pictures revealed that it had bought movie adaptation rights last month. Since the end of the eight-film Harry Potter franchise Heyman has been a producer on Alfonso Cuarons Gravity, childrens literary adaptation Paddington and Derek Cianfrances romance The Light Between Oceans. He is currently riding high with the blockbuster theatrical openings of Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Recent predictions point to Fantastic Beasts finishing this weekend with a global gross of over $200 million. It opens in China next week (Nov. 25.) Alibaba Pictures is the stock market-listed film arm of Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba. The company inherited a small number of deals when Alibaba bought APGs predecessor company ChinaVision. Since then, however, it has expanded rapidly. Story continues It was injected with a cluster of film technology assets transferred from Alibaba itself, has signed up other talent, including Hong Kongs Stephen Chow, and has invested directly in a handful of Hollywood movies including Star Trek: Beyond and Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation. The scale of APGs movie ambitions were underlined in October when the company sealed a deal with Steven Spielberg, through an investment in his Amblin Partners company. Related stories Tencent Profits Increase by 41% in Q3 China's Cash-Strapped Le Eco Raises $600 Million 'Hacksaw Ridge,' 'Allied' Secure China Release Dates By Rosalba O'Brien and Kiyoshi Takenaka LIMA (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to open the economy further on Saturday as leaders of Asia-Pacific countries sought new free-trade options following Donald Trump's election to U.S. president on promises to scrap or renegotiate trade deals. All eyes were on China at this year's APEC summit in Lima, Peru just over a week after Trump's surprise victory in the United States dashed hopes of the largest-ever U.S.-proposed trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), coming to fruition. U.S. President Barack Obama has championed the TPP as a way to counter China's rise, but he has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, excluding China. Without U.S. approval the current agreement cannot be implemented. Trump campaigned against the TPP and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as bad for U.S. jobs. He said he would scrap the TPP and threatened to impose tariffs on imports from China and Mexico. Following a meeting with Obama, Xi said Beijing's relationship with Washington was at a "hinge moment" and called for a smooth transition. Xi has been selling an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. "China will not shut its door to the outside world but open more," Xi said in a keynote address at APEC. "We're going to...make sure the fruits of development are shared." Chinese attendance at the APEC meeting was its largest ever and regional delegates said China would take the lead on trade if the U.S. turned toward protectionism. The Obama administration has warned that the RCEP would not include strong protections for workers, the environment or intellectual property. In Lima on his last scheduled trip abroad as president, Obama said the United States worked to include labor provisions in a U.S.-Peru free trade agreement to lift wages and standards for Peruvian workers. Story continues "That's the kind of attitude that we want to try to promote in ... the years going forward, and my hope is that that policy will continue." TPP leaders held a meeting at APEC, where Obama urged them to work together to advance TPP, the White House said. The leaders had confirmed the economic and strategic importance of the agreement, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami told reporters after the meeting. CHINA FILLS THE VOID? With the fate of the TPP uncertain, China's talks on RCEP, which include Australia, India and more than a dozen other countries, are seen as perhaps the only path to the broader Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that APEC aspires to. "It's a more traditional trade deal, reducing tariffs on goods and services. It's not as far reaching as the TPP," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters of RCEP. But "the more access we can get to more markets for our exports, the better." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the United States was an important partner in the region, but China would fill the void if a Trump administration backs away from free trade. Key said TPP members might be able to incorporate "cosmetic changes" to make the deal more palatable to the real estate magnate and former reality TV star. "The Trump Pacific Partnership for instance, that'd be fine," Key said, laughing. Despite China's overtures, some APEC members were determined to press on with TPP and held out hopes the United States would still show leadership on trade. "Our geopolitical position is with the United States, obviously," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said. "That's where our eyes are set and that's what we are working for." Pena Nieto said the NAFTA pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada should be "modernized," noting that issues relating to labor rules and the environment were among those that could be included in such talks - two areas Mexico had believed it could update with the United States via TPP. Trump has vowed to scrap NAFTA if he cannot renegotiate it. Mexico wants to harness Canadian support for NAFTA and TPP, and after a meeting between Pena Nieto and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico's government said in a statement the pair stated their countries should keep working together "to promote North America as a competitive and prosperous region." The two also pledged their nations' commitment to the "free market", the statement added, without referring to NAFTA or TPP. Mexico, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore aim to continue with TPP with or without the United States, Mexico's economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, said on Friday. Several APEC members said it was too soon to write off support from Trump on TPP. "Barack Obama was not a supporter of the TPP when he became elected and he's leaving office as one of its greatest advocates," Australia's Turnbull said. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien, Mitra Taj, Caroline Stauffer, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Jeff Mason in Lima, Additional Reporting by Jane Wardell in Sydney; Editing by Leslie Adler, Alistair Bell and David Gregorio) By Rosalba O'Brien and Kiyoshi Takenaka LIMA (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to open the economy further on Saturday as leaders of Asia-Pacific countries sought new free-trade options following Donald Trump's election to U.S. president on promises to scrap or renegotiate trade deals. All eyes were on China at this year's APEC summit in Lima, Peru just over a week after Trump's surprise victory in the United States dashed hopes of the largest-ever U.S.-proposed trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), coming to fruition. U.S. President Barack Obama has championed the TPP as a way to counter China's rise, but he has now stopped trying to win congressional approval for the deal signed by 12 economies in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, excluding China. Without U.S. approval the current agreement cannot be implemented. Trump campaigned against the TPP and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as bad for U.S. jobs. He said he would scrap the TPP and threatened to impose tariffs on imports from China and Mexico. Following a meeting with Obama, Xi said Beijing's relationship with Washington was at a "hinge moment" and called for a smooth transition. Xi has been selling an alternate vision for regional trade by promoting the Beijing-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which as it stands excludes the Americas. "China will not shut its door to the outside world but open more," Xi said in a keynote address at APEC. "We're going to...make sure the fruits of development are shared." Chinese attendance at the APEC meeting was its largest ever and regional delegates said China would take the lead on trade if the U.S. turned toward protectionism. The Obama administration has warned that the RCEP would not include strong protections for workers, the environment or intellectual property. In Lima on his last scheduled trip abroad as president, Obama said the United States worked to include labor provisions in a U.S.-Peru free trade agreement to lift wages and standards for Peruvian workers. "That's the kind of attitude that we want to try to promote in ... the years going forward, and my hope is that that policy will continue." TPP leaders held a meeting at APEC, where Obama urged them to work together to advance TPP, the White House said. The leaders had confirmed the economic and strategic importance of the agreement, Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami told reporters after the meeting. CHINA FILLS THE VOID? With the fate of the TPP uncertain, China's talks on RCEP, which include Australia, India and more than a dozen other countries, are seen as perhaps the only path to the broader Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that APEC aspires to. "It's a more traditional trade deal, reducing tariffs on goods and services. It's not as far reaching as the TPP," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters of RCEP. But "the more access we can get to more markets for our exports, the better." New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the United States was an important partner in the region, but China would fill the void if a Trump administration backs away from free trade. Key said TPP members might be able to incorporate "cosmetic changes" to make the deal more palatable to the real estate magnate and former reality TV star. "The Trump Pacific Partnership for instance, that'd be fine," Key said, laughing. Despite China's overtures, some APEC members were determined to press on with TPP and held out hopes the United States would still show leadership on trade. "Our geopolitical position is with the United States, obviously," Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said. "That's where our eyes are set and that's what we are working for." Pena Nieto said the NAFTA pact between the United States, Mexico and Canada should be "modernized," noting that issues relating to labor rules and the environment were among those that could be included in such talks - two areas Mexico had believed it could update with the United States via TPP. Trump has vowed to scrap NAFTA if he cannot renegotiate it. Mexico wants to harness Canadian support for NAFTA and TPP, and after a meeting between Pena Nieto and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico's government said in a statement the pair stated their countries should keep working together "to promote North America as a competitive and prosperous region." The two also pledged their nations' commitment to the "free market", the statement added, without referring to NAFTA or TPP. Mexico, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore aim to continue with TPP with or without the United States, Mexico's economy minister, Ildefonso Guajardo, said on Friday. Several APEC members said it was too soon to write off support from Trump on TPP. "Barack Obama was not a supporter of the TPP when he became elected and he's leaving office as one of its greatest advocates," Australia's Turnbull said. (Reporting by Rosalba O'Brien, Mitra Taj, Caroline Stauffer, Kiyoshi Takenaka and Jeff Mason in Lima, Additional Reporting by Jane Wardell in Sydney; Editing by Leslie Adler, Alistair Bell and David Gregorio) BEIJING (Reuters) - China urged Mongolia on Sunday to take steps to protect the two countries' relations after the Dalai Lama visited the central Asian country at the weekend, despite Beijing repeatedly voicing its opposition. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader arrived in Mongolia on Friday to meet Mongolian Buddhist leaders, according to his website. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, in a statement, said Mongolia should "adopt effective measures to eliminate the negative effects of the Dalai Lama's visit, in order to prevent the disruption of the healthy development of China-Mongolia relations." Mongolia had repeatedly ignored China's cautions against allowing the visit, much to Beijing's dissatisfaction, the statement said. Beijing frequently expresses its anger with countries that host the 81-year old Nobel Peace Prize winner, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against the Chinese. After the Dalai Lama visited Mongolia in 2006, China canceled flights between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. Flights later resumed. China regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist, though he says he merely seeks genuine autonomy for his Himalayan homeland Tibet, which Communist Chinese troops "peacefully liberated" in 1950. Rights groups and exiles accuse China of trampling on the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people, charges strongly denied by Beijing, which says its rule has brought prosperity to a once backward region. (Reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by Susan Fenton) 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 Lisbon (AFP) - Chinese conglomerate Fosun will become the biggest shareholder in the ailing BCP, Portugal's biggest private bank, by agreeing to buy a 16.7 percent stake, the two sides said Sunday. Fosun is paying nearly 175 million euros ($185 million) via a capital increase after an agreement reached on Friday. Portugal's banking sector is saddled with debt and bad loans and had to be rescued twice by the state since 2014. Fosun said it aims to increase its shareholding in BCP to around 30 percent. "The transaction is expected to extend the group's international network and help the group enter the Poland, Mozambique, Angola and Switzerland financial markets rapidly," Fosun said in a statement. Mozambique and Angola are former Portuguese colonies. Angola's state oil company Sonangol was up until now the largest shareholder in BCP with a stake of 17.84 percent, followed by Spanish bank Sabadell with 5.07 percent. But after the dilution of BCP's existing capital Fosun will become the largest shareholder with its 16.7 percent stake. Fosun, China's largest privately-owned conglomerate, is already present in Portugal with stakes in the insurer Fidelidade and medical services group Luz Saude. Last year the company made a bid for Portugal's Novo Banco, which emerged from the 2014 rescue of Banco Espirito Santo. But its offer was judged too low by the Bank of Portugal, which decided to relaunch the sale process this year. Fosun did not bid again. BCP's share price has been under pressure since early June amid investor concern about capital weakness. The bank announced a third-quarter loss of 53.8 million euros, due to an increase in provisions for bad debts. BCP posted a net profit of 23.8 million euros in the same period a year ago. Like other Portuguese banks, BCP has been trying to boost capital as it addresses regulator's requests and the burden of non-performing loans. By Jeff Mason LIMA (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Saturday for a "smooth transition" in Beijing's relationship with Washington and praised outgoing President Barack Obama for strengthening ties between the two nations. During a meeting in Peru, Obama again urged all sides in the dispute over the South China Sea to reduce tensions and resolve their disputes peacefully. He also encouraged China to advance economic reforms, including a transition to a market-determined currency exchange rate. The meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific forum is expected to be the last between the two leaders before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House. Trump has been sharply critical of China. "We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship," Xi said at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter. "I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward," he said. Trump, a Republican, has accused China of being a currency manipulator and promised to slap big tariffs on imported Chinese goods. He has called climate change a "hoax" designed to help Beijing. "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," Trump wrote in a tweet in 2012. Obama and Xi pushed for an international agreement forged in Paris to combat global warming. Obama called that an example of the benefits of the two countries working together. "Now we face the work of making sure our economies transition to become more sustainable," he said. Trump's election has raised questions about whether the United States would try to pull out of the accord, a key legacy accomplishment for Obama, a Democrat. China also helped negotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, another big piece of Obama's foreign policy that Trump has threatened to dismantle. "I would like to work with Mr. Trump to expand our two countries' bilateral, regional and global cooperation, control our differences in a constructive manner, and together achieve wins without conflict or confrontation and with mutual respect," Xi said, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Obama did not mention Trump in his remarks in front of reporters. "Mr. President, I would like to commend you for the active efforts you've made to grow this relationship," Xi said to Obama. Obama noted that the two leaders would discuss areas of disagreement, including "the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights," he said. "I continue to believe that a constructive U.S.-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said. The two leaders addressed the threat of North Koreas efforts to advance its nuclear weapons, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the White House said. Obama also raised the issue of excess capacity in industrial sectors including steel, the White House said, and urged the rapid launch of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, in line with a G20 leaders agreement in Hangzhou, China. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Additional reporting by Paul Carsten in Beijing; Editing by Mary Milliken and David Gregorio) By Jeff Mason LIMA (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for a "smooth transition" in Beijing's relationship with Washington and praised outgoing President Barack Obama for strengthening ties between the two nations. During a meeting in Peru, Obama repeated the U.S. urging that all sides in the dispute over the South China Sea reduce tensions and resolve their disputes peacefully. The meeting is expected to be the last between the two leaders before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House. Trump has been sharply critical of China. "We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship," Xi said at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter. "I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward," he said. Trump, a Republican, has accused China of being a currency manipulator and promised to slap big tariffs on imported Chinese goods. He has also called climate change a "hoax" designed to help Beijing. "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," Trump wrote in a tweet in 2012. Obama and Xi pushed for the international community to back an agreement forged in Paris to combat global warming. Obama called that an example of the benefits of the two countries working together. "Now we face the work of making sure our economies transition to become more sustainable," he said. Trump's election has raised questions about whether the United States would try to pull out of the accord, a key legacy accomplishment for Obama, a Democrat. China also helped negotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, another big piece of Obama's foreign policy that Trump has threatened to dismantle. Neither Xi nor Obama mentioned Trump in their remarks in front of reporters. "Mr. President, I would like to commend you for the active efforts you've made to grow this relationship," Xi said to Obama. Obama noted that the two leaders would discuss areas of disagreement, including "the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights," he said. "I continue to believe that a constructive U.S.-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Mary Milliken and David Gregorio) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday. The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together. Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters. During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea," turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency. That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June. The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua. Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima. The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity," Xinhua said. The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea. On Thursday, a U.S. think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region. (Reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by Kim Coghill) By Mohammed al-Ramahi and Azad Lashkari BASHIQA, Iraq (Reuters) - The bells have rung out after two years of silence in the Mar Korkeis church in the town of Bashiqa, some 15 km (10 miles) north of Mosul, Islamic State's last major city stronghold in Iraq. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters retook the town on Nov. 7, ending two years of rule by the hardline Sunni group which persecuted Christians and other minorities in the Nineveh plains, one of the world's oldest centres of Christianity. Women trilled to celebrate the moment when a new crucifix was erected on the church, replacing one that was broken by the Islamic State militants. The town is largely empty as the Peshmerga have not finished clearing explosives and mines left behind by the insurgents in their fight against U.S.-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces who launched an offensive on Mosul on Oct. 17. "We want people to be patient and not to return here until we completely clear the area, as we want to ensure their safety," said Peshmerga Brigadier General Mahram Yasin. After seizing the Nineveh plains in 2014, Islamic State issued an ultimatum to Christians: pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die by the sword. Most abandoned their homes and fled to the nearby autonomous Kurdish region. The priest at the Mar Korkeis church, Father Afram, said he would prefer Bashiqa to remain under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and not revert to the Iraqi central government in Baghdad, about 400 km (250 miles) to the south. "Of course we would prefer to be part of the KRG, because of our proximity to the area and because, for the past 13 years, the regional government has been looking after us," he said. "Nobody from Baghdad came here to say hello, at all," since the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he said. Christianity in northern Iraq dates back to the first century AD. The number of Christians has fallen sharply during the violence which followed the 2003 toppling of Hussein, and Islamic State's takeover of Mosul two years ago saw the city purged of Christians for the first time in two millennia. From a Mosul mosque in 2014 Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria. The recapture of Mosul would mark the effective defeat of the group in Iraq. (Writing by Saif Hameed; editing by Jason Neely) Over the weekend, senior figures in the incoming Donald Trump administration began publicly grappling with an issue that is almost certain to create major distractions for the president-elect when he takes office: the myriad potential conflicts of interest presented by his ownership of the business empire that bears his name. During the presidential campaign, Trump said that he would hand over control of his companies to his adult children during his time in office. This falls far short of the steps past presidents have taken to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. The gold standard of conflict avoidance is a blind trust in which an officeholders assets are liquidated and reinvested by a trustee with no input from the elected official. Related: Suddenly, Trump Has Three Middle East Crises on His Hands The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial page called on Trump to do just that in an editorial, warning that if he does not, The political damage to a new Administration could be extensive. If Mr. Trump doesnt liquidate, he will be accused of a pecuniary motive any time he takes a policy position. A coalition of government accountability groups, former White House ethics attorneys, and others wrote an open letter to Trump on Thursday, saying, there is no acceptable alternative to his completely severing his ties with the Trump Organization. There is no way to square your campaign commitments to the American people and your even higher, ethical duties as their president with the rampant, inescapable conflicts that will engulf your presidency if you maintain connections with the Trump Organization, including by maintaining ownership with control transferred to your children. However, Trump has shown no interest in liquidating his business, and he would probably take a major financial hit if he did. The value of the Trump brand is derived, in large part, from its close association with Trumps own outsized public persona. Savvy buyers would understand that and adjust the amount they would be willing to pay downward for a Trump-less Trump brand. Story continues Related: Trumps Coming Surprise: 40 Republicans Could Stop Him Cold Its a sticky problem, at this early stage in the transition, the message from team Trump appears to be: Trust us. Im very confident that we will operate an administration that is above reproach, Vice President-elect Mike Pence said in an appearance on Face the Nation. I can assure the American people that there wouldnt be any wrongdoing or any sort of undue influence over any decision making, said incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus. However, evidence of problematic ties between the Trump business empire and the presidency have already begun to appear. Last week, during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trumps first as president-elect, he was accompanied by his daughter Ivanka, a move that could easily be translated as giving the Trump companies special access to world leaders. Related: As AG, Sessions Could Radically Influence Immigration Enforcement On Tuesday, initially unknown to the media, Trump and his children met with three Indian businessmen who have partnered with the family to build a luxury apartment building in their country. The men posted photos of themselves with Trump and, separately, with two of his children, on social media. On Saturday, the Trump hotel that recently opened its doors in Washington, DC, just a few blocks from the White House, sponsored a reception for diplomats in the city. The entire point of the reception was to encourage them to have their delegations and visitors patronize the property owned by the President-elect. In a story about the reception published by the Washington Post, attendees said that they feared it would appear rude to the president if diplomats from their countries visited Washington and stayed in hotels owned by business rivals of the President. Priebus, in an appearance on Meet the Press, oddly denied that the events reported by the Post were true, despite on-the-record accounts of the event by attendees. In a separate appearance on CNN, he said it was ridiculous to be focusing on the issue of conflicts of interest so early in the presidential transition period. Related: Congress Gives Trump a Chance to Recast the Federal Budget While Trumps situation is unique, he said, Its certainly compliant with the law and obviously we will comply with all those laws and we will have our White House counsel review all of these things, and we will have every i dotted and t crossed. However, watchdog groups are not persuaded that there is a viable way to insulate a President Trump from pervasive conflicts of interest. The nature and diversity of the Trump Organization businesses mean that a wide range of government policy has a direct impact on those businesses, they wrote in their open letter to the future president. Anything short of complete separation, they said, will create conflicts of interest of unprecedented magnitude. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: By Kenny Katombe KINSHASA (Reuters) - Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo blocked an opposition demonstration in the capital on Saturday aimed at putting pressure on President Joseph Kabila to step down next month at the end of his mandate, witnesses said. The rally was banned and heavily armed security forces and large police trucks blocked off key streets. They also prevented activists approaching the house of veteran opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, witnesses said. "The sites where the meeting was to have taken place have been isolated," police spokesman Pierre Mwanamputu said in a statement. Police shut down a similar protest on Nov. 5. Kabila named opposition figure Samy Badibanga as prime minister on Thursday under a power-sharing deal that allows the president to stay in office until at least April 2018. The main opposition bloc denounced the choice as a provocation but its attempts to stop the government's agenda are struggling to gain traction. The general secretary of Tshisekedi's UDPS party on Saturday announced a new protest against Kabila to coincide with the official end of his term. "The ... (main opposition bloc) invites all Congolese ... to a mass rally to kick off the countdown to the end of Kabila's mandate on Dec. 19," said Jean Marc Kabund, reading a statement. It did not spell out what action the bloc would take. International powers fear the impasse could lead to violence in the giant Central African nation, where millions died in regional wars between 1996 and 2003. At least 50 people died in anti-government street protests in September. Security forces arrested 17 people on Saturday in the southeastern city of Lubumbashi for wearing yellow shirts, intended to signify that Kabila was being given a 'yellow card' or caution, said Jose Maria Aranaz, head of the U.N. human rights office in Congo. (Additional reporting by Aaron Ross; Writing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Kevin Liffey) Copenhagen is finding many creative ways to move forward as part of its ongoing mission to become the worlds first zero-carbon city by 2025. Some of the ideas are more creative than others. Next year, the city will open one of the worlds largest artificial ski ramps on the roof of a green power plant. The ski slope was specifically designed as part of the waste-to-power incinerator. The building will not only help Copenhagen on its mission of being more eco-friendly, it is meant to draw tourists to its roof. The roof of the incinerator will turn into a 440-meter (1,400-foot) ski slope every winter. There will be three different lines stretched across the area with varying levels of difficulty. Slopes will be accessible by moving carpet lifts and elevators inside the building. Copenhagen is putting a ski slope on top of a building. However theres one issue the builders are still trying to solve: How to stop skiers from falling off the 280-foot roof. Some have suggested installing nets as a safety precaution. In the summertime, the roof will act as a scenic picnic area. There will also be a climbing wall for visitors wishing to scale the building. It is a multi-purpose plant that is already catching the eyes of the world because of its local appeal, Ole Hedegaard Madsen, director of technology and marketing at Babcock & Wilcox Vlund (the firm behind the power plant) said in a statement. The novelty of the project is the combination of ingenious technology and innovative architecture in a project dedicated local community. Copenhagen is putting a ski slope on top of a green power plant. A ski slope on top of a green power plant? Only in Copenhagen. Copenhagen has a great idea for this incinerator's roof. Amager Bakke, as the building will be called, will start operations on December 1 while the rooftop slope is set to open sometime next year. The plant is projected to provide enough power for at least 50,000 homes every year. The plant is located near Copenhagen airport and three miles from Town Hall Square. Although Copenhagens location for an artificial ski ramp is unusual, it is not the only one. Apartment buildings in both Kazakhstan and Finland have expressed interest in installing rooftop ski slopes. And Dubai has an indoor winter complexcalled Ski Dubaithat will let visitors tear the slopes indoor any time of year. Related Articles Donald Trump and Republicans are about to encounter a political nightmare: unraveling Obamacare. Already there are tensions between Trump, who's been shaky on the specifics of the 2010 health-care law and says he wants to keep the popular parts, and congressional leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan and conservative think tanks who ideologically, almost theologically, oppose anything associated with the Affordable Care Act. They're going to get squeezed in a political vise. The Republican base demands that the Affordable Care Act be repealed, but most voters have more nuanced ideas. Polls consistently show that while a plurality of voters disapproves of the law, big majorities want to keep some provisions and care more about issues like rising drug prices. While candidate Trump vowed to repeal the law, he also said he'd like to see Medicare negotiate lower drug prices and bring in cheaper drugs from Canada, positions fiercely opposed by most congressional Republicans and the drug industry. The president-elect now says he wants to keep important elements of Obamacare, including a ban on insurance companies discriminating against people with preexisting medical conditions and another allowing children to stay on their parents' plans until age 26. There's a reason Republicans have voted to repeal Obamacare scores of times but have not, in 6 1/2 years, devised a coherent replacement: It's tough substantively, and treacherous politically. An example of self-deception: Two conservative analysts wrote in Politico last week that an exit poll showed that 47 percent of voters think the act went too far and only 18 thought it about right. "That gives Republicans a mandate to pass legislation to repeal and replace the law as soon as possible next year," wrote the analysts, Brian Blase of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and Paul Winfree of the Heritage Foundation. What they forgot to cite is that 31 percent of respondents to the same survey thought the law "did not go far enough." The conservative replacement plans do not envision going further. Even the part on preexisting conditions would be weakened. What Republicans -- probably with Trump on board -- want to do is defund a big chunk of Obamacare early in the budget process next year. Then they would come back later to complete the repeal and replacement. The best policy and politics would be to fix parts of the law that have produced big recent increases in the cost of premiums for the sliver of Americans who don't get insurance through Medicare, Medicaid or their employers, and don't qualify for subsidies through Obamacare. Some cutbacks and additional cost controls would also be useful and popular. But the Republican base would never accept those measures, meaning the likely course will be to craft a radical replacement. Then, a year or two from now, the headlines wouldn't be about rising premiums or not being able to keep your own doctor. They'd be about some of the 20 million newly insured people being thrown off the rolls, Medicaid cutbacks for poorer Americans, crowded emergency rooms, weakening of provisions that are reducing hospital-caused patient harms, maybe some hospitals going broke, and the insurance industry in chaos. If Ryan gets his way there could also be articles about steps toward privatizing Medicare despite Trump's campaign pledge not to. (The speaker was called out for falsely claiming last week that this course was needed because Obamacare is causing Medicare to go "broke." In reality, the full solvency of the hospital part of Medicare has been extended for up to 12 years.) That picture would not sit well with a lot of the working-class voters who backed Trump. It would be one of the many lessons inflicted upon the new president. Going back to the early 1990s, the politics of health care has repeatedly changed. Democrat Bill Clinton was elected president by promising to reform the system -- "It's about the economy, stupid, and don't forget health care" was his campaign mantra. His plan proved unpopular and failed, giving Republicans a boost on their way to taking control of the House in 1994. The next pendulum swing helped President Barack Obama get elected in 2000, only to see the result become a successful issue for Republicans. Now it's their turn to feel the heat again. (Reuters) - A work crew began to dismantle a Confederate monument in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, the mayor said, in the latest move to take down or relocate symbols of the slaveholding Southern Confederacy from the American Civil War. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer in a pair of messages on Twitter showed photos of figures that had been removed from the monument. "We've started disassembly (of) the Confederate Monument," Fischer wrote. The 121-year-old memorial will be moved from its current location adjacent to the University of Louisville to the town of Brandenburg, a town about 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Louisville that hosts a biennial Civil War re-enactment, officials have said. Fischer said earlier this week that the Brandenburg location provides a "more proper context" for the monument, which is 70 feet (21 meters) tall. Chris Poynter, a spokesman for Fischer, said in an email on Saturday the work of dismantling the monument will continue for several days. Students and staff members at the University of Louisville had said the memorial condoned slavery. Earlier this year, a Louisville judge rejected a bid by opponents of the monument's relocation to keep it in its current location Kentucky was a slave state that did not join the Confederacy. Many Kentucky residents, however, fought for the South, which was ultimately defeated by the Union forces of northern states. Confederate symbols have been removed from a number of centers of civic life in the United States over the last two years following criticism that the displays foster racism. The Washington National Cathedral said this year it was removing Confederate battle flags from two stained glass windows honoring Confederate Generals Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. Last year, the Confederate flag was removed from the grounds of the South Carolina state capitol, which was one of the most prominent placements for the flag, following the massacre of nine black churchgoers in Charleston. The man charged with the murders was seen in photographs posing with the battle flag carried by Confederate soldiers. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Bill Rigby) Mont Pelerin (Switzerland) (AFP) - Rival Cypriot leaders on Sunday resumed UN-backed talks on ending the island's 42-year-old division, with hopes of breakthrough high but a key territory dispute unsettled. Greek Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Mustafa Akinci were meeting at a luxury hotel in Mont Pelerin, a town on the shores of Lake Geneva, for the second time this month. "Now the meeting starts," UN spokesman Aleem Siddique said at 0815 GMT, ushering journalists out of a room where the two delegations sat either side of a large table. Experts say the meeting is the last best chance to reunify Cyprus, a Mediterranean island whose division remains one of the world's longest-running political disputes. "It can go either way since there are still substantial differences. But they are clearly in the final phase of the talks," Hubert Faustmann, professor of history and political science at the University of Nicosia, told AFP. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops occupied its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup seeking union with Greece. Anastasiades and Akinci met in Mont Pelerin earlier this month, between November 7-11, to discuss potential territorial readjustments -- seen by analysts as the trickiest issue to resolve. That round finished short of a deal but hopes are high that two more days of talks could produce a map of internal boundaries for a future federation of Greek- and Turkish-speaking states on the island. - Redrawing the map - "It sounds to me... as though they made a lot of progress last week and they are in the stage where one last burst of activity can really settle that," British High Commissioner in Cyprus Matthew Kidd told reporters on Friday. "And I guess they wouldn't have agreed to go back this weekend if they did not think so too." The Turkish invasion saw thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots displaced. Story continues Territory is an intractable problem for the talks, since any agreement would inevitably involve a redrawing of existing boundaries and see members of both communities ousted from their current homes. The leaders are said to be close on the percentage of territory to be governed under Turkish Cypriot jurisdiction, with Akinci suggesting 29.2 percent and the Greek Cypriots proposing 28 percent. The sticking point is which towns and villages come within those boundaries. Anastasiades wants the return of the once Greek Cypriot town of Morphou -- currently in the Turkish-controlled north -- but Akinci has said he will not countenance a deal that would see its 18,000 Turkish Cypriot residents uprooted a second time. The UN and outgoing Secretary General Ban Ki-moon have staked much on solving the Cyprus conundrum. A statement at the conclusion of talks earlier this month said "significant progress" had been achieved but without providing details. - Next hurdle? Security - Territorial negotiations this week aim to pave the way for multi-party talks between Cypriot leaders and the three main outside powers -- Greece, Turkey and former colonial ruler Britain. Kidd said Britain was willing to help organise a conference on security -- the next hurdle to overcome once territory is settled. But further potential sticking points remain. Turkish Cypriots insist on Turkey maintaining its right to intervene militarily -- a notion Greek Cypriots flatly reject. The presence of around 30,000 Turkish troops has also yet to be broached. "Security guarantees and the question of a Turkish base on the island will be the final issues to be addressed," Faustmann said. Anastasiades and Akinci have been among the most outspoken proponents of a deal, but any breakthrough must be put to a referendum in their respective communities. In 2004, Turkish Cypriot voters approved a UN-drafted peace blueprint, but it was resoundingly rejected by Greek Cypriots. Oscar-winning Spanish actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem will star in a new film set in Spain by Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, Cruz said in an interview published Sunday. Farhadi, who won the foreign-language Oscar in 2012 for "A Separation" about a middle-class couple's divorce, is currently finishing the original screenplay for the movie, she told Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia. "The idea is to film in Spain, we still don't know where. It is an intense drama which is a gift for actors. And it is a luxury to work for the director of 'A Separation', which is wonderful," the 42-year-old actress said. The plot of the movie, which remains mostly under wraps, revolves around a family of winemakers living in rural Spain. Shooting is expected to begin next year. Cruz and Bardem, who were married in the Bahamas in 2010, are currently working on "Escobar", a movie about Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Bardem plays Escobar and Cruz plays his lover, journalist Virginia Vallejo, in their first film together since the 2008 Woody Allen romantic comedy "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Cruz said it was "incredible" that the couple have the chance to work together once again in Farhadi's new film. "No one planned it. And we are not going to work together in everything, but if things come up (for both of us) and they make sense, why not?" Cruz won a supporting-actress Oscar for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Bardem, 47, won a supporting-actor Oscar for the 2007 crime thriller "No Country for Old Men". The couple first met while filming "Jamon, Jamon" in 1992, one of Cruz's first films. AMMAN (Reuters) - It is too soon to judge what policy U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will have on Syria's civil war, but Damascus hopes he will end support for armed groups and curb regional powers who back them, Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem said on Sunday. "What we want from the new administration is not just to stop support (for armed groups)... but to curb those regional powers that are supporting those groups... we have to wait," he said during a televised news conference in Damascus. (Reporting by Suleiman al-Khalidi; writing by Angus McDowall; editing by Jason Neely) Luke Cage and Claire Temple are moving their relationship forward. New set photos from Marvels The Defenders show the two in a pretty steamy make out scene. Pictures have been surfacing on social media since filming started in New York earlier this month, but these set photos are a little more spoiler-filled than other snapshots. The photos show Luke (Mike Colter) locking lips with Claire (Rosario Dawson). It doesnt look like a quick peck, though. Luke has picked up Claire and pressed her against a fence while theyre kissing. The two seemed to be starting a relationship in Marvels Luke Cage on Netflix. The drama, however, ended with Luke being taken back to jail in Georgia. Claire kissed him before he was taken away. Fans figured he would find a way out. He was always going to be a cast member on The Defenders. However, the set photo confirms that Luke and Claire will pick up right where they left off. Its not exactly clear where Luke and Jessica Jones (Krysten Ritter) stand. The two had a relationship on Marvels Jessica Jones, but they broke up by the end of the first season. The exes will have to put aside any lingering feelings to work together. Theyre both going to team up with Daredevil (Charlie Cox) and Iron Fist (Finn Jones) to save their city in the 2017 mini series. Claire is one of many supporting characters. As previously reported, viewers can expect Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), Stick (Scott Glenn), Elektra (Elodie Yung), Jeri Hogarth (Carrie-Anne Moss), Malcolm Ducasse (Eka Darville), Colleen Wing (Jessica Henwick), Trish Walker (Rachael Taylor) and Misty Knight (Simone Missick) to appear in The Defenders. Not everyone was introduced in other Netflix series, though. Sigourney Weaver will play the dramas villain. Her characters name hasnt been announced yet, but shell be a threat to New York. The Defenders is set to hit Netflix in 2017. Luke Cage Photo: Netflix Related Articles FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank has nominated its chairman for a second term after an internal probe cleared him of accusations that he was partly to blame for the bank's poor cooperation with authorities in a probe into rate-rigging, a source close to the bank said. Paul Achleitner was nominated at a meeting of the lender's supervisory board in late October, the source said on Sunday. Shareholders will vote on the extension of his term at the annual meeting next spring. Several shareholders said on Friday that a renewal of Achleitner's contract was imperiled by Deutsche's poor earnings and faltering share price. "The bank needs stability and continuity," said the source about his nomination. Last year, Germany's largest lender agreed to settle a case over the alleged manipulation of interbank rates such as Libor for a record $2.5 billion with U.S. and British authorities, which had accused the bank of obstructing their investigation. The regulators squarely blamed senior staff for misleading them and ordered Deutsche to fire seven employees. Some shareholders held Achleitner and other board members responsible for the bank's poor cooperation in the seven-year global investigation, which led to it having to pay more to settle the case than other lenders. Now an internal probe has concluded that Achleitner did not breach his duties in the handling of the probe, the source said, confirming a report earlier in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Deutsche Bank declined to comment. A motion calling for an additional external investigation was voted down at the annual general meeting in May. Any evidence of wrongdoing would have made it an uphill battle for Achleitner to secure a second term as chairman. Deutsche is still investigating some former top executives, the paper said. (Reporting by Arno Schuetze and Kathrin Jones; Editing by Clelia Oziel) We're about to learn whether AT&T's new streaming video service can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Sling TV and PlayStation Vue. AT&T is planning a Nov. 28 launch event in New York for DirecTV Now. We already know a little bit about DirecTV Now, based on information that's trickled out from AT&T since it began hinting at the service earlier this year. AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson said back in October that DirecTV Now would start at $35 a month and offer more than 100 channels. What we don't know yet is exactly what those channels will be, and since streaming services rise and fall largely on whether they can provide the shows people want to watch, that will be a critical detail to find out before we can say whether DirecTV's a better option than Sling TV, PlayStation Vue or the other services aimed at competing with bloated and expensive cable TV packages. MORE: Best Streaming Services - Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and More That said, on price and channel quantity alone, DirecTV Now looks intriguing. Sling TV costs less, starting at $20 a month, but that tier only offers 20 channels. PlayStation Vue's entry-level package (currently priced at $40 a month) offers 45 channels, but that's still a far cry from the number that AT&T is bandying about with DirecTV Now. We've heard rumors about some of the channels that might find their way onto DirecTV Now. In October, Variety reported that Fox, NBCUniversal, Scripps and A+E Networks would have channels on the service. Expect the official word to come down on Nov. 28. We'll also likely learn what devices DirecTV Now will work with, as rumors suggest that AT&T will offer either a free Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick to anyone who signs up for the service. We also hope to learn how much control users will have over the platform. Will DirecTV Now let users record content for viewing later on? Will it include must-have DVR features like being able to pause programming? And how will it handle commercials? Story continues The service is arguably the most important announcement AT&T has made since it acquired DirecTV last year in a deal valued at $48.5 billion. While DirecTV is still operating as a standalone satellite television provider, AT&T hopes to expand its programming to more places. DirecTV Now is an opportunity to do just that. Tom's Guide will be there on Nov. 28 when AT&T takes the wraps off DirecTV Now and we can start filling in those details. See also : Best Gifts for Cordcutters Steamboat Chair $299 | Ethan Allen Courtesy Ready to check out a whole new world of home decor? American furniture brand Ethan Allen partnered with Disney to create a whimsical collection of furniture, lighting, and decor, all inspired by everyone's favorite mouse. To celebrate Mickey's 88th anniversary, the brand is launching more than 150 items today, its first partnership of this kind. "We've all grown up with Disney, and that emotional connection and magic lasts a lifetime," Josh Silverman, executive vice president of global licensing, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media says. "The Ethan Allen Disney-inspired collection allows families to incorporate Disney into their lives and homes in a beautiful and elegantly functional way." The products cover Disney fans of all ages spanning from nursery furniture to elegant living room pieces. For babies, check out the Carolwood Crib with Mickey knobs or Dotty Stroller Blanket, and for kids there's the super sweet Minnie Scroll Duvet and Minnie Icon Pillow. For adults (who are, of course, young at heart) there's a myriad of furnishings from fun artwork, to a mouse-ear shaped coffee table and enchanting chandeliers. Plus, the extensive rug collection is about as close as you can get to a magic carpet. VIDEO: The Cutest Celebrity Kids on Instagram Check out some of our favorites below, or shop the collection here. WASHINGTON -- BuzzFeed reported recently that fake news stories about the election generated more engagement on Facebook than the top election stories from 19 major news outlets -- combined. And that's not the half of it. Not only is fake news getting more attention than actual news but the leading purveyor of fake news in the United States is now the president-elect. For 17 months, Donald Trump treated the nation to a series of outlandish promises. He'll eliminate the $19 trillion federal debt in eight years. He'll balance the budget without cutting Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements. He'll bring back lost coal jobs. He'll make Mexico pay for a border wall. He'll deport 11 million illegal immigrants while growing the economy by at least 6 percent. Now Trump is the president-elect, and it's time to deliver on the impossible. No wonder his transition is racked with chaos and infighting. Scripture tells us you can't serve both God and mammon. Yet Trump proposes to be served by both Reince Priebus and Stephen Bannon -- one a chief of staff who is a paragon of the establishment and the other a top adviser who is a leading voice for white supremacists. The array of impossible promises and false claims has all the appearances of a Ponzi scheme, with the $18 trillion U.S. economy in the balance. Bernie Madoff's scheme lost only $50 billion. Early indications are that Trump plans to continue to fake it. On Thursday night, he tweeted that as a result of his work with Ford, the automaker would keep a plant that makes Lincoln SUVs "in Kentucky -- no [sic] Mexico." But Ford had never planned to close the Kentucky plant. It was merely planning to make more Ford Escapes instead of Lincolns there -- a change that would have resulted in no job losses. Ford is proceeding with its previously announced plan to build a new factory in Mexico. We see the Ponzi scheme unraveling in the substance of what Trump is proposing, too. One of Trump's surrogates, Carl Higbie, caused a furor last week by saying the infamous internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II provided a legal "precedent" for Trump's plan to create a Muslim registry. But for all the outrage Higbie caused, the actual policy being floated -- reinstatement of a George W. Bush-era policy -- is far more modest than Trump's proposed ban on Muslim immigration and threat to register American Muslims. This is the best-case scenario -- that Trump's fake-news presidential campaign really was all a con. Preposterous promises give way to modest proposals. This would disappoint his supporters, but perhaps save the country. Trump's vow that Carrier would reverse its plans to move a factory to Mexico and eliminate 1,400 U.S. jobs by 2019? Carrier is continuing with its plans. Trump's bold threats to appoint a "killer" ambassador to Japan and to force Japan to pay for U.S. military protection? Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, after visiting Trump on Thursday, thinks otherwise; he said he has "great confidence" in Trump. Many of Trump's absurd promises will come due soon. Trump spoke of abolishing the Education Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, said he would rebuild American roads for one-third the current price, monitor mosques, prosecute Hillary Clinton and never take a vacation. He said he would "bomb the s--- out of" the Islamic State, kill the relatives of terrorists, shut down parts of the internet, reinstate waterboarding, dramatically increase tariffs, eliminate Wall Street reforms, cut the budget 20 percent and end birthright citizenship. No surprise that the transition is chaotic. Lobbyists are in, then out. Chris Christie and Mike Rogers are in, then out. Frank Gaffney is in, or perhaps not. Eliot Cohen withdraws his cooperation, predicting "ugly" things ahead. And Trump says everything is proceeding "so smoothly." The British are fuming because at least nine foreign leaders, including Egypt's, reached Trump before theirs. Trump plays cat-and-mouse with the national press corps and continues to tweet like an internet troll, complete with bad spelling. His advisers give contradictory accounts about personnel decisions. Qualified candidates are rejected in favor of loyalists. You can't make this stuff up. Or maybe you can. Paul Horner, the leading purveyor of fake news on Facebook, told The Washington Post's Caitlin Dewey he was stunned by Americans' gullibility: "I mean, that's how Trump got elected. He just said whatever he wanted, and people believed everything." But surely you can't fool all the people all the time. The tumultuous 2016 presidential campaign between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was a frenzy. It suffices to say less time was spent discussing policy decisions than the various scandals and controversies that surrounded both candidates. One thing was clear, however: Trump planned to dismantle Obamacare. The president-elect rallied his constituents around a call to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act, repeatedly calling it disastrous via Twitter, campaign speeches and interviews. Now that he's officially set to replace President Barack Obama, he seems to be wavering in his adamancy. Here's a look back at what Trump has said about healthcare since his official nomination as the Republican presidential candidate Jul. 19, 2016. July "We will repeal and replace disastrous Obamacare. You will be able to choose your own doctor again." Republican National Convention, Jul. 21, 2016. "I can tell you, I mean, I'm like a pollster myself when I'm in front of these massive audiences. One of the things that gets constantly -- you people know because you're there -- the biggest applause is a repeal and replacement of Obamacare...Obamacare is a disaster, people are dying with it. It's a disaster and everybody knows and it's going to fold anyway. In '17, unfortunately, if I'm president, I mean I've got to take over this mess. It's going to fold, anyway. But repeal and replace Obamacare, people like it." Rally in Doral, Florida, Jul. 27, 2016. August "One of my first acts as president will be to repeal and replace the disastrous Obamacare, saving another two million American jobs ... We also have a plan, on our website, for a complete reform of the Veterans Health Administration. This is something so desperately needed to make sure our vets are fully supported and get the care they deserve." Detroit Economic Club speech, Aug. 8, 2016. "We will repeal and replace #Obamacare, which has caused soaring double-digit premium increases. It is a disaster!" Twitter, Aug. 17, 2016. Story continues "We will repeal and replace the horrible disaster known as #Obamacare!" Twitter, Aug. 29, 2016 September "Bill Clinton is right: Obamacare is 'crazy', 'doesn't work' and 'doesn't make sense'. Thanks Bill for telling the truth." Twitter, Oct. 5, 2016. "Obamacare will never work. It's very bad, very bad health insurance. Far too expensive. And not only expensive for the person that has it, unbelievably expensive for our country. It's going to be one of the biggest line items very shortly." Second presidential debate, Oct. 9, 2016. "We have to repeal and replace it with something absolutely much less expensive and something that works, where your plan can actually be tailored. We have to get rid of the lines around the state, artificial lines, where we stop health insurance companies from coming in and competing, because they want -- and President Obama and whoever was working on it -- they want to leave those lines, because that gives health insurance companies essentially monopolies. We want competition." Second presidential debate, Oct. 9, 2016. "I will sign the first bill to repeal #Obamacare and give Americans many choices and much lower rates!" Twitter, Oct. 17, 2016. "We have to repeal & replace #ObamaCare! Look at what it is doing to people! #DrainTheSwamp" Twitter, Oct. 20, 2016. November "When we win on Nov. 8th and elect a Republican Congress, we will be able to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare. Have to do it. I will ask Congress to convene a special session so we can repeal and replace. And it will be such an honor for me, for you, and for everybody in this country because Obamacare has to be replaced. And we will do it and we will do it very, very quickly. It is a catastrophe." Speech in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Nov. 1, 2016. "I am going to repeal and replace ObamaCare. We will have MUCH less expensive and MUCH better healthcare. With Hillary, costs will triple!" Twitter, Nov. 2, 2016. "Either Obamacare will be amended, or repealed and replaced. I told [President Obama] I will look at his suggestions and out of respect, I will do that." "60 Minutes," Nov. 11, 2016. "The administration recognizes that the problems with the U.S. healthcare system did not begin with - and will not end with the repeal of - the ACA." President-elect's website, present. Related Articles During his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said the U.S. could not be trusted when it came to alliances. The new comments once again signal a shift in Manilas foreign policy, moving away from Washington. Speaking to Putin during an Asia-Pacific summit in Lima, Peru, Duterte reportedly said, Historically, I have been identified with the Western world. It was good until it lasted. And of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy. Putin, who Duterte reportedly referred to as his idol, congratulated the controversial 71-year-old leader on his win in the May election and commended him for his efforts in bringing Manila and Moscow closer. Mr. President, this year marks 40th anniversary since diplomatic ties between our countries established back in time. Historically, it's quite a short period of time, Putin said. Duterte slammed the U.S. and its allies in the West for taking the lead in wars in which, he said, they ultimately lost. They seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is whats wrong with America and the others. They were waging war in so many places, in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq ... They insist if you are allied with them that they follow you, he said. He also added that the Philippines had been longing to be part of Europe especially in commerce and trade around the world. Early Sunday, Putin also invited Duterte to Moscow for a visit. Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally extended an invitation for President Duterte to go to Russia. This will be preceded by a trip that I would undertake there this December, Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay reportedly said. Before leaving for the summit, Duterte signaled that the Philippines would follow in Russias footsteps and exit the International Criminal Court. Dutertes comments on the U.S. and his shift towards Russia and China have put the 65-year-old alliance between Washington and Manila in question. The Philippines received $236 million financial aid from the U.S. in 2015 and is to receive $188 million in 2017, according to U.S. data. However, Dutertes brutal war on drugs, which has claimed at least 2,300 lives since he came to power in June, has received criticism from world leaders and international institutions. Related Articles Eight people were killed Sunday when fighting broke out in a northern Myanmar town on the border with China, a region long plagued by ethnic rebel insurgencies. The clashes are another blow to civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's hopes of forging a nationwide peace agreement after years of war in Myanmar's many ethnic minority border regions. Locals in the town of Muse, a hotbed of smuggling, reported that fighting began in the early morning. "People from (the) border checkpoint are now fleeing to Muse because of heavy fighting," Aye Aye, a resident of the town, told AFP. In a statement later on Sunday, Suu Kyi's office said eight people were killed in the fighting -- one soldier, three police officers, one pro-government militia fighter and three civilians. A hospital worker in Muse told AFP two civilians died after arrival from bullet wounds. Fighting between Myanmar's military and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Kachin state, which reignited in 2011 after the collapse of a 17-year ceasefire, has displaced around 100,000 people and spilled over into parts of neighbouring Shan state. Muse lies in the north of Shan, not far from Kachin, and is separated from China by a river. Two rebel representatives confirmed their troops were involved in the clashes. "We are fighting together with our alliance of ethnic armed groups," Khine Thu Kha, from the Arakan Army, told AFP. The rebels said the groups involved included the powerful KIA, the Arakan Army, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. The latter three have not been invited to the current or last round of peace talks. One of Suu Kyi's priorities is a peace deal with the patchwork of armed minorities fighting the state. But continuing fighting in Kachin and Shan states overshadowed the peace talks and it is expected to take years to end the complex conflicts. In September renewed clashes broke out in southern Karen state between the military and rebels. The northern half of the western state of Rakhine is currently under a military lockdown after a string of deadly attacks against border posts last month. Story continues More than 30,000 people have been displaced and at least 70 people killed in the latest fighting in Rakhine. Myanmar's military has a long history of rights abuses that has fostered a deep mistrust among ethnic minorities of the central government. Suu Kyi also has limited control over the army which retains 25 percent of parliamentary seats as well as key defence and security positions in government. Credit: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images Games of Thrones and Star Wars will finally collide. Well, sort of. Emilia Clarke--who plays Daenerys Targaryen (aka the Mother of Dragons) on the hit HBO series--has just been cast in the upcoming untitled Han Solo standalone movie. The news was announced on starwars.com today, although very little is known about what her actual part will be. "Clarke's role will round out a dynamic cast of characters that Han and Chewie will encounter on their adventures," the site simply said. The 30-year-old star joins actors Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover in the flick, who were previously cast as the title characters Han Solo and Lando Calrissian. The movie is set prior to the original Star Wars trilogy and will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. VIDEO: Take a Look Inside Emilia Clarke's Stunning Home 5170890716001 But fans will have to wait quite awhile to see Clarke in action. The untitled Han Solo film is set to be released in 2018. RELATED: Here's How the Game of Thrones Cast Celebrated Emilia Clarke's 30th Birthday We're so excited to see the actress head to a galaxy far, far away. By Alexander Cornwell DUBAI (Reuters) - The investigation into the Emirates jet crash landing at Dubai International on Aug. 3 will take two to three years to complete, the director general of the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said on Sunday. The crash was the first major accident in Emirates' more-than-30-year history. All 300 passengers and crew safely evacuated the jet but a firefighter died tackling flames after the Boeing 777-300, arriving from India, caught fire after skidding along the Dubai airport runway on its fuselage. In a preliminary report released on Sept. 6, the federal aviation authority said the pilot of flight EK521 tried to abort the landing after the plane's main wheels had already touched down. Director General Saif Mohammed al-Suwaidi told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Dubai that the investigation would be completed by 2019 and the GCAA was likely to introduce "some precaution measures" before then. He did not say what those measures would be. A two- to three-year timeframe "to complete an investigation report of this nature is not unusual", an Emirates spokeswoman told Reuters. Al-Suwaidi also said he expected the Russian-led investigation into the March 19 flydubai crash in southern Russia to take "another two years." All 62 passengers and crew on board were killed in the crash. A statement released by the Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) on April 8 suggested pilot error was to blame for the accident. (Editing by Susan Fenton and Jason Neely) Istanbul (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey should not be "fixated" on joining the EU and has reiterated the idea of joining Russia and China in a Eurasian security group, local media reported Sunday. His comments come as Turkey's decades-long hopes of joining the European Union have reached a nadir, driven by the aftermath of the July 15 botched coup. "Turkey should first of all feel relaxed about the EU and not be fixated" about joining it, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on a plane from Uzbekistan, Hurriyet newspaper and other media reported. "Some may criticise me but I express my opinion. For example, I say 'why shouldn't Turkey be in the Shanghai 5?," he said. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) -- also called the Shanghai Pact -- is a loose security and economic bloc led by Russia and China. Other members are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Erdogan said he had already discussed the idea with Russian President Vladimir Putin and with Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Erdogan has several times floated plans for Turkey to join the SCO, a move that could scupper its long-standing EU membership bid. The SOC option became clouded, though, when a Russian warplane was downed by the Turkish air force last November. Turkish media reported in August that Nazarbayev mediated a deal between Ankara and Moscow to smooth over the dispute. Turkey formally applied to become an EU member in 1987 and accession talks only began in 2005, even though Ankara's aspirations to become part of the bloc dates back to the 1960s. Brussels has harshly criticised the Turkish government's crackdown on alleged coup plotters, urging Ankara to comply with rights and freedoms criteria. Erdogan this week warned the EU to decide by year's end on its membership bid, threatening to otherwise call a referendum on this matter. Turkey and the EU agreed to speed up membership talks in March as part of an accord on curbing migrant flows into Greece. Story continues The deal was clinched in return for several incentives for Ankara including EU cash assistance for Syrian refugees in Turkey, as well as visa-free travel to Schengen area by Turks. But the process, which was already in difficulty, is on a sharp downward spiral following Ankara's crackdown after the attempted coup. Mass arrests and job dismissals and measures against the Turkish press have triggered a sharp reaction from EU politicians and rights watchdogs. Some European parliamentarians have even backed calls for membership talks with Ankara to be halted. EY has named J.W. Bill Marriott, Jr., Marriott (MAR) International Executive Chairman, its 2016 US EY Entrepreneur of the Year. The honor was announced at the EY Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California. The legendary hotelier credits hard work and high expectations for his associates as two key reasons for his success. Under his more than 50 years of leadership, Marriott has grown from a family restaurant business into the worlds largest hotel chain. I love the business. I love the fact that were providing opportunity for people, Marriott told Yahoo Finance contributor Bethany McLean in the interview above. I love to see people grow in their jobs. I love to see them excited about what theyre doing and I love to see the business grow. Its been a big kick for me to grow from one hotel to 6,000. In September, Marriott completed its $13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, bringing 30 hotel brands and more than 1.1 million rooms under the Marriott umbrella. Today, Marriott has more than 650,000 employees serving guests throughout the world, and its the creation of jobs and new opportunities for people that keeps Bill Marriott going on a day-to-day basis. The biggest benefit we bring to society is jobs. We have 650,000 people working for us in 110 countries and probably 80% of those are hourly workers, said Marriott. The vision is to try and continue to grow the business and provide opportunities for our people We have a tremendous company now. The EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award program is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Mr. Marriott now moves on to compete for the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Monaco in June 2017. The father of a soldier who was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan last Saturday claimed that several people aboard his flight to bring his sons body home complained about the family receiving special treatment. Stewart Perry, along with his wife and daughter, were on their way to recover the remains of his son, Sgt. John Perry, at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware last week. On a delayed flight from Sacramento to a connecting flight in Phoenix, the captain made an announcement that the Gold Star family needed to deplane first, which was met with a lot of backlash from the familys fellow passengers. To hear the reaction of the flight being delayed because of a Gold Star family, and the first class cabin booing that was really upsetting, and it made us cry some more, Perry told CBS. According to the Army Times, Perry doesnt remember the captain mentioning military personnel as he explained the reasoning behind the family getting off the plane first. I believe that the passengers knew there was a Gold Star family on board, he told the Army Times. The woman sitting directly behind us touched me on the shoulder and asked if I was the father of the soldier killed in Afghanistan It was very disappointing. Its just enough to put you over the edge. He also told The Stockton Record that he overheard passengers making statements like, This is just baloney, and I paid for first-class for this? Perrys son was preparing for a Veterans Day 5K when he and one other soldier were killed in the explosion at the Bagram Airfield early Saturday morning, according to the Stockton Record. Pfc. Tyler Iubelt was also killed, along with two U.S. contractors working on the base. Sixteen other U.S. service members and one Polish soldier suffered injuries from the explosion. RELATED VIDEO: Family of Fallen Muslim Soldier Fire Back at Trump After He Made Comments About Wife Now, Perry said he wants people to respect his son and the sacrifice he made, and called out President-elect Donald Trump for his comments about the Khan family. One example would be Donald Trump speaking badly about a Gold Star family, who I now am, but it also bothers me that people dont want to talk about the terrorism that killed my kid, he told CBS. My kid was over there to help put a stop to this garbage, and he died. I also agree with David A. Anderson that a state with less than two million people does not need 93 counties and the expenses of 93 county governments that go along with it, and we should consolidate those by half (" Consolidate counties ," Nov. 17). According to Nebraska Department of Education numbers as of Nov. 4, Nebraska also has 242 public school districts. Adding in five state operated districts, 17 Educational Service Units, 17 Interim Districts, and seven Unified Districts, we have 288 districts. A state with less than two million people also can't afford that many school districts. It's time to consolidate those into half as many as well. The Brickyard Shares the Experience of Renting New DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 20, 2016 / At first thought, some of the biggest benefits of moving to a new property may be living in a brand new space where everything from appliances to carpet are being used for the first time. But Billingsley Company's new multifamily property, The Brickyard, is proving that new properties offer a renting experience that goes beyond new paint. The excitement of moving into a new property has been likened to that of freshman year of college in a dorm residents are open to meeting new people and forming new friendships, and everyone is taking this fresh, next step at the same time. The Brickyard is now moving in the first round of renters on the property. Among the benefits of living at a brand new property: Living in a community where everyone is there for the first time builds a sense of community faster because everyone is new and experiencing the property together. High volume of residents moving in on one weekend creates a bond in each specific building. Because the property and amenities such as the pool, gym and clubroom are brand new, renters are exploring them together and taking pride in the space. The Brickyard promotes regular gatherings and resident events, from pizza on moving day to brunch by the pool, all providing opportunities for residents to continue get to know their new neighbors. "With every new property, we strive to give residents a unique and easy move-in experience," says Sumner Billingsley, managing partner on The Brickyard project. "There is something so special about being the first person to live in a space, and we ensure they have opportunities to connect with others that are also experiencing this community for the first time." New residents at The Brickyard are not only offered a clean slate in a unit, but a community-centric property. "The minute I stepped foot on the property, I knew this was home for me. What I like most and more specifically to The Brickyard is that because it is new, you get to watch the community evolve," says LaVita Gill, a Brickyard resident. "It's exciting to see new neighbors move in and know they get to experience the same thing I did on my first day here." Story continues Breaking in a new property with neighbors who are also new to the grounds allows for a unique community dynamic. With the holidays approaching, neighbors have an opportunity to share experiences and create "new" traditions in their very own community. The Brickyard is the first phase of apartments and townhomes in Mercer Crossing, the newest multi-use Billingsley development, located at the crossroads of Interstate 35E, Interstate 635 and President George Bush Turnpike. The Brickyard is a blend of one- and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes that embody romantic industrial architecture with abundant use of brick, metal-framed windows and old-style painted signs on building walls. Residents have been moving into the community since May 2016. For more information, please visit www.BillingsleyCo.com or www.TheBrickyardApts.com. About Billingsley Company Founded in 1978 by Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Billingsley Company expertly builds, owns and manages its properties, ensuring long-term client, resident and partner return. Specializing in master-planned developments and principles of new urbanism, Billingsley Company's developments are life-enhancing communities in which to work, live, play, shop and dine. Combining its relationships in the local market with its expertise in development, Billingsley Company provides expanded opportunities for its business partners. From raw land to fully developed communities, Billingsley Company is engaged in each step of the process. The company's decisions in design, finance and construction are grounded in doing what is right for the long term. Media Contact: Dana Cobb TrizCom PR Dana@TrizCom.com O: 972-247-1369 C: 972-955-9747 Nikki Darling TrizCom PR Nikki@TrizCom.com O: 972-247-1369 C: 469-667-9371 SOURCE: Billingsley Company via Submit Press Release 123 By Ingrid Melander and Michel Rose PARIS (Reuters) - French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday conceded defeat in the race to be the conservatives' nominee for next year's presidential election after his former prime minister, Francois Fillon, stormed to a winning lead in the primaries. Sarkozy, president from 2007-12, said he would now back Fillon in an expected runoff against Alain Juppe, another former prime minister, on Nov. 27 in a contest which is likely to produce France's next president in May. According to results based on 8,709 polling stations out of a total 10,229, Fillon was seen gathering 44.1 percent of the votes, Juppe 28.2 percent and Sarkozy 21.0 percent, with the gap with Sarkozy widening from the first partial results. "I failed to convince a majority of voters," Sarkozy told supporters and reporters at his campaign headquarters. "I hold Alain Juppe in high esteem, but I feel closer to Francois Fillon's political choices," he said, indicating he would vote for his former prime minister. Fillon, 62, long considered as a political has-been and trailing Juppe and Sarkozy in opinion polls, was the unexpected frontrunner of Sunday's vote. An admirer of late British prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he is a rare economic liberal in largely statist France. Fillon also received the support of Bruno Le Maire, seen as having come fourth or fifth in the vote. The most centrist of the seven contenders in the primaries, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, who was fighting Le Maire for the fourth spot, threw her weight behind the 71-year-old Juppe. Socialist President Francois Hollande, who is deeply unpopular, has yet to announce whether he himself will stand again. With the Left very divided and a majority of voters seen in opinion polls to be opposed to seeing the far-right National Front in power, the chosen centre-right nominee is likely to defeat party leader Marine Le Pen in an expected election run-off next May. But while polls have consistently shown Juppe would easily beat Le Pen, there have been no recent surveys on how Fillon would fare in such a match, in further evidence of how unexpected his top spot on Sunday was. Polls have shown that Fillon, who had received backing by opponents of France's gay marriage laws, is much less popular than Juppe amid left-wing voters, which could make it harder for him to get their vote versus Le Pen. Until a week ago, Fillon, a social conservative with economically liberal ideas, trailed Juppe and Sarkozy badly in polls and had not been expected to go through to round 2 of the primaries. Juppe, a moderate conservative campaigning on an inclusive, "happy identity" platform, had for months been ahead in polls. But over the past week the contest has been transformed into a tight race between the three men. Sarkozy has sought to tap into populist sentiment while Fillon is proposing tough measures to shake up the economy. (Additional reporting by Richard Lough, Andrew Callus, Marine Pennetier, Sophie Louet and Simon Carraud; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Richard Balmforth) * Ex-president recognises defeat after Fillon takes big lead * Fillon and Juppe expected to fight it out in Nov. 27 runoff * Winner of runoff favourite to win presidency * Vote sees big turnout (Adds Sarkozy conceding defeat, other detail) By Ingrid Melander and Michel Rose PARIS, Nov 20 (Reuters) - French ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday conceded defeat in the race to be the conservatives' nominee for next year's presidential election after his former prime minister, Francois Fillon, stormed to a winning lead in the primaries. Sarkozy, president from 2007-12, said he would now back Fillon in an expected runoff against Alain Juppe, another former prime minister, on Nov. 27 in a contest which is likely to produce France's next president in May. According to results based on 8,709 polling stations out of a total 10,229, Fillon was seen gathering 44.1 percent of the votes, Juppe 28.2 percent and Sarkozy 21.0 percent, with the gap with Sarkozy widening from the first partial results. "I failed to convince a majority of voters," Sarkozy told supporters and reporters at his campaign headquarters. "I hold Alain Juppe in high esteem, but I feel closer to Francois Fillon's political choices," he said, indicating he would vote for his former prime minister. Fillon, 62, long considered as a political has-been and trailing Juppe and Sarkozy in opinion polls, was the unexpected frontrunner of Sunday's vote. An admirer of late British prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he is a rare economic liberal in largely statist France. Fillon also received the support of Bruno Le Maire, seen as having come fourth or fifth in the vote. The most centrist of the seven contenders in the primaries, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, who was fighting Le Maire for the fourth spot, threw her weight behind the 71-year-old Juppe. Socialist President Francois Hollande, who is deeply unpopular, has yet to announce whether he himself will stand again. With the Left very divided and a majority of voters seen in opinion polls to be opposed to seeing the far-right National Front in power, the chosen centre-right nominee is likely to defeat party leader Marine Le Pen in an expected election run-off next May. Story continues But while polls have consistently shown Juppe would easily beat Le Pen, there have been no recent surveys on how Fillon would fare in such a match, in further evidence of how unexpected his top spot on Sunday was. Polls have shown that Fillon, who had received backing by opponents of France's gay marriage laws, is much less popular than Juppe amid left-wing voters, which could make it harder for him to get their vote versus Le Pen. Until a week ago, Fillon, a social conservative with economically liberal ideas, trailed Juppe and Sarkozy badly in polls and had not been expected to go through to round 2 of the primaries. Juppe, a moderate conservative campaigning on an inclusive, "happy identity" platform, had for months been ahead in polls. But over the past week the contest has been transformed into a tight race between the three men. Sarkozy has sought to tap into populist sentiment while Fillon is proposing tough measures to shake up the economy. ($1 = 0.9447 euros) (Additional reporting by Richard Lough, Andrew Callus, Marine Pennetier, Sophie Louet and Simon Carraud; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino was a little emotional at Friday's Los Angeles premiere for the show's highly anticipated revival, but it wasn't entirely for the reason most would expect. "If I happen to get emotional, it's just the impending apocalypse, don't worry about it," she told the crowd. "It will pass in four years." But even post-election fatigue couldn't dampen the spirits in the room at Westwood's Fox Bruin Theater at the premiere of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. In addition to the nearly 25 new and returning actors in attendance, Sherman-Palladino and her husband, executive producer and director Dan Palladino, were joined by throngs of die-hard Gilmore Girls fans who had waited at least four hours to score a coveted seat at the premiere screening. "Thank you all for being here and for giving a shit," said Sherman-Palladino. "It's always nice because you walk into Warner Bros., and then you walk into Netflix, and you do a big tap dance, and you say, 'They're gonna come!' And then you think, 'What if they don't come?!' " Read more: 'Gilmore Girls' Bosses on How Edward Herrmann's Death Inspired the Revival and the Series' Future Sherman-Palladino later teared up as she thanked the cast, specifically her Gilmore girls: Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel and Kelly Bishop. "Frankly, without this cast, you can write anything you want, but if that person isn't there to make it real, it doesn't matter," she said. The revival comes nine years after the original series, which aired first on The WB and then later on The CW, was canceled in 2007. The beloved family drama gained a new generation of viewers when all seven seasons became available on Netflix in October 2014, and talks started with the streamer about reviving the project after the cast reunited at the 2015 ATX Television Festival and were, once again, met with fervent fan reaction. As Sherman-Palladino said, "Netflix, thank you for taking over the world." Story continues Netflix vp content Cindy Holland referenced the show's beloved theme song when discussing the company's early meetings with the Palladinos. "We happily said, 'Wherever they lead, we will follow,' " she recalled. The Netflix revival will roll out Nov. 25, consisting of four 90-minute installments divided into seasons, beginning with "Winter" and ending with "Fall." Sherman-Palladino praised the freedom Netflix provides when discussing the new chapter. "[It's] being able to veer off into left field a little bit more than you can do when you're on network TV, and, luckily, they didn't stop us. They still might; it hasn't happened yet." However, for the many beloved Stars Hollow residents who were in attendance on Friday, there was one notably absent face: Edward Herrmann, who portrayed Richard Gilmore for all 154 episodes of the original series. The actor died in December 2014, before the ATX reunion and talks for the revival even began. Read more: 'Gilmore Girls': The 16 Episodes to (Re)Watch Before Netflix's Revival Herrmann's daughter Ryan Herrmann was in attendance Friday to pay homage to her father and what she said he called his "second family" on the show. "It's bittersweet," she said. "Just to see how the show has continued to just revive itself among new generation that weren't even born when it originally started, its pretty incredible." Herrmann's presence is still felt heavily in the four new episodes as the Gilmore women deal with the character's death. "I have to say, it is incredible the way that they've honored him," she said. "A lot of times people just get written off or they pass away and that's it, but the way that they wrote him into all the episodes, it just says a lot about him." With less than a week before the four new chapters are released, questions already have begun about whether there will be more new Gilmore Girls beyond A Year in the Life. Sherman-Palladino and Palladino, who wrote, directed and exec produced all four new episodes by themselves, are keeping that door open. Read more: Lauren Graham Previews "Emotional" and "Gratifying" 'Gilmore Girls' Revival "It takes a journey," said Palladino. "There is some closure, but life goes on, so there's no neat wrap-up in everything that we ever write, whether it's Gilmore Girls or any other project because life is " "Messy," interjected Sherman-Palladino. Gotta get a gazebo shot in there... #GilmoreGirlsRevival #fourseasonsfestival pic.twitter.com/aGAIkS2bWg - Kate Stanhope (@katestanhope) November 19, 2016 Following the screening of the first episode, "Winter," guests including Peter Krause, Mae Whitman, Jason Ritter and Virginia Madsen made their way to UCLA's Dickson Court for the afterparty. The Festival of the Four Seasons, which will continue throughout the weekend at UCLA, included pop-up versions of Stars Hollow favorites like Luke's Diner and Taylor's Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, where guests enjoyed coffee and desserts including, yes, Pop-Tarts, in addition to themed cocktails including The Rory and Miss Patty's Founder's Day Punch. Never too late for Luke's Coffee, right? #GilmoreGirlsRevival pic.twitter.com/zImLCH2fhd - Kate Stanhope (@katestanhope) November 19, 2016 Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life hits Netflix on Nov. 25. Graves star Skyler Astin had the surreal experience of filming a political satire series as the 2016 election was unfolding. One of our executive producers, Greg Shapiro, was saying he thinks [Donald] Trump was like stealing our thunder at times, the actor told TheWraps Stuart Brazell. We were filming and then wed hear something hed say and it would be so weirdly similar to what our episode was about. Astin, who plays a young Republican protege to Nick Noltes former president character on the Epix political comedy, cited episodes dealing with the North Dakota pipeline currently being protested and gay rights issues, a particularly sensitive issue for vice president-elect Mike Pence. Also Read: 'Graves,' 'Berlin Station' Score Season 2 Renewals at Epix Now we have a real opportunity to say more, Astin said. Be down the middle, but be that satire that will give people that sense of relief and a little bit of a wink. Like, we know what everyones going through right now, no matter what side of it youre on. Graves airs Sunday nights on Epix. Related stories from TheWrap: 'Graves,' 'Berlin Station' Score Season 2 Renewals at Epix 'Graves' Star Nick Nolte Recalls Meeting Donald Trump, Arguing Who Has Better Hair Sela Ward to Replace Susan Sarandon on Epix Comedy 'Graves' Don Walton Political reporter/columnist Don Walton covers politics and the Legislature along with writing a weekly column. Follow Don Walton 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 Lincoln was a divided city on Election Day. A vote tally from precincts within the city provided by Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively show these startling results: Donald Trump, 39,732; Hillary Clinton, 39,718. That's Trump by 14 votes, an incredibly even split. But Clinton ended up winning Lincoln by nearly 6,000 votes thanks to a commanding lead in early voting figures. And that raises some interesting questions. Did that strong built-in lead simply reflect better early voter turnout performance by Democrats? Or is this a localized hint of the possible impact of FBI Director James Comey's sudden public revival of Clinton's email controversy in the closing days of the campaign? Here are the final Lincoln vote totals: Clinton, 56,868; Trump, 50,997. Clinton won only in Lancaster and Douglas (Omaha) Counties; the other 91 counties were Trump territory. *** Puzzling. President Obama's approval rating rises to 57 percent in the latest Gallup survey and voters elect Donald Trump, who promises to undo virtually all of Obama's major initiatives or accomplishments. And voters respond to Trump's call for big change in Washington by essentially maintaining the political character of Congress, which had an 18 percent approval rating in a Gallup survey a month before the election. There seems to be some sort of disconnect with all of that. But a Congress that has spent much of its time and energy just trying to block President Obama at every turn now has an opportunity for a fresh start. Hey, guys, let's try some bipartisan stuff and start to repair this busted system. The opportunity is there on an infrastructure bill if it isn't loaded down with other baggage. Both Trump and Clinton proposed that. Do the tax policy and environmental policy and energy policy and immigration policy and whatever else separately; show us you are serious by doing this together without factoring in who gets the credit or who gets the blame. This is a chance to start over with some bipartisan agreement that serves the country's interests, rather than partisan interests. Here's an opportunity to work together to create jobs, spur investment, build the country for the future, provide an economic jolt. A chance to actually govern rather than just continue to play partisan political games with eyes fixed only on the next election. *** Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert says she and Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler get together about once a month, alternating trips to each other's city. Despite political differences -- Stothert is a Republican and Beutler is a Democrat -- Stothert says they have developed "an excellent working relationship." "We work together on some legislative issues," she said during a sit-down interview in Omaha last week. "If we agree and work together, we can have a big effect. " Economic development, tourism and the expensive battle to combat the emerald ash borer infestation in both cities are some of the topics they discuss, Stothert said. "We help each other in economic development efforts," she said. Omaha mayoral candidate Heath Mello, a Democrat, said he also would work closely with Lincoln if he is elected next spring. "There's a lot of synergy and opportunities for Omaha and Lincoln to work together," he said during an earlier interview. "We face some similar challenges," he said. *** Donald Trump's election effectively took proposed expansion of health care coverage to the working poor in Nebraska off the 2017 legislative agenda. Trump and a new Republican Congress are prepared to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, which provided the opportunity to access federal Medicaid funding that would allow the state to provide coverage to an estimated 97,000 Nebraskans, most of whom meet the definition of the working poor. Annual efforts to enroll Nebraska in that program have been rejected by the Legislature. Sen. John McCollister of Omaha was the chief sponsor of the 2016 legislative bill that ultimately was shelved by the Legislature on a 28-20 vote. The 2016 legislative proposal would have established a three-year pilot program that could have accessed $1.8 billion in federal funding matched by a $63 million appropriation from a health care cash fund without any expenditure from the state tax-supported general fund. *** Finishing up: * Who will have a brief moment in shaping history when they officially cast Nebraska's five presidential electoral votes? John Dinkel of Norfolk; Phil Belin of Omaha; Craig Safranek of Merna; Chuck Conrad of Hastings; Paul Burger of Kearney. * Mike Groene of North Platte won the highest score awarded by the American Conservative Union to members of the Nebraska Legislature on its 2016 legislative scorecard. The other highest marks went to Bill Kintner of Papillion and Curt Friesen of Henderson. * Jerry Kratochvil, aka Street Sweeper on Leavenworth Street's political blog, has announced he is taking a sabbatical from the site for about six months. He's joining the Stothert mayoral campaign as digital director. * The coming battle over continued U.S. participation in the Paris climate change agreement and the fate of federal environmental regulations in the new Congress is fundamentally a generational issue. It is grandparents and future grandparents deciding about quality of life for their grandchildren and their grandchildren's children. * Huskers succeed in bouncing back immediately to a big nine-win season, but why stop there? A 10th win in Iowa City on Friday would be a huge step forward. Associated Press Saudi Arabia has shared intelligence with American officials that suggests Iran could be preparing for an imminent attack on the kingdom, three U.S. officials said Tuesday. The heightened concerns about a potential attack on Saudi Arabia come as the Biden administration is criticizing Tehran for its crackdown on widespread protests and condemning it for sending hundreds of drones as well as technical support to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. We are concerned about the threat picture, and we remain in constant contact through military and intelligence channels with the Saudis, the National Security Council said in a statement. By William Schomberg LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's first budget plan since the Brexit vote will not include a big new spending push because of "eye-wateringly" high public debt levels, but will have some help for the economy and struggling families, the country's Chancellor said. Philip Hammond, who will spell out the economic priorities of the new government on Wednesday, said on Sunday he wanted to keep some fiscal "head-room" as two years of difficult negotiations about leaving the European Union approach. "Over the next couple of years we are going to face some uncertainty over the economy," he said in an interview with BBC television on Sunday. "But then we will have a whole raft of opportunities and we need to get the country ready to be able to seize those." Britain's economy has so far defied forecasts of an immediate Brexit recession made by Hammond's predecessor George Osborne, reducing the urgency for a major fiscal stimulus. But most economists expect a sharp slowdown in 2017, pushing up unemployment at a time when inflation is likely to rise sharply, further squeezing many households. Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to work for "just managing" Britons, many of whom delivered the biggest British political upset in generations in June's vote for Brexit. This month's surprise victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election underscored the degree of frustration with living standards felt by voters around the world. Hammond is expected to announce measures to help struggling families, such as targeted tax cuts, when he delivers the half-yearly Autumn Statement budget update in parliament. "We've got to make sure that the prosperity that comes from seizing opportunities ahead is shared across the country and across the income distribution," he told the BBC. Two British newspapers said Hammond was considering a temporary cut to value-added tax, which would help poorer families most but would be costly to the public finances, as an option that he might use next year. Story continues But with public debt of 1.6 trillion pounds, equivalent to 84 percent of economic output last year, its highest level in nearly 50 years, Hammond said the government was "highly constrained". ROADS, STRATEGY Earlier on Sunday, the Treasury announced 1.3 billion pounds ($1.60 billion) in new spending on roads as part of the plans to increase Britain's weak productivity growth. May is expected to speak on Monday about plans her ministers are drawing up for a new industrial strategy. Britain's opposition Labour Party said the government was being too timid with its modest plans for spending increases. "It's a minor change in direction when this Autumn Statement should be a significant reversal of economic strategy," John McDonnell, Labour's top finance official, told the BBC. He said Labour wanted a 500 billion-pound boost to investment over a decade, half of it public money and the rest from the private sector, to speed up Britain's economic growth and reduce the need for cuts in welfare spending. The Treasury made it clear it was considering a smaller programme. It said it had identified quick-turnaround infrastructure projects and upgrades to existing networks that would help to relieve road congestion. British employers have long called for more investment in the country's road network but they also have broader concerns about the risks of Brexit, chief among them how much access they will lose to the EU's single market and limits on their ability to hire workers from the bloc's 27 other countries. In his interviews on Sunday, Hammond sought to play down suggestions from other government ministers that Britain should aim for a clean break with the EU, saying all options remained on the table. The Treasury also said Hammond's approach on the budget would be different to that of Osborne by limiting announcements to top-level spending decisions "rather than announcing full details of individual projects". Hammond has already dropped Osborne's plan to turn Britain's budget deficit into a surplus by 2020. He declined say whether he might revert to the Osborne's earlier fiscal targets of aiming for a budget surplus excluding investment spending. (Additional reporting by Elizabeth Piper in London and Elisabeth O'Leary in Edinburgh; Editing by Tom Heneghan) U.S. President Barack Obama urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to honor Moscows commitments on Ukraines sovereignty as the pair met briefly on the margins of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, Sunday. A White House statement said Obama told Putin U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov should continue meeting on various issues to stem international violence and ease the suffering of the Syrian people. The White House said the meeting between Obama and Putin was informal. Relations between the two have been strained, exacerbated by the situation in Syria and Russias seizure of the Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. Obama urged Putin to adhere to the Minsk agreements to stop the fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine where Russia has been accused of backing dissident groups, supplying arms and military advice. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday the leaders of Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States and France had agreed not enough progress has been made in Ukraine to warrant lifting sanctions against Russia for its interference, the Russian news agency Tass reported. obama putin Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters In Syria, Russia has sided with the regime of President Bashar Assad and has been conducting bombing runs that have not only targeted Islamic State group terrorists, but hit Syrian rebel groups allied with the West trying to oust Assad from power. The bombings have produced thousands of civilian casualties. Pro-government forces Sunday refused to acquiesce to a U.N. proposal to grant autonomy to certain rebel-held areas of Aleppo and instead pressed a nearly weeklong assault on the area, the Associated Press reported. The U.N. estimates 275,000 people are trapped in the area. Story continues The summit also provided a venue for members of the Taiwanese delegation to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping Saturday, discussing policy issues and the hope cross-strait economic exchanges could resume, the Taipei Times reported. The Philippines Rodrigo Duterte, who has been highly critical of the United States and Obama, cozied up to Putin Saturday, blaming the West for bigotry, terrorizing smaller nations and warmongering, and praised Putin for his leadership skills, RT reported. Duterte welcomed the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president, saying there are a lot of similarities between Trump and himself. "We both like to swear. One little thing, we curse right away. We're the same," Duterte said. Related Articles This Harry Potter couple split up and their relationship now makes them our #breakupgoals Breakups are never easy, not to mention the: Should we still be friends? issue. We just learned that this Harry Potter couple split up, according to Seventeen. Yup, were talking about Evanna Lynch and Robbie Jarvis. We know, we know were bummed, too. But Lynch said theyll remain friends, which gives us #breakupgoals. Were both vegans, so we go to a lot of vegan events together, Lynch told Us Weekly. So yeah, were still good friends. Of course, you remember Lynch from four of the Harry Potter films. And its hard to forget Jarvis, who played Potters dad in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. So, yes, though Lynch and Jarvis were never together on-screen, they seemed to spend a lot of time together offscreen. All you have to do is look at their Instagram posts for proof. Here were some of our favorite pics the two shared. Theyd get all dressed up for special events. #tbt #IFTA #snoozinandtreats #bestfuz A photo posted by Robbie (@awildrobbieattacks) on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:39am PDT Other days, theyd be more casual. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!! A photo posted by Robbie (@awildrobbieattacks) on Feb 14, 2016 at 4:19pm PST Theyd go see live music seeing Jeff Goldblum, no less! Nbd, right?! Spent the evening listening to Jeff Goldy playing jazz and telling jokes #GoldblumSwag A photo posted by Robbie (@awildrobbieattacks) on Sep 6, 2015 at 11:44pm PDT And then theres the time they were in New Zealand together three years ago. (Jarvis posted this one recently.) Or theres the time they met Hello Kitty. @Msevylynch introducing me to one of her feline friends in Japan. A photo posted by Robbie (@awildrobbieattacks) on Jul 28, 2014 at 12:11pm PDT There was also the day when Lynch made (yup, made!) Jarvis this card. Awww. Best Opening Night goodluck card ever courtesy of @msevylynch's artistic stylings! #Avatar #Art #Handmade #Goodluck A photo posted by Robbie (@awildrobbieattacks) on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:33am PST Now, in light of their breakup, we hope Lynch and Jarvis do stay friends like they plan. Heres to #breakupgoals, for them and for all of us. The post This Harry Potter couple split up and their relationship now makes them our #breakupgoals appeared first on HelloGiggles. British movie producer David Heyman and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibabas film unit said Sunday they are collaborating on the film adaptation of the young adult book series Warriors. The series, which has a significant fan following in China among other countries will be made for a global audience. Heyman, most famous for producing the Harry Potter movies, also produced Alfonso Cuarons award-winning Gravity and the 2014 comedy film, Paddington. Heyman, an independent producer, reportedly met Alibaba executives while in China two years ago for the promotion of his film Paddington. This is becoming the largest market in the world so you are looking to understand that market, he said at a news conference. Its hard to get a film made today, Ive had some success but every time you start a film you start a new business, so Im always looking for people over the world. He added that unlike some Western and Chinese collaborations where you feel the marriage is forced... something that is just done because you want Chinese money, [Warriors] is such a perfect Chinese-British story because its values are universal. Alibaba, which created its film unit Alibaba Pictures Group in 2014, is gearing up for the release of its first film The Ferryman, which hits theatres next month. Heyman added that they dont have a script for the film yet and it was too early to say how many members of the creative team will be Chinese. He did mention, however, that the film is likely to be in 3-D. The live action film is based on the hugely successful young adult book series that revolves around four clans of warring feral cats. The books have sold over 30 million copies and are written by Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry and Victoria Holmes under the pseudonym Erin Hunter. Alibaba Pictures Group bought the film rights for the series in October this year. Alibaba Pictures is planning to turn Warriors into a film franchise that will bring to life the spectacular animal and jungle worlds depicted in the novels, using world-leading visual effects, the companys president Zhang Wei reportedly said. Related Articles Harry Potter producer David Heyman will produce Alibaba Pictures' film adaptation of the children's book series Warriors. The collaboration came about when China's Alibaba Pictures acquired the rights to the British book series about four clans of wild cats. There are 36 books in the main series of the novels, penned by a writing team under the name of Erin Hunter and published since 2003, which have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The first live-action film with computer-generated characters will be an origin story, which follows the path of main character Rusty, a pet cat raised by humans, and his joining a wild cat clan in the forest, Heyman told The Hollywood Reporter in Beijing. "He's stigmatized, he's an outsider, he is not from the forest, he's lived in the comfort of a human home," Heyman said of Rusty. "So it's about him getting acclimatized into this place, earning his place in spite of great prejudice against him and ultimately rising up." Heyman and Alibaba have not a placed a number on how many adaptations they will make of the novels. "The interesting thing about the books is there are such a lot of narratives. And the books are still being written, so there will be as many films as long as we can keep telling interesting stories and the audience is receptive of it. We'll keep on making it," said the producer. Heyman said the first film could be in any language and not necessarily an English-language or Chinese-language film. "The beauty of it is there are no humans walking around in the stories. What you have is you have cats. Cats are not specific to any country," he said. "Though I suspect it'd probably be set in a forest in the U.K., because the authors are British. We may use actors anywhere. It's too early to tell, but we're open to all possibilities." The film will be a China-U.K. co-production between Alibaba and Heyman's Heyday Films. "The thing I love about this is that it will be an authentic collaboration between China and England," said Heyman. "There are too many inauthentic collaborations between the U.S. and China, which feel contrived. They are arranged ormarriages. And this feels so organic, where we can use talent from both countries. And not just U.K. and China, it can be from France, from the U.S., wherever the talent is, we can use it." Story continues The film will not be using motion capture for the cats' performance. "I think motion capture works best when there are humanoid characters - two arms, two legs," said Heyman. "If you're doing a cat, it doesn't work. What we'll do is to film actors for reference, like what we did in Paddington." Heyman is now trying to find a screenwriter to adapt the books. "There are six books in the first series. It's important that we find a way so that the films doesn't feel episodic ... like a unified story," he said. The budget of the film is not yet set, said Alibaba president Zhang Wei. "We have to find a screenwriter, and we'll look at the cost of filming and visual effects, to set a budget. What we know is we will use the best resources, the best team," he said. Heyman, producer of the Harry Potter film series, spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Paddington and The Light Between Oceans, sought out Alibaba Pictures two years ago. "I met with Alibaba, and I learned more about Alibaba and the culture of Alibaba, which was remarkable to me. I felt like I should go work for Alibaba," he said. "It was such an inspiring meeting, not just because of the brilliance of their business, but because of the human nature of their business. It's about connecting people and community. I think that is what we try and do in films. And I found with the people I met a kindred spirit. It's very surprising, when you meet with people who might finance films - all they care about is money. I understand, it's called the film business. But there is no business unless there is heart. And I think what interests me in this collaboration is that we share a desire to tell a human story, made with cats, but to tell a human story that is emotion, frightening, funny, generous. That, to me, is what excited me." China is eager to sell to the world its soft power through films, as evident in the upcoming English-language production by Zhang Yimou, The Great Wall, and Wanda's investment in Hollywood. "Everybody wants to get into China, and China wants its culture out there," said Heyman. "It's not easy; there are different techniques in storytelling. Even though there is a lot of common ground emotionally and spiritually, and thematically. So I believe it is possible, and I believe what is great about this Warriors adaptation is that it's not Chinese, it's not British, it's both. And so it's the very best way for that soft power to be expressed." As for the recently released Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Heyman said dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, played by Johnny Depp, would be central to the story in the next four films. He was surprised when J.K. Rowling announced it would be a five-film series. "When Jo Rowling began, it was going to be three films," said Heyman. "Halfway writing the first, she said, 'I'm going to write the first, and somebody else writes the next two.' Because it's hard, it's much more collaborative writing a screenplay than writing a novel. Then by the end of the script, she said, 'I'm going to write the next two.' She's now writing the second film. And halfway through writing the second, she said, 'I'm enjoying this. There is much more story to tell.' That's when she decided it was five. I'm not complaining. I love being in that world, it's a wonderful world to play in. Jo Rowling's wizarding world is very rich." Stockholm (AFP) - Discovered in Ingmar Bergman's archive, a previously unknown manuscript about sexual and social revolution in the 1960s is to be turned into a movie, nearly a decade after the Swedish director's death. "Sixty-four minutes with Rebecka," written by the legendary filmmaker when he was aged 51, was found in 2002 when Bergman donated his work to an institute in his name, shelved among thousands of letters, completed screenplays and photographs. "Finding an unknown but finished Ingmar Bergman screenplay would be the equivalent of finding a manuscript by Hemingway or if not Shakespeare," Jan Holmberg, head of the Ingmar Berman Foundation, told AFP. Known for broaching issues of death, loneliness and religious self-doubt, Bergman portrays the main character Rebecka as an emotionally alienated teacher of deaf mutes, seeking sexual and political liberation during the tumultuous 1960s. "This is the mature artist at his very best, making one of his masterpieces," Holmberg said. The married Rebecka visits a sex club while she is pregnant and decides to leave her forgiving husband in the hand-written script, which touches on gay relationships, desire, guilt and mental suffering. Bergman, who was an introverted and conservative filmmaker, portrays the era's frenetic sexual and social revolution in the script, which was originally meant to be a movie collaboration between Bergman, Federico Fellini and Akira Kurosawa, a trio of directing giants. - Hollywood blow - Fellini had contacted Bergman in 1962 to ask if the Swedish director would be interested in filming a joint movie series with Kurosawa, who years later dropped out for unknown reasons, according to Holmberg. In 1968, Bergman and Fellini signed a Hollywood contract to turn the script into a joint motion picture, but when the Italian screenwriter did not keep his part of the agreement, Bergman was offered to direct the film by himself. Story continues Suffering a major blow to profits because of the emergence and dominance of television in the 1960s, the US film industry began to diversify, drawing inspiration from European cinema. Holmberg said several letters sent back and forth between Bergman and movie executives indicated "an increasingly irritated atmosphere, where the movie companies suddenly wanted the film to be longer than what had been thought earlier" to turn it into a TV series. He noted that the script has "many daring sex scenes, homosexuality and violent sexuality... which would never have been shown on American TV in the 60s". - 'Turn in his grave' - Adapted into a radio play which premiered in Sweden on November 6, the script was directed by 72-year-old Suzanne Osten, a renowned Swedish filmmaker who had a conflicted relationship with Bergman throughout her career. "We had a few confrontations and he was generally known as controlling, but no one has ever questioned his quality as a filmmaker and artist," Osten told AFP. "I would never have made it if he lived today. He was a conservative old man and became even more conservative. But he was also a very sensitive artist," said Osten, who is set to direct the movie adaptation of "64 minutes with Rebecka" in 2018. Holmberg said Bergman would probably have "turned in his grave" if he knew Osten was directing the script, but later "calm down and realise that this is a pretty fantastic way to continue his legacy. "He and Susanne were often enemies and stood on opposite sides in the political and cultural rebellion at the end of the 60s," he added. "She is younger than Bergman was and stands for something different... This will be a feminist reinterpretation of Bergman," Holmberg said. The son of a Lutheran minister and a nurse, Bergman was born in 1918 in the Swedish town of Uppsala, north of Stockholm, and had a strict religious upbringing, noticeable in many of his films. Bergman, who married five times and had nine children, also directed the psychological drama "Persona" (1966), "The Seventh Seal (1957) and "Fanny and Alexander" (1982), which won four Academy Awards in 1984. He died in 2007 at the age of 89 in Faro, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea where he filmed several of his movies. Hollywood took to Twitter after the cast of Hamilton addressed Vice President-elect Mike Pence after Friday night's curtain call, asking him to "work on behalf of all of us." Hamilton since has become a trending topic on Twitter with the hashtags #BoycottHamilton and #NameAPenceMusical. Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, Shonda Rhimes, Patton Oswalt and more weighed in on the situation below. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda expressed how proud he was of the musical, as well as actor Brandon Victor Dixon (who plays Aaron Burr), after the cast addressed Vice President-elect Pence, who was in the audience last night. After Pence was booed by the audience while being escorted to his seat, Dixon said, "There's nothing to boo here; we're all sharing a story of love." Read more: 'Hamilton' Broadway Cast Addresses Mike Pence in Audience: "Work on Behalf of All of Us" Friday night's turn of events prompted Donald Trump to respond on Twitter, claiming that the Hamilton cast was "rude" toward Pence and demanding that they "apologize!" Dixon later responded to Trump, tweeting "Conversation is not harassment sir. And I appreciate Mike Pence for stopping to listen." Newt Gingrich echoed Trump as well, tweeting that the cast acted with "arrogance and hostility." Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway tweeted that Pence "deserves respect and a peaceful night out with his nephew and daughter." The arrogance and hostility of the Hamilton cast to the Vice President elect ( a guest at the theater) is a reminder the left still fights. - Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) November 19, 2016 This is so true. And @mike_pence deserves respect and a peaceful night out with his nephew and daughter. #yourvicepresident https://t.co/h38lcamWLg - Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) November 19, 2016 Trump continued to blast the cast Saturday night in a tweet he deleted shortly after posting, which said, "Very rude and insulting of Hamilton cast member to treat our great future V.P. Mike Pence to a theater lecture. Couldn't even memorize lines!" Story continues Read more: President-Elect Settles Trump University Fraud Lawsuits for $25M Comments on social media about the Hamilton cast's statement prompted Manuel to post the full speech online. This is the statement made by @HamiltonMusical after the performance on November 18, 2016. pic.twitter.com/H2UhXjvWUf - Hamilton (@HamiltonMusical) November 19, 2016 Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing.This should not happen! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 The Theater must always be a safe and special place.The cast of Hamilton was very rude last night to a very good man, Mike Pence. Apologize! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 19, 2016 Kerry Washington, Bryan Cranston, Zendaya, Shonda Rhimes, Josh Gad and Patton Oswalt are among those who shared their support for the Hamilton cast on Twitter. Many users also tweeted about the irony of the #BoycottHamilton hashtag, when tickets for the show are sold out well into next year. Read the tweets below. Hillary was boo'd at @HamiltonMusical during primaries, Lincoln was killed at the theater, Pence was asked to be fair. I say he got off easy pic.twitter.com/DyRDpfTp7O - Daveed Diggs (@DaveedDiggs) November 19, 2016 @realDonaldTrump conversation is not harassment sir. And I appreciate @mike_pence for stopping to listen. - Brandon Victor Dixon (@BrandonVDixon) November 19, 2016 Proud of @HamiltonMusical. Proud of @BrandonVDixon, for leading with love. And proud to remind you that ALL are welcome at the theater.- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) November 19, 2016 #hamiltonmusical cast spoke to the VP elect eloquently, respectfully, and from the heart. @realDonaldTrump obviously you didn't see the tape - Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) November 19, 2016 As a member of the theater community, I have a message I feel compelled to share re: @HamiltonMusical pic.twitter.com/dhax0BEXjY - Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 19, 2016 Artists will never apologize for speaking truth to power. Keep asking. Keep getting put in your place. It's on. https://t.co/joybQ638RI - Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) November 19, 2016 "Hamilton Cast harassed Pence." Do u ever stop whining?An apology?Seriously?!U won,this is the job,get on with it or get out of the kitchen. - Axl Rose (@axlrose) November 19, 2016 *buys five tickets to Hamilton* https://t.co/t4U7Voyhhl - Zendaya (@Zendaya) November 19, 2016 Donald Trump has asked someone to apologize for being rude. Always good to start your Saturday off with a laugh. - P!nk (@Pink) November 19, 2016 If #boycotthamilton goes like #boycottbeyonce I'm gonna start #boycottjohnlegend. Shit seems lucrative. - John Legend (@johnlegend) November 19, 2016 Well said @BrandonVDixon WELL SAID. We The People. Amen. #Hamilton https://t.co/RdcyhzJIW0 - kerry washington (@kerrywashington) November 19, 2016 You know what? I support #BoycottHamilton. I hope it intensifies -- especially during the first week of March, maybe that Sunday matinee? - Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) November 19, 2016 I hope Mike Pence is shown a little bit more respect tomorrow night while he passes out gay conversion brochures at Rent - Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) November 19, 2016 Yes! https://t.co/W5LHirKnMV - shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 19, 2016 An apology should instead come from President-elect Trump for calling into question appropriateness of @HamiltonMusical cast's statements. - ACLU National (@ACLU) November 19, 2016 If anyone's giving up their Hamilton tix, please send them to my parents so they stop asking me to get them in and if @Lin_Manuel is nice - Zach Braff (@zachbraff) November 19, 2016 The cast of @HamiltonMusical spoke respectfully, passionately, & articulately to VP-Elect Pence. They owe NO apology! American free speech. - Holland Taylor (@HollandTaylor) November 19, 2016 Here's the ACTUAL VIDEO of what the @HamiltonMusical cast said. They were wildly respectful. #boycotthamilton https://t.co/tLYymAdhT8 - Rachel Bloom (@Racheldoesstuff) November 19, 2016 Who gives a fuck that he asked Hamilton for an apology? A guy deemed too racist to be a federal judge is going to be our Attorney General. - Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) November 19, 2016 The theatre is a safe haven for art. I will always support my fellow actors and their diversities and identities . Enjoy @HamiltonMusical - Keegan Allen (@KeeganAllen) November 19, 2016 I wonder if Pence went to Hamilton to take our focus off the Trump University fraud settlement. This administration is morally bankrupt. - George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 19, 2016 We've already moved on from his dangerous appointees to mocking him for some Hamilton tweet. So easily distracted. - Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) November 19, 2016 Could the Pence Hamilton night have been intentional from Trump camp? Perfect "culture war" distraction. And Bannon is very smart. - Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) November 19, 2016 I thought what the cast of @HamiltonMusical said to our new VP was respectful inclusive and classy. I don't see the "harassment". - marlon wayans (@MarlonWayans) November 19, 2016 The new president elect is telling us what he thinks of our nations great artists @HamiltonMusical. More than ever we need to make Art. - Sandra Oh (@IamSandraOh) November 19, 2016 The idea that Trump's feelings are hurt by this whole thing is a good enough reasons for Hamilton to run for 100 years #BoycottHamilton - Patrick Monahan (@pattymo) November 19, 2016 How ya gonna boycott Hamilton when it's SOLD OUT!!!! - Emmy Rossum (@emmyrossum) November 19, 2016 Don't let Hamilton distract you. Take 5 min, call ur Congressmen & make sure hateful Steve Bannon stays out of the White House. #StopBannon - billy eichner (@billyeichner) November 19, 2016 I support Hamilton audience & cast's right to boo/lecture Mike Pence. I'd also remind them Hillary & Obama both opposed gay marriage too.- Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 19, 2016 He wants an APOLOGY because some actors offered their thoughts/notes on his work? Wait.. - shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) November 19, 2016 Wow the audience at Hamilton booed so loud that the news didn't hear about Trump paying $25m to settle his fake university lawsuit. - Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah) November 19, 2016 They calmly, politely and respectfully voiced concerns about inequality. How is that rude? Video https://t.co/wwCUaSYCYO https://t.co/NMnL9P7Bpe - Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 19, 2016 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 (5'6 foot) 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) - Iceland's Left-Green movement agreed on Sunday to start formal talks on forming a new coalition government, three weeks after snap elections triggered by the Panama Papers scandal. Allied with the anti-establishment Pirate Party, the Social Democrats and the Bright Future party, the Left-Green faces the uphill task of forging a governing coalition with the centre right Reform Party. "Everyone is ready to start formal talks", said Katrin Jakobsdottir, the leader of the Left-Green movement, the second largest party. "We will form working groups that will work in different issues for the next few days and then we will see if there is a foundation for forming a government", Jakobsdottir told the Iceland Monitor online daily. Pirates co-chairman, Birgitta Jonsdottir, told state broadcaster RUV she was optimistic the five parties would reach consensus on major issues. "The people want very much to see improvement in both the work in the parliament and the image of the parliament", Jonsdottir said. But the WikiLeaks supporter warned that the five-party government could be a step away from the political fights that have been the norm in Icelandic politics in recent years. Since its independence in 1944, Iceland has only seen one centre-left government, which emerged from the 2009 election after the 2008 financial collapse. "We embark on this in full integrity and we have the responsibility to try to get things together", Jakobsdottir told RUV. Led by the largest election winner Independence Party, the centre-right coalition failed to find common ground over a range of divisive issues including relations with the European Union, institutional reform and fishing. The October 29 snap vote, prompted by a massive tax scandal ensnaring several Icelandic officials, saw the Pirates become the third largest party with 10 seats. The Panama Papers, released in April, fuelled the resignation of former prime minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson and prompted the snap vote. ICYMI, the royal twins of Monaco are double the cuteness and we cannot handle it Need some more cuteness in your life? Then look no further. The royal twins of Monaco are double the cuteness and we cannot handle it. On November 19th, they made their second annual appearance during National Day, reported People. ICYMI, the event is a ~huge~ deal for Monaco. National Day (or Sovereign Prince Day) is usually a one-day event occurring on November 19th, but became a two-day one this year since the day fell on a weekend. Celebrations happen all over the port city of Monte Carlo. The annual event started with a traditional cathedral mass, followed by a ceremonial presentation of decorations. The latter is at the Palaces Court of Honor, aka the place where the royal family makes an appearance. If youre curious, you can check out National Day on Facebook Live. (Note: Its in French, but the event is quite beautiful.) And now, lets look at the cutest part of National Day the royal twins of Monaco, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who will turn two in December, according to Hello! Our hearts are melting! Apparently, it was their first public appearance in months. And they didnt seem to mind the thousands of people in the courtyard, amirite?! And Jacques is even clapping here! Too cute! Monaco National Day 2016 Of course, they had their parents with them, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, who also looked stunning. Monaco National Day 2016 And check this out, Prince Albert kissing Jacques. Its the sweetest. Monaco National Day 2016 And here, Prince Alberts giving Princess Gabriella a high-five. Awwww. If we look at last years National Day celebration, the twins were ~so little~ when theyre brought out to see the crowd. Rather, for the crowd to see them. Regardless, the super cute twins also appeared to be well-behaved then. Monaco National Day 2015 The United States wished Monaco a happy National Day, too. On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I congratulate the Monegasque citizens as you celebrate the Sovereign Princes Day on November 19, said a press statement from John Kerry, Secretary of State. Please also accept our warmest felicitations on the tenth anniversary of full diplomatic relations between the United States and Monaco. And the memo concluded with, The United States wishes the people of Monaco a joyous celebration on this special day. Awww. By the looks of it, a joyous celebration was def had. The post ICYMI, the royal twins of Monaco are double the cuteness and we cannot handle it appeared first on HelloGiggles. London (AFP) - The British government announced fresh investment in research and development on Monday, ahead of the first post-Brexit budget which is expected to signal a move away from the previous administration's rigid fiscal targets. The government will increase research and development spending worth 2 billion ($2.5 billion, 2.3 billion euros) annually until 2020, Prime Minister Theresa May's office said in a statement. Investments will be rolled out through a new fund which will prioritise technologies including robotics, industrial biotechnology and medical technology. May is due to further outline her plans later on Monday at the annual conference of the Confederation of British Industry, during which she is expected to announce a review of tax breaks which could see greater incentives for businesses to invest in research. Ahead of the conference, the premier on Sunday said her government would push its new "industrial strategy" while also remaining committed to reducing Britains budget deficit. "This government will continue the tasks of bringing the deficit down and getting our debt falling so that we live within our means, while doing more to boost Britain's long-term economic success," she wrote in the Financial Times. - Loosening Britain's fiscal straightjacket - But the treasury has hinted at a loosening of Britain's fiscal straightjacket, introduced by former finance minister George Osborne who resigned following the UK's June referendum to leave the European Union. His successor, Philip Hammond, will on Wednesday announce the autumn budget which will be his first set-piece since replacing Osborne. Under previous prime minister David Cameron, Osborne oversaw an austerity programme of spending cuts and tax rises at odds with May's views on the economy which she has said no longer works for everyone. Hammond will promise to place "investment in infrastructure... at the heart" of the autumn statement to lawmakers, according to a treasury statement released Sunday. Story continues "He will set out how the government will fire up the nation's economic infrastructure -- all part of plans which form the backbone of ongoing work to close the UK's productivity gap," it added. Osborne's austerity policies had intended to eliminate the budget deficit following the global financial crisis. But he scrapped his objective of producing a budget surplus by 2020 in July after May -- in a speech launching her bid to become prime minister -- said the policy should be dropped. "Hammond will set out a new fiscal framework, outlining the need for flexibility to allow government to respond to changing economic conditions," the statement added, ahead of the budget which will be announced exactly five months after the referendum backing Brexit. - Getting Britain 'match fit' - Hammond told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the government was committed to tackling the country's "eye-watering" deficit. The budget will be the first indication of how Britain plans to adjust its economy to account for Brexit. "Many forecasts points to a slowing of economic growth next year and a sharp challenge for the public finances," said Hammond. "We need to be match fit for the opportunities and challenges." The Sunday Telegraph said Hammond planned to balance the books by taxing job perks given to middle-income earners, such as mobile-phone contracts and gym memberships. John McDonnell, the opposition Labour party's shadow finance minister, accused the government of "going back to giveaways and gimmicks", saying the proposed infrastructure plans were "simply replacing some of its earlier cuts." The plans will include 1.3 billion of new investment in Britain's roads to tackle congestion. As well as tax-and-spend plans, the budget will include the Conservative government's latest forecasts for economic growth. The autumn statement is seen as a mini-budget before the main tax-and-spend announcements given usually in March. While the risk of recession in Britain caused by Brexit fallout has largely disappeared following upbeat data releases since the June 23 vote, some economists fear the economy could still take a turn for the worse. Al Qayyarah (Iraq) (AFP) - Clad in red helmets and surgical masks, the firefighters emerged exhausted from the massive column of smoke streaming almost incessantly out of an oil well in northern Iraq. They struggled since early morning to pump water into the well near Qayyarah, a small town in the Iraqi desert 60 kilometres (40 miles) south of second city Mosul. Along with oil engineers and police officers, firefighters have been working around-the-clock to extinguish more than a dozen wells lit by Islamic State group jihadists in August. IS fighters set the fields ablaze to slow government forces advancing on Qayyarah as part of their drive to wrest back Mosul from the clutches of the jihadists. The wells have belched columns of toxic black smoke for three months, caking everything in and around Qayyarah in a thick layer of soot. The firefighters' silhouettes were barely visible as they stood over the burning well near Qayyarah, where the mid-afternoon sun was dimmed by the black clouds overhead. Trucks filled an adjacent reservoir with water, which was then pumped through a pipeline manually assembled by workers at the site into each well. As they stepped out of the smoke, the firefighters joked with each other over the din of hammers and the loud whirring of the water pump, but said they were not authorised to speak to the press. - 'Deplorable' situation - Putting out the fires has proved to be a complex and dangerous process. "First, the federal police have to check for mines left by IS at the mouth of the oil wells," said Saleh Khodr Ahmad, a worker at the site. His blue jumpsuit was dotted with ink-black stains and he had tucked his thin surgical mask under his chin. Once the area is cleared and the blaze brought under relative control, firefighters "place a pipe into the mouth of the well to pump water in, and cover it with dirt", said Ahmad. The whole process can take up to a month and only two of the 19 lit oil wells have been extinguished. Story continues "I'm exhausted, my body has been destroyed," Ahmad said. According to the UN's environmental programme, crude oil fires "produce a wide range of pollutants, including soot and gases that cause health problems such as skin irritation and shortness of breath". A pair of firetrucks and ambulances were parked at the ready in the sand nearby. "The ambulances are here to treat the cases of suffocation and any injuries from explosives," said Ismail Ali Mohammed, a police officer tasked with guarding the site. One of his colleagues was killed on Saturday after he stepped on a mine at the same well as firefighters were trying to bring under control. "I've been here 15 days, working 24-hour shifts. We've all been poisoned by this smoke," Mohammed, whose family still lives in IS-controlled parts of Mosul, told AFP. "This is a terrible scene, a deplorable situation." John Oliver and Stephen Colbert shared some serious useful post-election advice at their live show TV hosts John Oliver and Stephen Colbert got real about their Trump presidency fears, and were not laughing. Well, we are, because, come on, its those two. But the gentlemen had a tough beat for humor in their live post-election special last night, with Trump tensions running pretty thick. Wow, That Was Weird: A Post-Election Evening With Stephen Colbert and John Oliver, was booked weeks before the election results. And we can bet that industry execs had a totally different election outcome than what were dealing with currently when planning the live show. Its no secret that America has been pretty on edge since the results, and Colbert and Oliver are of no exception. Themes of what the hell happened? and what do we do now? filled the night. And Colbert and Oliver shared some wise words about not becoming too complacent post-election. Since Trumps win, Oliver has admitted that its not much fun to write jokes about politics. You try and take things of substance and then put some sugar on it to make it palatable, Oliver said about his job. But there was so little of substance, this whole campaign, its just like a diabetes-inducing amount of sugar. Your job kind of flips on its head. Oliver definitely made his fair share of jokes about Trumps bizarre campaign, which leads him to be a little skeptical about his future in America. While talking about it, the British host referred to his American wife as his legal parachute, annnnnnd we dont think hes kidding. A Post-Election Evening With Stephen Colbert & John Oliver to Benefit Montclair Film Festival As for Colberts next stepshes going to try his hardest to look forward. Im all for giving him a chance, said Colbert about Mr. Trump, but dont give him an inch. Because I believed everything he said, and I remember everything he said. And its horrifying. Neither Oliver and Colbert fathomed that Trump would win the presidency. But, before searching for ways to cope, they suggest that everyone gets real about what this could mean for their personal lives. Story continues Not everyone is going to be O.K., Oliver said about the Trump-tensions in America. You have to keep remembering that this is an abnormal version of what weve been through before. Its nice to know that were not the only ones still completely stunned. At least we know weve got the best court-jesters in the world to help us through. The post John Oliver and Stephen Colbert shared some serious useful post-election advice at their live show appeared first on HelloGiggles. Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday welcomed the announcement by all parties in Yemen of a ceasefire which he said could help "create the conditions for advancing the peace talks." The 48-hour ceasefire began on Saturday following an intervention by Kerry, who had met with Huthi rebel representatives in Oman and urged President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to sign up. On Sunday, sporadic fighting shook parts of Yemen as the Saudi-led coalition battling the rebels, who are backed by Iran, warned that the fragile ceasefire would not be extended unless violations ended. An AFP correspondent in Sanaa said there had been no coalition air strikes in the rebel-held capital since the truce took effect. A military official said there were "limited exchanges of fire" in the flashpoint southwestern city of Taez, where heavy fighting in recent days has left dozens dead. Aid agencies have pleaded for unhindered humanitarian access in Yemen to allow the delivery of life-saving supplies to civilians reeling from a conflict that has left thousands dead. Kerry, in his statement Sunday, said that the United States continued to support the efforts of UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed to restart, by month's end, negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement. "We are mindful that reaching a durable and lasting settlement to this conflict requires compromise and concessions," Kerry said, "and we encourage all parties to seek that compromise." SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- A month into his new job, Clint Merithew is accustomed to the clamor of heavy machinery. As South Sioux City's first full-time fire chief, he has the best view in the city of the rising structure under construction across the street from Fire Station 1 at 1501 First Ave. By this time next year, it will be home to the department's brand-new headquarters. Last month, the South Sioux City Council unanimously approved the hiring of Merithew as the citys first full-time fire chief. He succeeds Toby English, who served for two years as chief on a volunteer basis. The hiring of a full-time chief alone would have made 2016 a momentous year for the department. But a month before Merithews appointment, the city broke ground on the $2.6 million station, which will replace the current one that was built in 1956. City administrator Lance Hedquist said recent growth in the town of 13,300 necessitated the two moves. "We have new residential development, new industrial development happening in town, and we need to have strong leadership in the fire department," Hedquist said. "I think with Clint Merithew, we have somebody with experience and knowledge that will help us forge ahead." Merithew, whos 59, grew up in the beach town of Ventura, California, and at 20 joined the Coalinga, California, fire department as a volunteer. I was interested, he said. I mean, what kid didnt want to be a fireman?" Merithew came on full-time two years later and began rising up the ranks and seizing additional opportunities. He became a captain in the department in 1990 and later served as deputy fire marshal for five years. He would spend more than 30 years total at Coalinga before moving to Jackson, Nebraska, near the childhood home of his wife, Kathy. Merithew then spent six years traveling a seven-state region in the Midwest as a private fire and explosion investigator. When the job opened up in South Sioux City earlier this year, he said he and his family decided it was an opportunity they wanted to take. "We really like the area; (we have) a lot of family here," he said. "Were going to enjoy it." Merithew said the need for growth in the department, which employs four full-time paramedics and has more than 20 volunteers, is evident just by analyzing this years call volume: By late October, the department had responded to nearly as many calls as all of last year. This department has a lot of history ... and its served the community well, he said. But this town is growing. The new 12,225-square-foot fire station was designed to accommodate the town's growth. The station will include five bays, office space and sleeping areas. It wont be as tight of quarters as it is now, Merithew said. Right now we have a difficult time to get out and jockey around, and we have to merge into traffic. Hedquist said with its outlet directly onto Dakota Avenue, the station will also make entering and exiting traffic simpler. It will also have more room for newer, larger trucks. "The old building was too low," Hedquist said. "The last truck we bought we had to change tires and lower air pressure just to get it in." South Sioux City took out a $2.6 million U.S. Department of Agriculture loan in March for the project, which Hedquist said will be paid back through sales tax revenue. The department broke ground in mid-September and expects the project to be complete between August and November of next year, depending on the weather. The department will also soon be sporting a new logo, which incorporates a bridge, cardinal and river, all recognizable ties to South Sioux City. The department is also planning to purchase a new vehicle next year. Lima (AFP) - It's 10:00 pm and police cars with sirens blazing are lined up outside Astrid y Gaston, a trendy restaurant in an upscale neighborhood of Lima, Peru. As stern-looking bodyguards in dark suits stand watch, contented-looking Thai government staffers stream out of the restaurant and are whisked away in a formidable motorcade. In the Peruvian capital, where a Who's Who of movers and shakers has descended for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, helicopters have sometimes hovered overhead, depending on who's eating at the foodie hotspot, named by Restaurant magazine as one of the best in the world. With its fusion-fueled cuisine, Lima has one of the planet's hottest restaurant scenes -- making up for the sprawling megacity's lack of the laid-back resort charm that is usually the draw card at APEC host venues. Peruvian cuisine is a celebration of the country's history and biodiversity. Recipes have their roots around the world in this nation of immigrants where ingredients come from everywhere from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains. There were similar scenes a year ago when the G20, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank held get-togethers here -- mega-events attracting not just world leaders but thousands of aides, officials, businesspeople, journalists and assorted hangers-on. Astrid y Gaston has hosted heads of state, chief executives and their entourages all week. The management is hoping US President Barack Obama will stop by for the last dinner of his final overseas tour -- but the White House keeps his reservations a tightly guarded secret. The competition is also tough: Lima has three spots on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. And even unsung restaurants tend to serve amazing food in this country where eating is a national passion. - Dinner breaks - At a summit upended by the shock victory of US President-elect Donald Trump -- whose volatile style has thrown world affairs into uncertainty -- leaders seem to welcome the chance to take a dinner break and hit the Lima foodie circuit. Story continues After long days strategizing on how to save their cherished free-trade deals from the populist, anti-globalization, America-first wave that Trump rode into office, the APEC delegations at least get to eat well. Obama told a town hall of Latin American students how much he enjoyed a meal of "pollo a la brasa" -- a succulent rotisserie chicken dish for which Peru is famous. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a picture on Facebook of the "cozy, informal" spot where he and his staff went one night during the summit -- Canta Rana, a beloved dive in the hipster neighborhood of Barranco. Masato Ohtaka, a deputy press secretary for Japan, beamed as he told reporters about discovering Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at Hanzo, a swanky restaurant with a South American twist on dishes brought over by Peru's large Japanese immigrant community. He said he was pleasantly surprised to discover Japanese sashimi made as Peruvian ceviche, a refreshing dish of raw fish marinated in lime. "It was different from what I was expecting," he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping even gave a nod to one of Peru's favorite foods in his keynote address at the summit. "I particularly enjoy the sweet potatoes here," he said. - Ceviche 'noble but simple' - Inside Astrid y Gaston hip young diners snap selfies with their artistically presented entrees and sip on pisco sours, the country's dangerously delicious cocktail -- a mix of pisco (grape brandy), lime, egg whites and sugar. The 300-year-old colonial house in which the restaurant is located has been updated with chic, offbeat decor -- playful paintings, a glassed-in kitchen and potted plants hanging upside-down from the ceiling. The restaurant's star dishes are haute-cuisine takes on Peruvian classics like ceviche and lomo saltado, a tender beef stir fry. Head chef Gaston Acurio's ceviche is served in a spicy, tangy, milky sauce, and his lomo saltado is impossibly buttery -- so soft you can cut it with a spoon. "For group reservations, ceviche is the top star," said the restaurant's manager, Carlos Franco, a jovial 30-year-old whose enthusiasm for food is palpable. "Why do people like it? Because ceviche is noble but simple, loaded with tradition," he told AFP. "The ingredients all talk to each other. The freshness of the fish, the lime with its acidity, the chili with its perfume, onion, salt, cilantro. Ceviche is a perfect world." By Tim Cocks MOPTI, Mali (Reuters) - For centuries, Fulani cattle herders and the farmers of central Mali -- both dependent on the Niger River for precious water -- have had a deal. The Fulani graze their cows on the greenery that springs up after the river recedes from its flood plains. As it gets munched the farmers plant their crops, now fertilised by cow dung, so long as they do not block access to the nomads' routes. But as climate change shrinks the river, population growth swells its users and more land gets cultivated, the Fulani are being pushed deeper into poverty. Conflicts with their sedentary neighbours are growing. Throw in radical Islam, abusive security forces, a feeling of political exclusion and a flood of guns from lawless deserts to the north, and conditions are ripe for a rebellion that could destabilise not just Mali but much of West Africa. "The Fulani feel marginalised everywhere. In Mali, in Guinea, in Central Africa," said Abdoul Aziz Diallo, who runs Tabital Pulaaku, a Fulani association spanning 15 countries. "In Mali, they're being infiltrated by the jihadists from the north and there is a very real danger from new Fulani militias that have emerged and are stoking inter-ethnic strife." The road west out of Mopti, a city of muddy streets and a grand clay mosque on the Niger's banks in central Mali, crosses flooded rice fields and land where cows graze on wild grass. Fulani herdsmen in robes and straw hats negotiate livestock sales with Bambara farmers. In May, however, armed Bambara and Fulani groups clashed in Tenenkou, west Mopti, and about 20 people were killed. EXCLUDED Such clashes are frequent and might be brushed off as local incidents. But Islamist militants are exploiting Fulani anger to spread jihad from the thinly populated north to its centre. "The Fulani complained that farmers took all the land," said Lala Walet, a Mopti NGO worker promoting livestock commerce. "So the jihadists came and said 'OK, join our group and we will help you fight to get it back'." Jihadists have beheaded or slit the throat of scores of local officials in central and south Mali in the past year. In August 2015, 13 people were killed in a siege of the Byblos Hotel in Sevare, a town separated from Mopti by a tangle of creeks. In July, gunmen killed 17 Malian soldiers in an attack on an army base in the town of Nampala, claimed both by northern jihadists Ansar Dine and a new Fulani militia, the National Alliance to Safeguard the Peuhl Identity and Restore Justice. The latter said on Saturday it would lay down arms and rejoin a government peace process - one that has so far failed to quell the violence in the much more unstable north. Bringing the Fulani into the peace process will be essential to prevent further such attacks, and if efforts to woo youths away from jihad are to have any hope of succeeding. A 2012 Tuareg revolt in northern Mali was hijacked by Islamists, prompting former colonial master France to intervene to push them back. The French action prevented the possible takeover of the capital Bamako by Islamists, a prospect that alarmed Western governments trying to push back the global spread of radical militancy. The subsequent peace deal focused on soothing Tuareg grievances even though many Islamists were Fulanis. That was a mistake, said Mohamed Attayoub, head of the political wing of Ganda-Iso, a Fulani vigilante group. "We participated in the talks, but when it came to the deal, we were excluded from every organ of the state," he said. Security Minister Colonel Salif Traore denied this, telling Reuters that everyone was able to participate. Ali Nouhoum Diallo, an ex-head of both Mali's parliament and the regional bloc ECOWAS, in September created a nationwide vigilante group to help Fulani defend themselves. He said security forces were harassing herders and arresting youths for simply reading the Koran outside. Sitting in his Bamako house, Nouhoum Diallo dismissed the suggestion the Fulanis would rebel for an ethnic homeland, as the Tuaregs did. "It is impossible for the Fulani to claim independence, because we are spread out everywhere," he said. It was the failure of the state to protect them that was banding them together, he said. Security Minister Traore denied organised repression of the Fulani but he admitted profiling may happen. "We cannot stigmatise people of certain ethnic groups for something they haven't done," he said. SIDELINED Still, the crackdown has deepened mistrust and a sense of persecution. Millennia of wandering has left 20 million Fulani scattered across 20 nations, from Senegal's west coast to as far east as Eritrea. Many feel sidelined in Africa's modern states. The sense of exclusion and the shift in the Islamist battlefield southwards to Mali's more populated, richer areas is a headache for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. That was highlighted in November 2015, when gunmen killed dozens at the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako. Several Islamist groups claimed the raid but the government gave most credence to the Mopti-based Macina Liberation Front (MLF), a Fulani jihadist group allied to Ansar Dine. The MLF's figurehead, Amadou Koufa, is a fiery cleric whose sermons call on Fulanis to rebuild historic empires like Massina, which once stretched over the Mopti region. Hamma Cisse, an imam who was at the same Koranic school as Koufa, remembers a quarrelsome boy who wrote love songs and became bitter and disillusioned. "The Fulani felt frustrated," he said. "The pupils in the French schools were considered superior, they always got the jobs. Amadou felt it as a real injustice." Koufa moved to Mauritania and came back preaching radical Islam. "He preached everywhere, village by village," Cisse said. "He was standing up for the Fulani, against poverty, against abuses by the water and forest authorities. One thing I'm sure of - people aren't following him out of religious conviction." (Additional reporting by Adama Diarra; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Credit: Mark Lim Ever since it first premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Manchester by the Sea has been getting a ton of buzz. The drama--which hits select theaters today, Nov. 18--stars Casey Affleck as Lee Chandler, a Boston-based janitor who, after the death of his brother (Kyle Chandler), suddenly finds himself named guardian of his 16-year-old nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Leaving his life in Boston behind, Affleck's character returns to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea to raise the teen--despite the fact that Patrick's mom, Elise, played by Gretchen Mol, is still very much alive. "My character is pretty much a negligent mother," Mol recently told InStyle during a visit to our New York City offices. "She's just one of those people who's not capable of seeing outside of her own bubble, in a way. She's kind of an alcoholic and just simply non-functioning, so even though she's still alive, her son can't live with her--even though he just lost his father." As the story progresses, Manchester by the Sea dives deep into the lives of its characters. "Kenneth Lonergan is such a beautiful storyteller and filmmaker, and he manages to tell this tale of real loss without ever being sentimental," said Mol. "It really lends a beauty to that thing of living, and the universal thing of loss, that you don't see a lot in movies. We all have to grieve at some point for different reasons, and it was nice to get in touch with that. It makes you feel grateful to be alive, and it's very deep and moving--but it's also celebratory of just being human, in many ways." RELATED: Gretchen Mol Talks Starring in Chance with Hugh Laurie Although the film packs plenty of emotion, there are a few lighter moments throughout. "The lovely thing about Kenny is that while he's telling this story, he's also able to infuse it with a kind of humor," said Mol. "So you can see these people and have a laugh--and you almost feel like you've seen them before." Story continues For Mol, working on the project was unforgettable. "I have a very small part, so I didn't have many days on the set, but it was just beautiful," she said of filming in New England. "Really, I'm just so proud to be in it. That's why you get involved in doing something in the first place, to move people and have some kind of impact. And for me, there was no question that this one does." Check out the above trailer for Manchester by the Sea, and catch the film in limited theaters today. Hes hardly a household name in politics and most experts give him little chance to succeed. But Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan announced last week he would challenge House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California for the top Democratic post in the wake of the Democrats disastrous showing in the November 8 election. Ryan, 43, has virtually no leadership experience in Congress and only flirted with runs for the Senate and governorship before deciding to remain in the House. But in many ways, he is a man for the political times a champion of the depressed Rust Belt economy and a long-standing critic of U.S. free trade policies whose views largely echo those of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT). Related: This How Nancy Pelosi Turns Sanders Supporters Into Clinton Voters? Ryan is arguing that for all of Pelosis impressive experience over the years including her prowess as a fundraiser and legislative strategist who helped push through the Affordable Care Act and her tenure as the first female speaker of the House the Democratic leadership is overdue for a change. He noted that under the current leadership, Democrats had been reduced to their smallest congressional minority since 1929. The Democrats began the election trailing the Republicans in the House, 246 to 186. With three vacancies, they had high hopes of picking up at least 20 GOP-held seats. In the end, they had to settle for just six additional seats, which hardly put a dent in the GOP majority. Republicans, meanwhile, retained control of the Senate and recaptured control of the White House. "Vote for me and I will dedicate all of my energy to lead us back into the majority, Ryan wrote in a letter to his colleagues Thursday afternoon as he formally tossed his hat in the ring. Our constituents deserve nothing less. The battle-tested Pelosi sought to brush aside the nascent rebellion with a letter of her own to her caucus on Thursday, boasting that she has the support of at least two-thirds of the 188-member Democratic caucus. And some of her top supporters dismissed Ryans effort as little more than a publicity stunt by a back-bencher. Story continues Related: Five Clinton vs. Sanders Policy Battles That Could Blow Up the Convention Pelosi -- first elected to Congress in 1987 -- was clearly piqued when she was forced to postpone the leadership election that had been scheduled for Thursday until after the Thanksgiving holiday to prevent an uprising by disgruntled rank and file members. Ryan, whose district includes the old steel manufacturing town of Youngstown, is particularly incensed that Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and other party leaders focused so much on attacking Trumps temperament and fitness to serve in the closing weeks of the campaign instead of appealing to white working class voters in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and other Rust Belt states that ultimately decided the election. While having a position in Democratic leadership has never been my lifes ambitions, after this election I believe we all need to reevaluate our roles within the caucus, the Democratic Party, and our country, he wrote. Here are nine things you should know about Tim Ryan: Ryan grew up in tiny Niles, Ohio, and his parents divorced when he was seven years old. He played football in high school and was a star quarterback. He was recruited to play for Youngstown State University, but a knee injury cut his career short, and he transferred to Bowling Green State University. Related: Clinton -- Trumps Not Qualified, and Sanders Is Done After picking up a BA and law degree, Ryan began his political career working on the staff of Ohio Democratic congressman Jim Traficant, the fiery populist and rabble rouser with the bad toupee, and then went on to win a seat in the state Senate. When Traficant was forced to step down from his congressional seat in 2002 after being convicted of racketeering and bribery, Ryan declared his candidacy for the seat and went on to victory at the age of 29. Democrat Tom Sawyer, an incumbent congressman who had been thrown into the district by reapportionment, had been favored to win the Democratic primary. But Ryan hammered him for supporting the 1993 North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and for being one of the few politicians in the Rust Belt to favor normalizing trade relations with China. Ryan made his mark on Capitol Hill early in his career as a champion of blue collar workers and the Rust Belt, displaying a strong liberal bent on economic and foreign policy issues, while attempting to straddle the issues of abortion and gun control in his conservative Mahoning Valley district. Ryan initially voted for an amendment restricting federal funding for abortions, but in January 2015 he announced that he had gained a deeper understanding of the complexities and emotions of the issue and now identified as pro-choice. Ryan endeared himself to Pelosi a decade ago by backing one of her closest allies, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), in his unsuccessful bid against Steny Hoyer of Maryland for majority leader in 2006. Pelosi, who was destined to become the first female House speaker, rewarded Ryan with a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee. Ryan made the most of his seat on the Appropriations Committee and spent much energy steering earmarked projects to his economically destitute district. He won approval of $26 million in 2007 alone, according to the Almanac of American Politics. But he wasnt alone in rounding up pork for his state. Ohio lawmakers put $305 million into 2008 spending bills for a vast array of construction, defense and economic development projects. Ryan is a strong proponent of meditation to reduce stress. He attended a five-day retreat after the 2008 election where he turned off two BlackBerrys and gradually reduced how often he spoke until he maintained a 36-hour period of silence, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. He is the author of A Mindful Nation: How a Simple Practice Can Help Us Reduce Stress, Improve Performance, and Recapture the American Spirit . He was arrested in Virginia in August 2012 on a charge of public intoxication, but he pleaded not guilty, and the charge was later dismissed. Ryan serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Manufacturing Caucus, a group of lawmakers who promote legislation and action to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base, bolster job training and education, and toughening U.S. trade policies. He is the leading advocate in the House to impose sanctions on unfair Chinese currency manipulation. Ryan has never served in a House leadership position but began meeting behind the scenes with other disgruntled Democrats after the election. In announcing his decision to challenge Pelosi for minority leader, he circulated a letter to his colleagues late last week noting that Democrats have only been in the majority of the House for two terms during the past 18 years, and the latest Republican rout had set the party back even further. We owe it to our constituencies to listen and bring a new voice to the leadership, he wrote. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: It is not clear whether incoming First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron will move to the White House full-time with Donald Trump after the presidential inauguration. Trump spokesman Jason Miller told reporters on Sunday that there is obviously a sensitivity about pulling 10-year-old Barron from school in the middle of the academic year. Miller was responding to a New York Post article that claimed Trumps wife and son would not move to the White House because Melania Trump wants to focus primarily on her son. The President-elect himself is expected to spend a significant amount of time in New York after his inauguration. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com Washington (AFP) - Donald Trump's wife Melania and young son Barron will probably stay in New York when the president-elect moves into the White House, the transition team suggested Sunday. The parents are wary of pulling their son out of school now, team communications director Jason Miller told reporters. "There's obviously sensitivity to pulling their 10-year-old out of school in the middle of the school year. A more formal statement will be coming in the future," Miller said. He was responding to a New York Post report that Melania Trump, 46, and her son will keep living in Trump Tower at least until the end of the school year so the boy can continue attending his private school in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Trump, speaking to reporters in New Jersey, said "yes, White House" when asked if he was planning on moving into the presidential residence. He was then asked whether his wife and son would be joining him there. "Very soon. After he's finished with school," Trump said. Trump will be sworn in as president on January 20. US presidents have lived in and worked at the White House since John Adams took up residence there in 1800. UPDATED: 6:05 p.m. EST President-elect Donald Trump Sunday confirmed his wife and youngest son will stay in New York after the inauguration though he will settle into the White House. Trump told McClatchy newspapers his wife and son Barron will remain in New York at least through the end of the school year. Original story Future first lady Melania Trump has no plans to move into the White House come January, the New York Post reported Sunday. The former model, 46, and son Barron, 10, plan to continue living in the Trump Tower penthouse so the fourth-grader can stay at the private school he attends, at least through the end of the school year, the Post reported. Melania is extremely close to Barron, and they have become closer during the campaign, a source close to Trumps transition team told the Post. The campaign has been difficult for Barron, and she is really hoping to keep disruption to a minimum. The story left open the possibility Trump and Barron would move to Washington during the summer. Another source quoted by the Post said Trump would travel to the White House as needed and is committed to doing everything thats needed as first lady. melania trump Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters The presidents wife has not been the only one to perform the duties of first lady during an administration. Thomas Jeffersons daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph, served as White House hostess, as did Andrew Jacksons niece, Emily Donelson. Angelica Van Buren, the daughter of Martin Van Buren, served as White House hostess in the last two years of her fathers administration. John Tylers wife suffered a stroke, so their daughter Letty Tyler Semple and daughter-in-law Priscilla Cooper Tyler took over White House hostess duties until Tyler remarried. Zachary Taylors wife refused to serve as first lady, so their daughter Betty Taylor Bliss took over the role. James Buchanan was a bachelor, so a niece filled the role of first lady. Andrew Johnsons wife suffered from tuberculosis, so their daughter Martha Patterson acted as hostess and also milked cows at the White House every morning. Story continues Chester Arthurs sister, Mary Arthur McElroy, served as White House hostess and then joined the anti-suffrage movement. Trump is only the second foreign-born first lady in the nations history. Louisa Catherine Adams was married to John Quincy Adams. She was born in London and didnt come to the United States until four years after she and Adams married. Related Articles Berlin (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her party Sunday she will seek re-election next year, a move likely to be welcomed in many capitals as a sign of stability following poll triumphs for Brexit and Donald Trump. After months of feverish speculation, Merkel announced at a meeting with other leaders of her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) that she would run for a fourth term, a decision they met with thunderous applause, party sources told AFP. Merkel, 62, has governed Europe's top economic power, which does not have term limits, since 2005. She is due to hold a news conference at 1800 GMT Sunday. Another full four-year mandate, which pollsters say she is likely to win, would tie the post-war record set by her mentor Helmut Kohl, who presided over the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall. Merkel told the meeting she had struggled to make up her mind, the sources said, but concluded that Germany needed a strong CDU, which has no clear successor to the woman who has led the party since 2000. She added that next year's campaign would "not be a cakewalk". Merkel represents "stability and reliability in turbulent times because she holds society together and stands up to over-simplification" by populists, CDU deputy leader Julia Kloeckner told Welt am Sonntag newspaper earlier Sunday. "She stands for moderation and centrism instead of cheap headlines." - 'Risk-averse voters' - Merkel is the first woman, the youngest person and the only candidate who grew up in communist East Germany to lead the reunited country. A pastor's daughter and trained physicist, Merkel is popular among Germans who see her as a straight-shooter and a safe pair of hands in a crisis. But her decision to let in more than one million asylum seekers over the last two years dented her support. It also revived the fortunes of the rightwing populist Alternative for Germany party (AfD), which has harnessed widespread anxiety about migration. Story continues Nevertheless, observers said the recent seismic shifts in global politics were likely to drive traditionally risk-averse German voters back into her arms. "Society's need for predictability and stability could become so overpowering in the 2017 election year that even the creeping erosion of Merkel's chancellorship won't compromise her success at the polls in the end," left-leaning news weekly Die Zeit said. More than half of the electorate -- 55 percent -- want Merkel to stay in office, up from 42 percent in August, a poll for Bild am Sonntag newspaper showed Sunday. As US President Barack Obama exits the stage, many observers say Merkel's importance as a defender of Western values will only continue to grow, with some calling her the new "leader of the free world". While the globe braces for potentially radical changes in US leadership under Trump, Britain is wrestling with the fallout from its June vote backing withdrawal from the EU, and France is facing a presidential poll in May that could see far-right candidate Marine Le Pen snatch victory. Underlining her relative strength, Merkel gathered Obama and the leaders of Britain, France, Spain and Italy at her chancellery Friday for talks on the fight against terrorism, climate change and the strategic threat posed by Russia. - Obama endorsement - On his farewell visit to Berlin, Obama praised Merkel Thursday as an "outstanding partner" and urged Germans to "appreciate" her. "It's up to her whether she wants to stand again... but if I were here and I were German and I had a vote, I might support her," he said with a smile. Misgivings about Merkel's refugee policy were blamed for a string of state election defeats for the CDU over the last year, and sparked an open revolt by its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, which demanded a strict upper limit on incoming asylum seekers. A survey Sunday showed that Merkel's conservatives would draw 33 percent of the vote if the election were held this weekend, down nine points from the last national poll in 2013. The centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), junior partners in Merkel's "grand" coalition, were a distant second with 24 percent. The AfD and the opposition Greens were neck-and-neck with 13 percent and 12 percent respectively, according to independent opinion research institute Emnid. It is still unclear who will carry the SPD's banner into the race, with party leader Sigmar Gabriel potentially facing a challenge from European Parliament President Martin Schulz. RACINE The diversity of the staff of the Racine Unified School District has fallen to 19 percent of staff being a ethnic minority, down from 32 percent last year, and a number of factors could have played a role in the decline. Julie Landry, chief of human capital for Unified, said many minority teachers came to the district in the 1970s and 80s and are now retiring, but there are not a lot of younger teachers to replace them. There arent as many minorities or, in general, anyone entering education at the numbers where it was back then, Landry said. There isnt a group to pull from to replace them. The biggest drop in staff was with African Americans, going from 15 percent of the district staff last year to 9 percent this year. Hispanics also saw a decrease, from almost 11 percent down to 7 percent. However, white staff members increased their ranks 10 percent from last year to 81 percent of staff this year. Landry presented the information to the School Board last month and also informed board members that, despite the drop, the percentage of minority staff members is still above the state average for school districts, which is at 18 percent. As employees retire and leave the district, our racial breakdown will change. Its always going to change; its fluid, Landry said. I cannot pinpoint any particular reason why when you look at the African American breakdown there was such a significant drop. Pay is an issue Landry said districts such as Milwaukee and Madison have the most minority teachers living near those areas, and that those districts can provide additional finances that Unified cant. The market share is small; everybody is recruiting minority teachers, Landry said. Some school districts are paying stipends and signing bonuses, things we cant do. We have some challenges when we compare ourselves to other districts. Another issue is the district cant provide some of the stipends for experience that other districts offer. We can give teachers with experience up to three years only, Landry said. They have to teach for us for three years, then well go back and give them whatever additional years they have. But other school districts give you experience credit right away on their salary schedule. To attract teachers, district representatives attend events at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Alverno College to get the word out about Racine Unified. I will tell you from my own experience, I wouldnt have even thought of Racine as a school district (to work in) unless I knew someone that was in this district, Landry said, adding Unified is focused on improving its brand to teachers outside of the area. Were very similar in our demographics as Milwaukee we have recruited some teachers from Milwaukee and other employers and they have stayed (with Unified). Role models Finding qualified minority teachers is critical to the education experience of student population which, according to the district, is 42 percent white, 29 percent African American, 26 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Asian and 1 percent with two or more ethnicities. Its powerful when a student can see someone that looks like them being successful, Landry said. It motivates students. It gives them something to look forward to. It gives them hope. In some instances, depending on what their family background is, it can be very dim for them. But to come to school and see a teacher or administrator or an educational assistant, somebody that looks like them doing something positive and productive, thats very powerful for them. * Merkel tells leading party members of her intention at meeting * Merkel viewed as stabilising force after Trump win, Brexit vote * Liberal migrant policy has hit popularity * Poll shows majority of Germans want her to serve fourth term (Recasts after Merkel confirmation) By Andreas Rinke and Madeline Chambers BERLIN, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Angela Merkel announced on Sunday she wants to run for a fourth term as German chancellor in next year's election, a sign of stability after Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. Despite a voter backlash over her open-door migrant policy, the 62-year old conservative said she would stand again in the September election, ending months of speculation over her decision. "I thought about this for an endlessly long time. The decision (to run) for a fourth term is - after 11 years in office - anything but trivial," Merkel told a news conference after a meeting of senior members of her conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) party convened to prepare for the election. Some 55 percent of Germans want Merkel, Germany's eighth chancellor since World War Two, to serve a fourth term, with 39 percent against, an Emnid poll showed on Sunday, highlighting that despite setbacks, she is still an electoral asset. Merkel has steered Europe's biggest economy through the financial crisis and euro zone debt crisis and has won respect internationally, for example with her efforts to help solve the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. President Barack Obama last week described her as an "outstanding" ally. With Trump's victory in the United States and the rise in support for right-wing parties in several European states, some commentators see Merkel as a bastion of Western liberal values. "Angela Merkel is the answer to the populism of this time. She is, as it were, the anti-Trump," party ally Stanislaw Tillich, premier of the state of Saxony, told the RND newspaper group, adding she stood for reliability and predictability. Story continues However, her decision last year to open Germany's borders to around 900,000 migrants, mostly from war zones in the Middle East, angered many voters at home and dented her ratings. Her party has slumped in regional elections in the last year while support for the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) has swelled. In September, after a heavy defeat for the CDU in a Berlin state election, a humbled Merkel surprised the country by saying she wished she could turn the clock back on the migrant crisis, though she stopped short of saying her policy was a mistake. BIG TASKS AHEAD If re-elected, her responsibilities will range from helping lead talks with Britain on its withdrawal from the EU, soothing tense relations with Turkey, a crucial partner in the migrant crisis, and developing a relationship with Trump. Domestically, her biggest challenge will probably be managing the integration of refugees in an increasingly divided society and keeping Europe's powerhouse economy on track. An Emnid poll on Sunday put Merkel's conservative bloc down one point at 33 percent, nine points ahead of her nearest rivals, the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom she shares power. In a system where coalition governments are the norm, many pollsters see another 'grand coalition' as the most likely option after the election, although the rise of the AfD makes coalition arithmetic more complicated. The SPD has not decided whether its chairman Sigmar Gabriel, Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister, will run against Merkel. One of the SPD's deputy leaders, Ralf Stegner, said it would be a mistake to underestimate Merkel but that the "myth of invincibility" was over. Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany, is a physicist who only became involved in politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She is seen as a talented negotiator but has also shown a ruthless streak. A Protestant woman in a mainly Catholic and male-dominated party, at least when she became its leader in 2000, Merkel never built up a regional power base but over the years she has sidelined her main male rivals and has no obvious successor. She still requires the official backing of her Christian Social Union (CSU) allies in Bavaria, who have fiercely criticised her open-door migrant policy. CSU head Horst Seehofer welcomed her decision on Sunday. "We now want the trust of the population for another four years and therefore it is good that we have clarity," he said. Germany has no limit on the number of terms a chancellor can serve. By standing again, Merkel, who said she wanted to serve the full fourth term, could end up matching the 16 years in office of her former mentor, Helmut Kohl. It was Merkel herself who broke with Kohl and told her party in 1999, in the midst of a funding scandal, that it should move on without him. (Additional reporting by Thorsten Severin and Joern Poltz in Munich; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Stephen Powell and Philippa Fletcher) (Repeats to more subscribers) * Merkel tells leading party members of her intention at meeting * Merkel viewed as stabilising force after Trump win, Brexit vote * Liberal migrant policy has hit popularity * Poll shows majority of Germans want her to serve fourth term By Andreas Rinke and Madeline Chambers BERLIN, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Angela Merkel announced on Sunday she wants to run for a fourth term as German chancellor in next year's election, a sign of stability after Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump as the next U.S. president. The 62-year old conservative, facing a voter backlash over her open-door migrant policy, said she had thought long and hard before eventually deciding to stand again in the September election, ending months of speculation over her decision. "The decision for a fourth term is - after 11 years in office - anything but trivial - for the country, the party and, I say it consciously in this order, for me personally," she told reporters, striking a serious, almost sombre, tone. "It is a decision not just for an election campaign but about the next four years ... if health allows it," she added after a meeting of senior members of her conservative Christian Democrat (CDU) party. An Emnid poll on Sunday showed that some 55 percent of Germans want Merkel, Germany's eighth chancellor since World War Two, to serve a fourth term, with 39 percent against, indicating that despite setbacks, she is still an electoral asset. Merkel has steered Europe's biggest economy through the financial crisis and euro zone debt crisis and has won respect internationally, for example with her efforts to help solve the conflict in Ukraine. U.S. President Barack Obama last week described her as an "outstanding" ally. With Trump's victory in the United States and the rise in support for right-wing parties in several European states, some commentators see Merkel as a bastion of Western liberal values. Story continues "Angela Merkel is the answer to the populism of this time. She is, as it were, the anti-Trump," party ally Stanislaw Tillich, premier of the state of Saxony, told the RND newspaper group, adding she stood for reliability and predictability. However, she rejected the responsibility that was pushed onto her after Trump's win as "grotesque and absurd". "No person alone - even with the greatest experience - can change things in Germany, Europe and the world for the better, and certainly not the chancellor of Germany," she said. Merkel's decision last year to open Germany's borders to around 900,000 migrants, mostly from war zones in the Middle East, angered many voters at home and dented her ratings. Her party has slumped in regional elections in the last year while support for the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) has swelled. In September, after a heavy defeat for the CDU in a Berlin state election, a humbled Merkel surprised the country by saying she wished she could turn the clock back on the migrant crisis, though she stopped short of saying her policy was a mistake. DEFEND OUR VALUES Domestically, her biggest challenge will probably be managing the integration of refugees in an increasingly divided society and keeping Europe's powerhouse economy on track. "On a European and international level we have to stand up for our values and interests," she said, citing the euro zone crisis, the migrant crisis and Brexit as challenges. An Emnid poll on Sunday put Merkel's conservative bloc down one point at 33 percent, nine points ahead of her nearest rivals, the Social Democrats (SPD), with whom she shares power. In a system where coalition governments are the norm, many pollsters see another 'grand coalition' as the most likely option after the election, although the rise of the AfD makes coalition arithmetic more complicated. The SPD has not decided whether its chairman Sigmar Gabriel, Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister, will run against Merkel. One of the SPD's deputy leaders, Ralf Stegner, said it would be a mistake to underestimate Merkel but that the "myth of invincibility" was over. Merkel said this election would be more difficult than any since reunification in 1990 due to the threat from the right, social divisions and the possibility that Germany's leftist parties could form a coalition. Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany, is a physicist who only became involved in politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She is seen as a talented negotiator but has also shown a ruthless streak. A Protestant woman in a mainly Catholic and male-dominated party, at least when she became its leader in 2000, Merkel never built up a regional power base but over the years she has sidelined her main male rivals and has no obvious successor. She still requires the official backing of her party at a conference in early December and also of her Christian Social Union (CSU) allies in Bavaria, who have fiercely criticised her open-door migrant policy. CSU head Horst Seehofer welcomed her decision on Sunday. "We now want the trust of the population for another four years and therefore it is good that we have clarity," he said. Germany has no limit on the number of terms a chancellor can serve and Merkel could end up matching the 16 years in office of her former mentor, Helmut Kohl. It was Merkel herself who broke with Kohl and told her party in 1999, in the midst of a funding scandal, that it should move on without him. (Additional reporting by Thorsten Severin, Anderea Shalal and Joern Poltz in Munich; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Stephen Powell/Philippa Fletcher/Louise Heavens) Despite President-elect Donald Trumps demands that the cast of Hamilton apologize to Mike Pence for its statement on Friday, the future vice president took a much more measured approach to the incident on Sunday. It was a real joy to be there, Pence told Chris Wallace in an appearance on Fox News Sunday. When we arrived, we heard a few boos and we heard some cheers and I nudged my kids and reminded them, thats what freedom sounds like. I did hear what was said from the stage, and I can tell you I wasnt offended by what was said. Ill leave to others whether that was the appropriate venue to say it, he added. He also praised the show as incredible, and complimented the incredibly talented cast. On Friday night, actor Brandon V. Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the Broadway hit, read a prepared statement to Pence from the cast, with input from the shows creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and producer Jeffrey Seller. We, sir, we are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir, Dixon said on stage. But we truly hope this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us, all of us. We truly thank you for sharing this show this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men, women, of different colors, creeds, and orientations. Pences response stands in stark contrast to his running mates alarmed tweets on the matter. Trump tweeted on Saturday, Our wonderful future V.P. Mike Pence was harassed last night at the theater by the cast of Hamilton, cameras blazing. This should not happen! Trump doubled down on his demand early Sunday, tweeting, The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior. Related stories Green Day Blasts Donald Trump During American Music Awards Performance Story continues Ari Emanuel Meets With Donald Trump, But Not for a Cabinet Position Alec Baldwin Fires Back at Donald Trump's 'SNL' Criticism Karbala (Iraq) (AFP) - Millions of Shiite Muslim pilgrims beating their chests in mourning thronged the Iraqi city of Karbala Sunday under the protection of thousands of members of the security forces. The Arbaeen pilgrimage is one of the world's largest religious events and is seen as a major potential target for suicide bombers from the Islamic State jihadist group. The commemoration of Imam Hussein's death in 680 AD will culminate on Monday but millions were already packing the city hosting the shrine of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson. Nusayyef al-Khattabi, who heads the Karbala provincial council, said he expected the total number of visitors over several days to range "between 17 and 20 million". Among them are an estimated three million foreigners, mostly Iranians who started crossing the border days ago. "We are on maximum alert," Staff Major General Qais Khalaf Rahaima, the head of the security command responsible for the area, told AFP. Many in the sea of black-clad devotees swarming the shrine walked days to reach Karbala, sometimes from cities as far afield as Basra, about 500 kilometres (300 miles) away by road. Baghdad and much of the country south of the capital come to a standstill in the days preceding Arbaeen, as several major motorways are reserved for pilgrims on foot on one side and authorised vehicles on the other. Arbaeen, which means "forty" in Arabic, is an observance that peaks on the 40th day after the anniversary of Hussein's death, but the pilgrimage takes place over several days running up to it. "Around 24,000 members of the army and police have been involved in the implementation of a security plan over three weeks," Rahaima said. Tens of thousands of Iraqi forces are battling the Islamic State group in and around Mosul, a large northern city and the jihadists' last major urban stronghold in Iraq. Since the previous edition of Arbaeen in December 2015, their self-proclaimed "caliphate" has been unravelling and the jihadists are expected to increasingly turn to spectacular one-off attacks on symbolic targets. Karbala, which lies about 80 kilometres (50 miles) southwest of Baghdad, faces the desert of Anbar, a vast province which was until recently an IS bastion and where jihadists still carry out frequent attacks. London (AFP) - Andy Murray hailed his ATP Tour Finals triumph against Novak Djokovic as the perfect finish to a dream season as the Scot wrapped up the year-end world number one ranking. Murray produced a superb display to defeat Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in the final at London's O2 Arena and guarantee he would remain above the Serb in the last rankings of 2016. The 29-year-old is the first British man to finish in pole position since the inception of the ATP rankings in 1973 and the first player other than Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to end the year top since Andy Roddick in 2003. It caps an incredible 11 months for Murray, who won Wimbledon for the second time, claimed a second Olympic gold medal and became a father for the first time. "Right now to finish the year like this, this is the best possible way, obviously," he said. "It was just a huge match to try and finish number one. This is a major event and one I've not done well in in the past, so it's been a great week. "It was a big, big match against someone that would be my main rival really throughout my career. "We played in all of the Slam finals, Olympics, and now a match to finish the year number one. It was obviously a big match, a very important win for me. " Just 24 hours after he played the longest match in tournament history to beat Milos Raonic in three hours and 39 minutes, Murray looked surprisingly fresh and he admitted it was crucial he got ahead quickly to avoid being dragged into another draining encounter. "I felt tired. I didn't feel great this morning, just a bit sluggish, a bit heavy-legged," he said. "Thankfully the first seven games, there was no long rallies really at all, which for us is strange. "It wasn't really until the middle of the second set when the rallies started to get extended and longer that my legs were starting to feel it. "That's why it became harder to close the match out because I knew the longer the match went, the worse I was going to feel, and probably the better he was going to play, too. " Story continues - Massive respect - Having lost 13 of his last 15 matches against Djokovic, including the Australian and French Open finals this year, Murray said it was extra special to achieve his double success against his old rival. "I have massive respect for everything that he's done, for him as a player," Murray said. "It's a match-up that over the last couple of years I lost a lot of the big matches against him. This one was a big match and I managed to get over the line. "I was lucky I got it finished in two sets. I don't think that was one of Novak's best matches. I was solid enough when I needed to be. I didn't make those mistakes." Djokovic had no complaints and admitted he had been well below his best in a lethargic performance that included 30 unforced errors. "I just played very poorly and made a lot of unforced errors from the backhand side. It just wasn't my day," Djokovic said. "Credit to Andy for being mentally tough and playing the right shots, making me play extra shots in every rally. He definitely deserved to win. "Even though he has had very long matches, especially the one yesterday, people were thinking maybe he's going to be slightly tired, but he didn't seem so." By Shwe Yee Saw Myint YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar is largely unprepared for an outbreak of Zika, experts say, with the health ministry slashing anti-virus measures due to lack of funds, overworked doctors skipping check-ups and pregnant women saying they are in the dark about the dangers. Zika has spread to some 60 countries and territories since the current outbreak was identified last year in Brazil, raising alarm over the rare birth defect microcephaly, as well as other neurological disorders it can cause in infants and adults. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Myanmar country head Dr Jorge M. Luna, warned Myanmar was likely to experience more cases of the mosquito-borne virus that has spread quickly in the region, with the number of infections doubling in Vietnam and 33 fresh cases confirmed in Thailand this week.. Myanmar detected its first Zika-infected patient more than two weeks ago, prompting pledges of increased monitoring and stepped up mosquito-prevention measures. But more than a dozen interviews with pregnant women, doctors in public hospitals and government officials show the country of 51.5 million is struggling to inform the public about the virus or prevent it from spreading. On a recent afternoon more than 100 pregnant women waited - some standing for more than three hours - in noisy, crowded corridors of the Yangon Central Women's Hospital, the largest such institution in the country. "I wanted to ask doctors some questions about Zika, but they are very busy because they have to see many pregnant women at the same time," said San San Aye, 42. She had heard about Zika from a friend, but was unsure how it could affect her pregnancy. Myanmar is struggling to shed the legacy of nearly 50 years of junta rule that has left its economy and public services - especially healthcare and education - in tatters. It has only 0.6 physicians per 1,000 people, according to the WHO, six times fewer than Kazakhstan. Total expenditure on health stands at $20.3 per person, about 18 times less than Thailand, and dilapidated and overcrowded hospitals often lack basic supplies. A Reuters reporter visiting the Yangon hospital did not see any stickers or signs posted alerting or explaining Zika to the women. Healthcare workers said they did not know how to educate patients about the virus. At smaller public hospitals nurses often carry out check-ups instead of specialist doctors, who sometimes do not turn up for scheduled appointments, Reuters reporters found when visiting two township-level hospitals on Yangon's outskirts. Dr. Than Htun Aung, in charge of Zika emergency response and international relations at the Ministry of Health, said a shortage of doctors meant they could not always attend appointments. He said nurses were qualified to examine the women. CONFUSION, LACK OF FUNDS At hastily called news conference after the first case of Zika in Myanmar was confirmed, Dr. Soe Lwin Nyein, who heads public health department at the Ministry of Health, has urged women to avoid pregnancies in the next six months. The statement has confused some Myanmar healthcare specialists, who said they did not understand the reasoning behind the recommendation, and whether it meant no more Zika cases were expected after the six-month period. That made them reluctant to discuss the risks with patients, doctors and nurses told Reuters. The WHO's Luna said the organization's guidelines were to give couples full information about potential risks and impact on newborns, but the decision on whether to have children was up to the couple. "You have to give them information, good information, what is going on, and it's the couple's choice," said Luna. Than Htun Aung, at the health ministry, said medical specialists were trained about Zika guidelines last week. "During the training, we told them how to give instructions to patients on how to avoid sexually transmitting Zika," he said. But in Yangon, Dr. Tun Lwin, who heads the regional public health authority, said Zika was not the priority, compared with sometimes fatal dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases. He said the regional government did not provide funds to local staff to carry out public health campaigns about the virus, but some staff members campaigned spending their own money. The Ministry of Health's Than Htun Aung said measures to control mosquitoes in cities were progressing slowly because of a lack of staff and funding. He added the government wanted to test all pregnant women, travelers, and foreigners, but "we do not have the budget to test them because the tests are expensive". (Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Alex Richardson) NBC News came under fire Sunday morning for two tweets that removed context from an answer Reince Priebus, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for White House chief of staff, offered on the idea of a Muslim registry. Priebus appeared "Meet the Press" and was asked by host Chuck Todd whether he could rule out the idea of placing Muslims on a registry. Here was the exchange: TODD: Can you equivocally rule out a registry for Muslims? PRIEBUS: Look, Im not going to rule out anything. But, we are not going to have a registry based on religion. The public relations account for NBC News tweeted out the exchange twice but left out the second part of Priebus' response: "Can you rule out a registry for Muslims?" asks @ChuckTodd. "I'm not going to rule out anything..." says @Reince on @MeetThePress #MTP NBC News PR (@NBCNewsPR) November 20, 2016 WATCH: WH Chief of Staff @Reince not going to rule out anything when asked about a possible Muslim registry. #MTPhttps://t.co/pSd0PZCuaa NBC News PR (@NBCNewsPR) November 20, 2016 The tweets quickly faced criticism. "This quote is in fact opposite of what PR tweet indicates," tweeted Maggie Haberman, a political correspondent for The New York Times. Charlie Warzel, a senior technology writer for BuzzFeed, called it an "irresponsible half-quote w/o even a link for context." Others flooded the NBC News account with messages calling the tweets "misleading" and "dishonest." Story continues A representative for NBC News declined to say whether the media organization would issue a retraction, but the Twitter account dug its heels in the sand in a reply to Haberman. @maggieNYT Full @meetthepress answer for reference. He *does* say "I'm not going to rule out anything." pic.twitter.com/7PXxvfWEAg NBC News PR (@NBCNewsPR) November 20, 2016 Trump has often criticized the media, accusing it of unfairly covering his campaign and, more recently, his transition into office. NOW WATCH: Animated map shows how drastically split different demographics are this election More From Business Insider Jerusalem (AFP) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's decision to buy three more submarines from Germany, in the face of a potential scandal involving his personal lawyer over the sale. "Conflict of interest" stories have been rife in the media since Channel 10 television revealed that lawyer David Shimron also represents the Israeli agent of the German group ThyssenKrupp which builds the submarine. But the premier, who has sworn he was unaware of Shimron's link to the deal, defended the purchase of the advanced submarines at Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting. "The principle that guides me is clear: Israel will be able to defend itself by itself against any enemy, in any field," he said. "The security of Israel requires the acquisition of submarines and the renewal of the submarine fleet. "These are strategic weapons systems that ensure the future, and I tell you, the very existence of the state of Israel for decades to come." The purchase is facing mounting calls for an investigation, especially in light of opposition from sectors of the armed forces command and some defence experts because of the high costs. According to Israeli media, the Jewish state has ordered three more submarines at a combined price of 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion), to replace the oldest vessels in its existing Dolphin fleet, which began entering service in 1999. Israel already has five of the state-of-the-art German submarines, with a sixth due for delivery in 2017, Maariv newspaper reported. Germany, in the form of military assistance, has so far covered a third of the costs of the submarines in the Israeli fleet. Foreign military sources say the Dolphins can be equipped with missiles armed with nuclear warheads. Israel is the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power, refusing to confirm or deny that it has such weapons. RACINE The Happiness Club is just like it sounds. The group of about 20 regulars and another 120 or so on the clubs Facebook page bring happiness to other organizations through charity which in turn gives the groups members their own sense of happiness. It ends up bringing you happiness when you get more involved in your community and you see that youre actually helping and making a difference, founder Bethany Zimpel said. Zimpel started the organization in 2014 after volunteering with the Wisconsin Humane Society. She saw how much help that group needed from the community and wondered how many other local organizations had a similar need, she said. You cant save the world, but you can try to help save whats right in front of you, said her husband, Darin. The club takes its name after Great Britain happy cafes, which are designed to be a welcoming place to meet other people in the community. The group meets once a month at local businesses and hears from Racine nonprofits looking for help. Over the past two years, the Happiness Club has benefited groups such as Veterans Outreach, Faith Hope & Love, the LGBT Center, Racine Literacy Council and Cops n Kids. In December, the Happiness Club will turn its focus toward providing Christmas gifts for foster children and senior citizens. Bethany Zimpel estimates the group has probably raised close to $2,000 in cash to go along with an untold number of in-kind items, like food and clothing. This doesnt have to hurt your pocketbook, Zimpel said Saturday, just before the groups November meeting at Divino Gelato Cafe, 245 Main St. You can donate a dollar. But combined with the 143 people (which is how many Facebook likes the groups page has), it makes a big difference. Zimpel hopes to eventually turn the Happiness Clubs Facebook page into a clearinghouse to connect people who have excess items with those who need them, or to give people looking to volunteer a place to start. People dont always know how to help, she said. I want this page to be a resource to make it really easy for them to be able to help. To get involved with the Happiness Club, residents can visit the groups Facebook page at www.facebook.com/happinessclub.racine, or contact Bethany Zimpel at bzbeecreations@yahoo.com or 262-939-7861. (Adds details of talk, background on relations) LIMA, Nov 20 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke for around four minutes on Sunday at the APEC summit about Syria and Ukraine, in what is likely to be their last in-person meeting before Obama leaves office. The two men met at the start of the summit meeting in Lima, Peru's capital. They exchanged pleasantries and remained standing as they spoke. "The president urged President Putin to uphold Russia's commitments under the Minsk agreements, underscoring the U.S. and our partners' commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty," a White House official said. Obama also emphasized the need for their two countries' foreign ministers "to continue pursuing initiatives, together with the broader international community, to diminish the violence and alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people," the official said. After their brief talk, Obama greeted others at the meeting before sitting down. Obama and Putin have had a challenging relationship. The U.S. president said last week he had warned Putin about consequences for cyber attacks attributed to Moscow that were seen as trying to influence the U.S. election. During his race for the White House, Republican President-elect Donald Trump praised Putin. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Alan Crosby) Left: Louisiana State Sen. Karen Carter Peterson (Photo: AP Images). Right: State Rep. Mark Abraham (Photo: Facebook/Mark Abraham State Representative) With all the political issues getting people at each others throats lately, it may be hard to believe something like cake can be the cause of a bitter fight. But thats exactly what got Louisiana state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson angry with her colleague, state Rep. Mark Abraham. After seeing that Abraham left out a cake to share in the state Capitol that depicted a womans body in a bikini, Carter Peterson took offense and let her political colleague know of her displeasure. The cake was on display during a legislative hearing, according to WWL TV. I didnt think it was offensive, Abraham told WDSU. Maybe some people do OK. But it was a cake I just wanted to share with everybody. He shouldnt have done that. Its not a joke, Carter Peterson said in the same report from WDSU. In delivering her feedback about how offensive she found the cake, the senator wound up cursing at Abraham, which seemed to make matters only worse. You know, Karen, you cussing me out like this offends me, Abraham said. After apologizing for her colorful language, Carter Peterson stood by her position on the cake decoration, as did other Louisiana legislators, including state Rep. Helena Moreno. This is the Capitol. This is not a locker room, Moreno said. This is not a bachelor party. This cake incident occurred in an already-sensitive environment at the Louisiana state Capitol. Earlier this year, a legislator attempted to put forward an amendment to a human-trafficking bill that would legislate the age and weight of strippers reportedly as a joke. This move was also met with outcry, seemingly pitting male legislators against their female colleagues. Carter Peterson let her final thoughts be known on the cake issue when she smashed it. I cant make this up! There was a second cake removed that depicted a vagina!!! #offensive and not funny! #disrepectful #lalege pic.twitter.com/dRTyXOy4yj KarenCarterPeterson (@TeamKCP) November 18, 2016 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Two teenagers have been charged as adults with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Jovan Wilson, the grandson of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis. Chicago police said suspects Tariq Harris, 16, and Dijae Banks, 17, took part in the killing of the 15-year-old Wilson. Wilson was shot in the head on Friday after an argument over gym shoes, police said. There was a history between the young people involved, and it was a dispute over gym shoes, Anthony Guglielmi, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department told the Chicago Tribune. Harris and Banks will appear in court later Sunday and are being charged as adults, Guglielmi said. Davis, who represents Illinois 7th congressional district said in a statement that he was saddened to report his grandsons death, which comes in a year of unprecedented violence in Chicago. Unfortunately, this is another example of a fifteen year old with a gun who shouldnt have never had it, he wrote. Where did the gun come from? How did he get it? And of course, he never should have had it. We dont make very many of these, confided winemaker Peter Gago as a 6-liter bottle of Penfolds Grange, Australias most celebrated wine, was poured into glinting decanters before the widening eyes of guests at a special fete in Paris this past spring. Gagos remark was certainly an understatement: Penfolds produces just a handful of 6-liter (or Imperial) bottles of Grange each year, none of which have been offered for sale. This circumstance, however, is about to change. Not only will five examples of this prized format be released, but each will be paired with an arresting 6-liter decanter of Saint-Louis crystal to create what the house calls the Penfolds Aevum Imperial Service Ritual, which attendees at the Parisian gala were among the first to experience. This privilege was considerable, as each ritual set is priced at approximately $140,000. We wanted, says Gago, to do something really special. This quest took the Penfolds team far from South Australia, to the small town of Saint-Louis-les-Bitche in Alsace, where Saint-Louisone of Europes oldest glass manufacturershas its workshops. There the designers and master artisans who produce some of the worlds finest crystal, using methods that have scarcely changed for centuries, realized Penfolds vision. Achieving this aim, however, required more than mere skill. Penfolds is one of Australias oldest wineries, founded in 1844. The first vintage of Grange, a special cuvee inspired by the structure and longevity of Bordeauxs great reds, was conceived by legendary winemaker Max Schubert in 1951. Today Penfolds is one of the Australian wine industrys greatest success stories; yet despite the growth of the business, the company remains attached to its historic vineyard sites and winemaking traditions. Gago employs many of the same techniques that Schubert did before him when he makes todays vintages of Grange. For this reason, Saint-Louisa firm equally proud of its own extensive heritage and a champion of traditional handcraft over mechanizationproved the perfect partner. It was a matter of shared values, notes Jerome de Lavergnolle, Saint-Louiss president and CEO. This firm friendship has certainly proved fruitful. In addition to the exquisitely rendered decanters and Imperials of Grange, Penfolds will release a more accessible collectible set consisting of a 750 mL bottle of Grange and a bespoke Saint-Louis decanter that holds an equivalent volume of wine. Only 240 of these smaller limited editions, priced at $2,000 each, will arrive in North America. Whether large or small, each of these vessels elevates the pouring of Grange to a veritable ritualone that those lucky enough to witness it are unlikely to forget. Story continues More From Robbreport.com Watch of the Week: Ulysse Nardin Limited Edition Hourstriker Pin-Up See Why the 2.7 Carrera RS Is the Greatest Dual-Purpose Porsche Ever Created Take a Look at Ferraris Last Great Prototype-Sports Category Racecar Robb Report's 2016 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide Sothebys and IfOnly Auction off Memories of a Lifetime A Surreal Evening of Art Lima (AFP) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte met the man he calls his hero, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and unburdened his gripes about US "hypocrisy," "bullying" and foreign wars. Duterte, who has publicly expressed his admiration for the Russian leader, said the Cold War had stood between their two countries as the Philippines, a former US colony, was historically identified with the West. But that has changed now that he is president. Since taking office in June, the foul-mouthed Duterte has upended the Philippines' historical military alliance with the United States, repeatedly saying he was shifting toward China and Russia as he embarks on an independent foreign policy. "It was good (while) it lasted," Duterte told Putin of what he has called his "separation" from the United States. "Of late, I see a lot of these Western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy," he said during their 45-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Peruvian capital Lima. "And they seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is what is wrong with America and the others. They've been waging wars in so many places -- in Vietnam, in Afghanistan and in Iraq for one single reason that there was a weapon of mass destruction, and there was none." Duterte also said the United States "forced" the Philippines to contribute soldiers in its wars in Vietnam and Iraq. When Manila pulled out non-combat troops that were part of the US-led coalition against Saddam Hussein in Iraq in 2004 following threats to behead a kidnapped Filipino worker there, Washington "made it hard for us," Duterte told Putin in a video shot by the Philippine presidential palace broadcast team. "These are the things I see which is not a good idea," Duterte said in English. He also said the Philippines longed to be part of Europe. Story continues "We've been longing to be part also of -- despite the distance -- we have been longing to be part of Europe, especially in commerce and trade around the world." - Guns, women and Putin - Duterte, who has cultivated an image as a no-nonsense leader, said last month that "my favorite hero is Putin." He has also said that he and Putin seem to share a passion for guns and women. Favorite targets for his abusive verbal tirades are US President Barack Obama, UN chief Ban Ki-moon and the European Union. All three have expressed concern over Duterte's iron-fisted policy against drugs, which they said violated human rights and due process. Duterte missed the gala dinner at the APEC summit Saturday evening, sending a message to the hosts that he was sick. Staying put in his hotel may have avoided a potentially awkward encounter with Obama, who cancelled a meeting with him at another summit in September after Duterte called him a "son of a whore." MANILA (Reuters) - Masked gunmen kidnapped two Indonesian fishermen in waters off eastern Malaysia and military units were on alert to intercept them as they headed towards the southern Philippines, the army said on Sunday. Five men snatched the two fishermen late on Saturday from a Malaysian-registered fishing trawler off Sabah. The army suspects the incident could be the work of Abu Sayyaf rebels. "The gunmen and their victims sped off towards the southern Philippines," army spokesman, Major Filemon Tan, told reporters, adding ground and naval units were trying to intercept the assailants. Abu Sayyaf operates in the Sulu Archipelago close to Malaysia and was founded with a separatist agenda, pledging allegiance to Islamic State and al-Qaeda. But it is better known for its lucrative acts of banditry and piracy that have not abated, even as Philippine troops step up offensives to dismantle the network. President Rodrigo Duterte discussed the maritime threat of Abu Sayyaf with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak recently, agreeing to cooperate to stop the kidnapping. Abu Sayyaf's tactics are brutal, decapitating hostages when ransom demands are not met. They are holding 22 captives, including a Dutch, a German, a South Korean, five Malaysians, two Indonesians, six Vietnamese and six Filipinos. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Martin Petty and Kim Coghill) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f291242%2fticketmaster-kanye-west Ticketmaster is reaching into its pockets after a disastrous Kanye West concert at the Gold 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday. Fans are furious after West reportedly showed up 90 minutes late to the concert, then ended the show early after a lengthy Kanye West-style rant which involved him saying Beyonce "hurt" him and asking Jay Z to return his phone call. Thank you @kanyewest for starting an hour and a half late and preforming for 10 min and talking for 15 min & then ending the concert Reese (@reesezinzun) November 20, 2016 There has been no official announcement from Ticketmaster, but fans are reporting they are receiving refunds after calling Ticketmaster's customer service line. Representatives for Ticketmaster were not immediately available for comment. Called customer service line, waited on hold for 15 minutes, will get full refund for Kanye's letdown last night. Thanks, @Ticketmaster! Melissa Immel (@Melissa_Immel) November 20, 2016 Great news @Golden1Center kanye attendees- offered full refund for that bush league performance. Call @Ticketmaster ! Molly (@fraserfersure) November 20, 2016 If you went to the Kanye show last night just call Ticketmaster I got my refund within 5 minutes of talking to a rep Young T (@whoistoney) November 20, 2016 Welp. Ticketmaster issued $350 refund to my son and daughter. They are only out $10 for parking. Kanye Sandy Bee (@MrsBillyMiller) November 20, 2016 1-800-653-8000 is the number to Ticketmaster support. They're very helpful and will refund you for the Kanye show last night. Daniel Ragland (@DanielRagland) November 20, 2016 .@kanyewest tix refund from TicketMaster confirmed for me. I'm requesting refund in case they try to give me tix to another Kanye concert. pic.twitter.com/GH0yCpgteF 1985-Forever (@Kings85_Forever) November 20, 2016 Ticketmaster is updating their no-refund policy to include what they're calling the "Kanye Protocol" Max (@maxmwbrunt) November 20, 2016 West is slated to perform at the The Forum in Inglewood on Sunday night. Story continues According to fans at the Sacramento show, West only performed three songs before stopping to talk to the crowd. After the rant, West declared the show over, dropped his mic and walked off stage. Here's a longer version of the incident if you care to see what's going on inside Kanye's mind. BONUS: Kanye West says he would have voted for Trump TOWN OF BURLINGTON A high-capacity well has some town residents concerned about the future of Bohners Lake and the areas water supply. But a spokesman for the state Department of Natural Resources says there is no concern as the well is drawing water from a source separate from the lake. And the farmer who requested the permit for the well is assuring the public that there are no negative implications. If it was bad for the community, we wouldnt be doing it, said Mike Daniels, owner of Crane Grain Farms.The five-year well permit was approved by the DNR on June 30 to pump 1,000 gallons per minute between May and October each year for a 200-acre plot of land that is listed for agricultural use. The plot is owned by Crane Grain Farms, a Salem-based agricultural business that farms some 4,000 acres in Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties in Wisconsin and in Lake County, Ill. The well will be located a little less than a half a mile northeast from Bohners Lake on the property at 7855 Fish Hatchery Road. Daniels said they had no problems getting their request approved. The well is needed to improve yield on the farm, nothing more, nothing less, Daniels said. By putting irrigation on that farm, it will allows us to pick up 25 percent more yield. Though near Bohners Lake, the water will pull from a confined aquifer that is separate from the lake and a nearby shallow, unconfined aquifer, said Adam Freihoefer, a water use section chief for the DNR. The aquifers are separated by Maquoketa shale. In cases like this, we have good reason to believe that the wells pumping from the deep aquifer do not affect surface water features such as Bohners Lake, none of which are connected to the deep aquifer, Freihoefer said. Daniels concurred with that assessment, noting that Bohners Lake is 30 feet at its deepest point and his well reaches far below that to a depth that is comparable to the well the City of Burlington uses for its municipal water supply. The city well is located not far from the Fish Hatchery Road, just a few miles to the east on Highway 83. Daniels said such irrigation systems are not uncommon in the area. He said that several farming operations on the east end of Kenosha County use them and that he has one in place on property he owns in Slades Corners, five miles south of Burlington. DNR oversight limited Though the well is approved, it does not come without concerns. The June 30 approval came a little more than a month after Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel released an opinion that limited the DNRs powers for well applications.The opinion said that the DNR does not have the authority to put conditions on well applications that would take into account their cumulative effects on streams, rivers and lakes in the surrounding area.The scope of the Departments review is currently limited to what is specifically authorized in statutes and rules, and may not include conditions in approvals unless explicitly required by law, Freihoefer said. I could not speculate on impacts to other resources beyond (the criteria.)George Kraft, a professor for the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point, said that the water levels are a concern in the state whenever groundwater is pumped because in some areas, water levels go down.Kraft was unable to specifically speak about the Crane well, but he said citizens should keep an eye on it.I think (citizens) should show some concern, but not necessarily panic at this point, Kraft said. If I was a citizen on the lake, Id want to find out a little more about whats going on.Another area of concern comes from self-reported data. Well owners are required to report usage each month, but the DNR does not verify water levels of the approved wells. The DNR checks reported water use to ensure the values are reasonable and adhere to what was cited in the high-capacity well approval, Freihoefer said. Daniels acknowledged that uncertainty with the November elections motivated him to request the five-year permit. When you have the opportunity, you capitalize on it, he said. Resident concerns Town resident Irene Bialas expressed her concerns about the well during a Burlington Town Board meeting earlier this month. Her concerns stemmed from the effect the well could have on Bohners Lake.We dont know right now what the effect will be, Bialas said. If you wait until you actually see an effect upon the lake, its almost too late because it takes so long for the water to replenish.Susan Sheldon, a resident of the City of Burlington, also is concerned that the well might have long-term effects on area water levels.I believe (the well) does put the lake at risk, Sheldon said. Maybe not this year or next, but once that well is dug, it can put the lake at risk and the nearby marshes as well.Town Board members were not able to respond to the comments at the Nov. 10 board meeting because it was brought up during public comments and was not on the agenda, which by law has to be published and posted to alert residents about topics to be discussed.Town Chairman Ralph Rice said that board has heard the concerns; however, it has not decided on a course of action, if any, regarding the well.Weve got our ears open and were listening, said Rice, himself a farmer. Daniels said that he wishes that residents with concerns had brought those to him first rather than turning first to public forums like meetings and the media. He says his company has always been pro-agriculture and even promotes itself on Facebook. Believe me. I live on a farm, it (the well) will not contaminate any ground water, Daniels said. It has nothing to do with animals, it has everything to do with trying to maximize farm ground instead of letting it go to waste.The general public eats all day long, but every farmer is bad; I dont understand that philosophy, Daniels opined. Four officers died when their helicopter was reportedly shot down over the City of God favela in Rio de Janeiro during a police operation on Saturday evening, November 19. According to local reports, the chopper was supporting a ground operation against local drug traffickers when it was hit by an unidentified projectile. Earlier in the day fighting with criminal gangs closed the main Yellow Line highway for 40 minutes. It is not the first time that a police helicopter was shot down in the city. In a similar incident in 2009, drug traffickers downed a helicopter in another Rio favela killing three policemen. Credit: Twitter/@alecgol22 via Storyful Lima (AFP) - After sparking ridicule several years ago by dressing world leaders in baggy ponchos, Peru toned it down Sunday by getting dignitaries at a major summit to wear shawls made from the fine wool of a mountain-dwelling creature called the vicuna. From Chinese tunics to Philippine pineapple shirts, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group has a decades-old tradition of getting presidents and prime ministers to don traditional garments of the host country for their annual get-together. And Peru was not going to disappoint as heads of APEC nations gathered in the capital Lima, with leaders appearing for the traditional "family photo" with long, brown shawls made from the coveted wool of the vicuna -- a llama-like animal -- draped over their shoulders. The global power players, among them US President Barack Obama, China's Xi Jinping and Japan's Shinzo Abe, looked relaxed, smiling and waving as they lined up in alphabetical order according to their countries. By opting for shawls rather than ponchos, the attire generally associated with the South American nation, Peru may have been seeking to avoid the mockery that accompanied its hosting of the 2008 APEC summit. On that occasion, world leaders appeared in voluminous ponchos, leading some to poke fun at the unflattering, shapeless garments for resembling potato sacks. The wool of the vicuna, an animal found in the Andes mountains, is among the rarest natural fibers in the world, making it extremely costly and prized by fashion designers. A businesswoman working in the fashion industry in Peru told AFP the price of such a shawl would be "between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the quality." The vicuna, which as the national animal of Peru appears in the country's coat of arms, was revered by the Incas, whose ancient empire stretched over a large part of South America. Only members of royalty were permitted to wear its wool. This year's was a relatively modest APEC fashion parade compared to previous editions, which have sometimes led to awkward moments. When Vietnam hosted the summit several years ago, world leaders looked visibly uncomfortable as they shuffled onto the stage for a photo-op wearing the tight-fitting traditional "ao dai" tunics, which are now most commonly worn by women. The tradition harks back to 1993, when US President Bill Clinton put his APEC colleagues in macho-looking leather bomber jackets -- the kind worn by World War II fighter pilots. Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis on Sunday brought to a close the Catholic Church's "Year of Mercy," shutting the Holy Door at Saint Peter's after a year in which he raised Mother Teresa to sainthood and took in Syrian Muslim refugees. The Argentine pontiff, who says he is inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, spent the year with the downtrodden, holding special masses and passing one Friday every month with refugees, victims of sex trafficking, the sick, the elderly, and vulnerable children. At a solemn ceremony in front of the panelled bronze doors at the Vatican's basilica -- wreathed in white flowers and green foliage and flanked by Swiss guards -- the pope paused to pray, clutching the cross he wears around his neck. He walked up the three steps into the basilica and in silence pulled shut the doors, which will later be walled up as per tradition until the next "ordinary jubilee" in 2025. The "extraordinary Jubilee" was only the third since the tradition began 700 years ago. The watchword of mercy meant helping the unfortunate, and welcoming sinners and outcasts back into the fold. The pope hoped compassion would not only counter xenophobia but also draw people to the church. "God has no memory of sin," Francis said at a mass attended by 70,000 worshippers according to the Vatican. "And he believes that it is always possible to start anew, to raise ourselves up." - Mercy gates 'open wide' - He said the faithful should "ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences. "Even if the Holy Door closes, the true door of mercy, which is the heart of Christ, always remains open wide for us." The pontiff ruled that for the jubilee every priest in the world would be able to absolve what the Church considers the sin of abortion. But with the "Year of Mercy" over, he was quick to remind the faithful that in the Catholic rule-book it was still "a horrendous crime". Story continues "They get rid of them (foetuses) because it's better that way, it's more convenient. It's a very serious sin," he said in a television interview for TV2000 set to air later Sunday. The 79-year old also repeated his call for a "a poor Church for the poor", warning that "the biggest enemy of God is money". Francis had decreed so-called "Holy Doors" should be opened across the world for the jubilee for the first time, so that people everywhere could pass through them and be forgiven for wrongs the Church labels as sins. Eschewing tradition, he opened the first one not at Saint Peter's but in the cathedral of Bangui in the Central African Republic -- flagging the importance of dioceses far from Rome. He also handpicked more than 1,000 "super confessors", able to forgive sins usually only pardonable by the pontiff. - Padre Pio's remains in Rome - In a crowd-pleasing move, Francis had the remains of Saint Padre Pio -- a favourite among those looking for compassion and healing -- brought to Rome and carried through the streets to the Vatican. Thousands turned out to glimpse the body of a man reputed by believers to have been able to levitate, read minds and appear in foreign lands while remaining at the same time in his friary. Over 100,000 pilgrims, including Queen Sofia of Spain and 1,500 homeless people, flocked to the Vatican in September for the canonisation of Mother Teresa. But the pope ensured the majority of the jubilee events centred on the outcast or the abandoned, holding special masses for the disabled, the poor, the homeless and prisoners -- including some serving life sentences. Unafraid of angering traditionalists, Francis said protecting the environment should be added to the seven corporal works of mercy drawn from the Gospels, such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick. And in perhaps the highlight of the year, he ended a trip to the Greek island of Lesbos -- Europe's migration hotspot at the time -- by taking three Syrian refugee families, all Muslim, back to Rome with him. By Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Sunday closed the Roman Catholic Church's "Holy Year of Mercy," a period that inspired hope among many followers but was also marred by conflicts around the world and infighting within the Church itself. At a solemn ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica, Francis closed its "Holy Door," through which the Vatican says some 20 million pilgrims walked since it was opened on Dec. 8, to seek special blessings and symbolically pass from sin to grace. Holy Years normally take place every 25 years unless a pope decrees an extraordinary one - such as the one that closed on Sunday - to bring attention to a particular need or topic. The next one was to be held in 2025 but the 79-year-old Francis, concerned about growing divisions and conflict in the world and polarization among Catholics, called a special one on the theme of mercy, a major part of his push for a less judgmental and more inclusive Church. Catholics around the world were asked to forgive each other and the pope made numerous appeals to world leaders to make gestures of peace and reconciliation. In his homily at a Mass before 70,000 people in St. Peter's Square, celebrated together with 17 new cardinals installed on Saturday, he called for the spirit of hope and mercy to continue. "Let us ask for the grace of never closing the doors of reconciliation and pardon, but rather of knowing how to go beyond evil and differences, opening every possible pathway of hope," he said. During the year, both Cuba and Paraguay responded to papal appeals by granting amnesties to prisoners and the pope held a historic meeting of reconciliation with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church after a rift of nearly 1,000 years.. But his many appeals for ceasefires in Syria and peace in places such as Ukraine during the year achieved little result. Division also reared its head within his 1.2 billion member Church. Last week, four conservative cardinals made a rare public challenge to Francis over some of his teachings in a major document on the family, accusing him of sowing confusion on important moral issues. In Rome, the year was a disappointment to hoteliers, who had hoped for a boom similar to one during the last Holy Year in 2000. A majority of the pilgrims who came to the capital were Italian day-trippers and many who stayed overnight did so in low-cost residences, many run by the Church, or in private homes. Ordinary Romans were also critical of their civic leaders because most of the projects slated to improve public transportation, repair pot-holed streets and upgrade infrastructures for the Holy Year were never begun or left incomplete. (Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Clelia Oziel) Washington (AFP) - General James "Mad Dog" Mattis, who for years oversaw US war efforts in the Middle East and was touted Sunday by President-elect Donald Trump as a possible defense secretary, did not come by his nickname lightly. Trump tweeted Sunday that the retired commander was "very impressive" when they met Saturday -- "a true general's general." Mattis, who is 66, commanded a marine battalion during the First Gulf War and a marine division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2010, the tough-talking native of Washington state was named to head the US Central Command. That gave him authority over troops in Iraq, where he helped develop a counterinsurgency approach before overseeing the US withdrawal, and Afghanistan, where he implemented a troop surge. It also gave him responsibility for an area including Syria, Yemen and Iran. Previously, he led the US Joint Forces Command and a NATO command charged with preparing the alliance's forces to meet future challenges. A colorful commander, he earned the nickname "Mad Dog" with his battle-hardened swagger and the sort of blunt language marines are famous for. He has been quoted as saying, "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet." Mattis's salty language has at times gotten him into hot water, such as when he said during a panel discussion in San Diego, California in 2005: "You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil. You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." He later apologized for those words. But for all the bluster, Mattis has a cerebral side. He has issued required reading lists to marines under his command, and instructed them that the most important territory on a battlefield is the space "between your ears." A scholar of warfare, he is said to have a personal library of more than 7,000 volumes. And as a lifelong bachelor, he has another nickname: the "Warrior Monk." Story continues Like Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Trump's choice as national security adviser, Mattis has been highly critical of the multination agreement reached last year with Iran to curtail its nuclear program. But while Trump has spoken positively of working with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Mattis has warned that Moscow wants to "break NATO apart." Senator John McCain of Arizona, who chairs the Armed Services committee that would hold confirmation hearings for the next defense secretary, told the Daily Beast on Saturday he was a "great admirer" of Mattis. But to serve as defense secretary, Mattis would need a waiver of a law that bans uniformed military officers from serving in that post for seven years after leaving active duty. The law is intended to ensure the bedrock notion of civilian control of the nation's military. EXCLUSIVE: Deadlines Jeremy Gerard and Jujamcyn Theatres president Jordan Roth talk about the state of the industry, the only stipulation being no holds barred. GERARD: Vice President-elect Mike Pence was in town on business this week and did what most visitors do on a trip to New York he took in a Broadway show. He chose Hamilton and, according to reports, bought tickets rather than pull strings for comps. Pence might have picked Something Rotten! Or Waitress or even Cats. Instead he opted for the most brilliant but also the most politically charged musical in a generation, one whose most celebrated applause line is Immigrants. We get the job done. Depending on your point of view, Pences choice of Hamilton for his night on the town was either an olive branch (as Governor of Indiana, he opposed marriage and other civil rights for homosexuals, inflamed Islamophobia, supported the defunding of Planned Parenthood and generally upheld values abhorrent to a community that was vocally and financially pro-Hillary Clinton) or a calculated risk (if Newt Gingrich loved the show, how bad could Hamilton be?). As Pence was beating a hasty retreat on Friday night, Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr in the show, stepped out of the line during the curtain call and implored the VP-elect to hear a message from the company. He extolled the shows values and hoped that Pence would take with him to Washington in January Hamiltons message of inclusiveness and inalienable rights for all Americans. Pence listened and appeared to take the communique along with audience members Boos that grew in volume during the performance in stride (though one theatergoer at a neighboring show reported that by the time Pence exited the Richard Rodgers Theatre, West 46th Street resembled a war zone complete with police in riot geared armed with semi-automatic weapons). In contrast, Pences boss-to-be, New York native Donald Trump, did what he does in his free time: Deploying more exclamation points than your typical Broadway ad, he took to Twitter to demand an apology! from the rude! Hamiltonians, while insisting that the theater be a safe place. On Saturday, he added an attack on Dixon, which he later deleted, though not before it had been seen and shared through social media. As the comments on our coverage of the incident are showing, folks are predictably divided, with some shouting Bravo! to Team Hamilton for seizing the moment to confront a divisive political figure and others admonishing liberals to accept the fact that they lost, and get over it. Story continues Vice President-elect Pence seemed nonplussed by what had happened at Hamilton. In an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Pence said he would leave it to others to decide whether the theater was an appropriate place for a political message. He even offered this: Hamilton is just an incredible production and just incredibly talented people, Mr. Pence said. It was a real joy to be there. He added that when he heard booing he told his daughter, thats what freedom sounds like. That response is as eloquent as the President-elects bombast. But Trumps misreading of Broadway as a safe place is as uninformed as youd expect from someone whose experience of the theater is limited, to put it generously. Broadway is where great Americans including Clifford Odets and Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, Lillian Hellman and Lorraine Hansberry, Yip Harburg and Oscar Hammerstein, August Wilson and Jonathan Larson and Stephen Karam and Lin-Manuel Miranda incited thinking! right next door to the escapist comedies and musicals. Whatever its flaws, Broadway has been a safe place for the open-minded and even the rude. ROTH: Thats what freedom sounds like indeed: Thats the whole point of freedom, of America, of Hamilton the man and the musical, and even of Twitter, our new bully pulpit. Speaking our minds is our freedom. Speaking our minds so we can be heard is our art. Thats the point of theater both of making it and of seeing it. If you dont want your mind challenged and your heart opened, dont come to the theater. Thats what our place is safe for. But Pence must have already known that. Known what Hamilton is about, who performs it, and what kind of reception he was likely to receive. So now were all spending the weekend debating a Broadway curtain speech instead of the latest cabinet choices or court settlements or conflicts of interest accusations. And we should be debating all of it, including the speech. Thats our freedom and our obligation as citizens and as artists. Always watch the artists. Not just what artists create, but how their government reacts. The safety of the artist is the safety of the democracy. Watch closely. And while were watching Hamilton, lets not forget that were it not for Alexander Hamilton creating the Electoral College, Hillary Clinton would be our next President. But well save that for the next musical, We Threw Away Our Shot. GERARD: Im not sure who the we are in your comment, but I suspect plenty of readers are about to tell us. Related stories Power Lunch As Donald Trump Talks With Big 4 News, CNN & FNC Execs + Hosts Kellyanne Conway Defends Donald Trump's Twitter Reaction To 'Hamilton' Flap & 'SNL' Donald Trump At Home Special Brings Golden Friday Ratings For Fox News (LIMA, Peru) President Barack Obama spoke briefly with Russian President Vladimir Putin about Syria and Ukraine on Sunday as an economic summit got under way in Peru, in their first known conversation since Donald Trump was elected the next U.S. president. The two leaders were seen chatting at the start of the opening session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima. They stood off to the side together momentarily with aides close by before shaking hands and then taking their seats around a table. The White House said the conversation lasted four minutes. Although reporters present couldnt hear what they said, the White House said Obama encouraged Putin to uphold his countrys commitments under the Minsk deal aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. The White House said Obama also called for U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to keep working in initiatives with other countries to lower violence in Syria and alleviate suffering. The short interaction came amid intense speculation and concern about whether Trumps election might herald a more conciliatory U.S. approach to Russia. Under Obama, the U.S. has enacted severe sanctions on Russia over its aggressive behavior in Ukraine and has sought unsuccessfully to persuade Moscow to stop intervening in Syrias civil war to help prop up Syrian President Bashar Assad. Trump and Putin have already signaled they may pursue a less antagonistic relationship after Trump takes office in January. In a phone call shortly after Trump was elected, Putin congratulated him and expressed readiness for a partner-like dialogue, the Kremlin said. In the run-up to the election, the U.S. also accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election, including by hacking into Democratic Party email systems. Obama has raised concerns directly to Putin ahead of the election about Russian hacking, and the U.S. also registered complaints through a hotline set up to avert accidental nuclear war. Story continues Throughout the campaign, the Kremlin insisted that it had no favorites and rejected the claims of interference in the U.S. election. The meeting came as Obama prepared for planned separate talks with the leaders of Australia and Canada before wrapping up the final foreign trip of his presidency. Both countries helped negotiate a multinational trade agreement with the U.S. and nine other Pacific Rim countries. But Congress is unlikely to ratify the deal, dealing a blow to Obamas once high hopes of having the agreement become part of his presidential legacy. Trump says trade deals can hurt U.S. workers, and he opposes the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. Besides participating in meetings Sunday with other world leaders attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Forum taking place in Perus capital, Obama was sitting down first with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, a U.S. ally and partner in the trans-Pacific trade deal. The president also planned to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose nation is another TPP partner. Before boarding Air Force One for the flight to Washington, Obama was to answer questions from the journalists who accompanied him to Greece, Germany and Peru. Trumps election overshadowed every stop on Obamas trip. The president went to once unimaginable lengths to defend the real-estate mogul and reality TV star who he had repeatedly denounced during the campaign as temperamentally unfit and uniquely unqualified to be president. I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said in response to a question about Trump during a forum here Saturday with some of Latin Americas future leaders. As Ive always said, how you campaign isnt always the same as how you govern, he added. Obamas suggestion is that Trump could soften some of his more hard-line positions on immigration, terrorism and other issues once he confronts the reality of having to run the country. But the candidates Trump announced this past week for key national security posts Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions for attorney general, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for national security adviser and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo to lead the CIA sent a signal that Trump intends to lead exactly as he said he would during the campaign. Leaders in every region of the world have expressed concern about Trumps stances on immigration, trade, NATO and other matters. ___ Associated Press writer Josh Lederman contributed to this report. ___ Prince Harry has arrived in Antigua to begin his two-week visit to the Caribbean. The 32-year-old royal, who has recently made headlines for his relationship with American actress Meghan Markle, greeted soldiers when he landed in the island nation wearing a blue suit and light blue tie. Harry headed to the Caribbean to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Independence in Antigua and Barbuda and the 50th Anniversary of Independence in Barbados and Guyana on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth. Hell visit seven countries Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados and Guyana during his visit. This will be the princes second official visit to the Caribbean, the first occurring in 2012. Prince Harry holds special memories of his last visit to the Caribbean, and of the warmth, friendliness and sense of fun that comes so naturally to this region, a spokesperson for Kensington Palace said in a statement. His Royal Highness is greatly looking forward to meeting more of the people who call it home, and for the opportunity during this tour to be visiting some countries for the first time. The spokesperson continues,This visit will allow Prince Harry to experience more of the unique and individual cultures and traditions of these special Commonwealth Realms and countries. His Royal Highness is grateful to have the chance to visit nations that play such important roles in the Commonwealth, and have extended such warmth to his family for many years. During his visit, Harry will learn about local projects, visit charities and unveil dedications to the Queens Commonwealth Canopy, a project encouraging Commonwealth countries to preserve forests for future generations. A panel boasting of actor Ashton Kutcher at the Airbnb Open 2016: A Festival of Hosting event in Los Angeles on Saturday was stormed by a demonstrator protesting the companys presence in the occupied West Bank. Just as the celebrity investor started a discussion with Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky, the protester a woman named Ariel Gold climbed onto stage saying the company was responsible for illegal activity by allowing residents in West Bank settlements to list their homes through the rental website. Gold, who is a member of CODEPINK, a women-led grassroots organization supporting peace and human rights initiatives, was called out by Kutcher who said: You actually dont have the stage. We all can belong in a world together without borders. I can appreciate that this doesnt happen seamlessly, Kutcher admitted, according to People magazine. I can appreciate that it does not happen easily. I can appreciate that where there is change, there will be a fringe case that feels objectified. But this company is about bringing people together. The Jobs actor, 38, then went on to defend the company and its CEO: And I know this man. I know his heart, I know his initiative, and I know that when a problem gets brought to his desk, that says that there is a discrimination or this is a displacement, that he cares. And that the first thing that he does is try to look at the system holistically and change it to make it better. Gold, however, was not convinced by Kutchers words and told Page Six, People should come before profits. So its time for Airbnb to stop profiting from Israels settlement enterprise and the human rights abuses Palestinians live under every day of their lives, she added. In a statement released to Page Six later in the day, an Airbnb spokesperson reaffirmed, We follow laws on where we can do business and we investigate specific concerns raised about listings and/or discrimination. Related Articles 62184120/8069 3120 These are some of my numbers. What story do they tell? Of course, you need to know what they represent to judge or do you? For some, the number that is my age will make me seem, well, old. For others who read this, my age might be one you wish you had back again. And my weight? Well, if you dont know my height and how much Ive lost or gained in the last three months, how can you judge? The state of Wisconsin has selected a set of numbers and very complex calculations to determine an annual grade for its public schools. Much effort has gone into developing an equitable calculation that considers the level of district poverty, the academic growth of its students over time, average attendance, average percent of students taking the test, and in particular, how well third-grade students read and eighth-grade students do in math. In RUSD, this calculation does not grade well. We have been categorized as Fails to Meet Expectations. For our district, our staff and our many community partners who have been working so earnestly to improve student outcomes, this number is disheartening. Lets remember, like any one of my numbers, a school or districts report card score does not tell the whole story. All of our schools have compelling stories to tell. Schools like Julian Thomas Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary Schools may not have top scoresyet. But their scores have consistently improved year over year, and if you ask the families, theyll tell you they love their schools and they know their children are thriving. Telling the Whole Story Districts from across the country are coming to learn from our Academies of Racine at Case, Horlick and Park high schools. We are just beginning to see what is in store for our RUSD high school graduates. Their future success is not yet reflected on our school or district report cards, but it will be. And there are other numbers. Do you know that RUSD parents rated their childs school a 4.1 out of 5 as a school they would recommend to other parents, and 4.1 out of five when asked if they are proud to send their child to their RUSD school? Every day, thousands of RUSD students experience success. The class of 2016 earned more than $5 million in scholarships. In 2016, more than 60 RUSD juniors and seniors were named Advanced Placement Scholars and nine seniors earned their full International Baccalaureate Diploma! These students are our success stories. Just a few of many. Ive nearly completed my visits to every school in the district this fall. I can say with confidence that high-quality teaching is happening in our classrooms and thousands of students are learning and growing every day. So when you add up all the numbers, what do I know? Personally. my numbers tell me Im in good shape for my age. Im extremely healthy, my family is amazing and I am fortunate to serve an excellent school district and community. RUSDs numbers tell me that we need to make deep and sustained changes that will directly benefit our students and reflect the talent and dedication of our staff. We know what we need to do to improve our number on the states report card. And thats exactly what were doing. You can help. Join the hundreds of parents, families, businesses and post-secondary partners and volunteers who are stepping up to help RUSD provide robust learning opportunities that prepare our students for college or career. We are determined to demonstrate who we are and what our students can achieve. We are a district on the move. Watch us! Join us! We are Unified. (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters rallied in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to express outrage at a gathering of white nationalists celebrating U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's victory, according to media reports. One man was injured when he emerged from the event at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and was involved in a scuffle with several protesters, according to CNN, which posted a photo of the man with a bloody gash on his head following the altercation. Police said no one was arrested during the protests, according to Washington television station WJLA. A representative for Washington police could not be reached for comment late on Saturday. Protesters chanted "fascists we will shut you down" and held signs such as "Fight Racism," video footage posted by WJLA showed. In the days since Republican Trump defeated Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8, large protests have erupted in several U.S. cities, with demonstrators decrying Trump's often inflammatory campaign rhetoric regarding illegal immigrants, Muslims and women. Saturday's event, which took place three blocks from the White House, was organized by alternative right group the National Policy Institute, according to the New York Times. The alternative right movement, also known as the alt-right, has opposed multiculturalism and immigration. Adherents have been known to advance anti-Semitic views. During Trump's campaign, members of the alt-right movement expressed support for some of his proposals, which included building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico and stepping up deportations of unauthorized immigrants. Attendees on Saturday celebrated Trump's victory, which Richard B. Spencer, president and director of the National Policy Institute, called "an awakening," the Times report said. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Kim Coghill) Queen Elizabeth II will reportedly invite President-elect Donald Trump to Windsor Castle for a state visit next summer. According to British newspaper The Sunday Times, the Queen will send the invitation for an official visit after the former reality star is sworn in as president on Jan. 20. She will also send him a congratulatory message to mark his inauguration. (The Queen has yet to publicly comment on the U.S. election although British politicians and other world leaders have already offered their congratulations.) The Queen traditionally issues an invitation for a state visit to the sitting U.S. president once during their four or eight-year term. She has met with every single American president since she assumed the throne in 1952 except for Lyndon B. Johnson. While presidents sometimes make multiple visits to the U.K. for official state business, a state visit hosted by the Queen can often be a more glittering and glamorous affair usually complete with a stay at Windsor Castle and a dinner attended by members of the royal family. RELATED VIDEO: Natasha Stoynoff Speaks Out: I Dont Want Women to Feel Afraid Trump has already met with several international politicians since his surprising election win including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Nigel Farage, the former leader of Britains UKIP party who is often credited with leading the Brexit campaign. If Trump does visit Windsor Castle it is unclear if Prince Charles, Prince William, Princess Kate or Prince Harry would meet with him. Trump came under fire earlier this year when comments he made about the late Princess Diana during appearance on the Howard Stern Show were resurfaced. In one interview that took place weeks after her 1997 death, Trump said that he thought he could have had sex with the royal after her divorce from Charles. In a later interview, he assured Stern that he would have slept with Diana without even hesitation even though she was crazy. Damascus (AFP) - At least eight children were killed on Sunday by rebel rocket fire that hit a primary school in the government-held west of Aleppo city, state media said. State news agency SANA said 10 people had been killed and 59 wounded in the rocket fire on the Furqan neighbourhood. The news agency reported additional rebel fire on other parts of west Aleppo, which is regularly targeted by the opposition forces that hold the eastern part of the divided city. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, gave a toll of eight children killed, saying they were all aged between six and 12. An AFP photographer at the school shortly after the attack saw adults rushing children away from the building and trying to comfort crying infants. State television showed some of the wounded being treated in a hospital, including a child in a blue top whose face was covered in blood being attended on a stretcher. In a corridor, a young boy in a red T-shirt with his arm in a make-shift sling was shepherded by his distraught mother, as another boy with his head bandaged was carried in. Government forces are currently waging a ferocious assault against east Aleppo, targeting it with air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery fire. They renewed their fire on the east on Tuesday, after a period of relative respite, in a bid to recapture the rebel-held side of the city. The Observatory says at least 103 civilians have been killed in east Aleppo since government forces resumed the assault. MESSINA, Italy (Reuters) - A rescue ship carrying more than 200 migrants and eight bodies, docked in Sicily on Sunday after a deadly week in the Mediterranean in which hundreds drowned trying to reach Europe from Libya. Most of the 219 men, women and children on the rescue ship Bourbon Argos were West Africans, according to Doctors without Borders, which operates the ship. They included 27 men who were rescued by the British navy on Wednesday, and transferred to the Bourbon Argos, after the rubber boat they were on deflated. Six bodies were fished out of the water on Wednesday and 97 others who were on the dinghy are missing and feared dead. In total, an estimated 365 migrants drowned last week in the Mediterranean, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday. Survivors of the dinghy said that a smuggler towed them out to sea for two hours and then at gunpoint forced them to hand over the life jackets they had paid for, plus the dinghy's engine, and left them adrift. "At that moment I thought we were going to die, I knew we were not close to Italy and without an engine we could not get far. The smuggler told us we would be rescued, but I felt we were going to die," Abdoullae Diallo, 18, from Senegal said in French in an interview conducted on board the rescue vessel. The British Royal Navy's HMS Enterprise, patrolling as part of the EU's anti-smuggling mission Sophia, picked up the survivors clinging to what was left of the rubber boat about 55 nautical miles from Tripoli. The death toll in the Mediterranean -- the most dangerous border crossing on the planet for migrants -- is estimated to be 4,636 this year, 1,000 more than in all of 2015, the IOM said on Friday. More than 168,000 migrants have reached Italy by boat this year, exceeding 154,000 for the whole of 2015 and quickly approaching 2014's 170,000 record. Italy has borne the brunt of new arrivals since the implementation in March of an agreement between the European Union and Turkey to curb the flow of migrants sailing for Greece. (Reporting by Antonio Parrinello, writing by Steve Scherer; Editing by Susan Fenton) By William Maclean DUBAI (Reuters) - The rise of nationalism in rich countries poses a worrying challenge to the tide of migrants fleeing wars, the U.N. refugee chief said on Sunday, urging international cooperation to manage the flows pragmatically "rather than building walls". U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said he was talking to northern countries about how to rebuild respect for the principle of asylum, put under pressure by politicians' misleading portrayal of refugees as a threat. Asked how concerned he was about the apparent collision between increased refugee flows and growing populism and nationalism in the West, he told Reuters in an interview: "I am very worried because I think that collision somehow has already happened. You have rich countries that are becoming inward-looking." "We've seen it in the United States and Europe, and we have seen also unfortunately some exploitation of these fears or this malaise, and linking it to the presence of foreigners. I think this is misleading in a way. Refugees flee because they are afraid." Last year, vast flows of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa stretched authorities around Europe as they struggled to deal with Europe's largest migrant flows since World War Two. Over the summer months, many migrants attempted the sea crossing from North Africa to countries such as Italy, with hundreds drowning during the perilous journey. RISING POPULISM The migration crisis has fueled support for anti-immigration and anti-EU populists in many countries. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to build a wall along the Mexican border, deport millions of undocumented immigrants and ban immigration from countries that have been "compromised by terrorism." Grandi said people would find a way to move whatever obstacles they faced: "Rather than building walls we should address in the proper manner these movements and manage them in a principled and pragmatic way so we can diminish the tensions." "Global movements by definition cannot be handled by countries individually -- which is what these (nationalist) trends are pointing to -- so it's much better to cooperate internationally." Asked if helping the refugees was a vote-losing strategy in the West, Grandi replied: "Unfortunately. But it's something that politicians have brought upon themselves." "Instead of explaining to people that refugees need help, instead of multiplying efforts to help people in their countries or trying to solve conflicts, address poverty, they have ... presented these people as people that come to rich countries, abuse the values or steal the wealth or take jobs away." He said despite these trends, the impulse to help refugees remained strong in the West, especially the United States, which had a proud tradition of welcoming refugees and migrants. (Editing by Clelia Oziel) With his Allied star Marion Cotillard looking on, director Robert Zemeckis was honored with the French Order of Arts and Letters before his film premieres here Sunday night. The Oscar-winner said the medal was a "tremendous honor." "I came from the south side of Chicago in a working-class neighborhood, so to be standing here today is beyond anyone's dream," said Zemeckis. "This is the first medal I have ever received and this is the first time my work has been acknowledged by an entire nation. And the fact that the nation is France is truly special, because France is the birthplace of film." Culture minister Audrey Azoulay presented the filmmaker with the medal and said Zemeckis' movies "tell a young nation's story and unites its people with its ideals," adding that films like Forrest Gump and Back to the Future are "fabulous dream machines" of the American Dream. Read more: Paramount Chief Brad Grey Bets on Crowded (and Risky) Year-End Slate, Including Brad Pitt's 'Allied' Perhaps alluding to the recent election of Donald Trump, she added that when the dream "sometimes worries or disappoints us, this is when film carries us away." The outspoken director said that while Allied is a thriller, it is set against the backdrop of WWII. "I think it's an important story to tell at this time - it speaks to a lot of stuff that is going on in the deep psyche of the world right now. It's set in the not-too-distant past," Zemeckis told The Hollywood Reporter. Of the upcoming Trump presidency, he added: "It's going to be interesting times ahead." "I may never take it off," he joked of the French honor. "No, there are rules about it. You can only wear it at state occasions. But there is a little lapel pin that comes with it that you can wear every day. I'll put it on my t-shirts." Zemeckis follows Michael Keaton and Diane Kruger, among other Hollywood stars, who have received the medal. Read more: How Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard Got the Bespoke Treatment in 'Allied' SANAA (Reuters) - Yemen's dominant Houthi movement launched Katyusha rockets into Saudi Arabia on Sunday and residents reported Saudi-led air strikes in a Yemeni border province in exchanges that threatened to derail a 48-hour truce. The Houthis said the rocket salvo targeting a military base in the kingdom's southern Najran province was launched in response to Saudi shelling on Yemeni border villages. There was no immediate response from the coalition to the Houthi assertion. The coalition, which has been fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis to restore ousted Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power, announced the truce on Friday night as a step to end a 20-month old war that has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than three million. Just three days earlier, Hadi's government had rejected an announcement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that the warring parties had agreed to an open-ended truce and to work toward the formation of a unity government. Hadi's government complained it was not consulted about the accord unveiled by Kerry on Nov. 15 after a visit to Oman and the United Arab Emirates. It said the accord did not account for demands for the Houthis to withdraw from cities they had captured since 2014. The Houthis in turn have cast doubt on the 48-hour truce announced by the Saudi-led coalition, saying it was designed to undermine the agreement reached in Oman last week. The Houthi-run Saba news agency said that at a meeting in Sanaa, the ruling supreme political council comprising the Houthis and former President Ali Abdullah Saleh's General People's Congress party "welcomed all efforts to end the aggression, foremost of which (are) the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman to achieve peace in Yemen". The U.N. envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said the parties have agreed to resume meetings of a "De-escalation & Coordination Committee" by deploying representatives to southern Saudi Arabia. "I remind all parties that terms and conditions of cessation of hostilities include a full and comprehensive halt to military activities," Ould Cheikh Ahmed wrote. Separately, residents in the far northern Yemeni province of Hajja reported Saudi-led air strikes in the Hiran district. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. But General Ahmed al-Asseri told U.S. news network CNN's Arabic service that the Houthi violations were too frequent to be counted, and suggested that the truce would not be renewed. "The Arab coalition has heeded a request by the Yemeni government and the international community and declared a truce, but any truce without monitoring on the ground is useless because we are facing an armed militia," he said according to CNN. The coalition of mostly Gulf Arab states intervened in Yemen's civil war in March 2015 to restore Hadi to power. It has launched thousands of air strikes against his foes in the Iran-allied Houthi movement but has yet to dislodge the group from the capital Sanaa. (Reporting By Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Noah Browning; Editing by Sami Aboudi and Tom Heneghan) Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f28527%2fe44c93a1e9ae4d348b1d705613986f69 Residents of the Russian town of Kolpashevo spotted a large brown bear trying to use a small swing set in the town's playground. According to The Siberian Times, the bear is actually part of a circus group that was slated to perform in the area later that day. Although it can't be seen on the video, its handler was apparently close by. "You can see a collar on the bear. I had a call from locals who saw the bear trying to get on a swing next to the club. We found later that the bear cub was on a walk with its handler," Kolpashevo region's ranger Sergey Yelnikov told the Times. Just a bear out for a walk. Nothing to see here, folks. 'Saturday Night Live' creates a safe space for life in Trump's America Kate McKinnon and Kristen Wiig making kitten jokes is the 'SNL' sketch you need Watch Prince surprise the late Sharon Jones with a spontaneous guitar solo Conan O'Brien trying VR is the insane mainstream intro the tech needs Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fcard%2fimage%2f291046%2f9a3794ea0b9f4cdcbb6e9ed4768689e5 Attention snackers: Put down the carrots. Step away from your hummus. Sabra Dipping Co. is voluntarily recalling dozens of its hummus products because of possible Listeria contamination. SEE ALSO: 6 vegetarian Thanksgiving mains even carnivores crave The Virginia snack maker on Saturday said it identified Listeria at one of its manufacturing facilities, although not in its tested finished products. The hummus was distributed to supermarkets and other retail outlets in the U.S. and Canada. Sabra hummus, on display. Image: Alexandra Wyman/Invision/AP Listeria is a food-borne illness that can cause high fevers, diarrhea and nausea in minor cases. However, infections can be fatal in young children and people with weakened immune systems. "The company is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution," Sabra said in a news release. Saturday's recall affects hummus spreads made before Nov. 8, 2016. Consumers are urged to toss out any products with a "Best Before" date up through Jan. 23, 2017, which is printed on the lid of each package. We are disappointed to share the news of a voluntary recall with the Sabra community today. pic.twitter.com/bz26Bfey7w Sabra (@Sabra) November 20, 2016 A full list of recalled products is posted on Sabra and U.S. Food and Drug Administration websites. Sabra's salsa, guacamole, Greek yogurt dips and organic hummus are note included in the recall. Sabra has grappled with possible Listeria contamination in the past. The company recalled about 30,000 cases of hummus in April 2015 after a random sample tested at a retail location tested positive for the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. BONUS: When the office snacks run out and things get desperate Paris (AFP) - Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy conceded defeat in the first round of the rightwing presidential primary on Sunday after finishing third behind two former prime ministers. "I did not manage to convince the voters," Sarkozy said in a speech to supporters after he was beaten into a surprise third place behind Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe, who move into next Sunday's run-off. DUBAI, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's government has made payments of 40 billion riyals ($10.7 billion) that it owed to private sector companies, the kingdom's Arab News newspaper quoted a senior construction industry executive as saying. With its oil revenues slashed by low crude prices, the government of the world's largest oil exporter has cut spending sharply this year and reduced or suspended payments owed to construction firms, medical establishments and even some of the foreign consultants who helped to design its economic reforms. The payment delays have tightened liquidity in the banking system and caused severe financial problems for some companies, particularly those in the construction industry. In recent weeks, top officials have indicated that all or most of the delayed payments would soon be made. Construction firms have received 40 billion riyals in the past two weeks, representing 25 percent of money owed to them by various government agencies, Fahad al-Hammadi, chief of the National Contractors' Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, a business association, was quoted as saying by Arab News on Sunday. "The Saudi government is expected to pay up to 80 percent of the total dues to contractors during the remaining few weeks of this year by disbursing another 100 billion riyals," he told the newspaper. "More then 80 percent of the back-logged payments will be released within the next few days or weeks." The government set aside 100 billion riyals to pay debts that it owed to private sector companies after the payment delays, which lasted months, Reuters reported on Nov. 11, citing an official document. Authorities have not disclosed the total size of the unpaid bills. Most construction projects suspended as a result of low oil prices will eventually be revived and implemented in order of priority, Hammadi also told the newspaper. Arab News said some construction firms from Germany, Turkey, Spain and India, contacted by Arab News on Saturday, had confirmed they were being paid their dues. (Reporting by Tom Arnold; Editing by Andrew Torchia) By Steve Holland BEDMINSTER, N.J. (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump and 2012 Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney set aside a fierce rivalry on Saturday and held talks likely to feed speculation that Romney could be in line to be the next U.S. secretary of state. After a day of meetings, Trump emerged to tell reporters that his search process was going "really efficiently" and that he had spoken to "really, really talented" people who could form part of his Cabinet. Trump said he might have some announcements on Sunday. He spoke highly of retired Marine General James Mattis, who transition officials said was a strong contender for defense secretary. Earlier, Trump and Romney emerged from their meeting after an hour and 20 minutes, and Trump told reporters their talks "went great." Romney said the pair "had a far-reaching conversation with regards to the various theaters in the world." "We discussed those areas, and exchanged our views on those topics a very thorough and in-depth discussion in the time we had," Romney said. "And I appreciate the chance to speak with the president-elect and I look forward to the coming administration and the things that its going to be doing." Trump's team said in a statement that Trump and Romney held a "substantive and in-depth conversation about world affairs, national security and the future of America." "It was an extremely positive and productive conversation," the statement said. Trump met for an hour with Mattis. Asked if Mattis would be his defense secretary, Trump said, "He's a great guy. He is some great man." The Trump team statement said Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence were "very impressed" with Mattis. "They had an incredibly in-depth conversation on plans for national security. The discussion included ISIS, the Middle East, North Korea, China, NATO and other hotspots around the world," the statement said. Romney, who was a leader of the establishment Republican "never Trump" movement that tried to block Trump from becoming the nominee, was first in a long list of people Trump was meeting with on Saturday and Sunday as he seeks to fill out his Cabinet and gather advice ahead of his Jan. 20 move to the White House. In March, Romney said Trump would be dangerous as president, with policies that could touch off a recession. Romney also said, "I'm afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart." Trump had denounced Romney as a "choke artist" for losing the 2012 election to President Barack Obama. But with the New York real estate developer now president-in-waiting, Romney's appearance at Trump National Bedminster on an unseasonably warm November day was symbolic of hard-won party unity. 'SEAL OF APPROVAL' Whether Romney will join the Trump administration is unclear. Romney, a more mainstream Republican, would serve alongside more hawkish Trump appointees named on Friday: Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama as attorney general, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn as national security adviser and Representative Mike Pompeo as CIA director. Those nominations suggest Trump is setting up his administration to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. Transition officials said Trump's meeting with Romney was supposed to be a general discussion about the incoming administration. A Romney confidant said of Romney's secretary of state prospects: "Could it happen? I suppose. But it's unlikely." Instead, the source said the meeting gives "the good housekeeping seal of approval to Republicans who don't know if they should help Trump or not." Trump has been considering former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a close adviser, for secretary of state, as well as former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton and Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee. Trump is to meet Giuliani on Sunday. Also on Saturday, Trump met with Andy Puzder, chief executive of CKE Restaurants, the fast-food giant that operates the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's chains. Afterwards, Trump said he was "getting very close" to making some Cabinet decisions. Puzder, a possible labor secretary, said he would be "proud to serve in any position that this president asks me to serve in." In addition, he met with two candidates for education secretary: Michelle Rhee, the former Washington, D.C., public schools chancellor, and Betsy DeVos, a former head of the Michigan Republican Party. On Sunday, Trump is to sit down with Wilbur Ross, a potential commerce secretary who made billions by investing in bankrupt companies and distressed assets, and business executive David McCormick, head of investment firm Bridgewater Associates, as well as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was recently demoted in his role on Trump's transition team. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Alistair Bell, Leslie Adler & Shri Navaratnam) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African opposition parties on Sunday urged President Jacob Zuma to report acts of corruption after the scandal-plagued leader said he knows who is stealing public funds. Since coming to power in 2009, Zuma has survived a string of corruption scandals almost unscathed, but this month the country's anti-graft watchdog called for a judicial inquiry into allegations of influence-peddling in the ANC government. Zuma, in a bid to cement support in his home province of Kwazulu-Natal, on Friday told supporters in Zulu: "I know they are stealing. I'm just watching them. I know them," local media reported. Both the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the nation's two largest opposition parties, on Sunday called on Zuma to share the information he has with authorities. "President Jacob Zuma has a legal duty to report, to the law enforcement authorities, those who he knows to be engaged in criminal behaviour," DA-leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement. The DA, which tabled a failed no-confidence motion against the president in Parliament last week, filed a criminal complaint against Zuma on Tuesday and will ask the police to also "investigate those people known by the President to be stealing", Maimane said. Zuma must immediately report those stealing public funds, otherwise the EFF too will lodge a criminal complaint against the president, the EFF said in a statement. (Reporting by TJ Strydom; editing by Jason Neely) By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean prosecutors said on Sunday that they believed President Park Geun-hye was an accomplice in a corruption scandal that has rocked her administration, in a heavy blow to her fight for political survival. The prosecutors' comments, which came as they indicted a close friend of Park's and two of her former aides, are likely to spur stronger calls for her to step down or be impeached. Park's close friend Choi Soon-sil and former presidential aide An Chong-bum were charged with abuse of power by pressuring companies to contribute funds to foundations at the center of the scandal, said Lee Young-ryeol, head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. "The special investigation team concluded that based on the evidence secured to date, the president was in complicity with Choi Soon-sil, An Chong-bum and Jeong Ho-seong to a considerable degree," Lee told a news conference. Jeong, also one of Park's former aides, was indicted for leaking classified information to Choi. Park's lawyer Yoo Yeong-ha rejected the assertion that she was involved, calling it an "imagination" and saying prosecutors "have built a house of fantasy." Presidential Blue House spokesman Jung Youn-kuk said the prosecutors' announcement was "deeply regrettable." "The special investigation team made a claim as if the president has committed a grave crime when it announced the result of its investigation," Jung said. "The announcement is not truth at all and but a house of cards built on repeated imagination and speculation that completely ignores objective evidence." Park cannot be indicted because she has constitutional immunity, prosecutor Lee said, but added: "We will continue to investigate the president," without elaborating. Under the constitution, a sitting president cannot be indicted unless on charges of treason, but the conclusion by the prosecutors that Park was involved in the case prompted fresh calls from opposition parties for her to step down. The main opposition Democratic Party and the centrist People's Party said Park will face impeachment proceedings if she refuses to resign. But they stopped short of saying they would immediately initiate such a move. Analysts said the prosecutors' comments about Park's role increased the prospect that she would face impeachment. "It provided a legal basis for impeachment proceedings, not only her moral and political liabilities," said Kim Jun-seok, a political science professor at Dongguk University in Seoul. Park is unlikely to voluntarily step down because she would lose immunity against prosecution, Kim said. Her five-year term ends in February 2018. "Then, the only option that is left for politicians given the worsening public sentiment is impeachment," he said. Park has resisted calls to resign over the scandal but has publicly apologized twice, saying that it was caused by her shortcomings and that she had sought help from the business community in the belief it would benefit the economy, not for personal gain. DEEPENING ANGER The indictments had been expected. Choi has been accused of conspiring with An to exert improper pressure on dozens of the country's biggest conglomerates to help raise 77.4 billion won ($65.59 million) on behalf of two non-profit foundations she controlled, according to the prosecutors. Park has been rocked by allegations that Choi used her ties to the president to meddle in state affairs and wield improper influence. Her aides An and Jeong both stepped down late last month as the crisis deepened. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday in the fourth straight weekend of protests against Park, in the biggest public demonstrations the country has seen since the 1980s. Park has pledged to cooperate in the investigation but pushed back on the prosecutors' plan to question her last week. South Korea's parliament has approved a bill to appoint a special prosecutor, who will take over from state prosecutors and conduct a separate and a more wide reaching probe. The special prosecutor is expected to begin work next month. (Additional reporting by Yun Hwan Chae; Editing by Jack Kim and Kim Coghill) Madrid (AFP) - A Canadian tourist who left a suitcase containing 10,000 euros ($10,500) in cash in a Barcelona taxi has been reunited with his money thanks to an honest cab driver, police said Sunday. The driver dropped off the suitcase on Saturday at a police station in Barcelona's Eixample neighbourhood, home to Guadi's famed Sagrada Familia church, after he realised it had been left behind, a police spokeswoman said. "Police opened the suitcase to try to find information that could identify its owner. Inside they found 10,000 euros in cash, baby clothes and a Canadian passport," she added. Using the passport police were able to track down the owner and return the suitcase. "He was really grateful and sent us a thank you note for returning it so quickly," the spokeswoman said. Radio Legend Michael Benner Headlines Anniversary Show DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / November 20, 2016 / Tony DUrso, the self-styled "Dream Business Maker" is celebrating an all-star cast of recent guests on his weekly podcast series, Revenue Chat. Taped over the past month, here is a preview of upcoming show guests and topics, beginning with a true radio airwaves legend, Michael Benner. Benner was the honorary guest of DUrso's one-year anniversary special show. Benner is Los Angeles radio royalty, hosting his own telephone talk show every Friday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. on KPFK (90.7-FM in Greater Los Angeles and 98.7-FM in Santa Barbara County for 15 years, plus KABC-AM and KLOS-FM for over a decade). In the business since 1977 throughout Southern California, Benner is the owner of Personal Development Strategies and strives to bring out the qualities of greatness and leadership in his own guests. "What an honor it was to host Michael Benner on Revenue Chat," said DUrso. "His programming is well known throughout the region as a positive and uplifting message on character building. It's a subject this entire country should be focusing on now." Other featured guests in October, whose podcasts were released each Friday of this month, include Mike Saunders, president of Marketing Huddle, Matt Egelhoff, co-founder of Fire Breathing Penguin Media and Marty McDonald, co-founder and CEO of Bad Rhino. All of the recent Revenue Chat episodes have keyed in on relevant topical subjects such as cutting-edge sales tactics, growing businesses through mobile app reach and following the money on social media brand outreach campaigns. Revenue Chat averages 5,000-10,000 podcast downloads each week and DUrso's website adds another 100,000 unique visitors monthly. The show is available on iTunes, YouTube and there's even a mobile app as well. For those interested in being featured as a guest on an upcoming Revenue Chat broadcast episode, they can sign up for consideration by visiting the show's official booking website, http://www.meetme.so/TonyDUrso. Story continues About Revenue Chat Radio Revenue Chat is a weekly podcast featuring host Tony DUrso, the self-styled "Dream Business Maker". Each episode, averaging 5-10,000 downloads per week, features a special guest who has achieved success in life through hard work and overcoming adversity. Both host and the featured guest share insights and actionable strategies on how to be successful in all walks of life. Total downloads of the podcast have topped a half a million, with over 100,000 monthly visitors to his website, www.tonydurso.com. About Tony DUrso Tony DUrso was born in Sicily, Italy, came to the U.S. at age three and was working a paper route by the age of five. Working at such a young age taught him a strong work ethic, the value of money, and the importance of being self-supportive. At 19, Tony made his way into the business world and uncovered some of the greatest secrets of the sales profession. In the years following this achievement, he made impressive, record-breaking sales forays into real estate, collectibles, insurance technology, and other varied industries. DUrso is the author of three books, including Easy Sales Procedures, a book that endows its readers with the simple truths at the core of sales training methods. DUrso graduated Summa Cum Laude (top one percent of his class) from La Verne University with a degree in Business Administration. Currently, Tony hosts the popular show, Revenue Chat Radio, which achieves up to 25,000 downloads and listens per episode. He interviews CEOs, bestselling authors and experts in sales, marketing and leadership who provide actionable advice and insights. Tony currently resides in the U.S. with his wife of 24 years and their large white Akita. Media Contact: Jeff Cheatham TrizCom PR O: 972-247-1369 C: 972-961-6171 jeffc@trizcom.com SOURCE: Tony DUrso via Submit Press Release 123 15 metric tonnes of garbage extracted from the river Volunteers extracted around 15 metric tonnes of solid waste as part of the Bagmati Mega Clean-up Campaign which reached its 184th week on Saturday. (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Montclair Film Festival) If you thought that Stephen Colberts live election night special on Showtime was one of the most amazingly awful pieces of television youve ever seen, the Late Show host would like you to know that it was doubly awful being in front of the camera. That was the hardest thing Ive ever done, Colbert confessed during a one-on-one conversation with fellow comedian/political commentator/all-around funny guy, Last Week Tonights John Oliver, held on Nov. 19 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center as a fundraiser for the Montclair Film Festival. The audience was sobbing openly. What made the telecast even more challenging was the fact that Colbert and his writing staff had to jettison much of their preplanned material when it became clear which way the electoral winds were blowing. We had guests and pretaped pieces for one of three eventualities: Hillary Clinton wins and we know; Hillary Clinton wins and we dont know, because its not called until the shows over; or Donald Trump wins and we dont know, because he has such a narrow path to victory. In the end, Colbert wound up having to put on a show that nobody had prepared for: Donald Trump winning the election in real time. We have two-and-a-half shows worth of material that youll probably never see, he said mournfully. We had all these made-up commercials, but none of them were appropriate once we went on the air. Two weeks removed from that difficult election night, Oliver and Colbert enjoyed a free-flowing conversation covering everything from their Daily Show days to what to expect from the next four years. Here are five other highlights from this meeting of two of our favorite comic minds. Bomb hard Every standup comic has a Worst Gig Ever story, and Oliver was kind enough to share his tale with us. One night, he took the stage to perform for an audience of four, all of whom left before the hour-long set was over. Two people left about 15 minutes in, he remembered. So were down to two people, a married couple. And then the husband in a real act of betrayal said to his wife, Im just going to the toilet. We knew that wasnt true, because he took his coat with him. So he leaves, and its just me and his wife, and Im trying not to look into her eyes. I was approaching the 30-minute mark, and I saw her hand go down toward her bag. I said, Youre leaving, arent you? And she said, Im sorry. I could hear the door as she opened it, and when it closed, the lighting guy said, Do you want to keep going? Theres no way to spin that as a good gig! Story continues Nothing like a pillow fight between friends. (Dave Kotinsky / Getty) The naked time Being on HBO allows a late-night host certain freedoms that a late-night host on, say, CBS wouldnt get freedoms like four-letter words, no commercials, and, of course, lots and lots of nudity. And Oliver remembered that Last Week Tonight made sure to take advantage of the latter option, which is readily employed by such popular series as Game of Thrones and Girls, early on. In the first season, we did one scene of full frontal male nudity not mine! and we had to cast a series of penises, so they brought me all these penis shots. My casting criteria was: [the penis] shouldnt make your heart hurt, or feel bad for the person or make you think that a trip to the doctor would be advised. So that eliminated two out of the five penises. Now that hes in his third season, though, he doesnt feel the need to strip down again. We wanted to exercise all those muscles [early on] and then relax and do our show. But we couldnt not do it at that point. No guests, please, hes British Pop quiz: What do Last Week Tonight and Full Frontal With Samantha Bee have in common beyond the fact that theyre each hosted by ex-Daily Show correspondents? They also both eschew the typical late-night format of making time for an interview portion. In Olivers case, that wasnt his original intention. We built a whole side of our stage as an interview area, because thats what I thought you did. Thats the DNA I was raised on at The Daily Show. You talk for a bit, and then you to talk to someone else for a bit, and then everyone stops talking. The host did incorporate interviews into never-aired test shows, but dropped them after HBO said that he could use that time for other material. We still have this whole interview stage that we barely ever use. Right now, its where we have dancing mascots and explosions. All the (fake) news thats fit to print As veterans of the Jon Stewart era of The Daily Show, both Colbert and Oliver took umbrage at the postelection complaints that have been circulating about fake news those invented stories from dubious sources that were widely shared on Facebook. What we did [on The Daily Show] was fake news, Colbert said. We got on TV and said, All this stuff is going to be fake; were going to make fun of news. The fact that theyre calling this stuff fake news upsets me, because this is just lying. And speaking of The Daily Show, both hosts agreed that new host Trevor Noah is doing a fine job in Jon Stewarts old chair. The elephant in the room After spending the first half of their conversation talking around the biggest news story of the past two weeks, the hosts steeled themselves to tackle the incoming president head on. At Colberts prompting, Oliver elaborated on his This is not normal, message from the recent Season 3 finale of Last Week Tonight. The danger of saying, Just live your lives, the sun still comes out tomorrow is that its true for some people, and its very easy to forget that its not true for others. Not everyone is going to be OK, and its incumbent upon everyone to remember that. You have to keep remembering that this is an abnormal version of what weve been through before. Later on, during a lively audience Q&A, talk turned to Trumps recent Twitter scuffle with the Hamilton cast, and Colbert had some positive words for Vice President-elect Mike Pence. I like that he stayed and listened. He actually stayed in the doorway and listened, and they thanked him for staying to hear it. Oliver was less impressed: He stayed in the doorway. That feels like the Mike Pence version of listening. (Photo: Dave Kotinsky / Getty) Colbert also shared his own feelings about the calls to give the president-elect a chance. Im all for Give him a chance, but dont give him an inch. Because I remember everything he said [during the campaign], and its horrifying. But Colbert wasnt all doom and gloom: He also offered a three-step prescription for how to handle the next four years. Vote on the local level, get involved in local organization, and get to know your neighbors. There are reasons to get together that have nothing to do with politics. There have to be things that we do that are not competitions, and politics are jockeying for power. So get involved in your local community in significant ways that help you meet your neighbors. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will return Sunday, Feb. 12, on HBO. late show with stephen colbert oxford word of the year cbs "Late Show" host Stephen Colbert and "Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver, both formerly of "The Daily Show," discussed their greatest fears regarding the presidency of President-elect Donald Trump at a fundraiser for a film festival in Colbert's hometown of Montclair, New Jersey. During the wide-ranging discussion, the duo touched on the fake news proliferating on social media that some believed influenced the election in comparison with the brand of satire the two men presented on "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report," with Colbert bemoaning his possible role in perpetuating fictional news: "What we did was fake news," he said. "We got on TV and said: 'This is all going to be fake. We're making fun of news.'" The fact that they call this fake news upsets me because this is just lying." Later, when asked about how the US would fare under the new administration, Colbert suggested he genuinely feared that the US political system's checks and balances would be unable to rein in Trump. "Here's why we are most screwed," Colbert said. "Everyone tried to stop Trump except the people he is going to appoint they tried to stop Trump and they didnt. He owes them nothing." "Thats what scares me," Colbert said. "He owes the checks and balances of Washington nothing. Because they tried to stop him and they couldn't. And he's a vindictive person. Merry Christmas." NOW WATCH: 'HOLD UP!': Watch Obama defend a Trump protester and scold the crowd at a Clinton rally More From Business Insider President-elect Trump, a novice in foreign affairs, was destined to confront reality. Who would have guessed that the Middle East is the first place hell have to get down to his first serious policy decisions? Even a week ago it looked like Russia would force Trump to prove his mettle. Will he or wont he stick to his famously controversial idea of a new detente with Moscow? All of a sudden, Syria, Iran, and Israel all clamor for Trumps judgments. Long before his glittery inaugural ball, the new president will have to clarify whether hes going to stick to his campaign commitments or alter course. Related: Outlines of Trump Foreign Policy Are Largely Uncharted Territory In each case, what Trump and his foreign policy team decide could shift the U.S. away from strategies and alliances that have endured for many decades. If Trump does what he has said in the past he will, the Middle East will look very different from Washington. Trump has been given an imperative any new president would have to address. Since September 24, 2013, when Hassan Rouhani, Irans reformist president, spoke at the U.N. and opened the door to negotiations on the nations nuclear programs, all the pieces in the Middle East puzzle were bound to be rearranged. What distinguishes Trump is that he has been willing to say so. President Obama, even in his final days, continues to flinch from the reality his administration has fostered if not created. Heres what the Middle East has served up in a matter of a single week. Syria, Iran, and Israel have all just gone critical. Syria. The question of a new detente with Russia has just spilled over into the Syria crisis. Will Trump join forces with Moscow in a concerted campaign to defeat the Islamic State? Theres really nothing new in this idea. Secretary of State Kerry tried several times to find common cause by way of his arduous negotiations with Sergei Lavrov, his Russian counterpart. Related: Russia's Lavrov Says Marshall Plan Needed for Syria Kerry failed, at least in part because the Pentagon was reluctant to coordinate with the Russian military at a joint operations center in Jordan, as Kerry and Lavrov proposed. But the deal was on paper: Destroying the Islamic State comes first; then we can thinktogetherabout President Assad and a political transition into a postAssad era. Story continues Thats Trumps order of battleand the reason he has been critical of the Obama administrations determination to bring down Assad (Kerrys efforts notwithstanding). My attitude was, youre fighting Syria, Syria is fighting ISIS, and you have to get rid of ISIS, Trump said in an interview last week with The Wall Street Journal. This strategy is now suddenly suspectapparently because it is Trumps. The talk in Washington is that Trump seems willing to enter into an alliance with Damascus and its various backersprincipally Russia and Iran. In an interview with a Portuguese network broadcast Tuesday, Assad asserted that Trump could make a natural ally in the fight against ISIS. If he wanted to force Trump back into the Obama administrations faulty (and failed) strategy, the embattled Syrian president couldnt have done a better job. Related: 5 Foreign Policy Challenges President-Elect Trump Faces Before He Unpacks Advice for the President-elect: Dont take the bait. Your strategy in Syria is sound and doesnt imply an alliance of any kind with Assad. Advance the policy for what it is: One case among many wherein Russia and the U.S. share a common goal. Iran. Trump has gone from unambiguously opposed to the agreement governing Irans nuclear activities to ambiguously so. As of this week, hes going to have to find a lot of determination one way or the other, for a fine old fix awaits him. On one hand, the difficulty of breaking a multi-sided agreement is increasingly evident. So is the negative fallout of doing so. Just before meeting President Obama Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel committed herself to a vigorous defense of the nuclear accord as the right policya pointed warning intended for Trump. Even Iranians are now confident Trump will have to come around. We expect to see more rationality on the position that Trump is going to take after becoming president, Peyman Ghorbani, vice-chair of Irans central bank, said at a conference in Frankfurt the same day Merkel addressed the topic elsewhere. Related: Iran sees 'more rationality' from Trump once president A lot of people think similarlybut not everyone. Over Trumps other shoulder, he has congressional opposition to the Iran accord that grows more vigorous by the day. On Thursday, the House passed a bill barring Treasury from authorizing aircraft sales to Irana blow to Boeing as well as the nuclear accord itself. Lawrence Ward, a Washington attorney, said in a note afterward that Obama would probably veto any such legislation that reaches his desk. Sounds good. But it will be on Trumps desk by the time this bill if passed in the Senate, reaches the White House. Advice to the President-elect: Your critique of the Iran deal was overblown from the first. The agreement is not perfect from either sides perspective, and its time to correct course. Like Nixon in China, youre in a better position than Obama to take on the Capitol Hill hawks. Youll never be in a good positionthere isnt oneto tell the rest of the world Americas bailing on this commitment. Israel. The current fight in Israel over illegal West Bank settlements on privately owned Palestinian land escalated big time this weekjust in time to give Trump his third Middle East problem. Related: In Hats and T-Shirts, Trump Fans Rally in Jerusalem's Old City On Wednesday the Knesset preliminarily approved a bill that retroactively legalizes these settlements. This was in response to an earlier High Court ruling that one such settlement must be dismantled by December 25. During his campaign for the Republican nomination, Trump signaled attenuated sympathy for the Palestinian cause and a consequent shift in U.S. policy. Since his election victory last week he has spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahuapparently offering reassurances that Washingtons support for Israel will not waiver. Wheres Trump, then, and whats his move in the face of the Knessets bombshell? While Netanyahus attorney general says the bill is against international law, the prime ministers position is ambiguous at the very least. Given the right wing of his coalition now declares openly, The era of the Palestinian state is over, this is hardball. Trumps going to need a clear mind and a very sophisticated Mideast policyboth very quickly. Advice to Mr. Trump: You had it right at the start. The IsraelPalestine crisis is in flux, and a new U.S. strategy is in order. Stay with the thought; navigate very carefully and you could get done what urgently needs doing.f Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Paris (AFP) - Former prime minister Francois Fillon's stunning upset in France's rightwing primary set up a run-off duel with another ex-premier, Alain Juppe, that is widely expected to decide the country's next leader. By leap-frogging to first place in the first round of the primary, Fillon caused the elimination from the nominating contest of his former boss, ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy. Following are profiles of the two men who will contest next Sunday's runoff: - Francois Fillon - The pro-business, reform-minded Fillon, 62, has campaigned as a compromise candidate, with more bite than the moderate Juppe but less punch than the pugnacious Sarkozy. As premier under Sarkozy from 2007 to 2012, Fillon's unflappable demeanour made him an antidote to his frenetic former boss. He is best remembered for having warned about the dangers of running a big budget deficit a year before the 2008 eurozone debt crisis. The eurozone's second-biggest economy was "bankrupt", he declared -- remarks he pointed to in campaigning as proof that he was a politician who pulls no punches. Fillon, who became the youngest member of the French parliament at age 27 in 1981, went on to hold several ministerial portfolios under Jacques Chirac. Fillon has promised far-reaching reforms to kickstart the moribund economy. He has pledged to cut 600,000 civil service jobs and increase the working week from 35 to 39 hours. On social issues, the father of five who is married to a Welsh woman tacked to the right of both Sarkozy and Juppe, vowing to amend a 2013 law on gay marriage to prevent adoptions by same-sex couples. He has also announced plans to reduce immigration to a "strict minimum". - Alain Juppe - Juppe, 71, has campaigned as a moderate and a sage who will unify a country divided by a deep economic malaise and a wave of jihadist attacks. The man with the longest CV in French politics had stints as foreign and defence minister under his vanquished arch-rival Sarkozy. Story continues Painting Sarkozy as a "prophet of doom", Juppe has said he wants to be a "prophet of happiness", risking ridicule in a country renowned for its pessimism. "The French people need more than ever to unite to turn the page on a disastrous five years (under Socialist President Francois Hollande) ... and to create a bulwark against" the far-right National Front of Marine Le Pen, Juppe said after securing his second-place finish. One of France's most popular politicians, the longtime mayor of Bordeaux was the frontrunner for the centre-right's nomination until a late surge by Fillon. Tall, balding and considered a bit stiff by many, Juppe has reached out to the vast majority of Muslims who embrace France's secular values. His messages have been aimed at the virtually rudderless left as well as the centre. Juppe was the budget minister for two years in 1996-98 and foreign minister for the first time from 1993 to 1995, during France's involvement in wars in the former Yugoslavia. He spent several years in the political wilderness after a party funding scandal in 2004, in which he was seen as the fall guy for his mentor Chirac. Juppe was convicted and given a suspended jail sentence that forced him out of office for two years. Resigning his posts as parliamentary deputy and Bordeaux mayor, Juppe handed the leadership of the centre-right UMP party -- now the Republicans -- to Sarkozy, who used it as his springboard for the presidency. Juppe went to teach in Canada before returning to be re-elected mayor of Bordeaux in October 2006. He has sought to shrug off a reputation as a detached technocrat two decades after his 1995 reform agenda sparked the largest protest movement France had seen since May 1968. Juppe says he is a "changed" man and now more open to dialogue. By Harry Pearl SYDNEY (Reuters) - A man suspected of starting a fire in an Australian bank on Friday that injured 27 people has been identified as an asylum seeker, angering far-right groups and adding to an increasingly heated national debate over immigration. Six people were taken to hospital in critical condition after the 21-year-old suspect walked into a Melbourne branch of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and lit an accelerant, setting himself and the office on fire, Victoria Police said, adding the man was also in serious condition. Far-right anti-Muslim groups have seized on the arson attack to call for a ban on refugees entering the country. They rallied in the city on Sunday to celebrate Republic Donald Trumps U.S. presidential election victory. Political debate around Australia's hardline asylum seeker policy has been heated recently. Asylum seekers who arrive in Australian waters by boat are intercepted and sent to detention centers in Manus Island in Papua New Guinea and Nauru in the South Pacific. The detention camps have been heavily criticized by human rights groups over allegations of systemic abuses of the detainees and incidents of self harm. Victorias state Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday there was no political motivation involved in the attack on the bank. It is not a commentary, and it oughtn't to be used as a political weapon by anybody who finds fault with any of the policy settings we have at the moment," The Age newspaper quoted Andrews as saying. Habib Habib, from the Australian Burmese Rohingya Organization, said the man alleged to have carried out the attack was a Rohingya asylum seeker. The man, who had spent time at an immigration detention on Christmas Island, was suffering mental and financial problems, he said. A federal government source confirmed to Reuters the man arrived in Australia by boat in 2013. (Reporting by Harry Pearl; Editing by Kim Coghill) By Liana B. Baker and Greg Roumeliotis (Reuters) - Symantec Corp is in the lead to acquire LifeLock Inc following an auction for the U.S. identity theft protection services company, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The deal would expand Symantec's consumer offerings after its $4.65 billion acquisition in August of Blue Coat Inc, which helps companies maintain security over the internet. It would also represent a victory for activist hedge fund Elliott Management Corp, which had pushed LifeLock to explore its options. Symantec has so far prevailed in the auction for LifeLock after the company received final bids last week, the people said, cautioning that the outcome could still change. A deal could be announced as early as this week, the people added. LifeLock has a market capitalization of close to $2 billion, while Symantec has a market capitalization of $14.8 billion. It could not be ascertained how much Symantec, which outbid private equity firms in the auction, was offering for LifeLock. The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Symantec and LifeLock did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Based in Tempe, Arizona, LifeLock offers services to consumers such as monitoring new account openings and credit-related applications in order to alert them about unauthorized use of their identity. It also works with government agencies, merchants and creditors to remediate the impact of identity theft. LifeLock said it had 4.4 million members at the end of the third quarter, up 8 percent year-on-year. Through the acquisition of Lifelock, Symantec would enhance its consumer unit, which provides antivirus software. The Mountain View, California-based company has been moving away from what is sees as more commoditized services, selling its data storage business Veritas in January to private equity firm Carlyle Group LP for $7.4 billion. In February, Symantec announced a $500 million investment from technology-focused buyout firm Silver Lake Partners LP. It invested another $500 million in Symantec when it agreed to acquire Blue Coat, while private equity firm Bain Capital LLC, which sold Blue Coat to Symantec, agreed to reinvest $750 Million in the combined company. The Blue Coat deal also made Greg Clark, Blue Coat's Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Symantec. (Reporting by Liana B. Baker and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; Editing by Sandra Maler and Alan Crosby) By Tom Perry and Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT/AMMAN (Reuters) - On the eve of Donald Trump's election victory, members of a Western-backed Syrian rebel group met U.S. officials to ask about the outlook for arms shipments they have received to fight President Bashar al-Assad. They were told the program would continue until the end of the year, but anything more would depend on the next U.S. administration, a rebel official at the meeting said. When Trump takes office in January, it may stop altogether. The president-elect has signaled opposition to U.S. support for the rebels, and an overhaul of policy on Syria. The military aid program overseen by the Central Intelligence Agency has given arms and training to moderate rebels in coordination with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and others. It helped to support these rebels, fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner, as jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda emerged as a major force in a war approaching its sixth anniversary. U.S. officials declined to comment on any meetings with rebel groups, and previously have not commented on the CIA program given its covert nature. But Trump has indicated he could abandon the rebels to focus on fighting Islamic State which control territory in eastern and central Syria. He might even cooperate against IS with Russia, Assad's most powerful ally, which has been bombing the rebels for over a year in western Syria. Assad, in an interview published on Tuesday, said Trump would be a "natural ally" if he decides to "fight the terrorists". The rebels are looking on the bright side. They say support via the U.S.-backed program has been inadequate and Washington has stopped Saudi Arabia from giving them more powerful weapons. So the rebels hope a more isolationist United States will give regional states a free hand, allowing Saudi Arabia to provide the anti-aircraft missiles President Barack Obama has vetoed. The rebel official said there had been no contact with U.S. officials since Trump's win. But were U.S. support to end and "this veto lifted", that would be a good outcome, he said. "Everybody is analyzing, there are positive expectations, there are negative expectations - but nothing is yet clear," the official said. DARK DAYS FOR REBELLION The prospect of a shift in U.S. policy comes at a dark time for the rebellion. Russia on Tuesday escalated its military campaign in support of Assad, drawing for the first time on an aircraft carrier it has sent to the region. Assad and his allies are tightening their grip on rebel-held eastern Aleppo, where heavy air strikes have resumed and insurgents have failed to break the siege. Longstanding tensions among rebels have turned into fighting twice in the Aleppo area this month. But analysts also say it is too early to tell what Trump will do in Syria since his views could be reshaped by establishment thinking in Washington. Republicans in his administration will not want to cooperate with Russia, or bow to the huge influence wielded by Iran in Syria, where thousands of Shi'ite militiamen including Lebanon's Hezbollah are fighting on Assad's side. And to many in Washington, Assad remains anathema. Yet since his election win, Trump has reiterated his misgivings about U.S. policy, telling the Wall Street Journal he "had an opposite view of many people regarding Syria" and "we have no idea" who the rebels are. His comments cheered Damascus and its allies, which view his win as positive for their war effort. "INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT"? "It is true that he doesn't know us, but the American state knows us and will tell him," said a second rebel leader whose group has been a recipient of military support. "There is an international commitment to us," he said. The rebels' other state backers were seeking to explain this to Trump, he said. Western policy towards Syria has been built around the idea that there can be no sustainable peace with Assad in power. Assad, a member of the minority Alawite sect, is dependent on military support from Russia, Iran and Shi'ite Islamist militias in the fight with the Sunni Muslim insurgency. Western policymakers believe the nationalist Sunni rebels are needed to build a stable Syria. But their policy has long been hampered by splits in the opposition and the prominent role jihadists have played in the insurgency. A Western diplomat said jihadist influence would increase were Trump to abandon the FSA rebels. In western Syria, FSA rebels have often fought in close proximity to jihadists against the army and its allies. Concerns about weapons ending up in jihadist hands still appear to act as a brake on military support to the rebels. With the collapse of a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia in September, U.S. officials considered military options including direct U.S. military action such as air strikes on Syrian military installations. But rebels say there has been no big shift since then. Were the United States to abandon the rebels, their military fortunes would hinge on Saudi, Qatari and Turkish support. Officials from those countries could not immediately be reached for comment on the subject of their backing for the rebels. The rebels believe Turkey for one remains a steadfast backer. But its recent rapprochement with Russia has raised questions over Turkish aims in Syria. Ankara appears more set on rolling back Kurdish influence and Islamic State than getting more deeply involved in the war for Aleppo, for example. The Syria conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and divided Syria into areas controlled by the government, insurgent groups, Kurdish militia, and Islamic State. The Kurdish YPG militia is at the center of U.S. strategy for fighting Islamic State in Syria, despite opposition from U.S. ally Turkey, which fears Kurdish influence in northern Syria will fuel separatism among its Kurdish minority. The Pentagon also backs some Syrian Arab rebels fighting Islamic State, despite the failure of a program last year which only trained a few dozen fighters. The spokesman for one such group, the New Syria Army, forecast reduced U.S. support for the rebels as Trump sought to "understand the picture more and to separate the jihadist groups from the moderate groups". But in the end, U.S. policy will be forced to "support the FSA groups that have a nationalist complexion", said the spokesman, Muzahim Saloum. Mohamad Aboud, an ex-rebel commander and a member of the main opposition political body, the High Negotiations Council, said Turkish influence would help shape a more supportive U.S. policy towards the rebels. Unlike with Obama, there would "be clarity in the new Trump administration", he said. (Writing by Tom Perry; editing by Giles Elgood) Damascus (AFP) - Syria will not accept a UN proposal to recognise an autonomous rebel administration in east Aleppo as part of a truce deal, the country's foreign minister said Sunday. Walid Muallem said Damascus could not agree to the idea floated by the UN's peace envoy Staffan de Mistura, who held talks in Syria on Sunday aimed at reducing violence in second city Aleppo. "He talked about an autonomous administration" in east Aleppo, Muallem said after meeting with de Mistura. "We told him that we reject that completely." "How is it possible that the UN wants to reward terrorists?" he asked. Syria's government refers to all those opposed to President Bashar al-Assad's regime as "terrorists". De Mistura's visit comes as the Syrian government presses a fierce assault on the rebel-held east of Aleppo, which has been besieged by regime troops since mid-July. The UN envoy recently floated a proposal to halt fighting in the city, under which jihadist forces would leave and the government would recognise the opposition administration in the east of the city. "We told him that we agreed on the necessity of terrorists leaving east Aleppo... but it is not possible that 275,000 of our citizens... are kept hostage by 5,000, 6,000, 7,000 armed men," Muallem added. "There is no government in the world that would accept that," he said. "The sooner they leave -- and we have allowed them to choose where they want to go -- the sooner they will spare the suffering of the residents," he said. "The institutions of state must return to east Aleppo." Muallem said de Mistura had not suggested a new date for peace talks to resolve Syria's conflict, which has killed more than 300,000 people since it began in March 2011, with anti-government protests. Several rounds of internationally sponsored dialogue sessions and peace talks have already failed to move the government and rebels closer to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. De Mistura was holding additional meetings and said he expected to issue a statement later Sunday. By Angus McDowall BEIRUT (Reuters) - Rebel shelling killed eight children at a school in the government-held part of Aleppo on Sunday and a barrel bomb killed a family of six in the rebel-held area, part of a heavy government bombardment that has knocked out all the hospitals. Hundreds of people have been killed since Tuesday in a concerted push by the government and its allies to quash resistance in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo to reestablish control over Syria's biggest pre-war city. On Sunday they advanced into the Hanano district on its northern edge, but rebels said the battle was still continuing and that some of the pro-government forces' gains had been reversed. The bombardment, one of the most intense in the almost six year-old civil war, has taken a heavy toll on civilians. Two medics said the al-Baytounji family had suffocated to death because the barrel bomb, which fell in the Sakhour district at about midnight, had been laced with chlorine gas. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the war, confirmed the bombing but could not confirm that chlorine gas was used. Damascus has denied use of the gas, which would contravene the international Chemical Weapons Convention. Rebel shelling killed at least eight children, aged from six to 12 years, among 10 deaths in the Saria Hasoun school in al-Farqan district, the Observatory and Syrian state television reported. The bombardment of eastern Aleppo drew condemnation on Sunday from the EU's humanitarian aid commissioner, Christos Stylianides. "The relentless bombing of East Aleppo by the Syrian regime in the last few days has now left hundreds of thousands of besieged civilians without access to food and to functioning hospitals," he said. An official with a rebel group based in east Aleppo said there were still no working hospitals there on Sunday, a day after the World Health Organization reported that bombing had put them all out of action. Hospitals have previously been brought back into service after being knocked out through bombing in the rebel-held area but food supplies are running low. The military and Russia's air force had paused their bombardment of eastern Aleppo, except for on the frontlines, for two weeks after a month-long offensive from late September to late October, but recommenced strikes on Tuesday. The army and its allies began some ground attacks on Friday. The Observatory reported intense clashes in Sheikh Saeed in southeast Aleppo and in Baeedain and Bustan al-Basha in northeast Aleppo. Lebanon's Hezbollah militia, one of the army's main allies in the fighting, said on Sunday that the army and its allies had advanced in Hanano and pro-government forces were bringing big reinforcements to the city. The Observatory confirmed the Hanano advance. TALKS An inquiry by the United Nations and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons has said Syrian government forces have used chlorine gas in barrel bombs at least three times during the war. Damascus denies it. Syria also denies using barrel bombs - improvised ordnance made by oil drums filled with high explosive and shrapnel and dropped from helicopters. Their use has been condemned by the United Nations for causing unnecessary suffering. Air strikes continued to hit several districts of eastern Aleppo early on Sunday, the Observatory said, after at least 54 people were killed in bombing on Saturday. So far, around 240 people have been killed in bombing in eastern Aleppo and the rebel-held countryside to the west of the city since Tuesday, it added. Staffan De Mistura, the envoy of the United Nations secretary general, met Syrian Foreign Ministry officials on Sunday and later acknowledged differences. He said he had proposed that Damascus should recognize the local administration in rebel-held east Aleppo if jihadist fighters left the city, but Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem rejected this in a televised news conference. An elected city council there oversees services and De Mistura said that while he recognized the government's need to maintain sovereignty, Aleppo should be treated as a special case. Moalem said that the arrangement was intended by rebel groups to control distribution of food and that they were holding the civilians of eastern Aleppo hostage. Asked about Damascus' expectations from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, he said it wanted him to stop arming rebel groups and to curb regional powers who also did so. Speaking to journalists separately, De Mistura condemned attacks on hospitals in both rebel and government-held areas. "We should be allowed to send a verification team to verify the damage in hospitals in eastern and western Aleppo," he said. The two medics identified the family they said was killed by chlorine in a film distributed online. It showed the corpses of four children stretched out on a floor, their lips blue and dark marks around their open eyes. One of the medics, Abu al-Abbas, has a colleague who lives on the same street, he said. Another was the manager of a hospital and said doctors had confirmed the cause of their death as gas poisoning. A rebel official, Zakaria al-Malahifji, from the Fastaqim group, also said they had been killed by gas. Medics and residents in rebel-held areas have often accused the Syrian military of using chlorine in barrel bomb attacks on their areas, but the difficulty of reaching besieged districts makes it hard for international agencies to verify this. Syria and Russia have also accused the rebels of using toxic gas in shells, including during a major assault on the western fringe of the government-held zone in Aleppo early this month. The civil war pits President Bashar al-Assad backed by Russia's air force, Iran and Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels including groups supported by the United States, Turkey and Gulf monarchies. Aleppo has become the focal point, as the army and its allies alternate intense bombardment and ground attacks with offers to rebels to quit the city during periods of reduced bombing. The use of siege and bombardment tactics has previously forced rebels to surrender other encircled areas such as the large town of Daraya southeast of Damascus, seen for years as a stronghold of the rising against Assad. (Additional reporting by Ellen Francis, Suleiman al-Khalidi and Kinda Makieh; editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Philippa Fletcher) When Donald Trump unveiled his proposal to make child care tax deductible, there was one line that went by almost unnoticed. It said the benefit would be capped "at the average cost of care for the state of residence." Whether or not this ever becomes law, the mention of it is remarkable. Today, virtually no federal taxes are adjusted by regional differences in the cost of living. If you earn $50,000 in an expensive city, youre taxed just the same as someone earning that salary in a cheap place to live. Is that fair? Heading west Screen Shot 2016 11 18 at 4.55.23 PM Kate and Mike Swelstad had been married for a couple of years when they started thinking about moving from their native Michigan to the San Francisco Bay Area, feeling the draw of nicer weather, mountains, and great camping. At the time, Kate was working as a zookeeper at the Detroit Zoo. Mike worked at a Ford call center. She was cautious about such a big move, but Mike persisted. "One day he said, Im just going to buy a ticket," Kate told Business Insider. And shortly after he did. Toward the end of 2003, as 23-year-olds, they packed their bags and headed west, settling near San Francisco. As she'd done in Michigan, Kate worked at a zoo for a while. Mike ended up working as a receptionist at an insurance agency. The jobs they did in California were at the same level as their jobs in Michigan. But costs out west for housing, food, and other expenses were much, much higher. "Its almost twice the price to go out to dinner in California versus Michigan," Kate said. Their salaries reflected this. They were higher than they would've been back in Michigan. But those higher wages meant they also paid more in tax to the federal government, with some of that ending up in a higher tax bracket than they would have been in back in Michigan. Michigan 2003 earnings: $48,944 California 2005 earnings: $61,967 (earnings above 59,401 are subject to higher tax) Story continues "Its not really fair," Kate said. "Were making more money than we were in Michigan, but were not seeing the value of it." "City dwellers have every right to feel a little ripped off." Listen to the BIQ Podcast: A question of fairness Kate and Mike had never really thought about tax brackets and regional differences, but after they moved, they were talking with their friend David Albouy about just how much more expensive everything is on the coast, and Albouy started thinking deeply about whether its fair that they also have to pay more tax. "They were paying a lot in taxes and not receiving a whole lot in benefits," Albouy said. He happens to be an economist, today teaching at the University of Illinois, and the experience of Kate and Mike partially inspired his research, which looks at how the tax system treats people in different regions. tunnelview As he sees it, people like Kate and Mike pay more to the federal government, but they dont use more services. If anything, theyre subsidizing those people who are earning less because they live in cheaper cities. "There was some real effect of living in the Bay Area on how much you earned, but they were clearly poorer in the long run," Albouy said. The Bay Area costs more than Michigan for a lot of reasons. Theres the natural beauty that draws people. Theres wine country, great restaurants, and a concentration of talented, productive workers who drive up prices. But theres also a healthier labor market than where they came from. "Kate and Mike ultimately did the right thing to come to San Francisco. The economy in Detroit was declining and it didnt need more workers," Albouy said. But as they moved, the US "didnt make it easy for them because they paid more in taxes. They lost a lot of benefits." For Kate and Mike it was a choice, and they clearly understand the consequences. But not everyone living in a more expensive place has chosen to live there, and sometimes an expensive region needs to attract workers. You have to have nurses Albouy offers an example: Every city needs nurses. Lets say New York City has a shortage and Cleveland has a surplus. Thered be a pretty good incentive for nurses to move east, and theyd likely get a big pay bump in the process. If nurses made $50,000 in the Midwest, they might earn $80,000 for the same kind of job in New York. In theory, that wage premium accounts for the higher cost of rent and food and other necessities. But a nurse would also pay more tax. "Why is she paying extra money?" Albouy said. "Is she costing the federal government more? Probably not." And janitors janitor The question of fairness is even more stark at the low end of the income spectrum. Take a janitor, for instance. In an inexpensive city like Kansas City, he might earn about $8 an hour. If he worked 40 hours a week every single week, hed take home just $16,640 per year. A similar janitor in New York may earn $15 an hour, bringing his pay to $31,200. Presumably, the standard of living for the New Yorker will be the same or perhaps even lower than the Kansas City janitor because of the high cost of living. And we can assume that neither has much choice about where he lives, given financial means, and family ties. But a few things happen here. For one, the Kansas City filer only pays 10% federal tax on his income. The New Yorker has to pay 15% tax on his income over about $18,500 (in this simplified example, assuming married, filing jointly.) Further, the New Yorker will qualify for far less of the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is one of the more effective programs helping bring Americans out of poverty. 4.2.5 figure1 "Thats going to put them above the poverty line and theyre not going to qualify for most benefits, and theyre not going to qualify for medicaid, or barely," Albouy said. In New York, for instance, the workers family would likely lose access to food stamps or free student lunches, even though hes not living a nicer life necessarily than the worker in the cheap city. A better way? Adjusting federal tax rates to account for regional differences in wages and costs almost never comes up in debates over tax reform. Congressman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat representing parts of Manhattan, has proposed changes along these lines, but they got little traction in the House of Representatives, in part because they were seen as benefiting the richest New Yorkers. His office did not reply to requests for comment. Albouys ideas take that objection into account. He says there are a few ways we could change our tax code to be more fair but not give big breaks to the rich. First, regional differences could be based on conservative salary measures. Second, it could go beyond cost-of-living variances and incorporate measures of quality of life. Really great places to live, like near a beautiful beach, might be taxed more. It might also make sense to tax people based on where they work rather than where they live, to account for the higher wages in city centers. A lower-income worker might travel a long distance to get to work in an expensive city center. What could go wrong? new york Despite all the differences in pay and costs across the US, federal taxes do not take into account regional differences. Part of the reason why Albouys ideas have not caught on is that it would be complicated. "It would add incredible complexity to the tax code," said Matthew Gardner, senior fellow with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. There are many good reasons, he said, why things cost more in New York than they do in rural Nebraska. Theres more to offer in New York, and more people want to live there, which creates scarcity of housing and other goods. That means employers have to pay workers more there. But the tax code doesnt know any of that. "The income-tax laws are obviously blind to whats driving your wages," he said. "All your income tax laws know is that youre earning more." So the question becomes where do you draw the line. Do you base tax rates on each states average wages? If so, you lose the stark differences between New York City pay and what workers upstate earn. Or you could have two sets of tax brackets, one for those living in urban areas and another for those in the country. But that is a "blunt instrument," Gardner said, and could create new inequalities. How do you distinguish between those who choose to live in an expensive city, and those who are stuck in one? Just as city dwellers today might feel like theyre subsidizing the rest of the country, changing the tax code might create resentment in the opposite direction. "Its hard to think of a mechanism for alleviating geographic differences in cost of living that wouldnt add as many inequities as it would solve," he said. And, Gardner said, wealthier residents of expensive cities already get tax breaks that make it easier to live there. The mortgage-interest tax deduction, for instance, incentivizes homeownership in places with astronomical home prices, like San Francisco. And state and local taxes are deductible from federal returns. FullSizeRender "There are people who argue and look at the itemized deductions for state/local taxes and mortgage interest, and view it as insane subsidy for people who live in high cost areas," he said. And, he said, there are only a few cities where cost of living is significantly higher than elsewhere, which raises the question of whether state and local governments should be responsible for reducing tax burdens. 'Penalized' But for Kate and Mike, who now have two kids, the strain of living in the Bay Area is taking a toll. Their incomes have risen in the past decade, now about $71,000 a year combined. They know that would be plenty to live a comfortable life in Michigan, but even in the outskirts of San Francisco, its hard. "It seems like we were penalized for coming out here," she said. "It was our choice to come out here, but we thought, great, it costs more but its OK, were making more. It will work out." Every now and then she catches up with her old friend David Albouy, the economist, and they talk about his research. "It kind of brings up the frustration," she said. "Its not like we sit around thinking about tax brackets all the time, but hes kind of a reminder." NOW WATCH: Ken Rogoff explains why he's been advocating to eliminate the $100 bill More From Business Insider Achham womans death concerns PM Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed serious concern over the death of a woman in Achham district while practicing Chhaupadi, a tradition that banishes menstruating women to live in sheds outside the houses. Thomas Almeida bounced back from his first career loss to Cody Garbrandt in his last outing by finishing Albert Morales on Saturday in the Fight Night Sao Paulo co-main event. Morales entered the fight unbeaten, taking on No. 11-ranked Almeida in front of Almeida's hometown crowd at the Ginasio do Ibirapuera. The Warrior had nothing to lose and fought that way. Morales came out looking to set the pace. He pressed forward while Almeida was content with counter striking in the early going. He put together punches in bunches, looking to score the upset. Almeida picked his shots and as the first round played out he began to find his range. He landed a combination that had Morales looking to get the fight to the ground. He didn't get the takedown but was able to take Almeida's back. Almeida shook him off and delivered an uppercut. Morales answered with a right hand at the end of the round, but Almeida had the momentum heading into the second frame. RELATED > UFC Sao Paulo: Bader vs. Nogueira Live Results and Fight Stats The pace slowed a bit in the second round with both fighters being more calculated with their attack. Almeida hurt Morales with a combination and poured on the offense. He delivered a flurry of punches that had Morales out on his feet. Almeida continued to land shot while the referee gave Morales every opportunity to get back into the fight. Almeida went to the body and Morales crumbled to the canvas. The end came at the 1:37 mark of the second round. It's great to fight here in Sao Paulo. I'm back. My last fight, I wasn't happy at all with it, said Almeida following Saturday's win. I love to fight here at home. Albert is a really tough guy. He can take a lot of shots, but I was really there physically and mentally, so everything was good for me, he added. The 25-year-old Brazilian got back in the win column, but didn't want to call out anyone. I don't like to say any names. I don't like to challenge anyone. I want a top ten fighter, and then a top five, and then maybe for the belt, he said. Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Paris (AFP) - Vendee Globe leader Alex Thomson was on Sunday counting the cost of his boat's collision with an unidentified object in the south Atlantic. The accident on Saturday when Thomson's boat struck a submerged object has damaged the Welsh sailor's Hugo Boss yacht, shearing off a metal foil which has allowed his nearest pursuers to gain ground. Thomson has been forced to slow down, with his 125 nautical mile lead whittled down to 90 miles by Sebastien Josse, with Armel Le Cleac'h a close up third. Thomson is hoping to be able to stay in front of his chasers until the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of South Africa when he can tack and start using his other foil. Until then he will just have to make do, the 42-year-old who finished third in 2012/13 said. "There's still a bit of the foil there, sticking out and slowing me down, but I can't do anything about that, he said. "At some point I'm going to have to go over the side and cut it off." Thomson is one of seven skippers using the 'Dali moustache' lifting foils. The device helps lift the boats above the water in a dragster effect, the idea being to lighten the vessel and increase speed. Despite making inroads, Le Cleac'h, runner up in the last two editions of the solo round the world odyssey, said he would have to wait for calmer seas to take full advantage of Thomson's misfortune. "The sea state is worsening and with the foils we're not necessarily faster," the Banque Populaire VIII skipper said. "We're going to have to wait for smoother seas to make the most of these appendages. "I'm gradually gaining ground on Alex Thomson, but we need to look after the boat for the rest of the race." Thomson's accident robbed him of the new world record for the furthest distance sailed solo in 24 hours. In the 24 hours up to the accident the British sailor had covered 535.34 miles to beat the previous record set by Francois Gabart in the 2012/13 edition of 534.48 miles. Story continues But organisers refused to recognise his achievement. To be an official new benchmark he had to have beaten the previous best by one entire mile - Thomson fell short by a mere 259 metres. Vendee Globe standings at 1800 GMT 1. Alex Thomson (GBR/Hugo Boss) at 19,341.8 nautical miles from the finish 2. Armel Le Cleac'h (FRA/Banque Populaire VIII) at 86.6 miles from the leader 3. Sebastien Josse (FRA/Edmond de Rothschild) at 89.6 4. Vincent Riou (FRA/PRB) 157.4 5. Morgan Lagraviere (FRA/Safran) 182 6. Paul Meilhat (FRA/SMA) 222.6 7. Jeremie Beyou (FRA/Maitre Coq) 313.1 8. Yann Elies (FRA/Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir) 703.6 9. Jean-Pierre Dick (FRA/StMichel-Virbac) 868.3 10. Jean Le Cam (FRA/Finistere Mer Vent) 874.6 Selected 17. Conrad Coleman (USA-AUS/Foresight Natural Energy) 1548.21 18. Kojiro Shiraishi (JPN/Spirit of Yukoh) 1568.8 20. Rich Wilson (USA/Great American IV) 1701.1 25. Enda O'Coineen (IRL/Kilcullen Voyager) 2083.89 YANGON (Reuters) - Three bombs exploded at a supermarket in Myanmar's largest city Yangon on Sunday evening, causing limited damage and no injuries, the Ministry of Information said on its official Facebook page. The military conducted a sweep of the area after the authorities sealed off the site, it said. It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast, which occurred in a residential part of the city several kilometres (miles) away from the city centre. The government is investigating the explosions, the statement said. (This story corrects first paragraph to say Yangon is Myanmar's largest city) (Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Tom Heneghan) San Ysidro (United States) (AFP) - For 20 years, Laura Avila had yearned to hug her mother again. On Saturday, tears streaming down her face, the 35-year-old had her wish finally come true -- if only for three minutes. At 12:27 pm, she hesitantly walked toward a heavy metal gate on the US-Mexico border in San Diego that a US Border Parol agent had opened only minutes before, burying her face in her mother's embrace. Avila and her 11-year-old daughter were among six families chosen to take part in an event organized by the migrant advocacy group Border Angels in cooperation with US authorities on the occasion of United Nations Children's Day on Sunday. One by one, each family was escorted to the opening in the steel fence separating the San Diego suburb of San Ysidro from Tijuana, in Mexico, and for three minutes -- under the watchful eye of border agents and a scrum of journalists -- hugged and kissed their loved ones who had waited on the other side. "I last saw my mother when she was 50 and next week she turns 71," Avila, who lives in the Los Angeles area, said after the emotional reunion. "It was an early Christmas present for the two of us, and a birthday present for her. "She had to take a four-hour flight from Puebla (in east-central Mexico) to see us," she said of her mother who had been deported after illegally entering the US. Saturday's event -- the fourth organized by Border Angels since 2013 -- took on added meaning for those attending, coming on the heels of the election of Donald Trump as president. Trump vowed during the presidential campaign to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and to deport millions of illegal immigrants from the country. Whether Trump pushes ahead with his harsh immigration proposals was clearly on everyone's mind Saturday as the families hugged and cried, with many wondering if it would be the last such event to take place. "I am terrified," said Luis Hernandez, 25, who hadn't seen his father in five years. Story continues His parents slipped into the United States through the border with Tijuana when he was five years old and his father was arrested and deported five years ago. But Hernandez, like several of those at the event Saturday, was allowed to stay in the US thanks to President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA allows immigrants like Hernandez who arrived in the United States as children to work and study in the country on a temporary basis. But many of these so-called "Dreamers" now fear Trump will repeal the action, leading to tragic consequences to some 750,000 recipients. - 'Touching the sky' - "What Trump has proposed is so scary for a lot of minorities, myself included," said Hernandez, who runs a television and Internet service in Los Angeles. "He has said he plans to undo the law that protects me. "He doesn't even have to look for me. He has my address given that I'm in this program." Still, he said he remains hopeful and had promised his father that they would soon hug again. "It was like touching the sky," his elated father, Eduardo Hernandez, told AFP through the fence after the brief reunion. "I just wish it could happen more often, and for longer than three minutes." The area where Saturday's reunion took place is called Friendship Park and it is where families from both sides of the border every weekend are allowed to speak -- and lock pinky fingers -- through the steel mesh. But since 2013, on only four occasions -- including this Saturday -- has the large gate along that border been opened to allow a lucky few families chosen by Border Patrol to physically embrace. Enrique Morones, founder and director of the San Diego-based Border Angels, said he hoped the park as well as reunions like Saturday's would continue with the new administration. "My only message to Trump is this," he told AFP. "Love has no borders. And he should remember his roots and the roots of migrants all over the world." Paris (AFP) - The French right voted Sunday in the first round of a US-style primary that is widely expected to decide the country's next leader. The ballot was shaping up as a tight three-way race between ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and former premiers Alain Juppe and Francois Fillon. But far-right leader Marine Le Pen has cast a shadow over the two-month-long contest because whoever wins the nomination is tipped to face -- and beat -- her in the decisive presidential run-off next May. With France's ruling left bitterly divided, the campaign has been heavily influenced by the populist forces behind Britain's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's shock victory in the US election. A last-minute surge in opinion polls by Fillon, who was prime minister under Sarkozy, indicated that he is in contention to grab one of the two spots for next Sunday's runoff for the candidacy. Juppe was the early frontrunner but Sarkozy has gained ground, partly by playing to populist themes. The pro-business Fillon has made the fastest progress, surging up the opinion polls in recent days to be neck-and-neck with his two main rivals. Anyone who pays two euros ($2.1) and signs a declaration of adherence to "the values of the centre and the right" can take part in the vote, the first right-wing primary to be held in France. Adding to the suspense is the participation of left-wing voters thought to be seeking to block Sarkozy, who remains a highly divisive figure in France four years after losing to Socialist candidate Francois Hollande. Turnout was high with more than 2.5 million voters registered at 1600 GMT, two hours before polling stations closed, officials said. The first indications of the outcome are not expected before 2130 GMT. One Socialist voter, a sports teacher in his 50s who identified himself only as Eric, said he was taking part to vote "against Sarkozy". "I'm fed up of that guy, he thinks he is all-powerful and he has been involved in too many scandals. Juppe, despite everything else, is the opposite," he told AFP as he cast his vote in the Paris suburb of Pantin. Story continues - Sarkozy scandals - In a final TV debate among the seven candidates on Thursday, Sarkozy angrily ducked a question about fresh claims that he received millions in funding from the late Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi towards his 2007 campaign. The case is one of several investigations to dog Sarkozy since he left office after what was dubbed a "bling-bling" presidency because of his flashy lifestyle. Nicolas Meunier, a 40-year-old voter in Bordeaux, the southwest city where Juppe is mayor, said his natural politics were of the far left, but he had come out to vote "to support democracy after what we've seen recently with Trump and Brexit". He said he was supporting the only woman among the seven, former environment minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet. Sarkozy, Juppe and Fillon have broadly similar programmes, underpinned by pledges to reinforce domestic security in a country still under a state of emergency following the deadly jihadist attacks. They also share a desire to reinforce European borders and reduce immigration, while tax cuts also loom large. Ultimately, the choice will come down to style. Sarkozy has emphasised his tough-guy credentials, saying it makes him a better choice than the mild-mannered Juppe to safeguard France's position in an uncertain world following Trump's election. Fillon, who is popular in the business world, has promised "radical" economic measures but is the most conservative of the three on social issues. The nomination of the right-wing candidate on November 27 is expected to trigger an announcement from Hollande on whether he intends to bid for re-election despite the lowest popularity ratings of any post-war French president. On Wednesday, Hollande's former economy minister Emmanuel Macron, 38, announced he would stand as an independent, further confusing the picture on the left. alec baldwin president elect donald trump jason sudeikis snl mitt romney President-elect Donald Trump slammed NBC's "Saturday Night Live" on Sunday morning. The episode featured Alec Baldwin's return to impersonating Trump for the first time since the presidential election. The show also featured a sketch in which people who opposed Trump's win created a new society "under a bubble." "I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night," he wrote on Twitter Sunday morning. "It is a totally one-sided, biased show - nothing funny at all. Equal time for us?" I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show - nothing funny at all. Equal time for us? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 In the episode's opening sketch, Baldwin and "SNL" portrayed a waffling, panicking President-elect Trump who is in over his head, reflecting critiques in the media that Trump has been inconsistent when it comes to fulfilling his campaign promises. The sketch poked fun at his waffling on the Mexican wall, his lack of knowledge on ISIS, and portrays Trump as backing down on his plan to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants. It also mocked his choices for cabinet positions, which have included controversial appointments like former Breitbart News chairman Steven Bannon as chief strategist. For example, Baldwin's Trump asked his former campaign manager Kellyanne Conway (played by Kate McKinnon) if anyone was commenting on his cabinet appointments. In response, she read back a glowing tweet from Former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke. In another instance, "SNL" alum Jason Sudeikis made a surprise appearance and reprised his impersonation of Mitt Romney. Trump had met with the former GOP presidential nominee and governor of Massachusetts over the weekend. Romney was fiercely opposed to Trump during the election, but is now reportedly being considered for secretary of state. Story continues In the sketch, Sudeikis' Romney enters and shakes hands with Trump for an awkwardly long time without saying anything. Finally, "Romney" said, "This is not going to work, is it? "I don't think so," "Trump" answered. However, another sketch seemed to mock liberals who can't accept the reality of Trump's election, suggesting that they'd move to a self-contained and heavily censored bubble. "In here, it's like the election never happened," said "SNL" cast member Sasheer Zamata in the sketch. There was also some harsh criticism of Trump's first days as president-elect in the weekly "Weekend Update" segments. This isn't the first time Trump has critiqued the show. In October, he called the show "boring and unfunny" and Baldwin's impersonation of him "stinks." In light of Trump's newest comments on "SNL" being "biased," it should be noted that the sketch show had Trump on as a host for an entire episode during the presidential primaries in November 2015, a controversial move since NBC had previously said it was cutting ties with the controversial real-estate mogul. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton appeared on just one sketch the previous month. Watch three Trump-related "SNL" sketches from this weekend below: NOW WATCH: Trumps attorney general pick was once denied a federal judge job over alleged racist remarks More From Business Insider donald trump President-elect Donald Trump offered praise for incoming Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. In a tweet on Sunday that coincided with Schumer's interview on "Meet The Press," Trump claimed that Schumer was smarter than outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, and said Schumer's appointment to the post was "good news." "I have always had a good relationship with Chuck Schumer. He is far smarter than Harry R and has the ability to get things done. Good news!" Trump wrote. For his part, Schumer attempted to distance himself from the president-elect. Though Schumer told "Fox News Sunday" that he'd spoken with Trump several times since the election, during an interview on "Meet The Press," the incoming senate minority leader emphasized that he did not know Trump particularly well, and pledged to oppose him. "We see each other occasionally at events in New York," Schumer said. "But I really didn't know him very well." Pressed, he added: "I learned far more about him in the campaign. I was troubled by a whole lot of things in the campaign." Still, Schumer also pointed out areas where Trump's campaign promises appeared to align more with Democratic policy proposals than Republican ones. "Surprisingly, on certain issues, candidate Trump voiced very progressive and populist opinions. For instance, getting rid of the carried interest loophole, changing our trade laws dramatically, a large infrastructure bill," Schumer said. He added: "But on issues where our values are at stake, where the president goes in a divisive direction, where his campaign did before, we'll go against him and with everything we've got. We're not going to repeal or help him repeal Obamacare. We are not going to roll back Dodd-Frank. I think they should forget about that. We have 60 votes to block them. We're not going to help him build his wall. We have a comprehensive immigration reform bill that builds in much tougher border security and it had bipartisan support than he's ever called for. So we're not going to oppose him just because it's Trump. But we're certainly going to stick to our values and oppose him wherever he opposes those." Story continues Despite Schumer's attempt to distance himself from the president-elect, Trump has repeatedly mentioned his ties to Schumer, who he has known for years. Schumer has received more donations from Trump than any other lawmaker has. Several members of Trump's family, including Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., also donated to Schumer's senate campaigns. "I mean, I've contributed to Schumer, I contribute I've known Schumer for many, many years," Trump said last year. "And I have a good relationship with him. The fact is, that I think it is time maybe that we all do get along." And during the Al Smith dinner in New York in October, Trump joked that Schumer "used to love me when I was a Democrat." NOW WATCH: Here's the ad that Ivanka Trump reportedly doesn't want America to see More From Business Insider Achtung Nepali authors Salman Rushdie was a copywriter at an advertising company, Oglivy & Mather, in Pakistan in 1981 when he wrote Midnights Children. UPDATE: 3 p.m. EST The Hill reported President-elect Donald Trumps original tweet on working with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the New York Democrat cunning, but the tweet was deleted and replaced with one that left the word out. Heres the original tweet: "I have always had a good relationship with Chuck Schumer. He is much smarter than Harry R, and actually, far more cunning - gets things done!" schumer Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters Original story President-elect Donald Trump took after the cast of Hamilton and Saturday Night Live Sunday, seeking an apology from the former and equal time from the latter. Trump fired up his Twitter account, despite saying shortly after the election, he planned to dial back his tweeting habit. He also expressed satisfaction at the prospect of working with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., whom he described as far smarter than his predecessor. Trump was offended by remarks made at the end of Fridays performance of the hit hip-hop musical Hamilton in New York, accusing members of harassing Vice-President-elect Mike Pence when cast member Brandon Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, issued a statement during the curtain call, urging the new administration to recognize Americas diversity and calm those who are afraid their rights will not be protected. Pence was roundly booed when he entered the theater. Trump lashed out, calling the play overrated and demanded an apology. For his part, Pence, on CBSs Face the Nation, said he was not offended by Dixons statement. I heard the remarks at the end. I wasnt offended by them, Pence said, trying to reassure people feeling threatened and telling them they should take to heart Trumps remarks in his victory speech in which he said he wanted to be the president of all the people. Story continues In the most recent installment of Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin portrayed a post-election Trump as a man in over his head, having a panic attack and seeking advice from Siri on how to get rid of the Islamic State group. Baldwins Trump also decided against following through on campaign promises to deport the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States and to get rid of Obamacare. The president-elect did not think the bit was funny at all. Baldwin, couldnt resist a response, reminding Trump that since the election is over, he no longer is entitled to equal time under Federal Communications Commission rules. He also had some advice for Trump, advising him to focus on improving the lives of Americans and foreign relations. Trump praised Schumer as someone he could work with because he has the ability to get things done, and described him as much smarter than current Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Schumer, appearing on NBCs Meet the Press, said he really doesnt know Trump all that well and has no plans to give him a free pass. Schumer said Democrats are willing to work with Trump on certain issues but promised to block any Supreme Court nominee outside the mainstream and fight repeal of healthcare reform. Trump tweeted he planned to spend Sunday interviewing numerous patriots at his Bedminster, New Jersey, resort for more jobs in his administration and praised Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis, whom hes considering for defense secretary. Related Articles President-elect Donald Trump's tough talk about China's trade policies during the campaign has rankled the communist nation and now raises the possibility of a backlash to the U.S. agricultural industry. Candidate Trump called China a "currency manipulator" and threatened to put into place 45 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. He also threatened trade with Mexico, including getting rid of the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA deal, which would have serious implications for agriculture and other industries. "The current uncertainty diminishes the appetite foreign businesses have to investment in U.S. businesses," said Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory in a report released this week. According to Rabobank, the U.S. food and agriculture industries are "one of the main drivers of global agriculture and trade." Ag exports from the U.S. approached $127 billion in the latest year, and besides being the world's top corn exporter, the U.S. is a major seller of soybeans globally with about half of the crop going overseas to customers such as China. Ag exports to China have grown more than 200 percent in the past decade and last year topped $20 billion. U.S. soybean exports to China have been strong this year, but the sharp rhetoric on trade from Trump during the campaign now is translating into tough talk from the communist nation about possible retaliation if the new administration imposes tariffs. "If Trump imposes a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports, China-U.S. trade will be paralyzed," Global Times, a Chinese state-run news agency, wrote Sunday. "China will take a tit-for-tat approach then," it added, mentioning everything from Boeing (NYSE: BA) orders to agricultural imports such as U.S. soybeans and corn. Meantime, candidate Trump called NAFTA the "worst trade deal in history" and may push to renegotiate the 22-year-old agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Story continues Overall, Mexico and Canada represent nearly one-third of the total U.S. agricultural exports. "Any change to U.S. agricultural trade agreements will not only affect global prices and trade dynamics but also U.S. farmer margins," according to the Rabobank report. At the same time, Rabobank said there are NAFTA implications in terms of currency fluctuations such as the Mexican peso. It expects Mexico's exports to the U.S. might benefit from the depreciation of the peso, and Brazil, a major agricultural competitor on the global market, could become more attractive than the U.S. Then again, others suggest the weak peso and strong dollar is making some U.S. ag products more expensive for Mexico. "There is concern that corn shipments to Mexico will fall off a little bit due to it costing more for Mexico to buy corn," said Terry Reilly, senior commodity analyst for Futures International in Chicago. Nearly one-fifth of total U.S. food and agriculture exports go to Mexico. Elsewhere, President-elect Trump's plans to crackdown on undocumented immigrants may complicate efforts to attract domestic migrant farm workers. Trump has said he will deport millions of undocumented immigrants and build a "big beautiful wall" at the U.S.-Mexico border. The ag and food sectors, whether fresh produce, livestock or food service companies, are "highly dependent on migrant labor," according to Rabobank. There's also been a trend of rising labor costs, which the bank's report blames on the stricter immigrant laws and increased opportunities in other sectors. The ag industry has been asking for immigration reform to deal with undocumented workers and to help alleviate the farm labor shortage. The labor shortage has been widely recognized in fruit and vegetable production but it is increasingly being found in other ag areas such as dairies and poultry operations. Some farmers rely on the foreign guest farmworker visa program to hire help during harvest time. However, there have been delays in the paperwork processing reported in California and at least a dozen other states. "The current process has so many limitations on it that a lot of folks end up with their crops literally rotting in the field because they don't have anybody to pick the crop," said Dale Moore, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C. The Farm Bureau official added, "We know it will be necessarily tied into the broader process of immigration reform." Meantime, the agricultural industry also is looking to the incoming Trump administration for regulatory relief. Specifically, the ag industry wants policy changes with regard to water and environmental reforms, including federal land grazing permit reforms. One area sought is a rollback of the controversial Waters of the U.S. rule, known as WOTUS, which was outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Several states have challenged the WOTUS rules, which broadened the definition of such things as "tributary" and also toughens controls over "adjacent waters." In some cases, farmers could lose ranch or farmland, which some have called a regulatory overreach. "This water regulation is not just affecting farmers and ranchers but it affects a lot of different industry sectors," said Moore. More From CNBC DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Staffan De Mistura, the United Nations secretary general's Syria envoy said on Sunday he had proposed that jihadist fighters should leave Aleppo but that the government should let the local administration in rebel-held areas of the city stay in place. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem earlier on Sunday ruled that out, saying it was a "violation of our sovereignty", but De Mistura told reporters in Damascus that he believed such measures could be temporary and that Aleppo should be treated as a special case. (Reporting by Kinda Makieh in Damascus; writing by Angus McDowall in Beirut; editing by Jason Neely) The UFC returned to Sao Paolo, Brazil, featuring a card headlined with a rematch six years in the making. UFC Fight Night 100 saw Ryan Bader take on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira for a second time. A total of 9,028 spectators came out to the Ginasio do Ibirapuera to see their fellow countryman attempt to even the score against the American wrestler. RELATED > UFC Sao Paulo: Bader vs. Nogueira Live Results and Fight Stats The crowd sounded disappointed with the result, remaining largely quiet when Bader was pulled off his opponent, signaling him the winner via technical knockout. It was a takedown extraveganza for Bader as he earned his 22nd career win and put himself in position to call for a 205-pound title shot. Nogueira, meanwhile, loses his eighth career fight. Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram UFC veteran Manny Gamburyan has called it quits on his mixed martial arts career. Following a second-round TKO stoppage loss to Johnny Eduardo at Saturday's UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Gamburyan addressed the crowd, saying that he thought that it was probably time to end his career. This might surprise a lot of people or even my family, my friends. Its been a long road. Its been tough. I came out here. It was my first time being in Brazil. I had a great time, but I think this is it for me guys. Im gonna call it a career, probably, Gamburyan said. The Armenian-born American fighter has had a lengthy career. Gamburyan began his career in February of 1999, winning two fights in one night in a total of 33 seconds. He never looked back. He made his way to the Octagon via the fifth season of The Ultimate Fighter and spent the majority of his career fighting for the UFC and WEC. Gamburyan never won a title in the Octagon, but challenged Jose Aldo for the WEC featherweight strap in 2010. Gamburyan eventually moved to bantamweight, where he found a modicum of success, but struggled in his last two fights, losing both. I've been in this for a long time, tough times. I always thought about, this is my last one, this is my last one. After I moved to 135, it became tougher, said the 35-year-old fighter. There are a lot of great guys out there, and I feel that I can't take them anymore. And if I can't take them, I don't want to compete anymore. Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Damascus (AFP) - US President Barack Obama said he is "not optimistic" about Syria's future, as the UN warned time is running out to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in Aleppo which has been pounded by air strikes for nearly a week. Government forces launched a ferocious assault last Tuesday to recapture eastern Aleppo, killing 115 civilians so far. In fresh fighting on Sunday at least eight children died when rebel rocket fire hit their school in the government-controlled west. Obama warned that Syria's second city was likely to fall, and that Russian and Iranian backing for Syrian leader Bashar al Assad had made the situation untenable for the opposition. "I am not optimistic about the short-term prospects in Syria," he said Sunday at a summit of Pacific leaders in Lima. "Once Russia and Iran made a decision to back Assad in a brutal air campaign... it was very hard to see a way in which even a trained and committed moderate opposition could hold its ground for long periods of time." Obama earlier Sunday urged greater efforts to end the violence when he met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. But in Damascus, UN envoy Staffan de Mistura was rebuffed on a truce proposal that would allow the opposition to administer the city's rebel-held east. "We are running out of time, we are running against time," de Mistura said after meeting Foreign Minister Walid Muallem. Muallem said he had rejected the proposal, under which jihadist forces would leave and the government would recognise the opposition administration in the east which has been bombarded by air strikes, barrel bombs and artillery. "How is it possible that the UN wants to reward terrorists?" he asked. Aid agencies fear that instead of a humanitarian or a political initiative there will be "an acceleration of military activities" in eastern Aleppo and elsewhere, de Mistura told journalists. Story continues "By Christmas... due to military intensification, you will have the virtual collapse of what is left in eastern Aleppo; you may have 200,000 people moving towards Turkey -- that would be a humanitarian catastrophe." - 'War crimes' - On Sunday, rebels retaliated with a barrage of rockets into government-held western Aleppo, state media said, hitting a primary school and killing at least eight children. Syrian television showed bloodied and weeping children being treated in hospital, and an AFP journalist saw pupils being rushed from the school after the attack. But regime forces broke through into the city's northeastern area of Massaken Hanano, sparking fierce clashes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. It also reported heavy fighting as the army sought to gain ground in two eastern neighbourhoods. The Britain-based monitoring group said at least 19 civilians including five children were killed in the east on Sunday. That brought to 115 the number of civilians killed since the bombardment resumed. UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the indiscriminate shelling, saying it had killed and maimed civilians, destroyed schools and left the city's east without functioning hospitals. "The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime," his office said in a statement. "Those responsible for these and other atrocities in Syria, whoever and wherever they are, must one day be brought to account." On Monday the UN Security Council is scheduled to meet in New York to discuss humanitarian efforts in Syria. Last week it decided to extend for another year a probe into chemical attacks in the country and who is responsible. The regime offensive on eastern Aleppo has forced hospitals and schools to close and destroyed facilities for hard-pressed rescue workers. Shelling on Friday destroyed one of the last hospitals there and staff were also forced to evacuate the area's only children's hospital because of repeated attacks. Russia, which intervened militarily last year, says it is not involved in the current assault on Aleppo, and is instead concentrating its firepower on opposition and jihadist forces in neighbouring Idlib province. But Damascus and its allies have made clear they want rebels expelled from eastern Aleppo, which fell from regime control in mid-2012. More than 250,000 people remain in eastern Aleppo, which has been sealed off since government forces surrounded it in mid-July. No aid has entered the east since then and the siege has created food and fuel shortages. More than 300,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011. Washington (AFP) - Top US military and intelligence leaders are pushing President Barack Obama to fire National Security Agency chief Admiral Michael Rogers, US media reporte, even as Rogers is apparently being considered for a senior position in the Trump administration. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes has asked Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper -- the two reportedly behind the push -- to testify before the end of the year. President-elect Donald Trump was said to be considering Rogers as director of national intelligence in his incoming administration. If Trump nominates Rogers, and he is confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Clapper as the official who oversees all 16 US intelligence agencies coordinated by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Rogers, who also heads US Cyber Command, has been at the helm of the NSA and its Central Security Service since 2014, in the wake of a massive leak by former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden linked to broad surveillance methods. His decision to meet with Trump on Thursday at Trump Tower shocked senior administration officials, according to The Washington Post, which first reported that Clapper and Carter were seeking his ouster. Carter has been dissatisfied with Rogers' performance at the NSA during a time that saw major security breaches, including that revealed last month by Booz Allen Hamilton contractor Harold Martin III, who is accused of having orchestrated the largest theft of classified government material. The Post said there was also a second, previously undisclosed breach that was uncovered in 2015 by an employee of the NSA's Tailored Access Operations. The suspect has been arrested. Clapper, meanwhile, is seeking a separation of leadership roles at the NSA and US Cyber Command, and wants the NSA to be headed by a civilian. In his letter to Clapper and Carter, Nunes -- who is from Trump's Republican Party -- defended Rogers, saying he has been "consistently impressed with his leadership and accomplishments." Story continues "His professionalism, expertise and deckplate leadership have been remarkable during an extremely challenging period for NSA. I know other members of Congress hold him in similarly high esteem," Rogers added. He expressed concern that the Post article may contain "unauthorized disclosures of classified information." And "any decision to end the dual-hatting relationship between NSA and USCYBERCOM should prompt a further review of NSA's organization," Nunes added. Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook declined to comment on the reports. Bamako (AFP) - Mali was voting Sunday in its first elections since 2013, with turnout low as security jitters remain high despite an international military intervention. Voters are electing 12,000 councillors across Mali as the government wrestles with implementing a peace deal and warding off the stubborn jihadist threat in the north. French troops were deployed in 2013 to repel Al-Qaeda-aligned jihadists who had overrun several northern towns, joining forces with Tuareg-led rebels. Some 11,000 UN military and police followed, but the jihadists were never defeated, merely displaced. The election -- being held two years later than scheduled -- coincides with the first anniversary of a jihadist attack on the Radisson Blu hotel in the capital Bamako that left 20 people dead, many of them foreigners. "These elections have been delayed four times. That's enough," said President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita after casting his ballot in the first vote to be held since his own election. UN chief Ban Ki-moon called Saturday for a peaceful vote in areas "where political and security conditions allow" in a nation still under a state of emergency. He encouraged the government to work with other parties "to defuse tensions that may arise before and after the poll". Residents and officials reported low turnout in the capital and string of disruptions to voting in northern and central Mali. In Timbuktu, unknown attackers seized and burned electoral papers in multiple raids ahead of the elections and on voting day. Voting was going ahead in Timbuktu city, whose fabled shrines were destroyed during the jihadist takeover in 2012, but was called off in many nearby villages. Oumar Moussa, resident of Timbuktu's working-class Sareykeyna neighbourhood, said there had been "huge turnout" in his area. "There are concerns, but it's gone well so far," he told AFP. Residents were also not voting in Kidal, bastion of the former rebels of the Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA), the Tuareg group that runs the northern town. Story continues The CMA had denounced the government's "pig-headedness" in organising the vote before northern interim authorities are set up as per the peace deal, and ahead of the return of "tens of millions of refugees and displaced people" who would be affected by the outcome. The vote was also cancelled in numerous villages in the neighbouring Gao region. Opposition candidate Saibou Barry was kidnapped Saturday morning in the central town of Koro, with his party saying his car was found burned and that he had been driven to "an unknown destination". It was hoped that last year's peace deal between rebels, the government and loyalist militias would bring stability to the north, but since then rival armed groups have repeatedly violated the ceasefire. As govt prepares to table proposal, key difference surfaces Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal appears set to register a constitution amendment proposal in Parliament within a few days amid pressure from the Madhes-based parties. Los Angeles (AFP) - Sergey Kovalev accused American judges of favouring Andre Ward after the Russian suffered a controversial defeat by decision in their world lightheavyweight title battle. Many neutrals at ringside believed Kovalev -- who scored the fight's only knockdown when he sent Ward to the canvas in the second round -- had done enough to retain his WBA, WBO and IBF crowns. But the three US judges scoring an attritional bout at Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena all gave more weight to Ward's disciplined display over the closing stages, when he landed scoring blows as the previously unbeaten Kovalev tired. All three judges scored it 114-113 in Ward's favour, improving the 2004 Olympic champion's record to 31-0 with 15 knockouts. Kovalev however was distraught at the loss, which he suggested was influenced by his nationality. "It's the wrong decision. But I don't want to give my opinion. Everybody is here, witnesses are here, everybody saw what happened," he said. "He got maybe a few rounds. But not the whole fight. I kept control. I lost maybe three rounds. Look at his face and look at my face. "I'm a guest here in the USA and he's a local, and all the judges are from the USA. I agree they support their boxer but honestly, this is sport. Don't make it like politics." The statistics from a gripping 12-rounder reflected the closeness of the battle. Kovalev landed more punches, 126-116, and more power punches, 78 to 61. Ward however, who stepped up a division to take on Kovalev landed more jabs, 55-48. - 'We got the belts' - Ward was unfazed by Kovalev's grievances. "I can't do anything about controversy. I thought I won the fight," Ward said. "It was a close fight. You never know how judges are going to see it. But take nothing away from Kovalev. "In a tight fight, he's going to feel like he got robbed, I'd have been been disappointed. But we got the belts tonight." Story continues Ward, meanwhile, was satisfied at the way he came back after his second-round knockdown. "I knew it was going to be a tough fight but you never anticipate getting dropped," he said. "That was the first time in my career I got dropped. I'm pleased with the way I responded." The tight nature of the contest makes a rematch almost inevitable. Asked if he would face Ward again, Kovalev replied: "Sure -- and I'll kick his ass." Earlier, Kovalev had quickly made his superior punching power tell, rocking the challenger with two stiff jabs that appeared to startle Ward towards the end of the first round. Ward was soon in trouble in the second round, with Kovalev piercing his gloves at will with stinging jabs. With 40 seconds left in the round, Kovalev dumped ward on the floor, softening him up with a left jab before a short chopping right landed flush on his chin. Ward scrambled to recover his senses and was clinging on for the bell. Kovalev had the better of the exchanges in the third round, but Ward did well to steady the ship without troubling the Russian. Ward managed to frustrate Kovalev in the fourth, fighting in clinches and attempting to keep his rival off balance. But the statistics told the story after four rounds, with Kovalev landing 22 power shots to Ward's seven. Ward, however, refused to buckle and enjoyed his best period of the fight through the fifth and sixth, sticking and moving to score consistently. Another good round in the seventh, with Ward connecting with three stiff jabs, drew loud cheers, but Kovalev was still landing shots. As the fight moved into the later rounds, Ward appeared to be increasingly comfortable, keeping his distance and uncorking several energy-sapping body-shots to the Russian. Remember that Jeep Renegade commercial that featured X Ambassadors' "Renegades?" Or the red Fiat 124 Spider that pops up in the video to Fitz & the Tantrums' "Hands Clap?" They are only two of the 92 music videos (yes, 92) Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has collaborated in since 2011. It's a massive number that has involved FCA partnering with four major record labels, has yielded major promotion for the artists involved, and has resulted in a total of 7.8 billion YouTube music video views for the FCA brand. During the American Music Awards Sunday night (Nov. 20), the auto company plans to say thanks to all involved with a two-minute spot that features a 16-video mashup under the title "Music Brings Us Together." "It's like a Christmas card to share our gratitude," says Olivier Francois, chief marketing officer at FCA -- Global. "Especially today, music brings us together, with our clients and with our audience." It's a concept FCA has taken to heart, partnering repeatedly with labels to produce a wide range of music videos that the company says are more effective than traditional TV spots at a reasonable cost. "MIllenials are not an easy target," Francois told Billboard. "They don't' really buy into traditional marketing. Music brings that extra edge, and it brings relevance." It's also brought an audience that goes way beyond what a traditional TV spot could deliver. All told, says Francois, those 8 billion views are equivalent to having every person in the planet watch a music video with an FCA car in it. The "Music Brings Us Together" mashup, which will air only once Sunday night is simply a way of driving home the point. The spot also includes Machine Gun Kelly feat. Camila Cabello with "Bad Things" (for Dodge Challenger), AlunaGeorge's "Not Above Love" (for Ram 1500), Flo Rida's "My House" (with Dodge Durango), and Jason Derulo's "Kiss the Sky" (with Fiat's 124 Spider). Story continues Check out the spot ahead of time exclusively here: In addition to the "Music Brings Us Together" mashup, FCA will debut a second branded one-minute spot during the AMAs, this one using Fifth Harmony's "Work From Home." The spot for Ram 1500 and Ram Heavy Duty trucks sets the music to scenes of everyday workers on the job, with a twist at the end. You can watch the video exclusively here prior to the telecast. Both videos will be available on YouTube and social media after the awards. As for 2017, Francois says the company plans to continue its music branding focus. "You will see us keeping partnering with music because it generates numbers and a connection with millennials who are not always watching TV. And it brings to our brand relevance and a connection with our audience." Whew, Georgia came ~this close~ to banning burqas and were really glad they changed their mind There is no question that the state of our nation is divided right now after the election and a new bill that was being considered by a Republican lawmaker in Georgia banning burqas even further confirmed that. State representative Jason Spencer pre-filed a bill that was apparently targeted towards men in the Ku Klux Klan, which would be a good thing. But the anti masking law would have also added language that specifically mentioned women and could have prevented Muslims from wearing religious garb covering their faces in public. This alarmed a number of people who saw it as a targeted attack against the Muslim community in Georgia. Beyond potentially prohibiting women from wearing their religious garb in public, the proposed bill would have also banned both men and women from wearing any clothing that concealed their face while posing for drivers license photos or driving on state roadways. Although the bill did not specifically mention burqas or the Muslim faith, the community was understandably alarmed about legislation that could have had such an impact on the Muslims residing in Georgia once they read between the lines. When Spencer abandoned the bill just two days after pre-filing it, he explained his reasoning for the sudden change in proposed legislation. After further consideration, I have decided to not pursue HB 3 in the upcoming 2017 legislative session due to the visceral reaction it has created, Spencer said in a formal statement. While this bill does not contain language that specifically targets any group, I am mindful of the perception that it has created. My objective was to address radical elements that could pose a threat to public safety. The radical elements that Spencer was referring to also included public threats like KKK activity or even criminals masking themselves to commit crimes. But without making a provision in the law for burqas, the implications for the Muslim community (and especially Muslim women) would be way too serious. It was a close call for Georgias Muslim community and its likely that under the new administration, Muslim women and advocates for civil rights need to be super vigilant. The post Whew, Georgia came ~this close~ to banning burqas and were really glad they changed their mind appeared first on HelloGiggles. Toa Baja, a mid-sized city in Puerto Rico, shut down last Monday after failing to pay municipal employees for several weeks. All public services have been suspended indefinitely. Could this be the future for other cities across Puerto Rico and on the U.S. mainland? Toa Baja, with a population of about 80,000 people, reported more than $175 million in long-term debt in its fiscal year 2015 financial statements. This excludes $5.7 million in Matured Bonds, which were evidently in default. Meanwhile, the citys general fund essentially its checking account ended the fiscal year with a negative balance of $14 million. Related: Is Your State the Next Puerto Rico? The shutdown is not a surprise for many of us in Puerto Rico, as Toa Bajas finances have been deteriorating for some time. Unfortunately for Puerto Rico, there are the many other cases like that of Toa Baja going unnoticed. Lets begin with Ponce, the Islands fourth largest city. According a financial index constructed by our Center for Integrity in Public Policy (CIPP), Ponce has consistently among the most financially distressed municipalities since 2010. The city has over $324 million in long-term debt and a negative general fund balance of $38 million. One might think that a city like this would change its ways, but Ponce general fund expenditures in 2015 exceeded revenues by $14 million, representing a 15 percent budget deficit for the year. Sadly, the people of Ponce were not as proactive as the people of Toa Baja: The incumbent mayor, Mayita Melendez, was just reelected with 50 percent of the vote, almost the same percentage she received in 2012. The town of Maunabo is another good example, as it also has one of worst fiscal scores on our index. Maunabo Mayor Jorge Luis Marquez has been at the helm since 2001 and was also reelected with 50 percent of the vote in this past election. Although Maunabos long-term debt of $18 million might not seem like much, it is substantial relative to its small population of 11,335 people. Story continues Related: Puerto Ricos Fiscal Crisis Has Been Brewing for 75 Years This is part of the problem in Puerto Rico: There are 33 municipalities with a population of less than 30,000 people. One might ask how these small municipalities finance their operations given Puerto Ricos ongoing recession. This is where the Commonwealth government has stepped in providing 77 percent of Maunabos general fund revenue in 2015. The municipality spends most of this aid on payroll. This includes the mayors salary of $54,000 a year, a hefty number considering that the median household income in Maunabo is only $17,866. We anticipate that as soon as next year other municipalities like Toa Baja will have to shut down and seek a bailout. At least 25 cities currently receive more than 50 percent of their general fund revenue from Commonwealth appropriations, and as in Maunabo, most of this money is spent on payroll. Total long-term debt for all municipalities surpassed the $5 billion mark in 2015, and this number has grown at a faster rate than the Commonwealths debt. Puerto Rican cities also have large public employee pension obligations that are not fully accounted for: Many failed to implement new Government Accounting Standards Board pension reporting rules and all participate in a multi-employer retirement system that is 0 percent funded. This municipal debt binge has gone unnoticed in the local and U.S. media, with most of the attention going to the financial woes of the Commonwealth government and public corporations. But this situation should concern Puerto Ricos creditors because the Commonwealth spends so much money on cities like Toa Baja, Ponce and Maunabo. Last year, Puerto Ricos government provided over $500 million in grants and appropriations to the islands cities, irrespective of their financial management. The Commonwealth also facilitates most of the cities financing needs through the Government Development Bank, which recently became insolvent. Related: Congress Plan to Save Puerto Rico Could Ruin It Instead Municipal financial reform may not be possible within Puerto Ricos political system. Mayors make change through the Puerto Rico Legislature very difficult. Recently, a lame duck legislator offered a bill to consolidate municipalities, but the bill did not even receive a public hearing. Although we are happy that Toa Baja got a new mayor, most cities in poor financial health were not as lucky. Sadly, the new mayor in Toa Baja will probably not be able to save his city: It is too deeply in debt. Barring intervention from the new financial oversight board, it is likely that other cities in Puerto Rico will be closing their doors in the months and years ahead. Arnaldo Cruz is co-founder of the Center for Integrity and Public Policy (CIPP), a think tank in Puerto Rico that recently published a Financial Health Index comparing Puerto Ricos 78 municipalities. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Yokneam (Israel) (AFP) - Her face covered in mud, 18-year-old Smadar crawls beneath thorny brush, her automatic rifle around her neck. She smiles despite the intensity of the training, and her commander, also a woman, shouts encouragement. "I don't regret choosing this unit," said Smadar, who was not allowed to provide her last name under Israeli army rules. "I wanted to do my military service in the most combative unit possible." Smadar is part of a discreet but profound change taking place within the Israeli military, with a growing number of women taking part in combat units. Just four years ago, some three percent of enlisted women served in combat units compared to seven percent today, according to the army. That number is expected to rise even further to 9.5 percent in 2017. The increase has come both due to changes in society, with women's participation in combat units no longer dismissed, and a shortage in available soldiers due to reductions in the amount of required service time for men. Israel's military is an institution at the heart of society, with nearly all Jewish citizens required to serve, and such changes are likely to reverberate beyond the barracks. - Equal right to serve - Even before the state of Israel was created in 1948, women played an important role in the Haganah, the forerunner to the country's military, today the region's most powerful. Currently men are required to serve two years and eight months after they turn 18, while women serve two years. Women's roles had historically been confined to such positions as nurses or radio operators -- an arrangement undergoing rapid change. The first mixed unit, known as the Caracal battalion, was formed in 2000, taking its name from a type of wild cat whose males and females look the same. It was that year that the law was amended to state that "women's right to serve in any position is equal to the right of men." Story continues Smadar, who was training in the hills of the Galilee in the country's north, is preparing to join the Bardelas battalion and will likely be stationed in the semi-desert south. Bardelas is one of what are now three mixed combat units in the Israeli army. A fourth battalion is planned for March 2017. Women wanting to take part in combat units must commit to serving eight more months, an equal amount of time as men. It has not dissuaded volunteers. "What a man can do, a woman can also do," said Smadar. A 25-year-old woman from the Caracal battalion wondered why all units cannot be mixed. She arrived in Israel in 2004 from Ukraine and said she wanted to do whatever possible for her new country. "Whoever can fight must do it," she said. "Man or woman -- there is no difference." - A global trend - Israel's experience is similar to trends globally, said Megan Bastick of the University of Edinburgh, who has studied women's participation in security forces. "Across the Western world, there has been a general increase over recent decades in the proportion of women joining the military," she said. She cited Australia and Canada as two countries in particular offering equal opportunities. In the Middle East, fighter pilot Major Mariam al-Mansouri led a combat mission for the United Arab Emirates against Islamic State group jihadists in 2014, recalled Dalia Ghanem-Yazbeck of the Carnegie Middle East Centre. Algeria has a number of women generals, while women also serve in Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia, she said. In Syria, a number of women hold the rank of general and fight in combat units. Ghanem-Yazbeck says that remains the exception. Within combat units in the region, women often "continue to be in traditional gendered positions such as translators or data-entry personnel or social workers and so on." "Despite an evolution, women remain the aides of their male counterparts." - Integration tool - Israel's army has served as an integration tool for society, bringing in Israelis of different ethnic backgrounds as well as sexual orientations, a contrast with the conservatism of much of the region. The military is thought to include more than 120,000 soldiers in mandatory service -- an estimation since the army does not provide such figures. More than 41 percent of those serving are women, the military says, and 85 percent of army posts are available to women. More than half of women serve, with ultra-Orthodox Jewish families exempt. Amos Harel, defence correspondent for influential Israeli newspaper Haaretz, said the increase in women does not reflect "ideology but a need," with the timeframe for men to serve recently reduced from 36 to 32 months. Mixed units operate along relatively calm borders, including those with Egypt and Jordan, the only two Arab countries with peace treaties with Israel. Other units are assigned to more risky areas, such as the Lebanese border and along the Gaza Strip. Forty-four female soldiers have been killed in combat since 1948. Harel questions whether the military will follow through and allow women to serve in all roles at the risk of what has concerned many: one of them being kidnapped. The kidnapping of male soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 by Hamas caused shock nationwide. "One cannot help wonder whether the response to the abduction of a female soldier would be more extreme," Harel wrote recently in Haaretz. Between the lines Government needs to be able to decode properly the signals sent from Beijing Sanaa (AFP) - Sporadic fighting shook parts of Yemen Sunday as the Saudi-led coalition battling Iran-backed rebels warned that a fragile US-brokered ceasefire would not be extended unless violations ended. Aid agencies have pleaded for unhindered humanitarian access in Yemen to allow the delivery of life-saving supplies to civilians reeling from a conflict that has left thousands dead. The 48-hour ceasefire began on Saturday following an intervention by US Secretary of State John Kerry who met Huthi rebel representatives in Oman and urged President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to sign up. A military official said there were "limited exchanges of fire" in the flashpoint southwestern city of Taez, where heavy fighting in recent days has left dozens dead. The rebels fired mortar rounds at a military hospital in the city's east, setting its dialysis unit on fire, a medical source said. Rebel rocket fire wounded six civilians, including four children, in the centre of Taez on Sunday evening, according to military and medical sources. An AFP correspondent in Sanaa said there had been no coalition air strikes in the rebel-held capital since the 48-hour truce took effect. But the coalition's air defences destroyed three ballistic missiles fired by the rebels at dawn at Marib province, east of Sanaa, a military official said. Coalition jets responded by bombing rebel positions in the area, the source said. In Midi, in the northwest, fighting killed four rebels and three soldiers, a military official said. Yemen's devastating conflict erupted in 2014 when the Shiite rebels and allied renegade troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh overran Sanaa and other parts of the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country. It escalated in March 2015 when neighbouring Saudi Arabia -- the archfoe of Iran -- launched a military campaign to drive back the rebels. The United Nations says more than 7,000 people have been killed and nearly 37,000 wounded. Story continues Coalition spokesman Major General Ahmed Assiri accused the insurgents of 180 violations in the first 10 hours of the ceasefire which began at midday (0900 GMT) Saturday. When asked if the coalition would extend the truce into Monday, Assiri said: "If there is a complete halt to the (rebel) violations, there will be an extension. If they do not stop, this would be a direct violation of the ceasefire conditions." - 'New hope' - While the rebels declared their commitment to the peace push, Hadi's government initially rejected the truce, saying it had not been consulted. But the government came under huge pressure to back down in the face of an international outcry over the mounting civilian death toll. The Huthis on Sunday welcomed "all efforts to end the aggression" but denounced the Saudi side for escalations, according to the rebel-controlled sabanews.net website. Relief agencies had been hoping the ceasefire would allow the delivery of aid in areas that were inaccessible due to fighting. The UN children's agency UNICEF said the ceasefire "offers new hope in a situation that is increasingly catastrophic for children". The conflict has killed well over 1,000 children and left millions more without access to basic care and at risk of imminent death, said UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake. One and a half million children were suffering from acute malnutrition, and thousands more were at risk from rapidly spreading cases of cholera and measles. "For some time now we have been constrained in our efforts to reach these children with therapeutic food and medical supplies," Lake said in a statement. "We urge all parties to the ceasefire to allow unhindered humanitarian access for the delivery of life-saving supplies and services to all children in need. "It cannot be in anyone's interest to endanger the future of Yemen -- its children," he added. A spokesman for the renegade Yemeni troops, Brigadier General Sharaf Luqman, said on Saturday that they would also abide by the truce. Six previous attempts to clinch a ceasefire foundered, the latest in October. UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed urged all parties "to encourage full respect for the cessation of hostilities and to ensure that it leads to a permanent and lasting end to the conflict". Ginella Massa (Photo: Twitter, @Ginella_M) Although Ginella Massa has been an on-air reporter since 2015, this week marked a significant step forward for her and for women of the Muslim faith everywhere, when she sat in as news anchor for the first time. The stint at the news desk with Torontos CityNews station marks a first for her and for Canada. That's a wrap! Tonight wasn't just important for me. I don't think a woman in hijab has ever anchored a newscast in Canada. Thx @CityNews pic.twitter.com/Uue2VVD41z Ginella Massa (@Ginella_M) November 18, 2016 Massa hails from Panama and grew up in Toronto. She has been pursuing her career in news as a journalist and producer since 2010. Its pretty exciting to be recognized as the first,Massa told Yahoo Style. But its also unfortunate that it has taken this long in a country as diverse as Canada. Im really grateful to work for a station that sees the value in having employees from all walks of life, who actually reflect the diversity of the community we are reporting in, she continued. Ginella Massa Reporting for CityNews Massa recently wrote about her long-standing dream of becoming an on-air journalist on her blog in an article titled Dont let them tell you it cant be done: From a very young age I had dreamt about becoming the first hijabi reporter in Canadian broadcast media, but for a long time it was just that: a dream. I wasnt sure it could ever be realized not because of my own abilities, but because I wasnt sure someone who looked like me would be accepted on Canadian TV. With her growing presence as a reporter and anchor on television, Massa joins a club with just a few members, most notably Noor Tagouri, an on-air reporter for Newsy, and Fatima Manji, a reporter for Channel 4 in the U.K. Noor Tagouri in News Feature The Trouble Theyve Seen: The Forest Haven Story Fatima Manji on Channel 4 As for other Muslim women in the media, the website Hijabtrendzs takes note of a number of other firsts for hijabi in North America in 2016, including Rahaf Khatib on the cover of Runners World and Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American elected to office in the U.S. Now that her own goals have come to fruition, Massa reflects on the future: It feels really amazing to be the first hijabi reporter in Canada, but I certainly hope Im not the last. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is one of the most hotly anticipated movies of the year. Its based on the same magical universe that we saw in Harry Potter, and it marks the triumphant return of J.K. Rowlings work to the silver screen. The movie marks her screenplay debut, and the film is based on her book by the same name. Fantastic Beasts tells the story of a young magician, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who arrives by boat to New York in 1926 carrying a suitcase filled with magical creatures, some more dangerous than others. But what if Scamander were to travel to New York in this day and age? James Corden explored that possibility in a hilarious new sketch. DONT MISS: All the best pre-Black Friday deals you can buy right now at Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon Scamander would likely travel by plane, which is the faster option. Hed still carry the same suitcase with monsters, but as a carry-on. Whod blame him? After all, he needs to keep his eyes on his luggage at all times. The problem with travel in the 21st century is that its subject to lots and lots of checks, including security checks that involve scanning the passengers belongings. Thats where TSA agent James Corden comes in. Hes a dedicated worker whos not going to let anything slide. Just watch the video, and youll see what happens when Fantastic Beasts meet a thorough airport security check. If you want to see the movie, you should know it premieres today so you had better go grab those tickets. Trending right now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com PlayStation Vue subscribers now have another option for what device they can use for live streaming of programs. PlayStation Vue just launched on Apple TV, bringing Sony's streaming video package to the latest version of Apple's set-top box. Aimed at cord cutters who are tired of paying big monthly cable TV bills when they only watch a handful of channels, PlayStation Vue bundles up the likes of ESPN, AMC, FX, HBO, Showtime and the major broadcast networks, letting viewers stream both live programming and record programs to watch on their own schedule. PlayStation Vue packages currently start at $39.99 a month, a $10 discount off their normal price. MORE: PlayStation Vue vs. Sling TV: Face-Off Sony says the Apple TV had the most requests for support among PlayStation Vue subscribers. It joins rival streaming services such as Sling TV, Netflix and others that already had apps on the fourth-generation Apple TV. Existing PlayStation Vue subscribers will be able to link their accounts to the Apple TV to stream live TV through the set-top box. If you're just joining the service, you'll have to sign up through the PlayStation Vue website first before streaming from your Apple TV. See also : The Best Google Chromecast Apps By Liana B. Baker and Greg Roumeliotis (Reuters) - Symantec Corp is in the lead to acquire LifeLock Inc following an auction for the U.S. identity theft protection services company, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday. The deal would expand Symantec's consumer offerings after its $4.65 billion acquisition in August of Blue Coat Inc, which helps companies maintain security over the internet. It would also represent a victory for activist hedge fund Elliott Management Corp, which had pushed LifeLock to explore its options. Symantec has so far prevailed in the auction for LifeLock after the company received final bids last week, the people said, cautioning that the outcome could still change. A deal could be announced as early as this week, the people added. LifeLock has a market capitalization of close to $2 billion, while Symantec has a market capitalization of $14.8 billion. It could not be ascertained how much Symantec, which outbid private equity firms in the auction, was offering for LifeLock. The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Symantec and LifeLock did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Based in Tempe, Arizona, LifeLock offers services to consumers such as monitoring new account openings and credit-related applications in order to alert them about unauthorized use of their identity. It also works with government agencies, merchants and creditors to remediate the impact of identity theft. LifeLock said it had 4.4 million members at the end of the third quarter, up 8 percent year-on-year. Through the acquisition of Lifelock, Symantec would enhance its consumer unit, which provides antivirus software. The Mountain View, California-based company has been moving away from what is sees as more commoditized services, selling its data storage business Veritas in January to private equity firm Carlyle Group LP for $7.4 billion. In February, Symantec announced a $500 million investment from technology-focused buyout firm Silver Lake Partners LP. It invested another $500 million in Symantec when it agreed to acquire Blue Coat, while private equity firm Bain Capital LLC, which sold Blue Coat to Symantec, agreed to reinvest $750 Million in the combined company. The Blue Coat deal also made Greg Clark, Blue Coat's Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Symantec. (Reporting by Liana B. Baker and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; Editing by Sandra Maler and Alan Crosby) Child marriage still rampant in Kalikot Despite taking important steps over the past few years to promote gender equality, Nepal still sees the highest rates of child marriage in the world. Deliberations continue over Lokman's impeachment motion Deliberations continued over the impeachment motion registered against Chief of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Lokman Singh Karki at today's meeting of the Legislature-Parliament. Fast track on own resources: Minister Lekhak Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Ramesh Lekhak reiterated government's commitment to build Kathmandu-Tarai fast track on own resources. Four dead in road accidents Four persons died and eight others were injured in two separate road accidents in Makwanpur and Kapilvastu districts on Saturday. Govt to construct Kathmandu-Tarai fast-track with own investment The government is to construct the Kathmandu-Tarai fast track with own investment. High profit lures Ilam farmers to Oolong Tea Tea farmers in Ilam have switched to Oolong Tea from traditional varieties due its high demand in the international market. ICJ reminds Nepal of commitment to justice for conflict victims As Nepal prepares to mark the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the International Commission of Jurists, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promotion of rule of law, Indian worker dies from dengue fever An Indian national has died after getting infected from dengue in Damak, Jhapa. Kathmandu Metropolis honours mountaineers The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has honoured national and foreign mountaineers who have summited Mt Makalu and Mt Kanchanjanga at different times. Minister in bid to address Dr KCs issues As Health Minister Gagan Thapa prepares for his four-day visit to China, he has expedited talks with various stakeholders to address the demands of fasting Dr Govinda KC. Natl Audio Library awaits proper maintenance The National Audio Library in Pokhara has been unable to extend services the public due to lack of attention from the concerned authorities towards its repairs and maintenance. Nepal likely to get $300m credit from WB, ADB Nepal could receive $300 million from the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the first phase of the planned $1 billion Development Policy Credit in Energy (DPCE), a senior government official has said. No over-the-counter IC exchange, says NRB Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is preparing to collect recently-banned Indian banknotes of 500 and 1,000 denominations from Nepali citizens and send them to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for verification before offering equivalent exchange in Nepali currency. No plans to make Hindi national language: Nidhi Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bimalendra Nidhi has clarified that the government has no plans to make Hindi a national language. No word from Office of Prez puzzles Speaker All is not well between the Parliament Secretariat and the Office of the President, it seems. Old plan, new plan The Ministry of Education has recently endorsed the School Sector Development Plan (SSDP) for the development of school education as per the spirit of the new constitution. The Beginning of the End of Jung Bahadur Jung Bahadur was not a happy man. He had just hosted a resoundingly successful hunting trip for the Prince of Wales. Wrong move Declaring a public holiday during Mukherjees visit has set a very bad precedent 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. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The Parliament of Egypt is preparing to include the resolution on condemning the massacres of Armenians in 1915 by Turkey in its agenda. Head of the Armenian National Committee of Egypt Armen Mazlumyan told ARMENPRESS Egyptian MP Mustafa Pakri mentioned the inclusion of the resolution during a meeting with a European delegation. Mustafa Pakri briefed the members of the delegation on the stance of the Egyptian Parliament regarding the Armenian Genocide, affirming that they are preparing to present the resolution on condemning the massacres by Turkey to voting. He confirmed that it is a shame stigma for Turkey and all other governments must also condemn that inhumane massacre, Armen Mazlumyan said. Pakri said they initiated a petition and 337 lawmakers approved the initiative on recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide expressing confidence that the voting will be done in favor of the resolution. AT the same time, the Egyptian lawmaker condemned the stance of Arab states regarding the Armenian Genocide, mentioning that until now only Lebanon has recognized it. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian leadership will discuss the proposal to make the compulsory payments to the fund, which will be established for the compensation of fallen or wounded servicemen, on voluntary basis, Head of the RPA faction Vahram Baghdasaryan told reporters in the Parliament, reports Armenpress. We have a proposal to make that compulsory provision as voluntary, and I think this is a normal approach not to force someone to pay if he/she doesnt want to. I think, that proposal will be discussed since all proposals are subject to discussions, he said. To the question whether changes are possible in the second reading of the bill, and the compulsory component will be removed, the MP said: There is such proposal which will be discussed. The Parliament of Armenia adopted at first reading the bill on compensations for fallen or disabled servicemen during military operations. 102 lawmakers voted in favor, 3 against. Under the bill, a special fund will be created with the purpose of making compensations to the families of fallen/disabled servicemen. A 1000 AMD tax is set for every employed citizen, which will be collected in the fund. Employers will cover the tax for citizens working minimum wages. WEATHER Very windy or locally stormy today. During the morning, a band of heavy squally rain will sweep eastwards bringing spot flooding and possible thunderstorms. Southerly winds, later veering west to southwest, will be very strong and gusty especially near west and south coasts with possible severe and damaging gusts. Sunny spells and heavy or thundery showers of rain or hail will follow later. Highest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees . Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn met with Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on the sidelines of the Asian-Pacific summit and pushed for stronger business cooperation in key infrastructure sectors, the government said Sunday. The premier is in Lima in the place of President Park Geun-hye, to attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, being held in the Peruvian capital on Saturday and Sunday. During the bilateral talks Saturday, Hwang and Kuczynski came to common ground on Korean cooperation in Peruvian infrastructure, medical health care, and transportation for military and police. The Peruvian president touched on the bilateral deal on the KT-1P, a turbo-prop trainer made in Korea, pinning high hopes for more deals down the road. In November 2012, Korea and Peru inked the KT-1P deal. At present 19 of the 20 planes have been delivered to the South American country. In a follow-up deal, the two countries are in talks over a contract, potentially worth US$900 million, that could involve the sale of 24 FA-50 light attack jets to Peru. In response, the Korean prime minister said Seoul will actively participate in multiple Peruvian state-led development plans, such as the infrastructure and medical health care sectors. The bilateral talks came after Hwang's meeting with Martin Alberto Vizcarra Cornejo, the first vice president of Peru. In the meeting, Hwang asked that Korean companies be chosen to participate in constructing Lima's subway lines No. 3 and 4, and the city water supply facilities. Korean companies plan to submit their bids for the Lima subway deal, which could involve the injection of $5.6 billion worth of funds by 2018. The city's water supply facilities deal amounts to some $600 million. Korea and Peru have been actively engaged in trade since they clinched a free trade agreement in 2011. During the visit, Hwang is anticipated to invigorate the Korean export industry against rising protectionism in global trade in the wake of the lackluster economy at home and abroad. (Yonhap) No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results Hundreds of people walk in and out of the employee entrance hallway at the Gundersen La Crosse Hospital every day. But when it came to a near- YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. U.S. President Barack Obama and EU leaders have agreed to keep anti-Russian sanctions in place for another year over the situation in Ukraine, Armenpress reports, citing Russia Today. President Obama, who is on his final official visit to Europe, met with the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK on Friday. Among the main topics on the agenda were extending sanctions against Russia, cooperation within the framework of NATO, the rise of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Iraq and Syria, and possible new anti-Russian sanctions over Moscows actions in Syria. "The leaders agreed on the necessity of working collectively to move the transatlantic agenda forward, particularly on bringing stabilization to the Middle East and North Africa, as well as securing diplomatic resolution to the conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine," the White House said in the statement. "The leaders also affirmed the importance of continued cooperation through multilateral institutions, including NATO," the White House added. "Sanctions wont stop Russia from improving its dialogue and ties with other countries", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. MINDORO This Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of The Christmas Farms 25th season for cut-your-own Christmas trees. Owners Brad and Jill Miller expect the tree farm near Mindoro to be a busy place next weekend. The Christmas Farm usually sells more than 600 cut-your-own trees on the weekend after Thanksgiving. And it typically sells more than 1,000 trees over the three consecutive three-day weekends that its open each Christmas season. The tree farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 11. There will be free horse-drawn wagon rides from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11. The 2016 growing season was an excellent one for Christmas trees, Brad Miller said, adding that customers will have thousands of beautiful trees to choose from. We had generous rains and they were spread across the entire growing season, Miller said. We didnt have a prolonged hot, dry spell. The Millers and manager Greg Britton oversee the business, which has more than 20,000 Christmas trees growing on more than 30 acres. Thats everything from 1-footers to 10-footers, Miller said. Each year, usually in April, the farm plants about 2,000 to 3,000 trees. I figure that about half of what we plant will be harvested, Miller said. The rest will be lost to weather, insects, fungal diseases and the fact that genetically not every tree will grow up to be a beautiful Christmas tree, he said. The tricky part is we have to plant a crop anticipating what the market will be seven or 10 years down the road, when the trees will be ready to harvest, Miller said. When he first began selling Christmas trees in the 1980s, long-needle trees such as Scotch pine and Norway pine were the biggest sellers. But since then, Miller said, short-needle trees have become the most popular varieties. Theyre more aromatic and have good needle retention, he said. And the needles are shorter and easier to deal with if you lose a few. Balsam firs have become The Christmas Farms biggest seller. The farm also has six other varieties for sale this season Fraser fir, Canaan fir, blue spruce, Black Hills spruce, white spruce and one long-needle variety, white pine. The Christmas Farms tree prices this year range from $10 for a white pine under 4 feet tall, up to $70 for Fraser fir and Canaan fir trees that are more than 10 feet tall. The tree farm also sells Christmas wreaths that it makes, along with balsam garland, tree stands, stand trays, tree removal bags and wreath door hangers. When customers arrive, they stop at the sales shed to get a saw, map and price list. Then they drive to an area on the farm that has the variety of tree theyre looking for. Miller grew up in West Salem. His parents, Marvin and Belle Miller, bought land near Mindoro and began growing Christmas trees on some of it. They did some choose-and-cut selling off the farm back in the 1970s, he said. He took over management of the farm around 1980. In 1985 his father passed away, and Brad and Jill became the farms owners. The Millers still live in Madison, where Brad was an architect for 40 years, mostly designing single-family homes, until he retired in 2006. But Brad, now 75, and his wife still own and are actively involved in The Christmas Farm. The Millers wholesaled Christmas trees to retailers from 1985 until about 2005, he said. They also sold some of their trees at their own retail Christmas tree lots in Madison one or two lots per year from 1991 to 1997. But Miller said he learned it was difficult to find a good location for their own tree lot, and he wasnt making much on the lots in Madison. He began offering cut-your-own trees at The Christmas Farm in 1992. I could see the future in the cut-your-own operation, he recalled. It was potentially more profitable and a lot less work. The tree farm has essentially been solely a cut-your-own operation since 2005, although Miller said he also offered pre-cut trees at the farm a couple years. Our customers dont seem to be interested in buying a pre-cut tree, Miller said. For the most part, theyre there for the experience of finding and cutting their own. We do offer assistance to people (such as elderly persons) who might find it difficult to cut their own. Most of the tree farms customers are from the greater La Crosse area, Miller said. Some come from places like Rochester (Minnesota) and central Wisconsin, but most live within 40 to 50 miles. The Millers farm has slightly more than 300 acres. Apart from more than 30 acres of Christmas trees, the Millers have stands of other kinds of trees that are managed for harvest for such uses as pulp wood, lumber products and utility poles. Point and click. These days, its that easy theres a camera on your cellphone and a cloud for your photos. No more film to buy, or plastic flash bulbs. No more waiting a week for your pictures; you can see them immediately and delete what you dont want. But be careful as youll see in Twenty-Six Seconds by Alexandra Zapruder, some snaps may have lasting significance. Though she never knew her grandfather, Alexandra Zapruder understood that hed done something noteworthy. When people remarked on her surname, or asked if the family was related to the man who captured the Kennedy assassination on film, Zapruder adults answered politely but otherwise rarely discussed the matter. That man, Zapruders grandfather, Abe, was born in 1905 in Ukraine and immigrated to America when he was a teen. It was a trip that was not without danger. Still, Zapruder says her grandfather grew up to be a confident go-getter who ultimately owned a clothing business in Dallas. That was his work, but photography was his passion. On Nov. 23, 1963, Abe told his employees that they were free to take a long lunch to watch as President Kennedys entourage drove past their building. He then left to retrieve the new film camera hed forgotten that morning. Shortly after he returned to work, with camera in-hand and film loaded, he asked another employee to help steady him so he could get the best footage. Twenty-six seconds. Thats all he caught. Within minutes, he was offered big money for the footage, but Abe resisted, insisting that hed only release it to government officials. Days after that, he controversially opted to release it to LIFE magazine. In coming months, when asked to do so, he answered questions and testified in court about the footage. And then he put the matter aside, reluctant to speak of it again. But, of course, that wasnt the end of the film. There would be no end to it, says author Alexandra Zapruder. The footages afterlife was a contentious one, and in Twenty-Six Seconds she elaborates. Beginning with Zapruders reasoning for telling this story, readers gain a unique perspective on this iconic sliver of celluloid, but that tale is marred by passages of recreated emotions and conversational bits. Yes, that moves this story along, but recreated scenes as such are inherently fiction. Clarity matters here was the information from interviews or was it meant to set a scene? and it would have helped a lot. And yet, though it can be quite wordy, theres enough family research and personal insight in this book to keep it readable and relevant. Its been 53 years since the film was captured; it seems that we can never know enough about it. I think that if you want nothing but hard facts, pass. If youre still fascinated with Camelot and conspiracy, then this book belongs on your bookshelf. Fall in the latter camp, and Twenty-Six Seconds is a book you should make a point to own. With domestic U.S. travel on a healthy upswing, Amtrak Vacations rolled out 25 new rail-based vacation packages, bringing its total number of offerings to around 350 programs. The packages are independent and are available virtually any day based on train schedules. The packages can be purchased assembled and ready to go, off the shelf. But they also can be customized. There are more than 350 itineraries total, an infinite number of variations, said Frank Marini, president of Amtrak Vacations. You can add, build, or change anything you want based on the customers needs. Amtrak operates in 46 of the 48 contiguous states (South Dakota and Wyoming are the exceptions). Packages can be built combining segments for practically any domestic location where people want to travel. You can start at any point you want, or end at any of 500 station points, said Marini. We also connect in Canada with VIA Rail, so you can also add any of those points. The centerpiece of the new batch of programs plays to the surging popularity of the national parks. Its called Grand National Parks. Its a round trip from Chicago by train, incorporating rides on three of Amtraks most stylish trains and visits three of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon. The trip rides the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco/Emeryville, the Coast Starlight from Emeryville to Los Angeles, and the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back to Chicago. The new programs were put together based on observing the buying preferences of customers. We watch what people are tailor-making and when we see a trend we create a package, said Marini. We introduce new programs throughout the year, not just at official launch dates. Amtrak Vacations is seeing a surge in demand and an increase of sales volume, benefiting from a boom in domestic travel apparently based on a combination of factors. While the fear that was churned up over terrorist bombings earlier in the year is fading, travel to Europe has not returned to previous levels. Europe is still soft, said Marini. Maybe the fact that it is an election year is contributing to it, but we are seeing a boom in domestic travel. Both domestic train travel and visits to the national parks are booming. which adds up to a double jackpot for Amtrak Vacations. And the people buying are often, surprisingly, experienced world travelers. In the past, domestic travel hasnt been the sexy thing, said Marini. Its been eclipsed by travel to Europe or the Middle East. But now, because of the decline in Europe, many of these travelers are looking at the domestic traveler. Our travelers have traveled the world, but they havent seen their own backyard. They want to see it, but in different ways. When you are traveling by train, its not just a transportation component, said Marini. Its a whole experience: the historic rail experience. With no concerns about driving or traffic, you are free to focus on the scenery. People are looking for new experiences in the U.S., said Marini. Traveling by train is a whole other aspect. The train is part of the experience. I see it as the new river cruising. As with river cruising, accommodations can be on board the transportation vehicle. The trains provide land travel without the automotive problems of parking and driving, or the hassles of airports. Like river cruise ports, rail stations tend to be centrally located. The East Glacier train station, for example, is only 208 steps from Glacier Park Lodge, said Marini. Apparently many people are making that discovery, as Amtrak is attracting many new customers. Amtrak Vacations passengers are 63 percent first-time customers. Marini is trying to alert travel agents to the potential of domestic rail vacations. I recently asked a group of agents how many sell cruises, said Marini. Of course many hands went up. Then I asked how many sell the U.S. national parks and rail vacations, and there were not as many hands. But I told them, according to CLIA, 23 million people cruised globally in 2015. But in a calendar year, 31 million people travel on Amtrak. And last year 307 million visited a national park. Cruises are great, but you want to make sure you are offering trains and national parks. Marini wants to follow the lead of the cruise lines. Cruises make it easy, said Marini. All the expenses are on the ship. We make it easy with our packaging. You can just call us. Were the experts. Even at the national parks we have inventory. Dear Mr. Dad: Like many parents, Ive struggled with how to talk to my 7- and 9-year old about the results of the presidential election. My husband and I voted for Trump, as did our kids in their schools mock election. Both have been physically and verbally bullied by their classmates, and several teachers have made fun of them. Theyve also seen TV coverage of the anti-Trump demonstrations and are afraid to go to school. Im furious and frightened. What can I do? A: Start by speaking with the school principal. The First Amendment protects our right to peacefully express opinions, and the behavior youre describing is completely unacceptable. Unfortunately, your school administrators and the parents of the bullies who are attacking your children arent alone in feeling that not only are they right, but also that theyre entitled to shut down all opposing views. Just as unfortunately, given that the election was so contentious and that both candidates received more than 60 million votes, this type of obnoxious behavior is hardly one-sided: just as many Hillary supporters feel angry and afraid. Next, have some long discussion with the kids, reminding them of your familys values, which hopefully include treating everyone kindly and respecting others views even when you dont agree with them. Beyond that, here are a few more discussion topics: You never know Even many Trump supporters agree that hes said some unfortunate, troubling, false and offensive things. But politicians make attention-getting comments and promises they know they cant keep all the time. Trumps dont necessarily predict what hell actually do in office. A vote for Trump might not have been a vote for Trump. Independents accounted for a third of all voters and they decided the election. According to the Brookings Institution, a majority of Independents saw Clinton as more qualified and temperamentally better suited to be president. But, ultimately, qualifications and temperament werent enough. What they really wanted was someone to shake things up. (T)hey believe that the economy is rotten and the country is going in the wrong direction, and they decided that four or eight more years of Obama which is essentially what Hillary was promising wouldnt fix either problem. The same attitude got many Bernie Sanders supporters to vote for Trump. Ironically, just eight years ago, Obama himself was the candidate promising change. Intolerance and bigotry are two-way streets. ISIS has bragged about disguising terrorists as refugees to get them into western countries. And some immigrants are criminals. But clearly, not all Muslims are terrorists and not all immigrants are rapists and murderers. By the same token, its racist and sexist to assume that everyone with a particular skin color or set of genitals will vote the same way. And its offensive to label everyone you dont agree with as deplorable (as Hillary did) or as America-hating, flag-burning morons (as many conservative commentators have done). There is never an excuse for violence. Being unhappy with an election doesnt justify the type of violence, looting, and property destruction that were seeing in Oakland, Calif. (where I live) and other cities. Appreciate our freedoms. While the current anti-Trump demonstrations, violence, threats and intimidation are scary, theyre also a wonderful sign. We live in a country where people can still criticize a president or president-elect without being jailed, tortured, killed, or all three. If we lose that, were through as a country. Be part of the solution. In a very classy YouTube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ceJNLbk6s), Obama makes a wonderful point that everyone needs to hear: Whether you like Trump or despise him, its in our best interests to do everything we can to ensure that he becomes a fantastic president. As Obama said, were not Democrats first or Republicans first. Were Americans first. Passengers simmered in Jacuzzis and feasted on gourmet cuisine this summer as the 850-foot cruise ship Crystal Serenity moved through the Northwest Passage. But in the summer of 1778, when Capt. James Cook tried to find a Western entrance to the route, his men toiled on frost-slicked decks and complained about having to supplement dwindling rations with walrus meat. The British expedition was halted north of the Bering Strait by ice which was as compact as a wall and seemed to be 10 or 12 feet high at least, according to the captains journal. Cooks ships followed the ice edge all the way to Siberia in their futile search for an opening, sometimes guided through fog by the braying of the unpalatable creatures the crew called Sea Horses. More than two centuries later, scientists are mining meticulous records kept by Cook and his crew for a new perspective on the warming that has opened the Arctic in a way the 18th century explorer could never have imagined. Working with maps and logs from Cooks voyage and other historical records and satellite imagery, University of Washington mathematician Harry Stern has tracked changes in ice cover in the Chukchi Sea, between Alaska and Russia, over nearly 240 years. The results, published this month in the journal Polar Geography, confirm the significant shrinkage of the summer ice cap and shed new light on the timing of the transformation. The analysis also extends the historical picture back nearly 75 years, building on previous work with ships records from the 1850s. This old data helps us look at what conditions were like before we started global warming, and what the natural variability was, said Jim Overland, a Seattle-based oceanographer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who was not involved in Sterns project. Though earlier explorers ventured into the frigid waters off Alaska, Cook was the first to map the ice edge, Stern said. Cook undertook the voyage, which also covered the Northwest coast, on orders from King George III to seek a shorter trading route between Europe and the Far East across the top of the world. Stymied by the ice, Cook headed for the winter to Hawaii, where he was killed by native people. Sterns analysis found that for more than 200 years after Cooks visit the summer ice cover in the Chukchi Sea fluctuated, but generally extended south to near where Cook encountered it. Basically, from the time of Cook until the 1990s, you more or less could count on hitting the ice somewhere around 70 degrees north in August, Stern said. Now the ice edge is hundreds of miles farther north. That meshes with modern observations that confirm rapid shrinkage of the Arctic ice pack over the past three decades, Overland said. The total volume of ice in summer is now 60 to 70 percent lower than it was in the 1980s, while Arctic temperatures have increased at twice the rate of the rest of the planet as a result of rising greenhouse-gas levels. Thats probably the largest indicator that global warming is a real phenomenon, Overland said. With more melting in the summer and delayed freezing in the fall, the once-elusive Northwest Passage is now navigable for private yachts and vessels like the Crystal Serenity, which made the 7,300-mile trip from Alaska to New York in 32 days. The transformation has also triggered a rush to drill for oil in previously ice-choked watersm and an international power struggle over control of the route and resources. The tensions are similar to those in Cooks day, Stern pointed out. Nations then were eager to find and claim a Northwest Passage, while whalers and fur traders scrambled to exploit the newly opened frontier. But the data from Cook and other explorers show there were no similar warm periods in their times, said UW climatologist Kevin Wood. It tells you that whats happening now is a fairly unique and extreme case. Wood helps run a project called Old Weather, which relies on citizen scientists to transcribe and digitize old ships logs. Since the effort began five years ago, thousands of volunteers have processed 1 million handwritten pages from whalers, fishing vessels and U.S. revenue cutters. The data are being used to re-create past weather patterns and improve climate models. Historical ice measurements are especially valuable, Wood said, because existing models dont seem to do a good job of forecasting ice cover. While models predict the Arctic wont be ice-free in summer until 2050 or later, the current pace of change suggests it will happen much sooner. Cooks ice observations are also of interest to historians. David Nicandri, former director of the Washington State Historical Society, is finishing a book in which he argues that Cook who is usually associated with Hawaii and Tahiti was the original polar scientist. Cook also explored southern polar waters, searching for a rumored continent. Though he never found Antarctica, the experience led Cook to question the conventional wisdom of the time that held that oceans couldnt freeze and that sea ice originated in rivers. Cook never fully got it right, but he realized there was too much ice to have flowed out of any set of rivers, said Nicandri, who was also co-editor of a series of essays entitled Arctic Ambitions: Captain Cook and the Northwest Passage where some of Sterns analysis was originally published. Cook also described different types of sea ice and suggested that thick walls and ridges, like those he saw in the Arctic, must represent multiple years of accumulation. Hes never given credit for his pioneering work in polar climatology, Nicandri said. MADISON Spurred largely by fear that birth control would no longer be covered by insurance if President-Elect Donald Trump and the Republican majority in Congress succeed in repealing the Affordable Care Act, some women are seeking to get a prescription before inauguration day. University Health Services gynecologist Dr. Mary Landry said the clinic has seen 55 online requests for intrauterine device consultations between Nov. 8 and Nov. 10. In the week after the election, UHS reported between five and 10 requests for IUD consultations per day. Typically, she said, the service sees five to six such requests per week. Additionally, Landry said that up to eight women a day from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11 had come to UHS for in-person IUD consultations, and the clinic performed six IUD insertions over that same period. UW-Madison senior Hallie Funk, 21, was one of the women who visited UHS for an IUD consultation on Nov. 11. While she had long considered getting an IUD, it wasnt until the election results rolled in showing Trump had won the presidency that she decided to learn more. I feel that my health insurance may not cover birth control now if Trump abolishes the Affordable Care Act, and thats scary for me because Ive never had to pay for birth control, Funk said. Its never been a financial issue for me, but now suddenly that is a risk. The IUD Funk is planning on getting is good for five years, which she said will outlast Trumps presidency. And because Funks insurance covers the insertion, removal and IUD device costs, she said she wants to make sure she gets it now, before any changes could be made by the new administration. An IUD is a T-shaped device thats inserted in a womans uterus to prevent pregnancy, according to UHS. The two types available at UHS one with hormones and one without can provide protection for five and 12 years, respectively. UHS offers a student cost for the IUDs it provides. It would cost students between $705.25 and $712.25 without insurance to get an IUD. But costs are higher for non-students. UW Health offers three different types of IUDs, which range in cost from $1,301 to $1,544 without insurance. Theres also an insertion charge of $552, UW Health spokeswoman Emily Kumlien said. While the IUDs are different in exactly how they work, according to UHS, they alter a womans uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. Landry said IUDs are one of the most reliable forms of birth control and are 99 percent effective. IUDs are really a great method for young women, Landry said. Were really excited and ready to respond to the increased interest and need. Clinics around the city have seen a general uptick in inquiries about contraceptive options since the election. Kumlien said UW Health OB/GYN physicians at clinics across the city reported that insertions are up slightly since the election, but anecdotally, doctors have reported receiving more inquiries about IUDs since the election. And Planned Parenthood, which has two locations in Madison, one on the South Side at South Park Street and the other on the citys Far East Side at Orin Road, reported an increased interest in birth control options, especially from women in their 30s. While Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Iris Riis said she couldnt provide specific IUD-related or Madison-specific figures, she said the states Planned Parenthood clinics had seen a pretty big increase in women calling in to schedule birth control-related appointments since Nov. 8, noting that there has been about a 10 percent jump in calls to their call line. Additionally, Riis noted a huge outpouring in support from individuals looking to donate, to others thanking them for the services they provide in the community. Riis said in the three days following the election, there was a huge increase in traffic to Planned Parenthoods web site, including a 3,058.33 percent increase on its Advocates of Wisconsin volunteer page, Planned Parenthoods advocacy arm. In that same timeframe, there was a 3,861.16 percent increase on the Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin get involved page, which covers health care services and education, and a 2,000 percent increase in traffic to the donate page, Riis said. UW-Madison junior Emma Czarnecki, 21, said she was a little surprised by the number of women who are now interested in IUDs. She has heard from friends and acquaintances that many are looking to set up consultations with UHS. Czarnecki said a fear of losing access to birth control and its potential cost under the Trump administration, should he succeed in repealing the Affordable Care Act, has led her and others shes spoken with to consider getting an IUD. But Landry said repealing the Affordable Care Act shouldnt limit access to birth control. While the act expanded access to birth control and required insurance companies to pay for it, doctors regularly prescribed birth control for health-related, rather than reproductive, reasons, Landry said. That ensured womens insurers paid for the drugs and devices, a practice that likely would continue she said. Thats because many contraceptives have other benefits such as helping prevent cancer, menstrual migraines or cramps, Landry said. Birth control pills, for example, significantly reduce a womans risk of ovarian cancer, and doctors recommend women take them for at least five years of their reproductive life. No matter what happens legislatively, Landry said, doctors will be able to continue to provide access to contraception and have insurance pay for that because of the needs for it. While Czarnecki hasnt visited UHS, she said that she was taking the time to learn more about IUDs. But Czarnecki also emphasized calm, rather than reactionary, decision-making. I think its important to keep a level head and realize hes [Trumps] not going to be inaugurated until January, so we have some time, Czarnecki said. Landry said because IUDs are a form of long-acting reversible contraceptives that dont require a yearly prescription, she typically sees interest in IUDs from students who are traveling abroad or if theres uncertainty about insurance after graduation. But IUD interest potentially due to an uncertain political climate is something Landry hasnt seen before. This is a whole new utilization of these contraceptive methods for helping to decrease the worries about unpredictability of access, she said. In the three days following the election, Planned Parenthood saw a huge increase in traffic to its web site, including a 3,058 percent increase on its Advocates of Wisconsin volunteer page, Planned Parenthoods advocacy arm. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa On a church-lined street in this eastern Iowa city, not far from the cornfields that define the region, Syrian, Indian and Somalian families trickled into a white building topped with a blue minaret. They were full of questions and praying for answers. This is a wake-up call, Ramsey Ali, a graduate student, said to a crowd of 50 gathered at the Islamic Center of Cedar Rapids. We have to do something. These heartland Muslims, who belong to one of the oldest Muslim communities in the United States, had gathered in search of relief and unity. Instead, they found they were just as divided as the rest of the nation. Since Donald Trumps election as president, dozens of mosques have hosted emergency forums like the one held here Saturday, trying to calm congregations fearful and confused over their prospects under his presidency. Top imams have convened conference calls and strategized with civil rights groups over what many see as inevitable assaults on their faith. Some Islamic groups have cautiously said they would work with the Trump, while others have called on him to repudiate his statements on Islam a faith he said hates Americans. In Cedar Rapids, the second-biggest city in Iowa, the debate over life under Trump has taken on extra meaning. Muslims, who number about 5,000 in Linn County, are a small minority in the region of 218,000 people yet deeply ingrained in its history. The community dates to the early 1900s, when small groups of Muslims and Christians immigrated from what is now Lebanon. They worked in grocery stores and local industries and saved to build a two-story social club that opened in 1934 near downtown. The Muslims also used it as a mosque and in 1971 built a larger building. The original mosque, called the Mother Mosque, is still used for special events and stands in a neighborhood just west of the Cedar River that, before the election, was scattered with Trump-Pence signs. Around the mosque, signs proclaim it as a state landmark. We survived a world war, we survived the Iran hostage crisis, we survived 9/11, said Hassan Igram, 61, whose grandfather helped found the mosque. But this situation is a little different. Before Trump was elected with the help of a victory in Iowa, he had at times said he would ban Muslims from immigrating, that he was open to government spying on certain mosques, and once said he would absolutely start a registry of all Muslims. Since his victory, civil rights groups have raised alarms about an increase in attacks on Muslims and other minorities across the country by Americans emboldened by the president-elect. Some Trump supporters also have been hurt in fights. At Cedar Rapids Islamic center, where about 150 people usually attend weekly Friday prayers, families streamed in last Saturday with their children for an event titled Raising a Family in the Times of Fear. It was ostensibly a potluck dinner and slideshow presentation about how to talk to children about fears of Islam. It was led by Ali, a psychology doctoral student at the University of Iowa. Actually, it was group therapy for adults and high schoolers in shock over the election and wondering about their future. As congregants sat at tables in front of a projector, Ali presented a series of data points and guides. They covered anti-Muslim violence, mental health among Muslims, and civil rights resources. But mostly, he peppered the audience with questions about their state of mind. The group talked for hours as it gradually dwindled in size, interrupted only by the recorded sounds of the call to prayer over the mosque speakers. Ali asked what the Muslims in the room needed to do after the election. If we want to see a change of the attitude of the non-Muslims about the Muslims in Iowa, it will not happen with us staying in our homes, within our cubicles at work or within this masjid. The only way that it will work is if we go out. Allah has chosen for us to live within America for a purpose. Until we fulfill that, that stigma of Muslims are scary people will not go away, said Hala Azmeh, a Syrian American schoolteacher who runs the mosques education committee. Her teenage daughter agreed but was less optimistic. We need to personally go up to people. I dont know how to do it, honestly. I feel like weve tried several ways, but nothing is really happening, said Noor Azmeh. She joined a Muslim youth group this year to clean up a homeless shelter with an interfaith organization, one of several regular outreach activities the mosque runs. Ali asked what led to Trumps victory. You know, everyone keeps saying his win is from racism from white people and people that hate Islam. Not everyone who supports him is a bigot. My neighbor supported Trump. He had a sign in his yard, said Mokhtar Sadok, a Tunisian-American engineer. He knows were Muslim. Were friendly. No, I think its definitely the white people. I work with them, an Indian-American woman whispered. Ali asked whether Muslims should debate with Trump voters and people who disliked Islam. Fake news about Trump and Hillary Clinton, including false sources on Islam, had proliferated during the campaign, spreading on Facebook. When you put yourself into the situation where you debate Islam and another religion, it can do more harm than good. Do we really want to debate, or do we want to just say what Islam is and walk away? an African-American woman said. Earlier, she said she thought people had been trailing her car in recent weeks because they saw her hijab. The group wondered how much President Trump would be like candidate Trump regarding Muslims. Trump has largely remained silent on Islam since his election and, in the last months of the campaign, had begun to soften some of his positions. His ban on Muslim immigration, announced last year, later turned into an extreme vetting of would-be immigrants. After he said in March that Islam hates Americans, a spokeswoman said he meant to speak only about radical Islam. Although he has spoken since his election about the Affordable Care Act of which he now wants to keep parts and his plan to proceed with a promise to deport immigrants with criminal records, hes been silent on mosque surveillance and Muslim registration. Noor Azmeh said she thought the group was too negative. I have the fear and anxiety of walking down the street, she said. But there are so many people are out there who are so nice to us. Me and my mom have been in the store and there are random people who just stare at us, and theyll find a way to somehow just come to say hi to us. Theyll ask us how we are doing. It happens at Wal-Mart; it happens wherever you go. Its happened in the days after the election, when three pots of flowers showed up at the mosques front door with messages of encouragement, and a civil rights attorney dropped by and left his business card. At the Mother Mosque, someone left a fruit basket after election night. Tucked into the stems of a bouquet of yellow carnations, a notecard had a message for the Muslims. You are loved. Our country is stronger & better with you in it, it said. Do not live in fear, there are loving people all around you! MINNEAPOLIS One man convicted of plotting to fight for the Islamic State group in Syria got 35 years in prison. Another got off easy with only time served plus probation. It fell to U.S. District Judge Michael Davis to mete out justice in the long-running case, which targeted a group of young male friends in Minnesotas large Somali community who prosecutors say helped radicalize each other, watching hours of violent propaganda videos, including beheadings and burnings. Some friends made it to Syria. These nine, whom Davis considered to be nothing less than a terrorist cell that needed to be stopped, were caught. Davis spectrum of sentences is expected to set the pattern for other Islamic State-related terrorism cases across the country only about half of 110 have been resolved, according to Karen Greenberg, director of the Center on National Security at Fordham University School of Law. He provided some much needed rationale behind his decisions, too, Greenberg said. He partly followed a standard legal pattern in which defendants who cooperate get less time and those who dont get the harshest sentences, she said. But Davis made it clear early on that he wanted to take a nuanced approach due to the age range 19 to 22 treating defendants individually and looking for alternatives to incarceration when appropriate. He even traveled to Germany to meet with a noted deradicalization expert. The message hes sending is we can do intervention and heres how to do it. Weve been waiting for it for a long time. ... This is really taking the lead nationally, she said. The defendant Davis considered most amenable to rehabilitation, Abdullahi Yusuf, 20, was sentenced to time served, 21 months. Abdirizak Warsame, 21, got 2 years with credit for 11 months served. Both men cooperated with the investigation and testified against the group despite strong pressure from within their community. Davis said hell personally keep close watch over their 20 years supervised release. Yusuf and Warsame were among the six defendants Davis had evaluated by the German deradicalization expert, Daniel Koehler, who also trained local parole officers in his methods. A local civic engagement group also has been working with Yusuf. Davis, who has overseen all of Minnesotas terrorism cases, including several cases earlier involving the Somalia-based terror group al-Shabab, expressed dismay several times in court that no deradicalization programs exist within the federal prison system. So, getting the men programming to keep them from returning to the path of violent jihad meant keeping them out of prison. I hope Im not wrong, Davis told Yusuf at his sentencing Monday. Davis appeared to be less pained sentencing those who refused to cooperate, particularly the three who went to trial instead of pleading guilty. Two received 30 years apiece. Guled Omar, 22, a leader of the group, got 35. Three of the four who pleaded guilty but did not cooperate got 10 years; the fourth got 15. Some have already filed appeal notices. All nine expressed deep regrets. But Davis, the states first black federal judge, has seen a lot in his 33 years on the bench, including 22 as a federal judge. He wasnt moved by Omars tearful contrition. Everything you have said here, I dont believe, Davis told him Wednesday. Despite Davis explanations, the wide range of sentences was confusing to many people, especially the longer prison terms, said Mohamud Noor, executive director of the Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota. Its something many people are still processing, Noor said. LIMA, Peru Trying to tie up loose ends of his foreign policy agenda, President Barack Obama on Saturday instead found world leaders more focused on someone else: President-elect Donald Trump. Global hand-wringing over Americas next president has taken much of the wind out of Obamas final overseas trip. Adopting an altruistic tone, Obama has offered frequent reassurances that the U.S. wont renege on its commitments. Yet hes been at a loss to quell concerns fully, given new signals from Trump that he intends to govern much the way he campaigned. Obamas visit to Peru, the last stop on his trip, has brought those concerns to the forefront: Much of Latin America is on edge about a potentially dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy under Trump. And Asian leaders gathered in Lima for an Asia-Pacific economic summit are trying to game out what Trumps presidency will mean for trade with the worlds largest economy. Were going to have a busy agenda, Obama said as he sat down with leaders of countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the sweeping free trade deal with Asia that Obama painstakingly brokered. It was unclear whether their agenda was really as busy as all that. Vehemently opposed to the Pacific agreement and similar deals, Trump has vowed it wont be ratified on his watch. In an acknowledgement of that political reality, the White House has stopped actively lobbying Congress to try to pass it. In fact, Obama didnt mention the trade deal at all as reporters were allowed in briefly for the beginning of his meeting with TPP nations, which include Mexico, Chile, Japan, Australia and Vietnam. Instead, Obama called it a useful occasion to talk about creating jobs, opportunity and prosperity. To be sure, any president would have less to discuss with other leaders in the final months than when years of governing stretch ahead. Obamas typically jam-packed schedule on foreign trips has been notably lighter on this trip, with long stretches of downtime. Yet Trumps election, with the sharp shift in approach its expected to bring, has put a spotlight on Obamas lame-duck status. Obama has made it a tradition to attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. His attendance this year was designed to reinforce the importance of that venue, even though its unlikely at this stage of his presidency he will secure any new major agreements with other countries or shift direction in any major ways. His visit also offered a chance for a round of farewell meetings, including with President Xi Jinping of China, a sometimes U.S. rival. Xi commended Obama for active efforts to grow U.S.-China ties. Obama, with just a hint of nostalgia, noted it was their last meeting, and called the two countries relationship the most consequential in the world. Before returning to Washington, Obama will sit down Sunday with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. He also will participate in a pull-aside with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada. By this point, Obama has come to terms with the fact that his remaining weeks in office will be overshadowed by the provocative businessman who soon moves into the home Obamas family now occupies. In Greece and Germany, the first two stops on his trip, Obama was similarly trailed by questions about Trump and whether hell really follow through with threats he leveled during the campaign, such as potentially refusing to defend NATO allies who dont pay enough of the alliances costs. Obamas message to young leaders at a town hall-style meeting in Lima was sanguine: Dont assume the worst. I think it will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments, but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, Obama said. How you campaign is not always how you govern. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan and First Lady Mrs. Rita Sargsyan attended on November 18 the solemn event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Hakob Paronyan State Musical Comedy Theatre. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian Presidents Office, President Sargsyan delivered a congratulatory speech and bestowed a number of theatre figures with state awards. In his speech, President Sargsyan stated that this is not a festive day only for the staff of the Theatre, but the entire Armenian people, since it has for decades brought together the most talented artists of Armenia. Satire genre has always been the unique feature of this theatre. It is said that people correct their mistake and say good bye to the past when they laugh. We have a lot of mistakes to correct, both of our own and others, and need to say good bye to many things. Of course, in our reality we have numerous achievements, we have splendid culture, nation-centered, always developing, but we really have some negative phenomena which we should have abandoned long ago, the President said in his speech. Since the election, Democrats have been apoplectic about losing the presidential race. Republicans not only won the White House but kept their majorities in the House and Senate and now control a record number of state legislatures as well. As a conservative, even one who did not support President-elect Donald Trump, its difficult to avoid the rush of schadenfreude at the collective freak-out by those on the left, made all the more delicious given their previous certitude of a sweeping Election Day victory. That satisfaction aside, I still have real fears about a Trump presidency, among them that he will continue to engage in dangerous and divisive rhetoric, that he will follow through on some of his more outlandish campaign statements, that his cavalier and intellectually shallow approach to campaigning will carry over to the White House and that he will damage conservatism for a generation. With the exception of the last, these fears are shared by many people on the left. The normal and appropriate response to such concerns would be to wait until Trumps tenure has begun and then to hold him accountable for his decisions as president. If he fails or disappoints, voters should replace him in four years or elect people to Congress who will derail his agenda. But some progressives arent reacting appropriately, and frankly, their unreasonable response is starting to make me happy Trump won. In cities across the nation, protesters have taken to the streets carrying signs that read Not my president. Sadly, they seem unaware of the basic tenants of our democracy that even if you didnt vote for the person who wins, that person is still your president. He wasnt my choice either, but its time to get over it. Some demonstrations have turned to violence. In Portland, Ore., and Oakland, Calif., protestors caused millions of dollars in damage to cars and businesses; they threw Molotov cocktails at police and graffitied buildings. On college campuses, despondent students are largely avoiding violence, but their response to Trumps election is equally absurd. At the University of Pennsylvania, one dormitory hosted a post-election breathing space for students overwrought by Trumps election. This included cuddling with cats and a puppy, coloring and crafting, and snacks such as tea and chocolate, according to the College Fix. About 150 Rice University students gathered for a healing group hug to help comfort one another. And Cornell University held a cry in that provided students mourning the election results with a safe space to share their feelings. Sniveling and whining is not the way to build empathy for your cause. Some progressives skipped the crying and went straight to finger-pointing. Writing in The Atlantic, Jamelle Bouie asserted that there is no such thing as a good Trump voter. Indeed, he argues that nearly half of voters will be morally responsible for any acts of racism, sexism or xenophobia that occur during the Trump administration. He cites a reported rise in hate crimes since the election as sign of things to come. While I dont dispute Trumps election has emboldened bigoted elements of society indeed, thats been one of my concerns from the beginning I have a healthy skepticism that all of these alleged crimes can be blamed on Trump voters. Given the number of hate-crime hoaxes, including a recent fabrication by a Louisiana student alleging an attack by two men, one she said wore a Trump hat, it seems just as likely that Trumps election will be an opportunity for progressives to perpetuate discord. And asserting that all Trump voters are bigoted will not help build bridges or heal the nation, which is explicitly what many progressives are demanding Trump do. This perspective illustrates also how many on the left have completely failed to understand what precipitated Trumps election in the first place not racism, but a complex mix of factors including the sense that many Americans felt ignored by the political and pundit class. In the words of President Obama, let me be clear: Im not thrilled about Trump, either. But the behavior of many on the left is making me grateful for this outcome. My message to progressives: Please stop. The following editorial appeared Thursday in The Baltimore Sun: Since Donald Trumps election victory, the rhetoric over his hard line stance on immigration policies hasnt cooled a bit. In a recent interview on 60 Minutes, the president-elect vowed to deport or incarcerate as many as 3 million immigrants. Not to be outdone, some big city mayors from Seattle to New York stepped forward promising to maintain their status as sanctuary cities that will refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. But what if for all the bluster and threats, the posturing and promises, a Trump administration pursues an immigration strategy not all that different from that of President Barack Obama? For a variety of reasons, that might be where hes headed. Heres why. First, often overlooked by Trumps more virulent anti-immigrant supporters is that fact that the Obama administration has already set records for deportations. Since 2008, an estimated 2.7 million people have been deported by the federal government, with an emphasis on the very individuals Trump claims he wants to ship out gang members, felons and other serious criminals. So if hes talking long term, Trumps immigration stand may not be quite as bold as it appears. Indeed, it would be hard to see the numbers add up otherwise there simply arent 3 million undocumented convicted criminals to deport. The number is more likely under 900,000, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Migration Policy Institute estimates, and its probably dropping given that illegal border crossings have fallen in recent years. Second is a simple lack of deportation infrastructure. Ever try to round up millions of people who dont want to be caught? During the campaign, the Republican nominee spoke of a possible deportation force, but Republicans in Congress have already poo-pooed that idea. And its not just a lack of immigration agents detaining suspects and litigating all those cases would pose a considerable challenge to existing resources as well. In fact, theres already a backup in the court system perhaps a half-million or more cases from the Obama administrations ongoing deportation efforts. Trump can vilify the estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without documentation all he wants, but the law gives those individuals certain rights among them the right to appeal any deportation order. Given those legal, logistical and resource impediments, its entirely possible Trump is pulling a fast one of his supporters and will simply make more noise about deportation than his predecessors. The building of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico may prove to be in the same vein many miles of fencing already exist along the California and Arizona borders, barriers that have proven far from impervious. Meanwhile, more than 40 percent of the undocumented arrive legally but then overstay their visas, making a fence, wall or any other barrier moot. Yet even if a President Trump doesnt hire a deportation force, build much of a wall or take any of the draconian measures both his critics and many of his supporters have been anticipating, hes already helped change the American culture for the worse. Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise. Polls show American attitudes toward immigrants from the Middle East, Latin America and Africa are more negative than positive regardless of legal status. Latinos are more likely to distrust law enforcement and not report crimes or cooperate with criminal investigations. One study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine suggests Latino fear of police and deportation has gotten so bad that they are less likely to call 911 for an ambulance or emergency medical help during a heart attack with potentially fatal consequences. And hate crimes directed toward Mexicans and other Latinos are on the rise as well. More than 400 incidents of harassment and intimidation have been recorded by the Southern Poverty Law Center since Election Day. The leading target? Immigrants, with 136 such cases as of Monday. Meanwhile, Trumps attacks on the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA could lead to a trade war and tariffs that will depress the Mexican economy and motivate more people to enter the U.S. illegally. If all that sounds confusing, bingo, youve got it about right. Mass deportations are unlikely, but mass hysteria over a bogus immigration threat? That may be closer to whats in store for the country. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Republic of Armenia have signed a grant agreement under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF) to support the completion of the North-South Road Corridor, a strategic part of Armenias transport infrastructure, Armenpress was informed from the EIB. The NIF budget made available a grant of EUR 12 million to the Republic of Armenia for the North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The NIF grant is made available by the EIB on behalf of the European Commission to the Republic of Armenia. It consists of two components: a EUR 6 million investment grant and a EUR 6 million technical assistance component. The purpose of the agreement signed today is to set the terms and conditions for the EUR 6 million investment grant component to finance works and supplies necessary for the Armenia North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme. The agreement for making available the EUR 6 million technical assistance component was already signed last year. EIB Vice-President Jan Vapaavuori, commented: I very much appreciate that the European Investment Bank together with the European Commission are joining forces with the Republic of Armenia to develop adequate, efficient and safe road infrastructure improving peoples quality of everyday life and fostering economic growth and regional cooperation. Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia Mr Vardan Aramyan highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects in Armenia, expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support through NIF funding and especially stressed the fruitful cooperation with the EIB aimed at infrastructural development and its efforts for mobilising grant resources. Piotr Switalski, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia added: "For a country like Armenia, connectivity is a necessity" and continued by underlining that "the EU is delighted to be able to contribute to the efforts made by the EIB to ensure that Armenian citizens and businesses can circulate more freely and safely in Armenia and access more easily other neighbouring territories and markets." In 2013 the EIB signed a EUR 60 million loan to finance the upgrading of the North-South Road Corridor the key transport corridor in Armenia. This project promotes economic and social development in Armenia and improves regional integration, with significant benefits for the whole region. This project is part of an ambitious programme aimed at improving the 556 km North-South Road Corridor running from the border with Georgia at Bavra to the border with Iran at Meghri via the cities of Bavra, Gyumri, Ashtarak, Yerevan, Goris, Comer, Kapan and Meghri. The EIB the European Unions bank finances projects in Armenia on the basis of an EU Council and European Parliament mandate for the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood. The 2014-2020 mandate allows the EIB to provide financing of up to EUR 4.8 billion under an EU guarantee to support projects of significant interest to both the EU and its Eastern Neighbours in the areas of local private sector development, social and economic infrastructure and climate change. In addition, the Bank has set up a EUR 3 billion own-risk Neighbourhood Finance Facility to enhance its support for the Neighbourhood Countries. Theres a new version of World of Color for this holiday season: World of Color Season of Light. It combines favorite holiday musical numbers with heartwarming scenes from Disney and Disney-Pixar movies, choreographed with fountains, lasers, lights and even flames. We saw it Saturday night, and I have to say that its my favorite version of the show. The fountains are not so much the main focus of the show now, and all of the different effects are much more integrated and complement each other. I thought the lasers were used especially well. And I loved the music. Im old enough to remember my parents playing Christmas albums by Nat King Cole (The Christmas Song), Bing Crosby (Mele Kalikimaka), and Dean Martin (Let it Snow), and I enjoy hearing them again. But its also great to hear contemporary artists such as Michael Buble and Idina Menzel (Baby Its Cold Outside), and Amy Grant (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas). And Pentatonixs version of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, followed by Trans-Siberian Orchestras Wizard in Winter, had everyone cheering. The animation clips were very well chosen. Who can forget the heartwarming moment from Lady and the Tramp when, on Christmas morning, Darling opens the box and Ladys head pops out? And I had to laugh when Sadness from Inside Out appeared to the music of Elvis Presleys Blue Christmas. During the song Let There Be Peace on Earth, giant soap bubbles, shaped like hearts, rise into the air and float away. My camera battery died partway through, but heres the first 16 minutes of the show, including the Pentatonix and TSO numbers. As I mentioned, we thought it was a terrific show. In reading Disneys Fact Sheet about it, I found a few items that explain some of the new aspects. Five newly installed barges in the lagoon erupt in a brilliant lighting effect to punctuate the grand finale. More than 800 individual light fixtures are needed to illuminate the show. Six laser projectors are deployed to create a variety of entertaining effects. Nearly 20 high-definition projectors convey imagery to the screens of water. Youll need a Fastpass to access the viewing areas for the show. These are available at the entrance to Grizzly River Run beginning at park opening. Fastpasses for the areas that are more centered are distributed first, so go early. There is some standby viewing, but its further back and tends to fill up early. In addition to the regular Fastpass option for the show, there are options for Premium viewing experiences. Lunch and Dinner packages are available at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Wine Country Trattoria, and a Dinner Package at Ariels Grotto. The newest option, introduced earlier this year, is the Sparkling Dessert Package. Lee and I did that one on Saturday. Its unique because you actually get to sit for the show everyone is seated at small tables. A plate of cheese, fruits and desserts is served to you, along with beverages. At $79 plus tax its the most expensive of the viewing options, but its my favorite way to see the show. We have more information on Dining packages on our World of Color page. We took a quick look around the park at some of the other holidays options. This year Santa Claus has moved from his Elias and Co. department store Santa setting to a more rustic area along in the newly named Redwood Creek Santas Holiday Visit. Santa is tucked away in the Ahwahnee Circle (the small amphitheater). I was wondering if guests would be less interested in visiting him there, but the line was long, so thats apparently not an issue. Without standing in line there was no way to get a good view of Santa Claus, so this is not a very good photo. I thought it very amusing that this is the roof of Santas greeting area. A place for the reindeer but only eight of them to hang out. The Redwood Creek area itself has decorations, which I dont recall seeing in the past. The Jingle Bridge is hung with bells that ring when people bounce on it. The challenge aspect of the Redwood Creek area is now Elf Games. Some additional elements have been added at some of the apparatus, like a sack of gifts at the slides for the Pack the Presents game. Theres also a meet and greet spot with Chip and/or Dale. Guests seemed to be enjoying the area as I mentioned the line for Santa was fairly long and there were a number of kids enjoying the various challenges. This isnt a holiday thing, but right now DCA is showing an extended preview of Moana in the Bugs Land Theater. Using all of the available effects. Including lots of water. We really enjoyed the preview the movie looks very good. The rest of the park seems to be decked out in its usual holiday style. The Christmas tree is in Carthay Circle, and theres a tree lighting show every night. The residents of Cars Land have also decorated the town of Radiator Springs Seasons Speedings to all! (Im certainly enjoying the Passholder benefit of free downloads of PhotoPass photos!) Heres the new popcorn buckets being sold in both parks. The Santa Mickey was VERY popular and we saw lots of people carrying them around. Getting them before they sell out. I believe the Elf Mickey Stein is only available at Disneyland. That was also popular. Theres also a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs refillable mug that seems to be available resort wide. To close, even though this isnt DCA, either, the construction of the enormous gingerbread house in the Grand Californian was underway. This year its a gingerbread version of the hotel itself. Theres even a fire in the fireplace. A smaller version of the gingerbread house is available for purchase $85. Post a Comment It's my favorite time of year at the Disneyland Resort! We spent last evening at Disney California Adventure.November 18th was Mickey Mouse's birthday , and all park guests received one of these buttons at the entrance:It was a two-button night for me, as Annual Passholders also received this button for the park's new Festival of Holidays The Festival of Holidays celebrates Christmas (including the popular Viva Navidad celebration), Three Kings Day, Hannukah, and more. There are many special festival food booths set up in the park; my husband gave a big thumbs up to the turkey slider!There's also a new World of Color show, Season of Light , which I hope to see on a future visit.The Christmas tree at Carthay Circle:Christmas in Hollywood Land:I love these vintage ornaments seen in a window on Buena Vista Street: Sprinkles Cupcakes just opened at Downtown Disney:We brought home a small selection to try out!We expect to be in Disneyland next Wednesday for our annual Thanksgiving Eve visit! Coast Province in Kenya is known for its natural beauty. For years, many Europeans have traveled to the area to see its white sands, blue waters and the sails of traditional dhow boats in the sea. But there is an ugly part of Coast Province: more and more people there are using the illegal drug heroin. Drug traffickers have been transporting increasing amounts of heroin through East Africa on its way to Europe. Farah Abubakar Hajji looks like many other 18-year-olds, except for one difference -- he has scar tissue on many parts of his arms and legs. Those wounds resulted from heroin injections. Farah began using the drug when he was 14. I decided to inject because my father left and I remained with a single parent, so I had a lot of stress and I decided to inject. So when I inject, I feel very good. My mother is always shouting but when I inject, I feel its okay for me. Reporter Jill Craig met Farah at the Omari Project in the town of Malindi. The project operates programs to help Kenyans who use illegal drugs to stop using them. Farah says he left school when he was 12, and sold things to tourists. While Malindi is beautiful, the local economy has been hurting. Because the town depends upon visitors, it suffers when they do not come. Concerns about attacks by the al-Shabab terrorist group caused Western countries to warn their citizens to avoid the area. Many of the warnings were cancelled last year, but few foreigners have returned. Like many young people, Farah has a number of jobs. He tries to earn enough money to buy heroin and to support his girlfriend and her baby. His girlfriend also uses drugs. Fatma Jeneby works in the city of Mombasa at the Muslim Education and Welfare Association, called MEWA. The group operates rehabilitation support groups along Kenyas coast. Weve seen there is a total change in trend of heroin users, at the age of 15 to 24 years, so this is very alarming to us, because if we, if we are getting drug users at the age of 15 years, meaning that at the age of 10 years, theyve already started using other drugs so heroin is just a progression of whatever has been there before. Heroin is usually not the first drug that locals use. They begin with tobacco, then use marijuana or other drugs. Some drink a locally-made alcohol. Often, they use a combination of these substances. Jeneby says now more people are chewing mogoka leaves, another stimulant. Mogoka its the one which is causing very, very [much] havoc within the community, because young, young children are able to, to acquire this drug at a very cheaper rate of around 50 shillings. That is about half of one U.S. dollar, and it is available almost everywhere. Hassan Musa works at the Kenya Red Cross. If it hasnt affected you because this person is your son, it has affected you because hes your neighbor. Hell come and steal to you. Hell come to steal to your house, which means it, it affects you. So you, you, youre in your house but youre worried. You dont want to leave your house because, you know, my neighbor will come and steal. So it has affected you. So, in one way or another, whether we like it or not, it has affected everyone in Coast Province -- everyone. Back in Malindi, two Omari outreach workers visit a place where drug users often go to take illegal drugs. Farah is there and injecting heroin. Life is not easy for me, because now, I, I feel Ive messed up my life but I dont, I dont know the way out. I just try to find the way out, and mother is very poor. My sister has died, and my mother left with the five children. So there is poverty at home. Im confused, but Im not okay with the life I live." Later, reporter Jill Craig meets Farah a third time when she visits a hospital. The hospital offers a methadone treatment, which helps heroin users reduce their dependency on the drug. Farah had been in the program earlier, but left. He has returned to try to learn how to stop using heroin. Im Christopher Jones-Cruise. VOA Correspondent Jill Craig reported this story from Kenya. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story stress n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc. tourist n. a person who travels to a place for pleasure rehabilitation v. to bring (someone or something) back to a normal, healthy condition after an illness, injury, drug problem, etc. stimulant n. something (such as a drug) that makes you more active or gives you more energy havoc n. a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion acquire v. to get (something); to come to own (something) outreach n. the activity or process of bringing information or services to people methadone n. a drug that people take to help them stop taking heroin treatment n. something that deals with a disease, injury, etc., in order to make someone feel better or become healthy again; medical care YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian received on November 18 the delegation led by Chairperson of the Council of the Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev. Armenia-Russian allied and strategic relations based on centuries-old friendship between the two peoples, as well as the implementation process of the agreements reached between the top leaderships of Armenia and Russia were referred to at the meeting. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, the Foreign Minister of Armenia and the Russian delegation discussed in detail a broad scope of issues of parliamentary cooperation and exchanged ideas over cooperation between the two parliaments in international parliamentary platforms. A reference was made to the situation in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, and ways to overcome the crisis. A special importance was attached to the Armenian community in Syria and Armenias efforts to assist them. Minister Nalbandian introduced the situation in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) after the large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and emphasized the necessity of implementing thagreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg. At the request of the guests Minister Nalbandian detailed on Armenia-Diaspora cooperation. Edward Nalbandian touched upon Armenias foreign policy priorities and answered the numerous questions of the guests. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan received November 18 the delegation led by Chairperson of the Council of the Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev. The Delegation has arrived in Armenia to participate in the session of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly of Armenia and the Council of the Federation Committee on Foreign Affairs of Russia scheduled on November 19. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Armenia, issues related to regional and international security were discussed at the meeting. A reference was made to the efforts made by the two countries to ensure peace in the region of the South Caucasus. The sides shared the opinion that the of strategic partnership and military-political cooperation between Armenia and Russia is a key factor for regional peace. Washington: Indo-US ties are so broad and dynamic that pulling back on any aspect will not be in the interest of anyone, a top American official has said while observing that the next administration may want to add their own new areas of focus in the bilateral relationship. "India-US relations will have to move beyond government to government. India-US relations are global, but they should also be local," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told a Washington audience. Speaking on the occasion of launch of "US-India State and Urban Initiative" by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank, Biswal stressed on building state to state relationships. "Every successive administration is going to add some new areas of cooperation. The US-India relations are so broad, so complex, and so dynamic that pulling back on any aspect will not be in the interest of anyone," Biswal said. "The next administration will understand that, and might want to build on, and might want to add their own new areas of focus. That doesn't mean that they will move away from what has already been built," Biswal said in response to a question. "The demand in India for new technologies and capital is high, and the desire in many places in the US to seek new areas of partnership with India is also high," she said pointing out that India-US economic ties are responding to demands that already exist. Amos J Hochstein, Special Envoy in the State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources, said India and the US are working together on addressing regulatory issues. "The issues are plenty. Steady goals are extremely important to set the direction of where the country is going. But beyond setting the goals, there have to be follow ups. You can't simply say that I am going to create 175 GW of renewable energy if you cannot solve some of the fundamental problems that do not allow that to happen," he said. "India is the best place in the world to invest in renewable energy. But the regulatory environment and all the issues related to financing will have to be resolved for that to happen," he asserted. "Just like the US where the regulatory authority of the federal government is rather limited...the states in the US have all the power. They will decide the future of their own state. The same is true in India. In addition to what central government is doing, what is happening at the state and local levels are also very important," Hochstein said. New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed opening of "Islamic window" in conventional banks for "gradual" introduction of Sharia-compliant or interest-free banking in the country. Both the Centre and RBI are exploring the possibility of introduction of Islamic banking for long to ensure financial inclusion of those sections of the society that remain excluded due to religious reasons. "In our considered opinion, given the complexities of Islamic finance and various regulatory and supervisory challenges involved in the matter and also due to the fact that Indian banks have no experience in this field, Islamic banking may be introduced in India in a gradual manner. "Initially, a few simple products which are similar to conventional banking products may be considered for introduction through Islamic window of the conventional banks after necessary notification by the government. "Introduction of full-fledged Islamic banking with profit-loss sharing complex products may be considered at a later stage on the basis of experience gained in course of time," the RBI has told Finance Ministry in a letter, a copy of which was received in response to an RTI query filed by PTI. Islamic or Sharia banking is a finance system based on the principles of not charging interest, which is prohibited under Islam. "It is also our understanding that interest-free banking for financial inclusion will require a proper process of the product being certified as Sharia compliant will be required both on the asset and liability side and the funds received under the interest-free banking could not be mingled with other funds and therefore, this banking will have to be conducted under a separate window," it said. The central bank's proposal is based on examination of legal, technical and regulatory issues regarding feasibility of introducing Islamic banking in India on the basis of recommendation of the Inter Departmental Group (IDG). RBI has also prepared a technical analysis report which has been sent to the Finance Ministry. "In case it is decided to introduce Islamic banking product in India as suggested, RBI would require to undertake further work to put in place the operational and regulatory framework to facilitate introduction of such products by banks in India," the letter said. The work areas include operationalisation of Sharia boards and committees, feasibility of extending deposit insurance to Islamic banking deposits, identifying the financial risk and suggesting appropriate accounting framework for these products, the central bank had said in the letter written in December last year. The RBI had in February this year also sent a copy of the IDG to the Finance Ministry. It said the RBI also needs to work on formulating suitability and appropriate criteria for Islamic products in addition to what would be determined under Sharia. In its annual report for 2015-16, the central bank had said that some sections of Indian society have remained financially excluded for religious reasons that preclude them from using banking products with an element of interest. Towards mainstreaming these excluded sections, it is proposed to explore the modalities of introducing interest-free banking products in the country in consultation with the government," it had said. The plan for Sharia bank was opposed by certain political and non-political groups. In late 2008, a committee on Financial Sector Reforms, headed by former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, had opined the need for a closer look at the issue of interest-free banking in the country. The committee had said, "Certain faiths prohibit the use of financial instruments that pay interest. The non-availability of interest-free banking products results in some Indians, including those in the economically disadvantaged strata of society, not being able to access banking products and services due to reasons of faith." "This non-availability also denies the country access to substantial sources of savings from other countries in the region," the panel had said. Chandigarh: India and Israel could work more towards 'Make in India and Make with India' together which can bring "magic to the world", Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Sunday. The President further said he fell in love with the word 'jugaad' when he visited India, saying "jugaad is the way we invent and the way we work". Rivlin was addressing the gathering in Chandigarh at CII Agro Tech 2016, where he was the Guest of Honour at the four-day event. President Pranab Mukherjee, who was present on this occasion, formally inaugurated an international agriculture fair 'CII Agro Tech 2016'. "It is no wonder this friendship between India and Israel and between two countries is so strong, already amazing," the Israeli President said. "I believe that together we can do even more to make in India and Make with India. We can make between future for next generation and we can bring magic to the world," he said. Sharing his love for the word 'juggad', the Israeli President said he "quickly fell" in the love with this word which means a clever solution borne out of trouble. "During my visit to India I learnt a new word called 'jugaad'. For my friends from Israel, I would say jugaad means a clever solution borne out of trouble. If you know Israel, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word jugaad," he said. "Just imagine, a small nation spread across the world, suffering from being different, looking for a peace...the state of Israel is jugaad. Jugaad is the way you think, way we invent, the way we work," he said. The Israeli President who arrived on 14 November on an eight-day visit to the country said India taught Israel that food security was the greater challenge. "We always have been concerned about security and home land security but India taught us is that the greater challenge in today's world is food security. "And this is why we are here today. ...We both know building a home means being able to provide food for your family and building a nation means to being able to produce and provide food for all, now and next generation. It is about taking care your home and your people," he said. "Food security is not only about surviving and it is about feeding," he said. The President also shared details about his visit to Gharaunda in Karnal on 18 November where Centre of Excellence for vegetables had been set up with the assistance of Israel. "Few days ago, I visited Karnal where India and Israel is developing a new kind of cherry tomatoes which are Israeli invention...they are doing magic together. "When Indian experts and Israeli experts place solar panels on the roof of trucks so that solar energy will keep the food inside the truck fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together." Where Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial network to help farmers, they are doing magic together, said the President. Rivlin said Israeli companies are bringing their experience and technology to this partnership. Chandigarh: On Sunday, BJP chief Amit Shah launched a shrill attack on opposition parties, saying they were climbing "the same tree like rats, cats and snakes" to escape the demonetisation "flood" and appealed to people to give 15 years to Prime Minister Narendra Modi "from panchayat to parliament" to change the country. Addressing BJP's booth workers here, Shah especially targeted Rahul Gandhi for opposing demonetisation, saying he is not surprised by the reaction of the Congress Vice President as his party's rule during UPA I and II was "synonymous with scams". The scourge of black money in the country had become a cancer which needed a surgery, Shah said on demonetisation, adding "after the operation, one has to tolerate some pain, but rest of the life will be healthy." Tearing into the opposition, the BJP chief said the parties who were questioning the government as to what steps it had taken against black money, were "crying hoarse" after the 8 November demonetisation decision. Despite having differences, they were putting up a united front to oppose the decision taken by the Narendra Modi dispensation, he said. "And look what the situation has become like. It is like when floods occur and a big tree is there in the middle and everyone wants to climb that tree to save themselves from the raging waters. Rats, cats, snakes, mongoose all climb that tree. "But when all climb the tree, neither cat eats the rat nor is he scared of the animal. The mongoose does not attack the snake ...all keep staring at the raging waters down below waiting for the floods to recede". "After demonetisation was done by Modiji, Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP, (Arvind) Kejriwal (AAP), Mamata (Banerjee), all of them have climbed that tree. Down below demonetisation flood is passing and all are scared. "I want to tell them that people of this country have understood your game, you have exposed yourself," he said during his 30-minute address. The BJP President appealed to the people of Chandigarh to vote for BJP in the next month's civic polls. "I want to appeal to people of Chandigarh that we need to give 15 years to Narendra Modi, from Panchayat to Parliament, then this country can change...," Shah said. Earlier, Congress workers holding black flags staged protest against Shah. Their attempt to take out a procession from Sector 19 to Sector 27 - venue of the BJP meeting - was foiled by the Chandigarh police. Agra: On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said political leaders behind multi-crore chit fund scams are attacking him as they have been hit hard by demonetisation, in remarks seen as sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He also hit out at the Congress saying governments in the past 70 years kept quiet on blackmoney because they were worried about losing power. Addressing a 'Parivartan rally' in Agra, Modi cautioned people holding Jan Dhan accounts not to allow themselves to be used for laundering the money of the rich by depositing their ill-gotten wealth as they could unnecessarily get into problems with law. "I know what sort of people are raising their voice against me? Does the country not know whose money was invested in chit fund business? Lakhs and crores of poor people invested money in chit funds. But with the blessings of politicians, crores and crores of rupees have vanished. "Due to chit fund loss, hundreds of head of families were forced to commit suicide. Look at history and they are questioning me," he said in barbs aimed apparently at Banerjee, who had been rallying political leaders against the demonetisation decision. However, the Prime Minister did not name any leaders. Some Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders have been arraigned before courts in cases relating to chit fund scams in West Bengal. Modi said previous governments did not take any step to check blackmoney as they were worried more about losing power than about the country. "For how long will the country keep quiet? They (previous governments) kept quiet for 70 years. Not because they were unaware of this disease. They worried less about country and more about power. That's why they were not ready to take any step (to check it)," the Prime Minister said, in a veiled attack at Congress. Modi said on the one side cross-border terrorism was killing army personnel and on the other hand economic terrorism was pushing the country's youth and economy towards catastrophe. He said fake currency notes were pushed into the country and because of the demonetisation the business of drugs and other narcotics have come to stand still. "There is a big jolt to the business of fake Indian currency notes due to demonetisation," the Prime Minister said. Referring to government's decision of demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Modi said the decision has not been taken to harass people but to help poor, marginalised and honest people. He cautioned people not to let their Jan Dhan accounts to be misused by corrupt people. "I have come to request you. These corrupt people are very cunning. They may approach you to deposit Rs 2.5 lakh in your account. They can ask you to return Rs two lakh after six months and offer you Rs 50,000. But please do not let these people take advantage of you. "Law is very tough... the corrupt would say it is not my money and the people in whose accounts the money is deposited will be answerable. Unnecessarily poor will have problem with law. I do not want my brothers and sisters to have any problem," the Prime Minister said. There are reports of misuse of zero-balance Jan Dhan accounts by blackmoney hoarders and the Centre is looking into it. It has warned that violators will be prosecuted under the Benami Transactions Act that carries a penalty, prosecution and rigorous jail term of a maximum seven years. By David Shepardson | WASHINGTON WASHINGTON Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is under "active consideration" to serve as U.S. Secretary of State along with other candidates, Vice President-elect Mike Pence said on "Fox News Sunday." Romney, who met President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday, was a critic of Trump during the campaign. Pence said that Romney was willing to be considered for the position.Trump was "very grateful that Governor Mitt Romney came in. They had a good meeting. It was a warm and a substantive exchange and I know he is under active consideration to be Secretary of State... along with some other distinguished Americans." But Democrats were skeptical that Romney is an actual contender. Representative Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, said on CNN Sunday that he would love Romney to get the position and he would be a "consummate diplomat.""But I think it's a total head fake. I think this is Donald Trump still being the entertainer, still running a show where he wants to build suspense and he alone knows who the contestant will be the winner. It's more of a nod to the appearance of bringing people together." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Richard Balmforth) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. United Nations Special Rapporteur David Kaye strictly condemned the Turkish state policy against the opposition voices after the failed military coup attempt, Deutsche Welle reports. During a press conference in Ankara, Kaye said it is a dark atmosphere in Turkey. He warned that the pressures on academics can lead to long-term consequences. If all this continues, people, who still have passports, will leave the country and will live in other states. The more scientists leave the country, the more the future generation will receive worse education, he said. He also held meetings with a number of arrested journalists in Turkey. Kaye is going to prepare a report based on his visit results in Turkey, which will be presented in spring, 2017. The Twin Falls Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is now accepting entries in its Junior American Citizens creative expression contests and American history essay contests. The contests are open to public school, private school and home-schooled students as well as members of youth groups and service organizations. Individual students may enter. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 7. Junior American Citizens contests in the categories of poster design, postage stamp design, poetry, and short story are open to students in grades K-12. All entries must be based on the theme Our National Parks: 100 Years of Service. Entries must meet specific requirements for size or presentation. For the American history essay contests, the topic for grades 5-8 is Celebrating a Century: Americas National Parks. Students are asked to pretend they are writing a journal while visiting one of the areas managed by the national park service. The essay should identify the location of the park, discuss when and why it was established as part of the national park service, and describe what makes it one of our national treasures. Essays must be 300-600 words for students in grade 5, or 600-1000 words for students in grades 6-8. For students in grades 9-12, the topic is Technologys Impact on the Voyage of Christopher Columbus. Students are asked to consider how the technological advances we have today might have changed the voyage of Columbus and which technological advances would have been most beneficial. Complete rules for any of these contests may be obtained by e-mailing dgreene@northrim.net or calling 308-1810. Local winners will be recognized at a reception in February 2017 and have their entries forwarded for consideration for state, regional and national awards. The DAR is a national organization promoting patriotism, education and historic preservation. BURLEY Intermountain Healthcare, which is the healthcare system encompassing Cassia Regional Medical Center topped Gartners 2016 Healthcare Supply Chain Top 25 for companies demonstrating leadership in improving human life at sustainable costs. After two years at number three and six years in the top 10, Intermountains move to the number one spot is the culmination of strategy, talent and capital coming together in a sustained effort to transform its supply chain, according to Gartner. The report from Gartner analysts added, We believe the successes are just beginning for Intermountain. With per person healthcare costs in the U.S. hitting an all-time high this year and with healthcare spending projected to grow over the coming decade at a faster rate than the national economy, managing healthcare costs is a national imperative, says Marc Harrison, MD, Intermountain Healthcares president and CEO said. Intermountain has been leading the way for several years, and our supply chain organization has helped us find significant savings. Its one of the main reasons Utah healthcare costs are among the lowest in the nation. Gartner reported that implementing patient-focused strategies helped Intermountain provide high-quality care at affordable costs. It also highlighted that collaborative projects over the last 10 years produced validated savings to Intermountain of over $586 million, through a wide variety of process improvement projects and protocols. This recognition is a result of many years of hard work and reflects the collective effort of a great number of people, Richard Beach, assistant vice president of supply chain materials management at Intermountain, said. While the building, tools and processes we employ are very important to our success, it is really each of our employees willingness to contribute, work together, and provide extraordinary service that makes this kind of achievement possible. The Gartner rankings are determined by quantitative measures such as patient care performance, financial strength, and supply chain excellence, and include a voting process that includes peer organizations at VP-level and above and Gartner analysts. September 15, 1931 - November 14, 2016 TWIN FALLS - Billie Wayne Freeman, 85, of Twin Falls, died Monday, November 14, 2016 at home. Bill was born September 15, 1931 in Somerton, AZ. Bill was the youngest of ten children born to Charles and Irene Freeman. Bill spent the majority of his childhood growing up on a farm and graduated high school in Wendell, ID. At 16, Bill lied about his age and joined the National Guard. Bill then joined the Navy at 17 and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Valley Forge just before and during the Korean War. While Bill was in the Navy his family moved to Viola, AR. Bill was discharged from the Navy and hitch-hiked to Arkansas to be with his family. Unable to find a job there, Bill joined the Air Force Reserve and applied for active duty in order to keep his Navy rank. He was stationed in Shreveport, LA. During that time, Bill hitch-hiked home to Arkansas on weekends to rodeo with his brothers. They were professional cowboys and got paid $5 a head to ride bareback broncs and bulls. Bill met his future bride, Mary Laureta Owens, in a small cafe in Salem, AR. Bill's father died so his Mom and brother decided to move back to Idaho. The Air Force was doing an early release program at the time so Bill got out of the service and moved back to Wendell to help his Mom and brother. After service in the Armed Forces, Bill worked at a grain elevator in Wendell, the fall harvest in Washington, at a Sawmill in Oregon, and then settled in Kimberly, ID as a State Brand Inspector. Bill moved his family to Twin Falls, ID and took a job as a Federal Animal Health Inspector. Bill's musical skills were self-taught yet he became a professional musician playing in several local bands; Ray Crumbliss and the Saints, The Misfits, The Walden Brothers, The Hits and Misses, and the McBride Brothers. The Saints also served as the house band at Cactus Pete's in Jackpot, NV for traveling stars. He played with Roy Clark of Hee-Haw fame, Joe and Rose Lee Maphis, Sue Thompson, and Henry Sharpe of Bakersfield. Bill's hobbies were many. He raised roller pigeons, rode dirt bikes, flew model airplanes, and loved bowling, acquiring many friends along the way. Bill is survived by his wife, Laureta; two children, Candy and Doug (Cheri) Freeman; six grandchildren, Cassie (Jeremy) Nesset of Lewiston, Cody Freeman of Twin Falls, Nick McMullin of Boise, Tiffany Freeman of Baker City, OR, Emily (Daniel) Stone of Twin Falls and Pete McMullin of Twin Falls; nine great-grandchildren, Aiden, Lacy, Blake, Anthony, Taylor, Ana, Kyla, Gwendolyn, Talon, and Daniel. Bill also had many nephews and nieces he loved and kept in contact with. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Irene Freeman; five brothers, Oral (Faye), Orlin (Vada), Garland (Eleanor), R.B. (Verla), Chuck, and four sisters, Cleta (Roy) Strickland, Lois (Morris) Neilsen, Pat Edwards, and Ruby Freeman. The family would like to thank all the physicians, nurses, and therapists that helped Bill fight his way home. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Park, Twin Falls. Services are under the care and direction of Heidi Heil and Serenity Funeral Chapel Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services of Idaho, Twin Falls. Condolences may be shared at www.serenityfuneralchapel.com. This appeared in the Lewiston Tribune: In its neighborhood, Idaho has become the outlier on marijuana policy. Last Tuesday, Nevada joined Oregon and Washington in legalizing recreational pot. To the north, Montana liberalized its medicinal marijuana policies, joining British Columbia to Idahos north. And on Idahos eastern and southeastern borders, Wyoming and Utah at least allow people suffering from Dravet Syndrome and other forms of epilepsy to obtain a derivative of marijuana called cannabidiol. Idaho Gov. C.L. Butch Otter disregarded appeals to the contrary and vetoed an Idaho cannabidiol bill. So what awaits the 70-year-old Lewiston widow who drives into Clarkston and purchases a package of pot to alleviate her arthritis? Or the Pullman resident who legally bought a small amount of pot at home but forgot to remove it from her car before driving to Moscow? What happens to the Missoula resident who, having obtained medicinal pot at home, drives toward Spokane and is stopped somewhere along the Idaho Panhandle? And what about the parent who is able to obtain CPD oil in Jackson, Wyo., or Ogden, Utah, only to get caught in Twin Falls? You know the answer. Each of them is looking at a misdemeanor conviction, a possible $1,000 fine, up to a year in jail and the potential social and economic disruption that comes with getting busted for pot in the Gem State. Its bound to become even more complicated. Its a cinch that the cops and courts in border communities such as Lewiston or Moscow will be compelled to employ a more flexible approach than those in Idahos interior, such as Grangeville or McCall. At what point does the culture of permissiveness bleed into some portions of Idaho, but not others leaving a patchwork that is both arbitrary and capricious? To which Idaho Freedom Foundation President Wayne Hoffman has paraphrasing late William F. Buckley stood athwart history and yelled Stop. Hoffman is not the first to call for liberalizing Idahos pot laws. Five years ago, former state Rep. Tom Trail, R-Moscow, pursued a medicinal marijuana law. In 2007, libertarian Ryan Davidson spearheaded a successful initiative to normalize pot laws in the city of Hailey. But Hoffman is certainly the most prominent conservative to speak out. In his weekly newspaper column, he has put the question bluntly: We must ask whether cannabis crimes are worth requiring working men and women to give up their day jobs and sources of income to sit on a jury that will deliberate on a punishment where only the drug user was impacted and where, in many instances, the user is arguably helped through marijuana use. To be clear, Hoffman is not advocating legalizing recreational use. But the options he raises reflects some serious contemplation on his part. For instance, he asks, why not block the arrest and prosecution of anyone especially Idahoans who travel to another state, make a legal purchase and then do nothing more than take the marijuana home? At minimum, it gives people an incentive to exit the black markets. Or go one step further and decriminalize possession of small amounts? Finally, the state might consider licensing a network of medicinal pot dispensaries. Mind you, a lot of this hinges on whether the new Trump Department of Justice continues the precedent set by the Obama administration or cracks down on retail stores, dispensaries and any financial institutions that work with them. Whatever the feds do, they cant force police, prosecutors and the courts to pursue something the voters have forbidden them to do. Still, Hoffmans on the right track. While Idahoans may resist outright legalization at last check, only 31 percent support that approach theyre more receptive to medicinal pot. Five years ago when Trail pursued the idea, the Boise State University Public Policy Survey found 74 percent support for allowing terminally and seriously ill patients to use marijuana. Last year, Dan Jones and Associates replicated the results, finding 58 percent support the idea. Idahos elected leadership is deaf, dumb and blind to all this. So give Hoffman credit. He thinks the politicians should catch up with the people. Within an hour of the announcement that Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., would be the president-elects pick for attorney general, Democratic groups were fully mobilized. From an immigrants rights group: Sen. Sessions nomination to attorney general is more evidence to why the Trump agenda must be fought. Individuals, local officials, and others must commit to non-cooperation at every level for the sake of our families and our democracy. From Democracy for America: The handful of people who might be even less equipped than Jeff Sessions to dispense justice on behalf of the American people typically spend their weekends wearing pointy hats and burning crosses. Jeff Sessions was too racist to become a federal judge. In the 1980s. The statement continued, The idea that Jeff Sessions might become Attorney General is a genuine threat to our country and the lives and safety of people of color, Muslim Americans, women, and working families. We urge Democrats in the U.S. Senate to do everything in their power to air Jeff Sessions record of bigotry and derail his confirmation as Republicans work to jam it through. People for the American Way put out its own missive, which read in part: The last time Senator Sessions sought Senate confirmation was 1986 when he was nominated to be a federal judge. Despite the fact that Republicans controlled the chamber at the time, he was rejected because of a long history of racially insensitive remarks and a disastrous record on civil rights. In the last 30 years, Sessions has done nothing that demonstrates that the Senates judgement was incorrect or that hes learned from his mistakes. Instead, hes spent years making a name for himself as one of the Senates most extreme anti-immigrant voices, even attacking the Constitutions guarantee of birthright citizenship. As a senator hes voted in favor of torture programs under the Bush administration and opposed hate crime protections for LGBT people. The pro-immigration group Americas Voice also weighed in: Another day, another example of how President-elect Trump is filling the most powerful cabinet positions and senior White House posts in his Administration with white nationalists and anti-immigrant zealots. Senator Sessions is the most anti-immigrant Senator in the chamber. He has opposed sensible immigration proposals with incendiary language, consorts with hardline nativist groups and strongly supported the Alabama state immigration law that intentionally forced tens of thousands of Latinos out of the statebefore a 2012 Supreme Court decision held such state laws to be unconstitutional. When Sessions was nominated to serve as a federal judge some three decades ago, the U.S. Senate rejected him. Senators from both parties cited his racist comments, hostility towards civil rights groups and a temperament considered unworthy of a federal judge. He then was elected to the Senate by the people of Alabama. But being elected to the Senate by a popular vote is one thing; being confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the nations top enforcer of the nations civil rights laws is another. The Senate should do what the Senate did 30 years ago and reject his nomination. Republicans strongly deny Sessions is a racist, and point to his efforts to equalize penalties for crack and powder cocaine, a position which disproportionately benefits African Americans. Whats all the shouting about and will it stop Sessions? Sessions confirmation hearing will be the first big fight of the new administration. (If Rudy Giuliani gets the nod for secretary of state, thatll be the second.) It is being waged just after an election in which Hillary Clinton failed to fully turn out the Obama coalition African Americans, Hispanics, young voters, etc. This provides Democrats with the opportunity to re-energize their base and begin to chip away at the approval of a new president. We dont mean to suggest this is not a legitimate fight or that Democrats arent sincerely opposed to Sessions. Trumps assumption that he could get anyone through the Senate may prove to be accurate, but had he done more consulting he might have found that Sessions is like a red flag in front of a bull. The Post reports: The fourth-term senator has been dogged by accusations of racism throughout his career. In 1986, he was denied a federal judgeship after former colleagues testified before a Senate committee that he joked about the Ku Klux Klan, saying he thought they were OK, until he learned that they smoked marijuana. If we can expect the vast majority of the Senate Democrats to oppose Sessions, attention will then shift to the Republicans, the large majority of whom will certainly support him. Obvious targets are moderate Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. (one of the few Republicans up for reelection in 2018). We should also watch to see if civil libertarian groups are wary of his positions on deportation, criminal justice, intelligence surveillance and the rest. The American Civil Liberties Union which does not formally endorse nominees nevertheless made its views clear: Sen. Sessions has called the ACLU un-American and communist, assertions we flatly reject. His positions on LGBT rights, capital punishment, abortion rights, and presidential authority in times of war have been contested by the ACLU and other civil rights organizations. Sessions, like Mike Flynn, is not a conciliatory pick or one that will win Trump plaudits from his critics on either side of the aisle. It is a base-engaging pick, a divisive pick, critics would say, on both sides. In all likelihood Sessions will be confirmed on close to a party-line vote; the question is how big a toll it will take on an administration barely getting its feet wet. WASHINGTON As enraging as it is that President-elect Donald Trump ran a racist and xenophobic presidential campaign, it is even more galling that he is elevating the man who unabashedly took white supremacy out of the shadows to a senior position in the White House. When he was the executive chairman of Breitbart News, Stephen Bannon served as the alt-rights sherpa from far-right fringe to mainstream. And he did so using Trumps coattails, first by championing the candidate on Breitbart and then serving as Trumps campaign chief executive. What passed for news on that website was nothing but breathtaking racist, xenophobic and anti-Semitic garbage. That Bannon and his influence will be just steps from the Oval Office as chief White House strategist and senior counselor is beyond outrageous, especially in light of what happened with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Surely, you remember him. Wright was the legendary pastor of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. A young Barack Obama wrote fondly of him, his role in helping the biracial community organizer find himself and the spiritual home the minister provided. Wright was the one who married Obama to his wife, Michelle. His importance in their lives then cannot be understated. But that all changed when an incendiary phrase from a Wright sermon from 2003 was unearthed and played on a feedback loop to a stunned nation in 2008. The government gives them the drugs, builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing God Bless America. No, no, no, God damn America, thats in the Bible for killing innocent people, Wright said. God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme. The impertinent rhetoric and fiery delivery seemed to confirm fears that the black man with a funny-sounding name not only was not really American, but he also was a closet reverse racist who neither loved America nor white people. The ensuing controversy put Obamas presidential campaign on life support. It took a beautifully nuanced speech on race about a week after the sermon surfaced to save his White House ambitions. Because of other sermons that surfaced and Wrights negative reaction to the harsh spotlight, Obama disavowed Wright and resigned his membership in the church. If you want an excellent explanation of Wrights religious philosophy and the Obama-Wright relationship and controversy read The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America by Michael Eric Dyson. I wont go to a church thats friends with a racist and an anti-Semite, Sean Hannity said on his Fox News program on March 12, 2008, while pressing Dee Dee Myers on whether she would attend a church like Wrights. The fact is, you have a president who for years went to a church whose pastor said stunningly hateful things about Americans, former house speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., said of Obama in January 2015. He spent 17 years in the church of Jeremiah Wright, and this is the guy who said God damn America, not God bless America, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said in February 2015, in one of his many critical, disrespectful aspersions against the president. Those folks above who slammed Obama because of his association with Wright have proven themselves Grade-A hypocrites when it comes to Bannon. [T]heyre attacking Steve Bannon as something that I know that hes not, Hannity said last week, despite ample evidence to the contrary. The Bannon-priebus team is a tremendous choice by President elect Trump, Gingrich tweeted last week. Bannon for key strategies, priebus for daily management. great team[.] Notice how Gingrich, lover of protocol and titles, placed Bannons name before that of Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee. That Gingrich lauds Bannon for key strategies speaks volumes. He is a patriot. He loves America, Giuliani generously said of Bannon last week. He may have a different view of America than you or I, but he loves America as much as you or I do. Wright was kicked to the curb because he delivered caustic sermons that proved politically problematic for a parishioner on his way to the presidency. And throughout his two terms, Wrights words were used to question Obamas loyalty to the United States and delegitimize his presidency. Meanwhile, Bannon openly trafficked in racism, xenophobia and misogyny to help elect Trump and appeasers are attempting to divorce the man from what he actively championed at Breitbart and on Trumps campaign as he stands ready to assume enormous power as senior counselor to the president. Im not a white nationalist, Bannon told Michael Wolff of the Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Friday, Im a nationalist. Translation: dont believe your lying eyes. The America I was taught to love demanded more from its leaders. Our presidents were held to high and seemingly impossible moral standards because they were considered a reflection of our better selves. They are more than who we are. They are who we aspire to be. That a majority of the American people voted for Hillary Clinton is an affirmation of those aspirations. Trumps ascendancy to the presidency and the senior counselor who will guide him during it are stunning shows of contempt for who we have always sought to be. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. On the initiative of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) a unique exhibition with the title Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh Hidden Treasure opened with a festive reception and a concert in the prestigious setting of Tour&Taxi in Brussels on 17 November, reports Armenpress. EAFJD cooperated also with the NKR authorities in the preparatory work. The goal of the exhibition which will be open until 19 November is to showcase the significant potential of NKR as a tourist destination as well as attract investors and tourists. More than 200 guests, among who several Members of the Belgian Federal, Regional and Flemish Parliaments as well as representatives of academia and industry were present. The Presidents of the Friendship Group with Armenia and Artsakh in the European Parliament MEPs Eleni Theocharous and Frank Engel, who could not be present, sent video messages addressed to the guests and expressed their support for the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Opening remarks were made by EAFJD President Kaspar Karampetian and EAFJD EU Affairs Coordinator Heghine Evinyan after which the Permanent Representative of Nagorno Karabakh to France Hovhannes Gevorgyan took the floor. The President of the French-speaking Parliament of Brussels Julie De Groote emphasized that Artsakh is not simply a hidden treasure, it is first of all a treasure that is loved. Ms. De Groote also underlined the counterproductive nature of the threats addressed to Belgian MPs, aimed at preventing them from going to the exhibition. The President of the Friendship Group with Armenia and Georgia in Belgian Federal Parliament Els Van Hoof also delivered a brief speech, congratulating the organizers and expressing her support. Despite the hysteria, the boycott calls and the threats of the Azerbaijani authorities, addressed among others to the administration of Tour&Taxis, this exhibition is successfully taking place, as the big interest and the high attendance of the guests testifies. This is yet another proof that the policy of Azerbaijani authorities to threaten and dictate European decision-makers, common citizens what to do, has failed, said EAFJD President Kaspar Karampetian. The people of Nagorno Karabakh have rightfully chosen the path of self-determination, established a functioning, prospering state based on universal human rights and simply aspire to live in peace in their own homeland. The European Armenian Federation will always unequivocally support the people of Artsakh in their just cause, concluded Karampetian. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on November 18 paid a working visit to Aragatsotn Province, press service of the Government told Armenpress. The PM visited Ashtarak, where he was introduced on the tourism development project of the city. It was stated that Ashtarak is at the center of attention from tourism perspective and the project must be carried out by public-private sector cooperation, involvement of international organizations. The PM welcomed such initiative and instructed to develop the project and submit to the Government as soon as possible. Thereafter, the PM met community people affected from hail, listened to their issues of concern. The PM also visited Ashtarak-Talin road which is constructed by the second tranche of North-South highway, got familiarized with the construction works. At the end of the meeting the PM held a consultation with community leaders in Aragats community and discussed the existing issues and development prospects. We want to discuss the development program of Aragatsotn Province, to hear the Governor, the community leaders what issues the Province is facing, what are the proposed solutions, the development programs. We must identify those projects which can lead to quick, tangible results, to underline those projects that are strictly necessary, as well as to fix what the community, the Government, the Ministries, agencies and the Government are doing, the PM said adding that all those projects, that will be presented by the community, the Governorate, will be examined in detail in the Government. The PM said the Government will put an emphasis to those projects that are more effective, where the community, the Governorate, the community residents, the community business will take the burden on them. He said the talk is about the projects that will be directed towards the creation of jobs and solution of other important issues. Thereafter, Aragatsotn Governor Gabriel Gyozalyan presented the socio-economic conditions, the development directions and proposed projects of the Province. Referring to the Province development project, PM Karapetyan presented his expectations from the community leaders. There is no clever man in Yerevan who is well aware of the development of your community, your province rather than you. Thats why the results of practical relations with Yerevan, as well as with the Government are strictly linked with the fact how you imagine in reality the development of the province, community, the issues, the lack, what you need. We have a limited budget, limited resources, but many capabilities in order to involve finances with quite good conditions. Where we must direct that finance? We must direct it towards the solution of certain strategic issues, as well as those sectors where we have maximum fast, cost-effective and effective programs. With which partner are we going to work? With those who is well aware of the issue, who is confident that he will carry out this project, as well as will take the burden on him, the PM said, adding that if the Governor and the community leaders dont imagine what they need, there will not be any positive and effective progress. There is a thesis in business management which is extremely important: if you are able to imagine it, you have a chance to do it. You must definitely have that vision what you want. You need to summarize, prepare a material which will lead to applicable result, and we will move forward step by step based on that, the PM stated. Summarizing the consultation, PM Karapetyan instructed the community leaders to develop and submit specific sectoral programs to the respective Ministries. Amnesty International is sounding the alarm on behalf of Cubalex, a Cuba-based group of human rights lawyers that AI says has been subjected in recent months to increased harassment and intimidation by the Castro dictatorship: Progressively since September, Cuban authorities have intimidated members of Cubalex (Legal Information Center), a non-government organization, not recognized by the Cuban authorities, which provides free legal and human rights advice in Havana, the capital. On 23 September, according to its Director, Laritza Diversent, authorities searched Cubalexs centre of operation without warrant, confiscated a number of laptops and documents, and forced at least one woman to undress. The provincial prosecutor in Havana provided notice to Cubalex that it was under a tax investigation. Laritza Diversent According to Cubalex, since then, state prosecutors have summoned at least two members of the organization for questioning. Cubalex stated that the interviews, which reportedly lasted up to one hour and 45 minutes, were filmed, leading members to believe that the authorities were seeking information to criminalize activities of the organization. According to Cubalex, authorities have also questioned people who received advice and information from their centre. Cubalexs Director reported that she has been stopped and questioned a number of times at the airport during her recent trips. She believes her home, which provides a base for Cubalexs activities, is under surveillance. One of Cubalexs members, Julio Ferrer Tamayo, reported being strip searched and detained during the search of Cubalex on 23 September and remains in custody. President Barack Obama and Guillermo Farinas, in Miami in 2013. (Photo: Martinoticias.com) Cuban human rights activist Guillermo Farinas is urging President-elect Donald Trump to halt or suspend trade and investment deals between the United States and Cuba until the Castro dictatorship ends political repression and institutes democratic reforms. For now, Farinas told FoxNews.com, the loosening of the U.S. embargo is only enriching the Castro regime and financing continuing repression. The people of Cuba see very little of the money that comes in from foreign investment and trade, Farinas said. It makes the regime richer, and stronger, and bolder, because they have felt that because of President Obamas decision to do business with it, it has credibility internationally," he said. "It uses this international credibility to thumb its nose at the Cuban people, especially its critics and dissidents. And its gotten more brutal and more intolerant of dissent. Farinas did say he supports expanded travel links between the two countries and that he was not calling for reversing the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between Washington and Havana. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama told an audience in Peru he did not expect Trump to reverse his Latin American policies, including the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. Read the whole FoxNews.com story here. Patients with diabetes and suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI), proteinuria and uncontrolled blood sugar experience a sharp reduction in the number of years they have healthy renal function before being forced onto dialysis, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine. The UC research team looked at 3,679 individuals with type 2 diabetes from a de-identified cohort of patients at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and who were followed for a 10-year period, explains Charuhas Thakar, MD, professor and director of the UC Division of Nephrology, Kidney CARE Program. The three risk factorsAKI, proteinuria (leakage of protein into the urine) and poor blood sugar controlwere used to classify patients into three groups, he says. Patients with diabetes who had none of these risk factors were compared against a group that had all three risk factors (severe risk) and another group that had only one or two of the risk factors (medium risk). "There are established risk factors in the diabetes literature," says Thakar. "One of them is the level of sugar control; if you don't control your sugar well your kidney disease progresses faster or if you leak protein in the urine and you have proteinuria, it tends to be an independent predictor of kidney disease in diabetics." Typically, a 50-year-old person with type 2 diabetes without any of the risk factors has kidney function of about 60 percent and is likely to lose renal function at around 1.9 to 2 percent annually, says Thakar. That means this individual would have 25 to 30 years before kidney failure forces the need for dialysis allowing the patient to have normal renal function up to age 80. But if the same individual with diabetes suffered from all three risk factors the loss of renal function would accelerate to nearly 5 percent annually, says Thakar. This means the patient would need dialysis within 12 years at age 62. For a patient with two of the three risk factors, there is still a medium risk of accelerated loss of renal function, he explains. "This is a big impact for a patient," says Thakar, who is corresponding author for the research. "You are talking about pruning 18 to 20 years off of when you will have to go on dialysis. It's very important information for a patient and clinician to know. The study is among the first to examine the interrelationship between these traditional risk factors for its effect on kidney disease progression." The research will be presented orally and as a poster at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week, on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, in Chicago, by Mollie Sands, a fourth-year medical student in the UC College of Medicine. She is first author of the research, while Anthony Leonard, PhD, UC assistant professor of family medicine, is also a co-author. Thakar says 29 million Americans have diabetes and one in three will have chronic kidney disease. He says patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease are among the most vulnerable to sustain acute kidney injury when hospitalized. Physicians need to consider looking at patients with diabetes who have different risk factors separately and design tailored strategies to both monitor and treat them, says Thakar. "We have the same tools in our arsenal to help these patients in terms of their progression of kidney disease; so our research raises questions and challenges the field of physicians," says Thakar. "We should find ways to monitor these three groups of patients differently and target our therapies. Future studies need to evaluate how we are going to change the trajectory of loss of renal function in these patients who may suffer a faster decline by either modifying existing treatment or discovering new therapies." (HealthDay)A considerable proportion of medical inpatients at moderate-to-high risk of falling have subclinical peroneal neuropathy (SCPN), according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine. Louis H. Poppler, M.D., from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and colleagues conducted a cross-sectional study involving 100 medical inpatients at an academic tertiary care hospital. The authors enrolled general medical inpatients deemed at moderate-to-high risk for falling. Patients were assessed for findings indicative of peroneal neuropathy, fall risk, and history of falling. The researchers found that 31 of the patients had findings consistent with SCPN. Patients with SCPN were 4.7-fold more likely to report having fallen at least once in the past year, after accounting for confounding variables in a multivariate model. "Subclinical peroneal neuropathy is common in medical inpatients and is associated with a recent history of falling," the authors write. "Preventing or identifying SCPN in hospitalized patients provides an opportunity to modify activity and therapy, potentially reducing risk." Copyright 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)The median Medicare payment was $171,397 per dermatologist in 2013, according to a research letter published online Nov. 16 in JAMA Dermatology. Adewole S. Adamson, M.D., M.P.P., and Stacie B. Dusetzina, Ph.D., both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, examined the characteristics of Medicare payments to dermatologists using the Medicare Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File. After grouping services, they summarized the mean payments by service category. Overall, 10,726 dermatologists were identified in the database, representing 1.2 percent of all health care professionals and 3 percent of total Medicare payments. The researchers found that per dermatologist, the median payment was $171,397. The mean reimbursement for evaluation and management (E/M) was $77.59 per unit while the mean per-procedure reimbursement for Mohs was $457.33 per unit. Overall, 98.9 and 19.9 percent of dermatologists received an E/M and Mohs-related payment, respectively. Top-billing dermatologists received a higher proportion of payments from Mohs and flaps/grafts and a lower proportion from E/M compared with lower-billing dermatologists. More than half of total payments were received by the top 15.9 percent of dermatologists. "For most physicians, Medicare patients only represent a portion of their practice population," the authors write. "However, in the changing reimbursement landscape, dermatologists will be under increased pressure to demonstrate the value of the services they provide." Copyright 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Not getting enough quality sleep was linked with worsening kidney function in a study of patients with chronic kidney disease. The findings will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2016 November 15-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Although there is increasing evidence that sleep disorders are common in individuals with CKD, its link with CKD progression is unknown. To investigate, Ana C. Ricardo, MD (University of Illinois at Chicago) and her colleagues examined the sleep patterns of 432 adults with CKD. Participants wore a wrist monitor for 5 to 7 days to measure sleep duration and quality, and their health was followed for a median of 5 years. Participants slept an average of 6.5 hours/night, and during follow-up, 70 individuals developed kidney failure and 48 individuals died. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, body mass index, blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and baseline kidney function, each additional hour of nighttime sleep was linked with a 19% lower risk of developing kidney failure. There was also a significant association between sleep quality and kidney failure risk: each 1% increase in sleep fragmentation was linked with a 4% increase in the risk of developing kidney failure. Also, patients who experienced daytime sleepiness were 10% more likely to die during follow-up than those who were not sleepy during the day. "Short sleep and fragmented sleep are significant, yet unappreciated risk factors for CKD progression," said Dr. Ricardo. "Our research adds to the accumulating knowledge regarding the importance of sleep on kidney function, and underscores the need to design and test clinical interventions to improve sleep habits in individuals with CKD." More information: Study: "The Association of Sleep Duration and Quality with Chronic Kidney Disease Progression" (Abstract 3754) (HealthDay)For patients with acute appendicitis, single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) is preferable to conventional three-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (CTLA), according to a review published online Nov. 15 in the Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. Li-Hui Deng, from West China Hospital at Sichuan University in Chengdu, and colleagues searched major databases for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing SILA and CTLA for acute appendicitis. They compared the technical feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of SILA and CTLA. Data were analyzed from 11 RCTs with 1,489 patients. The researchers found that the SILA group had a significantly shorter hospital duration (P = 0.003) and return to activity (P = 0.02); they also experienced longer operating time (P < 0.0001) and higher rate of conversion (P < 0.00001). The groups did not differ in terms of visual analogue pain scores, doses of analgesics, overall complication rates, wound infection, or cosmesis (all P > 0.05). "SILA is a safer and more effective than CTLA in both pediatric and adult patients," the authors write. Copyright 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved. YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Hayk Kotanjian - Lieutenant General, Doctor of Political Science, Professor, Distinguished Visiting Member of Faculty at the US NDU; Full Elected Member of the Academy of Military Sciences, the Russian Federation; Member of the CSTO Academic-Expert Council; Head of the National Defense Research University, MoD, Armenia, delivered a speech at the joint session of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the Paliament of the Republic of Armenia and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. Armenpress presents his full speech: THE OSCE MINSK GROUP AS A PLATFORM FOR UNBROKEN CONSENSUS OF POSITIONS AMONG THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, THE UNITED STATES AND FRANCE IN DETERRING A WAR: KARABAKHS EXAMPLE Responding to one of the main topics of todays joint session of Commissions of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the State Duma of the Russian Federation, I am honored to note that at the dawn of the reset in 2010, I happened to be an academic consultant of the USRussia Strategic Dialogue at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, attended by leading Russian and US generals and strategic-caliber analysts. This enables to professionally keep close watch of the dynamics of US-Russian relations. Being at the threshold of cold peace-war between Russia and the US, my colleagues, engaged in the search for platforms to continue the constructive dialogue between Russia and the US, mention the discrepancy of negotiations parties positions in the Minsk Format on Ukraine, as well as in talks on Syria. At the same time, the platform of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship on the Karabakh Conflicts peaceful settlement stands out among political-diplomatic platforms of long-lasting and unbroken international security consensus in the positions of the US and the Russia. This unbroken consensus of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, the Russian Federation, the US and France, confirmed its exceptional value also in the Vienna Talks of May 2016. The convergence of positions of Russia, the US and France in Vienna consultations on the results of Four-day war in Karabakh in April this year led Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree on the need of establishing control over the preparations for war in the zone of the armed conflict to prevent the parties from the resumption of hostilities. In the era of information-saturated means of war making and its prevention, the smart combination of technological innovations along with the methods of political-diplomatic influence on the preparation for combat operations pave the way for developing a concept of containment through effective information control over military forces accumulation and movement signaling war preparations. Such a strategy enables mediating parties-peacemakers to provide each other and the conflicting sides with real information about the peace-threatening preparations of either opponent in order to incline them to abandon the preparations for war. In this sense, it is essential to proceed from the understanding that under the current trend towards the escalation of the arms imbalance between Armenia and NKR on the one side, and Azerbaijan on the other, it is unacceptable to rely on the prevention of the resumption of hostilities by traditional military deterrence. In this regard, it is required to academically comprehend innovative approaches to cooperation with the international community aimed at utilizing its high-tech tools for the sensing of dangerous maneuvers of military forces signaling the preparations for expanded military operations. This is about the methodology we developed in the National Defense Research University of Armenia for attracting the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair States, the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council France, Russia, and the US to sense dangerous dynamics of force in the Karabakh conflict zone through the sighting aid from the supranational outer space with the employment of orbital facilities of remote sensing. The International Space Law enables the international community to inspect from the near-Earth space the dynamics of the preparation of troops for the resumption of hostilities in the conflict zone. This kind of remote inspection with its shift from national airspace to supranational space can be used as an innovative tool of political-diplomatic containment through consultations and negotiations for preventing a war. According to the Declaration of Legal Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space: To promote and intensify international cooperation, especially with regard to the needs of developing countries, a State carrying out remote sensing of the Earth from space shall, upon request, enter into consultations with a State whose territory is sensed,[i] and the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies states that Outer Space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means[ii]. The application of this innovative method of containing the resumption of war through the use of orbital facilities of remote sensing by the mediating powers-peacemakers could become an effective tool in the case of the protracted Karabakh conflict smoldering on for more than a quarter-century in the immediate vicinity of the turbulent Middle East and being a strategically important factor for the regional security due to the Armenian-populated Karabakhs proximity to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey. This means that any resumption of hostilities in Karabakh may open a new chapter of genocide al tragedies across this region bridging the East and the West, where genocide of Christians, Jews, Yazidis, and Muslims, not engaged in the terroristic jihad, is now perpetrated by the torturers of the Islamic State. The urgency of the Never Again principle for the Armenian people once again called forth during Perestroika in the USSR at the time of pogroms committed by Azerbaijan against its Armenians population, in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians peaceful political actions for self-determination and withdrawal from the Azerbaijani SSR in compliance with the USSR legislation then in force[iii]. On 23 November 1991, the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan passed a law on the dissolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO). In response to those illegal actions, on 10 December 1991, a referendum of independence was held in Nagorno-Karabakh strictly meeting international standards and the USSR Law of 3 April 1991, and in the presence of international observers. The Azerbaijani minority of NKR was given an opportunity to take part in the referendum. But on Bakus instructions they declined that opportunity[iv]. Subsequent events eliminated the imperative obligation of coordinating the results of the referendum with the USSR central bodies, since, on 21 December 1991, the Alma-Ata Declaration on the dissolution of the Soviet Union was signed[v]. Hence, the Referendum held on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is legal; the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic established as a result is legitimate. In 1992, the Azerbaijani Republic launched a war against Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1994, Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement, and in 1995, a tripartite agreement on strengthening the ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh. These agreements were recognized by the conflicting parties and the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as permanent in nature and constituting the basis of a long-run truce in the conflict zone. On 2 April 2016, 22 years after the 1994 ceasefire, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched a large-scale attack along the Karabakh-Azerbaijani Line of Contact with the main goal to undermine the OSCE Minsk Groups mission to peacefully resolve the conflict, occupy Nagorno-Karabakh, and commit genocide against its Armenian population. With the threat of unleashing a large-scale regional war, Azerbaijan continues to mislead the international community. This behavior of Azerbaijan is largely due to the lack of mechanisms that would register the dynamics of the resumption of hostilities around the line of contact. Azerbaijan has persistently rejected the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs proposals on monitoring the ceasefire by use of technical and human professional resources that would contain the resumption of hostilities. Whereas, based on the proposal of the Republic of Armenia, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair states, for several years now, have been discussing the possibility of introducing these specific mechanisms as one of the confidence-building measures. The meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Vienna in May 2016 attended by the U.S. Secretary of State, the Foreign Minister of Russia, and French Minister of State for European Affairs resulted in an agreement on the establishment of investigation mechanisms for ceasefire violations with small arms along the conflicts line of contact. This is a timely decision because one of the sides actively buys offensive weapons, upsetting the military balance. At the same time, the results of the 2016 meeting in Vienna must be considered not only as a consensus on monitoring the ceasefire regime from the national air spaces of the two conflicting parties, but as successful consultations with the Republic of Armenia and the Azerbaijani Republic on control mechanisms for warlike preparations through the accumulation of offensive weapons and movement of troops from the outer space beyond the national sovereignties of the two opposing Nations[vi]. To this end, it would be useful if the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs started negotiations on the use of near-earth spacecrafts at their disposal to monitor, control, and signal the concerned parties on the concentration of offensive weapons and warlike movements of troops for the resumption of war in the Karabakh conflict zone. Such innovative application of hi-tech information communication technologies in the outer space sensing for deterring a war could become an experimental platform for the exchange of targeted intelligence information among the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair the Russian Federation, the U.S. and France, aimed at peace building. This innovation in political-diplomatic containment and military deterrence in case of success could be used globally as a sample of preventing the escalation of Karabakh-kind frozen local conflicts towards a war with the catastrophic involvement of actors from volatile surrounding regions like the South Caucasus, the Middle East and Central Asia. BILLINGS First Interstate Bank CEO Kevin Riley said Friday he expects to cut about 155 jobs after completing the banks largest ever acquisition. But, he insists the customer experience will improve in all of the bank's system from South Dakota to the Pacific Northwest. As we get bigger, we can afford a better system and services to meet their needs, Riley said in an interview at First Interstates headquarters in downtown Billings. On Thursday, parent company First Interstate BancSystem announced it will acquire Bend, Oregon-based Cascade Bank for $589 million, extending its reach into the Pacific Northwest. The deal, expected to close in the middle of 2017, would add $3.2 billion and 50 branches in Oregon, Washington and Idaho to First Interstates portfolio. Shares of publicly traded First Interstate fell about 6 percent on Friday to $36.05 in response to the announcement. Cascade Bank has about 600 employees, and First Interstate Bank has 1,727 employees in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. Riley said he hopes to cut most jobs through attrition at both banks. If necessary, layoffs would likely be targeted at former Cascade branches, and employees would be offered severance, he said. The acquisition, which requires regulatory approval, would push First Interstate to $12.1 billion in assets and cement its status as Montanas largest banking company. Kalispell-based Glacier Bancorp., which announced it is acquiring Yuma, Arizona-based Foothills Bank last week, has roughly the same assets as First Interstate. Glacier owns Western Security Bank in Billings. In a Friday conference call with analysts, Riley said First Interstate is excited to enter into growing markets in Bend and Boise, Idaho. Cascade also has branches in Seattle and Portland, which would represent First Interstates largest markets. Riley insisted that First Interstate will retain the character of a community bank, even as it grows. The banks average commercial loan is under $300,000, he said. We serve small communities. Not only do we serve the customers, but we give back to the communities. ... If you all of a sudden break that model, youre in trouble, Riley said. When the Cascade Bank acquisition if finalized, First Interstate will fall under new federal Dodd-Frank regulations that apply to banks above $10 billion in assets. First Interstate has been preparing for this benchmark for almost two years, hiring compliance experts and undergoing stress tests to ensure the bank can remain fiscally sound. First Interstate also will forfeit about $11.5 million in fees collected annually on bank cards from retailers known as interchange fees because of a Dodd-Frank provision called the Durbin amendment. These new regulations likely will apply to First Interstate in 2019, Riley said, adding that the bank has already adjusted its budget to reflect them. It could all be a moot point: Republican President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he wants to curb or eliminate Dodd-Frank. Such a move would require approval by the Republican-controlled Congress. Riley said he would like to see reform for the Durbin amendment and better control of the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He added other parts of Dodd-Frank, specifically stress tests, are things bank should be doing anyway to ensure theyre healthy. Regulations are not that bad. People complain about it, but theyre not that bad, Riley said. MINNEAPOLIS Ed McNamara sat in the drivers seat of his John Deere combine recently, musing about crop prices as he mowed through six rows of corn at a time. Thousands of Minnesota farmers have withstood stubbornly low crop prices during the past 27 months, and farmers average net income has been dropping steadily for the past three years. McNamara, who has been farming just south of the Twin Cities near Goodhue since 1978, has seen the farm economy cycle up and down several times and knows the drill when profit margins are slim to none. Tighten your belt, cut back on inputs but dont hurt your yield, run machinery a little bit longer, and try to get the best deal for supplies, he said, including seed, fertilizer and other chemicals. As farmers cut back, the doldrums caused by lackluster prices for crops and livestock have started to ripple onto the main streets of rural Minnesota. When farmers have less money to spend, it affects anyone who is selling farm equipment, marketing fertilizer, or building new barns, bins and sheds. Low commodity prices also put a squeeze on cash rents for land that many retired farmers or their families depend on for income. Successful farmers were adjusting their budgets even before corn prices dropped below $4 per bushel in mid-2014, considered to be near the break-even point for many producers. Many hope to salvage marginal profits in 2016 thanks to generally good weather and record or near-record yields forecast for the second consecutive year. But David Preisler, executive director of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, said the direct effects of weak crop and livestock prices show up quickly in many small towns. The first ripple effect you see is going to be any sort of capital purchases that are more discretionary in nature, he said. *** New data released by University of Minnesota professor and Extension economist Bill Lazarus confirm some of that slowdown. He analyzed spending by more than 1,000 producers across the state on machinery and equipment, farm buildings, fertilizer and land rent. The average spending for machinery and equipment in 2012 and 2013, when crop prices peaked, was about $117,000 per farm. That plummeted to about $67,500 in 2014 and $48,000 in 2015. Farm building purchases such as grain bins and hog barns had a similar drop-off, from about $36,000 per farm in 2013 to $21,000 in 2014 and $16,000 in 2015. The report also found that fertilizer purchases fell more than 14 percent from 2013 to 2014 before rebounding slightly in 2015. And land rent, which typically lags behind the ups and downs of crop prices, increased in the two years after crop prices peaked, but last year fell about 3 percent. AGCO, a major farm machinery manufacturer in Jackson, Minnesota, is feeling the pinch. In a quarterly report late last month, AGCOs North American net sales were down nearly 10 percent for the first nine months of 2016 compared with the same period last year. Large tractor sales were down 11 percent, and sales of combines were down 20 percent. The company said that sales of smaller equipment were up slightly. Big machinery makers John Deere and Caterpillar also reported declines in sales due to softness in ag and construction markets. The biggest driver of our business is definitely farm income, said Greg Peterson, AGCOs director of investor relations. So where commodity prices are certainly play a big part of that. Peterson said the company has adjusted to the pullback in business by cutting costs across the board and slowing production at its plant in southwestern Minnesota. That meant laying off about 10 percent of its workforce in 2015, he said, and another 10 percent in 2016. The plant currently employs about 850 workers, Peterson said. Slowdowns in farm country during down cycles dont surprise mayors, including Dave Smiglewski of Granite Falls, a small western Minnesota city. Every farmer is basically running a business, he said, and every one of those businesses is an important economic contributor to the life of the community. *** Besides the decline in big ticket purchases, Smiglewski said that crop prices affect the value of farmland. When corn and soybean prices reached record levels in 2011 and 2012, he said, land values jumped and cities and school districts received more of their tax revenue from ag land. Now that land values have plateaued or even declined a bit, Smiglewski said, things are changing again. Were now seeing the tax burden shift back in-town, toward city properties and away from the rural properties, he said. Smiglewski said its more difficult to track some of the other ripple effects that may affect a small communitys economy. A generation ago, he said, less disposable income for farmers would have meant fewer trips to the local hardware store or less money spent at downtown stores and restaurants. But now producers may buy parts and equipment online, direct from the manufacturer, he said. And many of their families have shifted their shopping to larger stores and supermarkets in regional centers. Harold Wolle, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, said the effects of weak farm prices, while difficult to track, are still immense. Production ag is a tremendous part of Minnesotas economy, and particularly the rural economy, he said. *** If low prices persist well into 2017, Wolle said farmers with equity and experience will tough it out, while beginning farmers or those who have aggressively expanded and paid high rents will be more vulnerable. Ag lenders have been working with producers already, he said, sometimes charging interest only on farmland loans or devising other ways to stretch out payments. Helping cash flows temporarily are the federal farm program payments that many producers received last month because of market downturns in 2015, Wolle said. But the true test will be after producers tabulate their yields this year. This all becomes more of a reality as farmers get into winter and start doing cash flows and start arranging with their bankers for their operating lines of credit, Wolle said. Thats when the rubber meets the road. Suzanne Hilgert, mayor of the small city of Olivia, knows it could be difficult but does not expect a crisis to emerge with large numbers of farm failures as happened in the 1980s. She and many ag economists say that lenders and farmers learned from that experience to be far more careful with credit and debt. Farms have also become larger in recent years, Hilgert said, and many operate at a scale that gives them more flexibility to hold grain longer in storage until prices improve. When you have that kind of large farm, you are better able to withstand these market cycles, she said. A few months ago, Minneapolis writer Kate DiCamillo shared a photo on her Facebook page. It was of a library card not the kind used to check out books, but the kind that used to be kept inside a manila pocket in the front of every library book. The title of the book was typed at the top, and if you wanted to bring the book home you wrote your name on the card and handed it to a librarian. The librarian filed it in a long wooden box and then stamped a date on another card, which she slid into the manila pocket. That was your reminder of when to bring the book back. This is how Kate DiCamillo, and all of us, used to do it back in the day. So imagine the time traveling inspired when a librarian from DiCamillos old grade school came to one of her readings with a library card in hand. It was for Mary Poppins Opens the Door, by P.L. Travers, and there, printed neatly in pencil on the second line, was the name Kate DiCamillo. She had borrowed that book back in the 1970s, and now here was the card, given back to her, a little bit of her own history. Thank you, Clermont Elementary Library, DiCamillo wrote on Facebook. You opened doors for me. It is impossible to look at that card without a deep pang of loss. While Kate DiCamillo was haunting libraries down in Florida, I was up in Duluth, haunting libraries of my own: Endion Elementary School, Woodland Junior High, the Duluth Public Library. It wasnt just the books that I loved (though I loved those deeply), but everything: the fussy accoutrements the little stamps with the inky rollers that changed the date, digit by digit. The wooden magazine rack, where you could look at all those magazines you didnt get at home. The tiny-type Readers Guide to Periodical Literature, where, once you cracked the code, you could find any article you wanted, by author, topic, or title. Everything about a library opened doors, let in light, told you more than you had ever expected to know. Perhaps best was the card catalog, with its smoothly gliding dovetail-cornered wooden drawers. You could spend a lot of time flipping through those cards, looking up one thing and happening upon something else along the way. One wrong move, stopping one card before your goal, could send you in an entirely different direction, toward books youd never dreamed of reading, topics you knew nothing about. Sometimes there were spidery handwritten notes on the catalog cards, and sometimes cards had been flipped over and re-used, so on the back were notations for other books long since pulled from the stacks. Those card catalog drawers were filled with history and possibility. Nicholson Baker loved them so much he wrote about them for the New Yorker. (Jettisoning card catalogs, he wrote in 1994, is a national paroxysm of shortsightedness and anti-intellectualism.) I dont mean to be all Luddite and sentimental here. Computers are fast and efficient; digitizing photos and newspapers and obscure books has helped make research so much easier (and Baker would agree); librarians still do important work, just with different tools. They still want to lend you books, share knowledge, spread information, open the doors and let in the light. (They have the worthiest job in the world, I think.) But I do miss the rubber ink pads and the manila pockets. And I miss the old card catalog, the neatness of its typed cards and the orderliness of its alphabetization belying all the wild possibilities inside, allowing for stupendous accidents, and joyous serendipity and life-affirming, life-changing mistakes. If you dont have a library card, you should get one. If your kids dont have one, you should urge them to get one. Go together. Pick out books. Let in light. This was supposed to be the Year of the Woman. Instead, 2016 has shaped up to be the Year of Powerful Men and the Women They Demeaned, Harassed or Worse. The charges against Bill Cosby, the fall of Foxs Roger Ailes and the rise of President-elect Donald Trump all contributed to that distinction. Its no surprise, then, that Fox News anchor Megyn Kellys new book, Settle for More, gives a behind-the-scenes look at her dealings with two of the most influential men in media and politics Ailes and Trump. Kellys book, released Tuesday, is meant to be an uplifting memoir about her impressive rise from middle-class Syracuse, New York, girl to one of Americas most successful news anchors. Yet its her painful and disturbing account of what it means to be a high-profile female journalist in the age of Fox News, Twitter and Trump that resonates. Kelly, 45, writes that she became the target of Trumps relentless personal attacks in 2015 after she reported that his second wife, Ivana, testified in divorce proceedings that he raped her (an accusation later retracted). She explains that his fury was further stoked during an exchange in the August 2015 Republican primary debate in which Kelly, then a moderator, asked Trump about the derogatory way hed referred to women as fat pigs, dogs, slobs and disgusting animals. Like many before and after her, Kelly became the target of Trumps now infamous social media assaults. He called her a bimbo on Twitter, posted fake photos of her cavorting with Saudi royalty and began referring to her as crazy Megyn. Kelly figured it would blow over. It did not. When Trumps attorney, Michael Cohen, retweeted a supporter who wanted to gut her, she writes, things turned dangerous. Most disturbing were the overwhelming and violent nature of the messages (I) was receiving and the way Trumps anger was evidently seen by some as a call to action, she writes. By the time the mother of three flew to Disney World for vacation, it was with her family and our security guard, she writes. Yes, we took an armed guard to the Magic Kingdom. More guns, more guards. My year of Trump. *** As a precursor to the four years ahead, Settle for More is unsettling. One has to wonder why she didnt publicly reveal her bizarre ordeal with Trump sooner, given that he was aiming for the White House. Would it have changed the outcome of the election? Probably not, but timing the book to come out a week after the election feels like somewhat of a cop-out. Still, as Kellys personal story, the book is a testament to her resolve, even in the face of Trump calling his good friend Ailes to rein her in. To Ailes credit, says Kelly, he did no such thing. Yes, Ailes is the same man Kelly claims sexually harassed her, so his support of her may be confusing to some. Yet Kelly explains what many women already know turning in a boss, especially one as powerful as Ailes, is career suicide. She complained to a superior, nothing happened, so she learned to navigate the CEOs unwanted advances. Of one such incident in 2006, she writes, I dodged the first two attempts, pushed him away, and immediately went to leave. As I walked away from him, he followed me and asked me an ominous question: When is your contract up? And then, for the third time, he tried to kiss me. She got out without acquiescing and effectively avoided Ailes until he eventually lost interest. It wasnt until former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson filed suit against Ailes that many women, including Kelly, came forward with similar stories. Kelly has caught flak for taking so long to out Ailes a decision she still grapples with. But as a newbie with little to no power at the network, the reality was that pushing her case to human resources would have likely been a career-destroying move. Kelly is hardly an anomaly; shes instead one of few women brave enough to admit her shame for not doing something more, and sooner. In prose that is simple, clean and straightforward, Kelly comes across as casual and warm one minute, formal and stiff the next. Its a duality that reflects her on-screen personality In retelling her story, Kelly struggles with reconciling her own experiences, negative and positive, with the narratives of right-wing culture that dominate Fox News. Though she was hurt by Trump and other bullies in her past competitive women at Fox, Ivy League snobs in her early law career, mean girls in middle school Kelly makes it clear that shes no victim. Our politically correct culture has created a cupcake nation of young people, writes Kelly, who need safe spaces, making them unable to deal with adversity like she has. The only time she comes off as the victim is when she uses the tired Fox rhetoric of being misunderstood and attacked by the mainstream media. Yet Fox, the top-rated cable news network, is the mainstream media. And though shes fought for her rights as a woman and is concerned about preserving her daughters self-worth when asked by the child what a bimbo is, Kelly says shes not a feminist because feminists are emasculating. Its a conditional self-awareness, present when shes addressing her personal life or the way in which she was underestimated as just another dumb blond. But when she writes about her role at Fox, that personal awareness vanishes behind the tired gripes of the right about liberal values that weve grown accustomed to over a decade or more of brutally partisan media. Kelly claims that she was never politically minded, citing old journal entries in which she questioned her party affiliation. She joined Fox in 2005 after tiring of her career path as a litigator and quickly impressed her bosses with a hardcore work ethic. Ailes was among them, and he was instrumental in Kellys ascent at the network. In Settle for More, Kelly writes candidly about the deception she felt when her colleague Bill OReilly interviewed Trump during his attacks on Kelly, yet sidestepped asking the candidate tough questions about his barrage of insults and tweets. Kelly writes that she was hurt, and even cried, though you would have never known it from the unflappable expression on her face when she returned from a vacation to do her show and later reconciled with Trump in a rather uneventful interview. Her cool demeanor was described by Bill Ayers, whom Kelly took to task on the run-up to Obamas 2008 White House bid, as a Cyborg created in the basement of Fox News. Shes striking, but very metallic, very cold. But if you believe her admissions in the book, Kelly is a mix of many emotions, theyre just wrapped in a more well-groomed package than most. BUTTE The Montana Legislature will have up to 10 bills relating to marijuana to debate when it opens on Jan. 2. The bills range from a blanket negation of the medical marijuana law to reforms that would return access to medical marijuana patients who are still cut off despite the Nov. 8 passing of citizens Initiative 182. Though Montanans passed I-182 by 57 percent, a clerical error means a provision allowing providers to sell to more than three patients wont go into effect until June 30. The three-patient limit cut off 93 percent of patients when enacted in August and led to an exodus of nearly half of all patients from the program. As the law stands now, those patients will remain cut off for another eight months, giving the Legislature time to either bring access to medical marijuana into effect early or keep the current effective repeal of the program in place. Six of the bills come courtesy of Sen. Diane Sands, D-Missoula. Sands has a draft bill going through final copy edits as of Monday that would remove the three-patient limit for medical marijuana providers, allowing the dispensaries that serve most patients to afford to reopen. Sands said some of her bills are placeholders and wont be necessary depending on what happens in the Legislature. Some of her proposed bills are to regulate marijuana like other consumer goods, such as requiring pesticide labeling and including medical marijuana and electronic cigarettes in indoor clean air laws. Sen. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, also has applied to draft a revision of marijuana laws in favor of transparency and access for patients but said she does not yet have bill language. It is unclear whether the majority Republican Legislature is willing to thwart the second medical marijuana initiative passed by constituents. Republican leaders including Senate President Scott Sales of Bozeman and House Speaker Austin Knudsen of Culbertson did not respond to requests for comments regarding party plans, and Republican Party Chair Jeff Essmann, Billings, refused to comment. In the 2011 session, Republican legislators succeeded in effectively repealing medical marijuana by severely amending Essmanns reform bill with provisions that limited providers from serving more than three patients and accepting compensation for their product. The bill was challenged immediately on constitutional grounds by Jim Goetz, Bozeman, Montana Cannabis Industry Association attorney, and didnt go into effect until August of this year. State Rep. Kelly McCarthy, D-Billings, tried to get those provisions removed with four pieces of legislation in the 2013 session, but his bills died in the Republican-dominated House Human Services Committee. The committee was chaired by Rep. David Howard, R-Park City, a former clerk with the FBI and fierce critic of marijuana. This stuff is disguised as medicine, Howard said in 2013. It makes you delusional. It is psychologically addicting and physiologically addicting and absorbs your fat cells, which is the most dangerous drug there is. This is not a drug. Its a poison. Now a senator representing Carbon, Stillwater, and part of Sweetgrass counties, Howard hasnt changed his tone since the passage of I-182 and on Oct.30 began drafting legislation to generally revise laws affirming that Schedule 1 drugs are illegal in Montana. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug, Howard told the Standard, There isnt any Schedule 1 drug that is good for you. One of Sands proposed bills would remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug in Montana. Howards legislation would repeal medical marijuana in the same way as a 2011 bill passed by the House and Senate but vetoed by Gov. Brian Schweitzer. Howard believes that despite Montanans' overwhelmingly passing citizens initiatives in support of medical marijuana in 2004 and 2016, they still dont know whats good for them. In Montana, we can bypass the legislative process and pass things that are extremely bad for Montanans, Howard said. Though most Montana Republicans have historically opposed medical marijuana, theres a generational gap between old hands and rising stars in the party. Daniel Zolnikov, a young civil libertarian Republican representing Billings House District 45, has been relatively alone among Republicans in his outspoken support for medical marijuana in Montana, outlining his stance and speaking with constituents in a post on his Facebook page in June. Medical marijuana should not be a moral decision made by the state, it should be a personal decision made between patients and their doctors. Our state law is the only thing standing between patients and help, and I'm ready and willing to work with anyone who wants to help fix the law, Zolnikov said in the post. Zolnikov said he has been working with Bridget Smith, D-Wolf Point, and the Montana Cannabis Industry Association for months to draft legislation that balances the desires of both Democrats and Republicans. Theres one group worried about it being the Wild West and another group worried about it being cut off at the knee so it doesnt work, and Im the guy in the middle who wants it to be very functional, Zolnikov said. He said he hasnt received any blowback from other Republican legislators and that some House Republicans hes spoken to are happy hes there to make sure the legislation is functional instead of a program easy to abuse or impossible to use. Zolnikov is also drafting legislation to severely reduce mandatory sentencing requirements for convicted non-violent marijuana offenders. Zolnikov said most current house representatives weren't around for the 2011 session and that Montanans shouldnt look backward to see how the 2017 Legislature will vote. I-182 steering committee member Kate Cholewa agrees and said legislators are more informed of the scientific reality and medicinal benefits of marijuana than they were in 2011. Shes confident things wont go as they did last time. We have 10,000 patients banging on the door, Cholewa said. Cholewa said the typo keeping the three-patient limit in place is a scriveners error and therefore falls under law allowing judges to amend bills, letting I-182 fully come into effect before June 30, restoring access for patients. MTCIA attorney Goetz said theyre working on something of that nature at the moment but declined to disclose further. Todd Everts, chief legal counsel for the Montana Legislative Services Division, disagrees that the error is clerical. Everts claims the error is substantive and therefore doesnt fall under the purview of scriveners-error law in the courts, only the Legislatures. When a law becomes effective has a substantive effect on the timing of the requirements, duties, and obligations imposed on individuals and entities under the law as reflected in the attention that this substantive error is receiving. Everts said he didnt know whether the courts would intervene but didnt rule out the possibility. Cholewa said the substantive nature of a scriveners error doesnt absolve it from change through the courts. It is a typo whether or not it is an important typo or not. The record in developing this initiative is very clear, and theres a five-year lawsuit that supports that intention as well, Cholewa said. HAMILTON As early as next week, the committee tasked to develop recommendations for managing recreation on the upper Bitterroot River, including the West Fork, could be in place. Christine Oschell, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks access site program coordinator, has presented a list of 15 potential committee members to the directors office for final approval. The names were selected from a list of 29 applicants. I was very pleased with the number of people who were interested and willing to volunteer their time for this important process, Oschell said. The committee will be asked to explore the issue of crowding on the popular stretch of river and develop a range of alternatives that could change the way river recreation is managed. The committee is expected to consider river recreation plans on other rivers in the state, including the Beaverhead and Big Hole, that provide some preference for local fishermen. The state conducted several surveys of anglers on the West Fork and upper Bitterroot over the past three years. Creel surveys in 2013 and 2014 on the West Fork showed between 75 to 85 percent of anglers were from outside Montana and often on a guided trip. Last winter, an additional 3,000 Ravalli County fishermen were sent surveys. Of the 957 who returned them, 325 said they had fished the West Fork in the past three years. About 65 percent of the local respondents said they were spending considerably less time there than they had in the past. Their reasons included too many guides and outfitters, too many float fishermen and the river was too crowded, especially for those wanting to wade or bank fish. Oschell was encouraged that people with varied interests were willing to volunteer their time to consider the issues. It appears the committee will include outfitters, local fishermen, members of Trout Unlimited and the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association and some landowners. We wanted it to be inclusive, she said. Even within the outfitting community, we chose some who had been here a long time and some who were newer to the area. Employees of FWP and the Bitterroot National Forest will also attend the meetings in an advisory position. It will be an intensive effort, Oschell said. We dont know how long it will take. Im certain there will be some in-depth discussions. Im happy to know that the public will be engaged in the process. Oschell is hoping to begin notifying members of the committee by the middle of next week. She also hopes the people who werent selected will be active in the process. Quite honestly, everyone who applied was qualified to be on the committee, she said. It made it very difficult to select the committee. Oschell employed the help of a neutral, third-party graduate student to help with the selection process. Most of the committee is made up of Bitterroot Valley residents, with a couple residing in Missoula. She hopes the first meeting will be held during the last week of November. That may be a lofty goal, she said. Oschell anticipates that most of the meetings will be held in the Bitterroot Valley. All of them will be open to the public. People will have two opportunities at each meeting to offer their input. The committee will develop recommendations, which will then be passed to the regional office in Missoula where an environmental analysis will be written. Once the EA is complete, there will be another round of public comment. Its going to be six months to a year before it even goes to the commission, Oschell said. Im looking forward to the process. We will have a neutral facilitator who will help us stay on track. There will be ground rules that require that people respect everyones opinion and listen to their views. VICTOR Practice makes perfect. Nowhere was that more evident than Sue Lanes kindergarten classroom, where more than 100 frozen turkeys recently covered every single inch of table space. The floodgates opened up here at 7:45 a.m., Lane said, with a big smile. All of these came through the door this morning. Before the giving was done, Lanes kindergartners had gathered 119 turkeys for the Victor Food Pantry. Just a little over a month ago, this same class had participated in a food drive for the food pantry. Last week, they were back with the turkeys. And people who had learned about the kindergartners big hearts had sent in $1,177.18 in cash and check donations to ensure that there would be plenty of food for people in need around Victor over the holidays. Bill and Roxanne Gouin operate the Victor Food Pantry at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene. As Lanes class went to work to load up the turkeys in little red wagons for the second annual delivery by the kindergarten turkey brigade, the Gouins said they had never seen anything quite like this before. God has just blessed us this year, Roxanne Gouin said. This is the second year that Lanes class has reached out into the community for donations of turkeys for Thanksgiving. Last year, they delivered 65 turkeys and a ham. Lane had hoped for 100 this year. After a story appeared in the Ravalli Republic about the youngsters wish to ensure that no one went hungry on this upcoming holiday, the donations began to pour in. We even got a check from California this year, Lane said. Even the schools FFA class got involved. They raised two turkeys this year and donated one to the turkey brigade. It took two trips from the school to the church to pack all those turkeys to the food bank. By the time they were done, all of the freezers at the food bank were packed full. Both of our freezers at home are full, too, Gouin said. A woman at church had some room in her two freezers that we used. Right now, were OK. There are some more turkeys coming tomorrow. If anyone happens to have a freezer that they no longer need, the Gouins said they would give it a good home. The situation at the Victor food bank is a far cry from where it had been just a few months ago. Last year, we werent sure that we would be able to stay open," Gouin said. This year, we think we might be able to expand. The donations have been unbelievable. Lifeline Produce donated 160 pounds of organic potatoes last week. They returned again this week with another 450 pounds. The Bitterroot General Store filled the couples Suburban with all the traditional fixings people will need to make their Thanksgiving meal memorable. There were a few inches toward the top when we finished loading, she said. He brought out more to fill it up entirely. The meal baskets will be distributed at the Food Pantry on Monday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Christmas meal baskets will be ready on Monday, Dec. 19, at the same times. Last year, Lane dropped by the pantry at the same time a woman in her 80s was picking up some food for her holiday meal. Thanksgiving is an important tradition for many people, she said. Its a reality that theres a large population here who couldnt afford to buy the food they need to have that traditional meal. Last year, the Victor Food Bank distributed 112 Thanksgiving meal baskets. Well call all our clients and tell them their turkey dinners are here, Gouins said. People can just come in and get them. We never run out. If we ever do, Bill and I will run to the grocery store and buy some more food. Looking at the wagons filled with turkeys being pushed by a cheerful group of 13 youngsters, Gouins shook her head with wonder. This means so much to so many people, she said. Its the most gratifying thing that Ive ever been involved in. It also breaks my heart that there are so many people in need. This truly is a blessing. And what does practice have to do with any of it? That happens before the kindergartners reach out to their families, friends, neighbors and school staff. We do practice batting our eyelashes and putting on our best cheesy smiles, Lane said, with a grin. No one can say no to them. Thats why our superintendent ended up getting two turkeys this year, she said. Two of them asked him. How could he say no? While the media focuses on how Hillary and Trump supporters are reacting to the election results, the real story of the election is going unnoticed. Wouldnt it be empowering to understand the forces that have been at work for the last 40 years? You wont get that perspective from the media. Missoula Moves to Amend is hosting a free showing of the film The Heist on Monday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Missoula Public Library. The documentary traces the forces behind the scenes that have taken over the media, influenced U.S. Supreme Court decisions, created personhood for corporations, and opened our republic to the corrupting influence of big money. Understanding how this came to be is an important part of preparing to change it. Were you sick of all the ads on television by the time Election Day came? How much did you learn about the candidates policy positions from all that money spent on advertising? Where did all that money come from? Did you trust the news reporting or did it sensationalize whichever candidate could improve the networks ratings? Who owns the news now and what do they have to gain? The Montana 2016 governor race was the most expensive in our history. The fact is that even in Montana, our elections are now the target of big, out-of-state political action committees and secret money benefiting both parties. How has big money affected Congress? Extensive interviews with congressmen, staffers and lobbyists done in the wake of the 2010 Supreme Court decision Citizens United revealed that big money in politics has transformed how Congress does business. For one thing, all congressmen and senators spend a minimum of 40 hours a month making calls to big donors in order to raise the funds needed to sustain effective election campaigns. At a specific time each day, congressmen and senators troop down the street from their Capitol Hill offices to nearby call centers maintained by the Republican and Democratic parties. Some put in nearly 40 hours per week. Is this why we elect our representatives, so they can spend their working hours raising money for election campaigns? Not only has big money warped how much time our elected representatives spend raising funds for their partys next election, it has also warped what they do when they are acting as congressmen. Access to our congressmen is much easier for big donors and moneyed lobbyists, curtailing how much contact they have with their back-home constituents. The threat of having big money interests target a congressman for attack ads in the next campaign has a chilling effect on actions congressmen take. Bills that threaten big money interests are not introduced while bills that favor these interests are promoted. Middle ground compromise solutions are not supported because big money interests dont benefit from compromise. It wasnt always this way. How did this happen? The Heist started as a reaction to the powerful popular movements that developed during the anti-Vietnam War era and during demonstrations such as Earth Day 1970, when 20 million people marched in the streets for a cleaner environment. Lewis Powell, a corporate lawyer, called on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and corporate CEOs to turn the tide in his famous blueprint, the Lewis memorandum. Soon after, he was named to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Nixon and the memorandum became influential for the next 40 years. How successful has big money been? Soaring costs for prescription drugs, energy policies that ignore climate change, attempts to sell off our public lands, new requirements to prevent U.S. citizens from voting all of these and much more are all linked to the rise of big money in financing political campaigns and lobbying in Congress. Understanding what can be done to get big money out of politics and eliminate interference in elections from out-of-state and corporate concerns is crucial to reclaiming our republic and our state. Our representatives should be free to do the job they were elected to do, to represent the interests of their constituents, not their campaign donors. Come watch The Heist to learn what you can do to get big money out of politics and reclaim our republic. With last weeks release of Gov. Steve Bullocks budget proposal for the 2019 biennium, the stage is set for Montanas next season of political battles. The Democratic governors budget plan includes spending increases at a time when Montanas Republican legislative leaders have vowed to cut spending. It suggests using bonds to pay for infrastructure improvements after the Republican majority leadership criticized the use of bonding in place of available cash. And it includes on the list of priority infrastructure items such things as the $25 million renovation of Montana State Universitys Romney Hall and the new Montana Historical Society Building in Helena projects which Republican legislators have previously stated should be considered capital items and not lumped together with essential infrastructure. Montanas legislative and executive branches remain split between two parties, with Bullock elected to his second term in the governors chair while Republicans hold strong majorities in both the state House and Senate, as well as the majority of statewide offices. It is as important as ever that Montanas executive and legislative leaders find common ground and work together to build on it. The budget is as good a place as any to start. While GOP leadership have had little good to say about Bullocks two-year budget plan so far, there are some areas where their interests should align with the Governors Office to the benefit of all Montanans. One of these areas of agreement should be the undisputable fact that Montana needs to pass an infrastructure bill as one of the first orders of business of the 65th Legislature. Doing so would immediately put dozens of local businesses and hundreds of employees to work making critical improvements to roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems. Here, Bullock can bend by focusing first on only those items Republicans agree are essential infrastructure, and discussing the merits of funding other capital projects separately. For their part, Republicans must concede that paying for every project with available cash is unrealistic and financially imprudent, and agree to make good use of federal grants and a favorable bonding climate. Another piece of common ground should cover Montanas woefully inadequate Child and Family Services. The states leaders have fought for many administrations over just how much to loosen the public purse strings for this Department of Public Health and Human Services agency, and Montanas abused and neglected children have paid the price. Its far past time to straighten out this agency, and that will likely require a sizeable increase in funding. But it must also require a commensurate increase in accountability. The Governors Office and legislative leadership hold opposing views of the states economic and financial situation. However, a $300 million General Fund surplus seems like a prudent goal both sides can agree to. Bullocks budget, which calls for a spending increase of $35 million, or 1.4 percent, is crafted to achieve that goal, in part through modest tax increases on those making more than $500,000 a year and on medical marijuana businesses. Here, its important to note that the budget contains a $30 million increase for public education, with $12 million in public funding for preschool. Republicans are absolutely correct in noting that this a major hike in state spending. We hope they will also recognize that this dramatic increase is necessary because it is long overdue. The 2015 Quality Counts report gave Montana a C grade for its education outcomes, and ranked the state in 30th place for childrens education. Investments made in early education save the state money down the road, as fewer students drop out, become teen parents, abuse drugs or alcohol or wind up in jail. Numerous studies have shown that at-risk children who do not have access to high-quality preschool programs are 25 percent more likely to drop out of school, 40 percent more likely to become a teen parent, 50 percent more likely to be placed in special education, 60 percent more likely to never attend college and 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime. Those are costs Montana can and should avoid. Legislators are also smart to be skeptical of Bullocks suggestion to move state money from special accounts to the General Fund and institute cuts across every agency. Legislators must ensure every cut is necessary and every fund transfer justified beyond supporting the ends of a $4.7 billion budget. Ultimately, compromise is key. Bullock has already sent a clear signal about his intention to work across party lines; his record from the previous two legislative sessions supports this. My budget offers a steady vision for Montanas future, Bullock announced. I look forward to bringing Republicans and Democrats together once again to make responsible investments that benefit Montanans for generations long beyond the tenure of any governor or legislator. The 2017 legislative session is bound to be, as previous sessions have been, loud, contentious, exhilarating and disappointing by turns. Not everyone will get everything they want. But when the session finally draws to a close, all Montanans should feel like winners. A vibrant, thoughtful and, yes, tough debate between people with different ideas is critical for a healthy functioning democracy. When we have a debate on ideas, that discourse allows for public policy to be created that benefits the widest group of our citizens. However, this election cycle has more clearly exposed a segment of our political processes that is not about debating ideas, but instead is about attacking the fundamental worth and dignity of specific identity groups. The identity groups most targeted for these attacks have also been the ones most marginalized in our society, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ people and women. The rhetoric used by national, state and some local conservative candidates and leaders has emboldened these ugly forces in our community. We have seen it in last weeks reporting by the Missoulian of Nazi Party literature being spread across Missoula. I have also heard from people of color and LGBTQ friends that they are seeing a rise in racist and homophobic harassment targeted at them as they go about their daily lives. A vibrant debate between conservatives and progressives around ideas is important. But a debate that attacks the very worth and dignity of people is dangerous and has no place in our political discourse. Local conservative leaders in our community like Harlan Wells, Adam Hertz, Mike Hopkins, and Montanas largest Donald Trump donor, Allegiance Healthcare President Dirk Visser, must publically speak out against these types of attacks. These conservative leaders must speak out and say that attacks on people of color, LGBTQ people, immigrants and women are wrong, and repudiate all forms of hate speech that are now on the rise. If these leaders do not speak out then the rest of us in the Missoula community must hold them accountable until they do speak out. Jesse Jaeger, Missoula MARTYN NAMORONG EVERY election cycle our people have fallen for individual charisma and each time we have regretted our choices. Perhaps in 2017 we should be voting into parliament development teams. Development in Papua New Guinea requires teams of development experts and not just individual members of parliament. Solving health, education, and infrastructure challenges isnt just about MPs throwing money at projects but also an implementation team that oversees project monitoring and completion. BILLINGS -- Understanding the causes of deadly outbreaks of pneumonia in Montana bighorn sheep herds seems to be getting more complicated the more that scientists delve into the subject. The bottom line is there is still a lot we dont know, but we know more than we used to, Jennifer Ramsey, a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks veterinarian, told the Fish and Wildlife Commission during its monthly meeting last week. Complications in testing live bighorns and identifying the bacteria present make collecting even baseline data difficult, she said. Despite the discouraging tone of her report to the commission and her acknowledgement that in the past FWP has likely moved infected bighorns across the state and to other states the group authorized the transfer of 30 to 45 bighorn sheep from the southern portion of the Missouri River Breaks to the Sheep Creek area and Beartooth Wildlife Management Area between Helena and Great Falls. Another risk is high population density, which can trigger disease outbreaks, said John Vore, Game Management Bureau chief, in explaining the reasoning behind de-populating the Hunting District 482 herd. The population of the herd in HD 482 is over the departments objective of 292 to 358 animals. At last count the herd numbered 482. Population objectives are not necessarily based on what the habitat can support, but can also focus on surrounding landowners tolerance. Attempts to lower the herd numbers by hunting have not been effective. There is a risk of introducing some new pathogen, Vore said, but 21 sheep from HD 482 were moved to the wildlife management area two years ago without any apparent problem. Bighorn sheep populations, valued by hunters as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and by wildlife watchers because of their approachability and the rams impressive horns, seem in a constant struggle to avoid deadly disease outbreaks. A pneumonia thats been traced to domestic sheep is the most common cause of sheep die-offs. As a result, FWP has worked to keep the animals separated, even killing bighorns that get to close to domestic sheep and avoiding reintroducing sheep to areas where domestic sheep are close by. Ramsey said the disease outbreaks are a serious challenge to restoration efforts. In 2015, the Fish and Wildlife Commission authorized a hunt to remove all of the bighorn sheep from the Tendoy Mountains in southwestern Montana because the animals were failing to thrive despite augmentation from other herds. Before that, FWP had authorized wardens to kill infected bighorn sheep in an attempt to halt the spread of disease. Pasteurella bacteria are commonly found in bighorn sheep that have died, but several species and strains of the bacteria are found during outbreaks, and some healthy bighorns carry Pasteurella. So a newer theory is that the presence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae may damage the bighorns lungs, making them more susceptible to pneumonia. So it gets really complicated really quick, Ramsey said. In collecting baseline data from Montana herds of bighorn sheep and mountain goats, Ramsey said nasal and tonsil swabs are taken along with blood drawn for testing. One theory is that selenium, a trace mineral, may impart some immunity. The animals are also examined for other diseases and parasites. But Ramsey said the current methods used to test for certain bacteria, by growing cultures in a lab, arent very good, meaning theres a low probability for detection for bacteria a 10 percent chance further hampering researchers. Were trying to do a better job of banking samples, so if another test is developed we can take advantage of that, she said. Until then, she cant be certain that when bighorn sheep are transplanted they arent carrying bacteria that could prove deadly to the home herd. We are moving infected sheep most likely, but at the time we didnt know, she said. The questions surrounding bighorn sheep have sportsmen questioning the integrity of our herds, said commission chairman Dan Vermillion. How much more damage can be done? It seems like we have some serious limitations on what we can do. Racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, repression, and the other evils that have been spotlighted by the recent election did not arise full-blown from the Trump campaign. They all trace deep roots in American society; they are brought now to the surface by demagogy. The point of my last several posts has been that we could see this coming. That is an important insight because those who do not understand history are condemned to repeat it. This fate does not arrive by way of some dramatic punishment. Rather, it creeps into our work and our consciousness because we have not tried to understand how we got here, and just how embedded are the attitudes and ideas against which we struggle. A good friend of mine wondered aloud how racist attitudes could have such power. I asked him to consider this: In 1964, Barry Goldwater was the Republican nominee, Lyndon Johnson the Democratic nominee. Goldwater was rightly seen as far right for that time, anyway. Johnson carried California with almost 60% of the vote. Yet in that same election, a ballot measure called Proposition 14 carried with more than 65% of the vote. Proposition 14 repealed fair housing legislation, and amended the California constitution to forbid any legislation that would restrict the right of a property owner to sell or refuse to sell as the owner chose. That is, Proposition 14 constitutionalized the right to commit racial discrimination. The Supreme Court held Prop. 14 invalid in Reitman v. Mulkey, 387 U.S. 369 (1967). However, the Supreme Court vote was just 5 to 4, even though the racist basis for Proposition 14 should have been clear to anybody. Proposition 14 was based on a twisted idea about freedom, and we are seeing that idea a lot lately. Freedom to discriminate. Freedom to deny marriage licenses to gay couples. And so on. We must understand the depth and breadth of the social attitudes against which we are contending. It is true: The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it. Dont be, however, misled by these words. Suppose you want to change a tire on your car. Your tire is flat. Imagine trying to change your tire without understanding how it is attached to the car, and what purpose it has in the operation of the car. Indeed, the words change a tire are misleading. You cannot change your tire. It is on the wheel and it takes some kind of special machine to change it. Most likely, you are going to change your wheel. You get the point. If you want to pursue the metaphor, consider that in changing the wheel you may encounter some troublesome nuts. So if you want to change the world, you must first understand it. Understanding: Choosing Your Issues 1. Labor Rights. My last few posts have focused on labor rights. Those concerned with international human rights should study the network of treaties, customary law principles, labor unions, and international organizations involved in the struggle. As we have seen, multinational corporations think of the labor force in global terms, while seeking to beat back challenges country by country. We must look at the restrictions and attacks on the right to organize. These are found in domestic labor laws, international agreements such as NAFTA, and the conduct of multinationals. Just one example: Mark Thomass book Belching Out the Devil. Thomas has focused his work on the transnational behavior of the Coca-Cola Company around the world as it wreaks environmental harm, violently suppresses labor rights, and contributes to bad health. Below I will name some organizations concerned with labor issues. Go to their websites and get informed. Get a subscription to Monthly Review at . Much of what I have been writing is based on what you can read in Monthly Review. MR Press published my book Law & the Rise of Capitalism. Go to their website and keep up with MRZine. In other work, I have traced the development of human rights norms in the 20th and 21st Centuries. See Law & the Rise of Capitalism291-325 (2d ed. 2000); Thinking About Terrorism (2007), both available on Amazon.com. We are seeing now a growing consensus that the basic rights to a decent standard of living and to organize should be recognized and enforced. At the very least, violent suppression of movements to obtain and secure these rights may be regarded as violations of customary international law. On the domestic front, employer attempts to defeat community organizing efforts have been successfully resisted. The resistance is based on application of traditional rights to speech and association. This is the body of law to which we must look. 2. Immigrant Rights. The waves of arrests and deportations of undocumented persons have been accompanied by wholesale denial of basic rights to counsel, to an interpreter to translate proceedings, to decent conditions of detention, and to family unity. It is no exaggeration to say that these detention facilities are concentration camps. The denial of basic procedural rights is accompanied by draconian measures about who can stay and who cannot, and truncated rights to hearing and review. 3. Sexual Orientation. The progress in decisional law about gay rights has been manifest. The backlash continues in the rhetoric of politicians and in a spate of hate crimes. 4. Gender Bias. The glass ceiling is firmly in place. Resistance continues. One sidelight is that many women voted for Donald Trump despite his evident sexism and misogyny. See Susan Chira, The Myth of Female Solidarity (New York Times, November 13, 2016). Class may play a bigger role than gender. 5. Ordinary Rights. In the 1960s, we talked a lot about alienation. One of its aspects was this feeling of powerlessness. Here we are, in fragile economic circumstances, subject to biases about our gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Our jobs are in peril. We buy products that dont work and we cant get redress. When our landlord treats us badly, there seems to be no recourse. In the 1960s, this sense of alienation led to direct action movements that spilled out into the streets and highways and college campuses and places of work. If you are reading this post, you are probably a lawyer, a law student, or a friend of one of those. Please understand that all this talk about rights means nothing unless lawyers are ready to take up the challenge of representing people. There are no small cases in this struggle. The Greek-Roman philosopher Epictetus confronted a circus strongman: See my dumbbells, the strongman said. Your dumbbells are your affair, Epictetus replied, I desire to see their effect. I have seen too many young lawyers bewitched by their new and well-paid jobs. It is as though they are saying, I upped my income in private practice; up yours. Taking Action If you are considering going to law school, choose a law school that will not only give you the tools you need to take part in the struggle, but will nurture your desire for justice. Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., has superb clinical and international human rights programs. My colleagues there have worked with students to win significant human rights victories and helped students to get good jobs continuing the work. Elon University Law School in Greensboro, NC, was founded with an ethos of lawyer involvement in the community. Northeastern Law School in Boston earns high marks for its clinical and internship programs. I recently went to a reunion at my alma mater, Boalt Hall at UC Berkeley. I met and talked with students working on all manner of human rights issues, domestic and transnational. Cornell has a farm workers rights program directed by Professor Beth Lyon. My colleague Ali Beydoun has sent me this information: If I had to organize a master circle of committed advocates to workers rights (agricultural and rural workers) I would select the following people: National Employment Law Project (NELP), www.nelp.org, Catherine Ruckelshaus, General Counsel Farmworker Justice: www.farmworkerjustice.org, Bruce Goldstein, President Farm Labor Organizing Committee, www.floc.com, Baldemar Velazquez, founder California Rural Legal Assistance, www.crla.org, Cynthia Rice, Legal Director Tex Rio Grande Legal Aid, www.trla.org, Douglas Stevik, Legal Director/General Counsel Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan, www.farmworkerlaw.org, Tom Thornburg, Lead Attorney Legal Aid Justice Center, www.justice4all.org, Mary Bauer Executive Director Friends of Farmworkers, www.friendsfw.org, Art Read, Lead Attorney These organizations do amazing work and are led by amazing minds. The National Lawyers Guild, www.nlg.org, will have ideas and there is probably a chapter in your area. I went online this week and found a half dozen organizations here in North Carolina that can use help. And dont forget that local legal aid and legal services organizations provided needed services on the ordinary but not really ordinary issues of daily life for people whose alleged rights mean nothing without legal assistance. You may find that the first, or even the first few, organizations you contact are somehow not ready for the kind of help you are able and willing to offer. Keep trying; they too are learning how to cope with this storm. Coda This work can be fun. Last year, I handled a consumer product case. The amount in controversy was relatively small, and the manufacturers attitude was that a disgruntled consumer could safely be ignored because of the cost of litigation. It was kind of exciting to teach the manufacturer that with a little skillful lawyering, the cost-benefit analysis could shift to the consumers favor. Get up. Get out. Start looking around. Dont mourn. Organize. First of all, organize yourself. And watch this video: . Dont be lulled. As John Oliver says: This is not normal. The most dispiriting media clip of the day is from the New York Times: Democrats May Try Surprising Strategy: Align With Trump. I only wish it were surprising that the same folks who brought us to this crisis are now ready to practice the politics of temporizing and acquiescence. 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). DEER LODGE Frank Slaughtner and his son, JR, of Deer Lodge are avid hunters and over the years had a number of European trophy mounts done. In 2004, they purchased a starter colony of dermestid beetles and put them in their garage so they could do their own mounts. The beetles eat animal flesh, are the preferred method of preparing skulls, and are commonly used by museums, Frank said. Soon, friends and family started bringing their heads to the Slaughtners to be cleaned and whitened. It didnt take very long for it to become obvious the garage wasnt the best place for the beetles, so we purchased a small utility shed we call the beetle house, but the processing and mounting are still done in the garage. Not satisfied with the cookie cutter plaques, they also started making their own from a variety of materials. No two are exactly alike. By 2006, the demand for their European mounts increased enough they decided to make a small business out of the hobby and became licensed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks as Bone Head Skull Works a name that seemed to fit, Frank said with a grin. The business has been growing every year. We researched and considered hydrographics for a number of years, but the money wasnt there and we were unsure about the interest before, Frank said, but this summer we decided to expand the business to include hydro-dipping. Hydro-graphics, also known as immersion printing, water transfer printing or hydro-dipping, is a method of applying printed ink designs to three-dimensional surfaces. We can dip anything wood, plastic, metal or glass; if it can be immersed in water, it can be sprayed and dipped, JR said. Its pretty cool stuff. JR said he got interested in customizing rifle stocks, and people asked about dipping, so they decided to provide the service. The Duracoat finish customizes and waterproofs each firearm, he said. Hydro-dipping gives the Slaughtners flexibility not only to customize trophy skulls and plaques, but to customize so much more firearms, archery equipment, knives, auto, snowmobile and ATV parts, helmets, water and wine glasses. JR said the computer-generated graphics offer endless possibilities. Prior to dipping, the piece to be printed goes through surface preparation and priming. Frank helps with preparation while JR does the priming and immersion printing. JR explained that a polyvinyl film with the graphic image to be transferred is carefully placed on the waters surface in the dipping tank. The clear film dissolves after he applies an activator solution. The item is dipped and the ink adheres to the item and will not wash off. Then it is allowed to dry and is sealed. It is just as strong as automotive paint when it is dried, JR said as he proudly displayed some of the finished products. A new gift shop on Main Street in Uptown Butte has opened up just in time for the holiday season. But among the stores many virtues, business owner Pat Campbell says, shes perhaps most proud of the stores contribution to the revitalization of Main Street. In the past year the block between Park and Broadway Streets has seen a handful of new businesses, including For Heaven's Cakes bakery, which recently expanded to include a coffee shop, and a new apparel and swag shop 5518 Designs, whose owners hosted a grand opening Friday afternoon. Campbell, meanwhile says she excited to see her store Beautiful Butte and Beyond be among the new kids on the block. We all want to enhance Uptown Butte, said Frank Campbell, Pats husband. Campbell launched Beautiful Butte in October because, she said, shes always had a flair for arts and crafts and an affinity for Butte-themed memorabilia. I just like doing creative things, said Campbell. A few years ago Campbell started experimenting with decorating keepsakes, coffee thermoses and other memorabilia by transforming photographs of Butte scenery into logos with the aid of a computer. With the help of her son Matt Campbell, a web designer based in Arizona, she researched how to transfer the designs onto her gifts using techniques like sublimation. To test the waters for her products, Campbell began selling them at the Butte Farmers' Market, and in August 2016 she successfully sold her gifts at a trade show in Las Vegas. That sealed the deal, said Campbell, who noted her sales at the trade show made her confident about opening a storefront for her products. Today Beautiful Butte boasts over 200 products, Campbell said, and most of them feature her designs, along with designs and images based on the photography of Scott Campbell, her son and NorthWestern Energy technician. Items based on Campbell and Scotts designs include framed photographs, decorative keepsake boxes, apparel which Campbell prints at the Butte-based printer Chaos Customz serving trays and calendars, among other products. The store can also make customized keepsakes if customers bring in their own images. I do a lot of custom work, said Campbell. I [love] having the connection with people. And everybody has a story. While many of the products feature her own designs, Campbell said Beautiful Butte also offers products from third-party vendors, a majority of which are Montana based. We really tried to reach out to the artisans in the area, said Campbell. Beautiful Butte hosts 24 vendors, and their products include, among many others, coffee from Blue Bean Coffee Roasters, a Livingston-based company, alpaca yarn and knitted goods from Buttes Snowdrift Alpacas, ceramics from the Mining Citys Copper Creek Studio and handmade leather products by Butte resident John Welter, who owns JWs Crafts. The store also features Montana-made soaps, lotions, dog treats and chocolates. Although Campbell has a passion for Butte-themed gifts, shes not a native of the Mining City. She and her husband Frank moved to Butte from New Jersey 41 years ago. Frank, who had been a lineman for a New Jersey company, said the family moved to Montana after he was offered a position at Montana Power. The couple said that moving to Montana from the East Coast was definitely a transition, but they created a home for themselves and raised two children in Butte. Campbell, meanwhile, worked at the Office of Public Assistance in Silver Bow for 18 years. All-in-all, Campbell said, what draws her to the world of memorabilia and gifts is the simple fact that keepsakes last forever. And thats the inspiration behind the stores motto, special gifts for special people, Campbell said. When the newly formed Restore Our Creek Coalition decided to seek Butte citizens' ideas for a restored upper Silver Bow Creek corridor, nobody was completely sure what to expect. What the organization got in a series of community gatherings this year was an outpouring of passion for the cleansing and renewal of the waterway at the heart of town and literally hundreds of ideas for its restoration, an astonishing piece of crowdsourcing that showed how committed the town is to changing the area for the better. The coalition decided to hire an "urban design" firm, Interval-Projects, to take the data and turn it into a master plan for a restored waterway and park. The result, titled "Silver Bow Creek Headwaters Park," surprised even the coalition's most stalwart members, who had worked on the project for nearly two years. "When you see the renditions, the East Ridge in the background and how this could merge into that sort of vision, to me it's breathtaking," said Restore Our Creek spokesman Northey Tretheway. "You look at it long enough and you say, 'Why not? Why couldn't we do this? Why shouldn't we have this here?'" The 141-page report was presented recently to the parties currently negotiating a consent decree that will comprise the fixed plan for the area's cleanup: the federal Environmental Protection Agency; the state Department of Environmental Quality and the Natural Resource Damage Program; Butte-Silver Bow; and, of course, BP/ARCO, which bears most of the liability for the pollution and therefore the cleanup and restoration. "Our vision for the restored Silver Bow Creek Corridor is of a thriving natural ecology," the report's introduction says, "featuring innovative green infrastructure, recreation spaces, cultural programs, educational opportunities, and facilities to form a resilient ecosystem that brings together nature, culture and community." The plan is dependent on a key step removal of all of the tailings along the waterway, including the Parrot Tailings, the Diggings East, the Northside Tailings, and the Blacktail Berm. METICULOUS DETAIL The group's proposal is meticulous in its detail, including features as large as a building spanning the restored creek for an educational and research center and as small as designs for park benches and signs. The proposal connects the waterway with existing trails and bus routes and not only would revitalize the mile-plus-long stretch but would remove a physical barrier between Uptown and the Flat right in the center of Butte. The vision includes a sledding hill, playgrounds, open fields, exercise stations, a dog run, and fishing areas; cultural assets including a sculpture park and an amphitheater; wetlands and riparian areas designed to provide habitat for aquatic life and birds with an elevated boardwalk and overlooks; and user support services like information kiosks, a food-truck area, parking, bathrooms, and lighting. "Every town in Montana that has a creek running through it they take advantage of it," Tretheway said. "We need to do the same." From an economic development standpoint, Pam Haxby-Cote agrees. Haxby-Cote, the executive director of Butte Local Development Corp., said Friday, "Cleaning that corridor will help to change the perspective in Butte. Having those amenities, more things for people to do will, make people realize Butte offers a wonderful environment for people to live, work, and play. It will make a big difference in the health and welfare of all Butte citizens for decades to come. "But the research center brings a whole new level of economic opportunity. It would bring in research dollars, bring in talent, and bring awareness to a lot of important things that Butte's already really good at. We have companies here doing great things in the restoration economy and outstanding scientists at Montana Tech. "Such a center would provide endless possibilities. The amount of money that could flow in would make it a sustaining economic development project a long-term economic driver for Butte," she added. PROJECT BARRIERS Still, significant barriers to the project's completion remain. Aside from getting the plan adopted by decision-makers and then funded, there are serious engineering challenges implicit in re-creating a creek where it does not currently exist. "I was hired in 2009 by NRD to develop a restoration plan for this corridor," said Pat Cunneen of the Natural Resource Damage Program. "We've been working on it for seven years, and we've had more than 70 public meetings. "Parts of our plan are very much in line with parts of Restore Our Creek's plan. One major difference is that part of NRD's goal is to come up with solutions that are naturally self-sustaining. How a stream gets in there without a water source is not clear." Evan Barrett of Butte, who heads a water subcommittee of Restore Our Creek, says that group has identified multiple potential water sources. An interim report on water, prepared by the subcommittee, has been forwarded to EPA. "We have been able to locate as possible sources over 18 million gallons per day (in median flow) from as many as eight different sources, including 4-5 major sources," the report says. Barrett added Friday, "The volume of water needed is clearly available from multiple sources. Undoubtedly there will be negotiations about what source. "The street talk has been that there is no water. There is water, and people need to know that." Cunneen, however, said that the stream, if lined, as the plan specifies, to prevent mixing in polluted ground water, would not be warmed in the winter and cooled in the summer as a natural stream would be something that mixing with ground water accomplishes. That makes it likely, he said, that the envisioned creek would freeze over in winter and be too warm to support fish in the summer. "If the coalition could find a natural self-sustaining source," he added, "Then I think NRDC would be in line with that." There's also the issue of how to handle storm water coming off the Butte Hill and how to keep those flows, laden with toxic metals, from polluting a re-engineered Upper Silver Bow Creek. Even normal storms can cause spikes of pollutants that exceed federal and state regulations. SHARP DEBATE Both issues potential water sources and stormwater solutions spark sharp debate among scientists and others. And closely tied with those arguments is the question of money: how much and whose. Tretheway, Barrett, and others in Restore Our Creek are undeterred. "You know where you want to get to," Tretheway says. "You realize as you go along it's not always a smooth path. But for those of us who live here, who have grown up here, we know it's a great community, and we need to make sure we do the right thing by it. "Butte deserves something special for everything we've given over the years. We want something in the center of our town that we can be proud of. Go down there today and take a look. I don't think you'll be proud of what you see. "But this vision? It's the pinnacle of what Butte can become." The next step for the group is getting feedback from all the Consent Decree negotiators. Restore Our Creek has asked for that feedback by mid-December and has already had a preliminary meeting with BP/ARCO, which Tretheway described Friday as "encouraging." While they wait, the group is hard at work on outreach getting Butte citizens to understand the plan and what it represents. "For a long time," Tretheway said, "We've been ending up with solutions and decisions that were presented to us. We're used to being told what we can have and what we can't have. But in this case, we're putting a vision out there ahead of time. "All the decisions that follow should be made within this framework," Tretheway said. "It's always easiest to say 'can't,' but why can't we? This is what the community wants. "It's what we could actually have." Political reporters and pundits have been dissecting the results to answer this question: How did Donald Trump pull off the upset and win the presidential election? There are several reasons. Democratic turnout is one of the biggest factors. Trump's appeal to rural, white voters was another. And there's this: Trump spoke directly to the areas that have been impacted by manufacturers leaving for China, Mexico or even different parts of the United States. He did this more effectively than Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. What Trump lacked in specifics he made up for in criticizing bad trade deals and companies that outsourced jobs. His aggressive tone on these issues appealed to voters, especially in the so-called "Rust Belt" an area that includes upstate New York. I interviewed Trump in April before the New York primary. When asked about how he would help upstate New York as president, he mentioned Daikin McQuay leaving Auburn and how "disgraceful" it was that the manufacturer sent operations to Mexico. "What does that get us? It gets us nothing, so we're going to stop that," Trump said. "We're going to get it stopped and we're going to stop it strong." The exchange highlighted one of Trump's strengths as a candidate: His seemingly genuine desire to reverse the manufacturing losses that have impacted Auburn, Syracuse and cities in other states, such as Cleveland and Detroit. There's no doubt that Trump has his flaws. His rhetoric on immigration and national security directed at bad actors actually alienates good people who are productive American citizens or who wish to be American citizens. There have been accusations of racism and sexism. Trump's supporters downplay these concerns and say there's nothing to be worried about. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. It's Trump's moment to act presidential. And one way he can do that is by delivering real results on the economic issues he discussed on the campaign trail. There's a reason why he won Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. (And he's on track to win Michigan, too.) It's not that Clinton wasn't talking about these problems, but Trump was louder. He had a presence in all of these states. He slammed the North American Free Trade Agreement. He talked about the McQuays of the world that moved operations to other countries for cheaper labor. That resonated with voters, even some Democrats. In Cayuga County, which went for Obama in 2008 and 2012, Trump won by double digits. He was the first GOP presidential candidate to win the county since George W. Bush in 2004. He was the first to win by double digits since Ronald Reagan in 1984. DILLON Christine Lorang said she was attracted to the University of Montana Western in Dillon because of the Experience One (X1) program that provides outdoor class settings and the opportunity for international travel. Montana Western is the only public four-year institution teaching under X1, where students take a single-class-at-a-time in 18-day blocks. Lorang is a 2013 graduate now serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal. X1 provided me the opportunity to get outside the traditional classroom to see and interpret land around me with a scientific eye, Lorang said. During my time at Montana Western I was introduced to many people working in environmental science jobs during field trips and while conducting my own research. It was helpful to see the degree I was pursuing being utilized by professionals. While at UMW, Lorang was the president of Terra Verde, the student-led environmental sciences club, organized the annual Earth Day celebration and a leaf-raking project to help the elderly in Dillon, and was involved in additional volunteer activities. Christine was a top academic student and was awarded the environmental sciences scholarship, which rewards one junior-level student each year who excels academically and actively contributes to bettering the department, Geology Professor Rob Thomas said. Christine is a great example of the type of student we are trying to produce at Montana Western and in the Environmental Sciences Department. The Peace Corps suits both her professional skills and selfless attitude perfectly. In her November 3 op-ed, Montana state Senator Jennifer Fielder continued to perpetuate phony myths about American public lands in an attempt to prop up her naive attempts to dispose of them. According to Sen. Fielder, Montanas public lands are a trash dump, filled with pests, and fenced off to the public. In her telling, the only thing that can save our public lands is for them to be given to the state. Dont tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Montanans streaming across the states public lands to hunt and fish, who certainly arent buying Sen. Fielders premise. On the contrary, public opinion research shows unequivocally that Montana voters value national public lands. And poll after poll shows that Montanans -- like voters across the Wes t-- have little appetite for her misguided plans to transfer American lands to state or private interests. This months election results further validates what the polls have been telling us for years. Governor Bullock, a strong advocate for American public lands, won re-election in a difficult political environment for Democrats in Montana on a pro-access and anti-seizure message. Congressman Ryan Zinke, who just won a second term to the United States Congress, is a fierce opponent of efforts to transfer public lands to Montana. And President-elect Donald Trump has strongly disavowed Sen. Fielders plans to hand national forests and other public lands over to the states. When asked by a reporter earlier this year about efforts to transfer public lands to the states, the President-elect responded, I dont like the idea because I want to keep the lands great, and you dont know what the state is going to do. I mean, are they going to sell if they get into a little bit of trouble? And I dont think its something that should be sold. He is exactly right. Montana -- which is required to balance its budget each year -- would not be able to afford the costs and liabilities of taking on millions of acres of public lands. What would happen when one bad wildfire burns across Montanas forests? Where would the money to pay for suppression and reclamation costs come from? The cold hard reality, which Sen. Fielder consistently ignores, is that the money would have to come from somewhere. There are few but no good options for paying management costs; they include raising taxes on Montana workers, raiding other areas of the state budget, like education and law enforcement, and privatizing Montanas public lands. Even though Sen. Fielder falls far outside mainstream thought in Montana, she continues to have influence in some segments of Montana politics. She is currently the vice-chair of Montanas Republican Party and the CEO of the pro-land seizure American Lands Council. You can expect Sen. Fielder to team up with the small number of other anti-public land crusaders in Montana and across West to continue pushing their shortsighted and costly policy ideas. But worry not, as sportsmen, conservationists, good government groups, and concerned citizens across the West will be standing side-by-side to close the doors on any attempt to dispose of national public lands in state and private hands. And while we may not ever rid our Western state legislatures of so-called sagebrush rebels entirely, I remain as confident as ever that Sen. Fielder and her political friends will remain on the wrong side of history. -- By Greg Zimmerman, of Montrose, Colorado, is deputy director for the Center for Western Priorities, Center for Western Priorities, which advocates for public lands in Montana and other western states. Politics aside, like millions of others, I believe Donald Trump thus far has shown himself to be a miserable excuse for a human being. Like it or not though, he will be our president. Hillary Clinton observed we owe him an open mind. We owe him the chance to govern. That opportunity was never afforded to Barack Obama. What was done to President Obama was wrong. If Donald Trump is treated in the same manner, that will be just as wrong. America needs a chance to actually be governed. We cannot afford the alternative, or the next election cycle will be even worse. That said, of the numerous promises he made, many that will never be fulfilled, Donald Trump must be held to one. He must release his tax returns. All Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike, must insist on that. It should be something our Congress, regardless of party, insists happen. They should not only insist it happen, they should enshrine tax disclosure in federal law as a requirement for any federally elected office. If necessary, it should be done retroactively to include Donald Trump. Im writing my senators and my congressman asking two simple questions. Will you insist Donald Trump release his tax return, and will you sponsor legislation to require tax disclosure for all elected federal offices? Donald Trump looked in the camera and told countless Americans he would never lie to them. The promise to disclose his tax return is a promise he cannot be allowed to breach. -- John Andrew, Helena MUSCATINE, Iowa To celebrate her birthday, 94-year-old Mary Louise Caponette helped serve lunch at the Muscatine Center for Social Action (MCSA). Caponette is a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a group of women who work to help those in need. She said the Muscatine group belongs to Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church. "We do lots of charitable work, for instance what we're doing here today," she said. She has been serving lunch at MCSA every Saturday for 24 years, and said she also organizes a Thanksgiving dinner, and a Christmas dinner which are sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. "We work together on lots of things," Caponette said. Caponette said she enjoys working with those in need. "Sometimes people just need someone to say hello, and a little kindness, and I've done that all my life," she said. She has made friends with two tables that she calls her "senior tables," who come for a meal but also for friendship. "These are seniors that their want is communication," she said. Caponette said she always pours milk when serving lunch as a way to communicate with everyone who comes to MCSA for food. "Some of these people don't have anyone to say hello to them the whole week," she said. But Caponette says she gets just as much out of volunteering as she gives. "I think it brings me a lot of happiness," she said. Kjiirstin Osland, 15, said she admires Caponette's commitment to helping others. "She's the biggest inspiration and role model I've ever had in my life," Osland said. Julia Elliott said she hopes when she is 94 she has as much energy as Caponette. "I want to be able to do what she's doing when I'm her age," Elliott said. Caponette sat in the lunch room at MCSA and talked with those who stopped, wishing her a happy birthday. "I like people, and I like to help and reach out to people," she said. Many of us have grown up with the childhood saying, Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me. While this may be true literally, there is also evidence that abusive language, when used by bullies and politicians, can cause harm. We see this in the elevated rates of suicide among those who have been bullied. Bullying has been on the increase, particularly since the election. As of last Monday evening, the Southern Poverty Law Center documented 437 reported acts of intimidation and harassment. These have ranged from children putting white and colored signs on school water fountains to children marching through school hallways calling for white power to swastikas being painted on the walls of public places, and threats shouted at Muslims. Some of the examples that I have heard or read about brought back memories of being beaten up by so-called friends because of my familys Jewish background. The anti-immigrant invectives brought back memories of my first wifes aunt. Born in what would become Czechoslovakia, she came to the United States as a small child. In the years before World War II, she took the two years of college needed to earn a teaching degree. At first, she was told that she was being rejected from jobs because she was not a 100-percent American. She was eventually hired, but still faced derision until parents realized what an outstanding teacher she was. She could have passed as a native-born American because, since she emigrated at such a young age, there was no accent in her English. America was the only country she knew. Even today, thinking about her brings to mind the dreamers who came to the United States as children, grew up and have been educated here. They have built lives, married and, in some cases, had children of their own, and now face the threat of deportation because they never obtained the necessary papers. I believe that we are experiencing two unacceptable trends in our society. One trend is the nativism with its nostalgia for a racist and sexist past, a world in which immigrants, African-Americans and women accepted their diminished roles and rights. There were often official and legal restrictions on where they could live and work. A second trend is the acceptance and normalization of hate speech as a campaign tool by ruthless and morally insensitive politicians. I call it the normalization of hate speech because well-established hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and some of the factions of the so-called alt-right have found their racist, anti-Semitic, anti-anything-other-than themselves views either accepted outright or smoothed over by opportunistic politicians who have refused to condemn it with absolute certainty. These are examples of what I am referring to as the enabling of hate. While the politicians themselves may not always cross the boundaries with explicit hate speech, their willingness to countenance rather than denounce it has become the equivalent of enabling it. I want to believe that Donald Trump is actually certain when he says that he condemns such language and bullying. After all, his daughter Ivanka, her husband, and their three children are orthodox Jews. Would he still have chosen Stephen Bannon to be his chief White House strategist and senior consultant if Bannons Breitbart News had published an article calling his son-in-law or daughter a renegade Jew, as he did with Bill Kristol, one of the most respected conservative journalists? If I were Trumps son-in-law, I would certainly be questioning Trumps comfort and willingness to include people such as Bannon among his inner circle. When it comes to all forms of bigotry, there cannot be any hint of ambiguity on where the occupant of the White House stands. Bringing Bannon into the White House reminds us of Trumps delay in renouncing the support of David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan. On this, Trump cannot feign ignorance or unknowing. Someone who aspires to be president of all the people must either rise to the occasion, or own the epithets of bigot and racist that will inevitably tarnish his reputation, not only in the United States, but among the community of the worlds civilized leaders. America is, and has always been, a great but imperfect country. All countries have their imperfections. At its birth, the sin was slavery. Subsequent sins have included nativism with its accompanying bigotry and xenophobia towards religious, political and economic refugees; the diminution of womens rights including the right to vote, sexist ceilings on their economic opportunities and infantile treatment when it comes to reproductive self-determination; and the dehumanizing treatment of so-called sexual minorities. In more recent years, our greatness has been diminished by economic disparities, including the failure to address the needs of those people who have lost their jobs because of globalization. The election results alone do not have to grease the skids on our slide down a moral mountain. We can live with some of our political differences, as long as we acknowledge the inherent worth and dignity of every person native-born, immigrant, male, female, gay, straight, transgender. Our challenge as individuals, and the challenge facing our politicians will be to raise the level of discourse beyond the tawdry hate speech that was all too present and upfront in the political campaign. It will be to prove that we are compassionate people, worthy of living in the land of the Statue of Liberty, or whether we are going to devolve into hate-filled beasts, preying upon and persecuting one another. A former substitute teacher convicted of promoting child pornography was assessed as a sex offender Thursday in Cayuga County criminal court. According to Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann, 63-year-old Joseph Musco, Jr., of 1090 Route 38, Locke, was sentenced to 5 to 25 years in prison in 2006 for distributing more than 200 sexually explicit images depicting 14 children under the age of 10. Musco was a substitute teacher in the Moravia and Southern Cayuga school districts at the time of his arrest in 2005, when the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office began investigating the trafficking of child pornography. Musco who served 151 months in prison for his crime appeared before Judge Thomas Leone Thursday for a risk level assessment. And while Musco's attorney, Emil Rossi, said he believed his client had a low to moderate risk of re-offending, Budelmann requested to increase Musco's risk level, citing two incidents from 1979 when Musco was convicted of exposing himself to two middle-aged women in Connecticut. After Leone's assessment, Musco scored 125 points as a non-violent level three sex offender. That means he must register as a sex offender for life. Also in court: A former corrections officer from Cayuga County was also assessed as a sex offender Thursday. In September, 27-year-old James Benham, of 2416 Moshier Road, Scipio, was sentenced to five years probation and four months of weekends in jail for sending sexually explicit messages to three underage girls. Benham who admitted "sexting" a 13-year-old in May 2015 appeared with his attorney, Dennis Sedor, for his assessment, which classified Benham as a low-risk level one sex offender. Benham will have to register as a sex offender for the next 20 years. Amazon recently announced that it will launch its Prime Video streaming service in 200 countries during December. This follows the launch of Amazons new car show The Grand Tour, which is hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond. The Grand Tour started on 18 November, meaning South African viewers could not access the video service before its airing. However, Amazon has made it possible for people outside the United States to access certain Prime Video shows from an Amazon.com account. It is possible to stream a limited number of shows, including The Grand Tour, through the Prime Video web interface. Amazon has not yet made its mobile, TV, or console apps available in South Africa. To watch The Grand Tour in South Africa, you will need to sign up for an Amazon account and activate a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. Sign up for Amazon.com Activate Amazon Prime trial Provide credit card details After the free trial, Amazon Prime will cost $10.99 per month. Navigate to The Grand Tour and begin watching Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande is promoting a new bill which will name and shame fake degree holders in South Africa. Nzimande has published the draft National Qualifications Framework Amendment Bill, which will make it compulsory for employers to verify the qualifications of their staff. All employers must refer qualifications of employees to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for validation and verifications, the bill states. The bill states that, if after SAQA has verified that a qualification is invalid, it must enter the name of the holder into a register and publish it on its website. The employer must include an acknowledgement form signed by the purported holder of the qualification to publish the outcome of SAQA verification in the public domain in the event of invalid qualifications presented to the employer. The bill further states that all education institutions and employers have a legal obligation to report fraudulent qualifications to SAQA. The draft National Qualifications Framework Amendment Bill 2016 is open for public comment until mid-December 2016. China is heading to its "green" road. As reported by 2456.com on December 2, a Chinese official said that China may have 60,000 new energy vehicles by 2012 and the government will focus on boosting the annual production of hybrids, making the nation to become another potential green car market. Wan Gang, the minister of China's Ministry of Science and Technology, last week attended the nation's large-scale application project to promote energy saving and new energy vehicles and told the local media that the Ministry is veering away from its previous preference for clean diesel as an alternative fuel of choice and is moving towards hybrids. The adjustment of the Ministry's preference is believed to serve as a stepping stone to the use of all-electric cars, as clean diesel is more expensive and all-electric is considered a more long-term alternative to petrol in the country. The Ministry is considering to promote hybrids to 10 large cities in three years, targeting 10,000 new energy cars throughout the country. According to a report by Automotive News, an advisor to the ministry said that development of electric and fuel cell vehicles has received over 60% of the ministry's funding in recent years, compared to 2-3% for clean diesel which used to attract the bulk of investment. The hybrid development has seen some positive results in China, mainly due to rising market demand in eco-friendly vehicles caused by the fuel crisis and growing pollution, as well as the new policies by the Chinese government. In fact, various carmakers have been making their efforts in fighting for the market, ensuring the future of hybrid technology in China. Changan: The country's first indigenous hybrid-powered vehicle The country's first indigenous hybrid-powered vehicle, Jiexun-HEV, was developed in 2007 by Changan Automobile. As a foster part of Project 863 -- a project promoting electric vehicles initiated by National Scientific and Technological Ministry since 2002 -- Changan Corporation developed hybrid car models equipped with manual transmission and automatic transmission based on the platform of Lingyang car. According to the company, the Jiexun-HEV is an integral part of the "electrified automobile program" in the Project. It took the China's forth-largest carmaker six years to develop the Jiexun-HEV model. The car meets EU-IV emission standards and its fuel economy is improved 20% compared to the non-hybrid version. Forming venture to develop green cars China's largest carmaker, SAIC Motor, has just taken serious step to show its focus on energy-efficient vehicles. According to a statement filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange last month, SAIC Motor will spend US$ 293 million on the join venture to develop green cars, taking a 10% stake in the venture, while its parent company SAIC will have a 90 share in the venture. The venture will work on research and development of core components for new energy vehicles such as electric transmissions and new power systems, the carmaker said. It also said earlier that its target is to mass-produce hybrid cars by 2012, with an annual production target of 10,000 units. BYD: World's first mass produced plug-in hybrid soon in China market While global carmakers Toyota and GM are still planning to release their hybrids by 2010 and 2012, the world's first mass produced plug-in hybird compact sedan will soon be available in the Chinese market this December. As reported by local media, BYD Auto, the automating unit of Hong Kong-listed rechargeable battery maker BYD Co, will release the F3DM (Dual Mode Electric Hybrid) with approval by the Chinese government. F3DM has already undergone extensive testing. As introduced by the carmaker, the batteries that power the F3DM are BYD's own design, and use iron rather than lithium. BYD also say the batteries can run 600,000km before they need to be changed, or around a 10-year life span. The electrical motor can run 100km on electric power provided by the battery, when the battery is running out, a small gasoline engine kicks in. Scott E. Paradise: Vice President, Global Marketing & Business Development, Magna International of America, Inc. He joined the Company in 1986. In 1990, he was appointed Sales Manager -- General Motors and in 1993 was elected to his present position. Fred Kao: Vice President of Magna International China Just prior to assuming his current position, Mr. Kao had been responsible for establishing the Magna Closures operations in China . This included the establishment of the China sourcing office and the China manufacturing operations. Reporting to the President of Magna International, Mark Hogan, Mr. Kao's responsibilities include strategic oversight of Magna's operations for the region. His prior experience in the automotive industry includes management responsibilities with General Motors from 1984 to 1989. With General Motors, Mr. Kao held positions in engineering, quality control and production. Keith Lomason: Executive Director of Magna International China In February 2004, Keith Lomason was appointed Executive Director, Magna International, and China . Keith's direct experience with China dates back to the early 1980's, when he was trained as a Chinese Linguist by the US Marine Corps, and had an opportunity to visit the mainland during a 2 year tour of duty in Okinawa , Japan . After an honorable discharge from the Marines in 1985, Keith joined his family run automotive business, Douglas and Lomason Company, where he held positions in Employee Involvement, Production, Material Control, and Factory Management. In 1993, he visited China on a fact-finding mission, and subsequently was assigned to perform the partner selection and contract negotiations for the formation of a 50/50 Sino-US joint venture founded in February 1996. Keith was appointed President of, and managed for 8 years, Shanghai Lomason Automotive, specializing in manufacturing seat frames for the domestic market. Magna International acquired all of Douglas and Lomason Company in late 1996, including the 50% ownership of Shanghai Lomason Automotive, and the JV subsequently became one of Intier Automotive's operations. During his 10+ years in China , Keith has been active with many different business and trade organizations, including various Chambers of Commerce, and is currently serving a term as a Chairman of the Board for the Shanghai American School . The Ninth Edition of a Series of Interviews with MNC Auto Parts Suppliers Gasgoo: Thank you very much to accept the interview from Gasgoo.com. Firstly I want to say happy birthday to Magna's 50th anniversary. Scott E. Paradise: Thank you. Gasgoo: Can you briefly introduce the specialties of Magna in the Shanghai auto show? Scott E. Paradise: We introduced Mila, downstairs, which is the combination of all of our capabilities wrapped up in one vehicle, from design and development into a production vehicle. We've also got our latest technology in terms of Stow 'n Go seating downstairs, the Cadillac instrument panel, which has our leather wrap capabilities on it, we got our latches, that are made here, global latches, so it's very high-tech products, and window regulators, we've got our mirrors which have a camera-aid in it, a reverse aid capability and lighting capability for turn signals, we've got a powertrain group which has got the latest technology, transfer cases and various drivetrain components, water pumps, oil pumps as well, and then we've got our newest acquisition car top systems which is the retractable hard tops and soft convertible tops, a highly-complex engineered product. And they work very closely with the Magna Steyr people when doing complete vehicles. Gasgoo: We all know that Magna is a very famous spare parts group, introducing a lot of things. Does Mila have a special meaning for your strategies in the future? Scott E. Paradise: The emphasis is really to show the world that Magna has a complete capability to design, develop and not only build a vehicle but a vehicle that utilizes low weight, low mass material, high strength, low mass. It has a unique propulsion system that compress natural gas and the overall ability is just to test and bring a product to market all inside of one company. So it's extension of our Graz facility in Austria , where we have one assembly facility, two assembly plants on site and we built five different brands for the OEMs. Fred Kao: I think it's also important to note: bringing Mila to China it simplifies a lot to us. It is probably the top of our technology and represents bringing everything together and also downstairs earlier today you saw our ceremony, we were also introducing the presence of Magna Steyr into China as a registered company now. So again we're indicating and we want the Chinese market and car companies and customers to know that we want to bring our best technology and full capability of Magna into China here as well. Scott E. Paradise: Let me just reinforce. When we develop the Mila we did it with the sole purpose of showing capability, not to be competitive with the OEMs that are out there today, our main parts that we manufacture, how we make our living is to selling parts to the OEMs. We are not in the business competing with our customers. Gasgoo: But Magna also have the similar business in vehicle assembly. Scott E. Paradise: In Graz , yes. Gasgoo: and you are also very active in the merging of Chrysler. Scott E. Paradise: We are looking to the opportunities at Chrysler, as we would with any of our customers. A healthy customer means we will be healthy as well, and they represent a significant amount of our sales on a global basis, so it's only natural that we want to take an interest in them and a long term future and continuation as the builder of vehicles Gasgoo: We know that China is booming now in the automotive industry. We read the annual report that in the year of 2009, the China business will access 15% for magna global business. Is that true or not? Scott E. Paradise, Fred Kao: In total sales for the company, that's for Asia by 2010. Gasgoo: Comparing the current situation can you give us your strategy for the future? How to realize this goal? Fred Kao: I think, again to come back to that. To realize that goal, is when the market is growing then we see the opportunity, there is underlining to our Magna culture, we have a saying, we want to produce a better product, and the point to success is to provide a better product at a competitive price. So we want to continue to focus on producing a better product for our customers. And I think it's not a very complex strategy, I think a very simple one. And we believe if we can do that, then we will also be rewarded with growth here in China for our customers. Scott E. Paradise: We have looked on a global basis where our customers are growing, and we've chosen China , India , Thailand , Korea and Japan as areas for us to concentrate in. As big as Magna is, does not have the ability to be in every country around the world. So those are the areas from an Asian specific stand point that we're looking to grow. If opportunities present themselves somewhere else in Asian region and the customer wants us to be there, we will absolutely look at that and asses the viability of it, and if it works, we will put a facility wherever our customers want us to be. Gasgoo: How can you cooperate with the local OEMs in China within 5 years, any strategy plans? Heith Lomason: I think we've already made tremendous strikes with the local OEMs. Our two groups that have been here for quite a number of years, Donnelly mirrors group and the seating group, have extended their customer base to beyond the foreign invested joint ventures to include many of the domestic OEMs, and we see that there is still a little bit of difference between the needs of foreign invested OEMs and domestic OEMs. The foreign invested OEMs are really pushing us to bring the most recent technologies, our true tier-1 management capabilities so that we can take over the management of the tier-2 and tier-3. The domestic OEMs are hoping to get that as well, but they really focus more on the systems integration, for example, bring a solution to me, I want to complete interior, I need someone to design it and manage everything about it, bring us the powertrain, help us with the engine. So the domestic OEMs' requirements and needs tend to be broader, than the foreign invested OEMs', tend to be more specific. But I think there is a place for us with all of them, so we find out what they need, and we focus on that. Gasgoo: Ok, thank you, we hope Magna will make great achievements in great China . Thank you to accept the interview. Heith Lomason, Scott E. Paradise: Thank you. Thank you very well. All rights reserved. Please notify the source for any use. MOSUL, Iraq Iraqi troops faced stiff resistance Saturday from Islamic State militants as they pushed deeper into eastern Mosul, backed by aerial support from the U.S.-led international coalition, a senior military commander said. At dawn, troops moved into the Muharabeen and Ulama neighborhoods after fully liberating the adjacent Tahrir neighborhood on Friday, said Maj. Gen. Sami al-Aridi of the Iraqi special forces. Al-Aridi said IS militants were fighting back with snipers, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds. Thick black columns of smoke were seen billowing from the two areas, while dozens of civilians were seen fleeing to government-controlled areas. Shortly before noon, a suicide bomber emerged from a house in the Tahrir neighborhood and attacked security forces, wounding four troops. Another suicide car bomber hit the troops in Aden neighborhood afternoon, killing a soldier and wounding three others. Late on Friday, a group of IS militants attacked the village of Imam Gharbi south of Mosul, controlling most of it for hours before airstrikes from the U.S.-led international coalition were called in, an officer said. The clashes and multiple suicide bombings left three policemen dead, including an officer, and four others wounded, he said. Nine IS fighters were killed, he added. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to brief media. To the west of Mosul, government-sanctioned Shiite militias took full control of the Tal Afar military airfield Friday night, said Jaafar al-Husseini, spokesman for the influential Hezbollah Brigades. Al-Husseini said the clashes almost destroyed the airport and that it will be an important launching pad for the troops in their advance. The extremist group captured Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, in the summer of 2014. AMERICAN CANYON In the wake of Donald Trumps election victory, the American Canyon City Council is considering the idea of becoming a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. Councilmember Joan Bennett on Tuesday raised the question of American Canyon offering protection to immigrants who might become subject to deportation under a Trump administration. In American Canyon we have a very diverse community, said Bennett, and we have a lot of immigrants who have come into our community. Some are documented, and some are not. But in light of the election and the promise of the president-elect to hurry up and deport 11 million people, Bennett said, I looked into what it takes to be a sanctuary city. Bennett told the other council members that she asked City Attorney William Ross to consider the legalities of the matter. Ross said the gist of becoming a sanctuary city would result in local police disregarding requests from federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, regarding deportation of undocumented immigrants unless theres a court order to do so. The city attorney said he would continue to research the issue and provide the council with a memorandum at a later date. Bennett asked the council for their support to bring the matter back as an official agenda item at a future meeting. None of the other members disagreed with doing so. Mayor Leon Garcia said he supports researching the pros and cons of becoming a sanctuary city. He said his conversations with immigrant communities revealed the matter of deportation isnt a problem yet. But, There is a lot concern what could happen under President Trump. There is a deep concern within the Mexican community for its members with regard to their status here and the impact to them, said Garcia. The mayor cited the ordeal of one immigrant family with which he and his wife were friends, and how the familys life changed when one of the parents was deported for being in the country illegally. The wife and children are U.S. citizens, the dad was undocumented, said Garcia. An issue came up at work, he was deported. They lost their house, she got injured, lost her business, she had no way to support her family, and they moved out of American Canyon. He added the family was not the only one hes known that was impacted by a deportation order. Garcia said the issue of what will become of families with undocumented members arose during the student protest at American Canyon High School last week. Many students staged a peaceful demonstration in the school quad during lunch to voice their displeasure over Trumps victory and what his policies might mean for them and the nation. The mayor said it was important, regardless of whether American Canyon becomes a sanctuary city, that people should know we are a supportive community and take care of each other. Becoming a sanctuary city could produce consequences for American Canyon. During the presidential campaign, Trump said cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration efforts should not receive taxpayer dollars. Following his victory over Hillary Clinton, Trump also said his administration would deport 2 million to 3 million undocumented immigrants who have a criminal history. Mariam Aboudamous, an attorney specializing in immigration law, said it was too early to decide if the city should join the ranks of New York, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland and other cities that protect undocumented immigrants from being deported. I think we need to do more research on it before approving it because there are going to be federal implications, said Aboudamous, who is awaiting the final election results to see if she won a seat on the City Council. For example, Donald Trump is not going to be pro-sanctuary city, so well probably get a cut from federal funding if American Canyon goes that direction, she said. Decree [2001] No.9 of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Chapter 1 General Provisions Article 1 Export license administration is an important means of export administration. In order to rationally allocate the resources, to regulate the order of export business, to create a fair trade environment; to perform the international conventions and treaties promised by China, and to safeguard the economic interests and the safety of the State; these Provisions have been formulated according to the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on the Administration of Import and Export of Goods. Article 2 In any of the following situations, the State may apply the export quota license or export license administration: 1. It is needed to restrict exports to safeguard the State safety or the public interests; 2. It is needed to restrict exports because of short domestic supply or the need to protect domestic resources that might be used up; 3. It is necessary to restrict exports of agriculture, animal husbandry or fishery products in any form; 4. It is needed to restrict exports according to the provisions of the international conventions or treaties that the People's Republic of China has entered into or accessed to. Article 3 The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as "MOFTEC") is the department of centralized administration of the export licenses of the whole country and is responsible for formulating ordinances, rules and regulations of export license administration, promulgating the commodity catalog of export license administration, supervising and inspecting the enforcement of the provisions of export license administration and punishing the violations of rules. Article 4 MOFTEC shall authorize the quota license bureau (hereinafter referred to as the "license bureau") to uniformly administrate and direct the issuance of export licenses of the license issuing agencies of the whole country, and the license bureau shall be accountable to MOFTEC. Article 5 The license bureau and the accredited representatives' offices under the MOFTEC sent to localities entrusted by the license bureau to issue the licenses (hereinafter referred to as the "representatives' offices") and the committees (departments, bureaus) of foreign trade and economic cooperation of the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and municipalities separately listed on the State plan (hereinafter referred to as the "license issuing agencies of the localities") are the export license issuing agencies, which shall be responsible for the license issuing work within the authorized scope under the uniform administration of the license bureau. Article 6 Export licenses are the legal basis by which the State administrates the exit of goods. For all the commodities under the export quota license administration and the export license administration, import and export enterprises of various kinds shall apply to the designated license issuing agencies for drawing the export licenses, and customs officials shall accept the declaration and release the commodities, if it is in order, after examination based on the export licenses. Article 7 No one may trade, transfer, forge or alter the export licenses. Chapter 2 Issuance of Export Licenses Article 8 All the license issuing agencies shall, strictly according to the requirements of the annual Commodity Catalog under Export License Administration (hereinafter referred to as the Commodity Catalog) and the Catalog of Graded Issuance of Export Licenses (hereinafter referred to as the Graded Issuance Catalog) promulgated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses for the relevant export commodities within 3 workdays of the day of receipt of applications, and may not issue the licenses in violation of the rules. Where the whole country's import and export enterprises of various kinds export the commodities listed in the Commodity Catalog, they shall apply to the license issuing agencies as designated in the Graded Issuance Catalog for drawing the export licenses. Article 9 The license bureau, the representatives' offices and the license issuing agencies of the localities shall issue the export licenses strictly according to the Graded Issuance Catalog promulgated by MOFTEC. The details are as follows: 1) License issuance scope of the license bureau: 1. issuing export licenses within the scope authorized by the Graded Issuance Catalog according to the Graded Issuance Catalog provided by MOFTEC. 2. export licenses for the enterprises in Beijing are under the central administration. 3. export licenses needed for State units that have not met the qualifications for import and export management to transport goods out of China. 2) License issuance scope of the representatives' offices: 1. issuing the export licenses for the various kinds of import and export enterprises in the associated areas, the enterprises under central administration in the associated areas and the subsidiary companies, of which the quotas are under local administration, of the enterprises in Beijing under central administration; 2. issuing the export licenses for the commodities needing quota bidding and paid use of quota of the various kinds of import and export enterprises in the associated areas; 3. issuing the export licenses for the other commodities prescribed by MOFTEC. 3) License issuance scope of the license issuing agencies of the localities: 1. issuing the export licenses for the various kinds of import and export enterprises of their respective localities according to the Graded License Issuance Catalog provided for by MOFTEC; 2. the export licenses needed for the units without qualifications for import and export management of the localities to transport goods out of China. 3. issuing the export licenses for the other commodities provided by MOFTEC. 4) Commodities for which the licenses are issued by the designated license issuing agencies: For all the commodities for which the licenses shall be issued by the designated license issuing agencies, the various kinds of import and export enterprises of the whole country shall all go through the procedures for drawing up a license at the designated license issuing agencies. The designated license-issuing agency of the main place of origin shall formulate the license issuance measures with respect to the commodities for which the licenses issuance is authorized by the Graded License Issuing Catalog according to these Provisions, and shall implement those measures after reporting to and obtaining approval from MOFTEC. 5) The on-line application for drawing export licenses shall be handled according to the relevant procedures and provisions. Article 10 The license issuing agencies may not issue the export licenses without quota, exceeding the quotas, beyond their authorities or beyond the license issuance scope. The functionaries of the license issuing agencies may not, in the performance of their duties, practice favoritism and frauds, abuse the powers, neglect their duties or take the advantage of their duties to accept or demand property from others. Article 11 Export license administration shall apply the "one license for one customs" system and the "one approval for one license" system, however, the system of "one approval for one license" is not applicable to any of the following situations: 1) commodities under export license administration of enterprises with foreign investment; 2) commodities under export license administration in compensation trade; 3) other commodities under export license administration not applying the "one approval for one license" as prescribed in the Commodity Catalog. Article 12 No unit or individual may change the contents of the license once the license is issued; if it is needed to change the contents of the license, the original license issuing agency shall take back the original license within the valid term and reissue the export license. @@page@@ Chapter 3 Documents Needed to Submit for Application for Drawing Export Licenses Article 13 Export license application form and export contract Various kinds of export enterprises shall, when applying for export licenses, submit the export contracts (original and copy) of the relevant export commodities to the license issuing agencies, and shall fill in one piece of application form for export license (original) carefully and truthfully. Article 14 Certifications of export quota. Various kinds of export enterprises shall, when applying for export licenses for the commodities under export quota administration, submit one piece of the documents of approval (copy) for the quota of the relevant export commodities. In case of exports of commodities for which paid bidding for export quota shall be conducted, the list of the bid-winning enterprises and the Certificate for the Transfer and Acceptance of the Commodity Quotas Inviting Bids or the Certificate for the Application for Export License for the Commodity Needing Quota Bidding. Article 15 Certifications proving that the export enterprise has the power of export management. This document refers to the Qualification Certificate for Import and Export Enterprise of the People's Republic of China, in case of exports of the commodities managed by the designated export enterprises, the ratification documents of MOFTEC shall be provided. Article 16 Prices of export commodities shall be in accord with the export prices recommended by the chambers of commerce. The license issuing agencies shall stress on the examination and verification of the prices of export commodities when examining the export contracts, the commodity prices on the export licenses issued shall be the same as the prices in the export contracts; but when the prices in the export contracts are lower than the recommended export prices fixed by the relevant chambers of commerce, the license issuing agencies shall refuse to issue the export licenses. Chapter 4 Basis for Issuance of Export License Article 17 The license issuing agencies shall, according to the scope of the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses according to the following provisions: 1) For the export commodities under quota license administration, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents by which MOFTEC or the committees (departments, bureaus) of the provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government and municipalities separately listed on the State plan (hereinafter referred to as the "departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation of the localities") distribute the quotas, and based on the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. 2) For the exports of commodities applying paid bidding for quotas, the export licenses shall be issued based on the list of the bid-winning enterprises and the quantities of bid-winning promulgated by MOFTEC, the Certificate for the Application for Export License for Commodities Applying Quota Bidding or the Certificate for the Transfer and Acceptance of Commodities Applying Quota Bidding, and the export contracts (original and copy) of the bid-winning enterprises. 3) For the exports commodities applying free quota bidding, the export licenses shall be issued based on the list of the bid-winning enterprises and the quantities of bid-winning promulgated by MOFTEC, the certificates for bid-winning or the certificates for transfer and acceptance issued by the bidding offices, and the export contracts (original and copy) of the bid-winning enterprises. 4) For the exports commodities under the administration of paid use of quota, the export licenses shall be issued based on the Certificate for Application for Export License of Commodities Applying Paid Use of Quota and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. 5) For the exports of nuclear products and the exports of nuclear dual-use products and relevant technologies, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC and the export contracts (original and copy) of the enterprises. 6) For the exports of chemicals with potential to generate poison, the export licenses shall be issued based on the Reply on Export of Chemicals with Potential to Generate Poison of MOFTEC and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. 7) For the export of heavy water, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents of approval of the State Leading Group Office of the Performance of the pact on Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. 8) For the export of computers, the export licenses shall be issued based on the Examination Form of Export Computer Technologies approved by MOFTEC and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. 9) For the exports of chemicals under supervision and control, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents of approval of the State Leading Group of the Performance of the pact on Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the export contracts (original and copy) of the enterprises. 10) For the exports of ozone-depleting materials, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents of approval handed down by the Administration Office of Import and Export of Ozone-Depleting Materials and the export contracts (original and copy) of the enterprises. 11) For other export commodities under export license administration, the export licenses shall be issued based on the documents of approval or the provisions of MOFTEC, and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. Article 18 For the commodities in processing trade under export license administration, the license issuing agencies shall, according to the Commodities Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog, issue the export licenses based on the Certificate of Approval for Processing Trade Businesses issued by the examination and approval organs authorized by MOFTEC and the relevant documents of approval for exports (excluding the commodities under the export quota administration but occupying no quota), the Registration Manual of Processing Trade of the customs and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises. Article 19 Where enterprises with foreign investment export the self-produced commodities under the export license administration (including the re-exported commodities of processed import materials), the following procedures shall be followed: 1) For the exports by enterprises with foreign investment that have been approved, the license issuing agencies shall issue the export licenses based on the number of export quotas of enterprises with foreign investment granted by MOFTEC, for the exports of the commodities applying paid bidding, paid use of and free bidding for export quotas, the relevant documents of approval as prescribed in Article 17 shall be attached. 2) For the enterprises with foreign investment that have been approved before the adjustment of the catalog of commodities under export license administration and whose export products have newly become the commodities under license administration as a result of the adjustment, MOFTEC may ratify the export quotas of the enterprise with foreign investment according to the approved business scope, and the production and export scale, and the license issuing agencies shall issue the export licenses based on the number of export quotas of the enterprise with foreign investment granted by MOFTEC. 3) The investment projects of enterprises with foreign investment involving the exports of commodities under export license administration shall be reported to MOFTEC for approval at the stage of project initiating, only after that may they go through examination and approval according to the examination and approval procedures. For the projects failing to get the aforesaid approval, MOFTEC shall not grant the export quotas and the license issuing agencies shall not issue the export licenses. Article 20 Where Chinese-foreign equity joint ventures, Chinese-foreign contractual cooperative enterprises and solely enterprises with foreign investment set up overseas and in Hong Kong or Macao by China need domestic supplies of the commodities under export license administration after establishment and start of production, the license issuing agencies shall issue the export licenses according to Article 17 of these Provisions based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC and the Certificate of Approval for Overseas Enterprises issued by the MOFTEC or the Certificate of Approval for Overseas Processing Trade Enterprises issued by the MOFTEC. Article 21 Where the enterprises with the approval of MOFTEC have the qualifications for foreign economic and technological cooperation management export equipment (including complete sets of equipment), materials, construction appliances, and the articles for personal daily use for the purpose of performing the contracts of foreign (overseas) contacting projects, labor cooperation, design consultation, resource development and other projects, the exports shall be administrated according to the following provisions: 1) For the commodities not subject to export license administration, the customs shall examine and release them if in order after examination based on the documents of approval and the certificates of approval of MOFTEC and export contracts (original and copy) of the enterprises. 2) For the commodities under export license administration, the license issuing agencies shall, according to the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses to the enterprises under central administration based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC and the contracts (original and copy) of valid projects, and issue the export licenses to the local enterprises based on the documents of approval of the departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation of the localities and the contracts (original and copy) of the valid projects. 3) For the commodities applying paid bidding for quotas and paid use of quotas, the license issuing agencies shall, according to the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses based on the documents of approval of the department in charge of the paid bidding for quotas and paid use of quotas of MOFTEC. Article 22 Commodities for self-use needing to be transported out of China in the exports of complete sets of equipment: 1) For the commodities under export license administration, the license issuing agencies shall, according to the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses based on the contacts of exports of complete sets of equipments signed by the units authorized by MOFTEC; 2) The commodities applying paid bidding for quotas or paid use of quotas shall be dealt with according to item 2) of Article 21 of these Provisions. 3) The commodities not subject to export license administration shall be dealt with according to item 3) of Article 21 of these Provisions. Article 23 For the commodities under export license administration for repayment of foreign loans or under the compensation trade projects, the license issuing agencies shall, according to the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issue the export licenses based on the export quotas for repayment of foreign loans or for compensation trade granted by MOFTEC. When the enterprises without the power of foreign trade management engage in the businesses of repayment of foreign loans or compensation trade, they shall entrust the enterprises with the power of foreign trade management to handle the exports as an agent, and the agent enterprises shall handle the formalities for drawing up the export licenses. Article 24 When applying for export licenses, export enterprises shall make the declaration according to facts and may not make fraudulent claims, and it is strictly prohibited to obtain the export licenses through deceitful means such as false contracts, false letters of credit, etc. @@page@@ Chapter 5 Handling of Exceptional Situations Article 25 Principles for handling of greater of fewer export quantities. More or less goods shall be the goods of large quantities or in bulk. The more or less quantities shall be dealt with according to the international trade practices, that is the more or less quantities of the declared export goods may not exceed 5% of the export quantities as listed in the export licenses. For those not applying the system of "one approval for one license", the greater or fewer quantities of the last batch of export goods may not exceed 5% of the actual export quantities of the last batch. When issuing licenses for this kind of export commodities, the license issuing agencies shall issue strictly according to the export quota quantities and the quantities ratified by the documents of approval, and shall verify and deduct the quota quantities based on the quantities actually granted by the licenses, and may not issue the licenses based on the export quota quantities or the quantities ratified by the documents of approval plus the more or less quantities allowed by the international trade practices. Article 26 Where the import materials in processing trade and the finished products after processing to be re-exported are the commodities prohibited from export by the State, the processing trade enterprises shall apply for the export licenses based on the Certificate of Approval for Processing Trade Businesses issued by the examination and approval organs of processing trade at various levels, the Registration Manual of Processing Trade of the customs and the export contracts (original and copy) of the export enterprises, and the customs shall supervise, examine and release the goods if in order after examination based on the export licenses. Article 27 The exports of commodities under export license administration in foreign economic aid projects may be exempted from the export licenses. Provisions on the basis of release shall be separately formulated and promulgated by MOFTEC, the General Administration of Customs and the State Administration of Quality Inspection. Article 28 Provisions on exhibition articles: exhibition articles for sale and small articles for sale that are taken abroad to participate in or for holding exhibitions are as follows: 1) The exhibition articles not for sale under license administration that are taken abroad to participate in or for holding exhibitions shall be exempted from the export licenses, and the customs shall supervise, examine and release the articles if in order after examination based on the documents of approval for exhibitions of the examination and approval departments and the customs declaration of export goods. The units participating in exhibitions shall, within 6 months from when the exhibitions end, transport back exactly the amount of exhibition articles not for sale to be written off after verification by the customs. Under special circumstances, the period may be extended upon the approval of the customs. This provision shall be applicable to the commodities governed by the regulations on the control of exports of nuclear products, nuclear dual-use products and relevant technologies. 2) Where the exhibition articles for sale and the small articles for sale that are taken abroad for participating in or holding of exhibitions are under the export license administration, the units participating in the exhibitions shall, based on the documents of approval, and the notices of exhibition participation and certificates for commodities on display issued by the units sponsoring the exhibitions, apply to the license issuing agencies as prescribed in the Graded License Issuance Catalog for the export licenses without occupying the export quotas. Article 29 Provisions on the exports of sample goods are as follows: 1) Where the export enterprises transport abroad the sample goods or the testing samples of the commodities under export license administration, the export licenses may be exempted for the exports of which each batch is valued at or less than 30,000 Reminbi, and the customs may inspect and release the goods if appropriate after examination based on the declaration form of export sample goods filled in by the enterprises; where each of batch is worth of more than 30,000 Reminbi, the exports shall be regarded as normal exports, and the export enterprises shall apply for the export licenses according to the provisions. The words "sample goods" shall be indicated in the notes of the export licenses. 2) For the sample goods under export license administration that need to be provided to foreign countries for the purpose of cultural exchange or technology exchange: 1. For the sample goods of which each batch is valued at or less than 30,000 Renminbi, the central departments or the enterprises under central administration shall take the documents of approval of MOFTEC to apply for customs declarations, the local departments and the local enterprises shall take the documents of approval of the local departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation to apply for customs declarations, and the customs shall make the examination and release the goods if in order after examination based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC or of the local departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation. The documents of approval for the commodities under export license administration for foreign culture exchange or technology exchange examined and approved by the local departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation shall be reported to MOFTEC for record. 2. For the sample goods of which each batch is worth of more than 30, 000 Renminbi, the central departments and the enterprises under central administration shall report to MOFTEC for examination and approval, the local departments and the local enterprises shall take the documents of approval of the local departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation to report to MOFTEC for record. The license issuing agencies shall, according to the scope of license issuance in the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC, issued the export licenses based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC. The words "sample goods" shall be indicated in the notes of the export licenses for the aforesaid export sample goods. 3) Where the sample goods of heavy water, chemicals under supervision and control, chemicals with potential to generate poison, and of the commodities governed by the regulations on control of exports of nuclear products, nuclear dual-purpose products and relevant technologies are provided to foreign countries, they shall be dealt with as normal exports, and the provisions of item 1) and item 2) of this Article shall not be applicable. Article 30 The commodities under export license administration endowed to foreign countries shall be dealt with according to item 2) of Article 28 of these Provisions. Article 31 Where the enterprises engaged in the petty trades of tour commodities upon the approval of MOFTEC export tour commodities (excluding the commodities under export license administration, the commodities under quota administration and the commodities prohibited by the State from export) valued at or less than 50,000 US dollars, the export licenses shall be exempted, the customs shall handle the formalities of examination and release if in order after examination based on the documents of approval of MOFTEC, the customs declaration of the export goods and the export contracts. Chapter 6 Valid Term of Export Licenses Article 32 Valid term of export quotas. The valid term of export quotas shall be the period on or before Dec. 31 of the current year, except as otherwise prescribed, and the export enterprises shall apply to the license issuing agencies for the export licenses within the valid term of the quotas. Article 33 The license issuing agencies shall, based on the export quotas of the next year granted by MOFTEC and the local departments in charge of foreign trade and economic cooperation, issue the export licenses of the next year from Dec.16 of the current year. The license issuance date of the export license shall be filled as Jan.1 of the next year, and the number of licenses issued shall be included in the license issuance statistics of the next year. Article 34 Valid term of export licenses 1) The valid term of export licenses for commodities under export quota administration shall be 6 months. Where the export licenses need to be used in the next year, the deadline of the valid term of the export licenses shall not exceed the end of February of the next year. 2) For the commodities under the quota administration that are exported in the form of processing trade and do not occupy the export quotas, the valid term of their export licenses shall be verified and determined according to the export term ratified in the Certificate of Approval for Processing Trade Businesses. Where the export term ratified in the Certificate of Approval for Processing Trade Businesses goes beyond the end of February of the next year, the license issuing agencies shall implement the relevant provisions of the Commodity Catalog and the Graded License Issuance Catalog formulated by MOFTEC. 3) The export licenses shall be used within their valid terms, and shall lose effect automatically upon the expiration of the term, and the customs shall not grant release of goods in that case. Article 35 Term extension of the export licenses. 1) Where the export licenses haven't been used within the valid term due to certain reasons, the export enterprises shall apply to the original license issuing agencies for term extension within the valid term of the export licenses, the license issuing agencies shall take the original licenses back and issue anew the export licenses after writing off the original license in the computer administration system of license issuance, and shall indicate the extended use and the license number of the original license in the notes. 2) Where the export licenses have not been used up within the valid term due to certain reasons, the export enterprises shall, within the valid term of the export licenses, apply to the original license issuing agencies for the extension of the part not used, the license issuing agencies shall take back the original licenses, write off the original licenses in the license issuance system, issue anew the export licenses after deducting the amount that has been used, and shall indicate in the notes the extended use and the license number of the original license. 3) Where no application for term extension is filed within the valid term of the license, the export license shall lose effect automatically, the license issuing agencies shall not accept and handle the formalities for license extension, and the commodity quantities of those licenses shall be regarded as being abandoned by the holders of the quotas voluntarily. Article 36 For export licenses under "one approval for one license" administration, each license may only be used once in customs declaration; for export licenses under "non-singular approval for one license" administration, each license may be used for many times in customs declaration, but may not exceed 12 times at most, and the customs shall endorse the "customs examination and release endorsement" the export quantities batch by batch. Article 37 When the license issuing agencies for the commodities under export license administration are adjusted, the original license issuing agencies shall no longer issue the export licenses for those commodities from the day of adjustment, and shall report the applications for license filed by the enterprises prior to the adjustment to the adjusted license issuing agencies. The licenses the export enterprises drawn before the adjustment shall continue to be valid during the valid term. For the licenses not used up within the valid term, the formalities for term extension shall be made at the adjusted license issuing agencies. Chapter 7 Examination and Punishment Article 38 MOFTEC authorizes the license bureau to make regular examinations of the license issuing agencies. The contents of the examinations are the implementation of these Provisions by the license issuing agencies, and the stress shall be put on whether there are problems such as issued licenses exceeding the quotas, lack of quota, beyond the authorities or levels or against the rules, and other problems in violation of these Provisions. The form of examination shall be the combination of the regular or irregular self-examinations by the license issuing agencies and the selective examinations by the license bureau. The license bureaus shall report the examinations to MOFTEC. Article 39 The license issuing agencies shall report the license issuance data without delay according to the provisions of network examination of MOFTEC, and notify the customs at the same time to ensure that the enterprises make customs declarations smoothly and the customs conduct the examinations. The license issuing agencies shall carefully check the examination data fed back by the customs, examine the use of the licenses and find out the existing problems. Article 40 For the license issuing agencies that, in violation of Article 10 of these Provisions, issue the licenses exceeding the quotas, without quota or beyond the authorities or levels, MOFTEC shall, regarding the seriousness of the circumstances, give them the punishments such as warning, suspension or cancellation of licensing authority, etc. Article 41 For the enterprises that, in violation of these Provisions, gain the export licenses through deceitful means, MOFTEC shall, regarding the seriousness of the circumstances, give them the punishments such as warning, suspension or cancellation of the power of export commodity management. For the units participating in exhibitions that, in violation of the relevant provisions of the first clause of Article 28, fail to transport back exactly the amount of the exhibition article not for sale under license administration to be written off by the customs, the customs shall inform MOFTEC, and MOFTEC and the departments of examination and approval of exhibitions shall, regarding the seriousness of the circumstances, give them the punishments such as warning, suspension or cancellation of the qualifications for holding exhibitions abroad. The enterprises that forge or alter the export licenses, trade the export licenses or trade the forged or altered export licenses shall be, according to Article 280 and Article 225 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, handed over to the judicial departments to be investigated for their criminal responsibilities. And MOFTEC shall suspend or even cancel their qualifications for import and export management at the same time. Article 42 Licenses issued exceeding the quotas, without quota or beyond the authorities or levels shall be invalid. The export licenses involved in Article 40 and Article 41 shall be revoked by MOFTEC once verified. For the problems found by the customs in the course of supervision or case handling that involve the aforesaid licenses, the license issuing agencies shall give clear replies. Article 43 Where the violations of Article 10 of these Provisions committed by the functionaries of the license issuing agencies constitute crimes, the criminal responsibilities shall be investigated for according to the relevant provisions of Chapter 8 Crime of Embezzlement and Bribe and Chapter 9 Crime of Malfeasance. Where the violations of these Provisions committed by the functionaries of the license issuing agencies haven't constituted crimes, the functionaries shall be transferred from their posts and be given administrative punishments according to Article 32 and Article 33 of the Provisional Regulations on State Civil Servants. Chapter 8 Supplementary Provisions Article 44 The "export licenses" as used in these Measures shall include export quota licenses and export licenses. Article 45 Where goods of other places within the territory of China enter into the bonded warehouses, bonded zones and export processing zones, the relevant existing provisions shall be implemented. Article 46 The export license administration of border trade shall still be carried out according to the relevant existing provisions. The regulations on application for and issuance of export certificates of textile quotas shall be formulated by MOFTEC separately, but the contents of Chapter 1 and Chapter 7 of these Provisions are applicable to the textile quota export certificate administration. Article 47 These Provisions shall come into force on Jan.1, 2002. And the Several Provisions on Export License Administration (GuanFa [1995] No.760 of MOFTEC) distributed by MOFTEC shall be stopped from implementation simultaneously. Pete Glasier has grown his last giant. After more than 40 years in the patch, the man many growers in Napa fondly credit with having introduced them to the world of giant pumpkins, will soon depart for his native Colorado. This is our final move, Glasier, 86, said last week at his home in Browns Valley. Im retiring from pumpkin growing. Along with his wife and growing partner, Cindi, Glasier will soon return to his Denver-area hometown, bringing a long and storied career as a giant pumpkin grower to an end. Over the years, a search for ideal growing conditions took Glasier far and wide, growing his giant gourds each step of the way, as he puts it, kind of like Johnny Appleseed. After the sale of his family farm in Colorado, Glasier took to growing giant pumpkins full time, a pursuit that led him throughout the Northwest to areas of Washington and Oregon, and finally to Napa. A lengthy list of accolades testifies to his prestige in the grower community. Among these are his 2006 induction into the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth Hall of Fame; countless first place wins and grand prizes in giant pumpkin weigh-offs; and a shattered record in 2007 when he grew a 1,535-pounder, which at the time, Glasier recalled was the biggest pumpkin grown west of the Mississippi. But Glasiers most steadfast legacy may be the giant pumpkin growing community of Napa that many say he was instrumental in developing. Growing a single pumpkin variety genetically manicured to achieve gargantuan sizes and aptly dubbed the Atlantic Giant, Napa growers in recent years have regularly produced record-breaking pumpkins, entering them in weigh-offs throughout the state. We call Pete the master, the teacher, said Jose Ceja, a giant pumpkin grower in Napa who this year placed third in the Uesugi Farms weigh-off near San Martin with a 1,718-pound pumpkin. A personal best for Ceja, the pumpkin grew from a seed that he said was a gift from Glasier. Hes more than a friend, said Ceja, who met Glasier in 1998. Hes always been there. When theres a problem, were pretty sure Petes already been through it. Leonardo Urena, another Napa grower, took first place in the Uesugi weigh-off with a 1,937-pounder. Like Ceja, Urena said he also got his start growing giant pumpkins from Glasier, whom he met in 2000. According to Glasier, when he and Cindi first moved to Napa in 1996 there was only one other giant pumpkin grower in the area. Glasier estimates the city is now home to at least 10 growers, many of whom he personally mentored. He loved to help people get started, said Gary Miller, whom Glasier also introduced to giant pumpkin growing. If someone didnt get (their start) from Pete, they got it from someone who did. Miller met the Glasiers upon their initial move to Napa in 1996. Soon after arriving, Glasier visited Jessel Gallery, owned by Miller and his wife, Jessel. Pete came in and said he was growing giant pumpkins, Miller recalled. Garys eyes lit up and from then on he was hooked, Glasier said. Millers patch now hosts between 30 and 50 plants in a given year. In 2016, he attended seven giant pumpkin weigh-offs. As a landscape designer, Miller said giant pumpkin growing fit right into what I was doing. It was just serendipity I guess. The Glasiers left Napa in 2002 in search of other growing climes, but remained in touch with area growers, including Miller. When the Glasiers considered a return to Napa, Miller told him if he moved back, he could grow in my patch. Glasier accepted the offer and returned to the city in 2004. Three years later Glasier grew his then record-breaking 1,535-pounder in Millers patch. Glasiers personal best would come in 2014 with a pumpkin totaling 2,036 pounds the weight of a grand piano at the Uesugi Farms weighoff. Glasiers pumpkin was outweighed later that year by a 2,058-pounder grown by John Hawkley, another Napan who also credits Glasier as a mentor. The teacher is surpassed by his students a lot of times, Glasier said. Recounting his own origins as a giant pumpkin grower, Glasier said he first came across the oversize gourds in a seed catalog. It said, Atlantic Giant pumpkins grow up to 300 pounds. That was huge back then. Enticed, Glasier soon met Howard Dill, the developer of the Atlantic Giant variety, whom Glasier credits as the godfather of it all. Receiving seeds directly from Dill, Glasier then set about his 40-year career as a giant pumpkin grower, he said, and the rest is history. Measure Z would need an epic comeback to pass and provide a quarter-cent sales tax that could preserve 30,000 acres of open space, an area equal to every Napa County city and then some. We have a slim ray of hope, Land Trust of Napa County CEO Doug Parker said last week. Over half the votes remain to be counted. That slim ray grew only slightly brighter on Wednesday. The county Election Division released results for another 7,892 ballots, bringing the total counted to 42,000, with 39,084 people casting votes in the Measure Z race. Measure Z had 62.91 percent of the vote, up from the Election Night total of 62.48 percent, but needs 66.6 percenttwo thirds to pass. Registrar of Voters John Tuteur said he hopes to release the results for the bulk of the remaining 20,000-plus uncounted ballots by Thanksgiving. He hopes to release the final count in early December. All of this leaves Measure Z with a mathematical chance of winning, but likely needing yes votes on more than 72 percent of the uncounted ballots. The situation remains about the same as when Parker contemplated it earlier in the week. Its possible, but I think we all know its unlikely at this point, Parker said. Measure Z would raise an estimated $8 million annually for 14 years to be overseen by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. Supporters say it would buy 30,000 of open space, but this would be from willing sellers, so no map exists showing precisely where each acre would be. The Open Space District already does such things as manage Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Moore Creek Park. It owns 1,900-acre Spanish Valley and other properties near Lake Berryessa. The backbone of its budget is more than $800,000 annually from the countys transient occupancy tax. Even without Measure Z, the Open Space District still hopes to finish some significant projects. Among them is creating a 711-acre Suscol Headwaters park with hiking trails a few miles southeast of the city of Napa on the Kirkland ranch in Jameson Canyon. The district bought 411 acres last year as Phase 1 using more than $1 million in grants. It is trying to raise money to buy a 300-acre second phase that has yet to be appraised, though the value is increased by 34 acres approved for vineyards. If the election trends hold, the district will have to find a funding source other than Measure Z. District General Manager John Woodbury said the state Department of Transportation could provide money as it seeks to preserve mitigation habitat for the rare California red-legged frog. We have red-legged frog habitat, Woodbury said. Another Open Space District proposed project is to buy the 160-acre Girl Scouts camp called The Cove, which includes the top of 2,677-foot-tall Mount Veeder west of Napa. Otherwise, the Girl Scouts could find a private buyer. The hope of Measure Z coming to the rescue with the needed $700,000 is fading. We have a year to try to scramble and find funding on this, Woodbury said. That is the one thats the biggest concern. Measure Z didnt perform as well as polling in 2015 indicated it might. A survey done by the Land Trust of Napa County showed that 72.8 percent of voters would support a quarter-cent sales tax, well above the two-thirds threshold. Open Space District Board Member Tony Norris said the poorer-than-expected Measure Z showing thus far might be due to voter fatigue. Its a very long ballot, Norris said. The ballot covered both sides of two cards. Voters didnt reach Measure Z until they had passed federal, state and local elected offices and 17 state initiatives. Woodbury noted about 54 percent of the voters approved forming the Regional Park and Open Space District with no money in 2006. Now more than 62 percent are willing to fund it with a tax. Weve come a long way in the last 10 years, he said. Thats the good news. And the majority of people want (the tax). But apparently not two-thirds, the threshold set in California law to raise the local sales tax for a specific purpose. If you are a resident of California, you count as about eight-tenths of a person, at least as far as Article II of the U.S. Constitution counts it. If youre from Wyoming, meanwhile, youre worth more than three average people, or worth nearly four times a California resident. This crazy imbalance is through the magic of something called the Electoral College, an oddity in the Constitution that Americans rediscover every four years and usually dont like all that much. We dont pick the president on the basis of the popular vote, but rather in an indirect manner, using state-by-state results. When you voted for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump (or anyone else) you were actually voting for a slate of electors who had promised to show up at the states meeting of the Electoral College (this year on Dec. 19) and cast their votes for your candidate. The system was designed in part to avoid the volatility of the mood of the masses (a thing that the Founding Fathers feared intensely) but mostly to keep big states from simply rolling over small states. In those days, Virginia was the behemoth, with nearly 20 percent of the American population, followed by Pennsylvania with about 15 percent. Had the Constitution provided for a nationwide vote, the two big states could have allied with one or two of the mid-sized ones New York, Massachusetts, and North Carolina to dominate the choice for executive office. States such as Delaware and Georgia, each with tiny fractions of the population, were not about to have that. So instead they insisted on this indirect system. Each state was granted the number of votes equal to its congressional delegation two senators and however many members of the House of Representatives they had. Since the Constitution guarantees each state at least one Representative, even the smallest state enjoyed at least three electoral votes. The presidential election system was altered a bit by the 12th amendment, but the Electoral College was left in place, meaning it constrains the large states to this day. Look at it this way. Using 2014 estimates, California had a population of around 30 million, according to the Census Bureau, and has 55 electoral votes, the largest state by far on both counts. Wyoming, meanwhile, had just 441,000 residents, by far the smallest even smaller than the District of Columbia but it still enjoys its constitutionally mandated three electoral votes. If you do the math, that means each California elector represents 527,818 residents, while each Wyoming elector represents just 147,000. The average elector nationwide represents 445,870, which means a California resident is worth 84.5 percent of the average American, while each Wyoming resident is worth 303.3 percent. The numbers change a little bit if you take out non-citizens (legal or otherwise) who cant vote, but the basic picture is the same residents of larger states such as California and Texas are wildly underrepresented in the presidential race while residents of small states such as Wyoming and Vermont are wildly overrepresented. California doesnt even have it the worst. Florida is the most underrepresented state, with each elector representing 531,517 residents (California is #2). Thats why it is possible for Donald Trump to lose the popular vote but win the Electoral College (and this is not the first time such a thing has happened). Every few presidential elections there is talk of abolishing the system, but that hardly seems likely. Smaller states are not going to sit still for watching their advantage removed by amending the Constitution. They reason, probably correctly, that were the president chosen by popular vote, a few key metro areas such as Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago would become presidential battlegrounds every four years, while small cities and rural areas would be completely ignored by candidates. There are a couple of other ways to change the system. One would be to remove the arbitrary 435 member limit on the House of Representatives, set by Congress in 1911. The Constitution only sets a hazy limit on the size of the House no more than one member for every 30,000 residents, but that only means the House could be as large as 8,000 members given todays population. If Congress were to raise the size of the House to, say 1,000 members it would provide for more Electoral Votes and reduce (but not eliminate) the imbalance between the largest and smallest states. Nobody, however, seems eager for that kind of crowd on Capitol Hill. One other intriguing possibility would get around the Congress and also avoid having to amend the constitution at all. It is known as the National Popular Vote project. It relies on the fact that states are allowed to allocate their electoral votes however they like most do it in the traditional winner-take-all way, but a few do it in other ways, such as Maine, which allocates them by congressional districts. National Popular Vote, founded in 2006, calls on states to pass laws allocating their electoral votes in line with the national vote total, regardless of the results within their own borders. If enough states do so to guarantee 270 electoral votes the current threshold needed to win the White House the Electoral College would become a mere formality, whether other states like it or not. So far, 10 states and Washington, D.C, have passed such laws, representing 165 electoral votes, though all of those states have made the laws contingent on the idea passing in enough states to guarantee the magic 270, so the system has never been tested. There has been some debate about the effectiveness, or even the legality, of such a system, but it still strikes me as an interesting idea. The NPV website is a wealth of information about the project and the Electoral College as a whole: nationalpopularvote.com. For the moment, however, expect to remain just eight-tenths of a person when it comes time to elect the next president. Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda called for cuts in retiree health benefits one day after the announced sale of the North American unit of DaimlerChrysler to the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. The statement by LaSorda, who will continue to head Chrysler under Cerberus ownership, confirms that the sell-off of Chrysler is the preparation for a wholesale assault on North American auto workers. The sale of the Michigan-based automaker to Cerberus has been widely presented by politicians, the media and the leadership of the United Auto Workers as a blessing for Chrysler workers. The change of ownership, it is said, will help shore up and stabilize the automakers operations and ultimately benefit the workforce. The reality is that Cerberus, a firm notorious for stripping companies of their assets in order to resell them at a profit, is preparing to brutally slash the jobs, wages and benefits of Chrysler workers. Since its founding in 1992, Cerberus has amassed enormous wealth from the contraction, not the expansion, of corporate entities ranging from retail chains to auto parts and supply companies. It has left a trail of battered companies either drastically downsized or dismantled. Last year, for example, Cerberus bought 600 Albertsons supermarkets. Within months it had laid off 1,000 workers. In 2004, Cerberus purchased the Mervyn department store chain. The next year it closed 62 Mervyn stores, eliminating 4,800 jobs. It recently closed a bus plant in Canada and several textile mills in the US. It has also been involved in the downsizing of the car rental firms Alamo and National. The sale of Chrysler to Cerberus will shake the ground under peoples feet in a huge way, Kevin Boyle, a professor at Ohio State University and a noted historian, told the New York Times in a May 14 article entitled Cerberus Emerges from the Underworld. The Wall Street Journal on May 15 quoted Peter Pestillo, the former CEO of auto parts maker Visteon and for a time the Ford executive in charge of UAW talks, as saying, This deal by Cerberus sets things up for very significant changes in Detroit. It will shake up GM and Ford as well. Cerberus, Pestillo continued, doesnt soldier on with bad contracts. They shine things up and sell. Unlike mutual funds, private equity funds operate largely outside of government regulation, since their stock is not publicly traded. They pool huge amounts of private capital seeking the largest return in the shortest time. The modus operandi of firms like Cerberus is not to create profit through the development of new products and technologies, but to plunder the assets of existing companies. An article in the May 14 edition of the German magazine Der Spiegel, entitled Hellhound Snaps up Chrysler, had this to say: Venture capital firms like Cerberus invest in or purchase other companies that are about to go bankrupt. After buying them, they either take control as the largest creditor, rationalize the business and re-sell itor they carve it up into pieces. Originally, Cerberus primarily bought the debt of bankruptcy candidates from their creditors. Since then, the portfolio has expanded to all kinds of problem-ridden assets. Firms like Cerberus have earned the nickname of vulture funds. One asset Cerberus undoubtedly has its eye on is Chryslers profitable auto finance unit Chrysler Financial. Cerberus already owns a majority stake in General Motors Acceptance Corporation Financial Services (GMAC), which it bought from General Motors last year. It is likely that Cerberus will attempt to carve Chrysler Financial, with net assets of $5.5 billion, out of Chrysler and merge it with GMAC, creating a massive and potentially highly profitable entity.@@page@@ Cerberuss owners have reaped enormous profits since the companys start-up in 1992. Company founder, Stephen Feinberg, formerly worked at corporate buyout firm Drexel Lambert, notorious in the 1980s for popularizing so-called junk bonds. Fortune magazine in 1999 listed Feinberg as one of the richest Americans under the age of 40. At that time his net worth was $274 million. According to an October 3, 2005 report in BusinessWeek, some of the top personnel at Cerberus earn up to $40 million a year. An article in CNNMoney from November of 2006 noted that private equity firms returned 22.5 percent on investments, as compared to an average of 6.6 percent for companies included in the Standard & Poors 500 list. Such extraordinary returns are not possible from more traditional business operations, and certainly not from the production and sale of automobiles. The functioning of firms such as Cerberus often involves complex and risky transactions that have absolutely nothing to do with the creation of real value. A piece in the March 16, 2006 edition of USA Today states that the secret of private equity firms is the use of debtusually as much as seventy cents of every dollar they invest. Because they pile debt onto the companies they buy, private equity firms free up their own cash, allowing them to make additional investments and maximize their potential returns. In some cases, private equity fund managers have been accused of taking out loans against the assets of companies they have purchased so as to award themselves fat payouts, regardless of what happens to the takeover target. Underlying the rise of private equity is the ready availability of investment cash. Following the 2000 stock market collapse, private equity became a preference for investors seeking big returns. Increasingly, private equity funds have obtained investment capital from public pension funds, which accounted for about one quarter of all new money raised by private equity firms last year. According to a report in the May 15 New York Times, among the investors in Cerberus are the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension System and the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System. Thus, workers pension funds are being used to help underwrite the takeover and destruction of companies and the consequent elimination of the jobs and benefits of other workers. Further, given the highly speculative nature of private equity ventures, the increasing turn by pension funds to private equity investment is exposing workers retirement benefits to substantial risk. There is already talk in some circles of a private equity debt bubble (Boston Globe, May 1, 2007). The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Hindi word 'jugaad' has clearly resonated with the visiting Israel President Reuven Rivlin who on Sunday sought to connect the colloquial term to the Jewish state of Israel and its style of inventing and working. India's President Pranab Mukherjee, on his part, lauded Israel's conviction in making a mark in agriculture through innovation and technology solutions. The term 'jugaad' -- used by or known to many Indians -- means an ingenious way of getting around a problem or a bottleneck. "Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," Rivlin said while evoking images, memories, and emotions among the audience as it burst into peels of laughter. He was speaking after inaugurating the 12th edition of Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) biennial agro-technology and business fair, Agro Tech 2016, here along with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. "During my visit to India, I learned a new word called 'jugaad'. Jugaad means -- a clever solution born out of trouble. If you know Israel and Israelis, you can guess how quickly I fell in love with this word," Rivlin said as the audience broke into laughter. "Just imagine a small nation, suffering for being different. The State of Israel is Jugaad! Jugaad is the way we think, the way we invent, the way we work," he added. The Israeli President said people in his country had worked hard to make technological innovations and advancements. "We in Israel were concerned about homeland security, but India taught us to think about food security. And this is why we are all here today. India and Israel are both old-new nations," he said. Rivlin said food security is not only about surviving -- it's about thriving. After inaugurating the event, Mukherjee said: "There is much to learn from Israel, a country which has converted its disadvantages to advantages with courage, conviction and fortitude. I am happy to share the platform with the President of Israel, a country that has made a mark in agriculture through innovation, technology solutions and converting its knowledge into value additions." He said Israel had created water and food surplus by successfully using technology. Talking about his experiences during his ongoing visit to India, Revlin said he visited Karnal in Haryana, where Indians and Israelis are developing new varieties of cherry tomatoes, which are an Israeli invention. "When Indian and Israeli experts place solar panels on truck roofs to use solar energy to keep food inside fresh and prevent food waste, they are doing magic together. When Israeli companies and Indian farmers create professional and financial networks to help farmers keep growing crops, they are doing magic together." Mukherjee and Revlin went around a section of the fair, which showcases technological innovations potentially beneficial for the agriculture sector at the Parade Ground here. Israel is the partner country while 12 other countries are participating. Ninety-two domestic and 47 exhibitors are among the participants, including from Canada, Germany, Britain, China, Denmark, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey and the US. Punjab and Haryana are the host states for the four-day expo while Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are the partner states. --IANS js/tsb/vt ( 532 Words) 2016-11-20-18:54:14 (IANS) The Anaj Bank was established in 2014 to provide people to collect money in exchange of grains. Now, the bank is handing over upto five kilograms of grains to the needy in exchange of currency. "We are facing a lot of problems. We are poor people. So, from where do you expect us to get change of Rs. 2000," said Shanti Devi, one of the recipients of grains in exchange of currency. Earlier, there were only 200 accounts in the bank. Now there are around 428. People submit grains over here which are later distributed to the poor.(ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday alleged that an irresponsible West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to incite the people by misguiding them on the central government's move to demonetize high value currency. "As Chief Minister of West Bengal, she must act responsibly. Certainly you can go to the people, find out the difficulties they are facing and you should try and resolve their problems. But today, Mamata Banerjee is acting in a very irresponsible manner by going to the people of Burrabazar area," BJP leader Chandra Kumar Bose told ANI. Bose said the decision to demonetise is a historic one taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb black money in circulation and to fight terror money. "She is trying to incite the people by misguiding them against the Central Government. This is a historic decision taken by Narendra Modi ji to curb black money in circulation, to fight the terror money that is being used and also the fake currency. Since independence, no other Prime Minister has taken such a positive step. For the first time, a milestone decision has been taken by the Prime Minister. I think all political parties must support this decision," he added. Banerjee yesterday visited the Burrabazar area of Kolkata to listen to the woes of the people at the time people are facing cash shortage after the announcement of the demonetisation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8. Soon after meeting them, Banerjee in a series of tweets said that people cannot access their own saving accounts after the move, which is being restricted because of the cash crunch. Pointing out that the whole rural nation, including farmers, are crying after the ban on Rs. 500 and Rs. 1, 000, she asked if food is not available for them, what will they eat? Expressing her sympathy for bank staff across the country working day and night for the services of the people, she added that all are under pressure. Last Wednesday, she led a protest march on the issue to the Rashtapati Bhawan along with leaders of National Conference, AAP and NDA constituent Shiv Sena. Banerjee had issued an ultimatum of three days to the Central Government to rollback demonetisation or face intensified protest. (ANI) Sri Lanka Coast Guard arrested eleven Indian fishermen and confiscated two mechanized fishing trawlers on the alleged charges of poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters, last evening. Official sources said the fishermen, hailing from Rameswaram were arrested by the Coast Guard when they were fishing in Sri Lankan waters North West of Delft Island. They were handed over to Assistant Director of Fisheries at Jaffna for onward action. UNI GSM CS 1115 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1030584.Xml Pandemonium was the overriding sentiment at the railway station here as distraught relatives of passengers who were aboard the ill-fated Indore-Patna Express, which derailed in the vicinity of Kanpur in the wee hours today, thronged to learn about the status of their kin but Railway authorities proved unable to provide precise details vis--vis casualties. A Western Railway official told UNI over phone that the helpline numbers include Indore 07311072, Ratlam 074121072, Ujjain 07342560906, Nagda 073661072, Urai 051621072, Jhansi 05101072, Kanpur 05131072, Allahabad 05321072, Aligarh 05711072 and Patna 06122202290.UNI RL-AC CJ SHS 1155 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1030610.Xml "The location for the meeting would be decided soon. Party leader Ashish Khaitan, who is reaching Lucknow today will discuss the preparations with volunteers," said Mr Maheshwari. "Demonetisation has resulted in long queues outside banks and post offices waiting for hours to exchange currency," he said. AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal has been opposing the move citing problems faced by the masses. Recently the AAP convenor shared a stage in Delhi with West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee to protest the move. AAP sources claimed that the planned rally will be held at Rifa-e-Aam Club near Lucknow City railway station. Party leaders plan to meet people from different sections who have been facing hardship due to demonetisation.UNI MB SHS 1028 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1030521.Xml Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will inaugurate his dream project six- lane Agra-Lucknow Greenfield Expressway tomorrow in the presence of his father and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on the eve of his 78th birthday. However, this inaugural function, which will be held at Khambauli in Bangarmau of Unnao district, would be of a different kind where fighters jets will take part to mark the grand inaugural ceremony of the expressway presenting a spectacular air show and even landing on the new expressway. Agra-Lucknow Expressway, which stretches 302-km, is the most ambitious project of the chief minister. It has been completed in a record time of 23 month and has cost of Rs 13,200 crore but will be open for public only in December this year. According to reports, 11 Indian Air Force (IAF) jets will land and take-off from the expressway to test the quality of build. These jet fighters will release tri-coloured smoke. The fighter jets have even went for a trial on Friday last when eight of them touched the expressway and gave an air show. However, the grand inauguration would be held in the absence of senior IAS officer and the man behind the early completion of the expressway, Navneet Saighel, the chief of the UPEDA, who was critically injured along with three others when he met with a road accident on the expressway after reviewing the preparation of the inaugural function on Friday afternoon. The Agra-Lucknow expressway will pass through Unnao, Hardoi, Kanpur, Kannauj, Etawah, Mainpuri and Firozabad. It will also shrink the travel time between Agra and Lucknow to just three and a half hours and to Delhi in five and a half hrs. The expressway crosses 10 districts after government acquired 3500 hectare of land from 30,456 farmers of 250 villages without any dispute. The government is also setting up agriculture mandis in Mainpuri and Kannauj on the side of the expressway while 3 lakh saplings have been sowed for the green belt on the both sides of the expressway. However the the Indian Air Force(IAF) has chosen a 3 kilometers long stretch between Bangarmau and Ganj-Moradabad on the expressway for the landing of the fighter jets. Last year, an IAF Mirage 2000 had landed successfully on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh which is between Agra and Noida.UNI MB CJ SHS 1110 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-1030552.Xml Due to consequent drought in this district,the crop loss was estimated at 40 per cent resulting in foodproduction being hit this year. The final report submitted to the state government indicates thatout of 1,36,823 hectares of cereals sown, 66,490.34 hectares havebeen affected with low yield consequent to drought. Out of the 66,490.34 hectares, there is more than 33 per cent ofcrop loss in 60,706 hectares. Joint Director of Agriculture Mr Somasundaram told UNI that thecereals affected include Rice, Jowar, Ragi and Maize. While paddy cultivation was taken up on 72,499 hectares of landin the district crop on 14,670 hectares has been affected. But the bulk of maize is expected to be wiped out due to lowyield and stunted growth consequent to the drought. Maize was cultivated on 43,818 hectares of which due to drought34,884.88 hectares was affected. Pulses were cultivated on 61,116hectares of which crop less than 31,928 hectares has been affectedand the yield is expected to be negligible. The major pulses grown in Mysuru during the kharif season includetoor, horse gram, black gram, green cram, avare, cowpea etc. Overall, food grains, comprising cereals and pulses, werecultivated on 1,97,939 hectares of land of which standing crops on98,418.34 hectares have been affected. Production of oil seeds is also set to be hit due to drought andthis includes groundnut, sesamum sunflower, mustard, soybean among others. Mr Somasundaram said the government will extend assistance by wayof input subsidy at the rate of Rs.6,800 per hectare to theaffected farmers. He said that this year's drought was severe and all seven talukshave been declared as drought-hit while five taluks weredrought-affected last year. While drought has taken a toll on food grains and oil seeds,commercial crops fare marginally better. Out of 1,12,385 hectaresof land brought under commercial crops, like cotton, sugarcane andtobacco, standing crop on 32,496 hectares has been affected as onNovember 10,2016, according to the report. In all, an area of 3,16,460 hectares of land was brought underagriculture in the district during the kharif season this year ofwhich crop on 1,33,987.36 hectares has been badly affected. The crop damage has been highest in areas where agriculture isconducted under rain-fed conditions.MORE UNI BSP CS 1031 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1030531.Xml Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today led a host of leaders in condoling deaths of more than 90 people in derailment of 14 bogies of Indore-Patna express near KanpurDehat station in Uttar Pradesh early this morning. Expressing his deep shock over the death of more than 90 people and Mr Kumar, also a former railway minister, said the state government would extend all sort of assistance to family members of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries in one of the worst train accidents in recent memory near Kanpur Dehat station. "A team of officials headed by principal secretary of the state disaster department Pratyay Amrit has been sent to Kanpur for providing assistance and better coordination to ensure relief to the victims from Bihar", Chief Minister added. RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and former railway minister also expressed his shock over the incident and tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear about loss of lives due to derailing of Patna-Indore Express. My best prayers and thoughts with injured and affected families". Union Minister of state for Human Resources Development department Upendra Kushwaha while condoling the death said it was most painful and unfortunate. Railway administration was continuously doing its job to carry out relief and rescue operation and provide assistance to the affected families, he stated. UNI KKS-IS AKM 1324 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-1030710.Xml Enthused over the initial test success ofRuston-2, the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, DRDO has decidedto produce 10 such pilot less aircraft and hope to seek its inductionin Indian Armed Forces in near future, DRDO Director General SChristopher today said. Briefing newspersons over the recent development of the platformstaken up by the state-run Defense Research Organisation, he said thetest flight of Rustom-2, rechristened as Tapas 201, a mediumaltitude long endurance (MALE) UAV had met theinitial expectations and the Rs 1500 crore programme was on line. Asked when the defence forces would deploy the UAV, the officialsaid the developmental programme was now on and the organisationexpects that the UAVs would be inducted in the defence forces later. However, developers of the UAV was non-committal of the UAVs combatcapabilities but promised sprucing up the aircraft with a continuousupgrade programme. The Tactical Air-Borne Platform-Beyond Horizon 201 (Tapas-BH 201)as Rustom-2 promises much for Make In India campaign of the Modigovernment and could prove a success if the developmental process isput on a fast track. The first flight will be followed bydevelopment of nine more prototypes of the advanced UAV for testing,after which the certification process will start. Mr Christopher exuded confidence on going forward with theindigenous UAV on the lines of LCA Tajas which had proved itsability and ready to be deployed in the armed forces, both in AirForce and Navy. ''We will produce 10 such Tapas aircraft and the team, includingthe ground based pilots are on their work. After we fly these wewill proceed towards certification,'' he said. The DRDO Chief said it would take at least one year of continuouseffort and young engineers of DRDO were working hard to make it asuccess and seek to get an order from Armed Forces and the inductionof indigenous UAVs into the National use. Speaking on the updates of indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas which is now inducted into armed forces, he said DRDO wasworking to ensure production of Tejas to meet placement of anadditional 83 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), taking thetotal orders of LCA to 123. IAF had initially ordered 40 LCAaircraft of MK-1 and stepped it up by another 83. He said while the first 20 LCAs for IAF will go as per theInitial Operational Configuration (IOC), all efforts are being madeto incorporate other changes mandated for the final operationalclearance (FOC) for the second 20 aircraft. The remaining 83 aircraft will see improvements made in avionicsand weaponary capability and this include the next version of LCA Mk2. However, DRDO will have to work hard to get the FinalOperational Clearance for Tejas which may run over the 2017deadline, sources said. Meanwhile the DRDO top brass today indicated revival of nearlyscrapped indigenous Kaveri jet engine programme and said it waslooking at private hand-holding to become fit for certification andit is hoping to fit it into an LCA prototype in two years. DRDO DG (aero) CP Ramanarayanan said, during the press conferencethat, talks are on with private firm Snecma, which was ready to helpthe programme under the offset clause. The Kaveri programme, originally conceived to power the LCA fleethas not managed to meet requirements and now talks are on for otheruses for the engine, including power generation for the Indian Railways. Funds to the extent of Rs 2,105 crore has already been spend onthis aero engine programme but with little success. The latest planto revive it with Snecma's help will see another Rs 500 crore ormore being spent.UNI RS HVB CS 1509 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-1030835.Xml On the 12th day after the demonetisation move, the capital continued to witnessa majority of the ATMs running dry, even though the serpentine queues have shortened in some areas.Despite the queues some people welcomed the Centre's move. Describing the government's move in the interest of the nation, a senior citizen at a queue at an ATM in Vasant Kunj said,'' Modiji's step is historic. I don't mind standing in queues as long as nation benefits. This is little trouble in the larger interest of the country.''While people rushed towards ATMs for cash withdrawal, people were happy that several ATMs were working but there were also numerous complaints that ATMs were non functional in many busy areas.Bank personnel got weekend break today after a 15-day spell as last week banks functioned on both days - Saturday and Sunday."I travel back to Delhi every weekend to be with my family. Today I am glad to be here again after a fortnight," said Deepak Mehta, who works in a PSU bank at Panipat."Some relief was in sight today after long time. But most ATMs are not functioning and so the queue will grow longer soon," said Samson Thomas in East Delhi standing in front of a functional ATM.Many people said they withdrew cash from some ATMs till late last night.In some locations in Mayur Vihar people were accommodating and helping senior citizens and women giving them preference to withdraw money first."The overall situation seems to be improving with each passing day," said a visibly jubilant Ashutosh Chowdhury in South Delhi.There has been an atmosphere of comparative relief in banks on Saturday and many customers lauded the patience with which bankers were discharging their duties.However, the younger lot seemed to be still unhappy with the government decision on demonetisation especially on the poor implementation."The cash crunch continues at most ATMs in Rohini area in North Delhi," said Kartik Kumar, a college student.Authorities announced yesterday that all banks on Saturday could serve only their respective customers and will not exchange the old 'banned' Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes from customers of other banks.The restrictions, however, were not applicable on senior citizens. In many areas the people were initially found criticising the government's move as taken in haste.Even in Chandni Chowk which is the hub of transaction of black money in the national capital, the business has ceased to exist. A trader said,' Crackdown by government has led to our exchanges being stopped completely. It's a big loss for us.The business may or may not revive. But for the time being , it's a shut case.''UNI SY-XC AE 1607 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0093-1030876.Xml President Pranab Mukherjee today said India has achieved good growth rate in spite of adverse economic conditions worldwide.He said the economic activities have shifted from Europe to China and India as the country has contributed substantially in the world economy.Inaugurating the Agro Technology and Business Fair 2016, organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here, the President said, "we are a large and emerging economy and making progress in many areas."President Mukherjee commended the government efforts in recent past and said,"in all areas, we are making efforts through various schemes like 'Make in India', 'Clean India', 'Digital India', 'Smart India."He said, "in the field of economy and agriculture, we can learn a lot from Israel how to make disadvantages into advantages."The President added that at the time of Independence we were 35 million people which has become 1.3 billion and yet we have become self-reliant in many areas, including agriculture produce.On the occasion Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said, ''farmers bought green revolution in Punjab and Haryana. But now there is a problem of water. Our government has take many steps.''He said that government is trying to make sure to provide water to every farm. Our government has solved the problem of Urea. There is sufficient stock of Urea in the country.The Agriculture Minister said government is providing 40 per cent subsidy on machines to farmers. He added that new technology is the need of the hour. We must focus on it.He accepted that only MSP can not enhanced the income of farmers.we must adopt other methods to provide enhanced income to farmers. We are providing facilities of Mandie's to most of the farmers.He added that India has become No.1 is milk production. To take it further more steps are being taken. Fisheries production has grown by 7 per cent."In pulses we had shortfall in the past, but now it is going to 75 per cent more production in it. Country will become self reliant in case of pulses in next 3 years," he added.Israeli President Reuven Rivlin mentioned "Jugad" and said Jugad is the thing we do. India also works on Jugad. So, it is not wonder why we are friends.He added that India's challenge is food security and for that we are here. Both the country doing magic together in solar and will do magic in agriculture."Israeli companies brings technology. Our friendship will make a wonderful India. We will make in India and we will make with India, " he said.UNI ADP AE 1537 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030847.Xml Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh is leading a high-level military delegation comprising senior military officers to China on a four-day visit from November 21-24. During his visit, the Army Chief will be visiting important military installations and is scheduled to meet a number of high ranking dignitaries of PLA and CMC, an official statement said here today. "This visit is an opportunity to re-engage PLA in field of defence cooperation and build upon existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations. The delegation will also be visiting military installations, including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades," the statement said. The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and Peace keeping training. The visit comes amidst growing stronger economic and military ties between the emerging Asian giants and follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges between the two neighbours. The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise ''Hand-in-Hand'', between two armies which is underway in Pune and will be followed by visit of General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA in second week of December.UNI MK AE 1541 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030865.Xml Mr Chouhan said the government would also bear the expenses of the treatment of the injured persons which would be additional to the compensation amount. The Chief Minister said a team of officials from Chhatarpur was sent to the accident spot. The officials were collecting information about the affected passengers. He said a control room was set up in Bhopal railway station to provide information about the accident. The number of the control room is 1079. Seven passengers, who died in the train and 35 others sustained injuries, had boarded from various railway stations the Bhopal circle of the West Central Railway zone. According to a spokesman of the Bhopal circle, the list of 105 deceased would be announced soon. UNI PKJ-BDG AE 1527 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1030831.Xml Three smugglers with huge quantity of foreign liquor were arrested from two separate places in West Champaran district,police said today.Acting on a tip off, police raided the house of one Omprakash Upadhyay, a native of Koilgama village under Shikarpur police station area, leading to the seizure of 25 cartons of foreign liquor. Omprakash was arrested soon after recovery of the liquor from his house."Omprakash used to bring foreign liquor illegally from Haryanaand sell it to local people," police said. He is being interrogated in this connection.In another operation, a total of 1,300 bottles of foreign liquor were seized while it was being ferried in a boat in Gandak river from Nepal. Two smugglers were arrested while another escaped by jumping intothe river, police said, adding that both were being interrogated.UNI XC KKS AD1617 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1030927.Xml UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya said Mr Modi had declined his formal welcome as he wanted to pay his condolence to the deceased passengers. Addressing a rally later, Mr Modi said the Centre would provide all compensation to the families of the deceased and njured. He added a probe has been ordered to find out the reason for the accident which occured in Kanpur Dehat district. The Premier also expressed his grief on the death of the people in the accident. Earlier, he launched his flagship housing scheme 'Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojna' here. Designed entirely for the rural masses, the ambitious scheme aims to provide affordable houses to all those living below the poverty line by the year 2022. In addition, the Prime Minister also distributed allotment letters to some beneficiaries of the scheme, which aims to provide about 3 crore new housing units countrywide. He also laid the foundation of several rail projects in the region.UNI MB AKC AE RP1700 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030938.Xml BSP chief Mayawati today hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that if he was really concerned for the people, then he should have visited the train accident spot at Kanpur Dehat district. Claiming that BJP rally in Agra was a total flop today, Ms Mayawati said people have rejected Mr Modi over the currency ban and would teach him a lesson in the next UP elections. "Modi was just doing drama of expressing his sorrow on the death of people, but was not at all interested to visit the spot and know the problems of the injured," she added. In a statement here, the BSP president also questioned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on why he did not visit the spot of the accident. People of the country are facing severe hardship due to the ban on the high currency notes of denomination Rs 500 and Rs 1000 and now, even the labourers were losing their jobs.UNI MB RJ 1958 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1031315.Xml Expressing grief over the death of over 120 people, following the derailment of Indore-Patna Express near Kanpur this morning, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said the government has extended all possible help to the people, who were in distress and announced an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh to the family members of those, who died in the accident. ''It is the responsibility of the State Government to extend help to the people at the time of exigency because hospitals, police and local transport come under the state government. We did not wait for any one and put all the available resources at work, so that people could get relief,'' Mr Yadav told reporters here. He said that police cordoned off the area, so that relief and rescue operation could be carried out peacefully. ''I even asked my ministers to go there and supervise the relief work. To ensure the injured reached hospitals at the earliest, a green corridor was provided to them. All private nursing homes and private hospitals were also asked to remain at alert and admit the injured free of cost,'' he added. As the news broke out, 48 ambulances and a dozen relief vans were rushed to the site. The minor injured were given treatment at the site itself. Besides, 98 state roadways buses were put on alert to shift passengers from the accident site to Kanpur, from where they were sent to their destination. When asked whether the Railway Minister should owe responsibility of the accident and resign, Mr Yadav said ''This is not the time to do politics. Parliament is in session. Questions would be raised inside the House. The priority was to save precious lives. "I spoke to the Railway Minister and have assured that our government will provide whatever help is needed in the rescue operations,'' the Chief Minister said.UNI MB RJ 2004 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-1031356.Xml More than 62.45 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy have so far arrived in the mandis of Haryana whereas during this period last year, about 56.15 lakh MT paddy had arrived in the mandis. Stating this here today, a spokesman for the Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said out of total arrived paddy, 53.50 lakh MT is leviable. The government procurement agencies have procured about 53.18 lakh MT and over 9.26 lakh MT was procured by millers and dealers. He said more than 12.30 lakh MT has arrived in mandis of Karnal, more than 11.24 lakh MT paddy in Kurukshetra, more than 7.27 lakh MT in Ambala, more than 7.23 lakh MT in Kaithal, more than 6.91 lakh MT in Fatehabad, more than 5.28 lakh MT in Yamunanagar, more than 2.96 lakh MT in Jind, more than 1.86 lakh MT in Sirsa, over 1.40 lakh MT in Palwal, more than 1.66 lakh MT in Sonipat, more than 1.21 lakh MT in Panchkula, 78,284 MT in Hisar, 26,720 MT in Faridabad, 4,877 MT in Mewat, 2,085 MT in Rohtak, 2,730 MT in Jhajjar and 993 MT in Gurugram. The spokesman said that more than 22.57 lakh MT of paddy have been purchased by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, more than 18.33 lakh MT have been purchased by Hafed, more than 6.30 lakh MT have been purchased by the Haryana Agro-industries Corporation, more than 5.67 lakh MT have been purchased by the Haryana Warehousing Corporation and 31,389 MT have been purchased by the Food Corporation of India. He said that 27,304 MT of bajra has arrived in the mandis, as compared to 20,527 MT during the corresponding period last year, he added. While traders have purchased 20,963 MT of bajra, government agencies have so far procured 6,341 MT.UNI JS AE 1918 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-1031061.Xml Mr Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each to the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured and provide them free treatment, official sources said. The Chief Minister also called an emergency meeting of officers to review the cooperation in rescue and relief work. Chief Secretary B P Singh and Director General of Police Rishi Kumar Shukla were present in the meeting. Mr Chouhan said efforts are being made to extend help to those affected with the accident. The Chief Minister informed that teams of doctors from Chhatarpur, Sagar and Datia had left for the spot for helping victims of the accident. A Rescue team had left from Chhatarpur, while a team has been sent under the leadership of Datia Collector and the Superintendent of Police, with Dr Mishra. A state control room has been set up in Bhopal to provide necessary assistance and information in this regard. Control room number is 1079. One more control room has been set up in Chhatarpur district and its number is 07682-241500. A control room has been set up in Chhatarpur district collectorate for Indore-Patna express rail accident and its number is 07682-241500, the sources said.UNI BDG RJ 2108 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-1031363.Xml A team of Jammu and Kashmir Police was rushed to Rajasthan, where a youth from the valley allegedly committed suicide after not getting admission in a college under the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS). Meanwhile, initial investigation has revealed that the youth, Tawseef Ahmad Pir, committed suicide after two accused from Kashmir, who were acting as facilitating his admission in the college under the PMSS, deceived him. A Police Spokesperson here tonight said that immediately after getting information regarding the death of Tawseef, the Jammu and Kashmir police got in touch with the Rajasthan police and a team was rushed to Rajasthan to facilitate the formalities as soon as possible. ''As per the initial investigation regarding the death of Tawseef, it has came to the fore that two fellow Kashmiris of the deceased, who were also acting as middlemen, had deceived him," he said, adding that this had probably led him to take the extreme step. Further investigation was going on, he added. The J&K Police party, along with two of his relatives and other friends, after receiving the body, have left Rajasthan and are on way to the valley, the Spokesperson added. ''It was decided to carry the body by road, in view of the weather conditions at Srinagar Airport, where scores of flights have been cancelled due to the bad weather,'' he said. The Spokesperson said the J&K police is in constant touch with the Rajasthan Police to ensure that investigation of the case is expedited and the guilty are brought to book.UNI ABS RJ 2105 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-1031424.Xml Leading think-tank Centre for Civil Society in partnership with Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom launched a Festschrift titled 'Liberalism in India: Past, Present and Future' in honour of Late S.V. Raju, a politician and one of India's strongest liberal voices. The book launch was preceded by a day-long conference featuring prominent Indian economists and public intellectuals such as author and public intellectual Gurcharan Das; founder and chairman, Central Square Foundation Ashish Dhawan; eminent economist Deepak Lal; Lok Satta Party founder J.P. Narayan; Founder & Former CEO, MphasiS Jaithirth Rao among others. Liberalism in India: Past, Present and Future features fifteen essays from eminent sector experts, and policy advisors, and is a key document for visualising the future of liberal movement in India, said a press statement issued by Centre for Civil Society. Editor of the book Parth J. Shah, president, Centre for Civil Society, highlighted the evolution of the project, which was conceptualised as a roadmap for liberal policy-making, and touches upon enduring and emerging social issues as religious freedom, social security, reservations, decentralization, and security in radically networked societies. Affirming the roots of Indian liberal thought, contributor to the volume, Sengupta noted, "Liberalism and plurality is in our history, and it is our future." He stressed the "need to think outside of echo chambers which include people like us." Arguing for decentralisation, contributor to the volume Jayaprakash Narayan said, "Pragmatism demands we devolve power to local levels to sustain a common market" and that "we have created over-structured, underpowered, and irrelevant local governments." Deepak Lal noted that "the most important thing for India is economic liberalism, which would be in support of Panchayati Raj". Some of the interesting ideas and solutions proposed during the conference included revoking the welfare state and to end bureaucracy. Enumerating solutions for unemployment and self-reliance, sustenance and selfhood, Parth J. Shah ideated about providing moral and spiritual support to the unemployed, apart from material assistance. He proposed a new model for direct citizen tax allocations, where each individual could segregate a portion of his tax dues to causes and organisations she believes in. (ANI) In the context of the continuing Ceasefire violations across the IB and LoC and other developments in the recent days, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen D S Hooda and Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today held discussions here. They also discussed the Security challenges in the hinterland and the nature of effective actions required to be taken by the Security forces to enable restoration of complete normalcy in the State, official spokesman said.UNI VBH RSA PR2153 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0104-1031438.Xml The two leaders met Saturday on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, reports Xinhua. The meeting called for joint efforts by China and Russia to push forward the process of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). Xi told Putin that both sides should fully implement the consensus reached at the 2014 APEC Beijing meeting and other meetings in recent years. The FTAAP process was launched at the 2014 Beijing meeting and a roadmap was endorsed. A collective strategic study on the FTAAP was conducted subsequently, as agreed by the APEC members, and the result should be reported to the economic leaders by the end of 2016. During the meeting with Putin, Xi underlined the need for China-Russia cooperation under the APEC framework in a bid to promote the bloc to contribute more to regional and global economic growth. For his part, Putin said Russia and China should strengthen coordination and collaboration in APEC and other multilateral mechanisms. He said that the high-level relationship between Russia and China is very significant for global peace and stability, noting both sides should maintain close contact. The Chinese President called on the two neighboring nations to enhance synergy of their national development strategies, and further integrate the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The two leaders also made in-depth exchange of views on other international and regional issues of shared concern, agreeing to safeguard peace and security in Northeast Asia, Central Asia and other regions neighboring their two countries. (ANI) - Masked gunmen kidnapped two Indonesian fishermen in waters off eastern Malaysia and military units were on alert to intercept them as they headed towards the southern Philippines, the army said on Sunday.Five men snatched the two fishermen late on Saturday from a Malaysian-registered fishing trawler off Sabah. The army suspects the incident could be the work of Abu Sayyaf rebels."The gunmen and their victims sped off towards the southern Philippines," army spokesman, Major Filemon Tan, told reporters, adding ground and naval units were trying to intercept the assailants.Abu Sayyaf operates in the Sulu Archipelago close to Malaysia and was founded with a separatist agenda, pledging allegiance to Islamic State and al-Qaeda.But it is better known for its lucrative acts of banditry and piracy that have not abated, even as Philippine troops step up offensives to dismantle the network.President Rodrigo Duterte discussed the maritime threat of Abu Sayyaf with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak recently, agreeing to cooperate to stop the kidnapping.Abu Sayyaf's tactics are brutal, decapitating hostages when ransom demands are not met.They are holding 22 captives, including a Dutch, a German, a South Korean, five Malaysians, two Indonesians, six Vietnamese and six Filipinos. REUTERS CJ RAI1031 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1030538.Xml The heads of the Pentagon and the US intelligence community have recommended to President Barack Obama that the director of the National Security Agency, Admiral Michael Rogers, be removed from his position, sources familiar with the matter said.The recommendation by Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, first reported by The Washington Post, was delivered to the White House last month.Obama chose Rogers to take over at the NSA in 2014 and tasked him with repairing the damage after the huge leaks about its electronic spying program by contractor Edward Snowden.But there have been other security lapses, the sources said, including the one that led to the arrest of NSA contractor Harold Martin earlier this year.Rogers is being considered as a potential new director of national intelligence by President-elect Donald Trump, a post that oversees all 17 US intelligence agencies.The Washington Post reported that a decision by Rogers to travel to New York to meet with Trump on Thursday without notifying superiors caused consternation at senior levels of the administration, but the recommendation to remove him predated his visit.Rogers is head of both the National Security Agency and the US military's Cyber Command. Carter was also disappointed with the Cyber Command's performance in the war against Islamic State, another source said.The White House, Pentagon, NSA and office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the matter. A Trump campaign spokesman had no immediate comment.The Obama administration wants to split leadership at the National Security Agency and Cyber Command, arguing that the job of leading two agencies with differing missions is too much for one person.But some members of Congress, led by Republican Senator John McCain, the Senate Armed Services Committee chairman, oppose that plan, saying that Cyber Command needs access to the NSA's resources to do its job effectively. REUTERS VS 0638 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1030451.Xml Conservative presidential hopefuls in France face the judgment of voters in a primary race today and the victor looks likely to win the presidency in next spring's election against a resurgent far-right.With the French left in disarray under the deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande, opinion polls suggest that the centre-right presidential nominee will meet and defeat the National Front's eurosceptic, anti-immigration leader Marine Le Pen in a runoff for the Elysee palace next year.Even so, after Britain's shock "Brexit" vote and Donald Trump's surprise US election win, the French presidential vote is shaping up to be another test of strength between weakened mainstream parties and rising populist forces.Former prime minister Alain Juppe, a moderate conservative, had appeared firmly on track to win the nomination of Les Republicains party. But over the past week the contest has been transformed into a nail-biting three-horse race.Juppe has lost his lead in opinion polls to a last-minute surge by another former premier, Francois Fillon. Latest surveys show the two now running neck-and neck with former president Nicolas Sarkozy.Fillon promises to do away with the 35-hour working week, cut half a million public sector jobs and slash the cost of government - tough sells in a country where proposals for market-oriented reform often arouse protests."I'm tagged with a liberal label as one would once, in the Middle Ages, paint crosses on the doors of lepers," Fillon told a rally in Paris on Friday, drawing laughter."But I'm just a pragmatist."DOWN TO THE WIREFor weeks, the bruising campaign battle focused on the duel between Juppe and Sarkozy. The two men present very different policy platforms to counter the populist tsunami that threatens mainstream parties in Europe.Against a backdrop of deadly militant attacks on home soil and Europe's migrant crisis, Sarkozy, 61, styles himself as the voice of France's "silent majority".He vows to ban the Muslim veil from public universities and burkinis from beaches and wants to renegotiate EU treaties, reining in the powers of the European Commission and reforming the Schengen free-travel zone.At a rally in the southern city of Nimes on Friday he warned of a France whose "identity and unity are threatened"."Political Islam is doing battle against our values. There's no room for compromise," he said, speaking in a region that has produced one of the far-right's two National Assembly lawmakers.Juppe, 71, has sought to galvanise the political centre-right, rejecting the "suicidal" identity politics of Sarkozy that he says will deepen rifts between France's secular state and religious minorities.But Juppe has struggled to rouse the passions of voters and all the momentum was against him on the eve of the vote."France needs far-reaching and radical reforms," Juppe told supporters in the northern city of Lille. "But be careful of going too far, we must remain credible."An admirer of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Fillon headed Sarkozy's conservative government between 2007 and 2012. He promises cost-cutting on a scale to which his rivals do not dare commit in a country with one of Europe's highest public spending levels.Much will depend on turnout at the 10,228 polling stations. It is the first centre-right primary in which anyone who pays 2 euros and signs a paper of allegiance to the party's values can vote.Juppe needs a high turnout beyond core party supporters to win. A runoff will be held on Nov. 27 if, as expected, none of the seven candidates wins more than 50 per cent of the vote.An Ifop-Fiducial survey on Thursday forecast an evenly split vote if Juppe and Fillon go head-to-head in a second round. Fillon would comfortably beat Sarkozy, the survey showed.Should Sarkozy or Fillon emerge as her conservative opponent, polls and analysts suggest, Le Pen's electoral prospects would improve.REUTERS VS 0836 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-1030485.Xml - Chinese President Xi Jinping called on Saturday for a "smooth transition" in Beijing's relationship with Washington and praised outgoing President Barack Obama for strengthening ties between the two nations.During a meeting in Peru, Obama again urged all sides in the dispute over the South China Sea to reduce tensions and resolve their disputes peacefully.He also encouraged China to advance economic reforms, including a transition to a market-determined currency exchange rate.The meeting on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific forum is expected to be the last between the two leaders before President-elect Donald Trump enters the White House. Trump has been sharply critical of China."We meet at a hinge moment in the China-U.S. relationship," Xi said at the start of the meeting, through an interpreter."I hope the two sides will work together to focus on cooperation, manage our differences and make sure there is a smooth transition in the relationship and that it will continue to grow going forward," he said.Trump, a Republican, has accused China of being a currency manipulator and promised to slap big tariffs on imported Chinese goods. He has called climate change a "hoax" designed to help Beijing."The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive," Trump wrote in a tweet in 2012.Obama and Xi pushed for an international agreement forged in Paris to combat global warming. Obama called that an example of the benefits of the two countries working together."Now we face the work of making sure our economies transition to become more sustainable," he said.Trump's election has raised questions about whether the United States would try to pull out of the accord, a key legacy accomplishment for Obama, a Democrat.China also helped negotiate the Iran nuclear agreement, another big piece of Obama's foreign policy that Trump has threatened to dismantle."I would like to work with Mr. Trump to expand our two countries' bilateral, regional and global cooperation, control our differences in a constructive manner, and together achieve wins without conflict or confrontation and with mutual respect," Xi said, according to the official Xinhua news agency.Obama did not mention Trump in his remarks in front of reporters.''Mr. President, I would like to commend you for the active efforts you've made to grow this relationship," Xi said to Obama.Obama noted that the two leaders would discuss areas of disagreement, including "the creation of a more level playing field for our businesses to compete, innovation policies, excess capacity and human rights," he said."I continue to believe that a constructive U.S.-China relationship benefits our two peoples and benefits the entire globe," he said.The two leaders addressed the threat of North Korea's efforts to advance its nuclear weapons, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the White House said.Obama also raised the issue of excess capacity in industrial sectors including steel, the White House said, and urged the rapid launch of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, in line with a G20 leaders' agreement in Hangzhou, China. Reuters CJ GC1255 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1030672.Xml US President Barack Obama did in Latin America what he tried to do in Europe: tell worried citizens not to draw negative conclusions about the man he once called unfit to serve in the White House, President-elect Donald Trump.In the last stop of an international farewell tour that included visits to Greece and Germany, Obama continued his efforts to calm anxieties since Republican businessman Trump beat Democratic rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the U.S. presidential race."My main message to you ... and the message I delivered in Europe is don't just assume the worst," Obama told a group of young people during a question-and-answer session in Peru on Saturday."Wait until the administration is in place, it's actually putting its policies together, and then you can make your judgments as to whether or not it's consistent with the international community's interest in living in peace and prosperity together."Trump won the election after promising to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico, rip up trade deals and ban Muslims temporarily from entering the United States.Obama has sought to soothe fears by pledging to ensure a smooth transition of power and expressing optimism that the president-elect would shift away from inflammatory campaign rhetoric once he faced the realities of the job."It will be important for everybody around the world to not make immediate judgments but give this new president-elect a chance to put their team together, to examine the issues, to determine what their policies will be, because as I've always said, how you campaign isn't always the same as how you govern," Obama said.But Obama has couched his assurances largely in hopeful language that Trump's team would see the merits of policies that Democrats championed despite Trump's pledged to dismantle them, from the Iran nuclear deal to an international pact to fight climate change.And the president, who campaigned vigorously for Clinton and showed visible disdain for Trump before his victory, has offset his words of reassurance with subtle digs at his successor by emphasizing themes of democratic values in Europe and Peru that Trump has been criticized for ignoring."You're seeing some countries that are going backwards rather than forwards in terms of freedom of the press, in terms of freedom of the Internet, in terms of respecting political opposition and civil society," Obama said on Saturday.Trump barred some news organizations from covering events during his campaign and threatened during a televised debate to jail Clinton for her use of a private email server while secretary of state.Though Obama came on his trip able to assure European countries that Trump would respect U.S. commitments to NATO, his other assurances, including for Latin American policy, seemed based more on optimism than knowledge of Trump's plans."With respect to Latin America, I don't anticipate major changes in policy from the new administration," he said, citing trade as a key exception.Trump announced hawkish picks for attorney general, national security adviser, and CIA director on Friday that suggest he is setting up his administration to take a hard line confronting Islamist militancy and curbing illegal immigration. Reuters CJ GC1257 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-1030684.Xml President Tayyip Erdogan was quoted today as saying that Turkey did not need to join the European Union "at all costs" and could instead become part of a security bloc dominated by China, Russia and Central Asian nations.NATO member Turkey's prospects of joining the EU look more remote than ever after 11 years of negotiations. European leaders have been critical of its record on democratic freedoms, while Ankara has grown increasingly exasperated by what it sees as Western condescension."Turkey must feel at ease. It mustn't say 'for me it's the European Union at all costs'. That's my view," Erdogan was quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper as telling reporters on his plane on the way back from a visit to Pakistan and Uzbekistan."Why shouldn't Turkey be in the Shanghai Five? I said this to (Russian President) Mr Putin, to (Kazakh President) Nazarbayev, to those who are in the Shanghai Five now," he said."I hope that if there is a positive development there, I think if Turkey were to join the Shanghai Five, it will enable it to act with much greater ease."China, Russia and four Central Asian nations -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2001 as a regional security bloc to fight threats posed by radical Islam and drug trafficking from neighbouring Afghanistan.Turkish membership of the SCO, which had initially not included Uzbekistan and been known as the Shanghai Five, would be likely to alarm Western allies and fellow NATO members.Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan speak Turkic languages, and Ankara signed up in 2013 as a "dialogue partner" saying it shared "the same destiny" as members of the bloc.Mongolia, India, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are SCO observers, while Belarus, like Turkey, is a dialogue partner.Dialogue partners are entitled to take part in ministerial-level and some other meetings of the SCO, but do not have voting rights.Erdogan last week urged Turks to be patient until the end of the year over relations with Europe and said a referendum could be held on EU membership in 2017.The EU is treading a fine line in relations with Turkey: it needs Ankara's continued help in curbing a huge flow of migrants, especially from Syria, but is alarmed by Turkey's crackdown on opponents since a failed coup attempt in July.More than 110,000 people have been sacked or suspended since the abortive putsch, and some 36,000 arrested. Media outlets have also been shut down.The government says the crackdown is justified by the gravity of the threat to the state from the events of July 15, in which more than 240 people were killed. REUTERS AKC GC1510 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030842.Xml A Turkish soldier was killed and two others wounded in a bomb attack by Islamic State militants near the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, Turkish security sources said today. The three soldiers were evacuated alive by helicopter yesterday and taken to the southern Turkish town of Gaziantep, but one of them died from his injuries, the sources said. Turkey launched an incursion into Syria in August, sending in warplanes, tanks and special forces in support of largely Turkmen and Arab rebels, to try to drive Islamic State and Kurdish militants away from its border.Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Turkish-backed forces were just 2 km (1.25 miles) from Islamic State-held al-Bab and were expected to take it quickly despite some resistance. Al-Bab is of particular strategic importance to Turkey because Kurdish-dominated militias have also been pushing 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. Although Turkey is a NATO member and part of the US-led coalition against Islamic State, Washington has said it is not providing support for the Turkish bid to take al-Bab. The US has provided military support to Kurdish militia fighters in northern Syria which Ankara views as a hostile force.REUTERS AKC BL1538 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030860.Xml The bells have rung out after two years of silence in the Mar Korkeis church in the town of Bashiqa, some 15 km (10 miles) north of Mosul, Islamic State's last major city stronghold in Iraq.Kurdish Peshmerga fighters retook the town on November 7, ending two years of rule by the hardline Sunni group which persecuted Christians and other minorities in the Nineveh plains, one of the world's oldest centres of Christianity.Women trilled to celebrate the moment when a new crucifix was erected on the church, replacing one that was broken by the Islamic State militants.The town is largely empty as the Peshmerga have not finished clearing explosives and mines left behind by the insurgents in their fight against US-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces who launched an offensive on Mosul on October 17."We want people to be patient and not to return here until we completely clear the area, as we want to ensure their safety," said Peshmerga Brigadier General Mahram Yasin.After seizing the Nineveh plains in 2014, Islamic State issued an ultimatum to Christians: pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die by the sword. Most abandoned their homes and fled to the nearby autonomous Kurdish region.The priest at the Mar Korkeis church, Father Afram, said he would prefer Bashiqa to remain under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and not revert to the Iraqi central government in Baghdad, about 400 km (250 miles) to the south."Of course we would prefer to be part of the KRG, because of our proximity to the area and because, for the past 13 years, the regional government has been looking after us," he said."Nobody from Baghdad came here to say hello, at all," since the US-led invasion that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he said.Christianity in northern Iraq dates back to the first century AD.The number of Christians has fallen sharply during the violence which followed the 2003 toppling of Hussein, and Islamic State's takeover of Mosul two years ago saw the city purged of Christians for the first time in two millennia.From a Mosul mosque in 2014 Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a "caliphate" spanning parts of Iraq and Syria. The recapture of Mosul would mark the effective defeat of the group in Iraq. REUTERS AKC GC1650 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1030960.Xml A French presidential victory by far-right candidate Marine le Pen would badly damage Europe's economy, Austria's Social Democrat Chancellor Christian Kern said in an interview published today. While Le Pen will likely meet a centre-right rival in a run-off vote next year, Austria will elect its own president on December 4, choosing between a former leader of the Greens Party and a far-right candidate in a tightly balanced contest. "If right wing demagogues take over a key state in the European Union, we have a big problem. One cannot overestimate the economic damage someone like Le Pen can cause," Kern said in an interview with Austrian newspaper Kurier. "For us it would mean an enormous loss of wealth. Europe, Austria would become poorer." Far-right presidential candidate Norbert Hofer faces Alexander Van der Bellen in Austria's vote next month. Hofer lost a run-off in May by a mere 31,000 votes against Van der Bellen but got a new chance when the constitutional court annulled the result due to counting irregularities.REUTERS AKC BL1717 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1031017.Xml Germany's Angela Merkel told leading members of her conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) today that she wants to run for a fourth term as chancellor in next year's election, senior party sources told Reuters today.The 62-year-old conservative is widely seen as a stabilising force in Europe amid uncertainty after Britain's vote to leave the European Union and as a bastion of Western liberal values after the election of Donald Trump as the next US president.Leading members of the CDU are meeting in Berlin today afternoon to prepare for the party's last annual conference before September's election. Merkel is due to hold a news conference at 2330 IST.Merkel has already served 11 years as chancellor of Europe's biggest economy. REUTERS AKC PM1840 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-1031150.Xml State of Indiana(NEW YORK) -- Vice President-elect Mike Pence in his first interview since the election told Fox News Sunday that he "really enjoyed" watching the blockbuster musical "Hamilton" on Friday night. He also said that former GOP presidential nominee and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is under active consideration for possible nomination as secretary of state. On the controversy surrounding his attendance at "Hamilton," where a star of the cast addressed Pence from the stage after the performance, the vice president-elect said: "I really enjoyed watching Hamilton. It was a real joy to be there. I heard a few boos. I wasn't offended by what was said. President-elect Trump in contrast has slammed the cast and producers of "Hamilton," and called for them to apologize to Pence "for their terrible behavior." The cast and producers of Hamilton, which I hear is highly overrated, should immediately apologize to Mike Pence for their terrible behavior Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 Pence on Friday night was met with a mix of boos and cheers as he entered the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City to attend the evening performance of "Hamilton," according to video from the performance. At the end of the performance, one of the stars of the show, Brandon Victor Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr, took to the stage and addressed the vice president-elect, "We hope you will hear us out." Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is under "active consideration" to serve as US Secretary of State along with other candidates, Vice President-elect Mike Pence said on "Fox News Sunday."Romney, who met President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday, was a critic of Trump during the campaign. Pence said that Romney was willing to be considered for the position.Trump was "very grateful that Governor Mitt Romney came in. They had a good meeting. It was a warm and a substantive exchange and I know he is under active consideration to be Secretary of State... along with some other distinguished Americans."But Democrats were skeptical that Romney is an actual contender.Representative Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, said on CNN Sunday that he would love Romney to get the position and he would be a "consummate diplomat.""But I think it's a total head fake. I think this is Donald Trump still being the entertainer, still running a show where he wants to build suspense and he alone knows who the contestant will be the winner. It's more of a nod to the appearance of bringing people together." Reuters RSA PM2138 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0104-1031450.Xml LISBON, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa praised the success of the first launch of Europe's Galileo satellites on Friday. A European Ariane 5 rocket successfully placed four European Galileo satellites into medium-Earth orbit on Thursday. Operating from Europe's Guiana Space Center, on the northeast coast of South America, the Ariane 5 rocket was monitored from the island of Santa Maria, in the Portuguese Azores islands, with the supervision of software development company Edisoft. "This technological company in the areas of defence and aerospace industry and the Azores islands deserve congratulations because Portugal has confirmed its role as a geostrategic space center," Rebelo de Sousa said in an official statement, adding that the rocket has national technology on board. He pointed out that the Portuguese software RTEMS was in orbit in 11 satellites in the Galileo network. The launch of Ariane 5 was the first used for the Galileo program, with all previous launches being by Europeanized Russian Soyuz rockets. Children play outside at the Filakio detention centre for migrants and refugees, some 440 km North-East from Thessaloniki in Filakio near the Greek-Turkish border, on October 25, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) ISTANBUL, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Some 50 migrants escaped on Saturday from a repatriation center in Istanbul, local media reported. The migrants waiting to be deported at the Kumkapi Repatriation Center located in Istanbul's Fatih district first set fire to the duvets and beds, the Hurriyet daily said. Around 50 of them managed to run away after breaking the door, the daily said, noting the police opened fire into the air in an attempt to stop them. The police have launched an investigation, the press reports said. CAIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian court sentenced on Saturday in absentia a fleeing TV anchor and supporter of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi to three years in prison over circulating anti-government false news, state-run Al-Ahram news website reported. Currently working for Sharq TV, which addresses Morsi's supporters from Turkey, Nasser has been accused of "spreading false news for the purpose of disturbing general security and social peace, inciting sectarian strife among the Egyptian people and provoking violence against the state institutions." Nasser fled to Turkey among hundreds of Morsi's supporters after the Islamist president was removed by the military in July 2013 in response to mass protest against Morsi's one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. The convicted TV presenter, now a TV star for Morsi's loyalists, always denied belonging to the Brotherhood. Most of Morsi's loyalists, including the ousted president himself, are currently in custody facing various charges varying from inciting violence to espionage. In October, an Egyptian top court confirmed a 20-year prison sentence against the deposed Islamist president over inciting clashes between his supporters and opponents outside the presidential palace in late 2012 that left 10 people dead. WARSAW, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of demonstrators, including teachers, parents and other opponents, gathered in Poland's capital city of Warsaw on Saturday to protest against the planned reforms to the education system. The demonstration's organizer, the Polish Teachers' Union, said that about 50,000 people joined the protest. They held signs reading: "No chaos in schools" and "Stop revolution in education". "We want to protest against the chaos, turmoil and dismantling of the Polish education system," said Slawomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers' Union. Local media have reported that protesters are concerned the reform would hurt teachers interests and cause teacher layoffs. Poland's Education Minister Anna Zalewska has previously said the new plans are well thought out, and there will be no layoffs of teachers as a result of the reforms. According to current reform plans, which will start next year, the current model of 6-year elementary, 3-year lower secondary and 3-year higher secondary schools will be replaced by 8-year elementary and 4-year secondary school or five-year vocational school. TIRANA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Around 800 representatives of the Albanian Diaspora from all over the world gathered in Tirana to attend the first ever Albanian Diaspora summit organized by the government here on Nov. 18-20, official sources informed Saturday. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama held a welcome ceremony on Friday night to greet all the participants from all fields of life who answered the call of Albanian authorities to meet in the Albanian capital city, while several activities were held Saturday to promote further cooperation and increase the presence of Albanian Diaspora here. "In these three days, we will discuss and decide together how to unite our strength in order to make Albania's future better and more prosperous," the prime minister said. Meantime, according to the Albanian foreign minister, the summit marked the beginning of a new chapter between Albania and Albanians abroad. The role of Albanian Diaspora, concentrated in Europe and the United States, has been irreplaceable, the foreign minister said in an activity Saturday, adding that the Diaspora representatives represent the voice of more than 1.5 million Albanians. Actually, this is the first time that Albanian government has pledged to create concrete structures and allocate a budget designed to channel the Diaspora's contribution to the Albanian economy. European integration, foreign investments, promotion of tourism, arts and culture, a larger support for the Albanian Diaspora were some of the topics discussed at different panels. CAIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi expressed appreciation for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as "the choice of the American people," expecting stronger Egyptian-U.S. ties under Trump's administration, the Egyptian presidential spokesman said in a statement Saturday. According to the statement, Sisi's remarks came in an interview with Portuguese news agency LUSA ahead of the president's visit to Lisbon scheduled for Monday. Sisi expected more support of the Egyptian-U.S. ties when Trump takes office, noting Trump has shown deep understanding of what is taking place in the Middle East in general and Egypt in particular. With regards to Trump's anti-Muslim and anti-migrant remarks during the presidential campaign, Sisi said they do not necessarily reflect the actions he will take as the president, urging not to jump to conclusions. "We have to distinguish between the rhetoric that takes place within presidential campaigns and the real and actual administration of a country after inauguration," Sisi added. "There will be a chance for more thorough readings." In late September, Sisi met in New York with both U.S. presidential candidates, Trump and Hillary Clinton. The former showed support to Sisi's administration and promised future partnership in anti-terrorism war, while the latter addressed democracy and freedom in Egypt. The Egyptian president said he believes that Trump will be vigorously engaged in regional issues. LONDON, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Britain's largest ever tourism trade mission to China was preparing to leave for Shanghai Saturday. More than 80 travel trade delegates from Britain, including officials from tourism bodies, hotels, retailers and tour operators, will showcase Britain as a destination to Chinese buyers at a VisitBritain "Destination Britain China" three day event, being held in Shanghai starting on Nov. 21. More than 7,000 business appointments will take place during the three-day trade fair, giving more than 100 buyers from 15 cities across China the chance to see the latest tourism products and services from across Britain, with more than half of the delegates attending for the first time. Britain's most romantic marriage spot, Scotland's Gretna Green, will be represented with stories of how eloping teenage brides from England made the dash across the border to be married in the blacksmith's shop in front of an iron anvil. Castles and Britain's royal palaces, as well as popular destinations such as Shakespeare's England will be highlighted. There will even be a team from central London, promoting the capital's famous Chinatown along with the theaters of the West End and London's fashionable Carnaby Street. Every part of Britain will have a story to tell, from historic Scotland, the scenic Lake District, tourism in Wales along with many of Britain's major cities. Destination Britain China has been running since 2009 and is an important event in VisitBritain's travel industry calendar, said a spokeswoman for the organisation. VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: "Our Destination Britain China event gives British travel suppliers the chance to forge valuable business connections with the Chinese travel trade." "This is a fantastic opportunity for travel suppliers and local destinations to get their tourism products and services to inspire more visitors to come and explore more of our nations and regions," said Balcombe. As well as doing business with top travel buyers in China, delegates at this year's event will hear about the latest international travel market trends, what Britain is doing to attract more international visitors, alongside seminars and networking to boost knowledge of Britain as a tourist destination. The spokeswoman for Visit Britain added: "Last year was a record-breaking year for visits from China to Britain with 270,000 visits, 46 percent up on the year before with spend up 18 percent to 586 million pounds (724 million U.S. dollars), moving China into Britain's top 10 most valuable inbound markets for the first time." "Latest flight booking data shows that flight bookings from China for November this year to January 2017 are up 17 percent on the same period last year," said the spokeswoman, adding "VisitBritain has ambitions to double spend from Chinese visitors to 1 billion pounds (1.25 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020." After their mission to Shanghai, the event moves to South Korea to signal a new start for VisitBritain's promotional effort in that market, described as one of Britain's fastest growing inbound markets. SALT LAKE CITY, the United States, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Is China now becoming a supercomputing power? Judging just by numbers, it looks that way. According to the latest edition of the Top500 list released this week at Salt Lake City, China currently not only hosts the top two fastest supercomputers in the world, but also ties with the United States for first place in the total number of installed systems. The machine sitting on top of the rankings, called Sunway TaihuLight, is especially remarkable in that it's almost exclusively based on technology developed in China, including processors. What's more, it delivers almost the same performance as the next five most powerful systems on the semiannual list combined. However, many experts, especially those from China, have different views. While China is rapidly on the rise on the global supercomputing stage, the country still has a long way to go to become a peer competitor to the United States, they believe. RAPID DEVELOPMENT "I was quite impressed with the engineering quality of TaihuLight, different from previous Chinese machines," Professor Satoshi Matsuoka from the Tokyo Institute of Technology tweeted after a close look at the system himself at the National Supercomputing Center in Wuxi, China, in early November. In particular, Satoshi, a renowned supercomputing expert, mentioned of the machine's "excellent" physical design, "aggressive" designs, "impressive" software and application efforts, as well as "no expensive parts." As a result, he concluded that China "now truly rivals U.S., Japan" in the field of high performance computing (HPC). How things have changed! Back in 2001, none of the systems on the Top500 list were installed in China. "It's clear that there has been a lot of investments in this technology if you look at, maybe, a 15-year timeframe from about 2000 on, China is (now) on a very, very competitive stage," Top500 co-author Horst Simon said in an interview with Xinhua. When asked when China will be a "serious challenger" to the United States in supercomputing, Simon, Deputy Director of the U.S. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, answered with confidence: "Oh, already now." The rise of China in the HPC field will have positive implications for the country's national security, especially after last year's surprising move by the U.S government that, citing security concerns, blocked the supply of Intel chips to four Chinese supercomputing research centers, said Zizhong Chen, a supercomputing expert at the University of California, Riverside. "The fact that Chinese have built the fastest supercomputer using their own CPUs and interconnection networks implies China will not have to worry about any U.S. supercomputer chip ban any more," said Chen. OVERSEAS EXPANSION It's also worth mentioning that China now has four companies among the top 10 vendors of the list: Lenovo, Sugon, Inspur and Huawei. These companies sold 173 systems in total, accounting for one third of the list. In June 2015, there were only 10 such systems from Chinese vendors. "Chinese manufactures like Lenovo and Huawei are doing well globally," said Jack Dongarra, professor of the University of Tennessee and coauthor of the Top500."The others not really, just in China which is a big market." Both Sugon and Inspur, however, told Xinhua at the 2016 supercomputing conference at Salt Lake City, that they're now shifting their expansion focus to overseas markets. "To be honest, our international expansion is still in early stages," Cao Zhennan, general manager of the HPC Department at Sugon. "But it's our next step." PROGRESS IN HPC APPLICATIONS Of course, the numbers aren't everything. While China has demonstrated its strength in hardware, the country does have its shortcomings, such as software. "Supercomputing is a whole ecosystem, it consists of hardware, software, applications, the education, infrastructure, (efforts) to build next generation of scientists, and also I think a certain readiness in universities, research institutes, companies to engage in this," said Simon of Berkeley Lab. "It's very difficult to do these many different things at one time ... so I think it will take a bit longer (to become a supercomputing power), and in that sense, China still has a number of things to accomplish." However, China's progress in HPC applications did impress the highly respected U.S. expert deeply, who recalled a lack of applications for China's Tianhe-1A in 2010 when the machine became the first Chinese system to take over the top spot of the Top500 list. "When the Taihulight system was announced (this June), there were several application presentations and these are very good application presentations, they (Chinese) told me that a lot of Chinese scientists have now learned much faster how to use in the architecture," Simon said. "So I think things have significantly progressed, and there may be still some other things missing, but it's clear, given that the hardware is there, the applications are there, and the infrastructure is there and getting a lot of support, China has made huge progress towards using supercomputers," he said. On Thursday, one of the applications, named "10M-Core Scalable Fully-Implicit Solver for Nonhydrostatic Atmospheric Dynamics," was awarded the 2016 ACM Gordon Bell Prize, a top honor in supercomputing, at the 2016 supercomputing conference. It is the first time a Chinese application has won the award. STRONG SENSE OF CRISIS The most noticeable weakness in China's HPC industry was its heavy dependence on U.S. processors. "China imports a lot of semiconductors. If you look at today, semiconductor is everywhere, in any type of industrial products," Simon said. "So if China has ambitions to grow all the manufacturing of high-end goods, China obviously needs to invest much in semiconductors to have a bigger domestic production of semiconductors. I think that is a big issue." "Without mastering the processor technology, we will never be a supercomputing power," Cao of Sugon said. Liu Jun, Inspur's HPC general manager, stressed he has "a strong sense of crisis" after studying the latest Top500 list. "Most of the U.S. supercomputers are deployed in national laboratories, universities and research institutes, and they have invested a lot in this area and have updated their systems very quickly," said Liu. "But many of our supercomputers are just Internet data centers. In the U.S., they are not considered supercomputers. Universities and research institutes in China need this infrastructure, but our investments for them are small, so much more work needs to be done." "If we are blindly optimistic for these good numbers, the gap between us and the United States will be widened, rather than narrowed, Liu warned. SANAA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's dominant Shiite Houthis said Saturday that they fired a ballistic missile into Saudi military base in retaliatory attack over airstrikes from Saudi-led coalition despite cease-fire that went into effect hours earlier. "The Rocketry Unit of the army and popular forces fired a ballistic missile deep into the Saudi military base, Almosim inside the Saudi border city of Jizan," the Houthi-controlled state Saba news agency reported, citing an unnamed military official as saying. "The missile attack came in response to cease-fire breaches carried out by the Saudi-led coalition through a series of airstrikes on the capital Sanaa and neighboring cities, as well as the coalition troops' attempts to advance into the central province of Marib and the Red Sea port city of Medi in northwestern province of Hajja," the official said. "This escalation by the coalition was clear violation to the truce deal that struck in the Omani capital Muscat," the official added. Houthis officials, according to Saba, held the United Nations and the coalition responsible for the possibility of truce collapse. It was the latest in a series of ballistic missile attacks by Houthis against Saudi border cities. It was difficult to reach coalition officials to comment on the Houthi allegations. Residents in the capital Sanaa reported coalition fighter jets flying over the city hours after the 48-hour ceasefire went into effect at noon local time. Meanwhile, residents in the southern city of Taiz reported non-stop battles between Houthi fighters backed by forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh and their foes of coalition-backed internationally recognized government of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Hadi's government has provided that Houthis end siege on Taiz to allow humanitarian aid to get in. Previously cease-fire deals had collapsed, with both sides trading accusations over breaching truce. The truce was based on a peace deal initiated by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last Tuesday following his visit to Oman, where he announced the cease-fire in the Omani capital Muscat, saying that the Houthi group and the Saudi-led coalition had agreed on the cessation of hostilities. The cease-fire aimed to pave the way for resuming the UN-sponsored peace talks between Houthis, Saleh's party and the Saudi-led coalition. Kerry said the roadmap was strongly supported by the UN envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. However, Hadi's Foreign Minister Abdel-Malik al-Mekhlafi said his government was not aware of what Secretary Kerry announced about reaching an agreement with Houthis. Mekhlafi said Kerry's announcement was in conflict with UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Houthis, backed by Saleh forced, seized control of power in 2014, throwing Hadi and his government over alleged accusations of corruption. The accusations were denied by Hadi's government, which called for the coalition military help in March 2015 to restore power. 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 2 million, according to humanitarian agencies. Every Tuesday evening, members of the Flagstaff community who love to sing great choral music assemble in the Northern Arizona University Music Department choral room to rehearse under the energetic and dynamic leadership of their new conductor, Matt Myers. Myers recently succeeded long-time music director Edith Copley in this role, and continues in a tradition established when the Chorale was founded some 40 years ago by the late and legendary Mel Kinney. Myers will make his community debut Monday night in a concert humorously titled Go for Baroque, 7:30 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church. The Chorale will be joined by a guest orchestra and various soloists. The newly built church is located atop Switzer Mesa, and can be accessed by driving north from the intersection of Route 66 and Enterprise Road. Tickets at the door or in advance. Learn more at www.masterchorale.net. I am very confident that the choir will again deliver a fantastic performance, Myers said in a recent interview. This will be my first time conducting an orchestra, so I am personally rather elated for the opportunity. The Chorale has really put in a great deal of work to be well prepared for this concert, and I cannot wait to hear them sing in the beautiful resonant space of San Francisco de Asis Church. What music historians refer to as the Baroque Era in Western music extended from approximately the end of the 16th century to the middle of the 18th, bridging two other notable periods in arts history, the earlier Renaissance and the late 18th century Classical era of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven. The term baroque may come from an Italian word referring to irregular, perhaps reflecting less easily defined stylistic characteristics as compared to earlier and later periods in the history of western music. The Baroque periods two most notable composers were the musical giants Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Frederic Handel. Other prominent composers from the period will also be featured in Mondays concert, including Georg Telemann, Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Batista Martini, Antonio Vivaldi, Alessandro Scarlatti and John Dowland. Telemanns Laudate Jehovam, Omnes Gentes (Praise the Lord, all ye nations) opens the concert, followed by Monteverdis Beatus Vir (Blessed is the man who fears the Lord), both accompanied by small string ensemble. With a multi-versed psalm text, the Monteverdi piece features a central section for five soloists, spotlighting MCF members Staci Dickens, Courtney Evans, John Muther, Brad Crossland, and Walter Weinzinger. The Chorales men follow with Martinis Tristis Est Anima Mea (My soul is sorrowful, even unto death), an a cappella piece conducted by graduate assistant Joanna Richards. Then the women perform a selection from a Cantata by Bach, directed by assistant conductor Brad Beale. A group of 30 select members of the Master Chorale, the Arizona Mountain Chorale, will perform works by Vivaldi, Dowland, and Scarlatti, again directed by assistant conductors Richards and Beale. Following intermission, selections from Handels perennial and ever popular oratorio Messiah features the full chorus and soloists Brad Beale, Susan Chastain and Lynne Nemeth from the Chorale, senior NAU voice majors Josephyne Santos, Jordan Self-Price, and Karson Krieg, and NAU voice instructor Christine Grahame, a recent returnee to NAU and Flagstaff. Future events in the current MCF season include their annual Christmas in the Mountains (Dec. 11), a French program featuring the Faure Requiem (Feb. 24) and a program of American Masterpieces (April 28). CAPE TOWN, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday accused certain Western countries of destabilizing the ruling African National Congress (ANC). These countries used ANC members to further their agenda, Zuma told ANC supporters at a rally in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province. Some ANC members have been captured by Western countries, Zuma noted without elaboration. Western powers want to remove the ANC because they do not want the ANC to develop relations with those countries which helped the party in the anti-apartheid struggle, Zuma said without identifying the Western countries. Zuma was speaking amid a growing split within the ANC. Some ANC veterans recently joined calls for Zuma to resign, citing his alleged involvement in corruption scandals. Zuma claimed that those speaking out against him and the ANC had been bought by those clinging on to control of the economy. "In all other countries, the majority controls everything from politics, economy and defense... It's only in this country (South Africa) where we don't have economic freedom. It's controlled by the minority and those who oppressed us." "That is why they are scared that we will take away this economy. They want to take away the strength of the ANC because they know the ANC is the only organization trying to balance the scales," Zuma said. The president also said South Africa would not abandoned those who helped the ANC. Socialist countries like Russia and China helped the ANC, giving it military training and aid during the anti-apartheid struggle, Zuma said. "The socialist countries came to our aid. It was Russia who trained us and helped us with the tools to fight. China and other socialist countries helped us," said Zuma. He said Western countries dislike South Africa after it joined the BRICS, an acronym for emerging economies-- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. "They are fighting us because we joined BRICS. Some are in ANC gear but are in the company of the West. We are at war. We are going to protect the ANC," he said. In Zuma's eyes, BRICS had interfered with the global balance of forces, and Western countries "did not like BRICS." WARSAW, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A collection of 165 selected pieces of cultural relics from China are on display here until January 2017, providing fascinating glimpse into lives of ancient Chinese literati, or the so-called "scholar-officials". Entitled "Life in the Midst of Beauty. The World of a Chinese Scholar", the exhibition being held in the National Museum in Warsaw is part of exhibition exchange program between the organization and the National Museum of China. The exhibited pieces of art belong to the National Museum of China. Huang Zhenchun, deputy director of the National Museum of China, said this exhibition is the largest foreign exhibition held by the Chinese museum in recent years. The collection of cultural relics are selected to illustrate the painting and lives of ancient Chinese literati from three aspects. It contains calligraphy, painting, ceramics, jades, bronzes, furniture and textiles. The exhibition focuses on Chinese literati, the so-called "scholar-officials", an elite class in ancient Chinese society and introduces their everyday life. "The exhibition is very meaningful and allows the Poles to learn more about the ancient Chinese culture and history," said Agnieszka Morawinska, director of the National Museum in Warsaw. Among the most precious pieces exhibited are a fragment of engraved stone from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD-220 AD) and a scroll by artist Wen Zhenming (1470-1559), a leading Ming Dynasty painter, calligrapher, poet and scholar. One section of the exhibition is dedicated to the literati painting, the value of which lied in self-cultivation and expression. It enables publicity to get to know the core of a unique literati spirit. Among the works on display are Chinese painters Wang Ze, Wang Jian and many others are present. One can also enjoy the works of Giuseppe Castiglione (1688-1766), an Italian Jesuit missionary who served as a court painter in China for more than 50 years. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Philippine counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte, met here Saturday and pledged to further promote bilateral ties and strive for more cooperation fruits. Talking on the sidelines of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi praised Duterte's visit to China last month, saying it achieved full improvement of China-Philippines relations, opened a new chapter for bilateral ties and injected positive energy into regional peace and stability. China and the Philippines, Xi said, should steadily carry forward their relations in the right direction, and commit to friendly cooperation, proper management of their differences and common development, so as to further push forward their good-neighborly friendship and cooperation and benefit the two peoples with more cooperation fruits. Noting that China and the Philippines are faced with a new situation, the Chinese president called on both sides to boost exchanges at all levels, exchange views on major issues of common concern in a timely manner, and restore bilateral mechanisms in various fields, in order to enhance mutual trust and cooperation. On maritime issues, Xi urged the two sides to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea, and thus jointly transform the South China Sea issue into an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation. China and the Philippines should also encourage non-governmental groups to participate in cooperation, facilitate the convergence of the two nations' interests through people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen cooperation in such fields as culture, education, health care and youth, Xi said. Noting that the Philippines will take over the presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, Xi said China is willing to work with the Philippines to promote the development of China-ASEAN ties and East Asia cooperation. Both as developing economies of APEC, China stands ready to join hands with the Philippines and other members to focus on economic cooperation and make the Lima APEC meeting a success, he said. For his part, Duterte spoke highly of his successful visit to China last month, saying it produced rich results. The Philippines follows an independent foreign policy and is willing to be friends with "brotherly" China forever, said the president. Duterte also extended gratitude for China's assistance to his country's development, pledging to enhance cooperation with China in various fields including infrastructure construction. Noting that the Philippines and China share similar views on many issues, he said the two sides should conduct closer communication and coordination, jointly push for regional development in Asia and promote peace, prosperity and justice for the world. The Philippines, he added, is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation, so as to jointly safeguard the momentum of improvement and development in bilateral relations. Duterte paid a state visit to China in October. It was his first official visit to a foreign country outside ASEAN since he took office in June. In their meeting last month, the two leaders agreed that their countries would properly handle differences and achieve full improvement and greater progress in bilateral ties. By Xinhua writer Yang Shilong NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Is it a weeping wall or a healing wall? Whatever you call it. Thousands of New Yorkers, who voted heavily in favor of Democrat Hillary Clinton, have poured out their thoughts on pastel notes and posted them on the tiles of the Union Square subway station in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Over two weeks after Trump's surprise win over Clinton, a number of New Yorkers have been unable to recover from their grief and anxiety. Many points to Trump's often heated rhetoric over immigration and climate changes during the campaign: "Build Bridges, not walls, love 4 one another." "Proud to be a woman, love love love." "There is unity in diversity. There is strength in diversity. There is hope in diversity." "There's an I in EQUALITY. There is also a U." "The American dream is big enough for everyone! For people of all races and religion, for men and women, for immigrants, for LGBT people, and people with disabilities" ... A lot more are written in more conciliatory,soothing and positive approaches. "Accept it!" "Respect! Give Trump a chance. Do not say you never needed a change in life. Be positive. Love America!" "Choose love!" "Love, not hate, will set you free." "Peace! We are not against Trump, we are against one another. We need to stand together." "Come on America, you can do better." There are quite a few read quite combative and resilient too. "Don't let you grief intimidate you, don't let your anger turn you into someone you desire, listen to each other, to everyone, and prepare for 2020, especially 2018 because midterms make a difference." The project, dubbed the Therapy Subway Wall, was initiated by local artist Matthew Chavez, 28, known as Levee, right after the election day. "Subway Therapy is about making people smile, laugh, and feel less stress," Chavez writes on his website. "If someone wants to get something off their chest or has a burning question, I'm happy to be there for them. I believe that people grow and learn through dynamic conversation." Manhattan and much of New York City was a presidential stronghold for Clinton. The former secretary of state's loss made many of her supporters very emotional. Many of them took to the streets of New York, Chicago, Philadelphia,Los Angeles and many other cities to voice their concerns after the election. "It's good to have such a place for people to vent out their anger and fear, to express love and hope, or to have a somber moment for a while," said a middle-aged man without giving his name. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has also joined in subway therapy. "New York State holds the torch high! - Andrew C," Cuomo's note said. The note went on to quote part of "The New Colossus," the sonnet by Emma Lazarus that is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," the poem goes. "I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Civil war reenactment hobbyists pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the United States, on Nov. 19, 2016. Thousands of revelers and reenactment hobbyists came to Gettysburg to participate in the annual Remembrance Day Parade to commemorate the soldiers who fought and died in Gettysburg during the Civil War. (Xinhua/Li Changxiang) GETTYSBURG, the United States, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A host of events were held in Gettysburg in the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday to commemorate the 153rd anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and to remember the soldiers who fought and died in Gettysburg during the U.S. Civil War. The date was the coincidence of two commemorations, Dedication Day and Remembrance Day. The former marked Lincoln's Gettysburg Address when he dedicated Soldiers' National Cemetery here in Nov. 19, 1863, and the latter was a day devoted to remembering the soldiers who fought and died in Gettysburg during the Civil War, which was held annually on the Saturday closest to Dedication Day. This year the two dates fell on the same day. The events included a wreath laying ceremony, a keynote address given by actor LeVar Burton, a recitation of the Gettysburg Address by a Lincoln portrayer, and the annual Remembrance Day Parade. Thousands of revelers, historical reenactment hobbyists came from all over the country to watch and participate in Tuesday' s parade. Formations of hobbyists dressed in Union and Confederate soldiers' uniforms, as well as civilian costumes in the same time period, marched from downtown to the Gettysburg National Military Park. "I've come to march in the parade for 20 years," said Sid Gadney from Maryland, who dressed in a blue Union soldier uniform. "I've always loved American history, and this is the most interesting time period," Gadney added. The commemoration come just after an presidential election that many saw as the most ugly and divisive in the U.S. history, and many of those who come to Gettysburg felt that Lincoln's words still needs to be heeded by a more polarized society now. "When President Lincoln stood here 153 years ago today, our nation was as it is now in turmoil," said Burton in his keynote speech. "He was faced with an America not dissimilar from our own, an America railing from effects of a very costly conflict," Burton added. "Burton compared the turmoil in the elections with the civil war, I thought that was very appropriate," said Reenactment hobbyist Daniel Sheron. "The country has always been divided, and Lincoln's words is still very important for today's situation," said Sheron. RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Argentine forward Carlos Tevez has been offered 40 million euros a year to join a Chinese Super League club, according to Brazilian media reports. Tevez is contracted to Boca Juniors until June 2018 but the Buenos Aires outfit could be tempted to release the 32-year-old if a big-money offer is made. "One of the teams that fight for the Chinese Super League title has offered Tevez around 40 million euros a year ... [but] he hasn't responded yet," the Sambafoot news portal said. Earlier this year Tevez was linked with a move to Shanghai SIPG, who were said to have offered around 24 million euros a year. Tevez, whose career has included spells at Juventus, Manchester United and Manchester City, has scored 19 goals since returning his original club Boca in June 2015. Civil war reenactment holidays marches in the Remembrance Day parade in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. on Nov.19. (Xinhua/Li Chjangxiang) ETTYSBURG, the United States, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A host of events were held in Gettysburg in the state of Pennsylvania on Saturday to commemorate the 153rd anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and to remember the soldiers who fought and died in Gettysburg during the U.S. Civil War. The date was the coincidence of two commemorations, Dedication Day and Remembrance Day. The former marked Lincoln's Gettysburg Address when he dedicated Soldiers' National Cemetery here in Nov. 19, 1863, and the latter was a day devoted to remembering the soldiers who fought and died in Gettysburg during the Civil War, which was held annually on the Saturday closest to Dedication Day. This year the two dates fell on the same day. The events included a wreath laying ceremony, a keynote address given by actor LeVar Burton, a recitation of the Gettysburg Address by a Lincoln portrayer, and the annual Remembrance Day Parade. Thousands of revelers, historical reenactment hobbyists came from all over the country to watch and participate in Tuesday' s parade. Formations of hobbyists dressed in Union and Confederate soldiers' uniforms, as well as civilian costumes in the same time period, marched from downtown to the Gettysburg National Military Park. "I've come to march in the parade for 20 years," said Sid Gadney from Maryland, who dressed in a blue Union soldier uniform. "I've always loved American history, and this is the most interesting time period," Gadney added. The commemoration come just after an presidential election that many saw as the most ugly and divisive in the U.S. history, and many of those who come to Gettysburg felt that Lincoln's words still needs to be heeded by a more polarized society now. "When President Lincoln stood here 153 years ago today, our nation was as it is now in turmoil," said Burton in his keynote speech. "He was faced with an America not dissimilar from our own, an America railing from effects of a very costly conflict," Burton added. "Burton compared the turmoil in the elections with the civil war, I thought that was very appropriate," said Reenactment hobbyist Daniel Sheron. "The country has always been divided, and Lincoln's words is still very important for today's situation," said Sheron. Enditem BOGOTA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said on Saturday that he will submit the revised peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas to Congress for approval. After the initial peace deal was rejected in an Oct. 2 referendum, the government and rebels returned to the negotiating table and rapidly reworked the agreement to address complaints of those who opposed the original. Leading the opposition camp was former President Alvaro Uribe, who said the agreement did not go far enough in holding the rebels accountable for past crimes. Uribe had suggested the new deal be debated in Congress, said Santos, adding: "I totally agree with him and that is why I will take the matter up with the legislature on Wednesday, so there can be a debate." However, Santos said, the FARC should also be consulted as to how the agreement should be endorsed. Without a final endorsement, a bilateral ceasefire agreement between the two sides remains fragile, said Santos, urging a quick debate of the deal. Earlier this month, the Colombian government and the FARC signed a new peace agreement after days of negotiations in Havana, a possible lasting deal to end over 50 years of armed conflicts in the country, which have claimed over 260,000 lives and displaced millions. HAVANA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the U.S. state of West Virginia Earl Ray Tomblin said Saturday he hopes bilateral ties will continue to strengthen under Donald Trump's administration. At a press conference shortly before wrapping up a four-day visit to Cuba, Tomblin said he would like to see the White House continue to build on the "major strides" made by the Barack Obama administration since 2014. "Over the last two years, the White House has opened up the barriers that existed between the two countries and I feel that many governors and politicians in the U.S. are in favor of moving forward with that," said Tomblin. "There might be some movement regarding Cuba policy on behalf of the new administration, but I also feel there are many of us who would like to continue the path of normalization," he added. During his campaign, Trump described Obama's new Cuba policy as "weak," saying he would seek a "better deal" that benefits Washington more. However, Trump did not say he would revoke all of the executive orders Obama has issued since the two governments announced in December 2014 that they would work to normalize ties severed during John F. Kennedy's term. The two-time Democratic governor of West Virginia, whose term ends in January, believes continuing the rapprochement and expanding ties in areas like "tourism, business and flights" benefit both countries. Tomblin also called for lifting the five-decade U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. "We know the obstacles it creates ... but I think that together we should advocate for these measures to be abolished in the near future," said Tomblin. During his stay in the Cuban capital, Tomblin met with ministers and other government officials to explore potential trade opportunities between West Virginia and the island. West Virginia is a small but "very active" state that has over the last few years attracted hundreds of foreign investors, he said, adding the state could export coal or natural gas to Cuba in the near future. Tomblin is the sixth U.S. governor to visit Cuba since the U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations were resumed in 2015. The week of Oct. 10, Flagstaff dentist Dr. Bradley Henkenius of Doctors Village Family Dentistry, closed his practice for a week. But he wasn't going on vacation. Instead, he worked for free. For the entire week, Henkenius treated Poore Dental Clinic patients at his own expense. "Dr. Henkenius feels so strongly about giving back to the community that he donated his own clinic and services for an entire week to help serve the backlog of dental patients from the Poore Medical Clinic's dental department," said Eric Walden, executive director of the Poore Medical Clinic. The Poore Free Medical Clinic was founded in 2011 by the late Dr. Henry Poore, a local physician who practiced medicine in Northern Arizona for over 50 years, his wife, Nina Poore, a nurse midwife and founder of Flagstaffs Citizens Against Substance Abuse, and Bill Packard, co-founder of Full Circle Trade and Thrift. Their vision was to establish a free medical dental clinic for the poor and uninsured in Flagstaff. In 2014, the Poore Medical Clinic opened the Sid Davis DDS, Memorial Dental Clinic in honor of Davis, a local dentist who was also dedicated to serving the poor. Through the generosity of his family, the Poore Medical Clinic was able to establish a free-standing satellite clinic that meets both the dental and medical needs of community members residing on the east side of Flagstaff. SANTIAGO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cherries have in recent years become a mainstay of trade between Chile and China, with Chilean cherry growers reserving a large part of their harvest for the Asian market. That's the case with Rucaray, a cherry grower in Rancagua, a town about 100 km south of the capital Santiago, which has been exporting cherries to China for 14 years. The company, which ships as much as 82 percent of its crop to China, boasts a modern processing plant that employs mainly women to clean and pack the fruit. Ricardo Vial, commercial director of Rucaray, told Xinhua that businesses with China have led to "great development" of its planting fields along with increased employment. "China gives us stability, (and) it has helped us grow and diversify by producing other products," said Vial. The Chinese market, he added, "has allowed Chile's fruit producing sector to breathe a sigh of relief," at a time marked by production difficulties and exchange rates disadvantages. Chile, which has 24,000 hectares of cherry crops and plans to plant more, needs to expand its export markets beyond the United States and Europe, said Vial, who has been to China for four times and likes "the Chinese way of developing person-to-person relations." Nowadays, Chile also caters to markets such as China and Southeast Asia, thanks to a free trade agreement signed in 2005, which significantly increased its foreign trade and turned China into its leading trade partner. This year, many charter planes are flying cherries from Chile to China. According to statistics provided by the Cherry Committee of Chile's Association of Fruit Exporters, the 2016 export season is expected to achieve a volume of some 100,000 tons of cherries. According to Vial, the air freight cost of cherries is 3.60 U.S. dollars per kilogram when there is not much demand, which varies every week. The problem is that there are no direct air routes from Chile to China. Ocean shipping, meanwhile, costs 1.30 dollars per kilogram, but takes about 22 days. Since cherries cannot be stored for a long time, special bags have been made to keep the fruit fresher, which makes ocean shipping that could take as long as 30 days an acceptable alternative. The fruit can then be stored for another 20 days in the refrigerator. Rucaray has exported 20 million five-kilogram boxes of cherries since the beginning of this year, despite the less than ideal climatic conditions. The company is also involved in wine production, mainly for the Chinese market. "Exports to China have been growing each year. This year, we could have had the potential to export much more, but weather conditions affected the way of production as well as our expectations," said Vial. SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye is suspected of having conspiring with her longtime confidante and former aides, who were indicted on Sunday for multiple charges, prosecutors said in an interim announcement of investigation results. Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with the three criminal suspects in multiple offenses, the head of a special investigative unit in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in charge of the case told a nationally televised press conference. The announcement indicated the prosecution office regards President Park as a criminal suspect in its investigation. The special unit chief said such interim results are based on comprehensive evidence documents collected by prosecutors. Park, however, cannot be indicted for criminal charges as the country's constitution bans a sitting president from being criminally charged until a single, five-year term ends, according to the prosecution office. BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- With closer ties in trade, investment and culture, cooperation between China and Peru has entered the "fast lane." Chinese President Xi Jinping is currently in Lima, Peru's capital, for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and related events and a state visit to Peru, the second leg of his week-long trip in Latin America. Xi's visit comes hot on the heels of Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski's state visit to Beijing in September, the Peruvian president's first foreign trip in his new capacity. Such intense high-level interactions "will send a strong signal of China and Peru working together for common development," wrote Xi in a signed article on Peruvian newspaper El Comercio prior to his visit. DEEPENING TRADE TIES On Monday, a slew of procurement agreements worth 2 billion U.S. dollars were inked by businesses of the two countries in Peru's capital of Lima, covering light industry, textiles, agriculture, medicine, metals and mining. "China as the most vigorous economy in the world has contributed to the consistent development of Peru in the past 15 years," said Juan Manuel Varilias Velasquez, chairman of the Peruvian Association of Exporters, adding that the agreements will further strengthen bilateral ties. The South American country has established a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, the highest level of relations between China and Latin American countries, which provides a privileged platform for deepening ties. The China-Peru Free Trade Agreement, which came into force in 2010, also facilitated bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, various economic cooperation mechanisms have been promoted to boost production capacity cooperation in the areas of mining, energy and infrastructure construction. China has been Peru's largest trading partner, export market and source of import while Peru has become China's third-largest trade partner in Latin America. Last year, trade between the two sides hit a record high of nearly 15 billion dollars. In the first eight months of this year, trade grew by 9 percent year-on-year, with Peruvian exports to China rising by 21.8 percent. Peruvian avocados are well received in China, much the same way Peruvians buy and use made-in-China smartphones, cars and construction machines. Over 170 Chinese businesses have invested more than 14 billion dollars in Peru, helping to create tens of thousands of jobs and new sources of tax revenue for local communities and benefiting the economic and social development in the country. Though a recent slump in commodity prices has dampened growth in trade, it did not affect the long-term prospects. "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 at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Peru and China are at the right time to further promote their economic ties, Peruvian economist Fernando Gonzalez told Xinhua. Some Peruvian companies have begun to enter e-commerce partnerships with Chinese counterparts, covering ornaments, alcohol, auto parts and machinery. Besides, a railway project linking the Pacific and the Atlantic is under discussion by the two governments. If completed, the project will make it easier for exports from Latin America to reach China's northern port city of Tianjin. EXPANDING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE EXCHANGES Exchanges and cooperation between China and Peru in culture, education, science and technology, health and the judicial sector as well as links between media organizations, think tanks and youths are growing. With a time-honored history, Peru's dazzling cultural heritage such as the Inca civilization and Machu Picchu are favored tourist destinations. Last year, the country welcomed nearly 25,000 Chinese tourists. "We believe this will grow, once air connectivity improves," said Fredy Gamarra, president of Peru's National Chamber of Tourism. Gamarra expected the number of Chinese visitors to reach 50,000 in 2017 and will further grow in the long run. In fact, China and Peru enjoy long friendship. Of the 30 million Peruvians, nearly 3 million descended from Chinese ancestry. Chinese culture has been highly valued in the country. The four Confucius Institutes in Peru have attracted more than 4,000 registered students. Traditional Chinese medicine is quite popular in Peru, providing a window for Peruvians to experience the Chinese culture. Around 50 traditional Chinese medicine clinics have opened in Lima alone, and 70 percent of them are established by local doctors. "Through traditional Chinese medicine, my children and I are increasingly interested in Chinese culture," a 40-year-old local employee Caryn Centeno told Xinhua. "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," Centeno said. CANBERRA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Australia's immigration minister on Sunday warned Opposition Leader Bill Shorten not to vote against the government's latest border protection bill, saying that Shorten will be to blame if Australia faces a torrent of illegal asylum seeker boat arrivals. Ahead of a Senate vote to pass a law that would result in a controversial lifetime ban from entering Australia for those who choose to come illegally by boat, Immigration Minister Peter Dutton had called for a bipartisan approach for a swift approval of the laws. He told Sky News on Sunday that Shorten was showing "weakness", and declared the Opposition Leader will be to blame when people smugglers restart their dangerous illegal boat trade if the laws are voted down. "If new boat arrivals are a reality over the coming weeks or months, then frankly Mr. Shorten will have to stick his hand up for that because it is an unacceptable position for the Labor Party having created this mess to step in the way of us trying to clean it up," Dutton said. "We are very concerned about what people smugglers will try and market. We don't want new boat arrivals." "At the moment the indecision and the weakness shown again by Labor shows the division within Labor on border protection policy at a time when we need Labor to step up." Shorten and the opposition Labor Party have previously indicated it would not support a "ludicrous" lifetime ban for illegal arrivals to Australia. Meanwhile, Australia is currently in negotiations with a number of third party nations to secure a deal to resettle asylum seekers currently housed in Australia's detention centers on Manus Island and Nauru, but Dutton said until a deal is struck, he wasn't going to comment publicly. "Obviously we've had discussions with a number of other countries but I don't want to pre-empt any announcement or any discussion. I don't think people want to see these things play out in public," he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- China on Saturday renewed its call for pushing forward the building of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), as protectionism has dented global trade and economic integration. The FTAAP "is a strategic initiative critical for the long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific," Chinese President Xi Jinping said while delivering a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru's capital. "We should firmly pursue the FTAAP as an institutional mechanism for ensuring an open economy in the Asia-Pacific," he told global business leaders. The FTAAP process was launched at the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Beijing with the endorsement of a roadmap. A "collective strategic study" was conducted subsequently, as agreed by the APEC members, and the result should be reported to the economic leaders by the end of 2016. Xi arrived in Peru on Friday to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for Nov. 19-20 in Lima, and pay his first state visit to the Latin American country. This year's meeting comes against the backdrop of a sluggish global recovery, lack of growth momentum, backlash against globalization, weak trade and investment, and growing global challenges that cloud economic outlook. "The Asia-Pacific is under similar pressure and is grappling with such challenges as the fragmentation of regional economic cooperation," Xi said. In his speech, Xi called on the 21 APEC member economies to promote an open and integrated economy, enhance connectivity to achieve interconnected development, boost reform and innovation to create more internal driving force, and promote win-win cooperation to forge strong partnership. "For any regional trade arrangement to gain broad support, it must be open, inclusive and beneficial to all," he said, adding that "closed and exclusive arrangement is not the right choice." The president said that the APEC members must energize trade and investment to drive growth, make free trade arrangements more open and inclusive, and uphold the multilateral trading regime. Acknowledging that economic globalization is a "double-edged sword" with skepticism these days, the leader of the world's second largest economy said he nonetheless believes that economic globalization is in keeping with the law of economics and delivers benefits to all. "We need to actively guide globalization, promote equity and justice, and make globalization more resilient, inclusive and sustainable, so that people will get a fair share of its benefits and will see that they have a stake in it," he said. The president also called for implementing the consensus and outcomes of the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Beijing and this year's G20 summit held in September in eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. "The FTAAP will lead to more investment opportunities in and outside China. China is opening its gate and helping the developing countries in fields such as transportation and infrastructure," Carlos Galvez Pinillos, president of Peru's National Association of Minerals, Petroleum and Energy, told Xinhua. PROMISE ON CHINESE ECONOMY, WORLD'S OPPORTUNITIES In his speech, Xi reassured global business leaders on China's economic growth and opening-up strategy, saying that the country will carry out supply-side structural reform, accelerate the shifting of growth model, promote innovation-driven development, and replace old growth drivers with new ones. China will also boost high-standard, two-way opening-up to deliver win-win outcomes, and push for shared and green development to make life better for its people, he said. "China's economy has a promising future, and China's development will present great opportunities to the world," he noted. China's economy grew 6.7 percent in the third quarter of 2016, holding steady with the first and the second quarters and strengthening hope that the central government will achieve its annual GDP growth target of 6.5 percent to 7 percent. "We will give greater access to foreign investment and continue to set up high-standard pilot free trade zones in China," the president said. "China's investment climate will be more open, favorable and transparent, thus allowing foreign companies to share in China's growth opportunities," he said. The president cited that in the next five years China will import 8 trillion U.S. dollars of goods, introduce 600 billion dollars of foreign investment and invest 750 billion dollars overseas, and Chinese tourists will make over 700 million outbound visits. "All this means a bigger market, more capital, a greater variety of products and more valuable cooperation opportunities for countries around the world," Xi said. In his speech, Xi also briefly reviewed the interaction between China and the APEC forum since it became its member 25 years ago. After the APEC CEO Summit, the Chinese president, along with other APEC leaders, held dialogue with representatives of the APEC Business Advisory Council, exchanging views on the FTAAP, economic integration in the Asia-Pacific, connectivity and the Chinese economy. Also Saturday, Peng Liyuan, wife of Xi, visited Museo Larco, a museum offering one of the largest displays of ceramics in Lima, together with the spouses of some other APEC economic leaders. Founded in 1989, APEC, grouping 21 members, now accounts for 39 percent of the global population, 60 percent of the global economy and 46 percent of the global trade. Peru previously hosted the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2008. China had also hosted the meeting twice -- in 2001 in Shanghai, and in 2014 in Beijing. Mario Mongilardi, president of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, hailed Xi's speech as an encouraging message to the business communities of the 21 APEC members. "The president of China made an extraordinary speech today. He laid out the bases for the future growth of the world economy," he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao) LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos here on Saturday, saying China supports Colombia's peace process. Talking on the sidelines of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, Xi said China supports President Santos to firmly advance the peace process of Colombia. China is willing to work together with Colombia to implement the consensus on cooperation and lift bilateral ties to a higher level, Xi said. Noting that both are in a crucial period for national development, Xi said the two countries should support and help each other, strengthen high-level exchanges, maintain close communication, encourage governmental, parliamentary and party-to-party exchanges. Xi urged the two countries to expand practical cooperation, boost efforts in advancing major projects and vigorously launch production capacity cooperation, so as to realize win-win, mutually beneficial and common development. Meanwhile, the two countries should enhance cooperation under multilateral frameworks and pursue a fairer and more equitable international order, Xi added. As developing countries, China and the Latin American countries are similar to each other in the phase of development, presenting opportunities to each other and sharing broad cooperation prospects, said Xi. China stands ready to further political dialogue and deepen all-round cooperation with Latin America, and promote the building of the China-CELAC Forum so as to push for a better and faster growth of China-Latin America relations, Xi said. As an intergovernmental forum, the China-CELAC Forum was set up on July 17, 2014 during Xi's second Latin American visit to steer cooperation between China and the 33-member Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Xi also called on Colombia to play an active role in further promoting mutually-beneficial cooperation between China and the Pacific Alliance - a regional trade bloc grouping Chile, Peru, Mexico and Colombia. Calling China a great friend of Colombia, Santos said his country appreciates China's support for its peace process and it is looking forward to deepening cooperation with China in economy, trade, infrastructure and other fields. Colombia supports stronger Latin America-China relations, Santos said, adding that the country is willing to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Pacific Alliance and China. by Xinhua writer Xia Lin LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Participants echoed Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for speeding up the negotiations about a regional overall economic partnership at the APEC CEO Summit on Saturday in Lima, believing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) now under discussion will be a new impetus for global development. Building an FTAAP, which is aptly regarded by the business community as the APEC dream, is a strategic initiative critical for the long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific, Xi told the summit. "We should firmly pursue the FTAAP as an institutional mechanism for ensuring an open economy in the Asia-Pacific," Xi said. At 2014 APEC meeting, the Beijing Roadmap was adopted to push forward the FTAAP process. The collective strategic study on this plan is expected to be submitted to the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Sunday. Concrete steps and measures are expected to follow to enhance the development of the Asia-Pacific, and even the whole world, by means of integration and connectivity. Juan Andres Camus C., president of Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago, the foremost equity market in Chile, believes it is very necessary to build the FTAAP, as the Asia-Pacific needs a unified free trade area to boost economic development and benefit its people. Once established, the FTAAP, the largest free trade area in the world can unleash much greater economic vigor than other regional trade arrangements and add an estimated 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars of output to the global economy. "We have an obligation to continue the core agenda. Perhaps the first issue is the adoption of the collective strategic study, which was required by the Beijing Roadmap," Raul Salazar, APEC affairs director at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, told Xinhua in Lima. "It is expected that this year the leaders will approve the study as a prerequisite to begin negotiating what would be the FTAAP," said Salazar, adding that the free trade zone should be implemented no later than 2025 if agreements can be reached. "What is approved this year is the analytical study and then the economies have to agree on the next steps we are going to take in the future to start these discussions. This is still an effort as I said that requires a great encouragement," Luis Quesada, 2016 chair of APEC senior officials, told Xinhua in Lima. "We must energize trade and investment to drive growth, make free trade arrangements more open and inclusive and uphold the multilateral trading regime," said Xi in his speech. Integration, connectivity, innovation and win-win cooperation will be the major efforts for Asia to inject new vitality into and find new paths for the world economy, he added. Participants praised Xi's blueprint for the proposed FTAAP for being well worthy and far-sighted. "The FTAAP will lead to more investment opportunities in and outside China. China is opening its gate and helping the developing countries in fields such as transportation and infrastructure," said Carlos Galvez Pinillos, president of Peru's National Association of Minerals, Petroleum and Energy. "With the FTAAP, President Xi is telling us that more and new markets are emerging, and we are together with China," he told Xinhua. Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas, believes China is willing to join hands with others to develop economy, and the FTAAP will provide more chances for cooperation in infrastructure and agriculture, especially between China and Latin America. In his speech, Xi also promised that no matter what level of development it may reach, China, with its root in the Asia-Pacific, will continue to contribute to the region's development and prosperity. "China's contribution has been a great impetus to the free trade area. I think the step it took in Beijing has put us forward," said Salazar. Established in 1989 as a forum for the 21 Pacific Rim economies to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region, APEC is becoming an increasingly important mechanism to address economic issues not only within the region, but also around the world. APEC has played an important role in advancing trade liberalization and facilitation, promoting economic integration and boosting connectivity. The Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to global peace and development, accounts for 40 percent of the world population, around half of world trade, and 57 percent of global GDP. by Peerzada Arshad Hamid SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Normalcy is returning to Muslim dominated areas of Indian-controlled Kashmir, including the capital city Srinagar following a relaxation of strike. Routine activities resumed across towns and major villages Saturday after a period of 133 days of shutdown. Markets opened up for business, abuzz with activity. People flooded here to purchase essentials. Public transport hit roads and traffic was also seen plying normally. At many places and intersections, people have to bear the massive traffic jam for hours together. Offices, both government and private, became functional and recorded a full attendance. The region has witnessed massive protests over the past more than four months. At least 90 people, most of whom teenagers, were killed and over 14,000 injured (including those blinded and maimed) in police and paramilitary shootings while controlling public protests. Each death has triggered more protests despite government measures to impose a strict curfew across the towns. The relaxation has come at a time when the region is grappling with the violent unrest. On Thursday, a 75-year-old man succumbed to his wounds in hospital. He was hit by a tear smoke shell earlier this month, fired by government forces. Protests have been on since July 8 following the killing of a popular militant commander in a gunfight with Indian troops. The continuous shutdown of 133 days has been so far the longest in the region's troubled history. The unrest has mounted pressure on local government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti which is struggling to bring the situation under control. It has requisitioned several companies of additional paramilitary troopers and intensified night raids to curb street protests. Authorities have arrested dozens of separatist leaders and young men on the charges of fomenting trouble or pelting stones. Most of them have been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA). The local government has sacked 12 officials allegedly for their role in fuelling ongoing turmoil. A local english daily - Kashmir Reader has been banned after authorities cited its content "tends to incite violence and disturb peace and tranquility." A guerrilla war is also going on between militants and the Indian troops stationed in Indian-controlled Kashmir over the past two decades. Gun fighting between militants and Indian army troopers takes place intermittently. Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. FAIZABVAD, Afghanistan, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Taliban attempts to capture Baharak district in the northern Badakhshan province have been foiled and the militants after leaving a dead body behind fled the area, district police chief Abdul Wadoud said Sunday. "A group of Taliban fighters including some suicide bombers had planned to target Baharak district headquarters early Sunday, but police thwarted their malicious design after killing the suicide bomber on the spot," Wadoud told Xinhua. The armed militants, according to the official, had planned to conduct a suicide bombing next to the gate of Baharak district headquarters early morning to enable others enter the compound and to occupy the building and kill anyone inside, but the conspiracy has been foiled. "Police have launched search operations to locate and arrest the fleeing terrorists," the official added. Taliban militants who are active in parts of Baharak district and adjoining Wardoj and Jarm districts are yet to make comments. SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Opposition political parties in South Korea are expected to move to impeach President Park Geun-hye as prosecutors said Park had conspired with her longtime confidante and former aides for multiple crimes. Presidential hopefuls and senior lawmakers from three major opposition parties, including the biggest opposition Minjoo Party and minors People's Party and Justice Party, held an emergency meeting on Sunday after the prosecutors' announcement. The eight political heavyweights confirmed that President Park's clear and grave offenses are a ground for impeachment, agreeing to ask the three parties and the parliament to discuss the impeachment while separately continuing a campaign to force the president to step down. The agreement came hours after the prosecution office said in its interim probe results announcement that Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, and two former presidential aides indicted on Sunday for criminal charges. Park became the first incumbent South Korean president in history to be investigated by prosecutors as a criminal suspect. Prosecutors vowed to continue an investigation into the chief executive. The politicians in the opposition bloc also asked their parties to rapidly draw up detailed measures to minimize power vacuum from the expected resignation or impeachment, including the appointment of a new prime minister proposed by a parliamentary agreement who would form a stopgap coalition cabinet. They shared views that President Park should completely distance herself from all state affairs such as the push to sign a military intelligence pact with Japan and approve the state-authored history textbook. The Park administration hurriedly pushes the signing of the accord with Japan on direct exchange of military intelligence on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear and missile programs. After resuming talks earlier this month, the two countries already initialed the deal on Monday. South Korea is scheduled to approve it at a cabinet meeting next Tuesday that is forecast to be chaired by President Park. Meanwhile, the impeachment can be a tough option to select as opposition lawmakers are required to win at least 200 ayes from the 300 parliamentary seats to approve an impeachment motion. The ruling Saenuri Party has over 120 seats in the National Assembly. The ruling party's non-President Park faction members and its presidential potentials gathered separately to discuss how to let the embattled president secede from the party, according to local media reports. The gathering drew about 80 lawmakers and politicians. The first of the Indigenous Community Forums, hosted by the City of Flagstaff and the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff, drew about 200 people Wednesday night to discuss issues facing Indigenous youth and their education. Chris Jocks, a visiting professor of Applied Indigenous Studies at Northern Arizona University, said the forum series was created after city officials discussed renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day, but both groups decided an educational process and increased understanding could benefit more than a symbolic day. City Councilwoman Eva Putzova told the crowd she and other city representatives, including City Manager Josh Copley, councilmembers Coral Evans and Scott Overton and Vice Mayor Celia Barotz, were present at the forum to listen and learn, and to work to implement improvements in city policy regarding Native American people. At the forum held at Flagstaff High School, Native American parents and youth described cultural insensitivity and bias within the education system. Catherine Esquivel, a mother of a graduate from the Flagstaff Unified School District and two children in elementary school in the district, said her family has had to address problems in schools regarding Native American culture. Despite how sensitive school leaders are, there are still issues, she said. Esquivel said her daughter was supposed to dissect a frog in science class, a practice that her culture regards as disrespectful to animals. She said the family had to contact the Native American counselor at the school and her daughter was given an alternate assignment. She said teachers can also be unaware of the difficulties some Native American children face just getting to school. One of the great hurdles is children ride the bus in from Leupp, theyre in school all day, then they have to take the bus all the way back, she said. Its a long journey, and teachers dont see what kids go through to get to school. Makaius Marks, a student at Flagstaff High School, where the forum was hosted, said he has heard many racist comments at school since the presidential election. Its discouraging to know youre the enemy no matter what in their world, youre the enemy no matter what in their eyes, Marks said of his non-Native classmates. I feel like Im that square in the round peg hole. Marks said Native American students are often bullied for their clothing or their language, or are overlooked in class when they have questions. At the forum, attendees broke into groups and discussed what Native American students face in school. Students, many of whom live in the Kinlani Dorm, which is run by the Bureau of Indian Education, discussed Native American history not being addressed in class, and few opportunities to wear traditional clothing or to learn the language of their people in school. FUSD does offer Navajo classes, as well as a Navajo immersion program at Puente de Hozho Elementary School that continues through the high school level, but students from other tribes said it is hard to find someone to teach them their language. Participants were encouraged to write down their thoughts on the issue, and the comments were given to forum organizers to use in future decision-making. There is discrimination at school, said Amy Begay, a sophomore at FHS. We are taught to respect European society, but they dont acknowledge that we (Native Americans) are here. Christina Thompson, also a sophomore at FHS, said the school often only wants to focus on successes by Native Americans, without acknowledging discrimination students can face. The group will be hosting more forums on various topics relating to indigenous issues. The next forum will focus on homelessness, and will take place at FHS on November 30. YANGON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Heavy clashes between Myanmar government forces and some ethnic armed groups occurred near the 105th Mile Muse Border Trade Zone in Shan State north Sunday morning, resulting in some casualties, local sources said. The three-hour exchange of fire, said to have involved the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Ta-ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), began at 06:30 a.m. local time. The police station was attacked with a key bridge being destroyed. With some cargo trucks also damaged, the main road leading to the border trade zone has been reportedly closed. WUHAN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has called for efforts to study, publicize and implement the guidelines established at the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. Liu Qibao, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a trip to central China's Hubei Province from Wednesday to Saturday. The essence of the meeting should reach the authorities at the grassroots level and the masses, Liu stressed. He said efforts should be made to encourage officials and the masses to "closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core" and work hard to realize the country's two centenary goals and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. During the trip, Liu visited companies, villages and communities, as well as publicity and cultural institutions in cities including Wuhan, Xiangyang and Jingzhou, and talked with local officials and members of the public. In addition, Liu urged authorities to integrate socialist core values into laws, regulations, education and artistic works, calling for more landmark works that "praise the Party, the motherland, the people and the heroes." PHNOM PENH, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian police have arrested an Australian nurse and two Cambodian accomplices for running a commercial surrogacy service in Phnom Penh, a senior police official said on Sunday. Tammy Alayne Charles, 49, who operated Fertility Solutions PGD clinic, and two Cambodian helpers - a 35-year-old Cambodian female-nurse and 28-year-old male civil servant - were arrested on Friday evening in Phnom Penh, said Colonel Keo Thea, chief of Phnom Penh Municipal Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police. "The Australian nurse has run the surrogacy service in Cambodia for more than a year, moving from Thailand after the Thai government imposed anti-surrogacy laws last year," he told Xinhua. "She has confessed to running this business and contacted foreign couples seeking to have a child through surrogacy." According to Keo Thea, Tammy has arranged for 23 Cambodian women to bear pregnancies through the clinic, and so far, about six babies have been born. He said that Tammy and the Cambodian accomplices are facing the charges of engaging in surrogacy business and falsifying documents, including birth certificates. "Under the kingdom's penal code, they could face between six months and two years if convicted," he said. During the raid on their rented house in the western suburbs of Phnom Penh, police seized two passports, money, two mobile phones, a computer and documents. The arrest was made nearly a month after Cambodia's Health Ministry announced a ban on commercial surrogacy in the country, describing surrogacy as a form of human "trading." Experts believe that about 50 surrogacy agencies and brokers are operating in Cambodia, many of which moved their businesses here after countries in Asia, including Thailand, India and Nepal, have outlawed the surrogacy business. RIYADH, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A high profiled Saudi delegation to visit Lebanon on Monday to meet the newly elected President Michel Aoun and other top officials, Al Haya local newspaper reported Sunday. The delegation, which includes Prince Khalid Al Faisal, adviser to the Saudi King, and Thamer Al-Sabhan, minister of state for Arabian Gulf affairs at the Foreign Ministry, will focus on reviving the ties between the two countries that witnessed disturbances in recent years. Saudi Arabia suspended military assistance to Lebanon last February, citing what Riyadh described as Beirut's anti-Saudi stance. The suspension covered the supply of 3 billion U.S. dollars of arms through France to the Lebanese army and the remaining unpaid 1 billion dollars assistance to the Lebanese security forces. The suspension came after Beirut's failure to condemn attacks earlier 2015 on Saudi mission in Iran and many negative statements on Riyadh by Lebanon's Hezbollah group. Last week, Al-Sabhan visited Beirut and met Aoun and other Lebanese officials. RIYADH, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia has warned of expected rise of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) corona virus cases due to the coming of cold weather, Okaz local newspaper reported on Sunday. The warning was made after four new cases were registered among Saudi males in the last seven days, in which all of them caught the virus through direct contact with camels. Infection Control Consultant, Mohammed Abdulrahman, told the newspaper that despite the efforts of official organizations to encourage the public to be more careful while dealing with camels, many people aren't convinced that the animal is the source of the deadly virus. Saudi Arabia has registered 1,483 cases, including 616 deaths since 2012, which the country topped the world of number of cases and mortality rate. PHOENIX, the United States, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- The largest Chinese lantern festival in U.S. history, Lights of the World, kicked off this weekend in the capital of Arizona to boost Sino-U.S. cultural ties. The event lasting to Jan. 29 next year and running through four of the most important holidays -- Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year and Spring Festival -- is expected to attract more than half a million local residents, Song Yang, vice chairman of the U.S.-China Cultural and Educational Foundation, told Xinhua Sunday night. "It is also a good opportunity for Americans to get to know more about Chinese folk art," he said, adding that culture was a means for people to exchange different ideas and understand each other. The festival in the Gila River Indian Community covers 22 acres, or about 90,000 square meters, and showcases more than 80 huge lantern units. Among the units, Heaven Temple is about 18 meters high and China Dragon assembled by China Dinnerware is 70 meters long. About 380 Chinese lantern craftsmen worked for three months to prepare the show and the units used over 160 tons of steel and over four million lights, Song, who co-invested more than six million U.S. dollars in the event with a private company from Sichuan Province, told Xinhua. "It's a real good feeling to have this fantastic experience," Stephen Rowe Lewis, Governor of Gila River Indian Community, said in the inauguration Friday. "We regard these hand-made, special designed lights as a bless." "It's a culture event and it's also a event beyond culture, the exciting thing will bring our two people together," he said. NAY PYI TAW, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three ethnic armed groups jointly launched simultaneous and surprise attacks early Sunday morning on some military and police outposts stationed in Muse and Kutkai, border towns in Myanmar's Shan state-north, causing casualties in the military and civilians. A press release from the State Counselor's Office said Sunday afternoon that the armed groups involved the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Ta-ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The over 600-strong joint groups began the assault at 2:00 a.m. local time with heavy weapons on the security posts of Muse, Monekoe, Phangsai and Manken separately. Some security camps near the Nampaw bridge and that near the 105th Mile Muse border trade zone were also attacked, killing one civilian and injuring six others. Explosion occurred on Sunlong and Nampaw bridges on Mandalay-Muse highway, destroying the bridges and three shops near the bridges also burned. A Pajaro car parking near Theinggyi-Namathu bridge also exploded. The joint armed groups retreated after the security force launched counter-attacks, the statement added. by Fuad Rajeh SANAA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) --The internationally recognized government of Yemen has rejected a peace plan proposed by the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry shortly after it turned down a UN-proposed peace roadmap. It is saying both the U.S. and UN plans can't lay the groundwork for permanent peace or rather they may legitimize the Houthi-Saleh coup. Moreover, the two plans were not based on the Gulf Initiative, the outcomes of the national dialogue conference and the UNSC's resolution 2216, it says. The U.S. and UN plans primarily called for an immediate ceasefire and forming a national government from all factions by end of the year. Under the two plans, president Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi may transfer his powers to a new vice president that the two plans suggest to be selected consensually. The government's rejection of the US and UN plans is a sign of total confusion of all including foreign players, the US in particular. Observers argued that the US role toward Yemen is based on commitment to back the US biggest ally in the region, Saudi Arabia. Both countries are now seeking any peace deal before US president Barack Obama leaves office. Moreover, they are facing mounting pressure and criticism over the war and its tragic consequences including the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and that is why they appear confused and showing self-contradiction, observers said. Yaseen Al-Tamimi, a political writer and analyst, said the US role is actually complicating things. "The US is talking about a greater role by the Houthis in Yemen in the future and that comes within its suspicious and chaotic policy designed to empower or rather bring 'sectarian' minorities to power," he said. "Such role exposes self-contradiction of the US which apparently supports the legitimate government. Moreover, the Houthi-Saleh alliance is taking advantage of the US efforts to deepen their coup and then set tough conditions most of which will not serve peace in the end," he added. In the context of the US role toward the situation in Yemen, observers said the new US administration under the president-elect Donald Trump is expected to play a different role in Yemen. Hassan Al-Wareeth, a political writer and analyst, said the republicans' foreign policy is different from the democrats', usually featuring direct interventions including military action. "If it continues, the cost of the Saudi-led war on Yemen will be much higher after Trump takes office. Saudi Arabia has suffered huge economic losses because of its involvement in the wars in Syria, Yemen and maybe other countries and will not accept to lose further," Al-Wareeth said. "And that's why Saudi Arabia backed the Muscat talks between Kerry and Houthis as a groundwork for a peace deal," he added. The government and the General People's Congress GPC, the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's party which allied with the Houthis, did not attend the Muscat talks. Adil Al-Shuja'a, a politics professor at Sanaa University, said there are attempts to divide the Houthi-Saleh alliance. "The Houthis will accept any deal with Saudi Arabia and through the US. The GPC won't. The US seems to be taking advantage of this key difference between the Houthis and Saleh," Al-Shuja'a elaborated. "Saudi Arabia and the US think that breaking up the Houthi-Saleh alliance will help serve peace their own way. But actually they are wrong. The GPC won't make any concessions after the Saudi-led aggression on Yemen which is backed by the US," he added. Objectively, all developments say there will be no peace in Yemen, not any soon. It is not impossible but rather we need great and sincere efforts to bring the factions around one table and then unite positions of foreign players, observers said. Fuad Alsalahi, a professor of political sociology at Sanaa University, said the Yemeni factions have nothing in common and their attitudes are not logical. Each side's demands and ambitions are very complicated, he said. "The previous facts besides the failure to achieve a military victory make the road to peace very long". "And there is another key fact: the Yemeni factions are obvious proxies and can't make their own decisions. Being proxies is a big roadblock to peace as well," Alsalahi said. "What is happening here is that the factions are mixing cards and deepening the chaos amid their military and political failures," Alsalahi concluded. CAPE TOWN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Presidency on Sunday denied reports that President Jacob Zuma's convoy was involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the life of a pedestrian. "The Presidency has been alerted to a tweet reportedly by Johannesburg Mayor Mr Herman Mashaba alleging that President Jacob Zuma's convoy was involved in a fatal car accident on Friday," presidential spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga said. Mashaba said in the tweet, "I have just received the terrible news that President Zuma's blue lights brigades killed a friend Solly Moutlana yesterday." It is unfortunate that Mashaba, if the tweet is indeed by him, seeks to create an impression that a SAPS (South African Police Service) convoy transporting the president caused this painful loss of life which "is totally untrue and misleading", Ngqulunga said. The president was in East London, Eastern Cape Province on Friday to participate in the National Council of Province's Taking Parliament to the People event, having travelled from Cape Town. From East London he flew to KwaZulu-Natal province. The Presidency, on enquiry, has been informed that police are investigating a case involving the knocking of a pedestrian by a car driven by a police officer in Pretoria, according to Ngqulunga. The pedestrian subsequently passed away. The SAPS would be better placed to provide clarity on the matter, said Ngqulunga. The Presidency extends heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased on this tragic loss, he said. The Presidency remains ready to assist the Mayor of Johannesburg in future with clarity on matters affecting the Presidency to ensure the accuracy of information being disseminated, Ngqulunga said. DAMASCUS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is arriving Sunday in the capital Damascus for a brief meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem. Mistura is expected to discuss a recently-proposed UN humanitarian plan with the Syrian government. The plan is said to have focused on delivering humanitarian help to the affected people in the rebel-held part of the northern city of Aleppo, where as many as 250,000 people are suffering. A day earlier, the UN said it was appalled by the intensifying battles in Aleppo. The government-imposed siege on Aleppo and the rebels' grip in that region have made civilians in dire need for humanitarian assistance, the UN statement said, adding that the UN is ready to assist the civilians there once granted access by all parties in accordance to a plan put forward by the UN. "The UN has shared with all parties to the conflict in Aleppo and member states concerned a detailed humanitarian plan to provide urgently needed assistance to the inhabitants of east Aleppo, and conduct medical evacuations for the ill and injured," according to the statement. It highlighted the need for all parties to accept the plan and provide safe access to the affected people in eastern Aleppo. However, the visit of Mistura comes amid tension with Damascus against the backdrop of remarks he made recently, according to the local al-Watan daily. The pro-government paper said the visit of Mistura is going to be brief, adding that he will meet with al-Moallem, who will hold a press conference alone after the meeting. The paper said the recent remarks of Mistura were "unbalanced and provocative." In an interview with the Guardian, Mistura warned that a total military victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad rather than a negotiated peace deal will leave Syria and Europe exposed to resurgent Sunni terrorism, as in Iraq. "Solely concentrating on a military victory will lead to a pyrrhic victory followed by a long-term, low intensity, but extremely painful guerrilla war, in which Syrians continue to die," he told the Guardian. Such warning is seen as a diplomatic advice to the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who said he would work with Russia to defeat the terrorists in Syria, which meant a stronger position for Assad. The al-Watan paper said that Damascus has postponed several visits of Mistura, and the brief visit granted for him on Sunday reflects Damascus discontent with his "biased stances which diverted from the nature of his job as a mediator." The paper said the UN and Mistura were in uncomfortable situation, following the achievements of the Syrian army in Aleppo, the focal point of all recent discussions on Syria. Battles and intense shelling have continued in Aleppo for six days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. It said six people of one family were killed Sunday by Syria shelling, rising thus the number of those killed in Aleppo over the past 24 hours to 55. The official media outlets in Syria also reported relentless rebel shelling on residential areas in Aleppo, which resulted in an undisclosed number of casualties. The Observatory pointed out that as many as 5,100 people have been killed in Aleppo in the last two months, as a U.S.-Russian-sponsored truce failed to bring a prolonged peace in the city. For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye's office expressed deep regrets Sunday over prosecutors' interim investigation results that suspected Park of having conspired with her longtime confidante and former aides for multiple crimes. President spokesman Jung Youn-kuk told a press briefing that the prosecution office's announcement was deeply regrettable, saying prosecutors regarded Park as having committed a grave crime. Jung said President Park will prove her innocence by actively cooperating with an investigation by a special prosecutor who will be appointed given that the president unconditionally accepted the independent counsel proposal. The comments followed the prosecutors' announcement that Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with her decades-long friend, Choi Soon-sil, and two former presidential aides indicted on Sunday for criminal charges. Park became the first incumbent South Korean president in history to be investigated by prosecutors as a criminal suspect. Eight heavyweight politicians and presidential hopefuls agreed to ask their opposition parties to discuss the impeachment of the scandal-hit president. Even scores of non-Park faction members in the ruling Saenuri Party and its presidential potentials called on the embattled president to be immediately impeached and secede from their party. The impeachment, however, can be a tough option to select as the passage of impeachment motion requires at least 200 ayes from the 300 parliamentary seats. The Saenuri Party has over 120 seats in the National Assembly. Even after the passage, it must be approved by at least six judges of the nine-member constitutional court. Two judges, including the chief justice, are scheduled to end their tenure early next year. They would be replaced by new ones appointed by the president. The presidential spokesman said it would be better to settle up the controversy through legitimate procedures, indicating the office's preference for the impeachment process. Meanwhile, Park's attorney reportedly said he will reject any request for face-to-face questioning from prosecutors, vowing to prepare for an investigation by a "neutral" special prosecutor. Prosecutors originally requested the questioning no later than Wednesday and re-proposed it as late as Friday, but the president's lawyer delayed it to next week. The possibility is open for the questioning to be postponed to an undefined date. The special prosecutor's team, composed of four deputy independent counsels, 20 dispatched prosecutors and 40 investigators, is expected to be launched as early as early next month unless President Park vetoes it. Related: S. Korean president suspected of conspiring with indicted confidante, former aides SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye is suspected of having conspiring with her longtime confidante and former aides, who were indicted on Sunday for multiple charges, prosecutors said in an interim announcement of investigation results. Park has a complicity "to a significant extent" with the three criminal suspects in multiple offenses, the head of a special investigative unit in the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in charge of the case told a nationally televised press conference. Full story 1 mln S. Koreans expected to join rally to demand president's resignation SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- About 1 million South Koreans are expected to join a mass rally nationwide on Saturday to demand scandal-hit President Park Geun-hye's step down, organizers said. In Seoul, around half-a-million demonstrators are forecast to march at night with paper cup-wrapped candles in hand. Last Saturday, over a 1.3 million people took to the streets in the capital city. Full story S.Korean prosecutors may insert president's charges in indictment for confidante SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korean prosecutors said Friday that they may insert President Park Geun-hye's criminal charges in indictment for her longtime confidante and two former aides expected on Sunday. DAMASCUS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least seven children were killed Sunday by rebel shelling on a school in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, a monitor group reported. The shelling targeted a school on the al-Furqan neighborhood in the government-controlled part west of Aleppo, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The official SANA news agency also reported the attack, saying 20 other children were wounded. It added that all of the wounded are in critical conditions. The attack is the latest in a series of endless shelling by the rebels on government-held part of Aleppo. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) by Fei Liena, Liu Tong BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- With the theme of "Quality Growth and Human Development," the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting needs China's initiatives to reach its goals. Chinese President Xi Jinping is now in Lima, Peru to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, and has delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit on Saturday. In his speech, Xi called on the 21 APEC member economies to promote an open and integrated economy, enhance connectivity to achieve interconnected development, boost reform and innovation to create more internal driving force, and promote win-win cooperation to forge strong partnerships. ASIA-PACIFIC INTEGRATION This year marks an important step in the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), as a collective strategic study on the FTAAP was concluded before the APEC leaders' meeting. Based on the study, APEC leaders will decide on their next move. "It can be said that we are becoming increasingly clear about what the FTAAP will be like and increasingly concrete steps are being taken," said Liu Chenyang, director of the APEC Study Center at Nankai University based in Tianjin, China. The idea of creating the FTAAP was proposed eight years ago and was officially launched at the Beijing APEC summit in 2014. The FTAAP engages all APEC members, thus saving the Asia-Pacific region from the negative impacts of free trade agreements (FTAs) contending for members and viciously competing among themselves. "As a high-level FTA arrangement that covers a wide range of areas, the FTAAP will hopefully solve problems such as inconsistency in rules of origin and different FTAs dedicated to different areas, thus reducing the costs of implementing FTAs," said Liu. "The TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership), for example, leads to vicious competition. Once the FTAAP becomes reality, it will help address problems arising from a mass of intertwined FTAs, and push forward the integration of a regional economy," he added. Economic modelling in 2014 shows global income gains from the FTAAP would be more than eight times higher than those from the TPP. The Asia-Pacific region has always been an important platform for China's foreign trade. Most of its trade volume and foreign investment come from APEC members. China's economic development largely benefits from the regional economy and cooperation, and China's development also injects impetus into the APEC organization. According to an estimate of the International Monetary Fund, China's contribution to the Asian economy has already exceeded 50 percent. With every percent of growth of the Chinese economy, Asia's economy rises 0.3 percent. China and the rest of the Asia-Pacific are indeed interdependent, so excluding China from any Asia-Pacific trade bloc would be unrealistic. "Now that the U.S. is apparently turning inward (with Donald Trump's election victory), it is especially important for China to take the driver's seat in terms of pushing for greater free trade in the region, which benefits everybody," said Oh Ei Sun, an analyst at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY The APEC Connectivity Blueprint 2015-2025, a significant action plan for the Asia-Pacific's long-term development, was adopted at the Beijing APEC meeting in 2014. At last year's APEC summit in Manila, the Philippines, Xi announced that China has established and put into operation the Silk Road Fund, and proposed to launch the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with an authorized capital of 100 billion U.S. dollars, an important platform supporting regional connectivity. In June 2016, the bank approved its first four loans, totaling 509 million dollars, to fund power, housing and transportation projects in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Tajikistan. Even before the establishment of the AIIB, China had already sought increased cooperation with related countries to promote connectivity in the region. The launch of China-Thailand and China-Laos railway projects marked a milestone in stepping up connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. China has recently proposed the evaluation mechanism on the implementation of the APEC Connectivity Blueprint, which has been approved by the APEC senior officials' meeting, said Zhang Jun, director-general of the International Economic Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry. "On the basis of that, we'll continue to push forward regional connectivity in areas such as e-commerce, harbor networks, environmentally conscious supply chains, and cross-border education," he said. "We are also trying to dovetail regional connectivity with China's Belt and Road Initiative," he added. According to Liu, this year's APEC meeting is expected to push forward the implementation of the blueprint and ensure progress is delivered in a prompt manner. With improvements in the implementation mechanism and more sources of funding, more achievements are expected in enhancing connectivity. INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT & STRUCTURAL REFORM Economic reform and innovation-driven growth are highlighted on various occasions, including the APEC and G20 meetings. These concepts are emphasized against the backdrop of the global economy still struggling to recover from the financial crisis. Despite the consensus, it is a challenge to boost technical innovation and find new sources of economic growth. China has placed special emphasis on transforming economic development modes and innovation-driven growth in its blueprint for economic and social development in the 2016-2020 period. So have other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, which has long served as an engine of the world economy. Therefore, China's appeal for innovation-driven growth and structural reform is in line with its own conditions and the region's demands. Its appeal has won recognition from other APEC economies. For years the Chinese government has been releasing supportive policies and measures for innovative entrepreneurship and supply-side reform, resulting in a steady gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.7 percent, a retreat of excess capacity, and booming high-tech, service and other new industries. "With economic restructuring, the initiative of innovation-driven growth and development of free trade zones, China boasts an increasingly opened-up and transparent market with greater market potential and improved market environment," said Liu. "It is expected that the Lima APEC summit will coordinate and lead the drive of innovation and reform, and produce real results," he added. For Ignacio Cortes, coordinator of the Laboratory for Trade, Economics and Business Analysis at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, the Lima APEC summit will be instrumental in invigorating the world economy, and China will play a prominent role. Photo taken on Nov. 12, 2016 shows a newly-built road which links Madagascar's capital Antananarivo and the road to the Ivato International Airport in Madagascar. The new road built by China was inaugurated in Antananarivo on Friday as part of the preparation work for the Summit of French speaking countries (La Francophonie) scheduled to be held in the country from Nov. 21 to 27. (Xinhua/Wen Hao) ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A new road built by China has been inaugurated in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo as part of the preparation work for the Summit of French speaking countries (La Francophonie) scheduled to be held in the country from Nov. 21 to 27. The road, about 4,759 kilometers in total length, links the capital and the road to the Ivato International Airport, near the venue to host the summit of French speaking countries. Madagascar's President Hery Rajaonarimampianina (C) attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony during the inauguration of a newly-built road which linksMadagascar's capital Antananarivo and the road to the Ivato International Airport, Madagascar, on Nov. 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Wen Hao) Madagascar's President Hery Rajaonarimampianina praised during the inauguration on Friday the quality of the road, built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in a span of only six months, which followed international standards using solar system for its electricity plants. Grateful to the CRBC and especially the chinese government, Madagascar's president said that "this road will promote Madagascar's development because it will solve the problem of traffic jam in the capital." The Chinese Ambassador to Madagascar Yang Xiaorong said during her speech that Chinese companies are faithful to their words and show it in deed. "This road is a concrete fruit of the win-win cooperation between Madagascar and China," Ambassador Yang said, adding that "It represents the chinese speed and promise kept by chinese part". With assistance from China, Madagascar has made notable progress in areas of road infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, culture since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on Nov. 6, 1972. Photos about the 1994Rwanda genocide are on show during an international seminar to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, in Rwanda's capital city of Kigali April 4, 2004. (Xinhua Photo/Sun Yongming) KIGALI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda genocide survivors association, locally called IBUKA, has commended the recent deportations and extraditions of genocide fugitives to Rwanda. The latest to be deported is Jean Claude Henri Seyoboka, deported from Canada, on Friday morning while Jean Claude Iyamuremye, and Jean-Baptiste Mugimba were extradited from the Netherlands, last weekend. Earlier, Leopold Munyakazi was deported from the United States. The quartet had fought legal battles against their deportation for years. They will now stand trial for crimes they are accused of committing in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Seyoboka is accused of participating in extermination of more than 72 Tutsi who had sought refuge at a former African languages school in Kigali (CELA), and shooting Tutsi in various places in the then Rugenge sector of Kigali. "Jean Claude Seyoboka will be tried for genocide, extermination and murder as crimes against humanity that took place in Nyarugenge-Kigali City, where he participated in meetings that planned killings," Rwanda's prosecution said Thursday. In a statement Friday, IBUKA President Prof. Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu said "Genocide survivors welcome these deportations and extraditions because they are critical for justice. They are also important for national healing because there is no reconciliation without justice. We applaud this demonstration of international solidarity and trust in the fairness of the Rwandan judicial system." He urged other countries hosting genocide suspects to follow suit. "However, other genocide perpetrators continue to live freely in different countries especially in France. These countries have to follow the example of Canada, the Netherlands and the United States, and cooperate with the government of Rwanda to bring genocide suspects to justice, whether in Rwanda or wherever they live today. To do this would uphold the dignity of the victims." he said. IBUKA is the umbrella body of organizations representing genocide survivors in Rwanda. Its mission is to promote the welfare of survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi, preserve the memory of the victims, combat genocide denial and uphold justice. About one million people were killed in the genocide that lasted 100 days. LONDON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Storm Angus, which hit south-eastern England on Sunday, has caused damages to roads and properties on land. UK's Met Office issued the Amber warning for severe gales for a stretch of southeastern England from the Isle of Wight to Kent. Extremely windy at first across southern areas, with gusts to 70 mph possible, especially along the coast, according to the Office's forecast. The storm brought heavy rain to the areas. Flood warnings and alerts have also been issued for the south-eastern and south-western England with streets and properties in a number of towns in the areas being flooded. As bad weather affects the southern parts of England, a ship has been reported to be in trouble on water off Dover. Some of the crew have been taken off the cargo ship which has been taking on water, the maritime and coastguard agency said. It is thought it collided with a barge loaded with rocks, according to Sky News. The Met Office said that rain in the south-eastern England will move away northwestwards on Monday, and brighter conditions and showers follow, some showers becoming heavy and thundery, especially along the coast where it will become windy. MOGADISHU, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least two police officers were killed and two others injured in a bomb explosion at a checkpoint in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday. Local government spokesman Abdifitah Omar Halane said the incident was caused by an explosive device planted near the checkpoint manned by traffic police officers. "We think the blast was a landmine which terrorists planted near the checkpoint mid last night," Halane told journalists, adding that an investigation is underway. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack, but militant from Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab militants frequently carry out attacks on government and civilian targets in the country. Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia are conducting security operations in Benadir region, where Mogadishu is located, ahead of presidential election slated for Nov. 30. MOGADISHU, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people suspected to be members of Islamist group Al-Shabaab were arrested in an operation in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Saturday night, police said. Banadir region police chief, Bashir Abshir Gedi, told journalists troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali soldiers carried out the operation in Hamar Jajab and Waberi districts in Mogadishu to hunt down Al-Shabaab suspects. "These people (suspects) were planning attacks on the city but our intelligence helped us arrest them before they could do anything," Gedi said. Al-Shbaab has been fighting against the Somali government for years, staging frequent attacks in the country. The operation comes as Mogadishu prepares for presidential election scheduled for Nov. 30. Parliamentary elections are ongoing in various parts of the country. AMISOM and Somali forces have beefed up security in Mogadishu ahead of the election, erecting security barriers and putting up checks on vehicles during day and night. BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang called on authorities to make constant efforts in improving the overall conditions of women and children in the country. Li made the remarks in a speech delivered at the sixth national working conference on women and children on Friday. The full text of the speech was released on Sunday. In addition to endorsing laws, regulations and guidelines to support the groups, the nation also carried out programs including cancer screening for women and improved nutrition for children in poverty-stricken areas, according to Li. Health conditions of women and children have improved markedly, with women's average life expectancy standing at 79.4 years old and the mortality rates for infants and children under five dropping to 8.1 per thousand and 10.7 per thousand respectively, Li said. "Overall, these readings are at the same level as those reported in medium- and high-income countries," he said. According to Li, the educational rights of women and children have been protected and women's rights in fields including politics, the economy, culture and social activities have been effectively safeguarded. While acknowledging the remarkable achievements made in this regard in recent years, Li stressed women and children's development faces many challenges and difficulties ahead. "There are still some backward notions and social conventions, and the development of women and children remains unbalanced between urban and rural areas and among regions," Li said. He added that resources to protect and serve women and children in poverty-stricken areas are not adequate and cases of infringement of the rights of women and children have occasionally been reported. In his speech, Li urged continued efforts to implement the basic state policy of gender equality and the principle of prioritizing the development of children's education. Li said women and children's development should be better coordinated with economic growth and social progress. Gender discrimination must be eliminated, and equal pay for equal work must be enforced, said Li, calling for efforts to provide special work protection to female employees and boost support to them, including training, tax waivers or rebates, and legal and business assistance. Greater efforts should be made to select or promote female cadres, and women should enjoy greater opportunities and capabilities to govern economic and social affairs, Li said. The premier also urged greater care for particularly vulnerable groups, including the poor, sick and disabled, elderly women as well as single mothers. Calling children the "future and hope of a nation," Li said priority should be given to the education of children. Li urged advancing balanced development of compulsory education by investing more heavily in education in central and western regions, border areas, ethnic minority areas and impoverished areas. Work to expand enrollment of students from poor areas in prestigious universities should be continued, Li said, adding efforts should be made to create equal educational opportunities for children from various family backgrounds. Additionally, Li urged improving medical services for children, increasing the number of pediatricians, and addressing shortages of pediatric medications and other medical resources. More effective measures should be worked out to address birth defects and malnutrition of children, Li added. Special care should be provided to orphans and sick, disabled and homeless children, as well as rural children whose parents have left home to work in cities as migrant workers. Moreover, Li added that the government will continue to crack down on human trafficking and other crimes that target women and children. Lithuanian soldiers attend the opening ceremony of Iron Sword 2016 in Pabrade, Lithuania, on Nov. 20, 2016. Multinational military exercise Iron sword 2016 kicked off in Lithuania on Sunday. (Xinhua/Alfredas Pliadis) VILNIUS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Multinational military exercise Iron sword 2016 kicks off in Lithuania on Sunday. Around 4,000 troops from 11 NATO members are to conduct military training on Lithuanian soil till December 3. According to the Lithuanian Defense Ministry, Lithuanian and allied military personnel are to plan and execute defensive and offensive operations, train tactical movement and conduct other tasks to enhance interoperability with allied forces. Lithuanian military officials say the country's allied forces must prepare their personnel to adapt to the changing situation, as the army is to face challenges ahead that are unknown. "A quick and efficient response to (of) all units in the area to conventional threats is one of the main objectives of the exercise," the commander of the Lithuanian Land force brigadier general Valdemaras Rupsys was quoted as saying in a press release. Exercise Iron Sword is conducted as part of NATO Military Training and Exercise Program. Iron sword 2016, one of the largest military drills in the Baltic states, is hosted in Lithuania for the third year, as the country pursues its efforts to strengthen military readiness and defense capabilities. Its been nearly two weeks since Election Day, and nationally the talk has turned to fake news and the role it might have played in Donald Trumps victory. Facebook has finally conceded it helped to promote hundreds of fabricated stories and might start tagging the more obvious ones or take down the sites altogether. But if it isnt Facebook, there will be some other social media platform for stories that fill the vacuum when the narratives coming from the major parties and the mainstream news media dont square with grassroots reality. Politics in many ways is about managing expectations, and when voters turn incumbents out of office, its usually because they havent delivered on promises from the last election. Its open to debate, of course, whether political promises should ever be believed and how much the other party is responsible for frustrating them. But Flagstaff saw such a disconnect this past cycle when the three members of the council majority seeking reelection were defeated. The majority was identified with some of the major residential and commercial projects that were finally uncorked as the economy recovered. Flagstaffs growth ostensibly is meant to focus on walkable, compact infill projects near mixed-use activity centers under the 2011 land use development code. But some of those centers are already congested with no traffic relief in sight, and when this newspaper reported a month before the election that there were more than a dozen large-scale projects in the pipeline containing 6,000 housing and hotel units, voters could be excused for asking, What went wrong? WHAT WENT WRONG? That also happened to be the title of a 1991 book by a pair of Philadelphia Inquirer investigative reporters, James Steele and Donald Barlett, who would go on to write a half-dozen more books detailing the hollowing out of American industry and its middle class as crony capitalism allowed U.S. corporate executives to ship jobs overseas while avoiding taxes and enriching themselves. Their 2012 book The Betrayal of the American Dream charted in city after city the grievances that both the Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders campaigns tapped four years later. Steele, speaking Thursday in Sedona to the regional chapter of the League of Women Voters, chalks up the voter anger that drove those two campaigns to unmet expectations about job security and upward mobility in blue-collar towns and cities across America. They were either lied to or told something that turned out to be false, Steele said. And when the forces driving down their standard of living like unenforced trade deals and disinvestment in basic infrastructure -- turned out to be beyond their control, its no wonder they turned to politicians promising a wholesale makeover. Fake news might have fanned the flames of partisanship, but the fuel was there already. Steele, of course, need make no apologies that the information wasnt out there for bipartisan reformers to tackle long before such a polarizing election. But the rest of the news media was slow to connect the dots between U.S. policy failures in trade, tax policy and financial oversight and family dysfunction, civic disengagement and political disillusionment among the rank and file in both major parties. That left the field wide open for disaffected fringe movements to leverage the new power of social media and partisan cable networks to fill in the gaps, even if very little of it was true. MANAGING GROWTH In Flagstaff, a new council majority led by Mayor Coral Evans does not owe their election to fringe elements. But if the expectation is that they will deliver Flagstaff from the adverse impacts of rapid growth by rewriting the land development code, it may be a short-lived majority. The property rights that underlie the 6,000 planned units are not going away, and NAU is well on its way to reaching 25,000 students on the Mountain Campus by 2020. The debate isnt about stopping that growth but how to channel it and the traffic in an affordable way or get drivers off the roads and into more buses. This newspaper can and will do a better job of helping voters to understand just what options are realistically available. And the council majority would do well to make its processes as transparent as possible, given the bitter medicine they will be asking voters to swallow. A Trump administration will be distraction enough. The Flagstaff charter calls for a nonpartisan policymaking body serving the common good, and after enduring the 2016 national campaign, Flagstaff voters deserve no less. Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem speaks during a press conference held at the Foreign Ministry in Damascus, capital of Syria, on Nov. 20, 2016. Walid al-Moallem said Sunday that his government rejects an idea proposed by the UN special envoy to Syria about an autonomy for the rebels in the eastern part of the northern city of Aleppo. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said Sunday that his government rejects an idea proposed by the UN special envoy to Syria about an autonomy for the rebels in the eastern part of the northern city of Aleppo. The idea of establishing an autonomy for the rebels in eastern Aleppo is completely rejected, al-Moallem said in a press conference, following his meeting with the visiting UN envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, who arrived in Damascus earlier on Sunday to discuss his plan. The top Syrian diplomat said that he had a discussion with Mistura, noting, however, that he didn't sense a desire from the envoy for the resumption of the inter-Syrian dialogue. Al-Moallem added that Mistura said he had no guarantees that the rebels would respect a cease-fire in Aleppo. This comes as the situation in Aleppo is flaring in a circle of violence, with the international efforts being focused on convincing the Syrian government to bring its attack on the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo to a halt and break a siege on that area. At the conference, the minister made it clear that the rebels must evacuate eastern Aleppo so that the government institutions could return to that part of the city. "It makes no sense that the fate of 275,000 civilians in eastern Aleppo be a hostage for six or seven thousands rebels," the minister said. Regarding the evacuation of the wounded and sick from eastern Aleppo, the minister said that the Syrian government had offered three previous chances, which ended without any response form the other side. "It's the duty of the Syrian state to rescue its citizens from being hostages to the terrorists," he said. Meanwhile, the minister said the government welcomes any inter-Syrian dialogue far from any foreign intervention, welcoming any idea to convene such a dialogue in the capital Damascus. MANDERA, Kenya, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police on Saturday evening killed four militants from Somalia-based Islamist group Al-Shabaab and recovered weapons in the northeastern border town of El-Wak, an official said. Northeastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said Sunday the killed were Al-Shabaab militants who had planned to attack police targets in the town, which is situated on the border with Somalia in Mandera county. "On Saturday afternoon, the police officers acting on intelligence pursued five or so Al-Shabaab militants who had been sighted," Saleh said. Saleh said police officers tracked the militants and then engaged a group of 20, who were carrying machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers, in an exchange of fire. Saleh said the police killed four militants and recovered AK 47 rifles with 90 rounds of ammunition. Kenya has enhanced security in border towns following several attacks blamed on Al-Shabaab in the past months. Al-Shabaab militants have carried out a series of bloody attacks in Kenya since Kenyan troops entered Somalia to battle the group in 2011, as part of the African Union peacekeeping force. HOHHOT, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Another freight train service linking northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region with Kazakhstan began operations on Sunday. The 41-compartment train, loaded with production equipment, daily necessities, building materials and other commodities, left Ulan Qab in Inner Mongolia and crossed northern and northwestern China before leaving the country through the Alataw Pass in Xinjiang. The 4,532-km trip to Alma-Ata, the largest city in Kazakhstan and a major trade center in Central Asia, will take eight days. The goods will be distributed to cities in central and western Asia as well as in Europe shortly after the train arrives, according to a Hohhot Railway Bureau official. Earlier this month, a new train route connecting Shizuishan City in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Alma-Ata started operations. The first freight train service linking Inner Mongolia with Kazakhstan launched in July. The train now runs regularly between the region's Baotou City and Astana, capital of Kazakhstan. Many Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Chongqing and Harbin, have launched freight services to boost trade with central Asia and Europe in recent years. by Jon Day TOKYO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japanese people in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa observed six months since the arrest of a U.S. military worker who was suspected of brutally raping and killing a young women, with thousands paying tributes and eulogies at the site of the women's murder on both Saturday and Sunday while calling for the island's base-hosting burdens to be lifted. As evidenced by the outpouring of grief over the weekend observers close to the matter said that it was apparent that anti-U.S. base sentiment is steadily on the rise in the prefecture that hosts the vast majority of the U.S.'s military bases in Japan, and Okinawans are adamant that the central government and the U.S. returning land used by the bases and relocating the troops off the island is the only way for them to ever hope to lead normal lives. "It seems as though just as we recover from one horrific incident involving losing one of our family members, neighbors, or our friends, at the hands of (U.S.) troops here, another situation occurs," "Yuichiro Taga, 71, the owner of a small hotel in Naha, Okinawa's capital, lamented to local media Sunday. "Losing the young girl was terrible and shocked the entire island. She did nothing wrong, she was just a young girl living her life with everything to look forward to, until that monster did what he did," the elderly islander sobbed, adding, "We just dream of a day when life can be normal again." Taga was referring to the rape and murder of a local women in May this year by a U.S. base-linked worker who had previously served as a Marine. The odious slaughtering of Franklin Shinzato's victim was preceded by numerous drink driving incidents, another account of rape by a serviceperson in a hotel in Naha, and an unprovoked vicious assault by a high-ranking military official on a young Japanese female student on-board a commercial flight to Japan. The islanders, none more so than the murdered girl's father himself, simply fail to understand why the central government has allowed this situation to continue for so many years and hence are demanding that all the U.S. bases and hence the servicepeople be moved off the island entirely. "Why did it have to be my daughter? Why did she have to be killed?" exclaimed the victim's father in an open letter he previously read at a demonstration attended by tens of thousands of protestors who took to the streets of Okinawa in June. The massive rally, which garnered worldwide attention, saw around 65,000 protestors united in calling for the U.S. military on the island to withdraw completely and for an archaic agreement inked between the U.S. and Japan governing the handling of incidents caused by U.S. military personnel in Japan to be urgently reviewed. The protestors held placards and shouted slogans like: "U.S. Military Out!" and "How many more crimes will we suffer?" as well as, "Relocate the (U.S.) bases outside Okinawa," and chants like, "We want our land back!" The rally was the biggest organized protest in Okinawa since the islanders took to the streets in the days after three U.S. servicemen viciously raped an elementary schoolgirl in 1995 -- an abominable crime that still haunts the consciousness of Okinawans of all generations. "So as not to have another victim, the people in the prefecture can unite and make it possible for all bases in Okinawa to be removed," the father of the murdered girl urged. Along with the local residents, Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga, a staunch advocate of lessening the base-hosting burdens of the islanders, and in particularly blocking the central government's plans to relocate the U.S. Marine Air Station Futenma within the prefecture, also stands resolved to see his island released from the shackles of the U.S. military. Of the savage murder of the young girl this year, Onaga said it was utterly unacceptable, while reiterating his calls for a key agreement between Japan and the U.S. to be urgently reviewed and for the bases to be kicked off the island for good. The Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) was originally inked in Washington between the U.S. and Japan in 1960, and many politicians such as Onaga along with political watchers believe it does not work to effectively legislate the treatment of U.S. servicepeople in Japan who commit crimes and does not reflect the growing instances and severity of such. Calls from Okinawa for SOFA to be urgently revised are becoming more vociferous, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a proponent of relocating the Futenma base from a crowded district in Ginowan to a coastal region on the island that will see vast amounts of land reclaimed from the sea to build the mega-base, also seeking its review. But Okinawa citizens have gone one step further in adopting their own resolution, demanding that definitive measures be put in place and enforced to prevent further heinous crimes from occurring in the future. "The anger and sadness of the people of Okinawa has reached its limit toward the repeated incidents and accidents involving U.S. military and nonmilitary personnel," the resolution said. "To protect the lives and human rights of the people in Okinawa, it is urgent that U.S. bases be significantly reduced and consolidated, and for Marines to withdraw from Okinawa," the resolution said, adding that plans to relocate the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma should also be scrapped. The resolution also stated that previous measures to curtail acts of crime or enforce discipline had failed miserably and that the only way to effectively prevent crime against locals from U.S. servicepeople going forward is to remove the U.S. bases from Okinawa island entirely. All prefectural and local assemblies in Okinawa have adopted resolutions against the latest murder and the prefectural assembly is now dominated by politicians opposed to the Futenma base relocation, which, along with growing indignation from the locals, adds gravitas and political momentum to Onaga's moves to block the relocation and make further moves in the future to see U.S. bases removed from Okinawa entirely. Amid rising instances of crimes committed by U.S. military personnel, noise pollution caused by military hardware such as the accident-prone MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, that can take off and land like a helicopter, but fly like a regular plane, military-linked accidents and a protracted dispute over the relocation of the Futenma base, Okinawans are also annoyed about being associated with Japan's ballooning defense budget. Japan's so-called "sympathy budget", a pseudonym for costs related to hosting U.S. forces here, jumped to 192 billion in 2016, from 190 billion yen in 2015, with Japan paying up to 50 percent of all the costs involved. Despite anti-U.S. sentiment reaching a fever pitch on the island where 75 percent of U.S. bases in Japan are located, with the subtropical island itself accounting for just 1 percent of Japan's total land mass, some see the current shift in the U.S. administration as perhaps being a catalyst for the change they have been yearning for. "Two decades have elapsed since the U.S. and Japan originally agreed to the return of Futenma, and yet nothing has happened. As a former businessman, and now as president, there's hope that (President-elect Donald) Trump will realize that, from a business and economic angle, the Henoko relocation is impossible," Satoshi Taira, the leader of an Okinawa group opposed to Henoko, was quoted as saying recently. "Okinawan opposition to Henoko has remained strong, and the Japanese government hasn't been able to carry through with its promise to carry out the Henoko plan. Even if it were possible, it would still take more than 10 years to complete. Is it economically feasible to wait so long?" Taira said. "With the planned relocation of the Okinawa Marines to Guam, it's clear they do not need to be in Okinawa. In addition, Trump has said he wants to rebuild America's infrastructure. Bringing back the Marines (to Guam) helps create a sort of market' justification for these new infrastructure projects," said Yoichi Iha, an Okinawan Upper House member, who believes Trump may act on the issue based on "good business sense." "We want our beautiful island back and for these awful crimes to stop. We are a peaceful people, but feel we have been consistently exploited by both the U.S. and Japan. If changes in the U.S. leadership means the bases are moved out of here, I support that," Taga said. "Perhaps if mainland Japan and the U.S. felt the same way we do, there would be no need for such disputes as we are a humble, warmhearted, peace-loving people and have been throughout history," the elderly man said. CAIRO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's prosecution referred Sunday 292 suspect terrorists to military trial over charges of carrying out terror activities in restive Sinai Peninsula and planning to assassinate President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, official MENA news agency reported. According to the report, the defendants belong to the so-called "Sinai State," a Sinai-based group loyal to the regional Islamic State (IS) militant group, which claimed responsibility for most of the anti-government terrorist attacks over the past a few years. Egypt has been facing a rising wave of terrorist operations and bomb attacks, mostly in North Sinai province, since the military removed former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood group. On Nov. 4, a military brigadier general was assassinated by three terrorists outside his home in North Sinai, while a judge survived a blast in Cairo during the day. Earlier in mid-October, also in North Sinai, at least 20 soldiers were killed in a series of blasts and armed attacks, while the security forces retaliated by killing around 100 militants and wounding 40 others. While anti-government attacks over the past a few years killed hundreds of police and military men, security raids killed around 1,200 militants and arrested a similar number of suspects in North Sinai as part of the country's "war against terrorism" declared by then-military chief and current President Sisi. DHAKA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government, anticipating further influx of Rohingya Muslims, has ordered its border and coast guards and local administration to heighten their vigilance along its border with Myanmar. After a high-level meeting, Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told journalists Sunday that "We've asked to step up patrols along our border with Myanmar." He said the paramilitary force Border Guard of Bangladesh BGB are on alert so that Rohingyas from the western Myanmar state of Rakhine cannot enter Bangladesh territory. Bangladesh, which shares about 168 km of border with Myanmar, already refused to accept Rohingyas fleeing the military crackdown launched in response to coordinated rebel attacks on three border posts on Oct. 9 that killed nine police officers. Bangladesh Coast Guard Saturday pushed back over 100 Rohingyas who on small fishing boats tried to cross the Naaf River that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh. Myanmar Army reportedly confirmed death of 130 Rohingyas in the recent military crackdown. According to the UN, up to 30,000 people have been displaced by violence, half of which occurred during last week, the most serious since hundreds were killed in communal clashes in 2012. The Rohingya influx in Bangladesh is not new and it has been reported that the influx of Rohingya continued for long. According to Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry, more than 28,000 registered Rohingyas are currently staying at two camps in Bangladesh in addition to 300,000 to 500,000 more unregistered Rohingya immigrants. CHANGSHA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A coal mine gas explosion killed two people, injured one and trapped another two in central China's Hunan Province Sunday, local authorities said. The explosion occurred in a coal mine in Shaodong County at about 3 p.m. and trapped five miners immediately. As of 8 p.m., three have been hoisted to the ground. Two were confirmed dead while the other was hospitalized for serious injuries. Rescuers are still searching for the other two trapped in the shaft. BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday called on parties concerned in Myanmar to exercise restraint and halt military operations so as to avoid escalation of the conflicts. Three ethnic armed groups jointly launched simultaneous and surprise attacks early Sunday morning on some military and police outposts stationed in Muse and Kutkai, border towns in Myanmar's Shan state-north, causing casualties in the military and civilians, local sources said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China attaches great importance to peace and tranquility of the China-Myanmar border area and expresses serious concern over the exchange of fire in Myanmar's border town. China hopes all parties concerned in Myanmar will adhere to dialogue and consultation and make concrete efforts to safeguard the peace process in Myanmar, he said. DUBAI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) --Speaker of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal National Council (FNC) in Abu Dhabi met Sunday with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini to discuss regional developments, reported the UAE state news agency WAM. Al-Qubaisi and Ms. Mogherini discussed means of bolstering UAE-EU ties and developing parliamentary cooperation in light of the growing joint strategic partnership. ''The UAE-EU ties, particularly in political, trade, cultural and educational domains, enjoy support and encouragement from the UAE leadership" reiterated Al-Qubaiai. Mogherini, a member of Italy's Democratic Party, praised Al-Qubaisi, saying "She is a source of aspiration for being the first women speaker of the parliament in the region." In November 2015 at the inauguration of the 16th FNC assembly, Al-Qubaisi was appointed as President of the FNC by the UAE government. The two women also discussed the latest regional and international developments as well as Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Both officials additionally addressed the UAE's contribution to Arab, Islamic, regional and international alliances to counter terrorism and extremism and extend humanitarian assistance. According to Mogherini, the UAE-EU cultural relations made "spectacular growth." In May 2015, the UAE and the EU signed a Schengen Visa waiver program, a first for an Arab country, and ever since Emirati nationals only need a valid passport to enter any of the 28 EU states which fall under the Schengen scheme. The EU foreign policy chief also said the UAE and EU maintain "excellent channels" of consultation on current regional and international events as well as efforts aiming to bring about peace and security. Mogherini gained international recognition as the EU representative during the year-long talks between the five world powers and Iran which led to the nuclear energy deal between both parties in July 2015. The EU foreign policy chief arrived on Saturday in the UAE to attend the official opening of the European Union Mission to the UAE in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. CAIRO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's prosecution on Sunday denied the release of a senior judge arrested earlier this month with 68 kilograms of hashish in his car in Cairo, reported the official MENA news agency. The prosecution reaffirmed the extension of the judge's detention to an extra 15 days pending investigation, noting it is currently investigating the related "false news" circulating in the media. On Nov. 10, the Justice Ministry accepted the resignation of Judge Tarek Mohamed Zaki, head of the Sharqiya misdemeanor court, whose judicial immunity was lifted following the scandal, revealed by a police dog at a checkpoint in a tunnel between the provinces of Suez and North Sinai northeast of the capital Cairo. Drug smuggling rates, along with addiction, are high in Egypt, with about 10.4 percent of the population aged from 15 to 65 taking drugs, stated Amr Osman, director of Egypt's Drug Control and Addiction Treatment Fund, during a previous interview with Xinhua. Hashish, painkillers such as Tramadol and Tamol, heroin and marijuana are the most prevalent drug types in Egypt and police seize on average 200 drug-related cases daily. I was born and raised in Indiana and had a Midwestern values-based upbringing that included a one hour Bible study on Saturday mornings. As such I was somewhat puzzled when Mike Pence accepted the invitation to be the vice-presidential candidate for Donald Trump. Pence has always described himself as "Christian first" and he had endorsed Ted Cruz prior to the Indiana primary. It's as if he never read the Apostle Paul's letter to the Corinthians where he counseled Christians that "bad associations spoil useful habits" ( 1 Corinthians 15:33) or later in the same letter "you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don't even eat with such people" (1 Corinthians 5:11. Some translations use "slanderer, ..swindler" in the verse). Then as the election results came in I was again troubled to read that Trump got 70 percent of the white evangelical vote and 60 percent of the white Catholic vote. It is as if they, too, had never read this part ( and others) of their Bible. How could they not be familiar with this counsel? Or if they are familiar, how could Pence put his conscience and his faith aside an align himself with someone who has behaved and spoken as Trump has? How could people who profess devout Christian ignore this counsel and vote for Trump? Is their faith just Convenient Christianity? GARY SCHEPPER Flagstaff BUDAPEST, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Hungary will spend 21 billion forints (71.8 million U.S. dollars) to boost tourism next year, Speaker of Parliament Laszlo Kover told a gathering in Lenti, a town located at Hungary's borders with Slovenia, Croatia and Austria, on Sunday, Hungarian News Agency MTI reported. The gathering marked the opening of a new hotel and medicinal spa designed to attract visitors from the three countries as well as from Hungary itself. Longer term funding will come in part from a 4 percent tourism development tax, to be introduced in 2018, Kover said. The money will go to improve accommodation quality as well as for marketing and to fund events that attract tourists, he added. The government would like to see tourism pay a bigger role in supporting economic growth and in job creation, the speaker said. In the European Union's 2014-2020 financing timeframe, about 400 billion forints (1.37 billion U.S. dollars) will be devoted to upgrade settlements along Hungary's borders, which includes improving infrastructures, health care, education, tourism and research, Kover said. Private businesses may bid for funds, he added. According to statistics, the number of visitors to Hungary grew by 39 percent between 2010 and 2015. That means the guest population was slightly higher than the overall Hungarian population of 10 million. At the same time, the gross cash inflow to tourist accommodations was up by over 50 percent. (1 U.S. dollar = 292.58 Hungarian forints) Photo taken on Nov, 15, 2016 shows the interiors of the International Media Center (IMC) of the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Lima, capital of Peru. (Xinhua/Li Ming) by Xinhua writer Xia Lin LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Participants echoed Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for speeding up the negotiations about a regional overall economic partnership at the APEC CEO Summit on Saturday in Lima, believing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) now under discussion will be a new impetus for global development. Building an FTAAP, which is aptly regarded by the business community as the APEC dream, is a strategic initiative critical for the long-term prosperity of the Asia-Pacific, Xi told the summit. "We should firmly pursue the FTAAP as an institutional mechanism for ensuring an open economy in the Asia-Pacific," Xi said. At 2014 APEC meeting, the Beijing Roadmap was adopted to push forward the FTAAP process. The collective strategic study on this plan is expected to be submitted to the 24th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Sunday. Concrete steps and measures are expected to follow to enhance the development of the Asia-Pacific, and even the whole world, by means of integration and connectivity. Juan Andres Camus C., president of Bolsa de Comercio de Santiago, the foremost equity market in Chile, believes it is very necessary to build the FTAAP, as the Asia-Pacific needs a unified free trade area to boost economic development and benefit its people. Once established, the FTAAP, the largest free trade area in the world can unleash much greater economic vigor than other regional trade arrangements and add an estimated 2.4 trillion U.S. dollars of output to the global economy. "We have an obligation to continue the core agenda. Perhaps the first issue is the adoption of the collective strategic study, which was required by the Beijing Roadmap," Raul Salazar, APEC affairs director at the Peruvian Foreign Ministry, told Xinhua in Lima. "It is expected that this year the leaders will approve the study as a prerequisite to begin negotiating what would be the FTAAP," said Salazar, adding that the free trade zone should be implemented no later than 2025 if agreements can be reached. "What is approved this year is the analytical study and then the economies have to agree on the next steps we are going to take in the future to start these discussions. This is still an effort as I said that requires a great encouragement," Luis Quesada, 2016 chair of APEC senior officials, told Xinhua in Lima. "We must energize trade and investment to drive growth, make free trade arrangements more open and inclusive and uphold the multilateral trading regime," said Xi in his speech. Integration, connectivity, innovation and win-win cooperation will be the major efforts for Asia to inject new vitality into and find new paths for the world economy, he added. China's President Xi Jinping waves to the audience during a meeting of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ceo Summit in Lima, Peru, November 19, 2016. (REUTERS/Mariana Bazo) Participants praised Xi's blueprint for the proposed FTAAP for being well worthy and far-sighted. "The FTAAP will lead to more investment opportunities in and outside China. China is opening its gate and helping the developing countries in fields such as transportation and infrastructure," said Carlos Galvez Pinillos, president of Peru's National Association of Minerals, Petroleum and Energy. "With the FTAAP, President Xi is telling us that more and new markets are emerging, and we are together with China," he told Xinhua. Eric Farnsworth, vice president of the Council of the Americas, believes China is willing to join hands with others to develop economy, and the FTAAP will provide more chances for cooperation in infrastructure and agriculture, especially between China and Latin America. In his speech, Xi also promised that no matter what level of development it may reach, China, with its root in the Asia-Pacific, will continue to contribute to the region's development and prosperity. "China's contribution has been a great impetus to the free trade area. I think the step it took in Beijing has put us forward," said Salazar. Established in 1989 as a forum for the 21 Pacific Rim economies to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region, APEC is becoming an increasingly important mechanism to address economic issues not only within the region, but also around the world. APEC has played an important role in advancing trade liberalization and facilitation, promoting economic integration and boosting connectivity. The Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to global peace and development, accounts for 40 percent of the world population, around half of world trade, and 57 percent of global GDP. Image taken on Jan. 22, 2013, of cherry trees growing in an orchard, in Rancagua, Chile. (Xinhua/Edwin Remsberg/VW Pics/ZUMAPRESS) SANTIAGO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cherries have in recent years become a mainstay of trade between Chile and China, with Chilean cherry growers reserving a large part of their harvest for the Asian market. That's the case with Rucaray, a cherry grower in Rancagua, a town about 100 km south of the capital Santiago, which has been exporting cherries to China for 14 years. The company, which ships as much as 82 percent of its crop to China, boasts a modern processing plant that employs mainly women to clean and pack the fruit. Ricardo Vial, commercial director of Rucaray, told Xinhua that businesses with China have led to "great development" of its planting fields along with increased employment. "China gives us stability, (and) it has helped us grow and diversify by producing other products," said Vial. The Chinese market, he added, "has allowed Chile's fruit producing sector to breathe a sigh of relief," at a time marked by production difficulties and exchange rates disadvantages. Chile, which has 24,000 hectares of cherry crops and plans to plant more, needs to expand its export markets beyond the United States and Europe, said Vial, who has been to China for four times and likes "the Chinese way of developing person-to-person relations." Nowadays, Chile also caters to markets such as China and Southeast Asia, thanks to a free trade agreement signed in 2005, which significantly increased its foreign trade and turned China into its leading trade partner. This year, many charter planes are flying cherries from Chile to China. According to statistics provided by the Cherry Committee of Chile's Association of Fruit Exporters, the 2016 export season is expected to achieve a volume of some 100,000 tons of cherries. According to Vial, the air freight cost of cherries is 3.60 U.S. dollars per kilogram when there is not much demand, which varies every week. The problem is that there are no direct air routes from Chile to China. Ocean shipping, meanwhile, costs 1.30 dollars per kilogram, but takes about 22 days. Since cherries cannot be stored for a long time, special bags have been made to keep the fruit fresher, which makes ocean shipping that could take as long as 30 days an acceptable alternative. The fruit can then be stored for another 20 days in the refrigerator. Rucaray has exported 20 million five-kilogram boxes of cherries since the beginning of this year, despite the less than ideal climatic conditions. The company is also involved in wine production, mainly for the Chinese market. "Exports to China have been growing each year. This year, we could have had the potential to export much more, but weather conditions affected the way of production as well as our expectations," said Vial. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) by Juan Limachi LIMA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the 2016 APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru on Saturday has been warmly received by business leaders attending the summit, said the president of the Lima Chamber of Commerce. "The president of China made an extraordinary speech today. He laid out the bases for the future growth of the world economy," Mario Mongilardi told Xinhua in an interview. According to the business executive, Xi sent an encouraging message to the business communities of the 21 APEC members. "It was made clear that China's program of reforms will allow the participation of foreign companies in the Chinese market," said Mongilardi. Mongilardi said the highlights of the speech include the continued opening of the Chinese market, offering other APEC members potential access to over 1.3 billion consumers. "He also announced that China would reach out to the world with very important investments and open its market up to foreign investments. It fills us with optimism to see that China, one of the world powers, believes in the market, believes in competition...as a mechanism for development," he noted. Mongilardi said the business people in the forum's audience highly valued the participation of the Chinese leader. Mongilardi also said China's global imports will continue to have an important impact on the world in the coming years. "(Xi) mentioned some numbers, such as China desires to buy 8 trillion U.S. dollars (of goods) from the world over the next five years. This is a huge number which will allow trade to be boosted around the world," he said. China's President Xi Jinping bows to the audience after giving a speech during a session of the APEC CEO Summit, part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Lima on November 19, 2016. (AFP PHOTO / RODRIGO BUENDIA) Mongilardi also said the Belt and Road Initiative could be a powerful driver for global growth. "This initiative seeks to provide a boost and bring progress. When trade is boosted, as a consequence, the countries which are part of this initiative will see further development." He added that the Belt and Road Initiative and the commercial openness it brings would benefit the Andean countries. "In reality, having access to an open market the size of China will make it easier for more Peruvian companies to place their products in the Chinese market," he said. Bilateral trade between China and Peru has risen rapidly since a free-trade agreement between the two took effect in 2010, hitting a record level of nearly 15 billion U.S. dollars in 2015. Peru hopes that more of its value-added products could enter its export basket. Peru is optimistic that China will further open its market to the Peruvian people, said Mongilardi. "Peru will participate in every way as China is our main trading partner and our main foreign investor. It is the main player in Peru's mining industry. Consequently, we cannot be outside the commercial initiatives of our main commercial partner," he noted. ISTANBUL, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A war of words in recent months has prompted a call from Turkey for suspending talks about accession to the European Union (EU), but analysts do not expect a rupture in relations between the two partners given their mutual interests. "Turkey and the EU would not cut off ties. Both sides are just bluffing," observed Faruk Sen, the president of the Istanbul-based Turkish European Foundation for Education and Scientific Studies (TAVAK). Following a failed coup in July, the Turkish government has been widely criticized by the EU for mass detentions, purge of tens of thousands of public servants, and crackdown on freedom of expression and the press. The strained ties between Turkey and the EU had further deteriorated when the bloc accused Turkey of getting away from democracy and EU values after some deputies of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party, including its two co-chairs, were detained early this month. Kati Piri, the rapporteur on Turkey for the European Parliament, said Turkey's accession negotiations should be suspended, describing the arrest of the deputies as a step overstepping the mark. European Parliament President Martin Schulz said late last week that the EU should consider imposing economic sanctions on Turkey. In response, top Turkish officials have made it clear that Turkey has had enough of what they called EU's arrogant discourse and signalled Turkey could consider taking the country's EU membership bid to a referendum as Britain did. Turkey accuses some EU countries such as Germany and Belgium of harboring terrorists and criminals wanted by it. There are 4,500 terrorists from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Germany and only three of them have so far been handed over to Turkey, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said lately. The PKK has been waging a bloody war against Turkey for more than 30 years in its attempt to establish a Kurdish state in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish southeast. Cavusoglu has complained of EU's "hypocrisy and double standards." In his latest comment on Turkey's ties with the bloc, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on his way back home from an overseas trip on Sunday, reportedly said that his country is not constrained to the union, citing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an option. Breaking ties with Turkey would be quite costly for Europe both economically and politically, according to Sen, who previously lived in Germany and headed the Essen-based Turkish Research Center. "The EU would lose an important ally in the Middle East and it is the EU which benefits more from the Customs Union agreement," he said. The EU exports to Turkey since 1996 are roughly 220 billion euros, more than the imports from Turkey, noted Sen. For Europe, Turkey has served as a role model that demonstrated to the Muslim world that democracy and secularism -- values propagated by the EU -- are compatible with Islam. Turkey, the only Muslim country aspiring to become an EU member, is also a sort of shield that keeps the instability of the Middle East away from Europe. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Ankara at the beginning of the past week and tried to lessen the tension in bilateral ties. During a press conference with his Turkish counterpart, he drew attention to the symbiotic nature of the relationship, saying "if we are aware that we need each other, we can resolve our problems." The EU is Turkey's biggest trade partner, with the total trade volume standing currently at around 150 billion U.S. dollars. With ongoing negotiations to expand the Customs Union agreement with the EU, Turkey hopes, as announced last year by Turkey's then EU Affairs Minister Volkan Bozkir, the trade volume will nearly double. As to Turkey, its potential to attract foreign investments could be quite negatively affected in case of a breakaway from the union, many fear. It is not feasible to cut off ties with the EU, said Murat Erdogan, deputy director of the Center for Research on European Union Studies with Hacettepe University in Ankara. Breaking with the EU would simply double the problems facing the Turkish economy, he said, adding "at a time when the economy is so fragile, such a step would create serious handicaps." Amid a serious economic slowdown and increasing unemployment, the government expects the economy to grow slightly over three percent this year, down from four percent in 2015. As the war of words with the EU grew last week, Mehmet Simsek, Turkey's deputy prime minister in charge of economy, warned that Turkey would be perceived as a third-world country should it break with the EU. Both Sen and Murat Erdogan agreed "one hundred percent" with Simsek's comment. Simsek was also quoted by Turkish media as saying that he was told by a Japanese official during a visit that Turkey would no longer be preferred by Japanese investors should it get out of the EU. The Customs Union agreement allows goods produced in Turkey to be exported to EU countries with no customs duty. That makes Turkey particularly attractive to foreign investors aiming for the huge EU market given the country's proximity to Europe and relatively low-cost labor. A rupture in ties would seriously decrease the flow of foreign capital to Turkey from the EU, but would not have much negative effect over capital flow from Russia and China, TAVAK's Sen said. Moving away would also take its toll on Turkish democracy, analysts believe, as Turkey would no longer feel the need to make efforts to meet EU criteria. Yet another warning against increasing anti-EU comments from the Turkish government came from Turkey's former President Abdullah Gul. Gul noted that Turkey achieved its biggest economic growth when the accession process gained momentum. In his address to Turkish business people last week, he said "Turkey could hardly get a million dollars in foreign investment before the year 2002 ... After we went ahead with reforms (in line with EU criteria), as much as 25-28 billion dollars came in foreign investment a year." Gul was the first prime minister of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party government which has been in power since the end of 2002. Turkey's economy suffers from serious savings gap and is dependent on foreign capital for investments. Nearly 70 percent of all the foreign investors in Turkey are from EU countries. Arguing the EU has a significant role in Turkey's increasing attractiveness around the world in the past years, Hacettepe's Erdogan said "Turkey would see its pull factor diminish in the eyes of the Muslim world and the Turkic republics." As Turkey's top diplomat, Cavusoglu also acknowledged that both the EU and Turkey need each other. Some argue that Turkey should work to knit closer ties with countries in Eurasia like Russia and China while maintaining economic ties with the EU without becoming a part of it. "We should limit our ties with the EU to economy and trade," Hasan Unal, the head of the Department of International Relations at the Ankara-based Atilim University, said on Halk TV. Unal, who favors a membership with a special status for Turkey in the EU instead of a full membership, also believes the Customs Union agreement should be transformed into a sort of free trade deal. Turkey has rarely received any support from EU countries regarding major domestic and foreign policy problems such as the Cyprus issue and the fight against the PKK. Another issue which is sure to undermine not only Turkey-EU ties but also the relationship with the Council of Europe is the Turkish government's move to reinstate death penalty. Turkey would find itself kicked out of both institutions if capital punishment is reintroduced, analysts say. "I can't figure out why such a risk is being taken," commented Hacettepe's Erdogan. Turkey, which applied to join the EU in 1987 and started the accession talks in 2005, finds itself still in the waiting room while Poland, Hungary, Romania and others were granted full membership years ago. According to a survey by TAVAK in September, support for EU membership is as low as 22 percent among Turks, a sharp fall from 44 percent in 2013. BUJUMBURA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- An unidentified gunman on Saturday night shot dead a soldier in the Burundian capital Bujumbura, the Burundian police spokesman said Sunday. The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m., when a soldier on leave visited a shop in Ngagara neighborhood. A gunman came in, ordered a cigarette and opened fire, killing the soldier on the spot before running away, said Burundian Police Spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye. This is a second assassination of a security agent in Burundi in less than a week. On Nov. 15, a policeman in Bubanza province, 18 km west of the Bujumbura, was killed and his gun was taken away. Nkurikiye said that four gunmen suspected to be bandits shot the policeman while he was going to buy phone airtime at a shop near his police post. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 19, 2016. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) MEXICO CITY, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit on Saturday in Lima, Peru, placed China and the region at the forefront of a joint effort to reactivate the global economy, APEC participants and scholars have said. Mario Mongilardi, president of the Lima Chamber of Commerce, believed Xi sent an encouraging message to the business communities of the 21 APEC members. "The president of China made an extraordinary speech today. He laid out the bases for the future growth of the world economy," Mongilardi told Xinhua in an interview following the summit. It was made clear that China's program of reforms will allow the participation of foreign companies in the Chinese market, which would offer other APEC members potential access to over 1.3 billion consumers, said Mongilardi. "He (Xi) also announced that China would reach out to the world with very important investments and open its market up to foreign investments. It fills us with optimism to see that China, one of the world powers, believes in the market, believes in competition ... as a mechanism for development," Mongilardi said. At the summit, Xi said that China must energize trade and investment to drive growth, and will make free trade arrangements more open and inclusive. Martin Monteverde, president of the National Confederation of Private Entrepreneurial Institutions, said after the summit that Xi's speech showed China's willingness to work with others to develop the economy. Xi said it is estimated that in the next five years China will import eight trillion U.S. dollars of goods, and introduce 600 billion dollars of foreign investment. This will provide great opportunities for Latin American companies, said Monteverde. Xi said that in the first three quarters this year, China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7 percent. This rapid economic growth will benefit Latin America, especially in areas such as mineral and energy resources, said another APEC participant, Alvaro Barrenechea, corporate affairs manager for Chinalco in Peru. More than 30 percent of all foreign investments in Peruvian minerals came from China so far. Xi said that in the next five years China will invest 750 billion dollars overseas. This means that all Latin American countries will benefit from China's opening its market up to foreign investments, Barrenechea said. Jose Picasso, chairman of Peruvian mining company Volcan, regarded Xi's speech as the best at the summit. Xi's speech showed that China is willing to open up its market and narrow down the polarization of wealth. China's development will be an impetus for the development of the Asia-Pacific region, Picasso said. At a time when much of the rest of the world is suffering from economic slowdowns, the Asia-Pacific region is enjoying steady growth, said Xi, and as such it must lead the way and take strong and coordinated actions to energize the world economy and create new opportunities for global growth. Luis Delgado, a professor of social studies at the state University of Carabobo in northern Venezuela, said "the speech marks the route the Chinese government is proposing to reactivate the world economy," and indicates "how the Asia-Pacific region can be the vanguard in the reactivation of the world economy." Xi's message also places China at the forefront of that effort, because it "revindicates the free market, but it does so from a comprehensive perspective," which calls for "growth that must be accompanied by human development schemes," said Delgado. In addition, the Asian giant has already taken the lead to do so in different parts of the world, such as Latin America, where "China has committed to the development" of the region in the coming years, said Delgado. "With Latin America's potential and the support of the Chinese government, I think it is possible for the region to overcome difficulties," such as lack of development, infrastructure and investment, and "to reactivate the world economy," he said. "I believe China wants to create all of the conditions for the free movement of capital, and in that way strengthen the dynamism of the world economy," he added. In that sense, the 2016 APEC meetings in Lima may mark a turning point in the global economic balance, he said. "The historic context and historic significance of this process mark a relocation of the world's geo-economic center, which was in the Atlantic, to the Pacific, and in the midst of this, China plays a leading role," said Delgado. Venezuelan economist and political analyst Vladimir Adrianza, who teaches at the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela in Caracas, agreed that Xi's speech is evidence of "the transfer of the geo-economic center towards the Pacific." It also signals an awareness of the disadvantages that have afflicted smaller economies in the traditional global economic order, Adrianza said. Xi's speech "gives us an idea of the willingness on the part of China's current leadership to pursue an understanding with economies that are much smaller than China's," he said. Established in 1989 as a forum to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the 21-member APEC is becoming an increasingly important mechanism to address economic issues not only within the region, but also around the world. APEC has played an important role in advancing trade liberalization and facilitation, promoting economic integration and boosting connectivity. The Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to global peace and development, accounts for 40 percent of the world population, around half of world trade, and 57 percent of the global GDP. VIENTIANE, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Somdy Douangdy said Sunday that Laos' economy will return to normal in four years following a number of measures to increase revenue and curb deficit. A detailed analysis of the current economic status makes it necessary to adjust downward the growth targets and adjust upward budget deficit, Somdy told the 2nd Ordinary Session of the National Assembly, according to a report by Lao News Agency. "It is expected that next year will continue to witness a relatively high deficit of around 6.52 percent of GDP, and the fundamental cause of this is the planned expenditures approved by the government such as the increasing of salary index values, and allowances for students and village chiefs, among others. These are, however, necessary expenditures," Somdy said. He said however that measures including increasing revenue collection and creating new revenue sources by issuing new taxes will gradually help the economy to return to normal. He predicted that domestic revenues will gradually offset the expenditures, reducing deficit to around 2.51 percent of GDP in 2020. The Ministry of Finance has proposed that the government consider other new sources of income to balance its deficit, such as external loans and the issuance of bonds. Experts have also predicted that public debt will be reduced to 2-3 percent of national GDP. WARSAW, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Over 500 soldiers will start on Monday the Compact Eagle 2016 exercise at NATO Multinational Corps Northeast in Szczecin, northwest Poland, local media reported. "The exercise carried in the Baltic Barracks is preparing NATO Corps to achieve a high combat readiness status, which means shorter time frame in which to perform a task," Major Zbigniew Garbacz from Szczecin Corps told Polish Press Agency. "Combat Eagle 16 is an internal drill that tests our staff and subordinate units. According to the scenario, one of NATO members is attacked by an enemy and that threat should be answered to. Szczecin Corps is to plan international activities to stop the enemy," added Major Garbacz. Garbacz stressed that"the exercise involves the planning of command systems and ensuring the logistics, without moving troops on the ground." According to Garbacz, over 500 soldiers will participate in the Compact Eagle 16 drill, which is the first exercise preparing for the final test which will be participation of Multinational Corps Northeast in Saber Strike 17 exercise in June next year. CAPE TOWN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Sunday welcomed the proposed minimum wage. Earlier on Sunday, the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) proposed a national minimum wage of 3,500 rand (about 245 U.S. dollars) per month. "We believe this goes a long way to giving effect to the electoral mandate to the ANC government to introduce a National Minimum Wage," the party said in a statement emailed to Xinhua. The ANC said the proposed wage was part of a package of measures to reduce prolonged and violent strikes. These are all important interventions meant to stabilize the economy and help create jobs as envisaged in the 9-Point Plan, a blueprint for economic growth in the country, ANC national spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said. The proposed wage is expected to address inequality and boost economic growth, according to experts. "It is quite striking that something around 47 percent of South Africans who do have work earn a wage below R3,500. We think as well from this evidence, policy can take us some way towards addressing the issues of inequality in South Africa," said Imraan Valodia, Wits University Professor and Chair of the Advisory Panel. Image taken on Jan. 20, 2015, shows tourists looking at the Valparaiso Bay from the 21 de Mayo Viewpoint of the Artilleria Hill in Valparaiso city, Chile. Due to its architectural richness developed in the 19th century, Valparaiso was declared a World Heritage in 2013 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (Xinhua/Jorge Villegas) Economic exchanges and other cooperation such as culture and tourism have been increasing between China and Latin American countries. Chile is one of them. The long, narrow country between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean is a land of contrasts. A string of volcanoes and lakes dot its southern regions, while in the north there is the arid Atacama Desert, selected as one of the 10 must-see regions for 2015 by Lonely Planet. It is also rich in copper, a major export for Chile. Wu Yuanfeng, a businessman who often travels between Chile and China, recalled how stunned he was when he saw the sunset fall over the Atacama Desert. "The sunset lasted really long, surrounded by a splendid evening glow...The Atacama Desert is the world's driest desert. Its sand is the purest," he said. Yet for many Chinese visitors, the mysterious giant statues on Easter Island are all they know about the South American country. About 11,000 Chinese visited Chile in 2014, up from just 6,000 in 2008, according to official data from Chilean tourism authorities. The increase is striking, but still relatively tiny considering the fact that Chinese citizens made more than 100 million overseas trips the same year. Photo taken on July 7, 2015 shows the view of the ski resort La Parva, in the Andes mountains, northeast of Santiago, capital of Chile. (Xinhua/Guillermo Arias) To attract more Chinese visitors, Chile now waives visa application fees for Chinese tourists, and those who hold visas for the United States or Canada that are valid for more than six months can enjoy visa-free access to the country. With the loosening of visa requirements, Chile expects to see a 40-percent increase in the number of Chinese tourists every year. China and Chile also have maintained a close trade relationship over the past decade. In 2005, Chile became the first state in Latin America to sign a free trade agreement with China. Since then, the bilateral trade volume has grown four-fold in ten years. China is now Chile's biggest trade partner. While copper has always been Chile's main raw material export, its non-copper exports have been on the rise, accounting for one-fifth of the country's total exports to China since 2014. Photo taken on April 18, 2016 shows the Villarrica Volcano in the region of La Araucania, Chile. (Xinhua/Str) Chile was the top supplier of fresh cranberries and cherries to China last year, and 77 percent of China's whole salmon and fresh plum imports come from Chile. Beef, lamb and wine imports are also gaining popularity. Rapid economic development in China over the past decades has created a strong middle class that isn't afraid to spend on food, fashion and travel. In 2009, the Chilean chemical mining company SQM invested 14 million U.S. dollars to build a fertilizer company in Chengdu in partnership with China's Migao Corp. This year, Chengdu's Tianqi Lithium Co. Ltd invested about 300 million U.S. dollars in establishing a mining and chemical company in Chile. Chinese companies have also trained skilled workers from Latin America. "We have trained for free hundreds of professionals in engineering, construction and management from Chile, Peru and Venezuela," said Tan Meng, senior engineer with China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. Ltd. German artist Edgar Muller works on his 3D painting at the 4th Festival of Urban Interventions themed "Made at Home," in Santiago, capital of Chile, on Nov. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Jorge Villegas) Last month, ambassadors to China from four Latin American countries expressed hope for more cooperation with western China at a conference. "We look forward to establishing more cooperation relationships with the region in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and tourism," said Jorge Heine, rotating president of the Pacific Alliance and Chile's ambassador to China. "We also welcome more companies from western China to invest in Latin America." The ambassadors also briefed investors on agriculture, infrastructure and manufacturing in their countries. Cherries have in recent years become a mainstay of trade between Chile and China, with Chilean cherry growers reserving a large part of their harvest for the Asian market. That's the case with Rucaray, a cherry grower in Rancagua, a town about 100 km south of the capital Santiago, which has been exporting cherries to China for 14 years. The company, which ships as much as 82 percent of its crop to China, boasts a modern processing plant that employs mainly women to clean and pack the fruit. Ricardo Vial, commercial director of Rucaray, told Xinhua that business with China has led to the "great development" of its planting fields along with increased employment. OSLO, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Key cards in Norway can be replaced by a chip in hand and there are technology and implants so called "wearables" and "insideables," that could supervise medical states of people with chronic diseases, newspaper Aftenposten wrote on Sunday. Fredrik Enersen, a Norwegian employee, had a chip installed in his hand by a tattoo artist and the chip has all the information from the previous key card at his work place, media bureau Mindshare. The chip also contains his business card information that can be scanned via an application of Android smart phones. "I was at one of the Mindshare seminars in spring where one could pay 900 kroner (105 U.S. dollars) to get a chip installed and I simply had to do that. I am interested in technology and would like to be updated with the development," Enersen told Aftenposten. Hannes Sjoblad, founder of Swedish non-profit organisation BioNyfiken, said that there were probably more people with the installed chips in Sweden than in Norway. His company tests out "insideables" -- chips and implants that can be connected to human body. "Chips are not news. It has already been very usual to place chip in animals' body," he said, adding that sensors which can be put anywhere and communicate with other things online also make chips usable in human bodies. The majority of the users today use them instead of keys and different types of key cards or to open a mobile phone with a chip instead of a pin code, Aftenposten wrote. Sjoblad also believes that it will eventually be possible to put bank card, passport and personal medical information into the chip. According to the report, implants are currently for specially interested people and many others are probably sceptical about having things, so far associated with computers, installed in the body. However, implants in human body are not there only for fun, but can also make everyday simpler, Aftenposten wrote. They can be used for medical purposes, helping people with chronical diseases. They can, for example, constantly measure the level of blood sugar of patients with diabetes, without the need to use insulin pens several times per day. Chips can also contain information about blood type and used medication, which makes the easier access for medical personnel in case of an accident. Ole Johan Borge, director of the Norwegian biotechnology advisory board, said that both "wearables" -- technology worn on body that measures different body functions, such as smart watches, pulse watches, Google Glass eyeglasses -- and "insideables" -- technology installed in the body, using the same principle, such as implants that measure insulin level, contact lenses that measure glucose level, CardioMEMS measuring and supervising pressure and pulse of people with heart problems -- develop very fast. He thinks that this is first of all a positive development. "The trend of accurate measuring in a prolonged time makes it possible to get much better basis to determine a diagnose and provide a personalised treatment. We know now that two people with the same type of disease should not always have the same medical treatment. Wearables help us to customize the treatment for each patient and it is therefore important in the introduction of personalized medicine," Borge said. However, he thinks that a challenge might lie in privacy protection if the information is downloaded in application or is directly forwarded to the doctor. "With the new technological means of support we will get much more information about the person than before. This information spreads fast and in that case handling and storage of information must be good. Today it can be a challenge without national solutions," Borge said. "We have a long way to go." "The way I see it, we must understand new technology, both to apply it and to prevent it to be applied against a person's own will," he explained. Atle Arnes, specialist director of technology of the Norwegian data protection authority, said that there were two important factors that influence the safety of a chip if only looking from technology perspective. "The one factor is if there is an extra safety in the chip, for example access control, like the one in biometric passports. The other is if the chip could be reprogrammed or change identity in case it is hacked from the outside," Arnes said. Enersen said that he met different reactions when people heard that he had a chip in his hand. "Some people think it is completely amazing and cool, while others get scared or uncomfortable. I can understand that people react to it, but the near-field communication that the chip uses is passive and does not send out the information, unless it comes in contact with a scanner that can read it," he said. KIGALI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Rwanda Catholic church on Sunday apologized for its priests' role in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, which killed close to 1 million people. The apology is contained in a statement signed by nine catholic bishops who constitute the Episcopal Council and read after mass on Sunday. "We apologize on behalf of all Christians for all forms of wrongs we committed," reads the statement, "Forgive us for the crime of hate in the country to the extent of also hating our colleagues because of their ethnicity. We didn't show that we are one family but instead killed each other." "Forgive us for the crimes committed by priests and nuns and church leadership that promoted ethnic divisionism and hate," The apology reads. The statement adds that though the Catholic church had not instructed any of its members to commit genocide crimes, the Bishops again "apologize for the role of priests, nuns, Bishops and Christians in the genocide against Tutsi." Genocide scholars have called it a landmark, as for the last two decades the Catholic church had not officially apologized for its role in the genocide. The Rwandan government has accused the Catholic church of offering "indispensable support" to the genocidal regime during the killing and of failing to take a moral stand against it. Shortly after the genocide, a report by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which has been replaced by AU, described the church in Rwanda as carrying a "heavy responsibility" for failing to oppose, and even promoting, ethnic discrimination. Since 1996, several clergy members of the church have been convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity by Rwandan courts. For more than two decades, the Vatican has maintained that, while individual clergymen were guilty of crimes, the church as an institution bears no responsibility. In April 2014, Pope Francis told the Rwandan catholic bishops to work closely with the government and help Rwandans not be held back by genocide and its effects. U.S. presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump(4th, left) and his running mate Indiana Governor Mike Pence(3rd, left) are joined by their families on stage during a campaign event in New York, the United States, July 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The incoming Trump administration is already causing raised eyebrows on a number of fronts, with the latest being the role that the president-elect's son-in-law might play in the new government. On Thursday the New York Times reported that Jared Kushner, the husband of Trump's daughter Ivanka, spoke to a lawyer to find out if it would be legal, under federal anti-nepotism laws, for him to play a role in the White House. This comes just days after Kushner, who played a major advisory role in Trump's campaign, fired New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a major Republican Party figure who was expected to hold a position in the new administration. A 1967 federal anti-nepotism law, which was implemented after former President John Kennedy gave his brother, Robert Kennedy, the position of attorney general, states that no official can hire a member of his or her family. But news reports indicate the Kushner is trying to find out if those can be legally circumvented. Critics are also concerned about the blurring of lines between government service and running a wildly lucrative business, as Kushner heads a major real estate business and owns the New York Observer newspaper. There are also concerns that Trump will rely heavily on his children for advice and depend on them to carry out crucial decisions, as he has always done while running his billion-dollar business empire. "There is a lot of concern about the role Trump's family is playing in the transition. His son-in-law is actively participating in major personnel decisions and has gotten major figures fired. The risk is that the family is running Trump's business while also participating in major government decisions. The blurring of that line could generate major ethical problems down the road," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua. "In the past, there have been family members who played a major role. But they weren't running a billion dollar business and blurring the line between public service and private enrichment. The latter is the issue that concerns outside observers," he said. Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, told Xinhua that while Trump's son-in-law Kushner does have an outsized influence on the transition process, it remained unknown whether he was randomly firing people. "At this point, Kushner is continuing to advise his father-in-law as he did during the campaign. While it may appear to be nepotism in the transition process for him to play that role, the bigger question should be the conflicts of interests with the various businesses and the family's role there," said Mahaffee. The relationship of Jack and Bobby Kennedy - as they were known - was key for the Kennedy administration and the resolution of events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, given democratic traditions, such as perceptions of "royalty" and concerns about nepotism, the laws were changed after the Kennedy administration to prevent such a situation where a family member held a key administration post, Mahaffee noted. Meanwhile, U.S. news media has reported in recent days that the power transition has been a rocky one. "Transitions generally are planned months in advance so there are clear lines of authority and smoother communications. Internal decisions are being described as a knife fight so that doesn't inspire a lot of confidence about how things are proceeding," West said. "I think there is a sense of disarray around this transition, partially from the (recent news), but also the fact that very few traditional players are involved in the process," said Mahaffee. "Given that the Trump transition team has been forced to reshuffle its leadership team and cannot draw from the traditional GOP foreign policy establishment, there doesn't appear to be enough of the traditional experience necessary for both the gravity and the fast tempo of a transition," said Mahaffee. KHARTOUM, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of representatives from 40 Chinese private companies is slated to visit Sudan in late November, a Sudanese commerce chamber official said on Sunday. The two sides will discuss cooperation and sign a series of agreements in the interests of both countries, said Abbas Ali Elsayed, Secretary-General of Sudanese Chambers of Industries Association, in a statement. "Arrangements are ongoing to make successful a visit by the Chinese companies delegation to Khartoum," he said. He said that representatives in the delegation come from sectors ranging from industry, agriculture, renewable energy, communications, transportation to exports and imports. "We hope the visit would be a beginning for a real, serious and fruitful cooperation between the two sides," said the secretary general. A Syrian government soldier walks past a ruin in the city of Aleppo in northern Syria, Sept. 12, 2016. Shelling could still be heard on Monday afternoon in the eastern rebel-held areas of Aleppo, just hours ahead of a planned ceasefire mediated by the United States and Russia. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen) DAMASCUS, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The battles' heat is scorching Syria's northern city of Aleppo with the prospects so dim as a result of the widening gap between the conflicting parties as well as the ideas for defusing the tension. Aleppo, Syria's largest and once an economic hub, is under the spotlight again, with the intensified battles, which makes the situation in Aleppo a summary of the entire conflict in Syria, as it has become an arena for international conflict. Backed by Russia, the Syrian government wants the rebels in the rebel-controlled part east of Aleppo to evacuate the city, for the army forces and government institutions to take over. In the other hand, the Western-backed rebels refuse the government solution, turning down several calls for safe exit out of Aleppo. The UN special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, arrived in the capital Damascus to discuss a plan and a proposition for ending the violence there with Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem. In a press conference held Sunday evening after his meeting with al-Moallem, Mistura acknowledged that he had "substantial differences" with al-Moallem regarding solving the situation in Aleppo. One of the differences, Mistura said, is about the Syrian forces' bombing of hospitals in the rebel-held part east of Aleppo, as Mistura said that the Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem totally denied the claims. "We do have a difference of opinion as there is a total denial of any aerial bombing of hospitals in eastern Aleppo while we have reports that there has been tragic bombing of hospitals in Aleppo and that's why we should be allowed to send a verification team to Aleppo...to verify the damage of the hospitals," Mistura said. Earlier on Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) reportedly said that all hospitals in rebel-held areas east of Aleppo were rendered out of service as a result of the intense shelling. Activists also confirmed the claim. "I called for a halt of all aerial bombing on hospitals," Mistura told reporters. Meanwhile, Mistura highlighted some items in the UN "humanitarian" plan for Aleppo. The plan includes medical evacuation of 200 civilians, after receiving reports about the hospitals bombing. It also includes entering medical aid to the civilians who are unable to leave, as well as delivering food aid to eastern Aleppo. Additionally, the plan also urge for an international rotation for doctors in eastern Aleppo, due to the lack of medical personnel in eastern Aleppo as a result of the shelling. Mistura said the Syrian government has not yet agreed on the plan, while the rebels in eastern Aleppo gave an initial approval. He also touched upon UN proposals for ending the violence in Aleppo, firstly starting by stopping the bombings from all warring parties. Secondly, the evacuation of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and civilians who want to follow their leads. Other militants who want to stay can remain there but not Nusra, Mistura stressed. The envoy also clarified that he had suggested local administration for the rebels in eastern Aleppo, not autonomy, adding that the foreign minister rejected this idea. "Moallem rejected a local administration in eastern Aleppo and my answer was clear that we respect the principle of Syria sovereignty," Mistura said. For his part, al-Moallem said his government rejected the UN envoy's proposal for rebel autonomy in eastern Aleppo. The idea of establishing autonomy for the rebels in eastern Aleppo is completely rejected, al-Moallem said. The top Syrian diplomat added that he didn't sense a desire from the envoy for the resumption of the inter-Syrian dialogue. Al-Moallem added that Mistura said he had no guarantees that the rebels would respect a cease-fire in Aleppo. The foreign minister clarified that a decision was made in Damascus that all of Aleppo must return under government control. He made it clear that the rebels must evacuate eastern Aleppo so that the government institutions could return to that part of the city. "It makes no sense that the fate of 275,000 civilians in eastern Aleppo be a hostage for six or seven thousands rebels," the minister said. Regarding the evacuation of the wounded and sick from eastern Aleppo, the minister said that the Syrian government had offered three previous chances, which ended without any response from the other side. "It's the duty of the Syrian state to rescue its citizens from being hostages to the terrorists," he said. This comes as The Syrian army on Sunday advanced into a rebel-held area in the country's northern city of Aleppo, capturing rebel command centers, a military source told Xinhua. Syrian forces advanced into the rebel-held Masaken Hanano area, east of Aleppo, capturing command centers in that area after the collapse of the rebels' defenses, the source said on condition of anonymity. The army also captured five rebel posts in the same neighborhood, said the source, adding that light, medium and heavy weaponry as well as artillery shelling was used during the battle. Furthermore, the source said the Syrian army is bringing in reinforcement to Aleppo to take part in flushing the rebels from eastern Aleppo. Meanwhile, activists said 176 people were killed during the past five days of intense battles in Aleppo. The Syrian government said that at least seven children were killed and 20 others were critically wounded when a rebel mortar attack hit a school in the al-Furqan neighborhood in the government-controlled part west of Aleppo. Aleppo was also a reason behind a tension between the U.S. and its western allies and Russia, as the West accused Moscow and the Syrian government of committing "war crimes" in Aleppo, while the latter camp accused the West of supporting terrorist groups in Aleppo to prolong the crisis. German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts during a meeting session at the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, in Berlin, Germany, Feb. 17, 2016. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) BERLIN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel confirmed at a press conference here on Sunday that she is ready to run for the fourth term in office in 2017 election. "I've been thinking a lot about it, and the decision on a fourth candidacy is not trivial after 11 years, neither for the country, nor for the party, nor for me," said Merkel. According to Merkel, she had already declared in a presidium meeting of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) that she will once again compete for the presidency of the CDU, and therefore also for the chancellor's office. Meanwhile, Merkel also confirmed that she would run for a full term of four years. "This election will be one of the most difficult since German reunification, and we will have to deal with claims from right-wing and left-wing," said Merkel. Merkel also noted she understood it was her task to listen and accept the expectations of the citizens and to implement them in the interest of the public. "We have to work for a good, strong Germany," she added. The CDU leader will be re-elected on December 6 at its National Party Conference in German city of Essen. In the past few days, an increasing number of politicians of the Union party, a bloc of CDU and its Bavarian sister party Christian Social Union (CSU), have assumed that Merkel will compete for both offices again. Sigmar Gabriel, chairman of the German Social Democratic Party (SPD), also made it clear that he was expecting this. Chairman of CSU Horst Seehofer has announced the support of his party to Merkel for her candidacy for chancellorship next year. "It is good that now is clear," said Seehofer on Sunday in Munich, adding it would now be possible to clarify the topics that will be taken into the election campaign. Merkel has been CDU chairman since April 2000 and German Chancellor since November 2005. If she wins for the fourth time in 2017, she has the chance to beat the record holder, also her mentor Helmut Kohl, who served 16 years in the office. An Emnid survey published by German newspaper Bild am Sonntag showed, 55 percent of Germans wants a further mandate of Merkel, while 39 percent would not wish Merkel to remain as chancellor after the election in 2017. In spite of the refugee crisis last year, Merkel is considered unrivaled in the CDU. RABAT, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan authorities announced on Sunday that they have arrested in the central city of Azrou an extremist affiliated with the Al-Qaeda and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham. The Moroccan Interior Ministry said in a statement that the suspect, a computer engineer, used his knowledge in this field to disseminate the extremist ideas of the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham group, formerly known as the Al-Nusra Front, through the setting up of applications and electronic programs to serve the agenda of the supporters of this terrorist organization. The investigation also revealed the alleged involvement of the suspect in piracy of bank accounts of persons abroad, which allowed him to seize large sums of money, the statement pointed out. The suspect will be brought to justice pending the completion of the investigation led under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor's office. Morocco is facing a growing threat from terrorist groups, especially the IS group. Authorities said over 160 terrorist cells have been busted since 2002, including over 40 in the past three years with ties to extremists groups in both Iraq and Syria. LISBON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Securities and Exchange Commission (CMVM) has approved an offer by Chinese conglomerate, Fosun, to buy a 16.7 percent stake in Portuguese lender Banco Comercial Portugues (BCP), the CMVM said in a statement on Sunday. Fosun is buying a 16.7 percent stake into BCP, Portugal's largest listed bank, becoming the bank's biggest shareholder, for 175 million euros(185.50 million U.S. dollars). The Chinese group has said the acquisition will help it extend business in Europe and Africa. Fosun has also said it plans to raise its stake by 30 percent in the near future. Portuguese banks have been selling stakes to clear bad loans and boost capital. MEXICO CITY, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- A 6.4-magnitude earthquake occurred in west-central Argentina at 5:57 p.m. local time (20:57 GMT) Sunday, the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) reported. With an epicenter some 10 km south-southwest of Zonda, Argentina, the quake occurred at a depth of nearly 116 km, which could explain the lack of reaction out of Argentina, despite the relative strength of the temblor. While Argentine news services ignored the quake, media in neighboring Chile reported the seismic waves were felt in the central part of that country. "A strong quake with an epicenter in Argentina was felt Sunday afternoon in the country's central zone," the daily El Mercurio online reported. The National Office of Emergency of Chile's Interior Ministry (ONEMI) said via Twitter that initial reports indicated there were no injuries or damage to buildings. 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 Military personnel from China and the United States attend a drill in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, Nov. 18, 2016. Military teams from China and the United States on Friday wrapped up a joint humanitarian aid and disaster relief drill in Kunming. The drill simulated a rescue and resettlement scenario after a strong earthquake in a fictional plateau country. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)